Saturday 11 / July / 2026
Muscat: Oman's U20 national handball team will depart for Chuzhou, China, on Sunday to begin its campaign at the 19th Asian Men's Youth (U20) Handball Championship, which runs from July 15 to 27 and serves as the official qualification tournament for the 2027 IHF Men's Junior World Championship in North Macedonia.
The continental event will bring together Asia's leading youth teams in one of the region's most competitive age-group championships, with qualification places for the world finals at stake.
For Oman, the tournament represents another important milestone in the Oman Handball Association's long-term strategy of developing young talent capable of progressing to the senior national team.
Oman has been drawn in Group A alongside hosts China, Saudi Arabia, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong. The group is expected to provide a stern test, with every team aiming to secure a place in the knockout rounds and keep alive its hopes of qualifying for the World Championship.
The Omani squad heads into the tournament after an extensive preparation programme that included intensive training sessions and technical work designed to enhance both physical readiness and tactical discipline. The coaching staff believes the preparations have provided the players with the confidence required to compete against some of Asia's strongest emerging handball nations.
Oman Handball Association President Musa bin Khamis Al Balushi described the championship as one of the most significant events on the federation's calendar, highlighting its importance in shaping the future of Omani handball.
"This championship is much more than a continental competition. It is an opportunity for our young players to gain invaluable international experience while competing for a place at the World Championship," Al Balushi said.
"The federation has worked closely with the technical and administrative staff over the past months to ensure every aspect of the team's preparations was completed to the highest possible standard. We have provided the necessary support because we believe investing in youth development is essential for the future of Omani handball."
He added that expectations remain realistic despite the strength of the opposition.
"We fully understand the level of competition awaiting us in China. Every participating team has prepared thoroughly, and the standard of Asian handball continues to improve every year. However, we have complete confidence in our players' commitment, discipline and fighting spirit. Our ambition is to compete strongly in every match, represent Oman with pride and challenge for qualification to the World Championship."
Al Balushi also praised the dedication shown by the players throughout the preparation period.
"They have demonstrated professionalism, determination and an eagerness to improve. These qualities give us confidence that they will perform with courage and maturity on the continental stage. We wish the delegation every success and hope they will make the nation proud."
Team manager Anwar Al Balushi said the delegation was fully prepared for the journey to China, noting that all administrative and logistical arrangements had been completed ahead of departure.
"Our preparations have gone according to plan, and the players are in excellent spirits," he said. "Everyone within the delegation understands the importance of this championship and the responsibility of representing Oman in a tournament of this calibre."
He stressed that Oman would approach every fixture with focus and determination.
"We respect every team in our group, particularly the host nation and Saudi Arabia, but we are travelling with confidence in our own abilities. The players have shown tremendous commitment throughout the training programme, and we believe they are capable of competing at a high level."
According to Al Balushi, the team's preparation extended beyond physical conditioning.
"We have worked extensively on tactical organisation, mental preparation and team cohesion because tournaments of this nature are often decided by small details. Our objective is to deliver disciplined performances, remain competitive throughout the tournament and achieve results that reflect the progress Omani handball has made in recent years."
Player Saeed Mohammed Al Hassani said the squad was determined to reward the federation's confidence with strong performances.
"We have prepared well for this championship, and every player is aware of what is at stake. Representing Oman is a privilege, and we will give everything we have in every match. We hope our performances will make our supporters proud."
Meanwhile, teammate Abdulaziz Al Saifi believes the team's unity could prove to be one of its greatest strengths.
"The atmosphere within the squad is outstanding, and everyone is focused on achieving positive results. We know the matches will be difficult, but we have confidence in our preparation and in each other. We will fight for every point and every opportunity to move closer to qualification."
The 19th Asian Men's Youth Handball Championship will feature many of the continent's strongest emerging nations, including several Gulf teams, underlining the growing competitiveness of Asian handball. For Oman, the tournament offers not only the opportunity to compete for a place at the 2027 IHF Men's Junior World Championship, but also another important step in the continued development of the country's next generation of international players.
Oman's 16-player squad for the championship includes: Waleed Al Balushi, Fahad Al Maashari, Hamza Al Hassani, Omair Al Balushi, Ghassan Al Maashari, Issam Al Balushi, Mohammed Al Hassani, Al Maamoun Al Hassani, Al Khattab Al Hassani, Abdulaziz Al Saifi, Saeed Al Hassani, Bashar Al Wahaibi, Wahaj Al Balushi, Hamad Al Mashaykhi, Al Aws Al Balushi and Mohammed Al Maimani.
The coaching staff will rely on this promising group of players to deliver competitive performances throughout the championship following an intensive preparation programme aimed at improving the team's physical condition, tactical discipline and cohesion as Oman pursues qualification for the 2027 IHF Men's Junior World Championship in North Macedonia.
