News 04 October 2014
All the news for Saturday 4 October 2014
Jamaica upset Barbados, as T&T make it two straight
BY HURBUN WILLIAMS
George McGlashen (centre), scorer of Jamaica’s goal that gave them a 2-1 victory against Barbados, being congratulated by teammates (from left) Leon Kerr, and Nicholas Beach. (PHOTO: BRYAN CUMMINGS)
Sixty-fourth ranked Jamaica returned to world scene with an industrious upset 2-1 win against 47th ranked Barbados in their International Hockey Federation (FISH) World League tournament at the Mona Hockey Field yesterday.
Jerome Davis and George McGlashen scored for Jamaica, while Neil Franklyn netted for Barbados.
It was Jamaica's first international game since competing at the CAC Games four years ago when they were beaten by the Dominican Republic, whom they play in their second game on Saturday.
Yesterday's clash was the third and final game of a triple header in which Barbados, the FIH 47th ranked women's team outstripped 63rd ranked Puerto Rico 4-1, and Trinidad and Tobago defeating the Dominican Republic 3-1.
"We may be deemed the underdogs but that does not bother us any at all. We play each team as they come and adjust accordingly," said Jamaica coach Nicholas Brown.
He said what he has learnt from the game is that Jamaica need to be exposed "more like our opponents. This is the first time since 2010 that the team has been together and training as a unit. So it just proved that if the support is there like Trinidad and Barbados we can be a force to be reckoned with."
Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago continued to perform as the number one ranked women's team in the International Hockey Federation (FIH) World League tournament with another command performance by blanking the Dominican Republic, the number two ranked team, 3-1, at the Mona Hockey Field yesterday.
Blair Wynne doubled her tournament tally to bring Trinidad and Tobago even in the 18th minute after Agustina Birocho had given the Dominican Republic the lead a minute earlier.
Following the equaliser, the Dom Rep showed that they are a quality team as they pressed T&T relentlessly with some good build play. However it was Trinidad and Tobago who snatched the go-ahead goal in the 34th minute when the diminutive Brianna Govia got in between the Dominican Republic defenders to beat goalkeeper Cindy De La Rosa with a well-placed shot.
Despite the setback, the Dem Rep continued to fight on and showed degrees of dynamic resilience, but Oire Trotman, who earlier had a goal disallowed, scored in the 66th minute to celebrate her birthday and make the game safe for Trinidad and Tobago.
It was a result that gave the FIH 31st ranked team consecutive wins on the second day of the six-day competition among women competitors.
Trinidad and Tobago coach Anthony Marcano had nothing but praises for his girls: "They responded well to the challenge but credit should go to my support staff with special mention of the efforts of the physiotherapy team who has worked and continue to work diligently with the players, even late at nights, to get them in readiness for the following days' battles."
The Jamaica Observer
Eastern Promise: The Asian Challenge
(Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek)
Two great hockey rivalries will resume at the Champions Trophy. India and Pakistan men both have high hopes of a medal in Bhubaneswar, while the Japanese and Chinese women’s teams will be battling for honours in Mendoza.
The rivalries capture the imagination of the public like no other, and all four teams are playing for far more than points or an Olympic place. As Seung Jin Yoo, the coach of Japan says: “I always tell my players we must beat the other Asian teams. Defeating China will be our priority.”
For India men, this will be the chance to build on the gold medal they won at the Asian Games – in a scintillating match against Pakistan, which ended 1-1 in regulation time and then went to India in the shoot-out. Terry Walsh’s men, who are ranked ninth in the FIH World Rankings, will face heightened expectation from the army of supporters, who will want to see an Indian victory on home soil.
Their Asian rivals, 11th-ranked Pakistan, see the Champions Trophy as a chance to re-establish their reputation on the world stage after they missed out on qualification for the 2014 World Cup. Pakistan has a strong record in the Champions Trophy – bronze in 2012, and they have won the title three times and collected silver six times.
Both teams have prepared well. India won silver at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, losing 4-0 to Australia in the gold medal match but beating New Zealand and South Africa on the way to the Final. Although India came away with gold in Incheon, it was Pakistan who beat India 2-1 in a group match, putting in a performance that the India coach, Terry Walsh, admired for its “passion”, “liveliness” and “excitement”.
Players to watch at the Champions Trophy include Pakistan’s Muhammad Waqas, who has proved himself a hot-shot in front of goal and penalty corner specialist Imran Mohammed; while for India Nikkin Thimmaiah is growing in confidence with each game and Sreejesh Ravindran is masterful in goal. India also has captain Sardar Singh who will continue to play ringmaster for the talented India team.
China women, currently ranked fifth in the FIH world rankings, cruised into the Asian Games Final, beating Japan on the way, before losing 1-0 to Korea. After the Final, coach You Baodong said their finishing in front of goal is a problem that must be fixed in the next two months. There is no doubt that China will pose a threat; their defence is staunch and with every campaign their young team is growing in experience. Among the more experienced players in the squad, Zhao Yudiao and Liang Meiyu will be two players to watch in Mendoza.
For Japan, the Asian Games at Incheon, was a disappointing experience. The Cherry Blossoms, who are currently ranked 10th, lost 2-1 to India in the bronze medal match at the Asia Games. This, combined with a relatively poor showing at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup where they finished 10th. Coach Seung Jin Yoo, however, has plans to address the issues.
“After this tournament, we will have a selection camp in Hiroshima, where we will be selecting new faces for the squad to start preparing for Rio and Tokyo. So after this event, this team will be finished, and we start a new build-up. There could be five or six new faces in the team that appears in Mendoza. We will be trying to play above our ranking.”
In Mendoza, Jon Yoo is expecting his captain, Ono Mayumi, to lead the Japanese challenge. The 30-year-old is a natural leader and has a lot of international experience.
India men might have already qualified for Rio, but they would love to add a third medal to this year’s trophy haul, while the other Asian teams at this year’s Champions Trophy will be hoping that they can turn Eastern promise to gold medals.
FIH site
England women's hockey on journey back to discovery
Danny Kerry is gearing up for first tournament in charge at Champions Trophy, but second time leading England women's hockey team after eventful year
By Rod Gilmour
Penalty pain: The England players await shootout fate in Glasgow Photo: GETTY IMAGES
They may have found themselves only 17 seconds away from an unlikely Commonwealth Games hockey gold in August, but Danny Kerry, the England women’s coach, is forthright when he says that his side has a “hell of a long way to go” if they aspire to become a world top three side again.
“They are really keen to learn and they have a journey ahead of them, which they all know,” Kerry told Telegraph Sport.
England women feel the pain at June's World Cup
This year alone it has already been quite a journey. England women were marked as medal contenders at the World Cup in the Hague (finishing 11th) before ending the summer with Commonwealth silver, denied in a shootout by Australia.
In between, Jason Lee left his post as head coach. Kerry, England Hockey’s performance director, then oversaw the team on an interim basis before being announced as coach for a second time soon after Glasgow 2014.
