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All the news for Thursday 2 October 2014

Asian Game results Day 13

5/6 Japan 1 China 1 (M) China win 4-3 on shootout
Bronze medal Korea 3 Malaysia 2 (M)
Gold medal India 1 Pakistan 1 (M) 4th India wins shootout 4-2. India qualifies for Rio Olympics 2016

17th Asian Games, Incheon 2014 Official site

Korea women take first Asian Games Gold since 1998

Hosts secure automatic place at Rio 2016 Olympics with victory over China


Host nation Korea sealed a place at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games by defeating China to Gold in the women's final at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon. (Photo: Asian Hockey Federation)

Host nation Korea have claimed a place at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games thanks to a hard fought victory over China in the women’s final at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon on Wednesday (1 October). India defeated Japan to take Bronze, while Malaysia thrashed Kazakhstan to claim fifth place.

The highlight of the day was the big final between China and Korea, a battle not only for Gold but also a place in the Rio 2016 Olympic hockey tournament, the first place to be assigned to a team. The contest was a rematch of the final of the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, and as was the case then, the hosts took the glory.

Although Korea made the better start to the match, they could not translate their dominance into first half goals thanks to some outstanding Chinese defending. Korea increase the pressure in the second period and eventually broke the deadlock in the 41st minute when a bouncing ball fell to Kim Darae in the circle, who took full advantage to fire home what eventually proved to be the winner.

China battled in vain to level the scores but in the end Korea left the field as the deserving winners of both the match and the tournament, booking that all important first ticket to the Olympic hockey tournament in Rio in the process.

After the match, Chinese coach You Baodong commented that both teams had played a very good game, but the difference had been that Korea knew to convert their opportunities while China had failed to do so. When asked about when preparations for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games will begin, Korea coach Han Jin Soo replied with a knowing smile. “Today. Now.”

Earlier, Japan and India had taken to the field to dispute the Bronze medal. The first half of the match was evenly contested, but it was India who went into half time with a 1-0 lead thanks to a penalty corner conversion from Jaspreet Kaur. Scoring opportunities remained scarce in the second half until Akane Shibata grabbed a long sought equaliser. However, Japan’s joy was short-lived as India replied less than a minute later, with Vandana Katariya netting the Bronze medal winning goal.

India coach Neil Hawgood was emotional after the match, describing today’s win as “the result of two-and-a-half years of very hard work”, and confessing special pride in the resilience shown by his talented but youthful charges against a gifted Japanese team.

In the match for fifth place between Malaysia and Kazakhstan, the first two quarters were open battle although neither team could create a significant advantage. Malaysia scored in the 20th minute but the contest remained close ahead of a thoroughly one-sided second half.

A yellow-card for Kazakhstan’s Natalya Gataulina swung the game massively in Malaysia’s favour, netting two goals within a minute to take the score to 3-0 and effectively win the match. Kazakhstan faded in the final quarter, while the still energetic Malaysians battled on to secure a comprehensive final score of 8-0. The result ensured that Malaysia finished in fifth place, the same position they achieved at the last Asian Games four years ago.

Results

Wednesday, 1 October 2014 – Women
5/6th place: Malaysia – Kazakhstan 8-0 (1-0)
Bronze Medal: Japan – India 1-2 (0-1)
Final: China – Korea 0-1 (0-0)

FIH site

Indian women sign off with bronze

FROM S.THYAGARAJAN


Indian players celebrate their victory over Japan during their women's bronze medal hockey match at the 17th Asian Games in Incheon on Wednesday.

INCHEON: With an impressive display that underscored the importance of teamwork, India wrested the bronze medal, won last in 2006 at Doha, in the women’s competition here today.

The 2-1 result over Japan eminently merits a podium finish, the goal that the team had set for itself.

Dictating the pace and trend, the Indians showed flair, fluency and appreciable finish. The link between the mid-field and the frontline looked solid what with the skipper Ritu Rani setting up almost all the moves from the right. The usually energetic Rani gave a touch of vibrancy to the attack. Deepika as centre half was confidence personified in her tackles and sent across a few incisive passes.

What put India in command was the penalty corner goal by Jaspreet Kaur after the goalless first quarter. Jaspreet’s clever execution stunned the Japanese defence. With the confidence gained, the Indians held on gamely and could have gone ahead in the third quarter but Poonam, Rani after receiving a clever pass from Rani shot the ball over.

Japan came back into the match in the third quarter when Akhane Sibata scored from a goalmouth scrimmage. But the lead proved brief with India retaliating. Again Rani did the spadework and set up nice angle for Vandana Kataria to do the rest.

It was not until the last quarter that Japan could force a penalty corner. Two surfaced in a space of two minutes but the defenders led by Jaspreet stood the pressure well.

Neil Hawgood was delighted that the work put in as coach for two and half years had borne fruit. He commended the players for maintaining the level of fitness and skill to take strong rivals like China and Korea.

The gold medal went to Korea amidst scenes of wild celebration after its 1-0 victory over the defending champion China. It had taken 16 years for the Koreans to take back the gold. The last triumph was at Bangkok in 1998.

The fight for the title was close as the margin points out, but the Koreans enjoyed the territorial advantage. The match winner emerged five minutes before the end of the third quarter. Darae Kim dodged two defenders and completed. Korea’s playmaker was the skipper Kim Jongeun.

The Chinese attack came in fits and starts with the quick moving Li Lingxia troubling the rival defenders.

The results: (women)

(5-6) Malaysia 8 (Rashid Nuraini Binti 3, Halim Norhaskin Binti, Sumantri Norzain Binti, Hashim Norbaini, Adwiya Binti, Sylvester Fazila) beat Kazakhstan 0

(3-4) India 2 (Jaspreet Kaur, Vandana Kataria) beat Japan 1.

Final: South Korea 1(Darae Kim) beat China 0

Final placings: 1.South Korea, 2.China, 3.India, 4.Japan, 5.Malaysia, 6.Kazakhstan, 7.Thailand, 8.Hong Kong-China.

Thursday’s matches: (Men)

(5-6) Japan v China (10.30 am)

(3-4) Malaysia v South Korea (1 pm)

FINAL: INDIA v PAKISTAN (3-30 pm)

The Hindu

Indian women's hockey team wins Asiad bronze


Indian women celebrate a goal against Japan in the bronze-medal match at the Asian Games in Incheon on Wednesday. PTI

INCHEON: The Indian women's hockey team stunned Japan 2-1 in a keenly-contested match to clinch their third bronze medal at the Asian Games after a hiatus of eight years on Wednesday.

The 13th-ranked Indian eves produced a spirited effort to avenge their 0-1 loss to 10th placed Japan in the bronze medal play-off fours years ago in Guangzhou, China.

Dragflick expert Jaspreet Kaur (23rd minute) and Vandana Kataria (42nd) were the scorers for India, while Japan's only goal was struck by Akane Shibata in the 41st minute.

After a barren but hard-fought first quarter, the Indian eves broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, converting the second of their back-to-back penalty corners.

After Jaspreet was denied by a brilliant save from Japan custodian Yuka Yoshikawa from the first penalty corner, India secured another set piece in the next minute which was beautifully converted by the Punjab dragflicker with a high flick to give her side the lead.

India could have doubled their margin just three minutes after the change of ends, but Poonam Rani missed an open chance after being fed by Rani Rampal.

The Japanese, however, capitalised on a defensive lapse from the Indians and drew level in the 41st minute when Shibata scored from a goal-mouth melee.

But a minute later, Vanadana restored India's lead with a field goal after she was set up by a brilliant run from Rani Rampal.

India survived some anxious moments in the fourth and final quarter as the Japanese went on the offencive in search of the equaliser.

India survived a close shave in the 54th minute, courtesy a good save from custodian Savita but in the process, conceded a penalty corner to Japan.

But Japan failed to capitalise on the opportunity as Yuri Nagai's slap shot went wide.

