The month of Ramadan is an opportunity to enjoy sports, most notably football, as most of the Sultanate's governorates organize mini-leagues that witness great turnout from both practitioners and followers.
These matches, which are usually held after the Tarawih prayer, are characterized by a wonderful youth atmosphere that is dominated by the spirit of tolerance, brotherhood, and high sportsmanship. They are also interspersed with creative artistic football touches that are appreciated by the followers and the public who follow these matches.
As soon as Ramadan comes, football lovers rush to prepare the fields that will host the competitions and the supplies needed to play football.
These leagues reflect the values embodied in this month of brotherhood, love, and tolerance, and they are not without friendly skirmishes and a desire to win.
The simplicity of the rules of these leagues allows young people and children who are football enthusiasts to showcase their skills and compete with teams from other neighborhoods, and why not attract the attention of those looking for football talents.
Organizing sports competitions in Ramadan, despite their competitive nature, is aimed at creating an atmosphere of communication and acquaintance that is not limited to young people from one area, but extends to different areas.
As for Ahmed, the retired football fanatic, he saw that these leagues, which are now held in modern neighborhood courts, open the door for all children and youth to practice their hobbies, which saves them from a set of practices that may negatively affect their academic career or lead them to deviance.
Yusuf al Abri said teams from different regions come together during this month in an atmosphere of competition and acquaintance through playing football.
He emphasizes that many players who have become stars of Omani football have emerged in the Ramadan tournaments. He pointed out that currently, the tournaments are an opportunity for new talents to express themselves.
He added that a festive atmosphere often accompanies these competitions from the audience who come to enjoy and watch their friends play football.
Al Abri confirms that he has loved playing in Ramadan tournaments since childhood because they used to bring him together with childhood friends and the most prominent players in the neighborhood, and he also acquired his talent from playing football in these tournaments, which were the reason for his great stardom.
These mini-leagues have become a prominent place and form a special tradition during each Ramadan, which young people seize to enjoy the hours of fasting throughout this great month and to maintain physical fitness.
Photo by Abdul Wahid al Hamdani
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