MUSCAT: The Oman Volleyball Association’s (OVA) Ordinary General Assembly outlined key priorities for the next phase of the sport during its annual meeting held on Monday at the Oman Olympic Committee and Sports Federations headquarters, with the attendance of board members and representatives of 22 clubs.
The meeting reviewed a range of issues related to the current state of volleyball in Oman, including national team plans, domestic competitions and club-related challenges, while also highlighting proposals aimed at strengthening the game’s long-term development.
In his opening remarks, Eng Ibrahim bin Abdullah al Maqbali, OVA Chairman, stressed the importance of the next stage and called on more clubs to return to the federation’s competitions, noting that broader participation remains essential to expanding the game’s base and raising the level of local competition. He also underlined the need for closer cooperation between the federation and clubs to support volleyball development.
The assembly approved the agenda after confirming the legal quorum and endorsed the minutes of the previous meeting, in addition to approving the administrative and financial activity report for the year ending 2025. Members also approved the audited 2025 annual financial statements, endorsed the 2026 budget and appointed independent auditors for the new financial year.
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On the technical side, the meeting reviewed the national teams’ upcoming external programme, including the indoor team’s participation in the games scheduled in Qatar and its first-ever appearance at the Asian Cup in India next June. The agenda also included Oman’s hosting of the West Asia Championship, participation in the Asian Challenge Cup in China and a further appearance in the games in Japan.
The federation also announced that it will issue a circular to regulate clubs’ foreign participation, limiting each club to one external tournament to maintain balance and protect teams from technical and administrative strain. Official correspondence will also remain a basic requirement for external participation requests.
Clubs, meanwhile, called for stronger attention to age-group competitions and proposed the establishment of a specialised youth development centre to prepare the next generation of players, especially in light of the ageing profile of several current national team members. They also demanded more overseas exposure for clubs, better media coverage, live broadcasts of league matches, fewer sudden fixture changes, and a review of the Ministry Shield draw mechanism.
The meeting also addressed concerns raised by Dhofar clubs over the need for a clear plan to invest in local talent, particularly amid limited financial support. The federation said any future funding would be directed toward the technical needs of clubs.
The meeting concluded with reference to a coaching development plan scheduled for implementation next November as part of efforts to strengthen technical standards across the sport.
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