Oman juniors begin Asian padel campaign

Oman’s junior padel team begin their FIP Junior Asia Padel Cup 2026 campaign in Jakarta on Saturday, following a preparation programme that combined technical training and physical conditioning throughout the year.
The championship runs until November 14, with Oman represented by eight players across the under-14, under-16 and under-18 categories. The squad completed their final preparations in Indonesia after travelling to Jakarta on Tuesday.
The tournament marks Oman’s second overseas appearance at junior level, following their debut at the Arabian Gulf Padel Cup in Qatar in September 2025.
Amer al Saadi, Saif al Bahlani and Firas al Lawati represent Oman in the under-14 category, while Hadi al Lawati and Azzan al Busaidi compete in the under-16 division. Mahdi al Lawati, Abdulrahman al Qassabi and Mohammed al Hasani complete the squad in the under-18 category.
Adil Sultan heads the delegation, which includes coach Mohammed al Rawahi and fitness coach Abdulrahman al Rahbi. Suhaib al Mazroui oversees marketing and media.
Oman compete in the boys’ second phase from November 7 to 9 alongside Australia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar and Thailand. The final stage runs from November 10 to 14, with Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates already listed among the boys’ Final 8 teams.
Preparations were overseen by the Oman Padel Committee, with Al Rawahi leading the technical programme. A partnership with Third Place gym provided dedicated physical conditioning under Al Rahbi, who accompanies the players in Jakarta.
“This is an important step for a promising young team and an opportunity to assess the players’ development after a programme covering both technical and physical preparation”, Al Rawahi said.
“We want to produce performances that reflect the work undertaken, approach each match with concentration and competitive spirit, and build on our Gulf Cup experience. Alongside pursuing the best possible results, we want the players to gain experience and confidence”.
FINAL 8 PLAYERS
Sultan said preparations began in January with a pool of 24 players attending one weekly training session in each age category. The workload increased during the summer, reaching three padel sessions per week for each category from July, before the final eight players were selected.
“We increased the intensity gradually. From September, the programme included three weekly padel sessions alongside three fitness sessions to prepare the players technically and physically”, he said.
Sultan added that arriving in Indonesia four days before the competition allowed the squad to complete their final training sessions as part of the concluding phase of their preparations.
The championship also serves as a qualifying event for the FIP Junior World Cup 2027, adding a global opportunity to the pursuit of the continental title.
For the Oman Padel Committee, the participation forms part of efforts to strengthen the junior player base, develop emerging talent and provide international experience that can support the national team’s progress in future competitions.