MUSCAT : Dr. Faisal bin Hamad Al Maawali, Chairman of the Oman Karate Committee, said karate in Oman is witnessing steady growth in both participation and competitive results, supported by institutional development and ongoing technical programs that have produced promising athletes at regional and international levels.

In an interview with the Oman News Agency, he noted that karate has gained widespread popularity across the country, with an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 male and female practitioners and between 30 and 50 clubs and training centres.

He said recent years have seen tangible progress in international competitions, with medal performances in Gulf and West Asian championships reflecting an improved technical level.

Dr. Al Maawali stated that the national team won four medals at the 2022 Gulf Games in Kuwait, including one silver medal by Mohammed Al-Kindi and three bronze medals by Mohammed Al-Hajri, Saeed Al-Shabibi, and Rashid Al-Ghazali.

He added that the 2023 West Asian Championship in the UAE yielded six medals, including one gold medal by Saeed Al-Shabibi and five bronze medals by Laith Al-Barwani, Mukhtar Al-Amri, Hazza Al-Jahouri, Mudathir Al-Batrani, and Houra Al-Lawatia.

He further noted that the 2024 West Asian Championship in the UAE marked continued progress, with the team securing six medals — four silver medals by Sharifa Al-Shabibi, Al-Yaqdhan Al-Abdali, Laith Al-Barwani, and Idris Al-Batrani, and two bronze medals by Mohammed Al-Shabibi and Mukhtar Al-Amri.

In the 2025 West Asian Championship in Jordan, the national team added three bronze medals through Saeed Al-Shabibi, Idris Al-Batrani, and Muhammad Al-Shabibi.

He said these results reflect sustained development in athlete performance, adding that several Omani athletes have gained valuable international experience and contributed to improving the country’s sporting standing.

On the domestic front, he said the committee organizes the annual Oman Karate Championship, which serves as a key platform for talent identification, with new athletes regularly progressing into national squads.

Regarding technical preparation, Dr. Al Maawali said player selection is based on precise technical criteria, with structured weekly training sessions and domestic and international training camps held ahead of major competitions.

He added that the committee is preparing a training camp for the upcoming Asian Championship in Indonesia to ensure optimal technical and physical readiness.

He also stressed the importance of continuous development of technical staff through regular courses and workshops for referees and coaches, noting that cooperation between clubs and international schools — particularly Japanese systems — has contributed to raising training standards.

He said clubs remain the backbone of karate development, playing a key role in talent identification and skill development, while also promoting values such as discipline, respect, and focus.

Dr. Al Maawali concluded that the next phase will focus on expanding training programmes, increasing international participation, and sustaining domestic competitions, with the aim of further enhancing Oman’s medal tally and strengthening its presence on continental and international stages.

For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.