Thursday 26 / December / 2024
Muscat: Oman’s young golfers struck gold as 11-year-old Yusuf Al Rumhi claimed a historic individual gold and, alongside Taimur Al Busaidi, secured the top honours in the prestigious 2024 Under-16, Under-13, Ladies, and U-16 Ladies GCC Golf Championships, which concluded at the Ghala Golf Club on Monday.
The budding talents, led Oman to a remarkable haul of six medals at the GCC championships. The impressive achievement marked a significant milestone for the sport in the Sultanate, highlighting the progress of golf under the dynamic leadership of the Oman Golf Association (OGA).
Competing against strong teams from the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, Oman’s young stars, Yusuf and Taimur, dazzled with gold medals in the U13 category.
Yusuf, from an illustrious golfing family, continued the legacy of the Al Rumhi name.
As the son of Oman No.1 golfer Azaan Al Rumhi and grandson of a passionate golfer Mohammed Al Rumhi, Yusuf has showcased his talent from a very young age.
His impressive performance earned him the individual gold in the U-13 category with a total score of 169. Yusuf’s composure and precision not only secured him the top honour but also played a crucial role in helping Oman clinch the team gold.
He teamed with Taimur, who secured second place with a score of 174, and the duo led Oman to victory with a combined team score of 343 - comfortably ahead of Bahrain (411) and Saudi Arabia (424).
The silver lining
However, the U13 stars weren’t the only ones shining. Oman’s U-16 boys displayed exceptional skill and determination, with Adam Al Barwani earning individual silver and Pransh Jagwani securing bronze. Qatar’s Daniil Sokolov won the gold.
Adam and Pransh’s combined efforts, alongside Faris Al Busaidi, earned Oman a hard-fought team silver, with a total score of 490, just behind Qatar (480).
In a historic debut, Oman’s U-16 girls -Miraeri Sampat and Yasmin Al Kathiri - also displayed remarkable skill, securing the bronze in the team category, underscoring the country’s rising prominence in youth golf. UAE claimed the gold, followed by Saudi Arabia.
The Ladies team, consisting of Omaima Al Hajri, Ikhlas Al Waili, and Sheikha Al Ghaiti, finished fourth, with the UAE taking the title, followed by Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
In an exclusive interview with Times of Oman, Yusuf shared his excitement: “I am proud to bring home a gold for my country, and the icing on the cake was my individual success.
“I had good preparations for the event, as I took part in the US Kids Championship in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, before this challenge. For me, to hear the national anthem at a GCC tournament was a proud moment.”
Yusuf, aged, 11, added: “I’ve always heard about the game since I was three years old and watched my father, my first role model, bring numerous trophies home. I was inspired by him to take up the sport, and I just love it.”
Taimur shared his joy: “I am truly honoured and proud to represent Oman as part of the Under-13 golf team. Winning the gold with Yusuf and securing an individual silver medal is an unforgettable achievement.
“I am incredibly grateful to the Oman Golf Association (OGA) and the Ministry of Sports for their unwavering support throughout this journey. Looking ahead, I am committed to continuing my hard work in golf, with the goal of striving for another gold medal at next year’s GCC Golf Championships and the Pan Arab Golf Championships.”
Matter of immense pride, says Faiz Mohammed Riaz
Reflecting on the team’s monumental achievements, Faiz Mohammed Riaz, Vice-Chairman of the Oman Golf Association (OGA), expressed his delight.
“It gives me immense pride to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Team Oman for their outstanding performance at the GCC Golf Championships.
“Winning the gold medal in the Under-13 category and securing the silver medal in the Under-16 category are remarkable achievements that showcase the talent, dedication, and sportsmanship of our young athletes.
“These victories reflect that the future of golf in Oman is incredibly bright, and we are witnessing the emergence of a new generation of champions,” he said.
“I also want to express my sincere gratitude to all the participants, coaches, and officials from the GCC nations who made this championship a true celebration of golf and camaraderie. Your passion and commitment are the driving forces behind the success of this event.”
Faiz added, “A special thanks goes to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, the Oman Olympic Committee, the Arab Golf Federation, and the staff of Ghala Golf Club for their unwavering support and meticulous organisation.
“Their efforts ensured a world-class experience for all involved. As we close this chapter of the 2024 Under-16, Under-13, Ladies, and U-16 Ladies GCC Golf Championships, we remain committed to fostering excellence in the sport and look forward to welcoming you back for more events in the future.”
His Highness Sayyid Hamoud bin Kais Al Said graced the closing ceremony, honouring the dedication and efforts of all participants in the presence of Arab Golf Federation and OGA officials.
While the UAE claimed the top spots in the women’s categories, with standout performances from players like Anca Mateiu (ladies U-16 winner) and Lara Al Chaib (ladies winner), Qatar secured the U16 boys’ team gold.
Ahmed Al Jhdhamy, OGA General Secretary, emphasised the importance of grassroots development. “Our success today is the result of years of foundational work. The results in this championship confirm that Oman is ready to compete at the highest levels in the Gulf.”
With the OGA’s continued investment in youth development, these results signal the dawn of a golden era for Omani golf. As Oman’s golden generation sets their sights on future challenges, they are poised to leave an indelible mark on the international golfing stage.
