Five teams set for Women’s Handball League opener

In a significant step toward empowering women’s sport in Oman, the Women’s Handball League for the 2025-26 season kicks off this evening (Thursday) with the participation of five clubs: Salalah, Masirah, Al Amerat, Al Ittihad, and Sohar. The league marks the conclusion of the Oman Handball Association’s (OHA) season calendar, which began last August and featured a variety of competitions across different age groups.
The launch of the women’s league comes as the culmination of a busy and successful season that included youth and junior leagues, first and second division competitions, the Super Cup, the 15th edition of the Ministry Shield, and the beach handball youth league. These efforts reflect the Association’s ongoing commitment to expanding the sport and enhancing female participation.
The closing ceremony is scheduled for next Sunday at the main hall of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher, under the auspices of Dr Ahood bint Said al Balushi, Member of State Council. The event will also be attended by Abeer bint Issa al Zadjali, OHA Board Member, and Chairperson of the Women’s Sports Committee, along with representatives of the participating clubs.

TWO MATCHES
The competition opens on Thursday with two matches, as Al Ittihad face Masirah, followed by Al Amerat against Sohar, both taking place at the main indoor hall of the complex.
Action continues on Friday with the second round featuring four matches. Two morning fixtures will see Sohar take on Masirah, followed by Salalah versus Al Ittihad. Evening matches resume with Al Ittihad facing Al Amerat, before Masirah meet Salalah.
The third round will be held on Saturday, with two morning matches at the secondary hall, where Salalah will meet Al Amerat, followed by Sohar against Al Ittihad. In the evening, two matches will be played at the main hall, with Al Amerat facing Masirah, followed by Salalah versus Sohar.
The league will conclude on Sunday with the semifinal matches in the morning session, while the final and the third place playoff will take place in the evening.
The competition follows a single round-robin format, with teams earning points to determine the standings. The top-ranked team will face the fourth-placed side, while the second will meet the third in the semifinals. Winners will advance to the final, while the losing teams will compete for third place.
Each team is allowed to register two professional players, with only one permitted on the court at any given time, including the option of deploying her as a goalkeeper.