News 23 May 2014
All the news for Friday 23 May 2014
Eight players hoping to have a very happy birthday!
8 Days to go and 8 birthdays to celebrate during the Rabobank Hockey World Cup
Eight players will be celebrating their birthdays during the World Cup and no-one will be hoping for a more magical day than Australia's Jacob Whetton.
Four World Cup players will be celebrating their birthday on 10th June, an obviously good day for international hockey. For each of those eight we asked what present they want most for this year’s birthday or how they would be celebrating.
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Dean Couzins will celebrate his 33rd birthday on the day after New Zealand have played world number 2 Germany and the day before the Black Sticks face world number 3 team and hosts, Netherlands. It is perhaps not surprising to hear that the team's second most capped player will be 'taking it easy.' |
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A trio of England players will be celebrating birthdays. Hannah MacLeod turns 30 on 9 June, and she says: "I will be celebrating my big day with 17 friends and hopefully a lot of presents. It's a rest day so I may treat myself by putting my feet up." |
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Ellie Watton and Sally Walton are two of those 10th June births and the players have an identical birthday wish – three points from their group match against Germany. |
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Oliver Korn is another of the four players celebrating on 10th June. The two-time Olympic champion will be celebrating his 30th birthday with a match against Korea. |
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Ana Perez Rodriguez (10th June) is one of two Argentine players celebrating a birthday during the tournament. At 36, she will be one of the oldest players in the tournament and she will be hoping her celebrations include a win over China. |
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Rosario Luchetti (4 June) from Argentina will be able to relax as her team has two rest days coinciding with her birthday. Las Leonas will have played Pan American rivals, USA, the previous day. |
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One player who will be throwing all caution to the wind if his birthday coincides with a victory is Jacob Whetton. His birthday falls on the final day of the tournament, and you can bet that there will be wild celebrations if the Kookaburras deliver Jacob a gold medal as a birthday gift. |
SA hockey teams’ busy with preparations in Holland
JONATHAN COOK
WP and Investec SA midfielder Tarryn Bright.
South Africa’s national hockey teams are gearing up for the last week of training ahead of the World Cup in The Hague, which starts on May 31, and apart from focused training sessions the teams are also busy with training matches.
“The training and preparation is going to plan and our processes are on track,” Investec South Africa women’s hockey team logistics planner and goalkeeper coach Sheldon Rostron said Thursday.
“We still have some more trainings coming up and it's important that we get time on the stadium pitches so that we get used to the new surface and environment.”
To this end the SA women, who have moved into the tournament hotel, were due to train at the 15 000-seater stadium pitch as well as the 5 000-capacity alternate pitch, where the World Cup matches will take place.
The SA women have been in training in Holland since mid-May. Head coach Giles Bonnet’s SA ladies are playing training matches in the build-up against the like of double Olympic champions Holland as well as New Zealand (12.30pm Friday) and Korea (2.30pm Sunday) and Italy (9am May 29).
“Regarding the training game [against Holland on Wednesday night], we achieved some important goals for the match and were quite satisfied with our second-half performance, especially on key focus points in defence, structures and creating opportunities,” said Rostron.
The national goalkeeper coach said Tarryn Bright was outstanding in the midfield, and the collective effort of the defence and goalkeepers Sanani Mangisa and Anelle van Deventer was also impressive.
“We feel happy with our ability to match their speed and strength and this gives us a lot of confidence. There are still some things to tighten up but on the whole our focus will be on areas in our structure as well as tactically.”
Head coach Fabian Gregory’s SA men arrived in Holland on Wednesday and were due to play Dutch Hoofdklasse (Premier League) team Rotterdam HC Thursday night after a three-hour training session.
Team manager Reggie Smith said the South Africans were also due to play Dutch Hoofdklasse team Pinoke on May 27, India on May 28 and Holland on May 30.
The SA men will no doubt be working on their defence as this facet, both in field play and at penalty corners, has let them down, which has forced the side to work that much harder to get back into the game.
SA Hockey Association media release
England captain Kate Richardson-Walsh eyes retirement from hockey
Kate Richardson-WalshKate Richardson-Walsh is ready to start a family[GETTY]
KATE RICHARDSON-WALSH, who will lead England out for the Rabobank World Cup which starts in The Hague on Saturday week, has spoken of her retirement, the anguish she has felt after her partner Helen failed to make the England squad and of her need to start a family.
This was a very different Kate from the determined woman who captained Great Britain to a bronze medal in the 2012 London Olympics where she competed in a protective mask after suffering a broken jaw that needed surgery. The couple have been almost a permanent fixture in the international squads on and off the field and were married nine months ago. But Helen has had to undergo a second back operation and was devastated by the selectors’ recent decision to drop her.
Kate said: “I most certainly took my captain’s hat off for a few days. I am usually the one that goes up to the players and talks to them when this happens. And this was one of the hardest things I have gone through. I needed to be a wife for Helen. I was very certain she needed me.”
Kate added: “I will retire this year, that is for certain. I do want to start a family, try for a baby. I’m not getting any younger. It is time to start the next chapter of my life.”
Kate said Helen wanted to continue playing, that she would not be going out to watch the squad compete in Holland but stay at England’s Bisham Abbey headquarters in a bid to make the Commonwealth Games.
Helen could still be called up if there was an injury but with coach Jason Lee naming his Glasgow squad just two weeks after their return, her chances look slim.
The World Cup sees both men and women compete. England women are third-ranked, the men fourth. The top two teams in two pools of six go to the semi-finals. England’s women open up against United States on Sunday, June 1, and play Argentina, Germany, China and South Africa. The men play Spain on the Saturday, Australia, Belgium, India and Malaysia.
