Hockey gets go ahead

 The Papua New Guinea Hockey Federation has been given the green light to represent Oceania at the World League second round in Singapore and India respectively next year.

PNG Hockey Federation president Kaluwin Potuan confirmed over the weekend that Oceania Hockey Federation secretary-general Bob Claxton had given PNG, the Pacific Cup silver medallists, the opportunity to participate after it was confirmed that Fiji would not be taking part because of financial constraints.

The national men’s team has only three weeks to prepare to face Bangladesh, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, Poland, Singapore and Ukraine in Singapore from January 17-25. 

The women’s team will play in the women’s tournament against Kazakhastan, Malaysia, Poland, Russia, Singapore and Thailand in New Delhi, India, from March 1-15

Potuan said the chances of taking part looked good with Chief Secretary Sir Manasupe Zurenouc pledging to support PNG’s participation.

Sir Manasupe, who watched the team win the silver medal in Suva last month, was impressed with the performance of both teams.

He asked Potuan to write to him so he could help source funds.

PNG hockey is a regular face at the regional tournament in Fiji. 

But with their qualification to take part in the next stage of qualification, it is a morale booster for the code in the country.

Potuan said PNG would send a full strength team for both men and women – a total of 26 players and officials.

He said that it would be a good experience and exposure for PNG hockey to participate outside the Oceania region.

“This is the first time for PNG hockey to go beyond Fiji,” Potuan said. “It will be a good experience and exposure for PNG as we prepare for the 2015 Pacific Games in Port Moresby.”

PNG are expected to win a medal at the Port Moresby Games after their silver medal finish at the Pacific Cup.

“Playing in Singapore is totally different. It gives our players a chance to play at a much higher level competition.”

Potuan, who is vice president of Oceania Hockey Federation, said Oceania Hockey fully supported PNG’s participation as part of enhancing the game in the region. 

“It is opportunity for hockey and it provides the PNG players international experience heading into the Pacific Games in July,” Potuan said.

“With government support, it will certainly raise our game to another level.”

The team will be under coach Brent Livermore, who has been recently appointed as to coach both the men’s and women’s teams. 

The World League Round 2 is the only other major hockey tournament for PNG for 2015 apart from the Pacific Games.