News for 15 December 2014
All the news for Monday 15 December 2014
Germany take 10th Champions Trophy Gold medal
Pakistan lose final 2-0 at Hero Hockey Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar, Australia claim Bronze
Final: Germany v Pakistan 2-0 (1-0)
Goals from Christopher Wesley and Florian Fuchs were enough to give Germany a superb and richly deserved 2-0 victory over Pakistan in the tournament final of the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar, India. A sell-out crowd witnessed the Germans claim their 10th Champions Trophy Gold medal, their first since 2007.
Germany controlled the majority of the first quarter and could easily have been ahead in the opening five minutes, with Christopher Rühr failing by a fraction to touch home a fierce cross into the circle before Florian Fuchs crashed a backhand shot wide of the right post after an impressive solo run.
The reigning Olympic champions continued to turn the screw in the second period and eventually were rewarded when Wesley touched home the opener from close range in the 18th minute. It really should have been Germany’s second goal, coming hot on the heels of a clear goal scoring opportunity being wasted by Mathias Müller with Tobi Hauke also missing a glorious chance ahead of the half time break.
Pakistan were forced to defend deep for long stages of the third quarter, but fought their way back into the game and began to assert some serious pressure on the German circle. However, the Germany’s defensive line - marshalled by imperious captain Moritz Fürste - held firm to take a slender advantage into the final 15 minutes of the match.
The Greenshirts had a fantastic opportunity to equalise when Shafqat Rasool showed fine skills to create an opening, but his cross somehow failed to be picked up by his two team-mates in front of goal before Rühr almost scored a magical solo goal for the Europeans ahead of full time.
Bronze medal match: Australia v India 2-1 (1-0)
Australia have claimed the Bronze medal at the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar, India, thanks to a 2-1 triumph over host nation India. Matt Gohdes hit the winner eight minutes from time to give the Kookaburras their 28th Champions Trophy medal.
Following their respective semi-final defeats at the hands of Germany and Pakistan, both sides started the game clearly determined to end their Hero Hockey Champions Trophy campaign on a high. The Kookaburras had the better of the early exchanges, although India’s Akashdeep Singh saw his promising strike sail wide of the target.
Australia captain Eddie Ockenden gave his team the lead early in the second quarter with a cool finish from close range following a smart exchange of passes with Jacob Whetton. India bounced back in typical fashion and created numerous chances, while goalkeeper PR Sreejesh produced some outstanding saves to deny the Aussies a second before half time.
India dragged themselves back into the match when Lalit Upadhyay forced home a penalty corner from close range following some fine defending from the Australian back-line. The goal drew wild celebrations from the watching capacity crowd, and set up a thrilling final quarter.
SV Sunil wasted a great chance for India before Gohdes produced a poachers’ finish to give The Kookaburras a 2-1 advantage with eight minutes remaining. India threw everything at their opponents int he final stages, but the Australian defence held firm to seal the Bronze medal.
Earlier, The Netherlands salvaged a fifth place finish with a 4-1 win over Argentina in Bhubaneswar, scoring four times in the final quarter to turn things around after trailing 1-0. England defeated Belgium 3-2 to claim seventh place, leaving the Red Lions in eighth place overall. It was a high octane battle with Florent van Aubel scoring his first on ten minutes, latching onto a loose finish to fire past George Pinner.
Final Standings
1. Germany
2. Pakistan
3. Australia
4. India
5. Netherlands
6. Argentina
7. England
8. Belgium
Event Awards
Player Award – Moritz Fuerste (GER)
Young Player Award – Akashdeep Singh (IND)
Goalkeeper Award – PR Sreejesh (IND)
FIH site
Wesley & Fuchs give Germany 10th Champions Trophy Gold medal
Goals from Christopher Wesley and Florian Fuchs were enough to give Germany a superb and richly deserved 2-0 victory over Pakistan in the tournament final of the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar, India. A sell-out crowd witnessed the Germans claim their 10th Champions Trophy Gold medal, their first since 2007.
Germany controlled the majority of the first quarter and could easily have been ahead in the opening five minutes, with Christopher Rühr failing by a fraction to touch home a fierce cross into the circle before Florian Fuchs crashed a backhand shot wide of the right post after an impressive solo run.
The reigning Olympic champions continued to turn the screw in the second period and eventually were rewarded when Wesley touched home the opener from close range in the 18th minute. It really should have been Germany’s second goal, coming hot on the heels of a clear goal scoring opportunity being wasted by Mathias Müller with Tobi Hauke also missing a glorious chance ahead of the half time break.
Pakistan were forced to defend deep for long stages of the third quarter, but fought their way back into the game and began to assert some serious pressure on the German circle. However, the Germany’s defensive line - marshalled by imperious captain Moritz Fürste - held firm to take a slender advantage into the final 15 minutes of the match.
The Greenshirts had a fantastic opportunity to equalise when Shafqat Rasool showed fine skills to create an opening, but his cross somehow failed to be picked up by his two team-mates in front of goal before Rühr almost scored a magical solo goal for the Europeans ahead of full time.
Flash Quotes
Nicolas Jacobi (GK GER)
This victory was a big team effort. We worked hard in every minute and always wanted to improve. This team is very young but has a lot of potential. The atmosphere here in Bhubaneswar was phenomenal, I won’t forget this. This was a lot of fun.
Moritz Fürste (GER captain)
I’m really happy, receiving the award for the player for the tournament is cool. Maybe it was a bit easier to get it this time as I was in the focus by playing in defence.
Markus Weise (Head Coach - Germany)
We only gave them one opportunity to score. It all paid off. I think we deserved the win today.
Final Standings
1. Germany
2. Pakistan
3. Australia
4. India
5. Netherlands
6. Argentina
7. England
8. Belgium
Event Awards
Player Award – Moritz Fuerste (GER)
Young Player Award – Akashdeep Singh (IND)
Goalkeeper Award – PR Sreejesh (IND)
#CT2014 #BestOfTheBest
FIH site
Pic of the day
If any newspaper/media outlet or National Association would like photos from the Men's Champions Trophy, please contact Vino John of a2zfotographics who is an excellent freelance Hockey photo journalist and who will be at Bhubaneswar.
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This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.a2zfotographics.com |
Germany wins its tenth title in style
The Olympic champion rides a wave of support to beat Pakistan
Y.B. Sarangi
Germany team poses for a photograph after winning the Champions Trophy Hockey tournament at Kalinga Stadium at Bhubaneswar on Sunday. Photo: Sandeep Saxena
Enjoying the strong backing of a partisan crowd of 7,000 in a city designed by German architect Otto Konigsberger, Olympic champion Germany made itself at home to see Pakistan off 2-0 in the final and lift the Champions Trophy at the Kalinga Stadium here on Sunday.
The World No.3 could not have asked for more as it ended the year by pocketing its 10th Champions Trophy crown. It had last won the tournament in 2007.
A tired and lacklustre India was beaten 2-1 by World champion Australia in the battle for third place.
This was the fifth Champions Trophy final involving Germany and Pakistan, and the previous time they had met in the summit clash was way back in 1994, when Pakistan had emerged champion through penalty shoot-outs in front of home supporters in Lahore.
In changed times, with both teams seeking to groom the youngsters in their squads in the run-up to the 2016 Rio Olympics, the duel assumed importance for different reasons.
Thanks to the plans of master tactician Markus Weise, Germany stifled the Asian Games silver medallist with some brilliant possession and strong marking.
Germany, which shrugged off a below-par start to beat fine teams like England and Australia in the knockout stage, checked Pakistan’s free-flowing style.
Pakistan, facing the spectators’ wrath in the wake of its players’ offensive behaviour the previous night, remained busy protecting its citadel all the time, and could not manage a even a single meaningful attempt at the German goal in the opening 30 minutes.
Led by the effervescent Florian Fuchs upfront, Germany built constant pressure on the rival post, and drew first blood in the 18th minute when Christopher Wesley scored off a rebound following a penalty corner. Germany maintained its stranglehold throughout and created several chances before Fuchs completed a spectacular solo to make it 2-0 three minutes before the hooter.
The Germans celebrated with seconds to go, and thanked the crowd for their overwhelming support.
India, which had to settle for the fourth place for the second consecutive time, was mentally and physically drained after its nerve-wracking semifinal loss to Pakistan on Saturday. It could hardly make an impact in the first half and conceded a goal.
Jacob Whetton fed captain Eddie Ockenden inside the Indian circle with a back-pass and the latter slotted home the World No.1 team’s first goal in the 18th minute.
The Aussies kept things tight but the host managed to earn a breakthrough from its second penalty corner. Lalit Upadhyay scored in the third quarter.
The Indian midfield got into some rhythm, and the forwards worked hard to invade the Aussie circle on many occasions. However, wayward shots and untidy finishing did not help the team.
Australia got the winner when Matt Ghodes found the target in the 52nd minute.
The results:
Final: Germany 2 (Christopher Wesley 18, Florian Fuchs 57) bt Pakistan 0.
Third place: Australia 2 (Eddie Ockenden 18, Matt Ghodes 52) bt India 1 (Lalit Upadhyay 42).
Fifth place: Netherlands 4 (Mink van der Weerden 47, Jeroen Hertzberger 55, 58, Constantijn Jonker 56) bt Argentina 1 (Matias Paredes 19). Seventh place: England 3 (David Condon 14, 19, Chris Griffiths 30) bt Belgium 2 (Florent van Aubel 10, 39).
The Hindu
Hurt crowd cheer Germany to title
Indervir Grewal
German players celebrate after winning the trophy.
Bhubaneswar - Germany found themselves in a strange but favorable situation. They became the channel through which India’s loss was going to be avenged.
The crowd was hurt and angry after India’s semifinal defeat and the subsequent behaviour of a few Pakistan players. And they made it obvious which team they were going to support as soon as the Germans walked on to the blue turf. Chants of ‘Germany, Germany’ were interspersed with wild roar whenever the German players, completely taken aback by the support, waved to the stands.
Then Pakistan entered and the east stand, above the teams’ sitting area, boomed with an even louder roar. It spread across the whole stadium. The spectators were not going to play the generous hosts anymore. They were going to make the conditions unbearably hostile for Pakistan. German Captain Moritz Furste picked up on the tension and saw it as an advantage. One of the cleverest players in world hockey right now, Furste charged up the crowd just before the starting whistle. He waved passionately. The crowd responded. For the next 60 minutes, Germany was going to be the home team.
A few minutes ago, India had lost to Australia. The crowd wanted a happy ending. And the dependable Germans provided it in commanding fashion.
Throughout the match, Furste made sure that his antics kept the crowd charged, though he didn’t need to. The crowd lifted every German attack with a wave of deafening cheers and snubbed every Pakistan move with crushing boos.
It worked. The match was 99 percent Germany and 1 percent Pakistan. It was just that Germany missed innumerable chances, at least 10. But it didn’t really matter in the end as they defended the lead with great authority. Christopher Wesley scored the first in the 18th minute before Florian Fuchs made it impossible for Pakistan to make a comeback with a precise finish, which went in off the far post, in the 57th minute.
In the end it didn’t matter for the crowd that Germany had won their 10th Champions Trophy title. The win was not about numbers or records. It was a balm that soothed the hurt.
Awards
Player of the tournament: German captain Moritz Furste
Best Goalkeeper: PR Sreejesh
Best junior player: Akashdeep Singh
Top goalscorer: Jeroen Hertzberger (Netherlands) 4 goals
Fan’s choice: Sardar Singh
The Tribune
Germany beat Pakistan 2-0 in final, bag 10th Champions Trophy title
AFP PHOTO
Olympic champions Germany clinched the Hero Champions Trophy title with a convincing 2-0 win over Pakistan in the summit clash, snapping their five-year old jinx in the elite eight-nation event at the packed Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.
Germany last won the Champions Trophy in 2007 edition in Kuala Lumpur and came close to the title two years later in Melbourne but ended second best, losing to Australia.
Overall, it was Germany's 10th Champions Trophy title. Pakistan, on the other hand, had bettered their bronze medal finish in the 2012 edition of the tournament in Melbourne by bagging the silver here.
Christopher Wesley (18th minute) and Florian Fuchs (57th) scored for Germany. The Germans were by far the better side on the ground as they dominated the Pakistanis for most part of the match.
Cheered by an anti-Pakistan crowd, Germany controlled the match from the opening whistle while Pakistan hardly created any chances in the first 30 minutes.
The Germans earned their first penalty corner in the opening minute but Christopher Ruhr's flick was off the target.
In the 13th minute Florian Fuchs missed an open chance. He snatched the ball upfront and stormed his way into the Pakistan D only to whack a reverse hit wide off the goal.
Germany soon won their second penalty corner but once again they wasted the opportunity as skipper Moritz Fuerste?s flick was saved by Pakistan goalie Imran Butt.
But Germany finally took the lead in the 18th minute when an unmarked Wesley send the ball home after receiving a pass from Jonas Monoll. Therafter, Germany controlled the game to hold on to their lead till the halftime.
DNA
After off-field drama, Pakistan lose CT final to Germany
BHUBANESWAR: Germany players pose with the trophy after beating Pakistan in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday.—AP
BHUBANESWAR: After the suspension to two players by the FIH hours before the final, a spirited Pakistan went down 2-0 to Germany in the Champions Trophy title-match on Sunday.
With midfielder Mohammad Touseeq and reserve goalkeeper Ali Amjad banned from the final after making obscene gestures during their 4-3 win over India in the semi-final on Saturday, goals by Christopher Wesley and Florian Fuchs undid Pakistan at the Kalinga Stadium.
Olympic champions Germany displayed superb precision play and snapped their five-year jinx in the elite eight-nation event having last won the Champions Trophy in 2007 edition in Kuala Lumpur.
