Sunday 08 / September / 2024
PARIS: Omani shooter Said Al Khatri is set to make his Olympic debut at the 33rd Summer Olympic Games in Paris 2024 on Monday.
Al Khatri will kick off Oman’s participation in the Men’s Trap event preliminary qualification rounds at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre, representing a significant milestone in his sporting career.
Paris Games participation also highlights Oman's continued presence in the Olympics, having made their debut since 1984, and showcases the nation’s dedication to nurturing and promoting athletic talent on the global stage.
Al Khatri will be up against top-ranked shooters from around the world, including Qi Ying from China, Jean Brol Carenas from Guam, Sebastian Guerrero from France, Alberto Fernandez from Spain, and Eduardo Lorenzo from the Dominican Republic.
The qualifying rounds, spread over two days, will see shooters aiming at 75 targets on the first day and 50 targets on the second. The top six shooters will advance to the finals, where the gold, silver, and bronze medallists will be determined.
Al Khatri, under the guidance of Italian coach Luca Marini, completed his official training session on Sunday. His preparations included an intensive training camp in Italy and additional sessions at Châteauroux, aimed at building confidence and familiarity with the competition environment.
"The competition will be tough as every participant aims to secure a spot in the next stage," said Marini. "This is a significant opportunity for Al Khatri to gain valuable technical skills and experience, enhancing his international and regional presence and better his personal mark."
Athletics and swimming events
Elsewhere, the technical meeting for track and field events is scheduled for Tuesday, with national athletics coach Fahad Al Mashaykhi representing Oman.
Sprinters Ali Anwar Al Balushi and Mazoon Al Alawi will compete in the 100m men’s and women’s event respectively.
For Mazoon, it is her third Olympic appearance while Al Balushi is making his debut, having secured a direct entry through his world ranking.
The only other participant is swimmer Issa al Adawi, who will be competing in his second Olympics.
He has been undergoing intensive training at Paris La Défense Arena and will compete in the 100m freestyle event on Tuesday, aiming to achieve new records and deliver a strong performance.
OOC chief meets athletes
Khalid Mohammed Al Zubair, Chairman of the Oman Olympic Committee (OOC), met with the Omani players and support staff on Saturday. He encouraged the athletes to maximise their technical gains from this prestigious event and deliver performances that will honour Oman.
The OOC chairman also met Oman’s Ambassador to France Ahmed Mohammed Al Oraimi at the Oman Embassy in Paris.
Al Zubair expressed gratitude for the support provided to ensure the delegation's successful participation. On his part, Al Oraimi conveyed his best wishes to the athletes, hoping for good results.
As Oman’s athletes prepare for their respective events, there is a palpable sense of optimism and pride.
The Oman delegation is hopeful of encouraging results from the four athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics and expect them to reach new heights by setting personal bests on the world stage.
