Monday 26 / January / 2026
MUSCAT: A total of 400 karatekas, including 160 women participants from 30 clubs, centres and academies, will participate in the upcoming two-day Muscat Nights 11th Shotokan Karate Centre Open Championship from January 30.
The organisers revealed details of the upcoming edition, which will be hosted at the Ahli Sidab Sports Hall in Darsait as part of the Muscat Nights festival.
International referee Yousuf Al Siyabi, chairman of the technical committee, said, "This year’s edition marks the 11th in the tournament’s history and the second to be held under the Muscat Nights umbrella."
Al Siyabi highlighted the championship’s strong international character, emphasising the organising committee’s commitment to attracting wide regional and overseas participation. Teams and clubs from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait will compete, alongside participants from Algeria, Libya, Iran, and Sudan.
This year’s championship will feature participants compete in both kata and kumite events across 54 teams, with 20 teams in kata and 34 in kumite. The matches will be overseen by 37 certified referees.
Al Siyabi also confirmed the continued inclusion of inclusive sports categories, with participation from Al Tadhamun Wheelchair Team of Sohar Club and the Oman Down Syndrome Association team. He stressed that karate is not merely a physical competition but a discipline that builds confidence, respect, discipline, and positive values among participants.
Beyond competition, the championship aims to promote karate, discover young talent, and strengthen the spirit of fair play, while also introducing Oman to international visitors through sport. Hosting delegations from different countries, Al Siyabi said, "helps showcase the Sultanate’s culture and hospitality and supports tourism, particularly as the event is linked to Muscat Nights, which has become a major attraction."
Hussein Al Ramhi, Supervisor of Sports and Beach Events at Muscat Nights, said the karate championship carries economic, cultural, and tourism dimensions in addition to its sporting value by attracting clubs, teams, and fans, from neighbouring countries.
A technical lecture for coaches will be held on January 29 at Ahli Sidab Club’s lecture hall to discuss regulations and the latest competition updates.
