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News for 21 November 2014

All the news for Friday 21 November 2014


What is in a name?

Who is going to win the Champions Trophy this year? Las Leonas? Die Danas? The Cherry Blossoms? The Oranje? The Red Lions?


(Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek)

It is now de rigueur for sports teams to have nicknames that their fans can associate with. The tradition goes back in time to the soccer teams of England – the Blades, the Gunners, the Red Devils – and the baseball, basketball and American football teams of the USA – the Red Sox, Chicago Bulls and Dallas Cowboys – but now just about any team that captures the public imagination has a nickname, and hockey is no different.

The reason for team nicknames is an interesting one. Some people cite historical reasons: the Sheffield Blades referred to the local football team's association with the steel industry that dominated Sheffield in the 19th century when the club was formed. For others it is a geographical reason: cities such as Moscow may have more than one team, so nicknames help distinguish one from the other, hence the ice hockey teams of Spartak and Dynamo. In the case of hockey, the reason would seem to be more sociological: giving the fans a symbol by which they can distinguish themselves and creating a bond between supporters. Colours, names and symbols are as important for sports teams as they are for nations and religions, and they can create a strong affiliation that lasts through good times and bad.

The most recent examples of sports teams using nicknames to associate themselves with their fan base is occurring in national hockey leagues. The India Hockey League has the Delhi Waveriders, the Ranchi Rhinos and the Punjab Warriors among others, and with players coming to participate from all one the world, these nickname helps players and fans across the world identify with the team.

The other key identification tool is the kit. Go to any event where the Netherlands compete and you will see an army of fans adorned from head to foot in orange; the England supporters Barmy Army will be decked out in red, white and blue, expect to see the green of Pakistan or the red of Belgium when those teams take to the pitch.

Here is the fan's definitive guide to the nicknames and colours of this year's  Champions Trophy contenders.

Women's Champions Trophy:

The Netherlands - orange shirt, orange skirt, orange socks. Nickname: Oranje

Australia - yellow shirt, green skirt, yellow socks. Nickname: Hockeyroos

Argentina - blue and white vertical stripes on shirt, black skirt, black socks. Nickname: Las Leonas

New Zealand - black shirt, black skirt, black socks. Nickname: Black Sticks

China - red shirt, red skirt, red socks.

England - white shirt, red skirt, red socks.

Germany - black shirt with red stripe, black skirt, black socks. Nickname: Die Danas

Japan - red shirt with white vertical stripe, red skirt, red socks. Nickname: Cherry Blossoms

Men's Champions Trophy

Australia - yellow shirt, green shorts, yellow socks. Nickname: Kookaburras

Germany - white shirt with red flash, black shirt, black socks. Nickname: Honomas

The Netherlands - orange shirts, orange shorts, orange socks. Nickname: Oranje

England - red shirts, red shorts, red socks.

Belgium - red shirts, red shorts, red socks. Nickname: The Red Lions

India - light blue shirt, light blue shorts, light blue socks.

Argentina - blue and white vertical stripes on shirts, white shorts, white socks. Nickname: Los Leones

Pakistan - green shirts, white shorts, green socks. Nickname: Green shirts.

Twitter: #BestoftheBest #CT2014

FIH site



Leaders Surbiton head to Canterbury


Canterbury captain Grace Balsdon. Credit Ady Kerry

THE top two sides in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division face each other on Saturday, with leaders Surbiton heading east to take on Canterbury.

Surbiton will start as favourites having the strongest attack and defence in the Division, but Canterbury will be buoyed by a gritty 2-1 win over Leicester last weekend.

Canterbury captain Grace Balsdon said: “We took a lot of confidence from the three points we got at Leicester. We scored really good goals from excellent patterns of play.

“We need to make sure we play well for 70 minutes. Last time we played Surbiton we only had a few opportunities, so we’ve got to make sure we take them.

“We’ve got a lot of footage of Surbiton which we will go through this week, and our training will be geared towards making the most of our opportunities.”

Elsewhere, Clifton, who inflicted a first defeat of the season on Holcombe last week, will hope to continue their excellent form against Bowdon Hightown. Holcombe are aiming to preserve a top four spot when they entertain Buckingham.

Beeston, who earned their first point of the season last Sunday, will be looking for more against a Reading side who are on a run of three consecutive defeats, while Leicester are at home against a University of Birmingham side who beat the Sonning Lane side last weekend.

