0
0 Following their triumph at the 13th African Games, the men and women’s national hockey teams, the Black Sticks, paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Gas Company, Dr. Ben KD Asante.
Their visit was to present their winning medals to Dr Asante, who doubles as the President of the Ghana Hockey Association.
The team, in the company of their coaches and other backroom staff, shared their concerns about the tournament and the way forward for future tournaments.
Addressing the team, the President of the Association was pleased to receive the gallant medalists and commended them for lifting the flag of Ghana high at the prestigious 13th African Games hosted by Ghana.
He is of the view that the team is able to compete at international tournaments, looking at the brave confidence and strength they showed at the Games.
Team manager Adjoyi Lebeneh said: “Our meeting here today is to thank Ghana Gas and the Hockey Association for our preparation before the tournament, during the tournament and after the tournament and for all the financial assistance Ghana Gas supported the hockey association for a successful tournament.”
He emphasized: “Despite all the challenges, we were able to put up a successful tournament with the ladies’ team winning Gold and the men’s team winning Sliver.
“Being the President of the Hockey Association and the CEO of Ghana Gas, we would like to present this medals to you,” he told Dr Asante.
“Our report has been sent to the Hockey Association, both men and women [and] the LOC also gave us some monies and equipment for the tournament which we have returned all to the association.”
The contingent that paid the visit to the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Gas Company was about 40 in number.
On his part, Dr. Ben Asante said: “When you play for the national team, you ought to think beyond your current status as a national team player.
The hockey president noted that four new water-based artificial turfs have been installed.
With the support of Dr Asante as president of the Ghana Hockey Association and CEO Ghana National Gas Company, the Association acquired turfs and accessories to build three new pitches at KNUST, the University of Ghana, which is ongoing, and the University of Cape Coast, as well as renovate the national hockey stadium.
“You have to look at your own self development, if hockey can help you get there, it could be a job, school or something else,” he emphasized.
“Don’t only focus on I’m a national hockey player; we all were national hockey players and we got the chance to go and do other things we loved to do. That is why we’re helping hockey.”
In human resources development after the first four years under Dr. Asante’s leadership, the Ghana Hockey Association has birthed a number of Fédération Internationale de Hockey (FIH) officials and umpires who get appointments to international tournaments.
The likes of Frank Oti-Mensah, Isaac Graham, Dr Bayitse, Joyce Datsa, Aziz Adimah, Cynthia Clement, George Roland, Agatha Hagan, Kwabena Asante, Quagraine Kofi, Ebenezer Nortey and many young people have had international appointments.
Coaches, trainers and officials have all benefited under Dr. Ben Asante’s leadership.
“We have a team with the zeal, commitment and competitive spirit, but lack of exposure, techniques and tactics have robbed us of major trophies in international tournaments. Personal development is what I always talk about and I would urge you all to focus mostly on it,” Dr. Ben Asante affirmed.
Team Captain for the men’s team Charles Abbiw was appreciative of the support and urged the Association to include their concerns regarding their players association.
The Ghana Hockey Association is gearing up for a youth tournament to be hosted by Ghana later in the year.
The post Hockey teams present African Games medals to Ghana Gas CEO first appeared on 3News.
