Sport Reporter
Muscat, Oct 24
The Omani national teams continued their strong performances at the third Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, which runs until October 31. The event brings together more than 5,000 athletes from 45 Asian National Olympic Committees competing in 24 sports and 253 events, held across major venues including Issa Sports City, Khalifa Sports City, the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, the Endurance Village and Sama Bay.
Omani sprinter Raed bin Mohammed al Balushi qualified for the 100m final after finishing third in his semifinal heat with a new personal best time of 10.87 seconds.
He finished behind China’s Laij, who topped the heat with 10.59 seconds and Vietnam’s Nghai, who came second with 10.83 seconds. Al Balushi will compete in the final against Asia’s top sprinters, entering the race with determination and ambition to achieve a strong finish and set another new record that reflects the progress of Omani athletics.
After qualifying, Al Balushi expressed his joy, saying that reaching the final after a tough and competitive race was the result of great determination, confidence and long-term effort supported by the coaching staff and the Oman Athletics Association. He added that his focus is now on the final, aiming to deliver a better performance and represent Oman with pride.
Coach Fahad al Mashaikhi described Al Balushi’s qualification as a well-deserved achievement that reflects the hard work done in preparation. He said the semifinal was not easy, with strong competition, but Al Balushi showed great focus and confidence, achieving a new personal record. The goal now, he added, is to perform in a way that honours Oman and to maintain the same fighting spirit in the final.
SHAHNAZ REACHES QUARTERS
In taekwondo, Shahnaz bint Suhail al Maawaliyah impressed with a straight-round victory over Bahrain’s Shaikha al Yaqubi. Shahnaz won 2–0 (8–1, 14–2), advancing to the quarterfinals where she will face a player from Vietnam.
Meanwhile, Ziyad al Balushi lost to Indonesia’s Rashmad in two rounds. Fidaa bint Fouad al Barwaniyah will begin her campaign on Saturday, while Qaboos al Balushi and Al Mutassim al Hajri will complete their weigh-ins the same day and compete on Sunday.
In equestrian team show jumping, despite a flawless clear round by Taha bin Ziyad al Balushi, technical errors and the horses’ adaptation to a new environment prevented the Omani team from continuing its bid for medals. The national equestrian team now looks forward to the individual events, featuring riders Abdulaziz bin Fahd al Busaidy, Taha bin Ziyad al Balushi and Sarah bint Suhail al Kathiriyah, all competing in the 120cm category.
Oman’s golf team continues to compete with optimism amidst strong competition from Asia’s best players. The team includes Adam bin Masoud al Barwani, Mahir Nikhil Sampat and Pransh Gopal Jagwani, who are taking part in both individual and team events, aiming to advance to the finals and achieve a strong result.
The Omani delegation is closely following all national teams’ performances and ensuring that the athletes have the best possible environment to compete. The delegation is led by Brigadier (Retd) Saeed bin Mohammed al Hajri, Deputy Head of Mission, along with Abdullah bin Mohammed Bamakhalaf, Secretary General of the Oman Olympic Committee, Badr bin Ali Awlad Thani, Team Director and Kazem bin Khan al Balushi, Assistant Director.
UPCOMING TEAMS
The swimming team is set to arrive on Saturday, represented by Mohammed bin Khamis al Wahaibi, who will compete in the 50m and 100m backstroke and 50m butterfly, coached by Abdelhafid Kouadri.
The eSports team will arrive on Monday to compete in the Rocket League tournament, featuring players Sultan al Balushi, Mashari al Ajmi and Abdullah al Amri, managed by Hamad al Jahouri and coached by Abdullah al Atiqi.
With these promising performances, Omani youth athletes continue their inspiring journey at the Asian Youth Games, driven by determination and ambition to raise Oman’s flag high in continental arenas.
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