News 15 February 2014
All the news for Saturday 15 February 2014
Black Sticks Women win 1-0 against Great Britain
Olivia Merry and Petrea Webster celebrate a goal during the 2013 Oceania Cup in Stratford. Photo: Daniel Carson
The Black Sticks Women have beaten Great Britain 1-0 today in their third game of the three nations tournament in San Diego.
A goal from Canterbury’s Olivia Merry in the first half was enough to give the Kiwis their first win of the tournament.
It was Great Britain’s last test match before heading home and with all their key players on field and in hot conditions, the Black Sticks were expecting a tough game.
A very intense first half saw both teams create some good chances through open attacking play. With about two minutes before half time, Merry’s goal was the difference with a deflection in front of the goalkeeper.
In the second half, the Black Sticks failed to make the most of their opportunities and were unable to convert.
Great Britain pushed very hard towards the end of the game and were rewarded with a penalty corner on the final whistle but fortunately the Kiwi defence was good enough to hold out and take the win.
“It was really pleasing to get ahead 1-0 and even though we couldn’t score again, we were able to hold out the game which is something we haven’t done for a while,” said Black Stick Sam Charlton.
“We continued to chase and harass and that resulted in lots of turnover in the centre of the field which helped our performance and secured the win.”
North Harbour’s Petrea Webster had a solid performance playing her 50th international test match.
Stand out performers from today’s match were Rosie Keddell and Charlton.
The last time the Black Sticks Women won an official test against England was in October 2010 –a 4-1 win at the New Delhi Commonwealth Games.
The Black Sticks play USA tomorrow at 11am (NZ time) before playing their final game of the tournament against the home side at 9.30am on Tuesday (NZ time).
The three nations tournament includes New Zealand, USA and Great Britain and runs until 18 February.
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Investec SA hockey girls win eight-goal thriller against Scotland
JONATHAN COOK in Pretoria
Investec SA striker Tanya Britz in control as Scotland's Becky Ward comes across during the first Test at Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria Friday night. Photo: REG CALDECOTT
Scotland may have ended up on the wrong side of an eight-goal thriller in the first Test at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in Pretoria Friday night but the Scots and an equally impressive Investec South Africa women’s hockey team gave the crowd a spectacle to savour.
The 5-3 final scoreline was just a fraction of the number of quality goalscoring chances both sides carved out as hard-pressed defences were forced to scramble to contain the inventiveness and sheer pace of the attacking forays.|
SA led 3-1 at half-time, but Scotland’s Ailsa Wyllie got the first goal after just 43 seconds before South Africa’s Illse Davids (fifth minute), Candice Manuel (22nd) and Lilian du Plessis (30th) hit back for the two-goal margin at the changeover.
Penalty corners aplenty, as well as open-play chances, came and went during and after the break, with Scotland – enjoying a good patch of play - drawing level 3-3 via top goals from Cat Ralph in the 47th and Nikki Lloyd a minute later (48th).
SA missed a chance from the penalty spot when Du Plessis’ effort brought a fine save out of in-form Scotland goalkeeper Nicola Cochrane low to her right. But the last 10 minutes saw a strong-finishing South Africa pile on the pressure, Davids and Manuel combining for Du Plessis to make the score 4-3 (60th minute).
SA settled the game five minutes from the end (65th) when Celia Evans showed tremendous tenacity to keep control under immense pressure before cracking in the girls in green and gold’s fifth and final goal.
The second and third Tests are at TUT at 3pm both Saturday and Sunday. The fourth is Tuesday at 6.30pm and the fifth on Wednesday at 1.30pm.
MORE DETAIL
The match had exploded into action after 43 seconds when Vikki Bunce cracked in an accurate cross from the left wing, to which Wyllie got the vital touch past SA goalkeeper Anelle van Deventer (1-0).
South Africa bounced back immediately with a number of chances before Davids had the last say when she made no mistake in the fifth minute with a well-placed shot (1-1).
Both sides were transferring the ball at pace, making for end-to-end action. Scotland were awarded a second penalty corner with 16 minutes to half-time and a deceptive variation saw Ralph’s sizzling shot from the edge of the strike zone brilliantly saved by Van Deventer, stretched far to her right
Then a stunning Manuel strike from open play flashed into the net in the 22nd minute for the girls in green and gold to go 2-1 up. In the 30th minute Du Plessis made room for herself before smashing a beautiful backhand that thudded into the backboard (3-1).
SA Hockey Association media release
SA men’s hockey team named for Argentina tour
The South African Hockey Association released the names Friday of the national men’s team that will compete in a five-Test series against Argentina in Mar del Plata in March.
The team leaves for Argentina on Wednesday next week (February 19) and returns on March 3.
The side will be under the stewardship of new head coach Fabian Gregory, the former Investec South Africa women’s hockey team assistant coach.
The Investec SA women’s team leave on the same flight, also for a 5-Test series against Argentina in Mar del Plata. The SA men’s and women’s teams depart for Argentina on Emirates Airlines at 19:15 on Wednesday, February 19.
The players will assemble at Mugg & Bean at OR Tambo from 15:00.
SA MEN’S HOCKEY TEAM
Rassie Pieterse, Gowan Jones, Jethro Eustice, Ashlin Freddy, Robin Jones, Dylan Swanepoel, Mohamed Mea, Matt Guise-Brown, Owen Mvimbi, Clint Panther, Jaco Fourie, Daniel Sibbald, Lungi Tsolekile, Cuan Burton-Moore, Pierre de Voux, Ignatuis Malgraff, Taine Paton, Taylor Dart, Nicholas Spooner.
SA Hockey Association media release
European Indoor season reaches climax
(Photo: Peter Savage)
It is a big weekend for European indoor hockey as the top men's club sides from 31 nations do battle in four separate indoor tournaments across four venues. The line-up of teams at all four venues demonstrates the breadth of indoor hockey across the continent.
Competing for the coveted EuroHockey Indoor Club Champions Cup, club sides from Belgium, England, Spain, France, Germany, Russia, Sweden and the Ukraine, who have all been crowned champions of their own domestic leagues, will be playing at East Grinstead in England. Pool matches will take place on Friday and Saturday, with the first classification matches beginning Saturday afternoon the semi-finals and finals taking place on Saturday evening. Sunday will see the final classification matches in the morning and the medal matches in the afternoon. For more information, click here.
In Belarus, home side HC Minsk is hosting the EuroHockey Indoor Club Trophy competition. Here club sides from Austria, Belarus, Croatia, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Scotland and Switzerland will be chasing glory in indoor club hockey's second tier event. For more information click here.
