Ghanim Al Mohannadi (second left), Chairman of QSports addressing a press conference at Aspire Dome yesterday. Mohammed Nazer (left), General Secretary of Qatar Hockey Federation and Sheila Simbajon (second right), Deputy General Manager of Gala Hospitality were also present.
Doha: Defending champions India will take on Malaysia while Pakistan clash with Japan in the opening day matches of the six-nation Champions Trophy hockey tournament, it was announced here yesterday by Qatar Hockey Federation (QHF).
Addressing a press conference, on the concluding day of the four-day Aspire4Sports Congress at Aspire Dome, QHF General Secretary Mohammed Nazer informed that three matches will be played daily.
“All matches will be played at Al Rayyan Hockey Stadium. The match between traditional rivals India and Pakistan will be played on the second day of the championship. The final will take place on December 27.”
India beat Pakistan 4-2 in the final in the inaugural edition of the Asian Champions Trophy held in China.
Oman and China are the two countries taking part in the tournament which is hosted by Qatar for the first time.
The QHF official said that all the games are set to be broadcast live from Doha, although the broadcast partner is yet to be finalised.
Nazer said the championship will be full of fun and excitement and to made it more spectator friendly, the QHF has roped in QSports Leagues as the official media rights, sponsorship and advertising sales partner of the Champions Trophy. QSports are in on-going discussions with a number of additional sponsors to deliver an exciting and action-packed hockey tournament which will not only include the games but provide fans with music concerts, fan zones, activities and contests.
“We hope to create a sporting and cultural celebration with fans enjoying both the action on the field and the entertainment off it” Ghanim Al Mohannadi, Chairman of QSports said. Meanwhile, the Al Rayyan turf has been refurbished, informed Nazer.
“We will now have a new VIP stand, while we have additional changing rooms for the players and officials. We will erect temporary stands during the championship.”
There is no entry free entry for spectators. THE PENINSULA
