News 23 August 2014
All the news for Saturday 23 August 2014
WP and Northerns in IPT hockey final
JONATHAN COOK at Greenfields Turf
North West's Lauren Nina shadows incisive Northern Blues attacker Caitlin du Preez during the semi-finals of the SA Interprovincial Tournament at Greenfields Turf in Pietermaritzburg Friday. Photo: GAVIN NEL
Last year's finalists Western Province shaded defending champions Southern Gauteng 1-0 in a thrilling second semi-final after the scores were locked 0-0 at half-time in the SA Women's Interprovincial Hockey Tournament at Greenfields Turf in Pietermaritzburg Friday night.
The winner came in the 64th minute when WP’s outstanding double Olympian Tarryn Bright won a turnover inside Southerns’ half and her layoff was converted by busy Province striker Bronwyn Kretzman.
It was a great pity there had to be a loser as both teams did everything possible to win this one but only one space was reserved for the final and it was the Capetonians’ night.
WP have set up a 4.30pm date in Saturday’s gold medal match with Northern Blues in what will be the Pretorians’ first ever final. Blues beat North West 3-0 in the first semi-final after the teams were locked 0-0 at the break, Northerns’ goals coming from Amoné Mouton a minute after half-time (36th min) and a brace from goalscoring machine Jacinta Jubb in the 45th and 59th minutes, while the Potchefstroom-based side will rue a number of missed chances.
The WP/Southerns first half was played at a very high pace with both sides having numerous opportunities. Amid the frenetic action there were patches of exceptionally skilled play and one that stood out saw in-form Investec SA striker Lilian du Plessis combine with national team-mate Bernie Coston down the left wing, which resulted in Sammy Prost almost breaking the deadlock but WP keeper Hanli Hattingh raced off her goalline to narrow the angle.
Southerns had two good chances early in the second half and while both teams were committed to all-out attack, some of the defensive play was out of the top drawer.
In the early semi-final, both Northern Blues and North West tested the waters before the biggest play in the first 10 minutes came when NW forward Sinalo Jafta made inroads into the strike zone but was denied by the alert Blues defence, led by captain and Investec South Africa women’s hockey team star Nicolene Terblanche.
Blues had a couple of sorties but both teams were wary of being caught on the counter-attack, a department that each semi-finalist was very good at exploiting. One consequence is that neither side was, for the most part, prepared to play a full-frontal, fast-paced game in the first half, always making sure there was sufficient cover.
Goalshots were fired at the keepers but an indication of the cagey nature of the game was that the first penalty corner only came in the 31st minute and Jubb’s piledriver was blocked superbly by first-wave defender Damons and sailed well over the crossbar.
North West had two shots at the other end but Blues goalkeeper Phume Mbande and her helpers were up for the challenge and the sides turned around all-square at 0-0. The busy Caitlin du Preez was again in good form for Blues with her sniping runs but Lauren Nina and the NW defenders had held her in check for the most part.
The game broke wide open one minute (36th) after the changeover when Amy Erthington crossed accurately from the right and Amoné Mouton picked her spot. (1-0). Damons broke clear from the re-start but SA-capped keeper Mbande timed her advance off the goalline to perfection to block the shot. And in the 45th Blues’ prolific goalscorer, Jubb, took the ball right at a PC before smashing it into the backboard (2-0).
NW had their chances but in the 59th minute the Blues made the game safe when Mia Smuts showed great determination in chasing a long ball down the left before flipping the white nut across to the expectant Jubb for the simple tap-in (3-0).
In the B Section final, host province KZN Inland will face Free State at 2.30pm on Greenfields Turf for promotion to the 2015 elite A Section IPT.
RESULTS
A Section (5th to 8th cross-pool playoffs): KZN Coastal Raiders 10 Eastern Province 1; Border 2 Southern Gauteng Witsies 1. Semi-finals: Northern Blues 3 North West 0; Western Province 1 Southern Gauteng 0.
B Section: (9/10 round 1): Mpumalanga 2 SA Country Districts B 1. (5th to 8th cross-pool playoffs): WP Peninsula 5 EP Settlers 0; SA Country Districts A 3 Eastern Gauteng 1. Semi-finals: KZN Inland 3 KZN Mynahs 2; Free State 5 Zimbabwe 1.
SA Hockey Association media release
We're ready to take on best in world: Indian Hockey coach Terry Walsh
Chander Shekhar Luthra
Chief coach of men's hockey team wants players to guard against complacency in upcoming Asian Games
Soon after the Asian Games hockey draw was announced on Wednesday, clubbing India with arch-rivals Pakistan in Group B, there were concerns if the ghosts of Guangzhou 2010 where India defeated Pakistan in the group stage before losing their semifinal encounter to Malaysia could have any negative impact on the mind of players?
