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News 15 March 2014

All the news for Saturday 15 March 2013


China stun South Africa as Korea cruise

China bounced back from their 7-0 drubbing at the hands of Australia to register an emphatic 5-0 win over South Africa.

And South Korea opened their campaign with an effortless 3-0 win over Canada.

South Africa had lost narrowly 2-3 against Malaysia but were stunned with five first half goals by the rampant Chinese who lifted their game to stun the world 12th ranked side.

China started the match in blistering pace and took three minutes to get on the scoresheet via Dong Yang.

Sun Ling made it 2-0 in the 7th minute before Wang Bowen added to their misery in the 14th minute.

South Africa were reeling and two more goals by Zhang Zhixuan ( 20th minute) and Meng Wei ( 27th minute) rubbed salt into their wounds before halftime.

In an earlier match South Korea scored three first half goals to defeat Canada 3-0.

It was obvious that Korea were playing at half pace, perhaps keeping their energy for a game against hosts Malaysia on Sunday.

Korea scored all their three goals within the opening 16 minutes as they were clinical in their penalty corners, scoring off their first two penalty corners.

Jang Jong Hyun put Korea in the lead in the 7th minute via a penalty corner before Kang Moon Kweon scored the next two in the 11th and 16th minutes.

Though Canada tried, they lacked finishing and it was merely a stroll in the park for the Koreans in the second half.

Azlan Shah Cup site



China make their chances count against SA

JONATHAN COOK in Ipoh, Malaysia

The world’s 12th-ranked South Africa men’s hockey team lost 5-0 to world number 25 China after the Chinese had led 5-0 at half-time at the 23rd Azlan Shah Cup tournament in Ipoh, Malaysia Friday night.

At half-time, legendary Australia head coach Ric Charlesworth said that South Africa had had almost exactly the same number of goalshots at that point - yet China led 5-0. It was one of those halves.

In the second minute a turnover brought Weibao Ao and Long Sun in to play and Canada umpire Deric Leung awarded the Chinese a penalty corner, which Player of the Match Yang Dong steered past keeper Rassie Pieterse to give SA the worst possible start.

And the men in green and gold’s pain had only just begun, Xiaoping Guo streaking away in the seventh minute before laying off for Long Sun to make it 2-0.

A stung SA earned a PC in the 10th and outstanding keeper Yao Yan glove saved to his left from Julian Hykes’ drag-flick.

The extreme pace of the Chinese forwards was always a threat, yet SA’s Jethro Eustice, Pierre de Voux, Clint Panther and Hykes conspired to win a second PC, which yielded no tangible return and the Asian country hit back when Yang Dong speared a visionary pass for Bowen Wang to finish from close in the 16th.

Moving the ball fluidly and running effectively, China seemingly had metres of space to work with and the South African nightmare continued when a sliding Zhixuan Zhang finished off from inside the penalty spot in the 20th minute.

China made it 5-0 in the 27th when Wei Meng made the most of Zecheng Li’s sublime steal and layoff.

In the closing minutes of the half, Tim Drummond and Ignatuis Malgraff both came close before SA won their third PC, but gutsy Chinese defence stilled the threat from Eustice and Hykes’ shots. A fourth PC ensued, but keeper Yan was equal to Eustice’s challenge.

The pace of the game having slowed, China continued to lead SA in goalscoring opportunities after the changeover - the Africans down to nine men at one point due to sin-bin penalties. Replacement keeper Jacques le Roux saved well from the irrepressible Zhang, while Yan repelled South Africa’s fifth PC - and another effort from Hykes before Clint Panther’s blaze over the crossbar after good work from Drummond summed up South Africa’s night.

Next up, SA tackle world number one Australia at 10.05am (SA time) on Monday.

Western Province and SA defender Rhett Halkett, who has obligations with his Dutch club, arrives in Ipoh on Sunday.

SCORERS
China (5) 5 (Yang Dong 4th minute, Long Sun 7th, Bowen Wang 16th, Zhixuan Zhang 20th, Wei Meng 27th)
South Africa (0) 0

SOUTH AFRICA LINE-UP
Rassie Pieterse (Southern Gauteng, goalkeeper), Jethro Eustice (SG), Robin Jones (KZN Inland), Dylan Swanepoel (Western Province), Wade Paton (WP, capt), Jonty Robinson (Northern Blues), Tim Drummond (KZN Coastal Raiders), Clint Panther (SG), Brandon Panther (SG), Ignatuis Malgraff (Eastern Province), Lungi Tsolekile (WP).
Rolling substitutes: Taylor Dart (SG), Owen Mvimbi (SG), Francois Pretorius (NB), Pierre de Voux (WP), Julian Hykes (SG), Jacques le Roux (WP, goalkeeper).

