Ghana Hockey Federation Vice President Elizabeth King has revealed that the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, the National Sports Authority’s (NSA) refusal to financially support the national men’s U21 team contributed to their withdrawal from the Africa U21 Hockey Cup tournament.
According to her, the federation submitted a proposal to the sports ministry and the NSA requesting funding to support the U21 hockey team in the continental competition.
However, the ministry informed them on April 4, 2025, that they were unable to honor their request, not providing any funding.
Elizabeth stated that after failing to secure support from other sources, they were compelled to withdraw from the 2026 Africa U21 Hockey Cup tournament scheduled for April 18 to 25, 2025, in Windhoek, Namibia.
“We submitted the budget and all relevant documents to the National Sports Authority and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, hoping for funding. Some individuals even initiated non-residential campaigns and trained at their own expense, anticipating ministry support.
“However, on April 4, 2025, they informed us of their inability to support the team. With no other option, we had to withdraw from the tournament, which came as a shock to the continent,” she said as reported by JoySports.
Lack of attention to lesser-known sports has been a significant challenge hindering various disciplines from thriving compared to football.
Read Elizabeth King’s remarks below:
“On April 4 they (Sports Ministry) informed us that they couldn’t support the team “
Ghana Hockey Federation Vice President, Elizabeth King on why the U21 hockey withdrew from the Junior Africa Cup tournament.#JoySports pic.twitter.com/1x7bIIfgqZ
— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) April 16, 2025
Meanwhile, watch part 2 of Sports Check with veteran coach JE Sarpong
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