Oman triumph at Asian Games Hockey Qualifier

Sports Saturday 17/March/2018 22:42 PM
By: Times News Service
Oman triumph at Asian Games Hockey Qualifier

Muscat: Hosts Oman got the better of a battling Bangladesh in the final of the 2018 Asian Games Hockey Qualifier at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Saturday.
The Oman Hockey Association and the Sultanate’s hockey fans would not have asked for more as Oman clinched the top honours with a 2-0 victory to celebrate their qualification for the Asian Games to be organised in Indonesia later this year.
In the summit clash, Pakistani stalwart Tahir Zaman-coached Omani side played to a plan and with purpose to dominate the proceedings against long-time rivals Bangladesh.
Though the visitors matched the hosts move for move for the entire first quarter, Oman exerted pressure in the second and went ahead in the 28th minute when Rashad Al Farzi converted a short corner to the delighted of a large number of fans gathered at the iconic SQSC stadium.
Just a minute into the third quarter, Oman were awarded a penalty stroke which the experienced Basim Khatar converted to double the lead.
Then towards the end of the match, Oman survived some tense moments as Bangladesh tried to battle their way back into the game.
However, Oman maintained their composure to clinch the top honours.
Sri Lanka third
Earlier, in the third place play-off Sri Lanka defeated Thailand 4-1 with Sandaruwan Sudusinghe scoring brace.
For the island nation, Anuradha Rathanayake and Dhammika Ranasinghe scored the other goals.
Hosts Oman, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Thailand have already qualified for the 2018 Asian Games while Chinese Taipei sealed the fifth and final qualifying berth with a 4-0 win over Kazakhstan in the fifth place play-off match.
The Asian Games will take place in Indonesia from August 18 to September 2, 2018
Later, chief guest Dr. Fuad bin Ja’afar bin Mohammed al Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, handed over the prizes in the presence of Oman Hockey Association chief Talib bin Khamis Al Wahaibi and other dignitaries.