News 17 January 2014
All then news for Friday 17 January 2014
Black Sticks men aim for revenge in semifinal
BRENDON EGAN
The Black Sticks' men will be looking for redemption when they face England in the semifinals of the World League hockey tournament in New Delhi tomorrow morning (NZ time).
New Zealand earned their spot in the last four following a thrilling quarterfinal shootout victory over Argentina, after the game was tied 1-all at fulltime.
New Zealand coach Colin Batch saluted his side's gritty performance against Argentina, but said their attention was now on England, who beat them 5-1 in pool play.
"We are pleased to be playing England. We expect that we will play much better than we did during pool play. England are a top side and they have proved that already, winning all four games at the tournament."
The Black Sticks have been inconsistent at the tournament, conceding 11 goals in their two group games against Germany and England, but beating India and Argentina.
Batch said his team would have to be at the top of their game and start well against England.
"Throughout this tournament we have been very up and down with our play, and we saw elements of that [against Argentina]. We need to play right through the match if we are going to be a regular top-four team."
The Black Sticks and Argentina could not be separated after the first round of the shootout with both teams each netting two goals from their five attempts.
Hugo Inglis responded after Argentina's Augustin Mazzili was successful in the sudden-death phase of the shootout. New Zealand then had an opportunity to advance after Lucas Vila's unsuccessful attempt. Blair Hilton made no mistake, firing the ball past Argentine goalkeeper Joaquin Berthold with a reverse stick effort. It was the second goal in the shootout for the composed Hilton.
New Zealand started the game positively with talented youngster Kane Russell netting off a penalty corner in the seventh minute to give his team the perfect start.
The Black Sticks had a chance to go 2-0 up late in the first half when they were awarded a penalty stroke after Simon Child's stick was obstructed on a breakaway into the circle. Captain Dean Couzins was unable to convert from the spot with his shot, hitting the right hand post.
Argentina came out with much more energy after halftime and had several promising chances, but were denied through either strong New Zealand defence or goalkeeper Devon Manchester, who had an outstanding game.
Argentina levelled the scoreline through Matias Paredes with 11 minutes remaining.
The other semifinal is between Australia and the Netherlands.
Stuff
Couzins confident side can turn tables on England
By David Leggat
Four days ago it was England 5 New Zealand 1, but the Black Sticks are confident they are ready to make amends in the World League semifinal in New Delhi early tomorrow.
New Zealand's thrilling penalty shootout win over Argentina yesterday ensured them of a top four finish in the tournament and the expectation that, win or lose in the semifinal, they will get a boost in the world rankings, where they sit seventh.
"We do feel we've got a good chance," captain Dean Couzins said yesterday. "As we've gone along in the tournament, we are learning our lessons and taking them on board and we are improving.
"We've made good steps since the England game so it's about us making further improvements and being even better."
The first half performance against 11th-ranked Argentina was New Zealand's best of a tournament in which they were dumped 6-1 by world No 1 Germany as well as lose to England, separated by a 3-1 win over hosts India.
"We're getting closer to putting together that really good match for the full 70 minutes," Couzins added.
While goalkeeper Devon Manchester along with attackers Blair Hilton and Hugo Inglis were the heroes in the penalty shootout - after the scores were locked 1-1 at the end of normal time - Couzins was one of those who could only stand and watch.
He was mortified to have a first-half penalty stroke hit an upright.
"Historically when we've had strokes I've been in quite a few of those," he said. "But I don't think I've been any more nervous than I was today. It is tough watching and a couple of our guys really responded to pressure moments, which is fantastic."
Inglis, who missed his chance in the shootout, then got one in the sudden death phase, then Hilton, despite being forced wide by Argentine goalkeeper Joaquin Berthold, slapped his reverse stick shot into the goal to seal the win, 4-3 on penalties.
Earlier Hilton and midfielder Steve Edwards scored shootout goals while man of the match Kane Russell, with a strong drag flick shot, had put the Black Sticks in front in the first half. Argentina equalised 12 minutes from the end after a scramble in the circle.
World No 1 Germany were beaten 2-1 by No 3-ranked Netherlands and Australia, ranked No 2, were 2-0 down to India before winning 7-2. They meet the Dutch in the other semifinal.
Even if New Zealand lose to England they are set to climb one place to sixth on world rankings. They could get to fifth at a pinch, by finishing third or better, and depending on other results.
The New Zealand Herald
Kookaburras look forward to clash with men in orange
The Kookaburras are preparing to face the Netherlands for the second time this week as they look to secure a place in the final of the inaugural World League competition.
