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News 01 October 2014

All the news for Wednesday 1 October 2014


Asian Games results Day 12

5/6 Malaysia 8 Kazakhstan 0 (W)
Bronze medal Japan 1 India 2 (W)
Gold medal China 0 Korea 1 (W) Korea (W) qualify for Rio Olympics 2016

17th Asian Games, Incheon 2014 Official site



World awaits epic men’s final

Eternal rivals India & Pakistan to fight it out for Olympic berth


India and Pakistan will go head-to-head for the Gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games. The winner of Thursday's match will seal a place at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. (Photo: FIH / Frank Uijlenbroek)

Legendary rivals India and Pakistan will fight it out for the Gold medal and a place at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games after victories in their Asian Games semi-final matches against Korea and Malaysia respectively on Tuesday (30 September).

A solitary strike from Akashdeep Singh gave India a 1-0 win over host nation Korea, while Pakistan were held 0-0 by Malaysia before emerging triumphant 6-5 in a shoot-out to set up a dream final between the two most iconic nations in Asian hockey. With an Olympic ticket up for grabs the stakes simply could not be higher, ensuring that Thursday’s final is likely to be nothing short of spectacular.

Defending champions Pakistan have history very much on their side, having lost only once to India in eight Asian Games finals. Pakistan were victorious when the two sides clashed in the pool phase of this year’s competition, but India currently sit two places above their opponents in the FIH World Rankings at nine and will be determined to land their first Asian Games title since the 1998 event in Bangkok, Thailand.

India were the more active and aggressive team in the early stages of their semi-final meeting with Korea. The Indians were able to create danger where the Koreans could not, and it seemed to be only a matter of time until the opening goal would arrive. It took until the end of the third quarter, with Akashdeep Singh brilliantly firing home with his back to the goal. Korea pushed for the elusive equaliser, but they could not get close to the India goal before eventually running out of time.

India’s coach Terry Walsh said after the game that he was most happy with the fact that India managed to bring energy to the game throughout the 60 minutes and that the players had stepped up their performance levels, learning to cope with “being the hunted rather than the hunter”.

Despite the lack of goals, the Pakistan versus Malaysia was a thrilling contest featuring plenty of high-quality, attacking hockey ahead of a characteristically dramatic shoot-out. The key moment arrived in the sudden pairings, with Pakistan’s Rashid Mehmood netting the winner moments after a costly miss from Tengku Ahmad.

Ahead of his team’s final showdown with India, Pakistan coach Sheikh Shahnaz suggested that his team will have a mental edge due to their win in the pool round.

In the match for 7th place, Oman defeated Bangladesh in a lively fight that had the crowd hold their breath. Bangladesh scored early, and after a prolonged exchange of blows with many chances but no goals, Oman finally got onto the scoreboard in the third quarter. A quick-fire double moved Oman ahead, but Bangladesh countered with the equaliser less than two minutes later. A penalty corner at the end of the third quarter finally put Oman ahead again, and despite a passionate fight by Bangladesh, they held on to the lead until the end of the fourth quarter. Oman thus took seventh place in the competition and Bangladesh eighth, ahead of Singapore and Sri Lanka.

Results

Tuesday, 30 September 2014 – Men
7/8th place: Bangladesh – Oman 2-3 (1-0)
Semi-Final: Korea – India 0-1 (0-0)
Semi-Final: Pakistan – Malaysia 0-0 (0-0) 6-5 shoot-out

FIH site



Akashdeep puts India in Asiad hockey final

S. Thyagarajan


India's Akashdeep Singh (center) and Danish Mujtaba (right) battles for the ball with South Korea's Nam Hyun-woo during their Men's Hockey semifinal match at the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea on Tuesday.

In what can be described as momentous, India stunned Korea by a solitary goal to make the final of the men’s hockey competition here.  The silence that descended on the stadium after the final whistle rent the air exemplified the disbelief of the home team’s supporters over the outcome.

India will lock horns with Pakistan for the Gold Medal on Thursday. The last meeting for the Gold in the Asian Games was in 1990 at Beijing where the competition was played on round robin basis. Pakistan beat Malaysia in nail biting shoot out after the teams were level at 0-0 at the end of the regulation time. The first set ended 3-3, but in the sudden death phase Pakistan won 3-2 to aggregate a margin of 6-5.

Overpowering the Korean outfit in front of the home audience is an achievement itself. The Indians did that with a touch of panache. The hero was Akashdeep Singh who flicked in what turned to be the match winner in the last phase of the third quarter.

It was an absorbing contest, with the emphasis by both teams being circumspection.  What really stumped the usually vibrant Korean attack was the success of the Indian defenders denying that acceleration.

Try as they did the Koreans could not dictate the pace. Nothing substantiates this than Korea’s solitary penalty corner in the match. It was also a disputed one.

The Indians not only threaded impressive patterns but also guarded the goal area with absolute control. What appeared discordant was the way the frontline failed to make capital of the openings created the hard working midfield in which Gurbaj Singh and Sardar Singh were conspicuous as was Birendra Lakra in the back line supported by Raghunath.

The frontline, despite its dominance failed to hit the target with the expected measure of accuracy. Dharamvir missed a couple. So did Ramandeep, who shot wide on the run with only the Koran goalkeeper before him. Akashdeep, Chandi and Ramandeep all missed easy chances making many an Indian supporter to miss a heartbeat or two. It was not until Akashdeep sent the ball home from an incisive through pass by Ramandeep Singh that the Indians looked relieved.

This was the point when the Koreans saw the writing on the wall. The series of attacks launched only marked a sense of desperation that was devoid of any constructive strategy to outwit the well-settled defenders. A penalty corner for Korea with less than two minutes before the hooter raised visions of India’s dubious record of conceding the goal in the final minutes/seconds. But it was smothered with aplomb by the defenders.

Terry Walsh, the Chief Coach, looked palpably happy at the verdict but underlined the missed chances. “ We played with a lot of energy and will continue to do so,” he added.

The last time when India figured in the final of the Asian Games was in 2002 at Busan losing to Korea 3-4.

In a fast encounter neither Pakistan nor Malaysia gave anything way paving the path for the first shoot out of the attacker dribbling from the 25-yard line to beat the goalkeeper in eight seconds. Inspired by the splendid showing against the Japanese in the earlier match, the Malaysians dictated terms for the major part, raising the visions of a victory. The Pakistanis showed equal viogour but could not beat the veteran goalkeeper Kumar who saved at least four powerful shots.

Pakistn’s goalkeeper, Imran Butt sustained a bleeding facial injury in a penalty corner shot by Razie. The ball struck front grill of the helmet, but he continued to be under the bar after receiving medical attention.

The results: Men

7-8: Oman 3 (Al Balushi, Islam Muhamad, Basim Khatar) beat 2(Pushkor Khisa, Krishna deo Kumar)

SEMI FINALS: India 1 (Akashdeep Singh) beat Korea 0.

Pakistan drew Malaysia 0-0; (shoot out) First set: Pakistan 3 (Waqas, Haseem Khan, Fareed Ahmed); Malaysia 3 (Jalil, Sabah, Fitri): Second set: Pakistan 3 (Haseem Khan, Waqas, Rashid Mohmood) ; Malaysia 2 (Fitri, Sabha). Total 6-5.

Wednesday’s matches: Women:

(5-6) Malaysia v Kazakhstan (10-30 a.m); (3-4) India v Japan (1 p.m.); FINAL: Korea v China (3-30 p.m.)

The Hindu



The 24-year wait is over

K Arumugam

As the whole of India rejoices Indian men’s hockey team’ entry into the Incheon Asian Games final after a hiatus of 12 years, one has to double, treble the time clock back to portray things in its true perspectives.

I waited for this day 24 years – to witness an India-Pak final in the Asian Games.

Last time they played was in Beijing 1990 though it was last league match of the robin format, meaning no knock-out matches.

In retrospect, that India-Pak final match was a turning point albeit short-lived, as the duo overcame Korean scare that put them in place four years ago in 1986 at Seoul, where for the first time in the annals of Asian Games either India or Pak was missing in the final.

For the first time Korea won the Gold at the cost of Pakistan while India, who lost to Pak in the semis, had to be content with a bronze. Its worth mentioning here that India drew Korea 1-1 in the league.

1990 therefore reaffirmed supremacy of the these two powers though it was down from global one. India comprehensively defeated Korea, though scoreline was just 2-0 in the league.

In 1990, even as my journalism was in nascent, none would have foreseen it would take another 24 years for a repeat of the titans’ clash.

Technically though Incheon marks first India-Pak final in 32 years, after Delhi’s ‘historic’ 1-7 verdict.

In 1994, novice Zafar Iqbal was the coach, when Korea knocked out Pakistan in the semis, robbing us of a Pak clash. Its first time in Asiad history, SK defeated India and Pak en route to the Gold.

In 1998, India won the gold under present coach MM Kaushik after Korea knocked out Pakistan in the semis.

Its India’s turn now to emerge victorious against Pakistan in 2002, thereby setting final clash with Korea.

2006 was the worst ever performance of India in Asiad, where it failed to be in the semis after losing to China and drawing Korea in the league, which ultimately reflected in India getting out of Beijing Olympics.

At 2010 in Guanghaou, their clash was billed but India dug its own grave in the semis, losing to Malaysia in the extra time golden goal, after defeating Pakistan in the league.

In short, in the last three decades Korea saw to it either Pak or India is knocked out in the semis and thus making the much-awaited India –Pak clash in the Asian Game a rarity.

Incheon now presents a rare opportunity, rare spectacle for the global hockey fans to witness the original superpower -- for whom qualifying for the Olympics or World Cup has become a nightmare – fighting out for Gold on Thursday.

A vintage stuff is in the offing; old charm waiting to entice everyone. Three decades is a big time in the sporting world, but an India and Pak clash, despite their low global rating, is the first rated ecstasy.

Stick2Hockey.com



Iconic Asian teams set up mouth watering final match.

