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News 12 September 2014

All the news for Friday 12 September 2014


Will Chile be too hot to handle in Mexico?

Road to Rio: Hockey World League R1 - Men - Guadalajara (MEX)


Chile men, pictured in 2013. (Photo: PAHF)

This Friday, the men’s Hockey World League Round 1 event in Guadalajara, Mexico gets underway with the host nation (FIH World Ranking: 35) entertaining Pan American rivals Chile (WR: 26), Brazil (WR: 33) and Guatemala (WR: 71).

The winner of the tournament, which takes place between 12-14 September, is guaranteed a place in the second phase of the competition and will keep hopes of competing at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games very much alive.

Chile are the top ranked team in the tournament, being the only nation inside the world’s top 30 at 26. They are considered to be tournament favourites, and rightly so if their form in the inaugural edition of the Hockey World League is anything to go by. Chile qualified for the second phase thanks to a strong Round 1 performance in Port of Spain where they finished second behind host nation Trinidad & Tobago in November 2012. Although Chile were eliminated in the Round 2 event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil , they have been making big strides forward over the past few years. Chile have claimed the Bronze medal at the two most recent Pan American Games (2007 Rio & 2011 Guadalajara) and could well be gunning for Gold in the years ahead. Sebastian Kapsch, Jaime Zarhi and team captain Raimundo Valenzuela all have over 100 caps to their names, while the squad itself is easily the most experienced in the competition with an average over 55 international appearances per player.

With an international appearances average of 27, Brazil may not have the same level of experience as their Chilean rivals but they will be determined to make a big statement in Guadalajara. Yuri van der Heijden, Matheus Borges and Agusto de Paula Felipe are the most experienced members of the group with 50 caps apiece. The team featured in the inaugural edition of the Hockey World League, competing in the Round 2 event which took place on home soil in Rio de Janeiro.

Mexico will be keen to make home advantage count and certainly have a squad capable of challenging for a first place finish. 29-year-old Goalkeeper Moises Vargas is the only player to have surpassed the 100 caps mile-stone, although six players - Roberto Garcia, Edgar Garcia (captain), Ricardo Garcia, Pol Moreno, Bruno Peraza and Francisco Aguilar - have all surpassed the 50 caps marker. Aguilar has recent form against Brazil, netting a hat-trick in the 5-8 cross-over classification match at the 2013 Pan American Cup to help his team to a 3-2 victory before they eventually lost their 5-6 Classification match against Chile.

Although rank outsiders, Guatemala will be looking to gain as much experience as possible from their participation in Guadalajara. Their participation in the Hockey World League comes just two years after the country’s first ever international appearance when the newly formed U-21 men’s team competed in the 2012 Pan American Junior Championships, an event which also took place in Guadalajara. Guatemala’s involvement in this event is a significant milestone for everyone who has worked hard to develop the sport since the Olympic Committee of Guatemala opened the doors to hockey just seven years ago.

You can keep track of the results from Guadalajara on the official tournament microsite, with FIH.CH bringing a full summary of the action upon the completion of the event. The city also plays host to a women’s Hockey World League Round 1 event, with Canada, Mexico, Guatemala and Peru competing between 11-14 September. To keep track of the results from that competition, click here

The Hockey World League is tournament that makes the dream of reaching the Rio 2016 Olympic Games a possibility for every hockey playing nation. The second edition of the HWL got underway earlier this year, with the women’s teams of Malaysia and Belarus emerging triumphant at respective Round 1 events in Singapore and Lithuania before Russia men stormed to victory in Croatia in July.

The winning team at each of the Round 1 events is guaranteed a place in HWL Round 2, where they will be joined by a number of the highest-placed finishers from the Round 1 tournaments. Round 2 will also see the introduction of teams placed 12 to 19 in the FIH World Rankings with the sides ranked 1 to 11 starting their journey in Round 3, where tickets for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games as well as qualification for the Finals tournament are up for grabs. 

FIH site



Canada dominant in first game at Women's World League 1

Shaheed Devji

The Canadian Women's National Team dominantly defeated Guatemala 34-0 in the first match of the Women's World League 1 tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico on Thursday.

From the moment the game began, the world no. 22 Canadians met all expectations against the unranked Guatemalans.

The first goal of the game came in the second minute of play from Brienne Stairs (Kitchener, ON). Stairs led the Canadians throughout the match, with six goals on the day.

The Canadians had multiple multi-goal performer, including Abigail Raye (Kelowna, BC), who had five, Thea Culley (Rossland, BC) and Kate Gillis (Kingston, ON), who had four each, and Hannah Haughn (North Vancouver, BC), who had three.

Madeline Secco (Victoria, BC), Tegan Stairs (Kitchener, ON), and Poonam Sandhu (Vancouver, BC) also put up multiple goals, with two each.

The game was an opportunity for the women to get their feet wet in a very important tournament.

World League 1 serves as a pathway to eventual Olympic qualification, with the only tournament winner headed to World League 2, which will take place in 2015 and is the only way to World League 3, which will determine Olympic qualifiers for 2016.

After leading 18-0 at the half, goalkeeper Kaitlyn Williams (White Rock, BC) gave way to Lauren Logush (Richmond Hill, ON) who completed the tandem shutout.

