IIHF President Visits United Arab Emirates to Promote Ice Hockey
Zurich, Switzerland – Marc-André Casonato, President of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), recently visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to meet with sports officials and promote the growth of ice hockey in the region.
Casonato’s visit included meetings with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the General Authority of Sports, and Aref Hamad Al Awadi, Secretary-General of the UAE Ice Hockey Association.
During the meetings, Casonato discussed the IIHF’s plans to develop ice hockey in the UAE, including the establishment of a national ice hockey federation, the training of coaches and officials, and the construction of new ice rinks.
Casonato also praised the UAE’s commitment to developing ice hockey and its potential to become a major ice hockey nation. He said, “The UAE has a great potential to become a leading ice hockey nation. The country has a large population, a strong economy, and a growing interest in winter sports. We are confident that, with the support of the UAE government and the UAE Ice Hockey Association, we can help ice hockey grow and flourish in the UAE.”
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan said, “We are delighted to welcome President Casonato to the UAE. Ice hockey is a growing sport in the UAE, and we are committed to developing it further. We believe that the IIHF can play a vital role in helping us achieve our goals.”
Aref Hamad Al Awadi said, “We are grateful for the support of the IIHF. We are confident that, with the help of the IIHF, we can make ice hockey a major sport in the UAE.”
Casonato’s visit to the UAE is part of the IIHF’s ongoing efforts to promote ice hockey around the world. The IIHF has been working to develop ice hockey in non-traditional markets, such as Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
The IIHF is the governing body for international ice hockey. It is responsible for organizing and running international ice hockey tournaments, including the World Championships, the Olympic Winter Games, and the World Junior Championships. The IIHF also sets the rules for ice hockey and develops and promotes the sport around the world.
The Growth of Ice Hockey in the United Arab Emirates
Ice hockey is a relatively new sport in the United Arab Emirates. The first ice rink in the UAE was built in 1985. Since then, the sport has grown rapidly. There are now five ice rinks in the UAE, and there are plans to build more.
The UAE Ice Hockey Association was founded in 2004. The association is responsible for promoting and developing ice hockey in the UAE. The association has a membership of over 1,000 players.
The UAE national ice hockey team made its international debut in 2008. The team has competed in several international tournaments, including the World Championships and the Asian Games.
The UAE is one of the fastest-growing ice hockey nations in the world. The country has a strong economy and a growing population, and there is a growing interest in winter sports. The IIHF is confident that, with the support of the UAE government and the UAE Ice Hockey Association, ice hockey can become a major sport in the UAE.
The Benefits of Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is a great sport for people of all ages and abilities. It is a challenging and rewarding sport that can help people develop their physical fitness, coordination, and teamwork skills. Ice hockey can also help people learn important life skills, such as discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
In addition to its physical and mental benefits, ice hockey can also be a lot of fun. It is a great way to stay active and make new friends. Ice hockey is also a great spectator sport.
Conclusion
The IIHF is committed to developing ice hockey in the United Arab Emirates. The IIHF believes that the UAE has the potential to become a major ice hockey nation. The IIHF is confident that, with the support of the UAE government and the UAE Ice Hockey Association, ice hockey can grow and flourish in the UAE.
