Positive vibes as squash delegation calls on Minister of Sports Affairs

Muscat: An official recognition for Oman squash seems to be round the corner as positive vibes emerged when a delegation of the sport's promoters called on the Minister of Sports Affairs Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Mardouf Al Saadi on Sunday.
Sultanate's chief promoter and player Tahir Al Barwani joined Shura Council member Ahmed bin Saif Al Barwani, who is also in-charge of youth development, and Abdullah Al Sulaimani of Eastern Horizon, the sponsors of various national and local squash tournaments in meeting Sheikh Saad Al Saadi.
During the meeting the three apprised the Minister of Sports Affairs about the recent resurgence of the once popular game in the Sultanate.
"Our prime objective of the meeting was to attain official recognition for squash in Oman and the forming of Oman Squash Association," said Tahir Al Barwani, who added to say that the Minister's response was good.
"Sheikh Saad was all ears to us and said that he will get back on the official recognition after discussing the issue within the ministry. He assured that he will get back with a decision in the near future," said Tahir.
"Our other request was to have squash infrastructure in Ibra and Salalah, so that the game can spread and develop all over the country," he added.
Squash at clubs
Tahir also said that the further demands were to introduce squash in all the existing sports clubs of Oman.
"As of now only private clubs play the game and we wanted all the sports clubs to introduce the game and develop infrastructure," said the squash promoter.
"We have also requested the Minister to help in improving and refurbishing the existing facilities, for example courts at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher, so that more tournaments can be conducted," he explained.
"We also stressed the need for introducing the game at schools so that the young talents can be unearthed and groomed," said Tahir.
Meanwhile, Tahir mentioned that the Minister was requested to provide assistance to find coaches so that young Omanis who have shown interest can be trained in the more professional way.
"We want the Physical Education teachers at schools also to get proper training so that they can transfer the knowledge to their students," he added.
Tahir also stressed during the meeting the importance of having short camps and also introduce the game during the Summer Sports calendar and various other training initiatives.
"We are positive of becoming an official association and once we get recognition we will ensure that squash develops into one of the most popular games in Oman," vowed Tahir.
Abdullah Al Sulaimani of Eastern Horizon also presented a memento to Sheikh Saad Al Saadi during the meeting.