Muscat: Oman's national fencing team is heading to take part in the West Asian Fencing Championships in Amman, Jordan, from August 26 to 31. The young Omani fencers will compete against opponents from Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, Palestine, Lebanon and hosts Jordan.

The team undertook an intensive preparatory programme in Amman under the guidance of Tunisian coach Hisham Karshood, as part of OFC's cooperation with the Jordan Fencing Federation. A warm-up camp including friendly tournaments preceded the main championship.

The Omani delegation included a squad of nine fencers: Israa al Siyabi, Ahmed Kaskas, Said al Shuaibi, Omar al Harthi, Al Harith al Harthi, Ali al Busaidi, Ammar al Azizi, Jana al Sharji and Salma al Dughaishi.

In their most recent participation at the Mediterranean Fencing Championship hosted by Jordan, Oman's fencers produced a strong performance, snatching five medals — one gold, one silver and three bronze. Young fencer Israa al Siyabi claimed first place in the foil category at the junior level, while Ahmed Kaskas bagged silver in foil and bronze in epee. Said al Shuaibi won two bronze medals in foil and epee.