Online Meeting, Press Release: 13 July 2024
In a year brimming with activity and achievements, the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) held its first Executive Board Meeting of 2024 online, bringing together its Leadership and key stakeholders from across the continent to discuss their collective progress and future plans. The meeting, presided over by AHF President Fumio Ogura, featured significant contributions from its leadership.
The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from President Ogura, who expressed gratitude for the significant services and continued dedication of the AHF senior leadership and its Executive Board members. AHF President highlighted the conributions and the lifelong services of its senior leadership and extedned exclusive thanks. He acknowledged the significant milestones achieved in 2024, highlighting the success of numerous development projects and the inclusion of new provisional member associations from Bahrain, Iraq, and Kyrgyzstan.
FIH President Dato Tayyab Ikram was invited to say a few words. He praised the resilience and efforts of the AHF and its leadership towards the development of hockey throughout Asia.
Key updates and highlights of the meeting included:
- Youth Development and Competitions: The “AirAsia Dare to Dream” project in Indonesia and six major AHF competitions, including the Central Asia Championships and Indoor Asia Cups, were successfully delivered. These events underscored the growing participation and competitive spirit within the Asian hockey community.
- Development Projects: The AHF presented its extensive development plan for 2024 comprising over 125 projects, featuring NAs empowerement through equipment support, Pitch Projects, Educational initiatives, the Twinning Program, and expert development visits. The Central Asia Vision 2028 project saw significant strides, including the establishment of new competitions and training hubs.
- Pitch Projects and Infrastructure: With the help of its partner Polytan, four pitch projects were completed, and two more are underway in Sri Lanka. These projects are crucial for expanding the availability of high-quality playing surfaces across Asia.
- Educational Initiatives: The AHF organized multiple international and national coaching courses, enhancing the skills of over 50 candidates asiawide. The Raja Ashman Shah Academy played a pivotal role in these efforts.
- Upcoming Events: The AHF is gearing up and contributing for significant upcoming events, also including the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in November 2024 and the upcoming Aichi Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. Both events will showcase hockey as a central feature.
In closing, President Ogura thanked all participants for their active involvement and contributions. He expressed confidence in the collective efforts to continue the momentum of progress in Asian hockey and looked forward to future meetings, particularly after the upcoming Olympic Games.
This Executive Board Meeting highlighted the Asian Hockey Federation’s unwavering commitment to developing hockey across Asia, fostering unity, and celebrating the sport’s growth and achievements. As the year progresses, the AHF remains dedicated to its mission, driven by the passion and support of its vibrant hockey community.
by Asia Hockey
