THE Fiji Secondary Schools Hockey Competition is proving to be one of the most competitive in recent years, with defending champions falling and new contenders emerging at Nadovu Hockey Ground in Lautoka yesterday.
Fiji Secondary School Hockey Association president Makelesi Mawi said 13 schools are competing this year, with three schools from Levuka, three from Lautoka and seven from Suva.
Mawi said the tournament had already produced several major upsets, including defeats for reigning champions. In the Under-19 girls’ grade, last year’s champions Suva Grammar School have lost two matches, while in the Under-19 boys, Levuka Public School suffered a surprise defeat to Dilkusha Methodist High School.
With results still unpredictable, Mawi said new champions could emerge when the competition concludes.
Delana Methodist High School has emerged as one of the teams to watch, particularly in the Under-16 and Under-19 girls grades, where they have recorded strong results.
Mawi also highlighted the growth of the sport, crediting the Fiji Hockey Federation’s development programme for helping improve players’ skills.
Development officers are providing training twice during the week and on Saturdays, giving students more opportunities to develop.
“Compared to last year, there is a very big improvement,” Mawi said, noting the number of upsets and draws as evidence of increased competitiveness.
She urged schools and stakeholders to support students interested in hockey, describing it as a highly skilled and safe sport.
Mawi also encouraged young players with an interest and talent for hockey to make full use of their abilities.
She is also calling on school managements to give more students the opportunity to participate.
With the competition entering its final stages with the fight for titles remains wide open, reflecting the growing strength and development of school hockey in Fiji.
The competition continues today with the quarterfinals and semi-finals, following the finals tomorrow.
