Pinoys hope to continue dominance in Asian Underwater Hockey meet

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines will try to defend its titles when the 2nd Asian Underwater Hockey Championship opens Friday at the Army Wellness Center in Fort Bonifacio. The Philippines dominated the inaugural staging of the tri-nation tournament sweeping the gold in all three events – men’s, women’s and mixed – in last year’s edition in Singapore. This time, the 50-man Philippine delegation – headed by Philippine Underwater Hockey Confederation president Nix Arroyo – will have hometown support behind them as they battle visiting teams Japan, Singapore and guest team Australia. The tournament will run from November 21 to 23. The Philippines has competed twice in the world championships and six times in the international level since the mid 90’s. The Philippines’ mixed team also had a second place finish during the 1997 Pacific Coast tournament in Hawaii. The PUHC, which is also a Philippine Olympic Committee member, regularly practices at the Manila Polo Club, the Ultra and the Army pool in Fort Bonifacio. - GMANews.TV