OOA to provide training across the governorates in 2026

MUSCAT, JAN 11
The Oman Olympic Academy will implement an ambitious nationwide plan for 2026, aimed at decentralising sports education and ensuring equal access to professional training across all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.
Dr Ishaq bin Ahmed al Balushi, Director of the Oman Olympic Academy, confirmed to Oman Observer that the Academy will prioritise the distribution of courses and workshops beyond Muscat, marking a strategic shift toward inclusive and sustainable sports development.
“ This year will be built on two main pillars,” Dr al Balushi said. “ The first focuses on the management of sports associations and clubs, which will be delivered in three phases across different governorates.”
The first phase of the Sports Management Programme will be held between March and June 2026, targeting Muscat and Al Batinah North. The second phase will take place from September to October for Al Dakhiliyah and Al Dhahirah, while the final phase will be delivered in Al Sharqiyah South, ensuring nationwide coverage.
Alongside governance and management education, spreading Olympic culture and values remains a core objective of the Academy’s 2026 agenda. According to Dr al Balushi, this programme will be rolled out in Muscat, Al Sharqiyah North and Al Wusta in February, followed by Dhofar, Al Buraimi and Musandam in September.

The Academy will also continue to deliver its regular Olympic Solidarity linked courses, which remain a cornerstone of its annual calendar. These include the Sports Leaders Programme during January 19 to 21 while Sports Training Course to take place between January 26 to28. Sports Media for Digital Platforms will be held during April 6 to 8 and Health and Sports Nutrition Course during April 13 to 15.
Reflecting on the Academy’s achievements, Dr al Balushi revealed that between 2019 and the end of 2025, the Oman Olympic Academy delivered 45 programmes, amounting to 935 training hours. By the end of 2026, the total number of programmes is expected to reach 54 events, supported by 46 approved lecturers.
Participation levels have also continued to rise, with 908 participants benefiting from Academy programmes in recent years in a figure that underlines the growing demand for structured sports education in Oman.
In addition, Dr al Balushi highlighted the Academy’s specialised library, which houses more than 727 books and publications, describing it as a vital resource for researchers, coaches and sports administrators. “The library is open to all those seeking knowledge,” he said. “We hope it will play a greater role in supporting learning and professional development within the sports community.”