Daily Express
Alex Shaw excited ahead of first World Cup
Photo: www.photosport.co.nz
Black Sticks defensive midfielder Alex Shaw is looking forward to celebrating his 50th test at the Hockey World Cup.
The 24-year-old has become an important part of his side’s defensive unit since making his debut at the Champions Trophy in December 2012.
Currently on 47 test caps, Shaw is likely to play his 50th in the Black Sticks’ Pool B game against Argentina on 6 June.
“The caps have crept up pretty quickly. As long as I play all games at the World Cup my 50th will be against Argentina, mum will be there to watch as well which is pretty cool,” Shaw said.
“I’m really looking forward to the atmosphere. I’ve played in Holland once before but I think in front of a crowd of 15,000 it will be next level. We’ll definitely have to be yelling around the back to make sure everyone can hear us.”
The Black Sticks Men play their first game at the World Cup against Korea on Monday 2 June at 3.30am (NZ time). All games are live on SKY Sport.
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Blyth: We have high expectations
Hockeyroos captain Madonna Blyth tells RSN she's aiming high
Hockeyroos captain Madonna Blyth has declared the Aussie women are going into the World Cup with high expectations of themselves and the 28 year old ‘veteran’ of two previous World Cup tournaments says she believes that anything can happen.
Speaking live to RSN Racing and Sport Melbourne on Thursday morning, the Brisbane born midfielder said, “We’ve got quite a young team. Our oldest player’s 28 at the moment so there’s lots of young talent in the group. They’ve had a bit of experience but we know for a lot of them it’s their first World Cup so it’ll be new for them, especially playing alongside the men [in a joint event], that doesn’t happen very often. For us it’s exciting. We’re relying on them to do their job and make it a bit easier for the old girls!
“We’ve had really good results in the last two years. We’re improving. We set ourselves the goal of being in the final and to win a medal and I think for us that’s achievable. We’ve had matches against the top teams in the world, we’re currently ranked fourth so for us to be playing for a medal is something that we expect for ourselves. Once you’re in finals matches anything can happen. We’re going in with high expectations and we believe we can go all the way.”
Looking ahead to next week’s unofficial practice games against Argentina, China and the USA, Blyth said, “We take them pretty seriously. Obviously when you’re playing against teams you have in your pool at the World Cup you’re not going to show them everything you have tactically but in terms of the effort that you give and the physical performance we would expect our absolute best; with the tactics maybe you don’t show your whole hand. It’s a chance to practice against really good opposition, get used to the turf and the stadium we’re going to be in because we haven’t seen it yet. For us it’s about familiarising ourselves with our surroundings and getting sharp.”
Despite the unusual extra rest days in the tournament schedule, Blyth acknowledged that the games will come thick and fast and brushed off suggestions it’s arduous.
“That’s pretty standard for hockey,” she explained. “Normally we play day on, day off in tournaments but the thing about the World Cup is there’s no easy games - you’re playing tough matches. You play five games in a week or two [just to qualify for the semi finals]; for us that’s normal but we’ve got to be at our best.”
The Hockeyroos play Argentina, China and USA in three practice games on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday before last minute preparations for their opening World Cup clash against Korea. That match, at 22:30 AEST on Saturday 31 May, will be shown live on ABC 2 in Eastern states, on delay in full at 22:30 local time in non-AEST states and live online at youtube.com/fihockey across the country.
Hockey Australia media release
Happy Kumar
WORLD CUP: Childhood dream realised
By JUGJET SINGH
National goalkeeper S. Kumar (right) with teammate Roslan Jamaluddin during a training session at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
AT age 34, goalkeeper S. Kumar will finally realise his childhood dream of playing in the World Cup.
His saves against Japan in the World League semi-finals penalty shoot-out took Malaysia to the World Cup after a hiatus of 12 years, and the Tampin-born lad is game to give his best again.
“After years of training and playing in numerous international tournaments, I will finally be at the World Cup. Of course, I will give my best to make sure Malaysia make an impact,” said Kumar.
The team leave for the Netherlands today.
Kumar started with a gold medal in the 1999 Brunei Sea Games, and went on to represent Malaysia in the Asian and Commonwealth Games. His best moment was helping Malaysia win silver in the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, as well as bronze at the 2002 Busan Asian Games.
He was also between the posts when Malaysia won bronze in the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
“I put in many hours of training for the World Cup after we qualified, and feel that I am in top form now. I know it will be tough as our opponents are all world class and ranked above us, but I not worried as I have the experience of playing against them before.”
Malaysia, ranked 12th, are pitted against World No 1 Australia in the curtain raiser of the World Cup. For the record, Malaysia were beaten 8-3 by the Aussies in the final of the Azlan Shah Cup.
“I took a break from the Azlan Shah Cup this year, but suffice to say, it would be much harder for Australia to score against us in the World Cup,” said Kumar.
The squad are leaving early to acclimatise and might play hosts Netherlands in a warm-up as well as with some club sides before the crunch.
Malaysia finished eighth among 16 teams in the 2002 Kuala Lumpur World Cup.
New Straits Times
Focus on World Cup, hockey team told
By S. Ramaguru
Azlan Misron speaking at a press conference. The skipper wants his team-mates to close ranks and focus on the job at hand – the World Cup. – Bernama Photo
KUALA LUMPUR: National hockey skipper Azlan Misron issued a clarion call to his team-mates to close ranks and focus on doing well at the coming World Cup which starts in The Hague, Holland, on May 31.
He said this following the naming of the final 18 players on Wednesday for the World Cup finals which will be played from May 31-June 15.
