Muscat – Padel has expanded rapidly across Oman, with more than 10,000 players and over 100 courts now operating in different governorates, as officials seek to develop the sport from a popular pastime into an internationally competitive discipline.

The Omani Padel Committee is preparing programmes to widen participation, develop junior and women’s categories, identify talent and improve the performance of national teams.

Its plans also include increasing the number of approved competitions, attracting regional and international tournaments, and expanding training for coaches and referees.

Al Numan bin Sultan Al Numani, Chairman of the Omani Padel Committee, said the organisation was developing technical regulations, running official tournaments and strengthening partnerships with local and international bodies.

“Our vision is to build an Omani generation capable of competing globally in one of the world’s fastest-growing sports,” he said.

Al Numani said the committee wanted padel to remain accessible to people of different ages, genders and social backgrounds across the sultanate.

Among its achievements, he cited the establishment of a competitive local tournament system, rising player registrations and the participation of Omanis in regional and international events.

The committee identifies potential national team players through tournaments, academies and sports centres. Selection is based on technical ability, physical fitness and conduct.

It is also working to expand court availability and attract more juniors and women, while seeking private-sector sponsorship for tournaments and development programmes.

Major competitions include the Oman Padel Ranking Championship, approved events on the committee’s annual calendar and tournaments for different age groups.

The committee is considering bids to host regional and international competitions as Oman’s facilities and player base expand.

Its strategy also seeks closer cooperation with clubs, academies, referees, coaches, physiotherapists, mental performance specialists, technology providers and sports federations.

Aisha bint Ali Al Sulaimani, a member of Oman’s women’s national padel team, said interest among girls had grown as new clubs and courts provided better facilities for training and competition.

“There is now a greater desire among many girls to play and participate in tournaments,” she said.

She added that increasing the number of female players would strengthen competition and help raise the standard of women’s padel in Oman.