Players compete during the final showdown. [Photo/WeChat account: jrgs1921]

The final showdown of the 2023 China Men's Field Hockey League wrapped up on Dec 27 at the Canal Sports Park in Gongshu district, Hangzhou, also known as the "Hangzhou Umbrella" due to its distinctive architectural design.

After 11 days and 27 matches, the Inner Mongolia team emerged victorious.

The event was a bold attempt to explore the commercialization of field hockey in the post Hangzhou Asian Games-era. Despite the chilly temperatures, the players' dedication drew significant attention, with weekend attendance rates exceeding 70 percent.

The Chinese Field Hockey Association made efforts to make the matches as interesting as possible. Each team could apply for a 2-minute "bonus time" once per game, with goals scored during this period earning double points.

Peng Ning, head of the competition department at the Handball, Field Hockey, and Baseball Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, expressed enthusiasm about the "Hangzhou Umbrella" venue.

The "Hangzhou Umbrella" was recognized as a top-notch field hockey facility worldwide. The General Administration of Sport aims to collaborate with various stakeholders to bring high-level domestic and international competitions, such as the World Women's Field Hockey League, to Hangzhou, developing field hockey in the city and Zhejiang province as a whole.

Players compete during the final showdown. [Photo/WeChat account: jrgs1921]