As the management had agreed to the players’ request for a three-day trial before the final selection was made, Azlan believes there should be no question on the selection process.
“We have to close ranks and concentrate on the World Cup. I call on all players to accept the final names as this is not the time for accusations. We had asked for all players to be given due consideration and that has been done. Now, I urge all players to support each other and stay focused on the World Cup,” he said.
The selection of the team had been a source of dissatisfaction prior to the recently-concluded Champions Challenge I in Kuantan.
It was widely felt that the selectors had opted for too many juniors and that seniors were being sidelined.
On Wednesday, ex-skipper Mohamed Shahrun Nabil was included in the team while another senior player Hafihihafiz Hanafi also made the final squad after coming off the injury list.
There were five changes to the team that played in Kuantan. The other three who also made the line-up are goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin, Mohamed Razie Rahim and Mohamed Ramadan Rosli.
“I think we should put that episode behind us now. We have a job to do and we must get on with it. Although we have a top 10 target we must not be satisfied with just meeting it (the target). Let us go out there and get the best possible result,” he added.
National coach K. Dharmaraj had been under tremendous pressure over the selection issue and he has made it clear that there was no biasness in the selection process.
“I will state firmly that my policy is to pick the best players available and based on what we see in training. The selection is a collective decision with all the coaches giving their input. I would like all players to work with each other and not feel left out. We have a group of 30 players and we can only accommodate 18 for this tournament,” he said.
Dharmaraj and the Project 2013 team made headlines on Monday when they picked up two awards at the national Sports Awards.
Dharmaraj was named the best coach for 2013 while the national juniors picked up the award for best team in 2013. A double honour indeed for the coach who only took over the helm of the senior team in January this year.
It has been a successful start as well for Dharmaraj at the senior level. He won the silver medal in his maiden senior team assignment at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh and then the bronze medal at the Champions Challenge I.
The World Cup is just his third senior level tournament and he has two other major events on his hands – the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in July and the Incheon Asian Games in September.
The Asian Games is the big event as it provides the winner with an automatic berth to the 2016 Olympics.
The national team, who face Australia in their opening game on May 31, leave for Holland on Friday night.
The Star of Malaysia
Can India turn the corner under Walsh?
Harpreet Kaur Lamba
If one is to look at the history books, it would be easy to dismiss the Indian hockey team ahead of the 2014 World Cup that begins at the Hague, the Netherlands, in 10 days from now. They have managed to win just one game each in the last two editions of the World Cup in Germany (2006) and New Delhi (2010), highlighting the gap that separates them from top teams like Australia, Holland, Germany, or even the rising Belgium and England.
In Holland, India will be far away from the comfort of the home – crowd support was a major factor in their 2010 World Cup campaign at home when they opened with an electric 4-1 win against Pakistan – and the weather conditions cold and chilly.
The players, who have trained in searing heat in Delhi for a month, say they are ready to turn the corner this time around.
Midfielder Gurbaj Singh, who returns to the team after two years, believes the first three matches would be crucial in deciding how the team fare in this edition. “We play Belgium, England and Spain in our opening three games. Ranking wise, Belgium and England are above us, while Spain are two rungs below us (India are currently world no. 8). But none of the matches will be easy.
“We will need to execute our plans efficiently and ensure that we start on a winning note to avoid late catching-up. Belgium are the most improved nations in recent times and will come out hard at us. But we will need to keep our chins up. I believe winning the first few matches will provide us the momentum,” he said.
Gurbaj along with goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh, defender V.R. Raghunath and centre half Sardar Singh are the only ones who have the experience of competing in a World Cup before. “As seniors, it is our responsibility to ease the pressure off them. We have been telling them to play freely and not to take unnecessary pressure,” said Gurbaj ahead of the team’s departure.
Under new coach Terry Walsh, the team have reverted to the Indian style of play – former coach Jose Brasa introduced the European method (2009-2010) while Michael Nobbs tried out the Australian way (2011-2012) – and much like the players, it will be a test for the Australian himself, who will be guiding the team at his first major tournament.
Said Walsh, “More than just the results, my focus will be on improvement. We have the potential to do well and may be even surprise a few opponents.
“But are we improving as a hockey nation? If yes, that is what will make us happy. The effort will be to bring an outlet that provides the impetus against the top sides.”
Skipper Sardar asserted communication and self belief would be significant if India were to progress in the tournament. “Many times, we do well in training but that doesn’t reflect in our performance on the field. Each one of us will need to take up responsibility and communicate well.”
Young Rupinderpal Singh, who has cemented his place in the side replacing top drag-flicker Sandeep Singh, will have a lot to shoulder along with Raghunath.
Said Raghunath, “Rupinder and I will back each other and will need to take up the responsibility. Much will be expected of us as most teams rely on penalty corner goals these days and we are ready for it.
“As a team, we are fast on counter attacks and will built our game around it. Together with it, our forward line is in good shape along with Sardar leading the midfield. We are going with a positive frame of mind.”
The Asian Age
9 Days until World Cup with U.S. Head Coach Craig Parnham
With 76 matches, 24 teams and 15 countries represented at the 2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup, this is the climax event of the world hockey calendar. From May 31 to June 15, field hockey fans will have their eyes locked on Holland.
After bringing home gold and glory already this month from the 2014 Champions Challenge in Scotland, the USA heads to Holland with confidence and determination. The red, white and blue will be led by U.S. Women’s National Coach Craig Parnham. Parnham was appointed to the role of Head Coach in January 2013. He was part of the team that led Great Britain to two Olympic Games and multiple podium finishes on the international stage between 2007-2012.