Investec Conference West leaders Slough travel to Oxford Hawks on Saturday, while Swansea City – who were held to a draw by Isca last weekend - are at home against Stourport.

In the Investec Conference North Wakefield are second only on goal difference, and they face a tough test against third-placed University of Durham. Meanwhile, leaders Brooklands Poynton are at home against Whitley Bay and Tynemouth.

Leaders East Grinstead take on third-placed Sevenoaks at home as they aim to preserve top spot in the Investec Conference East, while second-placed St Albans host Chelmsford and will be looking to bounce back after a loss at home to Harleston Magpies last weekend.

Investec Women’s Hockey League (Saturday, November 22 2014)

Investec Premier Division
Beeston v Reading 12:00
Clifton v Bowdon Hightown 13:00
Holcombe v Buckingham 14:00
Leicester v University of Birmingham 14:00
Canterbury v Surbiton 16:30

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

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

Investec Conference East
East Grinstead v Sevenoaks 12:00
St Albans v Chelmsford 13:00
Harleston Magpies v Maidenhead 14:00
Ipswich v Wimbledon 14:00
Horsham v Bedford 14:00

England Hockey Board Media release



In-form Brooklands prepare for Southgate clash


Brooklands MU's Phil Dutoy v Beeston. Credit Josh Dixon

WITHOUT a win in their first seven matches, Brooklands Manchester University have bounced back in style with back-to-back wins over the last fortnight. They are aiming to make it three in a row when they go to Southgate in the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League Premier Division on Sunday.

Trailing by four against Reading, they hit back to win 5-4 in a dramatic turnaround. Then last week they won 1-0 at Hampstead and Westminster.

Captain Peter Flanagan said: “During the two week break we focused on upping our physical intensity and defence, and it’s giving us confidence. Success breeds success and if we hadn’t beaten Reading two weeks ago we may not have won at Hampstead either.

“Quite a few of the players haven’t played at this level before, but we’ve played Southgate plenty of times and we know their style of play.

“We felt we let ourselves down early in the season by losing by the odd goal, but we’ve got a new belief in ourselves now.”

Former leaders Surbiton will be aiming to take back first place when they play at Canterbury on Saturday evening. And East Grinstead – who overtook them last weekend – head to Wimbledon, whose defeat of Surbiton helped the Sussex side return to top spot.

Beeston gave their hopes of defending their title a boost with a 5-0 win at Southgate last weekend, and they will want to build on that when they play Reading at home.

Cannock host Hampstead and Westminster in the day’s other top flight action with both teams looking for points to move away from relegation places.

Cardiff and Met visit local rivals Whitchurch as they bid to defend their narrow lead in the NOW: Pensions Conference West, while Team Bath Buccaneers – who are second on goal difference but with a game in hand – go to Indian Gymkhana.

There’s a top of the table clash in the NOW: Pensions Conference North. Leaders Bowdon face second-placed Sheffield Hallam in Cheshire, while elsewhere, third-placed Olton and West Warwickshire are at home against Loughborough Students.

Richmond will need to be at their best when they play runaway leaders Holcombe at the Quintin Hogg Memorial Ground in the NOW: Pensions Conference East, while second-placed Bromley and Beckenham play at Oxted.

NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League (Saturday, November 22 2014)

NOW: Pensions Premier Division
Canterbury v Surbiton 18:30

NOW: Pensions Conference East
Teddington v Brighton and Hove 13:45

NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League (Sunday, November 23 2014)

NOW: Pensions Premier Division
Beeston v Reading 12:45
Wimbledon v East Grinstead 14:00
Cannock v Hampstead and Westminster 14:00
Southgate v Brooklands Manchester University 14:30

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

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

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

England Hockey Board Media release



Now, SAI won’t send Walsh a fresh proposal

Sabi Hussain

New Delhi - Indian hockey should move beyond Terry Walsh. The hockey fans must come to terms with the reality that the Australian, under whom the national team won the Asian Games gold after a gap of 16 years, will not be coming back to the country to renew his contract with the Hockey India (HI).

The whole issue has reached a point of no-return, so much so that even the Sports Authority of India (SAI), which had been talking about working out a new contract for Walsh in conjunction with the Sports Ministry, has decided against sending him a fresh proposal for his consideration.

