Oman Wins Bid to Host 2028 IHF Beach Handball World Cup

Muscat, 19 Aug 2026 (ONA) — The
Sultanate of Oman, represented by Oman Handball Association, has secured the
hosting rights for the 2028 IHF Beach Handball World Cup – a landmark sporting
achievement that further cements its standing as a premier global destination
for major international tournaments.

The announcement was made by the International Handball
Federation (IHF) following a competitive bidding process against a number of
European candidacies. This marks the second time the Sultanate of Oman has been
awarded the hosting rights, following its successful organization of the 5th
edition in 2012.

The tournament will be held in
Dhofar Governorate during the Khareef (monsoon) season, with the participation
of 32 national teams – 16 men’s and 16 women’s squads. The event is expected to
significantly bolster sports tourism and showcase the Governorate’s exceptional
natural assets.

Moosa Khamis Al Balushi, Chairman
of Board of Directors of Oman Handball Association, stated that this
achievement was made possible through the unwavering support of the Ministry of
Culture, Sports and Youth, and is the result of strategic planning that
included securing the titles of the Gulf Beach Games and the 10th Asian Beach
Handball Championship in 2025.

He further added that the association
has already begun developing a comprehensive plan encompassing the upgrade of
sports facilities and infrastructure in Dhofar Governorate, in coordination
with relevant authorities, alongside the preparation of the national team to
deliver a performance worthy of Omani sport.

Oman national beach handball team
boasts an impressive track record of nine World Cup appearances, the most
recent of which was in Croatia 2026. Throughout its history, the team has
achieved several distinguished placements, most notably a 4th-place finish
worldwide in the 2009 edition.

— Ends/AH