Leevan Dutta, the captain of the Fiji men’s hockey team, celebrated a significant milestone as he earned his 50th international cap. This achievement coincided with the team’s success in clinching the Intercontinental Cup at the National Hockey Centre in Suva, where they triumphed over the Solomon Islands with a score of 6-3. Vanuatu secured the bronze medal by defeating Samoa 4-3 in an intense match.
At 32 years old, Dutta began his hockey journey at the age of 15. Despite acknowledging that the team started the match with some complacency, he was delighted with their performance in the second half, which helped them regain their momentum and secure the victory. Dutta expressed pride in their accomplishment and credited the Fiji Hockey Federation for hosting the Pacific Cup, emphasizing the logistical challenges players faced in traveling for the tournament.
Dutta also praised the contributions of debutants Kirk Corrie, Dale Johanssen, and George Ravatu, highlighting their strong performances and ability to integrate into the team successfully. He noted the positive impact of having the Warriors team, which allowed for broader exposure of players to high-level competition.
The victory was dedicated to their families, friends, and teammates, with Dutta acknowledging the sacrifices made by all involved, stating, “all glory to God.”
In a parallel triumph, the Fiji women’s hockey team maintained their unbeaten streak in the Oceania Pacific Cup tournament by winning both the Intercontinental and Pacific Cup. They defeated Samoa decisively with a score of 8-2 for the Intercontinental title and excelled in a tense shootout against New Zealand Pasifika, managing to win 2-0 after a thrilling 2-all tie at full time.
Although the Fiji men’s team faced a tough loss in the Pacific Cup final against NZ Fiji, ending the game tied 6-all before losing in the shootout, Dutta and Melba Nautu emerged as the top scorers for their respective tournaments, with Dutta netting 19 goals and Nautu scoring 13.
This event marks a hopeful chapter in Fijian hockey, as both the men’s and women’s teams demonstrate their potential on the international stage, fostering a brighter future for the sport in Fiji.
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