The Jamaica Hockey Federation (JHF) has secured $3 million in funding from the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), to assist with the men’s preparation for the Hockey 5s World Cup, which is set to take place in Muscat, Oman from January 28-31.
Jamaica’s men made history by qualifying for their first Hockey 5s World Cup, and the JHF has budgeted $38 million for the island’s participation. Jamaica defeated Paraguay 5-2 at the Mona Hockey Field in June for third place at the Pan American Confederation Hockey 5s World Cup qualifiers to book their spot at the Hockey 5s World Cup.
Hockey 5s is a super-fast-paced and highly skillful game played between two teams with four field players and a goalkeeper. The field size is much smaller than the 11-a-side, with a measurement of 40 metres x 23.7 metres, with surrounding deflective boards that always keep the ball in play. It’s a more competitive format, first played in 2014 and quickly adapted worldwide as the FIH searched for a shorter, more entertaining version of the game, just like netball fast 5s, rugby 7s, or T20 cricket.
According to Ryan Foster, JOA’s general secretary and chief executive officer, Jamaica’s qualification is a deliberate approach by the JOA and the JHF.
“The JOA is proud of the accomplishments of JHF and the Men Hockey 5s qualification for the World Cup. This is the manifestation of various investments of the JOA since 2017, which amounts to over $25 million.
“This additional $3M given to the JHF is yet another contribution by the JOA in our Sport for All Concept. We measure success not only on medals won but also on progress made by our member associations. Any other thought would be narrow-minded,” Foster said.
The Jamaicans, in their debut appearance, will face teams of the highest rank at the tournament, which will have No 1-ranked Netherlands and No 3-ranked India.
The men’s competition has a total of 16 countries, including Jamaica. Pool B consists of Jamaica, Egypt, Switzerland, and India. Jamaica’s first match will be against Egypt and promises excitement.
