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News 18 September 2014

All the news for Thursday 18 September 2014


Pakistan hockey team wins practice match in Korea

Mohsin Ali

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan hockey team got off to winning start in the practice match against the Korean club side in a friendly match played in Korea on Wednesday.

Talking to The Nation from Korea, head coach and manager Shahnaz Sheikh said: “It is quite unfortunate that despite our repeated requests to Korean national team and teams like Malaysia and Japan to play practice matches against the green shirts, they excused sighting other commitments. We are well-short of competitive practice matches.”

“Now we have turn our attentions towards the one and only practice match against Bangladeshi hockey team, which will be played today (Thursday), otherwise, we have to completely rely on training and self practice. The situation is not encouraging, as Pakistan team didn’t play a single international event or series for the last 11 months or so, while all the other title-contender nations have played a lot of international events besides playing world cup and Commonwealth Games,” he added.

“The green shirts started the game against Korean club on a very positive note but our players had to bear the rough and dangerous play of the opponents. We can't afford injuries at this stage, so we decided to reduce the match to only two quarters just because of excessive fouls and aggressive game plan of the opponents.

“Our boys completely dominated both the quarters. We were given the lead in the 13th minute through a plenty corner by Imran, as the first quarter ended with Pakistan leading 1-0. In the second and last quarter, Waqas scored the second goal in the last stages of the quarter after dodging two defenders. It was a superbly taken field goal and I really enjoyed that, as I guessed my hard work along with the other supporting staff has started to pay off. Although it was not a full-fledged match against any national team, but even then the signs were very encouraging,” Shahnaz said.

“Now we will play today (Thursday) a practice match against Bangladesh and then we have one day still left before the real action starts on September 20. I want prayers from the entire nation, as we did our best and now it depends on boys and payers. I hope we will start at a very positive note,” Shahnaz concluded.

The Nation



Indian team focus on “speedy passing” ahead of Asiad


Indian hockey team striker S.V. Sunil. File photo   

Striker SV Sunil says the Indian hockey team is working on “speedy passing” ahead of their Asian Games opener against Sri Lanka on September 21.

Talking about his role in the team said and the overall preparations, Sunil said, “I will aim to create sufficient tension in the opposite camp so as to sneak the ball in the goal. I will strive to create a strategic game play to make the winning strike.”

The 25-year-old from Kodagu, Karnataka revealed the focus of the team’s training.

“Speedy passing and possession of the ball within the forward line-up is going to help us create more opportunities and currently our practice sessions are focusing on the same,” Sunil said.

He was also all praise for India goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh.

“Sreejesh has always given me tips on how to go through the opponents defence and which I have applied in my games. I have always taken his guidance seriously and it has helped me better myself as a player.”

The women’s team take on Thailand in its opener and midfielder Navjot Kaur said the squad’s morale is high.

“The team is high on morale and we are confident to top our Pool in the group phase. Our training session today was more on speed, coordination and passes. We are confident of starting the tournament on a winning note. The weather is good and we have acclimatised to the conditions here,” said Navjot.

She further added, “Playing with experienced players at the midfield position including our captain Ritu Rani, Vandana Katariya and Sushila Chanu, I have gained a lot of experience which is helping me grow as a player each day”.

The Hindu



Sreejesh key pillar of our fort: Sunil

INCHEON: India's hockey forward S.V. Sunil Wednesday heaped praise on vice captain P.R. Sreejesh for being the pillar of strength for the team and also credited the Kerala goalkeeper for helping him evolve as a player.

"Our goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh is like the pillar of our fort. Sreejesh has always given me tips on how to go through the opponents defence and which I have applied in my games. I have always taken his guidance seriously and it has helped me better myself as a player," the 25-year-old Karnataka played said.

Sunil also hoped to continue to be a threat for the opponent's goalkeeper in the Asian Games starting here Friday.

"I will aim to create sufficient tension in the opposite camp so as to sneak the ball in the goal. I will strive to create a strategic game play to make the winning strike. Speedy passing and possession of the ball within the forward line-up is going to help us create more opportunities and currently our practice sessions are focusing on the same," he added.

Meanwhile, the women's team mid-fielder Navjot Singh said that the team is confident of topping the pool.

"The team is high on morale and we are confident to top our Pool in the group phase. Our training session today was more on speed, coordination and passes. We are confident of starting the tournament on a winning note. The weather is good and we have acclimatized to the conditions here," she said.

