The Road That Won’t Go To One of the most important events
tinental qualification, winning the
in South African sport over the last
African championships, would not
few months has gone unnoticed
be used as qualification for any of
to many. For those of you who are
the sport codes. This is where the
only now waking up from your dor-
debate begins. The Olympic qual-
mant exam state, here is the latest
ification standard allows conti-
on one of our most beloved sports.
nental qualification and to further
For all hockey fanatics and players
complicate matters, both hockey
alike, the decision made by the SA
teams won the Africa Cup For Na-
Sports Confederation and Olym-
tions and thus rightfully earned
pic Committee (SASCOC) to disal-
their spot at the Olympics, based
low both national hockey teams
on the International automatic
from participating at the 2016 Rio
qualification.
For the first time since 1992 there
The double standards are ex-
will be no SA hockey team at the
tremely apparent.
Olympics.
Although many argue that this is unfair, SASCOC is quick to point
The qualification criteria set up
out that the South African Hockey
by SASCOC is extremely strict,
Association voluntarily signed this
only potential medal winners will
qualification agreement. A peti-
be sent. Qualification no longer
tion with over 16 000 signatures
guarantees a spot at the Olym-
has currently been sent to the
pics. For our hockey teams to be
SASCOC board. The petition is still
selected they needed to have
available online for all of those
made the top six in the World
who would like to add their names
Hockey League. Needless to say,
to the cause.
the top 10 rankings in the world, is under severe jeopardy. In South Africa, hockey interest has grown over 10% in the last two years, but with a lack of support and the denial of such an incredible opportunity these staIn effect it might put the youth off hockey entirely and end up destroying the future of one of South Africa’s most promising and widespread sports. After you consider the sacrifice and
dedication
these
players
have put into their sport, it just seems cruel. Cruel to deny them the privilege of achieving their lifelong dream, the Olympics. The outcome is still under strong
this was not achieved with our women and men’s teams ending
The Olympics would have been
11th and 15th respectively. In the
the boost and mental preparation
broader picture over 132 coun-
that the teams would have used
tries have national hockey teams,
going in to the 2022 Common-
showing how unrealistic the SAS-
wealth Games in Durban. Sadly,
COC criteria is.
this
stepping
stone,
which could have potentially catSASCOC had stipulated that con-
Angeline Smit
tistics may face a sharp decline.
Olympics is utterly heart breaking.
important
Rio
apulted both of our teams within
debate but as of now it seems that SASCOC will be withdrawing both of our hockey teams. The onslaught from the South African Hockey Federation has been intense and adamant, but all that’s left now is to wait and see.
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