As the countdown reaches a mere 9 days until the World Cup. Head Coach Parnham gave us an inside look at the squad’s final preparations as they head into the globe’s zenith of field hockey events.
USA Field Hockey: How important was it to win the Champions Challenge in terms of momentum going into the World Cup?
CP: The importance of winning Champions Challenge is that it qualifies us for Champions Trophy in 2016. We take a great deal of confidence from the results in Scotland. The bigger picture is that we are on a journey, to aspire to compete with the top teams in world and the World Cup and Champions Trophy give us that opportunity. The win is important for momentum as equally as Champions Trophy is significant for program here in the U.S.
USA Field Hockey: What are the team’s emotions heading into the World Cup? Is there a sense of readiness from preparation?
CP: Our squad of 29 has been working very hard over the past months. Speaking on their behalf, the emotions of the group are that of excitement and anticipation. We have all been looking forward to World Cup and it was great to qualify last summer. It will be a fantastic event with the men and women competing together in one of greatest hockey nations in world. It will be a great experience for our players. We will be fine tuning in the final phases and the players will be more than ready to hit the ground running against England when we start on the 1st of June.
USA Field Hockey: A majority of the athletes on the World Cup roster are from the East Coast region. How has training closer to home assisted to prepare the athletes?
CP: The relocation to Pennsylvania has definitely helped the program. Many players have close family links near the training facility, giving them the opportunity to see friends and family more than usual. Historically, the area has a long hockey history here and it’s nice for the local hockey community to interact with and see the players. Hopefully they will be tuning in and watching the World Cup.
USA Field Hockey: Team USA’s athleticism truly shines through on the pitch. What was your and Sports Performance Director, Dave Hamilton’s strategy to keep the girls’ strength and speed so incredibly high?
CP: There’s no real secret to this, a lot of it’s about hard work and we’ve worked hard with our physical preparation. We have a great group of players who are really committed to the program. We believe we have a strong program in place and a group of athletes willing to put in the hard work. We have amassed a staff that brings great expertise in their fields and a more scientific approach which has seen some strong improvements with what we can do on the field. Time and access to players, diligent support staff and a group of players willing to work hard have made the process possible.
USA Field Hockey: How has the implementation of assistant coach Janneke Schopman created a more robust squad? How will she continue to aid the team at World Cup?
CP: When we appointed Janneke, I knew we were incredibly lucky to have her involved. She brings a massive wealth of experience as an athlete playing and wining at the highest level. Her experience will only help this group. She is a fierce competitor, who is exacting in her coaching, she continually drives standards every day. Her greatest strength is that she sees the perspectives of both playing and coaching. She is an incredible asset to group and will continue to help during World Cup. She has transitioned to the group very smoothly, working across a number of areas to help progress the program.
USA Field Hockey: What would you consider to be a successful World Cup?
CP: For me, a successful World Cup is looking at USA Field Hockey as the bigger picture. Engaging with the hockey community in the U.S. is a really important part of World Cup. We want young boys and girls watching the TV and the computer as it’s streamed through to be inspired to get out and try hockey. This is a huge and exiting time for us. As we continue to grow as a nation and a governing body. World Cup is a huge opportunity to interact and expose our players to the community. We want to get more numbers and inspire a few to try the sport.
From a team standpoint, playing to our ability on the field and maximizing our potential every time we step onto the pitch is what I would consider a success. World Cups and other big tournaments always feature some intriguing results and there are always some unknowns. We want to focus on the process rather than only the outcome.
USA Field Hockey: What are key three areas we have grown in on the pitch from last summer’s tournaments that fans should keep an eye out for while watching the event?
CP: As a team, the squad had great physical preparations and is physically ready for World Cup. They bring a lot of speed and a very good front-foot aggressive mentality. The squad has a great belief in each other as teammates and what we’re trying to do, and I commend the players on that. Working with a new staff requires everyone to be committed to being open-minded, trying new things, playing a different way or at least trying something new.
USA Field Hockey: As of today only 10 days remain until the tournament. When will the team be leaving for Holland and what does the team do in the final days leading up to the event’s commencement?
CP: We depart on Saturday the 24th, so we have a week to get across and adjust to time zone. It typically takes about an hour a day to catch up on the time zone. We have a training program in place to include a couple practice matches, one against Holland 27th and Australia on the 28th. Final preparations will include meetings to ensure we all understand what our roles are and what our opposition is doing.
USA Field Hockey: The growth of the team has been tremendous in the last year or so. Team leadership seems to have played a vital role in accomplishing a new culture and status. Who are some of the athletes that have displayed this leadership and have contributed to a new team mindset?
CP: We’ve been developing and working as a team to develop leaders and to teach every player to think like leaders. We are continually trying to learn about ourselves and each other. Everyone is getting an opportunity to understand themselves and look at themselves and in that way, better understand one another. The squad has a great spirit here. When I talk about the team, I talk about the full 29 player roster, not just 18 named to a tournament. Here, team means the full 29 players and all the staff who are involved in the team. We are working to continually develop a culture of responsibility and leadership. Players are on the pitch on their own and need to be able to manage themselves. It is all of our responsibilities to do that.
USA Field Hockey: As World Cup is anticipated by the FIH to be the most watched field hockey event in history thus far, a lot of young State-side athletes and their families will be watching. What words do you wish to send to those who aren’t able to make it to the stands of Holland but are still showing their support?
CP: Shout loud! We love the support we get when we’re away. We get a lot of supportive texts and emails. It’s really important to the group to know people are taking an interest and watching. We have a great support network of fans, friends and family. Just shout loud and keep cheering and sending the positive messages!
