The Marist Hockey Eastgate Memorial Tournament, supported by Temo Consulting, commenced yesterday at the National Hockey Centre in Suva. This annual event, now in its 30th year, welcomes 14 teams – 10 men’s and four women’s – competing over three days.
Marist Hockey Club President Paul Fraser expressed his delight over the tournament’s return following a three-year pause due to COVID-19 restrictions and necessary upgrades at the hockey center. The reappearance of the tournament, with two new teams added this year, highlights its ongoing prestige and ability to attract participants eager to showcase their talents.
“It’s quite a challenge to host this tournament, or any tournament, due to the costs involved,” Fraser noted. “But this year, with two additional teams, we started early to handle the expanded roster. This event consistently brings out the best in all players.”
This year’s tournament has once again drawn interest from teams both locally and internationally, with spectators and participants gathering to witness and partake in the high-level competition. Fraser expressed gratitude towards Temo Consulting, the tournament’s sponsor, for their financial support in utilizing the National Hockey Centre over the last two years.
The tournament concludes tomorrow, showcasing talents across men’s and women’s divisions. For the men’s competition, Pool 1 includes teams like Marist White and Ventures, while Pool 2 features squads such as Stingers I and Marist Lautoka. In the women’s division, Pool A consists of teams like Marist and Ventures.
Fraser highlighted the event’s significance as a major fixture within the Fiji Hockey Federation calendar and praised the diverse participation that enhances the tournament’s competitive spirit. The involvement of overseas teams adds an extra layer of excitement and challenge, emphasizing the tournament’s status as a beloved annual tradition.
This comeback not only revives competitive field hockey in the region but also fosters community engagement and sportsmanship, bringing hope for future editions that will continue to grow and inspire.