THE Asian Hockey Federation-Malaysian Hockey Confederation Academy was launched by Sultan Azlan Shah yesterday by presenting certificates to 32 umpires who were the first batch to be trained in Ipoh.The academy will be based at the current State Sports Council building adjacent to the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium, and it is the first of its kind in the world, as it caters for the development of hockey in a region.
"It was at the Azlan Shah Cup last year that Tuanku mooted the idea of having an institution where hockey knowledge could be distributed to hockey officials for their improvement and benefit," said AHF secretary general Tan Sri P. Alagendra.
"Today is a proud day for Asian hockey, for under the guidance and inspiration of His Royal Highness, the dream has come true.
"The Academy is now ready, and capable to serve the needs of Asian hockey. And the 32 graduates, from 12 Asian countries, of the first course held here is testimony to that fact."
A committee under the Chairmanship of MHC Vice President cum Perak Hockey President Datuk Rahim Ariff was established and met 12 times over the past year to meet the deadline of having the academy up and running before the 20th edition of the Sultan Azlan shah Cup.
"The academy will assist 32 national associations of Asia to improve the quality and increase the number of hockey officials in asia," said Alagendra.
"It will cater for coaches, technical officials, umpires and management officials. Experts in these important segments of hockey will be brought to the academy to assist Asia in achieving greater heights."
After renovation which will cost RM890,000, the academy will be able to house 100 people at any one time, and have cooking, dining, internet, recreation and laundry facilities.