SOUTH AFRICA’S FIXTURES
(All South Africa time)
Mon, 17 Mar: SA vs Australia (10.05am)
Wed, 19 Mar: SA vs Canada (12.05pm)
Sat, 22 Mar: SA vs South Korea (2.05pm)
Sun, 23 Mar: Classification and medal matches.

AZLAN SHAH RESULTS
Thursday: SA 2 Malaysia 3; Australia 7 China 0.
Friday: South Korea 3 Canada 0; SA 0 China 5

SA Hockey Association media release



Five-star China bounce back with style

By Aftar Singh


South Korea's Jang Jong-hyun running after ball in the match against Canada in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup match on Friday. The Koreans won 3-0. - RONNIE CHIN/ The Star

IPOH: Lowly China produced a five-star performance en route to pulling off the biggest surprise in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

World No. 25 China played like men possessed to stun world No. 12 South Africa 5-0 at the Azlan Shah Stadium on Friday.

What made the scoreline even more surprising was that the Chinese had been trounced 7-0 by defending champions Australia in the opening match on Thursday.

But China were a different proposition all together against the Africans, starting off aggressively to score all five goals in the first 27 minutes.

Dong Yang sounded the board off their first penalty corner in the third minute before Sun Long (7th), Wang Bowen (14th), Zhang Zhixuan (20th) and Meng Wei (27th) struck with precision.

It was definitely a poor performance by the Africans, who will feature in the World Cup in The Hague in May.

It was South Africa’s second straight defeat after losing 3-2 to Malaysia on Thursday.

China team manager Zong Weifeng praised his men for playing their hearts out to stun the South Africans.

“This is the first time we’ve won with such a big margin against a team ranked higher than us. It’s a good boost for the morale ... we are looking forward to creating more upsets,” said Weifeng.

The first match of the day went according to script as Asia Cup champions South Korea chalked up a convincing 3-0 win over Canada.

The Koreans went ahead after just seven minutes off a penalty corner goal by defender Jang Jung-hyun.

South Korea kept up the pressure and striker Kang Moon-kweon bagged two goals in five minutes.

First, he deflected the ball into goal off a free hit from outside the semi-circle in 11th minute before making it 3-0 five minutes later off another penalty corner attempt.

South Korea coach Shin Seok-kyo was pleased with the win despite his team not having had any outdoor training “because it is winter back home”.

“We only did some indoor training ... that’s why my players were tired in the second-half,” said Seok-kyo.

“They are not 100% fit and one of my key strikers, You Hyo-sik, has a back injury.

“I hope he can recover in time for the important match against Malaysia on Sunday.”

The Star of Malaysia



A perfect debut for Mohd Rashid in Ipoh

By Aftar Singh


Mohd Rashid Baharom (centre) celebrating his goal against South Africa in Malaysia's opening match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on Thursday. He scored a goal, made an assist and was named man-of-the-match in Malaysia's 3-2 victory. - BERNAMA

IPOH: Mohd Rashid Baharom is still on cloud nine after a perfect international debut for the national team in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh.

The Penang-born striker marked his first international cap by scoring a field goal in the 3-2 win over South Africa at the Azlan Shah Stadium on Thursday.

He was even named man-of-the-match for his role in setting up the first goal and netting the second.

It was definitely an early birthday present for Rashid, who will turn 22 on March 22.

Malaysia, who finished runners-up to Australia in the tournament last year, took the lead in the 10th minute through another international debutant in forward Mohd Shahril Saabah.

But world No. 12 South Africa equalised through Jethro Eustice in the 16th minute before Rashid netted in the 42nd minute.

Eustice again cancelled out Malaysia’s lead off his second penalty corner goal in the 57th minute.

Luckily for Malaysia, forward Faizal Saari netted the winner six minutes later off the team’s 12th penalty corner attempt.

