Namwamba shifts focus to restoring hockey’s lost glory
By Vincent Voiyoh, April 24, 2023Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has expressed his desire to see the game of hockey in the country rise to greater heights, reminiscent of past years’ success.
Ababu who graced the Vaishaki Cup tournament final and later officiated the unveiling of the new Astroturf Stadium at the historical Sikh Union Club in Kenya, noted that Kenya has come a long way in hockey and he is eager to see Kenyan teams rise to the summit again.
“As far as 1971, Kenya was in position four globally. The country has participated in major tournaments including the Olympics, World Cup and the Commonwealth Games. The last time we took part in the Olympics was in 1988 in Seoul, South Korea. We had set the bar high in hockey and we are going to do the right investments to see the revival of this sport,” said Ababu.
The Cabinet Secretary said that he will be working closely with the Sikh Club to see a face-lift of the City Park Stadium, arguably Kenya’s home of hockey.
Sikh Union became the first hockey club in Kenya to have its state-of-the-art home ground after the unveiling of their magnificent turf named Dashmesh Stadium on Prof Wangari Mathai Road in Nairobi.
The club chairperson Baljit Virdi said that the improved facility will be of immense help in the growth of hockey in Kenya.
“Sikh Union has always been known for its hockey and cricket heroics. It has produced several Olympians in the past,” Virdi said.
To ensure we promote the sport, we have invested heavily in the club’s facilities including this Astro Turf. This investment will help in scaling hockey to higher levels in Kenya and will benefit the youths now and in the coming years,” said Baljit Virdi.
The stadium staged the 2023 Vaisakhi Tournament which involved 11 teams from Kenya and abroad.
The tournament was returning to Nairobi for the first time in 18 years.
Kenya Police were crowned champions of the open category after thrashing Western Jaquars 3-2 in the rains.