It is a first for hockey in the Arab world as two international hockey tournaments are all set to burst into action in just under two weeks’ time.
Qatar Hockey Federation is organising the two events – the International Hockey Festival Tournament and the Arab Nations Indoor Hockey Cup – which will run simultaneously from 10-13 June.
The events, which are being run in conjunction with Aspire Academy, will take place at the Aspire Dome and are set to raise interest levels in hockey to new heights in the area.
The International Hockey Festival has piqued the interest of some noteworthy names and former international legends, particularly from India and Pakistan. Former India captain Dhanaraj Pillay is coaching the Air India Maharajah team, with Arjuna Award winner and double Olympian Jagbir Singh acting as a mentor for the players. Muhammad Irfan, who won Champions Trophy silver with Pakistan in 2014, will be coaching two-time Doha Festival Hockey Champions, PIA Sultans, with former Pakistan goal-scoring legend and triple Olympian Shahbaz Ahmed as the team mentor.
The local favourites at the competition will be the Knights of Arabia. QHF Secretary General, Mohamed Abdul Nazer, says this team is the one to watch out for: “They are the dark horses of this tournament.” The Knights are coached by former Sri Lanka national coach Mohamed Mulafer and mentored by the Qatar national coach, Maggid.
The QHF has big plans for the International Hockey Festival. This edition is a test event to gauge interest, but there are plans to invite teams from Europe, America and Oceania to future events.
The Arab Nations Cup will feature indoor hockey teams from Qatar, the Sultanate of Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Sudan. Qatar finished fourth in the Asia Indoor Championships, behind Iran, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, a performance that leaves them favourites to win this competition.
“This is the first time an Indoor League is being held in the Arab world,” says Nazer. “It is certainly being viewed with interest globally.”
FIH CEO Kelly Fairweather said: “On a recent visit to the Middle East, I was really impressed with the enthusiasm of the National Associations to promote and develop hockey in the region. These two competitions in Qatar will both raise the profile of hockey and also give hockey fans, including those new to the sport, a terrific showcase event.”
