Dawood clinches world junior taekwondo silver

MUSCAT, APRIL 15
Omani national taekwondo team athlete Dawood bin Fahad al Yousfi claimed the silver medal at the World Taekwondo Junior Championships in Tashkent 2026, following an impressive showing in the under-48 kg division at the championships being hosted by Uzbekistan from April 12 to 17.
Al Yousfi’s achievement came after a strong campaign in the world event, which drew a record 986 male and female athletes from 115 countries. The Omani athlete advanced to the final after a series of standout performances that underlined his readiness and ability to compete with the world’s top athletes in his age category.
The Omani athlete delivered a commendable performance that reflected both his technical and physical preparedness, as well as the high competitive spirit he displayed throughout his bouts, confirming his status as one of the promising talents capable of competing on major stages, especially in a championship regarded as one of the most important global events at age-group level in taekwondo.
This achievement reflects the efforts being made to prepare and develop young sporting talents, as well as the continuous support provided to promising athletes, helping strengthen Oman’s presence in international competitions and raise the level of achievement in individual sports.
Coach Fahad al Yousfi confirmed to Oman Observer that the result came as the product of integrated technical work and an early preparation plan, explaining that the athlete possesses several strategies inside the bouts, which gave him the ability to control and dictate the course of the matches, in addition to his physique, which greatly helped him produce this level.
He said the athlete’s preparation followed an early plan that included a variety of training programmes, among them physical and tactical preparation, as well as a nutritional programme supervised by specialists, all of which helped prepare him properly for a world championship of this scale.
TOUGH START
Fahad al Yousfi pointed out that the most difficult moment during the competition came in the opening match, explaining that getting through it was a key factor in continuing the campaign successfully. He noted that many athletes do not fully settle into the atmosphere of the tournament until after the first bout, and that facing a strong, fully focused opponent from the outset can cost a player the entire championship.
He added that Dawood stood out in the 48 kg category through his defensive solidity, his ability to seize opportunities and score points, as well as the calm and confidence with which he handled the course of the contest, all of which played an important role in his progress to the final and eventual silver medal.
He further explained that this achievement means a great deal for Omani taekwondo, especially as the athlete had previously won silver at the World Cadet Championships, reflecting his continued presence on the global podium and helping enhance the sport’s standing locally. He also noted that this progress has received attention and support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY) and the Oman Olympic Committee.
Regarding the next stage, Fahad al Yousfi said the ambition is now focused on winning world gold in 2028, in addition to pursuing an Olympic medal in the same year. He explained that the importance of this achievement for the athlete lies in the fact that he has now found his place among world champions and identified where he belongs, allowing him to move forward with confidence toward his bigger target of reaching the podium at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The coach also revealed that Dawood had originally been expected to compete in the under-45 kg category, but technical and health considerations led the coaching staff to enter him in the under-48 kg division instead, meaning his chances could be even greater in the future when competing in his most suitable weight category.