Hobart to host international men's hockey tournament in May

Tasmania will host an international men's hockey tournament in May, with national teams taking to the field in Hobart for the first time since 2011.

With the help of a $60,000 grant from the Tasmanian Government, the Tasmanian Hockey Centre has secured the significant men's hockey tournament.

Australia's world number one Kookaburras will take on New Zealand, South Korea and Pakistan, ranked 7th, 8th and 9th. Australia A will be the fifth team in the tournament.

Welcoming the hosting of the event as a good investment for Tasmania, State Premier Will Hodgman stated "Tasmania has a very proud hockey history and it's hoped that this will not only inspire but create the next champions, with training programs and clinics for children to be run as part of the week's events.

"(The event will) increase the profile of sport (and) encourage activity and engagement especially by younger Tasmanians."

Hockey Australia Chief Executive Cam Vale added that the tournament would be a great opportunity for Tasmanians to see the Kookaburras in action while they are in such good form.

Vale stated "we are very keen to showcase the Kookaburras, who are ranked number one in the world.

"We're really proud to showcase the Kookaburras down here and Australia A, who are part of the event as well.

"It's 10 international test matches, six of those involving the Kookaburras.

"It's huge for us. This is one of the best venues in the country."

Officially recognised as a sanctioned event of the International Hockey Federation, the event runs from 2nd to 10th May.

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