The Fiji One girls’ team encountered a tough beginning at the Junior Hockey Tournament, facing a 1-3 setback against Australia’s Wanderers Emus at the National Hockey Centre. Despite the defeat, Fiji Hockey Development Officer Fatima Mario commended the players for their resilience and determination displayed during the match.
Mario highlighted the challenges associated with debut matches, remarking, “It was a great performance from the girls. We all know opening matches can be tough. Even though we didn’t achieve the desired result, the girls demonstrated their fighting spirit.” This sentiment underscores the commitment and effort of the young athletes, who are still adapting to the competitive demands at this level.
The preparation for the tournament has been intricate, primarily due to overlapping schedules with other sporting events. Specifically, the coinciding athletics event contributed to the absence of several players. To strengthen the under-15 team, the coaching staff made the strategic decision to reintroduce experienced players to the roster.
Mario further articulated the crucial role of developing talent and the importance of learning from international competition to improve future performances. “The focus right now is not on winning or losing; we are dedicated to nurturing our players into better hockey athletes. Events like these provide our Fiji team and players with opportunities to observe and learn from overseas teams,” he explained.
Expressing gratitude to the tournament organizers, he wished good fortune to all participating teams as they progress through the tournament, which continues today and Saturday, with finals scheduled for Sunday. Allowing a break on Friday for teams to regroup, the tournament cultivates a positive environment that not only spurs competitiveness but also enriches the young athletes’ learning experiences, paving the way for their future growth in the sport.