News for 06 December 2014
All the news for Saturday 6 December 2014
Bhubaneswar welcomes the Best of the Best
Hero Hockey Champions Trophy ready to roll at the Kalinga Stadium.jpg-1417788776)
The captains pose at the unveiling of the Champions Trophy. (Photo: FIH / Vino John)
With the unveiling of the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar this afternoon, the stage has been formally set for what promises to be a true test of the Best of the Best.
Australia and England open the tournament on Saturday and the latter’s captain Barry Middleton cannot wait to hit the turf.
“We have a squad that we trust in and we just want to get started and see where we are. Everyone who is in the squad now has proven themselves through league hockey first and foremost and then training with the team. This is where they get their top level experience and in six months time [for the Olympic qualifiers], they will be really ready to go.”
Kookaburra coach Graham Reid is looking to the future with a side bristling with talent and youthful enthusiasm. “For us, this tournament is about regeneration and we are using this opportunity to blood new players and other guys who may not have had as many opportunities until now.”
They completed their warm-up schedule with a win over Argentina and Reid says the world champions are “on the right trajectory” leading into their first encounter.
In game two, Belgium face Pakistan in rude health. Coach Jeroen Delmee saw his side run up a big 4-0 win over Germany in their last practice match and says he is content with how his team has prepared.
“I think we are doing fine. Saturday is when the big matches start and so yesterday’s score doesn’t really matter but I am happy with the way we played and what we wanted to see from the team.
“The boys get fresher everyday, more adjusted to the temperature and the time difference so I think we are where we should be.”
They meet Pakistan whose captain Muhammad Imran is looking forward to renewing rivalries with some of the world’s best teams “This is a big competition for us. We haven’t played the European teams for one and a half years so we will have to fight but I hope we will perform well.”
Dutch captain Rob van der Horst says his side is well acclimatised after a lengthy preparation phase that has the Oranje in the best possible shape for their day one match-up with Argentina.
“We are already in India 10 days so we are ready," he said. "We are playing the top eight teams in the world and are looking forward to this. It’s good to see how the young players are quickly adapting and I am looking forward to playing some nice games here.”
Their first task is against an Argentina side whose last outing at the top level saw them grab bronze at this summer’s World Cup. Argentina’s Lucas Rey says the side will take a little time to gel like they did during the summer, especially after a 45-hour journey from their homeland.
“It’s difficult at the moment for us because we haven’t trained together too much since the World Cup. But we are focussed on Saturday where we will try to improve and then build to the quarter-final which we will try to win – that’s the most important match.”
The hosts, India, face Germany in the final game of the day in what is sure to be a cacophony of noise in front of an expectant home crowd. Captain Sardar Singh has been the subject of intense attention from a huge press corps in Bhubaneswar but cannot wait to put on a show.
They come up against a Germany side for whom Markus Weise has brought a very fresh-faced panel to India and had hoped of having another uncapped player in his line-up as he looks to widen his panel.
“We want to see how they do in this sort of environment and build-up the competition within the team for places with the senior players and expose the young guys to this level of competition.”
Captain Tobias Hauke added that it will be a thrill to play the home side in front of their own fans. “Now we need to step up as we are playing a super strong Indian team tomorrow night. The stadium will be packed but I am sure we will perform well. We have a good mixture of experienced guys and Under-21 world champions.”
It is set to be a high-octane start in the race to be the Best of the Best in Bhubaneswar. You can follow all the action with the FIH via one of the following channels!
Website
Full coverage of the events will be available via www.fih.ch with live streaming of the matches available in most territories.
You Tube
The FIH You Tube channel will be active throughout the events, with match highlights and much more being posted as soon as they become available. To visit our You Tube channel, click the link below:
www.youtube.com/fihockey
Social media
FIH will provide comprehensive coverage of the event via our social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Facebook: facebook.com/fihockey
Instagram: instagram.com/fihockey
Twitter: twitter.com/fih_hockey
#CT2014 #BestOfTheBest
FIH site
A prestigious competition in FIH calendar
By S.Thyagarajan.
Air Marshal Nur Khan of Pakistan with M. A. M. Ramaswamy (right), the then IHF President, in 1978. The Champions Trophy is the brain-child of Nur Khan. THE HINDU PHOTO LIBRARY
The enduring saga of the Champions Trophy continues with India hosting the competition for the third time after conducting it on two earlier occasions in Chennai.
Consciously crafted to inject a filament of elitism into competitive hockey, the fecundity of the Champions Trophy provides a fascinating insight into the style, system and strategies of the top rated countries. The ebb and flow, since the launch in 1978 at Lahore, symbolises a saga of sophistication in every facet of the game and the unmistakable elevation of a concept to the new plane of aesthetic delight.
As the 35th edition is set to unfold in Bhubaneswar on December 6, one cannot refrain from looking at the vicissitudes of this prestigious competition in the FIH calendar.
Germinating from a speck of thought by that stalwart visionary of Pakistan’s hockey establishment, Air Marshal Nur Khan, the Champions Trophy, over the years, has acquired the character and glamour as much as the World Cup and the Olympics.
While the International Hockey Federation (FIH) accepted the idea and enlarged the competitive value of the event, a strand of scepticism emerged with a section wondering about the financial viability of a project wherein the host unit had to bear all the expenses for the six teams.
RIC CHARLESWORTH... phenomenal deeds. V. SUDERSHAN
Undaunted by this, Pakistan, going through its golden period at that point — after winning the World Cup in Buenos Aires — agreed to conduct the event till another host emerged and offered to fill the gap.
For three years in a row, Pakistan conducted the competition, setting new standards in organisation. The inaugural championship at Lahore in 1978 was followed by two successive events in Karachi.
HEINER DOPP of Germany... most successful captain.
The success of the tournaments and the spectator response, not to forget the spurt in quality and content, encouraged other countries to take up the event. Confined to the top six ranked outfits, it was not easy to rotate the host countries.
Amsterdam in 1982 became the first to host, away from Pakistan. The annual competition then caught the attention of the community across the globe. But the financial strain and difficulties in getting the endorsements from sponsors, forced the FIH to accommodate host countries who were not in the elite group.
Thus Kuala Lumpur became the venue in 1993 with Malaysia qualifying as a host.
Eventful in the true sense of the epithet every championship remains etched in memory thanks to the outstanding deeds of players, many of whom have become legends in their lifetime.
One name that comes to mind is the Australian super-star, Ric Charlesworth, who led the team in its first win in 1983. What Ric achieved in subsequent years is fit enough for verses and ballads.
Pakistan’s Ishlahuddin, and the Dutch icons, Paul Litjens and Thies Kruize, immortalized themselves in the history of the sport, as did Stephan Veen (Netherlands) and Shahbaz Ahmed (Pakistan).
As for the records, nothing can be more shining than that of Australia. In 33 appearances, the Aussies ended their campaigns with the top of the podium finish no less than 13 times. In fact, they will be defending the title in Bhubaneswar.
Germany and the Netherlands follow the Aussies with nine (in 31 appearances) and eight (in 32 appearances) victories respectively. The glorious period for Germany was the hat-trick of triumphs from 1986 to 1988, under the stewardship of Heiner Dopp.
