MUSCAT: Al Ittihad Sports Club were crowned champions of the third khareef Dhofar Open Karate Championship 2026 after topping the overall standings at the conclusion of two days of competition in Salalah.
Organised by the Oman Karate Committee in cooperation with Dhofar Municipality, the championship was held on August 21 and 22 as part of the khareef Dhofar 2026 programme, more than 160 athletes, representing 14 clubs, academies and karate centres from across Oman, took part.
Competitors contested kata and kumite events across various age groups and weight categories under the rules adopted by the organising committee and the World Karate Federation, the competition featured strong contests and promising technical performances.
Al Nasr Sports Club finished runners-up, while Shotokan Karate Centre secured third place in the overall team standings.
The closing ceremony was held under the auspices of Shaikh Tariq bin Khalid al Hinai, Wali of Taqah, in the presence of officials, sports personalities, coaches, referees, athletes and supporters.
The patron presented medals to the leading competitors and trophies to the top three teams, while participating clubs, academies, centres and supporting organisations were also recognised.
Dr Faisal bin Hamad al Maawali, President of the Oman Karate Committee and General Supervisor of the championship, described the tournament as an organisational and technical success, saying the strong turnout demonstrated the continued growth of karate in Oman.
Al Maawali stressed the committee’s commitment to expanding opportunities for athletes, discovering emerging talent and providing regular competition, also highlighted the sporting, tourism and community value of staging the event during the khareef dhofar Dhofar season.
Dr Sadiq bin Mohammed al Issa, Secretary of the Oman Karate Committee and Chairman of the organising committee, attributed the event’s success to close cooperation among the organising teams, government bodies, private-sector supporters, clubs, academies and karate centres.
He noted that the return of the championship after several years was an important step towards establishing it as a regular event and strengthening karate’s presence across Oman.
The first edition was held in 2016, followed by the second in 2017, before the tournament returned this year. The committee said it will continue developing athletes, coaches and referees while identifying promising talents for the national teams.
The committee is also preparing to stage the 15th Oman Karate Championship in Muscat as part of its efforts to strengthen the sport’s development and competitive structure.
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