MUSCAT: The Oman Hockey Association (OHA) is likely to host the Asian Champions Trophy hockey in October, a local daily reports.
The tournament, organised by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), features the best six teams of the continent and Oman is likely to be part of the 2018 edition as a host nation, according to the Muscat Daily.
Besides heavyweights India and Pakistan, who have won the title twice each since the tournament began in the Chinese city of Ordos in 2011, South Korea, Malaysia and Japan will be the other nations competing for the title in Muscat.
A formal announcement from AHF on the dates and venue of the Asian Champions Trophy is expected shortly.
Speaking to Muscat Daily, OHA chairman Talib al Wahaibi said, “It will be a matter of pride for me, Oman and Oman hockey to host the Asian Champions Trophy. To have top six teams from the Asian hockey family of 41 countries vying for the prestigious crown at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher will be a big thing. It will be a major boost for the Omani hockey. We have hired one of the world’s best coaches, Tahir Zaman of Pakistan. A fifth place finish among Asia’s best teams will be a good result.”
Oman had earlier bid to host the tournament in 2015 for the 2016 edition but had lost out to Malaysia.
India is the defending champion after it beat Pakistan in the final 3-2 in Kuantan, Malaysia for its second title in 2016.
