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News 05 October 2014

All the news for Sunday 5 October 2014


‘Calypso Stickwomen’ advance to 2nd round

Alanna Lewis and Oire Trotman scored first-half goals as T&T’s senior women’s hockey team blanked Barbados 2-0 for a fourth straight win in as many matches and top spot in the Women’s Second International Hockey Federation (FIH) World League First Round qualifying tournament in Kingston, Jamaica, yesterday. Going into their final round-robin contest, the Patricia Wright-Alexis-captain “Calypso Stickwomen” only needed a draw to cement first place after victories over Puerto Rico (5-1), Dominican Republic (3-1) and host Jamaica (2-0) in their previous matches at the Mona Campus venue.

And Lewis got T&T off to a perfect start when she netted from a penalty-corner set play in the 24th minute, with her third goals of the tournament, the same as Blair Wynne, while Trotman added the insurance item in the 28th, with her second in four matches. The win carried the Anthony Marcano-coached T&T women to maximum 12 points, nine more than Dominican Republic which faces winless Puerto Rico in its final match today from 9am. T&T will now advance to the second round of qualifiers in Montevideo, Uruguay from February 28-March 8, next year.

It will the second straight time that the local women have qualified for the second round of qualifiers after doing so on home soil in 2012 as third placed finishers behind Canada and Uruguay.

This after the “Calypso Stickwomen” hammered Barbados (7-0), Guyana (5-0) and Venezuela (5-1) for a 3-2 record following losses to Canada (0-4) and runner-up Uruguay, 0-2. In round two, held 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. Last night, Jamaica, which was without a point after two matches faced Puerto Rico in their penultimate fixtures while today, the Barbadians, also with three points meet Jamaica from 5.30 pm.

...Hockeymen whip Bajans 3-1

Three different players were on target as T&T “Calypso Stickmen” whipped Barbados 3-1 for their first outright win at the men’s Second International Hockey Federation (FIH) World League First Round qualifying tournament in Kingston, Jamaica, yesterday. Coming off a 2-0 penalty-stroke shoot-out win over Dominican Republic after a 2-2 regulation-time draw, captain Darren Cowie and his teammates were eager for all three points and led 1-0 at the half, thanks to Shaquille Daniel’s 18th minute goal. Akim Toussaint doubled T&T’s lead in the 46th minute and two minutes later Kiel Murray converted a penalty-stroke for a 3-0 advantage before Che Warner got a 65th minute consolation for the Bajans, now with a 0-2 record.

With the win, T&T pushed its points tally five points, two ahead of Jamaica which faces Dominican Republic last night ahead of their virtual pool decider with T&T today from 8 pm. Also today, Dominican Republic plays Barbados at 11.30 am. The tournament winners will secure the lone spot available to the Second Round in Chula Vista, California, next year (February 28-March 8).

The Trinidad Guardian



T&T hockey women look to seal top spot

T&T’s senior women’s hockey team will need only a point against Barbados from 9 am (TT time) today to seal a top spot at the Second International Hockey Federation (FIH) World League First Round qualifying tournament in Kingston, Jamaica. This after the Patricia Wright-Alexis-captain women’s team made it three wins from as many matches with a 2-0 blanking of host Jamaica on Thursday night at the Mona Campus. Getting the goals for the Anthony Marcano-coached “Calypso Stickwomen” were Tamia Roach in the 25th minute and Alexis-Wright, in the 48th, both from penalty-corner set plays.

With the win, T&T which also defeated Puerto Rico (5-1) and Dominican Republic (3-1) in their first two matches improved to maximum nine points, three ahead of Dominican Republic which also won 2-0 over Barbados in Thursday’s penultimate match with Cecilia Ofla (52nd) and Augustina Birocho (57th), the scorers. However, once T&T gets a point in its final match it will carry its tally to an unassailable ten while a defeat will leave the door open for Dominican Republic or Barbados to steal the top spot which will see the top team advance to round two in Montevideo, Uruguay, from February 28-March 8, next year. In today’s second women’s match Jamaica and Puerto Rico, both without a point, meet from 5.30pm while tomorrow, Puerto Rico faces Dominican Republic at 9am and Barbados plays Jamaica from 5.30 pm.

