Oman to Host 5th West Asian Para Games with Participation of 600 Athletes

600 Athletes to Compete in West Asian Paralympic Games in Muscat

Muscat:  The Sultanate of Oman will host the Fifth West Asian Paralympic Games (Muscat 2026) from 1 to 8 February, with the participation of around 600 athletes, under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, in cooperation with the Omani Paralympic Committee and the West Asian Paralympic Federation.

This was announced during a press conference held today in Muscat.

Dr. Mansour bin Sultan Al Touqi, Director of the Games, said that Oman’s hosting of this major regional sporting event reflects the growing attention given to Paralympic sports and the high level of confidence placed in the Sultanate’s organizational capabilities and advanced sports infrastructure.

He explained that the Games provide an important platform to highlight the athletic abilities of persons with disabilities, promote the values of fair competition and mutual respect, and reinforce principles of equal opportunity and social inclusion. He added that Muscat was selected as the host city due to its strategic position as the political and economic capital, as well as its status as a tourist destination that combines heritage with modernity, offering a comprehensive sporting, cultural and tourism experience for participating delegations.

Dr. Al Touqi noted that the technical aspects of the Games have been designed in accordance with approved international standards, including competition organization, officiating systems and medical classification. He stated that 108 national referees and 35 international referees will officiate the competitions, supported by an electronic results management system.

He added that referee training workshops were conducted in cooperation with several sports federations to enhance readiness and efficiency. He confirmed the participation of 11 countries: the Sultanate of Oman, Qatar, Lebanon, Jordan, Bahrain, Yemen, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Games will feature nine sports: athletics, para powerlifting, boccia, table tennis, badminton, cycling, swimming, goalball, and wheelchair basketball.

Regarding medical services, Dr. Al Touqi said that medical teams and ambulances will be available throughout the Games, along with medical classification conducted by 13 international classifiers for approximately 100 athletes. Coordination has also been made with the Omani Anti-Doping Committee to ensure compliance with approved regulations.

On security arrangements and ceremonies, he explained that coordination is underway with relevant authorities to ensure the highest levels of safety during competitions, particularly cycling events. The opening ceremony will take place on 3 February at 8:00 pm at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.

For his part, Saud bin Bader Al Ambusaidi, Head of the Public Relations Committee, said that a comprehensive plan has been prepared for accommodation, transportation, and hosting meetings of the Executive Committee and General Assembly of the West Asian Paralympic Federation.

Meanwhile, Zayana bint Abdullah Al Ya’arubi, Head of the Sports Facilities and Services Committee, confirmed that sports venues are being equipped according to the highest technical standards to meet the needs of athletes with disabilities.

She explained that athletics, badminton, table tennis, and wheelchair basketball competitions will be held at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher, goalball matches at Al Amal Club, boccia competitions at Oman Club, while Civil Aviation Authority tracks have been designated for cycling events.