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Oman eyes global chess status with new world event

Tuesday, 24 February 2026 23:13

Muscat – Oman will host a major world chess championship later this year as part of efforts to strengthen its position on the international circuit, officials said. Ahmed bin Darwish Al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Chess Committee, said the event will be staged in Dhofar Governorate in partnership with Salalah Sports Club. The championship […]

Muscat – Oman will host a major world chess championship later this year as part of efforts to strengthen its position on the international circuit, officials said.

Ahmed bin Darwish Al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Chess Committee, said the event will be staged in Dhofar Governorate in partnership with Salalah Sports Club. The championship forms part of a strategy to establish Oman as a venue for world, continental and Arab tournaments.

The announcement follows previous events hosted in the sultanate, including the World Amateur Chess Championship, the Asian Chess Championship and the Arab Club Chess Championship. Officials said these tournaments enhanced Oman’s organisational profile.

The Muscat Masters Nights tournament is also scheduled this year.

Chess participation is rising in Oman, with around 3,800 registered players across age groups. The game is played in 26 clubs and sports centres nationwide. The committee organises about 40 domestic tournaments annually.

There are 32 certified national coaches and 27 accredited referees. Training programmes are conducted in cooperation with the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

Omani teams compete in eight to 10 Gulf, Arab and Asian events each year. Junior players account for about 55% of registered members, reflecting a focus on youth development.

The committee aims to increase registered players to more than 5,000 and expand the number of annual tournaments to 45 under its five-year plan.

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