The “Calypso Stickmen” will be keen on a much improved showing when they face Barbados from 11.30 am today in their second match of the Second International Hockey Federation (FIH) World League First Round qualifying tournament at the Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica. This after the T&T men, reigning Caribbean champions needed penalty-strokes shoout-out to get past stubborn Dominican Republic 2-0 after a 2-2 draw in their opener. With the win, T&T picked up two points and Dominican Republic one, to trail table-leader Jamaica which surprised Barbados 2-1 on Wednesday. Today, Dominican Republic will meet Jamaica from 8 pm in the second match, while tomorrow the pool will conclude with Dominican Republic against Barbados at 11.30 am before T&T comes up against the host at 8 pm. The tournament winners will secure the lone spot available to the Second Round in Chula Vista, California, next year.

CURRENT STANDINGS
Women
Teams P W D L PSW PSL F A Pts
T&T 3 3 0 0 0 0 10 2 9
Dom Rep 3 2 0 1 0 0 6 3 3
Barbados 2 1 0 1 0 0 4 3 3
Jamaica 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 5 0
Puerto Rico 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 9 0

Men
Teams P W D L PSW PSL F A Pts
Jamaica 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 3
T&T 1 1 0 0 1 0 2 2 2
Dom Rep 1 0 0 1 0 1 2 2 1
Barbados 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0

PSW: penalty-stroke shoot-out win
PSL: penalty-stroke shoot-out loss

The Trinidad Guardian



40 goals on AHL day one

AHL powered by Premier Technology Solution off to lightning start


Image: Adelaide Sports Photography

Queenslander Hockeyroo Jodie Kenny continued her excellent form with a hat-trick in the QLD Scorchers’ 4-2 win over ACT’s Canberra Labor Club Strikers on the opening day of the women’s Australian Hockey League (AHL) powered by Premier Technology Solutions.

But it’s the Victorian Vipers that sit atop Pool A in Brisbane after a 5-0 win over the NT Pearls, including a double from Georgia Nanscawen and strikes by Laura Barden, Stacia Jospeh and Samantha Snow. It was a strong showing from the Vipers who missed out on the semi-finals last year and fielded six debutants, although the Pearls’ preparation was far from ideal as they welcomed 14 import players.

Women’s Pool B already looks to be a little tighter with the NSW Arrows overcoming 2013 runners-up, WA Diamonds, courtesy of goals from Hollie Webster and Georgina Morgan, and South Australia and Tasmania sharing the spoils of a 1-1 draw. Ashleigh Roberson gave the hosts, the Southern Suns, an early lead but Tassie van Demon Sarah McCambridge levelled early in the fourth quarter.

In Adelaide, the men’s AHL featured 25 goals on a thrilling opening day that saw defending champs QLD Blades edge a hotly contested 4-3 win over RAMS Home Loan Canberra Lakers in Pool A before, in Pool B, Victorian Vikings ran out 6-2 winners over NSW Waratahs. Lakers’ Aaron Kershaw was top scorer in last year’s tournament but his goal to put ACT 3-2 up was cancelled out and then overhauled as the Blades powered to victory in the final quarter. Dylan Wotherspoon levelled for 3-3 before Justin Douglas netted the winner with five minutes remaining.

Victoria’s Kookaburras defender Chris Ciriello bagged a brace of penalty corners in their 6-2 victory as he continues to demonstrate the form that earned him hat-tricks in both the World Cup and Commonwealth Games finals. New South Wales’ goals both came from the stick of young Blake Govers, who has spent much of 2014 working with specialist penalty corner coaches.

In Pool A, the Tassie Tigers produced a remarkable comeback against hosts SA’s Southern Hotshots. Three goals down at half time – including a Fraser Bowden double for SA - Tasmania rallied. Paul Archer pulled one back before Dougal Middleton and Sam McCambridge each scored in the final five minutes; McCambridge’s volley home on the line was the last touch of the match as he rescued a 3-3 draw.

Western Australia’s Thundersticks sit second on goal difference to Victoria in Pool B after a 3-1 win over the SRA Territory Stingers. Aran Zalewski’s goal separated the sides at the break before Chris Bausor and Craig Boyne put WA three up. NT’s young World Cup winner Jeremy Hayward struck a late penalty corner consolation.

Women's Australian Hockey League powered by Premier Technology Solutions
Brisbane, QLD

For more detailed results, tables, goal scorers, cards and more visit the women's AHL page at hockey.org.au/ahlwomen.