Meanwhile, the EuroHockey Indoor Club Challenge 1 will be hosted by Prague in the Czech Republic, while the competing teams in Indoor Club Challenge 2 will be travelling to Serbia to play at Banja Kanjiza. The number of relative newcomers in the competition is an indicator of the sport's growing popularity. Club teams competing in Prague represent Armenia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Wales, while club sides from Bulgaria, Finland, Georgia, Norway, Slovenia and Turkey will be battling alongside Spartak EV for honours in Challenge 2. For more information on Prague, click here and for information on Banja Kanjiza click here.
FIH site
Two wins from two matches ensures strong start for Grove Menzieshill
Photo Credit http://www.xkminsk.by/trophy2014minsk/en/pictures
Grove Menzieshill find themselves in a healthy position at the top of Pool A after day one of the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champions Trophy in Minsk, Belarus.
Chris Anderson’s side defeated Soerbymagle HK in their opening match, running out 11-6 winners. Ross McPherson helped himself to four goals, Sam Tilson notched a hat-trick, while Michael Ross and Josh Cairns both registered a double each.
The Taysiders’ second contest against SV Kampong appeared to be a tough match at the outset, but last season’s National Indoor League champions ran out comfortable 5-1 winners in the end.
They found themselves 2-0 up at half-time courtesy of strikers from Callum Boag and Ross McPherson.
Dylan Petrus Vermeij pulled SV Kampong back into the contest two minutes after half-time, but further goals from Craig Falconer, Ben Cromar and McPherson, registering his sixth goal of the day, ensured a 5-1 victory at full-time.
Grove Menzieshill are now certain to qualify for the promotion pool starting tomorrow afternoon. A win against HAHK Mladost in their final Pool A match at 7.40 GMT tomorrow morning would set a strong foundation for the Dundonians to push for a top two finish in the competition.
All matches will be broadcast live on the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champions website. Please also see the website for fixtures, results, pool standings, pictures and more.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Two Teams will get tickets to Nanjing, tomorrow
Cross over to be defined, tomorrow. Argentina and USA won the two games, today.
Josefina Chavez Diaz
Day 3 of the Hockey5s, 2014 Pan American Youth Championship in Uruguay started with a sunny morning.
First game of the day was between Mexico and Uruguay. Even thou the host gained the 3 points, the Mexicans battled the whole match and Uruguay’s victory was not easy.
The second game was between Argentina and USA. This was the best match of the tournament, so far. The American team, conducted by Tamara Durante had the possession at the two first halves and leaded 4-1. But Argentina jumped into the 3 period and turned the score in their favor 5-4. In the final minutes USA was able to score and the game ended 5-5.
The Americans kept their winning pace and showed their leadership scoring 8-2 against Mexico.
Uruguay and Argentina closed the second round of the tournament. Gonzalo Ferrer’s girls scored early but Capurro’s team reacted and took the lead. The game ended 6-2 in favor of Argentina.
Argentina will face Mexico and Uruguay will play against USA in the semi-finals.
In the afternoon fans will have the chance to watch the final game on live streaming; and the two winners of a spot at the 2014, Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China.
Pan American Hockey Federation
Kalinga-Wizards lift Hockey India League from punging into perpetual mediocrity
K Arumugam
The exciting contest between UP Wizards and Kalinga Lancers on Bhubneswar has surely lifted the second edition of the Hero Hockey India League -- which started with a flurry of goals and action but somehow meandered into mediocrity in between – to a level it is expected to be.
Playing against full crowd, Kalinga Lancers won the hearts of hockey fans with an ever-improving performance, able to clear 0-2 arrears first and then tied 3-3 against much settled visitors on Wednesday. Two minutes before the hooter, Tushar Khandkar gave the match winner for the Wizards, booking their entry into the semifinal.
The manner both teams played throughout the duration of the match did wonders for the ongoing HHIL 2014 which otherwise lapsed into the less-goal syndrome of late. Simple numbers suffice.
Before Bhubneswar resurrection of HHIL, the five matches after 15th match produced just 22 goals, significantly just 8 goals in the second half, leaving spectators nothing to cherish. Two out last three matches before the KL-UPW clash, saw just a goal apiece in each matche, in between one contest turned out to be a tame drawn affair.
Even hardly were there any good number of penalty corners for the spectators to take relish their moments. What instead one saw was brute physical play leading to major injury in each match, Mandeep Antil, Ashley Jackson etc to quote a few.
These were what expected of HHIL, but a good, consistent quality hockey to entice and entertain drawing room of homes and stands at the stadiums.
With each player commanding great sums to be part of HHIL, and equally media build up, presence of a film star as co-owner, all ok, but where were the thrills and frills of hockey that can only ensure success of the long drawn out league such this, which undoubtedly is launch pad of reviving hockey’s dwindling fan base.
Thankfully, Bhubneswar’s great stuff today helped deflect and defy the trend, though it remains to be seen how others matches will fan out in the coming days.
The rise of Kalinga, despite not getting enough points on the ranking table, inject a sense of competitiveness to the HHIL which was woefully let down by Mumbai team.
With teething problems of Kalinga almost sorted out, the likes of Gonzalo Peillat, Lalit Upadhyaya, and goalie Harjot Singh come to the fore.
It took 23 matches for the HHIL to generate its first one hundred goals speaks lack of desired number of goals, more so against the fact that five matches produced only a goal each.
Stick2Hockey.com
A successful outing for Kalinga Lancers
Debutant Kalinga Lancers registered its most emphatic win of the Hero Hockey India League, downing neighbour Ranchi Rhinos 4-1 at the Kalinga stadium here on Friday.
Argentine Gonzalo Peillat scored twice while Aron Zalewski and Devinder Walmiki found the target once each to complete the most successful outing for the side placed fifth among six teams. Rhinos got its only goal through Pradhan Somanna.
Lancers made one of the best starts, working up a 3-0 lead in the first-half, more specifically in the second quarter. Lancers, led by the solid combination of Australians Russel Ford, Glenn Simpson and Zalewski, enjoyed greater ball possession and converted the advantage into a goal in the 23rd minute when Zalewski moved up to finish a fine field goal.
Walmiki doubled the lead in the 27th following the host’s first penalty corner. Rhinos’ goalkeeper Shushant Tirkey saved a drag-flick off Lancers defender Peillat but Walmiki quickly availed of the rebound to enhance the lead. Peillat made it 3-0 in the 33rd minute after getting his flick right off Lancers’ fourth penalty corner.
Wresting the initiative
Both Rhinos and Lancers, who lost their respective matches in the previous round, looked desperate for a win but the latter wrested the initiative with some attacking moves. Lancers, which was also looking to avenge the 3-2 loss it suffered away to Rhinos, was highly motivated and preserved the healthy margin till the end.
Rhinos got one back in the third quarter (44th minute) when Somanna scored a fine field goal as the visitors tried to get back into the match. The persistent Rhinos earned five penalty corners in the final quarter but failed to score even as man-of-the-match Peillat mounted a solo counter-attack and slotted home a fine field goal to complete the scoring in the 69th minute.
