Accra, July 14, GNA - The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 2009 Africa Hockey Federation (AfHF) Cup for Nations, on Tuesday, out-doored 16 brand new trophies, medals and badges to be awarded to outstanding players at the end of the competition.

The trophies are meant for the Overall Best Team, Overall Best Player, Top Scorer for both male and female categories, Best Defender; male and female among others.

The medals will also go to the first, second and third placed teams at the end of the eight day competition.

The move forms part of the LOC's effort to set new standards for the tourney and has thus included three new innovations. The latest innovations include, Fair Play Trophy which has been named after President of Ghana, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, for his love for hockey and immense contribution to its development. Also among the new additions, are trophie s for the Best Overall Player and Best Team of the Tournament.

Mr Rex Danquah, acting Chief Operating Officer of the LOC, said plans are in place to form a 20 man jury to decide on the list of outstanding performers at the end of the tournament. He indicated that the jury will be made up of ten technical experts and ten media personal to be announced in due course.

Mr Danquah said the move was to select distinguished and outstanding players at the end of the competition.

He said with the excerption of the top scorers, which will be based on calculations, the remaining categories will be decided by the Committee.

Presenting the items to the Africa Hockey Federation (AfHF), Mr Abuga Pele, Chairman of the LOC said Ghana's intention of raising the game to a new standard was on course following the additions made to the set of trophies for outstanding performers.

He noted that the decision to name the Fair Play Trophy after the President was based on Prof. Mills keen interest in the sport as well as his fairness.

Mr Pele was confident that the trophies will bring the best out of the players in the course of the tournament to make it a memorable one. Nii Kwei Kumah, Honorary General Secretary of AfHF said the addition of the trophies and medals was unprecedented in the history of the competition, adding that it also enhances the pedigree of Ghana on the international scene.

He expressed the hope that the trophies and medals will motivate and energise players to give off their best in the competition. Nii Kumah said the International Hockey Federation (IHF) has observed Ghana over the past few days and they appreciate the efforts of the nation in ensuring a well organized tourney.