Rashid, who scored three goals in the Junior World Cup in New Delhi last December, admitted that he could not have asked for a better start to his hockey career at the senior level.

“I will cherish March 13 for a long, long time. Not only did I score a goal, I also crossed for Shahril to score the first goal,” said Rashid.

“I was so happy when I was chosen as man-of-the-match.

“The goal has boosted my confidence ... and inspired me to continue scoring in the coming matches.”

Rashid thanked national chief coach K. Dharmaraj for having faith in him.

“I never expected to win a place in the senior team after being dropped from the squad when Tai Beng Hai was the coach in 2012,” said Rashid, who is the seventh child among nine siblings.

“Coach Dharmaraj gave a chance to prove my worth and I’m glad I didn’t let him down.”

Rashid’s twin brothers – Rahimi Iskandar and Mohd Rozaimi – are also hockey players. They played for Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) in the recently-concluded Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL).

Rashid is now hoping to score against Asia Cup champions South Korea tomorrow.

“We need a win against the Koreans to stay on course for a place in the final. It’s not going to be easy because the Koreans play a fast attacking game and are ranked higher than us (world No. 7). But we can do it,” said Rashid.

The Star of Malaysia



Aussies yet to click

RUSTY: Coach Charlesworth unhappy with play despite thumping China 7-0

By Jugjet Singh   

AUSTRALIA  coach Ric Charlesworth feels his side are still rusty and need more time to click, and he said this right after they demolished China 7-0 in the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh on Thursday.

Australia are the best bets to lift the 23rd Azlan Shah Cup crown, which will take their tally to eight titles, and Charlesworth knows his side are almost invincible in Ipoh.

"I am happy with the win, but not with the way we played, but that is to be expected as we assembled as a team recently after our players returned from the HIL (Hockey India League).

"We are still rusty, and hopefully after a few more matches, the players will start clicking better," said Charlesworth.

World No 1 Australia are not only good for the Azlan Shah Cup, but are also contenders for the World Cup in The Netherlands, and the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

"It is really sad that India and Pakistan could not make it for this edition, but Australia have always supported this tournament and we really enjoy playing here.

"This edition also has World Cup sides in Malaysia, South Korea and South Africa and we expect our toughest matches to come from these three teams," said Charlesworth.

Again Charlesworth was being diplomatic, as in a recent tour of Perth, Malaysia were pummeled by a mixed Australian side.

Malaysia lost 5-1, 7-1, 9-0 and 4-2 to the mixed Australian national squad and drew 3-3 with Australian Institute of Sports.

Malaysia have a two-day rest after beating South Africa 2-1 on Thursday.

They play Australia on the last day of the group stage, which could turn out to be a blessing as it will be a mammoth task to stop the Australians from scoring.

Malaysia skipper Azlan Misron was relieved his young side edged South Africa, and is ready to help the seven players who earned their first caps on Thursday.

"I will use all my experience (324 caps) to help these young players improve their game.

"It is my duty, as we need to play much better in the next match against South Korea as I expect this to be our toughest match where we need to collect three points if we want to play in the final again.

"We need to make sure we have enough points to enter the final before we play our last match against Australia."

South Korea are the 2010 Asian Games champions, and also finished fourth in the World League semi-finals in Johor Baru to qualify for the World Cup.

Malaysia did not meet Korea in Johor Baru, as they were in Group A while the national team were in Group B.

Malaysia were edged 3-2 by Australia in the final of the last edition, with the winner coming four seconds from the hooter.

New Straits Times



First Series at Home of Hockey Results in Noteworthy Caps and Crowds

LANCASTER, Pa. – The U.S. Women’s National Team completed a series of four matches against the Canadian National Squad in their first-ever capped games at Spooky Nook Sports in Lancaster, Pa. Team USA left the pitch victorious the entire week against Canada’s strong lineup. Solidifying another high mark, the U.S. Women’s National Team won 3 -1.

Each of the four games was filled to capacity with 500 chanting fans echoing applause and encouragement to Team USA in the world-class Dome Arena. The final night of competition continued the packed-house pattern. The U.S. National Team came out of the gate with lightning in the soles of their turf shoes, maneuvering the flow of the ball at a rapid pace. USA earned a stroke in the 12th minute of play where Ali McEvoy (Gilbertsville, Pa.) launched a lifted ball but couldn’t find the net. For a majority of the first half, Team USA and Canada held play in the center of the pitch. Although corners were awarded to the USA, the squad was unable to translate the opportunities into goals and locked the game at halftime with zeroes.

