Friday 14 / March / 2025
MUSCAT: Leading sports bosses in the Sultanate of Oman have welcomed the Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for establishing an integrated sports city for hosting tournaments and competitions at the regional and international levels.
They were unanimous in their praise for the directives to develop infrastructure for camel races that will contribute in strengthening the stature of Oman in the sport and enhance the potential of Omani youth and their ability to excel at international level.
Sayyid Mundhir bin Saif Al Busaidi, Oman Equestrian Federation (OEF) president, said: “The Royal directives for establishing an integrated sports city project would help in hosting regional and global tournaments. This underlines His Majesty’s huge interest in the welfare of Omani youths and sports. Harnessing the energies of young people and empowering them through sports will instill in them the spirit of giving and contribute to developing them on par with developed countries.”
Al Busaidi added: “Today, Omani youth are looking to refine their skills, and these directives will provide an appropriate environment and educate them in sports fields. The directives of His Majesty the Sultan will have a great impact on the souls of all young people. The equestrian sector will also have a share in this integrated sport city project.”
Sheikh Salim bin Saeed Al Wahaibi, Oman Football Association (OFA) chairman lauded His Majesty’s directives to establish the sports city. The OFA chief said: “These directives from His Majesty confirm his keenness and interest to provide all support to the sports sector in the Sultanate of Oman. Sports is one of the sectors that can contribute significantly to tourism promotion, and the proposed sports city will become a world-class destination. The Sultanate of Oman has been organizing many international and regional championships, including football, which is one of the most popular games in the world. This city will contribute to the development of sports in Oman through the presence of state-of-the-art stadiums.”
Sheikh Saeed bin Saud Al Ghufaili, Oman Camel Racing Federation (OCRF) president, said: “The Royal directives and the Council of Ministers’ decision to harness the capabilities of youth and generous support to preserve the sporting heritage represented by camel racing will encourage the younger generation to develop it using modern scientific and professional methods. Camel races attract thousands of participants annually and these steps will further increase the number of followers and fans among various segments of society.”
He added: “It is certain that the directives of His Majesty to develop the infrastructure for camel racing will lead to revitalising the economic condition of the governorates, which will contribute to improve the quality of camel race competitions.”