Results - Saturday 4 October
Queensland Scorchers (QLD) 4-2 Canberra Labor Club Strikers (ACT)
WA Diamonds (WA) 0-2 NSW Arrows (NSW)
Victorian Viipers (VIC) 5-0 NT Pearls (NT)
SA Southern Suns (SA) 1-1 Van Demons (TAS)

Pool A
1. Victorian Vipers (3)
2. Queensland Scorchers (3)
3. Canberra Labor Club Strikers (0)
4. NT Pearls (0)

Pool B 
1. NSW Arrows (3)
2. SA Southern Suns (1)
3. Van Demons (1)
4. WA Diamonds (0)

Men's Australian Hockey League powered by Premier Technology Solutions
Adelaide, SA

For more detailed results, tables, goal scorers, cards and more visit the men's AHL page at hockey.org.au/ahlmen.

Results - Saturday 4 October
Queensland Blades (QLD) 4-3 RAMS Home Loan Canberra Lakers (ACT)
Victorian Vikings (VIC) 6-2 NSW Waratahs (NSW)
Tassie Tigers (TAS) 3-3 SA Southern Hotshots (SA)
SRA Territory Stingers (NT) 1-3 WA Thundersticks (WA)

Pool A
1. Queensland Blades (3)
2. SA Southern Hotshots (1)
3. Tassie Tigers (1)
4. RAMS Home Loan Canberra Lakers (0)

Pool B 
1. Victorian Vikings (3)
2. WA Thundersticks (3)
3. SRA Territory Stingers (0)
4. NSW Waratahs (0)

Hockey Australia media release



Holcombe hit back at Beeston


Sam Quek and Nicola White celebrate the winning goal for Holcombe in the Investec Premier Division game between Beeston and Holcombe, Oct 4 2014, credit David Kissman

Holcombe battled back from behind to beat Beeston 2-1 in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday, with new signings Sam Quek and Nic White scoring the crucial goals.

The ambitious Kent side went behind to an Erica Sanders goal on 21 minutes, but they fought back with Samantha Quek, signed from Reading in the summer, rattling home from a penalty corner in the 50th minute.

With eight minutes left Nicola White, the England and GB ace who joined them from Leicester, struck from a set piece to win the match.

Clifton maintained their unbeaten record with a 3-3 draw at home to reigning champions Canterbury. Jo Leigh opened the scoring for the home side before Sarah Kerly replied for the visitors on the half hour.

Goals from Sarah Page, Chloe Palmer and Giselle Ansley fired Surbiton to the top of the league after a fine 3-1 win on the road to Leicester. Liz George levelled for Leicester after Page had given Surbiton the lead but they couldn’t hold on.

Dirkie Chamberlain then put Canterbury into the lead, but Aileen Davis and Zoe Leach restored the advantage for Clifton. However, with five minutes remaining Grace Balsdon pounced to snatch a point for her side.

There was another late equaliser in the 1-1 draw between mid-table rivals University of Birmingham and Bowdon Hightown.

Natalie Wray had given Bowdon the lead after 45 minutes but Anna Toman swept home from a penalty corner to level the scores with two minutes left.

Investec Women's Conference East

A Zoe Burrell double kept East Grinstead at the head of the Investec Conference East table as they beat Harleston Magpies 2-0.

Maidenhead picked up their second win of the season after beating Wimbledon in a six-goal thriller. They won 4-2 with Edwina Westacott scoring twice. Claire Edgerley and Alex Teasdale were also on target for Maidenhead.

Bedford are still without a point after losing 2-0 to St Albans. Christine Horn and Eleanor Watton scored the goals that take St Albans up to third.

A single Jet van Zalen goal was the difference in the match between Sevenoaks and Horsham as Sevenoaks scored a narrow 1-0 win.

Investec Women's Conference West

Slough have won all four of their Investec Conference West games this season and their latest victory was their biggest yet, a 7-1 defeat of Isca.

Jess Brooker led the scoring with a hat-trick and Amy Sheehan also looked sharp in front of goal, bagging a brace. Laura Puddle and Charly Brydon were also on target for the winners with Izzy Grigg netting the consolation for Isca.

Gloucester City are two points behind Slough in second spot and they enjoyed a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Olton and West Warwickshire as Zoe Burford scored twice.

Third-placed Oxford Hawks also won, beating Cheltenham 3-1. Lucy Stewart, Kate Hewitt and Caro Harris scored their goals.

Trojans played out a 2-2 draw with Swansea City and Stourport’s visit to Bristol Firebrands also ended 2-2.