For Pakistan, which started its campaign with a flourish in 1978, the last win came in 1994 at Lahore under the leadership of Shahbaz. Interestingly, all the three trophy triumphs for Pakistan came on home soil. The lone title win for Spain was in 2004 when the team was led by Juan Escarre.
Barring a bronze in 1982, India has very little to show as a major power in its 13 appearances. The team could not even qualify for several editions for want of a rating.
However, there have been two memorable matches for India that no chronicler can afford to ignore. The first was a victory over Pakistan for the bronze in 1982 when Rajinder Singh (Jr.) struck a brilliant hat-trick.
Another memorable tie was also against Pakistan and at the same venue in 2003 when the team came back from the brink of defeat to outsmart its rival 7-4. Jurgaj Singh, Deepak Thakur and Gagan Singh played stellar-roles under the mercurial Dhanraj Pillay.
The enduring saga of the Champions Trophy continues with India hosting the competition for the third time after conducting it on two earlier occasions in Chennai.
To say that every aficionado in the country is awaiting India’s showing here is nothing but an understatement.
Sportstar
India’s recent rise will be put to test
Inexperienced Germany to rely on Furste, Hauke and Fuchs
Y. B. Sarangi
THE COVETED ONE: The captains of teams taking part in the Champions Trophy with the trophy on the eve of the tournament in Bhabaneswar on Friday. PHOTO: Sandeep Saxena
It is a strange coincidence that in the most productive year for Indian hockey in three decades the National team is all set to play the prestigious Champions Trophy at home in the distracting backdrop of its chief coach Terry Walsh’s exit.
Walsh’s departure is not even three weeks old. Nevertheless, the team has shown tremendous maturity to take the development in its stride and move on.
The Sardar Singh-led side will have to bank on its maturity when it takes on nine-time champion Germany in its first match of the Champions Trophy, starting at the Kalinga Stadium here on Saturday.
The National team is fortunate to have had guidance of its High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans. Once again playing the Man Friday, the competent Dutch has retained his poise to accept the extra burden. “I know what we have been doing. The mood is good and the team is responding well,” said Oltmans.
A series of successes, including the Asian Games gold, the Commonwealth Games silver and the recent 3-1 series win in Australia, has instilled confidence in the side which is raring to go in front of enthusiastic home supporters, who have kept the ticket counters busy. This is the third time India is hosting the event.
Sardar’s fitness
Even as Sardar’s fitness, due to calf muscle trouble, will be under constant watch, the host will try to make the most of its resources.
Three drag-flickers, including the young Gurjinder Singh, will add variety to penalty corner conversion, while the superb form of S.V. Sunil, Akashdeep Singh and Ramandeep Singh will provide the cutting edge to the front line.
Since the format provides an automatic quarterfinal berth, the Indian think-tank will want Sardar to take less load in the initial phase. It will make other midfielders, such as Manpreet Singh, Dharamvir Singh, S.K. Uthappa and Danish Mujtaba, shoulder more responsibility.
Pepped up by the efficient P.R. Sreejesh under the bar, Rupinderpal Singh, V.R. Raghunath, Birendra Lakra and Gurbaj Singh will seek to protect the Indian citadel to the best of their ability.
Having won only a bronze medal (1982) in 13 appearances, India, ranked ninth in the World, will be eager to have a good start against a comparatively inexperienced German team, which is trying to come to terms with the heat and a host of other factors.
The third best side in the world, which had some below-par performances this year, will rely on the experience of Moritz Furste, Tobias Hauke and Florian Fuchs to make an impact.
India, which had finished fourth in 2012, will also give its best in its other pool B clashes against World Cup bronze medallist Argentina (ranked seventh) and silver medallist The Netherlands (second) while hoping to avoid a tougher opponent in the quarterfinals.
Young talents
Other than Germany, holder Australia — the World champion, top-ranked and a 13-time winner — and eight-time champion the Netherlands have also opted to test their young talents while starting the process of team building for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Under its new coach Jeroen Delmee, Belgium, ranked fourth, boasts of a set of high quality players and will aim to claim its maiden title in the second Champions Trophy appearance.
Argentina will be encouraged with its upsurge in the World Cup and has got the potential to secure its second medal ever in the competition.
Led by the seasoned Barry Middleton, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and fifth-placed England will be keen to make a mark at the highest level, while Pakistan, at World No. 11, will hope to gather its second consecutive medal from the event and wrap up an otherwise disappointing year on a high.
THE SCHEDULE
Dec. 6: Australia vs England; Belgium vs Pakistan; Holland vs Argentina; India vs Germany.
Dec. 7: Belgium vs Australia; England vs Pakistan; Germany vs Holland; India vs Argentina.
Dec. 9: Argentina vs Germany; England vs Belgium; Australia vs Pakistan; India vs Holland (league phase: Matches 1 to 12).
Dec. 11: Quarterfinal 1: 1A v 4B (Match 13); QF 2: 2B v 3A (Match 14); QF 3: 2A v 3B (Match 15); QF 4: 1B v 4A (Match 16).
Dec. 13: Loser M13 v Loser M14 (5th-8th placings); Loser M15 v Loser M16 (5th-8th); Semifinal 1: Winner M13 v Winner M14; SF 2: Winner M15 v Winner M16.
Dec. 14: Loser M17 v Loser M18 (7th-8th); Winner M17 v Winner M18 (5th-6th); Loser M19 v Loser M20 (3rd-4th); Final: Winner 19 v Winner 20
India vs Germany head-to-head
Overall: Played 89, Won 18, Drawn 23, Lost 48.
In Champions Trophy: Played 14, Won 4, Drawn 2, Lost 8. — Statistics: B.G. Joshi
The Hindu
Litmus test for Indian hockey
Champions Trophy, beginning today, will show where India stand among top nations
Indervir Grewal
The captains of the eight participating teams pose at the unveiling of the Champions Trophy at Kalinga Stadium.
Bhubaneswar - There is a buzz in the air. With one day to go for the Champions Trophy, the Kalinga Stadium has finally woken up.
The ticket counters outside the stadium are bustling, while inside, hectic calls come out of the officials’ walkie-talkies. The journalists, meanwhile, wander around, looking for the scoops. The ones who have arrived today are still busy looking around. And the red dirt on their shoes — from crossing a barren piece of land between the two turfs — shows that they have found the second pitch.
There is a definite buzz amidst hockey fans and journalists. And the hot word is ‘Walsh’. Terry Walsh’s departure has raised many questions. All have trained their sights at the tournament for the answers.
How will India cope with the loss of Walsh? The Australian, in his year-long tenure, had taken the team to a new level.
Will High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans, who is doubling up as the coach for the event, be able to get on top of the situation?
It is highly unlikely that the Indian players would have forgotten in such a short period what they had learnt in a year. And the questions raised about Oltmans’ abilities are absurd. The Dutchman is one of the most successful coaches ever winning World Cup titles with the Dutch women’s and men’s teams and an Olympics gold with the latter.
He was with the Indian team during training and competitions even when Walsh was here. So he is up to date and the team is also familiar with him. It is a big change, though, and how India gets through this, makes the time exciting.
Excitement of change
India is not the only team that is going through a transition phase.
The Netherlands, after their disastrous 6-1 defeat to Australia in the World Cup final, appointed a new coach – Max Caldas of Argentina.
World champions Australia also have a new coach, Graham Reid. He is not a total stranger to the players as he had been among Ric Charlesworth’s staff. “Most of his ideas were used in the last six years. But obviously his working is different,” says captain Eddie Ockenden.
