MUSCAT: India and China were crowned men’s and women’s champions respectively as the Men’s and Women’s Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship 2026 concluded at Hockey Oman Stadium in Al Amerat, while hosts Oman ended their campaign on a high by lifting the men’s Challenge Cup.
The six-day championship, held from July 20 to 25, brought together leading Asian under-18 teams and served as the continental qualifier for the inaugural FIH U18 Youth Hockey5s World Cup.
India claimed the men’s title with a 3-1 victory over Pakistan in the final. Romit Pal opened the scoring in the fifth minute before captain Ketan Kushwaha and Shahrukh Ali struck in quick succession after the interval. Mohammad Usman pulled one back for Pakistan, but India remained composed to complete an unbeaten campaign and secure the continental crown.
Iran took the bronze medal after defeating Bangladesh 4-2 in the third-place play-off. India, Pakistan and Iran consequently secured the three men’s qualification places for the World Cup.
In the women’s final, China overcame India 4-2 in an entertaining contest. Lu Tongtong gave China the lead in the opening minute, while Tang Kexin and Guo Jiaxin extended the advantage before the interval.
Nousheen Naz reduced the deficit for India, but Ge Chen restored China’s three-goal cushion. Pushpa Manjhi scored late for India, although China held firm to lift the trophy.
Kazakhstan secured the women’s bronze medal with a commanding 9-0 victory over Iran. China, India and Kazakhstan qualified for the World Cup after finishing in the top three positions.
Oman’s men concluded their first official Asian campaign positively by defeating Iraq 6-0 to win the Challenge Cup. The result provided a timely reward for the hosts following a demanding campaign against more experienced opposition.
Uzbekistan lifted the women’s Challenge Cup after recording a 6-1 victory over Pakistan.
Oman player Said al Fazari described the championship as an important learning experience for a young squad making its first official appearance at the Asian level. He said the players gained valuable technical, tactical and mental experience from facing some of the continent’s strongest teams.
The tournament also marked a milestone for Omani coach Khalid al Raisi, who became the first Omani coach to lead an Arab national hockey team after taking charge of Iraq. Al Raisi said the appointment reflected the growing confidence in Omani coaching expertise and could encourage more local coaches to seek opportunities abroad.
China player Tang Kexin said the women’s Asian Hockey5s title was the result of sustained preparation, discipline and strong teamwork throughout the tournament.
She described the final against India as one of China’s toughest matches, noting that the team remained focused, followed the coaching staff’s instructions and made the most of its scoring opportunities to secure the title.
Tang added that winning the Asian crown and qualifying for the FIH U18 Hockey5s World Cup marked the beginning of a new challenge rather than the end of the journey. She said the tournament provided valuable tactical and mental experience ahead of the world event.
She also thanked the Asian Hockey Federation and the Oman Hockey Association for the professional organisation, warm hospitality and high-quality facilities, saying the team would leave Oman with fond memories of the championship.
Pakistan captain Adeel was named the men’s Best Player, while India captain Ketan Kushwaha received the Top Scorer award. Iran’s Salman Zadeh was named Best Goalkeeper.
In the women’s competition, China’s Lu Tongtong received the Best Player award, Kazakhstan’s Ayaulem Rakhim was recognised as Top Scorer and China goalkeeper Liu Xue claimed the Best Goalkeeper award.
The closing ceremony was held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Nawaf bin Barghash al Said and attended by ambassadors, Asian Hockey Federation representatives, participating delegation heads and Dr Marwan bin Juma al Juma, Chairman of the Oman Hockey Association (OHA).
The successful staging of the event further strengthened Oman’s reputation as a regional and continental hockey hub, with the facilities, hospitality and professional organisation earning praise from participating teams and officials.
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