The result: Kalinga Lancers 4 (Aron Zalewski 23, Devinder Walmiki 27, Gonzalo Peillat 33, 69) bt Ranchi Rhinos 1 (Pradhan Somanna 44).
The Hindu
Peillat's twin strike helps Lancers stun Rhinos 4-1 in HIL
BHUBANESWAR: Gonzalo Peillat scored a double to guide debutants Kalinga Lancers to a stunning 4-1 victory over title holders Ranchi Rhinos in a league match of the second edition of Hockey India League (HIL), on Friday.
They might be out of the semifinal race, but the Lancers gave the defending champions some thinking to do ahead of the business end of the tournament by pumping in three goals in the opening half before finding the net again just at the stroke of the final hooter to register the comfortable win.
It was Lancers penultimate match in this year's HHIL and they played like true champions without any pressure.
After a sedate first quarter, the Lancers scored three goals in the second quarter to take a sizable 3-0 lead.
The Lancers first scored from a field effort through Aron Zalewski (23rd minute) before Devinder Walmiki (28th) and Peillat scored from penalty corners to go into the breather leading 3-0.
After the change of ends, the Rhinos reduced the margin through Pradhan Somanna's field goal in the 45th minute.
But Peillat (70th) scored a field goal just seconds from the final hooter to hand the Lancers a commanding victory over the Ranchi outfit, who had defeated the Orissa side 3-2 in their previous encounter this year.
The win gave Lancers five points and took their points tally to 16 points from nine games.
The Rhinos, on the other hand, failed to garner a single point and continue to remain at the fourth spot with 24 points from eight matches.
The Lancers will play Dabur Mumbai Magicians in their final game of HHIL 2014 in Mumbai on Saturday, while the Rhinos will take on Jaypee Punjab Warriors in Mohali later in the day.
The Times of India
Delhi to take on winless Mumbai on Saturday
MUMBAI: Laggards Mumbai Magicians would desperately look for a win against table-toppers Delhi Waveriders when they clash in their penultimate Hockey India League home tie on Saturday.
The Mumbai franchise, last edition's wooden spoonists, would be rejuvenated after a long break but face a formidable task against the Sardar Singh-led Waveriders.
Mumbai, who are to clash with Kalinga Lancers on Sunday to complete their home engagements, have been consistently poor barring a few games which includes their first leg tie against Delhi which they narrowly lost.
The Delhi outfit had earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Magicians on their home turf.
Despite being in control for most part of the match the Magicians allowed the Waveriders to take the game away in the last few minutes.
"We will go out and play well tomorrow. It is very much important for us to win and will try not repeating the mistakes in our game against Delhi Waveriders and the team has been working on that," said Mumbai coach MK Kaushik.
"I agree that the advantage will be with Delhi Waveriders as they have already qualified for the semifinals, hence they can go easy for tomorrow's game but it's very much important for us to win tomorrow," Kaushik added.
Magicians skipper Glenn Turner said they would like to end the season on a better note by securing a win.
"We are practicing hard and making our full effort to perform well in our next match against Delhi Waveriders. We definitely want to win tomorrow's game. It will be good for us to finish the tournament on a stronger note," the Aussie said.
Waveriders, who had finished runners-up last year, are currently leading the standings with 34 points from 9 games, while the Magicians are placed last with 7 points from the same number of matches.
Delhi would like to keep the winning momentum going into the semifinals for which they have already qualified irrespective of the result on Saturday.
"We are satisfied with the performance of our team in the last two games and the entire unit is motivated to have entered the semifinals. Even though we have qualified for the next round, for tomorrow we will play with our full strength to win the match and further consolidate our position on the points table," Delhi skipper Sardar Singh said.
Delhi coach Cedric D'Souza said they would not be taking their opponents lightly.
"Mumbai is a strong team and they have proved it in their games till now. Although we have qualified for semi finals but the team will be out tomorrow for a win," he said.
The Times of India
Cedric stresses on recovery as key to Delhi success
Nandakumar Marar
Delhi Waveriders skipper Sardar Singh and coach Cedric D’Souza are clear that there will no let-up in intensity at the Mahindra stadium against winless Dabur Mumbai Magicians at the Hero Hockey India League 2014 Saturday night game.
DW top the league table with 34 points and can afford to experiment after confirming semifinal qualification. “We are working towards having a set team in time for the semifinal, so will play our usual game,” said playmaker Sardara, also the current India captain.
Cedric, former national men’s coach, stressed on the recovery part. “All teams are playing very well, though it may not reflect in the points tally. In such a long tournament with many matches, players’ recovery is what makes the difference. We monitor our players’ performance on the field and recovery using a special software.”
The coach added: “It is to the collective credit of players and coaching staff that we have crossed our first target by reaching the semis. Now it is about keeping the momentum going and taking it one match at a time.”
Mumbai Magicians was worthy of respect, felt the Delhi coach despite occupying the last place in the six-team league. “Mumbai is an excellent side, quality players in Glenn Turner, V Vinaya and two good goalkeepers. It is unfortunate that they are not able to win more.”
The Hindu
...GOLD is goal
Y.B. SARANGI
Indian Hockey team captain Sardar Singh , in New Delhi . Photo: V. Sudershan
Indian captain Sardar Singh, now playing for Delhi Waveriders in the ongoing Indian Hockey League in the city, shares with Y.B. SARANGI the target he has set for himself, the team, the sport
Hailing from a small village near Sirsa (Haryana), Sardar learnt his early lessons in the sport from a nursery of hockey run by Sikh sect Namdharis at Sri Jeevan Nagar. On showing his potential, he was transferred to Sri Bhaini Sahib, near Ludhiana, for further grooming. His first big exposure came in the Premier Hockey League (PHL) in 2005 and five years later he found himself placed among the top-11 in the world and then among the best five.
“Whatever I am today is because of our Guruji Jagjit Singh and Thakur Uday Singh. Because of their initiative, 17-18 international players have emerged from our village. There were two Olympians before me. Current international players such as Malak Singh, Gurmail Singh belong to my place. Many of these players have got good jobs because of hockey.
“I am grateful to my family, especially my mother, who supported me through the difficult times in the early days,” he adds.
Humble beginning
Sardar, brother of international Didar Singh, says even though he has come a long way from his humble background, his passion for the sport and the lure of wearing Indian colours remain intact.
“As a youngster I used to watch great players like Jamie Dwyer and Teun de Nooijer on TV with huge admiration. I am lucky to play with them today. Winning a Commonwealth Games medal (silver) after beating England in a close semi-final clash in front of home crowd is the most memorable moment so far, Sardar says, “There is nothing like playing for the country. I still get goose bumps when the National anthem is played before a match.”
Sardar, with all sincerity, is on the path of self-improvement. It always spurs him to give his best.
“Everyone says you are a good player. But I feel I am yet to reach my peak. Sometimes, when I am alone in my room, I feel I am not good enough. I am not satisfied with my performance. I wish to become the (FIH) Player of the Year. I want to play for the country for a long time and continue my association with the sport even beyond it.”
