MUSCAT: Young Omani sprinter Ali bin Anwar al Balushi captured a silver medal at the Arab Athletics U23 Championships which is underway in Tunisia until May 24. Al Balushi’s medal was registered in men’s 100 metres race after an impressive display and he clocked 10.48 seconds. The gold medal went to Saudi Arabia’s Nasser Mahmood Mohammed who cleared the distance in 10.19 seconds while Iraq’s Saif Raad Abdulwahed claimed bronze medal as he finished in a timing of 10.58 seconds.
In other competitions of the championship, Oman national youth hammer throw record-holder Mubeen bin Rashid al Kindi was placed fourth after his throw of 59.70m. Saudi’s Mohammed Abdullah secured the gold medal with a hammer throw of 63.15 metres.
In the men’s 1,500 metres run, Oman’s Hussain al Farsi ended the race in fifth place after he clocked 3 minutes 55.88 seconds. In the women’s 100 metres, Oman’s sprinter Azza al Yarubi clocked 12.37 seconds and finished the race in fourth position while the first place was for the Egyptian runner Maram Mahmood as she ended the distance in a timing of 11.97 seconds.
The first edition of the championships is organised under the Arab Athletics Federation in cooperation with Tunisian Athletics Federation. As many as 300 athletes representing 18 countries from across the Arab world are taking part in the youth event. The Arabian championship acted as a thrilling event for the young athletes as they are gearing up to secure slots in the world class action including 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
After completion of the second day competitions on Sunday, Morocco led the medals tally by 16 medals including seven gold, five silver and four bronze. Egypt are in second place with eight medals including five gold. The hosts Tunisia are third with 12 medals with three gold medals. Saudi Arabia are in fifth place with two gold, two silver and one bronze while Oman are positioned in 10th place with one silver only.
Oman’s delegation to the Arab Athletics is being led by Shaikh Salim al Amri, Chairman of Oman Athletics Association (OAA).
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
