Retired Emirati banker Fahim strikes it rich at Fazza Shooting Championship

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

While working for Central Bank of the UAE, Muhammad Saeed Fahim’s record bears testimony of completing all the given tasks with punctuality.

Having a habit of keeping close eyes on the goals, the retired Emirati banker was bang on target at the Fazza Championship for Shooting – Saktoun for UAE nationals (men’s category).

Fahim finished on top at the championship in the final round being organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre (HHC), at Fazza Shooting Range at Al Ruwayyah in Dubai.

The men's category saw the participation of 192 Emiratis who competed in the qualifiers that began in December last before concluding it on Wednesday.

Fahim took top spot in the tightly contested event restricted for UAE nationals. He ended the campaign with a total score of 79 points (4X).

Competitors aim for their targets during the event.

He was closely followed by Muhammad Saleh Al Minhali, who scored 78 (6X). Khalid Muhammad Al Qaidi finished third with 77 points (1X).

Nayef Saeed Al Kathiri grabbed first place in the Juniors with 79 points (3X), followed by Ahmed Mahmoud Al Deri with 77 (1X) and Hassan Hamdan Al Mahrami in third place.

Abdullah Hamdan Bin Dalmook, CEO of HHC crowned the winners in the presence of Brigadier Mohammed Obaid Al Muhairi, Head of the Fazza Shooting Committee (Saktoun) and Lieutenant Colonel Khalifa Obaid Al Suwaidi, deputy in charge of the organising committee.

Fahim’s victory was celebrated by his friends who consider him as their ‘big brother.’ Fahim, who hails from Ras Al Khaimah is 55 years old. He used to work at the Central Bank of the UAE.

“I love shooting, specifically Saktoun, which is a UAE heritage sport. I learned shooting from my family and I have always maintained it as a hobby that has become a passion for me. I have participated in the tournament since the first edition, and I previously achieved first place in the Open category in 2009, said Fahim.

“I will transfer my knowledge of this heritage sport to my children.

My son, Saqr, achieved third place in the Plate Shooting Category for UAE nationals. We will always be keen to participate and compete whenever we have the opportunity,” the Ras Al Khaimah native added.

Kathiri, the winner in the juniors’ category hails from Abu Dhabi. He said it was his grandfather who taught and trained him in Saktoun.

“My grandfather taught me valuable lessons and tips on how to excel,” said Kathiri, who also finished on top in the last edition.

Following the final of UAE nationals category, the Fazza Shooting Championship will now host the Plate Shooting-Open Championship final on Saturday while women’s open category final takes place on Tuesday.

The men’s final for the open category is scheduled for Wednesday.