MUSCAT: Omani skating talents delivered an impressive performance during their participation in a sports and cultural festival organised by the Belarusian Olympic Committee in Belarus.
The event was held under the patronage of Viktor Lukashenko, President of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus, and was attended by the Belarusian Minister of Sport and Tourism, senior government officials and representatives of several sports bodies.
The festival also marked the opening of a new sports square in Svetlogorsk district, Gomel Governorate, as part of a programme aimed at promoting youth participation in sport and showcasing different disciplines under the Belarusian Olympic Committee.
The Oman skating team presented a series of displays that reflected the growing abilities of young Omani athletes in skating sports, which continue to attract increasing interest among youth in the Sultanate of Oman.
The participation also allowed the Omani athletes to interact with Belarusian skaters, exchange experiences, and learn more about skating disciplines connected to the Olympic pathway.
Hani al Yaqoubi, a player from the Ibri skating team, said the participation was a special experience, especially as it was his first appearance outside Oman.
“We are very happy with the warm welcome and the chance to take part in this event. It allowed us to learn about Belarusian culture while also presenting Omani culture through sport,” he said.
“The interaction from the community was an unforgettable feeling. We thank the Oman Skating Sports Committee for this opportunity, and we hope such events will continue at both local and international levels,” he added.
Al Yaqoubi, who is currently a student at Sultan Qaboos University, said skating sports have a promising future in Oman after seeing the level of development and organisation in Belarus.
Alexander Katiliev, President of the Belarusian Skating Federation, praised the Omani team’s performance and engagement with Belarusian athletes.
He said the participation strengthened sporting cooperation between Oman and Belarus and opened new opportunities to develop skating disciplines, including speed skating and roller hockey.
Saud bin Nasser al Aufi, Chairman of the Oman Skating Sports Committee, said the participation represented an important step for skating sports in Oman.
“This event gave us a valuable opportunity to learn more about the different skating disciplines and shape a clearer vision for developing the sport in line with international standards,” he said.
He added that the committee’s first phase will focus on speed skating and roller hockey, with plans to organise specialised training camps and hold further discussions with the Oman Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth to support this direction.
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