The Fiji One girls’ team faced a challenging start at the Junior Hockey Tournament, succumbing to a 1-3 defeat against Australia’s Wanderers Emus team at the National Hockey Centre. Despite the setback, Fiji Hockey Development Officer Fatima Mario praised the players for their determination and effort during the match.
Mario acknowledged the difficulties inherent in an opening match, stating, “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.”
Preparing for this tournament has been a complex endeavor, particularly due to scheduling conflicts with other sports. This clash coincided with an athletics event, which led to the unavailability of some players. To bolster the under-15 team, the coaching staff opted to bring back experienced players.
Mario emphasized the significance of developing talent and gaining insights from competing against international teams to enhance 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 said.
He extended his gratitude to everyone involved in organizing the tournament and wished the best of luck to all teams participating in the remaining matches.
The tournament continues today and Saturday, with finals scheduled for Sunday. Notably, no games are set to take place on Friday, allowing teams to regroup and prepare for the final rounds. This positive atmosphere surrounding the tournament not only enhances competitive spirit but also fosters valuable learning experiences for the young athletes.