Al-Balushi Qualifies for the 100m Final Round; Equestrian and Golf Competitions Begin

Oman Olympic Committee Participates in Official Opening Ceremony as the Sultanate’s Flag Flies High

 

Oman’s national team athlete, Raed bin Mohammed Al-Balushi, successfully qualified for the final round of the 100-meter sprint after taking first place in the preliminary heats of Group A with a time of 10.98 seconds. Meanwhile, Oman’s national equestrian and golf teams began their individual and team competitions at the 3rd Asian Youth Games, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain from October 22 to 31.

The event features over 5,000 athletes representing 45 Asian National Olympic Committees, competing across 24 sports, 31 categories, and 253 events. Competitions are held at several major venues including Isa Sports City, Khalifa Sports City, the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre, the Endurance Village, and Sama Bay.

Al-Balushi’s qualification for the 100m final came after he topped his heat with a time of 10.98 seconds. Iranian athlete Darvish placed second with 11.02 seconds, while Wong from Hong Kong, China came third with 11.08 seconds, and Pakistan’s Murtaza finished fourth with a time of 11.20 seconds. Deputy Head of Delegation Brigadier (Ret.) Saeed bin Mohammed Al-Hajri and Oman Olympic Committee Secretary General Abdullah bin Mohammed Bamkhalaf congratulated Al-Balushi on his achievement, expressing their confidence in his ability to perform strongly in the finals and aim for a podium finish.

Team and Individual Competitions

The national equestrian and golf teams kicked off their team and individual events. Representing the equestrian team are riders Sayyid Abdulaziz bin Fahad Al-Busaidi, Taha bin Ziyad Al-Balushi, and Sarah bint Suhail Al-Kathiri. The golf team, competing in the team event, includes players Adam bin Masoud Al-Barwani, Mahir Nikhil Sembat, and Branch bin Gopal Jagwani. The opening day saw intense competition among top athletes from across the continent.

On Friday, the athletics, equestrian, and golf competitions will continue. In athletics, Yazan bin Rashid Al-Shamsi will compete in the 800m race, while Raed Al-Balushi will take part in the 200m preliminary heats. On Saturday, Hamad bin Nasser Al-Riyami will compete in the 2000m steeplechase. The taekwondo team is also set to begin its events on Thursday, represented by Shahnaz Al-Maawali and Ziyad Al-Balushi in their respective weight categories. Three athletes—Qaboos Al-Balushi, Al-Mutassim Al-Hajri, and Fidaa Al-Barwani—underwent weigh-in tests on Friday, with their competitions set to start on Saturday.

Simple Opening Ceremony

The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Oman Olympic Committee, took part in the official opening ceremony of the 3rd Asian Youth Games, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain from October 22 to 31. The ceremony was held at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre in Sakhir, under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs, and His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Chairman of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee.

Oman’s delegation was led by H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Khamis Ambusaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for Education and Head of Delegation, along with Brigadier (Ret.) Saeed bin Mohammed Al-Hajri, Deputy Head of Delegation, and Abdullah bin Mohammed Bamkhalaf, Secretary General of the Oman Olympic Committee.

The ceremony began with the parade of nations, where Oman’s flag was proudly carried by taekwondo athletes Fidaa bint Fouad Al-Barwani and Qaboos bin Saeed Al-Balushi. The event showcased over 5,000 athletes representing 45 Asian National Olympic Committees.

The opening ceremony featured captivating performances blending modernity with Bahrain’s rich traditions through artistic displays narrating the nation’s history and its message of peace and unity through sport and art. The ceremony also included official speeches, the athletes’ oath, the raising of the Games flag, and the lighting of the Asian torch, which will remain ablaze throughout the event.

Taekwondo Team Fully Prepared

Talal bin Mohammed Al-Balushi, President of the Oman Taekwondo Committee, confirmed the team’s readiness, stating: “The players are highly motivated, and we have full confidence in their abilities despite the strong competition from some of Asia’s top athletes. The team underwent intensive preparations ahead of the Asian Youth Games, following a clear development plan set by the Oman Taekwondo Committee to enhance technical performance and readiness for continental and international events.”

He added: “All athletes showed great commitment and discipline throughout the training period and camps, reflecting their determination to represent Oman honorably. This participation is part of our strategy to invest in national talent and nurture young athletes to compete for top positions in Asian and global championships. We hope these efforts will result in medals and achievements that proudly raise Oman’s flag high in Bahrain.”

Equestrian Team with High Ambition

Ziyad bin Ayoub Al-Balushi, from the national equestrian team’s technical staff, affirmed the team’s readiness, saying: “The riders are in high spirits and started the competition with strong motivation to represent Oman in the best way possible. The team underwent eight weeks of preparation, training five to six times per week to improve fitness, coordination with the horses, and correct technical errors.”

He explained that the training program included ground fitness, low jump exercises, endurance rides, and technical simulations of the competition environment. In the second month, the focus shifted to speed, precision, and performance under competition conditions. Upon arrival in Bahrain, the team continued its technical training sessions to ensure full readiness for the event.

Medical Support Services

Dr. Afrah bint Hamoud Al-Jabri, member of the Oman Sports Medicine Committee, highlighted the importance of the medical delegation’s participation, stating: “Medical support is essential to ensure the health and safety of athletes, coaches, and officials. Our team includes physiotherapist Khalil bin Khalfan Al-Busaidi, who works closely with the national teams to monitor athletes’ conditions, review previous or current injuries, and ensure all medications comply with anti-doping regulations.”

She added: “A fully equipped medical clinic has been set up at one of the hotels to provide comprehensive health services, including medical examinations, treatment, and coordination with the organizing committee for any additional medical care if required. The clinic also offers advanced physiotherapy services using modern techniques such as electrotherapy, dry needling, and cupping therapy to help athletes recover quickly and return to competition.”

Dr. Al-Jabri concluded: “The medical team monitors all competitions involving Omani athletes, ensuring their safety, providing immediate medical care when needed, and following up on recovery cases throughout the Games.”