MUSCAT : As part of its efforts to support girls’ participation in sports events, Oman Athletics Association recently took steps to bolster the Female Athletes Centre in the Governorate of Muscat.

The centre serves as an integrated training platform aimed at discovering and developing the skills of promising athletes. The centre seeks to groom the skills of the female sports talents in a manner that raises their readiness for local and international competitions. It also contributes to the establishment of a sustainable female base in athletics in the Sultanate of Oman.

Noura Salim Al Balushi, member of the board of directors of Oman Athletics Association, who is the supervisor of the centre, said that the Association’s programme includes a comprehensive training plan covering all technical and physical aspects. The programme furnishes a motivating environment that supports the female athletes’ ambitions and fulfils their aspirations.

“The centre’s activation was a mission that engaged government and private schools from the Muscat Governorate”, said Noura, noting that the sports talents’ selection programme was carried out in two phases that resulted in the formation of a first batch of 65 female athletes. The athletes underwent a set of specialized selection criteria that qualified them to be part of the pioneer group, she observed.

The players are currently undergoing training under the supervision of Omani coach Shanoona Al Habsi, who commands a distinguished field experience and a great passion for champions, Noura explained.

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