Oman's Representation at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix
The national para-athletics team of Oman is poised to showcase their talents at the prestigious Rabat 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix, which is officially recognized as the 10th edition of the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan International Para Athletics Meeting. This significant athletic event is set to take place in Rabat, Morocco, from April 23 to 25, and will bring together approximately 500 athletes hailing from 58 different countries, all competing at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. Oman will proudly field a team of nine athletes, strategically divided into two groups to maximize their competitive potential.
Team Composition and Coaching Staff
The first group of athletes includes Qusai al Rawahi, who is set to compete in both the 100m and long jump events, alongside the promising 18-year-old Othman al Habsi, who will also participate in the 100m and long jump. Additionally, Maktoum al Muqbali and Sharifa al Hatmi will take on the shot put and javelin events, while Iman Taysir al Shamsi will showcase her skills in shot put, discus, and javelin. The second group features Taha al Harrasi, contesting the 100m and long jump, Mohammed al Qasmi in shot put, Fawzi al Hubaishi competing in both javelin and shot put, and Saif al Muqbali, who will race in the 100m and 400m events.
Leading the delegation is Dr. Mansoor bin Sultan al Touqi, the Chairman of the Oman Paralympic Committee (OPC). The technical team is comprised of esteemed professionals including Sami al Razili, the national team technical director and international coach; Abdullah al Anbari, who focuses on running events for visually impaired athletes; and Awf al Maamari, who oversees throwing events. The team also includes Hani al Shammakhi, a physiotherapy specialist dedicated to ensuring the athletes are in peak physical condition.
This participation not only aims to enhance the athletes’ competitive readiness but is also integral to their preparations for the upcoming Asian Para Games, which are set to take place in Japan this October. The event in Rabat is recognized as a crucial qualifying stop within the Grand Prix circuit, offering athletes the opportunity to secure classification or reclassification as needed.
In anticipation of the event, the national team has been diligently training at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher, where coaches have been focused on enhancing the athletes’ technical and physical readiness. The Oman Paralympic Committee is optimistic that the team will deliver outstanding performances, achieve podium placements, and secure qualifying marks for the continental event. Dr. Mansoor al Touqi expressed confidence in the athletes and the efforts of the technical and administrative teams, stating that their participation in the Moulay El Hassan Grand Prix is a vital step in preparing them for major upcoming competitions, particularly the Asian Para Games. He articulated hope for positive outcomes that will reflect the significant progress made by Omani para-athletes on the international stage.
As reported by omanobserver.om.
