Fiji Hockey is making concerted efforts to enhance its junior development pathway amidst challenges in retaining athletes under the age of 15. The federation is currently facing a significant hurdle due to a scheduling conflict with the peak athletics season, which coincides with international hockey tours. This overlap has made it difficult for Fiji Hockey to prepare competitive age-grade teams.
Fatima Mario, the development officer, emphasized that the peak athletics season detracts from young athletes’ focus on hockey. Many talented players have chosen to participate in track and field events, representing their districts like Suva and Tailevu. Mario noted, “A lot of our athletes, we lost them… not in a bad way, but they joined the athletics teams,” reflecting a sense of pride in their achievements in other sports.
Despite these challenges, Fiji Hockey has successfully retained a promising cohort of young players for the upcoming season. Looking ahead, Mario expressed the federation’s intention to adjust its training schedule to better align with the athletics calendar starting in 2026. This proactive approach aims to cultivate a stronger base of young hockey talent in Fiji, underscoring the federation’s dedication to the sport’s growth despite the current obstacles. The commitment to fostering young athletes bodes well for the future of hockey in Fiji.