Negre lauds academy plan

THE International Hockey Federation (FIH) president yesterday congratulated Malaysia for being the first country in the world to set-up an academy to promote hockey in the region.
The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), in collaboration with the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC), will set-up the academy in Ipoh with the official launch held on Monday.
"Malaysia has always taken the lead in many new projects, and I am really pleased that an academy, the first ot its kind in the world, will be based in Malaysia to promore hockey in the region," said FIH president Leandro Negre in Ipoh yesterday.
"I must applaud the initiative by AHF and the role played by Malaysia is an example for others to follow.
"On our part, the FIH is ever willing to assist in any manner we can to ensure the continued success of the academy," said Negre.
The FIH is also keen for the revival of the Five Continents Hockey Tournament and is looking towards 2013 for the first tournament to be held.
The plan is to hold the tournament a year after the major events -- the 2012 Olympics and the 2014 World Cup.
"This will ensure that the best players are picked to represent their respective continents."
Asian Hockey Federation Secretary General Tan Sri P. Alagendra said that AHF was prepared to play host to the event.
"The President of AHF (Sultan Azlan Shah) has communicated our desire to host the event to the FIH President and we are optimistic that it will take place in 2013," said Alagendra.