Ja take on Hungary for hockey gold
GANGNEUNG, Republic of Korea — Jamaica will seek to repeat their gold medal heroics of four years ago when they face the slick-moving Hungary team today in the floor hockey final of the Special Olympic World Winter Games.
Head of delegation Glendon West said the Jamaicans can secure the top prize if they follow the instructions of head coach Yolanda Reid and the rest of her staff.
“We want to beat Hungary and take that gold medal. We have done it before and once we play to instructions there is no doubt we can be victorious,” he said.
Jamaica, who edged out Canada 8-7 for gold in Idaho in 2009, are the only ones to get the better of Hungary at these Championships — in a riveting 4-2 victory — but also lost to their nemesis on three occasions.
The Jamaica outfit can, however, take some comfort in the fact that during two of those defeats the players held back their best because the games had little significance on their progression in the tournament.
The first loss was during the preliminary stages when organisers sought to separate teams in ranks or divisions and the second defeat came after the Jamaicans were already assured of a spot in the gold medal match.
That is now history and according to West, a fierce clash is on the cards when the two match strength in the most important of clashes.
“It will be difficult against them (Hungary) because they are a good team,” he said.
Later today, the Pyeongchang 2013 Winter Games, which started on January 29, will end with a closing ceremony at the Yongpyong Dome.
The 24-member Jamaica delegation will depart Korea tomorrow.