MUSCAT: Oman's national athletics team intensified their preparations for the 20th Asian Games by launching an overseas training camp in Izmir, Türkiye, as the Sultanate of Oman's athletes are continuing their build-up towards one of the continent's biggest multi-sport events. The Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026, with Oman aiming to deliver another strong performance after achieving its best-ever athletics result at the previous edition in Hangzhou.
The external camp, which commenced on Wednesday, featured together 10 athletes representing sprint, relay, jumping and field events under the supervision of the Oman Athletics Association's technical staff. The intensive programme is designed to enhance the athletes' physical condition, technical performance and competitive readiness ahead of the continental showpiece.
Leading the sprint squad are national coaches Mohammed al Hooti and Fahad al Mashakhyei, who will oversee a talented group of athletes headed by Ali bin Anwar al Balushi and Mulhim bin Darwish al Balushi. Both sprinters are preparing to compete in the 100 metres, 200 metres and the men's 4x400m relay at the Asian Games.
The relay squad also included Mohammed bin Obaid al Saadi, Rashid bin Huwaishel al Asmi and Anas bin Nasser al Riyami, who are expected to play key roles in Oman's bid to challenge for a strong finish in the relay competition. The women's sprint programme featured Mazoon bint Khalfan al Alawi and Azza bint Sultan al Yaarubi, who will focus on the 100m and 200m events during the training camp.
Meanwhile, the field events contingent comprised from jumper Salim bin Abdullah al Rawahi, alongside Fatik Abdulghafoor and Aliya bint Faiq al Mugheri, under the guidance of experienced Syrian coach Imad al Siraj, who continues to oversee the development of Oman's jumping and field event athletes.
The Türkiye camp will act as a central part of the national team's final preparations before travelling to Japan, with the coaching staff placing significant emphasis on improving both technical execution and race competitiveness. In addition to daily training sessions, Oman's athletes are scheduled to compete in a number of regional and open athletics competitions during their stay in Türkiye. These competitions are expected to provide valuable race exposure and allow the coaching staff to evaluate the athletes' progress against international opposition before finalising preparations for the Asian Games.
The programme also includes specialised technical sessions, speed development, strength and conditioning work, tactical race preparation and performance analysis, ensuring the athletes reach peak condition ahead of the continental event.
Oman athletics team will be without one of its most accomplished athletes at this year's Games. Middle-distance star Hussain al Farsi, who created history by winning the bronze medal in the men's 800 metres at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, will miss the upcoming edition due to injury. The upcoming Asian Games will feature the strongest athletes from across Asia competing in a wide range of track and field events.
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