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The history of hockey on the island.
1900s - 1950s

Known in Ancient Greece as keritizin, the game of hockey was introduced by the British to Cyprus in the early 1900s. By the 1940s, a regular League and Cup Competition was firmly established, with teams including the Secretariat, Banks United, the English School Nicosia, the American Academy Larnaca, AYMA, Cable & Wireless and T.T.C. Morphou.

Hockey Teams

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1960's - 1970's
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With the advent of Independence, interest in the League waned for some time. For more than a decade, hockey was limited to matches between the English School and the American Academy at their biannual sports meeting, and the British Bases’ leagues.     

1973 English School Hockey Teams

1970's - 1980's

Interest in the game was further piqued by Founder’s Day matches organised by the English School Old Boys’ and Girls’ Association (ESOBGA).

 

In 1979, the Salakian Trophy was established in memory of ESOBGA coach Luther Salakian, with two matches held every year since. The Trophy marked the beginning of a new era for hockey in Cyprus, with ESOBGA members such as Dinos Ioannou, Costas Christodoulou, Tasos Rousos, Aris Petasis,  Costakis Demetriades and Petros Karafokas joining with students, Demetris Loucaides, Petros Michaelides and others to play against Bases’ teams.

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1980's - Now

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EXILES

A league was formed, comprising of the following teams:

  • ESOBGA

  • Lions

  • Hocks

  • Exiles  (Akrotiri garrison)

  • STYXS  (Dhekelia garrison) - inactive

  • UNicorns  (UN) - inactive

  • Saxons (Episkopi civilians) - inactive

UN vs ESOBGA

Click on the photo to visit the Exiles Facebook group

These teams were subsequently joined by the LIONS and the HOCKS.

HOCKS vs ESOBGA

LIONS

LIONS

Cyprus hockey is a proud leader amongst small states, currently ranked 24th in Europe and 57th in the world. This impressive standing supports a current push for major growth in the sport, including a concerted effort to boost hockey in schools across the island. 

Hockey is already a central component of the sports curriculum at several schools in Cyprus. We are happy to offer any advice and training to schools interested in introducing young people to this exciting team game, which enjoys a strong following in Europe and the wider world. Cyprus  Hockey Association is also working to build Cyprus’s first ever U-16 Girls team, as well as competitive indoor hockey. Anyone interested in getting involved is welcome to contact us.

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