The Fiji men’s hockey team captain, Leevan Dutta, celebrated a significant milestone by earning his 50th international cap as the team triumphed in the Intercontinental Cup held at the National Hockey Centre in Suva. The team achieved a thrilling victory against the Solomon Islands with a score of 6-3 in the gold medal match, while Vanuatu secured the bronze by beating Samoa 4-3.
At 32 years old, Dutta has been playing hockey since the age of 15. Although he noted some early complacency in their performance, he was pleased with how the team rallied in the second half. “It was great to find our rhythm and ultimately secure the win,” he stated. Dutta expressed pride in the team’s performance and acknowledged the crucial support from the Fiji Hockey Federation in hosting the Pacific Cup, which helped alleviate travel costs for the players.
The captain also praised the contributions of debutants Kirk Corrie, Dale Johanssen, and George Ravatu, who all stepped up to the challenge impressively. He pointed out the importance of having a strong roster, including the Warriors team, to expose more players to high levels of competition, which is beneficial for the future of the sport.
Dutta honored the win as a tribute to their families, friends, and teammates, highlighting the sacrifices made by the players. “All glory to God for this achievement,” he added.
In a commendable showing, the Fiji women’s hockey team also made history by remaining unbeaten and lifting both the Intercontinental and Pacific Cups. They decisively defeated Samoa 8-2 and overcame New Zealand Pasifika in a tense shootout after a 2-all tie at full-time. Vanuatu, too, faced a nail-biting finish, ultimately losing the Pacific Cup bronze to Tonga in a shootout after a 3-3 draw.
In summary, this tournament not only showcases the outstanding capabilities of both Fiji teams but also emphasizes the growth and future potential of hockey in the region. With strong leadership and the emergence of new talent, the sport in Fiji looks promising moving forward, signaling a bright future for these athletes.
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