Oman’s beach volleyball B team begins campaign with a defeat

MUSCAT: Oman’s beach volleyball B team opened their Asian Games campaign with a straight-sets defeat to Thailand, while shooter Khalid Al Kalbani missed the final in the men’s 10m air rifle qualification at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan on Monday.

The duo of Ahmed Al Hosni and Khalfan Al Maamari went down 21-11, 21-12 to Thailand’s Nitiron Muneekul and Wachirawit Muadpa at the Hekinan Ryokuchi Beach Volleyball venue.

Thailand established control early and maintained their advantage throughout, although the Omani pair attempted to mount a fightback in the second set.

The Omani pair will now turn their attention to their contest against Iran team on September 23, followed by match against Timor-Leste duo on September 26.

‘Difficult match’

“We expected a difficult match against Thailand, but this defeat is behind us now,” Al Hosni said. “We will work hard and go into the Iran match with confidence and belief.”

Al Maamari said the opening match had provided valuable experience, particularly as it was the first official tournament appearance together.

He added that the team would analyse its mistakes and seek a stronger performance in the remaining group matches.

Al Kalbani 13th

In shooting, Al Kalbani finished 13th among 47 competitors in the men’s 10m air rifle qualification with 627.8 points, narrowly missing out on the final. China’s Li Hao Xing topped the qualification with 635.4 points, followed by compatriot Ma Sihan on 633.0 and India’s Rudrankksh Patil on 631.8.

Al Kalbani is scheduled to compete in the 10m air rifle mixed event on Tuesday, while team-mate Hamad Al Khatri finished 41st with 612.5 points. Oman’s Nghamoush Al Hatali also began his three-day skeet competition.

Oman meet heavyweights Malaysia in hockey

Attention will then turn to hockey stadium, with Oman facing Malaysia on Tuesday at 3pm local time (10am Muscat time) at Gifu Hockey Stadium. The Reds lost their opening match 2-0 to China, while Malaysia began with a 7-0 victory over Uzbekistan.

Meanwhile, Oman’s 11-member athletics team is due to arrive in Nagoya on Tuesday, comprising eight men and three women competing across several disciplines.