MUSCAT, SEPT 20
Oman’s national teams continue their campaign at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 on Monday, with the men’s 10m Air Rifle qualifiers and the opening beach volleyball match taking centre stage.
Hamed bin Said al Khatri and Khalid bin Mohammed al Kalbani will compete in the men’s 10m Air Rifle qualification at 9.45 am Japan local time (4.45 am Muscat time). Oman B, represented by Ahmed al Hosni and Khalfan al Maamari, will begin its beach volleyball campaign against Thailand at the Hekinan Ryokuchi Beach Court at 3 pm local time (10 am Muscat time).
The pair will later face Iran and Timor-Leste on September 23 and 26 respectively as they seek a positive start and a place in the next round.
Oman Olympic Committee Secretary-General Abdullah bin Mohammed Bamakhalef said the national teams had arrived with “legitimate ambitions” and a determination to reflect the progress of Omani sport.
“Oman’s participation confirms its commitment to an effective presence at continental and international sporting events and to strengthening the standing of Omani sport within the Asian Olympic Movement,” he said.
Bamakhalef added that the Games offered Omani athletes valuable competition against Asia’s best, while helping them gain experience, improve performance and assess the progress made through previous preparation programmes.
He said the Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) and national sports associations had provided training camps, warm-up events and technical, physical and psychological support. Early-arrival camps in Japan had also helped the hockey and sailing teams adapt to local conditions.
“Our ambitions are not limited to medals. Participation is also about developing athletes, gaining experience, setting personal bests and building a stronger foundation for future competitions,” he added.
Bamakhalef said Oman’s appearance at the opening ceremony carried sporting, cultural and national significance.
“Raising the Omani flag reflects our pride in our national identity and Asian belonging. An Omani athlete represents not only himself or his sport, but also his country, people and culture.”
In Sunday’s women’s 10m Air Rifle qualification at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Range, Al Anoud al Khalili finished 43rd with 619.3 points, while Amina al Tarshi placed 49th with 614.9.
China’s Wang Zifei led qualification with 636.8 points, ahead of South Korea’s Ban Hyojin on 634.9 and India’s Sonam Uttam Maskar on 634.1.
Meanwhile, Olympic Council of Asia President Shaikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani, and International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry visited the Oman delegation to review administrative arrangements and athletes’ requirements.
Oman’s weightlifting and cricket teams are due to arrive on Monday, while the fencing squad reached Japan on Sunday. The men’s cricket team will make its historic Asian Games debut after qualifying alongside Nepal, Malaysia and Hong Kong, China.
Oman have been drawn in Group B with Malaysia and Hong Kong, China, with the top two advancing to the quarterfinals.
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