The hockey world governing body is planning an initiative to endorse the sport in the African country.

By Adarsh Vinay

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) was presented with 20,000 Euros by BDO, an international accounting network, who is the sponsor of the Dutch Hockey Federation.

The FIH will use that money to lay a new hockey pitch in the African country of Zambia to promote the sport there.

Speaking on the occasion, FIH president Leandro Negre said, "The International Olympic Committee is working on a multi-purpose sports centre in Lusaka, Zambia. The FIH will work closely with the IOC for the hockey pitch initiative.

"Our intention is to increase the awareness of the hockey in that region and also to boost the recruitment of young African hockey stars," he added.

Paul van Elten of BDO said, "We are delighted to lend our support to this important project. We have a responsibility to our communities and we encourage our people to be involved in them. We aspire to create hope for a better future where currently hope does not exist."

The sports centre is slated to officially open in April this year. The FIH will then handover the responsibility of the pitch to the Zambian Hockey Federation (ZHA).