USFHA media release
Sikhs at Monchengladbach World Cup 2006
by Dil Bahra
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India’s Raj Pal Singh (R) & Korea’s Jong Hyun Jang (L) in action during the Monchengladbach 2006 World Cup. Photo: Ariane Schirle / Deutshe Hockey Agentur (www.dha-online.de )
In our series of the impact Sikhs have had at Men’s Hockey World Cups, we look at the eleventh World Cup held in Monchengladbach, Germany in 2006.
The eleventh Men’s Hockey World Cup was held at Warsteiner Hockey Park, Monchengladbach, Germany, from 6 – 17 September 2006.
Twelve nations competed and were divided into two pools of six as follows:
Pool A: Argentina, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Pakistan, Spain.
Pool B: England, Germany, India, Korea, Netherlands, South Africa.
One Sikh Official, an umpire, was appointed for the Monchengladbach World Cup.
Amarjit Singh of Malaysia was on the Umpires panel for his third World Cup, having umpired at the Utrecht 1998 and Kuala Lumpur 2002 World Cups. He was born in Ipoh, Malaysia and educated at the Anglo-Chinese School in Ipoh. He graduated from the Open University Malaysia. He was associated with the Perak State Players Association.
He started umpiring at the age of 20 and his first international match was in a 4 Nations tournament in Darwin, Australia when he umpired the Australia v Argentina match in May 1992. He was awarded his International badge in April 1993 and his Grade 1 badge in February 1996. He umpired at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1998 and in Manchester in 2002. He was awarded his World Panel badge in August 1998.
Amarjit was awarded the FIH Golden Whistle during the opening hockey match at Athens 2004 Olympic Games. The Golden Whistle is presented to FIH International Umpires who have completed their 100th official senior international inter-nations match.
He umpired in the Final of the Junior World cup in Rotterdam, Netherlands in 2005.
Amarjit umpired at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
The Indian team had three Sikhs in their squad for Monchengladbach 2006 World Cup.
Gagan Ajeet Singh was making his first appearance at a World Cup. He was born in Ferozepur, Punjab. His father, Ajit Singh, played at the 2nd World Cup in Amstelveen in 1973 where India won the Silver medal. He also played at the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games where he set two records when scoring a single goal. He scored the first goal in the opening game against Argentina, which made him the scorer of the first Olympic goal on an artificial pitch. And as he scored after only 15 seconds, it is the fastest goal in Olympic hockey history.
Gagan Ajeet was educated at Union Academy School, Delhi. A forward, he played for Punjab Police and Air India. He was India’s captain at the Junior World Cup in Hobart in 2001 where India won Gold. He won his first senior international cap in 1997 against Russia. He played at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1998. He played at the Champions Trophy in 2002 in Cologne, in 2003 in Amstelveen and in 2005 in Chennai where he was Captain.
Gagan Ajeet played at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympic Games. He scored 7 goals at Athens.
India’s Kanwalpreet Singh (L) and Germany’s Matthias Witthaus (R) in action during Monchengladbach 2006 World Cup. Photo: Ariane Schirle / Deutshe Hockey Agentur (www.dha-online.de )
Kanwalpreet Singh, a fullback from Punjab Police, was making his second appearance at a World Cup, having played at the Kuala Lumpur 2002 World Cup. He was born in Jalandhar, Punjab, and played for Punjab Police. He made his international debut in 2000. He played at the Junior Asia Cup in May 2000 and Junior World Cup in Hobart in 2001, which India won. He played in the Champions Challenge in Kuala Lumpur in December 2001 where India won the Gold.
Raj Pal Singh, a right winger from Punjab, was making his first appearance at a World Cup. He graduated from Chandigarh’s SGGS Khalsa College. He played at the Junior Asia Cup in May 2000 and Junior World Cup in Hobart in 2001, which India won. He won his first senior cap during the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in 2005.
Raj Pal scored field goals against Argentina and South Africa at the Monchengladbach 2006 World Cup.
India Team: 1. Dilip Tirkey (Capt); 2. Bharat Chettri (GK); 3. Kanwalpreet Singh; 4. V Raghunath; 5. Prabodh Tirkey; 6. Gagan Ajit Singh; 7. Tejbir Singh; 8. Nitin Kumar; 9. Adrian D’Souza (GK); 10. Raj Pal Singh; 11. Shivendra Singh; 12. Viren Rasquinha; 13. G Hariprasad; 14. V S Vinaya; 15. Ignace Tirkey; 16. Arjun Halappa; 17. Vikram Pillay; 18. Tushar Khandker
Manager: S P Dass; Coach: Vasudevan Baskaran
Final Classification: 1. Germany; 2. Australia; 3. Spain; 4. Korea; 5. England; 6. Pakistan; 7. Netherlands; 8. New Zealand; 9. Japan; 10. Argentina; 11. India; 12. South Africa.
Next week: the final edition - 12th World Cup – New Delhi, India, 2010.
Sikhs in Hockey
Mark Hughes' daughter Xenna named in Wales hockey squad for Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
By Mike Dawes
In the frame: Mark Hughes' daughter Xenna (right) has been called up to Wales' Commonwealth Games squad
Xenna Hughes, daughter of Stoke City manager Mark Hughes, was named in a 16-strong Wales women's hockey squad for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games on Thursday.
Senior women's head coach Amanda Partington whittled a 24-player squad down to 16 after an intense period of training and competition during the past year.
Partington's squad has a mix of experience and youth.
