DESPITE the Jamaica hockey team failing to win a single match at the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Men’s Hockey5 World Cup in Muscat, Oman, Jamaica Hockey Federation (JHF) President Fabian Stewart says the players benefited greatly from the exposure.

Jamaica finished 16th at the recently concluded global showpiece which ran from January 28 to 31. They lost all six of their games.

Coached by Duvaughn Henlon, the Jamaicans lost 2-10 to Egypt; 4-6 to Switzerland; and 0-13 to India in the competition’s group rounds. They went on to lose 2-15 to Pakistan; 1-8 to the United States; and 2-5 to Fiji. The Netherlands claimed the title after defeating Malaysia 5-2 in the final.

Stewart said the results were not what they had hoped for, but they were a fair picture of Hockey Jamaica’s debut at the World Cup Hockey 5.

“Having earned qualification over some 70 counties worldwide, the results simply indicate that we are in the second tier (16th) at the world level for this growing format of the game,” Stewart told the
Jamaica Observer.

“While obviously not pleased with our performances throughout the tournament there were many significant positives for our team. However, the seemingly heavy mental weight of performance on the world stage, lack of experience with the speed and physical nature of the games, cultural differences, and other technicalities at the top flight level created a very steep learning curve for our boys — especially without the required practice matches going into Oman.

“This affected how we could effectively sustain competitive periods within games, which we definitely had in parts against most all teams. In order to score goals and not concede goals at the rate and phases of the game, we did. Some of these issues can only be solved and corrected by more participation and practices at the international level,” the president reasoned.

Stewart stated he has witnessed substantial improvement in the quality of play from his team’s members, as they have acclimated to various facets of the game and appear to have gained important first-hand knowledge by competing with players previously only seen in international games online.

“The players and coaching staff are unanimous on the need for more games and tours at this level — similar to our Caribbean neighbors Trinidad and Tobago who finished in the top half of the tables — to see real progress.

“It was an unbelievable feeling to see the culmination of a strategic plan set in motion by the JHF Board in 2016 — supported by the Minister of Sport Honourable “Babsy” Grange and the Sports Development Foundation — but, most importantly, the unwavering commitment of president of the Jamaica Olympic Association Christopher Samuda and General Secretary Ryan Foster who dared to believe in our ability to reach this international tournament and ensured our participation.

“So my pride in watching the Jamaica flag flutter amongst 16 other international, top-playing, field hockey nations can only be matched by my overwhelming desire to improve and cement our place at this level. It was also a proud moment to share the stage with Dr Michelle Holt TD, team doctor, and her coaching team, as well as Dr Carlton Campbell who, along with other important stakeholders, believed and invested in this journey, starting with the youth Olympic qualifier in Mexico and now hockey Jamaica’s historic World Cup appearance in Oman,” he said.

Not the most successful team sport in the country, but Stewart said that hockey should now get its recognition following the strides being made.

“Field hockey is ranked as the third most-played sport globally, with the participation of over 120 countries accredited to the FIH. Therefore, despite not enjoying the popularity of the traditional sports in Jamaica for obvious or various reasons, a simple cost-benefit analysis would rank us extremely high based on this achievement.

“The JHF hopes that, going forward, there will be a greater understanding of the type of investment required generally in our sporting assets, and the significant potential commercial matriculation for our youth, and other opportunities that can be obtained for Brand Jamaica based on hockey.

“We will again go into our strategic planning for the next Olympic quadrennial, paying significant focus on our youth development. Additionally, we need to ensure the continued structural reforms necessary to sustain the effective delivery of all the competitions, workshops, seminars, and new tournaments to be listed on JHF calendar, starting with the U-19 School League in February.