Latest news with #OmanHandballAssociation
Observer
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman set up Iran final in Asian beach handball
MUSCAT: Oman will take on Iran in a tight final clash of the 10th edition of AHF Asian Beach Handball Championship which will conclude on Thursday after intense competitions in the last few days at the sands court of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. The national team players are targeting for their second Asian title after the first one in 2004. The summit clash will kick off at 8 pm while the third and fourth playoff between Jordan and Pakistan will start at 7 pm at the same venue. Oman team, coached by Hamood al Hasani, are all set with confidence to regain the title since the first title which was won in 2004 during the inaugural edition hosted in Muscat. Oman team had arrived to the final in six times but could not win the title except in the opening edition. Oman team secured a slot in the final after a thrilling 2-0 win over Jordan in the semifinal while Iran beat Pakistan with the same result to seal their berth in the concluding match of the Asian event. Both Oman and Iran confirmed their presence in the forthcoming edition of the 2026 IHF Beach Handball World Championships. Coach Hamood al Hassani and his assistant Jaber al Balushi worked out on a strong tactics to deliver top match against Iran and clinch a new Asian title. The coaching staff prepared the team players for today's assignment against heavyweights Iran team which managed to lift the title in 2022. Oman player makes a goal attempt against Jordan. ONE STEP AWAY Speaking ahead of the final encounter, coach Hamood said:' We are just one step away from the title in our home country. The final against Iran will depend on small areas and the team with less mistakes will get the title. I am fully confident that my players will deliver their outmost efforts towards earning a victory and clinching the title,' he said. 'Our tactics was to focus in each game as final in this tournament and we managed to win all the games until reaching the final. In the semifinal against Jordan, I did some tactical shifts and positional changes which kept the opposition off balance, proving decisive in securing the win,' he added. Moosa bin Khamis al Balushi, Chairman of Oman Handball Association (OHA), appreciated team's fighting spirit in their semifinal triumph. 'Their performance was a true reflection of Omani grit and sportsmanship,' he said. 'We are proud of their qualification to the IHF World Championship next year and I hope they will now take the Asian title.' Al Balushi urged fans to show up in full force for the final: 'I am looking forward to see more fans who are acting as the heartbeat of this team and their energy will be vital as we chase our second continental title,' he concluded. FINAL CEREMONY The final match of the Asian event and concluding ceremony will be held under patronage of His Highness Sayyid Azzan bin Qais al Said, Chairman of Oman Olympic Committee in presence of Dr Hassan Moustafa, International Handball Federation (IHF) President, and other top officials. In the women's division, two matches are scheduled on Thursday. India will face Hong Kong and the match will kick at 5 pm while the title-deciding showdown between Vietnam and Philippines will start at 7 pm. Vietnam currently lead the standings with 10 points, followed by the Philippines with eight and both have punched their tickets to the 2026 IHF World Championship.
Observer
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman edge Philippines to move into semis
MUSCAT: International Handball Federation (IHF) President Dr Hassan Moustafa was all praise for the hosts Sultanate of Oman for its excellent organisation of the underway AHF Asian Beach Handball Championship – Muscat 2025 which acts as qualifiers to the IHF World Championship. 'The Sultanate of Oman had improved and shaped up very well in their organising capabilities specially when it comes to the big events including the continental and global championships. Oman has once again demonstrated its exceptional capability in hosting continental and international tournaments with high efficiency and professionalism. Oman is no stranger to hosting global events. The Sultanate of Oman previously organised the IHF Beach Handball World Championship in 2012 successfully and it reaffirms these days its readiness and capability to host the world's largest handball events. The country offers an integrated infrastructure, qualified human resources, strong logistical and organisational capacities, and institutional support from the government and relevant stakeholders,' the IHF chief said. Oman Muhannad al Zarafi was named as best player of the match. 'What truly distinguishes Oman is the presence of strong sports leadership, a passionate and loyal fanbase, and highly skilled players who bring both talent and spirit to the game. These factors strongly support the growth and future of handball in the country,' the Egyptian official said. Speaking on the ongoing Asian Championship in Muscat, Dr Moustafa responded: 'The Asian tournament has showcased a high technical level with exciting competition and the emergence of new talents across participating teams. The presence of an elite group of referees and coaches has positively contributed to the quality and credibility of the tournament,' he said. Dr Moustafa affirmed that the IHF's eagerness to further enhance cooperation with the Oman Handball Association in the near future, praising Oman's strategic vision and global commitment to the development and promotion of handball. 