Hockey out to host big events PORT MORESBY, 17 DECEMBER 2014 (THE NATIONAL) --- The Papua New Guinea Hockey Federation is the first national federation to put its hands up to host major events once construction of a new turf pitch in Port Moresby is completed. After winning the bronze medal in both the men’s and the women’s divisions at the Oceania Pacific Cup and World League event in Suva, Fiji, PNG Hockey Federation president Kaluwin Potuan said they would bid to host the next regional event. A new full-sized turf pitch is being built in Port Moresby for next year’s Pacific Games, which will feature a five-a-side hockey tournament. Potuan said looking ahead, such regional and world qualifier events will be able to be shared around the region. “Now in the Pacific region, obviously Fiji’s got one already and Vanuatu has got a small pitch for five-a-side and that’s basically it for the region,” Potuan said. “Now with PNG coming in with another one, the Oceania and Pacific Cup and the World League could rotate between Fiji and Papua New Guinea.” The Port Moresby pitch, which will be at the Bisini grounds, is expected to be completed by April. PNG hockey has indicated that it would be a suitable candidate to replace Fiji to participate at the World League Round 2 in Singapore if they have a financial problem. Potuan, who is the team manager said that they are on stand-by should Fiji be unable to make it. Fiji’s participation at the Hockey World League Series Round 2 in Singapore and India for men in January and women in March looks impossible because of funding difficulties. The Fiji Hockey Federation will decide this week on whether the two teams will be able to raise the necessary funds to participate. Oceania Hockey Federation President Pam Elgar said they would wait on the decision of the Fiji Hockey Federation. Fiji head coach Hector Smith said each player would have to raise over F$3000 (K4003) if they were to take part as they did not have an official sponsor.... PACNEWS
Posted on: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 02:54:35 +0000
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