Hockey5s World Cup squad departs today
FOLLOWING A last-minute cash injection from the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), Jamaica’s hockey5s team will depart the island today for their first-ever World Cup in Muscat, Oman.
Jamaica’s participation was threatened when the Jamaica Hockey Federation was still short of funds needed to cover tournament expenses days before the departure of the squad especially after $2 million promised by the Ministry of Sports was delayed until after the tournament.
Nevertheless, the JOA who had previously provided the JHF with $3 million to help fund the journey, stepped in again to make up the shortfall when it was discovered that the government funds would not be available until after the tournament.
JHF president Fabian Stewart, who left ahead of the team yesterday, told The Gleaner, that they will have debt to clear on their return, but their presence at the showpiece event will open new doors for the sport locally.
“We will still have to cover some debt. But, we have managed to secure the significant payments required for participation, and we will certainly honour our commitments when we return,” he said.
“But apart from participation, learning the other connections and some of the other objectives that we have, will be well worth it. We are talking about opportunities to play in Europe, coaching opportunities, discussions with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in terms of development here. So once we get there we will achieve and receive so much. So this will absolutely open new doors for Jamaican hockey, and that was the intent from morning so we can build on for further participation in the sport,” Stewart said.
He pointed out that despite the uncertainty surrounding their travel to the tournament, the players are in a good spirits and he credited the coaching staff for keeping the team focused.
“The coaching staff has done a fantastic job in keeping the team focused. They understand the importance and they are very relieved as they would have seen the struggles. So they are very upbeat and looking forward to participating, as they know they belong on the world stage,” Stewart said.
The Jamaican team has been placed in Pool B with India, Egypt and Switzerland. They open against Egypt and then Switzerland on January 28, and India in the last group game on January 29.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals.