Tuesday 10 / March / 2026
Muscat: What began as a personal attempt by Ruqaya Al‑Hassani to escape the physical and emotional pain of cancer treatment soon transformed into a remarkable athletic journey. Running—initially a refuge from the weight of her medical reality—became the very path that reshaped her life, revealing strength, resilience, and a talent destined for competitive arenas. Today, Al‑Hassani stands as one of Oman’s most inspiring young runners, proving her presence in both local and international competitions and presenting a powerful image of determination that reflects the spirit of Omani women.
Omani runner Ruqaya Al‑Hassani stands out as one of the young athletes who have proven their presence in the field of running, presenting a model of determination and ambition through her participation in local and international races. She represents an honorable image of the sporting efforts in Oman and expresses the strength and resilience of Omani women.
Al‑Hassani said in an interview with the Oman News Agency: “I began practicing sports during my treatment journey from cancer and tumors as a way to escape what I was going through, without any thought that it might become a hobby or a profession. My passion gradually grew as I started noticing improvements in my physical and mental health. I had always loved following running sports and dreamed of practicing them, but at that time, the most I could do was run on the treadmill at the gym, and even then, I couldn’t complete 1 or 2 kilometers. Once I discovered my ability to cover long distances, the passion became a decision.
Running was no longer just a physical activity for me—it became the message of every fighter, and a way to show the strength of Omani women and their ability to transform pain into achievement. So I insisted on taking the step and registered for my first race at the Muscat Marathon. I began daily training under a professional coach, but the race date—which fell shortly after my surgery—pushed me to look for another event. I found the opportunity in the Sohar race, held two days before the operation, and I experienced it with my friend who was my greatest supporter at the time.”
She added: “I decided to challenge myself and managed to finish the 10 km race, achieving fourth place among women. It was an extraordinary accomplishment given that I completed a long distance despite the illness. After that, I underwent surgery, and the physical and mental preparedness that sports gave me had a clear impact on accelerating my recovery and returning to the race fields with even greater determination.”
Speaking about her supporters, Al‑Hassani noted the significant role of her coach, Fahad Al‑Abri, whose guidance supported her in achieving top positions in 10 km and 5 km races. Among them:
Second place in the 2023 Bidiyah Desert Race
Fourth place in the 2024 edition
Fourth place in the Sohar Race
Fifth place in the Salalah Race
Seventh place in the Nizwa Mountain Run Beyond these local milestones, she highlights the Al-Ula Mountain Race as a significant turning point in her life, where completing a challenging desert-mountain course while carrying the Omani flag became a moment of immense national pride.
She credits her family for the unwavering support they have always provided her with which made her reach these great heights.
Throughout her journey, Ruqaya has navigated complex physical and social challenges, balancing her athletic ambitions with a deep commitment to Omani societal norms. By demonstrating that professional sport can coexist with modesty and cultural identity, she has helped foster greater societal acceptance of female participation in running. Her story serves as a testament to the idea that pain can be repurposed into achievement, and she remains a dedicated advocate for the growth of women's sports in the Sultanate.
Looking toward the future, Ruqaya is optimistic about the development of running in Oman. Supported by national initiatives and sports institutions, she hopes to see increased training opportunities and professional platforms for female athletes. Her dedication to intensive training, proper nutrition, and the sacrifices required to balance professional work with her passion have made her a role model, encouraging a new generation of Omani women to pursue their own athletic goals.
