Sports Reporter
MUSCAT, OCT 25
The sixth edition of UTSC Gulf Hockey Fiesta 2022 is all set to enthral hockey lovers and families on October 28 and 29 at Sultan Qaboos Stadium Complex in Bausher.
The official inauguration of the event is scheduled to be at 6 pm on October 28.
On the opening day, the matches start from 2 pm and continue until 11 pm.
On the second day, matches will begin from 2 pm and conclude at 9 pm.
"This year’s event is extra-special for us as UTSC celebrating our 12th anniversary since its establishment and under the new logo which is launched recently by Padmasree Olympian Dhanraj Pillai," Javis Ahmed of UTSC said.
This event is under the patronage of the Oman Hockey Association, and it is an approved event of the Asian Hockey Federation.
In the spirit of promoting hockey and as a longtime supporter of hockey in the Middle East, the event has 6 teams internationally and 6 teams locally participating. Besides, there will be a tournament for boys and girls of Indian School. Apart from this Oman national women’s team will be playing matches with Dubai Hockey Club as they are doing camp for the upcoming Hockey 5s World Cup, which will be hosted by Muscat in 2024.
This is a 6-a-side format game, with a maximum of 9 players in each team. Twelve teams will be participating in the tournament. These 12 teams will be divided to 4 pools. Each pool winners will qualify to the quarterfinals. Teams reaching second and third positions will play cross-over matches to book their berth in the quarterfinals.
Dr Marwan bin Juma al Juma, Chairman of Oman Hockey Association (OHA) and the brain behind bringing the prestigious international hockey tournament to Oman said: “We are all set for a successful and a high-calibre international tournament. It is a world-class event. And we are proud it is happening in Oman. We are confident that this event will provide a platform for foreign players to exhibit their skills in hockey to the Omani sports loving public.”
"We offer our heartfelt gratitude to Dr Marwan bin Juma al Juma, Chairman of Oman Hockey Association, for all the support and guidance given to us," said Lijihas Hussain of UTSC.
FAMILY ATTRACTION
The Gulf Hockey Fiesta 2022 will add a special attraction to draw in more audiences including families under the banner Gourmet Chef – Contest, organised by Foodland’s Restaurants.
"Last time it was great success as many contestants took part from different communities. This year also we expect more participation and that will bring a lot families to this event. We have a celebrity guests from South India, Sadhika Venugopal and Vaigha, both popular cine artist and event anchors. They will be hosting the cookery contest and entertainment programmes. In addition, we have live DJ, live music and, dances and family entertainment," Lijihas added.
Sponsors for the tournament include Shahi Foods & Spices, Sea Pearls LLC, Muscat Overseas Group, FAP Oman, Al Nahla Solutions LLC, Badr Al Sama Group of Hospitals, Sea Pearls Gold & Diamond Jewellery, Lulu Hypermarkets, ALSarooj Constructions, NFPC, and Lynx.
"UTSC team is excited to organise the sixth edition of Gulf Hockey Fiesta 2022 under the guidance of Oman Hockey Association. This year we included many entertainment activities along with hockey and cooking competition. As Muscat is hosting first Hockey 5s World Cup in 2024, we are happy to have Oman women team as part of this event," Javis Ahmed said.
Hashir Ponmanichi, Jamsheer ACM, Vipin from Food lands, Abdulrahman al Balushi, Shakir Muneer (OHA) were also present during the press conference.
TEAMS
International teams: - Naqi Strikers - Dammam (Saudi Arabia), Dada Bhai (Dubai), Scarlet Hockey Club (Dubai), Coorg Hoks (India), Dubai Hockey Club, UTSC, International
Local teams: - Ahli Sidab Sports Club, Seeb Sports Club, Al Bashayer Sports Club, Oman Veterans, Sohar Club, , Team Coorg Muscat.
Women’s teams: - Oman Women blue, Oman women Red and Dubai Hockey club
School teams: - Indian School Al Maabela, Indian School Seeb and Indian School Wadi Kabir
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