Retired banker on target in shooting

Aretired Emirati banker showcased his marksmanship to finish first at Fazza Championship for Shooting — Saktoun for UAE nationals (men’s category), while Nayef Saeed Al Kathiri was crowned champion in the juniors’ category.

Organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammad Heritage Centre (HHC), the final round was held at Fazza Shooting Range in Al Ruwayyah. The men’s category saw the participation of 192 Emiratis who competed in the qualifiers that began in December last year, before concluding on March 3.

Muhammad Saeed Fahim, 55, a former banker, won the first place in the tightly contested men’s category (UAE nationals) with a total score of 79 points out of 80 and four bullseyes. He was closely followed by Muhammad Saleh Al Minhali, who earned 78 points, while Khalid Muhammad Al Qaidi finished third with 77 points.

I love shooting

Fahim, who lives in Ras Al Khaimah, used to work at the Central Bank of the UAE. He said of his triumph: “I love shooting, specifically Saktoun, which is a UAE heritage sport. I will transfer my knowledge of this heritage sport to my children. My son, Saqr, earlier finished in the third place at the Plate Shooting Category for UAE nationals.”

Meanwhile, Al Kathiri, who defended his crown in the juniors’ category, said it was his grandfather who had taught and trained him in Saktoun. “My grandfather taught me valuable lessons and tips on how to excel,” noted Al Kathiri, who had also finished in the first place in the last edition.