Muscat: Al Hinai’s sporting journey is marked by consistent podium finishes in taekwondo championships across multiple countries. Her accolades include a gold medal at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Taekwondo Championship, gold and the Best Player award at the Fujairah Taekwondo Championship, third place at the Bosnia and Herzegovina International (1G) Taekwondo Championship, and second place at the Jordan Sons Taekwondo Championship.

Her excellence has extended seamlessly into athletics, where she made history as the first Omani woman to secure first place in the 5-kilometre category at the Al Mouj Marathon. She also finished among the top five runners in the 50-kilometre race and claimed first place nationally and third overall in the 5-kilometre race at the Muscat Marathon, becoming the first Omani woman to break the national record for the distance. The Muscat Marathon saw participation from more than 13,000 runners representing 60 countries. In addition, she secured first place in the 3-kilometre race and second place in the 400-metre race at the Omani Women’s Sports Games.

Speaking to the Oman News Agency, Al Hinai said her entry into sport was driven not by careful planning or external influence, but by a personal desire to challenge herself. Drawn to taekwondo for its emphasis on discipline, patience, and strength of character, she acknowledged that choosing a combat sport was uncommon for girls in the local community, particularly at the beginning of her journey. However, she viewed confronting such challenges as an essential part of her athletic growth.

Her transition into marathon running was influenced by her mother, a former marathon runner, who introduced her to the philosophy of endurance and long-distance discipline. Al Hinai credited her mother’s constant encouragement and presence at competitions as a cornerstone of her success, stressing that sporting achievement is a collective effort rooted in family support and shared values.

Reflecting on challenges, Al Hinai noted that her greatest test was not injury or defeat, but internal doubt about sustaining two demanding sporting paths simultaneously. While taekwondo presents fast, direct challenges, marathon running demands prolonged mental and physical endurance. In the final kilometres of races, she draws on taekwondo principles of calmness under pressure and self-control to push through exhaustion.

Al Hinai highlighted the vital role of sports institutions in nurturing talent in the Sultanate, emphasizing that federations and clubs provide not only physical training but also psychological support and long-term athlete development. She also underlined the importance of international exposure through overseas camps and championships in shaping competitive athletes capable of succeeding on the global stage.

Advocating a long-term national vision, she called for a sustainable “champion-making” culture in Oman that begins with talent identification in schools, progresses through clubs and national teams, and culminates on international platforms.

On a personal level, Al Hinai said sport has shaped her lifestyle, fostering psychological balance, humility, and resilience. She believes taekwondo and marathon running are complementary disciplines, a balance reflected in her careful training schedules, recovery periods, and attention to nutrition.

Addressing young girls considering non-traditional sports, Al Hinai urged them not to fear difference or challenge, emphasizing that passion, determination, and family support are key to success. Looking ahead, she said her ambitions remain high, with a firm resolve to continue raising Oman’s flag at international competitions and inspiring the next generation of female athletes.