Investec Women's Conference North

Brooklands Poynton are still unbeaten in the Investec Conference North and were too strong for University of Durham on Saturday, beating them 4-2. Laura Evans was the hero for Brooklands, bagging a brace.

Wakefield are just a point behind the leaders and put four past Kendal with no reply to pick up three points. Heather Stafford struck twice to condemn struggling Kendal to their third defeat of the season.

Whitley Bay and Tynemouth took a point from their game against Loughborough Students in the dying moments as Bev Finlay made it 2-2 in the 67th minute.

Liverpool Sefton thought they’d done enough to beat Cannock after breaking the deadlock with just five minutes remaining but Lisa Heeley made it 1-1 for Cannock in the last minute.

Sutton Coldfield and Ben Rhydding also played out a competitive 2-2 draw. Rebecca Doherty hit two for Ben Rhydding.

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

Investec Women's Premier Division: Beeston 1, Holcombe 2; University of Birmingham 1, Bowdon Hightown 1; Clifton 3, Canterbury 3; Leicester 1, Surbiton 3.

Investec Women's Conference East: Sevenoaks 1, Horsham 0; Bedford 0, St Albans 2; East Grinstead 2, Harleston Magpies 0; Maidenhead 4, Wimbledon 2.

Investec Women's Conference North: Brooklands Poynton 4, University of Durham 2; Loughborough Students 2, Whitely Bay and Tynemouth 2; Liverpool Sefton 1, Cannock 1; Wakefield 4, Kendal 0; Sutton Coldfield 2, Ben Rhydding 2.

Investec Women's Conference West: Trojans 2, Swansea City 2; Bristol Firebrands 2, Stourport 2; Isca 1, Slough 7; Gloucester City 4, Olton and West Warwicks 1; Cheltenham 1, Oxford Hawks 3.

England Hockey Board Media release



Jaguars end USIU’s flawless run in men’s hockey league

By TITUS MAERO


Alex Kubasu (left) of USIU dribbles past Oliver Echenje of Kenya Police during a past men’ Hockey Premier League match at City Park Stadium. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Western Jaguars shattered the unbeaten run of United States International University -Africa (USIU-A) in the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Men’s Premier League with a 2-1 victory at Kakamega High School on Saturday.

On form striker Arden Ayuku sounded the boards twice in the 28th and 33rd minutes while the students got their consolation goal through roving attacker Alex Kubasu in the 50th minute from a rebound.

The encounter started slowly as the two teams sized each other up before the hosts drew first blood when yuku capitalized on a goalmouth scramble to beat goaleeper Linus Kipsang for the match opener.

The hosts stepped up their game when in the 33rd minute Coach-player Michael Malungu crossed the ball from the left which Ayuku struck past custodian Kisang Linus.

USIU responded with relentless attacks from strikers Alex Kubasu, Isaac Kamau and John Kabuu but were kept in check by Phillip Mwangale, Abraham Musee and Willis Malesi who stood tall at the back.

The students however pulled one goal back after the interval courtesy of Kubasu.

“Regardless of the loss I think we were superior to our opponents as far as ball possession is concerned. But our strikers were at fault for not converting the numerous scoring chances that they created,” said USIU coach Tom Olal.

PLAY-OFF STAGE

“As the technical bench we review the mistakes that we made in the match and rectify them in our next match,” he added.

On his part, Western Jaguars coach Malungu praised his charges for their performance and promised to maintain the same tempo in their upcoming fixtures.

“We hope to reach the play-off stage and if possible clinch the league title this year,” Malungu said.

In their opening match of the season, USIU-A defeated Parkroad 1-0 at City Park, squeezed a 2-1 victory over Nakuru Sikh Union in the second match, before settling for a 3-3 draw with Greenshanks.

Daily Nation



Asiad champion Indian hockey team returns home


Photo: Hockey India Facebook page

NEW DELHI: The Incheon Asian Games gold medal winning Indian men's hockey team returned home to a rousing welcome by Hockey India (HI), fans and friends at the Indira Gandhi International airport in New Delhi on Saturday.

The Sardar Singh-led team landed at the airport at 1 am and were received by Hockey India President Mariamma Koshy and CEO Elena Norman amid the beat of drums and dhols.

"It's a proud moment for the whole country. We have worked hard for last 8 months to achieve this target and now we feel proud having achieved it. There was pressure since we could not win Asiad gold for last 16 years, but we were determined to win this time," Indian hockey team captain Sardar Singh said.

