Muscat: Al Amerat retained their title for the second consecutive season after being crowned champions of the 55th edition of His Majesty's Hockey Cup 2025, defeating Ahli Sidab 4–2 in penalty shootout following a thrilling 4–4 draw in regular time.
The final took place on Monday evening at the Hockey Oman Stadium in Al Amerat, under the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of SQU, in the presence of several dignitaries, officials from the Oman Hockey Association, and a large crowd of enthusiastic fans.
Al Amerat began the match with clear superiority, applying high pressure on Ahli Sidab’s defence. The latter adopted a cautious and organised defensive approach. From a quick counter-attack, Ahli Sidab earned a penalty corner in the seventh minute, but Pardeep Singh failed to convert. The same player later missed another clear scoring opportunity. On the other side, Al Amerat players created several dangerous chances, but goalkeeper Ibrahim al Farsi and Ahli Sidab’s defence stood firm. Both sides won two penalty corners each but failed to capitalise, ending the quarter goalless.
In the second quarter, Ahli Sidab started strongly, pushing forward with intensity and missing two close chances in the fourth minute through Rashid bin Salem al Fazari and Pardeep Singh. Their persistence paid off in the 21st minute when Rashid bin Salem al Fazari scored the opening goal from a fine assist by Pardeep Singh.
Al Amerat responded immediately, earning a penalty stroke that was successfully converted by Korean player Jonghyun Jang to level the score 1–1. The momentum stayed with Al Amerat as Uttam Singh netted the second goal in the 25th minute, making it 2–1. Before the end of the quarter, Ahli Sidab missed another penalty corner (27’), followed by one wasted by Al Amerat’s Jang, keeping the score 2–1 in Al Amerat’s favour.
Al Amerat began the third quarter energetically, earning a penalty corner which Jonghyun Jang struck before Lalit Kumar Upadhyay followed up to score the third goal in the 31st minute. Ahli Sidab fought back, and after several chances, Pardeep Singh reduced the deficit in the 39th minute following a brilliant assist from Asjit Singh. Both teams exchanged attacks afterwards, but the quarter ended 3–2 for Al Amerat.
Ahli Sidab pressed forward early in the final quarter and levelled the score 3–3 through Rashid al Fazari in the 46th minute. Moments later, Rashid received a yellow card for a rough challenge, giving Al Amerat a numerical advantage that Osama Khamis exploited to score the fourth goal in the 49th minute. In the dying seconds, Ahli Sidab earned a penalty corner, and Rashid al Fazari, who had just returned from suspension, converted to tie the game 4–4. The thrilling final went to penalties, where Al Amerat prevailed 4–2 to secure back-to-back championships.
SALALAH THIRD
Salalah claimed third place after drawing 3–3 with Sohar in regulation time, then winning 4–3 in the penalty shootout, taking home the bronze medals.
Following the match, HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, accompanied by Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth, and Dr Marwan bin Juma al Juma, OHA Chairman, crowned the winners. Al Amerat Club received the championship trophy, 30 gold medals, and a cash prize of RO 40,000. Ahli Sidab received 30 silver medals and RO 25,000. Salalah earned 30 bronze medals and RO 15,000.
Among individual awards, Younis bin Ghabish al Nofali (Al Amerat) became the best player, Al Amerat's Fahad al Nofli became best goalkeeper, while Johnhyun Jang of Al Amerat claimed the top-scorer award with 13 goals and Maitham bin Saif al Wahaibi of Ahli Sidab was named as the emerging player of the tournament.
This year’s edition marked a record participation of 20 clubs, the highest in the competition’s history. The tournament also featured the introduction of VAR technology and international referees alongside professionally certified Omani officials, elevating the standard of organisation and officiating.
The event reaffirmed the tournament’s status as a prestigious platform for Omani hockey, serving as a springboard for talent development in alignment with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
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