Three minutes from the final hooter, Vandana wasted a golden chance to seal the match for India as she pushed her shot wide with a open goal in front.

The Times of India

South Korea snatch back hockey crown from China

INCHEON: Kim Dar-Ae scored the winner as South Korea ended China´s 12-year reign as the Asian Games women´s hockey champions with a 1-0 win in the final on Wednesday.

Kim´s decisive goal in the 41st minute handed the Koreans the title they won four times in a row from 1986 to 1998 before China emerged victorious in the last three editions.

Cheered by some 1,000 home fans, the Koreans ran into each other´s arms after the final whistle, having avenged a penalty shoot-out loss in the 2010 final at Guangzhou.

India, who lost to South Korea in the semi-finals, defeated Japan 2-1 to pick up the bronze medal.

Jaspreet Kaur put India ahead with a penalty corner shot in the 23rd minute, and even though Akane Shibata drew level in the 44th, Vanadana Kataria scored the winner a minute later.

Japan were bronze medallists at Guangzhou, while India won back the medal it last gained in Doha in 2006.Indian coach Neil Hawgood said the win will boost women´s hockey in the cricket-mad country.

"The girls played their best hockey in the tournament," Hawgood said.

"They learnt how to manage pressure associated with a medal game. They have grown up physically and mentally.

"I am satisfied. I do not want to conquer the world. I just want to make India the best team in Asia."

Japan´s South Korean coach Yoo Seung-Jin apologised to their fans after the defeat."I just want to say sorry to all the supporters and fans in Japan," Yoo said. "I am obviously disappointed by the result. But we worked very hard.

"India played very well. We had many chances to score during the match, especially in the third quarter. We also had penalty corners, but we could not convert.”

The News International

Hockey women finished fifth in Asiad again

INCHEON: The national women’s hockey team retained their fifth placing in the Asian Games for the third time in a row.

At the Seonhak Hockey Stadium on Wednesday, Malaysia whipped Kazakhstan 8-0 with Noraini Abdul Rashid scoring a hat-trick in the 45th, 53rd and 56th minutes.

Rabiatul Adawiyah Mohamed started the rout with a field goal in the 20th minute. Norbaini Hashim (38th), Norazlin Sumantri (39th), Norhashikin Halim (51st) and Fazila Sylvester Silin (56th) contributed the other goals.

Team manager P. Chitra said the players were determined to finish fifth after the disappointment of missing the cut for the semi-finals.

Malaysia finished third in the group behind China and India to miss the boat to the last four.

“Our players were down for a while but we managed to get them back on their feet in time for this match. Luckily, they did not show any adverse effects and went about their task as usual,” said Chitra.

The next big assignment for the team is the World League second round in India in March.

“The World League is an Olympic qualifier. Our target is to make the cut for the third round (semi-final phase) of the World League,” she said.

The Star of Malaysia

Olympic berth at stake for India and Pakistan

FROM S.THYAGARAJAN


Indian team members celebrate after scoring a goal against South Korea during their Men's Hockey semifinal match at the 17th Asian Games. India faces Pakistan in the final on Thursday

The charm and craft of hockey in the subcontinent will come alive when India and Pakistan contest the Gold medal here tomorrow. Not since the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing has this come about to this stage. That everyone across the continents is looking forward to this tie is an understatement.

It will be a foolhardy exercise to visualize the outcome of an Indo-Pak encounter especially of a match of this magnitude. There is no option for the teams than going full stretch to win and ensure an Olympic berth.

So it is the road to Rio for the 2016 Olympics.

Quite predictably, the Pakistanis, notably the coach Sheikh Shahanz, are optimistic of a positive outcome stemming from the 2-1 victory in the preliminary league.

The final however is a different ball game. The Pakistanis do possess an attractive forward line though most of them are individualistic. There is no denying the class of Omar Butta, Haseem Khan, and the old warhorse Shakeel Abbasi, who can change the course of the match in a trice. But it needs to be underlined that the mid-field is wobbly forcing a lot of pressure on the deep defenders, Muhammad Imran and Ifran Muhammad. Goalkeeper Imran Butt is solid, and the way he came up in the shoot out against Malaysia in the semi final was exemplary especially after a bloody injury in a penalty corner.

For the Indian coaching establishment headed by Roelant Oltmans and chief coach Terry Walsh the level of anxiety over the predictability of the forwards has not diminished a wee-bit. It true that the attackers Sunil, Akash and Ramandeep manage to cut through repeatedly but lack of cohesion makes every move innocuous. The strength continues to be the mid-field where Gurbaj, Sardar and Kothajit work hard with Birendra Lakra rising to the occasion.

Goalkeeper Sreejesh has not been tested severely so far but he shoulders a lot of responsibility against the Pakistanis, especially in penalty corners. The injury to Chandi and Rupinderpal did weaken the team but the latter made a brief comeback against Korea.

For those statistically minded, tomorrow’s clash will be the 160th match for the teams with India 52 wins, 79 defeats and 28 drawn games. At the Asian Games it will be 13th meeting with three victories for India, two drawn and eight defeats. If figures can speak they do eloquently for Pakistan.

But a modicum of methodic efficiency coupled with sharp finish will make the day for India truly memorable.

The Hindu

Indo-Pak showdown for Asiad gold, Rio Games berth

INCHEON: Gold! This word will ring on the minds of India and defending champions Pakistan as the two teams cross swords in the final of the Asian Games in Incheon on Thursday.

The stakes are high in what promises to be a cracker of a contest with the archrivals figuring in the title match after 32 years. Besides the glint of gold, the winners will get to qualify directly to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

The last edition in Guangzhou too had thrown up signs of an Indo-Pak final but India, who had beaten Pakistan convincingly in the league stage, stumbled against a determined Malaysia and were forced to settle for bronze.

Things have not been too bright in Incheon either after Sardar Singh's men struggled to an unconvincing win against China in the last league match after having lost to Pakistan 1-2 earlier.

However, the well-earned win against South Korea in the semifinals will help them go into the title match with confidence as well as lessons learnt following the defeat at the hands of Pakistan.

Where Pakistan have scored in this tournament is with their forwardline. Spearheaded well by Shakeel Abbasi upfront and playmaker Shafqat Rasool, they have rallied round with leading goal-getter Md Umar Bhutta, Md Waqas and others contributing either to the score or fetching penalty corners.

They weren't as sharp in the semifinal against Malaysia, which Pakistan won via the tie-breaker.

The Times of India

We have psychological advantage over India: Pakistan goalie

NEW DELHI: Pakistan started the mindgames ahead of their high-profile summit clash against arch-rivals India with goalkeeper Imran Butt claiming that his team will enjoy "psychological advantage" over Sardar Singh's boys when the two teams square off tomorrow.

"We have won against India in last match that will give us slight psychological edge over them. Both the teams are technically on even keel but luck will also play an important role. Whoever handles pressure well will come up trumps," Butt said.

The Pakistani goalie is hopeful that supporters of both nations would witness a keen contest that will be etched in the memory of one and all.

"I expect it to be a memorable match in the history of hockey. We will not leave any stone unturned to clinch gold as it will ensure direct entry to Rio Olympic," Butt said.

India and Pakistan had last played in the Asiad final way back in 1982 during the Delhi edition. India were blanked 1-7 in the final.

Tomorrow's game would only be India and Pakistan's seventh summit clash at the Asian Games out of which India have won only twice, the last of the triumphs coming way back in 1966 Bangkok Games.

Butt is also confident that he can keep the two Indian drag-flickers Rupinderpal Singh and VR Raghunath at bay.

The experienced goalkeeper also feels that short corner will be key to success in this crucial match and he will do his best to keep Indian drag flickers silent.

"Short corners will play key role in this match. India has good drag flickers like Rupinder Pal Singh and VR Raghunath but I am well prepared to counter them. We too have Mohammad Imran and Mohammad Irfan as penalty corner specialist who are doing well in the tournament," Butt added.

