Muscat – Oman’s Ali al Balushi won the 100m race at the Sixth Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh clocking 10.30 seconds and reinforcing his status as one of the region’s leading sprinters. The win adds to his growing list of international medals this season.

Being held from November 7 to 21, the games have brought together more than 3,000 athletes from 57 countries competing in 23 sports. Represented by Oman Olympic Committee, the sultanate is participating in eight disciplines – athletics, weightlifting, aquatic sports, karate, taekwondo, para athletics, e-sports and fencing.

Balushi said the victory carried deep personal meaning after months of intense preparations. “Standing on the podium with the Omani flag gives me a feeling I cannot describe,” he said. “This medal represents years of training and sacrifice. It motivates me to push harder and aim for more medals for Oman in the coming days.”

Balushi has enjoyed an exceptional year. In September, he clocked a personal best of 10.09 seconds to win gold at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meet in Beijing, a performance that placed him among the season’s fastest runners in Asia.

He said he remains focused on maintaining his form. “I will begin a training camp ahead of the next championship. My goal is to reach the final rounds of major championships against the world’s best sprinters and improve my time even further,” he added.