Full the complete tournament schedule and results, click here.

Canada next faces world no. 28 Mexico on Saturday at 7:30am PST/10:30am EST.

Field Hockey Canada media release



After Mumbai, Ranchi Rhinos too shut shop

Harpreet Kaur Lamba

The ‘Rhino salaam’ was the trademark of the young and lively Ranchi Rhinos, winners of the inaugural Hockey India League in 2013.

But days after the news of Mumbai Magicians pulling out of the league, Ranchi on Thursday became the second team to shut shop.

Owned jointly by the Patel-PS Group and the Uniexcel Group, the Rhinos have been a success story in the last two years, but Thursday’s development comes as a surprise.

Lack of finances is considered as one of the major reasons for the team’s decision, with all six franchises unable to fetch returns.

Although the franchise is yet to make the news public, players especially those from overseas, took to Twitter to show their surprise.

Germany’s Moritz Fuerste, also the Ranchi skipper, was left pondering on the players’ future. "Gutted. The @Ranchi_Rhinos are no more. Now what? #hurryupandwait #rhinosalam," tweeted Fuerste.

The others were quick to join. "HIL will be without the Rhino’s franchise. They did well in promoting the league across all forms of media in India! Big loss!" was South Africa’s Lloyd Norris-Jones’ reaction, a player contracted with the Delhi Waveriders.

India midfielder Manpreet Singh, who led the team in the second edition, too was left disappointed. "Just received a news that is hard for us Rhinos to digest, now we just have to wait for a new team during an auction next month," he tweeted.

While two new franchises are expected to come on board next month, recent developments suggest all is not going well for the league. Each franchise had signed up for a three-year term with Hockey India - which ends in 2015 - but the twin blow has raised questions on the league’s future.

The players of Mumbai and Ranchi will now form part of the auction for next year’s edition.

The Asian Age



Hockey India League franchise Ranchi Rhinos quits

Jaspreet Sahni

In a move that will shake the roots of promising Hockey India League (HIL), it's franchise Ranchi Rhinos has decided to quit and will no longer be functional.

Rhinos, who had a fabulous track record in two seasons of HIL, haven't yet made reasons of their decision official but a team source confirmed the move to IBNLive.

"Yes, it's true the franchise will not be continuing anymore," the source said. "Players received an email and will be put [up] for auction next month."

The franchise communicated its decision via mail to their players who will be put up for auction next month. (Hockey India)The source said no reasons have been given for this decision by the franchise, while saying that two new franchises may be unveiled next month. "Hard for players...we have no idea [why the franchise quit]. All we know [is] they won't be continuing anymore."

The decision becomes all the more surprising since Rhinos were performing appreciably, having won the inaugural season and finishing third in the second. Also, as a venue Ranchi had the most promising crowd attendance with packed galleries every time the home team was in action.

In that light, failure to become financially viable seems to be the most likely reason for the franchise's decision to call it quits.

"Really feel sorry for the whole group of players and management, of course. Not cool," said Dave Staniforth, the Rhinos' goalkeeping coach who was released from his contract a few months ago.

Stick2Hockey.com



After Mumbai Magicians, Ranchi Rhinos snap ties with Hockey India League

by Mihir Vasavda


In its short two-year span, Ranchi Rhinos had formed considerable fan-following in the region. (Source: PTI)

Close on the heels of Mumbai Magicians’ pull out from the Hockey India League (HIL), the champions of the inaugural edition, Ranchi Rhinos, too have decided to shut shop. It is learnt that some differences had cropped up between Hockey India and the owners of the franchise, Patel-Uniexcel Group, which resulted in them parting ways.

Ranchi are the second team to withdraw from the tournament in a span of one month after owners Dabur Group decided to do the same due to financial reasons. It is learnt that the Ranchi team management communicated their decision to Hockey India earlier this week. Hockey India in turn informed the players on Thursday.

The 24 players on Ranchi’s roster will now feature in the players’ auction along with their Mumbai counterparts. “There were some serious differences between the Ranchi owners and Hockey India over a few issues. And in everyone’s best interest it was decided that they part ways,” a Hockey India official said, without elaborating further.

It is learnt that Hockey India has identified a new owner for the Mumbai franchise and Pune remains the front-runner to bag a franchise as well.

However, after the withdrawal of Magicians and Rhinos, the third edition of the HIL that begins in January will not feature eight teams, as assured by Hockey India secretary general Narinder Batra.

“The league will have six teams, like the last season. Mumbai will have a new owner and Pune is likely to replace Ranchi. There were plans of expansion but it seems unlikely now,” the official added.

In its short two-year span, Ranchi Rhinos had formed considerable fan-following and had brought the region, which has been the hotbed for Indian hockey, into the limelight.

Their home matches were played in front of packed stands, which was a rare scenario in the second season. The team comprised of some of the top players from the world, including Germany’s Moritz Fuerste, England’s Ashley Jackson, apart from young Indian players like Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh.