If the official sources are to be believed, the growing interference of Walsh in matters concerning the team selection and his demand to give him financial autonomy for purchasing equipments rubbed the Indian sports administrators the wrong way. “The Walsh chapter is over. He is not coming back. The SAI has decided against sending him a proposal after going through his list of demands. Most of the demands are unacceptable and it does not work as per the Indian bureaucratic system. Walsh should realise that this is India, not Australia. It’s up to him whether he wants to come back or not,” an official in the know of the developments told The Tribune.

SAI Executive Director (Teams) Sudhir Setia had said on Wednesday that they would send a fresh proposal to Walsh within the next 48 hours, but things changed dramatically after SAI officials briefed Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal that some of his demands would be difficult to implement.

Sonowal had agreed to Walsh’s demands in principle when the two met on Tuesday to work out a solution after the latter’s talks with HI and the SAI had broken down. Walsh, however, insisted on having a representation or assurance in writing.

“Walsh became demanding after he guided the team to Asian Games high. During his meeting with the Ministry-appointed committee, the panel tried to explain things to him, but he did not budge. After defeating a second-string Australian side in a Test series, he started dictating terms, which did not go down well with the SAI and HI,” the official said.

The official said that the Ministry also understood that it was not practically possible to implement Walsh’s demands.

However, there is still a window of opportunity for Walsh to come back to India if the team does well at the Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar. “Everything will depend on it. The players wouldn’t forget in two weeks’ time what Walsh taught them over a year. His coaching style will remain with them. If the team finishes on the podium, which is unlikely, he would be approached, otherwise not,” the official informed.

Even if Walsh agrees to resume his job with a new contract, he might find it difficult to work in India since HI president Narinder Batra has alleged that he was involved in a financial impropriety during his stint with US Hockey.

It has been learnt that HI is already on the lookout for a new coach and two-three names have been shortlisted.

The Tribune



Hope Terry Walsh comes back: Viren Rasquinha

Rutvick Mehta



Former Indian hockey captain Viren Rasquinha has thrown his weight behind Terry Walsh, who flew back to Australia on Wednesday after resigning from his post.

Rasquinha said Walsh was a wonderful coach and hoped that he came back.

"I am hopeful that he comes back. If you look at the overall results, he has done a wonderful job. The players are playing much better hockey. Leave aside the results, but in terms of the quality of hockey, their play has been very good," he said.

Rasquinha said it would be unfair to comment for him on the Australian's demands because he wasn't exactly aware of them. However, he said it was sad that the situation had to come to this after the Commonwealth and Asian Games high.

"It's just so sad. I'm tired of speaking about it. I feel when there are such problems, all the stakeholders – be it Hockey India, Terry Walsh, sports ministry, SAI – you have to lock them up in a room, let them sit across the table and trash out all these issues. We should finally see everything for the good of Indian hockey. Good things are happening in Indian hockey for the last eight months and we should try our best to make sure that it continues," he said.

With Walsh saying will decide over the weekend whether he will come back or no, the camp for the upcoming Champions Trophy has been thrown into disarray. But Rasquinha said as long as high performance director Roelant Oltmans was present, there was not cause of worry.

"For me, he is one of the top three coaches in world hockey. I heard he's in charge of the Champions Trophy camp. So I have no fear on the quality of preparations for it," he said.

DNA



Ganguly to pitch for hockey, inaugurate Beighton Cup on Nov 24

KOLKATA: After football, former India captain Sourav Ganguly would be seen promoting hockey when he will inaugurate the main round of the 119th All India Beighton Cup hockey tournament on November 24.

"We are grateful to Ganguly... He has confirmed to inaugurate the quarterfinal league. It's a big boost for the tournament," a Bengal Hockey Association official said about Ganguly who is co-owner of city ISL franchise Atletico de Kolkata.

Defending champions Army XI, runners up Indian Oil along with other two last year's semifinalists Air India, ONGC will fight it out against four qualifiers in the main round of the tournament that will conclude on December 4.

The preliminary leg began on Thursday at the SAI astroturf.

The Times of India



Leuven top of Belgian league going into 2015



The Belgian Audi Hockey League reached its winter break in style with 43 goals in the six games last weekend to conclude round 13 and the first half of the season.

The focus of the round was the encounter between Dragons and Leuven with the latter winning out 4-3 to retain the lead going into 2015. It was a match of a high standard with chances on both sides. Florent Van Aubel opened the scoring after eight minutes, only to be cancelled out by Frenchman Tom Genestet.