"Playing with experienced players at the midfield position including our Captain Ritu Rani, Vandana Katariya and Sushila Chanu, I have gained a lot of experience which is helping me grow as a player each day. With a synchronized combination of young and experienced players, I am confident that the team will generate desirable results," she added.

The Times of India



One keeper enough, says Arul

NATIONAL coach Arul Selvaraj has stood firmly behind his decision to bring only one goalkeeper to the Asian Games.

Arul, whose move has been questioned by various parties, said that the inclusion of only one goalkeeper was common practice among teams competing in 16-man squad competitions.

S. Kumar has been named as the team’s sole goalkeeper.

“If you have been following international hockey closely, you will know that it is common and is the ideal scenario considering the situation. South Korea and Australia have been doing it for a long time,” said Arul, when met at the national team’s jersey presentation at Bukit Jalil yesterday.

“For starters, I am confident with Kumar and number two, I am confident the team will do all they can to protect him and ensure that he has the least amount of balls to save.

“The goalkeeper is one of the safest positions in hockey. Statistically, only five per cent of keepers’ are injured at international level.

“I do not consider it a risk. I am in a position to make a calculated decision and I believe in that decision.”

The team will be leaving for Incheon today, only two days before the competition starts.

Arul disclosed that their late departure is to allow them to peak at the right time as they already had a chance to acclimatise during their four-day tour of Incheon last month.

Malaysia are in Group A with Japan, Bangladesh, South Korea and Singapore, against who they will play their first match on Saturday. By Fadhli Ishak

The national hockey team donning the jerseys they will wear for the Asian Games after the presentation ceremony yesterday. Standing on the right is coach Arul Selvaraj.

New Straits Times



May the duck be with you, Arul


(From left) Arul, Secretary-General of the Malaysian Hockey Federation, Datuk Johari Abdul Aziz and captain Azlan Misron during the jersey presentation at National Hockey Stadium Bukit Jalil yesterday. — Picture by Firdaus Latif

KUALA LUMPUR — Interim national hockey coach Arul Selvaraj is not one who ducks an issue.

Expectations are high for Malaysia to deliver a gold medal as the Asian Games champion would also get an automatic spot to the Rio Olympics in 2016.

The Johorean, who will be facing his litmus test as head coach in Incheon, said he will not cave under pressure and likened his situation to a duck.

“I believe in the duck. It paddles hard beneath but appears calm on the surface,” said Arul at the national jersey handing ceremony to the national players at National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

“I do not feel pressure and stress. In fact, to be honest I have never felt it before. I have been working with passion for the last 12 years. It keeps things going. Also, I need to carry a strong and composed look as players tend to pick up on these attributes.”

Arul, who replaced K. Dharmaraj last month, has never taken charge of a national team before. However, he was the assistant coach to German coach Paul Lissek in the national team before moving to South Africa and Ireland for similar roles. He returned to Malaysia in 2012.

The team leaves for South Korea tonight. They open their Asiad campaign against Singapore on Saturday before taking on Bangladesh the following day. The other teams in Group A are South Korea and Japan.

Malay Mail



Mansoor wants Pakistan to retain glory through CT

ISLAMABAD - Former ace goal-keeper Mansoor Ahmed believes the Champions Trophy (CT) is a very important tournament for Pakistan to retain its lost glory in the game after the first-time World Cup ouster.

Talking to APP, Mansoor said the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) should make firm preparations of the team for the mega event. The Champions Trophy will be staged in Bhubaneswar, India from December 6 to 14. The tournament will showcase the finest international teams in the men's game competing to claim the trophy. Pakistan had earned their place at the 2014 competition through their third place result in the 2012 tournament in Melbourne.

Pool A consists of 2014 World Cup and defending champions Australia; Commonwealth Games bronze medalists England; Euro nations silver medalists Belgiumand current Asian Games champions Pakistan. In Pool B, hosts India, World Cup 2014 bronze medalists Argentina; World Cup 2014 runners-up Netherlands and 2012 Olympic gold medalists Germany will lock horns.

Mansoor said the green-shirts remained the only Asian team to win the competition three times in 1978, 1980 and 1994.

"Whole the nation's eyes will be set on Pakistan after the team was unable to qualify for the World Cup earlier this year for the first time in history," he said.

"It is a very good chance for the team to make a strong comeback in the game and regain their lost prestige," he said adding a lot of hard work and strong mind set is needed to win the event as a lot of competition will be seen there.

