Fiji women's team in Oman. Photo: FIH Media
The Fiji women's national hockey team have made history at the Hockey 5s World Cup in Oman, winning their first ever world cup match against the hosts Oman 3-2 in a pool match on Wednesday (Fiji Time).
The team have the chance to qualify for the quarterfinals if they defeat Malaysia in their third and last pool game.
The Fijians had to come from behind to secure their 3-2 win with Oman having led 1-0 at halftime.
Fiji's goal scorers were Divyankar Kumar, Lora Bukalidi and Tiara Dutta.
Kumar scored the winner and told the media the players kept fighting and they were proud to have secured a win at their first world cup event especially after having lost 14-1 to the Netherlands in their opening match.
"We just told ourselves before the game that we will fight hard, fight for it, as we were trying to look for our first win," she said.
"So the spirit kept us going, just psyching each other up."
She said recording ther first ever win and playing at the world meet was emotional for her and the team.
"It's a very proud momment for us and everyopne back at home. Its feels good to be part of the history," she said.
She thanked fans and those who have supported the team.
Fiji Associaiton of Sports and Nationl Olympiuc Committe said the team had "showed great character and courage against current world champions and Olympic gold medalist Netherlands."
Fiji plays Malyasia in their last pool game.
The men's competition gets underway on Sunday with the Fiji men's also making a debut at the event.
The Fiji teams qualified from Oceania alongside New Zealand and Australia.
But they were both lucky to make it to the world meet as they faced lack of financial backing.
They made a public appeal in late November, asking for funding to get them to the event after their initial requests for funding from the Fiji Sports Commission were turned down.
Fiji Sports Commission is funded by the Fijian government to support national teams and athletes compete at regional and international events.
Funding was finally approved by the Fiji coalition government in late December enabling the two Fijian national hockey teams to compete in Oman.