DEFY GRAVITY WITH A SOCCER BALL AND BEAT THE COMPETITION

Muscat Showcases Amazing Talents at The Red Bull Street Style

Freestylers perform at the final of the first Red Bull Street Style in Oman where it took place at Al Bahja Mall on October 9, 2008 seeing Ahmad Aswani clinch the esteemed Red Bull Street Style title.

Ahmad Aswani (Egyptian), a 23 year old Freestyler living in Oman managed to outperform Mohamad Awad as he impressed the judges with his excellent skills and moves. Awad took 2nd place, while Nouh Abdallah the youngest competitor (8 years old) took over Khaled Khamis for the 3rd place.

“I love Freestyle Football. I did not expect to win today but I have trained well and was prepared for the finals. I train every day with my friends and hopefully now I will double my training in order to achieve a good position in Sao Paulo. It is my dream to qualify for the World Finals in Sao Paulo, Brazil. I fear nobody and I am ready for the next stage”, said Ahmed Aswani.

The 32 finalists gathered at 3pm for the kick-start of the championship. The first round witnessed 14 battles as four players did not attend the final. 16 competitors advanced to the second round and 8 to the quarter final. Good moves and maneuvers were displayed in front of a star studded judging panel, but the best was left for last. In the finals, three prestigious judges evaluated the participants in three different categories: control, creativity and style.

Omani Football legend Ghulam Khamis evaluated control and technical skills, creativity was handled by Ahmad Al Balouchi from the Oman Football Association and style was handled by Sultan Al Abdali the team leader of SNK and the number one B.Boy in Oman. Trainer Salem Al Abdali was present with the competitors to help them before each round.

The crowd watched on in amazement as the group of freestyle footballers used their skill and footwork to show the judges why they should move to the next rounds. DJ Fawaz from Al Wissal Radio Station who was broadcasting live the event and MC Abou Bassma along with MC Yousif were keeping the crowd involved and excited while giving the contestants the beats they needed to perform.

Salem Al Abdali comments: “Red Bull Street Style” is a great platform for the world’s most talented ball artists to test their skills against each other. It’s excellent to see a large number of football freestylers in Oman.”