Muscat: After an absence of seven months, the Oman Fencing Committee (OFC) resumed fencing activities which had stopped due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The internal hall at Seeb Stadium served as the venue for the resumption of national fencing team training sessions.

Restarting activities was accompanied by strict implementation of medical precautionary measures, as the safety of players is the top priority. The committee ensured adherence to all instructions from the Supreme Committee, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and Ministry of Health, including full sanitisation of the venue, equipment and all fencing tools.

Oman fencing head coach Hisham Karshood stated: "After an absence for more than half a year, we are delighted to resume fencing activities. The safety of the players is the top concern and we have implemented strict medical regulations to ensure it."

The coach explained the structured training schedule: "We have grouped the national team players into three batches. The first group trains from 10am to 12 noon, five days a week. The second batch trains from 4pm to 6pm, three days a week. The third batch from 6pm to 8pm, five days. Each group has eight to twelve players to avoid large gatherings."

The phased approach ensures national team players return first, with the wider fencing community joining when pandemic conditions allow.