The Aussies have come here with a relatively young team. A few of their players made their debut during the series against India last month. The defending champs are coping with their own losses. Most of their star players from their golden period — Jamie Dwyer, Liam De Young, Simon Orchard, Glenn Turner, Robert Hammond and Mark Knowles – have either retired or will in some time. Germany are coming here with their own baggage. They had one of their worst finishes at the World Cup – sixth. This was the second time in the history of the event that the Germans finished outside the top four.
The reigning Olympic champs have also brought new players. Three of them — Timur Oruz, Jonas Gomoll and Mathias Muller — will make their debut. “We are trying out a few new guys. These youngsters are very hungry to perform for their country,” says captain Moritz Furste.
Germany are known for bringing experimental teams to the Champions Trophy. So is it just a stepping stone?
“It is a step but a very important one. We used to do that in the past; use the tournament as practice. But this time we have come to win with the best possible side available,” he adds.
Pakistan, the only other Asian out here, have their own troubles. Their hockey is going through a financial crisis. “Everybody knows what circumstances we have come in,” says coach Shahnaz Sheikh. “We are not thinking about the results. We just want to give our best.”
Loser takes all
So where do the Indians stand in all this change and chaos? They will be high on confidence after winning the Asian Games and the Australia series. They have the home advantage, especially against the Europeans.
Reaching the final is not impossible — they only need to win two matches. In this format, all the teams reach the quarters.
“We don’t have to worry about the league matches. You can lose the first three matches and still go on to win the tournament,” adds Furste. “It will be about performing in the important matches.” The circumstances might look favourable for India to win their second Champions Trophy medal. A good result will help boost the players’ confidence and also build the fans’ belief in them – something that Indian hockey craves. But the team’s motivation should be staying true to their growth over the last year.
“Winning in Australia shows we are on the right track. The Champions Trophy is a big tournament for me. It will be about performing well with the best of the teams,” said Oltmans.
Champions Trophy Schedule
Pool A: Australia, Belgium, England, Pakistan;
Pool B: India, Netherlands, Germany, Argentina
Match Schedule
Dec 6: Australia v England (12:00), Belgium v Pakistan (14:00), Netherlands v Argentina (17:30), Germany v India (19:30)
Dec 7: Belgium v Australia (12:00), England v Pakistan (14:00), Germany v Netherlands (17:30), Argentina v India (19:30)
Dec 9: Argentina v Germany (12:00), England v Belgium (14:00),Australia v Pakistan (17:30), Netherlands v India (19:30)
Dec 11: Knockout stage starts
Dec 14: Final
The Tribune
Sardar likely to take the field against Germany
India captain Sardar Singh and Pakistan captain Muhammad Imran share a light moment on Friday.
Bhubaneswar - It is good news for the Indian fans: Sardar Singh will most likely play their opener against Germany tomorrow.
Sardar, who was a doubt for the first match because of a calf injury, took part in the team’s practice session today evening. The Indian captain moved comfortably as he went through all the drills. But as soon the training ended he had the icepack on his leg.
“We tested him today. He is confident that he can play,” said Roelant Oltmans, coach of the team. “We will see how he reacts after today’s training. But, right now, it is a 90 percent possibility that he will play.”
Sardar said he was ready to play. “The way we have been playing in the practice matches (against Netherlands and Australia), I am confident of a good show,” he said.
Oltmans added: “I am pleased with the level that players are showing. I am confident about our preparations. But we will have to see what it really means as the tournament starts, because at this point all teams are confident about their preparations.”
India face a relatively inexperienced German side, but the Dutch said he wasn’t taking that into account. “For you maybe they are new but I have seen these youngsters win the junior World Cup. They play top quality club hockey all year so you can’t underestimate them.”
India, however, go into the match as favourites. Germany landed here only two days ago and have had only three practice session. “We are still getting used to the conditions. India definitely have the home advantage,” said German captain Moritz Furste.
LIVE ON TEN SPORTS 7.30PM
Pak take on Belgium
Pakistan hockey team will take on Belgium in the pool A match on Saturday. Pakistan have endured a traumatic year where they failed to qualify for the World Cup and also could not gain a direct entry to the 2016 Olympics. Ranked 4th in the world, Belgium is high on morale and looks upbeat striving hard in putting their best possible efforts to take on other teams in the tournament.
The Tribune
Aiming high: Full of confidence, Greenshirts begin Champions Trophy campaign
By Nabil Tahir
HARD AT WORK: The Pakistan team had several practice sessions before the Champions Trophy and there is a quiet confidence in the camp that the training will pay off. PHOTO: ATHAR KHAN/EXPRESS
KARACHI: The captain of the Pakistan national hockey team, Muhammad Imran, believes that the squad is well-prepared to take on world number four Belgium in their first league match of the Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy be played at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India on Saturday.
“The squad had trained under quality coaches and it showed when we won the practice match against Argentina,” told Imran to The Express Tribune. “The whole team played as one against the Argentines and implemented the training given by the coaches to defeat the seventh-ranked team in the world.”
Apart from their opening day opponents Belgium, Pakistan, who won a silver medal at the Asian Games and are now ranked 11th, are placed in pool A along with fifth-ranked England — who they will face in their second league match on December 7 and Australia — who they face on December 9 after a day’s rest.
For the last 20 years, the Australians and the Europeans have had a stronghold on the tournament, with the Aussies coming into the tournament having won the previous five editions, but Imran feels his team is up for the challenge and are ready to cause an upset.
“We are ready to face the top teams; we have only one thing in mind, to clinch the title and show the world what we are capable of,” said Imran. “The third Champions Trophy title will be the perfect way for Pakistan hockey to round off a memorable 2014, but for that we will have to beat the best.”
Head coach Shahnaz Sheikh is also optimistic about the tournament but feels that reaching the semi-finals will be a more realistic aim to begin with. “The team played well at the Asiads, and if they continue playing in the same manner as they played in the practice match against Argentina, they have a strong chance of reaching the final four in the championship,” said Sheikh. “The morale of the team is good because we clearly know there are distractions in every process. But at this moment we only want to look forward.”
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Imran Butt, who has added responsibility in the new penalty shuffle, says that he will not repeat the mistakes he made at Asian Games when India in the final on the shuffle. “I have practiced a lot to overcome the mistakes I made at Incheon and I have improved my focus,” he said.
The Express Tribune
Pakistan lock horns with Belgium in Champions Trophy today
KARACHI: Incheon Asian Games silver medallist Pakistan hockey team that take on Belgium in the 35th Champions Trophy opener on Saturday are in high spirit and ready to take the challenge.
“The green-shirts have won 3-0 against Argentina in a practice match besides beating them 4-3 in penalty shootout drill,” manager-cum-chief coach Shahnaz Shaikh told Dawn from Indian city of Bhubaneswar.
Instituted by the late Air Marshal Nur Khan in 1978 at Lahore, Pakistan had the honour of winning it three times — 1978, 1980 and 1994. Pakistan clinched silver mdal on six occasions — 1983, 1984, 1988, 1991, 1996, 1998 and bronze seven times — 1986, 1992, 1995, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2012.
Altogether, Pakistan have been on the victory podium on 16 out of 34 t-imes since its inception.
