Latest news with #OmanHandballAssociation
Observer
7 days ago
- Sport
- Observer
Al Balushi named as Indoor handball team coach
MUSCAT, JULY 13 MUSCAT:The Oman Handball Association (OHA) announced during a board meeting took place on Sunday and chaired by Chairman Moosa bin Khamis al Balushi, appointment of Nabil bin Hassan al Balushi as national head coach of the senior men's indoor handball team. The decision came as part of the Association's preparations for the Asian Men's Handball Championship which is set to be held in Kuwait in January 2026 and will also serve as the qualifier for the 2026 IHF World Championship in Germany. Nabil al Balushi previously served as assistant coach under Algerian Coach Mourad Bouzbet during the 2022 edition of the Asian Championship in Saudi Arabia. His promotion to head coach reflects OHA's strategy to elevate local technical talent and entrust national teams to experienced Omani professionals. The board has also granted Al Balushi the authority to appoint his own assistant coaching staff, providing him with the flexibility to form a strong technical staff capable of leading Oman to success in upcoming regional and international challenges. In addition to the coaching appointment, the OHF announced the following key support roles for the senior team. Anwar bin Mohammed al Balushi named as Director of National Indoor Handball Teams while Ahmed al Jassasi assigned as Team Manager. These appointments aim to ensure a fully integrated and well-structured technical and administrative setup for the national team's upcoming campaigns. The board also confirmed the continuity of the current technical staff for the Oman U-19 Indoor Handball Team, led by head coach Yahya al Maashari and assistant coach Hassan al Maamari. Ahmed al Jassasi will also continue as team manager in this category. This move inline to maintain technical and administrative stability within the youth setup and continue nurturing a competitive generation of players. The team's major upcoming assignment is participation in the third Asian Youth Games, scheduled to take place in Bahrain from October 22 to 31.
Observer
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman into quarter final of Youth Beach Handball
MUSCAT, JUNE 21 The Oman U-17 beach handball team imprinted their name in the history as they secured historic slot in the quarters of the 2025 IHF Men's Youth Beach Handball World Championship in Hammamet, Tunisia. This accomplishment occurred in the team's first ever appearance at the world finals as they now proudly joined the top eight teams in the world Oman's young boys sealed their place in the quarterfinals after an impressive run in the main round including a stunning victory over reigning champions Croatia by 2-1. Despite the defeats against European heavyweights including Germany and Hungary on Friday, Oman's performance was enough to secure fourth place in Group A and to meet against Brazil who ended as group leader in group B in a tight quarterfinal clash. The current edition of the IHF Youth Beach Handball World Championship is the tournament's largest to date as 32 teams are vying across the men's and women's categories. Oman's journey to the top eight in their debut showcased the proper planning by the Oman Handball Association (OHA) and the coaching staff for providing the required environment to the players to deliver a competitive spirit in the global stage. In the main round, Oman's thrilling 2-1 victory over Croatia, one of the title favorites, secured their advancement to the quarterfinals. Despite back-to-back defeats against Germany and Hungary on Friday as both matches ended by 2-0, the Omani players displayed a fighting show and tactical discipline earned the admiration of fans and officials alike. Oman met Brazil late on Saturday in the quarterfinals in a tough encounter. Brazil are among the nominated teams to clinch the title. The Brazilian players delivered a solid display as they finished first in Group B after a dominant performance throughout the tournament. From group A, Germany ended as topper and then followed by Spain while Hungary and Oman in third and fourth places respectively while Tunisia, Thailand and Argentina joined the group leaders Brazil from Group B. The quarterfinal winners will proceed to the semifinals bringing them one step closer to global glory. A MOMENT OF PRIDE The head of Oman's delegation and Oman Handball Association (OHA) board member, Mohammed al Zahoori, expressed deep pride in the team's progress in the global event. 'We are proud and honored to see Oman's flag raised among the world's best. Reaching the quarterfinals is a major milestone for Omani beach handball and a direct result of the hard work by the players, coaching staff and the backing of the Oman Handball Association.' ' This achievement reflects not only the team's dedication but also the Association's long-term vision and strategic investment in youth development,' he ended The young players voiced proudly on their excitement and determination to carry the momentum forward. Oman's Yazan al Buraiki hopes were that this achievement should encourage for more support and continuity for youth beach handball in Oman. ' We have seen the difference between us and some of the top nations and many of whom have ongoing leagues and programs. Hence, we look for the same development in order to be more stronger in the next participations,' he concluded Mohammed al Hosni said it is a huge honor to be here. ' Advancing to the quarterfinals in our first world championship is a dream come true. We are proud to represent Oman at this level.' His teammate, Imad al Ghailani said that we will give everything during our clash against Brazil. ' This experience is invaluable and we are learning from every match.'
