logo
Seventh title reaffirms Seeb's dominance in volleyball

Seventh title reaffirms Seeb's dominance in volleyball

Observer01-05-2025
MUSCAT: Seeb Club reaffirmed their dominance on the local volleyball scene by clinching the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Volleyball Shield for the seventh consecutive time, following a deserved 3-0 victory over Majees in the final match held at the main hall of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.
Seeb players expressed their delight with the new achievement. Ahmed al Toubi credited the victory to a well-integrated system within the club, saying: 'Seven consecutive titles don't happen by chance — Seeb know how to make the difference.'
Russian player Bogdan noted that the team had reached its peak performance and attributed the title to strong chemistry and hard work within the squad.
Bogdan, who delivered a consistent performance in the final, remarked that the team had achieved "peak cohesion," emphasising that continuous work despite the pressure of matches led them to this level. Fellow Russian player Artem praised the development of the Omani league, describing the tournament as "full of challenges," and expressed his willingness to continue with the team if asked to stay.
Head coach Jamal al Maamari stated that this was his ninth domestic title, praising the team's collective performance and focus. He added, 'The team has become a formidable force at the Gulf and Arab levels, and we aim to continue shining in the upcoming league final against Al Salam.'
Sayyid Malik bin Shihab Al Said
HH Sayyid Malik bin Shihab al Said, a board member of Seeb Club, congratulated the team on this well-earned achievement, calling it the natural result of years of continuous work and technical and administrative stability. 'We have maintained the same coaching staff and core player lineup, which directly contributed to sustained high performance and positive results,' he said. 'This has been one of the most competitive seasons, especially among the top four teams.'
He added, 'Our ambitions don't stop here we now aim to replicate this success in the league final against Al Salam. We know it will be a tough match, but we are confident in our team's ability to keep up the strong performance and win the title.'
Seventh title reaffirms Seeb's dominance in volleyball
FATIGUE
On the other side, Majees coach Haithem al Waslati attributed the loss to physical fatigue after playing the semifinal less than 24 hours earlier. 'We weren't at our best mentally or physically, and now our focus shifts to the league,' he said a sentiment echoed by several players.
Majees player Hilal al Maqbali pointed out that "match congestion, a short preparation window, and lack of cohesion" significantly impacted the team's performance — especially since a new professional player joined and a new coach took over just two days before the final.
Adam al Jalboobi agreed, stating that 'the team had only one light training session, and the sudden coaching change affected our gameplay.'
From the Oman Volleyball Association (OVA) side, Dr Salam al Toubi, OVA Vice-Chairman, described the championship as successful by all standards. 'We witnessed strong competition among 19 clubs, and the technical level this season was high thanks to the presence of foreign professionals,' he said.
Aisha al Jabri, a board member of the federation, also praised the quality of the matches, noting that the involvement of professional players helped elevate the overall standard. She revealed that the OVA is currently studying mechanisms to better regulate the recruitment of foreign players in a way that benefits the sport in the long-term.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Oman Desert Marathon opens registration for 2026 edition
Oman Desert Marathon opens registration for 2026 edition

