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Muscat: The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part. Residents in Oman of all nationalities lived up to the words of Pierre de Coubertin, founder of modern Olympics, when they turned up in thousands to take part in the 20km 2008 Beijing Olympic Torch relay in Muscat on Monday evening.
The Chinese officials of the organising committee left Muscat with the Olympic flame yesterday for Islamabad, Pakistan, where the relay will continue before moving to India.
It was an unprecedented spectacle never seen in the sporting history of Oman when different nationalities and age groups lined up all along the route from Sohar Boat Roundabout on the foot of Al Bustan Hills to Qurum Nature Park's floating theatre.
Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) vice President Habib Abdulnabi Macki was the most relieved torch bearer as the packed lake-side floating theatre at the Qurum Nature Park went in roar when he completed the last leg. He raised his arms and displayed the torch all around before lighting the cauldron amid fireworks and a laser show.
"The response from the public has been overwhelming and we are proud that the torch relay was celebrated by all and I am glad it was incident free," he told Gulf News.
Biggest cheer
There was no doubt about the participation of general public as they packed both sides of the roads. The spectators were discipline personified as they snapped away with phones and digital cameras.
The Corniche leg was the most exciting. A Royal Oman Police frigate gave a tug boat salute by spraying water into the air as the torch was carried along the front.
Former Indian cricket captain Ravi Shastri, who was celebrity torch bearer, drew the biggest cheer. When he was invited to board the media bus, which most runners did after their respective turns, Shastri said: "I am enjoying this atmosphere and public response and would prefer to keep walking."
He not only walked the rest of the distance to the break point but mingled with fans, posed for pictures and proudly displayed his replica torch. "This is the most cherished souvenir and I am thrilled to receive it," he said.
A banner — ‘Light the Passion and Share the Dream' — put up a by a small group of Chinese expatriates just after Corniche reflected the mood in Muscat where young and old alike poured out in street to take part in the relay in their own way.
Only one incident threatened to dampen the party spirit. Chinese TV crew and photographers clashed with local photographers as they jostled for position at the finale. Police were called and some local photographers were ordered to get off the media van so visiting journalist could be given room.
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