Friday, March 29, 2024 | Ramadan 18, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

OCC honours champions of Zubair chess tournament

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MUSCAT: Oman Chess Committee (OCC), in collaboration with The Zubair Corporation (Z-Corp), honoured the winners of the final chess tournament organised at the indoor hall of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher. Over 40 players from the different Zubair chess centres established across the governorates of Oman participated in the finals.


OCC and Z-Corp also celebrated the 2017 season of their association as Z-Corp had signed a sponsorship agreement with Oman Chess Committee to support the activities of OCC to enable it to spread the popularity of the chess among people especially youth. Z-Corp in cooperation with OCC has already established centres in Suhar, Ibri, Nizwa and Dhofar to popularise the mind sports.


The closing ceremony of the tournament was held under the patronage of Eng Mohammed bin Salem al Busaidi, Member of the Majlis Ash’shura, Bausher, and in the presence of Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Chairperson of Oman Chess Committee.


The contest saw participants, who had trained for over a year at the Zubair centres across Oman, fight keenly to win the top spot. All the winners, trainers and contributors to the success of the Zubair centres were honoured at the closing ceremony.


Speaking on the occasion, Mohammed bin Salem al Busaidi, member of the Majlis Ash’shura, praised the efforts of the OCC in training young players and expanding the popularity of the game in the Sultanate.


He said, “First and foremost I would like to congratulate The Zubair Corporation for establishing the chess centres in a number of governorates. This has provided the perfect springboard for youngsters and interested participants to learn and train. There is no doubt that these centres will help children improve their concentration and mental abilities. I appreciate a private sector organisation like The Zubair Corporation coming forward to provide a venue for our talented children to play and express themselves.”


He added, “We congratulate all the winners of the tournament and their coaches. We hope they continue to pursue success in the field of chess.”


He urged parents to encourage children to take up the game of chess.


Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar said, “We are very proud of what has been achieved through our association The Zubair Corporation. We feel the Zubair chess centres has challenged and motivated children through participation in competitions organised at Zubair centres. We have been able to tap a number of players who have the potential to compete at the regional and international levels.”


Thanking Z-Corp she said, “The centres that were established achieved the objectives of the Omani Chess Committee to increase the number of camps organised and hold more competitions among different age groups.”


Ibrahim al Salmi, Social Communications Manager, The Zubair Corporation said, “We have supported the initiative as part of Z-Corp’s commitment to support the development of sports in the country and encourage young talents. As a member of the private sector, The Zubair Corporation is keen on supporting the country’s sports development since it believes it is an area of vital importance in the national development process.”


Fahd bin Saeed al Mahrouqi, crowned the overall champion at the tournament said, “The tournament was competitive and truly tested our abilities after a year of training in Zubair centres. The training helped refine our skills.”


Hamoud bin Mohammed al Busaidi, another winner said, “The intensive training helped me win the first place. The competitions witnessed the presence of a number of good players.”


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