MUSCAT: Oman’s U16 girls’ national tennis team has begun its participation in the Billie Jean King Cup Juniors by Gainbridge Asia/Oceania Pre-Qualifying tournament in Sri Lanka, as the young Omani side seeks valuable international exposure and a strong showing on the regional stage. The event, part of the ITF’s junior team competitions for players aged 16 and under, is being held in Sri Lanka from March 16 to 22.
The tournament features 12 participating nations, with Oman aiming to make the most of the competition both technically and competitively. The team is targeting improved match experience, higher performance levels and a positive run that could keep its hopes alive of progressing further in the qualification pathway.
The Oman Tennis Association is represented in the event by three players, with the delegation headed by Sarah bint Abdulmajeed al Balushi. The squad includes Areen bint Hafez al Azkawi, Taliya bint Essam al Busaidy and Salma bint Issa al Riyami.
The Omani team opens its campaign against the Maldives and Brunei, in matches that will provide an early test of the players’ readiness against regional opposition.
The participating nations in the tournament are Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Guam, Myanmar, the Maldives, Bhutan, Macau, Singapore, Brunei and Mongolia.
The competition forms part of the ITF’s broader junior pathway, with the Billie Jean King Cup Juniors recognised as one of the leading international team events for girls in the 16-and-under age category. It offers emerging players the chance to gain experience in a national team environment while competing for advancement through the regional qualifying structure.
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