Al-Kalibi and Al-Wahaibi Conclude the First Day of Swimming Competitions
A Grand Opening Ceremony and Extensive Media Coverage for the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh
Oman’s national swimmers Mishaal Al-Kalibi and Mohammed Al-Wahaibi completed their participation in the first day of swimming competitions at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games, currently being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The two athletes competed in the 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle heats, held on Friday morning at the Olympic Complex – Aquatic Hall, amid the participation of elite swimmers from various Islamic countries.
In the 50m butterfly, Omani swimmer Mishaal Al-Kalibi took first place in his heat with a time of 26.75 seconds, ahead of Bahrain’s Adnan Firas Abu Salem (26.89 seconds), while his teammate Mohammed Al-Wahaibi finished third with a time of 26.93 seconds. However, the overall times in the other heats were faster, preventing the Omani swimmers from advancing to the next round despite the narrow time differences.
In the 50m freestyle, Mohammed Al-Wahaibi delivered a strong performance, finishing second in his heat with a time of 25.80 seconds, behind Ghana’s Sean Ferno Debukroma (25.32 seconds), while Mauritania’s Kamel Daou came third (26.02 seconds). Despite Al-Wahaibi’s impressive effort, the overall times in the other heats were faster.
The two Omani swimmers will continue their participation in the swimming events of the Games, with plans to compete in the 100m freestyle on Monday. The coaching staff praised their improving performance and the competitive spirit they showed against top athletes from Asia and Africa. The delegation’s management emphasized that participation in such a major event provides valuable experience as part of a long-term development plan to enhance the performance of Omani swimmers.
A Grand Opening
Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and on behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Riyadh Region, attended the opening ceremony of the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games on Friday evening. The event brought together athletes from 57 Islamic countries in a historic celebration that embodied the values of unity and brotherhood among the peoples of the Islamic world.
In his address, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports, President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and President of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation, stated that “the royal patronage of this event reflects the Kingdom’s continued commitment to supporting sports and its dedication to hosting an exemplary edition that embodies the spirit of Islamic solidarity and highlights Saudi Arabia’s leading role in hosting major global sporting events.”
The ceremony, held at Al-Janadriyah Camel Field, featured dazzling artistic and cultural performances that showcased Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage through visual presentations, drone formations, and traditional shows titled “Welcome to Your Homeland.” The participating delegations enthusiastically joined the official parade, proudly carrying the flags of their countries amid a festive atmosphere.
Four Saudi athletes had the honor of raising the Games’ flag, while Janna Al-Amari, a weightlifter, and Ali Al-Khudrawi, a table tennis player, took the athletes’ oath on behalf of all participants, symbolizing integrity and sportsmanship.
The event concluded with the performance of the official Games anthem, presented in Arabic, English, and French, by artists Aedh, Ghada Shery, and Fatimah Zahid. The ceremony drew a large audience and extensive media coverage, with 40 television channels and two global digital platforms broadcasting the event, reflecting the great international attention given to this major Islamic sporting occasion.
