Oman karate team ready for Asian Championships in Amman

MUSCAT, SEPT 6
The Oman national karate team has arrived in Amman ahead of the 24th Asian Karate Championships for Cadets, Juniors and Under-21 competitors, which will be held in the Jordanian capital from September 8 to 11. The championship brings together 351 athletes from 30 Asian countries.
Oman will compete in the kumite events with four athletes Sharifa al Shabibi, Mohammed al Shabibi, Mukhtar al Omari and Al Yaqzan al Abdali, under the guidance of international coach Ali bin Said al Shabibi. The delegation is headed by Ahmed bin Said al Zakwani.
Al Shabibi said the team had completed its preparations through a focused training programme designed to improve the athletes’ physical and technical readiness while strengthening their tactical and mental preparation for the demands of the continental competition.
“The players showed great commitment and seriousness throughout the preparation period, and we are looking to deliver a performance that reflects the development of karate in Oman,” Al Shabibi said. He also praised the Oman Karate Committee for its continued support and for providing suitable conditions for the team’s preparation and participation, giving the athletes valuable opportunities to gain experience at continental level.
Delegation head Ahmed al Zakwani described the championship as an important opportunity for the Omani athletes to gain experience and compete against some of Asia’s leading karate competitors.
“Our national team’s participation represents an important stage in gaining experience and exposure to top athletes across the continent. We are looking forward to delivering performances that reflect the progress of karate in Oman,” Al Zakwani said.
He also highlighted the participation of Omani referees in the courses and examinations held alongside the championship, describing it as part of the efforts to develop national expertise, keep pace with the latest international rules and strengthen the presence of Omani officials at continental and international events.
Seven Omani referees are taking part in the accompanying officiating programmes: Yousef al Siyabi, Hilal al Abdali, Mohammed al Hinai, Adil al Hinai, Tariqal Raisi, Khalifa al Rasbi and Zulfa al Kindi.
Asian referee Khalifa bin Hamad al Rasbi said the officiating course represented an important opportunity to improve refereeing standards and gain a deeper understanding of the latest developments and practical applications of karate’s rules.
International referee Yousef bin Muslim al Siyabi described the course as a valuable platform for exchanging expertise with leading Asian referees and learning about the latest updates and practical applications of the international rules. He expressed hope that the course would contribute to strengthening Oman’s refereeing system and enhancing the presence of Omani officials at major continental and international competitions.
Asian referee Adil bin Salim al Hinai said the course would help improve referees’ technical capabilities and the accuracy of their decisions in line with the latest international regulations.
The Omani participation in Amman highlights the country’s efforts on two fronts preparing athletes for high-level continental competition and developing national refereeing expertise — as the Oman Karate Committee continues to strengthen the sport’s presence in regional, Asian and international events.