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Hockey Masters World Cup for 55+ Players Kicks Off in Belgium

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Hockey Masters World Cup for players aged 55 and over has begun in Brasschaat and Wilrijk, Belgium.
  • 129 teams from 21 countries are competing in various age categories, from 55 to 70+.
  • The event highlights the enduring passion for hockey across different age groups and nationalities, featuring former top players.

The Hockey Masters World Cup, a tournament for players aged 55 to 70 and older, has officially commenced in Brasschaat and Wilrijk, Belgium. This prestigious event brings together 129 teams from 21 different countries, all vying for the world title in their respective age categories.

People who continue to play hockey until they are 75, 85, and even 90 years old are, of course, a unique example, also for the youth.

— AnonymousAn organizer highlights the dedication and inspirational nature of the older hockey players.

The opening ceremony, held at the Dragons hockey club in Brasschaat, was a vibrant affair, with teams parading onto the field carrying their national flags. "People who continue to play hockey until they are 75, 85, and even 90 years old are, of course, a unique example, also for the youth," commented an organizer, emphasizing the sport's lifelong appeal.

This year's tournament sees a significant increase in participation compared to 2019, when it was last hosted in Belgium. "We have teams from Chile, South Africa, Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia," said Isabelle Lepage, president of the organizing committee. "It's a truly special atmosphere, thanks to all these people who travel from so far to experience this. It is a great honor to welcome these people, and we have only received positive reactions."

We have teams from Chile, South Africa, Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia.

— Isabelle LepageThe president of the organizing committee emphasizes the international scope of the tournament.

The event is not just about participation; it also features a high caliber of play. "People don't stop playing hockey when they leave the national team," explained Dominique Vos of Dragons. "We have, for example, Marc Caudron among the Belgian men, who played for the national team and has been president of the Belgian Hockey Association. I hear there are players here who have won Olympic medals for their country."

It's a truly special atmosphere, thanks to all these people who travel from so far to experience this.

— Isabelle LepageLepage describes the unique ambiance created by the international participants.

Competitors include former Olympians and national team players, showcasing the deep talent pool within masters hockey. The tournament runs until Sunday, August 16, with matches taking place at both the Dragons club in Brasschaat and the Olympia facilities in Wilrijk, Antwerp.

People don't stop playing hockey when they leave the national team.

— Dominique VosVos explains that many former top players continue their careers in masters competitions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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