Seven months after its formation, the Oman Fencing Committee (OFC) is moving closer to gaining permanent membership of the International Fencing Federation (FIE). A dedicated executive team from FIE visited the Sultanate prior to the final approval to include Oman as a member at FIE's Annual General Assembly.

Khalid bin Saeed al Shuaibi, Chairman of OFC, said: "The official visit has been approved in the last executive committee meeting of FIE to join Oman into the FIE family. The purpose of the visit is to get initial confirmation for the Sultanate to join the FIE as a new member."

Anthony Donald, President of FIE and Chairman of the American Fencing Federation, and Yuki Ota, FIE Vice-President and Chairman of Japan Fencing Federation, visited the Sultanate and met the Minister of Sports Affairs, the Vice-Chairman of Oman Olympic Committee, and OFC board members. They also toured local fencing training halls and met with the national team coach and players.

"We are very optimistic from this visit and looking forward for the decision of the FIE during the next congress in November," Al Shuaibi added. The FIE executive team expressed keenness and interest in coordinating with the OFC to promote and develop the sport within the Sultanate.

The OFC was set up in January 2019 and currently has 80 registered members, with a national team of 20 players across the three fencing categories — sabre, foil and epee.