Overall, it was Germany’s 10th Champions Trophy title.
Pakistan, on the other hand, bettered their bronze medal finish in the 2012 edition of the tournament in Melbourne by bagging silver here.
After a goalless first quarter Germany, cheered by an anti-Pakistan crowd, finally took the lead in the 18th minute when an unmarked Wesley send the ball home after receiving a pass from Jonas Monoll.
Pakistan tried hard for the equaliser but the German defence stood firm to deny their every move and continued to pressurise them with several counter-attacks.
Germany earned two penalty corners in the 47th and 52nd but Christopher Ruhr failed in both his attempts.
The closest Pakistan came to scoring was early in the fourth quarter when a loose ball from the left caught the Germans on the wrong foot, but Muhammad Bhutta was unable to slot the ball in.
The penalty-corner conversion abilities of Pakistan captain Mohammad Imran and Mohammad Irfan were of no use as the team got a lone penalty-corner in the 56th.
But Germany successfully blocked that drag-flick and co-captain Moritz Furste gave an aerial pass long away to FIH Young Player of 2012 Fuchs, who drilled the ball in the post with a brilliant finish.
Furste, one of only two surviving members of the triumphant 2007 squad along with Tobias Hauke, said he was delighted at the progress of his young team.
“We came up with some exceptional performances over the last three games,” said Furste, who was named player of the tournament. “We enjoyed the atmosphere here. The crowd was obviously supporting us and we enjoyed that.
“It was wonderful playing with a young side here and I thought the young guns did a fine job. However, experience always counts and so Wesley scored the early goal and then Fuchs killed it off just before the end. This bodes well for the Olympics which is just two years away.”
Pakistan coach Shahnaz Sheikh said he was satisfied with the performance of his team, which was in line for a fourth title.
“Our aim was to make the semi-finals of the tournament,” Shahnaz said. “So playing the final was as good as winning the tournament. Pakistan hockey has not been at its best over the past few years so I think we should be happy at how we played here.
“I am proud of my boys. After a tough year both on and off the field, we did well to reach the final. This defeat will not only hurt us but the entire sub-continent because both India and Pakistan need to catch up with the Europeans quickly.”
Pakistan had failed to qualify for the World Cup in June that was won by Australia and were also unable to book a direct entry to the 2016 Olympics after losing to India in the Asian Games final in South Korea in October.
Earlier, five-time defending and 13-time overall champions Australia won 2-1 to dash India’s hopes of winning only their second bronze medal in the Champions Trophy.
“I am pleased, but not satisfied,” Australian coach Graham Reid said. “We played tighter and better as the tournament progressed. Considering this was a learning curve, we’ve achieved a lot.
“But obviously we missed not being in the final,” he added.
The Kookaburras were without veterans Liam de Young and Rob Hammond, who retired after the World Cup in June, and five-time world player of the year Jamie Dwyer and Mark Knowles, who were both injured.
Australia scored two field goals through skipper Eddie Ockenden (18th minute) and Matt Gohdes (52nd) to win a consolation bronze.
India’s lone goal was scored by young striker Lalit Upadhyay in the 42nd.
In the day’s other matches, the Netherlands took fifth place after beating Argentina 4-1 and England nudged ahead of Belgium 3-2 to finish seventh.
Dawn
Greenshirts fall on final hurdle as Germans prevail
The Greenshirts lost to Germany in the Champions Trophy final but can be proud of their achievements as they were perhaps the worst side on paper going into the knockout stages. PHOTO: AFP
Olympic winners Germany defeated Pakistan 2-0 in the final of the Champions Trophy yesterday to claim the trophy for the 10th time in Bhubaneswar, India.
The tournament had started off in the worst possible way for Pakistan, with a cloud hanging over their participation as the Pakistan Hockey Federation struggled to generate funds. The Greenshirts finished bottom of their group after losing all three matches, including a humiliating 8-2 reversal against England.
However, the side came to life in the knockout stages, which they reached courtesy of a baffling format in which no side was to be eliminated in the group stages. Having defeated Group B winners, the Netherlands in the quarter-finals and hosts India in the semi-finals, Pakistan made their way into the final against all odds. However, they did so without Ali Amjad Hussain and Muhammad Tausiq Umar, who were suspended for the final for their unsporting celebrations after the win in the semis.
Chris Wesley opened the scoring in the 18th minute following a penalty corner before Florian Fuchs banged in the second goal three minutes before the final whistle to break the hearts of the underdogs. However, the scoreline could have been much more extravagant as both sides squandered numerous gilt-edged chances.
Some 7,000 Indian fans at the Kalinga stadium cheered wildly as the young Germans, with seven junior World Cup winners from 2013 in their side, won back the Champions title they had last won in 2007.
Despite the loss, the runners-up position is an almost miraculous achievement for the Greenshirts, who had failed to qualify for the World Cup in June for the first time in their history and also ceded their Asian Games title to India.
“We tried our best to win the final but made some mistakes,” said captain Muhammad Imran after the match. “But reaching this point is a great achievement for the team and our nation. At least we have made a good comeback against the best sides in the world.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s goalkeeper Imran Butt condemned the events that marred their semi-final win. “We were really happy that we defeated India but disappointed at whatever happened from our side, as well as from the Indians,” he said. “This should not happen in sports.”
Australia claim third
Australia, who had come into the tournament as five-time defending champions, finished third as they defeated India 2-1 for the bronze medal.
In the day’s other matches, the Netherlands took fifth place after beating Argentina 4-1 and England nudged ahead of Belgium 3-2 to finish seventh.
The Express Tribune
Pakistan lose to Germany under hostile conditions
Shameless Indian crowd heckles Pakistan in Champions Trophy final
BHUBANESWAR - Olympic field hockey gold-medallists Germany added the Champions Trophy on Sunday with a 2-0 victory over spirited Pakistan in the final. Chris Wesley opened the scoring in the 18th minute following a penalty corner before Florian Fuchs banged in the second goal three minutes before the final whistle.
Some 7,000 Indian fans at the Kalinga stadium cheered wildly as the young Germans, with seven junior World Cup winners from 2013 in their side, won back the Champions title they took in 2007.
Pakistan were under lot of pressure before the start of the game as the International Hockey Federation banned their two players for the final and reprimanded one under Indian pressure after their 4-3 win over hosts India in Saturday's semi-final. Pakistan hockey team faced heckles and jeers from the crowd and a protest from the 'Odisha Suraksha Sena' before the start of the final.
Members of the 'Odisha Suraksha Sena' protested outside the Kalinga Stadium, holding banners that condemned Pakistan team. "Ban terrorist country Pakistan," said one of the placards. The security for the match had been considerably beefed up for the match.The crowd also turned up in numbers to first support India in the bronze-medal match against Australia and then stayed on to back Germany against Pakistan. The Pakistan contingent chose to come out on the pitch one by one as the shameless Indian crowd shouted anti-Pakistan slogans and jeered everytime a player or a team official entered the blue turf from the dugout, which is located just beneath the huge East Stand at the Kalinga Stadium here.
The upset fans welcomed the Germans with a huge applause and at times even cheered "Germany, Germany" just like it had been a norm during India matches.
India's loss to Australia in the third-place playoff probably added to the fans' discontent. Even the Indian players were in aggressive mood as they confronted Australian players and ugly scenes were witnessed. A fight also broke out when an Indian player abused Australian defender and then shouldered him and pushed the player in the chest aggressively. Indian High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans also admitted that defeat against defeat against Pakistan kept haunting his side.
But Pakistan, looking for their first major world title since 1994, kept the rampaging Germans at bay for a major part of the 60-minute match played under floodlights. The closest Pakistan came to scoring was early in the fourth quarter when a loose ball from the left caught the Germans on the wrong foot, but M Umer Bhutta was unable to slot the ball in.
German captain Moritz Furste, one of only two surviving members of the triumphant 2007 squad along with Tobias Hauke, said he was delighted at the progress of his young team. "They came here to learn what top-level hockey is all about, so this is an absolutely brilliant result," said Furste, who was named the player of the tournament. "Ours was a good mix of youth and experience and I think we played really well in the knock-out matches. This bodes well for the Olympics which is just two years away."
Pakistan coach Shahnaz Sheikh, who had walked out of the post-match press conference on Saturday after being pestered by Indian reporters about the behaviour of his players, praised his team after the final. "I am proud of my boys," the former international said. "After a tough year both on and off the field, we did well to reach the final when our aim had been to finish among the top four. This defeat will not only hurt us but the entire sub-continent because both India and Pakistan need to catch up with the Europeans quickly."
Pakistan had failed to qualify for the World Cup in June that was won by Australia and were also unable to book a direct entry to the 2016 Olympics after losing to India in the Asian Games final in South Korea in October. With the cash-strapped Pakistan Hockey Federation unable to generate funds to fly in the team to Bhubaneswar, it needed the generosity of a businessman at home to sponsor the trip. Finishing third were Australia, who came into the tournament as five-time defending champions. They defeated India 2-1 for the bronze medal. "I am pleased, but not satisfied," Australian coach Graham Reid said. "We played tighter and better as the tournament progressed. Considering this was a learning curve, we've achieved a lot.”
But obviously we missed not being in the final," he added.
The Kookaburras were without veterans Liam de Young and Rob Hammond, who retired after the World Cup in June, and five-time world player of the year Jamie Dwyer and Mark Knowles, who were both injured. In the day's other matches, the Netherlands took fifth place after beating Argentina 4-1 and England nudged ahead of Belgium 3-2 to finish seventh.
Final standings
1 Germany
2 Pakistan
3 Australia
4 India
5 Netherlands
6 Argentina
7 England
8 Belgium
The Nation
Crowd shocked at Pakistani players’ conduct
What happened is unacceptable to the Pakistan federation and the entire hockey community: coach
Y. B. Sarangi
Pakistan Hockey coach Shahnaz Sheikh and Captain Muhammad Imran with rose at a press conference after the final of the Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. Photo: Sandeep Saxena
The behaviour of the Pakistani players after their 4-3 win over India in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy at the Kalinga Stadium here shocked the crowds as the spectators had been warm and appreciative till that point.
They players burst into wild celebrations by taking off their jerseys and making abusive gestures at the spectators. Many of them had stood up to applaud the Pakistan team after their victory, but the unprovoked behaviour of the “Green Shirts” angered the crowd, which got into heated exchanges with the Pakistani players.
On Sunday, just before the final against Germany, angry fans were booing the Pakistan team all the while, even when its national anthem was played. They loudly cheered the German side throughout the game.
Tournament director Wiert Doyer, who had ruled initially that no further action was warranted after the coach’s apology, had a tougher view of their behaviour in his review. He took video footage on social media as evidence to conduct separate hearings, where the players concerned “accepted the breach of the code of conduct.” Accordingly, the FIH found that these players had committed a Level 1 offence, he said.
Hockey India president Narinder Kumar Batra remained critical of FIH’s initial approach. “Why did FIH react so leniently initially? Why wait for a strong statement from HI and then realise the gravity of the unacceptable behaviour of the Pakistan players?” he told The Hindu.
“FIH should appoint efficient tournament directors and not the kind who was here [Wiert Doyer]. He was only looking to brush the incident under the carpet,” Mr. Batra said.
Pakistani head coach Shahnaz Sheikh said in a statement that his players’ behaviour was “unacceptable to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and the entire hockey community” and should not have happened. “I explained to them that they are guests in India and as hosts, they have been very hospitable to the team ... I have written to the tournament director and sincerely apologised” for the incident.
Tight security
The police tightened security for the Pakistani team and the Kalinga Stadium. From players’ hotel to the venue, additional forces were deployed.
The Hindu
Security tightened for Champions Trophy final after Pakistan's misbehaviour
AFP PHOTO
Security has been tightened for Hero Champions Trophy hockey final between Pakistan and Germany in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, particularly in view of unpleasant scenes witnessed after a high voltage India-Pak semi final last night.
"Elaborate security arrangements were already in place for the tournament. But security has been augmented further for the final match in order to prevent any untoward incident," Commissioner of Police RP Sharma said.
A tight security net has been thrown at the Kalinga Stadium where adequate number of police personnel, including plain clothesmen, have been deployed, he said.
While necessary security measures have been taken for the Pakistan High Commissioner who is slated to witness the title match, arrangements were further strengthened especially in view of the situation created after the high voltage India-Pak semifinal last night.
Stating that Bhubaneswar spectators are mature enough not to react adversely to obscene gestures hurled by some Pakistan players after their victory last night, Sharma said police does not want to take any chance and is keen to ensure a smooth and trouble-free final.
At the Kalinga Stadium, steps have been taken for the deployment of an additional layer of police personnel at some places, while there is instruction for tight physical frisking, the police commissioner said. "Police is on high alert ... keeping a close vigil," he said.
Similarly, players are being provided adequate security and the entire route from their hotel to the stadium has been put under tight security, Sharma said.
While there is no threat of trouble or breach of security, arrangements made by the police must be fool-proof, Sharma said.
It may be noted here that Pakistani players had removed their shirts and made obscene gestures towards Indian fans and media after their 4-3 win over India last night prompting their coach Shahnaz to apologise for their conduct.
DNA
No FIH event in India till Pakistan players are punished: Hockey India
Pakistan team members celebrate after beating India in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy hockey at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on Saturday. Photo: Sandeep Saxena
Taking strong exception to FIH’s “weak” censure to Pakistani players for their obscene behaviour after beating India in the Champions Trophy semifinal, Hockey India on Sunday decided that it would not host any event sanctioned by the world body until strong punishment is handed out to the offenders.
The Pakistani players made obscene gestures towards Indian fans and media after their win last night but no action was taken against them by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) after their coach Shahnaz Sheikh offered an apology.