But chief coach Terry Walsh doesn't feel there is any need to tackle this issue. He maintains that his boys don't need the services of a psychologist in the run-up to the Games. "I don't think that this team needs any such thing at this point. I believe that to work on the mental part of the game, one doesn't need any psychologist at this level. I can only tell you that this team has been playing better than in 2010 and is ready to take on the best in the world," was his reply to dna's query.
When reminded that it's been 16 years since the Indian men's hockey team won a gold at the Asian Games, the Australian legend said that this Sardar Singh-led side has a realistic chance of breaking the jinx in Incheon, South Korea.
"The pressure would be more on Pakistan than us. We are certainly playing much better hockey now. India, to me, are one of the teams with a medal prospect in the Asian Games and I can say that on the basis of how we played in the World Cup and then in the Commonwealth Games," Walsh said on the sidelines of team's camp here at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium.
The Indian men's hockey team has won just two god medals at the Asian Games (1966 and 1998). And if India could break this jinx in Incheon, that would also mean an automatic ticket to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.
"We need to guard against complacency. Our pool is not as easy as it looks. China are a good side and Pakistan, we know, can be dangerous on their day. We will have to work hard and can't take our place for granted from this pool," said Walsh.
However, Walsh is satisfied with the fact that his boys have done well in the recent past. "We lost to Australia in Glasgow but that's been the case with any other team in the world. Australia, we have to understand, is a very superior team. But we were able to put up a much better show against them than in the past. We are improving and there is no doubt about it. We are getting to a better place where we can justifiably play and expect results against teams outside the top four in the world and that's a very good place for us to be," he added.
The Asian Games will see the tournament being played in four quarters. A two-minute break after each quarter of 15 minutes will come into effect and this could force some tactical changes to be made accordingly.
"The break in each quarter will allow players to refresh and the team is working on this new format and formulating its strategies accordingly. But I don't think that there could be any need to change our tactics drastically," Walsh explained. Rather, he hoped that his team would learn from its mistakes. "We've to get better at creating corners and converting our chances. More importantly, we need to work hard in such a way that we don't give away careless penalty-corners to our opponents," he added.
Draw for Asian Games
Pool A
Korea
Malaysia
Japan
Bangladesh
Singapore
Pool B
India
Pakistan
Oman
China
Sri Lanka
DNA
‘Pakistan hockey needs funding to stay alive’
Rana Mujahid said that Pakistan hockey team is in dire need of international exposure in order to develop a strong combination for the Asian Games. — Photo by AFP
KARACHI: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is facing a huge financial crisis as they await funds for the national team’s tour to Europe as well as for participation in the upcoming Asian Games.
This was stated on Friday by PHF secretary Rana Mujahid. “The PHF badly needs funds to prepare the national senior and junior teams for foreign assignments as well as for domestic circuit,” said Rana. “The PHF wants the national team to undertake a short tour to Europe in the build-up for the upcoming Incheon Asian Games but we are facing extreme paucity of funds for that and other important assignments ahead.”
Rana said a request for a grant of Rs500 million was submitted to The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and other sports authorities for the release of funds sometime back but so far no response has come from there.
“We urgently need funding for the senior team because their European tour and Asian Games are just weeks away now,” he said. “Our international participation will be in jeopardy if the funds are not provided urgently.”
He said Pakistan hockey team is in dire need of international exposure in order to develop a strong combination for the Asian Games which is PHF’s prime target at the moment.
Rana added that besides the senior team’s tour to Europe tour and for the Asian Games, Pakistan will also have to also feature in the Champions Trophy in India while the junior team have to take part in the Sultan Johar Cup in Malaysia later this year.
Dawn
Asian Games: Lack of exposure will pose problems, says Imran
By Nabil Tahir
KARACHI: Pakistan national hockey team’s captain Muhammad Imran rued Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) failure to arrange any foreign tours for the greenshirts since October last year, terming it a setback in preparations for the Asian Games.
“Our team is quite young and would face difficulties in adjusting to the international environment, but I believe the coaches must have planned ahead for it,” Imran told The Express Tribune.
Recently, the PHF called off a tour to Spain due to ‘lack of interest’ from the Spanish Hockey Federation (SHF) and persisting visa problems.
“The SHF is not interested in pitting their national team against Pakistan,” said PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid.
“It is, therefore, better to fly off to Incheon early where we will not only play matches against the Korean national team, but also against local various clubs before the initiation of the Games,” added Rana while defending his decision to depart for Korea early on September 10.
“It will certainly help our national team in adjusting to the conditions and will provide the team much-needed match practice.”
Pakistan, India and hosts Korea have been placed in the same pool at the Asian Games, with Imran terming it a tough draw due to the other two teams’ highly competitive nature.
“India and Korea will be at an advantage due to the amount of international exposure they have at their disposal.
“However, I believe we have the potential to handle them,” said Imran.
The Asian Games are set to start from September 19 in Incheon, Korea.
