Monday 29 / April / 2024
MUSCAT: Oman made a spectacular start to the inaugural GCC Youth Games, which began in the UAE on Tuesday as the taekwondo players bagged an impressive total of five medals, including four gold, on Tuesday.
Oman’s Dawood Al Yousufi picked the first gold of the taekwondo event, being held in Fujairah to kick-start a fruitful day for the team.
The other gold medallists were Ziyad Al Balushi, Muhannad Al Hajri in the boy's event while Dania Al Abdali clinched the fourth gold in girls' category.
Youssef Al Zadjali completed the tally on the opening day of taekwondo action with a silver.
The inaugural GCC Youth Games, which began on Tuesday will conclude on May 2.
The Games will witness the participation of the six Gulf nations featuring nearly 3,500 players (boys and girls) in 24 sports disciplines.
Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) has sent a strong delegation comprising 200 athletes and are scheduled to compete in 15 sports.
Dawood Al Yousifi grabbed the first gold medal in the 33-37 kg weight competition with a win over UAE’s Hamid Mohammed to get his name etched in the record books as he became the first Omani to win the gold at the inaugural GCC Youth Games. Incidentally, it was also the first gold of the taekwondo event.
Oman’s Ziyad Al Balushi got the second gold as he beat Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Abdulrahman in the 3-41 kg category.
Muhannad al Hajri claimed the third gold medal (49-53 kg event) for Oman with a win over UAE’s Youssef Al Antali.
The fourth gold was earned by Omani girl, Dania al Abdali (37-41 kg) as she defeated UAE’s Magda Rashid.
Oman’s Youssef Al Zadjali rounded off the medal-winning spree as he took silver in the 45-49 kg class, as he lost to UAE’s Nasser Al Muhairi.
Rains disrupt training sessions, postpone football opener
Meanwhile, heavy rains in the UAE disrupted the training sessions for track and field athletes and sailors as they were forced indoors following the cancellation of respective practice sessions.
Also the much-awaited football opener between Oman and the UAE U17 teams on Tuesday was also postponed due to adverse weather conditions and heavy rains. The match has been rescheduled for a later date.
If weather conditions improve, Oman sailors will begin the Optimist class competition on Wednesday at the Abu Dhabi Marine and Sailing Sports Club.
The sailing squad comprise Tamim Al Balushi, Hod Al Nawfali, Mohammed Al Qasimi, Khamis Al Mashaykhi, Abdullatif Al Qasimi, Firas Al Hashimi, Hatem al Araimi Ilyas Al Fudaili, and the only girl participant in Tarteel Al Hasani.
Also, athletics events will begin at the Dubai Police Officers Club and will continue until April 19. The national team includes 12 athletes (8 boys and 4 girls) and will participate in 100m, 200n, 400m, 800m, 1,500m, 3,000m, long and high jump, shot put, discus and hammer throw events.
Hamoud Al Dalhami is the coach, while the team manager is Fawzi Al Kiyumi.
Meanwhile, the national volleyball team concluded their domestic camp in Sohar and will arrive in Dubai on Wednesday. Oman begin their campaign against the UAE on Saturday, and then play against Kuwait on Sunday followed by a match against Qatar. They then meet Saudi Arabia before finishing the league-format with a clash against Bahrain on April 25.
The national chess team arrived in Sharjah on Tuesday after completing the training camp at Al Amal Club in Muscat. The 12-member include Ahmed Al Rahbi, Firas Al Lawati, Mohammed Al Riyami, Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Mohammed Al Riyami, Mohammed Al Balushi (all boys), Doa’a Al Muqbali, Hoor Al Shukaili, Maryam Al Balushi, Nour Al Ghafri, Reem Al Balushi, and Reem Al Shukaili (all girls).