Whenever he plays a match, he watches its footage on his I-pad and tries to figure out his flaws. “Sometimes, I spend sleepless nights thinking about a particular mistake. I think I should not have committed such a mistake after playing so much hockey and doing so much training.”
Commitment to the sport is an inherent part of Sardar’s persona and managing his fitness, like any other elite sportsperson, is an essential requirement of this trait. The 27-year-old is aware of the fact that he is racing towards his 30s and changing his habits according to the demands of the body.
“When you are in your early 20s, you can afford to train hard and party hard. But when you become older, recovery becomes slower. If I have to play well, I have to have some control over myself....Back to back matches and too much of travelling take their toll on the body. But I try to cope with all this and maintain myself.”
Magic touch of HIL
Sardar feels HIL has done a world of good to the younger Indian players. “The HIL provides a good opportunity to play matches with top internationals and learn from them. Earlier, we used to fear the stronger teams and bigger players. Now we see them from very close and get to know about them. In the last edition, once I saw a rookie player, Mandeep Singh, sharing a joke with a stalwart, Floris Evers (both play for Ranchi Rhinos)!”
He also points out, “Look at the way we beat Germany in the Hockey World League. We gain a lot of confidence from HIL and it gives us some talented players for the national team.”
The present may not be perfect, but Sardar is hopeful about the future of the national side. “We have some good players and the younger players are keen to learn and improve. With more and more experience they will become better. The current coach (Terry Walsh from Australia) is one of the best in the business and High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans is providing some useful inputs,” he underlines.
Goals for future
Sardar has his target ready for the team. “Our target is to win the Asian Games gold and do well in the Commonwealth Games, besides finishing 5th or 6th in the World Cup this year.”
Academy dreams
On the hockey field or off it, Sardar charms you with his humility. With equal ease, he reveals his big plans in the coming years.“Recently, I played for Dutch Club Blomendaal and saw how good their system was. I want to establish a residential school-cum academy in Haryana. I am planning to spot talented kids from rural areas of the country and put them in the academy. I have to learn advanced coaching methods and implement those here. Inviting top coaches to the academy to train the kids is also part of my plans.
Coach too
Besides, he wants to make a difference as a coach. “I want to see Indian hockey regain its days of glory,” he signs off.
The Hindu
I find it difficult to sleep after losing: Sardar Singh
Paaji, what will you ask? I hope it will be a normal interview?" Sardar Singh sounded worried. When told he would be TOI's Guest Sports Editor for the day, he kept quiet. The shy, almost reticent skipper of Indian team and Delhi Waveriders (in HIL), who has taken on fierce rivals like Australia, Germany and Pakistan with unwavering grit and tenacity for years, was for once struggling to put the stick to the ball.
But the world's top playmaker was not going to run away from this challenge. Like always, he was ready to play ball. He reached the Times of India office on time, the trademark shy smile on his face and a mind full of questions. You could sense he was a bit nervous but he soon settled down and got talking — about the sport he loves and plays with so much passion.
There is not a bone of pretence in Sardar's imposing frame, no acquired airs of a world star. And no, he does not duck tricky questions, like the ones about his girlfriend in London and his marriage plans.
He revealed how he ran away from the hockey academy in the early years as he hated waking up at 4am and going through the grind. He was coaxed and cajoled by his mother to return and is now thankful for that because most of his friends who ran away are still in the village, without jobs.
He talked about how he was a disaster during a match against Pakistan in Lahore in front of 50,000 fans, and decided to migrate to the US to earn a living. "The Namdhari XI team toured California every year, and I thought that was the last chance for me."
It was not. Life changed and the flat-footed sardar who played as a linkman became a "freeman" (a hockey term for a roving midfielder), the fulcrum around whom the team revolves.
After almost two hours of a long interaction with the Times Sport team and Senior Editors, Sardar smiled: "Paaji, I have never spoken so much at a stretch in my life." He looked relieved as if a tough match had been won. Well, it had been. He visit was like a breath of fresh air, his honest story-telling spell-binding.
* Excerpts from the interaction:
It has been an eventful journey for you. Did you ever doubt your ability as one of the best hockey players in the world?
In 2003 we had a tour of Pakistan with the junior team. Harendra Singh was the coach. We were playing in Lahore. The coach had full faith in me. There was a huge crowd. I don't think I touched the ball even once. Afterwards, I told one of my teammates: "Nahin yaar, mushkil kaam hai yeh (This is a difficult job)."
At that time I was in the Namdhari academy and every year the academy team would participate in the California Cup in America. I thought I would try and find a place in the team to California, try to get a visa and then find a club to play for and do odd jobs. I did not find a place in the junior World Cup team. But after that I was among those in a senior camp. All big stars like Dhanraj Pillay, Jugraj Singh, Gagan Ajit Singh — the ones I used to watch on TV — were in the camp.
After that my name featured in the senior camps, but not in the team. Then Premier Hockey League started and I got to play for Hyderabad Sultans. I was new but I performed well. After that I was in the team for the tour to Pakistan. Then came a four-nation tournament and the 2006 Commonwealth Games. I slowly became a regular member of the national side.
Going back, what ignited your love for hockey?
In my village Santhnagar, near Sirsa, hockey is the only craze. My brother used to play hockey. I did not like going to school. My brother Didar (a former national player) played hockey and I started accompanying him to the grounds. The coach used to give us hockey sticks which had to be deposited back after each day's play. I still remember the day I was given a very old stick. After that I joined the Namdhari academy. The academy used to pick 40 players every year and send them to another Namdhari academy near Ludhiana, where they had an astro-turf. I was then in class VI. I left the academy twice because the coach was very strict.
You almost quit hockey then?
We used to be very afraid of him. We had to get up at 4 am in the morning even in the peak of winter and be at the ground by 5. I left the academy since I hated getting up so early. My parents asked me what I wanted to do in life. Thankfully, I changed my mind. A group of six-seven kids had left the academy and I was one of them. "Aaj woh saare aise he gaon mein ghum rahe hain (Today they are still in the village, doing nothing)."
So who motivated you to return?
My mother and maternal grandfather. I joined Indian Oil — thanks to Joaquim Carvalho — and was selected for the India camp. Had I not gotten up at 4 every morning and dedicated myself to hockey, I too would have been just another villager today.
Has the enthusiasm for hockey picked up in Haryana villages?
Since the Haryana government announced cash awards for international medallists, hockey's popularity has grown. More and more hockey players are coming from Haryana and Punjab. Haryana has doubled the prize money and that motivates people. I received a cash award of Rs 52 lakhs for the silver in the Delhi Commonwealth Games.
What did you do with the money?
I used a part of the award to install lights on the road connecting my village to the stadium, and also within the village. Around 120 athletes travel two kilometres to reach the stadium. Even girls (15-20) have started to enroll, which was not the case earlier.
