Oman set up Iran final in Asian beach handball
The summit clash will kick off at 8 pm while the third and fourth playoff between Jordan and Pakistan will start at 7 pm at the same venue.
Oman team, coached by Hamood al Hasani, are all set with confidence to regain the title since the first title which was won in 2004 during the inaugural edition hosted in Muscat. Oman team had arrived to the final in six times but could not win the title except in the opening edition.
Oman team secured a slot in the final after a thrilling 2-0 win over Jordan in the semifinal while Iran beat Pakistan with the same result to seal their berth in the concluding match of the Asian event. Both Oman and Iran confirmed their presence in the forthcoming edition of the 2026 IHF Beach Handball World Championships.
Coach Hamood al Hassani and his assistant Jaber al Balushi worked out on a strong tactics to deliver top match against Iran and clinch a new Asian title. The coaching staff prepared the team players for today's assignment against heavyweights Iran team which managed to lift the title in 2022.
Oman player makes a goal attempt against Jordan.
ONE STEP AWAY
Speaking ahead of the final encounter, coach Hamood said:' We are just one step away from the title in our home country. The final against Iran will depend on small areas and the team with less mistakes will get the title. I am fully confident that my players will deliver their outmost efforts towards earning a victory and clinching the title,' he said.
'Our tactics was to focus in each game as final in this tournament and we managed to win all the games until reaching the final. In the semifinal against Jordan, I did some tactical shifts and positional changes which kept the opposition off balance, proving decisive in securing the win,' he added.
Moosa bin Khamis al Balushi, Chairman of Oman Handball Association (OHA), appreciated team's fighting spirit in their semifinal triumph. 'Their performance was a true reflection of Omani grit and sportsmanship,' he said. 'We are proud of their qualification to the IHF World Championship next year and I hope they will now take the Asian title.'
Al Balushi urged fans to show up in full force for the final: 'I am looking forward to see more fans who are acting as the heartbeat of this team and their energy will be vital as we chase our second continental title,' he concluded.
FINAL CEREMONY
The final match of the Asian event and concluding ceremony will be held under patronage of His Highness Sayyid Azzan bin Qais al Said, Chairman of Oman Olympic Committee in presence of Dr Hassan Moustafa, International Handball Federation (IHF) President, and other top officials.
In the women's division, two matches are scheduled on Thursday. India will face Hong Kong and the match will kick at 5 pm while the title-deciding showdown between Vietnam and Philippines will start at 7 pm. Vietnam currently lead the standings with 10 points, followed by the Philippines with eight and both have punched their tickets to the 2026 IHF World Championship.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
8 hours ago
- Observer
Oman Desert Marathon opens registration for 2026 edition
MUSCAT, AUGUST 1 Oman's trailblazing desert marathon race has opened registration for its 2026 edition. The organisers Omania Adventure are gearing up to host the desert race in the golden sands of the Wilayat of Bidiyah, Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, where endless dunes meet the horizon. The 11th Oman Desert Marathon (ODM) is set to take place from January 10 to 14, 2026. Over the years, the ultra-marathon has become far more than just a running competition. Positioned as a unique journey to discover remote, untouched sands and the highest dunes of the Omani Desert, the event blends technical racing, cultural immersion, alongside Omani hospitality across a desert-to-sea route. Registration is now open for multiple distances including marathon (42 km), half marathon (21 km), 10 km, 5 km and kids race. The announcement follows the race's prominent feature in the May issue of Runners World Germany, one of Europe's most prestigious running publications. The extensive coverage in Runners World Germany represents a significant milestone for Oman's flagship ultra-running event, validating ODM's position among the world's most exceptional desert racing experiences. This international recognition highlights Oman's growing reputation as a premier destination for adventure tourism and ultra-endurance sports. Participants during the additional races. — Yahya al Hajri RACE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION With expanded inclusivity efforts in place for next year, the ODM has confirmed details for its 2026 edition. The 2026 edition features multiple