Dragons Arthur van Doren is honest about his Dragons’side’s performance to date, saying they will need to improve in the second half if they are to move back into playoff contention.

"We are naturally not happy with this season,” he said. “The team has been too inconsistent to claim a place in the Top 4. We will absolutely make adjustments after the winter break."

After goals from Jeffrey Thys and Pau Quemada, it was 2-2 but Manu Stockbroekx gave Dragons the lead just before the break. Quemada’s second tied things up once more and Renaud Pangrazio scored an acrobatic sizzler to win it.

Leuven lead the way by two points from the Waterloo Ducks who recovered brilliantly from a sticky start to be within two points of the top. They beat Antwerp 9-4.

Daring are level on 28 points with the Ducks after their 5-1 win over Oree. Leopold thumped Wellington 7-0 to stay fourth while Racing and Braxgata remain in mid-table after their 1-1 draw.

Euro Hockey League media release



Four matches to glory for KLHC in national league

By S. Ramaguru


KLHC's Mohd Syamim Mohd Yusof (left) and TNB's M. Amirul Aideed clash for a ball during the Malaysia Hockey League last week. -- M. AZHAR ARIF/ The STAR

KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) are just four matches away from retaining the Premier Division crown of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

And they are not about to slip on the proverbial banana skin now.

They’ve got Maybank and Sapura this weekend and Terengganu and UniKL next weekend as their final four hurdles.

In fact, the Nov 28 clash with Terengganu could very well be the title decider.

KLHC are leading the six-team league with 18 points, followed by Terengganu on 15 points and Tenaga on nine.

That’s why KLHC know they can’t afford to drop any points against either Maybank (Friday) or Sapura (on Sunday).

And coach K. Dharmaraj has been drilling into his players to stay focused and be aware of the potential dangers before the crucial tie against Terengganu.

“There are no easy matches. Maybank and Sapura have some good players and can spoil out plans. We have come this far and we must keep the winning run going. Any other result this weekend will be a setback for us,” said Dharmaraj, who also confirmed that Nabil Fiqri Mohd Nor, who was red-carded against Tenaga last week, will be replaced by Mohamed Azri Hassan this weekend.

Second-placed Terengganu, while hoping for KLHC to slip up, are counting on bagging all three points against Tenaga (today) and Maybank (Sunday) as well.

A defeat in either match could very well end their title tilt.

It’s the game against former champions Tenaga Nasional that is the trickier of the two. Terengganu won the first tie 2-1 in KL, but are well aware that Tenaga will be bent on revenge.

The match will be played at the Kuala Terengganu Hockey Stadium, where the pitch is said to be slippery.

Having struggled to beat Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) 5-2 at the venue last Sunday, Terengganu will be hoping for a better performance against Tenaga.

“We must win all our matches at home. The next match against Tenaga will be very tough but we are going to do our best to win it,” said Terengganu team manager Mohd Sabri Salleh.

The Star of Malaysia



First Time Feeling: UAlbany’s Historic Run at the Final Four

The No. 12 University of Albany’s field hockey squad is in the midst of a historic season. After the 18-2 Great Danes took home their fourth America East title, the squad went on to defeat No. 5 Wake Forest and No. 2 Maryland to earn the program’s first-ever NCAA semi-final berth. Now with a 20-2 record and 14 consecutive victories under their belt, the Great Danes look to carry the momentum through the Final Four.

In the midst of final preparations for College Park, Md., senior captain Amy Nicklin (Cheshire, England) caught up with us to share the squad’s jubilation of making history and what that first time feeling really feels like.

USA Field Hockey: Describe the energy and mindset of the team heading into the Final Four?
AN: The team is really motivated, but we're enjoying the moment and having fun, which is something we've wanted to ensure throughout the season. In the past, we haven't really given ourselves as much credit as we deserve, but our team really believes in not only ourselves but one another too. This has brought our team a lot closer as we know it's going to be a complete team effort to achieve success. We're know we have the ability, we've just got to make it happen.

USA Field Hockey: What’s different about this season? What do you accredit your season success to?
AN: Definitely the team atmosphere. Everyone is on the same page and we're really enjoying playing together which makes the whole season a lot more enjoyable. We have 17 girls who are completely enjoying hockey this year, and I think it's important that we remember to have fun through all of this and I think that's definitely been the difference.