Fuerste, it is learnt, is consulting his lawyers to chalk out the road ahead. He took to Twitter to express his disappointment. “No more ranchi rhinos!!! From this very moment on the ranchi rhinos are history. All players are released from there contracts. Really sad about the rhinos decision…. Looks like we all have to hope for a new team now,” he tweeted.

Indian Express



Mumbai Magicians may withdraw from Hockey India League

Sudheendra Tripathi

MUMBAI: All is not well between Hockey India (HI) and the Mumbai Magicians. The Mumbai franchise, who were part of the first two editions of the Hockey India League (HIL), are all set to withdraw from the third edition which is set to begin from the third week of January according to sources.

The Magicians have done little to promote the game in the city and have not been taking their team too seriously, said the source. HI officials had even reprimanded the franchise for the same.

"Officials in HI feel that the Mumbai franchise was conducting matches at Mumbai's Bombay Hockey Association (BHA) ground perfunctorily. They haven't done anything to promote the game," an HI source said.

The Times of India



HIL to feature two more franchises

Rutvick Mehta

The next edition of the Hockey India League (HIL) will feature two more franchises.

It is learnt that either two of Bhopal, Hyderabad, Raipur and Bangalore will be chosen as the host cities when Hockey India holds its executive committee meeting on Saturday. The HIL franchise owners are also expected to meet on the same day.

What gives these four cities the edge is the presence of quality stadiums and turfs. Just a week ago, a brand new international hockey stadium with a blue artificial turf and a capacity of 4,000 spectators was inaugurated in Raipur.

There were talks that Pune might be on of the venues. However, Hockey India secretary general Narinder Batra said Pune cannot be an option.

"I had never said that Pune was one of the options. Where is the stadium in Pune? We are looking at Bhopal, Hyderabad, Raipur and Bangalore as the options," Batra told dna on Friday.

Batra also rubbished suggestions that the next season of HIL will feature one franchise less after reports emerged that the Dabur Group-owned Mumbai Magicians were likely to pull out of the tournament. He insisted that the third edition of the league will be an eight-team affair (existing six plus two more), and added that the franchise had simply put its players in the auction, which is likely to be held in October.

A source from the Magicians team, however, said that the meeting between HI and the franchise owners on Saturday will be the key to the future of the Mumbai franchise in the league. "Things will be clear only tomorrow (September 6). Whatever has been said so far is mere speculation," the source added. Team owner Amit Burman did not reply to queries.

The third edition of the multi-city tournament is scheduled to be held in January next year.

DNA



HIL mini-auction to take place next month

Tazeen Qureshy

With four months to go before the third edition of the Hockey India League kicks off, preparations for the mini-auction, to take place by the end of next month, have begun.

Hockey India (HI) has sent a 'base list' of 120-odd players to all the franchisees to draw their plans and be ready for the auction. The league is scheduled to start in January.

"We have received a list of around 120 players which includes 69 domestic and more than 50 overseas players. Most of the names in the list are of junior India players and those who failed to apply for the last year's auction," a franchisee official told Mail Today.

"However, the current list is just the base list. The teams have been asked to compile a list of players whom they would want to trade and send it to the organisers by the mid of this month. Only after that an updated auction list will be prepared. The mini-auction will be closed door and will take place most likely in the third week of October," he revealed. In the first edition of the HIL in 2012, five franchisees - Delhi Waveriders, Mumbai Magicians, UP Wizards, Punjab Warriors and Ranchi Rhinos had bid for 246 players which included 153 Indians. In the next season, an additional team, Kalinga Lancers, was added and 154 new players went under the hammer out of which 49 players, including 28 Indians, were sold.

The franchisees are, however, still in dark about the possible expansion of the league from six to eight teams. "We are yet to receive official confirmation about the expansion of the league. There are certain discussions going on. Pune is likely to be one of the new additions as far as we know," he said. "If the league is expanded this year, it will be interesting to see how the marquee players are chosen. Last year new team Kalinga Lancers were left with fewer options to choose from as most of the good players were already purchased."

India Today



Hockey India League is a global asset; will emerge stronger

K Arumugam



Opinion: “Hockey history will be written in two phases: Pre-Hockey India League and Post-Hockey India League. Because, hockey’s profile will be different level now on, and will reach great heights with the onset of Hockey India League”, Leondro Negre, President of Federation Internationale de Hockey (FIH) said on the eve of inaugural Hockey India League two winters ago.

He was quite on his prediction and optimism. With meticulous planning and matching missionary zeal, Hockey India put on place the unique hockey league, with never heard of auction and live of it on net and television.

So successful the HIL from the day one that its rival World Hockey League, bigger in size and logistics, evaporated without a trace.

Global hockey community watched HIL and its executioners with awe and wonder.

India, for the first time, did something innovative and won the hearts; as HIL provided generous payments to both India as well as global hockey greats.

I experienced myself during the Rabobank Senior Men’s World Cup at Hague, the Netherlands that most media men and players enquired more about HIL than anything else.

The point is HIL is talk of the world hockey.

No doubt, the FIH was good enough, sagacious enough to grant a Window for HIL; strictly speaking the effective beneficiary of HIL is, will be the FIH.

Now, as the news of Mumbai Magicians, who failed to click on the turf --and finished bottom of the table on both editions – has pulled out; and then today the newspapers are hog with the impending dissolution of hugely popular and successful franchise Ranchi Rhinos.

