(MENAFN - Muscat Daily) Asian Games bronze medallist Jihad al Shaikh has promised to play a leading role in improving athletics in the sultanate if elected as the Oman Athletics Association (OAA) chairman.The elections for the new board for a four-year term are scheduled to be held on November 11 and Shaikh is involved in a triangular fight for the top post. The other two contestants are OAA chairman Hamad al Jabri and Sheikh Saif al Hosni, former vice-chairman of the Oman Football Association.The OAA announced the final list of the candidates after the Ministry of Sports Affairs approved it on Monday.Addressing a press meet on Monday, Shaikh said, It is good competition. We are three people from three different fields, with different ideas. Whoever wins, I just hope athletics in Oman should benefit and improve. I promise to make it better.Claiming to have the backing of seven of the 24 clubs so far, Shaikh said, I am contesting the elections and I am confident of winning. I hope to garner more support in the next few days.He said, If we have strong competition among clubs, we will have good national-level athletes. Under the current board, the focus has only been on the national team, not the clubs. There aren't enough competitions for clubs. If I get elected, I want to work closely with the Ministry of Education and the clubs.Legendary athletics star Mohammed Amour al Malki, the 400m Asian record holder, was also present at the press conference to support Shaikh.Three in fray for OAA vice-chairman's post:The elections to the nine-member OAA board will also feature contests for the posts of vice-chairman, general secretary, treasurer and five members.Three candidates are in fray for the vice-chairman's post. OAA vice-chairman Mansour al Tauqi, Ahmed al Marhoon and Mohammed al Hinai are in the race while OAA general secretary Fauzi al Kiyumi is in a direct face-off with Said al Qasmi to retain his post.OAA treasurer Khalfan al Jufaili will contest against Hamdan al Bausheri to retain his seat while seven candidates are in the fray to become members.
