On Wednesday in Dubai, His Excellency Faris Al Mutawa, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee, received Luke Tardif, President of the International Ice Hockey Federation, and the delegation that accompanied him to discuss ways of cooperation as well as to review the training programs and activities implemented by the Federation at all levels.
Several members of the NOC Board of Directors attended the meeting, including Noura Al Jassmi, Ahmed Abdul Malik, Qais Al-Dhalai, and Abdulaziz Al-Salman.
His Excellency Faris Al Mutawa was briefed by the visiting guest about the most important strategies and future plans developed by the International Ice Hockey Federation, which aim to raise the level of sports in all aspects and expand the base of players in various countries around the world in order to support its march and participation in grand sports forums.
Al Mutawa pointed out that the continuous encouragement to strengthen cooperation with sports partners leads to the development of expertise and the establishment of new pillars in Olympic work. Based on the vision of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of the National Olympic Committee, to activate various partnerships to keep up with updates in the sports field, and to contribute to the creation of constructive perceptions covering all aspects by reviewing successful experiences.
Al Mutawa was briefed on the upcoming tournaments organized by the IIHF, as part of its efforts to continue developing and spreading the sport more widely around the world and the demand of many countries to form their teams. Development and cooperation programs in Asia and Oceania are currently being discussed and planned. Regional event development programs such as the Southeast Asian Games (2025 in Thailand, 2027 in Malaysia, and 2029 in Singapore) are also organized to boost and drive the march of ice hockey in the region.