Record turnout noted across three categories: GHB Junior Indoor Championship bullies off with 29 teams

The Guyana Hockey Board’s (GHB) National Junior Indoor Championship commenced on Wednesday, October 7, and will run until Saturday, October 10, at the Cliff Anderson’s Sports Hall (CASH), Homestretch Avenue.
According to the Board, games are set to begin at 17:00h on weekdays and 14:00h on Saturday.

“Last year, 20 teams took part in this tournament; this year, we have 29 teams across three categories,” a GHB member said. This is no surprise, according to the member, as clubs have worked with limited resources to grow the sport in their communities and schools.
The field includes nine Under-13 mixed teams, 12 Under-17 teams, and eight Under-21 teams. The Under-17 and Under-21 divisions are evenly split between boys’ and girls’ teams, which is unusual, as boys’ teams typically outnumber girls. The balance points to growing participation by girls in sport.
Given the number of entries, teams have been placed in groups for round-robin play, with the semi-finals and finals set for Saturday. The Under-13 is the only category with a third-place playoff.
The Under-21 boys’ competition promises plenty of excitement. As several former national Under-21 players age out of the category, new faces have stepped up to lead their teams. Michael Payne of Hikers, Grant Fernandes of GCC, and Deon Hope of Old Fort will take on stalwart and marksman Jabari Lovell and his Saints Hockey Club side.
The girls’ competition will be just as fierce. Makayla Poole of Saints, named Most Valuable Player; Trinity Greaves of Hikers, the top goal scorer; and Jazlyn Smith of Old Fort, the best goalkeeper, will all look to repeat their success from the recent Magnolia’s Indoor Hockey 5s held in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Under-13 mixed category is wide open, with young players eager to compete and make a name for themselves. All Under-13 games will be played on Saturday, giving them a full day of hockey.
Hockey fans are encouraged to show their usual support, bring their energy, and let us cheer on the juniors as they compete for top prizes.