challenging desert crossing options: 165 km Classic Ultra: A five-stage self-supported ultra-marathon following ancient caravan routes from historic Al Wasil Fort, culminating at the shores of the Arabian Sea. 100 km Desert Hike: An accessible introduction to desert adventure covering the same legendary route, also finishing at the sea. Additional race distances — including 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, 5 km and a 2 km kids race — are now open for registration, providing opportunities for runners of all abilities to experience the magic of Oman's desert landscape. The race promotes Oman as a destination for adventure tourism, drawing elite and amateur runners globally. Notable local participants include top athletes from the Royal Army of Oman, such as Hamdan al Khatri, Saleh al Saidi and Ghaith al Saadi, as well as civilian talents such as Khalid al Jabri, all of whom have also competed internationally on the ultra-running circuit. CHAMPIONING FEMALE INCLUSION The 2026 Oman Desert Marathon has earned SheRACES accreditation, providing official recognition that the event meets the highest standards for female inclusion in ultra-running. This certification addresses a critical need in the sport, where despite women consistently excelling in trail and ultra races, female participation remains at only 16 per cent of race participants. 'As women, we face unique barriers and concerns that men don't even consider', mentions Rigel Cedeno, project manager and former participant of the Oman Desert Marathon. 'We are proud to make it easier for other women to discover both the raw beauty of the desert and their own incredible strength'. With the support of Race Director Said al Hajri, the ODM is now a SheRACES accredited event — the only race in the Middle East to achieve this recognition. An organiser during the 2025 edition of Oman Desert Marathon. — Ian Corless DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE The race's commitment to inclusivity was highlighted at an exclusive documentary premiere on July 10 in Barcelona, Spain. 'From Snow to the Desert' (Dela Nieve al Desierto), a compelling 25-minute documentary, chronicles the remarkable story of Pol Makuri, a Spanish Paralympic athlete with hemiparesis who became the first person with disabilities to complete the 165 km Oman Desert Marathon. Pol and Albert were the first to test Salomon's revolutionary trail running shoe prototype in the real conditions of the Rimal Al Sharqiya during the Oman Desert Marathon 2024 edition. 'Pol's infectious enthusiasm and authentic storytelling reminded us exactly why we created ODM — to push boundaries, test limits and emerge stronger', said event organisers. Makuri, competing alongside journalist Albert Jorquera in January 2024, finished third as a team in the demanding self-supporting stage race. Their achievement demonstrates that ODM's 'no runner left behind' philosophy genuinely extends to athletes of all abilities. The premiere at the Teatre Ateneu d'Igualada offered a window into the raw beauty and harshness of the desert and into the profound human connection that arises when challenges are shared. A heartfelt discussion followed with both protagonists, joined by ODM's Said al Hajri along with Rigel Cedeno Gamarra — both of whom travelled from Oman to be present for this meaningful celebration of human perseverance. The documentary can be watched on YouTube under the name 'Dela Nieve al Desierto' with subtitles available in English and Arabic. The documentary was made possible thanks to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology — Sultanate of Oman and the Oman Desert Marathon dedicated team. Pictures by Ian Corless
Observer
8 hours ago
- Observer
Oman to host 36th Arab TT Club Championship in Muscat
MUSCAT, AUGUST 1 The Oman Table Tennis Association (OTTA) is gearing up to host the 36th edition of the Arab Table Tennis Club Championship in Muscat staring from August 30 to September 4. The prestigious tournament will take place at the main hall of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher and is expected to witness the participation of elite table tennis clubs from across the Arab countries. This highly anticipated event comes eight years after Oman's successful hosting of the Arab Table Tennis Championship for national teams in 2017 and reflects OTTA's growing reputation as a reliable and experienced organiser of regional and international table tennis events. The tournament is held under the umbrella of the Arab Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) and features some of the top-ranked clubs in the region. The ATTF has officially invited all its member federations and associations to nominate their top clubs to participate in the tournament. Each