Muscat, April 10
Oman’s national hockey team was crowned champions of the 2026 Asian Games Qualifier after defeating Sri Lanka 3-1 in the final at the Royal Thai Air Force Hockey Field in Bangkok, completing the tournament perfectly by combining the title with qualification and finishing the campaign unbeaten.
The triumph capped a strong and consistent run by the national side, which produced impressive displays throughout the tournament to underline its status as deserved champions after a series of positive results and balanced performances at both ends of the field.
Oman entered the final determined to impose itself early and earned two penalty corners in the third and sixth minutes. One of them led to the opening goal, scored by Maitham al Wahaibi in the sixth minute of the first quarter after a clever and unexpected variation from Rashad al Fazari, whose disguised pass from the penalty corner found Al Wahaibi to finish into the net. The same period also saw Al Wahaibi receive a green card in the opening minute, while Sri Lanka’s Palle Madumal was shown a yellow card in the 12th minute, as the Red Warriors ended the first quarter 1-0 ahead.
In the second quarter, Oman continued to press forward, but Sri Lanka managed to equalise through Weerappuli Kusal in the 20th minute following a penalty corner. Oman’s response, however, was swift and decisive. Aliyas al Noufli restored the lead in the 28th minute with a powerful strike from outside the circle that surprised both the goalkeeper and the defence. He then struck again in the 29th minute, converting another well-worked penalty corner after a deceptive pass from Rashad al Fazari allowed Al Noufli to arrive from deep and guide the ball into the net, giving Oman a 3-1 half-time advantage.
OMAN HOLD FIRM
At the start of the third quarter, Oman maintained their lead and closed down the spaces well against Sri Lanka’s attempts to fight back, despite Al Noufli receiving a green card in the 31st minute and Asama Barazahan being shown a yellow card in the 37th minute. Even so, the Red Warriors remained the more composed and disciplined side and safely protected their advantage going into the final quarter.
In the closing period, Sri Lanka pushed to reduce the deficit and won three successive penalty corners in the 57th and 58th minutes, but Oman’s defence dealt with them firmly. Fahad al Lawati received a green card in the 51st minute, while Oman also won a penalty corner in the 49th minute without adding a fourth goal.
Oman held firm until the final whistle to seal a deserved victory that once again highlighted their control in big matches and their ability to manage pressure with confidence and balance. Rashad al Fazari was named Best Player of the Tournament, while Aliyas al Noufli received the Player of the Match award in the final after scoring twice.
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