MUSCAT – The game of chess in the Sultanate of Oman is experiencing notable growth in participation, organisation, and international presence, thanks to the efforts of the Oman Chess Committee to develop the sport, train national cadres, and enhance the performance of Omani teams abroad.

Ahmed bin Darwish Al Balushi, Chairman of the Committee, told the Oman News Agency that the number of players officially registered with the committee has reached around 3,800 men and women across various age groups. He said the number is expected to grow in the coming years through programmes targeting schools, clubs, and sports centres.

Currently, chess is played in 26 clubs and sports centres across multiple governorates of Oman. The committee is working to expand its geographical reach by organizing tournaments, awareness campaigns, and initiatives to attract emerging talents.

Al Balushi highlighted that the committee organises roughly 40 local tournaments, competitions, activities, and festivals each year, including events for juniors, men, women, and open categories, as well as community programs aimed at promoting chess culture and strengthening its presence in both sports and educational circles.

Regarding national cadres, the committee has accredited 32 trainers and 27 referees at different levels. Continuous training and development programs are conducted in collaboration with international experts and the International Chess Federation to enhance the technical and refereeing standards in Oman.

On the international front, Omani teams participate in 8 to 10 external championships annually across Gulf, Arab, and Asian levels. Omani players have earned multiple titles and positions in regional and international competitions, reflecting improvements in technical skill and competitive experience.

Al Balushi highlighted the focus on juniors, who make up about 55 percent of registered players, ensuring the development of a new generation capable of representing Oman in continental and international tournaments.

In educational institutions, the committee conducted 40 school and university programmes and workshops last year to introduce chess and develop students’ analytical and strategic thinking skills. Plans are underway to expand these initiatives in cooperation with relevant authorities, including the Omani School Sports Federation, through the establishment of chess schools, school championships, and festivals.

The chairman acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in securing financial support, expanding partnerships with the private sector, increasing media coverage, and providing more specialized training facilities. The committee is actively addressing these issues in its strategic plans.

Looking ahead, the committee aims over the next five years to increase the number of registered players to over 5,000, expand local tournaments to 45 annually, and train additional national coaches and referees to elevate the status of Omani chess regionally and internationally.

Al Balushi also said the committee seeks to make Oman a hub for world, continental, and Arab chess events. Oman recently hosted the World Amateur Championship, the Asian Championship, and the Arab Club Championships. In 2026, the committee plans to promote chess among people with disabilities and host an international championship for them, while also organising major events such as a world championship in Dhofar Governorate in partnership with Salalah Sports Club, and the Muscat Nights International Chess Championship.