Akpokavie confident Ghana will be at Rio 2016

Mr Richard Akpokavie, President of the Ghana Hockey Federation (GHF), is confident Ghana will pick a place at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games as they commence qualifies for the event in South Africa.

Speaking in an interview, Mr. Akpokavie said "I am sure one out of the two teams if not all the two will make it to the Olympics."

Both the male and female national hockey teams, the Black Sticks are representing Ghana at the 2015 African Hockey Championships in Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa, with the winner heading to to Rio next year.

He said their first target is to reach the semi finals after which they will battle for the Rio ticket.

Though he did not mention which of the teams he believes was going to make it to the biggest sports events in the world, Mr. Akpokavie said both teams have had the best of preparations despite inadequate funds and was confident they will succeed.

“Our training programme ahead of the competition was all but good but money issues did not allow us to do much as we had wanted to but all in all I believe the team is well prepared to face the rest of Africa and come out successful.”

According to him “qualification for the Games is the most important thing now and I believe the players themselves know that for a fact and I can say they are ready to die for the nation and qualify for to Rio come next year.

He was of the belief that the teams will put the money issues behind them and be motivated by the qualification berth to the Games, adding that they are still in contact with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to settle outstanding money issues.