OTA launches intensive summer training in Egypt

Observer

23-07-2025

MUSCAT: As part of the Oman Tennis Association's (OTA) efforts to prepare players for international competitions and enhance their technical levels, 14 male and female players are currently participating in a summer training camp in the Arab Republic of Egypt. This camp is part of the association's comprehensive preparation program, which targets various age groups. The camp will be conducted in two phases. The first phase runs from July 26 to August 15, while the second phase will be held from August 2 to 15. The training sessions are hosted at the 'Shamas Tennis Club Academy,' which is recognised as one of the top training institutions in the region.
This camp falls under the association's broader strategy, led by President Mutasim al Zadjali, to develop and refine the skills of national team players, with the goal of enabling them to compete effectively in regional and international tournaments and increase their continental and global ranking points.
The first phase includes players from the Under-14 and Under-18 categories. The Under-14 roster features Azan al Busaidy, Moataz al Mazrouei, Abdulrahman al Rahbi, Talia al Busaidy, Areen al Azkawi, and Salma al Riyami. This group is specifically preparing for the Arab Tennis Championship, which will take place in Tunisia from August 16 to 24, 2025.
In the Under-18 category, participants include Waleed al Hashmi and Aisha al Busaidy. The delegation is overseen by coach Sarah al Balushi from the Oman Tennis Association (OTA).
The second phase includes players in the Under-10 and Under-12 categories: Omar al Shaibani, Hatem al Rahbi, Hood al Hashmi, Mundhir al Amri, Imad al Rahbi, and Reema al Hashmi.
The training programme at the Shamas Tennis Club Academy includes both morning and evening sessions, five days a week (Sunday through Thursday). It focuses on technical, physical, and mental development, including skill drills, physical fitness, cognitive exercises, friendly matches, and nutrition sessions under expert supervision.
Mundhir al Barwani, Secretary-General of the Oman Tennis Association (OTA), stated that the association has consistently organised such training camps annually due to their significant role in enhancing players' technical abilities and preparing them to represent the national teams effectively. He emphasised that age-group players, especially those under 14, benefit from these preparatory programmes. He noted that the current camp serves as preparation for the upcoming Arab Championship in Tunisia and confirmed that the remaining players will also have opportunities to compete in upcoming regional and international events.
Al Barwani also highlighted the association's commitment to developing national team players by increasing their international exposure and organising high-quality training camps that help refine their talents. He added that Omani teams have participated in several international tournaments across various age groups recently and are preparing for upcoming challenges. He concluded by expressing the association's intention to host more tournaments, building on the successful organisation of several events in past years.