Shooter Shibli carries Oman’s flag at opening ceremony

MUSCAT: Oman shooter Bati Al Shibli, making his Asian Games debut, had the honour of carrying Oman’s flag at Saturday’s opening ceremony of the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.Oman are participating in ten sports at Aichi-Nagoya 2026, with the delegation led by Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) President H H Sayyid Azzan bin Qais Al Said. Speaking after the ceremony, Sayyid Azzan described the Games as an important milestone for Omani sport and an opportunity for the country’s athletes, coaches and administrators to gain valuable experience through competition against athletes from across Asia.“We were pleased to attend the opening ceremony of the 20th Asian Games, a continental sporting event that brings together athletes from different countries of Asia and demonstrates the ability of sport to strengthen communication and bring people closer together,” he said.He said Oman’s participation in ten sports reflected the diversity and breadth of its presence at the Games, while providing its athletes with an opportunity to compete at a high level.H H Sayyid Azzan also wished Oman’s athletes success, urging them to compete with commitment, discipline and sporting spirit and make the most of their experience at the continental event.Oman’s shooting team begins its campaign on Sunday, with Amina Al Tarshi and Al Anoud Al Khalili competing in the women’s 10m air rifle qualification. The eight-member squad also includes Al Shibli in men’s trap, Naghmoush Al Hattali in skeet, Salim Al Hinai in 10m air pistol, Khalid Al Kalbani in 10m air rifle and mixed air rifle, Hamad Al Khatri in 50m three positions and 10m air rifle, and Yaqub Al Siyabi in 25m pistol.Oman’s beach volleyball delegation also arrived in Japan on Saturday. The four-player squad comprises Mazen Al Hashmi, Hood Al Jalboobi, Ahmed Al Hosni and Khalfan Al Maamari, accompanied by one administrator. Competition runs from September 21 to October 3.Earlier on Friday, Oman’s hockey team lost 2-0 to China in their opening match.