South Africa, despite its problems, has proven once again that it can still host major international events. The eyes of world hockey are on Pretoria, the host city of the 2023 International Hockey Federation (FIH) Indoor Hockey World Cup at the Heartfelt Arena in Thaba Tshwane last week. Memories The world’s biggest hockey event, the first to be played outside Europe, featured 24 of the world’s best men’s and women’s teams (12 men and 12 women) and left South African fans and overseas visitors with fond memories. It’s not just fans who come…
South Africa, despite its problems, has proven once again that it can still host major international events.
The eyes of world hockey are on Pretoria, the host city of the 2023 International Hockey Federation (FIH) Indoor Hockey World Cup at the Heartfelt Arena in Thaba Tshwane last week.
Memories
The world’s biggest hockey event, the first to be played outside Europe, featured 24 of the world’s top men’s and women’s teams (12 men and 12 women) and left South African fans and overseas visitors with fond memories.
Not only fans come to watch in droves in the 3,000 seat arena, but the unifying power of sports that Nelson Mandela has said once again comes to the fore.
Sworn enemies Iran and the United States met twice, with the latter taking the bronze, and Ukraine’s women’s team exiting the war-torn country for the sixth time.
Thanks to worldwide TV coverage, there are newcomers who are turning to the entertainment of fast, dynamic, pulsating indoor sports, with a royal feast of talent, skill and athletic endurance.
the winner
Austria’s formidable men’s team remained champions with a 3-2 penalty shootout win over European rivals the Netherlands (a 4-4 draw in regulation time).
A decorated Dutch team clinched the women’s title with a comprehensive 7-0 victory over Austria in a one-sided final.
South African teams cut their weight at the top table of international indoor hockey, with the women’s team losing to the Czech Republic in the bronze medal play-off and the men finishing a creditable sixth.
The tournament was originally due to take place in Liege, Belgium in 2022, but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with Pretoria appointed as the new host and the LOC only getting out of the gate in August last year. .
In just five months, the South African Hockey Association (SAHA) and the Pro Series Indoor (PSI) are delivering great and great events and through TV coverage, SA is a window to the world.
Mzansi – pat yourself on the back!