Dhaka (Bangladesh), 15 October, 2017: Muscat, Oman will be the host city of next year’s Men’s Asian Games Qualifier 2018. The Qualifying round for the Jakarta Asian Games will be held between from March 2 to 10 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat.
“We wish to ensure 12 nations at the forthcoming Asian Games in Jakarta. So far we have had only ten teams at the Asian games, and this time, we want to ensure the full quota of 12 teams. With Oman’s great history in hockey, we are confident the Oman Hockey Association will ensure the best conditions for the event,” expressed Tayyab Ikram, Chief Executive (AHF) on signing the MoU with Oman.
Oman has nearly 92 years of hockey history and with the people of Oman taking keen interest in the sport, hosting the Qualifier Round will mean that the competition will boost Oman’s performance in international hockey significantly.
“We thank Asian Hockey Federation for giving us the responsibility of hosting the Men’s Asian Games Qualifier 2018 and their continued support in developing hockey in Oman and the rest of Asia. We are happy to host the participants aspiring to make the Asian Games qualification and look forward to hosting a successful event,” stated Dr Khamis Salim Al-Rahbi, Secretary General, Oman Hockey Association.
Shakir Munir further added that the event will contribute significantly in the promotion of the sport in Oman. “Hosting this event will not only boost the performance of Oman national team but it will also inspire young people in our country to follow and take up our sport and equip Oman to host further international hockey events,” Munir said.