Ali blazes to a sprint double and third gold at GCC Games

MUSCAT: Ali Anwar Al Balushi confirmed his status as the standout athlete of Oman’s GCC Games campaign with a brilliant second sprint gold medal and the third overall, powering to victory in the men’s 200 metres to complete an impressive individual double at the ongoing fourth GCC Games in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday.

Having already claimed gold in the 100m earlier in the competition and also be a member of the 4x100m relay title, Ali Anwar produced another dominant performance on the track as he clocked a time of 20.81 seconds. Saudi Arabia’s Abdulaziz Attafi took silver, and Bahrain’s Ali Haji claimed the bronze.

Ali Anwar had earlier won the 100m title in a time of 10.13 seconds while his team-mate Mulham Al Balushi made it 1-2 for Oman with a run in 10.28 seconds. Saudi’a Abdulaziz Atafi finished third in a time of 10.37secs.

The celebrations in Oman camp continued when Alia bint Faiq Al Mughairi soared to gold in the women’s high jump, ensuring a memorable finish for Sultanate’s athletes and lifting the nation’s overall medal tally to 24.

Sunday’s two gold medals capped a remarkable campaign for Oman athletics, as they emerged on top with 11 medals — seven gold, two silver and two bronze.

Ali Anwar’s sprint double stood out as one of the defining achievements of the Games. His victories showcased not only his speed and consistency, but also the depth developing within Oman’s sprint programme. Mulham Al Balushi added to Oman’s dominance in the short-distance races by winning silver in the men’s 100m.

Oman’s golden run had begun on the opening day of athletics competition when Mazoon Al Alawi claimed gold in the women’s long jump and simultaneously set a new Omani national record with a leap of 5.72 metres.

Fatik Beit Jaaboub then secured the gold medal in the high jump.

The relay events further highlighted Oman’s strength and teamwork. The men’s 4x100m relay quartet of Ali Al Balushi, Mulham Al Balushi, Rashid Al Asmi and Mohammed Al Saadi stormed to gold, while the women’s relay team of Azza Al Ya’rubi, Mazoon Al Alawi, Hana Al Qasmi and Alia Al Mughairi earned silver after a spirited performance.

Hana also collected bronze in the women’s 400m, while Ahmed Al Abdul Salam secured bronze in the men’s 400m.

The achievements reflected months of intensive preparation and the collective efforts of athletes, coaches and administrative staff in the build-up to the Games in Doha.

Salem Al Ya’arubi, who won gold in the long jump competition, expressed his delight at contributing to Oman’s medal haul and praised the support provided by the coaching staff.

“Praise be to God for achieving the gold medal,” Salem said. “This success came thanks to the great efforts made with me by coach Imad Siraj throughout the preparation period. Winning gold in this tournament gives me greater motivation to continue competing and achieve even better results in future championships.”

Beyond athletics, Oman’s shooting team returns to action on Tuesday in the 10m pistol events for men and women, seeking to add to the three medals already secured by the squad.

The shooters have so far won two silver medals and one bronze through Salem Al Naabi, Al Anoud Al-Khalili and the women’s team of Safaa Al Jabri, Amina Al Tarshi and Al Anoud.

Meanwhile, Oman’s volleyball team will meet the UAE at the Aspire Zone with a bronze at stake. Both teams entered the contest searching for their first victory after defeats to Bahrain and hosts Qatar.

For Oman, however, the headline story belonged to Ali Anwar, whose electrifying sprint double provided one of the defining moments of the Games.