(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) ''Experience matters,'' said Mussa Abdul Rehman al Harthi, a young Omani, who participated in the professional Muay Thai fight held in Phuket on September 9.
Winner of a gold medal (for Muay Thai) and a silver (boxing) at an amateur competition in Oman, Harthi, however, did not win in this professional contest.
Muay Thai or Thai boxing is Thailand's national sport.
Calling himself the first Omani to participate in the competition, he said, ''I was very excited and proud to fight. However, I did not win the competition. The experience was very enriching.
''Everyone out there competing had as many as 50 fights to their record, but it was my first. My opponent was an experienced fighter so I am not upset that I lost the bout.''
Harthi was also the youngest member to compete and was selected while training in Thailand. The fight had five rounds of three minutes each. Before training in Thailand, Harthi had trained at the Muscat Mixed Martial Arts Club.
Currently studying engineering, Harthi, having trained in boxing, wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, plans to become a mixed martial arts fighter.
''I thank my coaches Ali al Lawati and Rafael Lopes Pinto for bringing me to the level, I am at today.
''Martial arts have taught me hard work, discipline and given me a lot of confidence. Everyone should take out the time to follow their passion,'' he said.
Coach Lawati said, ''Harthi has completely transformed from what he was. He is confident and strong. He has trained for a year and is already a part of the professional fight. We don't have a professional competition yet in Oman.
''We hope more youngsters enroll for this martial art. Professional competitions would give people a chance to represent the country at an international level.
Harthi added, ''The government should support and encourage mixed martial arts as a sport so that Oman can compete at an international l
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