By Abdellatif Sharaa

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir will patronize the opening ceremony of HH the Amir's Ninth International Grand Prix. Jahra Governor Nasser Al-Hajraf will represent the Amir. The ceremony was postponed from Saturday to today due to the mourning period of three days following the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Saeed of Oman.

Meanwhile, competitions of the fifth day will see the distribution of two gold medals in the 10m air pistol and rifle for women. On the other hand, Eng Duaij Al-Otaibi chaired a meeting of the Arab Shooting Federation Board, with its premises being at Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Olympic Shooting Complex.

Al-Otaibi welcomed the delegations in Kuwait, then the agenda was discussed and decision taken in the previous meeting were approved. President and board members thanked HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for his support of the sport of shooting in the Arab world, and a letter of thanks will be sent to HH the Amir for organizing an annual tournament that brings in the best shooters from around the world.

Morocco's Minister of Water and Forests, Deputy Chairman of Arab Shooting Federation Abdelazeem Al-Hafi lauded the support of HH the Amir which reflects positively on the shooters levels in various events. He said that the Arab Federation, with the leadership of Eng Duaij Al-Otaibi is going on the right path for the development of the game.

President of Lebanese shooting and Hunting Federation Butrus Jalakh said the federation has a distinguished schedule of Arab Federation Championships all along the sports season, which is coupled with several courses of refereeing and lauded the high level Kuwait shooters are enjoying. He also lauded the efforts of President of Arab Shooting Federation Eng Duaij Al-Otaibi who always give support to Arab federations.

Meanwhile, Director General of Public Authority for Sports Dr Humoud Fulaiteh lauded HH Grand Prix, adding Kuwait shooting is giving the best example by making success after another be it in organization or achievements in all tournament.

Fulaiteh said he was impressed with the organization and attention to all details and the extensive efforts of the organizing committee. Fulaiteh said HH the Amir Grand Prix is now on the international agenda and enjoys participation of elite shooters from around the world.