Muscat – Omani swimmer Khalid bin Mohammed Al Kulaibi won five gold medals at the 2nd Asian Masters Swimming Championships. The championship took place in Bengaluru, India, from October 4 to 10, 2026. Al Kulaibi topped the podium in the 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, 100m butterfly, 400m freestyle and 200m individual medley, demonstrating his versatility across five demanding events.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Al Kulaibi described the achievement as a source of immense pride, particularly given the participation of swimmers from several Asian countries.

“For me, these medals are not just results; they are the fruit of many years of training, patience and commitment to swimming, even after I stopped representing the national team,” he said.

He added that standing on the podium and raising the Omani flag was the most memorable moment of the championships.

“That feeling is indescribable. It reminded me of my days representing the national team and confirmed that an athlete can continue achieving success regardless of age,” he said, dedicating his achievement to Oman.

The event brought together swimmers from nine Asian countries – China, Japan, India, Malaysia, Iran, Singapore, Thailand and Pakistan, besides Oman. The masters category provides swimmers aged over 25 with opportunities to compete against experienced international opponents.

Al Kulaibi prepared for the competition through a month-long training camp at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher, using facilities associated with the Oman Aquatics Federation’s national team. He trained under the supervision of the national teams’ head coach, while federation board member Mohammed Al Habsi accompanied him during the competition.

Maintaining fitness and technical standards were among his biggest challenges, particularly as his training routine differed from that of his national team years.

“Swimming requires consistency and considerable discipline. Any interruption in training affects performance, so the real challenge was returning to competition and preparing for five different races,” he said.

Balancing professional responsibilities, personal commitments and intensive training required careful time management and sacrifices. However, his experience reinforced the importance of consistency and discipline in achieving sporting goals.

His attention has now turned to the World Aquatics Masters Championships, scheduled to take place in Hungary in July 2027. He hopes to build on his continental success and compete for a medal against swimmers from around the world.

“My ambition is not simply to participate, but a medal, if God wills,” he said, noting that the world championships would require more specialised preparation.

Al Kulaibi thanked Oman Aquatics Federation for its support, as well as official sponsor Madinat Sandan for backing his participation.

He also encouraged young Omani athletes to persevere despite challenges, stressing that sporting ambitions need not end when an athlete leaves the national team.

Al Kulaibi hopes his achievement will inspire former Omani swimmers to return to competition and strengthen Oman’s presence at Asian and world masters championships.