After storming to victory over India in the quarter-finals, Ric Charlesworth’s squad will face a very different prospect in the Dutch. Despite finishing third in the pool phase, behind the Kookaburras and Argentina, the men in orange have already proved their danger with a 1-0 pool phase win over the Aussie men.
A deserved 2-1 quarter-final victory over Olympic and European champions Germany sealed the Netherlands’ place in the last four.
Of their semi-final opponents, Charlesworth said, “It will be a different sort of game, very tough. We know and expect that.”
And following the victory over India, Glenn Turner also spoke about the Netherlands, saying, “They’ve got a really good team here. They’re playing sharp, the goalkeeper’s playing really well and last game it was one nil to them. Hopefully we can put away a few chances but it’s going to be a really tough game.”
Netherlands’ results so far…
Lost 5-2 v Argentina
Won 1-0 v Kookaburras
Drew 2-2 v Belgium
Won 2-1 v Germany
Kookaburras’ results so far…
Won 3-2 v Belgium
Lost 1-0 v Netherlands
Won 6-1 v Argentina
Won 7-2 v India
In the other semi-final England will face Pan-Am champs Argentina at 5:45pm local time (11:15pm AEDT / 8:15pm AWST).
Kookaburras v Netherlands – World League semi-final
8pm local time / 1:30am (sat) AEDT / 10:30pm AWST
TV: LIVE on ABC 1 at 1:30am Saturday in AEDT states
TV: Delayed on ABC 1 at 1:30am Saturday non-AEDT states
Online: The live stream will be available for fans to watch the match live. The FIH and ABC have agreed to remove the geo-blocking restrictions that were put in place during the quarter-final. The remainder of the Kookaburras' World League matches will be available to view live online.
Social media: Follow the action via Twitter by following @Kookaburras and @FIH_Hockey and by using the hashtag #HHWL
Hockey Australia media release
India aim to upset Germany in HWL classification match
NEW DELHI: Out of title race after a crushing defeat at the hands of Australia, hosts India would be hoping for a miracle when they take on Olympic champions Germany in the fifth-eighth place play-off game of the Hero Hockey World League Final, here tomorrow.
Going into the clash, the Indians can take heart from their drawn pool match against the same team.
India squandered a two-goal lead against world champions Australia to suffer a 2-7 hammering in the quarterfinal of the eight-nation tournament at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium yesterday.
Much to the surprise of the Australians, India took a two-goal lead in the first 15 minutes of the opening half through Birendra Lakra (6th minute) and Yuvraj Walmiki (11th minute).
But the Australians showed tremendous fighting spirit to score three goals in the opening period through Nicholas Budgeon (24th), Jason Wilson (29th) and Glenn Turner (35th) to go into the break with their nose ahead.
After the changeover, Australia went on a rampage as they scored goals at will through Russell Ford (41st, 47th), Simon Orchard (45th) and Jacob Whetton (65th) to teach the hosts a lesson in hockey.
The Germans too have not had the best of outings in the tournament so far, losing 1-2 against Netherlands in another quarterfinal yesterday. Germany had finished second in Pool A with one win, one draw and a loss.
And come tomorrow, the Indians would be hoping to take inspiration from their morale-boosting 3-3 draw in the pool stages against the Germans to pull out a win which has so far eluded them in the tournament.
Contrary to the final result against Australia yesterday, it was India who dominated the early share of exchanges with some sharp moves.
The Indians looked a superior side at least in the first 20 minutes of the game. The midfield and forwardline coordinated well to create numerous scoring opportunities and trouble the Australian defence.
The Times of India
India struggle as others dribble past in hockey
NEW DELHI: Attempts to make India a world hub for field hockey and revive the country's flagging standing in the sport are proving to be a damp squib if the new FIH league is anything to go by.
Top teams have been playing the inaugural Hockey World League finals over the past week to sparse galleries and to the disappointment of fans who have realized that the national team, once a global giant, no longer belongs at the top level.
Ensured of making the quarterfinals since the tournament comprises only eight teams, India was thrashed 7-2 by world champion Australia on Wednesday.
India is now ranked only No. 10 and was included as a host, but playing top teams has exposed the widening divide in recent years.
"We have to understand the difference in level between India and some of these teams," India's Australian coach Terry Walsh conceded. "I frankly don't know how long it will take (to compete against the best). It may take several months of steady progress."
