A new high for Oman hockey
Oman beat Kenya 5-2 in quarter-finals but were outplayed by the Dutch 5-3 in semi-finals
This did not come easy. We worked very hard before the tournament. We trained very hard KHALID AL SHAAIBI
In a historic feat, the Omani men’s team reached the semi-finals of the FIH Hockey5s World Cup 2024 where it battled the Netherlands, one of the best teams in the world. Oman was beaten 5-3 by the Dutch team, who advanced to the final.
Earlier on Tuesday, Oman beat Kenya 5-2 in the quarter-finals for a berth in the semis, with Khalid al Shaaibi scoring a hattrick.
In post-match comments, a delighted Shaaibi said, “We are proud and we say thank you to the country, to the president of Oman Hockey Association and to the sultanate… This did not come easy. We worked very hard before the tournament. We trained very hard.”
The enthusiasm and pride among the hockey community in Oman was evident in the reactions from players, fans and officials alike.
Speaking to Muscat Daily, former Seeb Hockey Club player
Hamoud al Wahaibi congratulated the players and the entire technical and administrative staff for the outstanding accomplishment. “The support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, as well as Oman
Hockey Association, cannot be overstated for their role in preparing and facilitating the national team,” said Wahaibi.
“The team showed great technical application in the decisive matches.”
Wahaibi described the team’s performance as a “historic achievement for Omani sports” in general and for hockey in particular. “The quarter-final victory will also be a motivation to perform better in other sports.”
Sami Awad, captain of the national five-a-side hockey team, highlighted the squad's drive to reach the final stages of the tournament and expressed gratitude for the fact that it was achieved. “The determination and brilliance displayed in the matches against Malaysia, Fiji Islands, the USA and Kenya were essential in reaching the semi-finals,” said Awad.
The fan perspective, reflected by Abdullah al Farsi, emphasised the positive impact of hosting world championships on gaining experience and promoting the sultanate as a tourism and sports hub. “We are proud and optimistic of future achievements in various sports,” Farsi said.
“Oman's performance in the FIH Hockey5s World Cup is an inspiring story that showcases the nation's prowess and determination on the international stage. We have proved to the world our ability to hold world championships, as well as shown our prowess on the field.”