HKHA 18-19 Circular No. 4 - The Guv Dillon Cup

To:  Patron
       Vice Patron 
       Honorary Life Vice-Presidents
       Convenor of Affiliated Club (Men’s, Women’s, Veterans’, Youth’s and Mini’s)
       All Registered Umpires

Cc. Council Members
       All Section Committee Members

The Hong Kong Hockey Association is excited to announce the launch of the Guv Dillon Cup, which will replace the Holland Cup as our End of Season Premier Knockout Tournament for the Men’s and Women’s.

 The Holland Cup has had over 60 years of tradition since the 1955-1956 season and has been represented by some of the best talents and competition Hong Kong has to offer. We appreciate and thank the Dutch community for their longstanding support. As our sport continues to grow, the naming of this tournament after Guv Dillon will continue and consolidate this legacy into the future. 

Guv Dillon was a well-known and loved member of the Hockey community. His contributions on the field for Hong Kong included representation in the 2006 Asian Games along with a multitude of other international tournaments. However, it was his contributions off the pitch that cemented his legacy in the Hockey community. He was a passionate coach and his enthusiasm for the sport brought the community many members of the new generation.

His role in coaching Youths in 2005/2006 is fondly remembered as a period of great success and helped foster the new generation, many of whom would represent Hong Kong Mens in their Bronze Medal run at the 2009 East Asian Games. Those who were coached by him fondly remember a man unlike any other, seamlessly motivating them with jokes and laughter one moment then quoting the "Inches" speech from Any Given Sunday (1999) the next.

As a Sikh who spoke Cantonese but played at a club level for a traditionally Western team, Guv was a pioneer in breaking down unwritten cultural barriers surrounding the community at the time. His legacy was secured long before his passing at the age of 35 in 2015.

We are confident that the Guv Dillon Cup, like its namesake, will bring joy to the Hockey Community just as he did many years ago.

Ernest LI
Hon Secretary General
The Hong Kong Hockey Association