(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Qatar Rugby, Hockey and Cricket Federation (QRHCF) is set to host one of the biggest hockey spectacles in country's history the Indoor Asia Cup Hockey Championship which will see top 10 teams of the continent fighting for men's and women's crowns simultaneously from tomorrow at Aspire Dome.
Qatar are taking part in the men's competition, which will see eight teams divided into two groups fighting for the semi-final spots. The hosts have been placed in group A alongside Iran, Malaysia and Oman while Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei and Thailand comprise Group B.
The two teams reaching the April 28 final will get direct qualification for the forthcoming World Indoor Hockey Championship. Berlin, Germany will host the global competition between February 7 to 11 next year.
'Arrangements have been finalised to deliver a successful tournament, QRHCF President Youssef Jaham Al Kuwari told reporters at a press conference while revealing details of the tournament.
'It's a big tournament as it will also serve as one of the qualifiers for the world event. We are taking every possible measure to promote hockey in the country and this championship will help us in our bid to take the sport to next level.
Qatar, who are ranked 4th in the Asian indoor hockey rankings will open their campaign against Oman tomorrow - the first day of the tournament. The hosts will then take on pre-event favourites Iran on April 25 and will face Malaysia in their last group match on April 26. The semi-finals will be played on April 27.
'Qatar are bracketed among the toughest teams of the tournament, noted the QRHCF President.
'It's a tough group but the team is ready. The target is to qualify for the World Indoor Championship. The challenge is difficult but I am hopeful the team will do well against the top sides, said the president.
Qatar hockey team's head coach Maggid Abu Talib was also optimistic about team's chances.
'We have good rankings (No. 4) in indoor hockey in Asia and I am confident that the team will continue to perform well at this level, said Abu Talib, also a former Egypt's national hockey team coach.
'All the three teams are tough especially Iran and Malaysia and we will have to play outstandingly well, the head coach added.
'We have experienced players who have also played matches against major teams. I am satisfied with the preparations and looking forward to a positive outcome.
Meanwhile, the women leg of the tournament will see six teams competing in round robin league with two top teams entering the final, after the first phase.
The participating teams include Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uzbekistan China and DPR Korea. The final of the women's event will also be played on April 28.
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