KOC Blues down Don Bosco to win Int’l Red Hockey Champ’ship finals
Kuwait Independence edge KOC Greens for 3rd place
By Gaspar Baptista KUWAIT CITY, Dec 5: The finals of the prestigious International Red Hockey Championship were held at the KOC Field Hockey Grounds, Ahmadi Park on Nov 30, 2018. KOC Blues emerged winners with a 3-0 victory over Don Bosco Oratory. While the game was a closely contested match, KOC Blues’ M. Abbas, Yousef & Mahmood found the net once each to lay their hands on the coveted trophy.
Earlier, during that cool evening, the 3rd position was claimed by Kuwait Independence Hockey (KIH) beating KOC Greens 2-1. Nijil found the net in the 2nd quarter, while Sohail followed him in the 3rd quarter sealing the victory for KIH. The solitary goal for KOC Greens was scored by Mushtaq.
Prior to the prize distribution, Mario Fernandes, Asst Manager of IRH, thanked all the teams for their participation in this championship stating that it was, overall, a fantastic display and exchange of hockey skills especially from KOC Blues and DBO in the finals. In his message, Mario also appreciated the teams for taking the initiative to introduce new blood into Hockey, as players from different continents like Europe, Africa and Down Under took part in this IRH Championship, and requested all the teams to continue this trend. Mario thanked the KOC Hockey Committee for their continuous support and generosity towards the hockey diaspora in Kuwait. He also thanked the match officials, all team managers, players and Ali Mohammed & his KOC ground support team for their support and all efforts to make the IRH Championship a great success.
The evening dew and the soft wind blew, as the award ceremony took place. Apart from the winning teams receiving their trophies, medals, gift vouchers and gifts, Kanni of KIH received the award for Best Goalkeeper, Mohd Aslam of KOC Greens claimed the Oldest Player award, while at just 13 years, Ali Haider Shaukat of KOC Blues claimed the Youngest Player award. Sohail of KIH was awarded Highest Goal Scorer award and Mohammed Hosni of KOC Blues was unanimously declared the Best Player of the championship.
In his address, Lawrence Alphonso, President of International Red Hockey, appreciated the efforts and thanked all the referees who officiated at various matches, the generous supporters and contributors viz. AL-Mulla Automotive, The Sultan Center, Cybermak Information Systems, The Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait Danish Dairy (KDD), Mario Fernandes & Savio D’souza for being an integral part of this great success story. He further emphasized how the valued support and contribution from the IRH committee members (Mario, Gaspar, Steven, Keenan, Nicole, Aveeson, Lionel and Frank) ensured a brilliant end
The organizing team pose after the successful completion of the International Red Hockey Championship at the KOC Field Hockey Grounds, Ahmadi
Park on Nov 30, 2018. Children have a go at hockey sticks and balls at an encouragement activity of the sport at the KOC Field Hockey Grounds, Ahmadi Park on Nov 30, 2018.