The fifth World Military Beach Volleyball Championship commenced on October 15 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher, Muscat. The event, hosted by the Ministry of Defence and represented by the Chief of Staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces, runs through October 22 and features eight men’s teams and six women’s teams from various countries.

The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Brigadier Khalid bin Ali al Muqbali, Director-General of Military Sports at the Chief of Staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces. Also present were Colonel Dirk Schevede, a representative of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), along with senior military commanders, representatives of military sports federations, and heads of the participating delegations.

The ceremony began with the entrance and alignment of the participating teams, accompanied by military music. This was followed by the raising of the flags of the Sultanate of Oman and the International Military Sports Council and a formal military salute performed by the athletes. Brigadier Khalid al Muqbali welcomed the CISM representatives, delegation heads, and competitors, highlighting Oman’s pride in hosting the championship. He emphasized the role of sport in fostering unity, peace, and mutual respect, describing the tournament as evidence of soldiers serving as ambassadors of peace.

Following his address, Brigadier Khalid al Muqbali was awarded the Order of the Grand Knight by the CISM representative. Colonel Dirk Schevede commended the Omani military sports authorities for their professionalism and extensive preparations, stating that the championship’s organization was indicative of its anticipated success.

Competitions will be held on the sand courts of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. In the men’s category, eight teams are participating, including two from Oman, with additional teams from Algeria, Germany, Brazil, France, the Netherlands, Qatar, and Sri Lanka. The men’s teams are divided into two groups—one with four teams and the other with five—competing in a single round-robin format, followed by quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final match.

The women’s competition features six teams, each representing Oman, Algeria, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands. These teams are split into two groups of three, also playing a single round-robin series before advancing to the semifinals.

The championship matches began on October 16 at 5 p.m., with seven men’s matches and two women’s matches scheduled on the opening day.