“It was a shameless and condemnable incident but the FIH took a very weak and feeble decision. It is not acceptable to us. We have made it clear to FIH that such sort of behaviour from sportspersons is not acceptable to Indians,” HI president Narinder Batra told PTI from New Delhi.
“So we have decided not to host any FIH tournaments in India after the Women’s World League Round 3 scheduled in March, which includes the 2018 Men’s World Cup, if they don’t take any strong action against Pakistan,” he said.
Soon after their 4-3 win, Pakistani players went into frenzy and started celebrating their victory in a wild fashion. They removed their shirts, used foul language and made obscene gestures towards the crowd and media, prompting their coach Shahnaz to come into action and take away his players.
Tournament Director Wiert Doyer, who was asked to carry out an inquiry into the matter, then spoke to the Pakistani camp and said FIH has accepted their apology. But Batra said a mere apology is not enough.
“If FIH rules and regulations permit such uncivilized behaviour then they should hold their tournaments in any other country not India because Indian culture and values don’t permit such acts,” the HI chief said.
India and Pakistan were scheduled to resume their bilateral hockey series at a neutral venue in Dhaka soon, but Batra said India will not play any bilateral series with Pakistan after this incident.
“We have decided not to play any bilateral or trilateral series against Pakistan until and unless the Pakistan Hockey Federation gives an unconditional apology for this incident in writing,” he said.
The FIH also has to share the blame for the fiasco as they conducted a hurried investigation into the incident and came out with their views within hours.
“The celebration of the Pakistani team contained some behaviour that warranted further investigation by me as Tournament Director. As a result I have spoken to the Head Coach of the Pakistan team, Shahnaz Sheikh and told him that the behaviour of Pakistan players went beyond what is acceptable to standards of the FIH,” Tournament Director Doyer, who was in charge of the investigation, said in a statement last night.
“The behaviour in question concerned many members of the Pakistan team. It is difficult to find any particular miscreant, and it is possible that the behaviour of the players may have been a reaction. Shahnaz Sheikh has apologised and assured me that this behaviour will not occur again. Given these matters, I’ve decided that no further action is warranted,” he added.
The Hindu
FIH action is just an eyewash: Narinder Batra
BHUBANESWAR/NEW DELHI: Hockey India president Narinder Batra's strong reaction to the Pakistan players's boorish behaviour on Saturday night had some effect on FIH which suspended two players and reprimanded one.
President Narinder Batra had expressed his disappointment over the decision taken by Doyer on Saturday night and threatened of not hosting FIH tournaments in the future.
However, Batra, speaking to TOI, termed FIH's Sunday decision 'just an eyewash.'
"We thank FIH for their decision but it's not just about two players. Our stand is clear that we are not going to play Pakistan unless an unconditional apology is received from Pakistan Hockey Federation on the uncouth and undesired behaviour of their athletes." Batra added that HI would take this matter further.
India and Pakistan were scheduled to resume their bilateral hockey series at a neutral venue in Dhaka soon.
"I am instructing my CEO to inform FIH that in case this kind of behaviour by teams is within normal and tolerable limits of FIH then we may not be interested to host any more tournaments in India and the tournaments may be shifted to countries which tolerate this kind of nonsense and uncouth behavior," Batra had earlier posted in a Facebook post.
Batra was quoted by an agency as saying that Hockey India would not host any event sanctioned by the world body until strong punishment was handed out to the offenders.
The Times of India
Hockey India president official statement
Late in the night yesterday, Hockey India swift into action to react to Tournament Director's decision not to take further action against Pakistan players
Below is the official communication of HI President Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra.
Hockey India is disappointed with FIH TD decision conveyed to Hockey India on the behaviour of Pakistan Team towards the crowd in Bhubhaneshwar Odisha after semi finals of Champion's Trophy on 13 December 2014....
I am instructing my CEO to inform FIH that in case this kind of behaviour by teams is within normal and tolerable limits of FIH then we may not be interested to host any more tournaments in India and the tournaments may be shifted to countries which tolerate this kind of nonsense and uncouth behaviour....
Further there will now be no friendly series on annual basis with Pakistan until an unconditional apology is received from Pakistan Hockey Federation on the uncouth and undesired behaviour of their Athletes with spectators and media after the semi finals on 13 December 2014.... Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra
Stick2Hockey.com
No action was needed against the misconduct of Pakistani players after apology: FIH
NEW DELHI- Hockey India president Narinder Batra on Sunday, reacted strongly to Pakistan's alleged misbehavior following their win over India, in the Champions Trophy semifinal on Saturday, saying that India will boycott all matches with Pakistan until appropriate action is taken.
Pakistan coach Shahnaz Shiekh, said that it was the fans that instigated the players. "The players will not apologize, the incident happened in the heat of the moment," Sheikh said on Sunday.
Batra also hit out at the International Hockey Federation for the lack of action. Indian captain Sardar Singh and high performance director Roelant Oltmans had condemned the way the Pakistan players' behaved after their win.
Sardar said, "They should not have celebrated in such a way. There were families inside the stadium and they shouldn't have taken off their shirts. Even after winning the match against Pakistan in the Asian Games, we didn't celebrate in this fashion."
"I didn't see too much of the Pakistan players but it was a bit too much," said Oltmans. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) said no action was needed against the misconduct of Pakistani players, during their celebrations after winning a nail-biting Champions Trophy semi-final against India on Saturday.
After comprehensively winning the game 4-3, Pakistani players removed their shirts and started dancing in jubilation.
“Shahnaz Sheikh has apologized and assured me that such behavior will not occur again,” said a press statement by Wiert Doyer, tournament director of the Champions Trophy.
Initially, FIH had hinted of a possible action against the Pakistani team but matters were resolved after Sheikh’s apology. “I tender my apology for what happened after the game,” Sheikh had said before boycotting the post-match conference for what he termed the unprofessional coverage of the match end by Indian media.
Indian media focused match coverage entirely on Pakistani players raising unruly gestures after defeating their arch-rivals. The Pakistani players were allegedly reacting to cat-calls by the Indian spectators who had come to watch the crucial game in large numbers.
Hockey India chief Narendra Batra was furious over FIH’s decision of not taking any action against misconduct of Pakistani players.
“We have decided we will not going to host any bilateral series with Pakistan until we get an unconditional apology for Pakistani federation on behavior of their athletes,” Batra said.
“I wanted to congratulate Pakistan on their victory yesterday, but the way the post-match celebrations went it’s totally not acceptable to us,” the Indian hockey chief said while talking to Indian media. “We lodged a formal protest with the tournament director and I am really disappointed with the decision.”
Batra said that there was no provocation from the Indian crowd or media which could have prompted Pakistani players to resort to unruly gestures. “Pakistan players were seen showing middle fingers and this goes against all the norms of decency,” he said.
“If FIH thinks this is normal behavior then as Hockey India we have an executive board meeting going to discuss on this agenda today.
“In 2018 we have junior World Cup and senior men World Cup happening in India, along with other worldly grounds events. I want to surrender all those events because if this kind of behavior is normal in FIH protocol, it is totally not acceptable to us and in India this is not our culture, not our behavior,” the Indian hockey chief said.
Pakistan’s head coach Shahnaz Sheikh also reacted rapidly said that Pakistanis would not make any apology before Indian hockey federation. He clarified that the players were reacting upon the sorrowful attitude of the local crowd.
The Nation
FIH suspends two Pak. players
Hockey India had protested against the leniency shown earlier
Y.B. Sarangi
Pakistan team members celebrate after beating India in the semifinal of the Champions Trophy hockey at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. Photo: Sandeep Saxena
Hockey India (HI) on Sunday forced the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to review its leniency and suspend two Pakistani players from the Champions Trophy final against Germany for their obscene gestures at the crowd after the visitors beat India 4-3 in a high-voltage semifinal a day earlier.
Besides stridently protesting against FIH tournament director Wiert Doyer’s initial decision to let off the Pakistani team after head coach Shahnaz Sheikh apologised for the players’ behaviour, HI threatened not to host any future FIH events in India.
Following this, FIH reviewed its decision and suspended midfielder Mohammed Tousiq and reserve goalkeeper Ali Amjad for one match with immediate effect. Surprisingly, forward Shafqat Rasool was let off with a reprimand, though he was also found guilty of the same Level 1 offence.
HI president Narinder Kumar Batra softened his stand on hosting FIH events after the suspension.
“It becomes a different matter now that FIH has taken some action,” he told The Hindu. However, the threat of an Indian pullout from a bilateral series with Pakistan stayed.
Mr. Batra had earlier warned that India, due to host the 2016 Junior World Cup and the 2018 men’s World Cup, might not hold any FIH event in future, and would pull out of a proposed series with Pakistan. The Pakistani head coach issued a statement that his players’ behaviour was unacceptable, but Mr. Batra insisted that HI’s stand was unchanged.
“Nothing but a written apology from the PHF president would be acceptable,” he said. On Saturday, the Pakistani players had celebrated wildly after their win, some of them making obscene gestures and provoking angry reactions from the packed stands.
The Hindu
Two players banned from tonight's Champions Trophy final despite Pakistan apology to India
Nabil Tahir
Pakistan hockey captain Imran Muhammad (L) and teammates take their jerseys off as they celebrate their victory over India with teammates during their Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2014 semi final match at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on December 13, 2014. PHOTO: AFP
Amid a brewing controversy over Pakistan hockey team’s behaviour after their historic win against India in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy, the International Hockey Federation has banned two Pakistan players for ‘uncouth behaviour’ from the final against Germany tonight.
Muhammad Tauseek and Amjad Ali will not be allowed to play in today’s final. While, Shafqat Rasool has been warned about his conduct.
Meanwhile, Pakistan hockey team goalkeeper Imran Butt says they will appeal to the tournament director before the match to lift the ban of two players.
The decision is in stark contrast to an earlier statement by the tournament’s director Wiert Doyer who had then said he had investigated the incident and did not deem it necessary to take action against anyone.
“I have spoken to Shahnaz and told him that the behaviour of Pakistan players went beyond what is acceptable to standards of the FIH,” Doyer said in the statement issued by the world governing body.
“The behaviour in question concerned many members of the Pakistan team. It is difficult to find any particular miscreant, and it is possible that the behaviour of the players may have been a reaction.
“Mr. Shahnaz Sheikh has apologised and assured me that this behaviour will not occur again. Given these matters, I’ve decided that no further action is warranted,” Doyer said.
Earlier in the day, Hockey India President Narinder Batra said Pakistan would have to apologise for its ‘inappropriate’ behaviour, while also slamming the International Hockey Federation’s (FIH)’s decision to take “no further action” against Pakistan.
The president of India Hockey Federation Narinder Batra told The Express Tribune that the IHF should have taken a strong action on the players who took off their shirts and made obscene gestures towards the spectators and the media of India.
“I have asked the tournament director to take some strong action on the players otherwise we will boycott all the upcoming matches with Pakistan till proper apology by Pakistani players,” said Batra. ”We have left the decision to be taken by the tournament management and hope a neutral action is taken.”
It seems tournament director Wiert Doyer caved into Indian pressure and accepted the host countries request for an unconditional apology from Pakistan. Doyer has asked the Pakistani management to ask their players to apologise in order to play the final match, a PHF official revealed to The Express Tribune.
Moments later, the head coach of Pakistan’s hockey team, Shahnaz Shaikh, apologised to the Indian team on behalf of the Pakistan team. Earlier, Shaikh had apologised to the tournament director but said that the reaction of the players was a reply to Indian spectators, while refusing to apologise as the incident happened in the “heat of the moment”.
Further, the India Hockey President had said FIH’s decision is unaccpetable to India, the Hockey India president wrote, “I am instructing my CEO to inform FIH that in case this kind of behaviour by teams is within normal and tolerable limits of FIH, then we may not be interested to host any more tournaments in India and the tournaments may be shifted to countries which tolerate this kind of nonsense and uncouth behaviour.”
Batra also said there will be no friendly series with Pakistan until their federation issues an unconditional apology.
“Further there will now be no friendly series on annual basis with Pakistan until an unconditional apology is received from Pakistan Hockey Federation on the uncouth and undesired behaviour of their athletes with spectators and media after the semi-finals on 13 December 2014,” he said.
As Pakistan edged past arch-rivals India 4-3 in a thrilling semi-final match at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar in India on Saturday, advancing to the final, team players removed their T-shirts to celebrate.
Last night, Pakistan team’s head coach Shahnaz Shaikh boycotted a press conference following objections over his team’s behaviour by Indian media.
Responding to the statements, Shaikh while speaking to The Express Tribune said, “The players only expressed their happiness over their victory and I wrote a written apology to the tournament director.”
A copy of Shahnaz Shaikh’s apology:
http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Apology-e1418559072801.jpg
“If such reactions continue then the subcontinent and South Asia’s hockey will not benefit,” Shaikh warned.
Further, the coach said the team is focused on the match and are hopeful they will win the final.
Pakistan take on Olympic champions Germany in the final on Sunday night. The semi-final helped Pakistan avenge their defeat by India in the Asian Games final in South Korea in October that denied them a direct entry to the 2016 Olympics.
The Express Tribune
Did you notice my Wet Eyes?
Shashank Gupta
Tausiq is in the picture with middle finger up. He has been suspended for a match for his misadventure during the victory celebration.
Late last evening, after witnessing the semi-final game at the Champions Trophy '14 where Pakistan beat India 4-3 at Bhubaneswar, sleep eluded me for long. Something was disturbing me.
The final minutes of the television broadcast showed Pakistan team members, following their victory over the hosts, jubilating and hurling abuses to the thousands present at the Kalinga Stadium.
There was some disharmony in my mind. For long, I didn't know what it was.
