DOHA: The Oman Hockey Association (OHA) participated in the 50th Statutory Congress of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in Doha, Qatar, where OHA Chairman Dr Marwan bin Juma al Juma received the FIH Order of Merit in recognition of his distinguished service at national, continental and international levels.
The Omani delegation also included board member Rudaina bint Amer al Hajri. The Congress endorsed a new strategic framework for global hockey development, Made For Hockey 2032+, reinforcing commitments to expanding participation, improving governance and strengthening the sport's international standing.
Dr Marwan, Vice-President of the Asian Hockey Federation, described the award as a significant honour for Omani sport and dedicated it to everyone who has contributed to the development of hockey in the Sultanate of Oman.
“I am proud to receive this honour and dedicate it to everyone who has contributed to Omani hockey,” he said. “I see it as recognition of our collective effort and of the contribution Omani professionals make to sports administration at both Asian and international levels.”
He added that the recognition carried a greater responsibility to serve the game and create better opportunities for players and sports personnel.
The Congress heard a video message from International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry, who praised the FIH's efforts to promote gender equality, sustainability and digital engagement with fans and young people, in line with the IOC's Fit for the Future initiative.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram reviewed the federation's achievements and strategic priorities, including athlete welfare, development, financial sustainability, diversity, inclusion and innovation. He also highlighted programmes designed to expand opportunities for national associations through international competitions, development initiatives and Olympic Solidarity.
The Congress elected Chuenchanok Nin Siriwat of Thailand, Hazel Kennedy of Zambia, Brenda Lucía Cáceres Mendia of Guatemala, Walter Kapounek of Austria, Erik Klein Nagelvoort of the Netherlands and Deon James Morgan of South Africa as Ordinary Members of the FIH Executive Board.
Delegates also approved the Lebanese Hockey Federation's membership application, taking the FIH's total membership to 147 national associations. A proposal to review the federation's regulatory and judicial framework was presented, focusing on transparency, independence and good governance.
In the awards ceremony, Ikram presented the FIH President's Award to Shaikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Andrés de Witt of Chile and Patrick Keusters of Belgium. The Argentine Hockey Confederation received the Theo Ykema Award, while the Order of Merit was awarded to Dr Marwan al Juma; Deon Morgan of South Africa; Ravi Kant Srivastava of India; and Cameron Vale of Australia.
HONOUR AN INSPIRATION
Dr Marwan said international recognition could inspire young Omanis to pursue careers in sports administration, event organisation and officiating, while strengthening the country's contribution to global sports governance.
He stressed that developing hockey in Oman required wider participation, investment in youth programmes, coach and umpire education, and regular competitive opportunities for talented players. Encouraging girls to participate and expanding the sport's presence in schools and communities were also essential.
He highlighted the importance of cooperation with the Asian and international federations to exchange expertise, access development programmes and improve technical and administrative standards.
“The value of this honour lies in turning the recognition and confidence it brings into motivation for work on the pitch,” he said, adding that international development priorities should guide efforts to place athletes at the centre of the game and build a sustainable foundation for growth.
Dr Marwan thanked Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, ministry officials, supporting organisations and the FIH, led by Ikram, for their continued support. He also expressed appreciation to Qatar for hosting the Congress, hoping the recognition would inspire further progress and strengthen Oman's international hockey presence.
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