MUSCAT, SEPT 20
The Wilayat of Ibri is gearing up to host the Oman Skate Ball Tournament 2026, bringing together 10 national teams for three days of competition at the Ibri Sports Club Indoor Hall from September 23 to 25.
Organised by the Oman Skating Sports Committee under the supervision of the World Skate Ball Federation, the tournament will feature around 100 players representing Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt, Iran, India, Pakistan, Belarus and Poland.
The international line-up gives the tournament a broad geographical reach, with teams from Asia, Africa and Europe competing in the fast-paced sport, which combines skating speed with passing, shooting and tactical team play.
A team of certified international and Omani referees will officiate the matches, while 20 administrators and 20 volunteers will support the organisational and operational requirements of the event.
The official opening ceremony will take place at 10 am on September 23 under the auspices of Tahir bin Mabkhout al Junaibi, Governor of Al Dhahirah. The opening will be followed by the first round of group-stage matches, with the competition continuing through the final rounds and awards ceremony on September 25.
Khalil bin Eid al Waili, head of the tournament’s media committee, said the event represented an important step in the development of skate ball in the Sultanate of Oman.
“Hosting 10 national teams in Ibri reflects the steady growth of skate ball in Oman and the confidence of our international partners in the country’s organisational capabilities. The tournament is not only about competition; it will also give Omani players valuable exposure to different schools of play and allow visiting delegations to experience Al Dhahirah’s heritage and the warmth of Omani hospitality,” Al Waili said.
He added that the tournament would support efforts to attract more young people to skating disciplines while strengthening sporting and cultural ties between Oman and the participating countries.
The organising committee is also scheduled to hold a pre-tournament press conference attended by Ahmed Hassan Taelib, President of the World Skate Ball Federation; Eng Saud bin Nasser al Aufi, Chairman of the Oman Skating Sports Committee; media representatives and officials from the participating delegations.
The press conference will outline the technical regulations, competition format and organisational arrangements, as well as the teams’ preparations ahead of the opening matches.
Participating teams and international delegations have begun arriving in the Sultanate of Oman ahead of the tournament. As part of the accompanying programme, the delegations will take part in a cultural and sightseeing tour featuring visits to the Oman Across Ages Museum in the Wilayat of Manah, Nizwa Souq and the old souq in Ibri.
The tour aims to introduce the participants to Oman’s deep-rooted history and rich cultural heritage before the official competition gets under way.
This year’s tournament marks a notable expansion from the 2025 edition, which featured 108 players representing eight club teams from five countries. The move to a 10-nation format is expected to raise the competitive level and provide Omani players with wider international exposure.
The group-stage contests will begin immediately after the opening ceremony, leading to the final rounds and the crowning of the 2026 champions on September 25.
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