The Fiji One girls’ team faced a challenging start in the Junior Hockey Tournament, experiencing a 1-3 defeat against Australia’s Wanderers Emus team during their opening match at the National Hockey Centre. Despite the setback, Fiji Hockey Development Officer Fatima Mario praised the girls for their determination and performance on the field.
“It was a great performance from the girls. We all know that the opening match can be tough. Although we didn’t achieve the desired result, the girls showed excellent fighting spirit throughout the game,” Mario stated.
Preparation for the tournament had been ongoing, but the team faced some challenges due to conflicts with other sporting events. Notably, a scheduling clash with an athletics competition led to the absence of some players. In light of this, the coaching staff made the decision to reintegrate experienced athletes to bolster the under-15 team.
Mario highlighted the overarching goal of player development, focusing on long-term growth rather than immediate wins or losses. “Our current focus isn’t purely about winning or losing; we aim to cultivate our players’ skills to become more proficient in hockey. This tournament allows our Fiji team to study and learn from international competitors and elevate our game,” he explained.
He also expressed gratitude to those who helped organize the tournament and wished all teams the best as they continue competing. The tournament is set to carry on with matches today and Saturday, culminating in the finals on Sunday, with no games scheduled for Friday. This commitment to fostering talent and teamwork suggests a promising future for the players involved.
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