DHAKA: Oman will host the Men’s Asian Games Jakarta Qualifiers 2018 from March 2 to 10 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.
The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Oman Hockey Association regarding the hosting of the championship on the sidelines of Hero Asia Cup 2017.
Tayyab Ikram, Chief Executive (AHF), Elisabeth Fuerst, Event and Sport Director, Dr Khamis bin Salim al Rahbi, Secretary-General, Oman Hockey Association and Shakir Munir, International Relations Manager of OHA, were present during the event.
“The AHF’s goal is to ensure we have 12 participating nations at the Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta as there have never been more than 10 teams and this time, we want to ensure the full quota is utilised in hockey. With Oman’s great history in hockey, we are confident the Oman Hockey Association will ensure the best conditions for the event,” said Tayyab Ikram on signing the MoU with Oman Hockey Association.
Oman has nearly 92 years of hockey history and with the people of Oman taking keen interest in the sport, hosting the qualifying round will mean that the competition will boost Oman’s performance in international hockey significantly.
“We thank Asian Hockey Federation for giving us the responsibility of hosting the Men’s Asian Games Qualifier 2018 and their continued support in developing hockey in Oman and the rest of Asia. We are happy to host the participants aspiring to make the Asian Games qualification and look forward to hosting a successful event,” stated Dr Khamis bin Salim al Rahbi, OHA Secretary-General.
Shakir Munir said the event will contribute significantly in the promotion of the sport in Oman. “Hosting this event will not only boost the performance of Oman national team, but it will also inspire young people in our country to follow and take up our sport and equip Oman to host further international hockey events,” Munir said.
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