Muscat: The Omani Skiing Committee will host the Oman Ski Ball Championship 2026 at Ibri Sports Club, bringing together elite local and international players in what organisers say will be a major step in developing the sport in the Sultanate.

The championship forms part of the committee’s efforts to promote skiing, nurture sporting talent and provide Omani players with greater exposure to international competition.

Teams from across Asia, Europe and Africa will take part in the event, alongside players representing Oman from different governorates. More than 100 players and administrators from 10 countries are expected to participate.

Engineer Saud bin Nasser Al Aufi, Chairman of the Omani Skiing Committee, said the event holds particular significance as it is the first official championship to be supervised and organised by the International Ski Federation following its establishment.

He said the championship would place Oman and Al Dhahirah Governorate on the international sporting map for the game while also helping introduce more Omani youth to the sport.

Al Aufi added that the presence of international players would give members of the national team an opportunity to compete alongside and learn from leading athletes, helping improve their technical, tactical and competitive levels.

The event is also expected to serve as a platform to showcase Oman’s tourism and cultural attractions to visiting delegations.

Looking ahead, Al Aufi said the Omani Skiing Committee plans to expand participation across all governorates, establish specialised training centres and develop national referees and coaches capable of representing the Sultanate at international competitions.

He also highlighted Ibri’s growing reputation as a host for major sporting events, citing its qualified young workforce, strong volunteer culture and sporting infrastructure.