Guyana’s Under-21 boys’ and girls’ hockey teams are deep in preparation for the 2025 Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Junior Challenge, set to take place in Bridgetown, Barbados, from March 8–16. The tournament serves as a qualifier for the Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, Paraguay, later this year, with both squads aiming to secure historic berths for the South American nation.
Girls’ Team Eyes Breakthrough Against Regional Rivals
Ranked 36th globally, Guyana’s girls’ team will face a mix of seasoned competitors and underdogs in a single-pool round-robin format. Their campaign kicks off on March 6 against unranked Guatemala, a team they have never encountered before. Coach Maria Hernandez emphasized vigilance despite Guatemala’s lack of a world ranking: “Every match is a chance to prove ourselves. Complacency isn’t an option.”
The girls’ squad then faces Mexico (40th), Puerto Rico, hosts Barbados (33rd), and Trinidad and Tobago in quick succession. Barbados, the highest-ranked team in the tournament, looms as a critical test. “Barbados has home advantage and experience, but we’re prepared to challenge them,” said team captain Anisa Persaud.
Boys’ Team Braces for Grueling Pool Matches
The boys’ tournament mirrors the girls’ structure, with Guyana competing against Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala, Venezuela, and hosts Barbados. Ranked 42nd globally, the Guyanese boys open their campaign against Guatemala on March 6, followed by clashes with regional rivals Trinidad and Tobago and regional powerhouse Brazil.
“Brazil and Venezuela bring physicality, but our speed and strategy can counter that,” said boys’ team coach Ryan Harper. The final match against Barbados, ranked 38th, could decide qualification hopes.
Final Squads and Training Intensity
Both teams are finalizing their 18-player rosters, set to be announced by Sunday, February 9. Training sessions at Georgetown’s GCC Ground on weekdays and Providence Stadium on weekends have focused on endurance, set plays, and penalty corner drills. “The players are pushing their limits,” said Harper. “This tournament is about discipline and seizing opportunities.”
Regional Stakes and Pathway to Paraguay
The PAHF Junior Challenge represents Guyana’s best chance to advance to the Junior Pan American Games, a platform that has historically propelled nations like Argentina and Chile onto the global stage. With hockey’s popularity rising in Guyana, success in Barbados could ignite broader investment in the sport.
“We’re not just playing for ourselves,” said Persaud. “We’re playing to inspire the next generation of Guyanese athletes.”