If the present looks bleak, the future does not look very bright either. The Junior World Cup was also held here last year but the Indian team only finished 10th, raising questions about the chances of it ever making it back to the top. Teams like France and Malaysia - not among hockey's traditional powers - were far more impressive.
Australia coach Ric Charlesworth feels senior India players lack the fundamentals to be successful at the top level.
"What India needs is to build a base and develop a program for a production line that prepares players who are first-team ready." Charlesworth told The Hindu newspaper. "Until that happens, you can't get consistent results. It is also hard for players in the senior team to learn things that they should have done at an earlier level."
India has had a glorious past in the game but the last of its eight Olympic gold medals came in 1980 and it has struggled to even qualify for the Games in recent years. It started losing ground with the advent of synthetic turfs as far back as in the 1970s.
India failed to make it to the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and finished last at London four years later.
It has not beaten teams like Australia, Germany, Netherlands and Spain since 2010 and the likes of England, Belgium and New Zealand too have a clear edge over India now.
Several top coaches in the business have failed to lift the team's performance and the country's administrators too have been divided with the earlier Indian Hockey Federation being superseded by the ruling Hockey India which has been recognized by FIH since 2009.
The new league joins several other hockey events which India is to host in coming years. Aside from its own annual franchise-based Hockey India League later this month, there is the Champions Trophy in December and the World Cup in 2018. India had also hosted the World Cup in 2010.
The semifinals of the ongoing league will see Australia play Netherlands and England take on New Zealand on Friday with the final slated for Saturday, even as Indian players like Sardar Singh and Yuvraj Walmiki will try to keep interest alive for local supporters in games for minor placing.
The Times of India
Indians want to make major improvements
s2h team
New Delhi - India had a light training session on the rest day before the semifinals and minor placings matches which take place at the Major Dhyan Singh Stadium here on Friday. After a good showing in two games with major teams, India wants to make major improvements to imbibe and sustain a good standard of hockey before World Cup this year in the Hague.
The Indians advanced their training session from 7.30 pm to 3.30 pm and had a 1-hour session and a closed session where they practised penalty corner variations.
The Indian Chief Coach is confident that he can work out the improvements in the Indian team which may start yielding results in four to five months despite the tough circumstances an Indian federation or government provides. But he was genuinely concerned about the team’s progress.
``It may take about 9 to 10 months for the Indian players to understand an implement the changes we are making. They were in no contention for the last 20 years and to change that scenario, it would take a bit more time,’’ he pleaded, unable to answer the provoking queries from the media, who were looking for an overnight magic cure of all the ills.
Indian player S V Sunil said: “We have been analysing the videos of all our matches and accordingly working on areas where we have been lacking. Also, the pep talk by the coach motivated us to give our best on the field.”
Former Indian player Mahadik is an unsung hero. He records and runs every video of the team and analyses them for the players, showing them where they have gone wrong. He is one of the coaching staff, who Walsh is very impressed with.
A former Indian coach, who is presently supporting Walsh with the Indian team quipped that he is one member who the Indian chief coach is very happy with.
Sunil added: “The previous match against Australia was lost due to our silly mistakes, such as man to man marking and losing simple possession. We are working on the same to better our performance against the Olympic champions Germany.”
Skipper Sardar Singh is confident of the coach’s training systems which he believes can transform the team. He said: “The practice sessions are helping us to improve our performance on the field day by day and work on our flaws. The youngsters got an opportunity to play against the top teams in this tournament and have picked up many tips by seeing them play. The improvement is evident and this tournament is helping us improve every day in preparing ourselves for the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, Bobby Crutchley, the chief coach of England said: “the boys have managed to get the desired results by not losing a single game till now. This is the result of sheer hard work that the team has put in over the months and managing to keep their cool and sticking to the basics during their games. The key was also to convert the penalty corner chances that the team got and this helped in keeping an edge over the opponents at all times. Also individually we have been working on some players which have paid off. We are looking forward to our semi final clash against New Zealand and I am confident the team will again give a good show and reach the finals.”
The English captain Barry Middleton was thrilled to be the only unbeaten team so far. He said “I am yet to come over this feeling of staying unbeatern… how did we manage to stay undefeated so far. It’s a very good feeling but in all this the team is not losing focus and is looking forward to New Zealand during the semis. In our last match here we beat them and hoping we do it again tomorrow. One positive is that players like Ashley Jackson and Tom Carson are in great form.”
Stick2Hockey.com
FIH to review 'almost' everything
s2h Team
Kelly Fairweather, chief Executive Officer of the FIH, gave an indication that the FIH will review some of the key aspects related to the game and the format of tournament in the near future.
