The Omani Players Badminton Championship concluded on May 1 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher following two days of competition, which began on April 30. The tournament featured strong contests across both men’s singles and doubles events and was held under the patronage of Dr Abdulrahim al Daroushi, Chairman of the Oman Racket Sports Committee. The closing ceremony was attended by badminton officials and enthusiasts from across the Sultanate of Oman.

The men’s doubles competition was conducted in a group-stage format, allowing pairs multiple matches before final placements were determined. The singles event followed a knockout system, intensifying the competition as players advanced through successive rounds toward the podium.

In the men’s doubles final, the team of Ali al Maashani and Salah Abdullatif secured the championship with a 2-1 victory over the finalists Marwan al Ajili and Mohammed Moslem, who demonstrated a strong performance throughout the tournament. Two pairs shared third-place honors: Mohammed al Muqrashi and Abdulaziz al Hinai, and Sultan al Shaibani alongside Yaarub al Shaibani.

Following their triumph, Salah Abdullatif expressed satisfaction with the outcome and praised the tournament’s competitive environment and organisational quality. He highlighted the diverse mix of participants, including experienced players, emerging talents, and members of Oman’s junior national teams, which he said enhanced the technical level of the event. Abdullatif, who represented Taqah Club, credited focused preparation and team support for their success. He emphasized the importance of such tournaments in fostering the growth and popularity of badminton across Oman.

In the men’s singles category, Khalil al Darmaki was declared champion after winning the final by walkover with a 2-0 scoreline. Sultan al Shaibani, who also placed third in doubles, earned the runner-up position in the singles competition. The two players who shared third place in singles were Nasser al Jabri and Salem al Maqbali.

The championship showcased a competitive field and underscored the ongoing efforts to elevate the standard of badminton within Oman, involving players from multiple age groups and levels of experience. Organisers and participants alike expressed hope that similar events will continue to contribute to the sport’s development nationwide.