MUSCAT: The third edition of the Omani Women’s Sports Games 2025 kicked off with the inauguration of the Chess Championship, hosted at the Al Rustaq Sports Complex and organised by the Women’s Sports Department at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY) in cooperation with the Oman Chess Committee. Fifteen players representing six clubs from various governorates took part, competing under the Swiss system of rapid chess with a time control of 10 minutes plus two seconds per move across seven rounds filled with excitement and challenge.
At the conclusion of the competition, Anah al Isai from Salalah Club won first place in the open category, followed by Yumna al Nadabi from Masirah Club in second, while Mariyah al Balushi from Ahli Sidab Club came third.
In the under-16 category, Fatima al Ghafri from Qurayat Club secured first place, with Nour al Ghafri from Masirah Club taking second, and Mariam al Balushi finishing third.
A NATIONAL PLATFORM FOR WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
Badriya al Wahaibi, Head of Community Programmes at the Women’s Sports Department, stressed that the chess tournament is part of the Games, one of the most prominent national initiatives aimed at enhancing the role of Omani women in sports. She explained that the Games serve as a platform combining athletic competition with community development, contributing to women’s health, cultural and sports awareness, and reinforcing values of participation and belonging within the sports community.
She added that the Games seek to empower women through sports by discovering and nurturing talent, expanding women’s participation in clubs, and strengthening their role in developing women’s sports in cooperation with federations and committees. The event includes both individual and team competitions, with preliminary qualifiers for team games hosted in different governorates before concluding in Muscat with a women’s day celebrating the achievements of players and clubs.
COMPETING FOR THE WOMEN’S SPORTS CUP
Al Wahaibi further explained that the participating clubs compete for the 2025 Women’s Sports Cup by entering as many events as possible and achieving top results. Points are calculated based on participation levels and victories, adding to the spirit of competition and affirming women’s place in the national sports arena.
WIDE PARTICIPATION
The third edition features nine clubs: Salalah, Saham, Qurayat, Ahli Sidab, Al Kamil W'al Wafi, Al Amerat, Masirah, Ibri, and Samayil. The competitions include team sports such as basketball, handball, hockey 5s, and volleyball, alongside individual sports like chess, badminton, athletics, table tennis, and e-sports. This edition is distinguished by the introduction of new sports for the first time, including hockey 5s and e-sports, reflecting the organisers’ commitment to broadening participation and diversifying competitions.
All technical regulations have been approved in coordination with the relevant Association and committees, ensuring fair and high-level organisation of all competitions.
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