Oman taekwondo athletes claim 14 medals at Qatar Open

MUSCAT: Omani taekwondo athletes secured 14 medals — one gold, one silver and 12 bronzes — at the sixth Qatar International Open Taekwondo Championship, held in Doha from October 18 to 21, 2026.
The four-day G1-ranked championship attracted 1,152 athletes from more than 46 countries, competing across children, cadet, junior and senior categories. The event also featured more than 20 Olympic and world champions.
Seeb Stars Taekwondo Academy led the Omani clubs and academies with six medals. Saleh bin Sultan al Rumhi claimed gold in the children's under-52 kg category, while Faisal bin Badr al Raisi took bronze in the children's under-57 kg category.
The academy's other bronze medallists were Qaboos bin Said al Aghbari (children's under-30 kg), Taymour bin Said al Aghbari (children's under-27 kg), Ahmed bin Said al Balushi (children's under-44 kg) and Qaboos bin Said al Balushi (junior under-55 kg).
Majan Taekwondo Academy secured silver through Dana bint Zaki al Wahaibi in the children's under-40 kg category. Mashael bint Luqman al Hashmi of Will Power Academy added bronze in the children's under-27 kg category.
Al Ittihad Taekwondo Club's Zakariya bin Khalifa al Wahaibi won bronze in the cadet under-33 kg category, while Noor bint Hamoud al Jabri of SG Sport Club claimed bronze in the junior under-44 kg category.
Falcon Taekwondo Club contributed two bronze medals through Fida al Barwani in the junior under-55 kg category and Nibras al Touqi in the senior under-54 kg category.
Barka Talents Taekwondo Academy's Saja bint Jameel al Mashari secured bronze in the children's under-33 kg category, while Abdullah bin Muneer al Rahbi of Ajyal Club completed Oman's medal tally with bronze in the junior under-45 kg category.
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
The championship, organised by the Qatar Taekwondo, Judo and Karate Federation, provided Omani athletes with valuable international competition experience. Participants competed under the latest international rules, using electronic scoring systems and officiating procedures applied at major international events.
The presence of Olympic and world champions added to the competition's significance, exposing Omani athletes to different fighting styles, techniques and levels of performance. The experience also allowed coaches to observe international standards and identify areas for further improvement.
Beyond the medal achievements, the championship offered young Omani athletes an opportunity to develop confidence, strengthen their technical skills and gain experience against international opponents.
The results highlight the potential of Omani taekwondo and the contribution of local clubs and academies to developing young talent. Continued training, cooperation among clubs and participation in international championships will be important in preparing athletes for future regional and international competitions.