ANUROOP A -
MUSCAT, MARCH 30 -
The Sultanate for the first time hosted the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) Congress with the participation of 33 member countries on Thursday.
Shaikh Saad bin Mohammed al Saadi, Minister of Sports Affairs declared the AHF Congress open in presence of International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Dr Narinder Batra, newly elected FIH CEO Jason McCraken from New Zealand, AHF President HRH Prince Abdullah Ahmad Shah and AHF CEO Tayyib Ikram at a glittering function at Grand Millennium Hotel.
Among the key decisions during the Congress, Abhijit Sarkar from India was appointed as the new vice-president of AHF. The post was vacant after the current FIH chief Batra left the post.
Three new members were inducted to the AHF with Iraq, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia joining the fold.
AHF chief Prince Abdullah said he is pleased to be in Oman.
“Oman is a peaceful country. It is a big occasion for the country to host the Congress,” he told Observer.
On a query of whether Oman has started good groundwork to become a prominent hockey nation in Asia, he said that the seriousness is visible from the hosts’ commitment to the Congress. “Oman will have to really boost the grass-roots level of hockey and then only can they produce quality players. Anyway, I think there are honest efforts from the part of the concerned authorities in this regard and I hope they succeed in this endeavour.”
AHF CEO Tayyib Ikram said the Sultanate has clearly shown its intention to be on the front league of hockey with the successful conduct of the AHF Congress. “I appreciate the Oman Hockey Association for successfully hosting the Congress. It is a great day for Oman hockey and I hope they will keep up this tempo.” OHA Chairman Talib al Wahaibi said that hosting the AHF Congress is a proud moment for the Sultanate.
“Within a short duration of time our OHA board has been able to bring such a high-profile event to Oman. It is a proud moment for the country.”
“Meeting the delegates from the member countries and establishing friendship with them is a highlight of the Congress for the OHA. It will serve good for Oman hockey in the long run.”
On plans for boosting the game in Oman, Al Wahaibi said the target is 2020 and there are projects already under way to achieve the target as far as the national hockey team is concerned.
“I hope we achieve the goals for the national team with some good results coming our way,” he said.
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