Mansoor said Pakistan team will have a lot of crowd and media support in India where the mega event is being hosted. "This way the morale and confidence level of the players will also be boosted," he said.

The former goal-keeper said the performance of the Asian Games will also matter a lot to finalize the team for the Champions Trophy. "If we perform well in the Games then the same combination should be taken in the Trophy but if we don't do well then an operation clean-up needs to be done," he said.

The Nation



‘PHF seeks govt approval for staging invitational event’

“No foreign team is willing to tour Pakistan in the present circumstances but as the situation is now improving the country looks relatively safer; and this is the right time to attract international teams to Pakistan. To achieve this purpose, invitational tournaments can play pivotal role,” Mujahid said prior to leaving for Incheon, South Korea where he will meet other Asian countries dignitaries during the Asian Games in order to seek ways for restoring international sports activities in Pakistan.

“After getting the government approval, the PHF will contact both the Asian and world hockey bodies to pave the way for holding an invitational tournament in Pakistan,” he said.

“The Asian and world bodies have expressed their interest in the revival of hockey activities in Pakistan. However, they have some major concerns on security, which only the [Pakistan] government can address.”

The PHF, Mujahid added, would not repeat the mistake in getting an invitational tournament from the AHF and the FIH, which it had made in introducing the two world famous events —World Cup and Champions Trophy — which had now become a regular FIH event.

The official revealed: “The PHF will get the hosting right of the proposed invitational tournament for life, and no other country will be allowed to stage it, unlike the Champions Trophy and the World Cup, which every country holds on the basis of bidding.”

He added the PHF had also sent a proposed budget to the Inter-Provincial Ministry for this tournament, which was around Rs120 million, as the federation would offer air travel tickets, besides boarding and lodging facilities to the participating countries.

“But the PHF believes after a couple of editions this event will not be a burden on the exchequer, as it will be in a position to earn profits,” he said.

To a question, Mujahid said he was not expecting any team’s visit to Pakistan in 2014, but expressed hope a couple of foreign teams —including India — would arrive next year.

Dawn



Golden spell sees Monkstown land first win



Irish champions Monkstown showed too much class for Avoca to pick up their first win of the Leinster league season with a 6-2 victory last weekend.

They led 5-1 at the break with Richard Sykes, pictured, scoring two corner goals while Jazze Henry, Davy Carson and Lee Cole made up the other efforts.

Most of the goals came in a golden period from the 27th minute onwards, scoring four times in seven minutes, moving from 1-1 to 5-1 ahead.

It was Monkstown’s second game of the campaign as they build up toward their first Euro Hockey League tournament in Barcelona in October. They drew their other game against former EHL entrants Glenanne and will play another two games this weekend in their local league.

The Avoca game saw Irish international Carson return to the side after missing the first game through injury.

Euro Hockey League media release



Richard Dawson-Smith aims to use European tilt to help East Grinstead and earn GB hockey recall

Former England under-21 international wants to put himself "in the shop window" with loan deal move to Sussex side

By Rod Gilmour


Rising stock: Richard Dawson-Smith (bottom row, third from right) is one of few Englishmen playing in Europe Photo: EUROHOCKEY

Richard Dawson-Smith, the first English player to win club hockey's European Cup, believes that his experiences on the continent, as well as a heavy dose of “choice German phrases” from his influential club coach, will thrust him back into the minds of the Great Britain selectors when he joins East Grinstead on a loan deal later this season.

Dawson-Smith joined German side Harvestehuder, the Euro Hockey League champions, last year but has been considering a move back to England during the German indoor season, which spans a four-month period.

“I was a bit surprised to be contacted by East Grinstead, but flattered at the same time,” said Dawson-Smith, who last played English domestic hockey 18 months ago.

“It will be interesting to see the comparison as the German and English games are different. I will feel comfortable as the club level is higher in Germany week in, week out.

“It is one of the reasons I chose East Grinstead and one of the best places to go to keep me close to that level.”

The defender will play both the outdoor and indoor campaign for the Sussex side, as well as coaching hockey at Hurstpierpoint School. His first game could come at the start of November, while he can play until the end of the regular season before being required back in Germany.

Having played at under-21 level and for England ‘A’ sides, the Mancunian still harbours England ambitions and realises his stock has risen thanks to playing alongside the likes of Tobias Hauke, the German captain, and under coach Christoph Bechmann.

