The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Military Shooting Championship began Tuesday with field shooting exercises at the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) digital range. Participating military teams conducted live-fire drills to enhance readiness for the competition, which will officially start tomorrow with eliminations across various categories.
The competition features military sports federations from the GCC member states, including the host nation Bahrain, alongside the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait, with each country represented by 22 participants.
The championship, hosted and organised by the Military Sports Union, features events such as rifle, machine gun, and pistol shooting, along with a multi-discipline warrior competition, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.
The event underscores Bahrain’s commitment to advancing military sports, fostering GCC unity, and promoting regional collaboration. It reflects the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, with continued backing from Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the BDF.
Bahrain’s hosting of this championship highlights its leadership in regional sports and its efforts to strengthen ties among GCC Armed Forces through competitive and cooperative initiatives.
The final round of the inaugural Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Military Shooting Championship started Wednesday, in the presence of His Highness Lieutenant General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander.
The preliminary qualifying rounds, held Tuesday, saw competitive performances resulting in Bahrain and the UAE advancing in the 40-metre rifle competition, while Bahrain and Oman qualified in the 20-metre pistol plate shooting for Officers.
In the warrior competition for Officers, Major Mohammed Ahmed Al Qattan from Bahrain secured first place, Major Ali Salem Al Ghafri from the UAE came second, and Captain Asaad bin Khalaf Al Kalbani from Oman took third place.
In the warrior competition for individuals, Corporal Ahmed Zareef Mahmood from Bahrain ranked first, Corporal Saeed bin Sagheer Al Zahrani from Saudi Arabia came second, and Corporal Bashar Ahmed Awadh from Bahrain secured third. The competition showcased high levels of professionalism and skill among participants.
The championship has attracted significant public and media attention as the first of its kind in the GCC, held in Bahrain.
The championship features the participation of professional shooters from the GCC armed forces, fostering an environment of competitive excellence and skill exchange.
Participating delegations commended the successful organisation and exceptional preparation of the championship.