Kerry is essentially tasked with bringing back a medal from Rio 2016 before handing over the baton to his successor for the Tokyo 2020 cycle.
And if he ever has to juggle both roles then England Hockey will buy in some “backfiller resource” for either the performance side or additional support in coaching.
“The strategic part of the job stays with me while my operational day-to-day role has been taken off me," he stresses.
The same will apply to post-tournament reviews. If issues arise through his coaching duties, then Sally Munday, England Hockey’s chief executive, will oversee in a managament capacity.
The current scenario does sound confusing; one wonders whether England Hockey ever look further afield, given that Kerry and Lee have handled both women’s and men's roles in the past.
England celebrate beating Argentina in World League last year (ADY KERRY)
However, the changes have been implemented mid-Olympic cycle - less than two years out from Rio - and Munday said that since the World Cup there had been a “sufficient number of candidates to make us excited about who might apply going into Tokyo.”
“We also spoke to people who hadn’t initially applied,” she added. “We broadened out our search and spoke to a reasonable amount of people.”
It is believed that there were around 10 applications, including candidates from Australia. Kerry’s post will be advertised in the months leading up to Rio, while England Hockey hope to have a new coach installed by the closing ceremony in Brazil.
So can England force their way back from their current world No.6 ranking? “There are some nations ahead of us in that regard,” says Kerry. “But what fills me with a lot of motivation is that we can travel a long way in a short space of time.”
Ah, time. Seconds even. England were 1-0 up in that Glasgow final, courtesy of 19-year-old Lily Owsley. They were outshone 3-0 by Australia earlier in the group stages, but days later a resolute side was suddenly on the path to gold. Kerry, though, was more than aware of what was happening in the dying minutes. The late goal then turned the final irrevocably Australia’s way.
“We were defending a lot and stopped trying to play hockey,” Kerry recalls. “Australia were pressing up high and we didn’t have that level of experience if you like to continue to play. The pressure built and built.”
Defeat meant that England women ended up with double shootout losses, having reached the EuroHockey final last summer. “The day before we beat Holland and then lost to Germany; in Glasgow, we beat New Zealand and then lost to Australia,” Kerry says.
“I think we need to see the dynamic of playing these back-to-back and what it means. There is an element of the pressure ratcheting up having gone through it once and here we are again.
“We are one of the better teams in them, but there is an added challenge of preparing better.”
Kerry says that he has been around long enough to “put things in perspective”, but admits that he is not the “best loser in the world”.
“I was gutted but philosophical,” he says of the defeat. “Australia were the best team at the tournament but to nearly sneak it was testimony to the application of the girls.
“Had we snuck it just by defending, I would have been happy to have won, but equally Australia were the better team over the tournament.
“The big irony for me was that we lost 1-0 to Australia in the 2010 Commonwealths where we absolutely pulverised them. We were all over them from start to finish."
Prior to Glasgow, England women hosted the Investec Cup at their new Lee Valley home. For Kerry, it was the first time he had ventured to the Olympic Park since London 2012, his previous tenure as women’s coach.
“I got to walk through the Olympic Park a bit and get to see the side other people saw,” he says. “There is now a barren, grassy patch where the hockey was. It was odd seeing it all.”
Thus, a second journey continues for England and Kerry, who will oversee his first major tournament, the eight-team Champions Trophy, at the end of next month in Mendoza, Argentina.
England were this week drawn in the same pool as Australia and holders Argentina, who have won the event 11 times between them. Two will qualify for the semi-finals and England’s hope is that the great Luciana Aymar’s retirement will overshadow Argentina’s performance on the field.
“It is a different group from the London 2012 cycle and in many ways it is similar to the one I had at the Beijing cycle, where I had a mix of young and experience,” says Kerry.
“We have our world-class programme and I will back us to make up the ground pretty quickly.”
Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2014
Where: Estadio Mendocino de Hockey, Mendoza, Argentina
When: Nov 29 – Dec 7
Pool A
Netherlands, New Zealand, China, Japan
Pool B
Australia, Argentina, England, Germany
The Telegraph
Veteran Archibald back in Black Sticks mix
BRENDON EGAN
BACK IN THE MIX: Ryan Archibald in action for Auckland during this year's national hockey league. The 274-test veteran could feature in the Black Sticks home series against Japan next month. Photosport
Former New Zealand captain Ryan Archibald looks poised to play international hockey for the first time since the 2012 London Olympics.
The 34-year-old Auckland midfielder, who has played 274 tests, was yesterday named in New Zealand's development squad.
Archibald has been unavailable for the national team over the past two years due to business and study commitments.
The men's Black Sticks have named an initial 21 players in their national squad for the 2014-2015 season. That is likely to increase to 25 by the end of the year.
Archibald has been included in a group of 14 development players, who will try and push for spots in the full squad over the next few months.
Men's coach Colin Batch said Archibald had made himself available for selection and could feature in their home series against Japan next month. New Zealand are also expected to play another home series in December.
"This year, he thinks he can commit to it. He's still a very good player," Batch said.
"You can't deny what Ryan brings to the group. The way he plays his midfield role, he can bring that experience to the group going forward."
The big movers in the New Zealand men's squad are uncapped duo, Canterbury goalkeeper George Enersen and 19-year-old Midlands midfielder Nic Woods.
Batch said they had both made key improvements to their game this year and been crucial performers during the national league.
Goalkeeper Hamish McGregor has made himself unavailable for selection.
"He's not sure what he wants to do away from hockey. It's a little bit of a sabbatical for him. He may or may not come back," Batch said.
A leadership group will be in effect for the next six months before a captain is named to replace retired skipper Dean Couzins.
There are no shortage of captaincy options with the experienced Phil Burrows, Simon Child, Steve Edwards, Nick Haig, Andy Hayward and Shea McAleese all possible contenders.
New Zealand women's coach Mark Hager has named 19 players in the national squad. He had left the door open for promising talents in the development group to push for selection in the final squad of 25 players.
Eighteen players have been named in the women's development squad.
Hager has named a new-look squad for this month's three-test series against the United States in Stratford, Palmerston North and Wairarapa.
Uncapped players, Midlands midfielder Shiloh Gloyn and North Harbour defender Kathyrn Henry have both been included.
"We want to really test them and see them against a good quality opposition. NHL didn't quite test them enough," Hager said. "They'll have an opportunity in the USA series."
Anita Punt and Samantha Charlton will co-captain New Zealand against the US.
Black Sticks co-captains Kayla Whitelock and Emily Naylor are notable absentees with the experienced duo taking a break from the international game.
Hager said they hoped to know their long-term plans in the coming months, but would leave a spot open for both.
Northland midfielder Ella Gunson returns to the squad after studying in the United States following the 2012 Olympics. Hager said Gunson, who has played 84 tests, would provide a major boost.
"Before she left, she was the understudy to Kayla. She's a really good leader."
