Muscat – National karate team delivered an impressive performance at the fifth West Asian Karate Championship, held at the Sharjah Sports Council in the UAE on November 29 and 30. Competing against athletes from ten countries, including GCC states, Iraq, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan, the team secured six medals: four silver and two bronze.

Coach Ali al Shabibi commended the team’s determination, particularly the U-21 athletes who overcame inexperience to perform admirably on an international stage. “The championship featured around 500 participants, and our athletes showed great resolve and skill,” he told Muscat Daily.

The silver medal winners included Sherifa al Shabibiya, Idris al Batrani, Laith al Barwani, and Al Yaqzan al Abdali, while Mukhtar al Amri and Mohammed al Shabibi earned bronze. The team’s success followed months of rigorous training, with sessions held three times a week to ensure physical and mental readiness for the competition.

Shabibi highlighted the efforts of the Oman Karate Committee in developing both athletes and referees. He expressed optimism about the future of karate in Oman, advocating for more international training camps and competitions to further enhance the team’s skills.

The championship also hosted an Asian referees course from November 26 to 28, focusing on Kata and Kumite regulations and offering promotion tests for the Judge Badge (B). Several Omani referees, including Mundhir Bilal Hassan, Adel bin Salem al Hinai, and Samira Najafi, successfully passed the course, further demonstrating Oman’s commitment to advancing its presence in the sport.

This strong performance reinforces Oman’s growing stature in the regional karate scene and sets the stage for continued success on international platforms.