Muscat – Oman’s rising taekwondo star Fedaa Fuad al Barwani has etched her name into the nation’s sporting history, clinching gold in the junior category at the 2026 Arab Taekwondo Cup and becoming the first Omani female junior athlete to win an Arab Cup gold medal.
Fedaa’s landmark achievement has not only brought pride to the sultanate but also shone a spotlight on the growing presence of Omani women on the regional sporting stage.
The Arab Taekwondo Cup, hosted by the United Arab Emirates in Fujairah, concluded on Monday after several days of intense competition that drew more than 1,000 athletes from across the Arab world. Against this strong field, Fedaa delivered a composed and confident performance, winning five bouts on her way to the top of the podium.
Opening doors
Speaking to Muscat Daily, Fedaa described her victory as both, emotional and motivating.
“It’s an incredible feeling and a great honour,” she said. “I feel proud to represent Oman and grateful that my hard work paid off. Being the first makes it even more special, and I hope it opens doors for more Omani girls to believe that this level is possible.”
Her road to gold was far from easy. She singled out the quarter-final as her toughest test. “The opponent was very experienced and physically strong. It tested my mental strength more than anything, and I had to push myself to stay focused until the last moment,” she recalled.
In the final, she relied on calmness and discipline. “I was fully focused on the match, point by point. I reminded myself to stay calm, trust my training, and enjoy the moment. I knew how much this meant, but I tried not to let emotions distract me.”
That composure was built on months of rigorous preparation. Fedaa followed an intensive training programme with two daily sessions focusing on physical conditioning and technical skills. Mental preparation, match analysis and recovery were also key components. As part of her build-up, she attended a three-week training camp in Uzbekistan, where she sparred with international athletes and refined her tactics.
Most promising talent
She is also among a select group of athletes recognised by the Oman Olympic Committee, which recently signed Olympic scholarship agreements for 10 Omani athletes across different sports. Fedaa’s inclusion reflects her status as one of the country’s most promising talents.
Behind her success stands a strong support system. “My family has been my biggest support from the beginning. They always encouraged me and stood by me during difficult moments, along with my coaches and teammates who believed in my potential,” she said.
For Fedaa, the medal carries significance beyond personal glory. “Personally, it means that my sacrifices were worth it. For Omani women, I hope it shows that we can compete and succeed at the highest regional levels and that our achievements deserve recognition and support.”
Carrying the hopes of making history for Oman inevitably brought pressure, but she chose to channel it positively. “Yes, there was pressure, but I turned it into motivation. I focused on my performance rather than the outcome and reminded myself that I was prepared and capable.”
The tournament also offered valuable lessons. “I learned the importance of mental strength, discipline and never giving up. Every match taught me something new, and the tournament helped me grow as both an athlete and a person,” she said.
Still a junior athlete, Fedaa must balance sport with education – a challenge she approaches with maturity. “Balancing both requires good time management and discipline. I plan my schedule carefully and always remember that education is just as important as sport. Support from my family and school helps me manage both successfully.”
Her message to young girls in Oman is simple but powerful – “Believe in yourself, stay committed and never be afraid to chase your dreams. Success doesn’t come easily, but with hard work, patience and confidence, anything is possible. Your journey matters. You can do it.”
Eyes on Tashkent, Dakar
Looking ahead, Fedaa’s ambitions are firmly set on the international stage. In the short term, she is targeting the 2026 World Taekwondo Junior Championships in Tashkent and the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. Her long-term dream is to compete at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Competing in the UAE against top regional fighters has strengthened her belief that she can succeed at higher levels. “It helped me gain confidence, adapt to different styles and understand the level of competition in the region. It made me stronger and more prepared for future international events,” she said.
With her historic gold medal, Fedaa has already secured a place in Oman’s sporting narrative. More importantly, she has offered a new generation of Omani girls a powerful example of what dedication and belief can achieve — on and off the mat.
