Muscat: The second edition of the Asian debating championship began in Muscat at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) on Sunday.
This follows the successful launch of the first edition in Malaysia. The five-day meet concludes on February 2.
Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, under the auspices of Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Under-Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth, the tournament will witness the participation of the best teams in Asia, which took part in the Sixth International University Debating Championship.
Over 320 participants from 18 countries, including 165 debaters, 75 arbitrators, and 50 young Omani volunteers are taking part in the championship.
Hilal bin Saif al Siyabi, Director-General, Ministry of Culture, vice-chairman of the tournament committee said “the tournament attracts youngsters who are aware of the importance of dialogue and seeking knowledge, relying on the Arabic language and based on its heritage. The participants seeks to showcase his personality in debates among his young peers and highlight his skills and knowledge of topics raised in the session.”
“The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth believes in the importance of dialogue as a starting point that transcends differences, and it is part of our approach to establishing a youth dialogue and communication circle that sees debates as a means and tool to enhance the language of dialogue, organised ideas, and a space for knowledge, thinking, and analysis,” Al Siyabi said.
Abdulrahman al Subaie, Director, Programmes and Projects at Qatar Debate Centre, said “The Asian universities and their debating youth are looking forward to join the event as an opportunity and for the advancement of logic and language. Oman hosting of this version of the championship is regarded a qualitative addition to its organisation, professionalism and prestige”.
The participating countries are Australia, Azerbaijan, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Yemen, and Oman as the host.
From Oman the participating teams include Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), Al Sharqiya University, Oman College of Health Sciences, Al Buraimi University College and 20 Omani referees.
Two categories will participate in the tournament, Arabic speakers and non-Arabic speakers.
Four teams will be selected from the non- Arabic speaking category in the semi-final round. Two teams will qualify for the final.
From the Arabic speaking category, eight teams will compete for the proceeds of the final, four teams for the semi-finals, and two teams for the final.
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