MUSCAT: As many as 16 football teams from across the country will keep the ball rolling at the whistles on Wednesday and Thursday at the Basher Club Stadium, thanks to the first of its kind ‘Soccer Carnival-2024’, that aims to offer two days packed with adrenaline rush to the young footballers of the Sultanate of Oman.
Organised by an Indian Daily, Gulf Madhyamam’ which is the first international Indian newspaper and the only one being printed in Oman, in association with KMFA – Kerala Muscat Football Association, a body of footballers from both countries, the officials said that the Sevens Football tournament will be one of its kind which capital city hasn’t witnessed hitherto.
On April 24, the kick-off will take place at 10pm for group-stage matches whereas on April 26, quarter finals are scheduled from 4pm; semifinals and finals shall follow thereafter. Winners will take home RO 600 cash along with winner’s trophy and runners-up will receive trophy and RO 300 in cash. Outstanding players will be honored and prizes shall be given away to them.
As an icing to the cake, an ace footballer and ex-Indian star Anas Edathodika will be the chief guest while Raj Kalesh, celebrity of family audience, will add flavour to the carnival with his non-stop spot games and events involving the spectators and their families. Special commentator Raashid Kottakkal’s presence will add great value to the carnival because his remarkable commentary skills for boosting the sevens football matches are a sure bet, according to the Organisers.
Speaking to the Observer at a press conference held at the Foodlands Restaurant, to detail the mega soccer event, the organisers of the ‘Soccer Carnival-2024’ said that the two days will be a perfect mix of fun, frolic, gastronomy and entertainment besides the football fest raising itself to be a family event. Entry to the two-day Soccer Carnival is free.
“We are here to launch a first of its kind soccer carnival which is aimed at entertaining those who love the sports as well as those who are not as several games and entertainment programme for kids as well as families are in store. Audience will also have an opportunity to win a handful of attractive prizes. The fun zone will have quiz competitions, face painting and other fun-filled events for kids and ladies,” said K Mohammed Rafeeq, Global Head of Gulf Madhyamam Business Solutions.
The organisers unveiled the Soccer Carnival logo Arshad Peringala and committee member Mohammed Rafeeq controlled the team draw. The media announcement was also attended by Shakeel Hassan, Oman resident manager, Binod Kumar, Lulu Exchange marketing head, Sahil Moidu, managing director, Al Hajis Perfumes, Niyas Abduk Khader, managing director, United Cargo, Rafeeq Malayil, chairman, RFC, Abdul Hameed, managing director, Rubua Al Haram (Top Ten), KTK Sajeer, country sales manager for GEEPAS, KV Ummer, Director, Golden Tulip Headington, Joyson, managing director, Intelligent Events and Faisal Wayanad, KMFA core committee member.
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