'I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Government of the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Oman Handball Association, and all public and private entities that contributed to the success of this important Asian championship, which also serves as a qualifier for the IHF Beach Handball World Championship. Oman has truly set a benchmark in excellence.' International Handball Federation President Dr Hassan Moustafa attends a match in Muscat. OMAN INTO SEMIS Oman advanced to the semifinals of the AHF Asian Handball Beach Championship following their thrilling 2-1 over Philippines in penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw. Oman Muhannad al Zarafi was named as best player of the match. This is the second time in the tournament that Muhannad was named as best player as he had previously earned the honour in the match against Hong Kong. Earlier in the group stage, Oman's goalkeeper Hudhaifa al Siyabi received the Best Player award in the match against the Maldives. Furthermore, Oman's Asaad al Hasani took the Best Player award in Oman's match against Saudi Arabia in the concluding group fixture. In earlier quarterfinal matches, Pakistan overcame Saudi Arabia with a 2-1 win while Jordan beat Hong Kong 2-0. In the last quarterfinal clash, Iran secured a 2-0 victory over the Maldives. In the women's competition, Philippines defeated Hong Kong 2-0, and Vietnam continued their dominant form with a 2-0 win over India. Vietnam maintained the top position in the standings, followed by the Philippines in second, India in third and Hong Kong in fourth. Meanwhile, the IHF has announced an expansion of the 2026 Beach Handball World Championship as the number of participating teams were increased to 32 including 16 men's teams and 16 women's teams. From the Asian continent, the top two teams in each category from the Muscat 2025 championship will secure the qualification.
Observer
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman to host 10th Asian Beach Handball Torney
MUSCAT, MAY 4 The Oman Handball Association (OHA) is all set to kick off the actions of the 10th AHF Asian Men's and Women's Beach Handball championship which will begin in Muscat on Tuesday and will run until May 15. Moosa bin Khamis al Balushi, OHA Chairman, unveiled in a press meet all the relevant details for this major Asian hosting. ' We are thrilled to host this prestigious event for the second time in history following the great success of the 2015 edition. Hosting this event was one of the key plans for the new board directors and we have managed to host it in Oman. The Asian Handball Federation (AHF) has full confidence in Oman's organisational capabilities and reinforces the Sultanate of Oman's position as a leading destination for international sporting events. This continental event will build on the success of the 3rd Gulf Beach Games which concluded last month in Muscat as the national beach handball team had clinched the gold medal. This achievement serves as a strong motivation for the national team to compete for the Asian title for the first time in history, despite reaching the finals more than eight times previously. Now is the time to fulfill this dream. I am confident on the team players to deliver their outmost efforts in order to win the title ,' OHA chief added. Responding to an inquiry on having tournament in winter instead of summer season, Moosa said:' The dates and timing of this tournament is not in our control as AHF have set an agenda for the whole year. In addition, the Asian Championship will act as a valuable opportunity to promote tourism in Oman and enhance cultural exchange among participating countries. There were tough efforts made to ensure the tournament's success starting from preparing main field and training venues according to international standards beside the logistical and accommodation services that meet the needs of all teams. Special thanks goes to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY) for their support in securing hosting rights and to private sector companies sponsoring this major event. The championship will be a platform for showcasing Omani youth talents in organising major international events and enhancing the competitive spirit among participating Asian teams,' he ended. Salim bin Khalfan al Saadi, Board Member and Tournament Director, said that there are three venues for the event including the main venue that will feature opening and concluding ceremony and the key matches of the tournament beside another additional venue for the rest of the games while third venue is for warm up sessions,' ' Many sub committees were formed for this event to provide the required efforts for all the teams. Public Relations Committee are busy in these days as they are welcoming the participating teams and guests and ensure a comfortable stay in designated hotels. Jordan team were the first arrivals and rest of the teams will come accordingly. The Stadium Committee also played a vital role in preparing the courts to international standards, providing official match balls, and testing electronic scoring systems to ensure accuracy. The Medical Committee confirmed its full readiness to provide medical support throughout the tournament, with over 20 members from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and the Ministry of Health. Field medical teams were equipped with the latest emergency tools, and specialised medical teams were stationed at venues and hotels,' he added ' The Media Committee played a major role in promoting the event through social media and various media outlets. Matches will be broadcast live on Oman Sports TV and Al Kass Channel, which sponsors Asian Handball Federation tournaments,' he ended. On the other side, Oman team managed to win their first friendly match against Jordan 2-1 on Saturday. Both teams are gearing up for the tournament. Oman beach handball team is clubbed with Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Maldives in Group A. Group B comprised of Iran, Philippines, Jordan, Pakistan and India. The women's competition will feature only four teams in one group only including: Vietnam, Hong Kong, Philippines and India.
