Tuesday 26 / November / 2024
MUSCAT: The Museum of Sports Memorabilia a brainchild of former hockey coach and technical adviser of Oman Olympic Committee, Saiyed Ali Sibtain Naqvi was inaugurated by chief guest Dr Hammad Hamed Al Ghafri, Adviser, Ministry of Civil Services on Monday.
A collection of photographs and newspaper articles dating back some 70 years highlighting the glorious days of the veteran hockey player is on display at his residence.
S. A. S. Naqvi a name synonymous with hockey has been instrumental in bringing hockey to Oman in 80s when he was elected as the head coach of the Oman National Hockey team.
Saiyed Ali Sibtain Naqvi, or SAS Naqvi as he is more commonly known, was the coach of the Indian hockey team (men) in 1973 and 1975, coach of the Indian hockey team (women) in 1978 and 1979, national hockey coach of Oman in 1982, and Technical Adviser of the Oman Olympic Committee for 18 years from 1984 to 2002.
“The establishment of the sports museum has been made possible with the kind benevolence of Dr Hammad Hamed Al Ghafri who has made available a special designed hall to set up this unique sports museum said, S.A.S. Naqvi”.
“The sports museum will feature memorabilia and manuscripts of hockey of over 70 years including collectibles from the 1998, 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympics, the 1973, 1975 and 1981 Men’s Hockey World Cups and the 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998 Asian Games, he added”
On display will be several press clippings and photographs dating back to the 80s which will offer interesting reading of the past history and growth of hockey in Oman.
The inauguration was attended by Sheikh Saud Al Rawahi (former vice-president, OOC and president of OFA), G.V. Ramakrishna (Bank Muscat), Saleh Khalifa (former adviser, Ministry of Sports and secretary general, OOC)), Dawood Ahmed Al Raisi (former president OHA and member FIH and AHF), Dr Ali Al Ghafri, Dr Hamdan, Ahmed Al Ghafri (CEO, Future Group), M. Noordeen (general manager, Future Plastics), and a host of top sporting personalities.
