The Fiji men’s hockey team celebrated a significant milestone as their captain, Leevan Dutta, earned his 50th international cap while leading the team to victory in the Intercontinental Cup at Suva’s National Hockey Centre. In a thrilling gold medal match, Fiji triumphed over the Solomon Islands with a score of 6-3, while Vanuatu claimed bronze after defeating Samoa 4-3.
At 32 years old, Dutta has been a dedicated hockey player since the age of 15. Despite recognizing some initial complacency from his team, he expressed satisfaction with their second-half performance that sealed the win.
Dutta praised the Fiji Hockey Federation for organizing the Pacific Cup, acknowledging the financial challenges faced by players traveling for competitions. He expressed pride in the performance of debutants Kirk Corrie, Dale Johanssen, and George Ravatu, who impressed in their first major tournament. He highlighted the importance of opportunities for emerging athletes, stating that the inclusion of more players in competitive settings is beneficial for the growth of the sport.
In addition to the men’s success, the Fiji women’s hockey team continued their impressive streak, securing the Pacific Cup without a single loss. They defeated Samoa decisively in the Intercontinental Cup final, ending the match at 8-2. The women’s team also showcased their skill in a tense finale against New Zealand Pasifika, prevailing 2-0 in a shootout after finishing regulation tied at 2-2. Vanuatu faced Tonga in the bronze medal playoff, also concluding with a shootout after a 3-3 draw.
Both Dutta for the men and Melba Nautu for the women emerged as the top goal scorers in their respective tournaments, with Dutta scoring an impressive 19 goals and Nautu netting 13.
This double triumph not only illustrates the strength of Fiji’s hockey teams but also showcases the commitment and passion of the athletes involved. As Dutta dedicated the victory to their families and teammates, it’s clear that the spirit of camaraderie and hard work is at the heart of these successes. The future looks bright for Fijian hockey, with a promising blend of experience and fresh talent on the field.
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