Was financial support a problem early on?
When I was young my parents didn't have enough money. There was a company which used to sponsor us. Nobody knew us. Those were tough times. My father would often go to Singapore for work and mother was the lone support system. A basic pair of shoes would cost Rs 400-500. My mother would borrow money from relatives to buy me shoes and kit.
When did you get your first stick?
The credit goes to my Namdhari guru, Thakur Uday Singh. He would take care of our education and provide special teachers. I studied till the12th standard.
The average cricketer earns much more than the average hockey player. Is that frustrating?
There's a big difference between cricket and hockey. But in the last two-three years, things have started to improve, especially after the introduction of the Hockey India League. All good players have jobs in Air India, Indian Oil etc. An average hockey player can now earn his bread and butter. But I must say that there is a typical mindset among players. Despite being skilled and young, they quit the sport after getting a job.
Did such thoughts ever cross your mind?
No. I always associated with good players. For the past few years, I have been playing with the world's best players like Australia's Jamie Dwyer and Dutch star Teun de Nooijer. Being named among the world's best players has motivated me.
There's a perception that you take defeats very hard...
I find it difficult to sleep after losing a match. We work so hard during training and must try to avoid small mistakes at any cost. I personally watch match videos again and again on my Ipad and look for solutions and try not to repeat them.
What is Indian hockey's need of the hour?
We need more turfs. During my sojourn in Holland, I noticed that each club has 6-7 turfs with all possible equipment. There are a lot of academies in Punjab that are working on a similar model.
Has HIL been helpful for players?
Yes, we are the lucky beneficiaries of the HIL under chairman Narinder Batra. The league has given young players an opportunity to play with the world's best.
HIL and the Dutch League both have top players participating, but there is still a difference in the quality. Where do we primarily come up short?
Training. Earlier, coaches would make us run for 70 minutes or make us spend three hours at the ground. But that training was of no use since our muscles would settle accordingly. But there has been a dramatic change in the last few years. We've had some of the best coaches and now we train for a shorter duration, but it's high intensity 'pressure' training.
There was a time before the Asia Cup when six-seven of our players were injured and for us it was a do-or-die tournament. We would have been out of the World Cup had we lost but we underwent a training session under high performance director Roelant Oltmans. He spent a month with us and the results showed immediately.
Indian hockey has seen a number of coaches in the past few years. There was Harendra Singh, Jose Brasa, Michael Nobbs and now Terry Walsh and Oltmans. How tough is it to adjust to different coaching philosophies?
It is not easy. But I feel once a player has put in 3-4 years at the national level he has a basic understanding of his strengths and weaknesses. A coach tells you what needs to be done but a good player knows how he needs to do it. Education and language problem have never been an issue. We always had assistant coaches who translate things for us.
Under Brasa, I played as a 'freeman'. He was in favour of ball possession and counter-attack in open spaces. Nobbs and trainer David Jones worked tremendously on our fitness levels. Now Walsh is working with the team and has a good reputation.
Ric Charlesworth came and returned home with some bad memories. He went on to become Australia's coach. India manages to put up a respectable show against other teams but when it comes to Australia the matches are always one-sided...
We need to be mentally tougher. I believe 70% of hockey is played in the mind. One should enter the field with a lot of motivation.
Defence has been a grey area for us...
In the World League, we dominated all our matches in the first half but couldn't keep up with the pace in the second due to lack of fitness. Walsh is concentrating on that.
The sport is moving away from skill-based play to a highly technical style. Who according to you is the Shahbaz of hockey today?
The sport doesn't have famous names anymore. Once, hockey had names like Dhyan Chand. But I feel all junior players who can give 10-15 years to hockey will make a name for themselves.
Your take on the Bharat Ratna for Tendulkar instead of Dhyan Chand?
I won't like to take sides. Sachinpaaji has been a legend in his own way and dada Dhyan Chand ka toh koi jawab nahin (He is incomparable).
Who is the best Indian hockey player you have personally seen in action?
Jugraj Singh. He was daring and positive. He had strong will power. Even now when he plays in the domestic circuit, no one can steal the ball from him despite the fact that he had steel rods inserted in his body after his accident. Then there is Dhanraj Pillay.
And international?
Teun de Nooijer has played five Olympics and has four Olympic medals. He was there with me in Bloemendaal club. He is very down to earth. And of course, Jamie Dwyer.
What's your future plan?
I would like to start an academy in future and invite all top players for camps. There is a lot of talent in villages but they don't have enough facilities or good coaching.
Your passing skills are the stuff of legend...
My peripheral vision is very strong. I look for hints. From the corner of my eye, if I see the colour of the kit, be it the shoes or the socks, I pass immediately. One has to react quickly as the centre of the field is a dangerous area with three defenders putting pressure on you. It is really important to pre-scan the field before receiving the ball, the placement of our players and their reach.
How much time will the Indian team take to break into the top-6?
It will take some time. Australia and Germany are way ahead.
Why did we perform so poorly in London Olympics?
In my opinion we were tired. We underwent a month-long training camp but over-exerted our bodies with too much match practice against France and Spain. The planning went haywire.
When will India stop conceding last-minute goals?
It all comes down to fitness. I tell my teammates that all 16 players have to lead. I alone cannot shout out instructions for 70 minutes. Everyone needs to use common sense.
In the World League match against Germany we were leading 3-2 and you were on strike, but instead of going for the shot you made a pass. Germany drew the match...
I was at fault and take full responsibility. I was in two minds about whether to stop the ball or hit it.
How tough is it to remain disciplined off the field as well?
My reputation means people have high expectations from me. It is very important to be consistent. One has to concentrate on the body. A 28-year-old body will not recover as fast as a 24-year-old body. After a late night in discos, one can't give 100% in the field next morning. We also feel like going out, eating junk food but for the sake of the body and proper training one has make sacrifices.
Where did you meet your special one? Is marriage on the cards?
I met her before the Olympics in London. I am in no hurry to marry. Marriage can wait for two more years. I want to concentrate on my game and play till the Rio Olympics. After that, it will depend on my fitness levels.
Is age a barrier?
In modern hockey you have 8-10 years to give your best. Europeans last 3-4 years more because of their diet and weather. Their good players are given proper rest. Countries send second rung teams to other events. Sometimes I feel old. I'm 28. On other occasions, during training, I try to compete with the younger lot like Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh etc.
What is your personal training regimen?
I work out with the team and then tone muscles separately in the gym, depending on the strength I have left.
How much running does a hockey player do in a match?
A football player runs around 6-7 kilometres but a hockey player goes anything between 17 and 18 km. We lose about 2 kg in every match.
Players from which state are involved most in the team meetings?
To each his own. For example, Kothajit (Singh) is a good player but doesn't like to speak much on the field. Some speak more, some less. I don't speak much off the field but on it I speak the most.
