Al Ahli Sidab Club lift trophy

MUSCAT: There were two things for Oman national hockey at the Gulf hockey fiesta hosted by United Thallesery Sports Club at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex Bausher. Al Ahli Sidab Club lifted the title and secondly the runner-up team Pak Falcons had their team coach Tahir Zaman playing for them.
In the final, which witnessed a thrilling contest, Al Ahli Sidab club beat Pak Falcons in the penalty shoot out after both teams were locked 1-1 during the playing time.
Dilber Hussain, a Pakistan International player, scored the first goal for Pak Falcons in the 4th minute of the game and Azad an Oman International player showed his class with a beautiful goal in the 8th minute of the game. With huge supporters for the both the teams, they pressed hard for the lead but in vain.
In the semifinals, Pak Falcons beat Naqvi Strickers Saudi by 4-2 while Al Ahli Sidab club beat Team Coorg by 3-2. Both the semifinals were strongly contested in front of a huge crowd and dignitaries.
Twelve teams took part in the 4th edition of Gulf hockey fiesta organised by UTSC a club which is based in the sporting city of |Thalessery and have it wings in UAE, Oman and Saudi. Jhonson Master, the President of UTSC, Thalessery flew all the way from India to be part of this mega event.
Almost all the knock out matches were of world class hockey. The first quarter-final saw Naqvi Strickers beat Seeb Club 8-3, Pak Falcons beat Al Salam sports club 4-2, and Team Coorg beat the host team UTSC 4-1.
The tournament attracted more flavor due the electrifying live commentary by Salih Thacher and the show was anchored by Sherzina Raffi. There was fun games, spot quizzes and songs and dances by the children wing of UTSC.
Captain Talib Al Wahibi, Chairman of Oman hockey association was the Chief guest and Badar of Shahi spices, Nabeel Mohammed Al Ajmi [Muscat Municipality] and former Oman hockey coach SAS.Naqvi was the guest of honor for the prize distribution ceremony.
Best defender award was grabbed by Somaiya [Team Coorg], while Best goal keeper award was given to Amjad Abdullah of Ahli Sidab club. Other awards are: Aboobaker of Naqvi Strickers [ Top scorer], Mohammed of Al Salaam sports club [ Best promising youngster} Saiullah of Pak Falcons [ player of the tournament]. The fair play award was presented to Al Salaam sports club.
The event was sponsored by Shahi Spices, Woodlands restaurant, Malabar Gold, Juice World, Badar al Samaa hospitals, Al Rahwan Contracting, Badar Shipping and Akbar Travels.