ABU DHABI // The UAE have their sights set on winning the second Asian Ice Hockey Championship at the Zayed Sports City Ice Rink and becoming continental champions in the absence of holders Chinese Taipei. They are in Group B along with Hong Kong, Singapore and Macau, who they play on the opening day. Group A is made up of Malaysia, Thailand, Mongolia and India. "This championship is relatively new but is already popular on the Asian continent," said Dr Ahmed al Mazrouie, chairman of both the UAE Ice Hockey Association and the organising committee of the tournament, which runs for six days starting on Sunday.
The UAE won the inaugural Arab Championship in June and are among the favourites according to Mohammed Arif, a player and the technical director. "We have either won or finished second in all major competitions in Asia since 1998. I think we have a realistic chance of becoming Asia's No 1." apassela@thenational.ae
