The hockey event of the 21st National Sports Festival, billed for November 28 to December 10, would be played on one of Africa’s best hockey pitches.
Okpanam eight kilometres and 18 minutes drive from Asaba the capital city of Delta State will host the events and according to the local organising committee for Delta 2022, equipment for the installation of the pitch have arrived there.
For several years Okpanam hosted the Hilltop Breakers Hockey tournament, which was solely sponsored then by former national hockey player, Patrick Ukah. The tournament produced a large number of players for the country. Ukah is the current Secretary to Delta State Government (SSG) and Chairman of the LOC for Delta 2022 National Sports Festival.
“The facilities for the hockey pitch in Okpanam actually arrived this morning (yesterday), and the installation will commence immediately,” said an LOC official.
“I am sure players who participated in the Hilltop Breakers Hockey tournament at Okpanam some years ago won’t recognise the venue again.
“The facility at Okpanam is now one of the best in Africa. The arena has a completely new stand for both the VIP and spectators, changing rooms for players and floodlights for games to be played at night. Construction of hostel accommodation for athletes is also going on within the town,”
