Oman pick six more medals to raise tally to 18 at first GCC Youth Games

Muscat: On Thursday, Oman athletes continued their excellent run at the first GCC Youth Games in the UAE, picking up six more medals to bring their overall tally to 18.

Girl athletes did Oman proud as Ghaya Al Saadi claimed the gold in the 400m race while Samer Al Yaarubi bagged the second gold. Ghaya Al Saadi won the 400 m gold in the girls' race, and Samer Al Yaarubi bagged the second gold in the 1,500m. In the boys' category, Ahmed Al Jabri won the bronze in the 100m.

Elsewhere, medals were earned in paralympic events, such as Oman national champion Faisal Al Balushi, who won two medals: a gold medal in 200m and a silver medal in 100m. The third medal was won in the girls category, as Maryam Al Badiah claimed a bronze medal in the 100m.

Abdullah Al Anbari, Oman Paralympic coach, said: "The victory came despite the limited time of preparations due to adverse weather conditions. Salute to our heroes who won the medals. It is a gift to the people of the Sultanate".

Off the pitch, the GCC delegations met in Dubai in the presence of Nasser Al Tamimi and Nabil Ashour, members of the Board of Directors of the UAE Olympic Committee and Organising Committee for the first GCC Youth Games. Kazim Al Balushi and Hanaa Al Battashi represented Oman.

On Friday, a chess competition will begin, and the Oman U17 football team will take on Kuwait. Sailing and athletics events will also continue on Friday.