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All the news for Tuesday 20 January 2015

HWL R2 Singapore: Malaysia & Poland lead the charge

Asian top seeds & in-form Europeans head tables ahead of final Pool matches


(Photo: FIH)

Malaysia and Poland have made solid starts to their respective Hockey World League Round 2 campaigns in Singapore, with both nations sitting top of the Pool tables with 100% win records after two rounds of matches.

The three highest finishers in the eight-team men’s tournament, which started on Saturday 17th and concludes on Sunday 25th January, will each be guaranteed a place in the semi-final of the competition, where coveted berths at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games are up for grabs. 

In Pool A, Malaysia (FIH World Ranking: 12) have been in decent form so far, grabbing two wins from two matches and netting 12 goals in the process. A double strike from Izwan Firdaus helped the team to a comfortable 5-1 victory over Ukraine (WR: 24) on Saturday with superstar Faizal Saari and Marhan Jalil both scoring twice in Monday’s 7-0 destruction of Oman (WR: 23). Ukraine currently sit second in Pool B thanks to a 2-1 win over Singapore on Monday.

Japan (WR: 15) and Poland (18) justified their status as the top ranked teams in Pool B with big wins in their opening matches. Japan cruised a 5-1 win over Bangladesh (WR: 29) while Poland beat Mexico (WR: 36) 6-0. Those results set the stage for a fascinating showdown between the two teams on Sunday, which saw lower-ranked Poland fight back from 2-0 down to take a stunning 3-2 win thanks to a late double from ace striker Krystian Makowski. The result leaves Poland on six points at the top of Pool B, three points clear of both Japan and Bangladesh – 6-1 victors over Mexico on Sunday – ahead of the final round of Pool matches, which take place on Tuesday.

“It was a sweet revenge over Japan as lost to them twice in the Champions Challenge 1 last year”, said Poland Team Manager Tomasz Cichy after the match. “With the win, we are now confident of beating Bangladesh to top the group. Our mission is to win the tournament.”

You can keep track of all of the action from Singapore on the official tournament microsite.

FIH site

Better show: Malaysia 7 Oman 0

by Jugjet Singh

MALAYSIA played to their rankings and beat Oman 7-0 to virtually seal the top spot in Group A of the World League Second Round at the Sengkang Stadium yesterday.

Their next opponents are Singapore today, but after the hosts were beaten 2-1 by Ukraine, Malaysia look set to seal the three points while Singapore will be out to reduce the goals.

For the record, Malaysia beat Ukraine 5-1.

"It was a good win but in this tournament there is no need to chase for goals, as a win is all we need to top the group and have an easier opponent in the quarter-finals. Today (yesterday) there was better understanding and structure and we have also better understanding of the pitch condition," said Malaysian coach Tai Beng Hai.

On Singapore, which is their final Group A match: "Although Singapore have lost both their matches, but we cant take them lightly. We never take any team lightly, or undeestimate opponents, because that can be disastrous," said Beng Hai.

Malaysia should beat Singapore and top Group A, and their likely quarter-finals opponents are Mexico.

Although Oman parked the bus early at the Sengkang Stadium goalmouth, they could only last for seven minutes as Razie Rahim scored off the first penalty corner of the match.

However, the Oman defense was more stubborn than anticipated, and two more penalty corners as well as four shots at goal were well defended as the teams went in for the first quarter water-break.

But a minute after the break, 17th, Faizal Saari nailed the second goal and the game was almost sealed by Beng Hai's top seeded team.

Oman, a hard-running team, were beaten again in the 22nd minute when Marhan Jalil scored off a penalty corner rebound.

The fourth goal was made to look like a training drill, when Marhan tapped home from close range for his brace in the 27th minute. That eased the pressure and three other goals came with ease off Faizal Saari (38th), Izwan Firdaus (44th) and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (46th).

