Iraqis move into 4th place in Oman Beach Games

OMAN / IraqiNews.com: Iraq‘s tiny delegation of athletes moved into fourth place in the medal rankings at the Asian Beach games, sailing ahead of Jordan, Syria and Olympic powerhouse Japan. As of Wednesday, Thailand led the games with 22 medals, followed by China with 12, host country Oman with 11, and Iraq with seven. Iraq has won all of its medals in tent pegging, an ancient equestrian sport. The youngest member of the eight-member Iraq delegation, 19-year-old Osamah Liwa, won an individual bronze in Lemons & Pegs and a silver as part of the Team Sword Event. Mohammed Shaya won two individual silver medals and a gold and silver medal in team competitions. Ali Bannon won an individual gold in the Lance competition and a gold and silver in team events. The Iraqi athletes are competing in the 2nd Asian Beach Games that run Dec. 9 to Dec. 18 in Oman,  a country on the Arabian Peninsula. More than 2,000 athletes from 45 countries are competing in sailing, volleyball, open water swimming and variety of other water and beach sports. Iraq sent eight athletes to games to compete in marathon swimming, body building and tent pegging. For more information about the games, go to www.muscat2010.org.om. JS/SR 384