Guyana hockey team depart for Junior Pan American Games
The Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) is proud to announce that the Under-21 Women’s National Hockey Team departed yesterday for the Junior Pan American Games, set to take place in Asunción, Paraguay, from today, August 9 to 23.
This marks the first time Guyana will participate in the prestigious Junior Pan American Games – a major milestone for local hockey and a proud moment for the nation.
In preparation for the tournament, the team travelled to Trinidad in July for a series of training matches on a full-sized artificial turf surface – the same type of field used in international competition. The trip was crucial for the players, who typically train on grass or smaller multi-purpose surfaces due to the absence of a dedicated hockey turf in Guyana.
Flashback to the hockey girls upon qualifying for the Jr Pan Am Games
The competition ahead will be formidable, with most participating countries benefiting from year-round training in top-tier facilities and supported by full-time professional staff. In contrast, hockey in Guyana remains entirely amateur, with all athletes, coaches, and administrators contributing their time and effort on a voluntary basis.
Despite these challenges, the team have shown remarkable dedication and perseverance, earning their place on the international stage through hard work, talent, and national pride.
President of the GHB and Head Coach for the team, Philip Fernandes, stated, “To see these young women represent Guyana at this level is an incredible achievement. They have faced and overcome countless obstacles to reach this point. We know the road ahead won’t be easy, but we are confident they will do us proud.”
The GHB thanked the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, the Guyana Olympic Association, and all supporters who made this journey possible.
Only a few days ago, Guyana’s top junior badminton players departed for the Junior Pan American Games.
The squad includes Frank Waddell, Jonathan Debidin, Mishka Beharry, and Leshaunte Berkley, who will all feature in the singles and mixed doubles events. National Senior Men’s Champion Akili Haynes will be the team’s player-coach and manager.
The team, after competing in the Pan Am Games, will head to Bridgetown, Barbados, where they will be joined by Ruel Rambiriche for the CAREBACO Junior Team Tournament from August 14 to 17.