USA Field Hockey: Please describe the atmosphere after your win over Maryland for your berth into the Final Four.
AN: Everyone was ecstatic! I don't think it's quite set in even though we're on the way to the Final Four.  We knew we had the ability to win, we just had to capitalize on our chances which we managed to do.

USA Field Hockey: What words were spoken amongst teammates and staff in the pre-match huddle?
AN: We had to believe in ourselves. But we wanted to enjoy the moment as we deserved to be there.  I told the girls to go and have fun, and as long as everyone could come off the field saying they'd given their all then we had nothing to worry about because I knew that would ensure the win.

USA Field Hockey: What does making it to the Final Four for the first time in school history mean for the program as a whole, including past and future? How have alumni responded?
AN: I think it's made people notice how good the program actually is at Albany and it's finally getting the credit it deserves. The program has definitely gone to the next level and it shows we have the ability to compete with the top teams. Our alumni have been with us every step of the way, we have people showing support from all over the world. Our alumni are traveling from all over the country to come and watch the game. The support has been incredible and pushes us on even more. 

USA Field Hockey: What has the atmosphere been like on campus? What was the welcome home like after clinching your ticket to the Final Four?
AN: It's been incredible how much support we've been given considering how unknown we've been for a while. Professors, students, and other faculty members have been sending their congratulations and the whole school seems to be rallying behind us.  It's been quite surprising finding out how many people actually do follow our team.

USFHA media release



Shadowing my superhero - A day shared with a USWNT athlete

Sammy Popper, an 8th grader at Germantown Academy located in Fort Washington, Pa., was afforded the opportunity to spend the day with a person she truly admires, USWNT athlete Katie O'Donnell (Blue Bell, Pa.). Below, Sammy recounts her day shadowing an elite U.S. athlete.

My school has a tradition called “Day Off Campus,” in which every 8th grade student has to pick an unrelated person to “shadow” in their workplace for a day.

I initially thought that this project would be boring because I couldn’t imagine following any adult at work and having fun.  I was trying to think of an adult with an interesting job and then it occurred to me that I should ask one of my favorite people in the world and a current member of the Women’s National Field Hockey Team, Katie O’Donnell.

I began taking lessons with Katie about a year ago.  Katie has helped my game tremendously.  Thanks to Katie and my other coaches, this past year I was selected to the U-17 Junior National team.  Katie and I have become friends and I’m one of her biggest fans.

I explained my assignment to Katie and she agreed to let me shadow her for a day if Coach Craig Parnham was okay with it.  So, I emailed Coach Parnham, explaining my project to him and he emailed me back very quickly, stating that he thought it would be a great experience for me to come and spend the day with Katie and the rest of the team.  Needless to say, I was so excited to have the opportunity to witness first hand the hard work and commitment necessary to be a member of the Women’s National Team.

Naturally, I was a little nervous, but the minute I met everyone, I felt right at home.  All the players and coaches were so inviting and welcoming.

Katie had the 10:45 a.m. lift, so I got to sleep in, which was a plus.  I drove with Katie to Spooky Nook Sports and met some of the team in the weight room (different players hit the weight room at different times). They were all so cool and treated me like I was actually a part of the team.  I mostly observed, but I got to do some exercises with the team.  I did a pull-up circuit next to Katie and Lauren Crandall spotted me on the chin-up bar. I watched as the team did a series of leg strengthening exercises. These ladies lift some serious weights and are in awesome shape.  I wish I could have done more exercises with them, but I didn’t want to disrupt their fluid weight lifting program.

After the weight room, I met the rest of the team at lunch in the cafeteria. There was nothing unhealthy on the menu for these ladies, salads and protein all around.  The team had a pretty leisurely lunch. During lunch it was easy to see that this is truly a team that enjoys each other’s company. They were joking around with each other, and it was clear to see that they were all best friends.  I really got to know the players better during lunch. 

Once we finished lunch, we had some time to relax and then it was time to hit the pitch.  The practice was intense.  I got to warm up the goalies.  Jackie Kintzer and Alesha Widdall are very good, but I have to say that I got a couple shots past them. I watched as the team did a passing drill to goal, a 1v1 drill into a 3v3, and then a half field scrimmage.  It was amazing to be able to watch the team from the field, instead of the stands.  Being so close made me realize how fast-paced the game is.