By Shahid Khan
 

Pakistani players celebrate the moment they had clinched their place in the final.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan set themselves up for a dream final after recording hard-fought semi-final wins at the XVII Asian games in Incheon, South Korea.

Defending champions Pakistan were held to a 0-0 draw by 2010 finalists Malaysia before winning a thrilling penalty shoot-out 6-5.

It needed eight attempts from each side to break the deadlock, with Rashid Mehmood beating Malaysian goalkeeper Kumar Subramaniam for the winner after Tengku Abdul Jalil's shot had been saved by Pakistan's Imran Butt.

In the earlier semi final, India, seeking their first Asian Games title since 1998, played a spirited game to outlast hosts South Korea 1-0, with Akashdeep Singh scoring the winner in the 44th minute from a narrow angle. The Koreans, the highest ranked Asian team at number eight, had the Indian supporters’ hearts in their mouth when  they  earned their only penalty-corner of the match just two minutes from the final hooter, but they failed to capitalise the golden opportunity.

With a Rio Olympic ticket up for grabs for the gold medallist the stakes simply could not be higher, ensuring that Thursday’s final is likely to be nothing short of spectacular which will attract interest not only from sub continent supporters but hockey lovers the world over.

Green shirts have history very much on their side, having lost only once to India in eight Asian Games finals. India’s solitary victory was at the Bangkok games in 1966.  Pakistan were victorious when the two sides clashed in the pool phase of this year’s competition, but India currently sit two places above their opponents in the FIH World Rankings at nine and with the ex-Pakistan coach Oltmans on their coaching staff will want to avenge that defeat.

Pakistan coach Shahnaz Sheikh on reaching their 10th final at the Asian games said. "This was an important win for us, although I thought the boys were under some pressure during the whole game”.

Considering Pakistan had failed to qualify for the World Cup in July for the first time in the 43 year history of the competition and the lack of any international games for the past 11 months, reaching the final is a major achievement for the hockey loving nation.

Meanwhile India’s Australian coach Terry Walsh praised his young Indian team which he considered to be in the process of learning and for whom reaching the final is a very important experience.

Exclusive for Fieldhockey.com

Shahid Khan is a senior hockey journalist who has covered all major tournaments and is a contributor to BBC Radio Asia Network as well as to other publications.



India-Pak final at Incheon

s2h Team

Defending champions Pakistan entered the Asian Games hockey final defeating fighting Malaysia 5-6 in the penalty shoot out (one-on-one tie-break) after both sided could not score in the regulation time of sixty minutes of the second semifinal.

Obviously the victors, who were expected to have a walkover, had to struggle the way it had been, were in tears, on the floor and seen hugging each other endlessly on the narrow make through.

Its on the other hand is a dream final with two former giants, who were in the same pool, will engage other for the Gold.

In the last edition, Malaysia defeated India in the extra time of the semifinal, and then went down tamely to Pak in the final.

Pak thus made it easy to the last Olympics. Now, after having lost to the traditional rival, India will have to make amends in the final to answer unquenchable Indian supporters.

India Pak last met in the final in 1990 at Beijing, where Pak whitewashed India for the Gold. A final between India-Pak after 24 summers is a welcome treat for the global hockey watchers.

Stick2Hockey.com



India in the Final

s2h Team

Youngster Akashdeep Singh struck the only goal of the semifinal at the fag end of third quarter againt Korea to take India to the grand final of the Asian Games.

India will now meet winner of the other semifinal between Malaysia and Pakistan.

In the event of Pakistan reaching the final, which is more likely, a mouth-watering final is on cards in the Incheon Asian Games: India Vs Pak.

In a match where it was in control of most of proceedings, India emerged the winner despite a scare for equalizer emerged when Korea got a penalty corner just 108 second remained for the hooter.

Howerver, otherwise dependable Nam could not showcase his ware, as a charger would deflect the ball to the left of the cage.

India which beat the same rivals for bronze in the last edition, will now improve its position to silver/gold, with Rio Olympic berth tanging before the two struggling former giants of the game.

Today's victory is all the more sweet because its Korea which often came up with trumps in the crucial matches, what with India losing a couple of Asian Games finals.

For Akashdeep, today's hero, or super-hero, its a good turn around after he failed to convert his shoot out in the World League Semifinal at the Hague against Argentina, thus creating anxious moments before India getting the The Hague World Cup berth through circuitous route. The poor show also cost then coach Michael Nobbs his job.

Stick2Hockey.com



Hostbusters

Chander Shekhar Luthra


India’s SV Sunil and Akashdeep Singh celebrate their semifinal win over South Korea in Incheon on Tuesday AP

Akashdeep Singh's stunner sees an otherwise-uninspiring India overcome South Korea to set up hockey final with Pakistan

After what transpired in the boxing arena, Indian fans were very sceptical when the Men in Blue took on hosts South Korea in the semifinal at the Seonhak Hockey Stadium on Tuesday.

Playing a higher-ranked team in their own backyard is always a tough proposition. But the Sardar Singh-led side somehow managed to overcome their opponents by a solitary goal to set up mouth-watering title clash with arch-rivals Pakistan, whom they had lost to four days ago in a pool game. Pakistan later defeated Malaysia 6-5 on penalties.

India won the game, but their display was anything but convincing. The first two quarters saw both teams adopt a wait-and-watch policy. Even though India got a clear chance to go up in the fourth minute, Dharamvir Singh missed an empty goal after failing to trap Sardar's parallel pass. India had to wait till the 44th minute when Akashdeep Singh finally broke the deadlock, scoring a field goal in spectacular fashion.

Without turning, he flicked the ball through the legs of Korean goalkeeper Myungho Lee, who just didn't anticipate this shot.

In the fourth and final quarter, the hosts threw everything at the Indians. However, India managed to maintain ball possession, especially in the midfield, and never allowed the Koreans to penetrate.

The last five minutes turned out to be intense for India, who were forced to fall back and defend. They must have felt the pressure when South Korea earned their only penalty corner of the match just two minutes from the final hooter. However, the Indian defence denied the hosts.

Sardar was again India's best player. The rest just failed to match his performance. The South Koreans lacked imagination and creativity while the Indian frontline once again looked stubborn to hold on to the ball much longer than required.

India have reached the final of the Asian Games for the first time since 2002, when they ended up with the silver medal.

"An important part of the preparation is the recovery we've got to make," chief coach terry Walsh said of Thursday's final. "I don't think that we have to work terribly hard on the mental side… I think that we just need to keep the players in sight of what they need to do." He said the players have worked hard and trained specifically on certain aspects of their game. They have had long video analysis sessions.

DNA



India break final jinx, set up title clash with arch-rival Pakistan

Rohit Mahajan


Akashdeep Singh celebrates with teammates after scoring in the semifinal on Tuesday. AFP

Incheon - It’s here, it’s now and it’s going to be mad – the goal the Indian hockey team had been working toward beckons it. They wanted the gold at the Asian Games, which would qualify them for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. They’re one step away from the gold now — but fighting them for the gold and the ticket to Rio would be Pakistan, who beat India 2-1 in their penultimate group match four days ago.

India won, but it wasn’t a convincing win, and certainly not a pleasing one.

The first two quarters were barren, India missing at least three clear chances. Then, in the 44th minute, Akashdeep Singh got the ball inside the circle and scored the winner in spectacular fashion. Without turning, he flicked the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Myungho Lee, who just didn’t anticipate this attack. India were 1-0 up.

In the final quarter, the South Koreans threw everything at the Indians, who seemed clearly under pressure but managed to keep the ball out of their goal.

India, thus, reached the final for the first time since 2002, when they ended up with the silver medal.

Sardar Singh was the pivot in the Indian team, again. But the semifinal didn’t reach very high quality —the Indians were just about good enough, and the South Koreans lacked imagination and creativity. They held through the first two quarters due to the their stubbornness, and the inability of the Indian attack to finish effectively.

The Indian defence had weak links, and Pakistan had showed how to crack it – they’d put pressure on it, harrying the defenders, making them run hard, running them ragged. The South Africans preferred to play defensively, perhaps hoping that they’d be able to break away on the counter to score.

India’s defence managed to withstand the pressure the South Koreans exerted – India had seven shots on goal, the hosts had just one in the whole match.

However, the forwards have much work to do, for they’ve failed to work closely with the midfield; they seem to be expecting to receive the ball rather than working to snatch it or bring it up from the midfield.

The Indian coach, Terry Walsh, later said that he can’t complain because the team has reached the final; he also said that he was not satisfied with the level of the play the team has shown.

“An important part of the preparation is the recovery we’ve got to make,” he said. “I don’t think that we have to work terribly hard on the mental side… I think that we just need to keep the players in sight of what they need to do.”

He said after the defeat to Pakistan, they’ve worked hard and have trained specifically on certain aspects of their game; they’ve had long video and analysis sessions. “It’s not about how well you play in a one game or two games,” he said.

Pak beat Malaysia

In the second semifinal, played under a dark and angry sky, defending champions Pakistan beat Malaysia 6-5 on penalty strokes, after the match had ended goalless at fulltime, and goalkeeper Imran Butt became Pakistan’s hero with his save.

The Tribune



India set up a revenge clash against Pakistan in Asiad hockey final

INCHEON: Akashdeep Singh today scored a fabulous field goal against hosts South Korea to guide Indian men's hockey team into the finals of the Asian Games after a gap of 12 years, setting up a summit showdown with arch-rivals Pakistan.

After squandering at least three gilt-edged chances to take the lead in the first two quarters, Akashdeep (44th minute) received the ball inside the striking circle and without turning he flicked it through his legs in spectacular style into the goal to register a 1-0 win over former champions South Korea at the Seonhak Hockey Stadium here.

The Indian men's hockey team, which last made it to the final of the Asiad way back in 2002 Busan Games, will now face Pakistan in the final on Thursday, with a direct ticket for the 2016 Rio Olympics up for grabs.

