MUSCAT, SEPT 21
The Oman Skating Sports Committee is participating in the Union Ice Hockey tournament, hosted in Al Ain, UAE, until the 27th of this month, with over 30 teams from around the world in attendance. Oman’s participation this year is remarkable in scale, as the Sultanate of Oman enters the competition with five teams comprising 65 male and female players across different age categories, marking an unprecedented step that reflects a serious commitment to promoting and developing the sport within the country.
The UAE Ice Hockey Federation organises the tournament and brings together teams from several countries, including Oman, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India and Russia, alongside the host nation. Oman’s presence carries special significance, as it is the first time the Sultanate of Oman has entered the competition with teams from all age groups, both male and female, highlighting the Committee’s dedication to expanding the sport among youth.
The Sultanate of Oman is represented by five teams in this edition: the Ice Hockey School team (ages 7–10), the school team (ages 11–15), the Muscat women’s team, the Majan team, and the Khanjar team, which previously achieved a top ranking in the last edition. Together, these teams represent a complete picture of Omani diversity and the Committee’s keenness to build a broad base for the sport that includes all age groups and both genders.
Khalil al Waeli, Head of the Media Committee at the Oman Skating Sports Committee, stated that this participation is the fruit of continuous efforts to develop ice hockey in the Sultanate of Oman. He pointed out that the inclusion of all teams and age categories in this championship represents a qualitative leap that reflects the sport’s progress on the ground. He stressed that the goal is not only to compete for top positions but also to provide players with international experience by facing strong teams from different countries, which contributes to raising technical and skill levels and serves the sport’s future in Oman in the long run.
Al Waeli added that the participation of the 7–10 years team is an investment in the future and the sport’s first seed, while the 11–15 years team forms a solid foundation for building a generation capable of development and continuity, with a focus on preparing them to gain experience that will help them gradually advance to higher levels.
He also noted that the Oman Skating Sports Committee operates under a clear plan aimed at expanding the base of practitioners, making use of modern training techniques and international coaching expertise, alongside organising annual local tournaments to prepare players before any external competitions.
Al Waeli confirmed that the Committee’s ambitions go beyond the current championship, as it seeks to establish Oman’s permanent presence regionally and internationally, ultimately leading to the creation of a fully-fledged national ice hockey team capable of representing the Sultanate of Oman honorably. He reminded that this is the Committee’s third participation in the tournament, with Khanjar securing second place in the men’s category and the Muscat women’s team winning third place in the previous edition. He emphasised that the Omani teams this year are determined to strengthen their presence and enhance their achievements, adding to Oman’s sporting record and reflecting the Sultanate of Oman’s place on the global sports map.
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