MUSCAT: Oman’s men’s national volleyball team were crowned champions of the 2nd West Asia Volleyball Association (WAVA) Men’s Volleyball Championship Muscat 2026 after defeating Qatar in the final at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.
Organised under the umbrella of the West Asia Volleyball Association (WAVA), the regional governing body responsible for promoting and developing volleyball across West Asia.
Inspired by strong home support, Oman delivered a dominant performance to secure a straight-sets victory over Qatar, winning 25-19, 25-15, 25-23.
Oman controlled the match from the start, effective blocking and solid defensive organisation. Falah al Jaradi and Majid al Shibli played key roles in leading the offensive effort as Oman took the first set 25-19.
Oman extended their advantage and comfortably won on the second set 25-15 to move one step closer to the title.
Qatar showed greater resistance in the third set and pushed Oman into a closely contested battle. However, the hosts remained composed in the decisive moments, with Mahmoud al Saadi and Falah al Jaradi leading the late charge to secure a 25-23 win.
The closing ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng Abdulrahman bin Humaid al Yahyaei, Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Gas Company, in the presence of Ali Ghanim al Kuwari, President of the West Asia Volleyball Association, and Eng Ibrahim bin Abdullah al Maqbali, Chairman of the Oman Volleyball Association (OVA).
Al Yahyaei presented Oman with the championship trophy and gold medals as the national team celebrated their historic achievement.
Oman also dominated the individual awards, with Falah al Jaradi named the tournament’s Best All-Round Player. Abdullah al Maqbali received the Best Libero award, Majid al Shibli was selected as the Best Opposite Hitter (Position 2), and Mahmoud al Saadi earned the Best Outside Hitter award (Position 4).
Head coach Nizar al Shukaili praised the collective effort behind the victory, highlighting the commitment of the players and the support of the technical and administrative staff.
“This title was not achieved by the coach alone. It came through teamwork, commitment and the support provided throughout the preparation period,” he said.
“The players have great potential and a strong willingness to learn and improve. Despite the absence of some players through injury, the group showed sacrifice and outstanding team spirit.”
Al Shukaili added that Oman would use the achievement as motivation ahead of the Asian Championship in Japan and the Arab national teams championship.
Al Jaradi said the team entered the tournament with the ambition of winning the title. “We believed from the first day that we could win the championship,” he said. “The final was more difficult than the score suggests, but we played with focus and showed the character of champions.”
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
