Hockey Perspectives

How Organizers Overcame Challenges Conducting 6th Women’s Asian Champions Trophy

Organizing any tournament in Covid-times (irrespective of whether the pandemic is at its peak or tapering of) is always challenging. The organisers of the 6th Women’s Asian Champions Trophy had to put up a brave front overcoming challenges associated with players testing positive and teams being compelled to withdraw their participation.

Read All You Want To Know About Women’s Asian Champions Trophy

The Korean Hockey Federation as well as the Asian Hockey Federation deserve a big pat on their backs for showing the courage to take the tournament to its logical end despite the withdrawal of Malaysia and India after one player from both teams were tested positive during routine tests during the tournament.

Read Indian Women in Asian Champions Trophy

Malaysia was forced out of the 6th Women’s Asian Champions Trophy after one of its players, Nurul Faezah Shafiqah Khalim was tested positive on arrival. India played their tournament opener against Thailand and walloped them 13-0 but on the eve of their second game against hosts South Korea one of their players was tested positive. Subsequently, India’s campaign in the tournament came to an end as safety of everyone was of paramount importance. The 6th Women’s Asian Champions Trophy was reduced to a four-team affair with hosts South Korea, China, Japan and Thailand in the fray.

Read India Posts Biggest Win of Women’s Asian Champions Trophy:

Korean Hockey Federation Vice President Kim Myung Sung, who is also the Chairman of the AHF governance panel, went on record thanking the team for coming to Donghae to participate in the 6th Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in such difficult times. Fittingly, the Asian Hockey Federation and the Korean Hockey Federation pay special tribute to the medical and health volunteers of Korea for their enormous efforts during the tournament. Korea Hockey Association President Lee Sang-Hyun lauded the services of all the volunteers amidst difficutl times. Asian Hockey Federation President Fumio Ogura expressed his gratitude for the vital services offered by the volunteers during the tourney.

Clearly, the organisers of the 6th Women’s Asian Champions Trophy did a fabulous job.