(Hockey News) The eagerly awaited FIH Hockey5s World Cup Oman 2024 was officially inaugurated today during a ceremony held in Salalah, Oman. The event was graced by the presence of FIH President Tayyab Ikram, Chief Guest H.H. Sayyid Firas Bin Fatik Al Said, and the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, H.E. Basil bin Ahmed Al Rawas. During this momentous occasion, the tournament’s group assignments were unveiled.
In the women’s competition, host nation Oman finds itself in Pool A alongside Malaysia, Fiji, and the Netherlands. Pool B includes Australia, South Africa, Ukraine, and Zambia. Pool C features India, the United States, Poland, and Namibia, while Pool D comprises New Zealand, Uruguay, Thailand, and Paraguay.
In the men’s competition, Pool A includes the Netherlands, Pakistan, Poland, and Nigeria. Pool B features India, Egypt, Switzerland, and Jamaica. Pool C consists of Australia, New Zealand, Trinidad & Tobago, and Kenya, while Pool D sees hosts Oman competing against Malaysia, the United States, and Fiji.
When the World Cup kicks off from January 24th to 31st, 2024, in Muscat, Oman, all 16 men’s and women’s teams from around the globe will be vying to become the inaugural Hockey5s World Champions.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram conveyed his congratulations to all 32 teams that secured qualification for the FIH Hockey5s World Cup. He stated, “I would like to congratulate all the 16 men’s and women’s teams that will go down in history as the first-ever participants in an FIH Hockey5s World Cup! You represent the pinnacle of Hockey5s, and you will serve as pioneers and role models for future players embracing this thrilling new format of our beloved sport.”
Addressing the dawn of a new era brought forth by the FIH Hockey5s World Cup 2024, he further remarked, “Today’s draw ceremony not only charts the path to the coveted gold medals for our teams but also signals the beginning of a new chapter in the world of Hockey! Hockey5s is not only an incredibly exciting format but also an extremely accessible version of Hockey, which I am confident will inspire even more young enthusiasts to pick up their sticks and balls and engage in our beautiful sport.”
He also extended special appreciation to the Oman Hockey Association, acknowledging their significant role in orchestrating what promises to be a spectacular inaugural Hockey5s World Cup.
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