Oman gallop into Tent Pegging World Cup finals

MUSCAT: Oman secured a place at the 2026 Tent Pegging World Cup finals in Jordan after finishing runners-up in the Group C qualifying tournament, which concluded in Muscat on Sunday.

The hosts claimed one of the two available qualification places behind Pakistan after three days of competition at the Royal Oman Police (ROP) Equestrian Division in Al Wattayah, earning another appearance on the sport’s biggest international stage.

Pakistan topped the qualifying competition, with Oman taking second place.

The concluding ceremony of the qualifiers was held under the patronage of Sayyid Saud Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth.

Six nations — Oman, Pakistan, Iran, Qatar, the United States and Uzbekistan — contested the Muscat qualifier, with only two teams guaranteed passage to the World Cup finals in Jordan this November.

The tournament, organised by the Oman Equestrian and Racing Federation (OERF) under the supervision of the International Tent Pegging Federation, featured a demanding programme of individual, pairs and team events using lance and sword, alongside ring-and-lemon and relay competitions.

Oman entered the final stage of the qualification battle needing a strong finish after Pakistan won the second competition round on Saturday, with Iran second and the hosts third.

The second round focused on sword events, including individual, pairs and team competitions. Pakistan’s strong performance put the visitors in first place for the round, while Oman remained firmly in contention for one of the two World Cup places.

The Omani riders then secured the overall second position when the three-day qualifying competition concluded, joining Pakistan in advancing to the World Cup finals.

Oman regulars at World Cup

Oman have a deep connection with international tent pegging. The International Tent Pegging Federation was founded in Muscat on October 27, 2013, and its headquarters remain in Oman.

Oman hosted the inaugural Tent Pegging World Cup in 2014 before subsequent editions were staged in Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa.

The Omani team has been a regular at the World Cup finals and has competed in every previous edition since 2014. They now turn their attention to putting on a good show at the Jordan World Cup.