Australia-Fiji Hockey Association

Former Tilak High alumni Nadeem Khan in Sydney spearheaded the formation of Australia- Fiji Hockey Association (AFHA) this March 2012 and the association now plays regular club hockey in Sydney. Mr Khan a former Lautoka hockey representative with other former Fijians are calling  Ex Fiji hockey player  in other Australian States and New Zealand to support the new hockey body. One of the aims of AFHA is to help develop the game amongst juniors in NSW  and revive  hockey in Lautoka by regular visits and developing a hockey programme  for the islands.

Former Fiji and district hockey players  from across the Tasman in New Zealand will play annual hockey matches with AFHA so this is going to be a real winner for all  hockey lovers. AFHA is  sending teams to Fiji hockey MH Open in October this year so keep a look out.

Wasim Khan in action for Australia-Fiji Hockey Association in Sydney in March 2012

Tragic Death of Perth Hockey Star

 The Australian hockey family is in deep mourning for the tragic loss of young hockey player Lizzie Watkins 24 who was killed by a deflecting hockey ball in a Perth club hockey match on the Weekend.

The matter is now before the Coroner for establishing the circumstance and cause of this tragic death on the hockey playing field in Perth.

This sad loss of a  hockey talent for Western Australian hockey will not only be greatly missed but has shocked all hockey loving people  around the world.

Already there is great debate raging about the possible introduction of headgear protection for field hockey players given that the pace of the game has changed quite radically over the last decade or two.

Sports injury specialists and Hockey Australia should take a lead in this serious sports injury prevention campaign. Lizzie’s death could have been prevented had she worn a protective headgear and there is no question about it.

There is no suggestion that field hockey head gear must resemble ice hockey head protection gear but there can be better Australian hockey helmet designs that could be introduced for world field hockey. Lessons must be learnt from this sporting tragedy and there is no time for masochism. Field hockey can be a dangerous sports if sports administrators allow it to be.

                         Lizzie Watkins 24 was killed by a deflecting hockey ball.