Muscat – In a remarkable achievement for Omani sports, 21-year-old Abdullah Mohammed al Kindi from Muscat clinched a gold medal at the Elfit Arab Championship held in Hurghada, Egypt from June 5 to 8.

The win gives him the distinction of being the first Omani athlete to secure the top spot in the youth category (men’s U21) of the CrossFit programme at this prestigious event. The competition saw participation of over 320 athletes from 18 Arab nations, including Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Algeria and the Gulf states, besides Egypt, highlighting its regional significance.

Kindi’s journey to the top was marked by intensive preparations, dedicating three to four hours daily to training for the last three years. His commitment to fitness also led him to victory in the 2023 Bahrain Throwdown Championship.

CrossFit, a multifaceted fitness programme involving running, weightlifting, gymnastics, swimming and other disciplines, is both a rigorous training regimen and a lifestyle for Kindi. He credits the programme with providing a balanced approach to physical and mental well-being, tailored to achieve diverse fitness goals.

Balancing academic commitments at Muscat University with professional training presented significant challenges for Kindi.

He also spoke of the need for financial support and greater recognition for his sport, besides intense training blending physical and mental preparations. “Patience, determination, willpower and the unwavering support of my family and gym – One More Fitness Club –  helped me overcome the challenges.”

He described the support he received as “instrumental” to his journey.

“I dedicate this achievement to H H Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, and His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik,” Kindi said, expressing his gratitude towards Oman’s leadership for the support and vision which significantly contributed to his success.

Kindi is now gearing up for the upcoming ‘Phoenix Games’ in Qatar in September 2024, featuring participants from over 25 countries. He hopes to not just compete but also replicate his success on this larger stage, continuing to raise Oman’s profile in international sports.