Archery has finally come to Oman

What do you do if after jostling in a traffic jam for hours you still fail to reach on time to catch your favourite movie? You get very disappointed, isn’t it? It would have been the same for me few days back if I hadn’t accidentally bumped into the arcade at the Muscat Grand Mall after failing to reach on time for a movie. But instead of getting bogged down with frustration I decided to take a walk in the mall and that’s when I reached near a huge white hall that had many cubicles. No sooner had I stepped in, an attendant warmly greeted me and said, “welcome to bows and arrows”. I was taken aback initially as I wasn’t aware that archery has finally come to Oman as a recreational activity at Muscat Grand Mall where one can learn and enjoy the craft in a controlled environment.

I had all reasons to rejoice. After all, being in Muscat for so long and having explored almost every game and sport that had even a slightest hint of adventure and fun, archery was something that I hadn’t given a shot till then and I couldn’t contain my excitement. The new arcade located at the top of the food court is an almost professional indoor archery set up where everyone can get a taste of the sport with instructors guiding you.

Taking a peek at history one would know the significance of the traditional bow and arrow that was used by men since the ancient stone age, but it was the Egyptians who started using archery for hunting and warfare almost 5,000 years ago. Archery has also played a significant role in the Middle East to help win battles and wars because of the advanced forms of bow and arrow that were made and used by the warriors. Be it the bows used by Attila the Hun and Mongols to conquer Europe and Asia, or the ones used by Turkish archers to throw back the crusaders, archery has etched its imprints in legends and history and now has evolved into a sport.

At the arcade one of the attendants suited me up in an arm guard and led me to a glass cubicle. I realised this wasn’t just an amateur archery. I could see the man in the nearby cubicle being completely focused on the target. Soon my attendant came back to my cubicle with a bow that was quite heavy for me, along with few arrows. I was all set to go at it straight away but I soon realised I needed to be trained to use it. After being guided about the postures, basic rules, and how to look and release the arrow, I thought I was ready. Feeling almost like a warrior all over again after the paintball battle I went for the gold (the centre of the target) in my first shot but was heartbroken when it didn’t even hit the board. Instead, it pierced itself into the white wall on which the board was fixed. After a few shots and some more guidance and training I started getting better at the game and even managed to hit the bullseye once.

Of the many benefits of archery the ones that are worth mentioning are that it helps increase your focus and concentration, strengthens your upper body, especially the arms, shoulder, chest, improves hand-eye coordination, helps boost confidence and is great for relaxation and stress buster. Any new activity that gets introduced is a reason for delight, but if it is an activity that tests your skills, is extremely enjoyable and advantageous too, there is no reason to not put this activity in your weekly hobby list. —[email protected]

Muscat Grand Mall
+968 2206 3909
Sunday-Thursday 10am to 11pm
Friday-Saturday 10am to 12 midnight
18 arrows (1 person): OMR3.600
52 arrows (2 people): OMR7.600
91 arrows (3 people): OMR11.400