Qatar Hockey Federation mulling to organise Pak-India bilateral hockey series: Hockey News
In order to promote hockey in the region, the representatives of West Asian countries are planning to organise a high profile bi-lateral hockey series between Pakistan and India. It is vital to mention here that the meeting of the West Asian countries made
a rough plan to develop the sport in the region.
A meeting of the representatives of the West Asian countries was held under the chairmanship of Tayyab Ikram, the Coaching Director and Chief Development Officer of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), who reviewed the plans to upgrade the hockey status
in the region.
Ikram, the FIH official, while speaking to the media said that they were required to host high profile tournaments under the badge of Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) and International Hockey Federation (FIH). The bi-lateral series between Pakistan and India
is one of the main events on the agenda of the hockey federations of West Asian countries.
He stated, “In order to enhance the image of the game, we need to hold high profile FIH-AHF tournaments in the region. Holding high profile competitions including India vs. Pakistan series is one of the things on the agenda for West Asia hockey associations.”
In his views, there will be no issue for Pakistan and India for contesting the series in Qatar or in the Sports City of Dubai. Pakistan has confirmed their availability to play a series at neutral venue, thus, the venue in Qatar or Dubai will be no issue
for the two teams, he continued. It is vital to mention here that an action plan was decided in this regard after a lengthy sitting.
Hassan Al Qadi, the President of the Qatar Hockey Federation (QHF) was unanimously appointed Chairman of the Coordination Committee formed to advance the development plan. Speaking to the media, he stated that they planned to host the first West Asia Cup
in 2012 that will help in promotion of the sport in the region. One of the several issues in this regard would be arrangement of coaches and referees. Mohamed Abdul Nazer has been named as Secretary General of the Coordination Committee.
The meeting also deliberately discussed the issues including development of indoor hockey, Interclub and national competitions, interschool hockey events, sponsorship matters, search of corporation associations and the travel industry.
All the Presidents or representatives of the West Asian countries will be part of the Coordination Committee. On the other hand, the Regional Coordinator of the AHF Development will serve as advisor of the committee.
Besides FIH and AHF representatives, the delegates from Bahrain, UAE and the host state of Qatar also participated in the meeting. President of the Iran Hockey Federation, Bahram Shafei is committed to continue the developmental plan of indoor hockey and
host regional tournaments.
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