-Tournament bullies off on November 28
By Michaelangelo Jacobus
Excitement is building for the 19th staging of the Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival, set to run from November 28-December 1 at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue. Featuring 22 teams from Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Canada, this year’s edition promises to deliver intense competition, top-notch skills, and a vibrant celebration of hockey.
Addressing the media at the Georgetown Cricket Club, yesterday, GHB President Philip Fernandes highlighted the festival’s enduring legacy. “We began this festival in 2004 and have only missed three years: once in 2010 due to facility renovations and twice during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fact that we are still here speaks volumes about the dedication of all involved,” he said.
The tournament will showcase talent across four divisions: Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Men’s Over-35, and Men’s Over-45. Notable participants include powerhouse local teams like Bounty GCC, Pepsi Hikers, and Saints, as well as international contenders such as Toronto Lions (Canada), TT Defence Force, and Queens Park (Trinidad).
The women’s division will feature five teams, including the returning TT Police and George United from Trinidad, competing against local giants GBTI GCC, Old Fort, and Saints.
“This festival is pivotal for our athletes,” Fernandes said. “With the absence of an artificial outdoor pitch, this tournament keeps hockey alive in Guyana, exposing our players to foreign competition critical for their development.”
For the first time, the festival will welcome FIH-certified umpire Ayana McClean from Trinidad, who is renowned for officiating over 100 international matches, including at the World Cup and Olympics. Her presence is expected to inspire and guide local umpires.
Additionally, U.S.-based sports medicine specialist Aaron Finer will oversee the tournament’s medical needs. “Aaron’s expertise will elevate the care and professionalism available to our athletes, ensuring they perform at their best,” Fernandes stated.
The festival continues to provide a platform for social networking and cultural exchange, with visiting teams fostering bonds that lead to reciprocal hosting and increased regional competition. “We hope this serves as a catalyst to inspire junior players and grow the sport in Guyana,” Fernandes noted.
A new feature this year will be live-streaming of matches, made possible by ENET, allowing a global audience to experience the action. “This is an important step in marketing our festival and showcasing Guyana as a destination for sports tourism,” Fernandes added.
“The festival owes much of its success to longstanding support from sponsors, including title sponsor Demerara Distillers Limited under the Diamond Mineral Water brand. Other contributors include ANSA McAl (introducing Lucozade to the event), ExxonMobil, Republic Bank, Bounty Supermarkets, and Sterling Products Ltd”.
“The Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Culture, along with the National Sports Commission, has also played a crucial role in providing the venue” he said.
Fernandes extended gratitude to the Georgetown Cricket Club for their unwavering support and also noted that entry to the festival will be free. “We encourage everyone to come out and cheer on our athletes as we showcase hockey at its finest.”
While the tournament bullies off on November 28, it will culminate with the finals of the various categories on December 1.
