OHA holds meeting with sports clubs representatives
The meeting addressed several key topics, including increasing the number of clubs participating in hockey competitions to expand the game's reach across the Sultanate of Oman's governorates and raise the level of competitiveness among teams. Attendees also discussed the mechanisms for including foreign players and referees in competitions, considering it an important step toward elevating the technical level and providing more opportunities for international experience.
The meeting also touched on the latest updates to the game's rules issued by the International Hockey Federation, which will be implemented starting next season. Attendees emphasised the importance of raising awareness of these changes among teams and administrators to ensure effective application. During the meeting, the Association also announced the organisation of a Level 3 coaching course to qualify national talent and enable them to lead teams professionally.
Among the proposals discussed was the organisation of public and entertainment events alongside His Majesty the Sultan's Cup for Hockey to enhance the community aspect of the championship and encourage public attendance and engagement.
The meeting was attended by Marwan al Jumaa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association
In this context, Abdulrahman al Balushi, Board Member of the Association and Chairman of the Technical Committee, stated that the meeting focused especially on the HM Cup, which is the oldest and most prestigious competition in Omani hockey history. This year marks the tournament's 55th anniversary, granting it special importance on the national sports calendar.
Al Balushi noted that the meeting discussed the need to increase the number of clubs participating in the tournament and encourage them to sign foreign players to raise the competition's technical and promotional level, ensuring broader regional and international exposure. He also emphasised the importance of involving international referees and organising an international refereeing course with both local and foreign participants to enhance the competency of national officiating staff.
Additionally, Al Balushi stressed the importance of media and marketing campaigns for the tournament, calling for intensified promotional efforts across various media channels and digital platforms to match the tournament's status and attract audiences for positive engagement.
He also highlighted plans to hold accompanying fan events at the hockey field in the Wilayat of Al Amerat to create a festive atmosphere befitting the occasion and to attract a larger number of spectators and hockey enthusiasts.
In conclusion, Al Balushi praised the positive response from the participating clubs, which expressed their full readiness to cooperate with the Association in implementing the proposed ideas and initiatives. He affirmed that such consensus would contribute to developing competitions and strengthening hockey's presence on the sports scene in the Sultanate of Oman.
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