Withdrawal of two franchises out of six is a cause for concern. It sends out a wrong signal at large. The fact that the least successful and most successful teams pulled out suggest the fact that field success or failure is not the deciding factor; but finances.

Be it Mumbai Magicians or Ranchi Rhinos, their owners do not seem to possess a perspective view and long vision. A start up franchise will take time to settle and consolidate gains, first break even the costs and then go for the profit if that is the reason.

We understand even some most famous franchises of IPL – though much greater in scale and reach – despite owned by film stars and big magnate houses did not break even early.

Mumbai and Ranchi franchises therefore were haste. But it is their decision we have to respect.

Narinder Batra, face of Indian hockey and also Chairman of the HIL Board, is no push over personality. He demolished great rivals to reach where he is now.

With the kind of babudom at government level, his tasks of managing national teams, which is otherwise a routine affair, has become stern.

Now, the hockey community turn to him as to the future of Hockey India League. Its time he has to summon all his might and pull all strings to infuse fresh life into the HIL to change the image perception of the global brand, which is his brainchild anyway.

He has thoughtfully and thankfully incorporated some great personalities on board in the HIL.

Keeping Batra’s proven steadfastness in pursuing his objectives, we at present deem it fit to be optimistic, and count on his clout.

He has won many wars; now time to win a battle.

There is already talks of other cities like Pune joining, hopefully such positive things emerge shortly.

For us Indians, its not time to giggle or ‘I told you’ kind of mindset; but stand united to save a global asset whose origin and sustenance is our mother India.

We only hope the HIL emerge stronger.

Stick2Hockey.com



Asian Games: Pakistan hockey’s one chance at redemption

By Nabil Tahir


The hockey team left for Bangkok on Thursday, and are due to arrive in Korea today. PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: The forthcoming Asian Games, starting September 19 in Korea, is a golden chance for the Pakistan hockey team to redeem itself after a poor run last year booted them out of the World Cup for the first time in history.

The eight-time gold medallists, who introduced the continental event more than four decades ago, fell from grace after failing to attain a position among the top three teams in last year’s Champions League, which served as a qualifier for the World Cup.

Thereafter, the greenshirts had two chances to book their berth at the mega event; once in the Asia Cup and again in the World Hockey League. Unfortunately, they were unable to perform well in either, resulting in an embarrassing sit-out at an event that they had won four times.



A major management overhaul was witnessed after the debacle, with Akhtar Rasool assuming the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president’s mantle and Olympians Islahuddin and Shahnaz Shaikh being appointed chief selector and head coach respectively.

However, under their tenure, the national team missed a chance to take part in the Commonwealth Games due to the ongoing tussle between the parallel Pakistan Olympic Association bodies.

Talking to The Express Tribune, PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid said, “Despite facing an acute shortage of funds, we are taking every possible step to help the team.

“We are fully aware of the greenshirts’ recent record, but things will improve in due course of time.”

Pakistan have not played any international event for the past 10 months. Head coach Sheikh had provided the PHF a training plan for giving the team international exposure, but the federation failed to arrange any tour.

More recently, Shahnaz had requested the officials to ensure the hockey team’s departure by September 10, as the players have been short on match practice on foreign turf and were prepared to play practice games with some international teams before the actual event.

However, the PHF once again failed to oblige the coach.

“The team has trained for four-and-a-half months,” said Sheikh. “I’m optimistic Pakistan will defend its title; hockey has always given happiness to the nation in its tough times.”

Sheikh accompanied the squad to Lahore from Islamabad for their departure to Bangkok late Thursday.

“The team will miss some of the planned practice matches with Korea and Japan, but Bangladesh have confirmed their willingness to play against Pakistan on September 18,” he concluded.

The Express Tribune



Shahnaz brimming with confidence ahead of Asian Games

LAHORE: Pakistan hockey team head coach Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh has claimed that his team is fully prepared to defend its title in the 17th Asian Games scheduled to be held in Incheon, South Korea from Sept 19 to Oct 4.

Talking to media on the eve of the national team’s departure to Incheon, the head coach said: “Our team is a blend of experience and young players with ten players inducted into the team being those who were part of the gold-winning squad which participated in the 2010 Asian Games held in China.

“We are going to South Korea after a four-month training,” maintained the former Olympian who will be on his first assignment in South Korea after taking the charge around five months back.

“Our main focus in the training camp was on physical training and how to use the rule of substitution in befitting manners,” he added.

It is important to note that the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) also hosted a dinner in honour of the national team before their departure to Incheon.

Asked former PHF secretary Asif Bajwa had already claimed that the team would not succeed in defending the title, the head coach said every person had his own opinion but he believed his boys had potential to defend the title as they were fully prepared.

Stating that Pakistan had scheduled a practice match against Bangladesh for Sept 18, he said: “I will also try to arrange practice matches against Japan and Korea after reaching South Korea.”

Pakistan have been placed in Pool ‘B’ along with arch-rivals India, Sri Lanka and Oman. “Our first attempt will be to finish top in our pool,” the head coach said.

