Mascat 2010: 2nd Asian Beach Games
A combination of fourteen different beach games took place at the 2nd Asian Beach Games, Muscat, held from the 8th-16th of
December 2010. The event covered sports like Soccer, Handball, Kabaddi, Volleyball and other games. The compositions of games ranged from some of the more modern sports to traditional ones. This multi-sport event has officially been sanctioned by the
Olympic Council of Asia. The event had been designed to encourage Asia’s youth to explore and cherish some the varied cultures found across the continent. The expected participation was from about 45 countries and regions hailing from Asia with a total of
2,000 Athletes and team officials.
The event is represented by its three mascots whio hold very special positions as ambassadors of the Green Movement. The purpose to support this cause was to address the issue of environmental degradation being experienced around
the globe. Besides representing the diverse regions of the Sultanate, these mascots also embodied ceretain vulnerable species in Oman. The event was represented by “Al-Jebel: Tahr”, “Al-Reeh: Houbara” and “Al-Med: Green Turtle” to signify the land, the water
and the skies of Oman respectively. Al-Jebel stands for the love of competition, Al-Reeh for fair play and teamwork and Al-Med for commitment and patience.
The event was held in a purposely built Al-Musannah Sports City facility. The event was expected to enhance Oman’s recognition on a global scale to strengthen its reputation as a sports and eco-tourism destination and to create
new economic opportunities in the region. The organizing committee in Oman felt proud for being able to deliver the targets and having fulfilled the promise of its slogan, “together we shine”.
Thailand with 15 gold medals won the first place in the event with a total of 36 medals. China stood second with a total of 23 medals followed by total of 15 won by Oman. The event came to an end after a dazzling closing ceremony
with farewell message of prosperity for the entire Asian continent by the director general, Habib bin Abdulnabi Macki, at the Al-Musannah Sports city.
Pakistan was able to fight for respectable positions in kabaddi, handball, sailing and tent-pegging. Pakistan was able to grab silver medals in these four events. In Kabaddi, Pakistan faced its arch-rival India like it did in the
2008 finals of the same tournament. Though a closely contested match, the Indian players were able to outshine their Pakistani counterparts despite being the underdogs in the first half. In handball, Pakistan was the defending champion against Kuwait. The
Kuwaiti side won after straight-sets even against a much tougher Pakistani side as compared to the one experienced in the last tournament. In sailing, Pakistan won their first medal, thanks to Najeeb Ullah Khan. In tent pegging, the Pakistan squad was able
to win three silver medals.
The event execution has been hailed as success of promoting international sporting events, augmenting the promotion of cultural diversity by the organizing committee. "We are very happy that Muscat 2010 has achieved its targets”
said Habib bin Abdulnabi Macki. Haiyang, a Chinese city, will host the 3rd Asian Beach Games in June 2012
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