Over the past years, Omani sports have shown remarkable progress and achieved significant local and international accomplishments, crowned with medals and international hosting events. This reflects the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to an ambitious future vision for developing the sports sector and enhancing youth participation to achieve a distinguished standing in sports. Under the patronage of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, who has provided generous support for sports and youth, there is a firm belief in their pivotal role in strengthening national identity and cultural interaction with the world.
Achievements of 2021 Challenges and Awards on the Podium
Omani national teams demonstrated their ability to achieve success and reach podiums despite the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation and postponement of many local and international competitions. The national teams managed to secure seven medals, including three golds, one silver, and three bronzes in their limited participation, affirming their status.
Omani diver Omar bin Abdullah Al-Ghilani won first place and the gold medal in the Freediving World Cup held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, in July. Among the notable achievements, national team athlete Mohammed Al-Mashaykhi won a bronze medal in shot put at the Paralympic Games hosted by Tokyo from August 24 to September 5, with the participation of 4,400 athletes from 160 countries. The national billiards team continued its success by securing third place and the bronze medal at the Gulf Billiards Championship, held in Qatar from September 23 to 28.
At the World Bodybuilding and Physique Championship held in Santa Susanna, Barcelona, with the participation of 1,200 athletes from 72 countries, athlete Imad Al-Balushi won the gold medal in the Physique category (height 173 cm), while Mazen Al-Rahbi won the silver medal in the 85 kg weight category. Additionally, the national tennis team won the silver medal at the Under-14 Asian Championship held in Doha in November, with the participation of 12 Asian countries. Player Aisha Al-Busaidi secured second place in the under-14 category.
The national team for athletes with disabilities participated in the Fazza International Championship in Dubai from February 9 to 14, achieving three medals: two golds and one bronze. Mohammed Al-Mashaykhi won gold in shot put, while Taha Al-Harasi claimed a gold in the 100-meter race and a bronze in the long jump.
In terms of hosting events, Oman organized the first round of the Cricket World Cup qualifiers with teams like Bangladesh, Scotland, and Papua New Guinea, held at the Oman Cricket Academy grounds in Al-Amerat from October 17 to 21. Additionally, the Oman Cycling Federation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth and the Dhofar Governorate, organized the Salalah Cycling Tour from September 14 to 17, with the participation of 150 cyclists representing 14 teams, aiming to promote tourism in Dhofar Governorate and enhance the skills of Omani cyclists.
To strengthen women’s competitions, the Oman Table Tennis Federation hosted the Oman International Junior and Cadet Girls’ Championship, with 29 players from nine countries, including Egypt, India, and Iran. Oman also hosted the final Asian qualifiers for the 49er sailing category, which served as a qualifier for the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, held in Al-Mussanah from April 1 to 8.
2022 A Year of International Hosting and Outstanding Participation
In 2022, Omani sports made remarkable strides regionally and internationally, reflecting the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to developing the sports sector and enhancing youth capabilities under the patronage of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. Omani teams achieved medals in multiple championships, and the Sultanate of Oman hosted prominent sports events, further enhancing its global sports profile.
Oman hosted the World Race Walking Championships in 2022, organized by the International Association of Athletics Federations in collabouration with the Oman Athletics Association. The championship began on March 4 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Center in Al Irfan and continued for two days, with broad participation from around the world, involving approximately 1,000 runners from 60 countries competing in seven races of various distances. The Omani team participated with a delegation of 16 athletes across different categories, including the general category for 20 km and 35 km and a 10 km race for men.
Individual and Team International Awards
In freediving, diver Omar Al Ghilani claimed first place in the Freediving World Cup held in Egypt in May 2022, competing against 17 divers from 14 countries. In motorsport, racer Faisal bin Khalid Al-Zubair achieved exceptional results, winning first place in the silver category of the GT World Challenge Endurance Cup at Paul Ricard Circuit in France in June 2022, with 54 cars participating across various categories. He also secured first place in the International GT Open held in Barcelona, Spain, in October 2022, among 28 participants. Additionally, racer Ahmed Al Harthy took second place in the European Le Mans Series in Portugal in October 2022, competing with teammates Sam Deham (UK) and Marco Sorensen (Denmark).
Ali Al-Hashemi won the silver medal at the Pakistan International Taekwondo Championship held in Islamabad in November 2022, with 700 athletes from 17 countries participating in this two-star rated event.
2022 Islamic Solidarity Games Achievements
Oman participated in the Islamic Solidarity Games in Turkey from August 9 to 18, 2022, achieving multiple awards in athletics, including a gold and two bronze medals. The national weightlifting team won a silver medal. In equestrian sports, the Omani women’s team excelled in the women’s international tent-pegging tournament (Grand Prix) held in Petra, Jordan, winning one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals with 28 riders from 14 countries.
