Muscat – The Oman national Taekwondo team made a stellar start at the first Gulf Youth Games in the United Arab Emirates, clinching five medals, including four golds, on the opening day on Tuesday. Daoud al Yousifi notably became the first athlete to win a medal in this year’s tournament.

In a closely contested 33-37kg category, Yousifi defeated Hamid bin Mohammed of the UAE to claim the gold.

Meanwhile, Ziyad al Balushi triumphed in the 37-41kg weight class, besting Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman.

Muhannad al Hajri continued the gold rush, securing the top spot in the 49-53kg category by overcoming Yousef al Antali from the UAE. Youssef Al Zadjali earned a silver in the 45-49kg category after a narrow defeat to Nasser Al Muhairi, also from the UAE.

In the women’s competitions, Dania al Abdalia added to Oman’s gold tally by outperforming Emirati Majda Bint Rashid in the 37-41kg category.

The taekwondo events will continue on Wednesday alongside the commencement of athletics and sailing competitions. The national sailing team is set to participate at the Abu Dhabi Marine and Sailing Club.

Athletics events will kick off on Wednesday at the Dubai Police Officers Club and are scheduled to continue through April 19. The Omani delegation, comprising 12 athletes – eight males and four females- is poised to compete across various disciplines in the games.