Hockey meet slated for weekend

JAKARTA (JP): In an effort to enhance the image of hockey, the Jakarta-based International Sports Club Indonesia (ISCI) will organize the Le Meridien Jakarta International Hockey Tournament 2001 over the weekend at the Bung Karno Hockey Field in Senayan, Central Jakarta.

"This is our second annual event in which we intend to have fun as well as enhance hockey's image," ISCI's Ken Allen told reporters at a media conference on Monday.

There will be 12 men's teams from Hong Kong, Singapore and host Indonesia to compete in the two-day event. Hong Kong will be sending H.K.F.C. Valley A and Valley B teams, while Singapore will field Jand Hops and Purple Muppets teams.

Host Indonesia will field seven teams, Jakarta State University, Jakarta-based Syznaznet and STEI, local Dutch club Kombinasi and expatriate host ISCI, Bandung-based Mandala and South Sulawesi-based Makassar teams.

Prior to the main event, the organizers will also hold the maiden Indonesian Youth Hockey Challenge 2001. The youth event is slated to take place on Friday from 2 p.m., with the flood-lit final at 6 p.m.

Six student teams from Jakarta State University, Trisakti University, SMU 16, SMU 46, SMU 96 and SMU PSKD I senior high schools will compete in the youth event.

"This is part of our efforts to promote more sport for youth. Especially as we have one of the best synthetic hockey fields in Asia," said Allen.

"In general, we want also to ask the community to be involved more in sports. In the long run, we also expect the event will enhance Indonesia's tourism and sporting events."

Entrance to the event will be free.

Meanwhile, Le Meridien's executive manager Andrew W. Steele said the hotel management was looking forward to sponsoring future sporting events in an effort to boost both Indonesia's and the company's image.

Both events will be in eight-a-side format instead of the normal eleven. The playing time will also be shortened to only 15 minutes. (nvn)