Observer

timea day ago

  • Observer

Oman Desert Marathon opens registration for 2026 edition

MUSCAT, AUGUST 1 Oman's trailblazing desert marathon race has opened registration for its 2026 edition. The organisers Omania Adventure are gearing up to host the desert race in the golden sands of the Wilayat of Bidiyah, Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, where endless dunes meet the horizon. The 11th Oman Desert Marathon (ODM) is set to take place from January 10 to 14, 2026. Over the years, the ultra-marathon has become far more than just a running competition. Positioned as a unique journey to discover remote, untouched sands and the highest dunes of the Omani Desert, the event blends technical racing, cultural immersion, alongside Omani hospitality across a desert-to-sea route. Registration is now open for multiple distances including marathon (42 km), half marathon (21 km), 10 km, 5 km and kids race. The announcement follows the race's prominent feature in the May issue of Runners World Germany, one of Europe's most prestigious running publications. The extensive coverage in Runners World Germany represents a significant milestone for Oman's flagship ultra-running event, validating ODM's position among the world's most exceptional desert racing experiences. This international recognition highlights Oman's growing reputation as a premier destination for adventure tourism and ultra-endurance sports. Participants during the additional races. — Yahya al Hajri RACE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION With expanded inclusivity efforts in place for next year, the ODM has confirmed details for its 2026 edition. The 2026 edition features multiple challenging desert crossing options: 165 km Classic Ultra: A five-stage self-supported ultra-marathon following ancient caravan routes from historic Al Wasil Fort, culminating at the shores of the Arabian Sea. 100 km Desert Hike: An accessible introduction to desert adventure covering the same legendary route, also finishing at the sea. Additional race distances — including 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, 5 km and a 2 km kids race — are now open for registration, providing opportunities for runners of all abilities to experience the magic of Oman's desert landscape. The race promotes Oman as a destination for adventure tourism, drawing elite and amateur runners globally. Notable local participants include top athletes from the Royal Army of Oman, such as Hamdan al Khatri, Saleh al Saidi and Ghaith al Saadi, as well as civilian talents such as Khalid al Jabri, all of whom have also competed internationally on the ultra-running circuit. CHAMPIONING FEMALE INCLUSION The 2026 Oman Desert Marathon has earned SheRACES accreditation, providing official recognition that the event meets the highest standards for female inclusion in ultra-running. This certification addresses a critical need in the sport, where despite women consistently excelling in trail and ultra races, female participation remains at only 16 per cent of race participants. 'As women, we face unique barriers and concerns that men don't even consider', mentions Rigel Cedeno, project manager and former participant of the Oman Desert Marathon. 'We are proud to make it easier for other women to discover both the raw beauty of the desert and their own incredible strength'. With the support of Race Director Said al Hajri, the ODM is now a SheRACES accredited event — the only race in the Middle East to achieve this recognition. An organiser during the 2025 edition of Oman Desert Marathon. — Ian Corless DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE The race's commitment to inclusivity was highlighted at an exclusive documentary premiere on July 10 in Barcelona, Spain. 'From Snow to the Desert' (Dela Nieve al Desierto), a compelling 25-minute documentary, chronicles the remarkable story of Pol Makuri, a Spanish Paralympic athlete with hemiparesis who became the first person with disabilities to complete the 165 km Oman Desert Marathon. Pol and Albert were the first to test Salomon's revolutionary trail running shoe prototype in the real conditions of the Rimal Al Sharqiya during the Oman Desert Marathon 2024 edition. 'Pol's infectious enthusiasm and authentic storytelling reminded us exactly why we created ODM — to push boundaries, test limits and emerge stronger', said event organisers. Makuri, competing alongside journalist Albert Jorquera in January 2024, finished third as a team in the demanding self-supporting stage race. Their achievement demonstrates that ODM's 'no runner left behind' philosophy genuinely extends to athletes of all abilities. The premiere at the Teatre Ateneu d'Igualada offered a window into the raw beauty and harshness of the desert and into the profound human connection that arises when challenges are shared. A heartfelt discussion followed with both protagonists, joined by ODM's Said al Hajri along with Rigel Cedeno Gamarra — both of whom travelled from Oman to be present for this meaningful celebration of human perseverance. The documentary can be watched on YouTube under the name 'Dela Nieve al Desierto' with subtitles available in English and Arabic. The documentary was made possible thanks to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology — Sultanate of Oman and the Oman Desert Marathon dedicated team. Pictures by Ian Corless

Gauff fights back to advance, Medvedev crashes out
Gauff fights back to advance, Medvedev crashes out

