Muscat, Sept 10
The Oman Roll Ball Championship began on Wednesday at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher, organised by the Oman Skating Sports Committee, with the participation of 108 players representing eight teams from five countries. The event strengthens the Sultanate’s position as a capable host for major tournaments while giving local players a valuable opportunity to compete against teams with vast regional and international experience.
The championship features four local teams alongside four international ones. This international presence adds significant momentum to the competition in terms of technical level and competitive experience, especially as these countries boast active federations and broad expertise in the sport. The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Hisham al Sinani, Director-General of Sports Care and Development at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY), in the presence of a number of officials and sports enthusiasts.
EGYPT's SMOUHA OPENS WITH BIG WIN
Egypt’s Smouha Club launched their campaign in the Oman Roll ball Championship with a commanding 8–2 victory over Ibri Club in their Group 2 encounter.
The game started at a fast pace, with the Egyptian team pressing hard from the beginning through powerful shots, notably from Ahmed Salem, before Ahmed Hassan struck early in the fifth minute with a precise finish. Ibri attempted a quick response and Yusuf al Balushi found the net, but the goal was disallowed for crossing the line from inside the goal crease.
Smouha maintained dominance as Mortada netted the second in the seventh minute, followed by another from Ahmed Hassan. Despite Ibri’s efforts, Hani Nabil managed to pull one back, but Smouha hit back strongly with two more goals to end the first half 5–1 up.
In the second period, Ahmed Hassan starred again, completing his hat-trick with a sixth goal for Smouha. Yusuf al Balushi reduced the deficit with a second goal for Ibri, but Smouha allowed no comeback. Mohamed Sayed and Ahmed Hassan sealed the win with two more strikes, the latter completing a four-goal tally, as Smouha cruised to an 8–2 victory.
VISION FOR SKATING
Saud bin Nasser Al Aufi, Chairman of the Oman Skating Sports Committee, stressed that the current tournament comes as part of the committee’s strategic plans to develop this emerging sport and expand its presence locally and regionally.
"We are living today a true sporting celebration that brings together players from various countries. Through it, we aim to achieve multiple goals, most importantly expanding the player base and raising competition levels. Our ambition for the future is to move from club participation to national teams, with clear plans to host bigger championships that match the Sultanate’s stature,” he said.
Al Aufi added that since the committee’s establishment in 2014, skating has spread widely across Oman, with a growing base of players and teams from Salalah, Yanqul, Ibri, and Seeb, extending to other areas in Al Batinah and beyond. He emphasised the sport’s increasing popularity among the public adds responsibility on the committee to provide organised programmes, activities and competitions.
He concluded by affirming that the committee’s ultimate goal is to prepare a national team capable of representing Oman at international events, stressing that the work continues with the support of stakeholders and the passionate involvement of Omani youth in this sport.
Photos by: Marwan Al Yaqoubi
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