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.
 
Andreas Knechten, one of the EuroHockey Lisbon 2017 EHF judges, kindly shared his thoughts about the incoming tournament, as well as his opinion about the hosting country, Portugal.

 
As one of the EuroHockey Lisboa 2017 EHF Judges, what do you expect of this tournament?
Indoor hockey is a fast and tactical sport. The participating national teams are all very strong, so I expect fair, exciting and close games from all teams.
 
Can you explain your role as EHF Judge for those who barely know about the structures of these big tournaments? 
In addition to the umpires, the judges ensure that the rules of all participating teams are respected on and off the pitch.
This includes the electronic timekeeping and to fill out a electronic tool of the EHF during the game with informations like substitution, scorers, half-time results, final results, etc.

Have you ever visited Portugal or Lisbon? 
Yes, as a frequent traveller I was 2 times in Lisbon and am fascinated by the city. If I had to name one of the European capitals, which I like very much, then this is certainly Lisbon. And I'm pretty sure I'm not alone with that opinion.

What to you think about the city?
If I had to name one of the European capitals, which I like very much, then this is certainly Lisbon. And I'm pretty sure I'm not alone with that opinion.