In another semifinal, Pakistan eked out a hard-fought 6-5 win over 2010 Guangzhou Games silver medallist Malaysia in the second semifinal via shoot-off after both the teams failed to break the deadlock in the regulation 60 minutes.

The title clash against Pakistan will also provide India an opportunity to avenge upon their 1-2 defeat against the same opponents in the pool stages of the ongoing Games.

Earlier, a 1-0 win was India's eighth against Korea in the Asian Games in 14 matches and was the 29th overall in 72 encounters in all competitions.

The win also helped India reach the final, assuring them of at least the silver medal, for the first time since the 2002 Busan Games. They did not make the semis in 2006 at Doha and then four years ago they were shocked by Malaysia in the semi-finals at Guangzhou.

The Indians were by far the dominant side on display against Korea in the entire 60 minutes today and controlled the proceedings from the word go.

The Koreans played catch-up hockey throughout the match but failed to break the resolute Indian defence.

There was hardly any clear scoring opportunity for the Koreans, whereas India threatened the opponent goal throughout the encounter.

There was plan, purpose and poise in India's display and the major difference was the defense, which held well right through. : Akashdeep Singh scored a fabulous field goal to guide India men's hockey team into the finals of the Asian Games after a gap of 12 years with a 1-0 win over hosts South Korea at the Seonhak Hockey Stadium here today.

After squandered at least three gilt-edged chances to take the lead in the first two quarters, Akashdeep (44th minute) received a superb through ball inside the striking circle and without turning he flicked the ball through his legs in spectacular style into the goal past the South Korean custodian Myungho Lee just one minute before the end of the third 15-minute quarter.

The Indian men's hockey team, which last made it to the final of the Asiad way back in 2002 Busan Games, will now face the winner of the other semifinal between arch-rivals Pakistan and Malaysia in the summit clash on Thursday with the title winners grabbing a direct berth in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The victory was India's eighth against Korea in the Asian Games in 14 games, against two losses, and was the 29th overall in 72 matches in all competitions.

The win also helped India reach the final, assuring them of at least the silver medal, for the first time since the 2002 Busan Games. They did not make the semis in 2006 at Doha and then four years ago were shocked by Malaysia in the semi-finals.

The Indians were by far the dominant side on display against Korea in the entire 60 minutes today and controlled the proceedings from the word go.

The Koreans played catch-up hockey throughout the match but failed to break the resolute Indian defence.

There was hardly any clear scoring opportunity for the Koreans, whereas India threatened the opponent goal throughout the encounter.

The midfield, with captain Sardar Singh marshalling the resources, also gave the extra edge to the attack with some excellent passes but the frontline was again guilty of squandering a few very good chances.

India should have been at least two goals up before the halfway stage of the match but Dharamvir Singh was guilty of frittering away the opportunities.

India had the first shave at the goal in the fifth minute of the game from a counter-attack but Dharamvir missed a sitter as he overrun a pass from S V Sunil with only the Korean goalkeeper Lee to beat.

Three minutes into the second quarter, India earned two back-to-back penalty corners but Korean custodian Lee made a fantastic save to his right to deny V R Raghunath a goal.

In the fifth minute of the second quarter Dharamvir was again found wanting when the rebound came to him off the Korean custodian's pads but he missed the chance.

Then Ramandeep shot wide on the run from the top of the circle, a difficult chance before the teams trooped off for the big break deadlocked at 0-0.

Two minutes before the match-winner came another chance India's way when Sardar and Gurwinder Chandi combined forces to bisect the rival defence but the latter's cross from the right went abegging as Ramandeep was not in position.

But all these faded in memory once Akashdeep found the match winner.

Knowing India's past record of conceding late goals the fans were on tenterhooks.

Trailing by a goal, the Koreans mounted attacks on the Indian goal in the last quarter of the match but failed to break the stubborn Indian defense.

It was a tense last five minutes of the match for the Indians as they were forced to fall back and defend.

The Indians must have had the heart in their mouth when Korea earned their only penalty corner of the match just two minutes from the final hooter but the Indian defense was upto the task to deny the equalising goal to the hosts.

India then attacked and kept the ball in the rival half till the final hooter to enter the gold medal clash.

India's chief coach Terry Walsh later said that though the team frittered away some chances, he was pleased with the energy the players displayed.

"We knew Korea is a very good team and so it proved. It was a tough match. We made some chances which were not taken but as a team we brought in a lot of energy into the game and continued to show it right through," he said.

"Several of our players stepped a level higher than they showed so far. There is a lot of difference from playing in the league stage and in the cross-overs. The last time we played in the final we lost 0-4 to Australia in the Commonwealth Games. This is a learning process," the Australian said.

Walsh said he had his own thoughts about the four-quarter game but said Indians generally tend to be slow starters after a stoppage and this was one area that was addressed to some extent.

Though he was happy with the win, Walsh said the ball handling of the players still need to improve.

"Ball handling still is not that good. We kept them down to one penalty corner, that too late in the match, which was good," he said.

Walsh said now his main concern is recovery of the players for the gold medal contest in two days' time.

"The most important part is recovery," he said. Asked how he turned things around after the loss against Pakistan, Walsh said: "We worked through discussions and seeing video displays."

But he also said that Asian hockey as a whole has fallen behind Australia and Europe and this aspect needs to be addressed.

The Times of India



India make first Asiad hockey final in 12 years

Biju Babu Cyriac

INCHEON: Sardar Singh and his team came up with a brilliant display of controlled aggression as India got the better of hosts South Korea 1-0 in the first semifinal of the men's hockey competition on Tuesday.

In Thursday's final, India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan, who beat Malaysia 6-5 in tie-breaker in the second semis. The all-important goal came in the 44th minute when Akashdeep Singh netted in spectacular fashion scoring through his legs with his back to the goal.

This was India's first entry into the Asian Games final in 12 years. The last time they had done so was also in Korea, in Busan, where they lost to the hosts 3-4 to settle for the silver.

Bolstered by the return of Rupinder Pal Singh, the Indian defence was picture of confidence as they hardly allowed the speedy Korean wingers a look in.

Upfront, India wasted a golden chance to take the lead in the fifth minute as Dharamvir Singh failed to tap into an open goal after Sardar latched on to a mistake by Hyosik Yu and found Dharamvir through Akashdeep.

Indians were off to aggressive bursts at the restarts and Sunil forced India's first penalty corner in the 20th minute. The PC led to the second as the referee pulled up the Korean defence and this time the Korean 'keeper made a fine diving save to stop the dragflick from going in.

India saw another chance go abegging in the 26th minute when Ramandeep Singh failed to score. Coach Terry Walsh must have surely thought about several instances when India wasted chances and conceded last-minute goals.

The Times of India



Hockey coach Terry Walsh wants improvement in finishing

Biju Babu Cyriac

INCHEON: India's head coach Terry Walsh was happy with the way the boys tackled the Korean challenge and hoped Sardar Singh & Co. will improve their game in the final.

"The match was a tough encounter. We expected that. It was a close match which had the intensity of a final and we created some chances which were not taken. This Korean team has conceded just one penalty corner for the whole tournament. The important thing was the energy we brought into the game and continued it right throughout the 60 minutes," Walsh said.

"I'm happy the way we upped the tempo when needed, but it is only the semifinal and not final and we understand that. The level of play was very good, but the quality of ball handling is still not ideal and the quality of finishing is still not where it needs to be," the coach added.

Recalling the debacle in the final of the Commonwealth Games, the coach said: "It's a huge opportunity for our team to play in the final and we have to improve our performance," he said.

The Times of India



Pakistan to clash with India for hockey gold

Mohsin Ali

ISLAMABAD/Incheon - Lacklustre Pakistan made it to the final of the Asian Games men's hockey, after edging resilient Malaysians 6-5 on sudden death plenty shoot out, in the second semifinal played at Seonhak Hockey Stadium, Incheon, Korea Tuesday. Pakistan will now clash against archrivals India on Thursday (October 2), who in the first semifinal beat hosts Korea 1-0. India, seeking their first Asiad title since 1998, played a spirited game to outlast hosts South Korea, with Akashdeep Singh scoring the winner in the 44th minute from a narrow angle.

Once again poor finishing in front of the goal denied green shirts from scoring at least half a dozen goals. Pakistan team enjoyed supreme possession of the ball in all four quarters of the match but strikers failed to take advantage of the lime share of possession.

Pakistan started the match on a very confident note and came close of taking lead in the first quarter of the match poor finishing deprived them from scoring. Malaysians also came close to score in the dying moments of the first quarter as they were awarded a penalty corner but Pakistani defense was alert and denied them from taking any sort of advantage. Pakistan again missed a golden chance of scoring at the other end in the dying moments of the first quarter but M Dilber failed to convert the ball into the net when only goalkeeper was left to beat and first quarter ended with both sides locked at 0-0. Pakistan again missed many scoring opportunities in next quarter too as poor finishing continues to haunt Pakistan.

It needed eight attempts from each side to break the deadlock, with Rashid Mehmood beating Malaysian goalkeeper Kumar Subramaniam for the winner after Tengku Abdul Jalil's shot had been saved by Pakistan's Imran Butt. The final will be played on Thursday with the winner securing a direct entry to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016.

The Pakistanis, who had failed to qualify for this year's World Cup, were in tears after the match as they hugged coach Shahnaz Sheikh and other team members on the bench. "God is great," said Sheikh. "This was an important win for us, although I thought the boys were under some pressure during the whole game. It should be a very good final against India. We will be ready for them."

While talking from Korea, Pakistan Hockey team head coach Shahnaz Sheikh said he was quite depressed the way forwards missed the open chances. “I can't believe, we fail to score even a single goal in the entire match. I had trained boys for hours and hours during the four-month long training camp. Anyhow the win is very important as it was a highly pressure match. In the round match, we have beat Indians, who had played a lot of international matches in the last one-year, but we managed to beat them and now by the grace of Allah almighty we will beat the again in the final. “

Meanwhile, sharing his views Olympian Rehan Butt described Pakistan team victory against Malaysia as historic one. “It was a highly pressure game and nobody wants to enter the match and win with narrowest margins. Team played well and they deserved victory, which they dully achieved.” He said final would be the highly pressure game and would be a battle of nerves as no planning or strategy would work and only the team which manage to control emotions would come out victorious.

