DOHA: International teams have started to arrive in Doha for the first round of the World Hockey League tournament that will start tomorrow.
The hosts, Qatar will begin their campaign against Azerbaijan, who arrived in Doha yesterday morning.
Qatar will be keen to make a mark in the competition, having beaten Turkey in two friendlies recently.
The team comprises of several members of the Shabab Qatar players from last season.
Coached by former Malaysian Olympian Shaiful Azli, the team consists of youth and experience.
Qatar can count on the experience of Rohit Charles and Savio Nayak who play for Wanderers Club.
In April, Qatar created history by winning their first ever international fixture when they edged the visiting Brazilian team 3-2 in the first Test of a five-match series at Al Rayyan Stadium.
Captain Yusef Sulaiti is expected to be fit for the Azerbaijan clash that starts at 6:00pm at Al Rayyan Hockey Stadium.
Qatar’s opponents Azerbaijan is captained by Saleh Balamiyev.
The strong and formidable side have some very experienced players including former Pakistani Olympians and internationals and are strong contenders for the competition.
Azerbaijan have roped in Tariq Usman who starred for Champions Sher-e-Punjab in last year’s edition of World Series Hockey in India.
They can also count on veterans and Olympians Muhamed Shahbir and Ali Gaznafer are household names in Pakistan.
Goalkeeper Muhamed Kamran at one period of time was the number one goalkeeper in Pakistan.
Muhamed Toufeeq and Vaqas Butt are both veterans of Pakistan.
Elsewhere, top seeded Oman, who will arrive in Doha today, will be fighting fit after taking part in the prestigious Sultan Qaboos Trophy tournament that concluded yesterday.
Oman, who are one of the two GCC countries to take part, along with Qatar in the tournament, open their campaign against Qatar on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Turkey play their first match against Sri Lanka at 4:00pm tomorrow. Their squad consists of players in the German second division.
Their opponents, Sri Lanka, who also arrived yesterday, come into the tournament with full of experience.
They will be backed by a strong local community and will be cheered on by the popular Sri Lankan band ‘Blackcats’ who will be performing live at the Stadium from Friday. Matches will be played Al Rayyan Stadium.
THE PENINSULA
