MUSCAT, NOV 2
Oman’s bodybuilders captured five gold medals at the IFBB World Fitness and Bodybuilding Championships in Santa Susanna, Spain, with Ahmed al Hasani’s double leading a successful campaign for the national team.
Four Omani athletes topped the podium during the championships, held from October 29 to November 2, as the Sultanate of Oman secured titles across bodybuilding, masters and physique competitions.
Al Hasani won gold in masters bodybuilding for athletes aged over 40 before adding the men’s 95 kg bodybuilding title. Khalid al Shukaili delivered another victory in bodybuilding, taking first place in the 80 kg category.
Abdulmajeed al Raisi claimed the men’s physique gold, while Nasr al Wahaibi completed the haul with victory in muscular physique.
The championships brought together athletes representing national federations affiliated to the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness. The programme featured senior, junior and masters competitions, with bodybuilding classes divided by weight and men’s physique events organised by height.
Oman fielded five athletes, with Issa al Yaarubi also representing the country in classic physique. Their selection followed performances at the 20th Oman Bodybuilding Championships in June, which provided the national selectors with an opportunity to assess competitors ahead of the international campaign.
Imad al Din al Salti, Chairman of the Oman Bodybuilding Committee, said the results reflected a lengthy preparation programme built around identifying promising athletes and developing individual training plans.
He credited private gyms with supporting the squad’s preparations by providing facilities and hosting training sessions. Structured programmes and close attention to conditioning helped the athletes reach the level required to challenge for international medals, he said.
Al Salti added that the committee would use the experience gained in Spain to guide further development and strengthen the team for upcoming competitions.
Alongside the programme, Oman was represented at the international bodybuilding congress, held in conjunction with the championships, adding an administrative dimension to the delegation’s participation.
Attention now turns to Thailand, where Oman plan to send 10 athletes to the Asian Championships and Asian Open Championships in Pattaya from November 13 to 16.
The continental event will offer the squad another opportunity to test their preparation against international opposition shortly after the Spanish championships.
Al Salti said the five gold medals would provide a confidence boost for the athletes preparing for Thailand. The committee’s next priority is to build on that momentum, apply the lessons from Spain and help the larger squad challenge for podium finishes.
