Oman Clinches Silver at Arab U17 Volleyball Championship

The future of Oman volleyball certainly looks bright if the latest success is any pointer. In one of the best achievements ever by the national team at an Arab competition, the U17 spikers came up with a sterling display to clinch silver at the 14th Arab Volleyball Championship, which concluded in Amman, Jordan on Friday.

Oman lost to Bahrain in the final 20-25, 14-25, 18-25 but the spikers impressed in their march to the summit clash.

Competing in the eight-nation championships, which featured two groups, Oman, coached by Jamal al Mamari began its campaign on a victorious note when it outplayed UAE 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-17) last Friday.

Placed in Group B that comprised Bahrain and Iraq, Oman struggled to get past Iraq in a tough five-setter, winning 23-25, 26-24, 21-25, 25-19, 18-16. It then lost its third group match to favourite Bahrain 0-3 (13-25, 18-25, 19-25) to finish second in its group.

Majid al Shibli (left) and Abdullah al Shibli with their individual trophies

Mamari's boys then scored a stunning win over hosts Jordan to book its spot in the semifinals. Oman defeated Jordan 3-1 (25-20, 25-18, 20-25, 25-16 to set up a semifinal clash with Group A topper Saudi Arabia, which had won all its group matches against Qatar, Jordan and Palestine respectively.

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