RIYADH: There were celebrations on Saturday as Naqi won the second edition of the Saudi Elite Hockey Championship.

Team members received their gold medals and winners’ trophy from Saudi Hockey Federation President Mohammed Al-Mandeel at the end of the event, played over two days at the Green Halls of Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex.

Featuring 80 players from eight teams, it was attended by Ahmed Al-Jaidan, vice chairman of the SHF board, and board member Reham Al-Ajroush.

Defending champions Najd Falcons received silver medals for coming in second place, while Al-Ittihad took bronze for third.

In the individual awards, Nouman Rashid (Naqi) was named Best Player of the Tournament, with Moaid Dhoha (Al-Ittihad) as Best Goalkeeper. Top Scorer was Akbar Zaman of United Thalassery Sports Club and Best Young Player was Abdulrahman Al-Shammari (Al-Shabab).

Al-Mandeel praised the success of the event, saying it emphasized the Federation’s efforts to promote hockey and establish it as a popular competitive sport in Saudi Arabia.

Along with tournaments, the organization has established domestic and international training camps to help discover the Kingdom’s talented hockey players, many of whom shone during the championship.

Al-Mandeel also expressed his appreciation for support from the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committees.