The event will begin on Saturday, April 15, and will run until next Saturday, April 22.
The 2023 Vaisakhi International Hockey tournament for men has so far attracted 11 teams, six to play in the Masters category and five to play in the normal category.
In the Masters Category, the event has attracted teams from Malaysia and the United Kingdom which include the Matador Veterans (Malaysia) and the London Sikh Union.
Local clubs that will be participating include Impala Veterans, Sikh Union Nairobi Veterans, Blue Ocean Chiefs, and Wazalendo Veterans.
The normal category has also attracted two teams from Malaysia and the United Kingdom which are Matador and London Tigers respectively. The local teams include Kenya Police, Western Jaguars, and the Sikh Union Nairobi.
Speaking during the launch of the event at the Sikh Union Club, the Local Organising Committee chair Avtar Singh Sohar revealed that their goal is to ensure they bring back the event and ensure its continuity.
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The captain has eyes on the Winter Olympics and Hockey World Cup among other international tournaments.
“The event was last held around the late 1990’s. The idea is to come back again with a bang and produce players who will represent the country at the Olympics and other global stages,” the legendary hockey player said.
On his part, the Sikh Union Club Secretary General Del Mudher revealed that they will be keen to also show the whole world the capability of Kenya to stage great events. He expressed a hand of gratitude to the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) for offering support and making the organising process smooth.
Mudher explained that the reason behind the name Vaisakhi dates back to the late 1960s where the club would host international events to celebrate the tournament. The Vaisakhi festival is usually celebrated on April 13 or 14, and Mudher revealed that they celebrated this year’s edition on Friday.
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“At the time, teams from abroad started coming in…Pakistan, India, and many others. It stopped due to the lack of teams to participate and players. We are now trying to revive it,” he said.
It was also noted that there will be no prize money awarded to the winners. “We don’t do a cash award. The Sikh Community will host all the international teams coming. We shall also provide food for everyone participating. We will also give out prizes but cash doesn’t apply,” he said.