(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Oman was inducted into the world ice hockey body on Saturday.
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) accepted the Oman Ice Sports Committee as its 73rd member at the IIHF's annual Congress in Minsk, Belarus.
Oman, which has been granted associate membership, has become the IIHF's fourth member country from the Gulf region - after UAE, Kuwait and Qatar.
Anad al Balushi, chairman of the Oman Ice Sports Committee, told iihf.com, the world body's official website, on Saturday, ''Ice hockey came into existence in Oman thanks to the efforts of a few individuals, who built the national team almost 12 years ago. That team used to train once a week at the ice skating rink in Al Khuwayr.''
Balushi has been the Oman team's coach since 2009. During his tenure, the team participated in several invitational events in the GCC region.
''The national players currently train at a new rink at Fun Zone in Qurm. There are now 24 senior and 15 junior players in the Oman team's fold. Also, 12 women players have expressed their willingness to take up the sport,'' Balushi said.
''We at the Oman Ice Sports Committee are thrilled to be part of the IIHF and the world ice hockey community. Every ice hockey player in Oman had this dream,'' he said.
''This opportunity gives us the key to tour outside Oman and get exposure around the globe in IIHF-affiliated tournaments.&quo
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