MUSCAT, SEPT 8
The Oman Handball Association’s (OHA) Competitions Committee has brought forward the start of the Second Division League for the 2026-27 season to November 20, moving it from the previously scheduled date of December 25.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Competitions Committee chaired by Mohammed bin Sulaiman al Dhahouri, OHA board member and chairman of the committee. The meeting reviewed preparations for the new season, the association’s competition calendar and programmes, as well as arrangements for the various age-group and senior competitions.
The committee also approved the regulations and participation framework for the Junior League for players born in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Twelve clubs will take part in the competition: Nizwa, Seeb, Muscat, Saham, Oman Club, Al Rustaq, Al Ittihad, Masirah, Majees, Al Amerat, Ibri and Al Khabourah.
The participating clubs will be divided into two groups, with the Junior League scheduled to get underway on September 25.
The committee also confirmed the participating clubs for the Youth League, which is open to players born in 2008 and 2009. Ten clubs will compete in the tournament: Nizwa, Seeb, Muscat, Saham, Al Oruba, Al Ittihad, Oman Club, Al Amerat, Al Khabourah and Masirah.
As part of its preparations for the new season, the committee set the player registration window from October 4 to November 15. Clubs have been urged to complete their registration procedures within the designated period and comply with the regulations and eligibility requirements approved by the association.
EIGHT COMPETITIONS
The meeting also reviewed the overall competition calendar for the 2026-27 season, which features eight main competitions: the Junior League, Youth League, Super Cup, First Division League, Second Division League, Association Cup, Beach Handball League and Women’s League.
Bringing forward the Second Division League is intended to create a more balanced competition schedule and provide clubs with greater preparation time ahead of the campaign. The move also forms part of the association’s broader efforts to ensure a smooth and structured season across all categories.
The OHA continues to place emphasis on developing age-group competitions while expanding opportunities in women’s handball and beach handball. The approach is aimed at broadening the sport’s participation base, providing players with sustained competitive opportunities and raising the technical level of handball across the country.
A total of 29 clubs have confirmed their participation in the association’s competitions for the new season. They are Al Ittihad, Oman Club, Muscat, Masirah, Al Tali’ah, Nizwa, Al Salam, Al Nasr, Al Amerat, Al Musannah, Qurayat, Majees, Seeb, Al Suwaiq, Al Rustaq, Sohar, Mirbat, Ahli Sidab, Al Oruba, Al Khabourah, Al Shabab, Saham, Salalah, Al Nahda, Khasab, Taqah, Dhofar, Ibri and Al Bashair.
With the competition calendar now taking shape, the association is seeking to provide clubs and players with a clearly structured season while maintaining competitive momentum across senior, youth, women’s and beach handball competitions.