The Nation



Spirited Pakistan one step away from gold medal, face India in final

Skipper Imran and his charges overpower Malaysia 6-5 after penalty shootout. India shatter South Korea hopes with 1-0 victory in semifinals

By Muhammad Ali



INCHEON: Spirited Pakistan overcame a tough challenge from Malaysia to storm into the final of the 17th Asian Games Men’s Hockey Tournament at Seonhak Hockey Stadium here on Tuesday evening. Led by Muhammad Imran, Pakistan will now face archrivals India, who defeated South Korea in the other semifinal, for the gold medal contest to be played on Thursday (tomorrow) at the same venue. The defending champions downed Malaysia 6-5 through a thrilling penalty shootout after the teams were locked goalless at the end of 60 minutes stipulated time. Last Asiad’s silver medallists Malaysia gave a hard time to Pakistan and at one stage it seemed that the greenshirts would not be able to pull through. But Pakistan turned tables. Malaysia will take on South Korea for bronze medal.

The Asian Games hold great significance for the hockey nations of the continent as the winners of both the men and women’s section will directly qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Pakistan are looking for an automatic berth for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil. If they retain the gold, won in 2010 in Guangzhou, Pakistan will directly make the cut for Rio 2016 and will not have to take part in the tough Olympic Qualifiers. The greenshirts certainly know the importance of securing a direct berth in a major event like the Olympics, having missed out on World Cup 2014 in Holland.

It needed eight attempts from each side to break the deadlock, with Rashid Mehmood beating Malaysian goalkeeper Kumar Subramaniam for the winner after Tengku Abdul Jalil’s shot had been saved by Pakistan’s Imran Butt. Pakistan were in tears after the match as they hugged coach Shahnaz Sheikh and other team members on the bench. “God is great,” said Shahnaz. “This is very important win for us, although I thought the boys were under some pressure during the whole game. It should be a very good final against India. We will be ready for them,” he added.

Pakistan defeated India 2-1 earlier on in the group stages, which lifted the greenshirts to the top of the pool, sealing a place for the defending champions in the semifinals. The two teams have clashed in the finals of the Asian Games on eight previous occasions of which Pakistan have won 07. Having won the World Cups four times in 1971, 78, 82 and 1994, and silver in 1975 and 1990, Pakistan for the first time in the game’s history failed to qualify for the World Cup in 2014. Victory against archrivals India in the Incheon Asian Games final would help in the revival of the game of hockey in Pakistan, which has been strapped for funds in recent years. It will also be a consolation for hockey fans in the country who were left disheartened after Pakistan failed to qualify for the World Cup earlier this year.

Malaysian coach Arul Selvaraj, who was appointed a few months before the Asian Games, was all praise for his team for giving a splendid performance against Pakistan. “It is always heartbreaking to lose a game like this, but I am proud of my team. I could not have asked for more,” he added.

India in final after 12 years: Earlier, India made it to the final after 12 years by defeating South Korea 1-0 in the first semifinal. The sole deciding goal of the match came from Akashdeep Singh in the dying moments of the third quarter. South Korea tried their best for an equalizer in the fourth and final quarter but in vain. The solid Indian defense, led by Ramandeep Singh, didn’t allow any plausible chances. After a barren opening half, it took a gem of a goal from Akashdeep to break the deadlock in the 44th minute of the match.

India were by far the dominant side in the entire 60 minutes and controlled the proceedings from the word go. The India defense, which had a habit of breaking down under pressure, had a fantastic outing yesterday. The Koreans played catch-up hockey throughout the match but failed to break the resolute Indian defence. There was hardly any clear scoring opportunity for the Koreans, whereas India threatened the opponents goal throughout the encounter.

India’s Australian coach Terry Walsh said he was delighted to see his team emerge from a high-pressure match unscathed. “It was a tough and close match, and a high quality one too, considering the pressure situation,” Walsh said. “We showed a lot of energy, there was definitely an improved showing from the team. Going to the final is a very important experience for us.”

India last made it to the final of the Asiad way back in 2002 Busan Games. In Incheon, the road to the semifinal, however, was not that smooth for India. The Sardar Singh-led side came back well after losing a tense third Pool B game against Pakistan to put it across China 2-0 in their fourth and last league match to qualify for the last-four. India, who last won a gold in the 1998 Bangkok edition under Dhanraj Pillay’s captaincy, are once again looking for a top finish and gain a direct entry into the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The field hockey at the 17th Asian Games is being held under a new format introduced in a bid to make the game faster. Four 15-minute quarters have replaced the previous format of two 35-minute halves, bringing coaches and game management more into focus. The new system has been tested in friendly matches and tournaments, but the blue turf at the Seonhok Stadium is seeing it for the first time in the international arena.

The Daily Times



India final hurdle towards gold, Olympics qualification


Pakistan hockey team’s performances have improved considerably since the appointment of a new coaching team, headed by veteran Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh. PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: Defending champions Pakistan made it to the final of the 2014 Asian Games men’s hockey tournament with their fifth consecutive win on Tuesday, where arch-rivals India await.

Midfielder Rashid Mehmood fired home the last penalty in the shoot-out against Malaysia after both teams were unable to score in regulation time at the Seonhak Hockey Stadium, Incheon. The deadlock continued after extra-time as the 15 minutes proved insufficient to separate the two sides.

Muhammad Waqas, Abdul Haseem Khan and Mehmood then all scored twice each in the shootouts to send Pakistan through, edging out their opponents 6-5 in the penalty shoot-out.

“I have never played such a nerve-racking game in my entire life,” Mehmood, who stroked in the final penalty, told The Express Tribune from Korea. “When the penalties began, my only thought was of my parents back home, and I think it is their prayers that helped me and Pakistan win.”

The hockey team’s performances have improved considerably since the appointment of a new coaching team, headed by veteran Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh, and they may consider themselves favourites to claim gold over arch-rivals India. “Pakistan must play an energetic but composed game against India, just like the one they played in the group matches to defeat them,” said Sheikh.

Pakistan will qualify directly for the 2016 Rio Olympics if they are able to win the final and claim the gold. “Defending our title and hence making it to the next Olympics is our main target,” said the Olympian. “We are just a match away now.”

Pakistan will face India in tomorrow’s final, who defeated South Korea 1-0 in the competition’s first semi-final yesterday.

The two defeated semi-finalists, Malaysia and South Korea, will now vie for the bronze tomorrow.

The Express Tribune



Green-shirts win tense shootout against Malaysia to set final date with India


Pakistan players celebrate after defeating Malaysia in the semi-final on Tuesday.—AP

INCHEON: Arch-rivals Pakistan and India set themselves up for a rousing field hockey final at the Asian Games after recording hard-fought semi-final wins on Tuesday.

India, seeking their first Asiad title since 1998, played a spirited game to outlast hosts South Korea 1-0, with Akashdeep Singh scoring the winner in the 44th minute from a narrow angle.

Defending champions Pakistan were held to a 0-0 draw by 2010 finalists Malaysia before winning a thrilling penalty shoot-out 6-5.

It needed eight attempts from each side to break the deadlock, with Rashid Mehmood beating Malaysian goalkeeper Kumar Subramaniam for the winner after Tengku Abdul Jalil’s shot had been saved by Pakistan’s Imran Butt.

The final will be played on Thursday with the winner securing a direct entry to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016.

The Pakistanis, who had failed to qualify for this year’s World Cup, were in tears after the match as they hugged coach Shahnaz Sheikh and other team members on the bench.

Shahnaz hailed the contribution of goalkeeper Imran Butt who made three crucial saves in the shootout.

“Imran was our saviour and was outstanding under the cage,” Shahnaz told reporters at a post-match press conference. “It was a close game tut Imran’s show changed our fortunes after we’d missed three good opportunities.

“This was an important win for us, although I thought the boys were under some pressure during the whole game. It should be a very good final against India. We will be ready for them.”

Pakistan opened the game aggressively but failed to enter the D following a strong performance by the Malaysian defenders while goalkeeper Kumar was in his element, foiling several dangerous attempts on goal, including a lethal-looking penalty corner by Pakistan in the 66th minute.

Both teams were locked without a goal despite several attacks and counter attacks.

Malaysia however, almost took the lead through three penalty corners but they were not executed well by Muhammad Razie Abdul Rahim.

In the shootout, Mohammad Waqas, Abdul Haseem Khan and Rashid scored twice each for Pakistan while Malaysia got their goals through Mohammad Marhan Mohd Jalil, Mohd Fitri Saari (2) and Muhammad Shahril Saabah (2).

CASH AWARD

Immediately after the team’s victory, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Akhtar Rasool announced cash awards for the team.

Imran received $500 while the rest of the team members getting $300 each and Akhtar said the players could receive “big cash prizes if they retain their title”.


Abdul Haseem Khan shoots past Malaysian goalkeeper Kumar Subramaniam to score during the penalty shootout.—AP

Malaysian coach Arul Selvaraj, who was appointed a few months before the Games, praised his team for giving Pakistan a tough fight.

“It is always heartbreaking to lose a game like this, but I am proud of my team,” he said. “I could not have asked for more.”

Earlier, Korea, the highest ranked Asian team at number eight, had a chance to draw level against India when they earned their only penalty corner of the match two minutes from time, but failed to score.

In an exciting match, Akashdeep scored the winner when he sneaked his way into the Korean D and pierced in a field goal.

India’s Australian coach Terry Walsh said he was delighted to see his team emerge from a high-pressure match unscathed.

