Oman’s U18 women’s basketball team will step onto a new continental stage next month after being confirmed among the eight teams taking part in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Division B, which will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from July 13 to 19.
The tournament represents an important milestone for women’s basketball in Oman, offering the national team a valuable opportunity to compete against strong Asian and Oceania opponents, gain international exposure and continue the development of a new generation of Omani players.
The Oman Basketball Association (OBA) views the participation as part of its wider efforts to strengthen the presence of women’s national teams in external competitions and provide young players with regular opportunities to develop through high-level matches. The campaign is also expected to support the long-term growth of women’s basketball in the Sultanate of Oman by widening the player base and creating a clearer pathway for emerging talent.
Oman have been drawn in Group A alongside Indonesia, India and hosts Thailand, while Group B features Samoa, the Cook Islands, Lebanon and Kazakhstan. The line-up is expected to produce a competitive tournament, with teams bringing different technical styles, levels of experience and regional basketball backgrounds to the court.
For the Omani squad, the championship will be more than a participation exercise. It is seen as a key step in building confidence, improving match awareness and exposing the players to the pace and demands of continental basketball. The tournament will also allow the coaching staff to assess the team’s progress against opponents with different tactical approaches.
The national U18 women’s team is continuing its preparation programme ahead of the event, with training focused on technical, physical and tactical readiness. The programme aims to raise the players’ fitness levels, sharpen team organisation and ensure the squad reaches Bangkok in the best possible condition.
Hiba al Naabi, Chairwoman of the Women’s Committee at the OBA, said the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Division B offers an important opportunity for Omani players to gain international experience and compete against teams with varied backgrounds across Asia and Oceania.
She said the OBA had prepared an integrated programme for the team covering the technical, physical and organisational aspects of preparation, to enable the players to represent Oman positively.
Al Naabi added that the participation reflects the association’s commitment to developing women’s basketball and giving young players the chance to appear in regional and international competitions. She expressed confidence in the players and the technical staff to deliver a strong performance that reflects the work carried out during the past period.
She also noted that the tournament forms an important part of the process of building a new generation of players capable of representing Oman’s national teams in the future. The objective, she said, goes beyond participation, with the focus placed on gaining competitive experience, strengthening ambition and reinforcing Oman’s presence on the Asian basketball map.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
