Sunday 15 / December / 2024
Dubai, UAE: Syed Bilal, an 18-year-old alumnus of the Indian School Muscat (ISM), has made Oman proud with his outstanding achievements in two prestigious running events in Dubai. His stellar performances have established him as a promising young runner in the region.
Bilal, who recently completed his Grade 12 studies at ISM, competed in the Skechers Performance Run in October 2024. Running in the 10-kilometer event, he clinched the gold medal in the under-19 category with an impressive time of 47 minutes and 44 seconds, showing his athletic prowess and determination.
Just two months later, Bilal raised the bar even higher at the Skechers Performance UAE National Day Half Marathon, powered by Dubai Sports Council. Competing in the 21-kilometer race, he secured the silver medal in the highly competitive 16-to-30 age group with a remarkable gun time of 1 hour, 34 minutes, and 36 seconds.
Reflecting on his journey, Bilal credits his rigorous training regimen and passion for running as the keys to his success. “Running is not just a sport; it’s a way of life. It’s essential for good health and personal growth,” he said.
Bilal’s running career began during his school days in Oman, where he first discovered his love for running. After studying at ISM from Grade 1 to Grade 9, he spent two years in Dubai for Grades 10 and 11 before returning to ISM to complete his Grade 12. This blend of experiences across two cities played a crucial role in shaping his competitive edge.
Looking ahead, Bilal is set to embark on a new chapter as he travels to Berlin for his higher studies in Engineering. True to his passion, he plans to participate in international races and has set his sights on the prestigious Berlin Marathon. In the short term, he will be participating in the upcoming ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon.
