Muscat, May 5 - Oman beach volleyball team is gearing up for the final qualifier of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games to secure slot in the top Olympic sporting event which will be held this summer after postponement due to Covid-19 pandemic.
The Asian men's qualification of beach volleyball at the 2020 Summer Olympics will be held in Thailand during June 24 to 30.
Oman beach volleyball head coach Khalifa al Jabri unveiled the comprehensive preparatory plans for the Olympic qualifier in an exclusive with Oman Daily Observer.
The experienced national coach said the players are undergoing training since March until the decision of suspension the sporting activities by the Supreme Committee and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth.
“Despite the decision, the players are on daily home training plan which features some basic training to keep them fit. The team is seeking alternative solutions to continue training on the field. The association has decided to have a series of overseas training camps."
Oman’s beach volleyball players took first dose of vaccination while the second dose is scheduled on May 15. “Taking vaccination is very critical for anyone specially for athletes to travel during this tough period and it is one of the requirements to take part in some beach volleyball tournament including 'Star' events. Therefore, the team players took first dose and the second will be taken very soon,” he added.
EUROPEAN CAMPS
Explaining the scheduled external training camps, coach Khalifa said: ”The first abroad preparatory camp will take place in Bulgaria during May 18 to 24. This camp will feature team’s participation at the 'Star 1' tournament which will include attendance of top teams in the region.
Al Jabri said the first overseas camp will be followed by a Czech camp at Prague city. The camp’s duration is from May 26 until 31.
“Taking part at the 'Star 2' championship is the main assignment in this camp. It will be a golden opportunity to raise level our level as these tournaments will feature tough international matches,"
"Then, after completion of both camps, the players will head off to Turkey to have the third part of the external camp. The duration of Turkey camp is eight days and will begin from June 1 until 8. The selection of Turkey camp came due to the geographical distance between these countries as the team have to return back to Bulgaria for another camp. We have communicated with many teams in Turkey to arrange for some friendly matches,” he pointed out.
FINAL CAMP IN THAILAND
Oman, champions of Arab tournament in 2011, will revert to Bulgaria for the fourth part of the preparatory programme from June 10 to 15.
“The team will participate in the 'Star1' tournament once again in Bulgaria. The last camp destination will be Thailand where the Olympic qualifiers will be held. The team will arrive in Thailand on June 16 ahead of the qualifier by one week. We prefer to reach in Thailand prior start of the qualifier to train more on the field and get more adapted. Also, the team will do their best to have more preparatory matches,” he said.
The Sultanate side will aim to book spot in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. “Our objective is to play among the top teams in the Olympic Games and to register top results in the high-profile event,” he ended.
The Oman team comprises Haitham al Shuraiqi, Ahmed al Hosni, Nouh al Jalbubi and Mazin al Hashmi. The team is trained under supervision of the national head coach Khalifa al Jabri and Badar al Subhi, assistant coach.
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