Pakistan and China have confirmed their participation in the 7th Asian Champions Trophy 2023 Hockey Tournament. It is between August 3rd to 12th at SDAT Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium.
In an important development, Pakistan and China have confirmed their participation in the 7th Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament. It will be held here from August 3rd to 12th at SDAT Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium.
Tamil Nadu Hockey Unit (HUTN) chairman J. Sekar Manoharan confirmed the news, telling Sports media on Monday: “As the media have expressed doubts about the participation of the two teams (China and Pakistan), we are pleased. Let you know that you have sent your confirmation. Manoharan went on to say that HUTN almost identified the pitch for grass training. There will be a tennis court right next to the entrance of SDAT Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium. A practice pitch is a prerequisite when a city has to host a major international tournament.
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“The four tennis courts at the stadium have not seen much use.We are happy to replace them with practice turf. We hope to start work in May.” he said.
However, an SDAT official said nothing has been confirmed as of yet, but Hockey India has taken steps.
Representatives from the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority, Hockey India, and the Tamil Nadu Hockey Unit are visiting Rourkela and Bhubaneswar.These venues have hosted some World Hockey Championships, which may get an idea of what it takes to organize an international event.
Chennai will be the first Indian city to host the Asian Champions Trophy 2023. The Trophy event began in 2011 and a Hockey India Committee is overseeing preparations for it. In the recent past, Odisha has been the number-one choice for international matches in India. The state has hosted two World Championships in 2018 and 2023, as well as FIH Pro League games. The competition includes six Asian nations: India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, China, and Pakistan.