Nine shooters hit maximum score in women’s rifle contest

MUSCAT, OCT 22
Nine competitors have recorded the maximum 50 points in the women’s rifle competition at Oman Shooting Club, underlining the close contest at the top as the 2026 Women’s Shooting Championship continues following last week’s pistol event.
Dhabiya leads the current standings, followed by Alia al Amri, Shahina al Maidan and Muzna al Balushi, with all four scoring 50 points. Noora bint Mubarak al Araimi is fifth, followed by Muhja bint Ali al Harthi, Lamees al Balushi, Amna al Qasimi and Khawla al Hinai, who have also achieved the maximum score.
Patricia Shaki completes the top ten with 49 points, ahead of Anfal bint Ahmed al Shibli and Reem bint Taimur al Amri, who have the same total. The positions remain provisional while the rifle competition continues.
Organised by Oman Shooting Club with support from the Oman Automobile Association, the championship coincides with celebrations of Omani Women’s Day and provides opportunities for women to explore shooting, develop their skills and gain competitive experience.
For Aisha bint Mohammed al Shidi, the experience has reinforced her interest in pursuing shooting as a hobby. Having tried pistol shooting during the previous week, she also took part in a rifle session outside the competition, scoring 42 out of 50.
'ENCOURAGING RESULT'
Al Shidi described that result as particularly encouraging, saying the experience had motivated her to continue exploring the sport. She noted that pistol and rifle shooting presented different demands, with each requiring participants to develop the control and endurance needed for the discipline.
She encouraged Omani women to visit the club, highlighting the value of a specialised venue where they could practise comfortably and receive guidance. The support of administrative staff and instructors, she said, helped newcomers through each stage of the experience and created a welcoming environment for pursuing their interests.
Fellow participant Amani bint Mubarak al Maqbali also described the championship as an enjoyable opportunity to try a different sporting activity.
Speaking before her competitive attempt, Al Maqbali said she had scored 46 out of 50 during practice, a result that encouraged her to enter with the ambition of achieving the maximum 50 points. Her recorded competition score currently stands at 28 points.
Al Maqbali said trying rifle shooting after the pistol event had added to the experience, and encouraged more women to register and visit the club. She welcomed the organisation of the championship to mark Omani Women’s Day and hoped more women would take advantage of the opportunity.
The rifle competition is contested over 40 metres, with each participant allocated seven shots: two sighting shots and five scoring shots. The five scoring shots carry a maximum total of 50 points.
Coaches and specialists supervise the sessions, providing technical guidance and ensuring compliance with firearm-handling instructions and range safety procedures. The arrangements support participants with different levels of experience, including those trying shooting for the first time.
The championship programme continues until October 24. The top three competitors in each discipline will receive RO 500, RO 300 and RO 200 respectively, alongside medals, with a shield for each winner.
The presentation ceremony is scheduled for October 28 at 7 pm at the Oman Shooting Club, where the winners will be honoured. Prize draws and gifts for attendees will also form part of the closing celebrations.