Asian and Arab Achievements
Al Seeb Club made history by winning the AFC Cup for the first time in Omani history. The national bodybuilding and physique team won seven medals at the Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Championship in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from September 2 to 5, 2022. In the 6th Arab Women’s Bowling Championship in Egypt from August 11 to 19, 2022, the Omani women’s team won four medals (two silvers and two bronzes), while the men’s team claimed a bronze in the trio event. The national golf team won a silver and a bronze at the Arab Golf Championship in Tunisia from October 4 to 9, 2022, with the under-18 team taking silver and player Ahmed Al-Wahaibi winning bronze. In the 15th Arab Sailing Championship at Barceló Mussanah Resort from October 11 to 15, 2022, the sailing team achieved eight medals (three golds, four silvers, and one bronze) among 120 sailors from 11 Arab countries.
West Asian Achievements
At the West Asia level, the national beach soccer team took second place in the West Asia Beach Soccer Championship in May 2022. The futsal team won third place at the West Asia Futsal Championship in Kuwait from June 4 to 13, 2022, among eight Asian teams. The youth athletics team won 10 medals (three golds, three silvers, and four bronzes) at the West Asia Youth Championship held in Lebanon from July 3 to 6, 2022. Additionally, the fencing team excelled in the West Asia Championship in Jordan from August 23 to 31, 2022, winning four medals (three golds and one silver) among ten participating countries.
Gulf Achievements
In Gulf tournaments, Oman achieved notable successes at the 3rd GCC Games in Kuwait in May 2022. The national shooting team won nine medals (seven golds and two bronzes), while the volleyball team won third place and a bronze. The women’s padel team took first place and the gold medal. The athletics team won 11 medals (four golds, three silvers, and four bronzes), and the swimming team earned two silvers and three bronzes. The esports team won two bronzes, and the karate team took three bronzes. In the 11th GCC Sailing Championship in Kuwait from March 22 to 26, 2022, the Omani sailing team won seven medals (three golds and four bronzes) among 57 sailors from GCC countries. Al Kamil Wal Wafi Club finished second in the 38th GCC Men’s Volleyball Club Championship in Bahrain.
2023 Significant Progress in Sports Projects and Community Activities
The year 2023 marked a milestone for sports development in Oman, with achievements including 234 medals across various competitions and the hosting of 13 international and local sports events organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth. The ministry also conducted 294 sports activities and events that benefited around 49,000 people, promoting widespread engagement in sports and encouraging the public to participate in physical activities.
On the strategic and developmental front, Oman’s national sports strategy was updated, alongside the signing of contracts to establish a training center for athletes, encompassing the Omani Handball Federation, the Omani Rugby Committee, and the Omani School Sports Federation. Additionally, community initiatives were launched, such as the “Positive Change” initiative to enhance public health and community well-being, the “Sustainable Fields” initiative to improve sports infrastructure, and the “Digital Sports Facilities” initiative to support digital transformation in sports facilities. Among 184 projects competing, 125 were selected for further development.
This year also featured the launch of the first “Governorates Marathon” in celebration of Oman Sports Day, with various sports activities held across the governorates. Furthermore, the “Sports Worlds” exhibition and the Games Festival added substantial momentum to local sports activities, attracting a large public turnout and enhancing community engagement.
Omani Sporting Achievements in Early 2024
At the start of 2024, Oman made significant strides in the regional and international sports arenas, showcasing its talent and commitment to elevating its global sports profile. With the backing of visionary leadership and effective sports planning, Oman successfully hosted major events and celebrated impressive accomplishments across various disciplines.
January Highlights: A Festive Kickoff
The year commenced with notable accomplishments. From January 15 to 21, the Oman Hockey Association hosted the Olympic Qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Summer Games, marking Oman’s first time hosting this event. Eight international teams competed for three Olympic spots. Subsequently, the “Oman 2024” Hockey Fives World Cup ran from January 24 to 31 at the Oman Hockey Stadium in Al Amerat, inaugurated by His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said. This tournament featured 32 men’s and women’s teams, including participants from Oman, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and Australia.
Omani referee Ahmed Al-Kaf, along with assistants Abu Bakr Al-Omari and Rashid Al-Ghaithi, made history by using the VAR system for the first time at the Asian Cup in Doha. The Oman Tennis Association also held the International and Asian Under-14 Championships, engaging eight teams. In motorsports, the Bidiya Automobile Racing Club hosted the “Bidiya Hill Challenge,” attracting top racers.
