Qatar to host Asian Champions Trophy hockey

Qatar will host this year’s Asian Champions Trophy featuring India, Pakistan, Malaysia, South Korea, China and Japan.

The Asian Hockey Federation is yet to finalise the dates of the event but local authorities hinted it could be held in November-December this year.

“This is a huge boost for Qatar and for the sport of hockey here. Conducting a major event like this will certainly increase the popularity of the sport,” Qatar Hockey Federation (QHF) Secretary-General Mohamed Nazer Abdul said.

“With plenty of Asian expatriates in Qatar, you can expect a full house and if there is an India-Pakistan clash, the euphoria can cross all levels,” he was quoted by Gulf Times as saying.