Oman Junior Golfers Shine with Three Medals in Kazakhstan

MUSCAT: Oman’s junior national golf teams returned from Kazakhstan with three medals and valuable international experience after competing in an international junior tournament in Almaty.

Yousuf al Ramhi won gold in the Under-12 category, while Yasmeen Jameel al Kathiri claimed bronze in the Girls’ Under-13 category. Mohaib Jameel al Kathiri added another bronze in the Under-16 category, highlighting the growing potential of Oman’s young golfers.

The tournament featured more than 72 boys and girls from Oman, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan and concluded a joint training camp hosted by the Kazakhstan Golf Federation.

The participation formed part of the Oman Golf Association’s junior development programme, aimed at strengthening players’ technical and competitive abilities ahead of upcoming Gulf, Arab, Asian and international competitions.

The camp included intensive technical and practical sessions covering different aspects of the game, allowing the players to apply what they had learned during the tournament. Competing against Central Asian golfers also exposed the Omani players to different playing styles and helped them assess their progress and identify areas for improvement.

Omani junior golfers in action during the international tournament, which featured more than 72 players from four countries.

The Omani delegation was headed by Oman Golf Association Vice Chairman Faiz Mohammed Riaz, with Jonathan serving as coach and Fahad al Kaitani as assistant coach. Ahmed al Jahdhami and Naikl Sambat handled administrative responsibilities.

The 12-player squad comprised Mohaib al Kathiri, Mohammed al Junaidi, Mohammed al Nabhani, Timur al Busaidi, Yousuf al Ramhi, Waleed al Sharji, Ibrahim Riaz, Ahmed al Harthi, Anas al Kathiri, Mirairi Sambat, Hiba al Nabhani and Yasmeen al Kathiri.

Riaz praised the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for its continued support of junior golfers and thanked Kazakhstan Golf Federation President Davran Alidjanovich Ibragimov, Secretary General Abdulaziz Omarov and tournament partner Serik Sultan Galiyev for their cooperation.

“The experience was rich and rewarding for our players, not only from a sporting perspective, but also through exchanging of knowledge, building friendships and discovering a new culture,” Riaz said.

The closing ceremony also featured a cultural gesture when Ibragimov presented Riaz with the traditional Kazakh shapan, a garment associated with honour and respect. Ahmed Faisal al Jahdhami, Secretary General of the Oman Golf Association, also received a similar garment, reflecting the growing sporting ties between the two federations.

Al Ramhi said the camp helped him improve his decision-making and tactical approach, while Mohaib al Kathiri said the intensive training enabled him to apply new skills directly in competition.

The three medals and strong performances provide further encouragement for Oman’s junior golf programme as the players continue preparations for future regional and international competitions.