Equestrian results were impressive, with the horse “Hero de Lagarde,” ridden by Conor Beasley and trained by Ibrahim Al-Hadhrami, winning at the Al-Ruwais Championship in Abu Dhabi. The national boccia team earned a bronze medal at the fourth West Asia Paralympic Games in Sharjah, while the athletics team secured 23 medals, including two golds. The month concluded with the Omani men’s hockey team finishing third in the Hockey Fives World Cup, defeating Poland 3-2, a victory celebrated nationwide.
February Flourish: Diverse Sporting Spectacles
Oman’s strong start to the year continued in February with several major events. The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth partnered with the Oman Cycling Association to host the 13th edition of the Tour of Oman from February 10 to 15, featuring 18 teams from Europe, Asia, America, and Australia.
The Sohar Sports Club hosted the 2nd West Asia Volleyball Championship, showcasing teams from Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Yemen. In motorsport, Abdullah bin Suleiman Al-Rawahi finished third at the 45th Qatar International Rally.
Omani athletes excelled at the West Asia Para Games, winning 25 medals, including five golds. Racers made their mark as Ahmed Al-Harthy triumphed in the Asian Le Mans Series in Malaysia, while shooter Wadha Al-Balushi earned a bronze at the Arab Women’s Club Games. Omani fencers Jana Al-Sharji and Israa Al-Siyabi also contributed gold medals to Oman’s tally.
In Dubai, Al-Faisal Al-Zubair secured second in the Asian Le Mans Series. Ilyas Al-Busaidi won bronze in the 67 kg snatch at the Asian Weightlifting Championship, while Amer Al-Khanjari earned bronze in the 89 kg clean and jerk. The national sailing team shone at the Arab Sailing Championship in Kuwait, with standout performances including gold for Moatasem Al-Farsi in the ILCA 6 category.
In officiating, Aisha Al-Saeedi participated in the World Table Tennis Championship finals in South Korea, making history. The Oman Golf Association hosted its first Asian Tour event in the International Series, attracting 132 players, and Real Madrid Academy Oman clinched the Manchester City Cup in Abu Dhabi with both Under-14 and Under-16 teams claiming titles.
March and April: Rising Stars and Championships
March was marked by the Oman Basketball Association’s hosting of the U-18 GCC 3x3 Basketball Championship, featuring eight GCC teams. Youth golfers from Oman won silver medals at the GCC Golf Championship at Doha Golf Club. In horse racing, the Royal Cavalry’s horse “Salb” secured victory at the Basra race for purebred Arabian horses.
Motorsport saw Al-Faisal bin Khalid Al-Zubair perform strongly at the 2024 GT World Challenge Europe and the International GT Open. Omani athletes made headlines at the 13th Youth Forum of the Economic and Social Council at the United Nations, with Taha Al-Harassi winning silver at the Paralympic Athletics Grand Prix in Morocco.
May showcased Omani excellence at the inaugural Gulf Youth Games, with the national teams earning an impressive total of 58 medals, including 18 golds. The Royal Cavalry’s mare “Fatina” finished second in the “Najifi” race in France. Special Olympics athlete Abdullah bin Mani Al-Noubi won gold in badminton, while the beach volleyball team continued to impress, with Oman’s Team 2, led by Mazen Al-Hashemi and Hood Al-Jalboobi, winning the championship title at the 2nd West Asia Beach Volleyball Championship, successfully defending their title against Team 1 that included Haitham Al-Shereiqi and Ahmed Al-Hosni.
June: Milestones and Accomplishments
June continued the momentum with remarkable performances from the Royal Cavalry. The horse “Al-Najeeb” secured second place at the La Teste racecourse in France, while rider Mahmoud Al-Fouri excelled in the Argentan Endurance Race, booking his spot for the 2024 Endurance World Championship Finals in France.
Oman’s youth shone at the 54th International Youth Open Bowling Championship in Singapore, where Musab Al-Adawi claimed the championship title. The Royal Cavalry’s filly “Al-Rasha” also triumphed at the Toulouse racecourse, showcasing the exceptional talent of Omani equestrians.
The national youth hockey team made headlines by qualifying for the Asian Youth Hockey Championship, a crucial qualifier for the Youth Hockey World Cup. Oman’s shooting team robustly competed at the British Army and National Rifle Association Championships, winning 18 trophies, including prestigious titles like the Prince Meade and Heath trophies. Captain Majid Al-Salmani’s performance earned him the King’s Medal in the international marksmen’s category.
