THE SOLOMON Islands U21 Men’s and Women’s Hockey Teams, who were supposed to participate in the Oceania Junior World Cup Qualifier (OJWCQ) in New Zealand, have withdrawn from the competition.
The Solomon Islands Hockey Federation (SIHF) made the decision to withdraw the teams from the qualifying tournament in New Zealand due to the lack of funds and preparation faced by the federation.
This was confirmed to Star Sport by the SIHF President Dr Alex Bradley Munamua last week.
Elaborating on the lack of preparation factor, President Munamua said preparation in training has been on track however to fly the team, looking after the team has led to the decision.
Since his executive took office in October 2024, the time to get the necessary funds to fit the plan was just not enough even to send a team.
“Speaking to both teams on Sunday during a small reception at Gardens Restaurant was not to give up, plan better on our side to ensure such disappointment never happen.
“Planning well will ensure that we fit in the awkward timing like during Christmas time when it is the end of the financial year for every institution like the National Sports Council, the National Hosting Authority, NOCSI, the government and even the sponsors.
“The federation has finished it’s registration with NSC and hopefully with NOCSI to ensure it benefits on full entitlements in any application for funding this year” Dr Munamua said.
Meanwhile, the OJWCQ tournament kicked off in New Zealand on Wednesday and ends today, Sunday 2 February.
For the both Categories, a total of three teams including the hosts New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea have already secured their spot in the FIH Junior Hockey Men’s World Cup in India leaving only two in the women’s category to compete and attend the women’s FIH junior Hockey Women’s world cup.
Solomon Islands Hockey Federation will use this incident as a learning experience to prepare better for this years National competitions to fill the necessary National teams and send all the teams to the International competitions scheduled this year. We thank the families of the players and guardians who have supported them over the last 3 months.
The Federation is commencing this years event with a Corporate Dinner next month to host our Men’s silver medalists in last year’s Pacific Nations Cup in Fiji. We stand proud of this achievement.
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
