As the EuroHockey Indoor Junior Championship, Men - Lisbon 2017 approaches, it is time to get to know the main characters of the event taking place between 13th to 15th January.
 
Ivan Grgurev, one of the EuroHockey Lisbon 2017 National Umpires, kindly shared his thoughts about the incoming tournament, as well as his opinion about the hosting country, Portugal.


As one of the EuroHockey Lisbon 2017 National Umpires, what do you expect of this tournament?
This is my first A division indoor tournament, so I expect a very high level of hockey, not a lot of break downs of the play, and a lot of spectacular actions! Concerning they are U21 teams, with players already playing for the senior team, it will be a great opportunity for other players to show their best in an attempt to join the seniors as well, everybody will give their best!
 
As an umpire I can say that I am preparing for this for the last two months, and I feel ready already.
 
Have you ever visited Portugal or Lisbon?
No, I have never been to Portugal, only heard about the country and amazing city of Lisbon, a lot of good stories, generally most of them about your food and beverages.
 
What are you hoping to find?
I am hoping to find out the truth about all those stories that I was talking about earlier. I believe I will have a good time and enjoy myself, I am looking forward to seeing my hockey friends from around Europe, this one, like every other tournament, is an excellent way to renew your friendships, and make new ones!