Let's rewind to the December of '12. My interest in writing was on the rise, Hockey had been my passion and writing about Hockey was turning out to be a new found religion for me. The year was about to end but, for me, I had found another target for myself: Take a short sabbatical from work and cover a less-known Asian Hockey Champions Trophy '14, scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar.
undefined The 8-day Doha visit was the most enriching and humbling experience for me. I shared accommodations to keep it economical, my only aim in the morning was to go to the lobby of the Hotel where teams of all the participating nations were put up, to get unrestricted access to anyone who mattered in Asian Hockey.
There were many memorable moments on that trip starting from an upset Indian Coach Micheal Nobbs yelling at me at the first sight, "Ah, so you are the guys who write all that crap?" to ending with sleepless nights of reflecting upon the times in Doha.
The outstanding experience for me was an occasion when I was humbled to the core.
As I waited in the hotel lobby, a diminutive person stood next to me and murmured, "maaf keejeyega, namaz padh raha tha, isliye aane mein der ho gayee." (I apologize for being late, I was in middle of my namaaz.)
It took me some time to recover from that initial dose of generosity.
"Muhammad Tousiq," he introduced himself.
I had called for him from his room and was wondering would the second highest bid player of Pakistan for the opening season of Hockey India League 2013 show up at all to meet an Indian rookie journalist or not?
Lo and Behold, he stood next to me. He was short, medium built and had an innocent face, one that you would pass by on the street and you wouldn't even notice.
Confused, I hastily set my laptop aside, stood up to shake hands with him.
A soft-spoken person, one couldn't decipher that once on the turf this is the player who creates opportunities for the forwards from the midfield for Pakistan. What Sardar Singh was to India, was Tousiq for Pakistan, a prolific midfielder.
During that visit, I fell in love with the sportsman spirit of Pakistan players. My detailed interactions with Tousiq and his other compatriots made my moderate, unmolded beliefs in humankind turn stronger. They all loved the sport and their hunger to learn newer tricks of the trade sounded virgin.
With a India v Pakistan final on the anvil, one thing that Tousiq mentioned about the upcoming encounter made my vision blur for a moment.
He said, "We give our best in all games. We don't play with two sticks when we play against India."
I am positive Tousiq must have noticed the wetness in my eyes.
I looked down pretending to scribble something on my notepad. I distinctly recall, I didn't know what I was writing. I was overwhelmed with his kind nature and polite words.
I had heard stories about the humbleness of the stalwarts of Hockey from Pakistan and India: Shahbaz Ahmed Sr. , Md. Shahid, etc. I never had a chance to meet any one of them but after meeting Tousiq, I could only imagine what their character must have been.
I had to admit, interaction with Tousiq was one of the life-changing experiences for me. I developed respect for Pakistan as a country and it's ambassadors, their Hockey players.
Fast forward to today. This morning, in the newspapers, websites, television channels, etc. there was a picture of topless Pakistan players displaying abusive gestures on the crowd at the stadium.
At the centre of the picture was none other than, Tousiq Muhammad.
I looked at the picture for longer than usual. My eyes were wet; quite similar to the way when I met Tousiq, the first time. This time I am sure that Tousiq wouldn't have taken notice.
Stick2Hockey.com
Veterans demand strict action against Pakistan players
Vijay Lokapally
The need to educate young hockey players regarding on-field behaviour gained support from some veterans of the game following the incidents involving members of the Pakistan team that beat India in the Champions Trophy semifinal in Bhubaneshwar.
“I was stunnned,” said Mervyn Fernandes, member of the team which won the bronze at Amstelveen in 1982, the only time India has won a medal in the Champions Trophy. “Obviously, the emotions were high, hence such reactions. But they were unacceptable. They certainly harmed the image of the game.” said the famed striker.
For Aslam Sher Khan, the behaviour of the Pakistan players was “shocking” because it came after the team had won. “The gestures were obscene and shameful. I can't imagine a player reacting in such a disgusting manner on the field. What message did the Pakistan players give to the young minds in the audience? I can understand there was pressure. But this was no way to disrespect the public,” said Khan, who famously scored the equaliser in the 1975 World Cup against Pakistan.
Zafar Iqbal, proud member of the team that won the 1980 Olympic gold at Moscow, wanted strict action against the Pakistan players guilty of indecent behaviour. “The boorish players should have been banned for some period and not just one match. The coach (Shahnaz Sheikh) should have known well. He has past experience of having been punished for unsporting acts on the field,” said Zafar. At the Munich Olympics in 1972, Sheikh was one of the 11 Pakistan players banned for life for showing disrespect to the Garman Flag and also handling of the silver medals presented to them.
Former India great, Mohammad Shahid said, “I condemn this act by some of these Pakistan players. They are not a patch on some of the greats from their country like Hassan Sardar and Shahbaz (Ahmed). They played great hockey and remained grounded. What are we to gain from playing against this set of mediocre Pakistan players? We are better off not playing such teams. You learn nothing, really.”
Calling for at least a two-year ban on the guilty Pakistan players, Shahid observed: “Such indiscipline is not good for the image of the game and is unpardonable, because it was disrespect to our nation. We are known to respect our guests and this Pakistan team did not deserve it. I felt so sad when I saw the boorish Pakistanis on the field react after having won the match. How can you insult people who have come to watch you play? We beat them in the Asian Games (at Incheon) but showed such grace. There is no room for such despicable behaviour in sport.”
Zafar was livid too. “FIH should have taken a stronger action against the errant players. Punishment is necessary as a deterrent. Losing or winning is not everything. Can you call them sporting ambassadors? Removing your shirts and indulging in lewd gestures is unpardonable. Such players can never be role models even if they win the world.”
Khan expected the Pakistan team to show humility. “I don't remember a team reacting so indecently after winning a match. No one cheated against them or humiliated them. There was no provocation for them to react in such a manner. I think the fault also lies with their administrators who did not brief them on behaviour. I will not say we should not play hockey. We should play them and beat them on the field. That would be the best lesson to players who bring a bad name to the game.”
Fernandes agreed. “Players have to be educated in public behaviour. You do things in the heat of the moment and realise later you should not have. The players conducted themselves well until the final whistle was blown. Good behaviour must be insisted. It is a requirement now,” he said.
The Hindu
All hell breaks loose after Pakistan’s ‘over-the-top’ celebrations
BHUBANESWAR: Pakistan players Mohammad Touseeq and Ali Amjad were suspended hours before Sunday’s Champions Trophy final against Germany as the fall-out continued after their celebrations following their victory over arch-rivals India in the high-voltage semi-final the night before.
Midfielder Touseeq, who played regularly in previous matches, and reserve goalkeeper Ali Amjad were handed a one-match ban while forward Shafqat Rasool received an official reprimand for making obscene gestures to Indian fans after their 4-3 victory at the Kalinga Stadium.
Pakistan coach Shahnaz Sheikh apologised for the team’s celebrations which saw a few players — including Touseeq and Amjad — make inflammatory gestures to the home fans.
“The incident that occurred after the match between India and Pakistan on Dec 13 contained behaviour that is considered unacceptable to Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and the entire hockey community,” he said in a statement.
“As a result, I have spoken to my team and explained to them that they are guests in India and as hosts they have been very hospitable to the team. Our opinion is that the behaviour of a few of our players should not have occurred.
• Touseeq, Ali suspended hours before final • FIH bows down to Indian pressure • Indian hockey chief threatens cancellation of bilateral matches, FIH events • Shahnaz issues apology
“In addition, I have written to the Tournament Director Mr Wiert Doyer and sincerely apologised for the behaviour of a few players in my team following this match.”
Shahnaz, reportedly, spoke to the president and secretary of the PHF too and both agreed that the behaviour was unacceptable and they would express regret to Hockey India (HI) and the fans in general.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) investigated the matter, conducting a hearing with Shahnaz and the players, and made the announcement on Sunday after initially refusing to take action despite terming the behaviour as “beyond acceptable standards”.
HI’s imminent threat of boycotting all FIH events scheduled to be held in India during the next few calendar years made world hockey’s governing body reverse their earlier decision of just letting the players with official reprimand.
“After the conclusion of the semi-final match between India and Pakistan, Amjad Ali was seen making obscene body gestures that are considered to be obscene, the evidence of which surfaced after the initial statement was issued on 14 December at midnight,” the FIH said in a statement.
“Amjad Ali accepts the breach of the code of conduct. The attitude of the team member at the hearing was good, with Pakistan tendering a written apology to the community of hockey. The seriousness of the offence falls within Level 1 of FIH rules and regulations and according to the Code of Conduct of Level 1 offence one match suspension is imposed on Ali Amjad.
“He is suspended for the next match that Pakistan will play in the relevant tournament.
“Touseeq was seen making gestures that are considered to be obscene [raising the middle finger to spectators on the stands] whose evidence surfaced after the initial statement was issued on 14 December at midnight.”
In a statement issued late on Saturday, Doyer said he had investigated the incident and did not deem it necessary to take action against anyone.
As the final hooter sounded in Saturday night’s thriller, excited Pakistani players took off their shirts and made rude gestures towards Indian fans at the packed 7,000-capacity venue.
Shahnaz also walked out of the post-match press conference in a huff after Indian reporters persisted in asking questions about his players’ behaviour after the game.
The FIH U-turn came a few hours after HI chief Narinder Batra demanded an unconditional apology from Pakistan and called for strict action by the governing body.
“I am instructing my CEO to inform FIH that in case this kind of behaviour by teams is within normal and tolerable limits of FIH, then we may not be interested to host any more tournaments in India,” Batra said in a statement.
“The tournaments may be shifted to countries which tolerate this kind of nonsense and uncouth behaviour.”
India are due to host the 2018 World Cup.
Batra also threatened to severe all ties with the PHF unless they issued an unconditional apology. India and Pakistan were scheduled to resume their bilateral hockey series at a neutral venue in Dhaka soon.
“We have decided not to play any bilateral or trilateral series against Pakistan until and unless the Pakistan Hockey Federation gives an unconditional apology for this incident in writing,” he said.
In view of the events, security was tightened for the final with “adequate number of police personnel” having been deployed.
“Elaborate security arrangements were already in place for the tournament. But security has been augmented further for the final match in order to prevent any untoward incident,” Commissioner of Police RP Sharma said.
Dawn
Pakistan coach Shahnaz advocates good relations with India for sake of sport
BHUBANESWAR: Pakistan coach Shahnaz Sheikh sought to bury the issue related to the behavior of his players after victory against India, saying the two neighbouring countries need to play against each other to lift hockey in the sub-continent.
"We have to accept the FIH decision because we want to improve our relations with India. India wanted the guilty players to be suspended. We want bilateral series with India. Both the countries need to lift Asian hockey," Sheikh told reporters after Pakistan lost the final to Germany.
The Pakistani players made obscene gestures towards Indian fans and media after their win over India. They removed their shirts, used foul language, prompting their coach Shahnaz to come into action and take away his players.
After Hockey India took up the issue, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) was forced to suspend two players and reprimand one.
"We can't fight crowd. Crowd supported us but abused us also during warm-up. Our players got suspended we lost the match so I feel now we should bury this issue here," Sheikh said.
"The two countries need to play hockey against each other. Until and unless we don't play against each other sub-continent hockey will never flourish."
"I agree it was not sportsmanship. I have already apologized for that. I am thankful to the media and Hockey India. Their arrangements were tremendous. We thank them for providing all the facilities. We are taking home good memories from here," he added.
Speaking on Sunday's final against Germany, Sheikh criticized the umpiring standard in the match.
"Umpiring was not good today. I think we played against 13 today. Umpires denied us a penalty stroke and a penalty corner. This is my observation," he said.
Pakistan captain Muhammad Imran agreed with his coach. "Obviously I am disappointed with what happened yesterday but this things happen in India-Pakistan match and we need to accept that and move on. We need to come closer to each other. If we continue to fight like this we will remain behind the world," he said.
He, however, said Saturday's incident might be a retaliation of what happened with them after defeat against India in the Asian Games final in Incheon, South Korea.
"We were celebrating and during that one or two players more did wrong and the coach has also punished them. But if you see in Asian Games what happened with us, what happened with our crowd. In the Asian games Indian players did much more than what happened yesterday, but we forgot all that and came here to play," Imran said.
"We are not here to fight."
The Times of India
Kookaburras grab Bronze in Bhubaneswar
Australia have claimed the Bronze medal at the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar, India, thanks to a 2-1 triumph over host nation India. Matt Gohdes hit the winner eight minutes from time to give the Kookaburras their 28th Champions Trophy medal.
Following their respective semi-final defeats at the hands of Germany and Pakistan, both sides started the game clearly determined to end their Hero Hockey Champions Trophy campaign on a high. The Kookaburras had the better of the early exchanges, although India’s Akashdeep Singh saw his promising strike sail wide of the target.
Australia captain Eddie Ockenden gave his team the lead early in the second quarter with a cool finish from close range following a smart exchange of passes with Jacob Whetton. India bounced back in typical fashion and created numerous chances, while goalkeeper PR Sreejesh produced some outstanding saves to deny the Aussies a second before half time.
India dragged themselves back into the match when Lalit Upadhyay forced home a penalty corner from close range following some fine defending from the Australian back-line. The goal drew wild celebrations from the watching capacity crowd, and set up a thrilling final quarter.
SV Sunil wasted a great chance for India before Gohdes produced a poachers’ finish to give The Kookaburras a 2-1 advantage with eight minutes remaining. India threw everything at their opponents int he final stages, but the Australian defence held firm to seal the Bronze medal.
Russell Ford (AUS)
Playing India in India is always very tough. We are happy although we didn’t score that many goals as we wanted to but this is a learning curve. It was much more pressure on us than on India.
Eddie Ockenden (captain AUS)
We won five Champions Trophy editions in a row. Unfortunately we lost the semi-final. This is a tough competition, we have to learn a lot.
