Qum is blessed to have a diverse array of sports facilities, including gyms, indoor and outdoor courts, swimming pools, stadiums, paintball grounds, and horse-riding sites. While this variety may sound exciting, a number of these facilities are dated and fall short of expected standards of care and hygiene.
Swimming Pools
Qum boasts 25 swimming pools — a reflection of how popular this pastime is for both males and females alike. A list of some of the most frequented swimming pools can be found below while a more comprehensive list is provided here.
| Pool | Address | Telephone |
|---|---|---|
| Isar | Jumhuri Islami Boulevard, Karamat Road, Isar Complex | 3242 4767 |
| Firdows | Jumhuri Islami Boulevard, intersection with Mahmmod Nejad, Firdows Complex | 3261 1111 |
| Kawther | Sadooqi Boulevard, Haydariyan Stadium | 3292 5850 3294 0702 |
| Takhti | Shahid Fatemi Street, Alley No. 8, Takhti Stadium | 3774 2177 |
| Yaran | Inqilab Street, Shahid Seqayati Road | 3720 8884 3720 8885 |
| Daryaa | Khaleej Fars Boulevard | 3720 1300 |
| Velayat | Ghadeer Boulevard, Alley No. 17, Velayat Complex | 3112 3674 |
| Hejab | Jawad al-Aimmah Street, opposite the Fire Station | 3891 2024 |
| Shahidah Sayyari (women only) | Al-Zahrah University, Yasaman Road | 3211 2373 |
Sessions for ladies are normally scheduled in the mornings, while those for men are in the afternoons and evenings. Prices vary from pool to pool but average around $1.50 for a typical 1.5-hour session. Tickets can usually be purchased on the day at the swimming pool or online through third-party websites, which often offer discounted rates. Three reputable websites for online ticket purchases are www.poolticket.org, www.qomticket.com and www.takhfifan.com. When buying online, the ticket is typically sent as an SMS to one’s mobile number, which should then be presented to the cashier at the swimming pool.
Swimming lessons can also be arranged with the management, either privately or in larger groups. Most swimming pools also have a shop for swim gear and accessories, as well as a small cafeteria for snacks and beverages.
Abotab Water Park
In addition to the swimming pools listed above, Qum has a water park located in the large Ghadeer Park. Opened in 2016, the Abotab complex, spread over 3 hectares, features seven water slides, a lazy river, a water playground, a wave pool, and other facilities such as restaurants, shops, and a massage service. Tickets can be purchased at the complex, but greater discounts can often be found through online retailers. The water park is typically open from 10am until midnight, with alternate days designated for males and females.
Indoor Gymnasiums
The versatile nature of indoor gymnasiums allows for a variety of sports to be played. While futsal (indoor football) is perhaps the most popular, other sports such as badminton, basketball, and volleyball are also common. Gymnasiums can typically be hired for 1.5-hour slots at a cost of approximately $3 per session. With numerous gymnasiums scattered throughout the city, finding a free time slot is usually easy, and it’s even possible to make block bookings in advance.
Fitness and Bodybuilding Gyms
Another popular option for sports and exercise are fitness and bodybuilding gyms. These gyms usually offer a combination of free weights, resistance machines, and cardiovascular equipment. However, due to the high costs associated with purchase and maintenance, some gyms focus exclusively on free weights. Similar to swimming pools, many gyms operate a split-timing system between men and women, with women generally using the facilities in the mornings and men in the evenings. Additionally, some gyms are exclusive to either men or women.
A common issue in many of these gyms is the background music, which, more often than not, would be considered haram by the majority of ulema. To address this, individuals can use headphones to drown out the music. Alternatively, they may request the management to turn off the music, which they may do, especially during quieter times.
The SIOS gym, located in the dormitory, is available for all SIOS students to use everyday between 5am and 11pm. It includes free weights, a couple of multi-function workout stations, a power rack, a treadmill and other smaller equipment.
Other Sports
There is no shortage of sports activities available for both men and women. In addition to the above there are facilities for boxing, karate, wrestling, bowling, tennis, table-tennis, archery, skating and horse-riding. Further details can be found here.
Comments & Suggestions
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