The casualties in the Black Sticks women's squad include Canterbury's Sian Fremaux, Bridget Blackwood and Auckland defender Danielle Jones, who were not even named in the development group.
Experienced campaigners Krystal Forgesson and Bianca Russell have both retired.
The New Zealand women play Australia in Wellington next month before competing at the Champions Trophy in Argentina from November 29-December 7.
AT A GLANCE
2014-2015 squads:
Men
Goalkeepers: Devon Manchester (Auckland), George Enersen (Canterbury).
Defenders: Nick Haig (Canterbury), Andy Hayward (Midlands), Alex Shaw (Capital), Brad Shaw (Canterbury), Blair Tarrant (Southern).
Midfielders: Marcus Child (Auckland), Steve Edwards (North Harbour), Shea McAleese (Central), George Muir (North Harbour), Arun Panchia (Auckland), Nic Woods (Midlands).
Strikers: Phil Burrows (Capital), Simon Child (Auckland), James Coughlan (North Harbour), Blair Hilton (Capital), Hugo Inglis (Southern), Stephen Jenness (Capital), Jared Panchia (Auckland), Nick Wilson (Central).
Women
Goalkeepers: Sally Rutherford (Midlands), Amelia Gibson (Canterbury).
Defenders: Sam Charlton (Midlands), Rhiannon Dennison (North Harbour), Rose Keddell (Midlands), Brooke Neal (Northland), Aniwaka Roberts (Capital), Liz Thompson (Auckland).
Midfielders: Gemma Flynn (Midlands), Jordan Grant (Canterbury), Ella Gunson (Northland), Julia King (Auckland), Stacey Michelsen (Northland), Anita Punt (Capital), Petrea Webster (North Harbour).
Strikers: Sophie Cocks (Canterbury), Michaela Curtis (Central), Katie Glynn (Auckland), Olivia Merry (Canterbury).
Stuff
Selectors call up rookie and veteran
Squads named as men’s and women’s teams start preparing for next year’s Olympic qualifying events
By David Leggat
Ella Gunson and Nic Woods have been named in New Zealand's hockey squads. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Nic Woods and Ella Gunson wore broad smiles yesterday when the New Zealand hockey squads for the coming year were named yesterday.
For Woods, a gifted 19-year-old midfielder, it was for his first inclusion in the national group; for Gunson, however, it was different.
She won the last of her 84 caps at the London Olympics in 2012, but has been absent since.
Gunson took a year out to enjoy a change of scene, studying at university in Boston. Last year she wasn't ready to return but, as a standout in a Northland side who reached the final at the National League finals last month, is back to bolster the midfield, and chuffed about it.
"Last year I wasn't fit enough but it fuelled the fire not being in the team and being out of the programme. I really missed it, and realised how much I loved it," Gunson, 25, said. Gunson is a good selection, considering coach Mark Hager has lost experience at both ends of the field, with the retirements of goalkeeper Bianca Russell and striker Krystal Forgesson, and the period of leave taken by classy veterans captain Kayla Whitelock and Emily Naylor.
"They are due to give a decision in a month or two whether they're prepared to commit to the programme for the next 12 months," Hager said of good friends Whitelock and Naylor.
"Both have indicated they're very keen to go to the Olympics in 2016."
Woods was among the standouts in a Midlands side who reached the men's national final. His promotion from the development group had seemed a matter of when, not if.
"He's got good strength about him," men's coach Colin Batch said. "His ability to receive the ball and come forward from midfield is something we want in the team and I think he can provide that."
Woods called his elevation "unreal. Even now I can't wipe the smile off my face".
The Wintec student from Hamilton knows he needs to take advantage of every opportunity.
The same would apply to the other new men's cap, Canterbury goalkeeper George Enerson.
There's an intriguing name in the 21-strong development group too, with the inclusion of 274-cap world class veteran Ryan Archibald.
He has been unavailable thanks to work and study commitments for the last couple of years, but has indicated to Batch his off-field obligations have eased in the coming year.
"He's getting to the older stage of international player and he needs to satisfy us from a physical point of view," Batch said of the 34-year-old. "But he's a pretty determined guy and he's well planned, so we've thrown him in the mix and we'll see what happens."
The women have a six-test series against the United States next month, and the 20-strong squad, co- captained by experienced Anita Punt and Sam Charlton, contains a good sprinkling of up-and-comers.
Three tests against Australia follow, plus the Champions Trophy in Argentina in December, the eight-nation international tournament in Hawkes Bay early next year, all work towards securing Olympic qualification in Belgium next year.
The men have four tests against Japan in the Wellington region next month, another home series in December, the regular Azlan Shan tournament in Malaysia in March, leading to the World League 3 event in Argentina in June, which is also an Olympic qualifier.
The New Zealand Herald
Golden dreams become reality
FROM S.THYAGARAJAN
INCHEON: On a cold, windy night after spells of copious rains, a golden dream became a reality. Hold your breath. India won the Gold Medal against Pakistan in a pulsating shoot out 4-2 after a 1-1 draw at the end of the regulation time for a 5-3 aggregate as the Seonhak Hockey Stadium erupted with joy, the Indian pennant flying high.
This was the moment the Indian hockey was waiting after for 16 years from the Bangkok Asian Games in 1998. If there was a man of the final prize it should have been handed over to Shreejesh for the brilliant saves he made in the shoot out.
Eventful in every sense of the epithet, it was a rousing final that kept the spectators at the edge of their seats. If India looked somber in the first quarter almost bordering on a sluggish conceding an early goal to Rizwan (sr), in the rest of the quarters it was India that held the whiphand. There was a noticeable shift in the approach as the mid-field, which pumped in a lot of power and pressure. Gurbaj was the pick even overshadowing the irrepressible Sardar Singh with Kotohajit giving adequate support.
For all the dominance at the rival half, the forwards were unable thread a combined move to threaten the rival defence. Quite a few chances were frittered away. First it was Ramandeep who hit straight into the goalkeeper’s pads and then Sunil shot over. India continued to exert pressure disturbing the composure and confidence of the Pakistani defenders with a series of long range passes. A penalty corner by Rupinderpal Singh was brilliantly save by Imran Butt, but the equalizer looked imminent any second. And it did when long-range drive by Gurbaj Singh culminated in Kothajit producing a stunning deflection into the board.
It was nerve wracking in the next two quarters despite India maintaining a firm grip over the contest. Repeated attacks featuring Manpreet, Dharambir and Sunil in upfront were conspicuous but the goal eluded India.
Eventually, the tie ended 1-1 at the regulation heightening the excitement all round. But goalkeeper, Sreejesh, proved his class in this effecting two brilliant saves, while for India Akashdeep Singh, Rupinderpal, Birendra Lakra and Dharambir did their work with professional proficiency.
Memories of a similar victory flashes across the mind from Bangkok in 1998 when Ashish Ballal played the hero’s role. And today it was Sreejesh.
