Welcome to the Fieldhockey.com Archives

Daily Hockey news updated @ 10:00 GMT

News 18 June 2014

All the news for Wednesday 18 June 2014


Hockey teams for Glasgow announced

The South African men’s and women’s hockey teams to play in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, starting in July, were announced on Tuesday.

Following last week’s announcement of an initial squad of 155 of the country’s premier athletes, a group of 32 hockey players has been named.

“The women’s hockey team were ranked in ninth place at the World Cup event in the Netherlands, while the men’s team finished in 12th position,” said SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) CEO Tubby Reddy.

“I hope this was a good test of the competition that the teams will face in Glasgow and I’m positive they will perform to the best of their abilities.”

South African Women’s team: Quanita Bobbs, Tarryn Bright, Dirkie Chamberlain, Bernadette Coston, Marsha Cox, Sulette Damons, Illse Davids, Lisa-Marie Deetlefs, Lilian du Plessis, Celia Evans, Lenise Marais, Jade Mayne, Shelley Russell, Kathleen Taylor, Nicolene Terblanche, Anelle van Deventer.

South African Men’s team: Andrew Cronje, Jean-Pierre de Voux, Timothy Drummond, Jethro Eustice, Rhett Halkett, Julian Hykes, Lloyd Jones, Robin Jones, Ignatuis Malgraff, Clinton Panther, Taine Paton, Wade Paton, Erasmus Pieterse, Jonathan Robinson, Austin Smith, and Lungile Tsolekile.

Citizen



Clean sweep by Indian women

Indian women secured a 6-0 whitewash over Malaysia after winning the final match of their tour 5-2 here on Tuesday.

The series was part of the team’s preparation for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“With the kind of momentum the team has generated, we are certain that this is a good step forward in preparation for the Commonwealth Games,” he said.

The result: India 5 (Poonam Rani, Sunita Lakra, Anuradha, Ritushah Arya 2) beat Malaysia 2.

The Hindu



Don't blame the coaches

S. Thyagarajan


Sardar Singh.   

The target for Terry Walsh in the hockey World Cup was one spot below eighth. India’s coach nursed no delusions.

But the eventual ninth place has triggered off a debate. The ritual of constituting a panel for analysing the performance is on. But that is only deflecting the issue.

Admittedly, there is disappointment. But the tendency to blame the coaches should be eschewed. Instead, it is time to introspect and view the overall picture, and identify areas for improvement.

A blend of positives and negatives has emerged.

Among the positives are the sparks of proficiency. India played three top European outfits, enjoying, albeit briefly, a clear chance of winning. It was close against Belgium, England and Spain.

Among the three Asian outfits, India was the best, outclassing Malaysia (12th) and South Korea (10th).

It was the astonishing performances from goalkeeper Sreejesh that helped India narrow the gap with the others. Sardar Singh personified class, calibre and creativity as a leader. He was the cynosure in every match.

The favourable pointers must, however, not overshadow the deficiencies. Inconsistency was the major discordant note. The unpredictability was baffling.

All the reverses occurred in the dying minutes owing to avoidable tactical errors. A noticeable weakness was the link among the layers. The frontline lacked rhythm, and there was also an evident imbalance, with hardly two or three players living up to the demands.

The rest were mired in mediocrity. The much-hyped area of penalty corners by Rupinder and Raghunath proved just that. One wonders how they are different from the deficiencies perceived in Sandeep Singh’s approach.

The administration needs to resist the temptation of subjecting the coaches to a public inquisition. It must instead pave the way for them to spread the net wider for recasting the squad.

The goal should be for a podium finish at the Commonwealth Games, and the gold at Incheon.

Debating the dead past will do nobody any good. Even top-ranked Germany, England and Belgium had to stay away from the podium.

Realism, not recrimination, is the need of the hour.

The Hindu



Is Indian Hockey hopeless?

Ankur Bhardwaj


       
The Hockey World Cup ended this Sunday with Australia winning the Men’s trophy for the second consecutive time and their 3rd World Cup win over all. India also participated and finished ninth. They had finished 8th in the previous edition of the world cup which was held at home. India last won the trophy in 1975.

This will, indubitably, give rise to a lot of negative sentiment at home. Some knee jerk reactions will be sought and provided. Another “new” beginning will be made to prepare our team for the 2016 Olympics or the 2018 World Cup. An authentic analysis might be missing though.

Where did India flounder in this tournament? Why couldn’t they improve their performance despite employing a foreign coach, short-corner experts, modern physio, and following a packed preparation schedule?

India started employing foreign coaches nearly a decade ago after it had been felt that Indian coaches lacked the modern training technique as required in a fast evolving game. Since then, they have had Indian as well as foreign coaches handling the senior side with similar results. We have had Gerhard Rach, Jose Brasa, Michael Nobbs and now Terry Walsh as coaches. Roelant Oltmans is head of high performance. There is also a full fledged support staff to help Walsh in his job and make India a more competitive side. The results, however, still elude them.

