Paris: As millions across the globe tuned in to witness the spectacular opening ceremony spectacle of the Paris 2024 Olympics on Friday, it marked a moment of immense pride for Ali Anwar Al Balushi, a debutant from Oman, who, alongside fellow female sprinter Mazoon Al Alawi, served as the Sultanate’s flagbearer at the 33rd Summer Olympic Games.
Following his leadership of the Oman’s contingent on the River Seine aboard a barge during the opening ceremony, a 22-year-old sprinter Al Balushi expressed his sentiments, stating, “This is a historic moment for me. To be selected as the national delegation flagbearer is something I will cherish for my lifetime.”
“Qualifying directly for the Olympics was a significant achievement, and the joy was amplified upon learning that I would also represent my country as the flagbearer,” Al Balushi elaborated.
He also extended his gratitude and appreciation to the officials of the Oman Olympic Committee for their nomination of him and his teammate, Mazoon, for this esteemed honor.
Additionally, representatives from Oman were present at the opening ceremony, including Khalid Mohammed Al Zubair, Chairman of the Oman Olympic Committee (OOC), Basil bin Ahmed Al Rawas, Undersecretary for Sports at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Oraimi, Oman’s ambassador to France, and several members of the OOC board.
The Oman delegation, adorned in traditional Omani attire, carried the national flag and shared the barge with delegations from New Zealand, Uzbekistan, Uganda, and Pakistan.
For Mazoon, this marks her third consecutive appearance at the Olympics. She remarked, “This participation is unique from my previous Games as I was honored to be the flagbearer for Oman. The ambiance at the opening ceremony was incredibly enjoyable, and the rain added an extra layer of excitement to the event.”
Meanwhile, for shooter Said al Khatri, who is debuting at the Games, his first official training session is scheduled for Sunday at the Châteauroux Shooting Centre. Al Khatri will commence Oman’s campaign at the Olympics with the preliminary round in the Men’s Trap event, scheduled for Monday.
He stated, “This is my debut at the Olympics. The opportunity to represent Oman at the world’s premier stage is a significant source of motivation for me to perform at my utmost.