Observer

timea day ago

  • Observer

Gauff fights back to advance, Medvedev crashes out

TORONTO: Top seed Coco Gauff staged a thrilling comeback to reach the last 16 of the Canadian Open on Thursday, while former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev was knocked out of the men's tournament by Australian Alexei Popyrin. World number two Gauff clawed her way back from a set down to defeat Russian Veronika Kudermetova 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 in a match that stretched over two and a half hours. "It was a tough match today," the French Open champion said. "I thought I did well mentally, especially on the return. I was playing an opponent who served really well. Obviously, I would have liked to serve better, but I'm just happy to get through." Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska stunned American eighth seed Emma Navarro 7-5, 6-4 while Russian fourth seed Mirra Andreeva also exited the tournament, losing 7-6(5), 6-4 to American McCartney Kessler. Alexei Popyrin (AUS) serves against Daniil Medvedev during third round play at Sobeys Stadium. -- Imagn Images Ninth seed Elena Rybakina from Kazakhstan saw off Romanian Jaqueline Cristian 6-0, 7-6(5). On the men's side, Alex Michelsen toppled third seed Lorenzo Musetti 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-4 in a gripping third-round contest. The American 26th seed shrugged off a sluggish start to unleash a barrage of big hitting and keep the Italian on the ropes. The shocks kept coming as 10th seed Medvedev was stunned by 18th seed Popyrin 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, while German top seed Alexander Zverev had to come from a set down to defeat Italian Matteo Arnaldi 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-2 to claim his 500th tour-level match win. Eighth seed Casper Ruud from Norway beat Portugal's Nuno Borges 7-5, 6-4, fifth seed Holger Rune cruised past Alexandre Muller 6-2, 6-4, and Francisco Cerundolo defeated his Argentine compatriot Tomas Etcheverry 6-3, 6-4. -- Reuters

Oman to host 36th Arab TT Club Championship in Muscat
Oman to host 36th Arab TT Club Championship in Muscat

Observer

timea day ago

  • Observer

Oman to host 36th Arab TT Club Championship in Muscat

MUSCAT, AUGUST 1 The Oman Table Tennis Association (OTTA) is gearing up to host the 36th edition of the Arab Table Tennis Club Championship in Muscat staring from August 30 to September 4. The prestigious tournament will take place at the main hall of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher and is expected to witness the participation of elite table tennis clubs from across the Arab countries. This highly anticipated event comes eight years after Oman's successful hosting of the Arab Table Tennis Championship for national teams in 2017 and reflects OTTA's growing reputation as a reliable and experienced organiser of regional and international table tennis events. The tournament is held under the umbrella of the Arab Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) and features some of the top-ranked clubs in the region. The ATTF has officially invited all its member federations and associations to nominate their top clubs to participate in the tournament. Each country may send up to three clubs in the men's and three in the women's categories. Representing Oman in this championship will be Salalah Club, Ibri Club and Seeb Club, who earned their spots by finishing as the top three teams in last season's national league competition. According to the ATTF, the deadline for club registrations is August 15 and participating teams will be permitted to include one foreign professional player provided they meet specific criteria, including the submission of an international transfer certificate and an official registration letter from the club. All matches will adhere to the regulations set by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). The tournament will be contested under the modern Cup Swiss format, which ensure competitive matchups and fair opportunities for all teams. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams in both the men's and women's categories, including trophies, medals and certificates of recognition. The officiating team will include international referees, led by Zaki Khalid from Egypt as the chief referee and Hashim al Salmi from Oman as his assistant, alongside other top-ranked Arab and Omani referees. Mohammed al Jassasi, OTTA Board Member and Tournament Director, expressed pride in hosting the championship. ' This tournament will act as an ideal opportunity for our local clubs to gain valuable experience and exposure by competing with high-ranking Arab clubs that feature top ranking and skilled players. It is a great chance for the clubs to have a technical development and growth', he said. 'Many thanks to the Arab Table Tennis Federation for their trust and continued collaboration with Oman. We are committed to organise an exceptional edition of the Arab Club Championship. Preparations are underway in full swing with various public and private sector partners to ensure the success of this prestigious event. Our organising committee is working diligently to finalise logistical, venue and technical arrangements'. 'Beyond competition, the event aims to promote and expand the popularity of table tennis across the Arab world and elevate its competitive standards', Al Jassasi added.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store