Oman submit bid to host 2028 Beach Handball World

MUSCAT, SEPT 22
The Oman Handball Association (OHA) has officially submitted a comprehensive bid to host the 2028 IHF Men’s and Women’s Beach Handball World Championship, building on the success of the 10th Asian Beach Handball Championship 2025 took place in Muscat from May 6 to 15.
The Asian Championship concluded with Oman’s men’s team crowned champions after defeating regional powerhouse Iran 2-0 in the final. This triumph not only secured Oman the continental title for the second time but also booked the team’s place at the 2026 IHF World Championship in Croatia.
Oman has prior experience on the global stage as they had successfully hosted the IHF Men’s and Women’s Beach Handball World Championship in Al Musannah in 2012.
“One of the Association’s key strategic objectives is to once again host the IHF Men’s and Women’s Beach Handball World Championship. The team’s recent success is only the beginning of a brighter future for Omani handball on the global stage,” said Moosa bin Khamis al Balushi, Chairman of OHA.
Al Balushi’s remarks came during a special ceremony organised to felicitate the national team players for their continental achievement. The event was held under the auspices of Shaikh Ahmed bin Nasser al Nuaimi, Chairman of Al Nahda Club and Al Buraimi University College, with the attendance of senior sports officials and club representatives.
“This achievement is not just a sporting triumph but the result of collective effort, teamwork, and determination. Winning both the Gulf Beach Games in April and the Asian Championship in May has made 2025 a historic year for Omani beach handball. Our players and coaching staff showed remarkable commitment, and their success reflects the growth of the sport in the Sultanate of Oman,” Al Balushi added.
The OHA chairman also extended appreciation to head coach Hamood al Hasani and his technical staff, alongside the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY) and all supporting partners who contributed to the successful hosting of the Asian Championship in Oman.
Team captain Said al Hasani expressed gratitude on behalf of the players, noting: “This recognition will serve as strong motivation for the upcoming competitions. Our focus is now to perform even better at the 2026 IHF World Championship in Croatia.”
The ceremony also featured a documentary film highlighting the journey of organising the Asian Championship and the national team’s path to victory. The continental tournament witnessed the participation of nine men’s teams including: Oman, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Maldives, Iran, Philippines, Jordan, Pakistan and India besides four women’s teams including: Vietnam, Philippines, Hong Kong and India.
The evening concluded with the chief guest presenting awards to the national team players, coaching staff and officials in recognition of their efforts.