‘A historic moment for me’, says Oman’s flagbearer at Paris 2024

Paris: With millions around the world watching the dazzling opening ceremony spectacle of the Paris 2024 Olympics on Friday, it was a moment of pride for Oman’s debutant Ali Anwar Al Balushi, who along with fellow female sprinter Mazoon Al Alawi, was the Sultanate’s flagbearer at the 33rd Summer Olympic Games.

Speaking after leading the Oman’s contingent on River Seine on a barge during the opening ceremony, a delighted 22-year-old sprinter Al Balushi said: “This is a historic moment for me. To be chosen as the national delegation flagbearer is something I will cherish for my life.”

“To qualify directly for the Olympics was a big moment, and the joy was doubled when I got to know that I will also be my country’s flagbearer,” said Al Balushi.

“I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to the officials of the Oman Olympic Committee for nominating me and my fellow sprinter, Mazoon for this honour,” he added.

Also in attendance at the opening ceremony from Oman were Khalid Mohammed Al Zubair, Chairman of the Oman Olympic Committee (OOC), Basil bin Ahmed Al Rawas, Undersecretary for Sports and at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Oraimi, Oman’s ambassador to France and several OOC board members.

The Oman delegation, dressed in traditional Omani attire were carrying the national flag, and shared the barge along with delegations from New Zealand, Uzbekistan, Uganda, and Pakistan.

For Mazoon, this is her third consecutive Olympics. She said: “This participation is different from the earlier two Games as I received the honour of being a flagbearer for Oman. The atmosphere at the opening ceremony was incredibly enjoyable, and the rain added extra thrill to the event.”

Elsewhere for Oman, shooter Said al Khatri, who is making his debut at the Games, will have his first official training session on Sunday at the Châteauroux Shooting Centre. Al Khatri will begin Oman’s campaign at the Games with the preliminary round in the Men’s Trap event, starting on Monday.

He said: “This is my debut at the Olympics. To represent Oman at the world’s greatest stage is a huge motivation for me to deliver my best.”