General Hockey League kicks off today

MUSCAT: The General Hockey League kicks off today, Sunday, with the participation of five clubs: Seeb, Ahli Sidab, Al Amerat, Al Nasr and Salalah. The matches will be held from May 4 to May 20 at the Oman Hockey Stadium in Al Amerat and the Salalah Hockey Stadium. The tournament will open with a match between Seeb and Al Amerat, with daily matches continuing in a round-robin format. Each team will play four matches in the preliminary stage and the top four teams will qualify for the final stage (Golden Square). The preliminary round features a packed schedule: on Wednesday, Ahli Sidab will face Al Amerat, while Al Nasr will play against Salalah. On May 10, Seeb will take on Ahli Sidab. On May 11, Al Amerat will face Salalah and Seeb will play Al Nasr. The action continues on May 12 with Salalah vs Ahli Sidab and Al Nasr vs Al Amerat. The final round of this stage will be held on May 14 with two matches: Ahli Sidab vs Al Nasr and Salalah vs Seeb.

The final stage will follow a triangular league format among the qualifying teams and will run from May 16 to 20, with several rounds played to determine the final standings. The league concludes on May 20 with two matches: one for third place and the other to determine the league champion. According to the regulations issued by the Oman Hockey Association, players will participate using electronic ID cards approved by the association.

Each team will play four matches in the preliminary stage and the top four teams will qualify for the final stage

The tournament director has been authorised to make administrative and organisational decisions in accordance with international law and the association’s regulations. Clubs are required to submit a player roster with a maximum of 22 players and 4 staff members (technical, administrative, or medical) at least one week before their first match. They must also submit the primary and alternate team kits, including the goalkeeper's uniform, 72 hours before their first match. Player jerseys will be numbered from 1 to 99 and each player must keep the same number throughout the tournament. The association has allocated cash and in-kind prizes totalling RO 11,000 for the top three teams. The league champion will receive the league shield, 25 gold medals and a cash prize of RO 5,000. The second-place team will receive 25 silver medals and RO 3,500, while the third-place team will earn 25 bronze medals and RO 2,500. Individual awards of RO 100 each, along with commemorative gifts, will be presented to the best player, best goalkeeper and top scorer of the tournament. In terms of logistical support, the Oman Hockey Association will provide 22 flight tickets for Al Nasr and Salalah clubs, in addition to accommodation, airport transportation and meals for 22 individuals per club. The clubs will be responsible for arranging transportation to and from the designated match venues.