When asked if there is any additional pressure against the arch-rival, he replied in negative.

"There was pressure in last match as well as India is being considered as strong contender since the beginning. We won that match defying all odds but India will try to bounce back and we have to work harder," said Butt, star of Pakistan's semi-final win.

He said that Indian captain and experienced midfielder Sardar Singh will be dangerous and his team has to work hard to put pressure on him.

"Sardar is dangerous player and we have to really work hard to pressurize him," he said.

Pakistan had not played any international Hockey for almost an year prior to Asian games and Imran gives credit to his team for their performance so far.

"We could not play international Hockey prior to Asian games but our efforts were sincere and we want to win the gold again," he said.

The Times of India

Sardar Singh: we are confident of delivering even tougher fight

s2h Team

"We delivered a tough fight a couple of days ago. Now we are confident of delivering even tougher fight with positive results to show", says Indian team captain Sardar Singh on the eve of India taking on Pakistan in the golden quest at Incheon Asian Games.

India lost to Pakistan last week in the league with a narrow 1-2 scoreline but Indian captain oozes confident of making amends tomorrow.

“The team is elated on the fact that we have made it to the final, a final in the Asian Games after a period of 12 years. yes, we lost against Pakistan in the last match, but am sure this final is going to witness a powerful bout from both the sides", he expects.

India claimed an exciting victory over perennial tormentor Korea in the semi-final, will now go head-on with Pakistan in the final and fight for the gold tomorrow at the Soenhak Hockey Stadium in Incheon, Republic of Korea.

It will be exciting to see the two competing for the Gold medal as India will be seen going out in full throttle on the field to avenge the last match defeat.

Recent past record of India against their arch rivals Pakistan is encouraging from Indian perspective. At the 2002 Asian Games when these two teams met, India defeated Pakistan 4-3 in the semi-final and thereafter claimed the silver medal in the tournament by losing to Korea 3-4 in the final. In spite of Pakistan winning the Gold and India finishing third at the 2010 Asian Games, when the two teams clashed in the same tournament at the pool stage, India had successfully secured a 3-2 victory over Pakistan. Having met previously in the 17th Asian Games itself on 25 September 2014, India went down by 1-2 giving Pakistan a tough fight throughout the match.

Echoes Chief Coach Terry Walsh: “We have made our entry to the final and our organisation and performance will be put to the highest test. Pakistan has their strengths and we will be working hard to capitalise on our strengths and put counters to theirs. This game will be a different contest to the round game. I believe we have the capacity and abilities to produce a quality performance at the right moment in the tournament.”

Stick2Hockey.com

Narrow margins Indicative intensity of contests

It is often said that India in their supreme days used to beat every team with comprehensive scoreline, say 24-1 kind it had against USA way back in the early 1930s.

But the truth is not exactly that.

India had to struggle for goals in every contest, and a peep into the two editions of Asian Games where it won the gold so far, vouchsafe for the view.

The low margin victories tell us the true story, which often players of yore recount, indicates the intensity of contests that Asian Games have witnessed so far.

India might have struck 8 goals against Sri Lanka on its way to Incheon final, it was just 3-0 victory goal that gave full 2 points then in Bangkok when India won the first Asiad gold.

In the same event, India could beat Malaysia in the opener just with a solitary goal!

So also against Korea. It was a single goal margin win in the last pool match, and then 3-0 Vs Japan in the final, and again 1-0 in the final Vs Pak.

Fast forward to 1998, a gold after 32 years bear the same

After two fabulous victories in the first two matches against Singapore and Bangladesh, its just a single goal margin that took India to semis, 2-1 vs China, 2-1 Vs Korea and 3-1 Vs Japan in the semis before the final against SK went to tie break after 1-1 regulation time.

In Incheon too, keen contests were decided on a lone goal margin, India Vs Pak, India Vs Korea for instant.

Therefore it is expected that today's final against Pakistan many not produced many goals, but intense fight, what with goalies of both sides Imran Butt and Sreejesh in full form.

Stick2Hockey.com

Uniqueness of Shankar Laxman in Asiad

s2h Team

India's late legend Shankar Laxman has the unique distinction of being the lone Goalkeeper captain who won gold at the Asian Games.

India, Pakistan and Korea are the three teams who have won Gold in the Asian games, but Laxman is the lone goalie.

Goals corers, like centre-forwards have often been unanimous choice to lead national teams, though in the later stages senior players, popular ones ascended to the throne. When Shankar Laxman was chosen to lead India for the 1966 Asian Games, he became the first goalie to lead the national side in the world.

Shankar Laxman could thus break the mindset because of his great skills and matching winning ability. Two years ago before the Bangkok Asian Games where India won its maiden Gold in three Asian Games, Shankar was instrumental in India regaining the Olympic gold, with extraordinary show of confidence under the bar. It was he who help India win back to Olympic Gold at Tokyo Olympics.

The solidity of his performance, humility and his popularity all helped to create new vista, world's first goalkeeper captain.

When India takes on Pakistan today at Incheon, role played by Shankar in our first Asian games win is all but natural.

Stick2Hockey.com

Holders Pakistan clash with India for gold and Olympics 2016 berth in epic final today

Archrivals face each other for ninth time in Asiad final

By Muhammad Ali

INCHEON: Legendary archrivals Pakistan and India will fight for top honours - gold medal and a place at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games - when they clash in the 17th Asian Games Men’s Field Hockey Tournament final at Seonhak Hockey Stadium here on Thursday (today). The match starts at 03:00 pm Pakistan Standard Time. Pakistan and India qualified for the final after defeating Malaysia and South Korea in their respective semifinals on Tuesday (30 September). A solitary strike from Akashdeep Singh gave India a 1-0 win over hosts South Korea, while Pakistan were held 0-0 by Malaysia before emerging triumphant 6-5 in a thrilling penalty shootout 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 today’s final is likely to be nothing short of spectacular. It’s going to be a nerve-wracking contest and the team that play better under pressure are expected to lift the coveted gold.

An India-Pakistan match is always special not only because people back home are looking forward to it but also because people around the world are following it. All eyes are on this big match and Pakistani fans are expecting a good fight from their heroes to defend their title won four years ago in Guangzhou. The high profile final is the mother battle of the 10-nation tournament. The number of contests between the two sides has decreased over the past few years due to the strained political relations between the two countries, and fans are still eager for any chance to see the great rivals face off.

Ahead of his team’s final showdown with India, Pakistan coach Shahnaz Sheikh told Daily Times on Wednesday that his team would have a mental edge due to their win in the pool round. “Being the defending champions, however, we cannot show signs of complacency against India as they have been playing internationally.” Expressing his belief in the team and the training schedule, Shahnaz was certain that they had the potential to bag gold. “Our training has been very good and I am confident that we will achieve our target. The confidence level of the players is high and we are aware of the Asian Games’ importance because only a gold can take us to the Olympics,” Shahnaz added.

If the greenshirts retain the gold, 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 after having missed out on World Cup 2014 in Holland. It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan are the most successful team in the Asian Games history. Pakistan’s records at Asian level are unmatchable. Pakistan have won the Asian Games gold medal eight times: 1958, 1962, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1990 and 2010; this is also the highest number of times a team have come first. They have also won 02 silver and 03 bronze medals. It was after a long gap of 20 years that Pakistan finally regained the hockey title by blanking Malaysia 2-0 in the final of the Asian Games 2010 in the Chinese city of Guangzhou. It was Pakistan’s eighth Asiad hockey gold, ending a drought that stretched back to the Beijing Asiad in 1990.

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 in Incheon Asiad, 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 last made it to the final of the Asiad way back in 2002 Busan Games.

India’s coach Terry Walsh said that he was most happy with the fact that India managed to bring energy to the game and that the players had stepped up their performance levels, learning to cope with “being the hunted rather than the hunter.” He said Pakistan were a dangerous side and the final would be exciting. “Indo-Pak matches have always been exciting and thrilling and same is expected in the final,” Walsh added.