Observer
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman Stun Croatia in Beach Handball
MUSCAT, June 20 The Oman U-17 beach handball team delivered one of the most remarkable performances at the underway 2025 IHF Men's Junior Beach Handball World Championship in Hammamet, Tunisia on Thursday night following their victory over title holders Croatia in a dramatic 2-1 triumph during the main round competitions of the global event. The win marks a historic milestone for Oman boys in their debut appearance at the World Championship and placed them in strong contention for a quarterfinal berth. After dropping the first set by 22-12, Oman junior stars stormed back to take the lead in the second set by 22-20 before they sealed the victory in the penalty shootout by 9-6 thanks to two crucial saves by Oman's goalies Majid al Ghilani and Louay al Sulaimani. Oman head coach Jaber Yaqub al Balushi praised the players' resilience and efforts throughout the match. ' Despite the delay and losing in the opening set, our boys delivered an incredible discipline and mental strength in the second half. The players followed the tactical instructions perfectly and the goalkeepers were outstanding in the shootout. This win will give us tremendous motivation for the remaining matches in the round,' He said. The Oman Handball Association (OHA) chairman Moosa bin Khamis al Balushi thanked the players for their exceeding performance. OHA chief continued his close follow up to the team from Muscat through phone calls and extended his congratulations to the squad for their achievement. He requested from the players to maintain the same level of focus as they pursue a spot in the tournament's final eight. The opponent Croatia players started strongly in the match as they managed to earn the opening set by 22-12. Then, Oman regrouped with a composed and tactical second-half performance by head coach Jaber al Balushi who made few critical adjustments and urging the players to focus on positioning, composure and capitalising on Croatian errors. Oman players began the second half with better focus as they took the control and were leading by 6-4 through sharp attacks from Khattab al Hosni and Imad al Ghilani. Oman maintained the edge despite Croatia's relentless pressure eventually tying the score at 20-20 in the final minute. In the dying seconds, Coach Jaber called a strategic timeout as Mohammed al Hosni responded with a clutch point to seal the half and force a shootout. Oman converted all five of their penalty shots with composure while the defence stood tall. The turning point came when Oman's goalkeepers al Ghilani and al Sulaimani each saved Croatian attempt and ensured a famous win for Oman's junior stars. The 2025 championship featured from 32 teams in its largest edition ever with Oman having qualified after finishing fourth at the Asian Junior Beach Handball Championship in Thailand earlier this year.
Observer
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman set up Iran final in Asian beach handball
MUSCAT: Oman will take on Iran in a tight final clash of the 10th edition of AHF Asian Beach Handball Championship which will conclude on Thursday after intense competitions in the last few days at the sands court of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. The national team players are targeting for their second Asian title after the first one in 2004. 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.
Observer
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman edge Philippines to move into semis
MUSCAT: International Handball Federation (IHF) President Dr Hassan Moustafa was all praise for the hosts Sultanate of Oman for its excellent organisation of the underway AHF Asian Beach Handball Championship – Muscat 2025 which acts as qualifiers to the IHF World Championship. 'The Sultanate of Oman had improved and shaped up very well in their organising capabilities specially when it comes to the big events including the continental and global championships. Oman has once again demonstrated its exceptional capability in hosting continental and international tournaments with high efficiency and professionalism. Oman is no stranger to hosting global events. The Sultanate of Oman previously organised the IHF Beach Handball World Championship in 2012 successfully and it reaffirms these days its readiness and capability to host the world's largest handball events. The country offers an integrated infrastructure, qualified human resources, strong logistical and organisational capacities, and institutional support from the government and relevant stakeholders,' the IHF chief said. Oman Muhannad al Zarafi was named as best player of the match. 'What truly distinguishes Oman is the presence of strong sports leadership, a passionate and loyal fanbase, and highly skilled players who bring both talent and spirit to the game. These factors strongly support the growth and future of handball in the country,' the Egyptian official said. Speaking on the ongoing Asian Championship in Muscat, Dr Moustafa responded: 'The Asian tournament has showcased a high technical level with exciting competition and the emergence of new talents across participating teams. The presence of an elite group of referees and coaches has positively contributed to the quality and credibility of the tournament,' he said. Dr Moustafa affirmed that the IHF's eagerness to further enhance cooperation with the Oman Handball Association in the near future, praising Oman's strategic vision and global commitment to the development and promotion of handball. 'I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Government of the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Oman Handball Association, and all public and private entities that contributed to the success of this important Asian championship, which also serves as a qualifier for the IHF Beach Handball World Championship. Oman has truly set a benchmark in excellence.' International Handball Federation President Dr Hassan Moustafa attends a match in Muscat. OMAN INTO SEMIS Oman advanced to the semifinals of the AHF Asian Handball Beach Championship following their thrilling 2-1 over Philippines in penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw. Oman Muhannad al Zarafi was named as best player of the match. This is the second time in the tournament that Muhannad was named as best player as he had previously earned the honour in the match against Hong Kong. Earlier in the group stage, Oman's goalkeeper Hudhaifa al Siyabi received the Best Player award in the match against the Maldives. Furthermore, Oman's Asaad al Hasani took the Best Player award in Oman's match against Saudi Arabia in the concluding group fixture. In earlier quarterfinal matches, Pakistan overcame Saudi Arabia with a 2-1 win while Jordan beat Hong Kong 2-0. In the last quarterfinal clash, Iran secured a 2-0 victory over the Maldives. In the women's competition, Philippines defeated Hong Kong 2-0, and Vietnam continued their dominant form with a 2-0 win over India. Vietnam maintained the top position in the standings, followed by the Philippines in second, India in third and Hong Kong in fourth. Meanwhile, the IHF has announced an expansion of the 2026 Beach Handball World Championship as the number of participating teams were increased to 32 including 16 men's teams and 16 women's teams. From the Asian continent, the top two teams in each category from the Muscat 2025 championship will secure the qualification.
