Despite heavy rain impacting the ceremony, organisers delivered a warm and memorable welcome, with cultural and folkloric dance performances showcasing the traditions of Kazakhstan and setting the tone for the days ahead.
The ceremony gathered local authorities, athletes, officials and members of the shooting sport community, reflecting the international spirit of the event.
The ceremony gathered local authorities, athletes, officials and members of the shooting sport community, reflecting the international spirit of the event.
Leadership messages open the event
During the ceremony, Luciano Rossi, President of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), addressed attendees, expressing his appreciation to the Local Organising Committee and his encouragement to the athletes.
“I would like to thank the organisers here in Kazakhstan for their dedication and commitment in delivering this competition under challenging conditions. To all athletes, I wish you the very best of luck — may you compete with excellence, respect and true sporting spirit.”
Also taking the floor, Berik Assylov, President of the Kazakhstan National Sports Shooting Federation, welcomed participants to the country and highlighted the importance of hosting international events for the development of shooting sport in the region.
During the ceremony, Luciano Rossi, President of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), addressed attendees, expressing his appreciation to the Local Organising Committee and his encouragement to the athletes.
“I would like to thank the organisers here in Kazakhstan for their dedication and commitment in delivering this competition under challenging conditions. To all athletes, I wish you the very best of luck — may you compete with excellence, respect and true sporting spirit.”
Also taking the floor, Berik Assylov, President of the Kazakhstan National Sports Shooting Federation, welcomed participants to the country and highlighted the importance of hosting international events for the development of shooting sport in the region.
The ISSF World Cup Shotgun Almaty 2026 takes place from 2 to 11 May, featuring five finals: Skeet Men, Skeet Women, Trap Men, Trap Women and Trap Mixed Team. A total of 284 athletes, representing 42 countries and Member Federations, will compete across 346 starts
The first finals are scheduled for Tuesday, 5 May, with the remaining medal events taking place over the weekend on 9 and 10 May.
Despite the challenging weather conditions at the opening, the atmosphere remained positive, with athletes and spectators ready for a week of high-level competition in Almaty.
The event now moves into its competitive phase, where some of the world’s best shotgun shooters will take to the range in pursuit of podium finishes and early-season momentum.
The first finals are scheduled for Tuesday, 5 May, with the remaining medal events taking place over the weekend on 9 and 10 May.
Despite the challenging weather conditions at the opening, the atmosphere remained positive, with athletes and spectators ready for a week of high-level competition in Almaty.
The event now moves into its competitive phase, where some of the world’s best shotgun shooters will take to the range in pursuit of podium finishes and early-season momentum.
