Oman hockey team aims to break new ground at Asian Games

Oman’s men’s hockey team has set its sights beyond seventh place as it prepares for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. The squad left for Japan determined to improve on the country’s best finish at the continental event.

Oman will start its campaign against China in Gifu on September 18. Malaysia follows on September 22, then Uzbekistan on September 24 and Thailand on September 26. The team will complete its listed schedule against former world champions Pakistan on September 28.

Seventh place remains Oman’s best Asian Games result. The team has reached that position five times, in 1982, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022. At the Hangzhou Games three years ago, Oman secured seventh by defeating Bangladesh 4-3 in the classification match.

The team travelled to Japan on Monday night and will train in Kakamigahara City from September 5 to 14. The programme will emphasize technical and physical readiness, team cohesion and tactical planning. Friendly matches against Japan will give the coaching staff an opportunity to assess the squad and make final adjustments.

China, which finished fourth in Hangzhou, will provide an immediate test of Oman’s progress. Majid Al Hooti heads the delegation, while Khalil Al Balushi serves as manager and Mohammed Hoobais Al Shar as head coach. Salah Al Saadi is assistant coach and Ghassan Al Hasani is goalkeeping coach.