The results:
5-6: China 1(Zhang Zhixuan) drew Japan 1 (Kei Kawakami): Shoot out: China 4. Japan 3:
China 3 (Sun Long, Lei Ming, Sun Tianjun); Japan 3 (Ono Tomonori, Kenta Tanaka, Toshiro Tachibana):
Sudden death: China1 (Du Chen)- Japan 0.
3-4: Korea 3 (Jang Jonghyun 2, Kim Youngjin) beat Malaysia 2 (Muhammad Razie);
FINAL: INDIA 1 (Kothajit Singh) drew Pakistan 1 ( Rizwan Sr) Shoot out: 4 (Akashdeep Singh, Rupinderpal Singh, Birendra Lakra, Dharambir Singh) beat Pakistan 2 ( Waqas Muhammad, Shafquat Rasool).
POSITIONS: 1.India 2.Pakistan 3.South Korea, 4.Malaysia, 5. China 6. Japan 7.Oman, 8.Bangladesh, 9.Singapore, 10. Sri Lanka
The Hindu
Goalie Sreejesh had done his homework against Pakistan
Rohit Mahajan
Incheon - Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, the hero of the win over Pakistan, says that he was confident and prepared to stop the penalty shots. He’d studied the pattern of Pakistani penalty shootouts, he said, and had an idea about which the Pakistanis would shoot. “I’d watched the shootout that decided the Pakistan-Malaysia semifinal, and we had examined how the Pakistani players shot then,” Sreejesh told The Tribune.
Sreejesh said that when facing a man about to shoot the ball towards the goal, the idea is to give him no space at all to beat him, and to watch very carefully and not commit.
“We close the angles so that the opponent is cramped, but more than that, we need to make sure that we don’t commit,” he said. He said anticipation is important when confronting the shooter, but its fatal to commit yourself. “If we commit early, it increases the possibility of getting beaten quickly. So we’ve got to wait, then move with the ball, always make sure that we’re blocking the goal, and then try to make the save.”
Sreejesh was surrounded by Indian fans for a very long time right on the pitch; they wanted to hug him, shake his hand, hand him their babies and get photographed with him. This adulation is something he’s not seen too much in the recent years, but he remembered how he’d helped India beat Pakistan through a penalty shootout in the Asian Champions Trophy in China three years ago. “I’d made two saves as we won 4-2 through the shootout then,” he said.
“When the shots were to be taken, the only thought in my head was to win the gold medal. I was confident, and I felt no pressure because I had prepared myself for this kind of a situation,” he added.
The Tribune
It's the beginning of a new era for hockey says PR Sreejesh
On a high after playing a crucial role in India's gold-winning performance at the Asian Games, hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh said he had to keep his emotions under check during the tense final against Pakistan on Thursday.
"When I entered the ground, the only thought that came to my mind was that we have to win this and we can win this. I had the intuition that it will be our day and we will create history," Sreejesh told PTI Bhasha.
Sreejesh, who excelled in the penalty shootout which India won 4-2, was glad he managed to handle the pressure. "There was pressure as it was a match against Pakistan but I treated it like any other normal match. We did not let the emotions get the better of us. We played with passion. That was our key to success," he said.
For the record, India had gone down 1-2 to their arch-rivals in the group stage. "The loss against Pakistan in the pool phase was an eye-opener. After that, we worked harder and were more focused. That's what helped us beat a strong team like South Korea in the semis," he said.
Thursday's win helped India gain a direct entry into the 2016 Rio Olympics. That apart, it erased the memories of the humiliating 1-7 loss to Pakistan at the 1982 Asiad in New Delhi. "Of course, people like to remember good things, good memories. I am sure that they will now remember this win and forget past losses. It is the beginning of a new era," he said.
Sreejesh admitted the expectations will be higher now. "We know people will expect us to win more (tournaments). They want us to do well at the Rio Olympics and we are ready to deliver. We have defeated Pakistan, won the Asiad gold and qualified for Olympics so this is a 3-in-1 victory for us. We have enough time to prepare for the Olympics and won't let our countrymen down," he said.
DNA
I did not let emotions dominate me against Pakistan: Sreejesh
NEW DELHI: Still revelling in India's triumph against Pakistan in the Asian Games hockey final, "The Wall of Indian Hockey" goalkeeper PR Sreejesh said that he had entered the field with an intuition to win but keeping his emotions under check was the key to a great performance.
"When I entered the ground the only thought came in my mind was that we have to win this and we can win this. I had the intuition that it will be our day and we will create history," Sreejesh said.
A spirited India edged past defending champions Pakistan 4-2 in a nerve-wracking shoot-out to regain the Asiad men's hockey gold after a gap of 16 years and also sealed a direct entry into the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Hero of the match Sreejesh, who excelled in regulation time and shoot out as well, said that handling pressure is always key.
"There was pressure as it was a match against Pakistan but I took it as any other normal match. Everyone including me did not let emotions dominate us and we played with passion. That was our key to success," he said.
It was not an easy task to cope up with additional pressure while playing the final against a side which had also beaten them in the league phase, but Sreejesh opined that the first loss was an eye opener.
"The loss against Pakistan in pool phase was an eye opener. After that we worked harder and were more focused that resulted in semifinal win against strong team like Korea," he said.
Asked about the heart-breaking 1-7 Asiad final loss against Pakistan in 1982, Sreejesh said that the present win will wipe out all the bad memories.
"Ofcourse, people like to remember good things, good memories. I am sure that they will now remember this win and forget past losses. It is the beginning of a new era," he said.
Sreejesh also admitted that the expectations will be higher now and said that the team is ready to deliver.
"We know that people will expect us to win more. They want us to do well in Rio Olympic and we are ready to deliver. We have defeated Pakistan, won Asiad gold and qualified for Olympics so this is a 3-in-1 victory for us. We have enough time to prepare for Olympic and won't let our countrymen down," he said.
When asked about how they celebrated the win, he said that actual celebration will happen in India.
"We went out for dinner yesterday but actual celebration will happen in India . May be in our next camp," he said.
The Times of India
My Blood Boils When I Play Against Pakistan, Says India Hockey Hero PR Sreejesh
India goalkeeper and vice-captain PR Sreejesh dedicated the historic men's hockey gold medal in the 2014 edition of the Asian Games to his three-month old daughter. India beat Pakistan 4-2 in a shootout.
by Ashish Maggo
Sreejesh was the hero of the Indian team. © NDTV
After two-time champions India beat arch-rivals and defending champions Pakistan to win the 2014 Asian Games men's hockey gold medal on Thursday, Indian coach Terry Walsh said the players were ecstatic and lauded his team for a fantastic overall performance in the Games at Incheon, South Korea. The real hero, of course, was goalkeeper PR Sreejesh who made two gallant saves in the all-important shootout.
The win, however, didn't come easy as the game was forced into a penalty shootout after both India and Pakistan were tied 1-1 at the end of four fast-paced 15-minutes each quarters.
