MUSCAT: Oman’s international referee Abdulmunim al Alawi ended his successful participation as chief referee at the World Aquatics Junior Open Water Swimming Championships (Alghero 2024) which was staged in ancient city of Alghero, Italy during September 5-8. As many as 200 open water athletes aged 14-19 from 35 countries took part in this prestigious event including future stars of the sport, such as David Bethlehem (HUN), Katie Grimes (USA) and Bettina Fabian (HUN).
Commenting on his participation at this world level event, Al Alawi said in exclusive remarks to Oman Observer: "I am very glad to take part in the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming Junior World Championships 2024 as chief referee in different events including: 5 km Boys and Girls (14-15 Years), 7.5 km Boys and Girls (16-17 Years), 10 km Boys and Girls (18-19 Years), Mix Relay Event (14-16 Years) and Open Relay Event.”
“This is happening for first time that the chief umpire to be assigned for several different events at the same championship. I would like to thank FINA for their trust and confidence to choose me on this position. During my stay in Italy, I had the honour to meet HH Sayyid Nizar bin Al Julanda bin Majid al Said, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Republic of Italy. I am very thankful for the ambassador and his team in the embassy for their support and assistance during my stay in Italy,” he added.
Two months ago, Abdulmunim al Alawi had completed his third successive Olympic Games attendance in Paris Olympic Games 2024 following his presence in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. He was named as the chief referee in both the Men’s and Women's 10 km Marathon swimming (open water) in Paris 2024. He had officiated in Women's and Men’s 10 km Marathon swimming (open water) event.
Al Alawi, who hails from Sur, affirmed that representing the country in these high-profile sporting events was a great honour. "This attendance in World Aquatics Junior Open Water Swimming Championships followed after great milestone achieved through my attendance in Olympic Games in Paris 2024. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the World Aquatics for their confidence and trust to assign me in this position. A special thanks goes to Oman Aquatics Association for their continuous support and assistance,” he concluded.
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