Pakistan captured their last Champions Trophy medal, a bronze, in the last edition held at Melbourne in 2012.
Billed as the toughest event of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) calendar, Champions Trophy that used to take place annually until 2012, has become biannual from this year.— Anwar Zuberi
Meanwhile, Indian captain Sardar Singh said Pakistan have arsenal in their disposal to progress to the next stage of the Champions Trophy.
“I welcome Pakistan team to India. I will take this opportunity to wish them all the best and I hope we have a clash against them in the next stage of the tournament.
“Their team is strong and that they have the capability to beat the rivals in their pool and advance to the next phase,” he said.
Sardar hoped to face Pakistan in the knockout stages of the event.
Pakistan skipper Imran Mohammad, meanwhile, said, “I have been to India before and it’s a great feeling to be back. While preparing for the Champions Trophy back home, we have been working on our weaknesses that we discovered during the 17th Asian Games.
“Reaching the semi-finals is our main target at the moment. We are also focussed on improving our world ranking.”
Saturday’s fixtures (times PST):
Australia vs England 11:30am; Pakistan vs Belgium 1:30pm; Argentina vs Netherlands 5:00pm; India vs Germany 7:00pm.
Dawn
All focus on local lad Birendra Lakra, as CT carves niche in a new city
Tazeen Qureshy
Bhubneswar becomes another new city to host the prestigious Champions Trophy, now on its 35th edition. But here in the Temple City, it is not just the proud city which is in focus, but obviously a local lad too.
When India takes on Germany in 24 hours from now, the crowd will be in full support of the home team. But, if there is one face which will be minutely observed, it will be the local lad Birendra Lakra.
Lakra has been in the limelight ever since he landed in Bhubaneswar, with the local media cornering him for interviews. In fact the attention he gets is so much that after coming out from the airport, the media hovered around the defender to take his byte while skipper Sardar Singh and coach Roelant Oltmans stood in the corner.
Lakra himself acknowledges the special attention he gets.
“It is slightly different here you know. There is media all around. The crowd is local and I am sure they will be closely looking at my game. So, there is every bit of excitement. The fact that I will play a major tournament in my home state, in front of my people is very exciting,” Lakra told www.stick2hockey.com.
In fact, his team mates have also noticed the special attention he gets. When the team was posing with the Odisha Sports minister for a photo shoot two days back, they played prank and tried to cover his face so that he does not feature in the photograph.
“Yes, my team mates do play pranks. They keep teasing me for the attention I get. They call me ‘local hero ,” Lakra says with a smile. “But, it is all on a lighter note.”
However, Lakra has more reasons to smile. He was finally felicitated by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik with a cash prize of 30 lakhs, after India team led by goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh requested the sports minister to reward the player.
“The team supported me for it. But, of course, now the attention is on the big match tomorrow.”
Stick2Hockey.com
Big weekend for Australia says skipper
Tazeen Qureshy
The Australian team has always been a confident bunch. Their ‘play to win’ attitude clearly reflects in their game. Perhaps, that is the reason that the team does not believe in setting target, instead it believes in just winning.
“We don’t set targets. That is not our style. We want to win. Every team wants the same. We play with that attitude,” says skipper Eddie Ockenden.
Australia, which is also the defending champion, is the favourite this year as well. Being the only country to win the tournament most times, Champions trophy is undoubtedly their favourite event.
“We love this tournament. It is fantastic tournament in terms of the great teams that participate. The competition here is too strong,” he says.
“We have been here for about a week. It has been good so far. We are training hard to get in good shape,” he added.
On the Indian team, which is on a high after defeating Australia 3-1 in a series held last month, he says, “India is definitely improving. A few things have been good for them for a year almost. They have had constant team members for quite some time. They are a strong team in Champions trophy.”
Australia will face England in the opener. “England is a tough team. We next play Belgium on Sunday. So, it will be a big weekend for Australia.”
Stick2Hockey.com
New-look Aussies for Trophy test
FIELD hockey’s elite are set for an exciting tussle in India from today as dominant Australia seek an incredible sixth successive Champions Trophy title.
The eastern city of Bhubaneshwar hosts the prestigious eight-nation invitation tournament regarded as the third biggest prize in the sport after the Olympics and the World Cup.
Australia showcased their undisputed prowess when they retained both the World Cup title and the Commonwealth Games gold medal in Glasgow earlier this year.
But a field that includes five other nations that have won an Olympic gold — Germany, the Netherlands, England, India and Pakistan — besides the fast-improving Belgium and Argentina, opens up the competition at the Champions Trophy.
The Kookaburras wear a new look in the absence of veterans Liam de Young and Rob Hammond, who retired after the World Cup, and five-time world player of the year Jamie Dwyer and Mark Knowles, who are both injured.
Graham Reid, who replaced the legendary Ric Charlesworth as head coach earlier this year, insisted he was focused on rebuilding a young team for the future.
“As I said earlier, we are using the Champions Trophy as another opportunity to expose our younger players to the rigours of international competition,” said Reid.
Reigning Olympic champions Germany will bank on one of the most gifted squads in the competition to bounce back after a disappointing sixth-place finish at the World Cup.
Moritz Furste, world player of the year in 2012, returns after missing the World Cup due to leg injury. Also in the line-up are Tobias Hauke, who won the award in 2013, and talented 20-year-old Christopher Ruhr.
The Netherlands, ranked second in the world, are hungry for a major title after finishing runners-up to Germany at the London Olympics and again to Australia at the World Cup.
Coach Max Caldas, the former Argentine international who guided the Netherlands women’s team to gold medals at the Olympics and the World Cup, will look to work his magic with the men’s squad.
England are relying on experienced players like Ashley Jackson and captain Barry Middleton to deliver a maiden Champions Trophy title after finishing fourth at the World Cup.
India will miss their Australian coach Terry Walsh, who was controversially sacked despite leading the team to an Olympic-qualifying gold medal at the Asian Games in September.
Arch-rivals Pakistan have also endured a traumatic year where they failed to qualify for the World Cup and also could not gain a direct entry to the 2016 Olympics.
The teams have been divided into two groups for the preliminary league which will determine the line-up for the knock-out stage to be contested by all sides.
New Straits Times
History beckons Roelant Oltmans to re-establish as a successful coach
K Arumugam
In his first avtar as coach, the young The Netherlands’ Roelant Oltmans stood head and shoulders above the rest, bringing in amazing results in all genre of competitions in field hockey including Olympics.
When he brought his team to Chennai when India hosted the Champions Trophy for the first time, Stephan Veen led team easily overcame resurgent Pakistan in the final played under heavy downpour. (Two years though, on way to Lahore CT, India beat his team in a two-test encounter).
Past 90s, Roelant did not produce matching results, having been to other areas of sports, elevating himself to vital roles. However, he got to train many national teams including his country (for instance 2006 World Cup) besides being chief coach of Pakistan in 2003-2004.
Then he was roped in by the short-lived WSH organizers in India to train a franchise, and then came to coach a Hockey India League team, whence he was catapulted to the role of High Performance Director which he assumed one and half years ago.
This story is not to evaluate him in his HPD role, but as a coach.
When he shifted from football to Hockey and took up the Pakistan challenge in the early 2003, a short spell of about a year, he could not lift Pakistan beyond any known levels. Significantly, India beat Pakistan twice in Afro-Asian Games when he was the coach.