"We were fairly well prepared and the team knew what to do," said Walsh when asked if players felt nerves during the crucial shootout which India won 4-2.
Walsh was also happy that the Indian players handled the pressure situation really well to emerge victorious. "We went through the process pretty easily and I am really pleased with that part of the game. The Indian team right now is going through a process and it is all really part of being proud of the process," the Indian coach added.
A large part of the win in the shootout was due to India's star goalkeeper and vice-captain Sreejesh and he had no qualms in admitting that beating Pakistan in the final was always special.
"People tell me that I play even better when India take on Pakistan in hockey. It could be true because I get into revenge mode during a Pakistan game and my blood also boils," Sreejesh told NDTV in an interview after the game at the Seonhak Hockey Stadium in Incheon.
The gold was only the third won by India in Asian Games hockey since the game made its debut in 1958 at Tokyo. It was in 1998 that India had won their second men's hockey gold at the Bangkok Games and it was only the second time in seven finals that India had emerged triumphant, the only other time being in 1966, also at Bangkok.
The title triumph in the continental Games also gained India a direct berth into the 2016 Olympic Games, thus taking a big burden off the team's shoulders to make it through the tricky qualifying rounds in which they had faltered in 2008 and failed to make it to Beijing.
Vice-captain Sreejesh dedicated the historic gold medal to his three-month old daughter.
"I wanted to get a gold in the Commonwealth Games too but this time I told my daughter that papa is going to get a gold medal for you, so it's finally here," said a Sreejesh overcome by happy emotions.
NDTV
Tale of two goalies: Ballal hails Sreejesh
Sunil Subbaiah
BANGALORE: Ashish Ballal's outstanding goalkeeping in the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games final against South Korea fetched India their maiden Asiad hockey gold. Sixteen years later, at Incheon, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh's scintillating show in the Asian Games final against Pakistan brought back memories of Ballal's heroics.
"Forwards and midfielders will win you matches but goalkeepers will win you championships," said an elated Ballal who too dazzled in the shootout saving two penalty strokes to help India beat South Korea 5-3 (1-1).
"Full credit to Sreejesh for his tremendous performance. He made brilliant saves in regulation time. His saves in the shootout too were so timely that any slip-up could have seen the final go in Pakistan's favour," said Ballal.
"It's a spectacular victory. It's the need of the hour for Indian hockey which was going through a disastrous phase these last two years. Coming back from a goal down and beating Pakistan in the final is a fantastic achievement," added Ballal.
Ballal said defeating Pakistan in the final made the victory special. "India have defeated Pakistan in the final of the 1966 Bangkok Asian Games but not after that. We've defeated Pakistan in small tournaments but not in a major championship. So the win in Incheon is more special," said Ballal.
Ballal was blamed for India's loss against South Korea in the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games final but four years later he returned as the national hero. "After we lost to South Korea in the 1994 final the coaches crucified me instead of owning up responsibility. As a result I was dropped for the World Cup.
"But I was determined to make a comeback. I had a point to prove, not to the world but to myself: that I had plenty more to offer to hockey. When MK Kaushik was made the coach his condition was that he wanted players who he thought had the potential. He trusted me and that gave me the confidence to do well in Bangkok," said Ballal.
The Times of India
Dungdung lauds gold medal winning hockey team
RANCHI: Olympian Sylvanus Dungdung praised the Indian hockey team for reclaiming the Asian Games gold medal after 16 years before saying that players must improve further to have any chance of success in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
"I am happy that the team got the gold after the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games. But better finishing skills could have helped India finish the match in regulation time," Dungdung, a member of the 1980 Moscow Olympics gold medal winning team, said.
"Our lads got a couple of chances, which should have been ended in goals and prevented the shootout. They have to practice more as this performance will not be enough in the Olympics," Dungdung said on India's 4-2 win over Pakistan in penalty shootout after the rivals were locked at 1-1 in the final yesterday.
India last won their Asian Games hockey gold at 1998 Bangkok under Dhanraj Pillay's captaincy.
The Times of India
We need better system to tap talent: MK Kaushik
Biju Babu Cyriac
INCHEON: A day after Sardar Singh & Co ended the 16-year-old wait for an Asian Games gold, team manager Maharaj Kishan Kaushik, who was the chief coach of the team in 1998, said the common factor between the two teams is "unity and oneness" and said it has to be strengthened to improve Indian hockey.
"I was lucky to be associated with both the teams and I can say that the common factor in the both the sides is the feeling of oneness in the side. That is the binding factor between the players and once there is unity among the players they will play with passion and the results will follow," Kaushik told TOI after the team was hosted by the Indian ambassador for dinner on Friday.
Kaushik said another reason for success is the quality of players in both the sides.
"A majority of players in both the teams were world class. We had the likes of Dhanraj and Ballal in 1998 and the present team has got several stars like Sreejesh, Kothajit Singh and Birendra Lakra in addition to a top class coach," he said.
When reminded of the way Indian hockey failed to build on the gains of Bangkok gold and slipped badly thereafter with the sacking of star players Pillay, Ballal and the coach himself by KPS Gill-led Indian Hockey Federation, Kaushik simply said: "The circumstances were different at that time."
However, Kaushik admitted that the victory shouldn't push to the backburner the problems which need to be addressed.
"There is a lot of work to be done still. We shouldn't have settled for a draw in regulation play during the final. We shouldn't have allowed the early goal that put us under pressure."
Reacting to India coach Terry Walsh's comment that there is no process to tap the talent at various levels in India, Kaushik said: "We have got the players but we have to improve the system so that there is a continuous supply to the national squad," he said.
"The process of spotting talent and taking them forward through the sub-junior and junior levels is not smooth and that has to change. We need to have camps which will focus on the school-level players.
What Kaushik did not elaborate upon was the fact that the coaching system at the grassroots level should be in sync with the senior level too. And that is there the services of top hockey minds like performance director Roelant Oltmans and chief coach Terry Walsh could come in handy. They should have regular clinics with Indian coaches to drill into them the tenets of modern hockey. We can't have different tactical systems in place at different levels.
More work needs to done on the players' basic skills, where India has slipped behind the Europeans over the years. On top of that, Hockey India needs to work on increasing the presence of hockey in different parts of the country. The talent pool is shrinking because the catchment area has not grown.
In fact, efforts should be made to make hockey popular once more in cities like Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore which gave us top players till not very long ago. Going back to the schools is probably the best way forward.
The Times of India
Batra seeks sports minister's support after Asian Games high
NEW DELHI: Hockey India secretary general Narinder Batra on Friday wrote to sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal, requesting more support for the game to build on the success of the Incheon Asian Games.
Batra has approached Sonowal after claiming step "motherly treatment" from the ministry's nodal agency, the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
"This achievement has only been possible due the extensive efforts of the players, coaches and the other support staff. We have outlined a few areas where we request your intervention and wisdom so that Indian hockey can capitalise on this recent success," Batra wrote in his letter a day after India beat Pakistan to win the men's hockey gold at the Asian Games after 16 years.
