Dubai: Ahmed bin Bader al Rahbi claimed a silver medal in the under-18 individual rapid chess at the first GCC Youth Games being held in United Arab Emirates from April 16 to May 2.
After the conclusion of five-day chess competition on Monday night, Oman bagged three medals in rapid chess category. Oman won a silver in the under-14 girls team and bronze medals each in under-18 male and female categories.
Ruqaya al Balushi, Oman chess delegation official, said: "The national team opened the participation immediately upon its arrival in the UAE, after a delay due to the weather conditions. The results were modest on the first day, after which the team compensated with three medals the next day."
"The achievement is noteworthy as most of the Omani players are appearing in a major tournament for the first time."
"We thank Oman Olympic Committee for all efforts made to overcome the difficulties, also we thank the Organising Committee for its professional conduct of the event."
On Tuesday, the Oman delegation will take part in the official opening ceremony of the Games in Dubai Opera. The delegation includes HH Sayyid Azzan bin Qais al Said, Vice-Chairman of Oman Olympic Committee, Taha bin Sulaiman al Kishri, Secretary-General of OOC, Qais bin Saud al Zakwani, board member, Lujaina bint Mohsen Haider Darwish, board member, Sanaa al Busaidi, Chairperson of Oman Committee for Women’s Sports and Gender Equality, and Kadhim al Balushi, Director of the Mission.
VOLLEYBALL, HANDBALL TEAMS LOSS
Oman volleyball team lost its third match against Qatar with a score of 25-16, 25-23, 25-15 at Al Nasr Club hall in Dubai. Oman had two losses previously against the UAE and Kuwaiti teams.
Oman are out of the tournament with two matches still remaining. Oman will face Saudi Arabia on Wednesday and will conclude the league round against Bahrain on Thursday.
On the other hand, Oman handball team stumbled against Kuwaiti when it lost 36-28 in the third match that was held at Al Bataeh Cultural Club hall in Sharjah. Omani players, led by Al Mamoun al Hassani, sought to keep up with the Kuwaiti team, but the opponent was more prepared since first half led by Kuwait 20-15.
Oman still have chances for a medal as they have three points from the first match against the UAE. Oman will face Qatar on Wednesday and the last match is against Bahrain on Friday.
Meanwhile, Oman table tennis players all set to compete in competitions from April 23 to 27 at Shabab Al Ahly Club hall in Dubai. Oman boys are under male coach Omid Shams Shahrabaki, while girls are guided by female coach Fatimia Keifani. The team include Ahmed al Riyami, Ali al Rawahi, Luqman al Farsi, Nasser al Zaabi, Salma al Nasiri and Taliyah al Rawahi.
Oman cycling team will begin their competitions on Tuesday morning competing in individual and team events which will continue until April 27 in Abu Dhabi.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
