The Sultanate of Oman has officially launched its participation in the fourth GCC Games, hosted by Qatar from May 11 to 22, with more than 1,074 athletes from Gulf nations competing across 17 sports.
Oman is represented in 11 sports, aiming to achieve positive results and reflect the continued progress of Omani sport at the regional level.
The Omani delegation is headed by HH Azzan bin Qais al Said, Chairman of the Oman Olympic Committee and Head of Mission, overseeing Oman’s participation in one of the Gulf region’s major multi-sport events.
Oman marked its official presence through the opening ceremony, held at Al Shaqab in Doha, where Nibras bin Mohammed al Touqi, a national taekwondo athlete, and Shams Al Dhuha bint Khalil al Khinji carried the Sultanate of Oman’s flag during the parade of nations in a ceremony celebrating Gulf unity and sporting spirit.
Competition for Omani teams begins with taekwondo, as Nibras al Touqi competes in the 58 kg category, alongside Omar bin Mahmood al Sinani in the 80 kg division, while Omaima bint Harib al Hinai represents Oman in the women’s 49 kg category at the Aspire Dome.
In table tennis, Oman’s men’s team starts its campaign through Ahmed bin Salim al Riyami and Muhannad bin Khalifa al Balushi, seeking a positive opening performance.
Meanwhile, the Oman women’s basketball team begins its participation in the 3x3 competition at Al Gharafa Hall, facing Qatar in its opening match before taking on Kuwait, with hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds.
The team entered the competition following an extensive preparation programme that included domestic camps and an overseas training camp in Cyprus, where players gained valuable match experience.
In bowling, Oman will be represented by Hassan bin Ali al Kharousi and Juma bin Saleh al Habsi in the individual competition, consisting of six rounds under the supervision of national coach Ismail al Zadjali.
Oman’s aquatic sports team will also begin competition, with Hamad bin Suleiman al Hasani participating in the 800m freestyle, Mishal bin Salim al Kulaibi in the 50m freestyle and Mohammed bin Khamis al Wahaibi in the 100m backstroke.
Alongside the Games, Oman’s Under-23 football team played a friendly match against Qatar on Monday, May 11, as part of its preparations. The Qatari side claimed a 2-1 victory in a match aimed at improving match fitness and evaluating players ahead of future competitions.
Meanwhile, Oman’s athletics team has arrived in Doha as one of the latest national teams to join the delegation. The squad includes 14 male and female athletes who will compete in various track and field events with ambitions of securing medals.
Oman’s national teams are targeting a strong showing throughout the tournament, hoping to achieve results that reflect the country’s growing sporting ambitions as Gulf athletes continue competition in Doha until May 22.
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