Oman hockey players feted for Asia Cup performance

MUSCAT, Sept 15

The board of directors of Oman Hockey Association (OHA) feted the players of the national hockey team after they ended in third place at 2023 Men’s Hockey5s Asia Cup Salalah which concluded on September 2 in Salalah.

India won the title as they had edged Pakistan 2-0 in the penalty shoot-out after a 4-4 draw at full-time in the final clash.

The felicitation ceremony for the hosts took place on Thursday night in Muscat under auspices of Hisham bin Juma al Sinani, General Director of Sports development at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in presence of Dr Marwan bin Juma al Juma, Chairman of Oman Hockey Association (OHA) and Captain Talib al Wahibi, former chairman of OHA, and other dignitaries.

The function started with a speech from the OHA in which he thanked all the players for their valuable efforts in achieving this creditable accomplishment. “This achievement happened after the hard work from everyone. I would like to thank the coaching and administration staff besides a big thanks to the players for their outstanding performance in the latest Asian event. Our hopes are very high in the forthcoming main events and I am confident that the team will deliver their best to raise the Sultanate of Oman's flag high in the regional and international events,” he added.

The event also honoured the Egypt hockey team which is having a joint training camp with Oman team in Muscat. Both teams had played four preparatory matches during the camp period.

Later in the ceremony, Talib al Wahibi had some words of encouragement for the players ahead of the top assignment of 2024 Hockey5s World Cup which will be hosted in Muscat during January 24 to 31, 2024. “I am very glad to see you today here in this glittering event. I am very pleased with the remarkable result achieved by the team in the last Asian event. We are looking for more achievements from the team in the forthcoming assignments,” he said.

Later, the OHA chairman and secretary-general honoured the Egyptian team players while the chief guest and the OHA chairman feted Oman team and the coaching staff.

By conclusion of Oman-Egypt camp in Muscat, Oman players will set off to China to take part in the Asian Games which will start from September 23 until October 8.