Pakistan and Iran shine on opening day of Men’s Asian Hockey5s Championship 2026

MUSCAT, OMAN, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Muscat, Oman – 20 July 2026: Pakistan and Iran dominated the opening day of the Men’s Asian Hockey5s Championship 2026 in Muscat, Oman, securing decisive victories that established their strong positions in the tournament.

In the Men’s Elite category, Pakistan opened their campaign with a commanding 5–0 victory over hosts Oman. The team maintained its momentum later in the day by defeating Bangladesh 5–2, securing two victories from two matches. India also recorded a successful start in the Elite division, overcoming Bangladesh 7–3 in a match described as entertaining and packed with attacking hockey.

In the Men’s Challenger category, Iran produced two dominant performances, first defeating Iraq 5–0 before delivering the biggest win of the day with a 9–0 triumph over Saudi Arabia.

The Asian Hockey Federation noted that the results underscored the title ambitions of the leading teams, particularly Iran in the Challenger division. The federation congratulated all participating teams on the opening day and highlighted the speed, skill, and intensity displayed during the matches. The tournament serves as a critical stage for teams seeking qualification for the FIH Hockey5s World Cup, with the current results setting the trajectory for the remaining fixtures in Muscat.

The competition continues in Muscat with further matches scheduled to determine the final standings and qualification spots. The Asian Hockey Federation indicated that the schedule remains action-packed as teams pursue their objectives in the championship. The strong performances by Pakistan, India, and Iran on the first day have set a high standard for the subsequent rounds of the tournament.

Related: Muscat, Oman