Muscat: Oman has received commendations from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for its exemplary organization of the Women’s and Men’s Junior Asia Cups 2024 at the state-of-the-art Hockey Oman Arena in Al Amerat, which concluded on Sunday.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram highlighted the nation’s substantial impact on global hockey, stating: “Oman has once again showcased its exceptional capability to host premier events, with both the women’s and men’s Asia Junior Cups executed seamlessly.
“The nation’s dedication to the sport, coupled with the outstanding facilities at Hockey Oman Arena, positions it as a premier venue for international competitions. The commitment of the Oman Hockey Association (OHA) officials to the sport and their high hosting standards have significantly enhanced the profile of hockey in the region.”
India emerged victorious in both tournaments, with the women’s team clinching the Junior Asia Cup title after a thrilling penalty shootout against China on Sunday, while the men’s team secured their championship with a 5-3 victory over Pakistan earlier this month.
The Women’s Junior Asia Cup not only crowned its champions but also determined Asia’s representatives—India, China, South Korea, Japan, and Malaysia—for the expanded 24-team FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile, in 2025. South Korea, Japan, and Malaysia, finishing in third, fourth, and fifth places respectively, also earned their spots.
Ikram further remarked: “Congratulations to all five Asian teams that have qualified for next year’s FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in Chile, where 24 teams will compete for the first time. A special acknowledgment goes to India for being named the 2024 Junior Asian Cup champions.”
The FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025 is set to take place in Santiago, Chile. In addition to the host nation, teams from Argentina, Uruguay, the United States, and Canada have secured their spots from the Americas. From Europe, Belgium, England, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, Wales, and Scotland have also qualified. Over the coming months, three additional teams from Oceania and Africa will complete the qualification process.
India's recent success in Oman highlights the region's increasing significance in hosting prestigious hockey tournaments, enhancing its global reputation.
The Hockey Oman Arena, equipped with cutting-edge facilities, reinforces Oman’s status as a key center for international hockey. By successfully hosting consecutive events, Oman not only fosters the growth of hockey in the region but also solidifies its position as a premier destination for global sporting events.
In the Women’s Asia Cup, China, India, Japan, and South Korea emerged as the top two teams in their respective pools, earning spots in both the semi-finals and the World Cup.
The final World Cup berth was awarded to the fifth-place team, making the classification matches for positions 5-8 critical. Thailand and Malaysia triumphed over Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong, respectively, to advance to the 5th-6th place match. Malaysia emerged victorious in this pivotal encounter, securing the last Asian qualification for the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Chile 2025.
In the first semi-final, India defeated Japan 3-1, while China overcame South Korea with a score of 4-1 in the other semi-final. India avenged their earlier group-stage loss to China by winning the final 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time.
