MUSCAT, JUNE 9
Oman’s national para athletics team has intensified preparations at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher ahead of the Tunisia International Meeting, scheduled from June 16 to 19, 2026, as part of its build-up to the Asian championships in Japan this October.
The training programme, overseen by the Oman Paralympic Committee and the national coaching staff, focuses on improving athletes’ physical and technical readiness, enhancing personal best performances and increasing the number of athletes capable of qualifying for major continental competitions.
Training continues under the guidance of a technical staff led by head coach Sami al Zarli, alongside national coaches Auf al Maamari, Abdullah al Anbari and Asaad al Qarni. The squad comprises 21 athletes: Mohammed al Mashaikhi, Taha al Harrasi, Mohammed al Qasmi, Fawzi al Hubaishi, Talib al Balushi, Sultan al Sinani, Maktoum al Maqbali, Qusai al Rawahi, Othman al Habsi, Saif al Muqbali, Saqr al Qasmi, Maryam al Badi, Sharifa al Hatmi, Sarah al Anboori, Rawan al Hosni, Shaikha al Hamadi, Aisha al Balushi, Eman al Shamsi, Amer al Rashdi, Muhanna Awlad Thani and Mutasim al Saadi.
The team enters the Tunisia event on the back of encouraging results at recent international competitions, including the Asian qualification meeting in Morocco, where several Omani athletes secured places at upcoming continental events.
ON SCHEDULE
Head coach Sami al Zarli said preparations are progressing according to plan ahead of a busy period that includes major international competitions.
“The current phase is part of a long-term development programme,” Al Zarli said. “Our focus is not only on the Asian championships but also on building towards future events, including next year’s World Championships and the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.”
He highlighted the importance of continued overseas participation and training camps in maintaining the athletes’ progress and achieving qualification targets.
Al Zarli also praised the support provided by the Oman Paralympic Committee and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, noting that opportunities remain available for emerging athletes who can meet the required standards.
Athletics coach Asaad al Qarni said the team will depart for Tunisia on June 14 with a group of throwing-event athletes aiming to improve their personal records and gain valuable international experience.
“The Tunisia meeting will provide strong competition and help assess our readiness ahead of the upcoming Asian events,” Al Qarni said.
He added that several athletes have shown noticeable improvement following their recent participation in Morocco and the West Asian Championships hosted by Oman.
Among those aiming for further success is Eman al Shamsi, who won silver medals in both shot put and javelin at the Morocco meeting after earlier claiming bronze medals in the same events at the Arab Women’s Championship.
Shot put athlete Mutasim al Saadi said his goal is to achieve a new personal best and compete for a medal at future continental events.
The national team continues to train intensively through a combination of field sessions, technical evaluations and specialised gym work as it seeks to strengthen Oman’s presence on the regional and international para athletics stage.
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