In a groundbreaking 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.
Dato Tayyab Ikram, the President of FIH, extended a commendable tribute to the new Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Hon. Harin Fernando, for his unwavering efforts over the past seven weeks. Furthermore, Ikram acknowledged the bold decisions made by the President of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Ranil Wickramasinghe, to acquire state-of-the-art Olympic-level Blue Polytan Astroturfs, signaling 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 January 21, 2024, involved the Director General of Sports, Professor (Rear Admiral) Shemal Fernando, and the Vice President of FIH and President of Oman Hockey, 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.
President FIH 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 recognize 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 President FIH and President Oman Hockey reiterated their fullest support towards the successful completion of the two pitches under the Special Development Programme of the FIH, solidifying their commitment to nurturing the growth of hockey in Sri Lanka.