What is the best moment of your career?
Being named in the World XI players was one of my best. Also, the CWG semifinal against England, when we were trailing 3-2 with 15 minutes left. We saw people leaving the stadium. The team came together and we drew level, then went on to beat England in the penalty shootout.
How do you destress?
I like to watch Lionel Messi and Maradona's videos apart from listening to Punjabi music. I think about being one of the top 11 players in the world and watch my past performances.
Messi and Maradona?
Football and hockey have a lot in common. I watch Maradona's ball movement, his warm-up and style of playing and finishing.
What kind of music do you listen to?
Mostly Punjabi...Yo Yo Honey Singh and Babbu Maan. I am just a bathroom singer.
What after Rio?
I want to start my own academy. Go to Bloemendaal club along with a few more and train there. I may also try my hand at coaching.
(Transcribed by Ritu Sejwal)
The Times of India
Wimbledon target top four
Wimbledon plan
PROMOTED to the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League Premier Division for the first time last season, Wimbledon could climb into the top four if they beat second-placed Reading on Sunday.
After winning the NOW: Pensions Conference East last term, Wimbledon have stormed the Premier Division, and currently lay fifth having won half of their league games so far – including a shock win over leaders Beeston.
Wimbledon manager Ben Marsden said: “It’s going to be a tough game for us, but it’s one that we’re looking forward to.
“We played really well against Surbiton and were unlucky not to get the win last weekend, so we’re hoping to carry that form into the match against Reading.
“We’re very happy with the way we’ve been playing, the momentum we’ve had and the way we’ve stepped up to our first season in the Premier Division as a club.
“At the start of the season our basic objective was survival, but we had dreams of a place in the top five. It’s great to be there, but it’s going to be tough to hold that position.”
After having drawn with Wimbledon 4-4 last weekend, Surbiton will want to preserve their spot in the top four when they entertain leaders Beeston.
Canterbury play host to Cannock and Sheffield Hallam entertain Loughborough Students in the day’s other matches. East Grinstead versus Hampstead and Westminster is not being played this weekend as East Grinstead are hosting and playing in the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champions Cup this weekend.
The new leaders of the NOW: Pensions Conference West, Indian Gymkhana take on Havant at Thornbury Avenue, while Team Bath Buccaneers will want to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat when they host the University of Exeter.
Having moved up to second spot following last weekend’s win over West Bridgford, Bowdon have top spot in their sights when they go to Khalsa in the NOW: Pensions Conference North. Meanwhile leaders Brooklands Manchester University play host to Belper.
Leaders Holcombe face a tough test in the NOW: Pensions Conference East, with Teddington providing the opposition on Sunday. Elsewhere, second-placed Southgate head to Richmond and will go top if they win and Holcombe lose.
* The League Committee has directed that last Saturday's postponed Hampstead & Westminster versus Sheffield Hallam match should be played at Sheffield. The game will be played at Abbeydale on the slip date of 22 February 2014, time to be notified in next Monday's Newsletter.
League Finals Weekend
The winners of the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League and the Investec Women’s Hockey League will be crowned over two action-packed weekends at Reading Hockey Club in April. The top four Premier Division teams qualify for their respective finals weekends, laying off against each other to be crowned league champions.
The men’s finals will take place on the 5-6 April while the women will battle it out a week later from 12-13 April. Tickets are now available to purchase for both weekends, please visit www.englandhockey.co.uk/tickets
NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League (Sunday, February 16 2014)
NOW: Pensions Premier Division
Canterbury v Cannock 12:45
Reading v Wimbledon 14:30
Sheffield Hallam v Loughborough Students 13:30
Surbiton v Beeston 14:00
NOW: Pensions Conference East
Bromley and Beckenham v Old Loughtonians 13:00
Holcombe v Teddington 14:30
Oxted v Cambridge City 12:45
Richmond v Southgate 13:30
St Albans v Brighton and Hove 14:00
NOW: Pensions Conference West
Fareham v Cheltenham 13:30
Indian Gymkhana v Havant 16:30
Isca v Guildford 12:30
Team Bath Buccaneers v University of Exeter 13:00
University of Birmingham v Cardiff and Met 12:30
NOW: Pensions Conference North
Brooklands MU v Belper 13:45
Khalsa v Bowdon 14:30
Leek v University of Durham 14:00
Wakefield v Olton and West Warwickshire 14:00
West Bridgford v Deeside Ramblers 13:30
England Hockey Board Media release
Surbiton face weekend double
Surbiton Reading - Sarah Page
THE new leaders of the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division, Surbiton will be aiming for a double winning weekend with both league and cup clashes.
They entertain Leicester in the league on Saturday, before heading to Beeston 24 hours later in the quarter finals of the Investec Women’s Cup.
While second-placed Canterbury have a game in hand, that isn’t being played until the following week – and looking ahead all eyes will surely be on the crucial clash between the top two on March 8.
Surbiton drew 1-1 with Leicester earlier in the season, but manager Mark Atherton said: “Leicester will always give us a tough challenge, and we’re missing our international players. But we will go into that match with confidence.
“The league campaign is very much our priority, but we will by and large field our full first team for the Cup match too. We’ve invested very much in our young players over recent years, and we’re seeing the fruits of that with an average age in the squad of less than 23.”
Elsewhere, Canterbury go to strugglers Sutton Coldfield in search of a win to keep the pressure on the new leaders, while Reading will want to bounce back from last weekend’s loss to Surbiton when they head to the University of Birmingham. A victory there could put them top of the table.
Bowdon Hightown eye a place in the top four, and could achieve that if they win at Beeston, while Clifton play host to bottom of the league Olton and West Warwickshire.
In the Investec Conference North leaders Wakefield face a trip to second-placed Brooklands Poynton, with the winners guaranteed top spot.
Leaders Holcombe entertain bottom-placed Chelmsford in the Investec Conference East, while East Grinstead will be aiming to close the six-point gap when they travel to Old Loughtonians.
After a late goal helped them salvage a narrow 2-1 win at Trojans, leaders Buckingham face third-placed Oxford Hawks in the Investec Conference West. Meanwhile, second-placed Slough could go top if they beat Isca.
League Finals Weekend
The winners of the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League and the Investec Women’s Hockey League will be crowned over two action-packed weekends at Reading Hockey Club in April. The top four Premier Division teams qualify for their respective finals weekends, laying off against each other to be crowned league champions.