Not only that.
Before the Pakistan-Dutch match in Monchengladbach, the coach went on to say that his team will easily defeat Pakistan as he knows thoroughly the latter’s game. His comment was much talked about in those times in the context of acquiring foreign coach, their loyalty to pay masters etc.
But what happened on the turf was a different story. Pakistan defeated The Netherlands, and in the end finished a step above in the World Cup ranking!
This is a big blemish in an otherwise impeccable coaching career he labels.
Years later, India provided Lucknow Franchise, which he could not get the Gold in two editions.
Now, he has been with the Indian national team for more than one and half years. As events would have it, he will be the central figure in India’s fortune here in Bhubneswar.
Circumstance that landed him in-charge of Indian coaching is well known.
Having accepted the challenge, he has the onerous task of proving his delivery.
Oltmans is not unknown to India. He has been with the senior team for considerable time, touring and monitoring across the globe.
Therefore, expectation of the nation from him is high.
He has been on a roller coaster ride in his post 90s’ coaching stints, and its time now to prove his critics wrong.
Bhubnewar beckons the veteran.
Stick2Hockey.com
Hotting up in Mendoza
New Zealand, Netherlands, Australia and Argentina on course for final show-down
(Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek)
With the quarter finals done and dusted, the eight teams contesting the 21st Champions Trophy have a day of preparation before they enter the arena for the last two days of competition.
All eight teams in Mendoza still have all to play for. Germany, Japan, England and China will all be wanting to avoid a bottom-place finish and the 5th-8th play-offs will be hotly contested.
But for the legions of fans pouring into the Estadio Mendicino on Saturday, the main event will be the much anticipated clash between the current holders of the trophy, Argentina, and the world champions, the Netherlands.
"We are pleased so far with our performance," said captain of Las Leonas, Carla Rebecchi, "but now we have to be effective against the world champions."
Certainly, the Netherlands will need to step up a gear if they are to continue their winning ways. Maartje Paumen said the team always enjoys playing against Argentina and, for the Dutch captain, the crowds are not a distracting feature. "We love to play in front of the Argentine fans, they are so passionate and know the game," she said. For those spectators who have witnessed four below-par performances by the Netherlands, coach Sjoerd Marijne had this reassurance: "We didn't score many goals in the opening matches at the Hague, and that didn't turn out to be a problem."
In the other semi final, New Zealand will be hoping to come out of the starting blocks with the same energy and work rate as they did in their quarter final clash with England. In Australia however, they face the ultimate quick-off-the-mark team, as the Hockeyroos proved when they took a 3-0 lead over Japan in the first 15 minutes.
"We always want to beat Australia," said Rose Keddell, "And we feel we are getting stronger and stronger."
With the temperatures expected to soar into the high thirties on Saturday, the heat will be a factor, although Anna Flanagan says that coping with the high temperatures should not cause the Hockeyroos a problem. "Of all the teams here, we are the ones who should be able to cope with the heat," she said.
The matches are as follows (all times are local time):
11:30 England vs Japan
14:00 Germany vs China
16:30 New Zealand vs Australia
19:00 Netherlands vs Argentina
All the matches are available across a variety of platforms. Here is the comprehensive list of how you can keep up with the action.
Broadcasters who will be showing matches live on television.
SKY - NZ - All New Zealand games
ABC - Australia - All AUS games
Astro-Arena - Malaysia - All matches
TEN Sports - India (Final only)
Supersport - Africa - All matches
Sport 1 - Germany - German pool matches and quarter/ final. Coverage from that point will then depend on the German team's progress in the competition.
NOS - Netherlands - All Netherlands matches and final (not always live)
BSKYB - UK - All matches
C7 - Argentina - All Argentina matches
Television coverage will vary from country to country, but for any games that are not shown live on television, there are many other ways you can stay in tune with the action on the pitch.
Website
Full coverage of the events will be available via www.fih.ch with live streaming of the matches available in most territories.
You Tube
The FIH You Tube channel will be active throughout the events, with match highlights and much more being posted as soon as they become available. To visit our You Tube channel, click the link below:
www.youtube.com/fihockey
Social media
FIH will provide comprehensive coverage of the event via our social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Facebook: facebook.com/fihockey
Instagram: instagram.com/fihockey
Twitter: twitter.com/fih_hockey #BestOfTheBest #CT2014
FIH site
Familiar foe for semi showdown
Black Sticks know the Aussies ... and what they must do to beat them.
By David Leggat
The Black Sticks celebrate the win that earned them a semifinal place. Photo / Grant Treeby
New Zealand won't be able to claim unfamiliarity with their opponents when they play Australia tomorrow morning for a spot in the Champions Trophy final.
They most recently had a three-match series at home against the Aussies last month, for two draws and a narrow loss, and out of that came the knowledge that they are highly competitive against the team ranked No 2, two places higher than them.
The Black Sticks yesterday confirmed their place in the semifinals with a convincing 3-1 win over England in Mendoza, and were worth every bit of the victory.
Goals from Rose Keddell - deflecting an Anita Punt drive at a penalty corner - and Punt from another penalty corner drag flick in the first half gave New Zealand the initiative their play warranted.
They were more assertive going forward, and frequently troubled the English defence, who conceded eight penalty corners.
Laura Unsworth pulled one back for England early on,but Stacey Michelsen's tap in six minutes from the end sealed the win.
That was fitting as Michelsen - back in a forward role after helping out at the back against China in the last pool game - and Punt were the outstanding players.
As befitting their status as senior players, they led by example against a team who have troubled the Black Sticks on big occasions.
They denied New Zealand an Olympic bronze in London - although that was more down to the Black Sticks having a shocker - and a chance for Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow this year.
There was no repeat yesterday.
"I thought the girls did really well today, I'm really pleased." said coach Mark Hager of the win, achieved in 37C heat.
"The composure and the ability to attack and defend well and to limit England to one goal and no field goals, I thought was pleasing."
Michelsen was pleased to have a strong game.
"I've been pretty rusty so it was good to play a little bit better in such an important game," she said.
Her key for the Australian game is for the Black Sticks to replicate the pressure they put on England.
"We came out really strong and that's something we've been working on, starting aggressively and that's something we'll try to do againstAustralia."
New Zealand were particularly assertive early in the final quarter, when England were searching for a way back into the match.
Scoring from only two of those eight penalty corner chances is something the Black Sticks will focus on in the day off before the semifinal.
Taking those opportunities will be critical against Australia.
New Zealand have never made a Champions Trophy final. Their best finish is third in 2011.
If they beat Australia they will face world No 1 the Netherlands, with whom they drew 1-1 this week, or No 3 Argentina.
"They are a good side," Hager said of Australia. "In the last 18 months they have been winning the big games, which is something our group is still learning to do.
"But hopefully if we have a strong game plan and execute it well, we are in with a good chance."
The New Zealand Herald
Celebration – a part of the process
For Mary Cicinelli, if the processes are in place, the event will run well. And that is something to be loud and proud about.
(Photo: FIH)
When the FIH appointed Mary Cicinelli as its representative at the Champions Trophy in Mendoza, she was slightly nervous as this was something new on her cv. "I wasn't quite sure what that involved," she says with candour."
But when it comes to hockey administration, or simply human relationships, there is no-one more experienced or more dedicated to fairness, equality and professionalism.