“It was a tough and close match, and a high quality one too, considering the pressure situation,” Walsh said. “We showed a lot of energy, there was definitely an improved showing from the team. Ours is a young team which is still in the process of learning. Going to the final is a very important experience for us.”

South Korean coach Shin Seok-Kyo slammed the decision of officials to advance their match to 5pm instead of 7pm, saying that contributed to the defeat.

“Just yesterday we were told that we will be playing earlier than scheduled,” Shin, a former international, said. “It affected the players because we were ready to play under lights.

“We usually play better under lights, so this change really upset me. I think India prepared better than us. We could not make the right moves. The loss is very disappointing.”

Dawn



Pakistan, India to face-off in Asian Games hockey final



INCHEON: Pakistan defeated Malaysia in the Men’s Hockey semi-final on Tuesday, enabling the defending champions to face arch-rival India in the final on Thursday October 2.

Pakistan won 6-5 as the match entered the penalty shoot-out stage and is now set to face India — who beat South Korea in the other semi-final — in the final.

India has earned the spot in the finals of the Asian Games after 12 years, when it was defeated by South Korea 4-3 in 2002.

Pakistan defeated India 2-1 earlier on in the group stages, which lifted the Greenshirts to the top of the pool, sealing a place for the defending champions in the semi-finals.

The two teams have clashed in the finals of the Asian Games on eight previous occasions of which Pakistan has won 7.

Having won the World Cups four times in 1971, 78, 82 and 1994, and silver in 1975 and 1990, Pakistan for the first time in the game's history failed to qualify for the World Cup in 2014.

Victory against arch-rival India in the Asian Games final would help in the revival of the game of hockey in Pakistan, which has been strapped for funds in recent years. It will also be a consolation for hockey fans in the country who were left disheartened after Pakistan failed to qualify for the World Cup earlier this year.

Dawn



Penalty shoot-out misery for Malaysia

Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil missed twice in the penalty shoot-out as Malaysia’s Asian Games hockey dream was shattered by Pakistan in the semi-finals at the Seonhak Hockey Stadium yesterday.

With the match ending 0-0 after 60 minutes through four quarters, Malaysia then lost the shoot-out 6-5 in sudden-death with Tengku Ahmad’s attempt deflected wide by Pakistan goalkeeper Imran Butt.

Tengku Ahmad had earlier fired straight at Butt with Malaysia’s first attempt of the shoot-out, negating Malaysia goalkeeper S. Kumar’s save from Muhammad Rizwan Senior.

Firhan Ashari also missed as Malaysia went 2-0 down but another save by Kumar allowed Marhan Jalil, Shahril Sabah and Fitri Saari to force the shoot-out into sudden-death.

Fitri and Shahril scored again before Tengku’s miss allowed Rashid Mehmood to beat Kumar a final time.

“We had five players who had taken the shoot-out and when sudden death came it was between the five again and they made the decision,” said national interim coach Arul Selvaraj. “Someone had to score and someone had to miss.

“I’ll stand by him (Tengku Ahmad), he’s been a very good leader and taken responsibility and done brilliantly as a leader. He has done a lot outside the team, working with the forwards.”

The national team lost 2-0 to Pakistan in the 2010 final in Guangzhou and were looking to win gold to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Malaysia only had three penalty corners which Arul had hoped would make the difference as they stopped Pakistan from earning any in the first two quarters.

“Personally I was very confident we would score from the PCs and tactically we outplayed them,” said Arul.

“We were well-organised and were good in the build-up and we took the three PCs in the way we decided we would.

“We could have done better with them but s*** happens. We defended well and didn’t give away a penalty corner in the first two quarters.

“I’m very proud of this team. We achieved our goal of playing with our hearts and with passion. Forget the result.

“If we continue to play with passion, the results will look after themselves and I hope the guys will keep going for whoever is appointed as national coach.”

In tomorrow’s playoff for bronze, Malaysia will meet South Korea, who lost 1-0 to India yesterday.

New Straits Times



Hockey boys did themselves proud despite Pakistan defeat


The Malaysian hockey players (background) look dejected after losing to Pakistan in the semi-finals at the Incheon Asian Games on Tuesday. - IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/ The STAR

INCHEON: There was no shame in defeat this time.

The Malaysian hockey team acquitted themselves admirably despite going down to Pakistan in a sudden-death penalty shootout in the semi-finals at the Seonhak Hockey Stadium on Tuesday.

They went down 6-5 to defending champions Pakistan after finishing regulation play goalless.

The ensuing shootout was also level at 3-3. But with Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (twice) and Mohd Firhan Azhaari missing Malaysia’s attempts, Abdul Haseem Khan converted his to bring Pakistan into Thursday’s final, where they will meet arch-nemesis India.

However, interim national coach A. Arulselvaraj has absolved Tengku Ahmad for his two misses in the loss.

Arulselvaraj said Tengku Ahmad should be praised for having the courage to take the penalty twice in the shootout.

“He is one of the most dedicated players in the team and I have huge respect for him as a leader. He took the risk by taking the penalty twice. Not many players would want to do it. I don’t blame him for the misses,” said Aruselvaraj.

Tengku Ahmad was the first Malaysian in the shootout – and he missed. Then, in the sudden-death, he was the third player to face Pakistan goalkeeper Imran Butt – and again he missed before Abdul Haseem’s decisive strike. Malaysia’s penalty goals came from Mohd Marhan Jalil, Shahril Saabah (twice) and Fitri Saari (twice).

With the defeat, Malaysia will play South Korea for the bronze on Thursday and Arulselvaraj’s job now is to get his players mentally fit for that match.

“Tengku Ahmad is a professional and I’m sure he will put this defeat behind him and rally the players for the next game. No one is blaming him for the defeat. He played his heart out,” said Arulselvaraj.

Goalkeeper S. Kumar also said that Tengku Ahmad should not be blamed for the defeat.

“There is no sure thing in a shootout. I have been through this many times before and I don’t think any team is fully prepared for it. We did train for it but, in the end, it was not enough,” he said.

Arulselvaraj added that Malaysia, who were lambasted for their poor performances at the World Cup in June and the Commonwealth Games in August, were unlucky not to win the match in regulation time.

“We were better tactically against them. We had three penalty corners but just couldn’t score.

“But I am proud of the players as they did what was expected of them. We played well defensively to restrict the Pakistani attack.

“In a shootout, you cannot predict what’s going to happen. It is like a lottery. So I don’t blame the players at all,” he said.

In an earlier match, India beat hosts South Korea 1-0, with Akashdeep Singh scoring a field goal in the 44th minute.

The Star of Malaysia



Tengku Ahmad slips as Malaysia fall


The Malaysian players react after losing their semifinal to Pakistan. — Picture by Bernama

PETALING JAYA — Malaysia fought bravely before going down 6-5 on penalties to Pakistan in a thrilling men’s hockey semifinal in Incheon yesterday.

The teams drew 0-0 after 60 minutes to force the shootout which went to sudden-death.

And Malaysia’s experienced forward Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil, will be spending some sleepless nights as both his attempts were saved.

The man they call “Zidane” had played a key role in Malaysia’s route to the last four.

Malaysia made life difficult for favourites Pakistan and even had the edge in the first two quarters where they earned a couple of penalty corners from some swift attacking moves.

The Malaysians could have even taken the lead if not for Pakistan goalkeeper Imran Butt’s fine saves.

Desperate Pakistan came back strongly via their speed and skills in the third quarter but were denied by a disciplined Malaysian defending led by the Razie Rahim and Faiz Helmi Jali.

Malaysia’s interim coach Arul Selvaraj was obviously disappointed to have lost in such a cruel manner but was proud of his players.

“They played their hearts out to match the Pakistanis and it’s a pity we were defeated in such manner,” he said, when contacted.

“I am proud of them. I am happy all 16 contributed massively to make it difficult for the opponents.”

Arul revealed Tengku Ahmad was feeling down because he missed twice in the shootout.

In another semifinal, India beat South Korea 1-0.

Malay Mail



HWL R1 Preview: Hockey World League heads to the Caribbean

Road to Rio: Hockey World League R1 - Men & Women - Kingston (JAM)



The Hockey World League bandwagon rolls into Jamaica today (30 September) with capital city Kingston playing host to men’s and women’s Round 1 events over the coming days.

The women’s event gets underway in a matter of hours, with the 60th ranked host nation being joined by Trinidad & Tobago (WR: 31), Barbados (WR: 47), Dominican Republic (WR: 58) and Puerto Rico (63). The men’s tournament will feature Trinidad & Tobago (WR: 29), Barbados (WR: 47), and Dominican Republic (WR: 62) and home favourites Jamaica (WR: 64).

Trinidad & Tobago start the event as favourites in both the men’s and the women’s competitions thanks to their higher FIH World Rankings and also the added experience of competing in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games over the summer.

The biggest threat to T&T’s double title challenge is likely to come from the men and women of Barbados, who will be relishing the chance of upsetting the odds against their West Indian rivals in Kingston.

The HWL Round 1 event in Kingston runs from Tuesday 30th September until Sunday 5th October. To find out more information about the HWL R1 tournaments in Jamaica including team rosters, fixtures, results, scorers and tables, please click the links below.

Women's event

Men's event

FIH.CH will publish a full summary of the action upon the completion of the events.

The winning teams at all of the Hockey World League Round 1 events are guaranteed a place in Round 2 of the Hockey World League, 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 the teams placed from 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. 

Note: International Hockey Federation (FIH) has released a revised match schedule for the Hockey World League Round 1, Kingston, Jamaica.  The revision is due to the unforeseen withdrawal of both the men and women’s teams from Venezuela. The up-to-date schedules can be found by clicking on the event website links above.