India clinched the gold at the Asian games after 16 years, defeating arch rival Pakistan in a nail-biting penalty shootout.

The win ensures India a direct ticket to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.

The Times of India



Sreejesh revels in his Psy-fi act

Prasanth Menon

KOCHI: After the opening ceremony of Incheon Asian Games, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh had uploaded a selfie on his facebook profile with Korean pop artist Psy performing in the background.

If Psy was fortunate enough to watch the India vs Pakistan hockey final, he would have been proud of Sreejesh's 'Gangnam moves' in India's goal especially during the penalty shootout.

The Indian goalkeeper was literally dancing inside the D, swivelling and swerving his body to block the onrushing Pakistani strikers and using anything he could to thwart their attempts on goal.

He kept out two of Pakistan's four shots on goal during the penalty shootout to help India win an Asian Games gold after 16 years and book a ticket to the Rio Games.

The 26-year-old is the first to admit he has been influenced by the Korean pop artist's moves on the dancing floor.

"I like music and love to dance as well. Whenever I travel to practice, I listen to music and this time in Korea I was listening to Psy. I was happy to meet him during the opening ceremony and was inspired by him. So yeah, you can term my performance in the final as my 'Gangnam act under the bar'," the new poster boy of Indian hockey told TOI from Incheon.

The fact that India has not won any major titles of late had been haunting Sreejesh for a while.

"Big tournament medal always attracts fans, especially if it is gold. So this victory will give hockey in the country a huge fillip. This victory is for the brave soldiers who man our borders and to my three-month old little angel," said the native of Kizhakkambalam in Kochi.

The exuberant lad reckoned that the loss against Pakistan in the group stage acted as a wake up call.

"We didn't play well against them in the group stage. So we reflected on our performance in that match and felt that we really need to improve. We didn't want negativity to creep into our minds and thought positively. The team spirit was excellent. We knew the final would be a tough one and fought as a unit. And that paid dividends," added Sreejesh.

Somehow, Sreejesh has always reserved his best against Pakistan in his career. He had performed a similar feat in the Asian Champions Trophy final against the same opponents in 2011. Just like in the Asia Cup final, the Asian Champions Trophy final had also gone into a shootout and the Kerala lad had kept out two shots by Pakistan strikers to help India triumph.

When asked what brings out the best in him against Pakistan, Sreejesh says: "There is extra motivation to do well against Pakistan. Believe me, I was under no pressure when I went into goal for the shootout. I was 100% sure that I am going to keep the Pakistanis at bay and we are going to win. The team had huge belief in me and they also felt I would do nothing wrong in the shootout."

However, Sreejesh isn't one to rest on his laurels.

"I can still improve. My goalkeeping has improved considerably when I had short stints with two goalkeeping coaches in the past, Martin Drijver and Dave Staniforth. I hope we can have a permanent goalkeeping coach. Then not just my performance, the performance of other goalkeepers can also improve," said Sreejesh.

The Times of India



Indian women deserved a better colour of medal: Hawgood

NEW DELHI: Indian women's hockey team has returned with a creditable bronze from the 17th Asian Games but the team's chief coach Neil Hawgood feels his wards deserved a better "colour of the medal" going by their performance in the continental extravaganza.

The Australian said had it not been for a few mistakes in two games -- against China and South Korea in the semifinal -- India could have finished at higher podium position.

"We really played well in this tournament. But I am little disappointed with the fact that inspite of playing better hockey against Korea we couldn't make it to the final. We played well enough to beat Korea," Hawgood said in an interview after returning from Incheon, South Korea.

"We had more circle penetrations. We dominated the game but two lapses cost us the game. Overall I am very pleased with our performance but I feel there was another medal out there which we could have played for," he added.

Hawgood said two bad games robbed his side of a place in the final.

"Two lapses in two games cost us a place in the final. The loss against China in the final one-and-half minute of the match cost us as if we would have drawn the game and would have finished on top of our pool and played Japan in the semifinal," he said.

India conceded a late goal to go down 1-2 against China in the pool stages before slumping to a 1-3 defeat against hosts South Korea in the semifinal inspite of being the better side on the turf.

All said and done Hawgood feels it is the biggest achievement by the Indian eves under his tutelage tile date.

"It's a big achievement. Going by our performances, there is little bit of consistency which has developed in our game.

"But we shouldn't get carried away with our success and need to recognise our weaknesses," he said.

Asked how long India will take to match top teams like world champions Netherlands, Australia, Germany and Argentina, Hawgood said the need of the hour was to develop hockey at the grassroot level.