The heartening factor in the Pakistan camp is outstanding performance under the bar by Imran Butt. His heroics steered Pakistan into the final and he could again be a trump card with the forward line comprising Muhammad Umar Bhutta, Shakeel Abbasi, Muhammad Waqas, Rizwan Junior, Haseem Khan, Muhammad Dilber and Shafqat Rasool with penalty corner hitters in captain Imran Muhammad and Muhammad Irfan. Pakistan and India last met in the final of the Asian Games in 1990 in Beijing and took the 1-2 positions when the tournament was played on a round-robin basis. Pakistan emerged with the gold in that edition after topping the table with a 3-2 verdict over India.

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. A victory against archrivals India in the Incheon Asian Games final will 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.

The Daily Times

Asian Games: Long-time foes meet in men’s hockey final


BOILING POINT: The hockey final will be a nerve-wracking contest for both sides as champions Pakistan look to clinch a ninth gold and India seek a third title in the competition. PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: Spectators will be treated to the best brand of South Asian hockey on Thursday when reigning champions Pakistan take on long-time foes India in an exhilarating men’s Asian Games gold medal match.

The final, which will confirm direct entry into the 2016 Rio Olympics for the winners, will be a replay of the group-stage encounter between both nations which Pakistan won 2-1 to India.

“The match between the two South Asian giants always puts pressure on the players,” said skipper Muhammad Imran while talking to The Express Tribune from Korea.

On the other hand, head coach Shahnaz Sheikh was worried by the failure of his strikers to score against Malaysia in Tuesday’s semi-final which ended in a 0-0 draw before Pakistan edged ahead 6-5 in the tie-breaker.

“We played better than them but just could not score,” said Sheikh, a former striker himself. “We don’t want to make the same mistake again.

“Fans love an India-Pakistan game. I am sure the final will be exciting.”

The Express Tribune

Asiad final: Pakistan, India set for firecracker


Pakistan, coached by former international Shahnaz Sheikh, start as favourites following their 2-1 win over India in the preliminary league. -Photo by AP

INCHEON: Arch-rivals India and Pakistan face off in a mouth-watering field hockey final at the Asian Games on Thursday with a place in the 2016 Olympics at stake.

Millions of fans in both nations will be glued to their television screens for the title clash which earns the winner a ticket to Rio de Janeiro and the loser left facing a hazardous qualification route.

India and Pakistan last met in an Asiad final way back at New Delhi in 1982 where the Indians suffered a stunning 1-7 rout in front of their own fans that included then prime minister Indira Gandhi.

In Beijing in 1990 when Pakistan claimed the gold and India the silver, there was no final since the winner was decided after a round-robin league.

Eight-time Olympic champions India have won the Asiad title just twice, both in the Thai capital of Bangkok in 1966 and 1998.

In contrast, defending champions Pakistan are the most successful team in the continental games with eight golds, highlighted by four successive wins over India in a final from 1970 to 1982.

Pakistan, coached by former international Shahnaz Sheikh, start as favourites following their 2-1 win over India in the preliminary league.

But Sheikh was worried by the failure of his strikers to score against Malaysia in Tuesday's semi-final which ended in a 0-0 draw before Pakistan edged ahead 6-5 in the tie-breaker.

“We played better than them but just could not score,” said Sheikh, a former striker hismelf. “We don't want to make the same mistake again.

“Fans love an India-Pakistan game. I am sure the final will be exciting.“

India upset hosts South Korea 1-0 in the semi-final through Akashdeep Singh's 44th minute winner, but face a tougher test against Pakistan's goalkeeper Imran Butt, the star of the shoot-out win against Malaysia.

The Indians, coached by Australian Terry Walsh, will also bank on reliable goalie P. R. Sreejesh to block the Pakistani forwards as star midfielder and captain Sardar Singh attempts to control the game upfront.

“The final is a very important game for our young side,” said Walsh.

“There was a lot of energy shown against the Koreans but we must seize the chances that come our way.“

South Korea and Malaysia will contest the bronze medal play-off ahead of the final.

Dawn

Pakistan manager warns against profligacy in hockey final

INCHEON: Pakistan hockey team manager-cum-coach Sam­eer Hussain has warned his team against wasting goal-scoring opportunities in their gold medal match against India as the arch-rivals face off at an Asian Games final after a gap of 32 years on Thursday.

Also at stake is a place in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and Sameer hopes the defending champions aren’t left to rue their lack of killer instinct in front of goal.

“We’ve scored 26 goals [in the run-up to the final] but we’ve also missed a dozen golden opportunities,” Sameer said on Wednesday. “We’re working on it and hopefully our forwards will come up with a high-quality performance in the final.”

Retain the gold they won in Guangzhou four years ago and Pakistan, who failed to qualify for this year’s World Cup, will secure a direct entry to the Olympic Games in two years time.

The loser, meanwhile, faces a hazardous qualification route and Sameer believes the importance of winning Thursday’s final is not lost on the team.

“The final is a big game for both teams but we enjoy a psychological advantage having already beaten them at the Games [2-1 in the group stage],” Sameer, who featured for Pakistan at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, said. “We’re working on our strategy and tactics to win against India.”

India and Pakistan last met in an Asiad final way back at New Delhi in 1982 where the Indians suffered a stunning 1-7 rout in front of their own fans that included then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

In Beijing in 1990 when Pakistan claimed the gold and India the silver, there was no final since the winner was decided after a round-robin league.

Pakistan are the most successful team in the continental games with eight golds, highlighted by four successive wins over India in a final from 1970 to 1982, while India have won the Asiad title just twice, both in the Thai capital of Bangkok in 1966 and 1998.

“Past victories don’t count for much at his moment because right now we have to focus on the task at hand,” Sameer added.

“At the moment the team is in great spirits and we are hoping to carry the momentum in the final. We’re motivating the team to ensure that we successfully defend our crown.”

Pakistan needed a nerve-racking penalty shootout to win their semi-final against Malaysia on Tuesday after the match ended goalless in regulation time while India overcame hosts South Korea 1-0 in the other last-four match.

“Indo-Pak matches are always exciting and we’re looking forward another thrilling final,” Pakistan captain Mohammad Imran told reporters on Wednesday.

South Korea and Malaysia will contest the bronze medal play-off ahead of the final.

Dawn

Pakistan, India end 32-year wait for hockey final

INCHEON: Arch-rivals Pakistan and India face off in a mouth-watering field hockey final at the Asian Games today (Thursday) with a place in the 2016 Olympics at stake.

Millions of fans in both nations will be glued to their television screens for the title clash which earns the winner a ticket to Rio de Janeiro and the loser left facing a hazardous qualification route.

India and Pakistan last met in an Asiad final way back at New Delhi in 1982 where the Indians suffered a stunning 1-7 rout in front of their home fans that included then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

In Beijing in 1990 when Pakistan claimed the gold and India the silver, there was no final since the winner was decided after a round-robin league.

Eight-time Olympic champions India have won the Asiad title just twice, both in the Thai capital of Bangkok in 1966 and 1998. In contrast, defending champions Pakistan are the most successful team in the continental games with eight golds, highlighted by four successive wins over India in a final from 1970 to 1982.

Pakistan, coached by former international Shahnaz Sheikh, start as favourites following their 2-1 win over India in the preliminary league. But Sheikh was worried by the failure of his strikers to score against Malaysia in Tuesday´s semi-final which ended in a 0-0 draw before Pakistan edged ahead 6-5 in the tie-breaker.

"We played better than them but just could not score," said Sheikh, a former striker hismelf. "We don´t want to make the same mistake again."Fans love an India-Pakistan game. I am sure the final will be exciting."

India upset hosts South Korea 1-0 in the semi-final through Akashdeep Singh´s 44th minute winner, but face a tougher test against Pakistan´s goalkeeper Imran Butt, the star of the shoot-out win against Malaysia.

