Redhill learner competes in Underwater Hockey World Championships

A young Redhill learner has travelled to England to compete in the Underwater Hockey World Championships.

Grade 11 learner Gemma Muller represented South Africa at the tournament.

Gemma started playing the sport four years ago when she was invited to an open day at Christ Church Underwater Hockey by a friend. “After meeting new friends and playing such a unique sport for a day, I fell in love with it. It intrigued me because it is a unique and three dimensional sport,” she said.

Although it might be a relatively unknown sport in South Africa, underwater hockey, otherwise known as octopush, is played internationally. Muller explained that there were six players on each team who sprinted for a puck which was placed in the middle of the pool. “The players use skill, speed and breath-hold to try and push the puck into the goals.”

There are four substitutes per team who are continuously swopped out. Players hold their breath as they dive to the bottom of the pool and play continuously until either a goal is scored or the referee signals a break in play.

Gemma said it was promising to see more young people getting involved in underwater hockey. “Gauteng was able to send U13 and U15 teams to Junior Nationals this year which I believe is an important step in growing a sport by nurturing the younger players and inspiring them to continue.”

The world championships are held every two years with 30 teams competing in different age groups. To qualify for the national team, Gemma went through a trial process which started at junior nationals in March last year and continued in the form of training camps over weekends until the team was announced at junior nationals this year.

This is the first time that Gemma has played internationally and said it had been one of the most difficult but rewarding experiences she has had. “I have met so many people from different countries such as Colombia, France and New Zealand who all share the same love and passion for underwater hockey as I do. It was a dream to represent my country and play my heart out in every game with a group of girls who have almost become family.”

Details: Redhill School 011 783 4707.

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