Omani Paralympic Committee Targets 1,000 Athletes by 2030

Omani Paralympic Committee Expands Sports Participation for People with Disabilities

Omani Paralympic Committee Seeks to Strengthen National Teams and Expand Participation

Muscat:  The Omani Paralympic Committee continues its efforts to strengthen the presence of Paralympic sports in the Sultanate of Oman through promoting sports participation among persons with disabilities, expanding the athlete base and enhancing the competitiveness of national teams at regional and international levels.

Dr. Mansour bin Sultan Al Touqi, Chairman of the Omani Paralympic Committee, said that the committee is implementing development plans aimed at achieving further progress in Paralympic sports and supporting athletes across various disciplines.

In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), Dr. Al Touqi noted that the number of registered athletes has risen to around 150 male and female competitors with physical, visual and intellectual disabilities, participating in seven different sports.

He explained that the committee is working to broaden participation through initiatives such as the “Discover Your Ability” programme for talent identification, summer sports activities and cooperation programmes with centres serving persons with disabilities.

The committee is also coordinating with sports complexes across the governorates to establish Paralympic sports centres aimed at increasing access to sports opportunities and reaching wider segments of society.

Dr. Al Touqi highlighted the committee’s cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in organising the annual festival for persons with disabilities, which has witnessed strong participation over the past two years.

He added that the successful hosting of the West Asian Games Muscat 2026 contributed to showcasing the development of Paralympic sports in Oman and highlighted the country’s organisational capabilities.

The committee organises several local championships in athletics, powerlifting, goalball, boccia and wheelchair basketball, providing athletes with opportunities to compete and develop their skills. It also hosts the Oman Athletics Meeting, which is recognised internationally.

Dr. Al Touqi said that Omani national teams participated in more than five regional and continental championships during the past two years, securing a total of 60 medals. At the West Asian Games Muscat 2026, Omani athletes won 38 medals and achieved fourth place overall.

The committee also places emphasis on developing technical expertise through specialised training programmes for coaches and referees. More than 120 participants have benefited from these courses, organised in cooperation with international organisations.

He noted that awareness programmes conducted in schools and universities, along with participation in local and international conferences and community events, have contributed to increasing awareness of Paralympic sports and encouraging greater participation.

Dr. Al Touqi pointed to several challenges facing the sector, including the need for additional financial support, dedicated facilities and institutional development. He stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships with public and private sector entities and investing in talent development from an early age.

He added that the committee aims to increase the number of registered athletes to 1,000 by 2030 and expand Oman’s participation in the Paralympic Games and World Championships, further enhancing the Sultanate’s presence on the international sporting stage.