Oman ends GCC Games with 24 medals, two athletics golds

MUSCAT: Oman’s national athletics team concluded an impressive campaign at the 4th GCC Games in Doha by securing two additional gold medals, raising the Sultanate of Oman’s total tally to 24 medals as the tournament continues until May 22.

The latest gold medals came through sprinter Ali bin Anwar al Balushi, who won the 200m race, and athlete Alia bint Faiq al Mughairi, who triumphed in the high jump event, capping a highly successful showing for Oman’s athletics squad.

Athletics emerged as Oman’s most successful sport at the Games, finishing with 11 medals, including seven gold, two silver, and two bronze medals. The achievement also featured a new national record by Muzoon al Alawi, who registered 5.72m in the long jump, highlighting the steady progress of Omani athletics at the Gulf level.

Oman’s athletics team began its campaign strongly by winning four medals on the opening day, including three golds and one silver. Gold medals came through Muzoon al Alawi in the long jump, Fatek bin Abdulghafour Bait Jaaboub in the high jump, and Ali bin Anwar al Balushi in the 100m sprint, while Mulham bin Darwish al Balushi earned silver in the same event.

Ali al Balushi

On the second day, Oman added four more medals, highlighted by gold in the men’s 4x100m relay, while the women’s relay team secured silver. Bronze medals were claimed by Hanaa al Qasmi in the 400m race and Ahmed al Abdulsalam in the men’s 400m event.

Meanwhile, Oman’s shooting team returns to action on Tuesday in the 10m pistol individual and team events for men and women, aiming to add to its current tally of three medals — two silver and one bronze.

In volleyball, Oman’s national team will face the United Arab Emirates in its final match of the tournament, with both sides battling for the bronze medal after losing to Qatar and Bahrain, who will compete for gold.

Athlete Salim bin Saleh al Yaarubi, who recently won gold in the triple jump, expressed his delight at standing on top of the podium, crediting his coach and preparation for the achievement while praising the high organisational standards of the Games.

Officials in Qatar also praised the competitive level of the tournament, describing the GCC Games as an important platform for developing Gulf talent ahead of continental and international competitions.