Coach Parnham has a very positive coaching philosophy.  He was enthusiastic in his coaching, even clapping for the players when they did something well.  Coach J Janneke Schopman also has a very encouraging coaching style.  She seems to bring a great technical knowledge to the team as well.  I think that Coach Parnham and Coach Schopman make a great team and I learned so much just from listening to them for one day in the team huddles.

Watching the team in action for the day was truly inspiring.  All the players and coaches work extremely hard and undoubtedly sacrifice a great deal to play and coach for Team USA.

I would like to thank Coach Parnham, Coach Schopman, Katie O’Donnell and the entire Women’s National Team as well as the coaching staff for allowing me to have such an amazing and educational experience! Their kindness to me and their pure love of the game have convinced me even more that I want to be a member of the U.S. Women’s National Field Hockey Team!

GO USA!!

USFHA media release



2014 Curtin Uni Sport Awards

Smith, Swann and Orchard named Sportswoman & Sportsmen of the Year



Earlier this month, Curtin University in Perth held their annual Sport Awards event for current students.

Hockeyroo Emily Smith won Curtin University’s Sportswoman of the Year, alongside Kookaburras Matthew Swann and Simon Orchard taking home a joint 2014 Sportsmen’s award.

Curtin graduates and Hockeyroos Ashleigh Nelson and Rachael Lynch presented in front of 180 students on how they successfully got through their degrees while playing an elite sport.

Ashleigh Nelson studied a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy, while Rachael Lynch followed her passion for nursing. Off the pitch, Lynch now works as a nurse at the Royal Perth hospital in Western Australia.

Curtin University is home to many of the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos athletes, who have an active and supportive Elite Athlete Coordinator, Tarryn Dickerson. Dickerson assists the athletes in being able to manage their study and elite sporting demands.

Dickerson is heavily involved in the athlete’s requests for flexibility around assessments and exams while they’re away, as well as facilitating the best study plan for the athletes throughout their degrees.

Congratulations Emily Smith, Matthew Swann and Simon Orchard on being named 2014 Curtin University’s Sportswoman and Sportsmen of the Year.

Hockey Australia media release



Marsha Cox attends Olympic Agenda 2020 round table presentation

President Bach revealed 40 proposals for the Olympic Agenda 2020


(Photo: IOC/Ian Jones )

Earlier this week, South Africa’s Marsha Cox was part of the round table with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach. During this round table, President Bach revealed 40 proposals for the Olympic Agenda 2020, a strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement, which will be discussed and voted on by the full IOC membership at the 127th IOC Session on the 8th and 9th of December in Monaco.

During the public launch of the recommendations at The Olympic Museum in Lausanne, President Bach called the 20+20 proposals “the culmination of a year of open, transparent and widespread debate and discussion, which had already begun in mid-2013.”

“These 40 recommendations are like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle,” he added. “When you put them together, a picture emerges that shows the IOC safeguarding the uniqueness of the Olympic Games and strengthening sport in society.”

South African Captain, Marsha who lives and plays in Holland, is a three time Olympian with over 300 international caps.  She was also elected to the FIH Athletes’ Committee in June this year.

On her meeting with President Bach, Marsha said: “He is very down to earth and funny.  I love the fact that he wants to put athletes at the heart and keep them close to the way the Olympics moves forwards – just like FIH is doing with the Athletes’ Committee”.

She also commented on his passion for change and innovation, which links with her enthusiasm for the changes FIH have recently announced with the new ten year strategy for hockey.

Marsha also spoke with President Bach about mixed gender team events (recommendation 11) and how hockey showcased such an event with the joint 2014 World Cup seamlessly portraying that hockey is an inclusive sport whereby men and women play together as a matter of course. 

Another of the recommendations of particular interest to Marsha, was the launch of an Olympic TV Channel (recommendation 19) to provide a platform for sports and athletes beyond the Olympic Games period, 365 days a year. To fully connect with the digital age and connect with young people on their terms and Marsha sees this as a joint opportunity, as it will raise the profile of athletes and at the same time, is an opportunity to spread Olympic values.

Click here for the full story from the IOC

Click here to read the 40 recommendations – 20/20 proposals

Click here to find out more about Marsha’s visit to the Olympic Museum and seeing the first ever ball used in an Olympic hockey match.

FIH site

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