Mixed martial arts expert picks up medals, brings glory to Oman
Times News Service
MUSCAT: Risto Dimitrov, the Oman-based mixed martial arts expert, has brought pride to the nation after competing in one of the largest sports events in the Middle East, the Wawan Sport Night, bringing home a number of medals, along with his colleagues and students.
Risto is a passionate sportsman with an athletic body and great determination. He participated in Judo, Jiu Jitsu and Grappling categories of martial arts.
Competing in three categories, he won two medals. He was honoured with a gold medal in Grappling in his division, and took a silver medal in Jiu Jitsu.
Gold medal
His colleague, Coach Taoufik, earned a gold medal in Jiu Jitsu, as well as a silver medal in Grappling and another silver in the Absolute division.
Risto began practicing MMA at an early age and his parents encouraged him to pursue karate. Living in a vibrant environment, it sparked a fire in Risto. He began training in different fields, such as kickboxing and wrestling, to hone his skills.
Today, he
is a professional MMA fighter who carries a Judo Black Belt and Jiu Jitsu Blue Belt, and has won many medals in the MMA arena.
“I was the first Macedonian to participate at the World Sambo Championship in Combat Sambo, and won many medals and titles in three different continents, but I will not stop here. I will continue to train and compete until I become an example for my students,” said Risto.
One of his favourite moments in the competition came when his 13-year-old student, Amaar Usama Al Barwani, who is the first Omani to compete in Judo, won a silver medal in his division.
“Ammar is a very talented and dedicated young man, especially in Judo. This was his first competition and he did well, losing in the finals against a much bigger and more experienced opponent from Kuwait. But this is only the beginning for him,” said Risto, adding, “He wrote Oman’s sports history and became the first Omani to participate in the Kuwaiti Judo Competition.”
Risto, Amaar, and the rest of the team are on a mission to accomplish more in MMA field. As they work harder to win more medals, the nation will bank on their undeniable talent and strength.