Oman to host fifth West Asia Para Games in 2026

MUSCAT: The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, represented by the Omani Paralympic Committee and the West Asia Para Federation, has officially signed an agreement to host the Fifth West Asia Para Games in the Sultanate of Oman in February 2026.

The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry's headquarters in Al Khuwayer. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, Dr. Mansour bin Sultan al Touqi, Chairman of the Omani Paralympic Committee, and Dr. Abdul Razzaq Bani Rashid, President of the West Asia Para Federation. The event also saw the presence of Mohammed bin Abdullah al Hinai, Secretary-General of the Committee, Dr. Musbah Ibrahim Jaafar, Secretary-General of the West Asia Para Federation, along with committee members and media representatives.

Dr. Mansour Al Touqi provided insights into the upcoming event, sharing details about the venues and sports competitions tailored for individuals with disabilities. The eight-day event, scheduled to take place in February 2026 and will showcase various individual sports such as powerlifting, athletics, badminton, boccia and table tennis. Additionally, team sports like wheelchair basketball, badminton, boccia, and athletics.

Following the signing of agreements, His Excellency Basil al Rawas, affirmed Oman's commitment to hosting the Fifth West Asia Para Games as part of its broader strategy to become a hub for various sports events. Highlighting the significance of sports tourism, Al Rawas emphasized the dual objectives of enhancing tourism and bolstering the economy through sporting endeavors.

"The inauguration of the Oman Sports Events Center marks a milestone resulting from the Sports Investment Lab, aimed at orchestrating a calendar of sports events for the next five years. This initiative seeks to achieve both sporting and economic milestones, including the hosting of the Hockey5sWorld Cup," Al Rawas added.

Al Rawas underscored the opportunity the Fifth West Asia Para Games presents for national teams to participate and launch several Paralympic games, further preparing them for future tournament competitions. He lauded Oman's achievements in disability sports, led by champion Mohammed Al Mashaykhi, and highlighted the signing of the hosting agreement for the 2026 Games as a motivational milestone for Paralympic teams.

Expressing satisfaction with the hosting facilities, Dr. Abdul Razzaq Bani Rashid appreciated Oman's capabilities in accommodating Paralympic sports. Anticipating a distinguished event, he emphasized the readiness of facilities, albeit requiring minor adjustments to better cater to participants with disabilities.

Dr. Mansour al Touqi said that "hosting the West Asia Para Games was among the strategic goals of the Omani Paralympic Committee, which started in 2017, through which we achieved several achievements at the regional and international levels. These achievements culminated in hosting the West Asia Games, which provided a strong morale boost for Omani sports, especially disability sports,”

Al Touqi further emphasized Oman's commitment to inclusivity, he said, "Through hosting this event, we want to affirm to the world that Oman and specifically Muscat are disability-friendly city." He highlighted the potential of this event to boost sports tourism, particularly in disability sports, by ensuring accessible services and facilities at airports and hotels.