(MENAFN - Muscat Daily) Muscat- Omani diver Omar Abdullah al Ghailani has won the International Underwater Target Shooting Championship in Dubai.

Set to highlight regional and international talent within the freedive spearfishing community, the championship tested contestants' ability to accurately use a speargun in a swimming pool while freediving on a breath-hold.

The championship was held on January 12 and 13 with the participation of 18 competitors from around the world, Ghailani told Muscat Daily. 'The participating countries included Oman, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Syria, Italy and Tunisia,' he said.

'The competition was tough. The low temperature of water in the pool was a challenge too. But with much concentration and determination I reached the final.'

Ghailani overcame Saudi diver Hazem Azzouni in the final.
'After three draws, I beat him in a half-run.'

Ghailani prepared for the championship training daily -freediving for two hours, in addition to gym workouts.

'Freediving is done without the use of any breathing apparatus. You need training to hold your breath and swim constantly. Of course, you have to be courageous. I advise young Omanis who want to practise this sport to be careful and learn to swim well and train under specialists,' he said.

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