Muscat – The 19th Asian Games, set to unfold in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8, will see Oman’s sports stars vying for top honours. 

On Thursday, Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) confirmed its participation with a 44-member squad, representing athletics, weightlifting, water sports, shooting, beach volleyball and hockey. The announcement came during a meeting at the OOC headquarters, which involved detailed discussions concerning the technical aspects of participation, event schedules, accommodation and crucial health protocols, especially regarding COVID-19.

The selection process for the squad relied heavily on analytics, conformance to OOC’s set standards, results of the 2022-2023 season, and continental and international rankings.

The Asian Games are Asia’s premier sporting event and trail only the Summer Olympics in global stature. This year’s edition promises to be grand, featuring over 12,000 athletes from 45 nations competing in 40 sports. 

Oman’s delegation

Athletics: The competitions, scheduled between September 29 and October 5, will be held at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Stadium. The team consists of 12 members, including athletes and support staff.

Weightlifting: Four members will represent Oman, with events taking place at the Xiaoshan Sports Centre from September 30 to October 7.

Shooting: Eight participants will compete from September 24 to October 1 at the Fuyang Yinhu Sports Centre.

Water Sports: Two athletes will take part in events at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Stadium from September 24 to 29.

Sailing: From September 19 to 27; six sailors will compete in events at the Xiangshan Sailing Centre.

Beach volleyball: Oman’s team comprises four players and a coach. Matches will be held at the Ningbo Beach Volleyball Centre from September 19 to 28. 

Hockey: A 24-member squad will compete at the Gongshu Sports Stadium between September 24 and October 7.