Tuesday 31 / December / 2024
Muscat: Oman continues its impressive streak in the international hockey arena by securing the rights to host the prestigious Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) 2024 Junior Asia Cup for both men and women.
This follows the highly successful FIH Hockey5s World Cup and the Paris Olympics Qualifiers at the Hockey Arena in Al Amerat earlier this year.
The AHF confirmed on Saturday that Oman will welcome ten teams in both categories at the Hockey Arena in Muscat from November 11 to 19, 2024.
This marks the second time Oman hosts the Junior Asia Cup, with the men’s edition previously held in Salalah in 2023.
The successful organisation and high attendance, particularly during the India vs Pakistan final last year, impressed AHF officials.
They commended the Oman Hockey Federation’s capabilities and the enthusiastic support from local fans.
For the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024, the qualified teams are: Bangladesh, China, Chinese Taipei, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, and Thailand.
The Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 will feature: Bangladesh, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
The Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 serves as a qualifier for the Men’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup 2025. The top six teams in the final ranking will earn spots in the World Cup, aside from the host nation if it is an Asian national association.
Similarly, the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 acts as a qualifying event for the Women’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup 2025.
The top five teams in the final ranking will qualify, excluding the host nation if it is from Asia.
Shakir Munir, OHA technical consultant, expressed his delight at the confirmation of hosting the Junior Asia Cup. He told Times of Oman: “Hosting the men’s and women’s Junior Asia Cup at the new hockey venue in Al Amerat is a great boost to Oman hockey. The successful hosting of the Hockey5s World Cup was a proud moment for Oman, and the Junior Asia Cup will provide a good opportunity for the best talent in the continent to showcase their mettle here.”
He added, “The hosting of the Junior Asia Cup for men and women aligns with Hockey Oman’s long-term strategy to develop and promote the game in the country and the region. It will also help raise the profile of Oman as an ideal destination to host world-class events and boost relations with participating nations.”
Oman’s continued success in hosting international hockey events underscores its growing reputation as a hub for world-class sporting events, promising an exciting and competitive tournament this November.