This world cup highlighted India’s poor defence. They played two short-corner specialists Raghunath and Rupinderpal, who both fell short of international standard defending. It is one of the most shocking bit of the world cup performance that India didn’t score even one direct goal of the 18 penalty corners they earned in their 6 matches. What is worse is that they conceded 26 penalty corners out of which the opposition scored 7. India has had a string of penalty corner specialists who fell short of international standards as a deep defender but we didn’t play two of them at the same time. India continued to play both of them for the entire duration of 70 minutes. This was a big error. It was the brilliance of India’s goal-keeper Sreejesh Ravindran which saved India from conceding a dozen more goals in the tournament. Sreejesh was arguably the best goalkeeper on view in the tournament.

The debate between Indian and European style of games has been going on for a really long time. It has been suggested that India adopt the European style of passes and power play rather than its traditional system of skilful dribbling in close duels. This debate does not answer how Argentina managed to win the bronze medal while playing a more skillful, close duel brand of hockey in this world cup.

Indian boys at the junior levels continue to be trained even now in the traditional style. If the federation was convinced that we need to change our style, then that change should have been started at the age-group level years ago. This, unfortunately, is not the case. India’s coaches finish an outdated course at NIS, Patiala and then continue to train wards with that old method all their life. Certificate refresher courses are very rare and meant for a select few coaches when they are organised. No attempt has been made to modernise this crucial aspect of Indian hockey. There is a significant gap between Indian and European or Australian coaches and no attempt has been made in the last decade to bridge this gap and develop Indian coaching talent.

Hockey in India does not lack money. It is an old myth which is now commonly accepted by the masses. Indian hockey players are the richest hockey players in the world; the coaches at the senior level are paid well too. There are sponsorship deals struck by the federation and the Hockey India League is a highly successful product which attracts the best talent in the world; talent which gets paid handsomely for a month’s exertion.

The real reason we have not done well is because the hockey administrators in the country have lacked a vision to make India competitive in the game. Best international coaches are needed but their being a foreign coach is not a guarantee of him being the best. None of the coaches that India has appointed for the national team has had recent hockey coaching experience. They either coached women’s sides or coached a men’s team long ago --- and were thus out of touch with the latest coaching strategies and methods. Their attempts were also affected by the federation giving them a select pool of players to choose from. They did not attend domestic tournaments, except for the Nationals which prevented them from watching new talent in a competitive environment. The fact that the talent they had was also schooled in the old style at junior levels compounded their problem.

The situation does look depressing right now but can be improved over a period of time. India needs to adopt a five year plan to markedly change the game in the country. Foreign coaching talent ought to be employed for the age groups under a national coach, who can give them his vision of a national team in the next five years. After this, they should be given all the support by the federation to implement their program. This can help in making meaningful progress in Indian hockey.

This change is crucial at this juncture. A long term strategy needs to be planned and executed by a dedicated team of professionals. Piecemeal solutions will continue to give us grief otherwise and this column will once again have to be written, come the next Olympics or the World Cup.

Ankur Bhardwaj is a corporate slave with an interest in politics and policy. Views are personal.

DNA



USA Women's National Field Hockey Championship at Spooky Nook in Lancaster, PA

The Turf Heats up on Day Two of Women’s National Championship Play

LANCASTER, Pa. – After a high-scoring day one of competition at the 2014 Women’s National Championship, athletes took to the pitch for their second chance to strut their stuff and show off the years’ worth of hard work and dedication.

Red and White were the first teams onto the turf this morning, with both teams looking for their first win of the event. With even play for much of the first half, Erin McCoy (Lititz, Pa.) put White on the board first in the 23rd minute. The score remained 1-0 until the 56 minute mark when Kelcie Hromisin (Larksville, Pa.) added a tally for White. Red generated a strong offensive attack and a goal by Nikki Parsley (Milford, Del.) in the 68th minute, but were unable to even the score before the final whistle. White took home the three points with a 2-1 victory.

U21 and Blue, who had six goals a-piece in yesterday’s victories, were both looking to add three more points to their standings in the second match of the day. Both teams came out strong, but were unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities, yielding a scoreless first half. The U21 squad hit the backboard first with a goal by Alyssa Parker (Woodbine, Md.) in the 39th minute. After a flurry of hard fouls and green cards, Kate Ferrara (Spring City, Pa.) answered back for Blue by netting a penalty corner at the 58 minute mark. With neither table to gain the go-ahead goal, the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Freedom and Courage took to the pitch next, with Freedom ahead of the leaderboard after an eight-goal match yesterday. After back and forth play for much of the first half, Emily McCoy’s (Lititz, Pa.) goal off of a penalty corner for Freedom in the 18th minute remained the lone goal of the first half. The match remained 1-0 until Freedom’s Allison Evans (Macungie, Pa.) netted a score. A final goal in the 64th minute by Alexis Ahern (Getzville, N.Y.) gave Freedom the 3-0 victory. The second half of the match proved to be a physical one with two green cards handed out to both teams.