The men’s finals will take place on the 5-6 April while the women will battle it out a week later from 12-13 April. Tickets are now available to purchase for both weekends, please visit www.englandhockey.co.uk/tickets
Investec Women’s Hockey League (Saturday, February 15 2014)
Investec Premier Division
Beeston v Bowdon Hightown 12:00
Clifton v Olton & West Warwicks 12:30
Surbiton v Leicester 14:00
Sutton Coldfield v Canterbury 14:00
University of Birmingham v Reading 12:30
Investec Conference East
Harleston Magpies v Horsham 12:30
Holcombe v Chelmsford 18:00
Old Loughtonians v East Grinstead 13:00
St Albans v Ipswich 13:00
Wimbledon v Sevenoaks 14:00
Investec Conference North
Brooklands Poynton v Wakefield 12:00
Loughborough Students v Ben Rhydding 12:30
Stourport v Kendal 12:00
University of Durham v Doncaster 12:00
Whitley Bay and Tynemouth v Boots 12:30
Investec Conference West
Buckingham v Oxford Hawks 12:00
Exe v Bristol Firebrands 13:00
Gloucester City v Barnes 12:00
Slough v Isca 13:00
Swansea v Trojans 12:00
Investec Women’s Cup, quarter finals (Sunday, February 16 2014)
Buckingham v Sutton Coldfield 12:00
Beeston v Surbiton 12:00
Univ of Birmingham v Gloucester City 12:30
Hampstead & Westminster v Sevenoaks 14:00
England Hockey Board Media release
One down, one more to go
ANNIHILATOR: SSTMI grab League title with devastating win, eye Milo Cup next
By JUGJET SINGH
SSTMI Thunderbolts claimed their fifth Junior Hockey League title when they whitewashed Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club 11-0 in Division One at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru yesterday.
SSTMI, formerly known as Bandar Penawar Sports School, now look forward to the knock-out stage to claim the Milo Cup as well.
"All went well this season, and it looks like we have a strong claim over the Milo Cup as well, as my players have shown that they can take on any team in Division One," said SSTMI coach Wan Roslan Wan Rahman.
Wan Roslan can proudly claim the accolades as well as he was the pioneer that brought up the school from a whipping side to what they are today.
"It has been a long and tough journey to be where we are today, and I would also like to thank our sponsor, Tenaga Nasional from whom we get the Thunderbolts tag," said Wan Roslan.
And even in the 11-0 drubbing, Wan Roslan said: "We actually went into the match with the intention of staying away from cards and injuries, but the goals came anyway and my players did not pick up any injuries leading into the knock-out," said Wan Roslan.
RESULTS -- DIVISION ONE: SSTMI Thunderbolts 11 KLHC 0. DIVISION TWO: GROUP A -- 1MAS Penang 1 Bakat MSSK 4, Kota Star 0 Matri Perlis 2. GROUP B -- MSSD Larut Matang 1 SMK Padang Midin 1, Felda Pahang 3 1MAS Perak 1. GROUP C -- SMK Datuk Bentara Luar 6 SMK Tunku Besar 1, BJSS 8 SM Sains Johor 0. TODAY -- DIVISION ONE: SSTMI Juniors vs KLSS - 5.00pm (Taman Daya Hockey Stadium, Johor Baru), MBPJ vs UNIKL - 5.00pm (Education Ministry Pitch, Jalan Pantai). DIVISION TWO -- GROUP A: SMK Syed Hassan vs Bakat MSSK - 5.00pm (Kuala Perlis Hockey Pitch). GROUP B: Olak-PKT vs SMK Padang Midin - 5.00pm (KL Hockey Stadium), Permatang Juniors vs 1Mas Perak (Permatang Hockey Pitch). GROUP C: -- SMK Datuk Taha vs Politeknik Johor - 5.00pm (Seremban Two Hockey Stadium).
New Straits Times
Status Quo Maintained in Hong Kong Hockey Premier Division
By Bill Cox
Khalsa-A’s new ex-India international Harpal Singh distributes the ball during their HKHA Premier Division match against Valley-A at the Valley ground on Sunday Feb 9, 2014. Khalsa won the match 2-1. (Bill Cox/Epoch Times)
In the first week of the second half of the HKHA Premier Division, with the top and bottom six teams segregated, the top three teams all won their matches with no change in the division standings.
Khalsa-A and Punjab-A are both on 32 points with HKFC-A 1-point behind. However, Khalsa still head the table on goal difference.
SSSC-A vs Punjab-A
The initial match of the afternoon, between SSSC-A against Punjab-A, was a fast moving entertaining encounter.
SSSC-A managed to stay ahead on goal scoring for most of the match so there was always the possibility that there would be an upset. SSSC-A were two goals up before Punjab-A got on the score sheet and the goal difference stayed at one or two goals until the final quarter of the match.
As the game got close to the end, Punjab scored twice—first to move them level and then again to take the lead and win the game 5-4.
In the later match, Valley-A gave the league leaders quite a stern test at the Valley ground, but Khalsa-A’s superior finishing gave them the edge.
Khalsa were 2-nil up at half time, but play in the second half was difficult as it was played in heavy rain causing water to lay on the pitch and restrict ball movement. Valley scored the only goal of the second half, but Khalsa did enough to take the match 2-1.
The Shaheen-A match with HKFC-A was rather one-sided. Club were 5 goals to the good at half time and continued to tuck goals away in the second half to finish with a 10-1 scoreline.
Overseas players
Several teams have recently brought, or are about to bring, in additional overseas players to compete in the Premier Division.
Kuldeep Singh Buttar, co-sponsor of SSSC-A, told the Epoch Times that they have just introduced one Indian player called Cheeyanna and that they have two more players arriving soon – one from India and one from Malaysia.
Khalsa have also introduced two more players—a new goalie and a defender/penalty corner specialist. The defender, Harpal Singh is an ex-India international that played for India in the 2004 Olympics in Athens—he will inject a wealth of experience having played for India from 2003 to 2007, including tours to Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Ireland.
Meanwhile, Punjab’s Sunny Bali explained that they have several Olympian’s returning in the next week or two, but international record holder for goal scoring Sohail Abbas is not coming this time.
Bottom-half matches
In the lower half of the table, KNS-A improved their position by beating current leaders HKFC-B (2-1) to reduce the gap to one point; bottom of the table Elite-A won against SSSC-B; and Pak-A won against KCC-A.
This Sunday (Feb 16) the most-important bottom-half match is SSSC-B against KCC-A, who are fighting to retain their Premier Division place.
Umpire development
The Shaheen Academy is sponsoring a program of hockey umpire development in Hong Kong named “Road to World Panel”. FIH International Umpires Manager, Faiz Muhammad from Peshawar, Pakistan is currently in Hong Kong for two weeks to guide the development program.
In talking with the Epoch Times Faiz Muhammad explained his role.
“I am here for two weeks and we are starting a very ambitious program,” said Muhammad.
“World Panel is the top level of umpires appointed to the Olympics and World Cup.
“Everybody cannot go to World Panel, but the Road to World Panel starts now.
“This is not just for two weeks, but to carry on developing these umpires. [The purpose] during the process [is] also to follow them, keep up with them and interact with them, so we know how they are developing and push them to really go up in level.”
Muhammad is excepting good results considering that he has run a similar program in Thailand.
