Two Omani referees have been selected to officiate at the third edition of the International Handball Federation (IHF) Women’s Trophy, scheduled to take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from October 13 to 17. Sultan bin Saif al Siyabi and Salim bin Saif al Siyabi, both recognized as continental referees, were appointed by the IHF Rules and Referees Committee to participate in the tournament, marking a further step in Oman’s growing involvement in international handball officiating.
Their selection highlights the progress made in developing qualified handball officials within Oman, reflecting the country’s increasing presence and trust at both continental and global levels. Participation in the event will provide the Omani referees with valuable experience working alongside officials and technical delegates from various handball nations, aiding their professional growth and skill development.
The appointment aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen Oman’s refereeing infrastructure through technical training, international exposure, and professional development programs. These initiatives aim to prepare national referees for major regional and international competitions while expanding Oman’s footprint in the global handball community.
The IHF Women’s Trophy will feature an international group of officials, including Saudi Arabian referees Israa bint Sadiq al Ghafri and Jinan bint Hassan bin Ibrahim. Additionally, the tournament’s technical delegation will include Saleh bin Ashour from the United Arab Emirates and On Ah Kim from South Korea.
This selection represents a continuation of Oman’s commitment to enhancing its handball refereeing standards and gaining broader international experience. The involvement of Sultan and Salim al Siyabi underscores the strides made by the country in establishing a competitive and respected refereeing cadre on the global stage.
