Monday, December 15, 2025 | Jumada al-akhirah 23, 1447 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Oman replace Pakistan at Junior Hockey World Cup in India

Oman emerged AHF Cup winners in 2025.
Oman emerged AHF Cup winners in 2025.
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MUSCAT: Oman will mark their first-ever appearance at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup when Oman took the spot after Pakistan pulled out of the event in India.


The men’s junior team of Oman will now join the list of participating teams for this event that will take place from November 28 to December 10, 2025 in the cities of Chennai and Madurai in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.


Oman join as the next highest placed team in the continental championship (Junior Asia Cup 2024) qualifying for this Junior World Cup.


The International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced Oman’s qualification after the Pakistan Hockey Federation has notified the FIH that they have not accepted the invitation to participate in the upcoming Tamil Nadu 2025, after their team had qualified for this event at the Asia Junior Cup last year.


Dr Marwan bin Juma al Juma, Chairman of the Oman Hockey Association (OHA), said the entry to the World Cup is a major milestone for hockey in Oman.


“Getting an entry to the World Cup is a major milestone in the development of hockey in Oman. This gives a golden chance for the next generation of players to gain experience and compete at the global level, which will further strengthen Oman’s presence on the international hockey map.


EXTREMELY PROUD


The OHA chief expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Oman Olympic Committee, partners, and sponsors for their continuous support in advancing hockey in Oman and for their contribution to the association’s progress.


“We are extremely proud of this historic achievement for the Sultanate of Oman. It reflects the tremendous efforts made by the OHA, the players and the technical and administrative staff to elevate the sport to this honourable level. Without doubt, our participation in the Junior World Cup is the culmination of years of planning and hard work.”


“It is a qualitative step towards building a new generation of players capable of competing at the continental and global levels. We will continue working with a team spirit to ensure ideal preparation for the squad and a performance that honours Oman in this world-class event, Al Juma concluded.


This edition will make history as the first-ever FIH Junior Hockey World Cup to feature 24 teams, expanding the global reach of the sport.


From traditional powerhouses like Argentina, India and Germany to exciting debutants like Switzerland, Namibia and China, the expanded format promises more matches and more opportunities for emerging talent to shine.


Germany won the last edition in 2023, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.


With state-of-the-art venues, vibrant fan culture, and the electric atmosphere of Indian hockey, this event will showcase the future of the game in its purest, most energetic form.


The pool stage matches will be played from November 28 to December 2, followed by knockout matches from December 4 to 10.


The tournament will also mark a new step in FIH’s digital and broadcast evolution, bringing the action closer to fans worldwide through the revamped Watch. Hockey platform.


Teams


Pool A: Canada, Germany, Ireland, South Africa


Pool B: Chile, India, Oman, Switzerland


Pool C: Argentina, China, Japan, New Zealand


Pool D: Belgium, Egypt, Spain, Namibia


Pool E: Austria, England, Malaysia, Netherlands


Pool F: Australia, Bangladesh, France, Korea


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