Oman University Sports Committee unveils largest ever 2026 Calendar

MUSCAT: The Oman University Sports Committee (OUSC) has officially unveiled its 2026 sports calendar, marking the largest and most comprehensive season in the history of university sports in the Sultanate of Oman. The calendar features 21 championships across 12 different sports, with the participation of more than 20,000 male and female students representing 30 higher education institutions from across Oman.
The expanded calendar reflects the committee’s strategic vision to strengthen university sports as a key platform for talent identification, youth development and sustainable sports growth within academic institutions, in line with the objectives of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth.
Dr Ali bin Salam al Yaarubi, OUSC Chairman, stated that the 2026 season represents a major milestone in the development of university sports over the past five years. He noted that five new sports have been added to the committee’s programmes during this period, alongside the introduction of five new university championships, significantly expanding participation and competitive opportunities.
Al Yaarubi revealed that the OUSC is currently working on enhancing incentive schemes for student-athletes, extending beyond financial rewards to include academic incentives. These initiatives include providing scholarships for outstanding athletes to continue their higher education, whether at the bachelor’s level for diploma holders or through postgraduate studies such as master’s programmes, linking athletic excellence with academic advancement.
He emphasised that these initiatives align with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises investment in human capital, capacity building and the integration of sports into youth development frameworks.
The committee chairman praised the continued support of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth,
describing it as a cornerstone of the committee’s success, highlighted that the ministry’s support
extends beyond funding to include policy development, institutional coordination and enhanced
collaboration between educational institutions and sports federations.
In recent years, university sports in Oman have witnessed notable progress in organisational standards, officiating quality and professional event management, alongside growing interest in modern sports such as esports, padel and individual disciplines.

YEAR ROUND PROGRAMME
The 2026 season will kick off in January with the Padel Championship, followed in February by esports
competitions, beach volleyball, women’s bowling and the ‘Korathon’ event in partnership with the
Oman Logistics Academy, continuing through March.
March will also host the popular 3x3 Basketball Championship, while April will feature swimming and
athletics championships, in addition to the Women’s Individual Sports Festival. Competitions will
continue throughout the year in volleyball, football, basketball, table tennis, chess, shooting and
challenge events, with the season concluding in December with the Handball Championship.
Dr Nasser bin Ali al Jahwari, OUSC Vice-Chairman, stated that “the 2026 University Sports Calendar represents a qualitative leap in the development of sports activities across higher education institutions.” He also noted that “this expansion reflects the level of institutional effort and integration between academic and sporting aspects. He said the OUSC places great importance on leveraging electronic systems and student services to facilitate student participation, enhance organisational efficiency and provide a motivating environment that enables students to balance academic excellence with sporting achievement, in line with Oman’s sustainable youth development objectives.”
SHOOTING ADDED
Among the key additions to the 2026 calendar is the introduction of a Shooting Championship in
October, organised in cooperation with specialised entities and in accordance with approved technical and safety standards.
The committee also announced the release of a comprehensive University Sports Regulations Manual, designed to standardise organisational procedures, technical requirements, officiating protocols, safety measures and event management processes across all institutions.
The Oman University Sports Committee concluded by affirming that the 2026 calendar represents a
renewed commitment to advancing university sports, enhancing competitiveness, and discovering a
new generation of talented athletes capable of representing Oman at local, regional and international levels.