MUSCAT, FEB 5 - The winners of the first Oman-India Sports Meet (OISM) were honoured along with some distinguished sports personalities during the weekend. The six-month long sports meet mooted as part of celebrations of 70th Anniversary of India’s Independence and 48th National Day of Oman, came to a grand conclusion at the Al Falaj Hotel Hall on last Friday.
Dr Hammad bin Hamed al Ghafri, Adviser at the Ministry of Civil Service, was the chief guest of the evening along with the guest of honour Dr Khalid al Zadjali, Adviser at the Ministry of Information, Oman Radio and Television.
Indian Ambassador to Oman Munu Mahawar presided over the ceremony.
Impressed with the event, Dr Hammad said such sports meet should continue in the Sultanate.
Former Indian hockey captain and ace goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, Oman car racing star Ahmad al Harthy, Oman golf player Azzan al Rumhy, Oman paralympic athlete Mohammed al Mashairi, Khalid al Siyabi, first Omani/Arab to climb the Mount Everest and Omani tennis ace Fatma al Nabhani were feted for their achievements.
Madursinh Jesrani, Oman Cricket general secretary, and veteran hockey personality SAS NAqvi were also honoured for their contribution towards sports.
The winners in football, cricket, hockey and badminton at the first India-Oman Sports Meet were presented with the trophies and medals during the function.
Various Indian business leaders who contributed for the development of Oman were also honoured.
Shaikh Kanak Khimji, Dr P Mohammed Ali, Kiran Asher, Bakul Mehta, 2019 Pravasi Bharata Award winner Dr VT Vinod were felicitated.
The Grand Finale after the six-month long sports events was organised by ISC Malayalam Wing in partnership with Ministry of Sports Affairs, Embassy of India and Indian Social Club. Munu Mahawar, Ambassador of India in his address thanked the Indian Social Club Malayalam Wing in organising such a biggest sports event in Oman. He said Oman India Sports Meet is a unique event wherein Omani nationals and Indian community were given opportunities to play together. He added that such joint events pave the way to further strengthen the relationship of both our nations and maintain the relationship of people to people. He thanked the Ministry of Sports for extending their excellent support in conducting various game events in its sports grounds in Oman.
Dr Sathish Nambiar, Chairman of Indian Social Club Oman and Babu Rajendran, General Secretary welcomed and addressed the audience. T Bhaskaran, Convener, Malayalam Wing, who is also Chairman of Oman India Sports Meet gave a brief account of how the OISM was conducted in Oman. CM Sardar, Vice Chairman, Indian Social Club and the managing committee of the Malayalam Wing joined the award giving ceremony.
After the awards ceremony, a variety of cultural performances from India and Oman were staged by the linguistic wings of Indian Social Club (ISC), Oman. A band was played by Indian School Wadi Kabeer students.
Goan Wing, Gujarathi Wing, Bengali Wing, Karnataka Wing, Mangalorean Wing, Kerala Wing and Malayalam Wing presented their traditional art forms which added colour to the event.
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