Leevan Dutta, the captain of the Fiji men’s hockey team, celebrated a significant milestone as he received his 50th international cap while leading his team to victory at the Intercontinental Cup held at the National Hockey Centre in Suva. The team secured a 6-3 win against the Solomon Islands in the gold medal match, with Vanuatu claiming bronze after overcoming Samoa 4-3.
Dutta, aged 32 and an avid hockey player since he was 15, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, noting a slow start but a strong finish. “We were a bit complacent in the beginning, but in the second half, we found our rhythm and were able to take the win,” he reflected.
As the top goal scorer of the tournament with 19 goals, Dutta recognized the efforts of the Fiji Hockey Federation in hosting the Pacific Cup, highlighting the challenges faced by players in terms of travel costs. He praised the contributions of debutants Kirk Corrie, Dale Johanssen, and George Ravatu, who all stepped up in this competition, reinforcing their places on the team.
Dutta dedicated the win to their families and teammates, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the players. “The boys gave up a lot of their time and made many sacrifices, and as always, all glory to God,” he stated.
In women’s hockey, the Fiji women’s team continued their excellent performance, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament. They clinched both the Intercontinental and Pacific Cups by defeating Samoa 8-2 and winning against New Zealand Pasifika in a shootout after a 2-2 tie in regulation time. Vanuatu faced a shootout loss for the bronze against Tonga after a 3-3 tie.
Dutta and Melba Nautu, the women’s top scorer with 13 goals, both shone brightly during the four-day tournament, further establishing Fiji’s strength in hockey on the regional level.
This victory not only marks a remarkable achievement for both teams, but it also reflects the growth and potential of hockey in Fiji, showcasing the dedication and talent of the players involved.
The recent successes of both the men’s and women’s teams indicate a bright future for Fijian hockey, fostering greater interest and participation in the sport. As the players continue to rise to the occasion, they inspire future generations to engage in hockey and represent Fiji on the international stage.
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