“It has been a good week for us as we’ve continued to learn more about the players and develop,” said U.S. Head Coach Craig Parnham. “Going into the Champions Challenge we’ve still got a bit of training to go yet but we’re looking forward to it and going into that tournament with confidence.”

The USA blasted off of the midfield line to grab early possession in the second half. Ball movement flowed from end line to end line until USA’s Torrie Albini (Escondido, Cali.) cranked the ball from the top right of the circle to light up the scoreboard in the 61st minute of the match. Continuing to attack, Team USA's Shannon Taylor (Midlothian, Va.) tipped the ball into the net for a goal in the 68th minute. USA took no time to strike again when Michelle Kasold (Chapel Hill, N.C.)scored in the 70th minute to create a final report of USA 3, Canada 0.

Three of Pennsylvania’s finest field hockey players were recognized for milestone caps throughout the series. U.S. athlete Laura Gebhart (Mount Joy, Pa.) was recognized as receiving her first international cap during the first match.Katie O’Donnell (Blue Bell, Pa.) received her 150th cap and Katie Reinprecht (Perkasie, Pa.) earned her 100th cap.

“This has been a great series for us early in the year and great preparation to play a really good team like the U.S.,” said Canadian Head Coach Ian Rutledge. “We got better and better as the four game progressed. Today’s game was a great spectacle of hockey for both teams and we’re thankful for the experience of this series.”

On Monday, USA created a fierce attack presence in their first match of the series against Canada with a 7-0 win and continued their momentum into the second match where they also won 4-0. The U.S. Women’s National Team secured another victory Thursday with a score of 4-1.

USFHA media release



African Youth Olympic Games Qualifier (AYOQ)

Lusaka, 2014
MATCHES     Mar. 14, 2014

Teams     Scores     Teams
Girls
South Africa     ( 15 )     ( 0 )     Kenya
Zambia     ( 5 )     ( 4 )     Namibia

Boys
South Africa     ( 4 )     ( 3 )     Kenya
Zambia     ( 5 )     ( 4 )     Namibia

African Hockey Federation media release



Teams jostling for league position as play-offs approach

Aberdeen Asset Management Men’s National League Division 1 Preview

With the top four teams secure in the playoff positions for the season, there are two matches in which final league placing that can still be decided.  The first match that may still have some bearing is third placed Hillhead versus sixth placed PSL Team Sports Clydesdale.

Whilst the Titwood outfit cannot make the top four they will be keen to pip Grove Menzieshill to fifth place in hope of an easier relegation group.  A win for Hillhead would guarantee them third place and a playoff match against local rivals Western Wildcats.  The last time the two sides met Hillhead stole a win with only minutes to spare.

The other match which may have a significant impact on both the promotion and relegation play offs is Grove Menzieshill versus Grange on Tayside.  Grange need to win and hope for a Hillhead loss if they are to avoid Glynhill Kelburne in the playoffs. Grove Menzieshill by contrast will look to end regulation league duty on a high and hold on to their fifth place with a win in this tasty encounter.

Towards the bottom of the league AAM Gordonians welcome Edinburgh University to Counteswells.  The result of the match will have no bearing on either teams final league position, with both teams together in a relegation group alongside Watsonians and either Grove Menzieshill or PSL Team Sports Clydesdale.  With the result immaterial this will nonetheless be a valuable outing for both teams as they look to maintain form going into more important matches.

Western Wildcats have secured second place in the league have on paper the easiest assignment of the day as they host bottom of the league Dundee Wanderers at Auchenhowie.  The Milngavie and Bearsden club have had a fantastic season and will be keen to maintain momentum with one eye on the play offs.  Dundee Wanderers though are a difficult team to play and have the potential to upset most teams on their day.

The final match of the day sees league leaders Glynhill Kelburne travel to Peffermill to play mid table Inverleith.  With the result once again immaterial in terms of movement up or down the league, this match will be a dress rehearsal for the challenges that await both teams, albeit with contrasting fortunes.

Aberdeen Asset Management Women’s National League Division 1 Preview

The top four in the playoff teams have been decided but there is all still to play for in terms of final positions.

