Date:23/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/23/stories/2008012356882100.htm

Sport - Hockey

Hyun Jong is Asian Player of the Year

Muscat: The calendar of events for 2008 was finalised during the council meeting of the Asian Hockey Federation here this weekend.

Apart from calling for bids for the next Asia Cup and fine tuning the idea of an Asian Champions Trophy for the top six teams, the meeting also discussed the issue of setting up an academy at Doha (Qatar) under the newly formed Qatar Federation. P. Alagendra, Secretary-General, AHF, said the meeting also debated on points to develop hockey in the Gulf states. He also thanked the Oman HC for the successful conduct of the Asian qualifier. The proposal to have a series of matches between Europe and Asia was also discussed in detail and the programme will be finalised shortly. The best player award (men) went to Jang Hyun Jong of South Korea while Kori Chiva of Japan was named the best woman player.

Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin of Malaysia won the best player award (men) in the under-21 category, while Park Mi Hun of South Korea was declared the best female player. Alagendra said the sixth Junior Asia Cup will be held in Hyderabad from July 8 to July 18. Mr. K. Jothikumaran, Secretary, Indian Hockey Federation, has been named to head a task force for developmental activities.