NOSC-Muscat emerges as national hub for Omani shooters

MUSCAT: The National Olympic Shooting Complex (NOSC) in Muscat is fast establishing itself as more than a venue for tournaments and competitions. It is emerging as a national hub for developing Omani shooters, providing a dedicated environment where athletes can build their technical skills, gain competitive experience and prepare for major regional, continental and international assignments.

Since its official opening on May 12, 2025, under the auspices of HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, the complex has represented a significant addition to Oman’s sports infrastructure and a major step forward for the development of Olympic shooting in Oman. For the Oman Shooting Federation (OSF), the establishment of NOSC-Muscat provides an opportunity to create a more structured and sustainable pathway for national-team athletes, emerging shooters, coaches, referees and administrators.

The complex was developed in accordance with the highest international specifications and standards approved by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), allowing Oman to provide athletes with training and competition conditions that meet international requirements.

Home for Omani shooters

Khalid bin Ali al Maqbali, OSF Secretary-General, said the facility has become an important component of the federation’s efforts to improve the technical level of Omani shooters and provide them with a professional training environment. “The complex brings together a number of facilities designed to meet the needs of athletes and technical teams, making it possible to conduct regular training programmes, selection trials, technical activities and competitions at one location,” he said.

“This represents an important change for national-team preparation. Instead of relying solely on external camps and overseas facilities, Omani shooters now have access to a permanent, purpose-built facility where their development can continue throughout the year. The complex can also serve as a meeting point for the shooting community in Oman, supporting the identification of young talent and providing aspiring athletes with a pathway towards competitive shooting,” he said.

The 25-metre shooting range covers around 2,900 square metres and includes 50 targets, also accommodating up to 50 shooters at one time.

OLYMPIC SPORT

Musallam bin Abdullah al Subhi, OSF board member, said the establishment of NOSC-Muscat reflects Oman’s efforts to strengthen its position in Olympic sport. “The establishment of the NOSC stems from efforts to promote the status of Omani sport at regional, continental and international levels,” Al Subhi said. “The facility stands as testimony to Oman’s progress in developing and modernising sports facilities in accordance with the highest international standards and criteria.”

He added that the complex represents a national landmark that reflects Oman’s sporting ambitions and strengthens the country’s ability to host official competitions at different levels. “Perhaps the most important long-term role of NOSC-Muscat is its potential to widen the base of Omani shooters. With a permanent national facility, the federation has greater scope to introduce shooting to new participants, organise development programmes and identify promising athletes at an earlier stage,” he added.

“The complex can provide a progression pathway beginning with basic skills and familiarisation with the sport before moving athletes towards structured training and national-level competition. This development model could eventually strengthen the national teams across different shooting disciplines, while creating greater depth behind the established names. For the federation, the objective is not simply to produce athletes capable of competing in one championship, but to establish a sustainable system in which shooters can train regularly, compete frequently and gradually gain the experience required to perform under international pressure,” he said.

“The availability of the complex also supports Oman’s ambition to achieve greater self-sufficiency in national-team preparation. While international camps and competitions will remain important for exposure to different conditions and high-level opponents, NOSC-Muscat provides a permanent home base from which those programmes can be planned,” he said.

The complex has served as a major step forward for the development of Olympic shooting in Oman.

INTERNATIONAL-STANDARD FACILITIES

NOSC-Muscat consists of several buildings and specialised facilities. Its main building covers approximately 2,400 square metres and includes a spacious open hall, administrative offices, a weapons warehouse and ammunition storage facilities, in addition to a restaurant and a media broadcasting room designed to support digital and visual coverage of tournaments and events. The complex’s shooting facilities provide capacity across several disciplines.

The 10-metre shooting range covers approximately 2,700 square metres and features 80 targets, allowing up to 80 shooters to train simultaneously. The 25-metre shooting range covers around 2,900 square metres and includes 50 targets, also accommodating up to 50 shooters at one time. Meanwhile, the 50-metre shooting range occupies approximately 2,600 square metres and features 80 targets. The controlled indoor environment is designed to provide athletes with consistent conditions, allowing them to concentrate on precision and technical execution. Spectator stands are also available across the shooting areas, supporting the facility’s ability to host competitions and attract spectators.

GOING BEYOND ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT

The role of NOSC extends beyond athlete preparation. One of the strategic objectives of the facility is to contribute to the development of national technical and administrative personnel. Coaches, referees and administrators can benefit from specialised programmes, theoretical sessions and practical experience associated with competitions hosted at the complex. The facility also includes spaces for lectures and theoretical training, creating opportunities to strengthen knowledge in areas such as technical regulations, competition management, judging and athlete development.

DOHA AND ROAD TO LOS ANGELES

The immediate international focus for Oman’s shooters is the ISSF World Championship Doha 2026, which will be held in Qatar from November 1 to 14. The championship at the Lusail Shooting Complex represents one of the biggest events on the international shooting calendar, bringing together leading shooters from around the world. The competition carries additional significance as it is acting as part of the qualification pathway for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

A total of 36 Olympic quota places are set to be distributed at the championship, increasing the importance of every competition and every performance. For Oman, participation in Doha will therefore provide more than an opportunity to compete for medals. It will be an important test of the progress achieved by the national shooters and their ability to perform at the highest level.