MUSCAT, Oct 30
Ahli Sidab represented by fencer Al Harith al Harthi emerged champions of the inaugural edition of Oman Fencing Championship for Men’s Epee category competition while Al Bashaer club represented by Ghazal al Fulaiti lifted Foil’s competition category title for girls.
The fencer from Ahli Sidab club edged Ahmed Kaskas (Al Nahdha) 15/14 in a thriller on Saturday at the indoor hall of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in the finale of the championship to claim their first crown.
Al Bashaer Club’s Ghazal al Fulaiti managed to clinch the girls’ title for Foil after beating fencer Salma al Dughaisi from Salalah Club 15/9 in a tough encounter.
For Men’s Epee category competition, Al Harth al Harthy defeated Asad al Maskari (Masirah) in the semifinals in a tough clash ended 15-5 ahead of beating Al Mutasim al Maskari from Quriyat 15-4 in the quarterfinal.
In the last 16, he managed to win against Omar al Rajhi (Al Bashaer) 15-0 in an easy match.
At the girl’s Foil competition category, Ghazal impressed the crowd as she defeated Salalah’s Salma al Dhughaishi 15-9 in a thrilling final. She secured her spot in the final after beating Taif al Habsi (Ahli Sidab) 15-10 in semis ahead of edging Misan al Adawi (Al Nahdha) 15-1 in the quarterfinal. Ghazal advanced to the quarterfinal directly through the draw system.
Oman Fencing Championship witnessed the participation of 40 fencers - representing eight clubs including: Muscat, Oman, Al Nahdha, Qurayat, Ahli Sidab, Salalah, Al Bashaer and Masirah. The championship was organised by the Oman Fencing Committee (OFC).
His Excellency Qais bin Mohammed bin Moosa Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion was the chief guest of the event. He delivered the awards and trophies to the top winners during the final ceremony in presence of top dignitaries, clubs chairmen, and fencers' parents.
Khalid bin Said al Shuaibi, OFC President, said post the ceremony that Oman Fencing Championship is the inaugural historic championship for fencing in the Sultanate of Oman.
“Eight clubs and forty fencers took part in the first edition of the championship. This reflects the tight relationship between the committee and the clubs, and we are looking forward for more upcoming events and championships that will assist to spread the sports in the Sultanate of Oman. The fencers had two years only to train since the inception of the committee and introduction of the sport in Oman and despite the pandemic and against all odds they showed top technical performance during the championship,” he said.
The President of OFC affirmed that many forthcoming fencing events and championships will take place soon. “There are many championships planned to be organised soon beside other events abroad that the national team will take part in,” he added.
Khalid al Shuaibi ended his statement with a dedicated thanks to the chief guest for presiding over the closing ceremony. “A special thanks to all the organisers, coaches, umpires and the media for marking the success of the inaugural edition of Oman Fencing Championship,” he conclude.
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