MUSCAT: Oman’s U18 women’s national basketball team has entered the decisive phase of its preparations for its maiden appearance at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Division B, to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from July 13 to 19.
The team has begun a closed domestic training camp at the auxiliary hall of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher as it steps up preparations for the continental competition.
The squad will continue an intensive technical and physical programme ahead of its departure for Thailand at 9 pm on July 10. The current phase is focused on raising the players’ readiness levels and reaching the highest possible degree of technical and tactical cohesion before the start of the tournament.
Oman’s preparations have been carried out through several stages over nearly two years, during which the technical staff have worked to build a completely new team. The programme has focused on selecting players, developing their technical and physical abilities, and reinforcing discipline, commitment and teamwork, while also instilling a professional culture as the foundation of the long-term project.
The national team’s preparations have included participation in Gulf competitions, training camps and friendly matches, providing the players with greater exposure and valuable international experience. These opportunities have contributed to improving their technical levels and strengthening understanding among the squad, despite the limited player pool available for selection.
During the past period, the technical staff have implemented a balanced programme covering physical, technical and tactical aspects of the game. The players have worked on developing strength, speed and endurance, while also refining individual and team skills.
Training has additionally focused on applying defensive and offensive systems, alongside mental and psychological preparation to help the players adapt to the atmosphere of what will be their first continental competition.
The programme has also included studying and analysing rival teams, with appropriate technical plans being developed for each match. The technical staff made full use of an intensive three-week camp following the end of the academic examinations, aiming to maximise the benefit of the available preparation period and further raise performance levels.
The players have shown clear progress in both technical and physical aspects, in addition to a growing team spirit and discipline within the group. This reflects the outcome of sustained work over the past period and gives the team added confidence ahead of its first official test on the Asian stage.
The delegation will be headed by Hiba bint Khalfan al Naabi. The administrative and technical staff include team manager Nasrah bint Salim al Harthi, head coach Wafaa Zaghdooud, assistant coach Nidal bint Majed al Mughairi, and physiotherapist Maryam bint Mohammed al Mahrouqi.
The squad comprises Noor bint Ahmed al Kharousi, Zeina Louay Aouni Battash, Malak bint Sulaiman al Sulaimi, Aisha bint Hossam al Yafai, Zainab bint Khalifa al Busaidy, Aseelah Yasser Abdullah Sulaiman, HH Sayyidah Lamar bint Mohammed bin Faisal al Said, Asma bint Fahmi al Harmali, Elissar bint Nasser al Taie, Maitha bint Fahad al Maawali, Al Naya bint Saeed al Habsi, and Mayar bint Saeed al Maskari.
The Asian campaign represents an important step in a long-term project to establish a women’s national team with a clear technical identity and strengthen the presence of Omani women’s basketball at the continental level, in line with plans to develop the sport and prepare future generations capable of competing in upcoming events.
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