"All these teams have a history of development which is not there in India. There is abundance of talent in India which we need to tap.

"We need to work on the domestic structure. By domestic structure I mean we need to have development programme starting from 8 to 16 years, work of their basic skills. But in the last two-and-half years I have seen the change and its slowly starting to take shape," the chief coach said.

Having failed to secure a direct berth in 2016 Olympics unlike their male counterparts, Hawgood said the Indian eves will now have to do a lot of hardwork to come out with flying colours in the Rio Games qualifiers.

The Indian women now have a two-and-a-half weeks break before assembling again to prepare themselves for their next assignment -- an away Test series against Australia in December.

The Times of India



It’s my dream to help Pakistan clinch a major title: Imran Butt

INCHEON: Pakistan team goalkeeper Imran Butt, who put an awesome display in the just concluded Asian Games, is dreaming to play a major role for reviving Pakistan hockey in the near future.

“It’s my wish and dream to help Pakistan in winning a major hockey title in coming months to attract people towards the game again,” Imran said in an interview on Saturday prior to his departure for Pakistan.

Mohammad Imran-captained Pakistan won the silver medal following a 4-2 penalty shootout loss to arch-rivals India after the scoreline stayed 1-1 at the end of regulation time in an action-packed final.

“I think we played best hockey at the Incheon Games but luck eluded us in the final that too on penalty shootout,” the goalie commented.

“We played brilliant hockey throughout, scoring as many as 27 goals while conceded just two. But the [final] shootout snatched the gold medal from us,” Imran added.

As goalkeeper, Imran proved heart and soul of the team in Incheon as he thwarted numerous attacks on Pakistan goal and earned huge applause for his heroics.

Imran was happy with his personal performance at the Asian Games. “It would have doubled my and team’s happiness had we won gold. But this is sport and final was touch and go and unlucky we lost on the shootout,” he regretted.

“I did not count how many goals I saved. But it was an honour for me to play my part for the team and serve the country,” Imran, who has 84 international caps to his credit, remarked.

He said chief coach Shahnaz Sheikh had been motivating the players to “give our best without any fear and pressure and play our natural game”.

“In the past team was let down by goalkeepers because they conceded soft goals and I was given the task of providing oxygen to the team and not to concede any soft goal,” Imran stated.

“Thanks to Almighty that I fulfilled my role to the best of my abilities and played a small part for the team,” Imran, younger brother of former Pakistan captain Rehan Butt, said.

Imran said Pakistan team came to the Asiad having not played any international game for around 11 months.

“But despite this we reached the final and eventually lost on the shootout,” he said.

Dawn



Jr hockey squad named for Malaysia event

By Kashif Abbasi

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) selectors on Saturday announced an 18-member national junior squad for the fourth Sultan of Johor Junior Tournament.

The six-nation competition will be staged in Johor Bahru, Malaysia from Oct 12 to 19. Besides Pakistan other participating teams are Malaysia, India, England, New Zealand and Australia.

The Pakistan squad will leave for Kuala Lumpur on Oct 9.

Trials to select the final line-up for this event were held here at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium on Saturday.

The five-member national selection committee headed by Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqui conducted the trials.

“We have selected best players purely on merit. These boys have a bright future,” said Islahuddin.

Speaking to Dawn, the chief selector said he could predict good future for the selected players.

“Most of these boys are young and will appear on international circuit for the first time. And I think they have a good future,” he said.

Age limits for the event is Under-21, but the PHF selected U-19 team, focusing on youth so that the junior team could produce a number of players for national squad in future.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Muneeb-ur-Rehman, Mohammad Talal Khalid; Full-backs: Mubashar Ali, Shah Faisal Shah, Hassan Anwar; Halves: Abu Bakar Mahmood, Ghazanfar Ali, Mohammad Qasim, Faizan, Ali Raza; Forwards: Mohammad Azfar Yaqoob, Nohaiz Zahid Malik (captain), Shan Irshad, Mohsin Sabir, Mohammad Atiq (vice-captain), Mohammad Bilal Mahmood, Mohammad Naveed, Amir Ali.

Officials: Manzoor-ul-Hasan (head coach); Qamar Ibrahim, Kamran Ashraf, Mohammad Irfan, Rehan Butt (coaches); Mohammad Nadeem Khan Lodhi (video analyst); Mohammad Adnan (physiotherapist).

Dawn

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