MUSCAT: Muscat Club successfully defended their Oman Beach Handball Youth League title for the 2025-26 season after defeating Sohar 2-0 in Sunday’s final at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher. The concluding match was held under the auspices of Adil bin Khamis al Zurai, Chairman of Masirah Club, and attended by Moosa bin Khamis al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Handball Association (OHA), along with board members.
With this victory, Muscat secured back-to-back titles, reaffirming their dominance at the youth level. The champions lifted the trophy and received gold medals, while Sohar claimed silver and Al Oruba finished third to earn bronze medals. The final showcased promising technical standards, reflecting the steady development of beach handball among youth categories. Muscat asserted control from the outset, capitalising on strong physical preparation and tactical discipline to win the first set 22-10. They maintained their composure and collective performance in the second set, sealing it 22-12 to clinch the match 2-0 overall.
The Youth Beach Handball League forms part of the OHA’s broader strategy to expand grassroots participation and nurture emerging talent. Beach handball has become a key pillar within the association’s development programme, particularly with national teams competing in Asian and World Championships. The league serves as a vital platform for building a sustainable talent pipeline for future national squads.
A total of 12 clubs participated in this season’s competition: Muscat, Masirah, Salalah, Al Ittihad, Sohar, Al Shabab, Al Oruba, Al Musannah, Al Rustaq, Al Khabourah, Al Salam and Khasab. Teams were divided into three groups before progressing to the knockout rounds that culminated in a competitive final between Muscat and Sohar.
LONG-TERM PLANNING
Muscat coach Majid bin Hamad al Wahaibi described the tournament as highly competitive, praising the technical level displayed by young players. He noted that the club’s success stems from long-term grassroots planning and early talent development, expressing confidence that this generation will contribute significantly to Oman’s national teams.
Adil al Zurai commended the OHA for organising a strong youth competition and emphasised the importance of investing in age group categories as the foundation of Omani sport.
The event concluded with the official award ceremony, where the top three teams were honoured and commemorative gifts were exchanged in recognition of the successful staging of the championship.
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