The Indians, coached by Australian Terry Walsh, will also bank on reliable goalie P. R. Sreejesh to block the Pakistani forwards as star midfielder and captain Sardar Singh attempts to control the game upfront.

"The final is a very important game for our young side," said Walsh. "There was a lot of energy shown against the Koreans but we must seize the chances that come our way."

South Korea and Malaysia will contest the bronze medal play-off ahead of the final.

The News International

Bronze is just as good as gold


The Malaysian hockey team react after losing in a penalty shootout to Pakistan in the semi-finals. - filepic

INCHEON: Malaysia have fallen from grace in world hockey. So winning the bronze medal today is a good step towards establishing themselves as a force again.

National goalkeeper S. Kumar said the players must understand that being third in the Asian Games is not a complete failure.

He has called on his team-mates not to give up and ensure that they are at their best for the game against South Korea in the bronze medal playoff at the Seonhak Hockey Stadium today.

“There is pride at stake and we must also look beyond that. It is also to establish ourselves as a ranked team in Asia again. We were second four years ago, but we should not give up because we lost in the semi-finals.

“I want all the players to put their hearts and souls into the game and beat South Korea,” he said.

Malaysia lost the semi-finals to Pakistan after a penalty shootout on Tuesday. They drew 0-0 in regulation time and were beaten 6-5 in the sudden-death shootout.

Kumar said the players should be proud of their performances thus far.

“Frankly, we played very well against Pakistan. It’s a shame that we were beaten in the shootout. We have proved that the national team is not going downhill as claimed by some.

“We matched the best here and I am sure we can build from this performance,” he said.

Kumar said that he had hoped to help Malaysia book their 2016 Olympic place by winning the gold here.

“But that is not to be. We are now faced with the task of going through a qualifier. It will not be easy and there will be a lot of pitfalls along the way.

“But we must be ready for it. We have to get back into the Olympics and we know just what needs to be done.

“For now, let’s concentrate on the match at hand and then start thinking about the future,” he said.

At 34, Kumar wants to play in an Olympics before calling it quits.

“I will not be in the team forever. I’m sure there are others waiting in the ranks. I will continue to help the team as long as I can. I would like to play in the Olympics before I quit. I have not played in one yet,” he added.

Interim national coach A. Arulselvaraj said that he would get the players ready for the challenge against South Korea.

“We have one more match to go. It will always be difficult to get a team ready when they have gone through such a big disappointment. But I have faith in these players.

“They have been absolutely tremendous in this tournament. I’m very proud of them and the way they have responded to my coaching. We have a good team for the future,” he said.

In the final, Pakistan will take on India with an Olympic berth at stake. Only the gold medallists are guaranteed of a berth in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

The Star of Malaysia

Extra leaders do the trick, says Arul


Malaysia must repeat their stunning performance over Japan when they face South Korea today in the bronze medal match. — Picture by AFP

PETALING JAYA — One of the main reasons for Malaysia’s encouraging performances in men’s hockey is the presence of the four seniors entrusted to carry extra responsibilities.

Captain Azlan Misron, forward Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil, midfi elder Shahrun Nabil Abdullah and defender Razie Rahim were picked by interim coach S. Arul Selvaraj to guide the team in Incheon, South Korea.

Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, Shahrun and Razie are taking charge of the forwards, midfi eld and defence respectively. They act as leaders to assist Azlan.

“I’m glad the leaders have stepped up to handle their extra responsibilities.

They have been doing a great job for the team,” said Arul.

He was also happy with the performance of goalkeeper S. Kumar, whom he described as a good example of a world class athlete as he managed himself well.

Malaysia face South Korea today in the bronze medal match with nothing to lose.

To get the better of the hosts, they must repeat the performance they produced in the semifi nal against Pakistan and the last group match against Japan.

Pakistan, on Tuesday, had some scary moments before winning 6-5 on penalties to make the fi nal after the teams were tied 0-0 after 60 minutes.

Earlier, Malaysia convincingly beat Japan 4-1 to make the last four.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said Arul could be given the post permanently.

“If there is no better coach, we may stick with Arul,” he told Bernama. “Arul is in the picture. We must look forward. This is how I work.”

Malay Mail

Arul set for the job

By Ajitpal Singh

ARUL Selvaraj’s position as interim national coach could be made permanent if the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) fails to find a foreigner soon.

MHC was said to be in talks with Paul Gaudoin but the two-time Olympian was re-appointed as the assistant coach of Australia recently.

“We are scouting for a coach but if we can’t find one, we will offer Arul a permanent position. He will continue to handle the junior (Project 2016) team,” said MHC president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The team played well against Pakistan in the Asian Games semi-final on Tuesday but despite their best efforts, were ousted by the 2010 champions in a penalty shoot-out.

Malaysia will play South Korea for the bronze medal today.

New Straits Times

Hockey women overcome Dominican Republic 3-1

Nigel Simon

The experienced duo of Blair Wynne and Oire Trotman as well as teenager Brianna Govia were all on target as T&T overcame a 1-0 deficit to whip Dominican Republci 3-1 for its second win in as many matches at the second edition of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) World League First Round qualifying tournament at the Mona Campus Hockey Facility, Kingston, Jamaica, yesterday.

Following its 5-1 defeat of Puerto Rico on Tuesday led by braces from captain Alanna Lewis and Wynne and one from Patricia Alexis-Wright, the Anthony Marcano-coached T&T women were confident of another three points against the Dominican Republic which stunned host Jamaica 3-0 in Tuesday’s late match via goals from Lucia Navamuel (38th & 61st) and Yaniret De La Cruz (25th).

However, it was the Spanish-speaking women who took the lead in the 17th through a field goal from Augustina Birocho to put T&T on the backfoot.

That lead only lasted a few seconds as the “Calypso Stickwomen” hit back within a minute thanks to Wynne before Govia, the daughter of national men’s interim coach Raphael Govia fired T&T ahead a minute before the half-time whistle in the 70-minute affair.

And in a tight second-half, Trotman made certain of victory with her first of the tournament in the 66th minute as T&T moved to the top of the table with maximum six points from two matches, three more than Dominican Republic and Barbados, which swept past Puerto Rico in yesterday’s first women’s match.

For the Barbadians, Katrina Downes (12th), Patrina Brathwaite (20th), Cher King (43rd) and Cherise Moore (55th) scored a goal each to cancel out Patricia Delgado’s seventh minute opener for the Puerto Ricans.

Today, T&T will go after a third win when it faces Jamaica from 5.30 pm (TT time) while Dominican Republic comes up against Barbados in 9am duel.

The reigning Caribbean champions, T&T will then close out round-robin play against Barbados on Saturday from 9am ahead od Sunday’s final round of pool matches, 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 the National Hockey Centre, 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.

Meanwhile, national men’s coach Raphael Govia will be confident of securing an opening win when T&T comes up against Dominican Republic from 10 am (TT time) in its opening match of the four-team tournament.

This will be followed by matches against 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 at the end of which the winner will secure the lone spot available to the Second Round in Chula Vista, California, next year (February 28 - March 8).

FIH World League Women’s Tournament:

Today

Dominican Republic vs Barbados, 2 pm

T&T vs Jamaica, 4.30 pm

The Trinidad Guardian

No pressure for Project 2016 squad in Sultan of Johor Cup

By Aftar Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Play your best and finish as high as you can.

That’s all that is expected of the Project 2016 squad in the fourth edition of the Sultan of Johor Cup, which will be held at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru from Oct 12-19.

This is despite the team having the services of two national players – forward Mohd Shahril Saabah and midfielder Meor Mohd Azuan Hassan (both are in Incheon for the Asian Games).

Malaysia finished as runners-up last year in the six-nation Under-21 tournament, losing 3-0 to India in the final.

The other teams competing this year are India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand and Britain.