Goalkeeper Amjad Ali and full-back Aamir Shahzad had been dropped from the 18-member squad to go with the regulation strength of 16 players, the former Olympian further said.

Moreover, PHF secretary Rana Mujahid said free hand was given to the team management in preparing the national team to defend the title, adding that all suggestions given by the management were accepted.

Dawn



Pakistan hockey squad off to Incheon

POA arranges accommodation funds for greenshirts

LAHORE: Led by Muhammad Imran, Pakistan hockey team left for Incheon here on Thursday to take part in the 17th Asian Games starting in South Korea from September 19. Before their departure, confident captain Imran told reporters that the country can win a gold medal in Incheon. Pakistan have been clubbed alongside India, China, Sri Lanka and Oman in the 10-nation men’s hockey competition. “Being the defending champions, we are one of the favourites for the Asian Games,” Imran said. “However, we cannot show signs of complacency against any team as they have been playing internationally and are in rhythm with the new 15-minute format.” Talking about their match with India he said: “The game against them has always been a do-or-die situation but for us it will be like any other game, without the additional pressure.”

Pakistan’s tally at the Asian Games includes eight gold, two silver and four bronze medals out of the 14 field hockey tournaments featured in the mega event, with the exception of the 2002 edition, where the greenshirts came fourth. Expressing his belief in the team and the training schedule, Imran was certain that they have the potential to bag the gold this year. “Our training has been very good and I am confident that we will achieve our target,” he said. “The confidence level of the players is high and we are aware of the Games’ importance because only gold can take us to the Olympics 2016.” The 17th Asian Games hold great significance for the hockey nations of the continent as the winners of both the men’s and women’s section will directly qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The team selected for the tournament comprises a lot of young players who have immense talent. However, the captain believes they lack experience and practice due to cancelled events can be the biggest hurdle in the team’s campaign. Head coach Shahnaz Sheikh was also confident about the team’s chances. The national team left early as the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has arranged practices matches for them before start of the mega event.

POA arranges accommodation funds for hockey squad: Meanwhile, the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA, led by Lt Gen (r) Syed Arif Hasan, has arranged accommodation funds for the Pakistan hockey squad as the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has failed in this regard. POA director general Muhammad Khalid Mahmood told Daily Times yesterday that the POA had arranged for the mandatory 80 percent (out of total) of the accommodation funds and deposited the same with the Asian Games Organising Committee. “The PSB was supposed to release the funds and deposit the same with the Asian Games Organising Committee. But it was not done. So to save the Pakistan hockey team from embarrassment, the POA arranged the funds through the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and has deposited the same with the Asian Games Organising Committee,” he added. It is pertinent to mention that he PSB is financing only 145-member squad out of the 282-member Asiad contingent while the expenses of the remaining 130 odd members will be borne by the respective national federations. The PSB has approved Rs.70 million for the 145-member Asian Games contingent and Rs.915 million for the PSB for 2014-15.

The Daily Times



Just one goalie for hockey team to Incheon in bid for gold

by S Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia have taken a major risk by naming just one goalkeeper for the Asian Games hockey competition.

S. Kumar was the natural choice for the goalkeeper’s position when the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) named their final 16 for the Asian Games, to be held in Incheon, South Korea, from Sept 19-Oct 4.

“We have our reasons for taking one goalkeeper and the MHC have agreed to it. The team have been set a target of reaching the final, although they know that they must win the gold medal if they want to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics,” MHC vice-president Datuk Nur Azmie Ahmad said after naming the squad at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

There were no major surprises in the final 16, with defender Baljit Singh and midfielder Nohizzat Sumantri, who both played in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, being omitted along with goalkeepers Roslan Jamaluddin and Haffizuddin Othman.

“The best players, under the circumstances, have been picked and we want to stay focused on the task ahead,” said Nur Azmie.

Azlan Misron has regained the captain’s armband, taking over from defender Mohd Razie Rahim, who skippered the side at the Glasgow Games. Azlan was also the captain when Malaysia played in the World Cup in The Hague in June.

Malaysia will start their campaign in Incheon against Singapore on Sept 20 and play Bangladesh the next day.

Their main rivals in Group A are South Korea and Japan. 

They will take on these two teams on Sept 25 and 26 respectively.

Group B comprises defending champions Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, China and Oman.

Nur Azmie has advised the national players to take it one game at a time and “don’t lose to the lower ranked sides”.

“They must make sure of qualifying for the semi-finals first. I have also told them to be disciplined and not be side-tracked from their objectives,” he said.

The team will leave for Incheon on Wednesday.

The Star of Malaysia



Auks make semis of NHL

Defending champion men face Southern after coming out on top in round-robin.

By David Leggat


Retiring Black Sticks attacker Krystal Forgesson (right) grabbed two goals in three minutes. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Auckland face a rematch of last year's men's final if they are to make the grand showdown at the national hockey league on Sunday.

Having finished top of the round-robin, courtesy of a 1-0 win over their closest rivals Midlands at North Harbour yesterday, the defending champions now face Southern in the semifinals tomorrow.

Jared Panchia got the important goal for Auckland late in the third quarter.

