The Chinese Hockey Association informs that sport is slowly resuming in certain areas in China as well as safety measures are being taken in relation to the global pandemic. They are currently working to restart hockey competitions at regional level, in areas where the COVID-19 is at a low risk. Beginning with a combination of 6-a-side and 11-a-side tournaments to be held, depending on the pitch size and age group of the players. They are also planning on organizing online coaching clinics, umpiring courses as well as sport science seminars.
Liu Yuxiang, spokesperson for the CHA says “Hockey fans are very excited to see regional competitions taking place. During national lockdown, social media played a very active role in connecting hockey community. People share views, news, video clips by WeChat. Our [Chinese Hockey Association’s] public account on WeChat has shown an incredible increase in headline clicks and posts during the most difficult time. Sport has always been the best way to encourage people during hard times. People are motivated by seeing hockey, as a minority sport, restarted as a pioneer.”
In China, the pandemic has been taken under good control. According to the guidelines of the health authority, travel restrictions have been lifted and lives are more or less coming back to normal.
