Monday 20 / May / 2024
Muscat: Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Mardhouf Al Saadi, the Minister of Sports Affairs, officially inaugurated the 36th Arab Golf Championship at the Ghala Golf Club on Tuesday evening.
The Arab championship, being held for the first time in the Sultanate, was declared open during a simple but impressive ceremony organised in the presence of Sheikh Khalid bin Omar bin Said Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service, Arab Golf Federation chief Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Oman Golf Committee (OGC) chairman Mundhir Al Barwani, Ministry of Sports Affairs Undersecretary Rashad Al Hinai and a host of local and international dignitaries.
The actual action begins on Wednesday when the top golfers from the 13 Arab nations, including hosts Oman, will vie for top honours both in the team and individual championships.
During the four-round competition, three best scores from each of the four-player teams will be taken into account to decide the team champions while the individual scores will be considered for the individual honours.
Speaking on the occasion, chief guest Sheikh Saad Al Saadi said: “Hosting a golfing event of such magnitude shows Oman’s keenness to develop sports in general and golf in particular. Organising Arab championship for the first time with participation of huge contingents from across the Arab world indicates to Oman’s organisational abilities to successfully host major sporting events. The Sultanate especially has been enjoying the successful hosting international golfing events.”
Sheikh Saad Al Saadi also wished the participating teams all the success while expressing the hope the golfers as well as the golf enthusiasts will enjoy the championship as the best of Arab talent will be on show during the event.
Besides hosts Oman, the other participating countries are the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Libya and Lebanon.
Arab Golf Federation chief Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, meanwhile, said: “We are delighted to see Arab championship coming to Oman, who are playing host to top golfers of the Arab world. We would like to thank all those who are involved with golf in Oman as well as the Ministry of Sports Affairs for their hospitality and for making excellent arrangements for the championship.”
While asking the participating teams to enjoy the competition, he said: “I am sure our players leave a lasting impression and make good impact with their positive performances, reflecting the efforts of the Arab federation and individual national associations to promote and popularise the sport across the region.”
OGC chief Mundhir Al Barwani, while welcoming the participating teams, said: “The golf championship complements the existing cooperation between Arab countries. The main objective of the event is to bring the together the golfing community of the Arab world. Hosting of the championship for the first time in Oman no doubt will lead to further promotion and development of golf.”
Meanwhile, OGC Vice-chairman Ahmed bin Faisal Al Jhdhamy said: “This gathering of the best Arab golfing talents means a lot for us as it helps in developing understanding and brotherhood among our young people and their peers from various Arab countries.”
“We seek through these sports events to help our young Arabs to mingle together and understand each others cultures because they are the future of Arab sports.”
Meanwhile, the members of the Sultanate squad, who are hoping to achieve good results, underwent rigorous training sessions under the watchful eyes of German coach Milo Breitenwisher. Oman will be represented by Azzan Al Rumhy, Fahad Al Kitani, Rashad Al Harthy and Ahmed Al Balushi.
