Our History

History of the Azerbaijan Shooting Federation There is evidence that shooting competitions using hunting rifles were held as early as the Middle Ages. At that time, hunters would shoot at flying birds and game animals both for entertainment and to master the skills of hunting. Despite objections from those concerned about the environment and wildlife, a sport known as “pigeon shooting” became popular in many countries. By the mid-18th century, specialized hunting clubs had already been established in several European countries such as England, France, Germany, and Italy, and they began organizing competitions among themselves. Thus, the foundation of shooting as a sport was laid. In Azerbaijan, clay target shooting has been practiced since 1920. The participation of Azerbaijani clay target shooters in the Olympic Games began with the Seoul Olympics in 1988. Valeri Timokhin, representing Azerbaijan in this discipline, took part in both the Seoul and Atlanta Olympic Games. At the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Zemfira Meftahaddinova made history as the world’s most accurate clay target shooter. She scored 98 out of a possible 100 points and also set a new Olympic record in the skeet event. After General Vaqif Akhundov was elected President of the Azerbaijan Shooting Federation, interest in the sport increased significantly. The federation’s material and technical base was strengthened.