The first thing to be reviewed, of course based on the input they from the recent events, is format of the HWL Finals.
"Next year, we may introduce round robin format for Hockey World League Finals as some feel the present first league throw results which are less significant, except ranking points, insofar as must win matches are concerned".
"Next year, there will be increase in number of teams in the last phase of HHWL Finals. Therefore, there is a possibility of round robin league format", he said.
Stick2Hockey.com
Top women’s hockey comes to Cape Town
JONATHAN COOK
CAPE Town is set for a bumper crop of top-quality Test matches over the next 17 days when the Mother City features the exciting Investec South Africa women’s hockey squad against out-and-out world number one nation The Netherlands, as well as the highly impressive Australia and Belgium line-ups in the Hartleyvale Summer Series from Saturday, January 18 to February 3.
The stylish Hartleyvale Hockey Stadium in Observatory is the home of all 11 international encounters with SA facing the Dutch in two Tests, Australia in three and then Belgium in six matches.
With the World Cup in The Hague, Netherlands beginning at the end of May, Investec SA head coach Giles Bonnet has an ideal chance to put his group to the test in 11 intense matches while the stay in Cape Town also serves up the opportunity for the extended squad to train together under the coaching staff as well.
Bonnet, a former SA men’s captain and head coach, named the following players for the Tests against The Netherlands and Australia: Marcelle Keet, Quanita Bobbs, Kelly Madsen, Sulette Damons, Bernie Coston, Marsha Cox, Pietie Coetzee, Shelley Russell, Tarryn Bright, Lilian du Plessis, Kathleen Taylor, Phume Mbande, Hanli Hattingh, Illse Davids, Celia Evans, Lisa Deetlefs, Dirkie Chamberlain, Erin Hunter, Sammy Prost and Anelle van Deventer.
Additional squad members training in Cape Town and contenders for Belgium series: Toni Marks, Kaila Flemming, Tarryn Glasby, Luché Klaasen, Nicolene Terblanche, Lenise Marais.
Bonnet said players who would be joining the group for a still-to-be-announced Test series in Johannesburg next month are: Carmen Smith, Christine Roos, Tanya Brits, Candice Manuel, Izelle Lategan, and Jade Mayne.
Injured and not considered for the summer matches is goalkeeper Sanani Mangisa.
FIXTURES
(all at Hartleyvale)
January - vs The Netherlands: Saturday 18th (4pm); Monday 20th (7pm)
vs Australia: Wednesday 22nd (7pm); Friday 24th (7pm); Saturday 25th (4pm)
vs Belgium: Sunday 26th (4pm); Tuesday 28th (8pm); Wednesday 29th (7pm); Friday 31st (7pm)
February
vs Belgium: Sunday 2nd (4 pm); Monday 3rd (7 pm)
* A Tuffy Western Province Invitation men’s team will play highly regarded Dutch Hoofdklasse side Amsterdam HC on January 28 and 30 at 6 pm and 7 pm respectively.
SA Hockey Association media release
SA Head Coach resigns
Head coach of the South Africa men’s hockey team, Charlie Pereira, has resigned, the SA Hockey Association said in a statement Friday.
Curry’s Post, KwaZulu-Natal resident Pereira, a chartered accountant who played 49 Tests for SA and has his own accounting practice, has said that his stepping down was primarily due to the absence of a primary sponsor, which had limited his plans for the teams preparation ahead of the 2014 World Cup.
Pereira ends his tenure after successfully competing in the FIH World League Round 2 and Semi-Finals as well as the Africa Cup event , which saw the team qualify for the 2014 World Cup.
SA Hockey Association CEO Marissa Langeni said the national body would be discussing the Men’s head coach position at their upcoming Executive Board meeting this weekend and will make a firm announcement thereafter.
The new coach will have to hit the ground running with a number of immediate commitments that are in place leading up to the World Cup in The Hague. The team will in February travel to Argentina for a Test Match Series, play a series vs World No.1 Germany in Cape Town in March and travel to the 23rd Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia.
"The South African Hockey Association appreciates the good working relationship with Charlie over the last year and we as the national body wish him well in his future endeavours,” added CEO Marissa Langeni.
SA Hockey Association media release
The EuroHockey Men's Indoor Championships start tomorrow
Reading and England star Darren Cheesman in action in the Maxinutrition Hockey 5s - credit Ady Kerry England Hockey
Tomorrow, the England men's squad starts their Indoor Campaign in Vienna, Austria as they face Germany, Netherlands and Russia in the new 5-a-side indoor format at the EuroHockey Men's Indoor Championships.
