Oman fencers win 36 medals in Bahrain

Muscat, Sept 8

Oman’s national fencing teams delivered an outstanding performance at the West Asia Championship for cadets, juniors, and youth, hosted by Bahrain from August 30 to September 4. The teams secured a remarkable total of 36 medals — 13 gold, 11 silver and 12 bronze, firmly asserting their presence in the overall standings against strong regional competition. Representing Oman were 31 male and female fencers, who impressed with their high-level performances and repeatedly stood on the winners’ podium.

Oman’s female fencers shone in the individual events. Jana al Sharji led the gold haul with five gold and two silver, while Salma Al Dughayshi matched her with five gold and one bronze. Jude bint Abdulkarim added a valuable gold, as did Zainab al Ajmi. Durrar al Harthiya captured one gold and one bronze, while Taleen al Balushi earned one gold and two bronzes. Noor al Kindi added one gold and one silver.

The medal streak continued with Rateel al Rahbi (silver), Ameera al Amri (bronze), Rateem al Wahaibi (bronze) and Jumana al Mahrouqi (bronze). Ghazal al Falaiti secured a gold, while Israa al Siyabi took two gold and a silver. Kawthar al Zakwani rounded off the women’s tally with a gold medal.

On the men’s side, Ali al Busaidi stood out with three gold, four silver and one bronze. Rashid al Jahwari earned a gold and a silver, while Marwan al Hajri clinched a gold and a bronze. Ali al Nabhani added a gold and a silver, with Mohab al Harthy also contributing a gold and a silver. Rashid al Ghaithi and Hood al Harthy both secured bronze medals.

Muadh bin Suleiman al Maamari collected a gold, while Salim al Harthy earned a silver. Ammar al Azizi achieved a full set of medals — gold, silver and bronze and Ahmed bin Kaskas closed the tally with one gold and two silver.

Commenting on the achievement, national fencing team coach Hisham Karshoud emphasised that this success is the result of the continuous efforts by the Oman Fencing Committee since its establishment six years ago. He highlighted that the large medal count resulted from the collective dedication of the coaching and administrative staff, alongside the athletes, despite the presence of well-established and experienced regional teams.

Karshoud explained that the keys to success were commitment to annual training programmes, discipline in practice sessions, and the determination of the players to overcome technical and infrastructural gaps that favoured some rival teams. He acknowledged the challenges, including the lack of experience among younger athletes and the absence of specialised clubs under the committee, which limits player development compared to other countries.

Looking ahead, Karshoud stated that the technical staff aims to further raise standards through regular training programmes, expanding the pool of male and female practitioners, and implementing a strategic plan to secure budgets for both domestic and overseas training camps. Establishing a permanent, well-equipped training base for the national teams is also a priority. He stressed that cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Oman Olympic Committee will be vital in achieving these goals, expressing confidence that the coming phase will bring even more accomplishments to enhance Oman’s status in regional and international fencing.