RESULTS:

Group A: Malaysia 5 Ukraine 1, Oman 3 Singapore 2
Group B: Japan 5 Bangladesh 1, Poland 6 Mexico 0. (Day 2 results)

Jan 18: Group B: Bangladesh 5 Mexico 1, Poland 3 Japan 2.
Jan 19: Group A: Ukraine 2 Singapore 1, Oman 0 Malaysia 7.
Jan 20: Group A: Ukraine v Oman (5.30pm), Malaysia v Singapore
(8pm); Group B: Japan v Mexico (9am), Bangladesh v Poland (3pm).
Jan 21: REST DAY
Jan 22: Quarter-finals
Jan 23: Fifth-Eighth
Jan 24: Semi-finals
Jan 25: Final and placing matches.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

Malaysia hammer Oman for their biggest-ever win in World Hockey League

by Aftar Singh


Malaysia's Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (number 23) dribbling the ball away from Oman's defender in the World Hockey League Group B match. Malaysia won 7-0. -Bernama

SINGAPORE: Malaysia rose to the occasion to record their biggest-ever win over Oman, winning 7-0 in a Group A match to top the table in the World Hockey League Second Round at the Sengkang Hockey Stadium.

It was Malaysia’s second straight win, having beaten Ukraine 5-1 on Saturday. Malaysia will wrap up the group fixtures against winless Singapore on Tuesday.

Skipper Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim started the ball rolling, sending a low flick past Oman goalkeeper Said Al Hasni in Malaysia’s first penalty corner in the seventh minute.

Forward Faizal Saari then made it 2-0 in the 17th minute. Midfielder Mohd Marhan Mohd Jalil put his name on the score sheet with two quick goals in the 22nd and 27th minutes.

By the 38th minute, Malaysia were leading 5-0 up with Faizal scoring his second goal of the match and third in the tournament.

Malaysia eased off in the second half, adding two more goals through Izwan Firdaus Ahmad Tajuddin (44th) and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (46th).

National coach Tai Beng Hai was full of praise for his players.

“We played much better than we did in the first match against Ukraine. I am happy as the players played to their true form and made good use of the chances.

“Oman played a robust game, but it did not affect us. Only defender Faiz (Helmi Jali) received a knock on his knee. We need to check how bad the injury is,” said Beng Hai.

On the upcoming match against Singapore, Beng Hai said: “I want another good performance. Although Singapore lost both their matches, we cannot take them lightly. We are here to win every match and live up to our tag as the top-seeded team.”

In another Group A match, Ukraine registered their first win by edging Singapore 2-1.

Oleksandr Diachenko gave Ukraine the lead with a field goal in the 44th minute. But their joy was short-lived as Singapore, who lost 3-2 to Oman on Saturday, equalised two minutes later through a penalty corner conversion by Muhammad Haseef Salim.

Viacheslav Paziuk was Ukraine’s hero, scoring the winning goal off a penalty stroke in the 56th minute.

The Star of Malaysia

Torun's Makowski spurs Poland's big comeback



Pomorzanin Torun’s Krystian Makowski produced a superb late double for Poland to land them a 3-2 win over Japan in Singapore, giving them two wins from two in World League round two.

Japan had built a 2-0 lead early in the second half but the Poles got a lifeline via WKS Grunwald Poznan’s Pawel Bratkowski with 17 minutes to go in the tie from a corner.

Makowski equalised five minutes later before he won the game six minutes from time from the penalty spot. It adds to a 6-0 win over Mexico in game one with Makowski also on the mark.

Poland complete the group phase with a game against Bangladesh with a draw guaranteeing them top spot with a potential quarter-final tie most likely against the hosts Singapore.

Euro Hockey League media release

SA hockey men face giants Holland in Cape Town 5pm Tuesday

JONATHAN COOK

A new-look SA men’s hockey team begin the annual Cape Town Summer Series at Hartleyvale in Cape Town Tuesday when they face world hockey heavyweights Holland at 5pm.

This year there are a bumper 20 matches.

The SA men’s team’s other Hartleyvale Test matches are against Ireland at 4pm on Sunday, January 25; and Ireland on Monday, January 26 at 7pm.

A host of experienced SA players such as national captain Austin Smith are unavailable for these matches.

On the horizon for the SA men is the World League Round 2 event at Hartleyvale in early March.

The Investec SA women’s team face Chile in four matches and Belgium in a six-match series. The SA women's first match is against Chile on Thursday at 7pm.

The Cape Town Summer Series runs from January 20 to February 2.

Gates open 1 hour before the start. Ticket prices are R30 per person.

SA MEN'S TEAM
Goalkeepers: Gowan Jones (KZN Coastal Raiders); Jacques le Roux (Western Province); Jason Briggs, Sizwe Mthembu (both Southern Gauteng).
Defenders: Gareth Heyns, Lance Louw (both Southerns); Robin Jones (both Raiders); Daniel Bell, Rhett Halkett, Dylan Swanepoel (all WP).
Midfielders: Ross Hetem, Dan Sibbald (both Raiders); Marc Fourie (WP), Jethro Eustice, Clint Panther, Miguel da Graca (all Southerns).
Strikers: Pierre de Voux, Keenan Horne, Shannon Boucher (all WP); Brandon Panther (Southerns); Natius Malgraff, Dalan Phillips (both EP); Damian Kimfley (KZN Inland).

