Dubai: The revamped UAE Hockey Federation has embarked on plans to promote the game at the grassroots level by reaching out to schools in different emirates.
Ismail Al Banna, President of the UAE Hockey Federation alongwith Atiq Juma Madani, General Secretary will soon be signing an agreement with Westminster School in Al Ghusais to use their facilities to groom youngsters.
Speaking to Gulf News, Madani said: “We will be reaching out to schools all over the UAE. Westminster School has been very supportive and has very good facilities for hockey. We are thankful to them as they had also supported the training of the UAE schools hockey team that went to play in the Asian schools Under-18 hockey championship. We want to reach out to more schools.”
Last April, a representative UAE schools’ hockey team had participated in the fifth Asian schools Under-18 hockey championship held in Bhopal, India. The team recorded their first victory in an international tournament defeating Nepal team. Encouraged by the potential, UAE Hockey Federation has decided to spot more talent from different schools and groom them.
The boost for the UAE has come from Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) with Tayyab Ikram, the Chief Executive Officer of AHF, ensuring all support during a recent visit. The AHF has recently picked the UAE to host their Asian Hockey Congress here.
“Once we spot good talents, then we will set up the Dubai Hockey Centre. This centre will focus on grooming UAE nationals along with expatriates. We will be reaching out to local schools as we want more UAE nationals to play this sport,” added Madani.
Kabir Khan, who coached the UAE schools’ hockey team that played in the Asian schools championship’ will be the coach at the Dubai Hockey Centre.
The UAE Hockey Federation has also appointed Egyptian coach Mohammad El Shirbeny as their official coach. “El Shirbeny’s main task will be to reach out to as many schools and spot talent to groom them for the future,” said Madani.
Madani also revealed that efforts to promote women’s hockey have begun. “New World Private School and Dubai Scholars are grooming girls. Dubai Scholars School’s sports teacher Mosumi Mazumdar has been spreading the game among girls and grooming them. Westminster and Al Ansar International Schools will shape the boys,” added Madani, who wants to invite teams from abroad to play here.
“We will ensure that the training are held after school hours. In about six months foreign teams will play here. The Ministry of Youth and Sports and Dubai Sports Council has been very supportive.”
Raza Abidi, the administrator of UAE Hockey Federation revealed that 18 players from different schools will soon tour Sri Lanka and professional coach from AHF will also be here to groom players.