Times of Oman
11-03-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
Oman beach handball team begins preparations for GCC Beach Games, Asian championship
Muscat: The Oman Handball Association (OHA) has announced an intensive training programme for the national beach handball team as it gears up for two major tournaments - the GCC Beach Games, set to be hosted by Oman in April, and the 10th Asian Beach Handball Championship in May 2025, which serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Beach Handball World Cup. Oman have been placed in Group A of the Asian Championship alongside Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and the Maldives. Group B includes Iran, the Philippines, Jordan, Pakistan, and India. The championship will see nine teams competing in Oman for a spot in the World Cup. The national squad will begin preparations on Wednesday with daily training sessions at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, continuing until the end of March. Efforts are also underway to arrange a series of friendly matches ahead of the Gulf Beach Games. The team will then enter a short domestic training camp from April 1-3 before participating in the GCC Beach Games from April 4-11. Another internal camp is scheduled from April 13-18, with morning and evening training sessions planned in Sohar or Sur. A key part of the team's buildup will be an overseas training camp from April 19-May 1, during which Oman will play six friendly matches. Upon returning, the squad will undergo final preparations at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex from May 3-5 before the Asian Beach Handball Championship kicks off.
Muscat Daily
12-02-2025
- Sport
- Muscat Daily
Oman to host 41st Gulf Club Handball Championship on Saturday
Muscat – The 41st Gulf Club Handball Championship will commence on Saturday in Muscat, with the opening ceremony taking place under the patronage of H H Sayyid Mohammed bin Salim al Said. The opening ceremony will feature attendance of distinguished guests, including Moosa al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Handball Association (OHA), and Jihad al Shaikh, chairman of the organising committee, alongside other officials. Sheikh said, 'Preparations for the tournament have been ongoing, with all logistical arrangements such as hotel bookings, transportation, and stadium preparations finalised.' As the tournament approaches, Oman and Seeb clubs are wrapping up their final preparations. Oman Club recently concluded an external training camp in Bahrain, securing two victories against Al Ahli Bahrain (32-25) and Al Dair Bahrain (33-30). These matches provided head coach Ibrahim Bouderbali with a key opportunity to evaluate his squad, test different strategies, and fine-tune tactics ahead of the competition. 'Our goal is to represent Oman in the best possible way and give our maximum effort in every match. Despite some injuries, we have a talented squad ready to step up when needed. Our focus is on maintaining high morale and delivering strong performances,' said Bouderbali. Oman Club boosted their squad by signing three professional players – Ali bin Abdullah (Bahrain), Qam bin Mohammed (Bahrain) and Mohamed Ihab Brouis (Algeria). Meanwhile, Seeb Club has intensified its training schedule with a rigorous two-session daily programme, overseen by national coach Nabil al Balushi. The team aims to build on its strong domestic league form, where it currently holds second place. Seeb has also reinforced its squad with the signings of Bahraini player Ahmed Redha and Muhannad Al Zarafi from Ahli Sidab. The championship will have eight teams, divided into two groups. Group A features Al Rayyan (Qatar), Al Najma (Bahrain), Al Noor (Saudi Arabia) and Seeb (Oman) while group B comprises Oman Club (Oman), Kuwait SC (Kuwait), Dibba al Hisn (UAE) and Al Arab (Qatar). The official technical meeting ahead of the championship is scheduled on Friday. The session will finalise tournament regulations, team rosters, and jersey colours in preparation for the competition.
