MUSCAT, FEB 15
Over 200 athletes from 23 countries are taking part in FISU World University Championships Cross Country (Muscat 2024) in Muscat on Saturday and Sunday.
The opening ceremony will be held in the National University on Friday in the presence of Leonz Eder, FISU President; Dr Salim al Araimi, Chairman of OCUS; and officials.
Runners from France, Japan, South Africa, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Kenya, the UAE, the UK, Libya, Turkey, Czech Republic, Qatar, Iraq and Poland are taking part in the competition. Oman team comprises eight runners. Khalid al Siyabi, Abdul Rahman al Kharousi, Osama al Hamhami and Abdullah al Tobi will compete for the short distance while Emad al Farsi, al Mukhtar al Hinai, Abdullah al Qartoobi and Ayman al Daari will take part in long distance. The team is coached by Said al Rashdi.
The event is ogranised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, Oman Committee of University Sports (OCUS) in coordination with the International University Sports Federation (FISU).
The Competition venue will be at the Military Technological College (MTC). The selection of this venue was based on various factors such as availability of all the appropriate facilities and infrastructure, easy accessibility and suitability.
The actions of the FISU World University Championships Cross Country (Muscat 2024) will begin on Saturday with Short Relay Race (1.5-2 km) competitions. This will be followed with the Long Relay Race for a distance of 4.5-6 km. On the following day, the women’s race (3 km) competitions will start and then the men’s race for a distance of 3 km. Later, the competition of Women’s and Men’s race for 10km distance will take place followed by medals awarding ceremony.
Career Highlight
Leonz Eder said he is very delighted to welcome all the athletes in Muscat, for the 2024 FISU World University Championship Cross Country. “Competing at the World University Championships is a career highlight for many university athletes. For others, it is a step up to the next level of performance. What they all have in common is that they meet like-minded people. May these competitions not only serve as a sporting comparison but also as an opportunity for intercultural exchange. This is of particular importance and significance in the challenging times we are all facing,” FISU President added
“ Over the following two days, all the participating athletes will compete alongside some of the best student-athletes in the world. The FISU World University Championships demand skill, athleticism, and single-minded determination to do your best. But beyond the competition, FISU urges you to take full advantage of this moment. May you return home with memories that will last a lifetime and perhaps even some new friends from faraway places,” the chief of FISU said.
Test of Endurance
Dr Al Araimi said that it is a great honour to welcome all of the participants in the 23rd World University Championship Cross-Country Muscat 2024. I also welcome all the FISU, athletes, coaches and support staff from universities across the world. Cross Country running is a true test of endurance and determination, and it is a pleasure to see so many talented young athletes gathered to showcase their skill and compete for the title of 23rd World University Champion Cross-Country Muscat 2024”, he said. “I wish best of luck for this championship. May this event be a true celebration of the passion and dedication that drive our young athletes to greatness."
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