MUSCAT : Omani weightlifter Amer bin Salem Al Khanjari, a member of the national team since 2014, has emerged as one of the Sultanate’s most accomplished athletes, winning 18 gold, 6 silver, and 6 bronze medals across Gulf, Arab, and international championships.

Among his most notable achievements are a silver medal in the clean and jerk and a bronze in the overall total (88 kg category) at the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, in addition to a silver at the 2021 edition. He was also named one of Oman’s top three promising athletes in 2023 and received an invitation to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he finished tenth.

In an interview with the Oman News Agency, Al Khanjari reflected on his journey: “My true passion for weightlifting began in my early youth, but the real turning point came when I competed in my first international championship in Qatar in 2014. Standing on the podium, I realised I wasn’t just lifting weights, but the responsibility and pride of the Sultanate of Oman.”

He credited discipline and long-term planning for his success. “Weightlifting isn’t just a strength sport; it’s a life project that requires daily commitment and vision. I no longer train just to improve my physique or break records; I train to reach the biggest international competitions,” he said.

Speaking about his biggest challenges, he explained that after his injury, he realised that motivation doesn’t always come from feeling strong, but from commitment. He said that after injuring his knee and failing in a championship, he had to undergo surgery. That period was a true test of his self-belief, as being away from the podium is much harder than being on it.

“Motivation doesn’t always come from feeling strong – it comes from commitment. I divided my rehabilitation into stages, celebrated small progress, and kept repeating: ‘If I come back from this injury, nothing will be impossible,’” he stated.

His training regimen now integrates strength, technique, recovery, nutrition, and mental focus. “Every session is a calculated step in a long-term plan. Athletic success depends on integrating body, mind, and discipline,” he explained.

Al Khanjari highlighted the role of the Omani sports environment, including coaches, teammates, and institutional support, in shaping his career. He said participation in local championships built his foundation, while international competitions honed his professionalism and competitive edge.

Looking ahead, Al Khanjari aims to reach the podium in major international championships, using his tenth-place finish in Tokyo as a springboard. He also hopes to inspire future generations of Omani weightlifters, emphasizing that a true legacy lies not only in medals but in influence, discipline, and ambition.

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