Southern beat battling Northland 2-0, with both goals coming in the first two minutes of the 60-minute contest, through captain Chris Ashton and Callum Bailey.

Midlands will play Canterbury, who dumped on Central, 6-0, in the final game last night. Brothers Cam and Willie Hayde nabbed two goals apiece, Willie Davidson and Nick Budgeon one each.

Canterbury have been off-colour at times in this season's league, but you would not bet against them finding a way past Midlands who have had a solid campaign.

North Harbour haven't had much to celebrate this week, but ended the round robin with a resounding 4-0 win over Capital. James Coughlan and Brennan Alexander-Parker had the host province in charge in the first quarter. Corey Bennett and Elliott Bartholomew provided the finishing touches.

Harbour's women edged past bottom side Southern in a penalty shootout last night, but it was too late to help them find a route to the semifinals.

Auckland ensured they'd finish top with a good 4-2 win over Capital yesterday. They'll face the defending champions Midlands tomorrow while Northland play Canterbury in the other semi.

Capital, needing a win to force their way towards a semifinal spot, and needing at least one other result to go their way, pulled their way back into the contest after Sam Harrison and Su Arn Kwek had Auckland 2-0 early. Felicity Reidy and Madeleine Simmonds had the game tied up just before halftime.

However, on the day she announced her international retirement, longtime Black Sticks attacker Krystal Forgesson showed what the national side will miss, grabbing two goals in three minutes. "She's such an influential player, a game changer," national and provincial team mate Liz Thompson said last night.

"She's taught me a lot and she'll definitely be missed. It's a hard decision she's had to make."

Top Black Sticks bow out before Rio 2016

Black Stick midfielder Krystal Forgesson and goalkeeper Bianca Russell have announced their retirement from the international game.

Both players have helped New Zealand win critical games over many years and coach Mark Hager said the pair would be greatly missed as the team begins preparation for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Forgesson, 31, and Russell, 36, are both shifting their focus to jobs.

Having debuted in 2005, Forgesson's career has included three Commonwealth Games, Beijing and London Olympics and World Cups in Holland and Argentina.

She has 220 international test caps and scored 77 goals to sit alongside Katie Glynn as the leading goal scorer for this country.

"The Rio Olympics had always been in the back of my mind when making this decision, especially with it only being a year and a half away, but I just don't think I can keep giving it 100 per cent," said Forgesson.

Russell's decision to retire also didn't come easily, but she believed it was the right time to step aside.

"I wish I didn't have to go - my heart still very much wants to play hockey but reality and my head say that it's time to walk away," she said. Debuting in 2008, Russell played at the London Olympics, the 2010 and 2014 World Cups and other major events.

The New Zealand Herald



The Holcombe debate: how other hockey clubs view Kent side's strategy of signing top England players

Some of England's top players have signed for both men's and women's teams at Holcombe, dividing many clubs across the UK in the process. Telegraph Sport asked several clubs for their opinion


Club call: Holcombe have signed a raft of England senior players Photo: ADY KERRY

Friday: interview with David South, Holcombe chairman

“There is no issue with what Holcombe are doing, other than that it will make the matches in the East Conference a little farcical this year. As a Club, Old Silhillians had a really tough time in terms of membership and playing standards around six years ago, and several people were quick to blame other clubs for poaching players off us. But from my viewpoint, until we matched, or bettered what could be offered elsewhere, we will always lose players to those clubs that have better offerings.


Holcombe men will play in the Conference East after missing promotion

"That was one of the drivers for why we have reached out into the community so much to advertise what we do offer, and how our club is as good, if not better, than any others locally. So, yes, Holcombe are making a little bit of a mockery of the Premier Division by getting so many of the England players to play in the Conference, but that will only be for one season, and in the long term, other clubs just need to work on how they offer what Holcombe do. I hope the sport can become more, if not fully professional, but do also hope this does not drag the sport away from the qualities that make it the game we love."
Stephen Tabb, Old Silhillians HC

"I have no problem with Holcombe’s cash strategy, unlike some. However, my belief is that the only way any sport can turn professional in a sustainable manner is to build a meaningful base of supporters. Those supporters need to be attending games. They need to be buying club merchandise. They need to be tuning into media channels. That is what generates revenue, because then advertisers see a large enough target market to take interest. It does appear that Holcombe are heavily supported by their chairman, with for example, his company being the shirt sponsor. That raises a question of sustainability. It’s no bad thing in the short term, as many other good hockey clubs have been built off the back of cash injections from their senior leadership. But longer term, support is the only way."
Stuart Burnside, Wapping HC

"We've seen the Holcombe approach many times over the years with other clubs. Some have lasted others haven't, it just depends how long the money lasts. In one sense we are professional ourselves in that we pay for some coaching expertise."
Anonymous club

"Our view is that it is quite exciting to see a club taking this step, however we would question how sustainable it is. I guess it shares a similarity to football clubs in the mid 2000's, whereby Premier League clubs were being bought my rich investors. Currently, given the nature of hockey with it being an amateur sport, it is hard to see there being any commercial sense behind any cash strategy. In the near future, I don't think there will be much change in status. In order to effect a change, sponsorship and TV coverage would have to dramatically increase before club's would seriously consider making the majority of their playing squads professionals."
Stephen Maskell, Yateley HC

"People have asked if it is sustainable, which at present it doesn't seem to be, as it is relying on one person’s contribution. But Holcombe seem to be building a solid foundation, so maybe if the money dries up then they will have already built a good enough club to carry on. I think for hockey to develop, we need a strong national league with depth and that in my book means that the top players should not be at just one or two clubs.

