At just 19 years old, Margaret King is making waves in Fiji’s hockey scene. The young goalkeeper played a crucial role in leading Fiji to an impressive 8-2 victory against Samoa in the Intercontinental Cup finals. Additionally, the team triumphed over NZ Pasifika in the Pacific Cup finals during the Oceania Pacific Cup hockey competition held at the National Hockey Turf in Suva, earning them two coveted gold medals.
Margaret’s journey in hockey began in an unexpected way in 2018 while she was a student at Nadi Sangam School. “I was in Form Three, and my teacher encouraged me to play since no one else in the class was involved,” she recalled with a smile. Coming from a family deeply passionate about hockey, she acknowledges her relatives for fostering her interest and development in the sport, noting, “My sisters play as well, and one of them even made the team as a non-traveling reserve this year.”
Her hard work and commitment have led her to compete in three major tournaments thus far. After winning gold at the Pacific Games last year and gaining invaluable experience at the World Cup in Oman, her determination remains unwavering. Margaret embraces the challenges of being a goalkeeper, stating, “My role is simple: stop every ball that comes my way.”
Building strong relationships with her teammates has significantly contributed to her success. Looking forward, she is eager to face her next challenge with a tournament coming up in April. For young athletes looking to pursue hockey, she offers profound advice: “Play from the heart, train hard, and believe in yourself. Once you back yourself, you have nothing to fear.”
Margaret King’s inspiring transition from a hesitant player to an international star highlights her resilience and passion for the sport, paving the way for a bright future in hockey.
In a hopeful twist, Margaret serves as a motivating figure for aspiring athletes, proving that with determination and support, anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of how they first step onto the field.
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