Round 1 tournament winners

Men

Sveti Ivan Zelina, Croatia (1-6 July): Russia
Hradec Králové, Czech Republic (2-7 September): Belarus
Nairobi, Kenya (5-7 September): Egypt
Dhaka, Bangladesh (5-7 September): Bangladesh
Muscat, Oman (5-7 September): Azerbaijan
Lousada, Portugal (12-14 September): Austria
Guadalajara (12-14 September): Chile
Kingston, Jamaica (30 September-5 October): Upcoming
Suva, Fiji (6-13 December): Upcoming

Women

Singapore (21-27 June): Malaysia
Siauliai, Lithuania (26-29 June): Belarus
Nairobi, Kenya (5-7 September): Kenya
Hradec Králové, Czech Republic (5-7 September): France
Guadalajara, Mexico (11-14 September): Canada
Kingston, Jamaica (30 September - 5 October): Upcoming
Suva, Fiji (6-13 December): Upcoming

FIH site



Lewis, Wynne braces lift ‘Stickwomen’ past P/Rico 5–1

Nigel Simon


Alana Lewis battles Jennifer Wilson, right, of South Africa during the women’s hockey preliminary match between South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago on October 4, 2010 in Delhi, India. Photo: Getty Images

Captain Alanna Lewis and Blair Wynne scored braces as T&T “Calypso Stickwomen” overcame a stubborn Puerto Rico 5–1 in their opening match of the second edition of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) World League First Round qualifying tournament at the newly laid Mona Campus Hockey Facility, Kingston, Jamaica, yesterday. The match was originally carded to flick off at 11.30 am, however, due to the late withdrawal of Venezuela from both the women and men tournament the match was rescheduled for a later start time.

And it seemed to have a negative effect on the Anthony Marcano-coached “Calypso Stickwomen” who were pegged back at 1–1 at the half-time interval with Lewis 15th minute penalty-corner conversion being cancelled out by Josefina Delgado’s 26th field goal. The second-half saw the T&T women stepped up a gear and after a period of sustained pressure Wynne restored T&T’s lead in the 51st minute quickly followed by another field goal from Patricia Wright-Alexis in the 57th and Lewis, again from penalty-corner set play on the hour mark.

A minute before the final whistle (70th minute), Wynne completed her double to put on a stamp on the T&T win ahead of their second match today against Dominican Republic from 3 pm (TT time).

Last night, Jamaica came up against Dominican Republic while tomorrow, T&T will meet Jamaica from 4.30 pm ahead of its final match against Barbados on Saturday (9 am) to conclude round-robin play at the end of which, only the top team will advance to round two in Montevideo, Uruguay from February 28–March 8, next year.

Two years, the national women’s competing at Tacarigua, ended third behind Canada and Uruguay after hammering neighbours Barbados (7–0), Guyana (5–0) and Venezuela (5–1) for a 3–2 record. The two defeats came against round-one winner, Canada (4–0) and runner-up Uruguay, 2–0. But in round two in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, T&T finished fifth in the six-team competition with a 1–4 record. This after getting a lone win against the host, 3–1, while they were beaten by tournament winners USA (7–0), runner-up Chile (6–0), third-placed Scotland (7–0) and Uruguay, 6–1.

Hockeymen to face Dom Republic tomorrow

The local hockeymen will get their campaign off and running tomorrow against Dominican Republic from 9 am, followed by Barbados on Saturday (11.30 am) and host Jamaica on Sunday, from 4.30 pm, to end round-robin play in the four-team competition. The winner will secure the lone spot available to the Second Round in Chula Vista, California, next year (February 28–March 8).

Today, the men’s tournament will begin with one match, host Jamaica coming up against Barbados from 4.30 pm. Two years ago, when the inaugural World League competition took place, T&T, tenth at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, topped its opening round qualifiers with wins over Chile (2–1), Barbados (3–1) and Venezuela (9–2) at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua. But, the second phase in Rio de Janeiro proved to be too difficult as the Francis-coached T&T was beaten by Argentina (2–9), South Africa (2–10) and Chile (0–4) but won against Brazil (6–2) and USA, 4–3 via penalty strokes.

Fixtures
FIH WORLD LEAGUE
Women’s Tournament fixtures:

Today
Puerto Rico vs Barbados, 11.30 am
Dominican Republic vs T&T, 2 pm

Tomorrow
Dominican Republic vs Barbados, 2 pm
T&T vs Jamaica, 4.30 pm

October 4
Barbados vs T&T, 9 am
Jamaica vs Puerto Rico, 2 pm

October 5
Puerto Rico vs Dominican Republic, 9 am
Barbados vs Jamaica, 2 pm

Revised FIH World League Round One (Jamaica) fixtures:

Men
Today
Barbados vs Jamaica, 4.30 pm

Tomorrow
T&T vs Dominican Republic, 9 am

October 4
Barbados vs T&T, 11.30 am
Dominican Republic vs Jamaica, 4.30 pm

October 5
Dominican Republic vs Barbados, 11.30 am
T&T vs Jamaica, 4.30 pm

The Trinidad Guardian



Dom Rep beat Jamaica 3-0 in international hockey

Hurbun Williams

KINGSTON, Jamaica - Jamaica return to international hockey after fours years but went down 0-3 to Dominican Republic in their first match in the International Hockey  Federation (FIH) World League tournament at the Mona Hockey Field in St Andrew earlier this afternoon (September 30).

Their next game will be against Trinidad and Tobago tomorrow  morning at 11  o’clock at the same venue. This will be one of three matches scheduled with the second match at 2:00 pm and the third at 4:30 pm when the Jamaica men’s team will bow in.

Scoring for Dom Rep were Yaniret De La Cruz in the 25th minute and a double from Miceli Lucia Navamuel in the 38th and 61st minutes.

Jamaica Observer



Indian series announced

Kookaburras to welcome India in November to Perth, WA.



Australia’s world and Commonwealth champion Kookaburras will welcome one of hockey’s biggest names, India, to Perth this November with four matches arranged between the two Commonwealth Games finalists.

It is hoped that the series will be the first of what will become an annual fixture between two of the sport’s most exciting draw cards.

Running from 1-9 November, the series will form an important part of both teams’ preparations for the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar in December.

The matches will also provide new Kookaburras coach Graham Reid with his first competitive contests since being named as National Coach last month. Reid, along with then co-coach Paul Gaudoin, led the Australian men to a Commonwealth Games gold medal victory over India in Glasgow in August thanks to a 4-0 win that came courtesy of a Chris Ciriello hat-trick and a goal from Eddie Ockenden.

Hockey Australia Chief Executive Cam Vale said, “We’ve been keen to bring India back to Australia for some time. As we saw in Glasgow, matches between the Kookaburras and India are always hotly contested and with the Champions Trophy around the corner these Tests will be no different.”

On the possibility of the series becoming an annual fixture, Vale added, “We’ve had good discussions with Hockey India about making this a regular series and building an event around it that hockey fans can really enjoy. Those conversations are ongoing and we’re looking forward to continuing them when India are here in November.”

All four matches will take place at Perth Hockey Stadium, beginning at 7pm Perth time on Tuesday 4, Wednesday 5, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November. India will warm up for the series with a match against an Australia ‘A’ side on Saturday 1 November.

Further information about the series and spectator arrangements will be announced next week via the Hockey Australia website.

Kookaburras v India Fixtures
Perth Hockey Stadium, WA
Tuesday 4 November – 7pm AWST / 10pm AEDT
Wednesday 5 November – 7pm AWST / 10pm AEDT
Saturday 8 November – 7pm AWST / 10pm AEDT
Sunday 9 November – 7pm AWST / 10pm AEDT

Hockey Australia media release



Future Black Sticks set for Sultan of Johor


Pictured: Goalkeeper Ben Smith in action for Capital

Men’s head coach Bryce Collins has named a strong Future Black Sticks (Under 21) team to compete at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia.

The majority of players in the side saw significant minutes at last month’s Ford National Hockey League, with selections finalised following a training camp in Taranaki last week.

It’s a talented group of 18, led by Jared Panchia and George Muir who have played a combined 52 test caps for the Black Sticks.

Collins said there is plenty of excitement within the team that they can achieve something special at the tournament.

“We’re pretty excited by this group of players, I think it’s a better team than we have had before. A core of this team played at the Junior World Cup and they are a year older and have become much better players,” said Collins.

“It’s a very well balanced group across all positions and the encouraging thing was how tough these selections were – a lot of good players missed out.

“The tournament will be challenging but we are confident we can put together some really good performances as a team and match it with the other sides.”

The Future Black Sticks depart New Zealand on Tuesday 7 October, and will play warm up games against Australia and Malaysia before the Sultan of Johor Cup begins on 12 October.

The Kiwis face a tough battle first up against defending champions India, before playing Malaysia, Australia, Pakistan and Great Britain later in the tournament.

At the conclusion of round robin play, the top two seeded sides play off in the final while the next two battle for bronze.

CLICK HERE for more on the Sultan of Johor Cup

FUTURE BLACK STICKS
Sultan of Johor Cup
12-18 October, 2014

NAME

REGION

POSITION

Ben Smith

Canterbury

Goalkeeper

Andrew Lock

Midlands

Goalkeeper

Sanjay Lala

North Harbour

Defender

Craig Jones

North Harbour

Defender

Daniel Panchia

Auckland

Defender

Brad Read

Capital

Defender

Nick Elder

Southern

Defender

Harry Miskimmin

Capital

Defender

Nic Woods

Midlands

Midfielder

George Muir

North Harbour

Midfielder

Alex Hanham

North Harbour

Midfielder

Leo Mitai-Wells

Midlands

Midfielder

Jared Panchia

Auckland

Striker

Jeremy Morris

Southern

Striker

Michael Ritchie

Auckland

Striker

Trevor Garrett

Canterbury

Striker

Ben Radovonich

Auckland

Striker

Kim Kingstone

Auckland

Striker

NON-TRAVELLING RESERVES

 

NAME

REGION

POSITION

Warren Wild

North Harbour

Midfielder

Jonty Keaney

Midlands

Striker

Ruan Bezuidenhout

Auckland

Goalkeeper

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Black Sticks to play in Wellington and Kapiti



Hockey New Zealand has announced a big week of hockey in November with the Black Sticks Women to face Australia in a three test series and the Black Sticks Men to play four internationals against Japan.

