Muscat: The Oman Hockey Association (OHA) held a meeting with the heads of private and international schools in Muscat to discuss holding hockey tournaments in January, between private schools for Under-10 boys and girls.
This initiative comes after the success of hosting FIH Hockey5s World Cup Oman 2024, at Oman Hockey Stadium in Al Amerat in January, where Oman national team (men) won the bronze medal for the first time in the history.
The hosting of the world cup event confirms the interest of the Sultanate of Oman in hockey, which was represented by the establishment of a great stadium with international standards and foundations. It also highlighted Oman Hockey on the global map.
With the same passion, the Oman Hockey Association (OHA) seeks to continue progress by promoting the game among juniors and young in the schools. The OHA stressed that hockey is not just a sport, but it is also a great way for school students to develop important life skills such as teamwork, discipline and flexibility.
The meeting discussed the agenda for organising school tournaments, determined participation conditions, discussed appropriate age groups and competitions format, in addition to presenting school ideas and perceptions.
The meeting was attended by members of the Board of Directors of the OHA and directors and representatives of the schools, which are the French International School, Muscat International School, Pakistan School Muscat, Indian School Darsait, Indian School Al Ghubrah, Indian School Al Seeb, Sri Lankan School, Beaconhouse Private School, Al Sahwa Schools, Indian School Muscat, Indian School Bausher, Indian School Al Maabelah, Bangladesh School, Sultan Private School and Al Raneem Private School.
Regarding the OHA vision in activating hockey activity in private schools, Madyen bin Ahmed Bait Habtha, Vice-Chairman of OHA, said, “The OHA aims to spread the game among private schools on a wider scale and provide opportunities for school students to compete in championships, and this initiative complements the role of hockey athlete preparation centres in finding talents in the game.”
“We are looking forward to launching hockey centres for male and female students in the private schools, some schools have expressed their real desire and have confirmed that they will harness external training expertise to train students,” he added.
“In return, Oman Hockey will provide technical and administrative support to school teams by organising training courses, supervision and follow-up, as well as organising special competitions and providing some basic requirements, stadiums and referees. The actual work will begin after all schools agree on the age groups, providing coaches, allocating specific hours for training at Oman hockey fields in Al Amerat.”
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