MUSCAT, FEB 27
Waleed al Nairi is one of the most developed Omani players in the World Squash Ranking. Al Nairi’s remarkable journey began from a starting world ranking of 960 before 10 months ago to an impressive 333, marking one of the most notable progressions ever achieved by an Omani player in professional squash. His latest triumph came with victory at the Oman Squash Championship 2026, a PSA (Professional Squash Association)-recognised tournament dedicated to the Sultanate of Oman’s top locally ranked players.
The championship concluded recently, an initiative launched by the Oman Racket Sports Committee (ORSC), aims to elevate the international standing of Omani players by integrating domestic competitions within the PSA framework.
Al Nairi clinched the national title after a gripping five-set battle against fellow national team and Masirah Club star Salim Sultan al Maqbali. The final, which ended 3-2 in Al Nairi’s favour, delivered a thrilling and mental resilience from both players. The closely contested encounter highlighted the growing competitiveness of Omani squash with both finallists demonstrating the high standards now emerging within the national scene. Rashid Mohammed al Nairi completed the podium standings by finishing third and managed to underline the depth of talent within the new generation of Omani players.
The Oman Squash Championship 2026 was organised in accordance with PSA international circuit standards, the tournament featured a distinguished lineup of leading local players competing in a highly professional environment.
GLASS SQUASH COURT
The event was staged in two phases, with opening-round matches held at the squash courts of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on February 23. Then, the tournament culminated in a showpiece final played at Oman’s first glass squash court at Al Rayan Private School in Al Maabela.
The closing ceremony was held recently at Al Rayyan School in Al Maabela under the auspices of Saud bin Badar Ambusaidi, Assistant Director General of sports activities at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, in the presence of Dr Abdulrahim bin Musallam al Daroushi, Chairman of ORSC and officials.
The championship marks the second PSA-ranking tournament ever staged in Oman, reinforcing the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to developing squash at both grassroots and elite levels.
Eng Ahmed al Asmi, Secretary-General of ORSC and tournament director, emphasised that the event’s success reflects sustained efforts to expand competitive opportunities and nurture emerging talent. “All activities included in this year’s calendar aim to prepare a new generation of players capable of representing Oman at regional and international events”, he said.
“The committee continues to organise PSA-recognised tournaments and establish training centres to support player development".
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