The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is satisfied with the Good Luck Beijing International Tournament, the test event for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
ÔÇÿThe organizer of the Olympic Games, BOCOG, did an excellent job making sure that the facilities for the Olympic Hockey Tournament are at the highest level', FIH President Els van Breda Vriesman stated. ÔÇÿAll participants are delighted about the Olympic facilities here in Beijing.'
The men's teams of Australia, Pakistan, Malaysia and China and the women's squads of Australia, Argentina, South Africa and China were the participants at the ÔÇÿGood Luck Beijing' tournament and they were all impressed by the facilities and efficient organization.
The Olympic Hockey stadium was officially opened last week by the IOC President Jacques Rogge, who also showed his satisfaction regarding the facilities. ÔÇÿI have seen magnificent venues like the hockey stadium here in Beijing', the IOC President stated during a press conference at the Olympic Green Hockey Field.
Furthermore, IOC delegations including the IOC Coordination Committee chairman Hein Verbruggen visited the Hockey venue.
Both the Australian men's and women's teams won the Good Luck Beijing tournament after defeating the women's and men's teams China in the final.
During the 2008 Olympic Games, the four WorldHockey partners ABN AMRO, BDO International, Samsung and AtaHolding, will be present with many representatives. The FIH is also happy with the fact that the entire ÔÇÿHockey Family', including all technical officials, will be located in the same hotel. Thanks to the excellent cooperation with BOCOG, the FIH was able to allocate the Beijing Yanshan Hotel, a four start hotel conveniently located in the University area of Beijing.
At the Olympic Hockey Tournament, 12 men's and 12 women's teams will participate. The final list of participants and the competition schedule will be announced shortly after the last WorldHockey Olympic Qualifier in May 2007. Furthermore, hockey will celebrate its 100 anniversary as Olympic sport.