“I am doing everything I can to put myself out there in the best way possible,” he said. “It is one of the reasons to come home and put myself in the shop window.”

A clip of Bechmann went viral last year during the EHL semi-finals when he was filmed seemingly lambasting his Harvestehuder side during a half-time team talk laced with swear words.

“With everything being in German, you pick up a lot and he has a couple of choice phrases,” he said.

Dawson-Smith, who played for England at the 2009 Junior World Cup, said that the German’s style of coaching had a “positive” approach which has paid off in his hockey.

“The way they coach on the pitch is loud, but not aggressive," he said. "If you do something wrong you will just get shouted at until you turn round and acknowledge him.

“He is tough on you and he expects a lot. It is straight up ‘you have done this wrong, be better’ basically. It is fantastic though as he has done it all before as an Olympian.

“It is a different style to England and the way coaching is. I have learnt a lot from him, his positive side as well as the aggressive approach, which comes across when you listen to him on the side of the pitch.”

Meanwhile, Kate Richardson-Walsh, the GB women's captain, has revealed that she intends to carry on playing until the Rio 2016 Olympics.

The 34-year-old had originally planned to retire after the Commonwealth Games, but admitted that the “fire had come back” and she would aim for national selection after carrying her side to silver in Glasgow.

Telegraph



Canterbury captain Grace Balsdon raises drag flicking hopes ahead of Olympic hockey qualification year

Canterbury's 21-year-old captain is part of Great Britain's hockey set-up and believes she can play vital part in national side's missing ingredient - drag flicking

By Rod Gilmour


New hope: Grace Balsdon hopes to play key part in Great Britain's defence Photo: ADY KERRY

Grace Balsdon, the Canterbury captain, believes that she can salvage Great Britain women’s dwindling penalty corner routines and cement a place in Danny Kerry’s side ahead of next year’s Olympic hockey qualifiers.

Despite finishing the international summer with Commonwealth silver in Glasgow, there was a notable lack of firepower within England’s PCA – Penalty Corner Attacks – during their performances at the World Cup in June and, more recently, at Glasgow 2014.

Team Event Penalty Corner's won Converted Conversion rate
Australia women World Cup 25 6 24%
  Commonwealth Games 39 13 33%
England women World Cup 22 4 18%
  Commonwealth Games 24 6 25%

“I remember watching Crista Cullen when she was flicking at her best and thinking what amazing skill she had and the same with Kwan Browne, watching him on home Canterbury turf,” said the centrally-contracted Balsdon, who has two GB caps to her name.

With regular drag flick specialist Kate Richardson-Walsh coming to the end of her career, time is also on Balsdon’s side and the 21-year-old has been working individual sessions with Browne as her skills develop.

“The man is a genius,” the defender said of the Trinidadian. “He has so much knowledge and his ability to pick out things instantly is incredible. He has great technology at his disposal whereby he watches us on the iPad and analyses you. To put in a little fake, for example, I can’t express how much it helps you.”

The national side’s shortage of a world-class flicker who can change games has been evident since Cullen retired after London 2012. It led former international Mel Clewlow to admit that England have struggled to find a replacement.

"I’m not taking anything away from Kate because I think she is a different drag flicker,” Clewlow said during this summer's World Cup, “but with Crista you just had the brute force and power and in those pressurised situations you sat as a fan or commentator thinking ‘this is going to go in the back of the net’."

Three months after England’s 11th-place showing in the Hague, Balsdon admits that, along with Giselle Ansley, the pair can develop the role before the Olympic qualifiers start in Spain next summer.

“Giselle is developing as well and if the two of us can really practice those skills and hone them, then that will be really key and something really impressive,” Balsdon said. “Hopefully it will put England back on the map of penalty corner attacks.”

Why the Great Britain squad is lacking ‘brute’ drag flickers is down to not enough attention being afforded to an area which has become key at international level.

So says Balsdon, who believes that “we don’t teach that specific skill to youngsters earlier enough.”

She added: “Aged 17 or 18, they think they can then develop that skill, so naturally it takes them to longer to come to the forefront.

“If you go to Holland, kids who are 10 or 12 are trying to develop a drag flick already. It’s not that we don’t have the talent, we just aren’t teaching it earlier enough.”

