Training programmes elevate Oman’s ice hockey performance

MUSCAT, JUNE 8
The Oman Skating Sports Committee, in cooperation with Snow Oman, continues its summer ice hockey training programmes as part of its efforts to develop the sport, enhance players’ skills, and prepare a new generation capable of representing the Sultanate of Oman in local and international competitions.
The latest sessions brought together several teams and age groups, including the Muscat Team, the Khanjar Team and players from the Learn to Play (LTP) programme for children and young players. The training focused on technical and physical development, basic skating and hockey skills, teamwork and discipline on the ice.
Khalid bin Salim al Shaqsi, Secretary of the Oman Skating Sports Committee, said the current training phase is part of the preparations for upcoming events. He noted that Muscat, Khanjar and Majan teams are preparing for external tournaments in August and September, while LTP players are expected to take part in local competitions during the coming period.
Al Shaqsi said the committee continues to build the ice hockey system in Oman through specialised training, support for age-group categories and opportunities for talented players to join overseas camps. He added that the LTP programme is a key pillar in building a strong base for the sport, as it prepares children gradually to move into youth teams and later national teams.
He also explained that registration for the skating academy is opened regularly through the committee’s official social media platforms and direct communication channels. Players are later evaluated based on commitment, skill level and ability to continue training before joining teams or national squads.
Al Firdous bint Ahmed al Kindi, captain and manager of Muscat Team, said the team is preparing for the Al Ain Classic tournament scheduled for October. She said preparations began during the summer with gym sessions, Fan Zone activities and on-ice training at Snow Oman.
Al Kindi said the women’s team has developed clearly over the past two years thanks to the support of the committee and coaching staff. She added that the ambition is to establish a strong women’s ice hockey team in Oman. Muscat Team currently includes around 27 players from different governorates of Oman, along with expatriate players from Canada, Switzerland, India and Iraq, creating a positive and diverse team environment.
Kholoud bint Faisal Ambusaidi, supervisor of the Ice Hockey School, said the LTP programme targets children aged 6 to 15 and aims to prepare them technically and mentally, improve their understanding of the game and instil sportsmanship from an early age. She said several young players have previously participated in overseas camps in Kazan, as well as tournaments in Al Ain and local competitions in Oman.
Greg Cameron, coach of Muscat Team and one of the coaches involved in the LTP programme, praised the progress of ice hockey in Oman over the past five years. He said players, women and children have shown strong commitment, adding that continuity and discipline are key to building teams capable of competing and representing Oman proudly.
Meanwhile, Abdullah bin Ali bin Mohammed al Ajmi, player of Khanjar Team, said the team is preparing for the Al Ain tournament in September in the UAE. He said the team’s all-Omani line-up gives players extra motivation to compete strongly, with the ambition of winning first place and returning with the trophy.
The ongoing programmes reflect the committee’s efforts to expand the base of ice hockey in Oman and create an attractive sporting environment for children, youth and women, while preparing future generations to compete regionally and internationally.