Decision to set up shooting clubs in Oman affirms Royal attention to youth, sports

Muscat: Basil Ahmed Al Rawas, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, said that His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s blessing of a decision to set up international Olympic shooting clubs for the Sultanate of Oman affirms the Royal attention accorded to the sector of youth and sports.

He added, “The decision seeks to safeguard this sport, which is deep-rooted in Omani society’s civilisation and cultural heritage, while at the same time upgrades the sport to international spheres—so that it could be played in tandem with the laws devised by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF)."

He noted that this sport is listed within the programme of Olympic Games and that Omani youth, males and females alike, now have an opportunity to excel in the sport at a global level.

Air Commodore Nassir Said Al Sa’adi, Assistant Chief of Staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) for Training and Joint Drills, said that Olympic shooting figures among the loftiest sports in the world and that different countries took keen interest in attracting all age groups to espouse them. Hence, sports complexes and shooting ranges were constructed for Olympic sports in the Sultanate of Oman where the Royal patronage of His Majesty the Sultan, the Supreme Commander, gives impetus to the sports and has been the moving force behind the accomplishments of the country.

“Oman is thereby set to see major transformation that serve as a springboard that will influence the performance of youth of all different age groups and contribute to the Sultanate of Oman’s representation at all events,” Al Sa’adi added.

Meanwhile, Captain Khalid Ali Al Maqbali, Military Sports Manager at the SAF headquarters (Secretary General of Oman Shooting Association), said that 14 clubs will be floated initial investment bids—at a rate of one club per governorate, except the Governorate of Muscat, which will host two shooting clubs.

Priority investment is given to the inhabitants of each governorate and, in case no investor takes up the bid, investment will be open for citizens from other governorates.

However, mechanisms of the clubs’ construction will be announced electronically and judged in accordance with existing provisions and technical terms and conditions.