Nizwa claim Ministry’s Basketball Shield

Adil Al Balushi

Muscat, Mar 28

Nizwa Club won the 12th edition of Ministry's Shield basketball championship 2022 at the indoor hall of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Sunday.

The Al Dakhiliyah-based team beat Al Bashayer Club 69-61 in a thrilling final of the championship for the shield of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth.

With the triumph, Nizwa team players received the shield and a cash prize of RO 10,000 while runners-up, Al Bashayer, received silver medals and cash prize of RO 6,000. Muscat-based team Ahli Sidab finished in third place and collected RO 4,000 and bronze medals.

Nizwa started nicely by taking the first quarter 22-14. Nizwa prevailed over a fighting Al Bashayer in the second quarter at 19-17. Al Bashayer bounced back strongly in third quarter to win it 20-9. Nizwa confirmed their triumph in the last quarter taking it 19-10 and match by 69-61.

In the concluding ceremony, chief guest Shaikh Khalid bin Mohammed al Zubair, Chairman of Oman Olympic Committee (OOC), handed over the trophy and gold medals to Nizwa Club while Al Bashayer Club players received silver medals. The ceremony was attended by Eng Khalfan bin Saleh al Naabi, Chairman of Oman Basketball Association, besides officials and invitees.

'EXCITING FINAL'

The OOC chief said the final was exciting to watch.

"Basketball is one of exciting sports and we enjoyed watching an exciting match. Both sides showed top performance in the concluding game. Congratulations to Nizwa team and hard luck to Al Bashayer Club as they played a top game,” he said.

Responding to an inquiry on less clubs taking part in basketball competitions, Al Zuabir said: ”We have taken note of this matter. This requires action from the newly elected board of directors of Oman Basketball Association. I am sure the OBA will make effort to solve this challenge. It is important to focus in the junior and youth categories as it will assist in generating more potential faces for the future national teams,” he ended.