Visitors to the FIH World Cup may be surprised to see chessboards at various locations in the complex. The reason is that the Dutch hockey association (KNHB) and the Dutch chess union are collaborating to promote their respective sports. In a seminar held at the Business Club in the Kyocera Stadium on Sunday, KNHB director Johan Wakkie said, "Two years ago, I met Mustapha El Jarmouni and he perfectly illustrated the positive effect sport can have on a community." Some years ago, El Jarmouni, a Moroccan, embarked on a programme to teach chess to children belonging to Amsterdam's disadvantaged neighbourhoods. His autistic son was his inspiration and now the hugely popular classes attract 350 children a week. Wakkie also raised an interesting question, "What will happen if chess players become hockey coaches? After all, coaching is all about thinking in patterns." By the way, the Dutch seaside town of Wijk aan Zee, hosts one of the world's most famous chess tournaments. Interestingly, this event is called the Tata Steel Chess Tournament. It used to be called the Corus Steel Chess Tournament before the Indian conglomerate acquired the Anglo-Dutch steelmaker.
Legends in demand
Many of the former Dutch superstars are doing commentary work at the World Cup. Some are also doing business. Floris Jan Bovelander, the legendary penalty-corner specialist, also has a hockey company called Bovelander and Bovelander, which takes young players to various events. They are also into training and organise a couple of side events at the World Cup. Floris Evers, who played for The Netherlands from 2004 and 2012, now plays for Ranchi Rhinos in the Hockey India League. Here, he is commentating on the Dutch team's matches for the main sponsor, Rabobank, in a special lounge for VIP guests. Two-time Olympic silver medallist Evers is joined by Sophie Polkamp, another decorated Olympian and World Cup star. The duo interviews each other and also talks to coaches, players and share experiences with visitors.
Fatima Moreira de Melo, a player of Portuguese descent who represented the Dutch 191 times with great success, works for the local TV station, NOS.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}