Oman para badminton team set for debut appearance in China

MUSCAT: Oman’s national para badminton team left Muscat for Beijing on Thursday to take part in the China Para Badminton International 2026, marking the first international participation for the Oman Paralympic Committee in the sport.
The tournament will be held in Beijing from August 30 to September 5, under the umbrella of the Badminton World Federation (BWF), and is organised by the China Administration of Sports for Persons with Disabilities. The event brings together several national teams and para athletes from across the world.
Oman’s delegation is headed by Rahma al Hajri and includes national badminton coach Wasim al Khateeb, along with players Younis al Toubi and Ashraf al Khasibi. The participation represents a new step for Oman’s para sports movement as the two players make their debut on the international para badminton stage.
The tournament carries added significance as the Omani players will undergo sport classification and assessment in line with BWF Para Badminton regulations. This process will enable them to enter the international competition and ranking system, paving the way for future participation in regional and global events.
According to the tournament regulations, official competitions will run from August 31 to September 5 and will include men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles across the approved para badminton sport classes. Matches will be played in a best-of-three-games format, with each game played to 21 points.
Oman’s participation comes as part of the efforts of the Oman Paralympic Committee and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth to expand sporting opportunities for athletes with disabilities, introduce new disciplines and support talented athletes in gaining international exposure.
The appearance in Beijing is also expected to provide Oman’s players with valuable experience through competition against athletes of different technical levels, supporting their long-term development in the sport.