Team manager Mirnawan Nawawi said that they have not set any targets for the Project squad because “the team lacks exposure”.

“The Sultan of Johor Cup will be the first tournament for the Project 2016 squad since they began training early this year,” said Mirnawan.

“They played a few friendlies against the national senior team. They then went on a playing tour of Perth last month and took in four matches against the Under-21 Western Australian Institute of Sports (WAIS).”

The Project squad won one match against WAIS (2-0) and drew the other three (1-1, 3-3, 2-2).

“We are also not sure of the actual strength of the other five teams featuring in the tournament. However, we definitely want them to finish as high as possible,” said Mirnawan.

The Project squad, under interim national coach S. Arulselvaraj, will open their campaign against Australia on Oct 12. Their other matches are against New Zealand (Oct 13), Britain (Oct 15), India (Oct 16) and Pakistan (Oct 18).

The final and placing matches will be played on Oct 19.

The final squad of 18 players will be named after a friendly against Britain on Oct 8.

Malaysia won the inaugural tournament in 2011 but finished last in 2012.

The Star of Malaysia
​

USA Field Hockey seeks Women's Head Indoor Coach

USA Field Hockey is seeking a Women's National Indoor Coach. All interested applicants that meet the required skills listed below are encouraged to send a cover letter and a resume to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. along with this completed document.

Job Description
Women’s National Team Coach Job Description Page 1 of 3
Summary:
The Women’s National Indoor Head Coach is responsible for development and implementation of training for the US Women’s National Indoor Teams. He/She will provide coaching instruction and evaluation for ultimate invitation to Team Trials. Emphasis on the evaluation, recruitment, and selection processes are vital in this role to ensure the best players represent the US Women’s National Indoor Team that will lead to success in FIH, PAHF, and Domestic competition.

Duties & Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a training and competition regime for the US Women’s National Indoor Squad (in cooperation with other staff, and volunteer coaches in the national team system) that will lead to success in FIH, PAHF, and Domestic competition.
- Development of the overall regimen of hockey techniques and tactical training, competition, and other training needs to include providing for psychology, nutrition, medicine, science, technology and other performance enhancement tools as available, necessary, and appropriate.
- Responsible for evaluating, recruiting, and selecting the best players available to play on the US Women’s National Indoor Team (in cooperation with , other staff, and volunteer coaches in the national system) in compliance with USA Field Hockey and US Olympic Committee guidelines for athlete selection.
- Develop, with staff and selected volunteers, 2-year and 4-year high performance plans (including budget, staffing, competition, , facilities, and other resource acquisition) for presentation to the National Indoor Managerto secure support for the program.
-Represent USA Field Hockey at all times in a professional and personal manner that reflect positively upon the program, organization, and the United States of America.
- Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Required:

Job Title
Women’s National Indoor Head Coach

Reports To Executive Director / National Indoor Manager

Direct Reports
Women’s National Team Assistant Coach,
National Teams Manager

Education:
Women’s National Indoor Coach Job Description Page 2 of 3
- Bachelor’s degree is a requirement of this position
Licensure & Certification:
- Level 2 High Performance Field Hockey Coaching Qualification
- International Indoor Certification is a plus;

Experience:
- Experience of successful performance achievements at international level as a player and in a coaching capacity
- Experience and proven capability in the holistic development of athletes and programs
- Demonstrated experience in planning, organizing and implementing a comprehensive high performance coaching program for elite teams and athletes
- Experience of coaching within a high performance team and network and ensured the potential of all contributors was maximized
- Knowledge of leading trends in coaching, including coaching science, practices and the appropriate application of leading technology tools
- The ability to effectively work with and apply expertise from support services to ensure team success
- The ability to attain excellence from players, coaches, staff and all stakeholders through the establishment of a culture of excellence
- Minimum 2 years’ high performance coaching experience that has achieved demonstrable results

Skills:
- Outstanding technical knowledge of individual and team principles including techniques, tactics, coaching trends and international developments
- In-depth understanding and application of the principles of coaching, sport science, medicine and technology within a high performance program
- Highly developed liaison with good interpersonal, oral and written communication, and people management skills
- High level of influencing skills
- Outstanding communication skills – verbal and written
- Sound administration skills
- Self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team
- Demonstrated ability to meet competing demands through effective prioritization in a results oriented environment
- Efficient and organized, and strong awareness of self and self-regulation
- Demonstrated success in managing individual differences and group dynamics
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, observe confidentiality and use discretion and initiative.
- Excellent observational and analytical skills.
- Ability to thrive in a pressured environment of irregular and long hours, and capacity to travel domestically and overseas for extended periods
- Driven by achieving results, a passion to succeed

Tools, Equipment, & Conditions:
- This is primarily a field position where incumbent will be primarily standing, bending,
Women’s National Indoor Coach Job Description Page 3 of 3

Job Description Acknowledgment
By signing below you are indicating your receipt of this job description; acknowledgment that your manager has reviewed this job description with you; you understand the contents of this job description; and you will be held accountable for the contents within this job description. [Please return a signed copy to Human Resources.]
Name (print)
Signature
Reports to Job Title
Executive Director / National Indoor Manager
Reports to Name (print)
Reports to Signature
Executive Approval:
Steve Locke, Executive Director Signature
Date
crawling, crouching, and lifting of not more than 20lbs. Some office work will be required so incumbent will need to be able to successfully operate office equipment with ease. Noise levels can be rather loud especially in indoor settings where whistles and crowd applause may be excessive. Traveling long distances by plane or car is required and may require sitting for long periods of time. Incumbent must be flexible with their schedule as work on weekends, evenings and occasional holidays may also be required.

Work Location:
The Women’s Indoor Program is currently base in Philadelphia, PA
Salary Range:
Volunteer Position
This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an indication of the areas of activity and will be amended in light of the changing needs of the organization.

USFHA media release

Top two face off in Men's Premier Division


Ashley Jackson and Mark Gleghorne poised to shoot from a penalty corner for East Grinstead, 21092014 Credit Ann Needle

Second only on goal difference, East Grinstead take on leaders Surbiton in a mouth-watering clash at Saint Hill in the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League Premier Division.

The two sides are the only ones with 100 per cent records intact in the top flight this season, but that is guaranteed to change on Sunday.

Memories of the play-off semi-final between the two sides – which East Grinstead won 6-2 – will be in the minds of many, but not for the respective managers.

“Both squads have changed quite a bit in terms of personnel over the summer, so this match will be a different proposition to the play-offs, which seem a long time ago now,” said East Grinstead manager Matt Jones.

“East Grinstead and Surbiton know each other pretty well, and I don’t think they will worry about playing away as they have been here plenty of times. But we are fortunate to have hundreds of very well educated and supportive fans on the sidelines.”

Surbiton Manager James Lloyd added: “There are no easy games in this league. Both ourselves and East Grinstead have new-look teams from last season, so the play-off result won’t be a factor.

“East Grinstead is always a tough place to go to, and their home crowd always adds spice, but we will stay focused on the job in hand.”

Just below the top two, third-placed Hampstead and Westminster go to Beeston in fourth spot – two more sides who are separated only by goal difference.

In Sunday’s other Premier Division action, Reading host Southgate at Sonning Lane, while Brooklands Manchester University entertain Canterbury, with both teams looking for their first league win of the season.

Cannock entertain Wimbledon in Saturday evening’s only Men’s match.

Cannock have been deducted one point by the NOW: Pensions League Committee. The penalty relates to their match against East Grinstead on 13 September which Cannock lost. Ashlin Freddy played for Cannock in the match however since his registration with the club in January 2014 he had subsequently played in South Africa prior to returning to England, without being deregistered. This made him ineligible to participate in the league under regulation 4.2.12. The committee appreciated that Cannock made them aware of the situation. The player is now re-registered and eligible to again participate.

In the NOW: Pensions Conference West leaders Cardiff and Met go to the University of Exeter, while Team Bath Buccaneers will be aiming for a fourth straight win when they travel to Guildford.

