FIJI Hockey player Adrian Smith is a few weeks away from living his childhood dream when he runs out for the national men’s side at the 2024 FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Oman later this month.
Having represented Fiji since he was 15 years old, Smith has always longed to compete at a world cup.
“I am overjoyed knowing that this childhood dream of mine will become a reality in a few weeks’ time,” the 36-year-old said. Smith is the lone overseas based player for the national side and plays premier club-level competition in New Zealand where he lives.
Smiths has made around 39 appearances for Fiji in the sport and is a senior member of the national side to the World Cup on January 24.
“I’ve played for Fiji since I was 15 years old, and I still have no plans of retiring any time soon.”
He voiced his disappointment with the Fiji Hockey Federation having issues with their funding for the World Cup while being the first team to qualify for the tournament.
“It was kind of disappointing because reaching the World Cup is a huge achievement. And to have issues with funding from the government even after that was very disappointing”
“We have sports getting millions of dollars while other minor sports are being told they don’t have any funding.”
Looking towards the World Cup, Smith said his goal is to be a team player and help his side do their best at the tournament.
“This is a huge achievement for us, and my goal is to just help my team to do our best because this will be the very first time we will be competing at a World Cup.”
Smith was also part of the national side that won the first Pacific Games gold medal for hockey in 2015 in Papua New Guinea.
“We are all excited for this World Cup, and we hope we can get the support we need from the people of Fiji when we go over to Oman later this month to compete.”
