MUSCAT: Hosts Oman endured a challenging start to the Men’s and Women’s Asian Hockey5s 2026 as Pakistan and Iran delivered commanding performances on an action-packed opening day in Muscat on Monday.
The championships are being held in Muscat from July 20 to 25 and serve as the Asian qualifiers for the FIH Hockey5s Under-18 World Cup.
The opening day featured nine matches across the men’s and women’s Elite and Challenger categories, producing a remarkable 72 goals, with 36 scored in each competition.
OMAN TEAMS FALL TO PAKISTAN
Oman began their campaign in the Men’s Elite category with a 5-0 defeat against Pakistan in the opening match of the championship. Pakistan imposed themselves from the early stages and demonstrated their attacking quality to build a comfortable advantage while maintaining a clean sheet against the hosts.
Despite the result, the encounter provided Oman’s young players with valuable competitive experience against one of the leading sides in Asian hockey as they look to improve during their remaining matches.
Oman also suffered defeat in the Women’s Challenger category, going down 6-0 against Pakistan.
The Pakistan women displayed attacking efficiency and defensive discipline throughout the contest, limiting Oman’s opportunities while converting their chances at the opposite end. The hosts continued to compete until the final whistle but were unable to find a way through the Pakistan defence.
Oman women’s team in action against Pakistan during the Women’s Asian Hockey5s 2026 in Muscat. Photo by Khalfan Al Ruziqi
PAKISTAN MAKE PERFECT START
Pakistan strengthened their position in the Men’s Elite category by defeating Bangladesh 5-2 in their second appearance of the day. The result gave Pakistan two victories from two matches after scoring 10 goals and conceding only twice, establishing them as one of the early contenders in the competition.
India also made a successful start to their Elite campaign with an entertaining 7-3 victory over Bangladesh. The match produced 10 goals, with India’s quick attacking approach and sharp finishing allowing them to take control of the contest.
Bangladesh showed attacking promise by scoring five goals across their two matches but ended the opening day without a point following defeats against India and Pakistan.
IRAN DOMINATE CHALLENGER CATEGORY
Iran emerged as the standout side in the Men’s Challenger category after recording two emphatic victories without conceding a goal. The Iranian team opened its campaign with a 5-0 win over Iraq before producing the biggest victory in the men’s competition on the opening day, defeating Saudi Arabia 9-0.
Iran’s two performances underlined the team’s attacking strength and defensive organisation, with 14 goals scored and none conceded.
The five matches in the men’s championship produced a total of 36 goals.
CHINA RECORD BIGGEST WIN
In the Women’s Elite category, China produced the biggest result across both championships by overwhelming Uzbekistan 12-0. China controlled the match from start to finish, combining effective teamwork with clinical finishing to make an emphatic opening statement.
India also began their women’s campaign positively, defeating Kazakhstan 8-3 in an attacking encounter that produced 11 goals. Kazakhstan responded strongly later in the day, overcoming Uzbekistan 5-2 to secure their first victory of the competition.
Pakistan completed the list of winners in the women’s championship following their 6-0 victory over hosts Oman in the Challenger category.
The competitions continue in Muscat as the participating teams seek to strengthen their positions and move closer to qualification for the FIH Hockey5s Under-18 World Cup.
