OOC prepares for 3rd GCC Beach Games

Observer

02-03-2025

MUSCAT, MARCH 1
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY) in collaboration with Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) beside the sporting associations organised the first meeting of the directors of the sports missions who will participate in the 3rd GCC Beach Games 'Muscat 2025' in presence of the representatives of the gulf countries. During the meeting, all the latest preparations and arrangements were reviewed as Muscat will host the prestigious gulf event during April 5 to 11, 2025 in different venues across Muscat Governorate. The tournament will feature participation of all the gulf countries including: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the hosts Oman. Eight sports featured in this edition of the Games including: beach soccer, beach handball, beach volleyball, beach athletics, marine sports, open water swimming, air sports and equestrian (tent pegging).
Taha al Kishry, Secretary-General of OOC and Director General of the Games, began the meeting with a warm welcoming to all the attendees. 'Oman is hosting this prestigious sporting event underscores its leadership in organising major sports tournaments. Oman had managed to host different regional and continental events during the past years. These events reflects the country's commitment to promoting beach sports. Oman's unique location and extensive coastline provide an ideal setting for such competitions. The event also reflects Oman's dedication to strengthening sports cooperation among GCC countries and supporting the development of beach sports in line with international standards,' he said
These efforts reflect Oman's commitment to enhancing its national teams' competitiveness and preparing them to achieve top positions on the podium,' OOC Chief ended.
Rashid al Kindi, Chairman of the Technical Committee for the Beach Games, delivered a comprehensive visual briefing. ' The 3rd GCC Beach Games is a distinguished regional event featuring a diverse range of sports and activities. Officially recognised on the GCC sports calendar as the event is organised under the directives of the GCC Olympic Committee Chairmen. The organising committee is committed to delivering a world-class event that contributes to the expansion of beach sports in the region,' he added
Several subcommittees have been established to ensure smooth execution including committees for technical affairs, sports facilities, public relations, security, medical and anti-doping, finance, IT, media and marketing, opening and award ceremonies; and coordination and secretariat.
The opening ceremony is scheduled on April 5, 2025. The Beach soccer competitions will be held at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex during April 7-11 while Beach volleyball at Athaiba Beach during April 8-11. The action of Beach handball will take place at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex From April 5 to 11 while Long-distance swimming will be at The Wave, Muscat and North Al Hail Beach starting from April 9 until April 11 and Sailing events will be at North Al Hail Beach during April 6-10. Tent pegging (equestrian) competitions will take place at Al Rahba Farm from April 8 to 10 while Beach athletics at Al Athaiba Beach from April 8to 10. Paragliding competitions to be held at North Al Hail Beach from April 5 to 7. A total of 43 medals across 30 events will be comprised in these competitions.
Group Draws and Competition Schedule
As part of the meeting, the group draws for the team sports were conducted in presence of team's representatives. Oman will begin their campaign at Beach Handball competition against Bahrain on April 5. The final rounds will be held on April 10 and 11. Beach Soccer competitions will start on April 7 as Oman will take on Bahrain in the opener while they will take on Kuwait, UAE and Saudi Arabia in the other rounds. The finals are scheduled on April 11.