“I have run the same program in Thailand for the last two years and we have seen five or six umpires attain the level of International Umpire,” he explained.
About 30 umpires will take part in the program, split about 60/40 men to women.
The FIH World Panel of Umpires is a very elite group of just 12 men and 11 women. Below that is the World Development Panel (13 men and 7 women), followed by Grade 1 (26 men and 13 women) and then a Promising Umpire List of 18 men and 25 women. Below these grades are International Umpires.
Currently Hong Kong has two listed International Umpires—Tong Cheung and Lam Ho Yeung. Hong Kong also has one International Umpire Manager—(Billy) Harcharan Singh Dillon.
With the considerable improvement in the level of play in the HKHA Premier Division in recent years – brought about by highly proficient team managers and coaches and the bringing in of top level international players to join the clubs—it is good to see additional effort now being placed on improving umpiring standards.
Next matches
The next matches take place on Sunday Feb 16 when Valley-A meet HKFC-A at HKFC; Punjab-A play Shaheen-A; and SSSC-A play Khalsa-A—both at HV1.
The Epoch Times
EHL KO16/FINAL4 2014: tickets on sale now!
Great news! Tickets for this year’s EHL KO16/FINAL 4 will be available for purchase from the EHL website from Friday 14th February 2014. So if you still need an idea for a Valentine’s gift for your loved one, a ticket for this sensational 6 day hockey event will be a good option, buy 2 and you both get to enjoy the great festival of hockey, together! People who purchase their tickets between February 14th and March 15th. will be entitled to a 10% discount as part of our "early bird" promotion.
Order online
To purchase online tickets simply visit the ticketing section of this website, click the link and follow the instructions. It is cheaper to buy the tickets online rather than at the venue, so not only do you guarantee your entry but also save money in the process.
Special offer kids
On Wednesday April 16th we have a special offer for kids aged between 6-16. During this day kids pay only 5 euro instead of 10 euro for an EHL ticket. ABN AMRO and Provincie Noord Brabant will offer a spectacular clinic hosted by Dutch National hockey player Billy Bakker and his Amsterdam teammate Mirco Pruyser.
Six day tournament
For those who do not know yet, this year we have a special edition of the EHL, for the first time the KO16 and the FINAL 4 events have been merged. Between Wednesday 16th and Monday 21st April 2014, Oranje Zwart will welcome 16 of Europe’s finest teams to their venue in Eindhoven, for a stunning tournament. Six days of spectacular hockey action in a knock-out tournament will lead to the crowning of the 2014 EHL champion. Saturday April 19th is a rest day, a chance to enjoy the beautiful city of Eindhoven or perhaps to visit the EuroHockey Club Champions Cup for Women which will be held in the city of Den Bosch, click here for details.
Information
The EHL ticketing website is available in six different languages: English, Dutch, German, Spanish, French and Italian.
If you have any questions about your order you can contact Paylogic from Monday until Friday between 9.00 and 19.00 hrs and on Saturday between 10.00 and 17.00 hrs.
Phone: +31 (0)900 72 95 66 40 (€ 0,40 pm)
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: customerservice.paylogic.com
Note: A quick note to all fans who are attending the Euro Hockey League KO16/FINAL 4 event. Food and drink is available to purchase at the dedicated areas within the venue. Please be aware that it is not allowed to bring food and drink into the venue at any stage during this Euro Hockey League competition.
Euro Hockey League media release
Womens Indoor National Team to hold tryouts
The USA Women’s National Indoor program will host try-outs for all female athletes interested in being considered for selection to the National Indoor Squads for the 2014-2015 season.
Junior National try-outs are for female athletes who are current juniors in high school or younger. The Junior try-out will be held Saturday March 15 from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Marple Sports Arena in Broomall Pa. There is no lower age limit for this age group. Athletes at this try-out may be selected for the 2014-2015 Under-16 and Under-19 squads and may also be identified and invited to try out for the Senior squad. Those selected will be expected to pay a training fee and competition fees and attend training sessions throughout the year in preparation for domestic and international competitions planned for winter 2015.
Senior National try-outs are for athletes who are current high school seniors or older. The Senior try-out will be held Saturday March 29 from 12 to 4 p.m. at The Training Center in Spring City, Pa.
The Seniors are currently preparing for the 2014 Pan American Indoor Cup scheduled for Montevideo, Uruguay in April, which is the qualifier for the next Indoor World Cup that will be held in Leipzig Germany in January 2015. Those selected to the 2014- 2015 squad will be expected to attend training weekends throughout the year in preparation for future international and domestic competitions.The try-outs will be held under the direction of the Women’s National Indoor Coach Denise Zelenak and Junior Women’s National Indoor Coach Rennie Milne.
Players interested in attending the try-out should register online on the USA Field Hockey website by clicking here.
A Try-Out Registration Fee of $75.00 and current USA FH membership are required to participate. Registration Deadline is March 13 for the Juniors and March 27 for the Seniors.
USFHA media release
Top Kenyan hockey player Betty Tioni dies aged 39
By Ayumba Ayodi
Ms Betty Tioni of Orange in action against Sliders during their KHU league match on November 2011 at the City Park Stadium .Orange won 3-0. Tioni died on February 13, 2014 aged 39. PHOTO | MOHAMMED AMIN | FILE
Tributes flowed in for the late Kenyan international and Telkom Orange hockey player Betty Chebet Tioni who passed on after a short illness on Thursday evening at a Nakuru Hospital.
Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) chairman Nahashon Randiek said Tioni was one of the best forwards Kenya ever had, having led the national team and her Telkom Orange club top many titles.
“She was inspirational despite her age and could still secure positions in the team despite her age,” said Randiek, who on behalf of the hockey fraternity relayed a message of condolence to Tioni’s friends and family members.
Telkom team manageress Jane Nyamogo described Tioni as a friend and a dedicated full player, who gave it all in whatever the condition to ensure her teams succeeded.
The 39-year-old Tioni has played for the national team and Telkom since 1993. In fact, she sealed victory for Telkom when they edged out Strathmore 2-0 in the final of the Africa Cup Club championships on January 19 in Kampala.
Another veteran striker Jackline Mwangi Jow had opened the score.
Tioni leaves behind a 14-year-old daughter.
Nyamogo said Tioni fell sick just after she arrived with her victorious Telkom side that retained the Africa Clubs Cup championships title in Uganda on January 20.
“She was first diagnosed for Malaria and was treated and discharged from Valley Hospital, Nakuru only to test positive to meningitis on re-admission,” Nyamogo said.
“We went to see her on Thursday and she opened her eyes to see us only to close them and she was gone,” said Nyamongo.
“She was a mother, mentor, friend and a sister to me,” Jackline Mwangi Jow described Tioni. “She was tenacious and never gave up hence our coach Jos Openda called her oxygen,” she added.
Daily Nation