It has not taken long for Shereena Al Blooshi to become a champion sharpshooter. Seven months to be precise.
The Emirati claimed gold in the women’s 9mm pistol shooting competition over the 20-metre range in the Zayed Ramadan Tournament at the Armed Forces Officers Club on Wednesday.
“Shooting is my new-found passion and want to take this success forward,” said Al Blooshi after topping the scoring chart on 85 points in the final to edge out Amal Al Hameli and Noura Jamal, both of who carded 83.
“I couldn’t have wished for a better start just seven months since I started practicing for competitions. Now I will try other gun categories and then take part in competitions regularly.”
Al Blooshi’s skills as a sharpshooter came to light in an in-house competition at the Adnoc Group, where she’s employed.
“Those interested in participating for Adnoc Offshore in the National Day competition were invited for practice sessions," she said. "It was a team event and the competition had a fun element.
“Some of my colleagues and those who trained us told me I had a flare for the sport and to take it up more seriously. That’s how it all started for me and winning first time in a competition has motivated me more.”
Al Blooshi, 31, has been training at least twice a week and now plans to spend more time to improve her levels as well as try her hand in the other categories.
“I want to try my hands in both pistols and rifles competitions, and obviously more time in practicing,” she added.
According to event manager Obaid Al Mazrouei, the Ramadan competition provides a good platform for the beginners.
“Shereena seems a good talent to emerge this year,” he said. “I know her and she seems to have taken the sport more seriously. If she can practice more and take her game forward, she can go places.”
In the men’s event, Mohammed Mubarak Al Braiki regained title in the 9mm pistol with a score of 96 from Yasir Salem Al Ameri (95) and Khalid Hamad Al Menhali (94).
“Like always, it’s a strong competition and I enjoy taking part every year,” said Al Braiki who was runner up last year but had won the title twice previously.
Al Menhali, the men’s bronze medallist, had more reasons to celebrate after his daughter Fatema and son Hamad Bakheet won silver and bronze behind Nayef Saeed Al Katheeri in the junior division which was held for the first time.
