Hockey history was written in Iraq over the last weekend with the launch of the very first hockey club championship in the country! Six clubs participated (the Municipality of Baghdad, Al-Adala, Al-Adhamiya, Al-Arabiya and Development) in matches that took place at the training centre in Al-Karkh, in the city of Al-Shula.
President of the Iraqi Federation Khalil Yassin said: “The Iraqi Clubs Championship for hockey is the first one staged under the auspices of the Federation. It will help significantly to advance the reality of the game in Iraq.”
Hockey receives great support and interest from the President of the Iraqi National Olympic Committee, Dr. Aqil Muftin, who attended the opening ceremony at the Federation’s headquarters and pledged to provide all means for the advancement of the game and the expansion of a base in sports circles in the capital Baghdad and other governorates. This development will encompass both women and men.
The Iraq Hockey Association became an official member of the FIH at the world governing body’s last Congress in November 2024 in Muscat, Oman.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “It’s very exciting to see the first ever hockey club championship coming to life in Iraq! This is a dream come true for the whole hockey community in Iraq and a fantastic achievement by its leadership! FIH will do its utmost to support the development of the game in Iraq, as it does throughout the world, by providing, amongst others, technical and administrative assistance. I wish everyone in Iraq to join hockey, and all fans to come, watch and encourage all athletes playing in this thrilling championship!”
The Iraqi Hockey Federation held a technical conference last wee at its headquarters in the presence of the President, the Secretary General and other members of the Federation, as well as representatives from the six clubs participating in the championship. The draw for the championship matches – that will be held at the rate of two matches per day – was made on that occasion.
Watch the highlight clip of the tournament by clicking here.
