MUSCAT, MARCH 31
The Ordinary General Assembly of the Oman Basketball Association (OBA) reviewed several key issues during its annual meeting at the Oman Olympic Committee building in Bausher, with budget constraints and their impact on competition prize money among the main concerns, alongside calls to expand athlete development centres.
The meeting was chaired by Abu Bakr bin Ahmed al Jahwari, OBA Vice-Chairman, and attended by Saeed bin Ahmed al Habsi, Acting Secretary-General, board members, and representatives of 21 clubs.
After confirming the legal quorum, the assembly approved the agenda, endorsed the minutes of the previous meeting, and appointed three members to review the official minutes.
In the board’s address, Al Jahwari said the meeting reflected the spirit of partnership between the association and clubs, stressing the shared commitment to developing basketball in Oman. He congratulated clubs and teams that achieved notable results in recent competitions and praised the efforts of players, coaches and administrators in raising the level of the game.
The meeting reviewed the technical report for 2025, including national team achievements, the participation of Omani international referees in major events such as the World Cup, Asian qualifiers and club championships, as well as 3x3 basketball activity, women’s basketball programmes, technical development work and athlete development centres.
Members approved the annual financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2025, endorsed the 2026 budget, selected the auditor for the upcoming financial year, and approved Fanja Club’s membership application and participation in OBA competitions.
During the discussion session, Salih al Balushi of Qurayat Club questioned the postponement of his team’s match against Al Bashayer. Al Habsi said the competitions committee had acted on the referees’ report, which confirmed that the match could not be played due to a technical fault in the venue clock, in line with OBA regulations.
ATHLETE CENTRE
Idris al Farsi of Al Shabab Club asked about the cancellation of the club’s athlete development centre. Al Jahwari said the continuation of such centres depends on several factors, including player participation in competitions and the results achieved, while stressing the association’s commitment, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, to expanding them.
Abdullah al Abri, Chairman of Nizwa Club, raised concerns over delays in the maintenance of Nizwa Sports Complex hall, its suitability to host matches, the scheduling of youth competitions during exam periods, and the absence of the club’s coaches from overseas course nominations.
Al Habsi replied that hall maintenance falls under the ministry’s responsibility, not the association. He added that the OBA had contacted clubs about hosting matches in available venues, but only Seeb Club and Sohar Sports Complex responded. He also said final exams are taken into account in age-group scheduling where possible, while overseas coaching nominations depend on criteria set by the awarding bodies, including English proficiency and academic qualifications.
The meeting concluded with Muscat Club Chairman Nasr al Wahaibi calling on the ministry to raise the OBA budget to a level comparable to other federations to support the game’s growth and strengthen its competitions.
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