country may send up to three clubs in the men's and three in the women's categories. Representing Oman in this championship will be Salalah Club, Ibri Club and Seeb Club, who earned their spots by finishing as the top three teams in last season's national league competition. According to the ATTF, the deadline for club registrations is August 15 and participating teams will be permitted to include one foreign professional player provided they meet specific criteria, including the submission of an international transfer certificate and an official registration letter from the club. All matches will adhere to the regulations set by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). The tournament will be contested under the modern Cup Swiss format, which ensure competitive matchups and fair opportunities for all teams. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams in both the men's and women's categories, including trophies, medals and certificates of recognition. The officiating team will include international referees, led by Zaki Khalid from Egypt as the chief referee and Hashim al Salmi from Oman as his assistant, alongside other top-ranked Arab and Omani referees. Mohammed al Jassasi, OTTA Board Member and Tournament Director, expressed pride in hosting the championship. ' This tournament will act as an ideal opportunity for our local clubs to gain valuable experience and exposure by competing with high-ranking Arab clubs that feature top ranking and skilled players. It is a great chance for the clubs to have a technical development and growth', he said. 'Many thanks to the Arab Table Tennis Federation for their trust and continued collaboration with Oman. We are committed to organise an exceptional edition of the Arab Club Championship. Preparations are underway in full swing with various public and private sector partners to ensure the success of this prestigious event. Our organising committee is working diligently to finalise logistical, venue and technical arrangements'. 'Beyond competition, the event aims to promote and expand the popularity of table tennis across the Arab world and elevate its competitive standards', Al Jassasi added.
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Oman U-19 handball team gears up for Asian Youth Games in Bahrain
MUSCAT, July 31 The Oman U-19 national handball team will kick off its initial phase of preparations for the upcoming third Asian Youth Games on Saturday with a one-full day training camp scheduled to take place at the indoor hall of Oman Club. The multi-sport event is set to be hosted by Bahrain from October 22 to 31, and will see the participation of 45 countries across 24 sports, including handball which will begin on October 19, prior to the official opening ceremony. Oman team's last appearance in the Asian Men's Youth Handball Championship was in July 2024 in Jordan, which served as a key developmental experience for many of the current players. This first training session for the team will aim to assess the current squad of 32 players, allowing the technical team led by national head coach Yahya al Mashari and his assistant Hassan al Mamari to evaluate the players' technical and physical capabilities as well as their discipline and responsiveness to coaching instructions. Based on these assessments, the coaching staff will shortlist the best talents who will advance to the intensive preparation phase in the coming weeks leading to the continental event. The Oman Handball Association (OHA) is committed to supporting national teams at all levels and continue development through regional and continental participation. As part of its preparation plan, the team will undergo both domestic and international training camps and is expected to play several friendly matches in the coming days to accustom players to competitive match conditions. The OHA board directors recently announced appointment of Yahya al Mashari as head coach of Oman Under-19 handball team. Hassan al Maamari is his assistant while Ahmed al Jassasi is the team manager. Squad: Omair al Balushi, Fatik al Balushi, Said al Hasani, Waleed al Balushi, Maitham al Owaisi, Ibrahim al Qasmi, Moataz al Mahrami, Al Aws al Balushi, Omar al Foori and Issa al Qasmi (Seeb). Mohammed al Maimani, Al Khattab al Hasani, Ali al Hasani, Bashar al Wahibi, Abdulkarim al Hadeedi, Harib al Hasani (Muscat club). Rashid al Dughishi, Issa al Shuraiqi, Moatasim al Zeidi (Nizwa). Al Bara al Mashari, Mohammed al Tamtami, Sultan al Obaidani (Oman Club). Imad al Ghailani, Abdullah al Ruzaiqi, Salim al Oraimi (Al Oruba Club). Salah al Tamtami, Ahmed al Radini and Khalifa al Hinai ( Suwaiq Club). Yazin al Buraiki, Ahmed al Saadi and Fahad al Mashari (Saham) and Ghassan al Mashari (Ahli Sidab Club).
