Starcare Cup Gulf Hockey Fiesta attracts 12 teams
The Gulf Hockey Fiesta for the Starcare Cup, an Asian Hockey Federation recognised event, will be organised at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Friday with the participation of teams from the GCC region
MUSCAT: The Gulf Hockey Fiesta for the Starcare Cup, to be organised by United Thalaserry Sports Club (UTSC) in association with Oman Hockey Association (OHA), had attracted 12 teams.
The Fiesta is scheduled to take place at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Friday.
The draw of the tournament, an Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) recognised event, was conducted at the Foodlands Restaurant with Kureian, Business Development Manager of Starcare Hospital, presiding over the ceremony.
Anwar, Marketing Manager of Starcare Hospital, was the guest of honour and among the dignitaries present were popular hockey personality SAS. Naqvi, former Oman international Mohammed Shambe Al Raisi and Dr. Said Attaulah of Pakistan Social Club, Kuttapa of Team Coorg.
Speaking on the occasion chief guest Kureian said: “We are proud to support the Gulf Hockey Fiesta. Sports and health should move together. Keep caring. Keep Playing.”
Meanwhile, the organisers said seven of the 12 participating teams are from outside the Sultanate.
The five local teams who will be seen in action are Oman Veterans, Muscat Foxes, UTSC, Team Coorg and Pak Falcons.
Two Dubai-based teams — Dubai Hockey Club and King Khan Hockey Club — will also be seen in action. There will also be two teams from Saudi Arabia and they are Al Arab Hockey Academy and Al Naqi Strikers. The other three teams from the Gulf region are: Hungry Hamoors of Bahrain, Kuwait Expats Hockey Team from Kuwait and Qatar Wanderers from Qatar.
Star attraction
Indian team vice-captain and star goalkeeper P. R. Sreejesh will be the chief guest. Indian Ambassador Indramani Pandey and Oman Hockey Association General Secretary Mohammed Redha Taqi Al Lawati will be the guests of honour.
According to Tournament Director Salih Thacher, the participating teams are equally divided into three groups and the three group toppers as well as the fourth best team will qualify for the semifinals.
The event will kick off at 8 a.m. and is scheduled to conclude at 10 p.m. The 20-minute matches will be played in sixes hockey format.
The event is sponsored by Starcare Hospitals and co-sponsored by Mohammed Riaz & Partners, Majan Distribution Company, Al Jadeed Exchange, Fayeda Travels, FAP Oman, Al Nahla Solutions and Foodlands.
During the day-long event, there will also be live music by Shamsudeen Maliakkal, fun quiz and games for the children and host of other entertainment programmes.
The organisers will also conduct a raffle draw and the lucky winners will get prizes, including two eightgram gold coins, one way ticket to Mumbai and watches.
Group A: Pak Falcons, Oman Veterans, King Khan Hockey Club, Kuwait Expats Hockey Team.
Group B: Muscat Foxes, UTSC, Al Arab Hockey Academy, Qatar Wanderers.
Group C: Team Coorg, Dubai Hockey Club, Naqi Strikers, Hungry Humoors.