Muscat – More than 20,000 male and female students from 30 higher education institutions across the sultanate are expected to take part in the 2026 university sports season, following the launch of a comprehensive competition calendar by the Oman University Sports Committee.
On Monday, the committee unveiled its 2026 programme during a press conference at the Oman Olympic Academy, announcing 21 tournaments spanning 12 sports disciplines, aimed at strengthening student participation and expanding the university sports ecosystem nationwide.
The season will begin this month with the Padel Championship, reflecting the growing popularity of the sport among university students. February will feature a packed schedule, including the Esports Championship, Beach Volleyball Championship and the Girls’ Bowling Championship.
March will see the 3×3 Basketball Championship, now considered one of the season’s flagship events due to strong participation levels and its fast-paced, team-based format. April is set to be one of the busiest months, hosting the Swimming and Athletics Championships, alongside the Girls’ Individual Games Festival, which promotes broader engagement through open and interactive sporting environments.
Competitions will continue through May and the remainder of the year, covering volleyball, football, basketball, table tennis, shooting, chess and various challenge events, ensuring a sustained sports season across higher education institutions. The calendar will conclude in December with the Handball Championship, a tournament that has recorded notable growth in both participation and competitive standards.
As part of its expansion into new youth-focused disciplines, the committee announced the introduction of a Shooting Championship in October for the first time. The event will be organised in collaboration with specialised entities and in line with approved technical standards to ensure a safe and professional competitive environment, while helping identify emerging talent in a sport gaining popularity among young people.
The 2026 calendar includes targeted initiatives such as a dedicated girls’ sports programme, designed to provide a safe and motivating competitive space, alongside youth-centred activities that emphasise teamwork, discipline and physical fitness. Modern and emerging sports, particularly esports, have been expanded to encourage wider participation across institutions.
Dr Ali al Yarubi, Chairman of the Oman University Sports Committee, said the new season marks a significant step towards building a strong and sustainable university sports framework. “Our goal goes beyond organising tournaments. We aim to create an integrated sports environment that promotes competition, supports academic performance and enables students to develop both their physical and mental capabilities,” he said.
Yarubi added that the participation of 30 institutions and more than 20,000 students reflects growing confidence in the programme and highlights the role of sport in strengthening partnerships, developing skills and reinforcing values of commitment, cooperation and discipline.
