2026 Agenda Marks a Turning Point for Racket Sports in Oman; Al Droushi says

MUSCAT, JAN 17
Dr Abdulrahim bin Musallam al Droushi, Chairman of the Oman Racket Sports Committee (ORSC) affirmed that 2026 will be a pivotal year for badminton and squash in the Sultanate of Oman, driven by a comprehensive local and international agenda and ambitious development programmes underpinned by tangible figures and accelerated growth achieved within a short timeframe since the committee’s establishment in last two years and half.

Al Droushi told Oman Observer in an exclusive interview that ORSC developed an integrated calendar for 2026 featuring a wide range of domestic and international championships in badminton and squash. “ The agenda will maintain a strong focus on youth development through accredited training centres in Muscat, alongside a planned geographical expansion with the opening of two new training centres in additional governorates, aimed at broadening participation and building a new generation of athletes,” he said.
“ The agenda will go beyond competition, encompassing a series of impactful community initiatives, most notably “Badminton for Women” and “Outdoor Badminton”, in addition to increasing the number of coaching and refereeing courses to qualify national cadres and elevate them to regional and international standards. Special attention is also being given to national team players through overseas participation and structured domestic and international training camps,” ORSC chief added.
Wider Reach and Clear Strategy
On the spread of racket sports, Al Droushi responded:” The committee’s board adopted a clear and progressive strategy from the outset, beginning with schools through badminton dissemination programmes, before expanding to parks, beaches, and public spaces. This approach significantly widened the sport’s reach across different segments of society.”
“ ORSC strengthened its presence in summer programmes through initiatives such as “Our Summer is Squash”, alongside summer activities implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth across various governorates. The next phase will see badminton and squash included in the annual calendars of additional government and private institutions, while continuing to organise age-group championships based on carefully structured technical classifications over the coming two years,” he mentioned.
Figures Reflect Accelerated Growth
Al Droushi expressed pride in the achievements realised in just two and a half years, highlighting the steady expansion of the participation base. “ In 2024, ORSC organised its first clubs championship with 11 clubs, a number that rose to 15 clubs in 2025. Expectations for 2026 indicate participation could reach 26 clubs, positioning badminton competitions among the largest club-based events under a single sporting umbrella in Oman,” he clarified.

“ In squash, participation reached nine clubs in recent championships, with projections to increase to 14 clubs during the current year, reflecting growing interest in the sport. ORSC organised 13 sporting events over two years, including two prominent international championships including: the West Asia Junior Badminton Championship and the Oman Squash Championship as part of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour,” he mentioned.
Youth Development and Sporting Achievements
Regarding athlete preparation, Al Droushi responded that the committee’s focus centred on youth categories through training centres supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth. “ To date, three training centres have been established, contributing 85 per cent of national team players who participated in recent international competitions. A great achievement by Omani squash players, who secured third place at the West Asia Championship in Iraq, in addition to the significant progress of Walid al Nairi, ranked among the world’s top 1,000 squash players, serving as an inspiring model for emerging athletes in Oman,” he said.
Human Capital Development
Al Droushi underscored the committee’s strong emphasis on developing referees, coaches and administrators. “ Through the “Shuttle Time” programme, 60 teachers and 20 internationally accredited tutors were qualified, contributing to the scientific and structured introduction of badminton in schools. In coaching, the number of Omani coaches holding Level 1 Badminton World Federation (BWF) certification increased from three to nine within two years. Officiating also advanced significantly, with more than 44 line judges and 16 court referees, including nine internationally and regionally accredited officials. Administratively, 24 officials and 52 volunteers took part in organising the West Asia Junior Championship 2024, while 2025 saw the participation of over 40 administrators and 80 volunteers in ORSC activities, as part of a strategy to build national expertise in organisation, media, marketing and public relations,” he added.
Partnerships Behind the Success
Al Droushi attributed much of the committee’s rapid success to effective partnerships with international and regional federations. “ Engagements with the Badminton World Federation and the Asian Badminton Confederation resulted in technical and logistical support, as well as approval to host the West Asia Junior Championship. Further partnerships were established with the Malaysian and Iranian Badminton Federations to enhance technical and officiating standards, alongside squash collaborations with the Kuwaiti Federation for joint training camps and with the Iranian Federation in junior development programmes,” he said.
Challenges and Forward Vision
Addressing challenges, Al Droushi explained that limited participation and engagement were among the initial obstacles. “ ORSC investments in school sports and the “Shuttle Time” programme helped overcome these challenges by facilitating talent identification and integration into training centres. The challenge of organising a greater number of championships was mitigated through sponsorships and the organisational legacy built from hosting international events. The upcoming phase will witness an increase in competitions supported by self-financing mechanisms, participant fees, and expanded opportunities for sports investment,” he said.
Comprehensive Approach and Appreciation
Al Droushi concluded by emphasising that the ORSC adopts a holistic vision that views badminton and squash as community sports, investment drivers, and long-term developmental pathways for youth. “ This approach has begun to yield positive results at both local and regional levels. My sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the General Directorate of Care and Development, the Athlete Preparation Programme, as well as all partners, sponsors, and sports media, affirming that the achievements realised are the product of integrated efforts within Oman’s sporting ecosystem,” he ended.