'ASHLEY'S ANALYTICAL EYE'

Kate Richardson-Walsh, the GB women's captain, shares her views on drag flicking and how England talisman Ashley Jackson has helped the women's side.

"In our team we are broadening the group to six or seven. A few of them are learning it for the first time so the difference in level is different.

"Most teams have one really good drag flicker. It’s just the strength in depth and that’s because we have picked it up late. We need young girls to pick it up early down the age groups. If you coach lads they want to learn how to hit backhand and to drag flick and girls maybe less so.

"We have been around the men’s team more so it made sense that Ashley has helped. He is technically a very good player. He’s aware there are many ways to drag flick, but he coaches principles that allow you to build your own technique with guiding principles. He has been brilliant in that way.

"We haven’t put him off either. He has been out there in the pouring rain and he has to fit it in with his training. Often he has completed a two-hour session and then done an extra 90 minutes with us.

"He has a real analytical eye. The smallest things make all the difference: the placement of the foot, the height you’re coming into the ball, your run-up or angles.

"When you’re learning, every drag flick will probably be different and Ash will be able to tell you what it is each time. Then you start to feel the differences yourself."

The Telegraph



Where are our players internationally?

The whereabouts of the Hockeyroos in international leagues



Hockey Australia answers the question that many are asking, who is currently playing in international leagues from the Australian National Program and where exactly are they located?

Todays article, part of a series of two, will update hockey fans worldwide as to which Hockeyroos have taken the opportunity to participate in international leagues.

The Hockeyroos feature three current squad members who have signed with clubs across the Netherlands for their seasons ahead. Anna Flanagan is playing in Vaught for MOP, Casey Sablowski (nee Eastham) for Pinoke in Amsterdam and Jayde Taylor for HC Bloemendaal.

Anna focuses on experience and trying to get as much of it as she possibly can while overseas. Experiencing different styles of play and hard training sessions, Anna believes it will benefit her as a player on her return to Australia.

“MOP are aiming to make the top four this year and with no Dutch internationals this will be a big achievement.

“I’m here to work with specialty flicking coach Toon Siepman. I have already learnt a lot about the different style of play with MOP, who train you in all skills regardless of position.”

Recently touching down in Holland, newlywed Casey Sablowski will participate in the Dutch league for nine months with Pinoke. The only foreigner at her club, Casey has already experienced the difficulties of language and a stronger level of competition.

“It’s my first season and I have loved the challenge of moving to a new country and being the only foreigner at the club. It’s been difficult as most of the dialogue both on and off the field is in Dutch, however, I think I’m slowly starting to pick up a few words and common sayings.

“The club competition is a lot stronger here than back home, each match is going to be tough.”

Jayde Taylor based in the Netherlands is making the most of her time overseas. Jayde has been playing for HC Bloemendaal as well as coaching their younger sides.

“I’m really enjoying it so far. Playing in an overseas league means I get to live and breathe a different culture. This experience will no doubt widen my knowledge of the game and it will be great to see hockey from another perspective.”

Exposed to the Hoofdklasse league, known as the most prestigious league in the world offers endless opportunities for players like Jayde, Anna and Casey.

Jayde added, “To be exposed to this top level for weeks on end will be great for my development as a player and also as a coach.”

Back in the land down under, the women’s Australian National Program are in preparation for the Australian Hockey League, powered by Premier Technology Solutions, and Champions Trophy. Selected Hockeyroos will return to their home states later this month where they will participate in the AHL between 4-11 October.

The AHL will temporarily bring home Anna Flanagan, Casey Sablowski and Jayde Taylor, putting what they have learnt and experienced while away into action.

Tomorrow we’ll update you on who from the Kookaburras is playing in international leagues this season and which clubs they will be representing.

Hockey Australia media release



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HI extends contract with Shiv Naresh as kit partner till 2017

NEW DELHI: Hockey India on Wednesday extended its contract with Shiv Naresh as its kit partner for the national teams as well as the annual Hockey India League.

The contract with Shiv Naresh is extended for a period of three years till 2017.

Shiv Naresh, which became the apparel partner of Hockey India and HIL in 2013, will continue to provide both on and off-field playing and training uniform ranging from training shorts and shirts to tracksuits and equipment to the teams.

As a part of its association with Hero Hockey India League, Shiv Naresh will supply uniform for technical officials, umpires and Hero HIL staff, a release said.

HI secretary general Narinder Batra said, "Having actively participating in various sports and providing their specially designed uniforms for the athletes, Shiv Naresh is a brand that needs no introduction in the sports industry.

