Oman Open Archery Championship set for June 21

Muscat, June 6

Preparations are in full swing for the second edition of the Oman Open Archery Championship, which will be held from June 21 to 27, 2026, at the Al Amal Club. The event is organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in cooperation with the Oman archery community.

The championship is expected to present a more advanced and diverse edition compared to its inaugural version, with wider participation and the introduction of new categories. This year’s competition will include Olympic bow, traditional bow, compound bow and para archery, reflecting the organisers’ commitment to promoting inclusiveness and providing opportunities for athletes of different abilities to compete in an organised sporting environment.

The second edition will also mark an important development as the competitions move to an outdoor field, with longer shooting distances and a larger number of male and female participants from various categories. The move is aimed at raising the technical level of the sport in Oman, expanding the base of practitioners and increasing the level of competition among archers.

Preparations currently include intensive training sessions at archery clubs, with players working to improve their technical and physical readiness ahead of the championship. Training programmes are focusing on shooting accuracy, stability, bow control and the ability to adapt to outdoor conditions, where wind, distance and field environment play a key role in performance.

One of the notable additions to this year’s championship is the introduction of traditional archery, also known as ground archery, in cooperation with horse stables in several governorates. This step aims to connect the modern sporting format with Oman’s cultural and heritage dimensions, highlighting archery as a sport with deep historical roots and renewed presence.

The championship will also feature an accompanying arbitration course designed to introduce participants to the basics of judging in archery. The course will combine theoretical and practical aspects under the supervision of specialists in the field. It forms part of efforts to prepare national cadres capable of managing competitions according to clear technical and organisational standards.

The course will be open to those interested in experiencing sports arbitration, particularly in archery, and will help build a wider base of judges and organisers alongside the athletes. The course sessions are scheduled to take place from 8 am to 1 pm, followed by practical application during the championship competitions.

PARA ARCHERY

Rashid al Abrawi, Chairman of the Technical and Administrative Committee of the championship, said the second edition represents an important stage in the development of archery in Oman.

“The first championship was a successful and important experience. It witnessed the participation of 62 male and female players from different categories and reflected the growing interest in this sport,” Al Abrawi said.

Al Abrawi added: "In the second edition, we aim to present a more developed championship in terms of categories, organisation and the nature of competition. This includes introducing para archery, traditional archery and compound bow, in addition to holding the event on an outdoor field and over longer distances."

Al Abrawi said the championship seeks to expand the base of practitioners, discover new talents and provide players with greater opportunities for competition and development.

“The accompanying arbitration course will also contribute to preparing national cadres who can support the sport in the future, whether in managing competitions or developing the technical and organisational aspects of the game,” he said.

The Oman Open Archery Championship reflects ongoing efforts to develop and promote the sport across the Sultanate of Oman through wider participation, new categories and improved technical and organisational standards. It also provides an important platform for athletes to showcase their abilities and benefit from a competitive environment that supports the growth of archery in Oman.