MUSCAT: Oman’s U18 national basketball team have entered the final phase of their preparations for the Gulf Basketball Association U18 Championship 2026 after beginning an overseas training camp in Bahrain.
The camp, which runs until July 15, forms a key part of the team’s build-up to the regional championship in Doha, Qatar, from July 17 to 22. The technical staff will seek to further improve the players’ physical, technical and tactical readiness through an intensive training programme and a series of competitive warm-up matches.
The Bahrain camp follows the completion of the team’s domestic preparation phase at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher. That stage included a comprehensive programme focused on fitness and individual skills, alongside four friendly matches against local clubs, providing the coaching staff with an opportunity to assess the players’ levels and strengthen cohesion within the squad.
During their stay in Bahrain, Oman will hold daily training sessions and play six friendly matches against Bahraini Under-21 teams. The fixtures are expected to provide the young national side with valuable competitive exposure ahead of the Gulf championship.
The team is coached by Mohammed bin Mubarak al Owaisi, assisted by Khalid bin Hamad al Harthy. Ghassan bin Mahasin al Busaidy serves as team manager, while Sulaiman bin Salmeen al Musallami is the physiotherapist.
The squad comprises Mazin al Owaisi, Azzan al Ajmi, Abdulsamad al Subhi, Mishal Qafqaf, Sami al Busaidy, Ali al Wahibi, Saif al Yahyaei, Adam al Hinai, Elyas al Obaidani, Muhab al Humaidhi, Al Mulhim al Obaidani and Azd al Bahlani.
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