The first five games - including all three Australia games - will be held at the National Hockey Stadium in Newtown with the final two tests being played at the Coastlands Kapiti Sports Turf in Paraparaumu.

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says the Capital invests significantly in sports facilities and is a keen supporter of events that maximise their use.

“World-class hockey competition in the Capital provides a brilliant opportunity for budding stars to see their hockey heroes in action. The buzz at the National Hockey Stadium will add to the busy calendar of events in the city during November."

Kapiti Coast District Council Mayor Ross Church says it’s exciting to be hosting the district’s first ever international hockey matches.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase all we have to offer and there will be lots of spin-off benefits for the community from hosting an event of this calibre,” he says.

“We have made sure tickets are very reasonably priced so as many people as possible can get to the games.”

Trans-Tasman rivals Australia - ranked second in the world and Commonwealth Games gold medallists - have a close track record against the fourth ranked Black Sticks Women. Most recently, the Black Sticks drew with Australia at the FIH World Cup, lost in a shoot-out in the 2013 Oceania Cup Final, and claimed one-goal wins in the two encounters prior to that.

“To have the Black Sticks plus the two visiting teams in town is incredibly inspiring for our 4,500 club and secondary school players. It’s also a chance for Wellingtonians new to the sport to bring the family along, watch the Black Sticks and get autographs and photos after the game,” said Wellington Hockey Association chair Nicola Airey.

Black Sticks Women’s coach Mark Hager will be using the series as preparation ahead of the FIH Champions Trophy being held in Mendoza, Argentina starting at the end of November.

Hager, who is looking ahead to the Rio Olympic Games Qualifiers next year, will be drawing on his wider squad for the series with Kayla Whitelock and Emily Naylor currently on a break and senior players Krystal Forgesson and goalkeeper Bianca Russell having recently retired.

The Black Sticks Men have a strong track record against Japan only losing one of the 19 official tests played in the last decade. It will be the first time since the Glasgow Commonwealth Games that the team will have played, with head coach Colin Batch testing out his 2015 National Squad. The last time that the Black Sticks Men played in Wellington was against India in February 2009.

Tickets will go on sale at www.dashtickets.co.nz  from 9am on 6th October. There will be discounted family, multi-day, student and pensioner tickets available.

Black Sticks Women vs Australia

3pm, Saturday 15th November, National Hockey Stadium - Newtown
3pm, Sunday 16th November, National Hockey Stadium - Newtown
7pm, Tuesday 18th November, National Hockey Stadium – Newtown

Black Sticks Men vs Japan

5pm, Tuesday 18 November, National Hockey Stadium – Newtown
7pm, Wednesday 19 November, National Hockey Stadium – Newtown
7pm, Friday 21 November - Coastlands Kapiti Sports Turf - Paraparaumu
6pm, Saturday 22 November - Coastlands Kapiti Sports Turf - Paraparaumu

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Parnham Announces New Zealand Tour Roster

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Craig Parnham announced today the 21-person roster that will be traveling to New Zealand for the six-match, capped series from October 18-26. In preparation for 2015 events, the entire squad that is training full-time at Spooky Nook Sports will be heading halfway across the world to gain experience in international play against a strong Black Sticks team.

The matches will take place in Stratford, Palmerston North and Wairarapa. The Black Sticks are currently ranked 4th in FIH World Rankings, while Team USA holds the 8th position after an impressive showing at the 2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup in Holland, where the squad finished fourth.

USWNT vs NZL Roster:

Jackie Briggs (Robesonia, Pa.), Lauren Crandall (Doylestown, Pa.), Rachel Dawson (Berlin, N.J.), Katelyn Falgowski (Landenberg, Pa.), Stefanie Fee (Virginia Beach, Va), Melissa Gonzalez  (Mohegan Lake, N.Y.), Rayell Heistand (Hamburg, Pa.), Michelle Kasold (Chapel Hill, N.C.), Kelsey Kolojejchick (Larksville, Pa.), Ali McEvoy  (Gilbertsville, Pa.), Jamie Montgomery (Lewisburg, Pa.), Katie O'Donnell (Blue Bell, Pa.), Lauren Pfeiffer (Mt. Laurel, N.J.), Hannah Prince (Gorham, Maine), Julia Reinprecht (Perkasie, Pa.), Katie Reinprecht (Perkasie, Pa.), Paige Selenski (Shavertown, Pa.), Kathleen Sharkey (Moosic, Pa.), Caitlin Van Sickle (Wilmington, Del.), Michelle Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.), Alesha Widdall (Whitney Point, N.Y.)

USFHA media release



2015 Futures Elite Academy Selections Announced

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – This summer, the cream of the crop high school athletes took to the pitch to show off their skills at the Under-21 Women’s National Championship, Futures Elite Championship, National Futures Championship and AAU Junior Olympics. From these events, the top competitors across U14, U16 and U19 age groups have been selected to train at the 2015 Futures Elite Academies. These athletes have been identified as possessing the skills, talent and athletic prowess to successfully continue through the next stages in USA Field Hockey’s Olympic Development Pipeline. The Academies exist to provide additional training and competition opportunities for these athletes distinguished with the potential to one day represent Team USA.

“Within the Olympic movement our mechanism to identify the sport’s top athletes and move those competitors to the next level is well renowned,” explained USA Field Hockey’s Executive Director, Steve Locke. “This program is the envy of the Olympic family and has proven over the years to showcase athletes and improve their technical skills for top collegiate performance and potential Olympic team selection.”

The Futures Elite Academy Program sits atop the Olympic Development Pipeline along with the U17, U19 and U21 Junior National Team Squads. All Futures Elite Academy athletes must have participated in the Futures Program in order to continue up the Olympic Pipeline. Futures Elite Academy selectees participate in a Level I training site comprised of athletes who attended the prior year’s NFC, FEC and AAU Junior Olympics within their region until the Futures Elite Academies begin in March, April or May. Futures Elite Academy athletes have the unique opportunity to hone their hockey skills at an elite level under the highest caliber of coaches and develop their game amongst the country’s most talented high school aged players.

Congratulations to the following athletes who have been selected to train at the 2015 Futures Elite Academies:

