The 41 year old Balushi has been a recognised FIBA (world basketball body) referee for the past 13 years.

It was his second match that he was officiating at the Rio Olympics. Balushi was the referee on the opening day of the competition when he took charge of the France vs Turkey game.

However, it was the match between US and Senegal that stole the limelight as the match saw three Olympic marks set points scored in a game, margin of victory and assists as the American team won the match 121-56.

Balushi is Oman's first Olympic basketball referee and third Olympic referee after Mohamed al Mousawi and Abdullah al Hilali, who officiated in the football events in Atlanta Games and Beijing Games respectively. Besides Balushi, Abdulmoneim al Alawi is the other Omani who will officiate during the marathon swimming competition on August 15-16.