Friday 26 / July / 2024
MUSCAT: Masirah Club’s Salim Al Maqbali defeated Sultan Al Shibani from Al Kamil Wal Wafi Club 21-16, 21-10 in the men’s singles final of the inaugural edition of Oman Clubs’ Badminton Championship at the AMM Arena on Saturday night.
On his way to the title, Al Maqbali beat Mohammed Al Rasbi (2-0) in the semi-finals and Akram Al Haji in the quarter-finals.
In the doubles category, Oman Club’s duo of Akram Al Haji and Toshar Kumar beat Bausher Club’s Khalil Al Darmaki and Mashiri Fashorsi 2-0 to claim the title.
In the U15 boys’ singles final, Zaid Al Hinai from Masirah Club bagged the gold medal with a 2-0 win over his clubmate, Abdul Aziz Al Hinai.
The three-day event was organised by the Oman Racket Sports Committee (ORSC). Dr Abdullah bin Khamis Al Kindi, member of the State Council, was the chief guest, and presented the awards in the presence of Dr Abdulrahim bin Musallam Al Droushi, ORSC chairman, dignitaries and officials from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth.
A total of 12 clubs representing five governorates took part in the tournament. The participating clubs were Al Amerat, Al Kamil Wal Wafi, Bausher, Oman, Seeb, Al Shabab, Sohar, Majees, Salalah, Masirah, Qurayat and Ibri.
The competition included 31 players in the singles category while there were 19 teams in doubles and 17 players took part in the U15 category.
Al Droushi said that the first edition of the Oman Clubs Badminton Championship “achieved significant successes.”
“The participation of 12 clubs exceeded all our initial expectations. The high level of participation reflects sincere interest among clubs in promoting badminton. There are future plans to establish training centres within clubs in the future. The tournament also played an encouraging role in developing local officials, referees and organisational skills,” he added.
Iran’s Seyed Omid Moghadaszadeh was the tournament referee and was assisted by Oman’s Ahmed Al Mafraji.