Undefeated Grove Menzieshill have held the lead throughout the season and they face the University side who currently sit second in the table. There was only one goal in it last time these two met with Grove edging the win 4-3. The students will be hoping home advantage will give them a boost to tarnish their undefeated record.

Currently sitting in third place are Milne Craig Clydesdale Western, two points behind the students, they will want a strong finish to their season and travel away to bottom of the table Grange EL on Sunday.

Glynhill Kelburne have had a mixed season but will be pleased with their mid table status despite missing out on a top four position. They face local rivals Western Wildcats who have struggled this season and lie in ninth. Last time these two sides met the Wildcats won comfortably 6- 2 on home soil.

CALA Edinburgh welcome eighth place GHK which ended the West of Scotland taking the full three points by one goal, 3-2. Expect a close match as both sides will want the points to put them in the best position in the relegation battle. No rest for GHK as they take on Western Wildcats on the Monday night.

Fourth place Dundee Wanderers cannot catch third place Milne Craig Clydesdale Western but will want to finish on a high, as they make the journey South to face Watsonians. The Edinburgh based side lost out to the Dundonian side 4-1 so will have a tough ask if they were to take at least a point.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Top two fight for top spot of Division 2

Aberdeen Asset Management Women’s National League Division 2

Top position is all to play for as AAM Merlins Gordonains leap frogged to the top after a win last weekend, however second place Hillhead have a game in hand and with two points behind will be hungry for a win over fifth placed side Glasgow University at home.

Bottom side Haddington face relegation and a tough weekend ahead as they welcome third place side Erskine Stewart Melville FP.

Fellow struggler and also finding themselves in a relegation spot are University of Dundee, they travel south to play fourth place Inverleith. Sixth place Borders Fjordhus Reivers welcome Granite City Wanderers.

Aberdeen Asset Management Women’s National League Division 3

Not many matches this weekend as already promoted University of St Andrews travel inland to play second place Stirling University, which will be a great top of the table clash.

Bottom side University of Strathclyde have had a tough season and have a double header this weekend, on Saturday they welcome sixth place Ayr. Followed on Sunday by Aberdeen Ladies.

Championship League

Division 1

Edinburgh University II V CALA Edinburgh II
Grove Menzieshill Ladies A V Milne Craig Clydesdale Western II
Milne Craig Clydesdale Western III V Glasgow Accies

Division 2

Grange EL II V Watsonians Ladies' A
Kelburne II v Edinburgh University III

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Watsonians & Uddingston to join Div 1 top six for playoffs

Last weekend of matches in the Aberdeen Asset Management Men’s National League Division 2 as Uddingston and Watsonians will be joining the Division one bottom six to make the last eight for the Division one relegation play offs.

Both of these sides play away from home as top side Uddingston travel north to face seventh place Granite City Wanderers, who have recently found a good run of form. Watsonians face a tougher task as they also make the journey north to University of St Andrews. It was a close 4-4 draw when they met earlier in the season so both side will be hungry for the full three points this time around.

At the other end of the table twelfth place FMGM Monarchs, who face relegation play tenth place Alpha Data Carnegie, who are just safe of the relegation. CALA Edinburgh is the other side that face relegation, they welcome sixth place Erskine Stewart Melville FP, who comfortably won 5-2 earlier on in the season.

Fourth place Falkirk GHG currently are on level points with university of St Andrews so will want a strong finish after a solid season, they travel away to face ninth place Glasgow University.

Fifth place Aberdeen Grammar FP welcome Stepps, the Northern side won 4-2 last time these two sides met and will be hoping for a repeat performance.

Aberdeen Asset Management Men’s National League Division 3

2020 Renewables will be looking to confirm promotion by gaining one point this weekend, they welcome Waverley Inveresk Trinity. There was only a goal in it last time these two met so Greenock will be looking for a strong performance to secure that top spot.

The second spot is all to play for as only two points separate the next four teams with only two games to go. Second place University of Dundee sit on the highest at 37 points and travel away to fellow students Aberdeen University who will be finishing bottom this season, it looks like easy points for the Dundonian side.

Third place Perthshire who sit on 36 points travel away to Giffnock who have had a troubled season, with only 5 wins this season. Perthshire came away 7-2 last time these two met so will be hoping for a repeat performance.

