‘GCC now a preferred destination to host world-class events’

Muscat: A top Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) official has said that the development of sports infrastructure in the six Gulf nations have taken rapid strides in recent times, and today, GCC countries have become a preferred destination for hosting world-class sports events.

Major General Issa Rashid Al Mohannadi, Assistant GCC, Secretary General for Military Affairs, at the General Secretariat of the GCC, was speaking during the 35th meeting of the GCC National Olympic Committees (NOCs) heads in Muscat on Monday.

The Sultanate of Oman,  represented by Oman Olympic Committee (OOC), presided over the meeting under the chairmanship of the OOC chairman, Khalid Mohammed Al Zubair.

Speaking after the chairman’s address, Al Mohannadi said: “The GCC countries have become a preferred destination to hold many top-class sporting tournaments and events as it boasts of world-class sporting infrastructure and easier accessibility."

“Besides hosting international events, the countries have successfully hosted regional tournaments like the Gulf Games. I thank all the members for their collaboration in developing the sports infrastructure in the region and the executive office members for their hard work to prepare for this meeting.”

Al Zubair was effusive in the praise of all the GCC members in enhancing development of sports.

He said: “This is a great opportunity for all of us to be proud of the distinguished achievements of Gulf athletes, who have achieved laurels at regional and global levels. This meeting comes in line with the consultative approach the Gulf Cooperation Council has always followed as a clear and efficient working methodology to coordinate policies and take appropriate decisions in the sports sector."

“We hope to work together as our athletes prepare for international competitions with an aim to get good results.”

Al Zubair affirmed that the meeting will bring out positive outcomes that will represent a new starting point towards strengthening the joint Gulf action plan in various sports fields.

He said: “This is an appropriate opportunity to emphasise the necessity of increasing the activation of cooperation programmes and fruitful exchanges of experiences for mutual benefits and implementing purposeful programmes approved by the strategy for developing joint Gulf action plan in the sports field 2020-2028. The plan will contribute in shaping the Gulf youth athletes to achieve greater successes at continental and international sports events.”