July and Beyond: A Summer of Success
July marked a pinnacle as Al-Faisal bin Khalid Al-Zubair secured gold in the CrowdStrike 24 Hours race at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, achieving his goal of winning the Gold Cup title. The Royal Cavalry’s mare “Al-Safnat” also excelled, finishing first in a key race for purebred Arabian horses.
Paralympic cyclist Sami Al-Sulaimi gained international recognition, ranking 13th globally after winning gold in the H4 time trial at the Asian Cycling Championship in Kazakhstan. His accomplishment highlighted Oman’s commitment to fostering talent within para-sports.
Exciting developments occurred as national youth runner Ali Al-Balushi qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics, and Mohamed Jameel Al-Balushi secured his place on the national para-athletics team for the Paralympic Games. The Royal Cavalry’s mare “Fatina” shone once more, finishing first in the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup at the San Sebastian track in Madrid, supported by jockey Michael Forest and trainer Frederic Sanchez.
Moreover, the Royal Cavalry polo team showcased their skills by finishing second in the British Open Polo Championship, demonstrating their competitive edge against renowned clubs from England, Ireland, and the Czech Republic.
August: Climbing to New Heights
August continued to yield remarkable successes as Omani climber Nadhira Al-Harthi achieved a historic feat by raising the Omani flag atop two of the world’s highest peaks—Nanga Parbat and Gasherbrum—within ten days. This achievement not only highlighted her extraordinary capabilities but also symbolized Oman’s adventurous spirit.
The Al-Amerat Beach Soccer Club team secured third place in the Moscow International Beach Tournament, triumphing over Senegal’s Youf Club 4-2 in a thrilling third-place match. In martial arts, taekwondo athlete Fida Al-Barwani won gold at the Jordan International Open in the under-52 kg category, showcasing Oman’s promising talent on international platforms.
Oman’s national bodybuilding and physique team dominated the West Asia Bodybuilding and Physique Championship, finishing first overall. In women’s basketball, Salalah Club’s girls’ team claimed third place in the Fatima Bint Mubarak Gulf Basketball Cup in Abu Dhabi, indicating significant growth in women’s sports within the country.
September: Continued Success and Championships
September was marked by the national six-a-side football team clinching the title in the inaugural Gulf Socca Championship, defeating the UAE team 2-0 in a thrilling final at Hawana Resort in Dhofar, a testament to Oman’s burgeoning football talent.
The Royal Cavalry’s mare “Sawarem” achieved second place at the Toulouse Racecourse, contributing to the success of equestrian sports. Concurrently, international driver Ahmed Al-Harthy finished third during the sixth round of the World Endurance Championship at Fuji Speedway in Japan, further establishing Oman’s reputation in motorsport.
Additionally, the national beach volleyball team, led by Mazen Al-Hashemi and Hood Al-Jalboobi, captured the championship at the 29th Arab Beach Volleyball Championship in Tunisia, successfully defending their title for the second consecutive year after a closely contested 2-1 victory against Libya.
October: Strength in Youth and Future Ambitions
As 2024 progressed into October, Oman hosted the West Asia Junior Badminton Championship at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, showcasing Oman’s capability to organize prestigious sporting events.
Oman’s university beach volleyball team excelled at the Arab Beach Games in Agadir, Morocco, where they claimed the gold medal. Nasser Al-Saadi and Youssef Al-Abri’s outstanding performance led them to a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Libyan Universities team, marking a significant achievement in reclaiming their title.
Emerging young athletes continued to make their mark, with Fahmi Al-Tamimi winning gold in the 68 kg weight category for taekwondo at the International School Games in Bahrain. In fencing, Ahmed Anwar Kaskas earned silver at the same event, highlighting the growing talent pool in Oman’s youth sports scene.
Looking Ahead: Embracing Future Challenges
As 2024 unfolds, Oman remains poised to build on these achievements. The emphasis on youth development, combined with strong support from the government and sports associations, promises a robust foundation for upcoming talents across all sports. Plans for hosting additional international championships are underway, aiming to further raise Oman’s profile on the sporting stage.
Oman’s achievements in the first half of 2024 reflect not just individual successes but also a collective ambition to excel. With a diverse range of sports flourishing, from athletics and equestrian to team sports and martial arts, the vibrant sporting culture in Oman is set to inspire future generations.
The sporting achievements in early 2024 illustrate Oman’s growing influence in the sports world. The nation’s athletes have demonstrated skill, resilience, and a commitment to excellence that resonates beyond its borders. As Oman continues to invest in its sports infrastructure and athlete development programmes, the future looks bright for Omani sports.
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