Omani Ice Hockey Teams Shine in Al Ain Tournament with Strong Performances and Podium Finishes

Muscat Women, Khanjar and Majan Lead Omani Success in Al Ain Ice Hockey Tournament The Sultanate of Oman marked a remarkable milestone in the development of ice hockey as its national teams wrapped up an impressive participation at the prestigious Union Ice Hockey Tournament, held in Al Ain, UAE. The championship, supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, featured over 30 international teams, bringing together a wide spectrum of talent and competition from around the world. One of the standout stories from the tournament was the exceptional performance of the Muscat women’s team, who reached the final of Level A in the women’s category. After a highly contested match against the formidable Russian side Okralion, Muscat Women settled for second place, showcasing a level of skill and resilience that signals a new era for women’s ice hockey in Oman. In the men’s divisions, the Khanjar team captured second place in Level B following a fierce showdown with the Canadian favorites Sand Storm. Despite high-speed gameplay and relentless pressure, Khanjar displayed grit and tactical discipline, asserting themselves as a squad ready to challenge some of the toughest ice hockey line-ups globally. Meanwhile, the Majan team earned third place in Level C, concluding their campaign with victories over strong competitors like Galaxy King (Russia) and the Emirati Owl team. Although they were edged out in the final game by Abu Dhabi Storm B, Majan’s balanced approach and indomitable spirit made them one of Oman’s most impressive outings in the competition. At the youth level, Omani junior teams also turned heads. Both the Under-10 and Under-15 squads secured fifth place in their respective categories, marking an important step forward in the country’s grassroots hockey development. These results are a testament to the long-term investment by the Oman Skating Sports Committee (OSSC) in nurturing young talent for the future. “This championship is one of the strongest in the region,” said Saeed al Aufi, Chairman of the Oman Skating Sports Committee, “given the support from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the wide participation this year, which exceeded 32 teams from different parts of the world.” He emphasized that diversity in skill levels—from amateurs to professionals—was a key feature of the tournament, offering teams invaluable learning experiences. Al Aufi further noted that this marks the third consecutive year of Omani participation in the Union Classic Championship, adding that the increasing number of teams and nonstop matches elevated both the technical and organisational standards of the event. He applauded both the organisers and players, noting the growth and recognition the tournament continues to achieve. Highlighting the broader implications of the teams’ success, Al Aufi remarked, “While winning the top titles was a legitimate goal, the nature of sports includes both victories and losses. What is most encouraging is that most Omani teams were able to climb the podium.” However, Al Aufi also pointed to a major infrastructural gap in Oman’s hockey landscape. He emphasized the urgent need for an international-standard ice rink, stating that the current facilities are inadequate for preparing youth or hosting competitive events. “We believe that everything comes in its time,” he said, “and we will work diligently to elevate this sport and secure Oman’s presence on the global sporting map.” With a new generation of athletes surging through the ranks and increasing institutional focus, Oman’s ice hockey ambitions continue to gain momentum—driven by passion, persistence, and a clear vision for the future. Team V.DIR-EM-UAE