Hobart gets another national hockey championship

HOCKEY Tasmania has secured the hosting rights to a second national championship, with Hobart chosen as the venue for this year’s under-13 boys and girls Australian carnival.

The tournament will involve 24 teams and 432 athletes in 77 matches at the Tasmanian Hockey Centre from October 4 to 10.

The announcement comes after Hobart successfully hosted 1800 athletes for the Men’s Masters Hockey Championships last October, while Hockey Tasmania enters the third year of a five-year hosting arrangement for the national under-18 boys and girls championships in March.

In an alternating venue arrangement, Launceston will play host to the under-18 championships this year, before they return to Hobart next year.

Hockey Tasmania general manager Bob Gregory says the venue’s world class facilities and strong highperformance junior programs made it an attractive choice.

“We have invested heavily in junior development and are reaping the rewards, with Tasmanian hockey sides capable of mixing it with the big states and even securing medals across all age groups,” Gregory said.

“We have a talented and dedicated crop of young players and coaches coming through this age group, who I am sure will relish the opportunity to play in front of a supportive home crowd.”

Gregory acknowledged the ongoing support of Events Tasmania and conservatively estimated the combined championships would attract a $3.2 million boost to the state economy.