Friday 03 / May / 2024
MUSCAT: Oman U17 boys claimed a silver medal in the football competition of the inaugural GCC Youth Games on Monday night.
They finished runners-up in the four-nation event after a thumping 4-1 win over Bahrain in Abu Dhabi.
Hosts UAE, who won all their games, claimed the gold as they defeated Kuwait 2-0 at the Al Nahyan Stadium at Al Wahda Club, Abu Dhabi.
It was a good comeback for Anwar Al Habsi’s boys after they had lost narrowly 1-0 to Kuwait. Following the loss to the UAE, Kuwait had to settle for bronze.
Oman had begun their campaign in style with a 2-1 win over the UAE but the loss to Kuwait put paid to their chances for a gold. UAE edged Oman on goal-difference for the top spot.
With the silver medal, Oman’s overall tally rose to 40, which included six medals (3 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze) won by the Paralympic athletes.
So far, Oman athletes have won medals in chess (4), sailing (7), taekwondo (11) athletics (11) and football (1) for 34 medals in general sports.
Following Oman’s silver in football, Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) secretary general Taha Al Kishry expressed pride and satisfaction at the athletes’ performances.
He said, “We are delighted with the achievements of our players so far. The medals reflect the skills and talent of our players and we hope to nurture them as future stars.”
Oman has sent a large delegation of 22 athletes to compete in 15 sports disciplines at the inaugural GCC Youth Games.
