OHA General Assembly stresses wider participation, athlete development

Muscat, March 31
The Oman Hockey Association’s (OHA) ordinary General Assembly for 2026 underlined the importance of strengthening institutional work and advancing the sport at all levels during its annual meeting held at the Hockey Oman Stadium press conference hall, with 28 clubs in attendance.
Dr Marwan bin Juma al Juma, OHA Chairman, opened the meeting by praising the cooperation shown by clubs in supporting the federation’s competitions and broader development efforts. He also highlighted the national team’s preparations for the Asian Games qualifiers, set to be held in Thailand from April 2 to 10, describing the event as an important step in the game’s continued growth in Oman.
The assembly approved the agenda, appointed three members to review the minutes, endorsed the previous meeting minutes, and reviewed the 2025 activity report, which covered domestic competitions, overseas participation, and development programmes for players, coaches and referees.
On the financial side, members approved the 2025 final accounts after reviewing a deficit of around RO 75,000. The discussion focused on the need to address the shortfall while preserving allocations for competitions, given their importance in sustaining activity and encouraging club participation.
The meeting also discussed athlete development centres, with clubs calling for wider expansion across affiliated clubs to help identify and nurture talent for the national teams. Dr Al Juma said the priority should remain on the quality of training and outcomes rather than numbers alone, while noting that the association would raise the proposal with the relevant authorities.
RAISING PROFILE OF OMANI HOCKEY
Members further stressed the need to follow up with clubs that do not take part in some competitions in order to understand the reasons and improve participation levels. The chairman noted that the latest Sultan’s Cup had attracted broad club involvement and had also been recognised Within the International Federation competitions, with matches broadcast live on international platforms, helping raise the profile of Omani hockey.
The assembly also reviewed club proposals, including a suggestion from Seeb Club to increase competition rewards and reduce the number of foreign players in the league. Dr Al Juma said prize values would be reconsidered in light of available finances, while also describing foreign players as a positive addition due to their experience and the added international attention they bring to the Omani league.
He added that the association is working on an integrated digital platform for player registration across domestic competitions as part of wider efforts to improve administrative efficiency and data accuracy. The assembly also proposed raising a recommendation to the relevant authorities for the launch of a specialised sports channel to strengthen coverage of Omani sport and boost public engagement.