Oman University Sports Committee Unveils 2026 Competition Calendar

Over 20,000 Students to Take Part in University Sports Competitions in 2026

Muscat:  The Oman University Sports Committee today announced the details of its sports competitions calendar for 2026 during a press conference held at the Olympic Academy headquarters. The calendar includes 21 competitions across 12 sports, with the participation of more than 20,000 male and female students representing 30 higher education institutions from various governorates of the Sultanate.

At the beginning of the conference, the committee presented an overview of the season’s events, which will commence in January with the Padel Championship, a competition that has attracted wide student participation. February will feature several events, including the Esports Championship, Beach Volleyball Championship, and Girls’ Bowling Championship, in addition to the Corathon Championship, which will run from February to March in partnership with the Omani Academy for Logistics. The committee highlighted the Esports Championship as one of the most popular and highly attended competitions among students.

In March, the 3×3 Basketball Championship will take place, standing out as one of the most prominent tournaments of the season due to its strong turnout and competitive atmosphere. April will witness one of the most important sporting periods of the year, with the organization of the Swimming and Athletics Championship, as well as the Girls’ Individual Sports Tournament, which brings together several key sports in an interactive environment aimed at promoting wider student participation.

Competitions will continue throughout May and the remainder of the year, covering sports such as volleyball, football, basketball, table tennis, shooting, chess, and challenge competitions, among other activities, ensuring a comprehensive and vibrant sports season across higher education institutions. The season will conclude in December with the Handball Championship, which has seen notable development in participation levels and competitive performance among universities.

As part of its efforts to introduce new sports aligned with youth interests, the committee announced the inclusion of a Shooting Championship in October for the first time. The committee noted that the championship will be organized in accordance with approved technical standards and in cooperation with the relevant authorities, providing a safe competitive environment and opening opportunities to discover new talents in a sport that is gaining popularity among young people.

The calendar also features several targeted activities, including a dedicated sports tournament for female students, aimed at providing a safe and motivating competitive space, as well as programs designed to develop students’ skills in teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. In addition, the committee ensured the inclusion of modern sports activities, particularly electronic games, by adding more than one tournament in this field to broaden participation.

Dr. Ali bin Salam Al Ya’arubi, Chairman of the Oman University Sports Committee, said that the 2026 season represents a significant step toward building a strong and sustainable university sports system. He explained that the committee conducted extensive studies over the past year to assess the reality of university sports and students’ needs, translating these findings into practical programs aimed at increasing participation and expanding the talent base.

Dr. Al Ya’arubi added that the committee’s objective goes beyond organizing tournaments to creating an integrated sports environment that promotes competitiveness, supports academic performance, and enables students to express their physical and mental capabilities. He noted that the participation of 30 educational institutions and more than 20,000 students reflects the growing confidence in university sports programs and their role in strengthening values of commitment, cooperation, and discipline among students.