Omani teams claim Union Classic treble

MUSCAT, OCT 19
Muscat Women, Khanjar and Majan secured three titles for Oman at the 2026 Union Classic ice hockey tournament in Abu Dhabi, capping a successful campaign with victories in the women’s, open and Arab divisions respectively.
Held from October 10 to 17, the tournament featured 11 teams, with five contesting the women’s competition and six competing in the men’s categories. The winners were honoured at a closing ceremony attended by Shaikh Ahmed bin Nahyan bin Zayed al Nahyan.
Muscat clinched the women’s crown by defeating Abu Dhabi Storms in the final. Their campaign began with victory over Al Ain Theebs, and they recorded three wins from four group matches before securing the title.
Muscat player Khulood Ambusaidi said the triumph rewarded the players’ collective efforts throughout a demanding competition and demonstrated Omani women’s ability to succeed at international tournaments.
She added that the victory would encourage the squad to keep training and pursuing further success, expressing hope that it would inspire more girls to take up ice hockey and support the formation of additional women’s teams.
Khanjar added the open division trophy after overcoming Bedouins in the final. Player Ibrahim al Ajmi attributed the result to teamwork, concentration and disciplined execution of the game plan.
He said the players entered the final determined to win and remained committed to their individual responsibilities throughout a closely contested encounter. The achievement, he added, provided fresh motivation to continue training and prepare for upcoming competitions.
Majan completed Oman’s treble with a shootout victory over Egypt’s Cairo Nomads in the Arab division final. Their title run followed an opening defeat, with a 4–3 group-stage win over fellow Omani side Khanjar helping them regain momentum.
Goalkeeper Zuhair al Habsi played a decisive role in the final shootout and received the Arab division’s Best Goalkeeper award. Khanjar’s Salim al Shahibi was named Best Forward in the open division.
Majan player Muhannad al Jamali described the title-winning moment as unforgettable, particularly after the team’s difficult start. He said their subsequent victories rebuilt confidence ahead of a final that tested their composure under pressure.
Al Jamali singled out Al Habsi’s contribution, describing him as the hero of the final, while crediting the squad’s cooperation and collective commitment for the turnaround.
Eng Saud al Aufi, Chairman of the Oman Skating Sports Committee, congratulated the players and dedicated the achievement to Oman. He said securing three titles during the country’s fourth consecutive appearance reflected the progress of Omani ice hockey and the work being undertaken to strengthen its teams.
Al Aufi also highlighted the significance of the results for the young men and women involved, saying the success was a source of pride for the committee.
He thanked the Directorate of Culture, Sports and Youth in Al Buraimi Governorate and Ruboo Haima for their support, while acknowledging Snow Oman’s provision of additional ice training sessions to help prepare the teams.
Attention now turns to the Oman Women’s Ice Hockey Championship, scheduled for December. Al Aufi said the event would provide another opportunity to develop the sport and expand opportunities for Omani women to compete.