Fiji’s men’s hockey team captain, Leevan Dutta, celebrated a significant milestone as he earned his 50th international cap while leading his team to victory in the Intercontinental Cup at the National Hockey Centre in Suva. The team triumphed over the Solomon Islands with a score of 6-3 in the gold medal play-off, while Vanuatu secured bronze by defeating Samoa 4-3.
At 32 years old, Dutta has been a passionate athlete since he began playing hockey at the age of 15. Reflecting on the match, he acknowledged a slow start but expressed satisfaction with the team’s eventual performance, stating, “I think we were a bit complacent in the beginning, but in the second half, we found our rhythm and eventually we were able to take the win.”
Dutta also praised the Fiji Hockey Federation for organizing the Pacific Cup, acknowledging the financial challenges players faced for travel. He noted the significance of this event for the growth of the sport in the region. New players Kirk Corrie, Dale Johanssen, and George Ravatu made notable contributions, proving their worth on the team.
The Fiji women’s hockey team also shone brightly at the tournament, maintaining an unbeaten streak. They secured victories in both the Intercontinental and Pacific Cups, defeating Samoa 8-2 for the Intercontinental title and besting New Zealand Pasifika 2-0 in a shootout after the final score was tied at 2-2. Vanuatu faced a disappointing fate, losing the bronze medal to Tonga after their own 3-3 tie.
Dutta and Melba Nautu emerged as top goal scorers, with Dutta netting 19 goals and Nautu 13 throughout the four-day competition.
This successful tournament not only highlights the dedication of the players but also promises a bright future for hockey in Fiji, as the national teams exhibit skill, teamwork, and resilience. The triumph serves as an inspiration, uniting families, fans, and the entire nation in celebration of their hard work and achievements.
Leave a comment