MUSCAT: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY) has officially launched a specialised Sports Medicine Laboratory, marking a significant step in strengthening healthcare services for athletes and enhancing medical support across the country’s sports sector.
The facility, established by the Directorate General of Sports Care and Development through its Department of Sports Medicine and Science, has begun operations as part of the national medical screening programme for athletes. The initiative aims to improve preventive healthcare, ensure athletes’ fitness for training and competition and support early detection of medical conditions that could affect performance or lead to injuries.
The laboratory provides comprehensive medical assessments under one roof, offering standardised screening procedures for elite athletes and promising talents in its initial phase. The ministry plans to gradually expand the service to include all athletes registered with national sports federations and committees, creating a unified medical evaluation system across different sports.
Each athlete undergoes a structured examination beginning with a review of personal and family medical history, followed by essential health measurements including blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight and body mass index. The programme also includes a clinical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG) and laboratory tests, allowing medical specialists to evaluate an athlete’s overall health and physical readiness before participation in training camps or competitions.
The laboratory is staffed by a dedicated medical support team responsible for recording medical data, conducting preliminary assessments, collecting blood samples and performing laboratory analyses in accordance with professional standards to ensure accurate and timely results.
Dr Afrah al Jabri, physician at the Department of Sports Medicine and Science, said the project was introduced to provide athletes with faster and more efficient access to medical screening services under the ministry’s supervision. She explained that regular medical examinations are essential before athletes join national teams or participate in domestic and international events, as they help identify hereditary heart conditions, musculoskeletal disorders and other health risks at an early stage.
She noted that athletes previously relied on Ministry of Health facilities, where heavy workloads occasionally delayed examinations, particularly for large national team delegations. The new laboratory streamlines the process by bringing all core services together in a single location.
Dr Al Jabri added that the department has also expanded its treatment capabilities through the use of ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for various joints, improving treatment accuracy and rehabilitation outcomes.
ATHLETES WELCOME INITIATIVE
Athletes welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major improvement in sports healthcare. Paralympic athletics competitor Taha al Harrasi said the laboratory would reduce time and administrative procedures while providing easier access to essential medical services. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening sports recovery facilities and nutritional support programmes.
National weightlifting team athlete Amer al Khanjari praised the ministry’s continued investment in athlete welfare, noting that regular medical monitoring has become an integral part of modern sports preparation. He said the service will support athletes as they prepare for major international competitions, including the upcoming Asian Games in September and the World Championships in October.
The laboratory represents another milestone in Oman’s efforts to build an integrated sports medicine system that promotes athlete welfare, improves performance and supports the long-term development of national teams.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
