Oman Boxers Championship concludes with crowning of winners

MUSCAT: The first Oman Boxers Championship concluded at the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) on Saturday, bringing down the curtain on a landmark two-day event that marked an important step in the development of boxing in the Sultanate of Oman.

The closing ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr Ghalib al Hosni, Chief Human Resources Officer at Omantel, in the presence of Adil al Shanfari, Chairman of the Oman Committee for Martial Arts and Self-Defence Sports, and Faisal al Aufi, Director-General of Schools and Educational Services at Majd Group, representing the German University of Technology.

Boxers in action during the final day of the first Oman Boxers Championship in Muscat.

Organised by Oman Boxing Club under the supervision of the Oman Committee for Martial Arts and Self-Defence Sports, the championship featured around 60 boxers who competed across different age and weight categories after completing the approved technical and medical requirements.

The final day witnessed a series of strong bouts, with the winners crowned following competitive performances that reflected the growing interest in boxing among young Omani athletes and clubs.

In the S50 kg category, Mohammed al Wahibi claimed the gold medal, while Mubarak al Alawi took silver. Abdulrahman al Jahdhami won gold in the S55 kg category, ahead of Saad bin Mohammed al Sabahi. In the 15U45 kg category, Mahmoud al Hassani secured gold, with Mohammed al Siyabi taking silver, while Mohammed al Raisi won the 15U50 kg title, followed by Al Warith al Harrasi.

The championship featured around 60 boxers competing across different age and weight categories.

Other gold medallists included Shanfar al Shanfar in the 15U60 kg category, Saif al Yaqoubi in the 15U80+kg category, Ali al Batashi in the 17U55 kg category, Mohammed al Farsi in the 19U60 kg category and Hafidh al Habsi in the 19U70 kg category.

At the elite level, Hasan al Balushi won gold in the E55 kg category, Kameel al Lawati topped the E60 kg category, Musaab al Harthy secured the E75 kg title, Musaab al Farqani won gold in the E80 kg category, Ahmed al Zaabi claimed the E90+kg title, and Emad al Balushi finished first in the E65 kg category.

Kameel al Lawati celebrates after securing victory during the final bouts of the championship.

Coach Wadhah al Harthy, coach and co-founder of Muscat Martial Arts Club, praised the achievement of Musaab al Harthy, who claimed gold in the 75 kg category. He said Musaab’s victory was an encouraging sign, especially as he has been practising the sport for only six to seven months and has already competed in three events without defeat. Al Harthy said Omani fighters can reach higher levels, but need regular local championships, greater media attention and continuous support to prepare them for international competition.

Winners and officials pose for a group photo at the conclusion of the first Oman Boxers Championship.

Kameel bin Shakiri al Lawati, gold medallist in the 60 kg category, said the competition was tough and that winning the title was not easy. He added that facing strong opponents made the victory more valuable, stressing that such tournaments are important because they give young Omani boxers a platform to display their skills. Al Lawati thanked his coaches for their support and said his ambition is to continue competing, reach an international level and represent Oman abroad.

The championship concluded with the awarding of medals to the winners and the honouring of contributors who supported the successful staging of the first edition, which organisers hope will become a regular event on the national sports calendar.