MUSCAT, MAY 8
Al Qudra Club emerged as the overall champions at the third Land of Peace Open Karate Championship, which concluded at the sports hall of Ahli Sidab Club in Muscat Governorate.
The event, organised by Shotokan Karate Centre (SKC) under the supervision of the Oman Karate Committee (OKC), brought together 275 male and female athletes representing 17 clubs, academies and training centres. The competition featured individual and team contests in kata and kumite across different age groups.
The closing ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Ibrahim al Hadi, member of Shura Council representing the Wilayat of Al Amerat, in the presence of Dr Faisal al Maawali, OKC Chairman. The chief guest honoured the winners in various categories and the top-ranked clubs in the overall medals table.
Al Qudra Club topped the overall standings with 15 gold, eight silver and nine bronze medals. The Champ Sport & Arts finished second with 14 gold, eight silver and 14 bronze medals, while SKC came third after collecting 11 gold, 15 silver and 44 bronze medals. Karate Champions Club took fourth place with seven gold, seven silver and 10 bronze medals, followed by Emperor Academy in fifth with six gold and one silver.
The championship produced strong contests in both kata and kumite, with several young players standing out across the age-group competitions. In the six years and under category, Adam of Talent won gold in the boys’ kumite, while Nachelle Mehza Thanoof of SKC claimed the girls’ kumite title. Al Qasim al Qasmi of Samayil Karate won gold in boys’ kata.
In the seven-year category, Jannah Vasim Assadi of The Champ Sport & Arts won the girls’ kumite title in the 20 kg and below division, while Nihira Nidhi, also of The Champ, secured two gold medals in girls’ kumite above 20 kg and girls’ kata. In the boys’ events, Muhammad Hamdaan Khan won kata gold and Fares Taiseer claimed kumite gold.
Among the notable winners in the older categories, Tariq al Riyami of SKC won the boys’ kumite 25 kg and below title in the nine-year category, while Sarah al Wahaibi of Al Qudra Club took gold in girls’ kumite 30 kg and above. In the ten-year category, Jumana al Kathiri of Freedom Karate won girls’ kumite 40 kg and above, while Abdullah al Hinai of Al Qudra Club won boys’ kumite below 30 kg.
At the 12-year level, Ahmed al Raghadi of Al Qudra Club won boys’ kumite 45 kg and below, while Mariam Omar, also of Al Qudra, claimed gold in girls’ kumite 50 kg and above. In the 13-year category, Jasim al Ismaili of Karate Champions Club won boys’ kumite below 50 kg, and Zuwaina al Wahaibi of SKC won girls’ kumite.
In the senior categories, Sarina Zolfi of Al Qudra Club won gold in both women’s kata and kumite for the 18 years and above category, while Mohammed al Hajri of Karate Champions Club won men’s kata gold in the 19 years and above class. Talal al Marhoobi of Al Qudra Club claimed the men’s kumite title in the 30 years and above category.
TECHNICAL PROGRESS
Idris al Batrawi, Oman national karate team player, said the tournament reflected clear technical progress. “The level of the players is improving, and the level of competition is stronger than before. The organisers have also benefited from previous editions, and this was clear in the organisation of the championship,” he said.
International referee and tournament supervisor Hilal bin Mohammed al Abdali said the competition featured strong technical levels and wide participation from clubs, academies and training centres across Oman.
He said the event produced competitive bouts, strong crowd interaction and impressive performances from both male and female players.
Al Abdali added that the championship reflected the clear progress of Omani karate players and the ability of local coaches to prepare athletes for domestic and international competitions. He also noted that the participation of several national team players made the event an important preparation platform for upcoming external assignments, as part of the OKC's 2026 development programme.
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