The Express Tribune
National hockey camp to resume from 31st
PESHAWAR: The training camp of national hockey team preparing for next month’s Asian Games, in progress at Johor Town Hockey Stadium Lahore, was called off and now it will resume on Aug 31 at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) announced here on Friday.
According to a PHF press release, the players and officials were hereby directed to report to camp commandant Shahnaz Sheikh at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium on Aug 31 in the afternoon positively.
Dawn
Tengku Abdullah AHF president
By Jugjet Singh
TENGKU Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah is the new Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) president after he was the sole nominee when nominations closed on Thursday.
Incumbent treasurer Fumio Ogura of Japan was also returned unopposed, but the five vice-presidents posts will see 12 hopefuls battling it out in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 31.
The election for council members, 10 in total, will see 18 individuals vying for positions.
Tengku Abdullah replaces the late Sultan Azlan Shah, who had held the post from 1990.
MHC vice presidents Nur Azmi Ahmad and S. Shamala are among the nominees for the five vice presidents posts.
Nur Azmi and Shamala, together with incumbent Datuk Rahim Ariff, have also been nominated for the council member positions. Shamala is also an incumbent.
The newcomer from Malaysia for a council post is MHC vice president Manjit Majid Abdullah.
“I can safely presume, from experience, that some of those who have been nominated for vice president as well as council member will pick one post to stand,” said acting AHF president Tan Sri P. Alagendra.
Alagendra, who has been secretary general of the AHF for the past 18 years, will be honoured at the AHF Congress.
“The rules have changed, and those above 70 are not eligible to stand for elections. The AHF will also no longer have a secretary general. The post has been replaced by a CEO,” said Alagendra.
The CEO is Tayyab Ikram of Macau.
New Straits Times
Tengku Abdullah is the new AHF chief
By S Ramaguru
Tengku Abdullah (centre) was the sole candidate to replace the late Sultan Azlan Shah as the head of the AHF.
KUALA LUMPUR: Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah is the new president of the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).
He will take over on Aug 31. He was the sole candidate to replace the late Sultan Azlan Shah as the head of the AHF when nominations closed on Wednesday. Tengku Abdullah is also the president of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC)
The AHF will hold their congress in KL on Aug 31 and elections are slated for the posts of vice president and council members.
AHF treasurer Datuk Fumio Ogura was also returned unopposed for another term.
AHF acting president Tan Sri P. Alagendra confirmed yesterday that the president and treasurer’s post are the only uncontested positions when nominations closed.
“Tengku Abdullah will take over as head of the AHF when we hold our congress. There is no secretary’s post as we have changed the constitution to have a chief executive officer to handle the task,” he said.
Macau’s Datuk Tayab Ikram is the CEO.
Alagendra said that besides the elections the other notable agenda during the congress is the changes to the constitution.
“We are making some changes to the constitution in line with the International Hockey Federation. The calendar for the next two years are also likely to be finalised,” he added.
The Star of Malaysia
Celebrate our Sport with the Third Annual National Field Hockey Day
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – For an entire day, neither the colors we wear nor the teams we cheer for can contain our love of field hockey. The love of the game is leaping over county lines and hurdling from state to state in celebration of USA Field Hockey’s third annual National Field Hockey Day. The event will be held Saturday, September 13th to connect coaches, clubs, athletes, umpires and those who simply enjoy the sport for a day dedicated to proudly displaying our passion for the game. We encourage our members and fans to participate all week long with their friends and families for a chance to win some great prizes.
“National Field Hockey Day is our one day a year to go above and beyond in celebrating and promoting the sport we love on a national level,” said Simone Attles, Sport Development and Marketing Manager. “We are excited to enter our third year of this initiative and look forward to even more participation from our amazing field hockey community.”
Last year, universities hosted free clinics, clubs held special training for brothers and dads, former players organized pick-ups in the park, even a field hockey themed cake was made. However you choose to celebrate, let us know via e-mail, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram by using @USAFieldHockey and #NFHDay. We will post submissions throughout the week and you could even be featured on our website in photo galleries like the one above!
We will be giving awards for:
- Most Spirit
- Biggest Celebration
- Most Unique/Creative
- Growing the Game
Ways to Celebrate:
- Invite neighbors, family, and friends to watch you play
- Host a youth clinic with your team
- Umpire or coach a game
- Host an equipment drive for a community or team in need
- Submit “old school” photos for Flashback Friday
- Get creative with signs, t-shirts and headbands
Submitting Flashback Friday Photos:
Please e-mail your favorite “old school” field hockey photos to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before Wednesday, September 10 at 5:00 p.m. PST. You can also participate on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by tagging @USAFieldHockey #NFHDay and #FBF.
In addition, clubs and communities can download the Official National Field Hockey Day Logo and inscribe their town or team in the banner. USA Field Hockey encourages Member Clubs and Teams to download and use the logo to help promote National Field Hockey Day in your community. Download your National Field Hockey Day logo by clicking here!
USFHA media release