DOHA (Qatar): Qatar’s two-time Olympian Rashid Saleh Hamad has taken the forced break away (due to coronavirus pandemic) in his stride.
A second-place finish behind elder brother Masoud in skeet event at the 2020 Amir Cup Shooting Championship last week was a shot in the arm for the 34-year-old, who is hoping to qualify for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
With Qatar have just one quota in shooting in the Trap event through Mohammed Al Rumaihi, Rashid has set his eye on securing a quota place in the upcoming World Cups in Asia and Europe.
Rashid spoke to www.KhelUpdates.com in an exclusive interview after the skeet final at the Losail shooting Range.
Excerpts:
How has been preparations during the coronavirus lockdown days?
Rashid: It’s a very nice feeling to be back on the range and shoot down targets and nice to meet other shooters. We have represented Qatar in so many events over the years whether it is the World Cup, World Championships and local events. Yes, it is nice to take part in a competition. It’s a special feeling to participate in Amir Cup. The break during the coronavirus was tough as we were away from shooting.
What is your opinion on your performance in the Amir Cup?
My brother (Masoud) has won many awards in Qatar and Asia. He won the 2002 Asian Games gold and silver in 2010. I have no regret finishing second behind my brother. I’ve learnt so much over the years and still learning from him.
What was the role of your elder brother in your career?
To tell you the truth, I took to shooting because of him. I started training in 2006. When he won gold in 2002 Asian Games in Busan it was a big celebration in our family. From thereon, I decided to follow him and become a shooter. He was my first coach. I have learnt a lot from him over the years. In 2006, I enrolled myself with the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association training program. The rest is history. I have been to the 2008 and 2016 Olympics so far.
So how good are your chances to qualify for your third Olympics?
A few World Cups are coming up in 2021. As you know Qatar has taken one quota in shooting in trap and one in skeet is still available. But I’ve to do well in the four upcoming World Cups. I will take part (as of now) in the events in Morocco, India, Korea, Cyprus and Italy. As all of us know, all of that depends on the Covid-19 conditions in the respective countries. So, finger crossed we hopefully can take part, perform well and pick up important points to keep the qualification on track.
