Muscat – Oman’s para athletics team has begun its campaign at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Tunisia, using the competition as a key step in preparations for the Asian Para Games in Japan this October.

Running from June 14 to 21, the event is part of the national team’s qualification and preparations programme, with athletes aiming to achieve the required standards for continental competition and improve their international rankings.

The Grand Prix is considered an important stage in the team’s build-up this season, providing athletes an opportunity to register qualifying performances and build on results achieved in recent international events.

Ahead of the competition, the team completed a series of intensive training camps focusing on technical, physical and event-specific preparations under the supervision of the national coaching staff.

Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Hinai, Secretary of the Omani Paralympic Committee, said participation in Tunisia is part of the committee’s approved technical plan to prepare athletes for upcoming continental competitions.

“The tournament represents an important opportunity to enhance the athletes’ readiness and achieve the qualifying standards required for the Asian championships and other major events,” Al Hinai said.

He added that the committee provided the technical and administrative support needed to ensure the success of the preparations programme and create suitable conditions for athletes ahead of the competition.

Al Hinai praised the commitment shown by the athletes and the efforts of the technical and administrative teams in raising performance levels during the training period.

Oman is being represented by seven athletes – Mohammed bin Jamil Al Mashaikhi, Taha bin Abdullah Al Harasi, Mohammed bin Harith Al Qasimi, Talib bin Abdullah Musafir Al Balushi, Qusay bin Abdullah Al Rawahi, Rawan bint Ahmed Al Hasaniya and Iman bint Taysir Al Shamsi.

The coaching and support staff accompanying the team include general coach Sami Al Zarli, sprint and track coach Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Anbari, throws coach Asaad bin Mohammed Al Qarni and physiotherapist Hani bin Salem Al Shamkhi.