OFC team attends fencing congress in Lausanne

The Oman Fencing Committee (OFC) delegation took part recently in the 2022 Annual General Congress of Fencing International Federation in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The Sultanate of Oman’s delegation comprised for first time of Omani women represented by Sameera al Shukaili, Secretary General of OFC and Rumaitha al Busaidy, Board member of OFC.

During the meeting, topics related to development of fencing sport globally was discussed and the members reviewed the agenda of fencing events for the forthcoming years. Also, the members of FIE, the world governing body of the Olympic sport of fencing, voted for Saudi Arabia to host Fencing Youth World Championships in 2024.

The OFC, which was established in January 2019, had received the approval to be a member in the International Fencing Federation during the Annual General Assembly (Congress) which was held in November 2019. Besides that, OFC had Asian and Arab membership as well.

The Oman national fencing team had impressed in their different regional and international participations during the past few years. During the last two months, Omani fencers had clinched 19 medals in the West Asian Fencing Championship in Jordan including nine gold medals.

After their top performance in several events, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth recently announced support package to the potential young athletes including two players from fencing team: Israa al Syiabi and Al Harith al Harthy. The support of the ministry will allow both fencers to have a proper preparation programme to shape them for the top international competitions.