Fifth West Asian Paralympic Games “Muscat 2026” Inaugurated

Eleven Countries Compete in Fifth West Asian Paralympic Games in Muscat

Muscat: The fifth West Asian Paralympic Games, “Muscat 2026”, were inaugurated this evening at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.

The Games feature the participation of 612 athletes with disabilities representing 11 West Asian countries: Yemen, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Lebanon and the Sultanate of Oman.

Athletics competitions are being held at the athletics stadium of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, while wheelchair basketball is taking place in the complex’s basketball hall. Goalball competitions are hosted at Al Amal Sports Club hall, swimming events at the complex’s swimming pool, badminton in the main hall, table tennis in Training Hall (1), and weightlifting in Training Hall (2), all within the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.

The opening ceremony featured a parade of participating delegations, followed by a documentary film screening and an artistic performance. Dr. Mansour bin Sultan Al Touqi, Chairman of the Omani Paralympic Committee and Director of the Games, then delivered the speech of the Organizing Committee. He affirmed that the Sultanate of Oman’s hosting of the Games reflects its firm approach to supporting sports as a humanitarian message and a bridge for communication between peoples, while promoting the values of determination and challenge in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

He noted that the Games are witnessing the participation of more than 600 athletes competing in nine Paralympic sports, presenting inspiring examples of perseverance and resolve. He emphasized that sport is a universal language that enhances human connection and reinforces the principles of justice and equal opportunity, expressing his wishes for fair and honorable competitions that embody true sportsmanship. He also commended the efforts of referees and organizing committees in ensuring the success of the tournament.

For his part, Dr. Abdulrazzaq Ahmed Bani Rashid, President of the West Asian Paralympic Federation, stated that hosting the fifth West Asian Paralympic Games, “Muscat 2026”, embodies the Sultanate of Oman’s national approach to empowering persons with disabilities and reflects its belief that willpower is the true engine of development and progress, under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, may God protect and preserve him.

He explained that this edition is the largest in the history of the West Asian Paralympic Federation, with teams from 11 countries competing in nine Paralympic sports. He added that the high organizational standards and international technical supervision lend the championship strong momentum and technical credibility, enhancing the regional champions’ presence on the global stage. He praised the efforts of the Supreme Organizing Committee, represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Omani Paralympic Committee, as well as the warm reception and generous Omani hospitality.

Following this, athlete Sarah bint Ibrahim Al Anbouriya recited the athletes’ oath, while Ammar bin Ali Al Hammadi recited the referees’ oath. The patron of the event then officially declared the Games open, followed by the raising of the tournament flag. The ceremony concluded with a performance of the traditional Omani Al-Azi art.

The event was held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, and was attended by a number of dignitaries, heads of participating delegations and missions, and invited guests.