Oman to host 10th Asian Beach Handball Torney
The Oman Handball Association (OHA) is all set to kick off the actions of the 10th AHF Asian Men's and Women's Beach Handball championship which will begin in Muscat on Tuesday and will run until May 15. Moosa bin Khamis al Balushi, OHA Chairman, unveiled in a press meet all the relevant details for this major Asian hosting.
' We are thrilled to host this prestigious event for the second time in history following the great success of the 2015 edition. Hosting this event was one of the key plans for the new board directors and we have managed to host it in Oman. The Asian Handball Federation (AHF) has full confidence in Oman's organisational capabilities and reinforces the Sultanate of Oman's position as a leading destination for international sporting events. This continental event will build on the success of the 3rd Gulf Beach Games which concluded last month in Muscat as the national beach handball team had clinched the gold medal. This achievement serves as a strong motivation for the national team to compete for the Asian title for the first time in history, despite reaching the finals more than eight times previously. Now is the time to fulfill this dream. I am confident on the team players to deliver their outmost efforts in order to win the title ,' OHA chief added.
Responding to an inquiry on having tournament in winter instead of summer season, Moosa said:' The dates and timing of this tournament is not in our control as AHF have set an agenda for the whole year. In addition, the Asian Championship will act as a valuable opportunity to promote tourism in Oman and enhance cultural exchange among participating countries. There were tough efforts made to ensure the tournament's success starting from preparing main field and training venues according to international standards beside the logistical and accommodation services that meet the needs of all teams. Special thanks goes to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY) for their support in securing hosting rights and to private sector companies sponsoring this major event. The championship will be a platform for showcasing Omani youth talents in organising major international events and enhancing the competitive spirit among participating Asian teams,' he ended.
Salim bin Khalfan al Saadi, Board Member and Tournament Director, said that there are three venues for the event including the main venue that will feature opening and concluding ceremony and the key matches of the tournament beside another additional venue for the rest of the games while third venue is for warm up sessions,'
' Many sub committees were formed for this event to provide the required efforts for all the teams. Public Relations Committee are busy in these days as they are welcoming the participating teams and guests and ensure a comfortable stay in designated hotels. Jordan team were the first arrivals and rest of the teams will come accordingly. The Stadium Committee also played a vital role in preparing the courts to international standards, providing official match balls, and testing electronic scoring systems to ensure accuracy. The Medical Committee confirmed its full readiness to provide medical support throughout the tournament, with over 20 members from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and the Ministry of Health. Field medical teams were equipped with the latest emergency tools, and specialised medical teams were stationed at venues and hotels,' he added
' The Media Committee played a major role in promoting the event through social media and various media outlets. Matches will be broadcast live on Oman Sports TV and Al Kass Channel, which sponsors Asian Handball Federation tournaments,' he ended.
On the other side, Oman team managed to win their first friendly match against Jordan 2-1 on Saturday.
Both teams are gearing up for the tournament. Oman beach handball team is clubbed with Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Maldives in Group A.
Group B comprised of Iran, Philippines, Jordan, Pakistan and India. The women's competition will feature only four teams in one group only including: Vietnam, Hong Kong, Philippines and India.
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