The Oman Handball Association (OHA) has released the schedule, regulations, and competition format for the 2026-27 Junior Handball League, which will feature 12 clubs competing in a tournament for players born in 2010, 2011, and 2012. The league is set to begin on September 25.
The participating clubs are Nizwa, Seeb, Muscat, Saham, Oman Club, Al Rustaq, Al Ittihad, Masirah, Majees, Al Amerat, Ibri, and Al Khabourah. These teams have been split into two groups of six. Group A consists of Muscat, Nizwa, Masirah, Al Amerat, Ibri, and Al Ittihad, while Group B includes Seeb, Oman Club, Majees, Al Khabourah, Saham, and Al Rustaq.
The league’s opening day will feature six matches, three in each group. In Group A, Al Ittihad will face Nizwa at 4 p.m. at the main indoor hall of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher, followed by Muscat versus Ibri at 6 p.m. at the same venue. Meanwhile, Al Amerat will take on Masirah at the indoor hall of Sur Sports Complex at 4 p.m. In Group B, Saham will play Seeb at 4 p.m. and Al Khabourah will meet Majees at 6 p.m., both matches held at Al Khabourah Club’s indoor hall. Al Rustaq will host Oman Club at 4 p.m. at Al Rustaq Sports Complex.
The competition format involves a single round-robin stage within each group, where teams will accumulate points to determine their standings. The top two teams from each group will advance to the second round. The winners of Group A will face the runners-up of Group B, and vice versa, in two-match knockout ties. If teams are level on points and goal difference after these matches, the outcome will be decided by a penalty shoot-out without extra time.
The winners of the second-round ties will progress to the final to compete for the league title, while the defeated teams will contest a third-place playoff.
The OHA has allocated trophies, medals, and financial awards to the top three finishers. The champions will receive a commemorative shield or cup, 28 gold medals, and a financial prize. The runners-up and third-placed teams will be awarded 28 silver and bronze medals respectively, along with financial rewards.
Officials expect the league to offer valuable playing experience for young athletes and contribute to the development of Omani indoor handball talent.