Ahead of the 9th edition of the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup taking place in South Africa (1-12 April), we’re conducting a series of exclusive interviews with the participating teams. Today: Victoria Bate y Agustina Martínez (URU).
It is the first time that Uruguay will play a Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup. What does this mean to you?
Agustina Martínez: Yes, it is the first time we are going to a World Cup. We qualified in August, which was historic, so for us this was very emotional. It was like a dream that came true. I think that we didn’t even dare to think about it but once we made it, it was very moving, also because we could live this moment with our families and see the emotions this provoked among people in Uruguay.
Victoria, which impact could this qualification have on the development of hockey in your country?
Victoria Bate: Well, I think this marks a turning point for hockey in Uruguay. It makes the new generations think that this is possible and dream about looking for a new qualification in the future.
Agustina, what are your expectations for this world cup?
Agustina: Personally, I think it is very intriguing because either we do not have much information on many of the countries or we have never played against them. So, it is going to be like a surprise. Of course, we will go and give our best, so our expectations will be the highest possible. We are going with everything we’ve got and see with what we will find ourselves over there.
Agustina, is it the first time you are going to South Africa?
Yes, it is the first time for me and as a team, it is the first time we are doing a trip like this one. Some of us have already been to South Africa but for many, it is the first time.
Victoria, how are you getting ready for this event?
Well, we’ve been training for many months following the qualification. Currently, we are playing friendly matches with different clubs from the first division from Uruguay to be able to arrive in the best possible shape and try to keep on fulfilling our dreams once we will reach the World Cup.
