Oman Racket Sports Committee Announces Diverse 2026 Calendar, International Participation
Muscat, 20 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Dr. Abdulrahim Musallam Al Darwashi, Chairman of the Oman Racket Sports Committee (ORSC), stated that the current year features a wide array of tournaments, competitions, partnerships, and programs for badminton and squash in the Sultanate of Oman.
He noted that the busy local and international agenda, along with ambitious developmental programs, is based on realistic data and rapid growth achieved in a short period since the committee's establishment.
In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), Al Darwashi said the committee has set an integrated calendar for 2026. This includes organizing several local and international badminton and squash championships, alongside continued support for youth categories through accredited training centers in Muscat. He also announced a geographical expansion with the opening of two new training centers in two other governorates, a move aimed at broadening the practice base and cultivating a new generation of players.
He explained that the agenda extends beyond competitions to include specialized community initiatives, most notably the "Women's Badminton" and "AirBadminton" (outdoor) programs. These efforts are accompanied by an increase in coaching and officiating courses to qualify national cadres for regional and international levels, with special attention given to national team players through external participations and both internal and external training camps.
Regarding the spread of racket sports, Al Darwashi pointed out that the Board of Directors has operated under a clear plan from the start, focusing first on schools through badminton dissemination programs, then moving to public parks, beaches, and parks. This strategy has helped the sports reach broader social segments.
He added that the committee activated its presence in summer programs through initiatives like "Summer of Squash," as well as programs implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth across various governorates. He noted that the coming stage will see badminton and squash included in the calendars of other government and private institutions, with the continued organization of age-group championships based on deliberate technical classifications over the next two years.
---Ends/AG
