Oman gain valuable lessons from Pakistan U20 series

MUSCAT: Oman’s national men’s hockey team concluded a five-match international test series against Pakistan U20 with encouraging progress, ending the programme with two successive draws as preparations intensify for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
The matches, played from July 28 to August 4 at the Hockey Oman and Ahli Sidab grounds, provided the national side with a demanding competitive test against one of Asia’s strongest junior teams.
Pakistan U20 won the opening three encounters 3-0, 3-1 and 4-2, but Oman responded positively as the series progressed. The hosts held their opponents to a 2-2 draw in the fourth match before completing the programme with another spirited 3-3 draw.
The improvement in the final two games reflected Oman’s growing cohesion, sharper attacking play and greater defensive organisation. The series also gave the coaching staff an opportunity to assess the players’ physical condition, test different tactical approaches and identify areas requiring further attention before the final phase of preparations.
The concluding match was attended by Eng Sami bin Abdullah al Khanjari, Consul-General of the Sultanate of Oman in Karachi, who met the national team players and wished the squad and its technical and administrative staff success in their forthcoming assignments.
Oman player Akram Ashour said the series came at an important stage of the team’s preparations and delivered significant technical benefits.
“Facing Pakistan was a strong test because of their speed, organisation and high technical level. Our performance improved from one match to the next, and the players worked hard to implement the coaching staff’s instructions,” he said.
Ashour added that the camp also helped restore understanding among the players, particularly with several members returning to the squad after a period of absence. He stressed that the team would continue working to reach peak readiness and produce a performance worthy of Oman at the Asian Games.
COLLECTIVE PERFORMANCE
His teammate Aseel al Nuaimi said the back-to-back fixtures helped the players adapt to the physical and mental demands of tournament competition.
“The results were not the main objective. The priority was to improve our collective performance, assess the players and correct the mistakes that appeared in the opening matches,” Al Nuaimi said.
He added that Oman’s ability to recover from three defeats and earn two draws demonstrated the players’ fighting spirit, commitment and growing confidence against high-tempo opposition.
Pakistan U20 player Mohammad Abdullah Farooq also praised the competitive standard of the series, describing it as a valuable experience for both teams. He said the matches allowed the players to test attacking and defensive plans in conditions similar to official competition.
Farooq commended Oman’s development and the hospitality and organisation provided during the tour. He expressed hope that cooperation between the two sides would continue, including the possibility of Oman playing future friendly matches in Pakistan.
Oman will now build on the gains from the series as the team moves towards its final camps ahead of the Asian Games in Japan.