MUSCAT: The board directors of Oman Golf Association (OGA) are very keen to continue their ambitious journey to elevate the sport of golf within Oman and across the region. Faiz Mohammad Riaz, Vice-Chairman of OGA, affirmed that the association’s focus on creating pathways for young talent, broadening community engagement and fostering partnerships besides the OGA target to establish a formidable national presence in regional championships.
In last April, the new board directors of the Oman Golf Association (OGA) were elected for a four-year term (2024-28) and HH Sayyid Azzan bin Qais al Said was elected as the chairman. The other elected OGA board members were Faiz Mohammed Riaz as vice-chairman, Ahmed al Jahdhamy as general secretary and Nikhil Sampat as treasurer. The board members comprise from Ghalib al Busaidy, Mubarak Hilal and Jumana al Ghadani.
Faiz Mohammad Riaz extended his sincere appreciation to HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth for the unwavering support. “Their backing has been instrumental in our efforts to elevate the sport of golf in Oman across all levels,” he said.
Nurturing young talent is one of the key areas that OGA board is working on as Riaz said:” Investing in young players is vital for the future of Oman's golf. We are committed to nurturing these age groups by establishing specialised technical junior programmes, offering coaching camps domestically and aboard beside taking part in regional and international golf events. All these factors would not only strengthen the national team golfers but also introduce a new generation to the sport by providing them with the skills required to compete on international platforms.”
Commenting on the requirements for the national teams to compete in different levels, the OGA vice-chairman said that reaching top positions in Gulf and Arab championships will require a robust infrastructure and some key relevant technical factors. “To compete at the highest level, we need enhanced infrastructure, advanced training facilities and access to international-level coaching. As part of these efforts, the OGA recently appointed coach Richard, who has brought a fresh perspective and expertise to the team, accelerating the players’ progress and preparing them for the forthcoming events and championships,” he said.
“Recently, at the junior and youth Arab Championship in Tunisia, the boys had delivered top performance. Attending on an regional stage provides invaluable experience and we are proud of their efforts. There is always room for growth and development and the players will undergo further growth," he added.
The OGA took many steps and is equally committed to promoting women’s golf in Oman. “We in OGA are dedicated to growing women’s golf in Oman by promoting it as a sport for young girls and women of all ages with particular focus on identifying and nurturing young female talent.”
“Women’s national golf teams were already showing promising performance in the recent competitions. The OGA envisions a future where Omani women will showcase their talent on the Gulf and Arab stages,” he said.
“Special thanks to OGA Chairman His Highness Azzan bin Qais al Said, whose leadership and support continue to guide the OGA towards its vision. With a focus on creating pathways for young talent, broadening community engagement and fostering partnerships, the OGA aims to establish a formidable national presence in regional championships. The future of Oman’s golf is incredibly promising,” Faiz said,
Moving to the sustainability part, he affirmed that the OGA is expanding its marketing efforts and forming private partnerships. “Marketing and investment are key priorities for our sustainability and growth,” Riaz shared.
“By exploring sponsorship opportunities and strategic partnerships, the OGA aims to enhance Oman’s global presence through golf. This sport can serves as a powerful tool for diplomacy and cultural exchange. These partnerships will support local tournaments and national teams, making Omani golf self-sufficient and reducing its reliance on annual government funding,” he added.
“Oman’s golf has tremendous potential. From youth engagement to international participation and community outreach, we believe golf can inspire, unite and uplift sports culture in Oman. With the continuous dedication of players, partners and supporters, the OGA looks forward to a vibrant and successful future for golf in Oman,” he concluded.
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