Seven-a-side hockey tournament at Badulla

Sanjaya Ariyaratne

Uva Hockey Association with the intention of promoting hockey in the region conducted a Seven-a-Side Hockey Tournament and a hockey development programme simultaneously for hockey coaches and umpires, recently at the Vincent Dias Stadium, Badulla.

Many leading hockey coaches and umpires in the island took part in this event. Ceylon Transport Board and Old Dhutians were declared as joint champions of the men's segment while Viharamahadevi Sports Club became winners in the women's tournament while Viharamahadevi Balika Vidyalaya, Badulla finished second.

Altogether eleven teams took part in this event including nine men's teams and rest were women's teams which was worked off at Vincent Dias Grounds, Badulla. Mayor Badulla Upali Nissanka Gunasekara graced the occasion as the chief guest at the presentation ceremony while President Badulla Hockey Association Vincent Dias was the guest of honour.

Meanwhile, Uva Hockey Association intends to form a Hockey Academy for school players with the Association of Sri Lanka Hockey Federation. The main objective of this academy is to promote the game among school players as most of the national players come through school level. This academy will help immensely to bring out their hidden talents.