ISWK, Indian School Salalah are winners of Times of Oman/Shabiba English Quiz

Muscat: Although the results of the senior section had its twists and turn with some nervous, nail-biting moments, the Indian School Wadi Kabir (ISWK) were crowned the winners of the Times of Oman/Al Shabiba Interschool Quiz 2022 at the City Amphitheatre, Qurum on Friday.

The results of the junior section were quite in accord with the observations of quizmaster Giri ‘Pickbrain’ Balasubramaniam, moments before the quiz began, that schools in other parts of the Sultanate were closing in quickly with those in Muscat, with Indian School Salalah team first past the post with 250 points.

Others who bagged positions in the seniors category were Indian School Muscat who came second, and Sri Lankan School Muscat finishing third. In the Juniors section, Indian School Salalah bagged 250 points to be crowned winners, followed by Indian School Muladha coming second with 150 points followed by Indian School Al Ghubra with 125 points.

The Editor in Chief of Times of Oman, Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali graced the occasion and gave away the prizes to the winners and gift hampers to all other finalists.

Also present on the occasion were the Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, Amit Narang, Bangladesh Ambassador Md Nazmul Islam, Sri Lanka’s  Ambassador A.L Sabarullah  Khan and Kiran  Akbar, Charge d’affaires, Pakistan Embassy.  

Although the brilliance of the small kids in the junior section was a treat to watch as they had answers to most of the questions on their fingertips, the knowledgeable and young audience also showed their spunk and were immaculate with their answers to questions thrown at them. 

On occasions, the finalists prompted the answers even before the quiz master had completed his question although on some occasions, such eagerness did land them into a soup when their answers were completely off-mark.

The senior section competition, on the other hand was a roller-coaster of sorts when the ISWK in their over enthusiasm, pressed the buzzer at 400 points and lost 100 points, throwing them into a tie with Indian School Muscat. Later, however, both the teams added a 100 to their kitty, bringing them into a draw once again. It was only after a correct answer by the ISWK that the deadlock was broken, adding 10 points to their tally.

There was another stalemate for the third place with the Indian School Darsait, Sri Lankan School Muscat and Indian School Sohar tied at 100 points each. While Indian School Darsait left early with a wrong answer (90 points) Indian School Sohar cautiously stayed away from any misadventure remaining content with 100 points at the fourth place.

The Sri Lankan School boys, however, were more forthcoming and gave a correct answer finishing third with 110 points.
Much to the surprise of the spectators, ‘Pickbrain’ had picked many questions from the daily edition of Times of Oman.

The event was a festival of sorts with young and old, all coming to the Qurum Amphitheatre to watch the event. Enthusiastic crowds had started coming to the venue much before the actual event began. With an almost jam-packed and well-informed audience, the competition became more interesting.

Hundreds of school students had arrived to boost the morale of their colleagues. A big round of applause was always forthcoming for the correct answers.

Ramesh, CEO of Orbit Events Management, said: “We congratulate all the winners and all the schools for such overwhelming participation. It was truly awesome to witness the close contest among some of the best brains in Oman.”

Puck was the title sponsor of Times of Oman/Shabiba English Quiz.