Sporty family: Ex-Manchester United striker Hughes is currently the manager of Premier League Stoke City
Wales squad: Goalkeeper: Ria Male (Swansea City). Defenders - Elie Barnes (Reading), Jo Westwood (Swansea City), Kat Budd (Swansea City), Leah Wilkinson (Swansea City, vice-captain), Xenna Hughes (University of Birmingham). Midfielders - Alys Brooks (University of Birmingham), Beth Bingham (Swansea City), Carys Tucker (Swansea City), Danielle Jordan (Bath University), Sarah Jones (Reading), Sian French Bowden (Hightown), Abi Welsford (Swansea City, captain). Forwards - Emma Batten (Surbiton), Phoebe Richards (Beeston), Eloise Laity (Bath University).
Daily Mail
A record 152 teams for an action packed Memorial Day weekend of field hockey at California Cup
By Jawwad Qamar
Moorpark, CA: The 2014 California Cup International Hockey Tournament begins on Friday with the start of competition in the Super Divisions at Moorpark College where both men and women will be competing for the winner take all $5,000 prize.
A record 152 teams from four nations will compete in 14 divisions ranging from Mixed Under-8 to Men and Women Super Divisions at the Moorpark College and Arroyo Vista Park venues from May 23-26. The 43rd edition of the tournament more popularly known as the Cal Cup will feature over 2,500 players and the games will start at 6:45 a.m. and end around 7:30 p.m.
The inaugural tournament in 1971 included only six teams. However, Cal Cup has continuously grown ever since attracting teams and players from all over the globe. This year teams from USA, Canada, Mexico and Taiwan will feature players from 13 nations.
Cal Cup is the premier invitational field hockey tournament held annually in the United States under the auspices the Field Hockey Federation and California Cup Organizing Committee. In addition to $5,000 top prize in the Super Divisions, every player in the top three teams of each division will receive Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals.
For schedule and directions to the venues, please visit www.calcup.com.
Fieldhockey.com Exclusive
Competition kicks off at the 43rd California Cup
In California, not only are cows the happiest on the planet, but so are field hockey players. The California Cup embarks on its 43rd year tomorrow with beautiful weather, fierce competition and intense rivalries sure to be in store. Though most teams will be travelling in-state for the tournament, Cal Cup attracts teams from multiple regions, states and countries. Participants can expect top competition from international teams hailing from Mexico, Taiwan and Canada.
Long-time veterans of the tournament, our own U.S. Men’s National Team and High Performance program players will compete this year in Cal Cup’s U21 Division. The tournament is highly regarded as an elite match preparation for the players – even contributing to the U.S. Men‘s Junior Pan American Championships training where they finished in fourth place. When asked about his team’s elevated performance at the PanAm Games, team-member George McGuigan said, “Training is critical, but game time also plays a big factor. Cal Cup helped me in that regard.”
Not only has Cal Cup sharpened our most elite men’s skills, the tournament has also been a strong proponent of youth and umpire development. Fourteen Under-12, eight Under-10 and four Under-8 teams will take to the fields for what will begin their own Cal Cup tradition.
“It’s an amazing sight to witness the enthusiasm and tenacity of over 250 kiddos playing their hearts out on the grass turf,” commented Leslie Warren, Director of Player Services of the Cal Cup Organizing Committee. “Cal Cup has prized itself on providing a fun competition for these kids.”
Young umpires can also be found running up and down the fields keeping up with their older counterparts. At 14 years old, Maxwell Walshaw of Thousand Oaks, Calif. will be the youngest umpire blowing his whistle this weekend and has even earned the 2014 Most Promising Young Umpire award from the Field Hockey Federation, an organization that provides field hockey play in Southern California. In all, 82 umpires will officiate the event, ranging from starter umpires to FIH certified.
“Welcome to California Cup 43,” said Tom Harris, Chair and Founder of Cal Cup and patriarch of the Harris family fame. “I hope you all have a wonderful time while playing a great sport and enjoy seeing old friends and making new ones.”
USA Field Hockey wishes the same.
USFHA media release
Legerton’s brace keeps Army in hunt
Nigel Simon
T&T international Shane Legerton fired in a pair of goals, including a last gasp winner as Defence Force came from behind to edge Paragon 4-3 in the T&T Hockey Board’s Men’s Championship Division at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua, on Wednesday night.
Earlier on, it was Paragon who looked set to secure all three points when Ryan Cowie opened the scoring in the 16th minute.
But in a quick three-minute span, the Army/Coast Guard combination, coming off a 3-2 win over second placed Queen’s park CC on Sunday, took control of the match with goals from national forward Mickel Pierre in the 26th and Legerton, in the 29th with his first for a 2-1 lead at the half.
National defender Marcus James, the scorer of a double in the win over Queen’s Park, then extended his team’s advantage with a 59th-minute penalty-corner conversion, but Kelon Skeritt then hit back with two unanswered goals for Paragon in the 65th and 68th to level the match at 3-3 and a possible share of the points.
However, with virtually the last play of the match, Legerton snatched all three points for his team, to improve to 15 points from eight matches, the same as Courts Malvern, which has played three matches more.
At the top of the table is Notre Dame with 30 points from 12 matches, nine more than the Parkites who have two matches in hand, while four-time defending champions Petrotrin is third with 19 points and has no chance of a fifth straight crown, with only two matches left to play.
Tonight, Petrotrin and Defence Force men will face off from 8.45 pm in a key contest for the “Teteron Boys” while in the earlier match from 7 pm, Harvard Checkers and Ventures meet in a Women’s Championship Division match.
The title race in the Women’s Championship is a two-team battle with Paragon sitting atop the table with 19 points from eight matches, two more than Shandy Carib Magnolias with two matches left for both clubs, while defending champion Notre Dame is a distant third with 12 points.