"I am delighted to see that the year gone by has proven to be really positive for both Hockey India and Shiv Naresh and I once again would like to congratulate Mr. Shiv Parkash Singh, Managing Director Shiv Naresh Sports Pvt Ltd. for this integral development."

The Times of India



Ventures wary of Marist, Stingers

Rashneel Kumar


The champion Ventures Club women's team that will be playing in the Marist Eastgate Memorial Tournament this weekend. Picture: JOVESA NAISUA

Fiji's Ventures men's and women's hockey sides are wary of the other teams in the 20th Geotech Drilling Marist Eastgate Memorial Tournament as they look forward to defending their titles this weekend.

The three-day tournament gets underway on Friday at the National Hockey Centre in Laucala Bay.

The Ventures men's side which has been winning the Marist tournament for the past five years is keen to maintain its winning run.

However vice-captain Adrian Smith believes it won't be easy to defend the title this year.

"For us as a club, we feel that every team has an equal chance of winning the tournament," Smith said.

"Every team is a threat to us but we see Marist and Stingers as the biggest threat.

"For us as a team, we are trying to be consistent throughout the year. We have to always be a step up in every tournament and take each game as it comes along."

The Ventures men's team has a number of national reps such as Leevan Dutta, Hector Smith Jr, Tevita King and Harry Heritage who are expected to lead the charge.

"We want to thank Marist for organising the tournament. It's not easy to run tournaments. We also like to thank our sponsors FMF and Shipping Services Limited," Smith said.

The Ventures women's side which has been winning the Marist tournament for the past 11 years also hopes to continue with its record winning streak.

The darling of the team, 15-year-old Tiara Dutta said the morale in the camp was high and they were looking forward to a good tournament.

"I guess we just have to play to the best of our abilities as always," Tiara, who attends Jai Narayan College, said.

"The preparation for this tournament has been good. We have won all our league games but that doesn't mean we will take any team lightly.

"We can see all teams are improving so we have to go harder in all our games."

The Ventures women's side will have the services of national reps Maxine Brown, Asinate Blake, Rebecca Lemeki and Maira Tora.

The Fiji Times



Words of wisdom from one of hockey's greats



Although his playing days are behind him, Teun de Nooijer is one of the giants of hockey. FIH caught up with the Dutch legend to get his views on Hockey 5s and ask him how a young player can go on to achieve greatness.

“I am envious of these kids” was Teun de Nooijer’s first reaction as he looked around the Athlete’s Village. “Back in my day, the Youth Olympics didn’t exist, and to travel around the world at that age, to play against different cultures, to meet other people from all around the world, I think that’s a great opportunity to have, and all the kids enjoy it.”

Teun was at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing as an Athlete Role Model, promoting the Olympic spirit, enjoying all the activities, and of course watching the hockey and identifying stars of the future.

“I have a very busy programme,” said the Dutch superstar. “The Olympic Village is great to be in, to get a feel for the atmosphere, to see the athletes, because in the end, it is about sports, and that is the most fun to watch.”

The hockey legend – a four-time Olympian, with two gold and two silver medals to his name, as well as a gold World Cup medal and a host of other titles – was also getting his first look at the Hockey 5s format.

What did he make of the game? “The sport is so quick. I watched the semi-final between Canada and Spain, Spain scored, but after five seconds, Canada scored again. It goes back and forth all the time, and if you’re 3-0 down, 4-0 down, it doesn’t mean you’re not going to win the game anymore. It goes so quickly. For the spectators as well, it is a fantastic game to watch, because there are a lot of goals, there is a lot of excitement, it’s very close.”

Teun added that the game called for high levels of fitness, excellent technique and an ability to play under constant pressure. “There is always an opponent on your heels, and that’s good for the kids who are playing here. I would have loved the opportunity to play this game.”

So the question all the young players would like to know the answer to. “How do you get to be as good as Teun de Nooijer?

“You need to have three physical attributes: speed, skill and fitness, but also it is about team work. To play together, play together as a team, it is a team sport. You perform together, so go for the combinations, because if you play like that, I think in the end, the result will come.”

“And then there is the mental side of the game. At the end of the day, I think it is all about passion, the passion that you have for your sport, the love for the game. If that is there, and you really want something, not just because, but really, really want it, then in the end, you will manage I think.”

FIH site

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