OMAN BODYBUILDING FLEXES ITS MUSCLES

MUSCAT, FEB 28

The Oman Bodybuilding Committee (OBC) unveiled a new long-term strategy aimed at expanding participation and building a new generation of bodybuilders capable of competing at regional and international levels.

Speaking to the Observer, the newly appointed OBC Chairman Imad bin Saleh al Salti said the sport is entering a new institutional phase following the committee’s restructuring last September 2025. “The new board of directors for the committee adopted a clear vision focused on widening the participation base, increasing technical exposure, and preparing a national team of bodybuilders for sustained international success,” he said

“Since the committee began its new term, we immediately started preparing for major competitions and events approved by the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB),” Al Salti said.

“One of our key achievements was finishing runners-up at the West Asia Championship in the last quarter of the previous year. We also competed at the World Championship, which is considered one of the strongest global events, where Omani bodybuilders won seven coloured medals. This reflects the rising technical level and the hard work behind the scenes,” the OBC chief added.

2026 ROAD MAP

With the conclusion of the 2025 season, the committee introduced a structured plan for 2026. The new strategy of OBC focused on strengthening the local competition before selecting athletes to represent Oman abroad. “The process began with the Muscat Classic Championship, which concluded in February. The next major milestone will be the Oman Bodybuilding Championship. At this key event, the top athletes will be evaluated for international participation in the second half of 2026 and the first half of 2027,” he added.

Al Salti stressed that talent identification at an early age is central to the committee’s approach. “We are focusing on discovering promising bodybuilders in younger age groups and building a new national team through gradual preparation,” he said. “Our aim is to ensure continuity and steady development toward world-class standards while providing a competitive environment that sharpens national talent.”

FINANCIAL CHALLENGES

Like many individual sports, bodybuilding faces financial challenges due to its high preparation and participation costs. “The funding remains as one of the main issues and challenges that OBC is currently facing. However, we appreciate the support of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for maintaining a stable budget for the sport. At the same time, the committee is working to attract private sector partnerships,” he clarified.

“Bodybuilding is a highly visual and popular sport with strong marketing value. It offers excellent promotional exposure through championships and athletes’ apparel, creating opportunities for sustainable investment partnerships,” Al Salti explained.

EXPANDING ACROSS OMAN

Geographical expansion is another key pillar of the strategy. “Bodybuilding is no longer limited to Muscat Governorate as many leading athletes now come from different governorates, including Musandam, besides some champions for wilayats of Salalah, Suhar and Al Rustaq,” he said.

“This shows that the sport has grown beyond a limited geographical area. We welcome initiatives to host championships outside Muscat and fully support efforts to expand the sport’s presence across all the governorates.”

STRONG FOUNDATION

Beyond athlete development, the committee is also focusing on human resource development. “In cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Oman Olympic Committee, a comprehensive programme has been allocated within the 2026 budget to train referees in coordination with the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation. Administrative staff will also be nominated for specialised courses aimed at improving the sport’s technical and organisational standards,” he said.

“The committee is working on compiling detailed statistics and performance indicators to document achievements, as the growing number of medals and podium finishes continues to strengthen Oman’s standing regionally and internationally.”

VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Al Salti expressed confidence in the future of Oman’s bodybuilding sport as he said in his concluding statement. “The coming phase will be defined by more work and greater achievements. We firmly believe in the ability of our Omani champions to secure new titles and further strengthen Oman’s position on the international bodybuilding stage,” he concluded.