KR Eshraqa celebrates triumph of Paralympians with the nation

MUSCAT: Eshraqa, Khimji Ramdas’ social development arm, recently rejoiced at the success of Oman’s Paralympic Team, which under the organisation’s sponsorship bagged five medals in a record breaking display of national talent at the Asian Para Games 2018 in Jakarta.

Hailing victorious from the Indonesian capital, Mohamed Al Mashaykhi took Gold in the Shotput event before a world-class Javelin throw earned him Silver. Following in his footsteps to the podium were teammates Mohamed Al Qasimi, who received Silver for his performance in the Shotput event, and Taha Al Harassi, who claimed Silver in the 400 metre race before crossing the line in third to take Bronze in the 100 metre final.

Commenting on the team’s success, Nailesh Khimji, Director Khimji Ramdas, said, “The team went beyond their extraordinary performance at the qualifiers and has taken sporting excellence in Oman to new heights with a truly inspirational achievement at this world level tournament. We offer our heartiest congratulations to the entire team, its coach, and support staff on a victory worthy of remembrance. For Eshraqa, participation and value are what matter in our endeavours to empower and support people across the nation. We rejoice and applaud our national heroes who have once again proven themselves as strong examples for Oman’s budding talent in sports”.

Other athletes representing Oman at the event included Talib Al Balushi, Fawzi Al Habshi, Sara Al Anboury, Ghalia Al Jabri, Sheikha Al Hamadi, and Raya Al Abri across a range of events, including the club throw, swimming, long jump, and 200 metre sprint.

Nailesh Khimji added, “Eshraqa’s focus on health and community wellbeing were central to our sponsorship of the team in their competitive aspirations. The organisation has a very successful history in sponsoring high-potential paralympians and considers each and every participant an Omani hero. Whilst Eshraqa empowered these sportsmen in terms of participation these athletes have returned home and empowered people of all ages across the nation; and that is a lifetime achievement in itself. We are honoured to play an important role in their sporting careers. Sustainable value from Eshraqa’s social investments shines through and touches the lives of people across Oman. For that, we thank and congratulate the Paralympic Team”.

Leading and supporting the team in their preparations and performance at the games was Dr Mansour Sultan Al Touqi, President of Oman’s Paralympics Committee, Rahma Al Hajriya, a Jury Member on the Ministry of Sports’ Paralympic Committee, Sonia Hussein and Abdullah Al Anbari as team coaches, supported by Asaad Al Karni and Aouf Al Mamari in the capacity of Assistant Coach, as well as Physiotherapist Hani Al Shamakhi.

The team qualified for the games in Jakarta following Eshraqa’s support for Oman’s Paralympic Team at the Tunis World Para Athletics Grand Prix earlier this year. Oman qualified for Indonesia’s Asian Para Games with a storm of success, bagging 12 medals in competition against athletes from 20 other countries around the world.