Monday 10 / November / 2025
Muscat: Al Amerat stamped their growing dominance on Omani hockey after retaining the prestigious 55th His Majesty’s Cup with a dramatic 4–3 shootout victory over record champions Ahli-Sidab, following a thrilling 4–4 draw in regulation time at the Hockey Oman Arena on Monday night.
The final, held under the patronage of HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda Al Said, Vice-Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University, was attended by dignitaries, Oman Hockey Association officials and a large, vocal crowd.
Having lifted their maiden title last year, Al Amerat’s back-to-back triumph confirmed their status as Oman’s new hockey powerhouse.
The Muscat-based side started with high intensity, pressing deep and creating early openings, though both teams missed penalty corners in a tense, goalless first quarter.
Ahli-Sidab took the lead in the second quarter when Rashid Salem Al Fazari scored from Pardeep Singh’s assist. But Al Amerat hit back immediately through a penalty stroke from Korean star Jonghyun Jang, who made it 1–1. Just four minutes later, Uttam Singh fired in to give Al Amerat a 2–1 advantage at halftime.
Al Amerat widened the gap early in the third quarter when Lalit Kumar Upadhyay followed up on a rebound to make it 3–1.
Ahli-Sidab rallied, reducing the deficit to 3–2 through Pardeep Singh’s neat finish in the 39th minute.
The drama peaked in the final quarter. Rashid Al Fazari equalised 3–3, only to be shown a yellow card minutes later.
Al Amerat capitalised on the numerical advantage as Osama Khamis restored their lead at 4–3. But with seconds left, Ahli-Sidab earned a penalty corner, and Al Fazari—fresh from suspension—converted to force a shootout.
In the tie-breaker, Al Amerat held their nerve, winning 4–3 to spark jubilant celebrations.
HH Sayyid Dr Fahd Al Said was joined by Basil bin Ahmed Al Rawas, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and Dr Marwan bin Juma Al Juma, Oman Hockey Association Chairman at the presentation ceremony. Al Amerat received OMR40,000 and 30 gold medals, while Ahli-Sidab took OMR25,000 and silver. Salalah Club clinched bronze, defeating Sohar 4–3 on penalties after a 3–3 draw.
The 55th edition saw a record 20 clubs compete and featured VAR technology and international referees, marking another milestone in the sport’s professionalisation.
With this triumph, Al Amerat not only retained the title but also reaffirmed their place at the forefront of Oman’s hockey renaissance under Oman Vision 2040.
Individual awards: Best player: Younis Ghabish Al Nofali (Al Amerat); Best goalkeeper: Fahad Al Nofli (Al Amerat), Top scorer: Jonghyun Jang (13 goals, Al Amerat), Best promising player: Maitham Saif Al Wahaibi (Ahli-Sidab)
