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Al-Ahram Weekly 4 - 10 November 1999 Issue No. 454 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 4 - 10 November 1999 Issue No. 454
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Features Profile Travel Living Sports People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters The world at his stick
By Abeer Anwar
In an unprecedented crowning, Stephan Veen, captain of the Dutch national team since 1996, has been selected the best player in the world.
Holland's Stephan Veen
The prize coincided with ceremonies marking the 75th anniversary of the International Hockey Federation (FIH). FIH President Juan Angel Calzado presented Veen with a bronze statue depicting a male hockey player in action. "I did not expect the prize at all and I am very happy with it especially since I am receiving it simultaneously with the commemoration of FIH's 75th anniversary," Veen said.
Veen has a long list of championships to his credit, winning two Olympic gold medals in 1992 and 1996, three World Cup trophies, a remarkable 10 Champions Trophy gold medals, two European championships and one Intercontinental Cup.
His performance during the 1998 men's World Cup finals against Spain, in which the Dutch captured the title in extra time, clearly demonstrated the leadership qualities on and off the pitch embodied in the 29-year-old star. With his team down by two goals, and just a little over 10 minutes left to play, Veen scored Holland's first goal, then urged his team on, prodding and inspiring them to victory.
Known for his technical skills and acceleration, Veen, a right midfielder, started his hockey career at the age of 11. So far, he has played 245 matches and scored 100 career goals.
An economy major, Veen expressed joy at being in Alexandria and visiting Egypt for the first time. "Alex is a wonderful place and the pitch is fantastic. I had never had such an impression of Egypt and its technology and development."
