Muscat – Oman’s star sprinter Ali al Balushi clocked a new personal best of 10.09 seconds in the 100m dash to win gold at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold in Beijing, China on Sunday.

Oman Athletics Association (OAA) hailed his achievement, confirming that the record-breaking performance secured him qualification for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, scheduled from September 13 to 21. Balushi is currently the only Arab athlete to qualify for the men’s 100m event and is ranked 38th globally among sprinters competing in the championship.

Speaking after his victory, Balushi said, “I am happy and proud of this win. It will be a huge motivation for me to achieve another milestone for Oman at the upcoming championship. This medal was not easy – it came after hard work, perseverance and long preparations.”

Looking ahead, he added, “We will begin a training camp before the championship. My aim is to reach the final rounds against the world’s best sprinters and to improve my time further.”

Following the championships in Tokyo, Balushi and his teammates will gear up for the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games to be held in Saudi Arabia from November 7 to 21. Several Omani athletes have already qualified, including Mulham al Balushi (100m) and the national relay team, besides Balushi (100m and 200m).

OAA is arranging overseas training camps and international meet participations in October to sharpen preparations for the games in Saudi Arabia, which will bring together more than 3,000 athletes from 57 countries across 23 sports.