Graham Reid (coach AUS)
We have progressed, this is great for this group. Last night was disappointing but this was a learning tournament.
Sreejesh Parattu (GK IND)
We are disappointed because we couldn’t finish in the podium. We could have scored but we didn’t and this is why we lost the match.
#CT2014 #BestOfTheBest
FIH site
Bronze for Kookaburras
Kookaburras take home bronze at the CT after defeating hosts 2-1
The Kookaburras claimed bronze at the Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar after defeating hosts India 2-1 with their recently new and younger squad.
Two goals from Eddie Ockenden and Matt Gohdes was enough for the Kookaburras to break ties with the host nation Sunday night, after Lalit Upadhyay scored India’s only goal of the match in the third quarter.
Speaking after the match, Kookaburras Head Coach Graham Reid said, “We played well in halves, the last quarter was a little bit frantic which was disappointing, however, we were able to come away with a win tonight.
“When I look back over the past week, I can see the group has progressed by getting better. It was a much tighter game tonight and we gave India less opportunities than when we recently played them in the Perth Tests last month. The boys will now be able to rest and recover and we will look at preparation for Rio in 2015.”
Reid discussed the positive impact of bringing a fairly new and younger squad to the tournament, he added, “This tournament has been a great learning experience for the whole team. They have been developing a lot each day and we as coaching staff have worked very hard in creating a good learning environment for them, which was the main objective of this trip.”
Nine minutes into the start of the match, India found themselves with an early opportunity. Picking up Tim Deavin’s miss-trap, Akashdeep Singh showcased great skill moving the ball around Australian defenders to fire a back stick tomahawk towards the goal. Misjudging his target, Akashdeep sent the ball high of the goal and out of reach, leaving the score 0-0.
Kookaburras captain, Eddie Ockenden opened the scoring for Australia after a well worked team goal with help from teammate Jake Whetton. Ockenden intercepted an oncoming ball from Whetton, delivering the ball on target and past India’s goalkeeper Shreejesh Parattu in the 18th minute of the match, pushing Australia in front with the lead 1-0.
Australian goalkeeper Tyler Lovell alongside the green and gold defence, held off India’s attacks for the first two quarters of the match.
Back onto the field for the third quarter, India managed to equalise in the 42nd minute. A scrambled goal coming off the back of a follow up penalty corner, Lalit Upadhyay was able to quickly slot the ball behind Australian goalkeeper Lovell to level score 1-1. Upadhyay’s goal carried India back into the game, giving India a second chance to claim bronze.
Deadlocked 1-1 for another 10 minutes, the match started to heat up. Kookaburras’ Matt Gohdes broke the score 2-1 after Jake Whetton set up the perfect scenario. Launching himself at the ball, Gohdes was able to get the rebound off the goalkeepers pads and past Parattu into the net, giving Australia the lead, and the final 2-1 win.
Tasmanian, Tim Deavin was recognised for playing his 100th cap for the Australian men’s hockey team prior to the bronze medal final. Deavin started playing for the Kookaburras back in 2010 and is representing the green and gold in his third Champions Trophy tournament this year.
Capping off the win and a great performance, Kookaburras forward Jake Whetton was awarded Hero Man of the Match.
The Kookaburras will now take a well-earned break after a successful year with a World Cup and Commonwealth Games gold medal. A handful of the Kookaburras will return to India in January to participate in the third season of the Hockey India League.
KOOKABURRAS: 2 (1)
Eddie Ockenden 18 (FG)
Matt Gohdes 52 (FG)
INDIA: 1 (0)
Lalit Upadhyay 42 (PC)
Final Results
7th/8th: England 3-2 Belgium
5th/6th: Argentina 1-4 Netherlands
Bronze medal final: Australia 2-1 India
Gold medal final: Germany 2-0 Pakistan
Kookaburras Squad
Athlete (Hometown, State) caps/goals
Started
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD) 44/8
Nick Budgeon (Hobart, TAS) 27/12
Chris Ciriello (Melbourne, VIC) 155/99
Matthew Dawson (Central Coast, NSW) 10/0
Russell Ford (Melbourne, VIC) 158/72
Matt Gohdes (Rockhampton, QLD) 110/32
Fergus Kavanagh (Geraldton, WA) 197/14
Tyler Lovell (GK) (Perth, WA) 36/0
Eddie Ockenden (capt) (Hobart, TAS) 231/58
Flynn Ogilvie (Wollongong, NSW) 10/1
Glenn Simpson (Melbourne, VIC) 118/21
Used Substitute
Andrew Charter (GK ) (Canberra, ACT) 84/0
Tom Craig (Lane Cove, NSW) 9/1
Tim Deavin (Launceston, TAS) 100/4
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT) 27/10
Simon Orchard (Maitland, NSW) 163/50
Jake Whetton (Brisbane, QLD) 78/32
Tristan White (Wollongong, NSW) 44/3
Hockey Australia media release
India fail to make the podium
Hosts watch the bronze medal slip away too as Australia beat them 2-1 in the match for third place
Indervir Grewal
India’s Uthappa Sannuvanda and Dharamvir Singh (R) block Australia’s Flynn Ogilvie during their match for the third position in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. AFP
Bhubaneswar - Sardar Singh and his team recovered from their heartbreaking loss in the semifinals and produced a much more composed performance against Australia.
But their effort still fell short of winning India their second medal at the Champions Trophy as they lost 2-1 to the world champions in the bronze-medal match.
India were pushed back for long periods but they never looked as vulnerable as during their loss to Pakistan. The tackles were more assured in the circle and the Indians moved well to fill the gaps and break the fluid Aussie moves.
They didn’t get many chances. But, playing against Australia, who tend to dominate their matches, India should not have wasted the chances they got.
The first quarter was all about the Australians. They pushed India into their own circle and applied the choke with a full-court press. VR Raghunath’s mistake gave Australia their first chance but they couldn’t convert.
In the second quarter, Manpreet Singh fired the ball into the top of the goal. But his shot had been from just outside the circle.
Australia had a few of their chances go wide and a crucial interception from Gurjinder Singh kept the scores 0-0; but not for long. Kothajit Singh got harried off the ball at the centre by Eddie Ockenden. The Australian captain easily went past Rupinderpal Singh at D-top. He set up Jacob Whetton, who returned the favour and Ockenden finished it.
In the second half, India went on the offensive but their attacks lacked planning. Coach Roelant Oltmans later said that India still have to learn how to build attacks. “We have to work on applying our minds more. When they get the ball they straight away get into the attack rather than building it patiently,” he said.
The equaliser for India came after they controlled the ball for a long time, using the width of the field. A quick rotation found the Aussies out of position and Manpreet Singh got the space to run in along the baseline and win a penalty corner in the 42nd minute.
Rupinderpal’s drag-flick hit the rusher as India won another penalty corner. The push on the second one came wide of the mark. The stopper had to take a shot, which was stopped by the goalkeeper. After a scramble in front of the goal, Upadhyay pushed the ball in.
In the last quarter, both teams got chances (three penalty corners each). Australia scored from one of theirs in the 52nd minute, while India failed. SV Sunil came one-on-one with the goalkeeper but his cheeky attempt misfired. Right at the end, Akashdeep had an opportunity but his shot was blocked.
“We are not that disappointed. We had set the target of a fourth-place finish. But we know that we had a chance of winning the gold or silver,” Sardar Singh said.
The Tribune
Hosts stay wasteful as Aus steals Bronze
s2h team
Profligate Indians continued their poor-finishing streak and lost the Bronze medal to an in control Australia. The World no.1 beat the off-colour hosts 2-1 in the Champions Trophy '14 Third Place Classification Match at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.
For the winners the goals came from Eddie Ockenden (19th minute) and Matt Gohdes (52nd). For the Indians the goal came from Lalit Upadhayay (42nd).
The match started at a slow pace with both teams going for short-passes and retaining the ball possession.
Australia earned a penalty corner in the 5th minute but a brave Gurjinder charged down towards Australian drag-flicker Chris Ciriello and didn't let the flick rise.
Australians remained fast in the Indian quarter and came close to scoring in the 8th minute when Jacob Whetton passed the ball to Craig Thomas who carried it instead, at the Indian goalmouth.
A minute later, India got a splendid chance to score but Akashdeep's powerful reverse flick from the top of the Australian circle got deflected from the cross bars.
In the second quarter, Australian domination in the Indian quarter upped considerably. They were deservingly rewarded in the 19th minute. A composed Jacob Whetton held the ball on the right of Indian post, pulled Sreejesh towards him to set up Eddie Ockenden.
A minute before the half team, the thirteen times Champions Trophy winners earned two successive penalty corners but they failed on both occasions. On the second one, Sreejesh displayed superb presence of mind and blocked the push from the injector after the flick was relayed back to him.
Whereas India relied on sending down quick sweeps into the Australian quarter, Australian rotated the ball amongst them and controlled the pace of the game.
In the 42nd minute, the luck favoured India, eventually. They earned two short corner in succession, and on the second one, in a scramble at the goalmouth, Lalit Upadhayay got his name on the scoreboard.
In the 50th minute, SV Sunil got in an one-on-one tackle with the Australian goalkeeper Andrew Charter. He attempted to scoop over the keeper unsuccessfully, and on the rebound, his path to the Australian post was convincingly blocked by a lying-down Charter.
The stunning and the winner goal for the Kookaburras came in the 52nd minute. A tactful Whetton latched on a ball from the right, forcing Sreejesh to come up a few feet. He set up Matt Gohdes at the Indian post and Australians took the decisive lead.
Indian forwards lacked steam and kept mis-directing their shots. They seemed to be buckling under the extreme pressure exerted by the opponents who played the game at a frantic pace.
The Asian Games '14 Gold medalists got a chance to stage a come-back in the game in the 55th minute. On the short corner, VR Raghunath attempted to deceive by passing it to Gurjinder. In spite of being slow at the flick, Gurjinder relayed it to Akashdeep whose poor finishing continued.
A minute later, Akashdeep intercepted a quick through ball from VR Raghunath but he couldn't capitalize on it.
India and Australia earned three short corner each in the game, with India succeeding on one occasion.
Stick2Hockey.com
India lose to Australia 1-2, finish fourth
BHUBANESWAR: India wasted a golden opportunity to break their 32-year-old medal jinx in the Hero Champions Trophy tournament after going down to Australia 1-2 in a hard-fought bronze medal play-off match of the eight-nation meet on Sunday.
Playing before a vociferous packed home crowd at the Kalinga Stadium, it was the best chance for the Indians to end their medal drought in the tournament but as has been the case in the entire tournament, missed chances continued to haunt Sardar Singh and Co.
The only time India had won a medal in the Champions Trophy was when they bagged a bronze in the 1982 edition in Amsteelveen, the Netherlands.
A bronze would have at least given some solace to the Indians after their heart-breaking 3-4 defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Pakistan in a high-voltage second semifinal last night.
But it was not to be as once again India conceded a late goal to lose the match. Australia scored two field goals through skipper Eddie Ockenden (18th minute) and Matt Gohdes (52nd) to win a consolation bronze after having retained the title the last five times.
India's lone goal was scored by young striker Lalit Upadhyay in the 42nd minute.
The loss meant India couldn't even better their previous performance in the tournament though they had a bright chance.
It will definitely be a heartbreak for the Indian players as they finished fourth in the last edition of the tournament in Melbourne two years ago.
Against Australia, it looked the Indians were yet to recover from the shock defeat against Pakistan and that too in front of the home crowd.
The Indians were slow to get off the blocks and looked sloppy and out of sorts in the opening two quarters.
India hardly created any chances in the opening half. Australia looked the better side on display and also had the better share of chances.
Australia had the first real scoring chance in the fifth minute of the match when they won their first penalty corner, but the Indian defence did well to deny the Kookaburras.
Australia kept up the pressure on the Indian defence and it resulted in their first goal in the 18th minute from the sticks of Ockenden, who scored with a gentle push off Jacob Whetton's pass from the right.
Australia maintained their supremacy in the rest of the second quarter and managed to secure their second penalty corner just 50 seconds from halftime, but a variation try was anticipated well by Sreejesh.
After the change of ends, India looked a different side as there was purpose and content in their game.
Unlike the first two quarters, India did not sit back and went on the offensive and the move resulted in two back-to-back penalty corners, the second of which was utilised by the hosts to draw level.
Lalit scored from a goalmouth melee after India messed up the second short piece.
Thereafter, the Indians created a lot of chances, but faltered in execution.
10 minutes from full time, an unmarked Sunil missed a great chance. With only Australia goalie Tyler Lovell to beat, Sunil scooped it straight to him and shot wide the resultant rebound.
The miss cost India dearly as Australia struck back two minutes later through Gohdes, who scored off a rebound after Whetton's initial shot was saved by Sreejesh.
With time running out, India pressed hard in search of the equaliser and managed to secure their third penalty corner in the 55th minute, but wasted the chance while going for a variation instead of straight strike.
Akashdeep Singh then missed a sitter three minutes from the hooter, summing up India's disappointing day.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the Netherlands spanked Argentina 4-1 in the fifth-sixth place play-off match, while England defeated Belgium 3-2 to finish seventh. and Ghodes scored for Australia in the 19th and 52nd minute respectively while Lalit scored for India in the 42nd minute of the third place play-off match.
Australia got their first penalty corner in the fifth minute of the first quarter after they find Gurbaj's foot but Chris Ciriello's strike was deflected by onrushing Indian player Gurjinder with his stick.
Akashdeep got a golden chance to put India ahead in the 9th minute but his flashy reverse flick went over the cross bar.
Australia's Daniel Beale got a two-minute suspension after receiving a green card in the 14th minute.
Aussies got a good chance inside 30 seconds of the second quarter but Jacob Whetton failed to connect Russell Ford's hit at the Indian goal mouth.