Playing their first match at 10:10 (UK time) against the Netherlands, the England Indoor team will be aiming to match their outdoor counterparts' success at the Hero Hockey World League. They won't have long to rest before their next game either, as they face the Russian team at 14:30 later that day.
Ahead of the men’s 2014 EuroHockey Indoor Championships, England [Indoor] Head Coach Andy Halliday selected his squad of 12 players to take part in the tournament which runs from 17-19 January in Vienna, Austria. The tournament will be played under the new 5-a-side format.
With 18 members of the England centralised training squad out in India taking part in the Hero Hockey World League Finals the tournament provides a great opportunity for players on the fringe of the centralised group to experience indoor hockey against seven of the world’s best teams.
Speaking about the tournament ahead, Halliday said; “We go into this tournament with one clear aim which is to finish in the top six and retain our top division status. Finishing top six will also qualify us for the Indoor World Cup in Germany next year, which would be a fantastic achievement; however I do think we have to enter this tournament with realistic aspirations as well. We have a very inexperienced indoor team, with just over 50 indoor caps between the 12 selected players.”
Of the 12 athletes, eight are uncapped indoors, and four will make their international debuts; Harry Gibson and Chris Griffiths from Loughborough Students, Sam Ward from Beeston and Chris Newman from Reading.
Beeston’s Sam Ward is an out and out goal scorer, currently sitting top of both the outdoor and indoor tables with 15 and 26 goals respectively. He will be joined in attack by another prolific goal scorer, Simon Egerton, who is currently playing his club hockey for HGC in The Netherlands [outdoor] and Bowdon [indoor].
Egerton, alongside Richard Lane [Holcombe], David Cooper [Hampstead & Westminster], Richard Springham [Reading] and David Beckett [Cannock], bring some vital experience to the squad and will no doubt play a key part to England’s progress. Reading Captain Springham, who has 15 indoor caps, will take charge of England during the tournament.
Although several players will be making their indoor international debuts, the likes of Ben Arnold, Darren Cheesman, Beckett and James Bailey are all familiar names from the GB & England centralised training squad. Bailey has been in great form for Reading in the Maxinutrition Hockey 5s between the posts and with the new 5 a-side rules he will be vital to England’s chances of finishing in the top six. Finishing seventh or eighth will mean relegation from the top flight.
England has been drawn in Pool A and has an unenviable task of battling it out against current World and European Indoor Champions Germany, The Netherlands and Russia.
Speaking about the draw, Halliday added: “As indoor draws go it doesn’t get much tougher than meeting these teams. The Netherlands have a separate indoor team which obviously gives them an advantage coming into the tournament because their selection is not affected by outdoor commitments. Germany’s strength in depth allows them to always field a strong team in any competition and as defending champions they will be seen as favourites to finish top. And Russia, like many of the Eastern European countries have a strong indoor hockey set-up due to the nature of their long winters.”
Ahead of the Europeans, England travelled to Brussels last Friday for a Tri-Nations tournament against Belgium and Scotland who are also preparing for European competition. The matches were be capped and results and match reports for these games are on the England Hockey website International Results section, and they've all been brought together here as well.
http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/news.asp?itemid=26654&itemTitle=Indoor+Tri%2DNations+Tournament§ion=22
England's first game will be against the Netherlands at 10:10 (UK time) on Friday 17 January: a full round-up or results, scorers and reflections on the game will be available at englandhockey.co.uk.
2014 EuroHockey Indoor Championship Pools
Pool A
Germany
Netherlands
Russia
England
Pool B
Czech Republic
Austria
Poland
Sweden
EuroHockey Indoor Championship match schedule
England Men’s Squad for the 2014 EuroHockey Indoor Championship
Name - Current Club
Ben Arnold - Beeston
James Bailey - Reading
David Beckett - Cannock
Darren Cheesman - Reading
David Cooper - Hampstead and Westminster
Simon Egerton - HGC (NED) – Bowdon (indoor)
Harry Gibson - Loughborough Students
Chris Griffiths - Loughborough Students
Richard Lane - Holcombe
Chris Newman - Reading
Richard Springham - Reading
Sam Ward - Beeston
England Hockey Board Media release
Promotion for seven Juniors
By Jugjet Singh
Malaysian chief coach Paul Revington named 35 trainees for five tournaments this year, with seven new inclusions from the junior ranks.
He also dropped nine players from last year's training squad.
