CdM supports hockey team strengthening through naturalisation ahead of Asian Games

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chief of Mission (CdM) of the Indonesian contingent Todotua Pasaribu supports efforts to strengthen the national field hockey team through the naturalisation of athletes and the addition of coaches to enhance the competitiveness of the Merah Putih squad ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. The support was conveyed during a visit to the national field hockey team and discussions with the executive board of the Indonesian Hockey Federation (PP FHI). “There are several naturalised athletes we are considering, and also several coaches that we will try to accommodate to strengthen the hockey team,” said the CdM at the Gelora Bung Karno hockey field in Jakarta on Tuesday. The CdM stated that the Indonesian men’s and women’s hockey teams will be strengthened by around 48 personnel, comprising athletes, coaches, and officials. All components will be prepared optimally to ensure they can perform well throughout the series of matches. According to Yasser, the presence of naturalised players is expected to improve the quality of the Indonesian National Hockey Team, especially when facing strong Asian nations that have traditionally dominated field hockey. “Alhamdulillah, today we are grateful to be visited by the CdM and for his support. One coach is being supported to travel because he greatly aids the team, and there are also players in the naturalisation process being supported by his team,” said Yasser. The Indonesian national hockey team is currently preparing for a training camp in Taipei, with a departure schedule set for Sunday (26/7). “Our preparations began after the SEA Games in Thailand, Bangkok, and we continued with a long-term national training camp to face the qualification rounds in March and April,” said Yasser. “We are holding training camps abroad, in Hong Kong, China, and also in Malaysia, and finally a training camp in Darwin, Australia.”