MUSCAT: Training camps in Poland and Thailand, alongside preparations at home, are shaping Oman’s final build-up to the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games, which will be held in Japan from October 18 to 24.
The Oman Paralympic Committee said its preparation programme combines specialised training with competitive appearances, giving athletes opportunities to improve their performances and gain international experience before the continental event.
Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY) through its programme for promising athletes, the preparations are tailored to individual needs, with an emphasis on technique, physical conditioning, endurance and adapting to different competition environments.
In Poland, Mohammed al Mashaikhi, Taha al Harrasi, Iman al Shamsi and Mohammed al Qasmi are attending an athletics camp under coaches Sami al Zarli and Awf al Maamari. Their schedule includes two preparatory competitions to assess their progress and provide further competitive practice ahead of the Games.
The running squad, comprising Qusai al Rawahi, Othman al Habsi and Saif al Muqaibli, is training in Thailand under coach Abdullah al Anbari.
According to the committee, the wet conditions during the camp are allowing the runners to adapt to weather they may encounter in Japan. The camp continues until the end of September, with the athletes returning to Oman on October 1 to resume training before departing for Japan on October 15.
Meanwhile, Muhanna Awlad Thani, Fawzi al Hubaishi, Talib al Balushi and Rawan al Hasani are training at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher under coach Asaad al Qarni. The group will enter a residential training camp in Oman during the coming period, focusing on fitness and technical improvement.
Hand-cyclist Sami al Sulaimi is also continuing his preparations following his participation in the Challenge Breton International in France, where he contested four races within a week. The series provided valuable international competition and an opportunity to collect ranking points.
His domestic programme has included a camp at Jabal Haat in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, featuring uphill and downhill training alongside work on aerobic fitness and endurance to meet the demands of handcycling.
Al Sulaimi, who finished third at the Asian championships earlier this year, is preparing for his first appearance at the Asian Para Games. He will continue training before joining the Omani delegation travelling to Japan in mid-October.
Dr Mansour bin Sultan al Touqi, Chairman of the Oman Paralympic Committee, said the athletes included in the preparation programme had achieved the required qualifying standards.
He explained that camp locations and training schedules were selected based on each athlete’s needs and stage of preparation. The programme also addresses tactical awareness and endurance, while competitive appearances help athletes build experience and confidence before official competition.
Al Touqi said coordination with the ministry remained central to providing suitable training conditions, supporting coaches and responding to athletes’ requirements during the remaining weeks.
Overseas camps offer exposure to different competitive standards and training environments, he added, while domestic camps allow technical and physical work to continue consistently before the final preparations in Nagoya.
The committee’s focus, he said, is on helping athletes make full use of the remaining preparation period and arrive ready to perform at their best.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
