Oman adds GCC medals despite volleyball loss to Bahrain

MUSCAT: Oman’s national teams continued their impressive run at the 4th GCC Games, currently taking place in Doha, Qatar, by adding more medals to the Sultanate of Oman’s tally, while the men’s volleyball team suffered an opening defeat against Bahrain. Oman increased its medal count to 22 medals after the national athletics and shooting teams secured one gold and one silver medal.
The gold medal came through Salim bin Saleh al Ya’arubi, who claimed first place in the triple jump event, while the silver medal was won by Oman’s mixed 10m air rifle team, represented by Salim bin Ali al Naabi and Al Anoud bint Abdullah al Khalili.
The achievement marked a second medal for both athletes, with Salim al Naabi previously winning a medal in the 10m rifle event, while Al Anoud al Khalili had already secured a bronze medal in the women’s team 10m rifle competition.

Oman’s shooting team now looks ahead to the 10m pistol individual events for men and women, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, before concluding participation on Wednesday in the mixed 10m pistol event, with hopes of adding more medals to the national tally.
Brigadier Khalid bin Ali al Maqbali, Director General of Military Sports at the Sultan’s Armed Forces and Secretary-General of the Oman Shooting Association, said the shooting team entered the Games with high ambitions despite the increasing competitiveness of Gulf shooting.
“Our ambitions were higher, but the results achieved are positive considering the remarkable development of shooting standards across the Gulf,” Al Maqbali said. “We have won three medals so far and remain hopeful of claiming gold in the remaining competitions.”
He added that the standard of competition at the Games reflected the rapid development of Gulf shooting, describing the level as comparable to international finals.

Meanwhile, Oman’s men’s volleyball team opened its campaign with a straight-sets defeat to Bahrain, losing 25-22, 25-21, 25-18. Despite entering the tournament following a lengthy preparation period, Oman struggled to match Bahrain’s consistency after a competitive opening set.
In another volleyball match, Qatar defeated the UAE in straight sets (25-17, 25-13, 25-13) to strengthen its position in the competition.
Away from competition, Omani officials and referees continued to play a prominent role in the organisation of the Games, reflecting growing Gulf confidence in Omani expertise. Dr Amer bin Humaid al Touqi served on the volleyball technical committee, while international referee Mohammed bin Salim al Shedi joined the shooting technical committee. Omani officials also contributed across aquatic sports, taekwondo, fencing, table tennis and athletics.
The Omani administrative delegation has also been working extensively to ensure smooth operations for participating teams, while the Qatar Anti-Doping Agency continues testing athletes to maintain integrity and transparency throughout the Games.