The women's team won the bronze in Incheon. Batra has been a fierce critic of SAI of late, so much so that before the Asian Games he blamed SAI for not providing adequate funding.
SAI, on the other hand, had said that it released Rs. 11.27 crores to Hockey India, an amount more than the sport's annual allocated budget of Rs.10.50 crore.
In his letter, Batra also requested Sonowal to ensure that contracts of men's chief coach Terry Walsh, women's coach Neil Hawgood and high performance director Roelant Oltmans, are extended till the 2016 Rio Olympics. Batra asked for similar extension for men's team scientific advisor Matt Eyles while seeking a sanction for the replacement of scientific advisor for the women's team.
He also suggested the minister that the artificial turfs in Bangalore, Patiala and Bhopal be changed at the earliest.
The Times of India
Indian women's hockey team returns home with Asiad bronze
NEW DELHI: The Indian women's hockey team arrived on Friday to a grand welcome after bagging the bronze medal at the Asian Games in Incheon.
India beat Japan to finish third in the quadrennial event.
Speaking on the performance, captain Ritu Rani said: "The entire team is ecstatic by this win. When we lost our semifinal match, we were adamant to take the bronze. I am happy that we played with elan and won the match. We will aim to continue this form and better ourselves in our performances in the future."
Congratulating the team, Hockey India secretary general Narinder Batra said, "It's a proud moment for the country that our team has won the bronze medal. Each player of the team contributed towards this glory and I am proud of this team and wish them continued success in the future."
The Times of India
Defeat in the final comes with a silver lining
By Nabil Tahir
Silver it may be, but after having defeated Malaysia and India in their run to the final, the tournament signalled Pakistan’s return to the sport’s elite. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI: “It is time to make a comeback in the world of hockey and give our nation a gift,” were the words of Pakistan goalkeeper Imran Butt before the Asian Games men’s hockey final.
On Thursday afternoon, after India and Pakistan, two bitter and unyielding rivals, were tied 1-1 at the end of normal time, the 26-year-old goalie knew that it was time to deliver on his promise.
Just two days before, Pakistan had emerged triumphant from a similar situation against Malaysia in the semi-finals and the title defence was a very achievable reality.
As per the new rules, a player now has to dribble into the ‘D’ from the 23-yard line and find a way past the goalkeeper. However, at the Seonhak Hockey Stadium, during those crucial seconds in the shoot-out, it was India’s goalkeeper Sreejesh Parattu Raveendran who came up trumps, and in those all-important few moments, he stood as tall as a giant in front of his goal. Inaccuracy, pressure and a lack of confidence and composure ultimately led to Pakistan’s downfall as they slumped to a 4-2 defeat on penalties.
Sreejesh charged at the Pakistan penalty-takers to narrow down the angles, using his stick to sweep the ball away and even putting his body on the line when needed. He was down one moment to prevent the shots, up the next to stop the flicks. The nation waited for Butt’s promised gift, but it never arrived.
In the previous five matches, Pakistan had remained unbeaten, thanks largely to a newfound sense of belief instilled by new coach Shehnaz Sheikh. The coach egged the team on from the sidelines; supporting, giving tips, telling them the weaknesses of their opponents and motivating them when it mattered most.
It was not only the wins that impressed, but also the manner in which they were won. The goals flew in throughout the tournament. Ten players out of the 16-man squad scored. In total, Pakistan netted 27 times in the tournament, second only to South Korea, who scored 28. The captain, Muhammad Imran, led from the front with six, and Umar Bhutta’s five made him the leading field-goal taker.
After a series of continuous disappointments and let-downs, the hockey team’s performances were finally good enough to warrant a successful defence of the Asian Games gold, and that feeling grew with every passing game. In the end, it was not to be, but the doom and gloom surrounding Pakistan hockey may now finally end.
A feeling of bitter disappointment will undoubtedly prevail – especially considering the rivalry with India – but, put in perspective after all the uncertainty and lack of preparation, the run to the finals is commendable on its own.
Much of the credit should go to Sheikh, who worked tirelessly on the players for six months, concentrating on each individual’s abilities and trying to bring out their best.
The six-month training did wonders, bearing better fruit than participation in international matches did for other teams. Pakistan may have missed out on the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games, which meant that they had not played a competitive international match for 11 months, but in the end, Sheikh’s efforts were vindicated.
Silver it may be, but after having defeated Malaysia and India in their run to the final, the tournament signalled Pakistan’s return to the sport’s elite. Had lady luck been smiling on them, the Greenshirts might just have defended their title against all odds.
For better or for worse, this will go down in Pakistan hockey history as one of its most unforgettable achievements. They are back where they belong; now they can prove they are here to stay by booking a place in the Olympics.
The Express Tribune
Indian captain for resumption of hockey ties with Pakistan
INCHEON: India’s winning captain Sardar Singh has called for resumption of Pakistan and India hockey ties for the promotion and development of the game in the sub-continent.
“We haven’t played much hockey since 2006 and should play each other on a regular basis as it is enjoyed by people on both sides of the border,” Sardar told reporters on Thursday at a news conference after India beat Pakistan on penalty shootout to regain the title after 16 years at Seonhak Hockey Stadium.
He said he had always enjoyed playing against Pakistan as it brought the best out of both teams. “Like always, it a was a thrilling finale in Asian Games against Pakistan. We learnt from our defeat in the league game and regrouped to win the gold,” said Sardar.
He said hockey is very popular in both the countries and more Indo-Pak matches could help in uplift and development of sport in the region.
Responding to a question regarding any Pakistani player impressing him during the event, he said Shakeel Abbasi and Haseem Khan are fine players.
“Shakeel was staging a comeback after some time but he still played superbly,” he said.
Dawn
Coach Shahnaz praises goalie Imran for superb show
INCHEON: Chief coach Shahnaz Sheikh on Friday said while he has been deeply disappointed with the loss to India in the Asian Games final, the national team has discovered a good number of young players who will serve the nation for many more years to come.
“My team gave an outstanding performance and reached the final which is a big achievement in itself,” said Shahnaz while speaking to APP as the team prepared to leave for home on Saturday.
Without any shadow of doubt, he said, goalkeeper Imran Butt was the most outstanding player for Pakistan and deserved to be named as the player of the Asian Games hockey.
“Imran was superb. He defended stoutly and kept the opposition at bay,” said Shahnaz.
“The way our team performed in the Asian Games makes it evident that our hockey has a bright future. But efforts are required from all quarters to support the game in its development and also financially.”
The former Olympian said that Pakistan put up an all-round show in attack, defence and the midfielders also excelled which was a good sign.
“Besides good show from the seniors, Pakistan also got some youngsters from the Asiad who will carry forward Pakistan hockey,” said Shahnaz.
He proudly stated that he took charge of the team just 100 days ago and it played superbly to make the final.
“We won all the matches in the Asian Games except for the final and that too in the shootout,” he said.
