MUSCAT, NOV 13
The Sultanate of Oman, which recently hosted the centennial Congress of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), will stage the inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 (men) in Muscat, next year.
This new tournament will be played at the Oman Hockey Stadium in Al Amerat from February 17 to 23, 2025.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Oman is the nation of the “firsts”! Hosting very successfully the inaugural FIH Hockey5s World Cup and now the very first FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2! The global hockey community could witness the wonderful hospitality of our Omani hosts during our FIH Congress, and all the participating teams can expect the same. It will be an amazing event in a magnificent hockey venue. Thank you, Oman!”
The colourful Hockey Stars Awards Gala was also held during the 49th FIH Congress in Muscat.
FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 will give the opportunity for eight more nations — ie, the national teams ranked after those involved in the FIH Hockey Pro League and the FIH Hockey Nations Cup — to play an intercontinental FIH tournament, and compete for the chance to be promoted into the 2026 FIH Nations Cup.
The teams qualified for the tournament include Austria, Chile, China, Egypt, Oman, Poland, Scotland and USA.
"Hosting the inaugural FIH Nations Cup 2 in Oman is both an honour and a testament to our commitment to advancing hockey in the region. We are thrilled to welcome teams and fans from around the world to experience Oman’s passion for this sport. This tournament marks a significant milestone for Hockey Oman, and we look forward to an exciting display of talent and sportsmanship on our home ground", said Oman Hockey Association Chairman Dr Marwan bin Juma al Juma.
WOMEN’S NATIONS CUP IN CHILE
On Wednesday, the FIH announced Chile as the hosts of the third edition of the FIH Women’s Hockey Nations Cup from February 23 to March 2, 2025.
The participating teams include some of the best hockey nations in the world, with even two of them — Japan and the USA —, having played at the Paris 2024 Olympics: Canada, Chile, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Scotland and the USA.
JUNIOR ASIA CUP
Coming next, the Oman Hockey Stadium will host the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 from November 26 to December 4.
The Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 will follow suit at the same venue from December 7 to 15.
In the men’s section, India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Chinese Taipei form the Pool A while hosts Oman are in Pool B along with Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia and China.
In the round-robin league format, top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals on December 3. The final is on the next day.
In the women’s tournament, Pool A include China, Bangladesh, India, Malaysia and Thailand. Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong form the Pool B.
Top two teams from each group will make the semifinals on December 14 with the final on the next day.
India are the defending champions in the Men’s Junior Asia Cup after they beat Pakistan 2-1 in the final of the 2023 edition held in Oman’s Salalah. Indians also won the women’s championship, when they beat South Korea 2-1 in Kakamigahara, Japan.
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