(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) On a day when Oman Handball Association (OHA) renewed its partnership agreement with The Zubair Corporation for another year, Said al Shahri, the OHA chief, said that focus on youth will be the key to success for the national teams in future.
The partnership agreement was inked by Shahri and Rashid al Hooti, general manager of The Zubair Corporation in the presence of Sheikh Saif al Hosni, the vice-chairman of the Oman Olympic Committee (OOC).
The deal is part of an initiative set up by the OOC named 'Sport for Development' and brings together different sports associations, under the OOC, and private sector in the sultanate for promoting sports.
A file photo of Omani player in action during the 2016 Asian Men's Handball Championships in Manama, Bahrain
Speaking to Muscat Daily after signing the deal, Shahri said, 'We are very happy that The Zubair Corporation has renewed its support. It is an endorsement of our activities and the success by our national indoor and beach handball teams in regional and continental-level competitions.'
Oman beach handball team had won silver at the sixth Asian Beach Handball Championships in Pattaya, Thailand in May. It had also won silver at the 2016 Asian Beach Games in Danang, Vietnam
Shahri said, 'Though we will be pushing the national teams to bring more laurels at international level in both indoor and beach, I think it is time now to shift our focus on Omani youth.
'We have chalked out a plan for youth and junior players and will be launching a programme to scout talented teenagers.
'Once they are spotted, there would be an intensive training programme for them and it would serve as feeder pool for national teams' coaches. We have already begun leagues for youth and junior teams.'
'Corporate support is vital for any sport to succeed and we are thankful to The ZubairCorporation for their strong backing that has helped us in achieving medals at Asian level,' said the OHA chairman.
Shahri said, 'The partnership is not just about financial support. The deal will seek greater interaction with The Zubair Corporation to enhance the relationship for the betterment of the game.'
Hosni was delighted at the renewal of the deal and said, 'The agreement has brought in positive results and has raised the profile of the game. This deal will also consolidate the existing relationship between Oman's private sector and the OOC.'
A file photo of an Omani player in action during the 2017 Asian Beach Handball Championships in Pattaya, Thailand
The senior OOC official said that the OOC was hopeful of signing few more agreements between other sports associations and corporate houses.
In the past, Omantel had inked a deal with Oman Volleyball Association while The Zubair Corporation also extended its support to Oman Chess Committee. Also early this year, the OOC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO).
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