The Sultanate gives top priority to expanding its sports infrastructure and facilities as youth development is one of the cornerstones of His Majesty's vision for national development. In line with this principle, the Sultanate today boasts as many as 186 state-of-the-art sports facilities functioning under government patronage. As of last year the Sultanate has 62 grassed football grounds, 20 major sports halls and 44 outdoor courts. Hockey and tennis courts number four and 11. Sports infrastructure includes eight football training grounds, and five squash courts, apart from two beach courts and one cricket stadium. Towards encouraging the youths to undertake water sports, and also to upskill them to global standards, the Sultanate has four Olympic swimming pools and six pools for diving as well as training. In a vindication of the government's effective sports strategy, an increasing number of youths are taking to sports. By the end of 2014, the Sultanate had as many as 7,258 Omani sportspersons, marking a considerable growth over 6,314 sports people in 2013, NCSI data reveals. Football Sports Association has the highest number of registered Omani players at 3,375, while there are 1,140 members in Hockey Association. There are 471 members in Volleyball Association, and 795 in Basketball Association. Handball and Shooting Associations have 587 and 67 registered players. The Swimming Association has the least number of sportspersons at 40, and all of them are males. Football, Basketball, Handball, and Hockey Sports Associations too have only male players. Equestrian and Athletics associations have 300 and 418 Omani players in order. Significantly, Athletics and Equestrian are the chosen sports for the largest number of female sportspersons, with their numbers standing at 50 and 48 respectively. Also, Omani sportspersons with special needs totaled 236, of which 90 people --the highest number -- practised Football for mute, while 80 took up Blind Goalball game. The least number of sportspersons with special needs was found in weightlifting category at three.