Oman wins football gold at Special Olympics

Sport360 staff 22:22 20/03/2018
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  • Oman won gold after beating Syria 3-0.

    Omani footballer Mahmoud Hamad Alhakmani dedicated his two goals in the final to his home country and thanked Abu Dhabi for hosting the Special Olympics IX MENA Games.

    Oman were 3-0 winners over Syria in the final played at Zayed Sports City, with Mohammed Alruzaiqi grabbing the third goal.

    “First thing we thank God for everything,” said Alhakmani. “We are grateful to Abu Dhabi for their efforts. The feeling of winning cannot be described and by taking home the gold we will get a great welcome from our country. We are excited to raise our flag.

    “I dedicate our win to the Omani people first and foremost. We also would like to thank the UAE and the Emirati fans for continuously supporting us and for everything they have done for us,” he added.

    Saif Al Seyabi, the Oman coach, said Syria had given his team a tough challenge in a competitive final football match.

    “Syria was a great opponent, but we had good opportunities and scored three goals and won. We thank God for this win,” he said.

    “The Omani, Syrian, and Kuwaiti teams are almost at the same level. God was with us today and our plans worked well. We dedicate our win to our wise leaders and to the Omani people and we promise to bring back home the gold at the World Games in 2019.”

    Saif bin Saif bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Rubaiee, Head of the Omani Delegation at the Special Olympics IX MENA Games, said the players and all of Oman would savor the victory.

    Pointing to the celebrating Omani footballers, he said: “Our feelings are clear. The players are champions of the Special Olympics.

    “They are expressing their joy today after winning the gold after a tough game. We are all happy they have reached this level.”

    Al Rubaiee praised the UAE for hosting a successful and enjoyable Games for all of the countries, athletes and teams involved.

    “The organisers did a fantastic job and of course we wish the best for our brothers in the UAE and will continuously support them.”

    More than 1,000 athletes from 32 countries travelled to Abu Dhabi to take part in MENA IX Games, which is the first major sporting event ahead of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. Athletes took part in 16 sports across eight venues including ADNEC, Zayed Sports City, Yas Marina Circuit, NYUAD, Officer’s Club, Mubadala IPC Arena, Al Jazira Sports Club and Al Forsan Club.

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