Mary has been involved in hockey administration since she was a teenager; at just 18 years of age she did work with Field Hockey Ontario, and in 1988 she was appointed national manager for Canada at the Seoul Olympics, a career highlight. Nearly 30 years later and the approachable Canadian is now on the Executive Board of the Pan-American Hockey Federation and, for two weeks, the FIH representative at the last major international women’s competition of the year, bringing her years of expertise to the top table of hockey.
"I have been on the FIH Executive Board for two years, but last year I received a letter from Leandro (Negre, the FIH President) asking me if I would be the FIH representative for this event. Then I received a template advising me on the role, and here I am."
The role is very much what the individual makes of it, and Mary's skillset more than qualifies her to meet the demands of the job. But where many people might feel obliged to be in the thick of things, Mary's approach is more subtle. She observes, analyses and assesses situations: one example is her decision to sit away from the main stands, instead observing the whole operation as a fan would.
"By sitting opposite, I could see how all the elements were working. It is just taking a different perspective, and seeing it through the eyes of the public. That is a very different viewpoint to the one the organisers see.
"I see my job here as linking the local organising committee to the FIH team and officials. I am here to support, advise and listen. Since I learnt I would be doing this role I have attended meetings and kept in constant contact with the local organising team, I might help out with specific issues, but primarily I am there to make sure that all the involved groups can work together.”
"During the event I will chair any juries of appeal, but I hope that situation doesn't arise. After the event is over, I will write a report from my perspective, which will help with the organisation of subsequent events. We should see every event as an opportunity to perfect what we are doing."
Mary's background away from hockey is in human resources. She is currently an executive director at the Institute of Work and Health, working with a team of academic researchers back in Toronto, "They have their own unique issues," she says with a wry smile, but ultimately, she says she is a "process person".
"If the policies and procedures are in place and everyone has clear roles and responsibilities, then an event will work well," she says. "For me, the devil is in the detail, but I also have a real sense of fairness, that is a very important part of my integrity."
As a Canadian living in Toronto, combined with her qualifications in human resources, Mary has a very good understanding of cultural differences. This again is a quality that stands her in good stead at international competitions, where there is the potential for cultural misunderstandings. "Sometimes, in the heat of event management, people forget to celebrate what is good. There is always the pressure of 'what could be better?' or 'what are we doing next?'”
"What I see here in Mendoza is a dedicated group of volunteers and staff. There is some real talent and I'm not sure people on the outside realise how talented everyone is – or how professional and dedicated to the sport they are."
And that dedication to the sport starts at the top. When Mary spoke about what would be her perfect competition, she said: "One in which all the athletes had a great experience; all the fans saw a fabulous competition, and the team behind the event was working well together and had a great time too. And everyone should remember to take a moment to celebrate."
FIH site
Hockey aims top spot
Rashneel Kumar
THE Fiji men's hockey side is keen to continue its gradual rise in the international rankings.
After gaining 16 places following the participation in the World Hockey League Round Two in India last year, the Hector Smith Sr-coached side is eager to qualify for the international meet in Singapore.
For that, the team needs to finish on top in the Oceania Pacific Cup Championship to be played alongside the World Hockey League Round One, starting today at the National Hockey Centre.
Smith Sr said they had prepared well and were ready to give the other teams a run for their money.
The other teams are participating in the weeklong tournament include Vanuatu, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Australian Country and New Zealand Presidents.
"We prepared very well as you know last year, we went up 16 places in the international ranking and won the team of the year (at the Fiji Sports Awards)," Smith Sr said.
"We dominate the Pacific region and have been winning medals in every South Pacific Games."
Smith Sr said they had committed players who worked hard to ensure Fiji was placed among the best in the international rankings.
"Last year, each player contributed $3000 to play for Fiji and that itself shows the commitment of the players."
Fiji men's will take on Samoa in its opening match at 2.30pm today while the women's team will play Vanuatu at 4.30pm.
Meanwhile, Fiji Water is the latest corporate body to partner with the tournament organisers.
Yesterday, the company presented 100 boxes of its natural artesian bottled water.
"It's an honour for us to participate in the development of sports in Fiji," Fiji Water CEO Rokoseru Nabalarua said.
"Fiji Water is now over 60 countries around the world and we continue to expand our business but at the same time it's important for us to be involved in things at home and in the Pacific especially in events like sports."
Smith Sr thanked Fiji Water for its support assuring them of a good outing. The tournament was officially opened by Minster for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou yesterday.
The Fiji Times
Still in it to win it
By S.Ramaguru
UniKL's Philipp Stahr (center) goes airborne after a block from Maybank's Moritz Knobloch (right) during their match in National Hockey Stadium at Kuala Lumpur onFriday. - Faihan Ghani/The Star.
KUALA LUMPUR: There’s still all to play for. Former champions Tenaga Nasional and Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) may have won the first fight, but there’s still hope for their beaten rivals Maybank and Sapura.
Tenaga edge Sapura 4-3 while UniKL beat Maybank 3-1 in the first-leg of the playoffs for the semi-finals in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Friday.
There’s not much separating the teams. The return-leg matches on Sunday will be exciting indeed.
In the first match on Friday, Tenaga got their goals through Mohamed Shahril Saabah (17th minute), Mohd Amin Rahim (30th pen, 41st) and Mohd Ramadan Rosli (54th). Sapura’s goals came from Pakistan import Mohamed Zubair (fourth minute), Kashif Ali (27th pen) and Izwan Firdaus (53rd).
In the other semi-final, UniKL stretched their unbeaten run to five games since Nov 21.
Maybank, however, continued to be winless this year. This is the first time since the MHL’s inception in 1987 that the Tigers are on the verge of ending the tournament without a win.
Maybank must have thought they had turned the corner when skipper Hafifihafiz Hanafi put them ahead against UniKL in the 24th minute.
But UniKL hit back through German Patrick Schulte’s field goal in the 32nd minute – his first of the tournament.
Another field goal by Mohamed Sufi Ismat in the 46th minute and a third by another German, Phillip Stahr, in the 52nd minute did the bankers in.
“Our job is just half done. We played well, especially after the second quarter. The players have worked hard as a team and their game is up a notch,” said UniKL coach A. Arulsevaraj.
“We cannot get carried away. It’s just a two-goal lead and Maybank will come at us in the return leg. We have to stay focused and not slip up.”
The Star of Malaysia
Australia hockey coach worried about player safety after Hughes death
Just like the entire world, the Australian hockey team has also been affected by country mate and cricketer Phillip Hughes sudden death and national coach Graham Reid said that the tragic accident made everyone "realise how fickle life can be".
"You try and keep it separated from emotions but it (Hughes death) affected the whole nation. It in fact affected the entire world," Reid told PTI on the eve of his side's FIH Champions Trophy opener against England at the Kalinga Stadium on Saturday.
"It's a tragedy when something like this happen. What it does is that make everybody realise how fickle life can be," said the former defender, who was part of Australia's silver medal winning team in 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
He said hockey is a much safer game now and from time to time the administrators of the game will have to make changes to ensure players safety. Reuters
Hughes died at St. Vincent Hospital in Sydney last week after being struck by a Sean Abbott bouncer while batting for South Australia in a Sheffield Shield game against New South Wales at the SCG. He was 25.
