Oman U18 women begin Bangkok campaign

 

Oman’s U18 women’s national basketball team have arrived in the Thailand capital as they prepare to make their historic debut at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Division B, which will be held from July 13 to 19.

The maiden continental appearance represents a major milestone for women’s basketball in the Sultanate of Oman. It forms part of the Oman Basketball Association’s long-term project to establish a competitive women’s national team and strengthen the country’s presence on the Asian stage.

Oman squad completed its final domestic training camp at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher before travelling to Bangkok. The camp concluded a two-year preparation programme that featured training camps, participation in Gulf competitions and a series of friendly matches.

Throughout the programme, the technical staff focused on building a new team, developing the players’ technical and physical abilities and strengthening tactical understanding, discipline and teamwork. The preparations were designed not only for the upcoming championship but also to lay the foundations for the long-term development of women’s basketball in Oman.

Eight teams will compete in the tournament and have been divided into two groups. Oman have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Thailand, India and Indonesia, while Group B features Lebanon, Kazakhstan, Samoa and the Cook Islands.

The tournament will provide the young Omani players with valuable exposure to continental basketball and the opportunity to compete against teams representing different playing styles and levels of international experience.

The delegation is headed by Hiba Al Naabi, a Board Member of the Oman Basketball Association and Chairwoman of its Women’s Committee.

The administrative and technical staff include team manager Nasrah Al Harthi, head coach Nidal Al Mughairi, assistant coach Wafaa Zaghdooud and physiotherapist Maryam Al Mahrouqi. The playing squad comprises 12 players representing Oman in the continental competition.

The Oman Basketball Association hopes the historic participation will serve as a starting point for building a women’s national team capable of gaining experience and competing more strongly in future regional and continental events.

The campaign also reflects the association’s plans to expand the player base among girls, provide young athletes with clearer development pathways and enhance the overall presence of women’s basketball across the Sultanate of Oman.