Results
Wednesday
Men’s Championship
Defence Force 4 (Shane Legerton 29th, 70th, Mickel Pierre 26th, Marcus James 59th) vs Paragon 3 (Kelon Skeritt 65th, 68th, Ryan Cowie 16th).
Standings
Men’s Championship
Teams P W D L F A Pts
Notre Dame 12 9 1 2 35 16 30
QPCC 10 7 0 3 22 13 21
Petrotrin 12 6 1 5 30 21 19
Malvern 11 5 0 6 19 29 15
D/Force 8 5 0 3 20 20 15
Paragon 12 3 2 7 34 35 11
Paradise 8 2 1 5 14 20 7
Fatima 11 2 1 8 11 30 7
Fixtures
Today
Women’s Championship: Harvard Checkers vs Ventures, 7 pm
Men’s Championship: Defence Force vs Petrotrin, 8.45 pm
Tomorrow
Women’s Championship: Malvern vs Shandy Carib Magnolias, 4.30 pm
Men’s Championship: Paradise vs Queen’s Park, 6 pm
Men’s Championship: Fatima vs Defence Force, 7.30 pm
Sunday
Men’s Championship: Paradise vs Notre Dame, 12.30 pm
Trinity Men: Shape vs Paradise, 2 pm
Women’s Championship: Ventures vs Harvard Checkers, 4.30 pm
Women’s Championship: Malvern vs Paragon, 6 pm
Men’s Championship: QPCC vs Paragon, 7.30 pm
The Trinidad Guardian
Scottish Cup & Plate Finals Preview
The Scottish Cup & Plate Finals will bring the curtain down on the 2013/14 season, with four encounters taking place at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre on Saturday 24 May.
The Men’s Scottish Cup Final is an all-Edinburgh tie with city rivals Inverleith and Grange clashing in Saturday’s winner takes all affair.
Inverleith endured a hard-fought win over Hillhead in last weekend’s last four contest, edging the Hornets out 3-2 to give them a shot at silverware; Grange, on the other hand, were comfortable 5-1 winners over AAM Gordonians.
The Purple Robes last featured in the cup final in 2010, losing out to Glynhill Kelburne, while the Stags lost out to the same opponents in dramatic fashion two years ago, Alan Forsyth’s winning goal for the Paisley side coming seconds from full-time.
For those making a prediction in the trophy’s eventual destination, the results in Aberdeen Asset Management National League Division 1 this season gives Grange the edge, Colin Clarke’s side winning 5-1 and 2-1 in the two fixtures featuring both sides.
The Women’s Scottish Cup Final is a repeat of last season’s final between Milne Craig Clydesdale Western and Edinburgh University.
The students will be out to avenge their loss in the 2013 final, while the Titwood outfit have a league and cup double as a reward should they triumph again this weekend.
Both sides needed a penalty shoot-out in their semi-final matches; Edinburgh University defeated league runners-up Grove Menzieshill while Clydesdale Western overcame CALA Edinburgh.
The results of the four matches between the two teams sees the Glasgow side slight favourites to retain the cup, but the University will have a first ever final success as their motivation to one step further this year.
Uddingston and Granite City Wanderers will clash in the Men’s Scottish Plate Final, both having had comfortable passages from the semi-finals.
The South Lanarkshire side were 6-2 winners over Division 3 champions 2020 Renewables Greenock; the Aberdonians equally as emphatic in knocking out Dundee University with a 7-1 scoreline.
The odds will certainly favours the Division 2 champions, particularly with the threat of Josh Cairns from penalty corners a significant goal source, but never count out an upset.
Finally, the Women’s Scottish Plate Final features Granite City Wanderers and Edinburgh University II.
Sandy Keith’s outfit defeated Stirling Wanderers, while the scholars succeeded in knocking out Glasgow Accies.
Match Schedule:
10.00 Granite City Wanderers v Edinburgh University II
12.00 Uddingston v Granite City Wanderers
14.00 Milne Craig Clydesdale Western v Edinburgh University
16.00 Inverleith v Grange
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Around 70 turn up at hockey trials
Anwar Zuberi
KARACHI: Some 70 players, mostly belonging to Sindh and Balochistan, featured separately in the Open trials held to select probables for Pakistan juniors and youth teams, at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium on Thursday.
“The selectors watched the players – 35 juniors and as many youth – in different sessions to identify probables for the two camps,” Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Rana Mujahid told reporters at the end of over four-hour trials.
He said the PHF has decided to hold another Open trial for players of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at Lahore on May 26.
The selection committee, headed by former Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqui and comprising Arshad Chaudhry, Ayaz Mahmood, Khalid Bashir and Mussadiq Hussain were in attendance and watched the players in action.
Answering questions, he said the juniors camp will be staged at HCP Stadium here whereas the venue for youth camp will be announced later. “They’ll be conditioning camp and build-up part for the forthcoming international assignments,” he added.
According to itinerary, Pakistan juniors first litmus test will come in Sultan Johar hockey tournament in Malaysia in the run up to 2016 junior hockey World Cup while the youth will compete in Asian Youth Games at China in August.
He added that former Olympians Manzoor-ul-Hasan and Tahir Zaman will head the juniors and youth team managements.
Asked about the senior team schedule, the secretary said “it was hectic – the Inchon Asian Games, the Champions Trophy and we’ve requested India, South Korea and Malaysia for bilateral series ahead of the two competitions”.
Pertaining to funds, the PHF secretary sounded confident that Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif will give his nod for the early release of Rs500 million which is required to meet the expenses. PHF has chalked out vision 20-20 and will yield positive results, he concluded.