"It is hard to blame the players for wanting to be paid, but it is not like Holcombe have a model that other clubs can aspire too - unless they win the lottery or find a benefactor. I struggle to see how the sport will reach professional status unless more money comes in from more traditional sources such as sponsorship. Maybe a few clubs with deep pockets will try and go that route but for the majority of National League clubs just raising the funds to play coaches and fund travelling is a battle."
Emma Millar, Ipswich HC



HOLCOMBE APPROACH CREATES CHALLENGES
By Chris Ryder, King’s & Alleyn’s HC

"Holcombe’s current cash strategy is a luxurious position to be in. I think most clubs would like to have that level of financial support. However to really see its effects one has to look at the club as a whole. The club is an amalgam of a number of different clubs and this merger did save hockey in the Medway area. In this respect the contribution of Dave South is something to be admired, you only have to look at the facilities at Holcombe to be impressed.

"The current approach is designed to bring top level hockey to the club in the expectation that this will lead to a trickle down success for the teams below the Mens and Ladies 1st XI. This provides a greater challenge for clubs like ours who are ambitious to progress up the leagues. The Holcombe approach is not the approach that we or other clubs would take, but it provides a challenge for us to be better both in the playing and administration of a hockey club.

"Whether this is good for hockey is a different question. In Holland and Belguim this sort of approach is nothing new, in fact in these countries recruitment is now world wide with the likes of Matthew Swann and Santi Frexia both plying their trade in Holland, this has been made possible by having clubs with upwards of 14 teams. This approach has not upset these clubs as this is the system that exists in the low countries. In this country it is different, there are many more clubs of three to four teams.

"These clubs will struggle to exist alongside the financial clout of clubs like Holcombe because these clubs can provide the training and facilities that attract the talented youth of the area to their club. Will this allow the sport to turn professional? I think not, at least for a number of years. For this to happen our sport needs a television deal to gain the exposure required to sustain a professional element; the experience of rugby would be a template I would point to as a way of turning professional."

The Telegraph



Boost for hockey

Rashneel Kumar


Peni Sigabalavu of Marist receives the cheque from Geotech Drilling Services director Gary Barnett at the Hockey Centre in Suva yesterday. Picture: ATU RASEA

THE organisers of the 20th Marist Eastgate Memorial Tournament received a timely financial boost ahead of the event to be held from September 19 to 21 at the Fijian National Hockey Centre in Laucala Bay.

Yesterday, Geotech Drilling International presented $4000 in support of the prestigious annual tournament.

Tournament organiser Martin Fong while thanking the company said they were fortunate to have them onboard.

"It's a big burden off the committee who are running this tournament. It makes things easier because we don't need to look for funds and we are thankful to them," Fong said.

"The build-up has been intense not only for our club but also for the defending champions."

Ventures won the men's and women's titles last year.

Geotech Drilling International director Gary Barnett said they were proud to be associated with Marist and the development of hockey.

"We hope this would go to a good tournament and looking forward to seeing what happens in the next two weeks time when they play," Barnett added.

Sidney Eastgate, the youngest son of the tournament founders Dorothy and Reginald, was also present at the presentation yesterday.

Meanwhile the Lautoka Hockey Association will hold a trials tomorrow at Nadovu turf from 2pm for MH Open District tournament which will be held next month.

Players are asked to bring with them a white and a blue T-shirt/vest, full gear and proper hydration.

For players who can't attend the trials, they are requested to contact Fergus on 9336 478.

The Fiji Times



Schoolboys team announced

School Sports Australia set to travel Europe with their schoolboys team in 2015


Image credit - Heather Grosser

The School Sports Championship last month proved a difficult decision for selectors when picking the final 17 players, alongside eight shadows, for the School Sports Australia schoolboys team who will travel to Europe in May, 2015.

The level of competitiveness shown by this year’s competing teams bumped the Championship up a notch. Close results from the pool matches gave competing teams the chance to secure their spot in the tournament’s final.

Brother Paul Creevey, Principal of St Teresa’s Catholic College observed the hockey Championship in action. Brother Creevey commented on the overall success of the tournament, player performances and tremendous skill that was shown by all athletes.

“The schoolboys competition was closer than previous years with all teams showing a higher level of skill across the board. Most teams had a number of quality players making it difficult for selectors to narrow it down to 17 players.

“Consistency throughout the tournament seemed to be a challenge for the players. The fast paced games made it difficult for some players, especially on the days when the teams had to play two games.”

Corey Green represented Western Australia at this year’s Championship, showcasing exceptional talent on the field. Named player of the tournament, Green was awarded his place in the 17-man squad and was given the green light from selectors to play in the Four Nations tournament to be held in Mannheim, Germany next May.

