Ghana, hosts of this year’s All Africa Games (Accra 2023), have refused claims by South Africa suggesting that the pitch for the hockey games is below part.
An official communication after South pulled out from the hockey games Monday indicated that, they are the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium “adheres to all international and Olympic standards, ensuring a top-tier competition environment.”
South Africa on Monday, March 18, 2024, withdrew it’s hockey teams from the hockey competition at the 2023 African Games, citing concerns over the poor condition of the pitch at the Theodosia Okoh Stadium in Accra. .
Expressing dissatisfaction with the preparation efforts and fearing potential long-term injuries for their players, both the male and female teams pulled out of the competition.
South Africa withdraw hockey teams from African Games due to poor pitch
However, the statement issued by Executive Assistant to the Sports Minister, Jamaludeen Abdullah, urged participating teams from other countries to “Disregard any misinformation attempting to discredit the pitch’s quality.”
The African Games, the statement noted, have stringent requirements for every event, “overseen by dedicated officers and officials.”
“Before any competition begins, these individuals meticulously verify that all prerequisites are met,” Jamaludeen Abdullah wrote.
Read the full statement below:
Official 🇬🇭response to 🇿🇦South Africa’s concerns!!
Executive Assistant to the Sports Minister, Jamaludeen Abdullah
At the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium in Accra, hockey is currently underway amidst the excitement of the African Games. The stadium’s pitch adheres to all international and Olympic standards, ensuring a top-tier competition environment. Disregard any misinformation attempting to discredit the pitch’s quality.
The African Games have stringent requirements for every event, overseen by dedicated officers and officials. Before any competition begins, these individuals meticulously verify that all prerequisites are met. Additionally, representatives from each discipline’s continental executives thoroughly inspect the facilities, granting approval for the games to proceed.
The delay in the commencement of the hockey competition was actually a result of ensuring the pitch met the needed requirements and approval. If you care to know, a new carpet that meets International hockey game standards was installed.
As we speak, the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium is currently the only host grounds for the competitive hockey discipline of the African Games Accra 2023.
Nations will compete with dedication and determination to win a medal. May the Ghana Hockey Team deliver a medal for us.
#AfricanGames
