Oman gears up to host major international boxing event
Published: 05:11 PM,Nov 05,2024 | EDITED : 09:11 PM,Nov 05,2024
Oman gears up to host major international boxing event
MUSCAT: In an unprecedented event, the Sultanate of Oman is set to host the world's largest boxing event on November 8, organised by the Oman Martial Arts and Self-Defence Committee (OMSDC) and Futbox Fighting Championship (FFC). This international event will bring together top athletes from various countries, including Oman, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Tunisia, Algeria, Russia, India and Iran. Twenty professional players will participate in 10 matches, with two fighters vying for the organisation’s main belt.
Ali Kerdi, the owner of the FFC organisation and the official in charge of the event, stated that securing approval from the World Boxing Council (WBC) was essential for achieving this exceptional event. He explained that the global organisation only approves such events after ensuring the highest standards of organisation and safety. “We had to meet precise conditions and high-level arrangements to ensure the event upholds the reputation of both the organisation and Oman as a host for this global event,” Kerdi added.
Kerdi noted that the OMSDC made great efforts in preparing for this event, including coordinating with international bodies to secure participation from professional players outside of Oman. “We wanted the event to be inclusive and reflect a diverse range of competitors, so we ensured that players from different countries would challenge Omani players, contributing to their skill development and pushing them towards international competitions,” he said.
Discussing the event's objectives, Kerdi expressed, 'We are not only striving to host a successful championship but also aim to put Oman on the global boxing map. We want the world to see that we have the passion and the capabilities to develop this sport and inspire Omani youth to take up boxing.'
Kerdi also spoke about initial challenges, noting that boxing was not historically part of Omani culture, which led to establishing the 'Fit Box' club to introduce people to boxing’s fundamentals in a safe, structured manner. He mentioned that the community’s acceptance of the sport has grown over time, adding, 'Initially, it was difficult to change perceptions of boxing as a violent or risky sport, but through training sessions and introductory events, people began to understand that boxing is a disciplined and professional sport suitable for all ages.'
Iqbal al Raisi, Secretary-General of the OMSDC, stated that the committee plays a crucial supervisory role, collaborating with organising bodies to support the event from various angles. He said, “Our role includes providing moral support and all resources necessary for the success of the championship, such as securing sponsorship, reserving the sports complex, and ensuring player adherence to safety measures and regulations.” He explained that the committee also acts as a liaison with government entities, like Civil Defence, Ambulance and Medical Services, to ensure top security standards.
Al Raisi highlighted the importance of training local personnel, noting that special halls have been allocated for conducting training lectures aimed at educating and developing the skills of Omani referees.
He emphasised that the committee’s primary goal is to promote boxing culture in Oman. “We aim to create a generation of skilled players who can represent the Sultanate in regional and global championships,” Al Raisi said, expressing his hope that this event will help discover young Omani talents capable of competing in future Olympic events and raising Oman’s profile internationally.
Al Raisi expressed confidence that hosting this international event will help raise awareness of boxing and change perceptions about it. “Boxing is not just a violent sport; it requires discipline and commitment and is suitable for all ages. Our goal is to educate the public about its values and ethics,” he explained. Al Raisi concluded by affirming that the committee will continue to organise future sports events and develop boxing in Oman, with the goal of seeing Omani players on podiums in international championships.
Ali Kerdi, the owner of the FFC organisation and the official in charge of the event, stated that securing approval from the World Boxing Council (WBC) was essential for achieving this exceptional event. He explained that the global organisation only approves such events after ensuring the highest standards of organisation and safety. “We had to meet precise conditions and high-level arrangements to ensure the event upholds the reputation of both the organisation and Oman as a host for this global event,” Kerdi added.
Kerdi noted that the OMSDC made great efforts in preparing for this event, including coordinating with international bodies to secure participation from professional players outside of Oman. “We wanted the event to be inclusive and reflect a diverse range of competitors, so we ensured that players from different countries would challenge Omani players, contributing to their skill development and pushing them towards international competitions,” he said.
Discussing the event's objectives, Kerdi expressed, 'We are not only striving to host a successful championship but also aim to put Oman on the global boxing map. We want the world to see that we have the passion and the capabilities to develop this sport and inspire Omani youth to take up boxing.'
Kerdi also spoke about initial challenges, noting that boxing was not historically part of Omani culture, which led to establishing the 'Fit Box' club to introduce people to boxing’s fundamentals in a safe, structured manner. He mentioned that the community’s acceptance of the sport has grown over time, adding, 'Initially, it was difficult to change perceptions of boxing as a violent or risky sport, but through training sessions and introductory events, people began to understand that boxing is a disciplined and professional sport suitable for all ages.'
Iqbal al Raisi, Secretary-General of the OMSDC, stated that the committee plays a crucial supervisory role, collaborating with organising bodies to support the event from various angles. He said, “Our role includes providing moral support and all resources necessary for the success of the championship, such as securing sponsorship, reserving the sports complex, and ensuring player adherence to safety measures and regulations.” He explained that the committee also acts as a liaison with government entities, like Civil Defence, Ambulance and Medical Services, to ensure top security standards.
Al Raisi highlighted the importance of training local personnel, noting that special halls have been allocated for conducting training lectures aimed at educating and developing the skills of Omani referees.
He emphasised that the committee’s primary goal is to promote boxing culture in Oman. “We aim to create a generation of skilled players who can represent the Sultanate in regional and global championships,” Al Raisi said, expressing his hope that this event will help discover young Omani talents capable of competing in future Olympic events and raising Oman’s profile internationally.
Al Raisi expressed confidence that hosting this international event will help raise awareness of boxing and change perceptions about it. “Boxing is not just a violent sport; it requires discipline and commitment and is suitable for all ages. Our goal is to educate the public about its values and ethics,” he explained. Al Raisi concluded by affirming that the committee will continue to organise future sports events and develop boxing in Oman, with the goal of seeing Omani players on podiums in international championships.