Ghana’s U-21 men’s and women’s hockey teams have pulled out of the upcoming Junior Africa Cup (JAC 2024), set to take place in Windhoek, Namibia, from April 18 to 25, 2025, due to financial constraints.
The decision marks another missed opportunity for Ghana to return to competitive junior-level international hockey, following its last participation in 2010.
Back then, the U-17 team won the continental tournament and represented Africa at the Youth Olympic Games.
The U-21 level serves as a crucial stepping stone for young athletes, bridging the gap between youth programs and senior national teams.
It provides a platform to refine skills, build international experience, and prepare for the demands of the global stage. Without this opportunity, Ghana risks stagnation in its hockey development pipeline.
With Ghana’s withdrawal, the tournament will feature only seven men’s and six women’s teams.
This adjustment will impact both the event’s structure and diminish opportunities for young Ghanaian athletes to gain international exposure.
The JAC 2024 will proceed as planned, with the remaining teams competing for qualification spots in India’s 2025 Junior World Cup.
