Former Fiji Hockey star and national coach Hector Smith Sr. has emphasized the need for Fiji to expand its outreach in hockey to cultivate a greater interest in the sport and attract aspiring young athletes. Addressing participants at the Crest Chicken Fiji Secondary Schools Hockey tournament last week, Smith highlighted the impressive potential of the young players competing in the under-16 and under-19 divisions.
He believes that with proper development, training, and increased playing opportunities, these players could represent Fiji at upcoming international events such as the Pacific Games and next year’s Youth Olympic Games qualifiers. Smith urged that once Fiji organizes officials for these competitions, they can utilize the existing pool of young talent ready to compete on an international level.
Additionally, Smith called on the Ministry of Education to promote more hockey activities in primary and secondary schools, suggesting the incorporation of hockey programs into the school curriculum starting primarily in the first term.
He also expressed hope that schools formerly active in the tournament would rejoin the competition. The past engagements of schools like Gospel High School, Dudley High School, Lelean Memorial School, Adi Cakobau School, and Ballantine Memorial School had inspired others and could help reignite interest in the sport.
The Fiji Secondary Schools Hockey tournament was held last week at the Fiji National Hockey Centre in Laucala Bay, Suva. St John’s College of Cawaci successfully defended its title in the U19 boys category, while Tilak High School of Lautoka claimed the U16 boys title. Sangam Sadhu Kuppuswamy Memorial College in Nadi emerged victorious in both the U16 and U19 girls categories.