‘Asian Champs Trophy Hockey bigger than cricket’
Tayeb Ikram, the CEO of Asian Hockey Federation, is confident Bangladesh will successfully stage the Asian Champions Trophy and it will be a hit, not just among the local audience, but also across the globe.
Talking to The Daily Star on Saturday night during the last match of the hockey premier league, the AHF CEO said they are satisfied with the facilities and have faith on the Bangladesh Hockey Federation about making arrangements for the marquee tournament, which begins in Dhaka on December 14.
Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, South Korea, Japan and Malaysia will compete in the nine-day tournament.
"We have the faith in Bangladesh Hockey Federation, which is why we gave them the hosting rights. The facilities, including the turf, are good. Now we are here to take over the venue and other things for the tournament," Tayeb said.
While Bangladesh previously hosted the Asia Cup, this tournament is bigger pedigree and hence will be broadcast far and away. The AHF CEO even claimed that this will be bigger than cricket.
"This event will be broadcast in more than 70 territories of around the world. So this is big, bigger than cricket," Tayeb said.
With the premier league coming to an end last night, the AHF officials will take over the venue and other facilities today to make arrangements for the tournament.
The AHF official also informed that they would ensure bio-bubble for the participating teams and officials.
Comments