Australia finally broke the deadlock in the 19th minute to take 1-0 lead after Eddie Ockenden scored off a gentle push from Jacob Whetton from the right.
Australia had a chance to double their lead at the stroke of halftime but Indian goalkeeper PR Srjeejesh made fine back-to-back saves on penalty corners.
Gurjinder Singh was shown the green card for clumsy tackle as India were down to 10 men in the third quarter for two minutes. Australian Matt Ghodes too got a green card and a two minute suspension.
India finally got their first penalty corner in the 42nd minute but Rupinderpal hit it on the foot of Jacob Whetton to get the second penalty corner.
Australia saved the penalty corner strike but Lalit scored on a goal-mouth melee to level the scoreline 1-1 for India in the 42nd minute.
Tempers were flaying as the game was stalled for few minutes after SV Sunil and Timothy Deavin got into a brawl after a rough tackle by the latter.
Indian striker Sunil got a sitter as he was one on one with Aussie goalkeeper Andrew Charter after receiving a long ball but he made mess of it in the 50th minute. He goofed up and threw away his stick in frustration.
Matt Ghodes put Australia ahead 2-1 against India in the 52nd minute after Whetton's hit was blocked by Sreejesh but Gohdes slotted in the loose ball.
India tried their hard to score an equalizer towards the end of the fourth and final quarter but all their efforts went in vain and they had to settle with fourth position.
The Times of India
Defeat against Pakistan haunted us: Oltmans
Bhubaneswar - Indian players lacked energy in the bronze medal match against Australia as the heart-breaking defeat against Pakistan kept haunting the side, High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans said today.
India had a golden opportunity to break their 32-year-old medal jinx in the Hero Champions Trophy but they ended up with a 1-2 defeat in the bronze medal match. India only once won a medal in the Champions Trophy and that too a bronze in the 1982 edition of the tournament in Amsteelveen, the Netherlands.
“We wanted a medal here but it seems we missed something extra. Yesterday's loss was disappointing. It was at the back of the players mind when they took the field today. We could not bring energy into the match today,” Oltmans told reporters after game at the Kalinga Stadium.
As has been the script so far, missed opportunities continued to hunt India all throughout the tournament, and Oltmans agreed with the fact.
“We are failing to take our chances especially in the third and fourth quarters and that is hurting us badly. But I am convinced if this group stays together and works hard Indian hockey has a bright future,” he said.
“There is a lot of improvement in the team from the start of the year. There is a lot of progression.”
He also felt that there is still lot of work to do ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics.
“We lost ball too quickly and also held on to the ball. We talk about these things before the match but I guess under pressure the boys kept on committing the mistakes. It is a learning process for us,” Oltmans said.
Australia coach Graham Reid believe that the Kookaburras played better hockey than what they did against India in the bilateral Test series in Perth recently, which they lost 1-3.
“As compared to the bilateral series in Australia we were much better and tighter today,” he said. “This tournament is a learning phase and I am happy that we progressed throughout the tournament,” he said.
The Tribune
Late salvo sees Netherlands finish in fifth place
The Netherlands salvaged a fifth place finish at the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy with a 4-1 win over Argentina in Bhubaneswar, scoring four times in the final quarter to turn things around after trailing 1-0.
The first quarter saw precious few chances either side as the Dutch held a lot of ball while Argentina lay in wait on the counter-attack. From one such move forward, Matias Parades broke the deadlock when he converted Matias Rey’s pass with a nicely taken backhand stroke.
The Dutchmen fought hard to get on the board before half-time but Argentine goalie Manuel Vivaldi and his defenders stood firm. The third quarter followed a similarly close-knit but the Oranje got level in the 47th minute when Mink van der Weerden rocketed home his fourth goal of the competition from a penalty corner.
And Jeroen Hertzberger won it with five minutes to go when he took in a right wing pass from Rogier Hofman, beat one man and fired home an inch-perfect reverse-stick shot for 2-1. And they added one more soon after while Argentina had removed their goalkeeper to chase an equaliser with Constantijn Jonker popping into the empty net.
Hertzberger then added a penalty stroke at the death to complete a misleading looking final scoreline.
Flash quotes:
Gonzalo Peillat (ARG): The tournament was amazing. It’s far from home but the huge crowd in Bhubaneswar made us welcome. We finished sixth so it’s a little strange compared to the World Cup when we were third. But we played some good matches – others not good. But it is part of our long preparation for the Olympics. We have had a very good year.
Constantijn Jonker (NED): We didn’t come all the way to India to come fifth so it is a big disappointment. The quarter-final against Pakistan still hurts. But once we lost that match, it was simple. We had to finish fifth and I am very glad we did that. We showed character and I am proud of how the team played in the last two matches. It didn’t come easy but we managed to pull through.
#CT2014 #BestOfTheBest
FIH site
Netherlands beat Argentina 4-1 to claim 5th place
BHUBANESWAR: Netherlands salvaged a fifth place finish at the Hero Men's Champions Trophy with a 4-1 win over Argentina in Bhubaneswar, scoring four times in the final quarter to turn things around after trailing 0-1.
The first quarter saw precious few chances either side as the Dutch held a lot of ball while Argentina lay in wait on the counter-attack. From one such move forward, Matias Parades broke the deadlock when he converted Matias Rey's pass with a nicely taken backhand stroke.
The Dutchmen fought hard to get on the board before half-time but Argentine goalie Manuel Vivaldi and his defenders stood firm. The third quarter followed a similarly close-knit but the Oranje got level in the 47th minute when Mink van der Weerden rocketed home his fourth goal of the competition from a penalty corner. Jeroen Hertzberger won it with five minutes to go when he took in a right wing pass from Rogier Hofman, beat one man and fired home an inch-perfect reverse-stick shot for 2-1. The Dutch then added one more soon after while Argentina had removed their goalkeeper to chase an equaliser with Constantijn Jonker popping into the empty net.
Hertzberger then added a penalty stroke at the death to complete a misleading looking scoreline.
A happy Netherlands Captain Robert Horst said post the match "It was a tough game, Argentina played very well. Their defence was very tough but we came back in the fourth quarter. I am proud of the boys, they played very well throughout the tournament. Unfortunately we manage only the 5th position in the tournament. From here we will practice more to come back to our earlier position."
Argentina player Gonzalo Peillat said "We tried hard today but they proved better than us. We had them trailing in the first 3 quarters, but lost focus in the last quarter where they got back into the game and won the match. From here we are looking forward to the next tournament that we have in line for us."
The Times of India
England lay claim to Hero Hockey Champions Trophy seventh place
England for the better of Belgium 3-2 to claim seventh place at the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar, leaving the Red Lions in eighth place overall. It was a high octane battle with Florent van Aubel scoring his first on ten minutes, latching onto a loose finish to fire past George Pinner.
England, though, scored the next three goals to take a 3-1 lead into half-time. David Condon got them going with a slap from the left of the circle following a penalty corner. Condon, once again, was on hand to put the English in front when he arrowed a great finish on the turn past Vincent Vanasch. Chris Griffiths then applied a smart diving touch a couple of seconds before the break.
Belgium held most of the play in the second half with Pinner saving brilliantly from Amaury Keusters and Felix Denayer before van Aubel got a brilliant individual goal to get his back into range with 20 minutes to go. But they were unable to find the equaliser, ultimately leaving England in the winner’s seat in their final game of the week.
Flash quotes:
David Condon (ENG): We started well with two wins and a draw so we are gutted with the two playoff games so it is nice to finish on a high. Against Belgium, we have had some really tight games so it was good to come out on the winning side. Here, we have dominated quite a bit of play which, for us, is a new thing.
Usually, we are more used to defending well and then attacking at pace. We have a lot to learn with a new style of play so we will see what we can improve but we are creating chances.
Jereon Delmee (BEL coach): I’m not happy with today’s result. We were the better team in most of the games during this tournament but we missed to score in the important moments and made mistakes when it counted. However, my players grew into this tournament.
#CT2014 #BestOfTheBest
FIH site
England secure 7th with Belgium win
Chris Griffiths celebrates his goal vs Bel at CT2014
England faced Belgium for the second time this week and after a 1-1 draw in the pool stages Head Coach Bobby Crutchley’s side were able to come away with a hard fought 3-2 victory against their European foes. Belgium’s Florent van Aubel scored twice for his country, but two goals for East Grinstead’s David Condon in the first and second quarter and one for his club teammate Chris Griffiths on the stroke of half-time made it 3-2 and secured England the seventh place finish.
After winning his 100th cap yesterday against Argentina, Alastair Brogdon was unable to play in the game due to suffering from sickness. Belgium were also missing two players, Simon Gougnard and Loïck Luypaert, through injury.
Belgium had a flurry of chances in the opening 15 minutes. Florent van Aubel got Belgium off the mark with a reverse stick effort in the 10th minute. George Pinner in England’s goal had smothered an initial shot, but his swept out ball fell kindly for van Aubel whose shot found its way through Henry Weir and Pinner to give Belgium the lead. The world number four side continued to hassle England in defence, but they failed to capitalise on their chances and it was England who brought themselves back into contention just before the break. Tom Carson successfully referred a Belgium back stick and the Reading player stepped up to take the resulting penalty corner; his effort was saved well by Vincent Vanasch, but East Grinstead’s David Condon slapped home the equaliser via a deflection off Van Aubel’s stick.
England took full advantage of their chances in the second quarter. Condon added to his tally in the 19th minute when he fired home a great finish on the turn to take the scoreline to 2-1. After providing the ball for the second goal, Condon’s East Grinstead teammate Chris Griffiths found the target for England’s third seconds before half time. Nick Catlin fired a pass into the circle and after two Belgium defenders were unable to deal with the danger, Griffiths latched onto the loose ball to carve his shot past Vanasch and give his side a two goal cushion.
Despite the score line, Belgium continued to dominate possession going into the third quarter and some exceptional individual skill from Van Aubel saw him beat two defenders and lift the ball over Pinner to make it 3-2 and remind England how close the encounter was. A yellow card for Tanguy Cosyns in the 43rd minute did stem the flow of attacks from Belgium but England lacked the same fluidity they’d found in the second period.
It was England’s lead to defend as the teams came out for the final quarter and Belgium continued to threaten with every attack, however some determined and clinical defending from Crutchley’s side who remained calm under pressure allowed them to see the game out and seal the victory and seventh place.
England man of the match, Wimbledon’s Henry Weir
On being man of the match and the overall team performance today: “It was fantastic that I could do a few things to help the team out today, but it was all about the team performance. Last game of the tournament, a man down and we had to dig deep to get the result.”
On getting motivated for seventh vs eighth: “It’s really tough, especially with the good start to the tournament that we had, but I think we all got together and realised that getting this experience now and putting everything into this game will help us to go away from here and learn a lot.”
On lessons learnt and not delivering in the vital matches: “We know we can play good hockey and we’ve had some fantastic results against the teams who are now in the top four, but we need to produce our best game when it really matters and that’s in the knock-out stages.”
England Head Coach Bobby Crutchley
On the performance:“Although we didn’t play our best hockey today I’m very pleased with the win. It was a difficult game with both teams missing players at the end of a long and tough tournament. We coped well with the physical demands out there today and I think the victory was a justifiable reward for the overall performances during the last week of competition.”
That’s it for international hockey in 2014; England will head home for a break from pitch training before focus switches to Great Britain in the New Year. Many of the England squad will return to their clubs for the indoor season, which culminates in the Hockey 5s Indoor Finals at SSE Arena, Wembley on Sunday 25th January.
Four of the teams at this tournament, England, Belgium, Germany and Netherlands will be in London next Summer from 21-30 August at the 2015 EuroHockey Nations Championships on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Tickets for the event are available from www.eurohockey2015.co.uk
ENGLAND 3 (3)
David Condon 14, 19 (PC, FG)
Chris Griffiths 30 (FG)
BELGIUM 2 (1)
Florent van Aubel 10, 39 (FG, FG)
England Hockey Board Media release
Indians sweep individual prizes at FIH Champions Trophy
NEW DELHI: India may have wasted a golden opportunity to break their 32-year-old medal jinx in the FIH Champions Trophy, having finished 4th, but they ended up getting a raft of individual prizes at the eight-nation elite tournament on Sunday.
Hosts India went down to defending champions Australia 1-2 in a hard-fought bronze medal play-off match at the Kalinga stadium.
But their valiant show in the meet did not went unnoticed as they win the individual prizes from best goalkeeper to best junior to most energetic to the fan's choice awards.
Parattu Sreejesh was awarded 'Tata Steel Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament' whereas SV Sunil was named as the most energetic player of the meet.
Indian skipper Sardar Singh was the fans favourite as he won the 'Nalco Fan's Choice Award' for his performance.
Young Akashdeep Singh also wrote his name in the award book as the best junior player of the tournament.
Germany's Moritz Furste and Netherlands' Jeroen Herztberger won the remaining two individual awards as the former was adjudged best player of the tournament and the latter finished as the highest scorer of the meet.
On Sunday, playing before a vociferous packed home crowd, it was the best chance for the Indians to end their medal drought in the tournament but as has been the case in the entire tournament, missed chances continued to haunt Sardar Singh and Co.
The only time India had won a medal in the Champions Trophy was when they bagged a bronze in the 1982 edition in Amsteelveen, the Netherlands.
Olympic champions Germany clinched the title with a convincing 2-0 win over Pakistan in the summit clash, snapping their five-year old jinx in the elite eight-nation event.
