The Fiji National Sports Commission executive chairman Peter Mazey confirmed the commission with the Fiji Hockey Federation yesterday regarding funding for the two teams to the 2024 FIH Hockey World Cup in Oman next month.
Fiji’s men’s and women’s teams both qualified for the World Cup back in July and have now been facing financial difficulties as they prepare for the world cup.
Mazey confirmed the commission will consider providing funds for the two teams.
“We have requested the federation to submit an application form with qualification data and budget to help us ascertain what funding may be available,” he said.
“We managed to have a meeting with the federation this morning and it was very fruitful.”
However, Mazey is also encouraging that all sporting bodies to look to other areas for funding, as the government can not provide funding for all sports in the country.
“I certainly encourage all sporting bodies to look for funding in whatever way they can as government can not provide funding for all sports in the country.”
Meanwhile, during a media conference on Wednesday, coaches for the two hockey teams had voiced their disappointment in not receiving the support they need from the government and the sporting commission.
Fiji Women’s Hockey head coach Hector Smith said after coming back from the Pacific Games with a gold medal, his side thought they wouldn’t face any issues in attending the World Cup.
“We are all disappointed because we have given so much to the country,” he said.
“And now that we are a step closer to one of our greatest goals, we are told that there is no funding.”
Fiji men’s hockey coach to the world cup, Shaun Corrie, says their players have sacrificed a lot to achieve that goal.
“They also have been paying a certain amount before going to different overseas competitions,” he said.
“This excludes the expenses they have to pay when attending training, or even taking leave off from work to represent the country.”