University of Strathclyde moved up to fourth on 35 points, after a double header last weekend the students will have a rest this weekend and hope results go their way. Harris Academy FP also sit on 35 points but with a game in hand, they welcome Ayr. With a win that will help them jump over the students and into second, if other matches got their way.

Second from bottom Stirling Wanderers welcome mid table side Highland who make the big journey south, the northerners will be full of confidence after winning 5-0 earlier in the season.

Men’s Regional League

Still plenty of fixtures in the Central Division 1 with Grange II topping the table with Thomsons Cycles Kelburne II close on their tails, with only two points separating the sides. Edinburgh University II are on the come back and with 3 games in hand will be looking to climb the table nicely for a good finish to the season.

Grange II V Edinburgh University II
Edinburgh University III V Stepps II
Inverleith II V Thomsons Cycles Kelburne II
Grange III V Western Wildcats II
Hillhead II V PSL Team Sport Clydesdale II

Lots of fixtures left in Central Division 2, despite dropping points last weekend Rottenrow Blue Sox still have yet to lose a match this season and will want it to stay that way as they top the table and face promotion. Second promotion spot all to play for as Anchor men who sit in third have three games in hand to second place Uddingston II.

Watsonians II V Anchor
Falkirk GHG II V Uddingston II
Glasgow University II V Clydeside
Livingston & West Lothian V Erskine Stewart Melville FP II
PSL Team Sport Clydesdale III V East Kilbride
Anchor V Watsonians II

Last weekend of fixtures for the North Division as AAM Gordonians II top the table.

AAM Gordonians III V Aberdeen Grammar FP's III
AAM Gordonians II V Aberdeen University II
Grove Menzieshill II V Granite City Wanderers II

Scottish Hockey Union media release



SSCB, SAI & COA win in Hockey India Senior Men Nationals

LUCKNOW: Chandigarh Olympic Association (COA), Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) and Sports Authority Of India (SAI) registered their maiden wins on the opening day for Pool A and Pool B matches of the fourth Hockey India Senior Men National Championship on Friday.

Chandigarh Olympic Association defeated Andhra Pradesh 4-2 in Pool A, Services Sports Control Board beat Association of Indian Universities 1-0 and Comptroller & Auditor General of India overcame Sports Authority Of India 5-1 in a Pool B match at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium.

Chandigarh Olympic Association was on a full throttle in the first half of the match as they dominated with a 2-0 lead till half time.

Chandigarh's Tarandeep Singh started the goal scoring spree in the ninth minute of the game, followed by Navdeep Singh's two goals in the 20th and 39th minute and Lakhwinder singh in the 51st minute.

Andhra Pradesh showed signs of snatching the match away as Krishan Kishore opened the account for the team in the 55th minute followed by Rajesh N S in the 57th minute. But the duo failed to penetrate any further and lost the game to Chandigarh Olympic Association.

Earlier, the match between Services Sports Control Board and Association of Indian Universities in Pool A turned out to be a tame affair in the first half with both the teams struggling to score any goals.

The second half also went in the same way before Services Sports Control Board's Lovedeep Singh converted a penalty corner just a minute before the hooter went off.

In another exciting clash, Comptroller & Auditor General of India overcame Sports Authority Of India 5-1 in their opening match of Pool B.

Comptroller & Auditor General of India dominated the first half as they led 2-0 with Gurpratap Singh scoring the first goal in the 10th minute, followed by Dhyan Singh in the 13th minute.

Chandan Singh took the lead ahead in the second half when he successfully converted a penalty corner in the 39th minute for Comptroller & Auditor General of India.

Sports Authority of India's Arjun Yadav managed to sneak in a field goal in the 45th minute but failed to continue after that. Chandan Singh again converted a penalty corner at the 48th minute and the final goal was penetrated by Comptroller & Auditor General of India's Imran Khan in the 51st minute.

The Times of India



Chandigarh win 4-2

LUCKNOW - Chandigarh Olympic Association, Services Sports Control Board and Sports Authority of India registered victories in their respective matches on the opening day of the fourth Hockey India Senior Men’s National Championship 2014 (Division A) at Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium.

Chandigarh Olympic Association defeated Andhra Pradesh 4-2 in Pool A. The Chandigarh team dominated with a 2-0 lead till half-time. Tarandeep Singh scored the first goal in the ninth minute, followed by Navdeep Singh’s two goals in the 20th and 39th minute. Lakhwinder Singh scored fourth goal (51st min).