Brother Creevey described the opportunities that a tournament such as the Four Nations offers the Australian schoolboys team.

“The ability to play Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands in a four day tournament will allow the boys team to assess where they are at skill-wise in comparison to players the same age in Europe.

“Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands all have strong development programs. Touring to Europe will enable all of our players to be able to improve their skills having been exposed to various player skills from across different countries.”

This year’s Championship experienced its first shoot-out in a finals situation; a moment that had coaches, teammates and supporters on the edge of their seats. Western Australia finished on top of the final standings after winning the shoot-out 3-1 over News South Wales.

To find out more information about School Sports Australia visit www.schoolsport.edu.au

2014 selected School Sports Australia schoolboys team
Athlete/State/School
Alex Barnes, NSW, St Joseph’s College, Banora Point 
Lachlan Busiko, SA, Naracoorte High School 
Rhiley Carr, NSW, St Edward’s College, Gosford
Patrick Coates, VIC, Frankston High School  
Marcus Di Phillippo, WA, Trinity College, East Perth 
James Doherty, NSW, Campbelltown Performing Arts
Harrison Farrell, QLD, Kirwan State High, Townsville  
Michael Francis, QLD, St Peter’s Lutheran College, Indooroopilly
Coby Green, WA, Bunbury Senior High School
Fraser Jilly, WA, Wesley College, South Perth
Callum Mackay, NSW, Nowra Anglican College  
Patrick Magann, NSW, Maitland Grossmann High School 
Linden McCarthy, TAS, Burnie High School 
Daine Richards, NSW, Edmund Rice College, Wollongong
Sam Ruprecht, QLD, Southern Cross Catholic College, Scarborough
Thomas Saunders, VIC, Marcellin College, Bulleen
Benjamin Taylor, WA, Aquinas College, Salter Point

Shadows
Athlete/State/School
Rhys Burgess, TAS, Marist Regional College, Burnie 
Robbie Chapman, TAS, New Town High School
Campbell Coghlan, QLD, St Mary’s College, Toowoomba 
Alex Jansen, ACT, Canberra Grammar School
Ryan Nangle, VIC, Lilydale High School
Samuel Poppenboeck, VIC, Scotch College, Melbourne
Cooper Powardy, SA, Henley High School
Andrew Vuori, WA, Aquinas College, Salter Point

Officials
Coach - Barry Reid, NSW, Wollongong Performing Arts College
Manager - Scott Smith, NSW, Grafton High School 
Assistant Coach - Andrew Mellor, WA, Como Secondary College
Tour Manager – Paul Creevey, QLD, St Teresa’s Catholic College, Noosaville   

Hockey Australia media release



Borrowed sticks and borrowed time



Fiji and Zambia are newcomers to the hockey scene, while Japan has a long history on the global stage. But as the Hockey5 competition at the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games demonstrated, hockey is no exclusive club.

Lala Ravatu (pictured) is the Fiji captain. She started playing hockey in 2005 when she was nine years old, after watching her mother play. By the time she was 15, she was part of the Fijian national youth programme, training every day after school.

Lala’s first international tournament was the World League in India, in 2013, where she was the second youngest player. Of this experience, she says: “Playing in India was tough, it was so fast. But we played to our pace and we learnt a lot.”

Of the Youth Olympic Games, Lala says of the Fijian team: “Before we came, we hoped we would get a medal, unfortunately, we didn’t. But we improved in every game we played.”

The Fiji captain will now step up to the senior team but she says will miss the Hockey 5s format and its focus on fitness and speed. “I love to play 5s. You go out on attack, and then you have to come back to defend, you can’t stroll, everything is fast.”

When Loveness Mudenda from Zambia, started playing hockey, her team didn’t even own sticks, borrowing from the opposition. Three years on and the 14-year-old was the hat-trick hero in Zambia’s 6-1 win over Fiji to claim ninth place.

Loveness’s hockey aspirations have grown since Zambia qualified for the YOGs. “I hope we can do the same for the senior Olympics. We lost our pool games here, but we played well and we gained a lot of experience.”

“The other teams were very strong. Like China, for example, we didn’t expect them to play like that. But we learnt and it will help for the future.”

In the lead-up to the YOGs, the Zambian squad spent two months at a training camp. “We trained three times a day, every day,” says Loveness. “We had to compete very hard to be on the team, it’s only nine players in the squad, and there were a lot of girls to choose from.”

Japan performed well in Nanjing, the team made the semi-finals, losing out to the eventual winners China by a narrow 4-3 scoreline.

Kimika Hoshi is captain of the Japanese U18s female team, and she has her sights set on an even higher target. “I am looking forward to the Olympic Games coming to Tokyo in 2020,” she says. “I would love to be in the team. We hope the Tokyo Olympics will be an opportunity to showcase hockey to the Japanese people.”

Japan’s preparation took a battering from the weather, as Kimika explains: “We trained in all weather – rain, hail and snow. We were on the pitch literally in a typhoon. We only had nine days to train, three, three-day periods.

Like Loveness and Lala, Kimika says that the biggest difference between the 11-a-side game and Hockey 5s is the unrelenting pace. “It is really tiring, but there are so many opportunities to score goals, it is really fun as well.”

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