The nighttime of Ramadhan has become a hub of activity for sports enthusiasts in Muscat, with volleyball emerging as a popular choice. The cooler temperatures offer a reprieve from the scorching daytime heat, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Doctors commonly offer advice on physical activity during Ramadan to ensure individuals maintain their health and well-being while fasting. They typically recommend scheduling workouts during non-fasting hours, such as in the evening after breaking the fast or before the pre-dawn meal (Suhoor), to allow for adequate hydration and energy replenishment.
As a sport, volleyball embodies an enjoyable atmosphere and activity associated with the holy month. It is popular due to its low cost, minimal physical contact, and ability to bring together people of all ages and backgrounds. In Muscat, games usually take place at specific times, such as after the Taraweeh prayer or before dawn, and sometimes before the Iftar meal.
Volleyball is a team sport played on a rectangular court divided by a net. Each team comprises six players. The objective is to score points by grounding the ball on the opponent's court while preventing them from doing the same. Points are earned through successful plays or opponent faults. A match typically consists of best-of-five sets, with the first team to reach 25 points winning a set. Players serve to initiate play, and teams rally to keep the ball in play. Rotation ensures fair positioning and specialized roles like setters and liberos contribute to team strategy and success.
Under volleyball, the game is split into two different categories. Beach volleyball and indoor volleyball differ primarily in surface, team size, court dimensions, ball characteristics, and attire.
Beach volleyball is played on sand with two-player teams on a smaller court, using a slightly larger, lighter ball. Indoor volleyball is played on a hard court with six-player teams on a larger court, using a standard ball.
Beach volleyball tends to involve more defensive play, while indoor volleyball may have more complex offensive strategies. Despite these distinctions, both require similar skills and offer unique playing experiences.
As a form of entertainment, the games played by people across Oman during Ramadan are customised and do not necessarily follow the official format of the games. For a lot of people, especially the young ones, it's just a matter of enjoying and doing something to pass the time and engage in physical activity.
Mohammad Al Yaarubi, an enthusiast of the game, shared that in his observation, volleyball enjoys the attention of many young people during this season.
"We start preparing for it before the beginning of the holy month. We have a prior agreement on the venue and time for the game, and often it is scheduled after Taraweeh prayers. Those that joined are amateur neighbourhood players," he shared.
Al Yaarubi said that they like playing the game because it's very convenient. After all, teams don't need large fields or spend a lot of money to set up a field to play. For their kind of setup, they usually spend about OMR10 rials for two wooden sticks that serve as a stand for the net, a ball, and two spotlights, which can cost 15 riyals. These items can be used throughout the season.
Al Yaarubi thinks a lot of other volleyball enthusiasts love the sport because it does not require high fitness and the rules are easy to follow. He also shared that, unlike other sports, the risk of injuries is also very low.
"It's a game that can be enjoyed without physical person-to-person contact, so it's perfect as an alternative to workouts," Al Yaarubi said.
As a Ramadhan must-do, Al Yaarubi shared that the game's association with the holy month dates back decades. In the past, young people from the neighbourhood would gather next to the home of one of the owners, who would donate electricity and lighting. The beauty here is that the children are close to their homes in the neighbourhood.
After some time, Al Yaarubi said that dedicated courts have been established in the area where teams are registered and organized for the Ramadhan volleyball league. The game took on a life of its own and became a Ramadhan essential.
As a preferred game by a lot of youngsters during the holy month, establishing volleyball as a permanent sport in Oman offers numerous benefits, including fostering community engagement, promoting health, and enhancing national sports culture. Investment in coaching programs and youth development initiatives can nurture talent and ensure sustainable growth. Volleyball can become a cornerstone of Oman's sporting landscape, enriching lives and fostering a sense of pride. For now, though, becoming a Ramadhan sport makes this an endearing game to play and has all the potential to develop into something more.
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