Individual awards
Hero Best Player of the Tournament: Moritz Furste, Germany
Hero Top Scorer of the Tournament: Jeroen Herztberger, The Netherlands
Tata Steel Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Parattu Sreejesh, India
Cairn India Most Energetic Player: SV Sunil, India
MCL Best Junior Player of the Tournament: Akashdeep Singh, India
Nalco Fan's Choice Award: Sardar Singh, India
The Times of India
Viren: Develop role models
Tazeen Qureshy
In the history of India hockey, Viren Rasquinha will not just be remembered for his sheer brilliance on the field but also for the innovative ideas he always had for the development of the game. He was one among the few who did not believe in just promoting the game in terms of performance, rather he believed that the sport also needs to be marketed well. That was precisely why he took an early retirement from the sport and decided to pursue further studies.
Now a successful CEO of Olympic Gold Quest, Rashqinha still misses hockey and the recent performance of the India team prompted the star of the yesteryear to fly down to Bhubaneswar for India’s semi-final countdown against arch-rivals Pakistan.
“India had a good performance this season. But, Pakistan has become a structured team as well. All in all, India definitely has an upper hand. But, it is a brand new game and you need to prove it on a given day. You can’t rely on past records. They mean nothing when you are on the field,” the former player says.
“I think India is more confident after beating two big European teams in two consecutive matches. Holland is world number two and Belgium is world number four. So, they have it in them to beat any team in 60 minutes.”
Chalking out a marketing strategy for the future of India hockey after remarkable year so far, he talks about creating role model and household names. ‘There is a great deal of emotional attachment of the people with Indian hockey because of the historical performance. It is a very crucial period because the Indian team is doing well after a long time and it has been a consistent year.”
“For me, the key role is to develop heroes and role models and household names. Even today if you ask a common man on the road to name a hockey player, he will perhaps name Dhanraj Pillay. Today may be a Sardar Singh is there. But we need to develop three or four such hockey heroes that even my mother will be able to recognize by both name and face. That is what we need to work for to take hockey to the next level in terms of popularity and getting more sponsors for the game,” the stylish CEO says. Quick names on his list who can add to the hockey heroes category except Sardar Singh? “Sreejesh for sure. I think
Manpreet is a very good player. SV Sunil as well. Hockey is a team sport, so you need to create a balance between role models and keeping it as a team game.’
Stick2Hockey.com
Black Sticks secure clean sweep over Canada
Pictured: Bradley Shaw in action, please credit www.photosport.co.nz
The Black Sticks Men have secured a series sweep over Canada after an emphatic 4-1 win in the final test at Marist Park in Christchurch today.
New Zealand had previously won both games in Nelson 2-1 and 4-0 to add to a 3-1 result in yesterday’s third test at St. Bede’s College.
The Black Sticks found themselves trailing for the first time in the series today before a dominant second half against the tiring Canadians put the game beyond doubt.
Head coach Colin Batch said it was another tough game in cold and windy conditions.
“It was another difficult game for us going 1-0 down, but we felt we were still creating some chances,” he said.
“We gradually got on top of a difficult opponent and I was pleased with the way the guys responded to come away with a win.
“We’ve had a lot of changes to our squad and we’re building the depth of this group well. We’re gaining some momentum and will put all our efforts into training hard for next year.”
Matthew Guest opened the scoring for Canada and after being left wide open in the circle, obliged by drilling into the back of the goal past goalkeeper George Enersen.
Local lad Bradley Shaw stepped up in the second quarter with a brilliant solo run from halfway into the circle before hitting home to equalise.
All level at halftime, the Black Sticks broke the deadlock late in the third period with captain Simon Child showing composure on the ball and waiting for his perfect moment to push the back into goal.
James Coughlan then added to the score line a minute later with a punishing reverse shot to push the Kiwis in front by two goals.
Fellow North Harbour player George Muir topped off the game in style in the fourth quarter with lightning fast reactions to flick home after an initial deflection.
The Black Sticks now travel back to their regions to break for Christmas before getting back into training ahead of a big year of hockey in 2015.
CLICK HERE to watch past games from the Canada series on demand
BLACK STICKS 4: (Bradley Shaw, Simon Child, James Coughlan, George Muir)
CANADA 1: (Matthew Guest)
Halftime: Tied 1-1
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Black Sticks claim series whitewash over Canada
HANNE DAVIS
ON THE MARK: North Harbour's James Coughlan scored for the Black Sticks today. Dean Kozanic/Fairfax NZ
The men's Black Sticks didn't allow Canada to steal an eleventh hour win after coming from behind to get a 4-1 victory at Marist Park in Christchurch on Sunday and seal the international test series 4-0.
The Black Sticks had been clear that the aim was to play their best hockey in the final test, and although the performance was better than Saturday's match with much better movement up the field, they still looked inconsistent in the circle.
It was over seven minutes before there was a shot on goal from either team and neither seemed able to link up consistent attacking pressure with goal scoring opportunities. Although there were chances, the first quarter was all about the men in goal, local player George Enersen and Canda's David Carter who at either end produced fine saves off the line when their defence had been breached.
Canada, who have been at their most threatening throughout the series with flicks through the air into their waiting strikers, did exactly that to silence the crowd and take the lead mid way through the first half through Matthew Guest.
It was another Canterbury local who produced a moment of brilliance to even the scoreline just before half time. Bradley Shaw darting from halfway into the circle, scattering defenders and staying on his feet to finally breach Carter's net.
After what captain Simon Child determined as "getting a bit of a rocket" at half time, he was the one to put the Black Sticks in the driving seat, going man to man with the Canadian keeper and firing it in as his side ramped up the intensity.
Watching the Black Sticks warm up, there had been significant emphasis on working the ball around the midfield and through defenders. It was this quick, passing play and movement that saw them work the ball in the circle, teeing up North Harbour's James Coughlan to hit one off his backhand into the net.
In the final 15 minutes, Canada seemed to lose the impetus to crack into the New Zealand half, instead just holding on defensively as the Kiwi players ran at them.
Let down throughout the match by a tendency to give away penalty corners, they were lucky to not have an even bigger scoreline deficit. Captain Scott Tupper and keepers Carter and Antoni Kindler doing a fine job to deny the Black Sticks on the line.
It was North Harbour player George Muir who put the cherry on top of the Black Sticks' victory cake, reacting instinctively to bury the deflected ball into the net and seal the match 4-1.
Head Coach Colin Batch said he was pleased with how his reacted mentally when they went a goal down, but he was full of praise for the local player who had settled them with his own individual efforts.
"It took a very good goal from Bradley Shaw, a typical one of his where he's going forward where no one's going to stop him, and he found the back of the net. That certainly led the way there, and was pleasing to see. Overall we did very well to create a lot of chances and would probably like to have scored more of them."
Cantabrian Shaw was clearly pleased to have had the opportunity to give his home crowd something to cheer about, but put his game leveling goal down to sheer momentum.
"I think I'm good for one of those each series. Generally I only get a goal if I tackle someone and run forward because no one tackles the fat back running from the other end of the field...the boys did well, I knew they were on the left and right post, and that one was more shooting at the far post and If I missed I knew they would tap it in for me"
Although they will be happy walk away with a series whitewash after a long year, the feeling heading into the Christmas break is that they must become more consistent and shut down sides when they need to. As some players return from injury or breaks from the squad, there will be much to lock in ahead of their 2015 season and before qualification for the Rio Olympic games begins in earnest.
Stuff
THT complete league and cup double
By Jugjet Singh
THE Saari brothers Faizal and Fitri handed Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) an early lifeline as the east coast side created history by lifting the TNB Cup and claimed the Malaysia Hockey League double.
THT and Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) drew 3-3 in regulation time, but THT prevailed 2-1 in the penalty shoot-out. They also beat KLHC for the League title this season.
South Korean Seo Jong-ho and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin converted for Terengganu in the penalty shootout while Pakistan’s Muhammad Imran converted for KLHC.
Terengganu are the first team from outside Kuala Lumpur to bag the double.
THT, playing in their first final, took a 3-0 lead by the 31st minute when Faizal Saari scored a brace in the sixth and 31st minutes to become the MHL top-scorer with 16 goals. He was also the top-scorer in 2011 and 2012. His brother Fitri scored the other goal in the ninth minute.
And just when it looked like Terengganu were going to romp home, KLHC fought back when skipper Razie Rahim scored two penalty corner goals in space of four minutes (51st, 55th minutes).
Forward Syamim Yusof then equalised in the last minute of the match to take the game into penalty shootout.
Terengganu coach Sarjit Singh was delighted to lift the double.
“We are the first team from outside Kuala Lumpur to win the league and overall titles. It is good for development of hockey in Terengganu,” said the former national coach.
“The penalty shootout was a tense moment for us as anything could have happened. But I am relieved that we won in the end.”
KLHC coach K. Dharmaraj said it was an unfortunate defeat.
“Despite the defeat, I am happy with the fighting spirit shown by my players. We have players who can play well and hope to make a great comeback in the MHL next year,” said Dharmaraj.
Tenaga Nasional beat Maybank 4-2 on penalty shootout to finish third after both teams ended tied 1-1.
RESULTS — Final: Terengganu 3 KLHC 3 (Terengganu win 2-1 on penalty shootout); 3rd placing: Tenaga 1 Maybank 1 (Tenaga win 4-2 on penalty shootout).
Roll of honour — Best player: Faiz Helmi Jali (Tenaga Nasional); Best goalkeeper: Mohd Hafizuddin Othman (Terengganu); Top scorer: Faizal Saari (Terengganu 16 goals); Man of the match (in the final): Mohd Fitri Saari (Terengganu); Fairplay: Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL).
New Straits Times
Terengganu do the double to wrap up Malaysia Hockey League
By Aftar Singh
The Terengganu hockey team players and staff celebrate after beating KLHC in the TNB Cup final of Malaysia Hockey League to secure the double. They had earlier won the league title. - MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/ The STAR
KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu created history by winning their first double – league and overall titles – in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).
The East Coast side on Sunday ended the domination of four-time double champions Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) in the TNB Cup final by winning 2-1 in a penalty shootout at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Both teams failed to break the 3-3 deadlock in regulation time.
South Korean Seo Jong-ho and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin converted for Terengganu in the shootout while Pakistan’s Muhammad Imran was on target for KLHC.
Terengganu, playing in their first final, showed no signs of nerves. They were up 3-0 after 31 minutes.
Forward Faizal Saari was the hero, netting a brace in the sixth minute through a penalty goal and a field goal in the 31st minute to emerge as the top scorer for the third time with 16 goals. He was also the top scorer in 2011 and 2012.
Fitri Saari, Faizal’s younger brother, scored the other goal in the ninth minute off a penalty corner.
But Terengganu let their guard down and KLHC, having the experience of playing in seven straight finals since 2008, stormed back in the last quarter to make it 3-3.
KLHC skipper Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim started the fightback with two penalty corner goals in the 51st and 55th minutes. Forward Mohd Syamim Yusof then equalised from close range in the 59th minute to take the game into a penalty shootout.
Terengganu coach Sarjit Singh was delighted to lift the double.
“We are the first team from outside Kuala Lumpur to win the league and overall titles. It is good for the development of the sport in Terengganu,” said the former national coach.
“We started off exceptionally well by taking a 3-0 lead, but KLHC fought back to shock us by scoring three goals.
“It was a tense moment for us as anything can happen in a penalty shootout. I am so relieved we won the shootout,” added Sarjit.
KLHC coach K. Dharmaraj said they were unfortunate to lose in the shootout after a thrilling comeback.
“But I am happy with the fighting spirit shown by the players despite the defeat,” added Dharmaraj.
In the battle for third place, Tenaga Nasional beat Maybank 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Former international Mohd Amin Rahim gave Tenaga the lead in the third minute, but the Tigers equalised through a penalty corner by Jiwa Mohan in the 43rd minute.
The Star of Malaysia
Double win boosts Canterbury
Canterbury v East Grinstead, Dec 13 2014, credit Ravi Ghowry
AFTER losing both their opening matches on Saturday, Canterbury kick-started their campaign in the Hockey 5s Championship Women’s Premier Division with two wins on Sunday at Bromsgrove School.
They opened the day with a 4-2 win over Sutton Coldfield who were unbeaten and second in the table after day one, and Canterbury then beat Harleston Magpies 6-2 later in the day.
Sarah Kerly bagged three goals on day two to add to the two she scored on Saturday, while Mel Clewlow, Dirkie Chamberlain and Lizzie Neal all scored twice on Sunday.
But the table is still being led by Bowdon Hightown who are the only team with a 100 per cent record intact. They beat Harleston magpies 3-1 on Sunday morning, before overcoming Clifton 6-2 later in the day.
Sally Walton scored a hat-trick in each of the matches on day two, while Tina Cullen also scored three in their win over Clifton.
Slough moved up to second spot after clinching a win and a draw on Sunday.
They beat East Grinstead 4-2 with Alex Scott scoring all their goals, and then drew 3-3 with the University of Birmingham, with Scott scoring twice more and Laura Bailey bagging the other.
That leaves Alex Scott top of the scoring table with 11 in total, while Bowdon’s Sally Walton is second with ten.
The University of Birmingham drew both their games on Sunday 3-3, first against Sutton Coldfield them Slough.
East Grinstead are fourth in the table after day two. They beat Reading 6-3, but lost out 4-2 to Slough.
The Premier Division resumes on January 3-4 2015 at the same venue, while Division One starts on January 10-11 at Nottingham Trent University.
* For goalscorers and full competition details, including live updates click here - http://englandhockey.altiusrt.com/competitions/1
England Hockey Board Media release
Dominant East Grinstead stay on track
Niall Stott and Andrew Eversden in action for East Grinstead and Bath, Dec 14 2014, credit Josh Dixon
East Grinstead stayed on track to defend their Hockey 5s Championship title with another pair of convincing wins at day two of the Premier Division at St George’s Park in Burton on Trent on Sunday.
