AHF Ramps Up Youth Hockey Drive With Focus On Olympics

IPOH, Dec 24 (Bernama) -- The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) is ramping up its youth development push to identify and train young hockey players from emerging nations, aiming to build a new generation of Olympians.

AHF Adviser Datuk Abdul Rahim Mohd Ariff said the initiative is delivered through the Dare to Dream Youth Leadership Forum, in partnership with AirAsia and the Raja Ashman Shah Hockey Academy.

“This programme is part of the Olympic Solidarity mission, which focuses on the development of AHF member countries that are still at an early stage of hockey development, targeting young players.

“Among the countries where hockey is developing are Cambodia, Macau, Indonesia, Pakistan and Malaysia, where this programme provides opportunities for these new talents to be nurtured so that one day they may represent their respective countries at the Olympic Games,” he said.

He told Bernama this at the forum's closing ceremony and prize presentation at the Azlan Shah Stadium here today, which was also attended by AHF General Manager Ghulam Ghous.

Abdul Rahim said the forum equips young players with hockey skills and leadership training, including coaching, officiating and technical aspects of the game.

“Fifty youths aged 14 to 17 participated in the forum, held from Dec 21 to today. Activities included five-a-side (5s), indoor, and outdoor hockey games.

“This year marks the second time Malaysia has hosted the programme, with the Raja Ashman Shah Academy serving as the implementation centre following the success of the previous edition. For local participation, Malaysia was represented by two teams - a national team sent by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) and the Raja Ashman Shah Academy team,” he said.

He said the initiative is designed to narrow the gap between Asia’s leading hockey nations and developing countries, and to raise the international competition standard.

The forum wrapped up with matches between the participating countries, with Malaysia taking the outdoor title ahead of Raja Ashman Shah Hockey Academy.

Indonesia claimed the indoor event, finishing ahead of Malaysia and Macau. Pakistan took the 5s hockey crown, with Malaysia second and Raja Ashman Shah Hockey Academy third.

-- BERNAMA