The Australian batsman was laid to rest at his hometown, Macksville in a heart-wrenching and emotional funeral on Wednesday.
Reid said even though Hughes' untimely death proved sports can sometimes be dangerous, he lauded the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for its effort to make hockey much safer now.
"What it did is make everyone aware that what we play sometimes can be dangerous. But at this level I think it's a very safe game. And credit to FIH for changing the rules. Penalty corner defence equipments have changed and that's good for the game," he said.
Australia hockey captain Eddie Ockenden termed Hughes death as a "tragic time for sports".
"It obviously is a tragic time for everyone at the moment in sports. I think everyone feels for Phil and his family. It's a tragic incident. It's a terrible accident," Ockenden reacted.
He, however, feels Hughes death won't have any effect on the Kookaburras performance in the Champions Trophy.
"I don't think that as a hockey player we can worry about that too much. We obviously feel sad for the tragic accident but we have a tournament to play," Ockenden said.
He said hockey is a much safer game now and from time to time the administrators of the game will have to make changes to ensure players safety.
"Over the last few years Hockey Australia and Kookaburras have worried about players safety. We want the players to be safe. Penalty corners sometimes can be dangerous but we have to take steps to ensure the players are safe," he signed off.
Firstpost
'FIH should make the game of hockey safer'
Arnab Lall Seal
BHUBANESWAR: Phil Hughes' sudden death showed the world that even a seemingly harmless game like cricket can turn deadly at any point. But it's not only cricket that is dangerous, even a sport like hockey can become life threatening for someone unlucky.
Ten years back in New Delhi, the then India captain Dilip Tirkey was injured during a match against Pakistan after Sohail Abbas' drag-flick ricocheted off his hands onto his face.
Even though his injury wasn't serious, the incident scarred him. So are the players afraid while they step out on the field? Barry Middleton, England's captain here doesn't think so.
"We are aware that it's dangerous, but we don't think about it while we are on the field. Thinking about it will make us more vulnerable," said Middleton and added, "What happened to Hughes is shocking and we can only hope nothing like that happens to anyone."
However, he believes a lot of practice helps the players understand the dangers of the game and that way they can avoid any serious injuries. "We know when to get out of the way of the ball and we know when it's going to rise. The penalty corners are the most dangerous but if the player is running into the ball, in most cases, the ball will hit below the knee and it's going to be safe," added the Brit.
Even though players need to be alert, he believes that the game has become safer over the years and the chances of accidents occurring have reduced. "The face masks and the gloves have developed over the years and it's a lot safer these days. But at the end of the day accidents can happen anytime," he added.
His Australian counterpart Eddie Ockenden also agreed that it's the players who rush in during the penalty corners who are most vulnerable to injury, but did not say anything about how the players' safety can be improved.
"What happened to Hughes is very sad but as far as hockey is concerned it's for FIH to decide how to make the game safer," he added.
The Times of India
International Hockey Federation effects major rule changes
In order to make hockey faster and more attacking, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has effected two major rule changes, including the abolition of long corners, which will be effective from January 1.
As per the changes, an attacking free hit, awarded within five metres of the edge of the circle, can be taken from the point of offence.
“The ball still has to travel at least five metres before it can be played into the circle, or alternatively has to be touched by another player of either team, other than the player taking the free hit,” states the latest rule.
“Having to take the ball back to the five-metre dotted line slowed the play and was seen as a real disadvantage to the attacking team and the flow of the game.”
Re-start
The other change concerns the re-start after the ball has unintentionally been played over the back-line by a defender or deflected by a goalkeeper or player with goalkeeping privileges and no goal is scored.
“Play will now be re-started with the ball on the 23-metre line and in line with where it crossed the back-line. Taking the re-start from the 23-metre line will open up the play and give more passing options,” said the rule.
“The previous re-start, commonly known as a corner, was seen an inefficient and ineffective re-start with the ball often becoming trapped in the corners of the pitch.
“Taking the re-start from the 23-metre line opens up the play and gives more passing options.”
Besides, some other rules have been adjusted. Keeping the players’ safety in mind in the backdrop of Australian cricketer Phil Hughes’s death due to a freak on-field accident, the FIH has lifted the ban on the use of face masks with metal grills while defending penalty corners.
The apex hockey body has also altered the stick specification, with the maximum length (105cm) being specified for the first time, which brings this into line with the indoor rules and FIH regulation changes.
The Hindu
FIH allows metal grill mask for defenders
LAUSANNE: In the wake of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes' death during a match, hockey's world governing body (FIH) on Friday allowed metal grill mask to protect onrushing defenders during penalty corner executions.
The FIH said the issue had come for discussion at the Executive Board meeting at the Congress Oct 30.
"A wider range of masks, including metal grill masks, will now be allowed to defend penalty corners. This amendment has been done to increase player safety. This will be available for worldwide adoption at international level from January 2015," the FIH said on its website.
Other rule changes made by the body include "the ability to take attacking free hits, awarded within five metres of the edge of the circle, from the point of the offence. The change states that the ball still has to travel at least five metres before it can be played into the circle, or alternatively has to be touched by another player of either team, other than the player taking the free hit".
FIH also brought in a change regarding the re-start of the match to increase more passing options.
"Play will now be re-started with the ball on the 23 metres line and in line with where it crossed the back-line. Taking the re-start from the 23 metres line will open up the play and give more passing options," it stated.
Also, players will be allowed to raise the stick above their shoulders. "The skill adds another dimension to the sport and provides excitement for fans and players alike."
The Times of India
SAHA and Investec to end their partnership
South African Hockey Association and Investec today announced that they will be exiting their partnership when it comes to an end on 28 February 2015. This brings to a close Investec's successful five year sponsorship of the South African Women's Hockey team.
"All sponsorships have a logical lifespan. When we embarked on this sponsorship, there was a compelling proposal to help the team participate in the Olympics in 2012 as well as the Commonwealth Games in 2014. We are proud to have played a part in this tremendous accomplishment," said Investec's marketing head in South Africa, Janet Larsen.
Marissa Langeni from South African Hockey Association commented, "We would like to thank Investec for their unwavering support and sponsorship of the SA National Women's Hockey team. It has been an amazing journey and partnership over the last five years with many goals and milestones having been achieved during the time. We are pleased to say that Investec's sponsorship helped inspire many a budding hockey player and ultimately propelled the national team into a household brand within women's sport in South Africa."
"For the last five years, we have worked closely with SAHA and the group of remarkable individuals that make up the South African Women's Hockey team. They are wonderful role models for South Africa's next generation of hockey stars and we wish them great success in the next phase of their journey," continued Larsen.
Investec remains committed to the sport and specifically to hockey development through the ongoing support of school hockey and with the planned launch of the Investec Women's Hockey Academy in 2015.
SA Hockey Association media release
A Women’s Hockey team without a sponsor
FILE PICTURE: Marsha Cox and Dirkie Chamberlain of South Africa celebrate during Womens International Hockey match. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
Investec will not renew its sponsorship of the South African Women’s Hockey team when the five-year deal ends in February, the SA Hockey Association said.
“All sponsorships have a logical lifespan. When we embarked on this sponsorship, there was a compelling proposal to help the team participate in the Olympics in 2012 as well as the Commonwealth Games in 2014,” said Investec’s marketing head in South Africa, Janet Larsen.
“We are proud to have played a part in this tremendous accomplishment.”
