Osun State Hockey Association hosts 5-Aside tournament to launch 2025 calendar

Posted : 13 January 2025

The Osun State Hockey Association kicked off the 2025 hockey season with a one-day 5-a-side hockey tournament held at the Osogbo Township Stadium on Saturday, January 11.

The tournament, designed to celebrate the new hockey calendar, featured two categories: Senior and Junior.

In the Senior category, teams were named after prominent figures and organizations that have supported hockey in Osun State. These included Chief Tunde Popoola, Secretary General of the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) and a former international hockey player; Abidogun Adediran Adedokun; Goldmine Techno-Solar Ltd; and MAC-ARC Oil Services. The teams were:

- Team Tunde Popoola
- Team Abidogun Adediran Adedokun
- Team Mac-Arc Oil Services
- Team Goldmine Techno-Solar Ltd

The Junior category comprised two teams: Team Papa, named in honor of retired hockey coach Pa Oludare Jacobs, and Team Jolad.

The tournament attracted notable personalities, including the General Manager of the Osun State Sports Council, Rotimi Dumoye; the Director of Coaching and Training, Ademola Daini; and the Chief PRO of the Osun State Sports Council, Moradeyo.

Also present were department heads, Osun State Hockey coaches, staff of the Osun State Sports Council, hockey players, and hockey enthusiasts in large numbers.

Popoola, who served as chairman of the occasion, expressed his satisfaction with the dedication of players and officials under the Osun State Hockey Association. “This opener is a sign that we will be busy throughout the year,” he remarked.

He commended the performances in both the Senior and Junior categories, noting the bright future of the athletes and pledging his continued support for their development.

“I saw the performance of the team named after me, Team Popoola, and they were all fantastic. The players have a bright future, and we will ensure we support them to reach any level they aspire to,” he said.

Popoola urged young players to prioritize their education while also pursuing hockey professionally if they choose to. He assured them of support in both endeavors.

Acknowledging challenges with facilities and equipment, he promised improvements. “I’ve spoken with some colleagues, and we will address the welfare of players and work towards upgrading our facilities. The state government’s proposed hockey complex in the new stadium project will be developed to a high standard, and though it might take time, I assure you it will be done,” he added.

The event marks a strong start to the hockey season in Osun State, setting the tone for a vibrant year in the sport.

Osun State Hockey Association hosts 5-Aside tournament to launch 2025 calendar

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics