Dr Mahmoud Shehabullah is wrapping up his journey as the Senior Sports Medicine Physician at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs after an eventful career spanning 40 years.
The veteran expert shares his thoughts and recommendations to improve the sports fitness sector of the Sultanate.
Excerpts from the interview:
Tell us about your overall assessment about Oman’s sports injuries after your 40 years of experience in the sports medicine field?
Oman is on the right track when we assess the developments in the field during the last four decades. The sports medicine protocol is followed by the authorities in dealing with the sports injuries. They are regularly addressing these issues with the latest updates available in the field.
Does Oman need to develop more infrastructure facilities in sports medicine and fitness aspects?
Oman has already some facilities in this regard but need better monitoring so that it can be utilised properly.
How do you assess the fitness levels of Omani sportspersons after their recent participation in Tokyo Olympics?
Omani sportspersons have developed good fitness but definitely need to improve further to achieve good results. And the good efforts by the Oman Olympic Committee and other sports associations have resulted in athletes and sports persons taking it seriously. There are several steps being undertaken with the fitness in focus in the country.
The level of fitness is far from the elite or medal winners or athletes with good timings. It’s a long way for Oman athletes but possible with the help of professional fitness trainers, equipment, long regular training camp and by participating in competitions with tough opponents. Also important is good balanced diet rich in vitamins and with a strict discipline.
How do you see the growth of sports culture in the Omani society over the years?
The Omani society has embraced the sports culture as most of the locals are sports friendly. We can see the difference with the authorities also staging several high-profile events in the Sultanate.
What is the next step after staging these big events?
More attention is needed to start various sports in school sports curriculum. Already some efforts are there but better work will yield good results for the country.
This is important as a very few are playing in the national teams and the clubs. And the rest of sports loving general crowd has no proper place to play except few gymnasiums on payments.
Regular school sports will give the chance to younger teens to give more time in healthy activities which will help this younger generation for healthy and meaningful future for a disciplined life.
What is your message to Omani sportspersons and sports lovers?
General crowd is very much interested to take part in sports specially soccer but unfortunately they don’t follow the rules of the game.
Because ignorance is playing a major part to land in a major injury.
So always listen to your body. Get assessed before taking part in any sports.
Most of the major injuries are coming from general population who are playing for fun and they are very serious about playing specially soccer regularly.
What are cause of injuries to the sports loving public?
These injuries are mainly due to ignorance of the sport, lack of education, no assessment before joining sports, playing in hard surfaces, uneven beach, biomechanical deficits and lack of discipline. Other factors include faulty shoes and lack of stretching before involving in any training or sports.
Any memories you recall in Oman?
There are many, but I would recall the initial days of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex Bausher. This stadium was built during my tenure. I first had training in this ground when the pitch was not ready. Only the gallery and the track were ready. In this ground, I worked for hundreds of international soccer games and World Cup football qualifying games.
I also remember watching India and Pakistan cricket greats in an exhibition match in late 1980. It was so exciting to watch, India legends Sunil Gavaskar, Mohammed Azharuddin and Sachin Tendulkar facing Pakistan greats Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Rameez Raja.
Do sports medicine have a vital role in modern sports?
Yes. Definitely. Sports medicine is the ultimate gateway to safe sports and physical activities. During my 40-year tenure, I have always tried to give top priority to take care of all national, club and other athletes upto my best ability.
Box
TIPS FOR SPORTSPERSONS
Sports Medicine is the ultimate gateway to safe sports and physical activities
Say no to drugs and play true
No training or sports without stretching
As a hobby, Dr Mahmoud has a rare collection of Olympic pins of different countries -- which numbers more than 6,000 -- gathered from 8 Summer Olympic Games (1988 Seoul to 2016 Rio Brazil).
He had also attended three World Cup hockey events, six Asian Games and three Arab Games in his event-filled sports medical career.
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