Asia

By K.R. Nayar

The UAE national hockey team may participate in the 2006 Asian Games in Qatar.

Tayeb Akram, the head of the national development hockey committee for Asia has asked the UAE to submit an application to the Asian Games authorities seeking permission to play in the event.

This was disclosed by Mohammed Manji, the technical advisor of the UAE Hockey Committee (UAE HC), who had just returned after attending the National Hockey Development workshop, organised by the FIH, in Athens.

"The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is keen to see the UAE participate in international hockey events. Our application will have to be forwarded by the UAE Olympic Committee and we will be having discussions on this matter soon with the UAE OC authorities," said Manji.

"Though we may not be able to field a team comprising only of UAE citizens right away, we will be given time to build up a team made up of only nationals in the future," said Manji.

"The FIH is keen to see the UAE HC work actively with the UAE OC towards promoting hockey. They want to see international matches being staged here to build an interest for the game. Participation in an international event like the Asian Games could be a big boost," added Manji, who spoke at length about hockey in the UAE at Athens.

Following his presentation, FIH announced that they are ready to give annual financial support for hockey in the UAE provided they are convinced that efforts are on to promote the game here and a substantial amount has been raised for the development of its infrastructure.

"The FIH is willing to provide $1000 to $ 1500 for short term projects and up to $10,000 for medium term projects. They are even ready to give $100,000 per year twice for any national associations who are planning artificial grounds," revealed Manji.

The UAE HC has been making efforts to promote the game in schools. "A few schools in Ajman and Al Ain are actively playing the game," said Raza Abidi, the chief co-ordinator of the UAE HC.

Gehard Rach, the national coach for the German junior hockey team has also arrived in the to conduct a two-wee camp.

Rach is planning to stage a hockey festival in the UAE. "I will be having discussions with UAE HC on holding a hockey carnival here. Players from the age of 12-60 from different parts of the world will come to play here. It will help popularise the game here," he said.

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