Their target is the Asian Games on Sept 19-Oct 4 in South Korea, which offers a ticket to the Olympics.
"I have name 35 trainees as we have many tournaments, as well as friendly matches, arranged for this year, and they will be utilised in rotation to get the best results," said Revington.
The seven newcomers to the senior side played a pivotal role in helping Malaysia finish fourth in the Junior World Cup in New Delhi.
Kavin Kartik, Hazrul Faiz, Azri Hassan, Hafizuddin Othman, Rashid Baharom, Shahril Saabah and Shazril Irwin -- might get a chance to play in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on March 13-23 in Ipoh.
"Now that the seven are with the senior training squad, they will get an equal chance to fight for a spot in the Azlan Shah Cup, the Commonwealth Games, the Champions Challenge, World Cup and the Asian Games," said Revington.
And the target for the World Cup at the Hague on May 31-June 15 is to finish among the top 10.
"We need to improve our ranking (13th at present) and so the team must strive to finish among the top-10 in the Netherlands World Cup," said Malaysian Hockey Confederation vice-president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad.
And there was bad news for nine trainees from last year, as they were left out after failing to improve. The nine are Amir Farid, Amirullah Zainol, Dedy Ariyadi, Jivan Mohan, Khairulnizam Ibrahim, Megat Azrifiq, Amin rahim, Iderus Ali and Mohamed Noor Faeez Ibrahim.
The squad will return to training on Jan 20 for four matches against a visiting China side on Feb 21-25, The other friendlies arranged are against Canada (March 6-9) in Malacca), Ireland series (April 26-May 4) at KLHA Stadium) and Dutch series (May 24-26) at the Hague).
2014 Training squad: Ahmad Kazamirul, Azlan Misron, Azreen Rizal, Baljit Singh, Engku Malek, Faiz Helmi, Faizal Saari, Harvinder Singh, Ismail Abu, Izwan Firdaus, Kavin Kartik, S. Kumar, Meor Azuan, Izad Hakimi, Hazrul Faiz, Shukri Mutalib, Fitri Saari, Madzli Ikmar, Shahrun Nabil, Syamim Yusof, Azammi Adabi, Firhan Ashaari, Ramadan Rosli, Azri Hassan, Hafizuddin Othman, Marhan Jalil, Rashid Baharom, Razie Rahim, Shahril Saabah, Fiqri Mohamed Noor, Norhizzar Sumantri, Rosalan Jamaluddin, S. Selvaraju, Shazril Irwin, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin.
New Straits Times
Revington names seven players from junior squad for five pronged challenge
By Aftar Singh
A file picture of national hockey coach Paul Revington. He has named seven players from the Junior World Cup team in his squad.
KUALA LUMPUR: Seven players, who featured in the Junior World Cup in New Delhi last month, are among 35 players named by Malaysian chief coach Paul Revington for five tournaments this year.
They are goalkeepers Hafizuddin Othman and Mohd Hazrul Faiz Ahmad Sobri, defenders G. Kavin Kartik and Shahril Irwin, midfielder Mohd Azri Hassan and forwards Rashid Baharom and Mohd Shahril Saabah.
The seven, who played a pivotal role in helping Malaysia finish a creditable fourth in New Delhi, might get the chance to play in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh from March 13-23.
A total of 44 players were called up for training last week and nine players were dropped after a week of fitness tests.
The players who were dropped are Amir Farid, Amirullah Zainol, Dedy Ariyadi, Jivan Mohan, Khairulnizam Ibrahim, Megat Azrifiq, Mohd Amin Rahim, Iderus Ali and Mohamed Noor Faeez Ibrahim.
Revington said that he has named 35 trainees as they have many tournaments this year.
“We have also arranged friendly matches and will utilise the players in rotation to get the best results,” said Revington.
“Now that the seven are with the senior training squad, they will get an equal chance to fight for a spot in the Azlan Shah Cup, Champions Challenge 1 in Kuantan (April 24-May 4), World Cup (in The Hague, Holland, from May 31-June 15), Glasgow Commonwealth Games (July 23-Aug 3) and the Asian Games (in Incheon from Sept 19-Oct 4).
“Our target will be the Asian Games, which offers a ticket to the Olympics,” said Revington.
Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) senior vice-presdent Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad said that they need to improve their ranking from 13th at present in the World Cup.
“Our target for the World Cup is to finish in the top 10 among 12 teams that will feature in the tournament in Holland,” said Nur Azmi.
The squad will return to training on Monday and they will play four friendly matches against a visiting China side from Feb 21-25.
