Oman’s men’s senior team have been regular participants in the IHF Men’s Beach Handball World Championships, appearing at its debut in 2004 and going on to appear in a total of seven events out of 10 in the three decades since it started.

But for their youth side, Tunisia 2025 is a debut appearance and one which is full of hope, after they replaced Qatar who grabbed the last qualification spot at the third edition of the Asian Handball Federation (AHF) Men’s Youth Asian Beach Handball Championships in Thailand last October.

With Iran, Thailand and Qatar finishing in the top three positions, Oman thought that their world and possible Youth Olympic Games dreams were over. 

Despite an impressive start which saw them come from behind to take a two-point victory (18:16) in the second set against eventual champions Iran, they lost a tight shoot-out 9:8. Oman went on to defeat Indonesia (2-0), loss to Thailand (2-1), beat Jordan (2-0), lose to Qatar (0-2) and then end up with a 2-0 victory against China.

Preliminary group opposition coach, Spain’s Sebastian Hernandez, is well-aware of the threat that the Omani’s post.

“They are a team that performed excellently in their continental championship, fighting hard in every match,” he said. “Their fast-paced play, good ball movement, and solid defence make them a strong and well-rounded side.”

Oman start their campaign with a continental match-up against Iran, followed by Spain, before ending with Puerto Rico, which could be the deciding match to see which team makes it through to the main round as one of the best three in the opening stage.

Coach Jabir Al Balushi will take his squad to Tunisia ahead of the championship where they will play four friendlies before their competition starts.

Coach: Jabir Al Balushi
Qualification information: AHF Championship – 4th
History in tournament: 2017-2022: DNQ 
Group at Tunisia 2025: Group A – Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI), Spain (ESP), Oman (OMA), Puerto Rico (PUR)