Shaping history at inaugural Hockey5s World Cup in Oman
A thrilling showcase of skill, innovation, adaptability and the first international FIH competition to be played on Dry Turf.
The inaugural Hockey5s World Cup in Oman dazzled both players and fans, celebrating the lightning-fast, thrilling, and condensed format of the game to crown the first ever World Champions of the new format.
Whilst The Netherlands took home the Gold for both the men’s and women’s competitions, the event marked a pivotal role in hockey’s global development, as Hockey5s proved itself to be the most accessible hockey format with a multitude of countries taking part.
The event also marked sustainability history being hockey's first major event to be played on dry turf – the cutting-edge Polytan’s Poligras Paris GT zero. The turf was so successful that the FIH have confirmed that future Hockey5s will be held on dry turf. This includes the 2026 Youth Olympic Games to be held in Dakar, Senegal.
The medal highlights
The Netherlands seized both gold medals, triumphing 5-2 against Malaysia in the men's and overpowering India 7-2 in the women’s.
The host nation, Oman, claimed bronze with a 3-2 victory over Poland in the men's competition. Meanwhile, Poland showcased their prowess by securing the women's bronze in a triumphant clash against South Africa.
Watch the action and the player feedback about event here.
Built for speed
First played at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games, Hockey5s features four field players and a goalkeeper, and is designed to deliver a condensed, lightning-fast, and skill-intensive game.
(Which sport had the most spectators at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires? That’s right… Hockey5s)
The Hockey5s World Cup in Oman certainly met these guidelines, delivering a jaw-dropping 507 goals in 48 games in the men’s competition, boasting an astonishing average of 10.6 goals per game. The women's competition featured 418 goals in 48 games, at an amazing 8.7 goals per match.
With a goal every 3-4 minutes, intermixed with non-stop tomahawk shots, saves and skills, this was an electrifying spectacle that kept players on their toes and fans on the edge of their seats.
“16 matches in a day, loads of goals, its entertainment, its brilliant to watch.”
Built for adaptation
Engineered for adaptability, the format is intended to thrive on diverse surfaces, in various environments, and across different spaces, ensuring Hockey5s’ unparalleled accessibility and capacity for innovation.
The event in Oman was a groundbreaking milestone as it marked hockey’s first major event to be played on dry turf - Poligras Paris GT zero.
The Poligras Paris GT zero includes Turf Glide which reduces friction and therefore the need for water. It is also the world’s first and only carbon zero hockey turf. As with Hockey 5s itself, this innovation helps spread the development of hockey, with Poligras Paris GT zero turfs currently being installed in South Africa and Namibia where irrigation is not possible.
Built for THE FUTURE
A non-watered hockey turf will only go so far. To make Dry Hockey a reality will require innovations in sticks, balls, goal keepers, shoes and clothing, as well as adjustments in skills.
In Oman many players used shoes with less grip and reported that this worked well. The event also featured the self-watering ReWetta ball, which is the first example of the wider hockey ecosystem innovating for Dry Hockey.
Built for accessibility
From Fiji to Ukraine to Zambia – the event was truly a global showcase with 16 men's and 16 women's teams competing from all five continents. This vibrant display affirmed that hockey is undeniably a universal sport, uniting players from around the world at an international level.
Fiji, Oman, Thailand, Zambia, Jamaica and Paraguay all made their first ever appearance at an FIH World Cup and host nation, Oman, added to this feat by showcasing their first ever women’s team in international hockey participation.
“We’ve got teams from all 5 continents, all around the world, and we’ve got a quarter final between Oman and Kenya, when have you ever seen that in Hockey?”
Building hockey’s legacy through a world-class venue and top-tier facilities
Adding to their on-field success, Oman provided a truly world-class venue. With two Poligras Paris GT zero turfs being installed either side of the stadium, the facility has emerged as a significant asset for global hockey.
The venue will create a lasting legacy that can benefit future generations in Oman and the broader Middle East region, and will cater to international teams seeking training facilities in warmer climates.
The new facility continues Oman’s long history in the sport of hockey where it was first played in 1914 and was added to the school curriculum in 1940. With its history in the sport and its desire to adapt and innovate, Oman provided the perfect setting for the first FIH event in the region.
See FIH Sport Director, Jon Wyatt’s Top 5 Reasons for Hockey5s Success
Image credit: worldsportpics.com