Kevin Smith, the Australian Defence Minister, himself a former hockey player, inaugurated the Hockey 9s amidst the presence of all captains of the participating teams.

Two elderly persons of Perth, the oborgins, were also presented on the simple occasion. Kevin was also there in New Delhi during the World Cup, and was the man behind India-Australia Council announcing training for two Indian players. Kevin then was holding the Foreign Affairs portfolio.

Indian captains Bharat Chetri and Sab Anjum were present, along with Jaime Dwyer.

Australian sports minister also spoke.