The national team will also play other friendlies: Canada (March 6-9 in Malacca), Ireland series (April 26-May 4 at KL Hockey Stadium) and Dutch series (May 24-26 at The Hague).
The Star of Malaysia
Pakistan has no funds to participate in Azlan Shah Cup: PHF
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary general Rana Mujahid Ali said Thursday that the national federation had no funds to participate in this year’s Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, which would be a great blow to the national sport of the country. Addressing a press conference at National Press Club (NPC) here, he said the PHF had written letters to the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and the patron of hockey, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, seeking their advice on the question of defending champions participation in the Asian Games scheduled to be held in South Korea in September this year.
For Pakistan to participate in the Asian Games, it is necessary the PHF get permission from Syed Arif Hasan-led Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), which is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The federal government does not recognize Arif Hasan-led POA, but does Akram Sahi-led POA. Mujahid said he had written to the federal government requesting them to solve the parallel Pakistan Olympic Association issue to make Pakistan’s entry in the Asian Games possible. The secretary said the PHF would bring domestic hockey back on track in four years. “We will be organising ten annual tournaments in order to revive domestic hockey.” He added a domestic tournament for top six teams would also be organised for the betterment of hockey at grassroots level. He claimed international teams also wanted to visit to Pakistan and the PHF would organise a six-nation tournament for the revival of international hockey.
He said the PHF wanted to start preparations for the Asian Games as the greenshirts were the defending champions and for that they needed a quick response from the PSB’s side. “If we are unable to participate in the Asian Games then it will be very damaging.” Mujahid said he had also requested the PSB to grant the national federation Rs.50 crore for the team’s participation in the Asian Games.
The Daily Times
Weatherhead on brink of semis, KHC fire blanks
By MAKHTUM MUZIRANSA
KAMPALA - Sylvia Oryaro’s second half strike in yesterday’s 1-0 win against Tanzania’s Twende Hockey Club put Weatherhead within a whisker of progressing to the semi-finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Club Championships in Lugogo.
Weatherhead went into yesterday’s game well aware that only a win would give them a chance to reach the semis. They now wait for today’s game between Orange (Kenya) and Twende to know if they will surely go to the next stage.
“We trained hard yesterday (Monday) with the knowledge that our destiny lay in our hands,” Oryaro told Daily Monitor. “We wanted to score more goals but we can take the 1-0 win and hope that Twende don’t beat Orange tomorrow. We will surely back Orange to beat the Tanzanians,” she added.
KHC, Wanainchi hit the blanks
Wanaichi and Kampala Hockey Clubs who were even in trickier mathematical situations than Weatherhead lost 3-1 to Kenya’s Sikh Union and 7-0 Nigeria’s Union Bank respectively. Both local clubs needed to win yesterday to give themselves a chance of reaching the semi-final.
KHC have conceded 24 goals in three matches are now out of contention for the next stage while a win for Wanainchi today could put them back into foray if other results in Pool A swing into their favour. Wanainchi will hope that Sharkia beats both Golden Sticks (today) and Sikh Union (tomorrow).
Daily Monitor
Hockey coach fired after Lugogo mess
By MAKHTUM MUZIRANSA
Kampala- Kampala Hockey Club (KHC) have relieved Swiss coach Adhil Ranah of his duties following a touchline controversy between him and club manager Dr Emmanuel Ewochu during the ongoing Africa Club of Cup Championships at Lugogo.
Ranah and Ewochu had a misunderstanding during a match between KHC and Egypt Police which the Uganda side lost 10-0.
“Ranah and Ewochu had a misunderstanding on tactics and he (Ranah) left the technical bench for the stands during that game where we lost 10-0,” club chairman Ronald Kawalya exclusively told Daily Monitor.
“He can’t leave us in the middle of the game just like that then come back when he wishes. We have therefore relieved him of his duties,” Kawalya added. Sadam Hussein Ariti, a midfielder in the side, backed his chairman’s stand. “We were informed that the coach left and we have no problem with that because he is short tempered and impatient with players. We welcome the move,” Ariti said.
Coach Ranah, who watched KHC’s last game against Kenya Police in the stands had no kind words for the players and management of the club.
“Those players are very stubborn and everyone in the club wants to coach and manage,” Ranah said.
“I am a top level coach and I sacrifice a lot to move that club but sometimes I come for training and I am alone at the pitch. I coached them in 2012 and they became runners up. That is why they are in this tournament but life goes on,” he added.Ewochu is now caretaker coach.