Dawn
National Junior Hockey semis on Friday
LAHORE - The semi-finals of 33rd National Junior Hockey Championship will be played at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium on Friday. In a clash of titans, defending champion WAPDA will clash hot favorites PIA in the first semi-finals at 3pm. Wapda, PIA and National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) remained unbeaten in the league rounds of the championship. National carrier enjoying the services of a number of junior internationals in their line-up, are firm favorites to reach the final. Like PIA, NBP also favorites to reach the final at they take on Punjab Colors in the second semi-finals which push-off at 5pm. Players of the four teams will in scanner of nationals selection committee which is monitoring their performances for the selecting the probable for 2016 Junior Hockey World Cup.
The Nation
Selangor a threat
GOOD FORM: Recent performances show they are a force to be reckoned with
By FADHLI ISHAK
THE signs are all positive going into the Malaysia Games for Selangor’s hockey team but captain Amir Zulkarnain Ahmad Robangi has reminded his teammates not to get ahead of themselves in what could potentially be the state’s most successful outing ever.
Selangor are going through a rosy patch, having won the National Under-21 title in December and also bagging the National Under-16 crown earlier this year.
Amir Zulkarnain, who will be competing in his fourth and final Malaysia Games in Kangar, admitted that the team are currently at their strongest in recent years but downplayed the squad’s title winning prospects.
“I think Selangor have, in the past, often sent younger players to go and gain experience in competitions such as this as the state’s aim has been on building for the future,” said the 20-year-old defender.
“As a result, a lot of the players in this year’s team are quite mature, as we proved in the National Under-21 tournament in December.
“I believe we do have the quality to go far but I would not say we are absolutely confident we can win it.
“We did not make it past the group stages in the last three editions so making the last-four is our priority for the moment.
“Being overconfident can be costly. We cannot afford to lose focus.”
The Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School student, who looks up to Shukri Mutalib and Razie Rahim as role models, added that the team have prepared well for the tournament but is aware of the stern competition they will face in Kangar.
Selangor are in Group B with traditional giants Federal Territories (FT), Penang, Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Sarawak and Kelantan. Defending champions Terengganu have Sabah, Perlis, Perak and Johor for company in Group A.
“We have been training together since last year and have only gone back to our own clubs for the MHC Division One competition for a period of two months earlier this season.
“Looking at the other teams in our group, there are a lot of national junior players in there so it will not be easy by any means.
“Obviously FT and Perak will be very strong but I also expect Penang, Malacca and Negri to be among the favourites for the title.”
Selangor, who have never made the final of the Malaysia Games competition, open against Malacca tomorrow and play Negri on Sunday.
New Straits Times
A Tribute to Lionel Madsen - Gentleman and doyen of SA's most famous sporting family
by STEVE JASPAN
Lionel Madsen, the doyen of the famous Madsen family died late in March, aged 89.
Amongst the sadness, his passing also highlighted an extraordinary life well-lived and notable for the dignity, quiet strength and sportsmanship it encapsulated.
Lionel was the pater familias, of a family that must surely have produced more international and provincial players than any other in this sports crazy land of ours. But he was far more than the father figure because he was a shining example of the very finest characteristics you will find in a man – a role model on and off the field.
He first represented Natal at hockey in 1955 and continued to do so until 1964.
He played for South Africa in 1961 but those were the days when Test matches were few and far between, unlike today when it is commonplace to play 30 internationals per year over a hockey career. He was also a top pole-vaulter, representing Natal at many athletics meetings.
Lionel’s calmness and skill in the heat of hockey battle undoubtedly rubbed off on his burgeoning family of hockey and cricket stars.
Once his playing career was drawing to an end, he decided to take up the whistle in 1966 and continued to umpire until 1973. He had become an officially graded SA Umpire in 1971 and received his FIH Badge in 1973, umpiring a number of internationals along the way. I am sure his celebrated umpiring career was motivated by the philosophy that rather than criticise umpires it is better to become involved - typical of the way he lived his life.
Once again throughout his umpiring career, despite the typical comments that players direct at umpires – mostly unjustly – Lionel retained his dignity – always the gentleman and a gracious one.
Even in his profession as a Master Builder and later Councillor in Queensburgh these qualities, together with great loyalty to family, friends and business associates shone through.
It’s no surprise that in 1977 he was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Queensburgh.
He was fiercely loyal to his old school, Glenwood; his club Technikon, province and country. He also spent hours nurturing the talents of Mike, Andrew, Paddy, Trevor and Jo, all of whom turned into magnificent hockey players – skills probably sharpened in countless family games at their home.
Mike and Trevor also showed superb cricketing skill – so there must have been many a family cricket game, as well! Importantly, this very talented crop and their offspring, many of whom also represented South Africa at sport, inherited their father or grandfather’s true sportsmanship.
The role that Val, also a Springbok hockey player, played after she married Lionel (following the untimely deaths of their respective spouses) was enormous.
Her no-nonsense support of Lionel, and hands on supervision of the abnormally large and vibrant household was a key part of the blossoming of the Madsen/Galloway family, ensuring support to each and every one of their sons and daughters. This was truly a wonderful partnership.
Lionel was one of those people who was universally respected and liked. The turnout at his funeral is illustrative of why those who knew him, whilst sad at his passing, will be consoled by having known a giant among men and a true family man.
I never heard a bad word uttered about Lionel - only good ones. The Madsen/Galloway family and the hockey community have lost a magnificent role model and a very special man.
We send our heartfelt condolences to Val and the whole Madsen/Galloway clan – our thoughts are with you.
SA Hockey Association media release