Finally, the Patriots faced off against the Eagles. The Eagles got on the board early thanks to a goal by Shannon Scavelli (Yorktown Heights, N.Y.) at the three minute mark. Just four minutes later, Amanda Magadan (Randolph, N.J.) struck again for the Eagles. The score of 2-0 stood through half-time. In the 41st minute, Aileen Johnson (Oceanport, N.J.) notched the Eagles final goal. The Patriots were unable to fight through the tough Eagle defense and the match ended 3-0 in favor of the Eagles.

USFHA media release



Genestet leads St Germain to French final

Saint Germain will meet Racing Club de France for the French championship next weekend in Lille following their respective semi-finals wins over Lille and Lyon.

Reigning champions Saint Germain produced a masterful performance against Lille in the first leg to kill off any suspense as Hugo Genestet’s quartet of goals put them in the driving seat, winning 7-1.

It made the second leg pretty much a dead rubber but Lille did bounce back well to win 4-2 but still fell 9-5 on aggregate.

Racing, meanwhile, had a much tighter tussle with Lyon, shading both of their games 2-1. Olivier Sanchez scored both of the goals in game two to earn their place in this weekend’s finals.

Euro Hockey League media release



Fijian League hockey begins

Zanzeer Singh

secondary schools from Nadi and Lautoka will begin their local league hockey competition at the Nadovu grass turf this Saturday.

The schools will play under the Lautoka Hockey Association banner.

Association executive Martin Coffin said seven schools had confirmed their participation in the competition. Coffin said the local league would run for several weeks in the lead up to the National Secondary Schools Championship.

"The response from the schools is great," he said.

"Our schools from the Western Division have done well at the national championship and this local league will give them a lot of game time in preparation for that."

Natabua, Saint Thomas, Tilak, Jasper Williams and Swami Vivekananda are among the top contenders for the league title.

Meanwhile, the association will start its club games soon.

The Fiji Times



Hockey and tennis stars open London 2012 venue


Some children playing quicksticks at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Launch Day

Some of the country’s top sports stars teamed up with the next generation of champions to try the world class facilities at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre – the latest London 2012 venue to launch in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park today.

Just days after competing at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup, England Hockey Women’s and Men’s team members Tom Carson, Henry Weir and Kirsty Mackay joined British Wheelchair Tennis Paralympic medallists Jordanne Whiley and Lucy Shuker to officially open the £30 million centre that has been adapted from Eton Manor – the only purpose-built Paralympic venue.

Local schools including Chobham Academy, University of East London’s tennis club, East London and Waltham Forest hockey clubs and the east London based FRE Flyers community group were among the first to test out the new facilities which feature striking blue tennis courts of the same standard as those used in the US Open and two floodlit, international competition standard hockey pitches with a stunning Union Jack design.

Shaun Dawson, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority Chief Executive said: “Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre provides top class facilities for the next generation of hockey and tennis champions – the stars of tomorrow will be discovered here.

“Our programme puts these high quality courts and pitches within reach of players of all standards, from complete beginners to international athletes.

“And with the first major event just three weeks away, you’ll be able to relive the drama of London 2012 as the world’s best hockey players return to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for the Investec London Cup.”

Members of the public will have their first chance to take part in both sports at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Saturday 21 June when the venue will host a free Family Fun Day.

The fun day is part of the Great British Tennis Weekend which is supported by the Lawn Tennis Association and Tennis Foundation. Visitors can try Cardio Tennis, a great way to burn off excess calories, Mini Tennis, a national scheme to teach children core tennis skills and various forms of Disability Tennis. There will also be a chance to play Quicksticks, aimed at introducing hockey to seven to 11-year-olds, brought to visitors by England Hockey.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: “This is great news for Londoners, which adds to the spectacular suite of world class sporting venues available for their use at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. From cycling and BMX, to swimming and diving, hockey and tennis and many other sports besides, this is an unrivalled set of facilities delivered thanks to London’s Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Sally Munday, England Hockey Chief Executive said: “We have an exciting few years ahead of us in terms of the major international events we’re hosting at this stadium, and having a facility like this is a fantastic tool for us to engage the public with our sport and really stimulate some National pride in supporting England’s hockey teams.

“It’s also a huge benefit to the local clubs and schools in the area who’ll use the pitches, which is of utmost importance.”