“We saw classical Asian style hockey with short passes. It was a tough and close game which the Indians won. There was hardly any difference between the two teams. We missed a few sitters while Indians proved better in the shootout session.”
Shahnaz also complimented the Indian team for their fine game and splendid victory. “They played very well and gave us a tough time in the final,” said Shahnaz. “But if we can win a major title in near future, our hockey will be back on the track and will attract sponsorship.”
In the end, the coach lauded the services of his support staff that includes Olympian Nasir Ali, Sameer Hussain, Shafqat Malik, Abuzar and others.
Dawn
Trials to select final lineup for Sultan of Johor Hockey
ISLAMABAD - The trials to select final lineup for the Fourth Sultan of Johor Bahru Junior Hockey Tournament will take place today (Saturday) here at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex.
The six-nation event is scheduled to be held at Johor Bahru, Malaysia from October 12 to 19. The national selection committee comprising Islahuddin Siddiqui (chairman), Arshad Ali Chaudhry, Ayaz Mahmood, Khalid Bashir and Musaddiq Hussain (members), will observe performance of the probables and select the players for the international competition.
National junior hockey team head coach Manzoor-ul-Hasan told the reporters that focus on junior players would help prepare a strong senior outfit in the near future. There is a need to give maximum exposure to our young players at the international level," he added.
He said that junior players were working hard in the national training camp. “I'm hopeful our boys will perform well in the Johor Bahru International U-21 Men's Hockey Tournament,” he said.
Besides Pakistan, hosts Malaysia, Australia, England, New Zealand and India will feature in the event.
As many as 46 players are undergoing tough training at the camp. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is providing all international standard facilities during the camp.
The Nation
Hockey players want coach Arul to stay on
Interim hockey coach A. Arulselvaraj (right) giving his players a pep talk during a match at the Incheon Asian Games recently. - IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/ The STAR
INCHEON: The national hockey players have unanimously called for interim coach A. Arulselvaraj to be retained for the Olympic qualifiers next year.
Skipper Azlan Misron said all 16 players in the Asiad team were happy with the work done by Arulselvaraj despite his short tenure with the team.
Arulselvaraj was named interim coach in August after the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) removed coach K. Dharmaraj following Malaysia’s disastrous outing in the World Cup in June and the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in August.
The MHC said Arulselvaraj’s appointment was temporary and they would appoint a foreign coach after the Asiad to take charge for the World Hockey League second round and the Olympic qualifiers in Singapore in January.
“There has been a transformation within the team and this is due to the new coach. And we are familiar with him as he was the assistant coach when South African Paul Revington was in charge,” said Azlan.
“I believe Arulselvaraj will be able to do the job. I think time is running out as the Olympic qualifiers is in January. There is a need to get the coach in as quickly as possible so that a programme can be put in place soonest.”
At the Asian Games, Arulselvaraj led Malaysia to wins over Singapore (8-2), Bangladesh (5-2) and Japan (4-1) in Group A. Their only defeat was the 2-1 loss to South Korea.
In the semi-finals, Malaysia were unlucky to lose 6-5 to Pakistan in a shootout after both team played to a 0-0 draw in regulation time.
In the bronze medal playoff, they went down 2-3 to South Korea.
“The players are now more united and are playing well as a unit. Why make a change when the problem has been fixed? Of course, it is up to the MHC to do the necessary changes they deem fit,” added Azlan.
“We are determined to take Malaysia back into the Olympics and the qualifiers should be given top priority,’ he said.
When asked whether some of the older players, including him, would retire after the Games, Azlan said: “No-one is talking of retirement. We wanted to win the gold here so that we can book our place in the 2016 Rio Olympics. We didn’t achieve that, so the task is not completed yet.”
The Asiad was also a qualifier for the Olympics. India beat Pakistan to win the gold and the sole automatic berth.
The Star of Malaysia
Coach Arul going back to the ‘Projects’
INCHEON: Interim national coach A. Arulselvaraj will go back to his duties as the national junior (Project 2016) coach as soon as the Asiad team return home on Saturday.
Arulselvaraj will take the juniors to Johor Baru next week for the Sultan of Johor Cup. It is his first major assignment since being given the task as coach of the Project 2016 team.
Arulselvaraj was asked to handle the senior team 35 days ago when problems cropped up after two dismal outings at the World Cup and Commonwealth Games.
And he managed to steady the ship and lead Malaysia to a fourth placing behind champions Pakistan, India and South Korea.
What was heartening was the fighting display put up by the team.
“My assignment with the senior team is over. It is up to the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) to decide what comes next for the team.
“If they want me to continue to handle both sides, I will continue. I don’t see it as a big problem,” said Arulselvaraj.
Arulselvaraj said he was glad the changes he made in the senior team had been fruitful.
“It’s not just the changes in our playing style, but also the way we trained. I believe the senior players want to be treated as adults, so I gave them the chance to express themselves. They also took part in the discussions. I think the players are in favour of this kind of style.
“I don’t want to go into the problems faced by the team prior to my appointment. I have my style and the others have theirs.
“We need to look forward instead of the past. I have worked with these players since October 2012 (as assistant coach to then national coach Paul Revington) and have a good understanding with them.
“That is why I was able to work with them easily,” he added.
The Star of Malaysia
Injured Aminuddin and Azrul ruled out of Johor hockey meet
by Aftar Singh
KUALA LUMPUR: The Project 2016 squad will not have the services of main penalty corner drag flicker Mohd Aminuddin Mohd Zain for the Sultan of Johor Cup, which begins on Oct 12 at Taman Daya Stadium.
The 19-year-old Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI)-Thunderbolt defender, who was the top scorer in the Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL) this year with 18 goals, suffered an ankle injury during training.
Another project player, midfielder Nor Azrul Abdul Rahman, is also out after fracturing his left foot in training last week.
The Kelantan-born Aminuddin said he was sad to miss the tournament for the second time.
“Last year I failed to win a place and now I’m injured. Looks like I have to wait until next year.
“My ankle injury, which I had about two weeks, is taking too long to recover. However, I hope to be fit in time for the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) from on Oct 29,” said Aminuddin, who will feature for Tenaga Nasional.
Nor Azrul said he suffered his foot injury last week after being hit by a ball.
“I will go for an X-ray next week (Oct 10) to see if there is any progress,” said the Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) player.
In the absence of Aminuddin, national forward Mohd Shahril Saabah, who featured in the Asian Games, will now be the main penalty corner flicker.
The 20-year-old Shahril also played in the Junior World Cup in New Delhi last December where he scored three goals.
There are 27 players in the training squad and the final 18 will be named next week.
The other teams in the fray are defending champions India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand and Britain.
Malaysia will play two friendly matches against Britain next week in preparation for the tournament.
The Star of Malaysia
Kampong's 'Big Man' seeking EHL elevation
“The Big Man” David Harte is looking for his Kampong to make amends after a bittersweet debut season in the Euro Hockey League last time around.
