Oman to compete with Austria, Qatar, Turkey in FIH Hockey World League

Muscat: Oman national hockey team will have their task cut out when they compete in the first round of the 2016-2017 FIH Hockey World League later this year.
The Round 1 competitions of the World League will be organised in eight phases in different parts of the world and Oman are picked to play in a round to be hosted in Antalya, Turkey.
Besides hosts Turkey, Oman will be competing with regional rivals Qatar and European outfit Austria during the September 9 to 11 event, where two qualifying places will be available for the second round of the World League.
The Round 2 will be organised in three phases -- in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka from March 4 to 12 in 2017, Ireland from March 11 to 19 and Trinidad and Tobago from March 25 to April 12.
The semifinal rounds will take place in Argentina from June 14 to 25 and England from July 12 to 23 while the finals will be organised in India from December 2 to 10.
The semifinals will also serve as a qualifier for the 2018 Men’s Hockey World Cup.
Tough for Oman boys
Meanwhile, Oman boys have been placed in a tough group in the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) Boys Under-18 Asia Cup.
The fourth edition of the continental championship is scheduled to be organised in Bangladesh from September 24 to 30.
The Sultanate squad are placed in Pool A which also comprises formidable India and hosts Bangladesh.
Pakistan heads Pool B that also consists of China, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong.