I’m happy I could do it for Qatar: Al Rumaihi
QSAA President Al Kuwari lauds shooter Al Rumaihi for his performance in trap final at the Asian Championships.
Qatar’s Mohammed Al Rumaihi wears a Qatar jersey after sealing an Olympic quota place in trap. IQ Photo: Vinod DivakaranQatar’s shooter Mohammed Al Rumaihi could hardly contain his joy as he embraced teammates, officials of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association and his friends who had turned up for the trap final of the Asian Shooting Championships at the Lusail Shooting Range.
“I am really happy that I could do it for my country,” said Al Rumaihi, after claiming his country’s first quota place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games by finishing fifth on Wednesday.
“The competition was very tough but I was happy that I could do it,” repeated the 32-year-old, who had fought back superbly from 14th place on the opening day to win a place in the final on day two.
QSAA President Ali Mohammed Al Kuwari is overjoyed after Mohammed Al Rumaihi sealed an Olympic quota place for his country in trap. IQ Photo: Vinod DivakaranAli Mohammed Al Kuwari, President of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association (QSAA) and Vice President of the Asian Shooting Confederation, applauded the shooter for his effort.
“It was his dedication and commitment which helped him come up with such a performance. He and his coach worked very hard and he has made Qatar proud,” said Al Kuwari.
“We could have secured another place unfortunately, one of our shooters could not make the final as he was eliminated because of the shoot-off,” said Al Kuwari.
Al Kuwari said he expected another quota place in skeet from Nasser Al Attiyah, who will be lining up at the range on Saturday.
Qatar’s Mohammed Al Rumaihi and teammate Rashid Al Athba after the men’s trap final at the Lusail Shooting Range. IQ Photo: Vinod DivakaranAl Rumaihi’s coach Robert Mlodzianowski of Poland praised his ward for his show in the final.
“There was plenty of pressure as he was shooting at home and the competition was tough but he still remained calm and came up with great shots,” he said.
“We did not speak much before the final as he knew what he had to do. We did all the speaking at the training in these last few months,” said Mlodzianowski.
Al Rumaihi’s teammate Rashid Al Athba, who lost to the former in a shoot-off to miss a final berth, was happy for his compatriot.
“It’s a great feeling to have won a qualification berth for Tokyo at home,” he said.
He said he had come to terms with his failure to make the final.
“It happens. That’s part of the sport. What’s important is that we’ve earned a place for Tokyo,” said Al Athba.