Michael Downey, Lawn Tennis Association Chief Executive said: “Today is another great example of the important legacy left for sport by the London 2012 Games. British tennis is delighted to be working in partnership with the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and England Hockey to deliver a world class facility that will not only host major sporting events, but also support the local community playing regular sport. We want more people in London playing tennis all year around, and this fantastic new venue will support this goal.”

Visitors will be able to try hockey from £4 per person. Clubs and schools from across the region are booking the pitches for training and matches every day of the week.

Tennis courts cost from £5 an hour with a host of coaching, introductory and inclusive sessions available as well as special rates for children, schools and universities.

Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre will be a hub for disability tennis and a base for tennis community activity. Hockey clubs from the region will train and play matches on the pitches and there will also be introductory sessions for players new to the sport.

Visitors will be able to:

    play Rush Hockey and Quicksticks, adapted versions of the game aimed at getting more players into the sport for £4 per person
    enjoy hockey and tennis coaching sessions to improve their game
    play club hockey
    hire tennis courts from £5
    take part in community tennis programmes including Cardio, Mini and Disability Tennis

Those who prefer to be spectators can cheer on the world’s best at this spectacular venue. The primary hockey pitch has a capacity of 3,000 which can be increased to 15,000 for major events. The centre will host the:

    EuroHockey Championships in 2015
    Women’s Champions Event in 2016
    Men’s World League Round 3 in 2017
    Hockey Women’s World Cup in 2018.
    The most important international tournament in the wheelchair tennis calendar, the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters takes place here in November of 2014, 2015 and 2016.

No matter what standard, there will be an opportunity to play hockey and tennis with a range of community, club and elite programmes available.

In addition, there will be a multitude of events throughout the year including an annual schools festival where school children from across the region can play for free as well as school holiday activities.

Visitors can sign up in advance for tennis activities at the free family fun day which will run from 10:00 to 16:00 on Saturday 21 June at www.greatbritishtennisweekend.com or just turn up on the day and enjoy playing hockey and tennis.

For more information go to: www.visitleevalley.org.uk/hockeytennis

England Hockey Board Media release



Hockey re-homed at £30m Olympic Park complex

HOCKEY has a proper home for its fans at last. Lee Valley officially opened its hockey and tennis stadium in the Olympic Park, Stratford, east London, on Tuesday which was a dream come true for England Hockey chief executive Sally Munday and her backroom staff after years in the planning.

By Graham Wilson


The kids get their first taste of hockey at Lee Valley[Ady Kerry]

Adapted from the London 2012 Wheelchair tennis venue, the £30million complex includes an arena with a basic capacity of 3,000 seats, rising to 12,000, two international standard pitches in blue with a Union Jack design.

There are also four indoor and six outdoor tennis courts.

Opening the day were England striker Tom Carson and defender Henry Weir, who had just returned from their fourth-place finish in the Rabobank World Cup in The Hague, supported by British wheelchair tennis champions Jordanne Whiley and Lucy Shuker.

Munday said: “We have an exciting few years ahead of us and having a a facility like this is a fantastic tool for us to engage the public with our sport and really stimulate some national pride in supporting England’s hockey teams. It is also a huge benefit to the local clubs and schools in the area who will use the pitches which is of the utmost importance.”

She added: “This is a special moment for us. We have been talking about this for seven years. It is an an amazing facility, an unprecedented venue for our sport. Hockey was the third biggest attended sport at the Olympics and now in just a few weeks we will be here for the Investec Cup.

“Next August we will stage the Euro Nations, the first ranking event here, and in 2018 the World Cup for women. Holland is a hard act to follow but we will do something different but very special come 2018.”

The NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters takes place here in November of 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Shaun Dawson, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority chief executive, said: “The centre provides top class facilities for the next generation of hockey and tennis champions – the stars of tomorrow will be discovered here. Our programme puts these high quality courts and pitches within reach of players of all standards, from complete beginners to international athletes.

“And with the first major event just three weeks away, you’ll be able to relive the drama of London 2012 as the world’s best hockey players return to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for the London Investec Cup.”

Members of the public will have their first chance to take part in both sports at the centre on Saturday (June 21) when the venue will host a free Family Fun Day.

Paul Williams, director of centre designers Stanton Williams, said: “It’s a true legacy project. Legacy drove our vision from the beginning to the end and it is wonderful to now see it unfolding. The centre will continue to evolve and become richer as it starts to serve both the local community as we as national and international sports teams.”

Stuart Burnside, chairman of Wapping Hockey Club which will also use the venue, said: “Our growth post-Olympics means we can no longer fit on one pitch. This £30m facility gives our 22 teams an incredible home from home, meaning we can train young and old, able bodied and not, at hockey's Wembley. We will host a fully inclusive club day at the venue on August 30, open to all.”

Daily Express

Fieldhockey.com uses cookies to assist with navigating between pages. Please leave the site if you disagree with this policy.
Copyright remains with the credited source or author