Belarus event offers Omani ice hockey prospects valuable exposure

MUSCAT: Young Omani players Faris al Aufi and Yousuf al Mahrouqi are gaining valuable international experience through their participation with Galaxy Ice Hockey Academy at an international ice hockey academies championship in Belarus.
The event, held from August 28 to 31, brings together teams and academies from several countries, providing a competitive platform for emerging players to test their abilities against different hockey schools and higher levels of play.
For Al Aufi and Al Mahrouqi, the championship represents more than an overseas appearance. It is part of a wider development pathway aimed at improving the technical, physical and mental readiness of young Omani ice hockey players through regular exposure to external camps and competitions.
Their selection in the Galaxy Academy squad reflects the progress they have made in recent age-group programmes and training camps. It also underlines the potential of Omani talents in specialised sports, where international participation remains an important tool for development.
The Oman Skating Sports Committee has continued to emphasise youth categories as a foundation for the long-term growth of ice hockey in the Sultanate of Oman. Overseas participation allows players to adapt to faster match rhythms, learn new training methods and build confidence in demanding competitive settings.
FIRST EXPERIENCE
Al Mahrouqi said the tournament is his first experience of this nature, adding that being part of a squad with talented players gives him strong motivation to work harder and learn from the challenge. He noted that such competitions help young athletes understand their strengths, recognise areas that need improvement and grow both inside and outside the rink.
Al Aufi described the Belarus championship as an important stage in his sporting journey following a period of preparation through training camps abroad. He said facing players with advanced technical standards would help him assess his level and push him to continue developing.
He also pointed out the need for greater support for ice hockey in Oman, particularly through facilities that allow players to train consistently and attract more young talents to the game. Al Aufi thanked his coaches for their continued guidance and praised his teammates for their shared ambition to raise the level of Omani ice hockey.
The participation of Al Aufi and Al Mahrouqi reinforces the importance of investing in young athletes and creating more opportunities for them to compete internationally. With sustained training, exposure and support, Oman’s emerging ice hockey players can continue building a stronger presence for the sport in future regional and international events.