25-05-2025
Omani teen taekwondo star wins second gold in month
Muscat – Omani taekwondo athlete Al Muhannad Tawfiq al Balushi secured his second international gold medal in less than a month, winning in the 45kg category at the Krasniqi Open 2025 in Geneva on Saturday.
The 16-year-old from Muscat triumphed at the 2-star ranked tournament, organised by the Swiss Taekwondo Federation. The event drew more than 800 competitors from over 30 countries, making it one of the largest on the European circuit. Named after Olympic gold medallist Distria Krasniqi of Kosovo, the competition is regarded as a key event for athletes aiming to advance in the global rankings.
Al Muhannad's latest victory follows his historic gold at the Estonia Grand Prix, an elite 8-star tournament where he defeated the world number one in his weight category. That win placed him among the top five globally – a first for any Omani athlete in the sport.
Competing in Geneva under the national team coach Adel al Wahaibi, Al Muhannad was praised for his consistent performance. 'Al Muhannad has shown a level of maturity and discipline far beyond his years,' Wahaibi told Muscat Daily. 'These victories are not just personal milestones but a huge boost for Omani Taekwondo on the world stage.'
Al Muhannad began training at age six at Majan Taekwondo Academy. In 2022, he made his mark by winning Oman's first bronze medal at the Asian Cadets Championship in Vietnam.
His father, Tawfiq al Balushi, pointed to the hard work behind the scenes. 'My son trains three times a day – early morning, afternoon, and evening – to ensure he's physically and mentally ready for any challenge,' he said.
The young athlete's focus is now on upcoming tournaments including the 2025 Asian Championship, World Taekwondo Grand Prix events in China and Bosnia, and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The Oman Taekwondo Committee has praised his achievements and reaffirmed its support for his international participation and training programme.
Al Muhannad's rise is viewed as a milestone for the sport in Oman, and a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the region.
