Anuroop Athiparambath
MUSCAT, NOV 1
India’s Coorg Hocks B beat Coorg Muscat 2-1 in the final to emerge men’s champions of the UTSC Gulf Hockey Fiesta 2022 here at the weekend.
In a pulsating series of seven-as-side hockey matches, the hockey court of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex came alive on two days of hockey festival on October 28 and 29.
Bangalore-based Coorg Hocks was coached by Ganapathy and included India international Vinay in their ranks.
In the semifinals, Coorg Hocks blanked Sohar 2-0 while Coorg Muscat edged out Ahli Sidab 3-2 in a thriller.
There were 12 teams in the competitions, six from Sultanate of Oman and six international sides.
In the women’s section, Dubai Hockey Club edged Oman Whites 1-0 to clinch the title.
Oman national women’s team debuted in the tournament with presence of two teams Oman Whites and Oman Reds.
In the schools section, Indian School Al Maabela beat Indian School Wadi Kabir to win the boys title after Indian School Wadi Kabir girls claimed the crown edging Indian School Al Maabela.
The tournament was opened by Indian Ambassador Amit Narang in a ceremony presided over by Dr Marwan bin Juma al Juma, Chairman of Oman Hockey Association (OHA).
Narang appreciated UTSC’s efforts to conduct the large-scale event in support of hockey. The Indian ambassador thanked the OHA chairman for the efforts to promote hockey. He also offered all possible support for upcoming Hockey 5s World Cup to be hosted by Muscat in 2024.
OHA chief Dr Juma said it was a great for Oman hockey to host such an event.
“The event is very much in line with our efforts to boost the game in the country. Thanks to UTSC for their wonderful effort in organising such a hockey festival,” Al Juma told the Observer.
He said that Oman national women’s hockey team made reasonably well in playing their first ever tournament.
“It was a learning experience for them. We are in intense build up for the Hockey 5s World Cup,” Al Juma added.
VIBRANT ATMOSPHERE
Adding colour to the event was a cooking contest and celebrity guests from South India, Sadhika Venugopal and Vaigha.
Both days attracted good turnout of hockey lovers and family crowd.
“It was a fun filled event with cookery contest and DJ live music and entertainment. A lot of families watched the tournament till the end. Many families and kids were keen on watching hockey games as well,” said Lijihas Ussain of UTSC.
Sponsors for the tournament included Shahi Foods & Spices, Sea Pearls LLC, Muscat Overseas Group, FAP Oman, Al Nahla Solutions LLC, Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals, Sea Pearls Gold & Diamond Jewellery, Lulu Hypermarkets, Al Sarooj Constructions, NFPC and Lynx.
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