MUSCAT: Oman, represented by the Oman Handball Association (OHA), will host the prestigious 10th AHF Asian Men’s and Women’s Beach Handball championship for the fourth time in its history. The event will take place in Muscat from May 1 to 10, 2025. Oman previously hosted the inaugural championship in 2004, followed by the third edition in 2011 and the fifth in 2015. The event's return to the capital after a decade underscores Oman’s standing as a premier destination for international beach handball in Asia.
The Sultanate of Oman’s specialised beach handball facilities at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher and the sports city in Al Musannah were pivotal in securing the bid. These venues are no strangers to world-class events, having previously hosted the Beach Handball World Championship in 2012.
The 2025 championship serves not only as a continental competition but also as a qualifier for the 12th IHF Men’s and Women’s Beach Handball World Championship which is staged for 2026. Top teams from the tournament will secure their spots, adding to the intensity and competitiveness of the event.
Oman’s national team has a proud history in the competition having won seven medals across nine editions. This includes a gold medal in the inaugural 2004 championship and six silver medals, consistently placing the team among Asia’s top performers.
Regional Asian powerhouse Qatar remains the most successful team in the competition's history with six gold and one silver medals. Other champions include Pakistan, who claimed gold in 2007 and Iran who emerged victorious in the 2022 championship hosted in Tehran.
Moosa bin Khamis al Balushi, Chairman of OHA, emphasised the significance of hosting the championship. “Securing the 10th Asian Beach Handball Championship in Muscat is a remarkable milestone, especially as it comes after the formation of our new board of directors. Oman’s bid was chosen amidst tough competition from other nations, reflecting our strong reputation in hosting major events. This success complements our broader ambitions, including our bid to host the 2028 Beach Handball World Championship.”
Al Balushi also highlighted other major handball events in the calendar. “The championship will be held at the sandy courts of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. Preceding this event, Oman will host the Gulf Beach Games in April and the GCC Clubs Handball Championship in February, represented by the Oman Club.”
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