MUSCAT: Oman’s fencers will vie at the 2026 Junior & Cadet Fencing World Championships which will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during March 31 to April 8. A delegation comprising seven fencers will represent Oman team at the prestigious global event including: Jana al Sharji, Israa al Siyabi, Salma al Dughaishi, Ali al Busaidy, Said al Shueibi, Ahmed Anwar Kaskas and Al Harith al Harthy.
This marks the second appearance for Omani fencers at the world championship, following their participation in China last year as a sign of the steady progress being made in the sport. The championship is organised under the supervision of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) and brings together the world’s top junior and cadet fencers.
Speaking about this major event participation, Oman fencing team head coach Hisham Karshood said that the purpose of this participation is the main goal of the team’s participation is to reach the final rounds of the championship and compete strongly against the world’s best.
“Attendance in this major key event is considered as a vital participation for our promising youngster fencers. The main purpose from taking and competing at this event is to reach into the finals of the World event beside securing direct slots to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) which will take place later this year in November. Competing at this level will give the athletes valuable international exposure and help them gain experience against higher-ranked opponents,” he added.
PRACTICE SESSIONS
The fencers are currently engaged in a comprehensive daily warm-up at Seeb Stadium under the guidance of the experienced Tunisian coach Hisham Karshood. “During the holy month of Ramadhan, the junior fencers are practicing during the evening sessions starting from 8 pm to 10:30 pm while the cadet players are practicing during 4 pm to 5 pm,” he said.
“I am confident that our fencers can deliver their outmost technical level in this essential globe championship. Despite the expected tough challenge, attendance of our fencers will provide them the experience and confidence they need. It will also allow them to exchange skills and learn from top-ranked international athletes,” he ended.
Following their participation in Brazil, Oman’s fencers will travel to Jordan to compete in the West Asian Fencing Championship, scheduled to take place in Amman from April 23 to 30. The back-to-back regional and international events on the calendar will assist Oman’s young fencing talents to continue their proper technical development and raise the national flag high on the global fencing stage.
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