Muscat – Oman aims to raise the number of para-athletes in the country to 1,000 by 2030 as part of a national drive to expand disability sport participation and strengthen its international competitive presence.

The target comes as Oman’s para-sport movement records steady growth, with national teams securing around 60 medals in regional and continental competitions over the past two years and rising participation in structured sporting programmes.

Dr Mansoor bin Sultan Al Touqi, Chairman of the Oman Paralympic Committee, said registered athletes with physical, visual and intellectual disabilities have increased to nearly 150 competitors across seven sports.

“The committee is working to broaden participation through talent identification programmes, community outreach initiatives and partnerships with sports complexes across the governorates,” he said.

He said initiatives such as the ‘Discover Your Ability’ programme are central to identifying and developing talent among persons with disabilities, alongside summer sports activities and awareness campaigns conducted with rehabilitation centres and disability institutions.

Plans are also under way to establish dedicated Paralympic sports centres across the country to improve access to training facilities and bring sport opportunities closer to communities, he added.

Al Touqi highlighted the annual festival for persons with disabilities and Oman’s hosting of the West Asian Para Games Muscat 2026, calling it a major milestone for the sector and the largest para-sport event in the region.

Oman’s national teams have continued to register strong performances internationally. At the 2026 Games in Muscat, Oman collected 38 medals and finished fourth overall.

Domestic competition now covers athletics, powerlifting, goalball, boccia and wheelchair basketball. The Oman Athletics Forum has also developed into an internationally recognised event approved by the global athletics governing body.

He said more than 120 coaches and referees have undergone specialised training programmes in cooperation with international bodies, as part of efforts to strengthen technical capacity.

Despite progress, Al Touqi said further support is required in terms of funding, dedicated facilities and specialised clubs to sustain growth.

“Our vision is not only to increase participation but also to qualify more athletes for the Paralympic Games and World Championships,” he said. “This will help raise Oman’s profile on the international sporting stage.”