6 days ago
Azizi triumphs in main Kickboxing bout
MUSCAT: The "Sports Spark Fighting Championship" in boxing and kickboxing concluded on Friday evening, organised in collaboration with "Sabco Sports" and " Scorpionest Martial Arts Academy," as part of the ongoing "Sports Spark" activities at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC). The championship attracted a large audience of over 2,000 spectators from various ages and nationalities, who enjoyed an atmosphere filled with excitement and interaction with the bouts featuring a selection of local and international fighters.
Boxer Azan al Balushi, a competitor in the main event fight
Over four hours of competition, participants showcased powerful fighting displays and thrilling matchups across different categories and weight divisions, with 20 fighters from Oman and various Arab and foreign countries engaging in 10 exciting bouts that reflected the advanced level of combat sports in the region. The matchups ranged from lightweight to middleweight and featherweight, featuring rising talents alongside seasoned professionals, creating an entertaining blend that thrilled the crowd and ignited the championship's atmosphere.
At the conclusion of the competition, Afghan Jamal Azizi claimed the title in the main kickboxing bout, while the boxing matches saw victories from Mohamed al Rasbi, Saif al Ayash, Ahmed al Mahroobi, Sheikh Samer Al Ashkar, and Muneer Rashid. In the kickboxing bouts, Badr al Farsi and Hussam al Hinai emerged victorious, while Emar bin Bashar al Balushi and Amer Mohammed Orabi excelled in the open boxing competition.
The participants showcased powerful fighting displays and thrilling matchups across different categories and weight divisions
Jamal Azizi, the winner of the main event, expressed his happiness and deep gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman and its people for hosting the event and providing the opportunity to participate. He extended his thanks to all those who supported him throughout his career, including coaches, organisers, and everyone who stood by him, dedicating the victory to the people of Afghanistan, who are facing difficult circumstances and suffering from food shortages and basic needs. He hoped this win would serve as a message of hope for them amidst their struggles.
Boxer Azan al Balushi, a competitor in the main event fight, explained that he returned to the sport after a five year break, considering the championship an opportunity to face a strong opponent and regain the competitive atmosphere. He confirmed that he performed well and was close to winning, but the deduction of two points from him —one for holding and the other without a clear reason — affected the result, especially since his opponent committed two knee violations without penalty.
20 boxers from Oman and various Arab and foreign countries engaging in 10 exciting bouts
Al Balushi noted that his physical and mental condition was excellent despite being slightly affected by the break, emphasizing that facing international opponents was not new to him, as he had previously competed against fighters from Bahrain, the Philippines and Sri Lanka. He expressed his hope to turn professional and support Omani talents through training camps and international exposure, ending with a thank you to his fans and a desire to raise the Sultanate of Oman's name in international competitions.
Waddah al Harthi, General Manager of Scorpionest Martial Arts Academy, expressed his pride in collaborating with the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) to organise the championship, considering it an important platform for discovering and refining Omani talents. He added that combat sports have a promising future in the Sultanate of Oman, highlighting the academy's commitment to training fighters capable of competing in regional and global championships.
The championship attracted a large audience of over 2,000 spectators from various ages and nationalities
Eng Said al Shanfari, CEO of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, expressed his pride in hosting the championship, reaffirming the centre's commitment to supporting sports and community initiatives by providing a professional environment to host various sports events, including the "Spark" Fighting Championship. He explained that this event was not just for entertainment but also contributed to building the capabilities of Omani youth and empowering them to achieve notable sporting achievements.
