OFC tie-up with domestic clubs to develop fencing sport

MUSCAT: Oman Fencing Committee (OFC) signed series of agreements with domestic clubs including Ahli Sidab, Oman Club, Muscat, Masirah, Qurayat and Salalah. The signing ceremony took place at Seeb Stadium in presence of Khalid bin Said al Shuaibi, Chairman of OFC, and representatives from clubs on Saturday.

OFA officials chose Saturday (September 10) to sign the contracts with the local clubs as World Fencing Day was observed on that day. The theme of this year's celebration was “Fencing is for life”.

The agreements with the above clubs is part of OFC's efforts towards spreading the fencing sport in the Sultanate of Oman. Also, it aims to enhance this sport in sporting the community through national teams and corporate with the clubs to prepare national fencers for the forthcoming international and local assignments under the watchful eyes of the coach Hisham Karshood.

The partnership will enable OFC to prepare and shape fencers on behalf of the clubs. Later, the fencers will represent their own clubs in national and domestic championships including Oman Fencing Open Championships which will be held by end of October. OFC officials stated that they will negotiate with other clubs to sign some more agreements in the near future to increase the number of the participated clubs in local events and tournaments.

Khalid bin Said al Shuaibi affirmed that the renewal of this agreement is part of the committee’s plans to work together with domestic clubs and provide them with required technical support. “With these agreements, we can approach different categories in the local community through clubs. We will support the clubs by preparing the players, raise their technical level and shaping them for the upcoming events including Oman Open Fencing Championship and other tournaments. Players will represent their clubs in local events,” he said.

The OFC chief said that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth opted two potential fencers from the national team for the Olympic preparation programme. “We are very glad with the support of the ministry to select two of our talented fencers and prepare them for the forthcoming Olympic Games and top international events. During the previous period we have managed to shine at Asian level. The team had secured 19 medals in the West Asian Fencing Championship in Jordan including nine gold medals. This indicates that Oman fencing sport is on the right track.”