Name, Hometown
Hannah Ackers, White Haven, PA
Casey Allen, Berwyn, PA
Carter Ayars, Wilmington, DE
Madeleine Bacskai, Berwyn, PA
Lakin Barry, Chapel Hill, NC
Bree Bednarski, Wyoming, PA
Allison Bitting, Hummelstown, PA
Rachel Bliss, West Chester, PA
Samantha Buzalewski, Reading, PA
Amanda Chapin, Gambrills, MD
Mya Christopher, Hershey, PA
Bridget Condie, St. Louis, MO
Madalyn Conklin, Greenvale, NY
Lexi Davidson, North Andover, MA
Brooke Deberdine, Millersville, PA
Megan Duvernois, Collegeville, PA
Sarah Dwyer, West Long Branch, NJ
Ashley Dykema, Newport News, VA
Melisa Efe, New Castle, DE
Cameron Felch, Virginia Beach, VA
Kara Frazier, Owings Mills, MD
Kelsey Giese, Trappe, PA
Greer Gill, Virginia Beach, VA
Gianna Glatz, Medford, NJ
Alanna Gollotto, Voorhees, NJ
Callie Goodman, Atherton, CA
Emma Cate Graham, Houston, TX
Kyler Greenwalt, Gambrills, MD
Rebecca Hamlett, Fredericksburg, VA
Amanda Hendry, Wilton, CT
Alexis Horst, Port Trevorton, PA
Erin Huffman, Annville, PA
Linda Hughes, Houston, TX
Gabriella Jimenez, San Diego, CA
Arielle Johnston, Crisfield, MD
Mackenzie Karl, Centreville, VA
Kourtney Kennedy, Watertown, MA
Kita Konerth, Huntingtown, MD
Kaitlin McCauley, Glenside, PA
Chandler McFeeley, Mullica Hill, NJ
Caroline McGovern, Churchville, PA
Hannah Menge, Honey Brook, PA
Kaylie Mings, Bellaire, TX
Annie Mulford, Edwardsville, IL
Abigail Myers, Hartland, WI
Megan Nemecek, Gambrills, MD
Regina Openshaw, Annapolis, MD
Drew Pecora, Marlton, NJ
Lily Posternak, York, ME
Jordan Rasure, Fredericksburg, VA
Rachel Robinson, Mount Joy, PA
Cameron Rogers, Richmond, VA
Elizabeth Romano, New Vernon, NJ
Nikki Santore, Voorhees, NJ
Meredith Sholder, Alburtis, PA
Emma Skumurski, Niskayuna, NY
Cadera Smith, Fountainville, PA
Annie Snead, Midlothian, VA
Samantha Swart, Coopersburg, PA
Emily Thomas, Edgewater, MD
Christie Van De Kamp, Midlothian, VA
Julia Kate Walker, Wilmington, DE
Jessica Welch, West Long Branch, NJ
Jacquelyn Wilkins, Louisville, KY
Eleanor Winants, Hamilton, VA
Jillian Wolgemuth, Mount Joy, PA
Kaitlin Wood, Weston, MA
Corinne Zanolli, Newtown Square, PA
Fusine Govaert, Rye, NY
Mackenzie Allessie, Mount Joy, PA
Gabby Andretta, New Vernon, NJ
Skyler Caron, North Hampton, NH
Charlotte De Vries, Virginia Beach, VA
Nathalie Friedman, Phoenix, MD
Sophia Gladieux, Boyertown, PA
Margot Lawn, Pasadena, MD
Kerrie Lorenz, Virginia Beach, VA
Abigail Pitcairn, Aspinwall, PA
Caroline Arrowood, Chesapeake, VA
Kendall Ballard, Charlottesville, VA
Megan Barrett, Acton, MA
Dana Bozek, Cortlandt Manor, NY
Erin Bradshaw, Suffolk, VA
Leah Cardarelli, Acton, MA
Teresa Carotenuto, Allentown, PA
Nicole Catalino, Lansdale, PA
Emma Clark, Catonsville, MD
Megan Cunningham, Wilton, CT
Courtney Daniels, Virginia Beach, VA
Elizabeth Dennehy, Weston, MA
Elizabeth Dessoye, Mountain Top, PA
Julia Ditosto, Princeton, NJ
Emily Duarte, Rye, NY
Greta Ell, Plains, PA
Julia Ennis, Fairfield, CT
Kara Enoch, Yorktown, VA
Bailey Fanikos, Lynnfield, MA
Selena Garzio, McAdoo, PA
Danielle Grega, Kingston, PA
Bailey Higgins, Louisville, KY
Kathryn Holland, Charlotte, NC
Maura Jacobs, New Cumberland, PA
Catherine Jones, Virginia Beach, VA
Reina Kern, Freehold, NJ
Cassie Kline, Millersville, PA
Emily Klingler, Selinsgrove, PA
Katherine Koester, Stonybrook, NY
Rachel Lanouette, Windham, NH
Claire Lesher, Winfield, PA
Emily Loprete, Watertown, MA
Lucy Lytle, Lake Forest, IL
Jamie Martin, Lititz, PA
Isabelle McDonough, Kennett Square, PA
Isabel McKeown, Garden City, NY
Emma McLaughlin, Quakertown, PA
Emily McNamara, Centreville, VA
Meghan Mogas, Houston, TX
Melina Moore, Los Gatos, CA
Julia Murphy, Greenwood Village, CO
Tara Murphy, Flourtown, PA
Jessica Niccum, Simi Valley, CA
Hannah Pany, Schnecksville, PA
Kealsie Robles, Seaford, VA
Alexandra Rushton, Media, PA
Janaye Sakkas, Cupertino, CA
Allison Schaefer, Millersville, PA
Kennedy Schumacher, Greenwood Village, CO
Elizabeth Seid, Larchmont, NY
Erin Shanahan, Pasadena, MD
Evagelia Toffoloni, Westwood, MA
Kailey Vogl, Wexford, PA
Katie Walsh, Louisville, KY
Andi Weinberg, Sparks-Glencoe, MD
Megan Wiest, Northampton, PA
Kathleen Young, Essex Junction, VT
Kara Zurlinden, St. Louis, MO
Linnea Gonzales, Bel Air, MD
Ashley Hoffman, Mohnton, PA
Sophia Tornetta, Plymouth Mtg, PA
Kelsey Bing, Houston, TX
Caroline Andretta, New Vernon, NJ
Jordan Barry, Chapel Hill, NC
Morgan Bitting, Hummelstown, PA
Jennifer Bleakney, Columbia, MD
Emma Christus, Bernardsville, NJ
Brianna Deangelis, Doylestown, PA
Brittany Dickinson, Collegeville, PA
Julie Duncan, Medford, NJ
Catherine Hayden, West Nyack, NY
Abby Julius, Hummelstown, PA
Elizabeth Manela, Houston, TX
Erin Scherrer, Chesapeake, VA
Samantha Steele, Eagleville, PA
Kelee Lepage, Honey Brook, PA
Madison Morano, Hammonton, NJ
Margaux Paolino, Villanova, PA
Julianna Tornetta, Plymouth Meeting, PA
Erin Matson, Chadds Ford, PA
Leah Digiandomenico, Elkridge, MD
Noelle Frost, Glenwood, MD
Cassidy Goodwin, Hayes, VA
Mackenzie Keegan, Delran, NJ
Lauren McNally, Marmora, NJ
Sammy Popper, Blue Bell, PA
Haley Schleicher, Virginia Beach, VA
Sabrina Solomen, Medford, NJ
Cassie Sumfest, Lewisburg, PA
Elise Wong, Lake Forest, IL
Brigid Wood, Plains, PA

USFHA media release



Canadian indoor men to host 3-Nations tournament in Ontario

Tournament serves as preparation for the 2015 Indoor World Cup

Shaheed Devji

After the Canadian Men's Indoor National Team qualified for the 2015 Indoor World Cup in Leipzig, Germany with a Pan Am Cup gold medal this past spring, the focus quickly shifted to preparing for the tournament next February.

A primary squad has been chosen, along with a secondary "A squad," with final selection of the roster going to Germany to come in the coming months.

But prior to being able to chose the final athletes who will represent Canada on the world stage, the teams need high-level competition to test their mettle.

The first of this competition will come in the form of a 3-Nations tournament to be hosted in Mississauga, Ontario, October 11-13th at the Hershey Centre Sports Zone.

The Canadian primary squad and A-squads will welcome Argentina and South Africa to Canada for the four-team test tournament.

"Competition is always an important element of any preparation phase," says Men's Indoor head coach Louis Mendonca. "We have been training some of our deficiencies  that we have identified from the Pan Am Cup, and added some tactical elements."

"This opportunity allows us to monitor are progress against some world-class competition and evaluate move forward."

Canada finished 10th at the 2011 Indoor World Cup, while the Australian finished 7th. South Africa did not compete in that tournament but has been on the rise as a hockey nation in recent years.

"South Africa and Argentina are both very good hockey playing countries," adds Mendonca. "The competition will formidable."

The 3-Nations tournament serves as key preparation for the World Cup, it also gives Canadian coaching staff a chance to evaluate what they have in terms of talent coming up the pipeline.

"Although we are focused on the World Cup, we have not lost sight of the future," says Mendonca. "Our second squad is quite young and the exposure and experience they attain at this event, hopefully will help at future indoors and outdoor Pan American and World cup competitions."

With the Indoor World Cup around the corner, 2016 Olympic and future World Cup qualification coming up, this experience is invaluable.

After the 3-Nations tournament Canada will continue training and hopes to head to Europe for more test competition prior to the World Cup in February.

Tickets to the entire 3-Nations tournament can be purchased for $20 or $5 per session.

Field Hockey Canada media release



Trio lead the way in German league

Three sides share top spot in the German Bundesliga with Rot-Weiss Köln, UHC Hamburg and Berliner HC all on 16 points after six games so far in the season.

Rot-Weiss, who will play next week in the EHL in Barcelona, made it five wins from five games on Saturday when they beat Münchner SC 6-1, Marco Miltkau and Tom Grambusch both scoring twice while Mats Grambusch, pictured, also scored.

But their winning run came to an end on Sunday when Nuremburg scored twice in the closing ten minutes to draw 3-3 with Rot-Weiss. Christopher Zeller and a Florian Scholtan pair had built a 3-1 lead only for Joshua Kastner and Peter Kohl to snatch a point.

Speaking about the end of the run, Frederik Merz said: "Of course it sucks that we let them take two points.In the second half, we lacked the necessary consequences both in attack and in defence.”

Berliner continued their unbeaten run when they came from a goal down to beat Crefelder 3-2, making it five wins and a draw from their six games.

UHC Hamburg won a thriller against EHL champions Harvestehuder with Moritz Fürste scoring a hat trick of set piece goals.

Euro Hockey League media release



Surbiton hit English champions Beeston for six

Surbiton shot to the top of the English NOW: Pensions Men’s Premier Division with a thrilling 6-2 win over Beeston on Saturday.

Both sides were undefeated going into the game and it was visiting Beeston who took the lead through Richard Lawrence on 19 minutes. Matt Daly and then Rob Schilling struck back for Surbiton before David Ames equalised for Beeston.

It was still 2-2 up to the 56th minute when Rob Moore tipped the game in Surbiton’s favour and a furious end to the game saw Alan Forsyth score twice and Daly add a sixth.

East Grinstead are second on goal difference after they beat Brooklands Manchester University 5-2. Ashley Jackson swept home a penalty stroke just five minutes in and further goals from his brother Wesley Jackson, Mark Pearn and a Mark Gleghorne double completed the win. Richard Slater notched Brooklands’ goals.

Elsewhere, Reading blasted past Canterbury 5-3 to get their campaign up and running after two blanks to start the season. Two early goals proved to be the undoing of Hampstead and Westminster as they lost 3-2 to Cannock.

Exactly the same thing happened in the game between Southgate and Wimbledon. Wimbledon were 3-0 up after 19 minutes thanks to Phil Roper, Chris Gregg and Ali Brogdon but Giulio Ferrini and Rick Gay pulled two back for Southgate.

Euro Hockey League media release



Surbiton trounce champions Beeston

By Graham Wilson

TODD WILLIAMS, Surbiton’s Tasmanian coach, is expecting more to come from his side after they trounced champions Beeston 6-2 with three goals in the last four minutes to go top of the NOW: Pensions League.

With rivals East Grinstead to go on Sunday, Williams said: “My aim has been to totally change the squad’s work ethic and, in my third season, we’re beginning to get there.”

GB manager Andy Halliday and coach Jon Bleby are taking on the Three Peaks Challenge – dribbling a ball over 26 miles for the next three days to raise money for WellChild and Access Sport.

Daily Express



Trustees leapfrog Police in G/A hockey league

As expected, Ghana's two-time champions, Trustees from SSNIT, over the weekend, were in fantastic form to record a narrow win against GRA to move to the summit of the league table over the weekend.

Sabeeni Salya broke the deadlock in the 45th minute after a brilliant individual play taking his team’s tally to 18points after 6 games.

Title contenders, Police, who were at the summit of the league table before the weekend’s fixture, failed to maintain their unbeaten run after they lost 3-2 to Golden Sticks.

Edmund Aryeetey who, head coach of league leaders, Trustees, says his team has a lot to do if they want to defend their title.

“It was an empress game for us, but we need to work each day if indeed we want to win the trophy again, our competitors are doing well and we have to up our game each day.”

“The league is very difficult and I’m not surprised even police, who were leading the table, lost to Golden sticks.”

Meanwhile in the other games, Exchequers redeemed their image by winning 1-0 against Reformers.

GhanaWeb

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