Sheffield Hallam have yet to concede a goal in the NOW: Pensions Conference North, but the early leaders face a Bowdon side who have scored the most goals in the league so far.

And in the NOW: Pensions Conference East, leaders Chichester Priory Park entertain bottom of the table Old Loughtonians. Meanwhile, second-placed Holcombe travel to second-bottom Oxted.

NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League (Saturday, October 4 2014)

NOW: Pensions Premier Division
Cannock v Wimbledon 17:30

NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League (Sunday, October 5 2014)

NOW: Pensions Premier Division
Beeston v Hampstead & Westminster 12:45
Brooklands Manchester Univ v Canterbury 14:00
East Grinstead v Surbiton 14:00
Reading v Southgate 14:30

NOW: Pensions Conference West
Fareham v Univ of Birmingham 13:30
Guildford v Team Bath Buccaneers 12:00
Indian Gymkhana v Cheltenham 14:00
Univ of Exeter v Cardiff & Met 12:30
Whitchurch v Barford Tigers 13:00

NOW: Pensions Conference North
Deeside Ramblers v Belper 13:30
Loughborough Students v Leek 14:00
Olton & West Warwicks v Doncaster 13:30
Sheffield Hallam v Bowdon 13:30
Wakefield v Univ of Durham 13:30

NOW: Pensions Conference East
Brighton and Hove v Teddington 13:00
Cambridge City v Richmond 12:30
Chichester Priory Park v Old Loughtonians 13:30
Oxted v Holcombe 12:45
West Herts v Bromley & Beckenham 14:00

England Hockey Board Media release

Clifton prepare for Canterbury battle


Clifton's Katie Holmes in action against Leicester, Sept 27 2014, credit Andrew Smith

THE only team with a 100 per cent record still intact, Clifton play host to Canterbury in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday.

Second half goals saw Clifton battle back from behind to beat Leicester last weekend, and they will be aiming to show that same fighting spirit as they tackle Canterbury.

“It will be a very difficult game for us,” said Clifton Head Coach Stephen Rixon. “Canterbury are the league champions and beat us in the play-offs so we know it’ll be tough, but I think both teams have got stronger since then.

“We have a resilient group of players, we’re mentally very strong and focused on our game plan and objectives – we showed that by the way we fought back from behind at Leicester.”

Elsewhere the team with the most potent attack and meanest defence so far, Surbiton travel to Leicester. Having scored ten goals in their first three games and conceded none, the reigning champions will start as favourites.

In other Premier Division action Holcombe go to Beeston on Saturday, while the University of Birmingham host Bowdon Hightown. On Sunday, Reading host Buckingham at Sonning Lane.

In the Investec Conference West, Slough are the only team with a 100 per cent record, and they head to Isca on Saturday.

Second-placed Gloucester City entertain bottom of the table Olton and West Warwicks, while Swansea City head to Southampton to play Trojans.

There are three unbeaten teams in the Investec Conference North, and two of them meet this Saturday with leaders Loughborough Students hosting Whitley Bay and Tynemouth. The other unbeaten team, Brooklands Poynton, are at home against the University of Durham.

It could all change in the Investec Conference East on Saturday. Unbeaten leaders East Grinstead head to Harleston Magpies, while Horsham – second only on goal difference – head to third-placed Sevenoaks.

Investec Women’s Hockey League (Saturday, October 4 2014)

Investec Premier Division
Beeston v Holcombe 12:00
Clifton v Canterbury 13:00
Leicester v Surbiton 14:00
Univ of Birmingham v Bowdon Hightown 12:30

Investec Conference West
Bristol Firebrands v Stourport 12:00
Cheltenham v Oxford Hawks 12:30
Gloucester City v Olton & West Warwicks 12:30
Isca v Slough 12:00
Trojans v Swansea City 12:00

Investec Conference North
Brooklands Poynton v Univ of Durham 12:00
Loughborough Students v Whitley Bay & Tynemouth 12:30
Liverpool Sefton v Cannock 12:30
Sutton Coldfield v Ben Rhydding 14:00
Wakefield v Kendal 13:00

Investec Conference East
Bedford v St Albans 13:00
East Grinstead v Harleston Magpies 13:30
Ipswich v Chelmsford 18:00
Maidenhead v Wimbledon 13:30
Sevenoaks v Horsham 12:00

Investec Women’s Hockey League (Sunday, October 5 2014)

Investec Premier Division
Reading v Buckingham 12:30

England Hockey Board Media release

Irish Senior Cup – Round 1 – Saturday 4th October.



The Irish Hockey club season kicks off this Saturday with one of the world’s oldest hockey cups – the Irish Senior Cup dating back to 1894. This Saturday throws up 9 fixtures on the women’s side and 7 fixtures on the men’s while 16 clubs enjoy a bye into round 2. Last year’s women’s holders UCD will enjoy home advantage as they start their campaign to retain the title against Ulster’s Ards side who will travel to the National Hockey Stadium in UCD. The men’s holders Three Rock Rovers will have to wait to see who they face in round 2 as they enjoyed the luck of a bye in the open draw. The draw for round 2 of the Irish Senior Cup will take place Monday morning 10.15am in the Irish Hockey offices and will be available to watch live on twitter @irishhockey.

Results of the below matches will be available on the website on each competitions link (see below) and sent in a press release on Saturday.

Saturday 4th October

13:00 Catholic Institute vs Belfast Harlequins (Rosbrien)
13:00 Glenanne vs UCC (Glenanne Park)
14:00 Hermes Hockey Club vs Queens University (St. Andrews)
14:30 Lurgan vs North Kildare (Lurgan JHS)
14:15 Pembroke Wanderers vs Randalstown (Serpentine Avenue)
14:30 Portadown vs Cork Harlequins (Edenvilla)
14:30 Railway Union vs Loreto Hockey Club (Park Avenue)
15:30 Trinity College vs Ballymoney (Santry Park)
14:45 UCD vs Ards (UCD)

Bye to round 2: Corinthian; Cork C of I; Greenfields; Lisnagarvey; Old Alex; Pegasus; Ulster Elks

Saturday 4th October

13:00 Avoca vs Cork Church of Ireland (Avoca)
14:30 Banbridge vs Kilkeel (Havelock Park)
14:15 Corinthian vs Newry (St Columbas College)
13:00 Cork Harlequins vs Instonians (Harlequins Park)
14:45 Lisnagarvey vs Annadale (Comber Road)
14:30 NICS vs Belfast Harlequins (Stormont)
13:30 YMCA vs Pembroke Wanderers (Alexandra College)

Bye to round 2: Cookstown; Glenanne; Monkstown; Mossley; Railway Union; Rathgar; Three Rock Rovers; UCC; UCD

Irish Hockey Association media release

Life after Glasgow 2014

Team Scotland players, goal keeper Amy Gibson and mens captain Chris Grassick tell us a bit about what they have been up too since Glasgow 2014.

Amy Gibson

Well...Glasgow - It was amazing! I know it will be two weeks of my life I’ll never forget. It had massive highs and lows but it was an unbelievable experience that I got to share with not only my family and friends but the whole of Scotland.  The way the country came out and supported us at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre was amazing and something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I truly am very privileged to say I was part of Glasgow 2014!



So what next for me, I am looking forward to train for Scotland and GB again, it's a huge year for GB with Rio 2016 just round the corner and competiting in the Euro Hockey 2015 for Scotland to make a mark on the big stage as they are in the European Championships for a second consecutive time. Something Scotland have struggled with for a few years but we are planning to make that a thing of the past, we have come so far and now to compete with Europe’s best time and time again. It is being held in London so I’m hoping a lot of you hockey fans...aye you, will get yourself down there and cheer us on like you did at the games!


