The Saudi national goalball team wins the gold medal at the 2026 West Asian Championship
In a new sporting achievement added to the records of Saudi Paralympic sports, the Saudi goalball team won the gold medal in the West Asian Paralympic Games “Muscat 2026”, confirming its absolute dominance over the course of the tournament hosted by the Omani capital.
Details of the coronation and Saudi dominance
This well-deserved victory came after a heroic performance in the final match held at the Al Amal Sports Club in Muscat, where the Saudi national team, nicknamed "The Green Falcons," dominated their Omani counterparts (the hosts) with a resounding 13-4 score. The Saudi team not only secured the win but also delivered a masterclass in both attack and defense, leaving second place and the silver medal to the Omani team, while the Iraqi team finished third, claiming the bronze medal.
Gold journey: Undefeated record
The Saudi national team's path to gold was not easy; it was the result of meticulous planning and intense mental focus, culminating in a flawless record without a single loss throughout the tournament. Their dominance began in the group stage, where the Green Falcons secured resounding 10-0 victories against both Syria and the UAE, and then triumphed over Oman 11-4 in the first round.
The Saudi advance continued in the knockout stages, where they overcame the Yemeni team in the quarter-finals with a score of (10-0), then eliminated the Qatari team in the semi-finals with a score of (11-3), before renewing their victory over Oman in the final, proving their superiority in this sport.
Goalball: A sport of challenge and willpower
Goalball is one of the most prominent team sports for blind and visually impaired athletes. It requires exceptional auditory focus, high physical strength, and quick reflexes. The game involves rolling a ball containing internal bells, allowing players to determine its trajectory by hearing. This necessitates complete silence in the gym during play. The Saudi national team's success in this sport reflects a significant improvement in the training programs and the psychological and physical preparation of Saudi players.
Reflections on the achievement and the future of Paralympic sport
This achievement further strengthens Saudi Arabia's position on the regional and continental Paralympic sports map, and aligns with the Kingdom's sports sector objectives, which prioritize empowering people with disabilities and integrating them into international sporting competitions. Winning the West Asian gold medal is a crucial preparatory step for upcoming international events, including the Asian Games and the World Paralympic Games, raising aspirations for future world medals to be won in the Kingdom's name.
