RSSOman is a happening place with various sports activities supported by different sports clubs based in Muscat. Football, hockey, volleyball and basketball are the popular games in this country and the matches are held at the Wattayah Stadium.
On account of the unfavorable terrain and climate, golf is not a popular sport in Oman. Horse races and camel races held on Fridays and public holidays at different locations are quite popular. Seeb is the main center, where we can see camel races which are also seen at Salalah, the Interior and Batinah region.
Bull fighting is also a favourite sport in Oman. In bull fighting two bulls are seen fighting against each other without each inflicting any serious injury. The one which gives up and runs away first is declared the loser in front of a cheering and enthusiastic audience. The fight lasts just for a few minutes and the bulls suffer little injury, except for a few scratches and a bruised ego of both the losing bull and its owner.
Caving is widely publicized in Oman as well. People who love caving can head on to Majlis al-Jhinn, the world’s 2nd largest cave where we would find long passages, crystal clear streams, canals and drip curtains extend across an expanse of 4 million cubic metre.
Visitors to Oman can have a great time in the sandy beaches which offer wonderful bathing, diving and sailing facilities. There are also three private sports clubs facilitating water skiing and fishing to the people who love to enjoy water sports. Many hotels also have pools. The Bander al-Rowdha Marina has a water sports complex with a landscaped beach area, swimming pool and restaurants.
Fishing is a well-liked sport in Oman. The waters of the Gulf of Oman and the North Indian Ocean are the ideal place for the game of fishing as they are lush plenty of swordfish, black marlin, tuna and sailfish. However, permission from the Directorate General of Fisheries is required for fishing, while spear fishing is not allowed. In the southern region, fishing is restricted to between Mughsayl and Taqah. Hunting is also strictly prohibited.
Falconry is prevalent among the wealthy elites of Oman. The modern sports and games practiced in Oman include sand-surfing, waterskiing and rugby. Oman made its first Olympic appearance at the 1984 Summer Games, though the country has not participated at the Winter Games.
The Oman Olympic Committee played a significant role in making 2003 Olympic Days highly successful. This gave a great boost to the sports associations, clubs and young participants. The Football Association took part, along with the Handball, Basketball, Hockey, Volleyball, Athletics, Swimming, and Tennis Associations.
Oman won the 2009 Gulf Cup of Nations which took place in Muscat from 4 January to 17 January. The government is also trying to improve the young people by providing facilities in the field of sports, culture, intellectual, social and scientific and moving forward to claim international recognition in these areas. Thus in October 2004, the Ministry of Sports Affairs came into existence replacing the former General Organization for Youth, Sports and Cultural Affairs. Muscat successfully hosted the recently concluded 2nd Asian Beach Games started from 8 December 2010 to 16 December 2010.
GOWEALTHY.COM © 2011
For comments: editor@gowealthy.com