Amy was awarded goal keeper of the tournament at the recent Investec Cup 2014 down in London

As for me...I’m currently back down South, sadly with a slight injury. Unfortunately I picked up an MCL tear in the final game at the Commonwealth Games during the India match and have been rehabbing since.  I’m now 8 weeks down and on the mend! I am back in the gym, on the bike, lots of rehab and hoping to be running very soon!



Can’t wait to be back in goal and get a game for my new club, Slough as they are off to a stormer! With 2 wins from 2 in the league and a win in the first round of the cup...maybe they don’t need me!  All this time off playing means I have a bit more time to fit in ukulele practice, got a few more songs in the bank just need a wee bit of perfecting!

Chris Grassick

It has now been a couple of months since the closing ceremony at Glasgow 2014. Looking back it was an incredible experience and something that I will always remember and be very proud to have represented Scotland in Glasgow. Although I am still disappointed with our final positioning and I probably always will be, I think we can definitely look back at our performances in the games with massive pride at some of the hockey that we played and we can be excited about the future that this team has.

I had a couple of weeks off training after the Games and managed to get away on holiday with a few of the guys from the team.  There was quite a come down post games as it was such an exciting time for us during that period and then all of a sudden it was finished! However, I think the whole experience has made everyone want to train even harder for the next few years and the Gold Coast in 2018!



As a team we hope that we have inspired the thousands of people that came down to Glasgow Green to support us so well. As a team we cannot thank you enough as it was you who made it so special for us. I really hope that we have encouraged a few more people to get involved in hockey in some shape or form, play hockey or hopefully strive to compete at the next Commonwealth Games. I would certainly recommend it!


Chris welcoming fellow Scot Willie Marshall to Surbiton Hockey Club this season

I am now back down in London where I have been living for the last four years and training full-time with the Great Britain squad for the last 18 months at Bisham Abbey. It is now only two years until Rio 2016 so every session counts and I cant wait for the exciting times ahead.

I am also back playing for my club, Surbiton Hockey Club in the English Premier League. We have recruited well over the summer and the team is looking strong so hopefully we can put a good run together and be challenging for the league title come April.



I hope everyone has a great season in Scotland and I am already looking forward to the challenges that next year brings with the Scotland squad as we strive for promotion to the European A division in July 2015.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Girls Inter-districts take over Edinburgh this weekend

This weekend it is the turn of the girls of the Inter-districts at Peffermill Edinburgh for the U16 and U18 inter-districts competitions, seeing all the seven districts competing on the 4th & 5th of October.

The inter-districts is a performance event where the players will be out to impress the Scotland youth coaches who are there to scout the next generation of Scotland hockey stars for their U16 and U18 Scotland squads.

The districts competing are West, South West, Highland, East, North, Midland and South, West U16 came away as champions as the East won the U18 competition last year. Teams will be ranked following their matches, with the first place team awarded the Inter-District trophy and medals.

Schedule

U16

Pool A - South, South West & West
Pool B - East, Highland, Midland & North

U18

Pool A - East, South & West
Pool B - Highland, Midland, South West & North

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Never too old...


Masters in action at the 2014 Rabobank World Cup (credit 2014 Rabobank World Cup)

In recognition of the International Day of Older Persons which is today, we meet a 61-year-old player whose competitive nature is as fierce as ever.

The International Day of Older Persons is a global initiative that recognises the power of sport to promote fitness and good health as well as providing opportunities and challenges whatever your age.

Hockey is renowned as an inclusive sport. It is one of the few sports that men and women regularly play together and hockey clubs are often the central hub of family life. At the weekends, it is very usual for Mums and Dads to turn out for adult teams while their children are either at junior coaching sessions or playing for junior sides.

And it is not just with gender and young people that hockey leads the way. It is also a sport that is fully geared up to accommodate older players. Most clubs run masters teams – again for men and women – and there are local, regional and national competitions, all ensuring that the competitive spirit continues to burn brightly, no matter what the age of the player.

Running alongside the Rabobank Hockey World Cup this year, was a Master’s and Grand Master’s World Cup, and while the speed might have fractionally slowed, the ferocity of play and the determination to win was as fierce as ever.

One player who enjoyed her time in Holland representing England at this year’s World Cup was Sally Tippen, a 61-year-old club player from Cambridgeshire in the UK.

“I play every Saturday and sometimes on a Sunday, and I train every week,” said Sally, who was also the England Hockey Board Volunteer of the Year 2011-12, an award she won due to the countless hours she puts in as a coach, administrator and organiser for junior hockey in the east of England.

Last year, Sally was selected to play for both the England Masters O55s and was vice-captain for the England Masters O60s. In her earlier hockey career she was a stalwart of National League side Ealing before she moved to Cambridge. She is thoroughly enjoying these career highs later in her life and says that she hopes to make the Master’s team for the World Cup in Australia in 2016.

“My approach to the game hasn’t really changed in the 50 years I have played,” says Sally. “I am still very competitive and I always want to play at the highest level possible. I don’t really think about retirement – so long as my body holds out, I will keep playing.”

The thriving Master’s scene is offering a new hockey-playing lease of life to many people who have either left the sport and wish to return, or who have never played before. Sally, who is currently the chair of the Cambridgeshire Hockey Association, has this advice for players: “Find a club that has a good master’s section – in England there is a programme called Get Back Into Hockey – which has helped a lot of people pick up a stick for the first time in 20, 30, 40 years. One of our England goalkeepers started on that programme five years ago. She was put into goal because the team didn’t have a goalkeeper and now she is has several international caps to her name.”

FIH site

Face-paint, cakes and words of wisdom...



As we celebrate the International Day of Older Persons, we talk to one player whose grandparents have been there every step of the way.

Nikki Symmons has played just about every sport going – cricket, rugby, hockey, tennis – and she can trace her love and passion for sport right back to her earliest years and the influence of her grandparents.

Harry and Rhona Booker lived next door to Nikki when she was growing up and, while her mum Melanie went out to work, Nikki was busily hitting, throwing or dribbling a ball with Harry in the garden.

“Both my grandparents were really supportive of me and my sport,” said Nikki, “But it was my granddad who was the real inspiration. He played everything, cricket, rugby, tennis – and he was a long distance runner.”

Harry died three years ago, but his memory lives on through a picture on the wall at Nikki’s hockey club back in Ireland. Both Harry and Rhona were incredibly proud of everything that Nikki achieved in what has been a busy international sporting career. She is the most capped Irish female hockey player of all time, with more than 200 caps; she has represented her country at cricket; and she is a mean tennis player.

“They travelled all over the UK to watch me play,” says Nikki. “They weren’t the type to yell embarrassing things at me from the sideline – they left that to my mum – but Granddad would have a quiet word with me at half time or after the game. He would talk me through how the game was going and keep me grounded. His main words of advice, as a runner himself, were usually ‘keep running.”

Even now as a seasoned international player, Nikki looks back with nostalgia and affection on the days that her family lined the pitch. “It was great to see them all there. But even before I started playing, that was what sport was all about for my family. My mum played for three clubs including the Maids of the Mountain hockey club, where my grandmother also played.

While Mum played for Old Diocesan club, as a kid, I would be knocking a ball around a on the sideline with Stephen Butler (another Irish hockey international). The sideline was a great starting point for us kids to play the game.”

Looking back, Nikki sees that the presence of parents and grandparents on the sideline was vital to the functioning of a sports club. “Granddad was also secretary of Irish Rugby Union, but he did everything, including running on the pitch with a bucket and towel when someone was injured. At the hockey club it was the same, parents would give lifts, help with coaching, even umpire. It is how an amateur sport survives.”

Nikki’s grandmother Rhona played an even more important role. “She supplied us with the after-match cakes. She was known as the cake lady, even with the national team.”

Despite playing sport all over the world, Nikki’s abiding memory, even now, is of her grandparents, faces painted maroon and white, travelling on the train to Belfast to cheer on Loreto Hockey Club hockey club in the Irish clubs finals.


Harry and Rhona Booker supporting their granddaughter Nikki during her playing career

FIH site