Oman Wins Bid to Host 2028 IHF Beach Handball World Cup

Muscat: Oman, represented by Oman Handball Association, has secured the hosting rights for the 2028 IHF Beach Handball World Cup - a landmark sporting achievement that further cements its standing as a premier global destination for major international tournaments. According to Oman News Agency, the announcement was made by the International Handball Federation (IHF) following a competitive bidding process against a number of European candidacies. This marks the second time the Sultanate of Oman has been awarded the hosting rights, following its successful organization of the 5th edition in 2012. The tournament will be held in Dhofar Governorate during the Khareef (monsoon) season, with the participation of 32 national teams - 16 men's and 16 women's squads. The event is expected to significantly bolster sports tourism and showcase the Governorate's exceptional natural assets. Moosa Khamis Al Balushi, Chairman of Board of Directors of Oman Handball Association, stated that this achievement was made possibl e through the unwavering support of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and is the result of strategic planning that included securing the titles of the Gulf Beach Games and the 10th Asian Beach Handball Championship in 2025. He further added that the association has already begun developing a comprehensive plan encompassing the upgrade of sports facilities and infrastructure in Dhofar Governorate, in coordination with relevant authorities, alongside the preparation of the national team to deliver a performance worthy of Omani sport. Oman national beach handball team boasts an impressive track record of nine World Cup appearances, the most recent of which was in Croatia 2026. Throughout its history, the team has achieved several distinguished placements, most notably a 4th-place finish worldwide in the 2009 edition.