Harin elevates Sri Lankan Hockey aspiration

 Signing of MOU in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman on 21 January, from left: FIH Vice President and Oman Hockey President Dr. Marwan Juma Al Juma, FIH President Dato Tayyab Ikram, and Sports Director General Professor Shemal Fernando

• Sri Lanka first country in 100-year history of the World Hockey Federation to secure two hockey pitches and enter into MoU

In a ground-breaking accomplishment, Sri Lanka has become the first country in the 100-year history of the World Hockey Federation (FIH) to secure two hockey pitches and enter into Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) within an impressive 36-day span for locations in Matale and Colombo.

FIH President Dato Tayyab Ikram extended a commendable tribute to the new Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Harin Fernando, for his unwavering efforts over the past seven weeks. Furthermore, Ikram acknowledged the bold decisions made by Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickramasinghe, to acquire state-of-the-art Olympic-level blue polytan astroturfs, signalling a significant boost for the promotion of hockey in the country.

Ikram elaborated on the transformation, noting that when FIH offered Sri Lanka an astroturf some years ago, there was a lack of enthusiasm among Government bureaucrats and stakeholders of the Sri Lanka Hockey Federation. The recent accomplishments highlight a remarkable shift in perspective, demonstrating a renewed commitment to the well-being of Sri Lankan youth through hockey.

The MOU signings, which took place before the final of the Olympic Qualifiers in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman on 21 January 2024, involved the Sports Director General Professor (Rear Admiral) Shemal Fernando, and the FIH Vice President and Oman Hockey President Dr. Marwan Juma Al Juma. The occasion was graced by officials from the World Hockey, Asia Hockey, Oman Hockey, and Presidents of Hockey Federations of participating countries at the Asia’s newest International Hockey facility and blue pitch.

The FIH President expressed confidence that Sri Lanka could soon offer both pitches to the youth if corrective and refurbishment civil engineering work at both Matale and Colombo is completed promptly. To recognise significant contributions, a special memento was presented to Professor Shemal Fernando for his prompt facilitation and smooth coordination of the two projects between the Government of Sri Lanka, World Hockey, and Asian Hockey.

Both the FIH President and Oman Hockey President reiterated their fullest support towards the successful completion of the two pitches under the special development program of the FIH, solidifying their commitment to nurturing the growth of hockey in Sri Lanka.