Oman’s Trailblazer in Women’s Hockey: Muhja al Namani Makes History
In a significant leap for women’s sports in the Sultanate, Muhja al Namani has made her mark as the first Omani woman to earn an international hockey refereeing license, becoming a symbol of ambition, resilience, and inspiration for aspiring athletes in the country.
Muhja’s foray into the world of sports began early, driven by a deep-rooted passion for hockey. However, it wasn’t until early 2023 that she actively pursued her dream. “I started playing hockey to gain an identity,” shared Muhja in a candid conversation with Muscat Daily. Despite never having played for a club locally, her determination propelled her into the national women’s team by March 2023, where she began attending internal and external training camps and participating in international tournaments.
Her breakthrough moment came in December 2024, when she earned her international refereeing certification during the Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup held in Muscat. This achievement qualified her to officiate both men’s and women’s hockey matches—locally and globally. It marked not only a personal milestone but also laid a powerful foundation for women’s advancement in Omani sports.
Muhja is vocal about the need to build on this momentum. She emphasized that more media support is crucial to promote women’s hockey in Oman, insisting that increased visibility will inspire more girls to participate. “With increased awareness and participation, a strong national team can be built,” she remarked, underscoring the potential within Omani women to compete internationally and achieve outstanding results.
Muhja’s journey hasn’t been without its share of hurdles. Balancing personal work, national team training, and family responsibilities proved to be her greatest test. “With patience, determination, and unwavering support from my family,” she noted, she managed to overcome the challenges many female athletes face.
For those aiming to follow in her footsteps, Muhja advises joining clubs, undertaking intensive hockey training, and mastering the game’s rules. She believes that Oman is home to many talented female hockey players, but a major awareness campaign is critical to harnessing and nurturing that talent. She also urged sports authorities and educational institutions to integrate hockey into school curricula, which she sees as essential in cultivating young talent.
Muhja highlights the multitude of benefits hockey holds for women. She says that the sport’s fast-paced nature fosters collaboration, teamwork, and communication skills. Playing in what is traditionally seen as a male-dominated sport helps to cultivate self-confidence, pushing women to be more assertive and competitive. “The sport demands dedication, discipline, and continuous improvement,” she added, emphasizing traits that are invaluable not only in sports but in everyday life.
Moreover, hockey helps develop essential qualities such as the ability to make quick decisions under pressure, leadership skills, and physical endurance and agility. According to Muhja, success in the field also helps challenge societal norms, thereby encouraging the next generation of young women to explore opportunities in sports fearlessly.
Beyond officiating, Muhja is deeply committed to the development of the game. She is involved in mentoring young players, lobbying for better training facilities for women, and pushing for structured development programmes and international exposure to help raise the level of women’s hockey in Oman.
In a powerful call to action to young Omani women, Muhja offers inspiration and courage: “The journey is never easy, but every challenge you overcome brings you closer to your dreams. If you are passionate about something, go for it fearlessly,” she says.
Her journey is a resounding testament to how vision, perseverance, and support can transform not just a single career—but the future of a sport in a nation.
— Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
