Muscat – The Oman Open Roller Skate Championship, the first of its kind in the Middle East, has come to an end at the Ibri Club in Dhahirah, on Sunday.

The event – which was organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth – had been inaugurated on Thursday under the patronage of Najib bin Ali al Rawas, Governor of Dhahirah. It drew teams from Oman, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

According to Saeed bin Ali al Zaabi, chairman of the Oman Skating Sports Committee, this strong line-up included teams that have previously competed in World Cup matches. He described the championship as a significant milestone that could pave the way for more international competitions.

Zaabi also noted that the growing popularity of roller skating in Oman, particularly in the Dhahirah governorate, can be attributed to the efforts of the Ibri Roller Skate Team. He commended the team’s dedication in promoting the sport locally.

Oman’s national roller skate team has participated in several high-profile events, including the first Asian Cup Championship and the recent World Cup in India, where they earned an impressive fifth place finish among 32 competing nations.