Lebanese Shooting and Hunting Federation Honors Ray Bassil
**In recognition of her outstanding achievements across Arab, continental, and international arenas**
### Jalakh: *"She has always been a symbol of sportsmanship and ethics—an inspiration to generations."*
### Bassil: *"My move to Qatar stems from its leadership in the world of sports—but I remain a proud Lebanese champion."*
---
The **Lebanese Shooting and Hunting Federation** held a tribute ceremony in honor of Lebanon’s shooting icon **Ray Bassil**, recognizing her remarkable career and exceptional achievements on the local, Arab, continental, and global stages—most notably her participation in **four Olympic Games**: London 2012, Rio de Janeiro 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024.
The celebration took place at the Lebanese Olympic Committee’s conference hall in Baabda, in the presence of numerous distinguished guests from the sports world. Leading the attendees were Dr. **Pierre Jalakh**, President of the Lebanese Olympic Committee and the Shooting Federation, along with Vice Presidents **Jacques Tamer** and Grand Master **Sami Kablawi**, Secretary General Brigadier General (Ret.) **Hassan Rostom**, Treasurer **Khodor Mokalled**, Auditor **Eng. Roukoz Zgheib**, Vice President of the Shooting Federation **Jean Zeila**, and Secretary General **Sassin Rouhana**. The event was also attended by representatives of sports federations and shooting clubs, members of the national junior shooting team, Ray’s parents **Jacques and Joslin Bassil**, and a notable presence of media professionals.
### A Night of Recognition and Gratitude
The ceremony opened with the Lebanese national anthem, followed by welcoming remarks from **Bassam Cheiban**, the event’s host, who expressed the Federation’s gratitude to Dr. Jalakh and the Olympic Committee for hosting the celebration. He also saluted Ray Bassil for raising Lebanon’s flag high across the globe.
A short documentary followed, highlighting Ray’s biography and achievements across various competitions. Then, Dr. Jalakh addressed Ray with words of admiration:
> "With deep respect and appreciation, the Lebanese Shooting and Hunting Federation extends heartfelt thanks for your years of dedication, filled with honorable moments and outstanding achievements. Through your perseverance, you reached stardom and brought pride to our nation."
He added:
> "Today’s ceremony is not just a celebration—it’s a recognition filled with mixed emotions. While we feel a sense of loss, we understand the difficult circumstances Lebanon is facing. Ray isn’t going far—she will now represent the sisterly nation of **Qatar**, and we’re preparing to sign a **memorandum of understanding** between the Lebanese and Qatari Shooting Federations—an affirmation of our strong and brotherly ties."
Jalakh continued:
> "Ray, you’ve always been a symbol of sporting excellence and noble ethics. Your presence has left a lasting impact—not only through performance but also by inspiring future generations. We are confident that your transition to represent Qatar will open new opportunities for cooperation between our two federations. Through this agreement, we will work to support Lebanese athletes—especially the promising youth, many of whom are here with us tonight."
He concluded by presenting **a commemorative trophy** to Ray Bassil, a gesture of pride and gratitude for her years of commitment.
### Looking Ahead with Optimism
**Sassin Rouhana**, Secretary General of the Federation, emphasized the strategic importance of the memorandum of understanding and its expected positive impact on the development of shooting sports in Lebanon.
Finally, **Ray Bassil** herself delivered an emotional message of thanks:
> "I deeply appreciate the Federation’s initiative—it’s a forward-looking step, and I thank the Olympic Committee for hosting this tribute. This agreement is the first of its kind between two federations, aiming to elevate the sport and support upcoming talents who truly need care and guidance today."
Responding to audience questions, Bassil clarified that her **first competition under the Qatari flag** will be at the **Asian Championship in Kazakhstan**, with further participation in local and international tournaments—including the Olympic Games—representing the **Qatar Olympic Committee**.
She stressed that the **Olympic medal** remains a central dream for her, and that this agreement with Qatar had been under discussion since **2012**, though only recently finalized. She noted that after **22 years** of international representation—across four Olympic cycles—there has been a persistent lack of support from the Lebanese government, particularly the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
> "This reality played a major role in my decision. I chose to move to a country that truly values sports and has proven its leadership on the global stage. Qatar deserves recognition and thanks for everything it has done—and continues to do—for Lebanon."
Bassil concluded by expressing her sincere thanks to the Lebanese Shooting and Hunting Federation, its President, and its members for their consistent support over the years.
The evening concluded with a **cocktail reception** and group photos.
---
### 📸 Attached Photos:
1. Dr. Jalakh presenting the commemorative trophy to Ray Bassil
2. Jalakh and Bassil surrounded by Executive Committee members
3. Jalakh and Bassil with the Federation’s administrative board
4. Jalakh and Bassil with members of the national junior shooting team
**Wednesday, August 6, 2025**
**Lebanese Olympic Committee – Media Office**
.webp)
