Muscat – Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MCSY) launched Athlete Preparation Centres on Monday in cooperation with the Ministry of Education in schools across the sultanate, focusing on basketball, handball, athletics and hockey.

The initiative aims to nurture young sporting talent, build a new generation of Omani athletes and expand the base of sports participation in schools.

The launch ceremony was held under the patronage of H E Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Undersecretary for Sports and Youth Affairs in MCSY.

Jaber bin Mohammed al Shabibi, Project Director at MCSY, said the initiative reflects the strong partnership between the Ministry of Education – represented by the Oman School Sports Association – and his ministry.

“This ambitious project seeks to create an integrated system to identify and develop student talent using advanced scientific methods, supported by qualified and dedicated Omani professionals,” Shabibi said.

He added, “We have worked closely with the Oman School Sports Association to prepare for this launch. The Athlete Preparation Centres will form a key part of the national framework for nurturing young athletes. Schools are the primary environment for discovering sports talent, and this project will strengthen the athlete development system in the sultanate.”

Hisham bin Salem al Adwani, Vice-President of the Oman School Sports Association, emphasised the project’s role in providing a clear pathway for talented students to continue their sports career.

“It highlights the importance of supporting young athletes and ensuring their continued growth and excellence,” Adwani said. “It also aims to enhance sports infrastructure in cooperation with the private sector, promote economic investment in sports and encourage healthy sporting practices.”

He noted that one of the key challenges facing school sports has been the lack of a clear route for talented students after they are identified in competitions. “This project represents an effective solution, ensuring their training and preparation under qualified coaches and sports specialists.”

Eleven training centres across the sultanate will each host around 25 players, guided by supervisors and coaches. 

The centres are distributed across governorates – three in Dakhliyah (for athletics, handball and basketball), two in Muscat (for hockey and athletics), two in South Batinah (for handball and basketball), two in Dhofar (for athletics), one in North Batinah (for athletics) and one in Dhahirah (for handball).