Meanwhile, Ugandan side Weatherhead qualified for the semifinals of the tourney after Orange of Kenya beat Tanzania’s Twende 4-0 in the women’s last group game yesterday.
Daily Monitor
Northern Railway crowned Champions
s2h team
Mumbai, Jan 13 : A sensational goal by Poonam with 10 seconds left for the final hooter gave underdogs Northern Railway the title with a 2-1 win over last year's runners up Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, in the 35th All India Inter Railway Women's Hockey Championships which recently concluded at the Mahindra Stadium in Mumbai.
RCF will rue the missed opportunities including a penalty stroke in the 50th minute of play by right half Rozalind Ralte who pushed the ball wide off the left post. In the hardlines match hosts Central Railway surprisingly beat Western by a 4-1 margin. Western led through a 17th minute goal by Anupa Barla but thereafter it was all Central with goals coming from Vandana Kataria (34, 45th), Saundarya (44th) and Kavita Vidyarthi (62nd).
RCF had been successful in translating their supremacy through a fine field goal by Anuradha Thokchom in the 23rd minute of play. Northern tried to turn the tide through incisive attack by the famed duo of Ritu Rani and Rani Rampal but it was a penalty corner which finally yielded them the equaliser in the 48th minute of play. It was Harpreet Kaur who capitalise on some lax marking by the rival defence. Her powerful shot went over RCF keeper Harmanjeet Kaur's shoulders high into the net. The lost opportunity by RCF prompted the ultimate winners to attack more; but Harmanjeet forted them on a couple of occasions while Ritu Rani shot a reverse hit straight into her pads. Finally it was the reverse hit which gave them a title after four years. Poonam moving in swiftly from left hammered the ball from a narrow angle much to the joy of her team mates.
President of Central Railway Sports Association and SDGM A. K. Garekar was the Chief Guest at the prize distribution function. Also present were Hockey Secretary Rajiv Tyagi (OSD) and Eliza Nelson, Hockey Olympian and Ashok Shandilya, World Billiards champion.
Stick2Hockey.com
US JPIL Play Heats Up the Courts
At the conclusion of round two of the Princess Junior Premier Indoor League, competition has heated up amongst competitors in each division. High Styx FH and Xcalibur FHC remain atop the leader board in both the Under-16 and Under-19 divisions while Philly Hockey Club and CNY lead the Under-14 division.
Due to the openness of the game under Hockey 5s Indoor Rules, matches have been high intensity with many goals scored. In both the Under-16 and Under-19 divisions, over 200 goals have already been netted this season. Marissa Poliks of SPark is the leading scorer of the Under-16 division with 12 of 202 goals. Gabrielle Major of Xcalibur FHC sits tops the score table in the Under-19 division with 21 out of 229 goals.
The new format of Hockey 5s is proving to be a test of speed, skill and fitness, especially for goal keepers. Many clubs have begun pulling goal keepers when in possession of the ball to generate more of an offensive attack and sending them back into play when possession is lost. It is a tactic used by many clubs in Europe that can lead to greater scoring opportunities, but leaves the goal cage vulnerable.
As the league continues, Under-16 and Under-19 clubs are vying for one of the top four spots at the end of pool play and the opportunity to compete in the championship games. Final ranking is crucial as it plays a deciding factor in clubs receiving invitations for the 2015 Junior Premier Indoor League.
Under-14 teams have been divided into two brackets: the Championship Pool and the Rankings Pool. The top four ranked clubs from Pools A and B will play in the Championship bracket for the opportunity to be crowned the 2014 Under-14 JPIL Champions. Clubs ranked 5th-8th in both pools will duke it out for final ranking.
The eight clubs still in the hunt for the Under-14 Championship are CNY, FC United, High Styx FH, Horizon FHC, Mystx United, Orange-Gottaloveit, Philly HC and SPark. The Championship Pool clubs resume play on February 2, while the other eight teams in the Rankings Pool resume play on January 20. All Under-14 games will be held at Marple Sports Arena in Broomall, Pa.
Under-16 play continues January 26 and Under-19 play continues January 20 at the Sportsplex in Feasterville, Pa.
For JPIL results and information, visit www.JPIL.net and www.usafieldhockey.com.
USFHA media release
Vacancy Head Coach Irish U21 Women
Applications are sought for the position of Head Coach for the Irish National U21 Women. The vacancy has arisen as the present U21 Coach Graham Shaw will step up to assist the National Senior Womens Coach Darren Smith For full details click here
Irish Hockey Association media release