The Utrecht club are ones to watch this year after a blistering start to the Dutch Hoofdklasse, leading the way by five points with wins over Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Bloemendaal already to their name.
They complete their pre-EHL programme on Sunday against Oranje-Zwart in another ‘topper’ before heading to Barcelona to start their journey in the top club competition in the world.
Last year, Kampong reached the KO16 with a record win over Stroitel Brest and saw off Rot-Weiss Köln 4-2 but came unstuck at the talons of the Dragons in a penalty shoot-out.
Harte, the towering goalkeeper from Ireland, first came to EHL attention with Pembroke before moving to the Netherlands with SCHC and subsequently Kampong as they made their push for the top table.
Looking back on last season, he admits to having mixed emotions.
“My EHL experience last year was bittersweet. Starting in round 1 in Lille, creating a new goals record in our opening game and beating the German side RW Koln was great but losing on shootouts in the KO16 to Dragons and under-performing wasn't what we had in mind. We hope to go much further this year!”
Their group is probably the most high profile with a potentially huge game against East Grinstead in the offing.
“As in every year of the EHL, there is no such thing as an easy draw so I would expect two tough matches.
“EG have a very talented side and it should make for a great game between us but, at this stage, we are ready to take on any team that comes our way!
“Ashley Jackson is, of course, a world class player with a good dragflick but hopefully with our talented squad we can keep him quiet on the day and not give him the space and time to perform.
“As for Dinamo Stroitel, we really don't have too much information on what they have to offer but an advantage for us is that we get to see them play on the Friday against EG and we can prepare from there. Like we approach every opposition, we will never underestimate any team!”
With five wins under their belt already, Kampong have been the standout side in the Dutch league so far this season with Constantijn Jonker putting in an outstanding set of performances. With Robbert Kemperman and Sander de Wijn pulling the strings, they look a formidable proposition.
But Harte is cautious about where his side is at currently as they look to land silverware this season following a couple of near misses.
“I'm not sure there is one key element behind the good start that we have had. We have trained hard in the preseason and in these first matches of the league we have shown great team work and work rate so hopefully it will show again in the EHL and the rest of the season.
“We obviously have goals as a team and right now our focus has been on the start of the Hoofdklasse given the quality of opposition faced with the EHL in the back of our minds as well of course.
“It remains to be seen if we have improved as a squad from last year losing some key experienced players but gaining bright young talents which combines well in creating fast free flowing counter attack hockey that we like to play.”
Euro Hockey League media release
Akpokavi: IHF is a must for Ghana
President of the Ghana Hockey Federation, Richard Akpokavi has admitted that the Implementation of the International Hockey Federation developmental project in Ghana is a must and will help develop and promote the game of hockey.
The IHF is embarking on a three-day support and development programme dubbed Hockey Tap West Africa, which is aimed at helping the growth of the game amongst Women at a cost of thirty thousand pounds (£30,000.00).
The program, which is being sponsored by the International Hockey Federation, is expected to start soon with Ghana becoming one of the latest beneficiaries from West Africa to enjoy the program.
Richard Akpokavi says they are excited about the prospects the initiative will offer his Federation.
“We are very elated that the International body has chosen Ghana as the next beneficiary and we must admit that this will help the development and the promotion of the sport in the country.
“The Federation has been talking about this for years and we must admit that we are very pleased to have this.”
“This will help all of us locally and internationally if we are able to produce the players that we want in the shortest possible time, it will help us to achieve our target.”
GhanaWeb
Halliday & Bleby conquer Three Peaks
Andy Halliday and Jon Bleby negotiate steps on Day One of the NOW Pensions Mountain Dribble - credit Ady Kerry
From Tuesday 30th September – Thursday 2nd October, Andy Halliday and Jon Bleby – Team Manager and Assistant Coach of the GB Men’s Hockey Team - took on a monumental challenge: The NOW: Pensions Mountain Dribble.
The two members of the GB Men’s hockey coaching staff not only took on the infamous Three Peaks Challenge, but they consistently dribbled a hockey ball for a total time of seventeen hours and twenty five minutes, well within their twenty four hours of dribbling target and something no one has ever attempted before.
Three Peaks Challenge, timings:
Ben Nevis - 8 hours, 6 minutes
Scafell Pike - 5 hours, 30 minutes
Mount Snowdon - 3 hours, 49 minutes.
Total dribbling time – 17hrs, 25 minutes.
Giving themselves three days, fifteen balls and a lot of physical and emotional strength, Andy and Jon successfully completed the challenge. Dribbling up and down Ben Nevis in eight hours and six minutes, Scafell Pike in five hours and thirty minutes and Mount Snowdon in three hours and forty-nine minutes they completed the challenge well under their twenty four hour target.
In total the pair covered twenty six miles (roughly the same distance GB Captain Barry Middleton covered during the Commonwealth Games), hit the ball on average 72,000 times and ascended and descended over 11,000 feet without picking the ball up once.
Andy Halliday said: “I am physically and mentally exhausted. There have been moments where I doubted whether this would be possible. However, with a fantastic support team behind us and a positive mental approach, we were able to stretch every sinew to overcome the many challenges.
I am so pleased that we were able to raise funds for WellChild and Access Sport and increase the profile of both charities.
My current feelings echo the words of the great Sir Steve Redgrave. If anybody sees me with a hockey stick and ball going near a mountain, you have permission to shoot me!”
Jon Bleby said: “A tremendously enjoyable, but painful experience, with so many different challenges and problems. Ultimately, it is all about the fundraising, it has been inspiring to be able to help both WellChild and Access Sport”
With the support of NOW: Pensions, proud sponsor of GB Men’s Hockey, Andy and Jon have been able to raise money for two very deserving charities: WellChild, the Official Charity Partner of England Hockey and Access Sport.
Colin Dyer, Chief Executive of WellChild said: “We are delighted that Andy Halliday and Jon Bleby decided to take part in their exciting and slightly crazy, Three Peaks hockey challenge to raise money for WellChild. Not only will the funds they raise for us help our work for seriously ill children and their families across the UK but the tremendous publicity and support their challenge has generated will help spread the message of WellChild’s work across the country.”
Mark Hardie, Chief Executive of Access Sport said: “We are very grateful to have the support from the NOW: Pensions Mountain Dribble Team, who have taken on this tough challenge to raise funds for Access Sport. These funds will help more young people have access to sport and all the benefits that sport provides in some of the UK’s most disadvantaged areas.”
Commenting on the challenge, NOW: Pensions CEO Morten Nilsson said: “This challenge was, in every way, an uphill struggle for the guys and it’s been fascinating following them on their incredible journey over the past three days. Despite facing unkind weather conditions, Andy and Jon still managed to complete the challenge with big smiles on their faces. This is an amazing achievement and I wish them both a very well-deserved rest this weekend”.
To sponsor Andy and Jon please visit their Virgin Money Giving page here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/NOWPensionsMountainDribble
England Hockey Board Media release