The Sussex side cruised past Team Bath Buccaneers 7-1 in their opening match on Sunday, and then beat Reading 5-2 later in the day to ensure they remain the only team with a 100 per cent record so far.
Mark Pearn scored two against Bath, while the others came from captain Niall Stott (pictured), Andy Piper, Andy Bull, Richie Dawson-Smith and Ross Stott.
Against Reading Simon Faulkner bagged a brace, with their others coming from Niall and Ross Stott and Mark Pearn.
Sevenoaks moved up to third as they were the only other team to win both their matches on day two, winning 5-4 over Beeston and 6-4 against Canterbury.
Captain Chris Barker and Dominic Bowden both scored twice against Beeston, while George Torry added the other. And against Canterbury Mike Holland scored two, with the others coming from Owain Dolan-Gray, Chris Barker, Torry and Nick Barker.
Despite the loss to Sevenoaks Canterbury held on to second place after having beaten Surbiton 5-1 earlier in the day. Wei Adams scored twice, with others coming from Liam Foster, Ben Allberry and Harry Jawanda.
Reading beat Holcombe 4-2 to secure their first win of the campaign, but it was a sorry day for Holcombe who lost out 7-8 to Bowdon and are bottom of the table.
The Premier Division resumes on January 3-4 2015 at the same venue, while Division One starts on January 10-11 at the University of West England.
* For goalscorers and full competition details, including live updates click here - http://englandhockey.altiusrt.com/competitions/2
England Hockey Board Media release
SA indoor hockey men make PSI series safe
JONATHAN COOK in Cape Town
The South Africa men's indoor hockey team made the series against Africa All Stars safe with a 5-2 win after leading 3-0 at half-time in the third exhibition match at the Nolands PSI Nationals 2014 in Cape Town Sunday.
The eighth Nolands PSI (Pro Series Indoor) Nationals is a nine-day celebration of junior indoor hockey that ends Friday and has almost 2 000 boys and girls from the U13 to U18 age groups taking part. The juniors play for franchises situated nationwide and in Namibia.
SA, who are playing at the Indoor World Cup in Leipzig, Germany from February 4 to 8, won the first two matches 6-4 and 6-2 respectively at the University of Cape Town indoor sports centre on Friday and Saturday.
The fourth and final match is at 7.15pm Tuesday, again at UCT.
Like the first two, Sunday’s third match enjoyed end-to-end action, with coach Ryan Hack’s SA lads having the edge in the strike zone.
*SCORERS *South Africa (3) 5 (Dylan Piatti, Gavin Jelley, Mohammed Mea 2, Keegan Kieck)
Africa All Stars (0) 2 (Siyabonga Martins, Pierre de Voux)
PSI media release
There are medals in the wind at Nolands PSI Nationals
JONATHAN COOK
Day three of Nolands Pro Series Indoor Nationals 2014 dawns in a windy Mother City Sunday and there is still everything to play for, as the teams in the A Sections of the U13 Boys and Girls competitions and the sides in the A Sections of the U14 Boys and Girls competitions go in hunt of coveted positions in the late afternoon semi-finals.
No less than six - and even seven – teams in each event are still in the medal hunt and it’s going to be as much a battle of attrition as it will be of skills, with some teams possibly set to play as many as four games on the day.
For the finer details, go to the PSI website http://www.psihockey.co.za and check out “Nationals 2014”, then “U13 and U14” plus “Logs & Formats” as well “Fixtures & Results”, plus of course the YouTube videos, Facebook and Twitter, and much, much more.
There is also the third international of the scheduled four matches between the 2014 Indoor World Cup-bound SA men’s side and the Africa All Stars squad at 12.30pm at UCT to look forward to.
The stage is set for the day to be an absolute cracker.
Watch this space for more news during the day that will include a reflection on the first two days’ action and a couple of thoughts to ponder.
PSI media release
Providence still U-20 hockey champion
...Fatima topples Royalians
Providence Girls completed the double while Fatima College dethroned Queen’s Royal College as champion when the T&T Hockey Board Secondary Schools National Indoor Championship concluded with the Under-20 Division tournament at the Woodbrook Youth Facility, Hamilton-Holder Street, Woodbrook, on Friday.
In the girls’ decider, Providence got the better of rival St Joseph Convent (PoS) 2-0 via the penalty shoot-out after a 2-2 draw at the end of regulation time.
Earlier in the semifinals, Providence blanked South East Port-of-Spain 3-0 while St Joseph Convent (PoS) edged Holy Names Convent (PoS), 1-0.
And in the playoff for third, Holy Name pipped South East Port-of-Spain 2-1.
The boys final also went the distance with Queen’s Royal College earning a similar 2-0 penalty shoot-out victory over last year’s winner Fatima College.
QRC had earlier defeated South East Port-of-Spain 2-0 in its semifinal, and Fatima slipped past St Mary’s College, 2-1. South East took third after beating St Mary’s 2-1 on penalties after a 1-1 deadlock.
RESULTS
Under-20 Boys round-robin
Group A
QRC 5 vs D/Martin 0
QRC 0 vs St Mary’s 0
D/Martin 1 vs St Augustine Secondary 1
St Mary’s 3 vs St Joseph College 0
QRC 6 vs St Augustine Secondary 0
St Joseph College 1 vs D/Martin 0
St Mary’s 8 vs St Augustine Secondary 0
St Joseph College 2 vs St Augustine Secondary 0
St Mary’s 4 vs D/Martin 0
QRC 6 vs St Joseph College 0
Group B
South East Port-of-Spain 11 bt Belmont Boys 0
Fatima 5 vs South East Port-of-Spain 0
Fatima 7 vs Belmont Boys 0
Fatima 11 vs Pleasantville 0
South East Port-of-Spain 6 vs Pleasantville 0
Belmont Boys 0 vs Pleasantville 0
Semifinals
QRC 2 vs South East Port-of-Spain 0
Fatima 2 vs St Mary’s 1
Third placed
South East Port-of-Spain 1 vs St Mary’s 1 - SEPoS won 2-1 via penalty shoot-out
Final
QRC 1 vs Fatima 1 - QRC won 2-0 on penalty shoot-out
Individual awards
Most Goals: Teague Marcano (QRC) & Kelon Skerrit (SEPoS) - 10 goals
Most Valuable Player: Tariq Marcano (Fatima)
Best Goalkeeper: Jadel Poon-Lewis (QRC)
Girls
Pool A
St Joseph Convent (PoS) 6 bt Corpus Christi 0
South East Port-of-Spain 4 bt Corpus Christi 0
South East Port-of-Spain 3 bt St Joseph College 0
St Joseph College 1 bt Corpus Christi 0
St Joseph Convent (PoS) 3 bt South East Port-of-Spain 0
St Joseph Convent (PoS) 6 bt St Joseph College 0
Pool B
Providence 0 vs Holy Name Convent (PoS) 0
St Augustine Girls High 2 bt St Augustine Secondary 0
Providence 2 bt St Augustine Girls High 0
Holy Name Convent (PoS) 4 vs St Augustine Secondary 0
Holy Name Convent (PoS) 3 vs St Augustine Girls High 0
Providence 9 vs St Augustine Secondary 0
Semifinals
Providence 3 bt South East PoS 0
St Joseph Convent (PoS) 1 bt Holy Name Convent (PoS) 0
Third
Holy Name Convent (PoS) 2 bt South East Port-of-Spain 1
Final
Providence 2 vs St Joseph Convent 2
Providence won 2-0 on penalty-stroke
Individual awards
Most Goals: Tamia Roach (St Joseph Convent PoS) - 12 goals
Most Valuable Player: Tamia Roach (St Joseph Convent PoS)
Best Goalkeeper: Kayla-Marie Escayg (St Joseph Convent PoS)
The Trinidad Guardian
Following the death of Lizzie Watkins, why does hockey refuse to protect its players?
By Martin Samuel 
Lizzie Watkins (right) passed away in 2012 after a ball deflected off her stick and hit her on the head
You probably won’t have heard of Lizzie Watkins. Michael Clarke did not read the eulogy at her funeral, there was no worldwide gesture to mark her passing, no putting out of bats, or Twitter hashtags. She was not a national hero like Phillip Hughes. She was just another young athlete, who died of a head injury, aged 24.
Watkins was a hockey player. On May 6, 2012, in a Western Australia state league game for her club, North Coast Raiders, a ball deflected off her stick. Like Hughes, she must have instinctively flinched at the vital moment because it then struck her on the back of the head. Watkins died the next day.
The similarities to the death of Hughes, struck by a short-pitched cricket ball, are uncanny. Like Hughes, Watkins had family at the game — her sister Catherine was in the team with her. Like Hughes, she fell unconscious almost immediately and did not recover. Like Hughes, the head trauma was very great. 
The Hockey player was struck during a Western Australia state league game for her club, North Coast Raiders
North Coast Raiders were joined by the Watkins family as they retired her number following the accident
Watkins' death was similar to the passing of cricketer Phillip Hughes yet whereas an instant review of safety standards in cricket was soon provoked, hockey sails on
Yet whereas Hughes’s death provoked an instant review of safety standards in cricket, with talk of protective helmet redesigns and steps to ensure the tragedy is never repeated, hockey sails on.
Watkins’ injury may have been a fluke but it was hardly a surprise. Indeed, anyone who has watched the sport played to even a basic level of competence is probably mystified that fatalities, or at the very least extremely serious injuries, are not more prevalent.
Sure enough, on November 29, two days after Hughes died, Sam Owen, playing for Blackpool 2nd XI against Bolton in North West Hockey League Division Four, was placed in an induced coma after being struck on the head by a ball. The teams had observed a minute’s silence for Hughes before the game. Owen is now recovering after surgery. A local newspaper reported that it was the second straight match in which he had been hit on the head.
The uninitiated may feel this makes Owen a klutz, but anyone who plays hockey will know he was simply unlucky and that the same fate could befall any player, however skilled. Ironically, the huge publicity around the death of Hughes has succeeded in promoting the wider debate in another sport. Safety in hockey is finally being examined. 
Three days after Hughes' death Sam Owen, playing for Blackpool 2nd XI against Bolton in North West Hockey League Division Four, was placed in an induced coma after being struck on the head by a ball
One coach, Ric Charlesworth, a former first-class cricketer — winning three Sheffield Shields with Western Australia — and an international hockey player, is even questioning the future of the most important set-piece in the sport, the drag flick penalty corner.
Charlesworth is no part-timer where hockey is concerned. He represented Australia in four Olympic Games — it would have been five but they boycotted Moscow — and as captain in 1984. He coached Australia’s women’s team from 1993 to 2000—— they won two Olympic gold medals — and the men’s team from 2009 to 2014. He was the second name inducted into Australian hockey’s Hall of Fame. So when he talks of abandoning the means by which the majority of goals are scored — purely on safety grounds — this is no madman howling in the wilderness.
The penalty corner, known as a ‘short’, is awarded mainly for infringements in and around the goalmouth D. These can be very minor, such as the ball hitting the foot of an opponent. So great is the opportunity presented, however, that if an attacking player cannot go for goal in open play, his next best option is to try to win a ‘short’. In hockey of any standard, most goals come from these set-pieces.
From a penalty corner, members of the attacking side line up on the edge of the D, while the defending team is allowed four players, plus the goalkeeper, on the goal-line. The ball is then inserted by an attacker from a position 10 yards wide of the goal. 
Former hockey player Ric Charlesworth has questioned the future of the sports's drag flick penalty corner
Traditionally one defender remains guarding each post, and two charge out to block the strike. A hit must be kept low — but flicks, scoops and pushes have no restrictions beyond dangerous play. Sandeep Singh, India’s penalty corner specialist, has a drag flick speed measured at 90mph. The protective equipment for those running towards this bullet is limited to gum shield, shin pads and a face mask, but not one of these items is mandatory.
The ball is as hard as in cricket but the distance much reduced, around 12 yards. It is a miracle that injury is not widespread.
Certainly, Charlesworth thinks so. ‘Face facts, in cricket 22 yards separate the bowler and a well- protected batsman,’ he says. ‘At a penalty corner, the distance is shorter and the runner is then asked to fend off a ball travelling at almost the same speed. Isn’t that dangerous?
‘What happened to Lizzie Watkins is recent and we ought to be vigilant. If a deflection can be fatal, a pre- meditated flick can be doubly so. The penalty corner has to go.’
Charlesworth advocates mandatory grille helmets as worn by the catcher in baseball, or replacing penalty corners with a 25-second four versus two shoot-out. That change may be extreme, but compulsory protection isn’t.
So far, all Charlesworth’s ideas have met with resistance. Hockey’s governing body, the FIH, while finding no reason to make any form of protection compulsory, go to great lengths to make plain the limits on headwear. At short corners, a ‘smooth preferably transparent or white but otherwise single-coloured face mask which closely fits the face’ is permitted. They might as well add ‘you big sissy’.
Incredibly, more time is devoted to the colour than to ensuring safety. The FIH say grille helmets could cause injury if players came into contact — yet goal-keepers wear them without hazard.
The death of Phillip Hughes was a tragedy. Through it all, though, cricket’s only solace was the random nature of his misfortune: a sequence of freak circumstances that no-one had contemplated even in our safety-conscious modern age.
Changes will be made but, even if they were not, the chances of a repeat are tiny. And no sportsman can be made invincible. ‘There is only so far you can go with helmets until vision is impaired,’ as Nasser Hussain pointed out.
Yet hockey has already had its Phillip Hughes moment and nothing altered. Lizzie Watkins was not famous enough to make the sport rewrite its code of safety. When the time came, her death was marked down as an exceptional occurrence, and no more. Still, at least she wasn’t wearing the wrong-coloured face mask.
Sandeep Singh (second right), India’s penalty corner specialist, has a drag flick speed measured at 90mph
The Daily Mail