Doha: Oman’s athletics team emerged as one of the biggest highlights of the tournament after securing four medals, including three golds and one silver, reaffirming the team’s strong presence in the regional sporting event, which runs until May 22.

Mazoon bint Khalfan Al-Alawi opened the gold medal count for Oman after clinching first place in the long jump competition, while Fatih bin Abdul Ghafour Beit Jaaboub added another gold with a remarkable performance in the high jump event.

In the men’s 100-metre race, sprinter Ali bin Anwar Al-Balushi stormed to gold, while teammate Mulham bin Darwish Al-Balushi claimed silver, underlining the growing strength of Omani sprinting on the Gulf stage.

In fencing, Israa bint Saif Al-Siyabi continued her dominance by winning her second gold medal of the tournament in the foil category, cementing her status as one of Oman’s standout athletes at the Games. Meanwhile, Ahmed bin Anwar Kaskas and Al-Harith bin Salem Al-Harthi added two bronze medals in the épée competition to Oman’s tally.

Oman’s athletics team is set to compete in more races tomorrow as it aims to further increase its medal count and challenge for top positions in the overall athletics standings.

Oman’s shooting team will participate in the 10-metre mixed air rifle competition, while the national snooker team continues its campaign in Doha.

Attention will also turn to volleyball, with Oman’s national team set to begin its journey in the tournament tomorrow against Bahrain at 5pm Muscat time at Aspire Sports Hall. The UAE and Qatar will face off in the second match at 7:30pm.

The Omani volleyball team enters the competition with high hopes following extensive preparations, including intensive training camps led by Tunisian coach Nizar Al-Shakili, who took charge of the team earlier this year.

Speaking after his gold medal triumph, sprinter Ali bin Anwar Al-Balushi expressed pride in his achievement, describing the race as highly competitive.

“The 100-metre race was very tough, and thank God I was able to win the gold medal and dedicate it to the Sultanate of Oman and the Omani fans,” he said.

Gold medallist Fatih bin Abdul Ghafour Beit Jaaboub also praised the level of competition in the high jump event, especially with the participation of Olympic champion Mutaz Barshim.

“Winning the gold medal has a special taste. Competing alongside Mutaz Barshim gave me extra motivation to perform at my best. I hope this achievement becomes a stepping stone towards future success at the Asian Games in Japan,” he said.