MUSCAT: 1,970 athletes from 45 countries competing in 14 sports
Taha Al Kishry: Oman’s participation reflects continued continental presence and the development of beach sports
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman delegation will participate on Wednesday evening in the opening ceremony of the sixth Asian Beach Games, hosted by the Chinese city of Sanya from April 22 to 30.
Oman are competing in five sports: beach soccer, beach volleyball, beach handball, athletics and triathlon (aquathlon), and have previously secured 17 medals in the history of the Asian Beach Games, including six gold, four silver and seven bronze medals.
The Omani delegation at the opening ceremony will be headed by Taha bin Suleiman al Kishry, Board Member of the Oman Olympic Committee (OOC), while the national flag will be carried by triathlete Mohammed al Ghailani and athletics team member Alia al Mughairi. This edition of the Games features the participation of 1,970 athletes representing 45 countries, competing across 14 sports and 61 events.
The Asian Beach Games were first launched in 2008 in Bali, Indonesia, followed by the second edition in Oman in 2010, then Haiyang in China in 2012, Bangkok in Thailand in 2014 and Nha Trang in Vietnam in 2016. The Games were then suspended for 10 years before returning in 2026 in Sanya, China.
TECHNICAL MEETINGS
The technical meeting for the beach handball competition was held on Tuesday in the presence of representatives of the participating teams, along with officials from the Asian federation, including the technical committee chairman and the chief referee. Participants were briefed on all competition details, regulations, and schedules in accordance with international federation rules, while discussions also covered team registrations, match uniforms, applicable regulations and the appointment of referees.
Technical meetings for beach soccer and beach volleyball are scheduled to take place on Wednesday morning, where competition systems, match draws, and other relevant details will be presented. Meanwhile, Omani national teams continue their intensive training sessions at the official competition venues, as the beach soccer, handball and volleyball teams have played several friendly matches in recent days to adapt to the sand conditions, which differ from those they are accustomed to, with the aim of delivering strong performances and maintaining Oman’s distinguished reputation in beach sports.
DEVELOPMENT OF OMANI SPORTS
Taha al Kishry affirmed that Oman’s participation in this edition represents an important milestone in its continental sporting presence and reflects the ongoing development in preparation methodologies and planning for international participation. He stated that the OOC views this participation as an opportunity to enhance its presence, compete responsibly, and contribute to the development of beach sports in the Sultanate of Oman.
He added that the Games serve as a true test of the readiness of national teams in a highly competitive Asian environment, as well as an opportunity to assess technical, administrative, and organisational performance against advanced Asian competitors, noting that this participation is part of Oman’s continued presence in multi-sport continental events rather than a routine appearance.
Al Kishry emphasised that Oman approaches such continental participations as part of an integrated national sports project focused on honourable representation, responsible competition, and long-term athlete development. He highlighted that beach sports represent a promising pathway for Omani sport, given the country’s extensive coastline and natural resources, which provide strong foundations for future growth and expansion in this field.
He praised the coordination between the OOC and sports federations, describing it as a structured institutional partnership based on clear roles, where federations oversee the technical aspects of each sport while the Olympic Committee manages overall planning, delegation operations, and logistical support. This coordination has contributed to forming a well-balanced delegation in terms of technical competence, physical readiness, and administrative discipline, which enhances the overall quality of participation.
THREE MAIN OBJECTIVES
Al Kishry explained that the objectives of Oman’s participation are centred on achieving an honourable representation that reflects the country’s standing, securing the best possible technical results in sports with realistic medal opportunities, and utilising participation as a platform to further develop beach sports while enhancing the experience of athletes and officials in multi-sport events. He noted that expectations are approached with realism due to the high level of competition and the various factors that may influence outcomes, including the draw and match conditions.
Al Kishry stressed that participation should not be viewed solely in terms of immediate results but rather as an opportunity for evaluation and development, as it allows for identifying technical and organisational gaps compared to leading Asian nations and supports improvements in athlete preparation, coaching and sports structures.
TALENT DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM
Looking ahead, Al Kishry expressed optimism about the future of beach sports in Oman, emphasising the importance of transitioning from seasonal engagement to a long-term strategic approach. He underlined the need to link beach sports with talent identification systems, long-term planning, technical development, and local competitions in order to achieve sustainable progress and strengthen Oman’s continental presence in the coming years.
Al Kishry concluded by affirming that Omani athletes and their technical and administrative teams are committed to representing Oman with pride and dedication, calling on athletes to perform with determination, discipline, and confidence in a manner that reflects their sense of responsibility and national pride. He also highlighted the vital role of Omani fans, noting that their support remains a key source of motivation, while assuring that the delegation will exert maximum effort to deliver a performance worthy of Oman.
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