Oman fencers eye medals at GCC Games in Doha

MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman will be represented by nine fencers at the GCC Games Doha 2026 which is underway until May 22 in Doha. The national fencing team is aiming to deliver strong performances and compete for medals across different categories at one of the region’s most prestigious multi-sport events.
The national fencing squad will include five male and four female athletes who will compete across foil and épée disciplines reflecting the continued growth and development of the sport in the Sultanate of Oman.
In the men’s competitions, Ali al Busaidy will compete in the foil event, while Ahmed Anwar Kaskas, Said bin Khalid al Shuaibi, Ammar bin Mohammed al Azizi and Al Harith bin Salim al Harthy will participate in the épée competitions. On the women’s side, Israa bint Saif al Siyabi will feature in the foil event, while Jana bint Mohammed al Sharji and Salma bint Said al Dughaishi will compete in the épée category.

The national team completed an intensive domestic training camp during the past month as part of preparations for the Gulf event. The camp concluded recently before the team’s departure to Doha on Tuesday, with the technical staff focusing on improving tactical discipline, technical execution and physical readiness ahead of the competitions which will begin on Wednesday and continue until Friday.
National team head coach Hisham Karshood expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness and ability to compete strongly against some of the Gulf region’s top fencers. “The training camp focused on refining technical skills, improving tactical awareness and enhancing physical fitness to meet the demands of high-level competition,” Karshood told Oman Observer.
“The players worked very hard and showed excellent commitment throughout the preparation period. We are confident that the fencers have reached a good level of readiness ahead of the competition,” he added.

TOUGH COMPETITION
Karshood acknowledged that the level of competition at the GCC Games is expected to be highly competitive, especially with several participating nations fielding experienced senior-level athletes.
“We are aware that the competition will be tough, particularly as some of our fencers are transitioning from youth to senior level,” he explained. “Despite this, I believe the players are capable of producing strong performances and win medals.”
Oman’s participation at the Games extends beyond fencing, with the Sultanate of Oman represented in 11 sports, including athletics, volleyball, taekwondo, karate, basketball, bowling, shooting, snooker and billiards, table tennis and aquatics.