For Andhra Pradesh, Krishan Kishore V opened the account in the 55th minute followed by Rajesh N S in the 57th minute.

Earlier, Services Sports Control Board beat Association of Indian Universities 1-0 in Pool A. For Services, Lovedeep Singh converted the penalty corner just a minute before the match-time ran out.

In another exciting clash, Comptroller & Auditor General of India overcame Sports Authority Of India 5-1 in their opening match of Pool B. Results: (Pool A): Chandigarh (Navdeep Singh 20th and 39th min, Tarandeep Singh 4th min, Lakhwinder Singh 51st min) bt Andhra Pradesh (Krishna Kishore V. 55th min, Rajesh N.S 57th min) 4-2; Services Sports Control Board (Lovedeep Singh 69th min) bt AIU 1-0; (Pool B): CAG (Gurpratap Singh 10th min, Dhyan Singh 13th min, Chandan Singh 39th and 48th min, Imran Khan 51st min) bt SAI (Arjun Yadav 45th min) 5-1.

The Tribune



3 matches decided in Memorial Hockey

LAHORE - The sixth day of the 1st Brig Manzoor Hussain Atif Memorial Hockey Tournament at the Sargodha Hockey Stadium belonged to Wapda as its both teams A and B fashioned out victories. Helped by hat-trick of Suleman, Wapda-B crushed Punjab 6-1 while Wapda-A beat Pakistan Air Force (PAF) 2-1, according to information made available here on Friday.

Three goals by forward Suleman (18th, 38th, 50th minutes) helped Wapda-B overcome Punjab. The powerhouse scored their first goal in the 5th minute when Abu Bakr scored a goal on penalty corner. Ateeq (21st minute) and Ijaz (60th minute) were the other scorers. Punjab's forwards made a couple of good moves in the first half and scored their only goal through Abid Bhatti on the penalty corner they earned in the 9th minute.

The spectators watched a hotly contest second match between Wapda-A and PAF. The Airmen deserved all praise for giving tough resistance to their opponents who had the services of Olympian Waseem Ahmed and at least seven international players. However, the match belonged to alert and acrobatic goalkeeper Qurban Ali of the latter who demonstrated extra-ordinary defense in the D and saved at least four certain goals. Saeed Shah's push over the goalkeeper’s head earned the lone goal for the PAF in the 49th minute.

Today (Saturday)’s fixtures: NBP vs PAF at 11am; Railways vs PIA at 1pm and Army vs Punjab at 3:30pm.

The Nation



FIH announce hosts for upcoming international hockey tournaments

International Hockey Federation (FIH) today awarded upcoming international hockey tournaments to Spain, New Zealand and the Netherlands. The Semi Finals of the women’s Hockey World League (which is combined with qualifying for Rio 2016) will be hosted in Spain in 2015 with the climax of the league taking place in New Zealand in 2017. It was also announced that the men’s Champions Trophy in 2018 will be hosted in the Netherlands.

The women’s Hockey World League Semi Finals in June 2015 will take place in Valencia, Spain. 10 teams will compete for four spots in the final round, and the competition will hot up as this stage (alongside the Belgium Semi Finals) doubles up as the qualification process for Rio 2016. This is the first time that Spanish hockey fans will have the chance to watch top class international hockey since the country hosted the women’s Hockey World Cup in 2006.

FIH also announced that the final round of the Women’s Hockey World League will take place in Auckland, New Zealand in November 2017. The eight finalists will compete in the newly developed North Harbour Hockey Centre, which will by then be known as the New Zealand National Hockey Centre. This showpiece event in the women’s calendar will be the first major use of the improved venue.

Finally, the Netherlands was chosen to host the 2018 edition of the men’s Champions Trophy at the Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam over June and July 2018. The venue successfully hosted the women’s Champions Trophy in 2011 as well as the European Championships in 2009. This 6 team, champions event will be the first time that the FIH return to the Netherlands following the Hockey World Cup which is taking place in the Hague in May and June this year.

  • Spain, New Zealand and Netherlands successful in bidding process
  • Spain and New Zealand will host the women’s Hockey World League Semi Finals and Finals in 2015 and 2017 respectively
  • The Netherlands selected to host men’s Champions Trophy in 2018

FIH Media release

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