SA Hockey Association CEO Marissa is confident a new deal will be finalised soon.
“We are currently in discussion with two major corporates and the negotiations look promising at the moment,” she said.
“We were fortunate to have a legacy story book from our previous sponsor and the companies are happy with what Investec has achieved with the team.”
On the field, the team will look to edge closer to cementing their 2016 Olympic qualification by doing well in next year’s Women’s FIH Hockey World League semi-finals in Spain.
The team will then take part in the Africa cup of nations in October in Egypt, which is also an Olympic qualifier event.
The Citizen
Who is your Player of the Year for 2014?
(Photo: FIH)
The 2014 FIH Player of the Year Awards feature three categories in which to vote with five international players shortlisted per category.
The categories are as follows for both the men and women’s games:
FIH International Player of the Year
FIH International Goalkeeper of the Year
FIH International Rising Star of the Year
The five international players shortlisted in each category, have been determined by a panel of hockey experts and from this, you can nominate your Players of the Year.
The online vote for the FIH Player of the Year 2014 is now open and you can register your vote by clicking here through to the FIH Facebook page and using the voting app.
Click carefully as you are only allowed to vote for a player in each category once.
FIH site
Top EHL players nominated for FIH awards
Kampong’s Robbert Kemperman, East Grinstead’s Ashley Jackson and Oranje Zwart’s Robert van der Horst are on the five person shortlist for the FIH international male player of the year for 2014.
They will battle it out for the top honour with Australian world champions Eddie Ockenden and Mark Knowles with part of the process seeing fans from around the world voting for their favourites on the FIH Facebook page.
In the goalkeeper category, Bloemendaal’s Jaap Stockmann and former Beeston man George Pinner are on the shortlist along with Argentina’s Juan Vivaldi, India’s PR Sreejesh and Australia’s Andrew Charter.
Dragons’ Arthur van Doren makes the shortlist for rising star along with Christopher Ruhr, who has played in the EHL with Uhlenhorst Mulheim. HGC’s Gonzalo Peillat, India’s Akashdeep Singh and Jeremy Hayward complete that list.
The female player of the year features superstars like Luciana Aymar, Maartje Paumen, Ellen Hoog and Lidewij Welten along with US defender Lauren Crandall who is rewarded following her team’s break-out year.
They will battle it out for the top honour with Australian world champions Eddie Ockenden and Mark Knowles with part of the process seeing fans from around the world voting for their favourites on the FIH Facebook page.
In the goalkeeper category, Bloemendaal’s Jaap Stockmann and former Beeston man George Pinner are on the shortlist along with Argentina’s Juan Vivaldi, India’s PR Sreejesh and Australia’s Andrew Charter.
Dragons’ Arthur van Doren makes the shortlist for rising star along with Christopher Ruhr, who has played in the EHL with Uhlenhorst Mulheim. HGC’s Gonzalo Peillat, India’s Akashdeep Singh and Jeremy Hayward complete that list.
The female player of the year features superstars like Luciana Aymar, Maartje Paumen, Ellen Hoog and Lidewij Welten along with US defender Lauren Crandall who is rewarded following her team’s break-out year.
Euro Hockey League media release
Walsh sends legal notice to USAFH
Terry Walsh has gone ahead with his threat of taking legal action against USA Field Hockey (USAFH), sending it a legal notice and seeking redaction of the financial irregularity allegations against him.
In a letter to USAFH through his lawyers IP Business Laws, Inc, in California, the former coach of the Indian men’s hockey team has claimed that not only were the allegations — which formed the basis of Hockey India (HI) president Narinder Batra refusing to continue working with him — blatantly wrong, but also a breach of contract signed between the federation and Walsh.
“For seven years, Terry Walsh was USA Field Hockey High Performance technical director. In 2012, Walsh and USA Field Hockey agreed to separate. Walsh was quickly selected by Hockey India to be its chief coach. During recent negotiations of his agreement with Hockey India, Walsh made suggestions to further improve. Shockingly, USA Field Hockey intervened in these negotiations by making unfounded accusations,” the letter states.
Adding that Indian hockey improved tremendously under Walsh, the letter threatens USAFH with serious financial consequences if it did not withdraw the allegations. “Not only were the accusations wrong, they were made in breach of the USA Field Hockey contract with Walsh.
“Walsh has struck back at USA Field Hockey and demanded that it complies with its contract or face serious financial consequences,” the letter states.
Walsh had recently resigned as India coach, seeking a renegotiation of his contract with Hockey India and the Sports Authority of India, and more freedom in decision-making and permission to work from home for a longer period.
While the government was willing to discuss most issues, Narinder Batra outrightly refused to use his services citing documents he had received from USAFH that alleged financial irregularities and fraud by Walsh while working with it.
Walsh has also indicated taking legal action in India to clear his name.
The Hindu
USA Field Hockey Breaches Agreement with Terry Walsh
For seven years, Terry Walsh was USA Field Hockey High Performance Technical Director. The USA Field Hockey program greatly improved while Mr. Walsh held that position.
In 2012, Mr. Walsh and USA Field Hockey agreed to separate.
As a premier international field hockey guru, Mr. Walsh was quickly selected by Hockey India to be its chief coach. Mr. Walsh guided Hockey India to a series of stunning victories: a defeat of the Olympic Gold medal German team in January, a series win against World Champions Australia in November and winning the 2014 Asian Games after a sixteen year drought. The Asian Games victory provided an automatic qualification to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, solidifying the great gains in the Hockey India program under Mr. Walsh.
During recent negotiations of his agreement with Hockey India, Mr. Walsh made suggestions to further improve the coaching of Hockey India. Shockingly, USA Field Hockey intervened in these negotiations by making unfounded accusations.
Not only were the accusations wrong, they were made in breach of the USA Field Hockey contract with Mr. Walsh. Mr. Walsh has struck back at USA Field Hockey and demanded that it comply with its contract or face serious financial consequences.
Antonio R. Sarabia II, Attorney
IP Business Law, Inc
Player ticked off over drug
Central Mystics representative hockey player Claudia Hanham has been reprimanded for taking a prohibited substance.
The New Zealand Sports Tribunal said yesterday Hanham had taken the glucocorticosteroid, Prednisone.
Prednisone is a commonly prescribed medication, but is prohibited in sport.
Athletes need to apply for a special exemption if they require it for health reasons and wish to continue competing. Hanham had not applied for such an exemption.
Drug Free Sport New Zealand chief executive Graeme Steel says the case emphasises the need for athletes to understand the anti-doping rules around medications.
"As the tribunal points out, Ms Hanham is clearly not a drug cheat, but she's paid a high price for not adequately checking whether her medication was permitted in sport," he said.
Hanham admitted taking a prohibited substance after she returned a positive test in September this year.
She was prescribed Prednisone after suffering serious health problems and had searched for Prednisone on the prohibited list on the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) website, but did not find anything.
Steel says Wada's prohibited list details substances by categories and does not always include individual medication names, such as Prednisone.
He advised New Zealand athletes to check with Drug Free Sport NZ to clarify the status of medications in sport.
Steel says athletes should be alert to the fact that many commonly prescribed medications may be prohibited in sport.
Hanham has now applied for, and been granted, a therapeutic use exemption to take Prednisone and is free to play sport as she chooses.
The New Zealand Herald