Oman Maritime Sports Committee to Organize 20 Events in 2026

Muscat, 17 Feb 2026 (ONA) — Oman Maritime Sports Committee
striving to solidify the Sultanate of Oman’s position as a leading destination
for maritime sports at both regional and international levels. This drive
leverages Oman’s natural advantages, including over 3,000 kilometers of
coastline, alongside technical and organizational plans aimed at broadening
participation, refining national talents, and enhancing international presence.

Sheikh Ali Said Bait Fadhil, Chairman of the Committee, stated
in an interview with Oman News Agency that the Committee holds a comprehensive
organizational and technical role. This, he said, includes developing
strategies, organizing championships, qualifying personnel, and overseeing
international participations. He noted that the number of competitions and
programs implemented by the Committee annually exceeds 15 diverse events,
ranging from local championships and training camps to community programs, with
the participation of over 1,200 male and female athletes from various coastal
governorates.

He explained that the past years have witnessed a remarkable
growth of approximately 40 percent in the uptake of maritime sports, especially
among the youth demographic. This surge is attributed to intensified
introductory programs, the inclusion of numerous maritime activities in
national and community events, and collaboration with over 12 clubs and
educational institutions to integrate these sports into their annual plans.

Sheikh Ali pointed out that the Omani marine environment serves
as a supportive and stimulating factor for the spread of these sports, offering
geographical and climatic diversity that allows competitions and training to be
held year-round. He affirmed that this diversity has contributed to hosting
regional championships and attracting international participation in the recent
period.

Regarding achievements, he clarified that national teams have
secured more than 10 medals and advanced positions in Gulf and Asian
championships over the past years. This reflects the development in technical
level resulting from intensive training programs implemented by the Committee,
including organizing 8 internal and external camps and utilizing international
expertise in coaching and refereeing.

He highlighted that last season, the Committee organized
approximately 18 maritime championships and events, witnessing the
participation of over 35 teams and clubs, with a notable increase in the number
of junior categories. This reflects the expanding base of practitioners and the
success of talent attraction plans.

The Chairman affirmed that the Committee’s plan for the current
year includes organizing at least 20 championships and events, launching two
new championships dedicated to age groups under 16 and under 18, and conducting
10 technical and refereeing courses. These courses aim to qualify over 60
national coaches and referees according to approved international standards.

He added that the Committee pays special attention to talent
discovery through selection programs implemented in coastal governorates.
Efforts are also underway to increase the number of practitioners to over 1,500
male and female athletes by the end of the year, and to activate maritime
sports in at least 15 clubs in coordination with the Ministry of Culture,
Sports and Youth.

— Ends/AH