First ever Vietnam Hockey team to play at HK Easter Nines  x8
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| Hong Kong |
February 6, 2004 
Simon Bach
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FIH’s (International Hockey Federation) dream of spreading the sport of field hockey around the world got a boost this week with the news that a first Vietnam side will participate in the Hong Kong Easter Nines tournament for 2004 (9-11 April). Hockey was sadly not played in the 2003 SEA Games because the Vietnam Government refused to start the sport, or build an artificial pitch / stadium.
The sport was finally started in 2003 in Hanoi, by two unlikely expats, Englishman Ben Rowse (former HK Valley player) and German First Division player Jan Von Enden, from Bonner THV. Their exploits of playing mixed hockey (indoor played outdoor) on a hardcourt basketball court, have been featured on FIH’s new pilot TV show. There are already over 30 players in Hanoi and plans to have a partner competition in Ho Chi Min City (Saigon), later this year. It is hoped that one day the Vietnam Government will endorse the sport and indeed the team, which is currently “not the case”.
The men and women players who are going to Hong Kong at Easter are mainly expats from; Australia, UK and Germany, but do include three Vietnamese players who have studied the game while at University in England and Australia. Vietnam will face strong teams from around Asia and Europe including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Switzerland, Germany, England and Japan.
For information on the Tournament details such as; entry, travel, hotels, etc, clubs / teams can contact Lincoln Churchill at HKFC Lincoln@hkfc.com
HK Easter Nines 2004
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