SA Hockey Association media release

Indoor World Cup warm-up

Australian women take second in Brussels Tri-Nations event



Preparations by the Australian women’s indoor team ahead of the FIH Indoor World Cup saw them finish second at a tri-nations event in Brussels, ahead of the hosts and Indoor World Cup newcomers Belgium and behind Belarus, who finished fourth at the 2011 Indoor World Cup.

Things got off to a positive start with 4-3 victories over both Belarus and Belgium on Saturday but Sunday saw the Australian women suffer double disappointment as they went down 8-5 to Belarus and 4-3 to Belgium.

The World Cup begins on Wednesday 4 February in Leipzig and is being jointly held with the men’s competition. Up against the European powerhouses of the indoor format, Australia’s women finished ninth (2003), fifth (2007) and eighth (2011) in the competition’s three editions to date.

The Netherlands have contested every final since the Indoor World Cup’s inception, beating Spain in 2007 and losing to Germany in both 2003 and 2011.

Brussels Tri-Nations: Match 1
Australia 4-3 Belarus
AUS scorers: Ashlea Fey (PC), Emma McLeish (PC, FG), Shelley Watson (FG)

Brussels Tri-Nations: Match 2
Australia 4-3 Belgium
AUS scorers: Holly Evans (FG), Emma McLeish (FG), Tegan Boucher (FG), Kyah Gray (PC)

Brussels Tri-Nations: Match 3
Australia 5-8 Belarus
AUS scorers: Shelley Watson (FG, FG), Ashlea Fey (FG, PC), Tegan Boucher (FG)

Brussels Tri-Nations: Match 4
Australia 3-4 Belgium
AUS scorers: Emma McLeish (FG), Ashlea Fea (PC), Holly Evans (FG)

Brussels Tri-Nations: Final Standings
1. Belarus
2. Australia
3. Belgium

Australia women’s indoor squad 2014/15
Tegan Boucher (VIC)
Kary Chau (VIC)
Clare Commerford (QLD)
Holly Evans (SA)
Ash Fey (QLD)
Kyah Gray (NSW)
Emma McLeish (NSW)
Kizzia Plumb (ACT)
Makaela Potts (NSW)
Emily Riordan (TAS)
Aleisha Smith (NSW)
Shelley Watson (ACT) 

Hockey Australia media release

Hard work pays off for young umpire

Emma Cairnduff nominated for 2014 Volunteer of the Year



Last year we ran an article on an exceptionally talented young umpire whose passion for hockey is infinite. 

Emma Cairnduff is conquering the umpiring world with a hearing impairment. Emma’s hard work and dedication towards hockey and umpiring has been acknowledge by Deaf Sports Australia, after being nominated for the 2014 Volunteer of the Year award for hockey in New South Wales.

Hockey Australia would like to wish Emma all the best in the running for this award, with the winner being announced on Saturday 7 February. 

For those that missed our feature story on Emma last year, it’s worth taking a few minutes to read her inspiring story below.


At just 25 years of age Emma Cairnduff from New South Wales is conquering not only the umpiring world but the hearing impaired world.

Like many a hockey tragic Emma has lived and breathed hockey as a player, coach and umpire since she was young, however, she has done so with the difficulty of a hearing disability.

Diagnosed with profound hearing loss at birth, Emma has learnt over the past 25 years to deal with its day-to-day difficulties. At 17 months old Emma was fitted with hearing aids as well as attending early intervention at the Shepherd Centre for deaf children.

Knowing that she may always struggle in noisy environments Emma said, “Hearing loss is a disability which makes parts of life harder, however, it’s also part of what makes me who I am today and I’m okay with this.”

She began her umpiring journey at the age of 12 after the President of Campbelltown City Women’s Hockey Association, John Robinson, suggested that Emma attend the association’s umpiring class. It was at this class Emma found her love for umpiring and has never looked back.

Emma’s hard work and dedication towards umpiring is well and truly paying dividends. She was recently selected for the under 21 women’s Australian Championships in Perth, Western Australia in July.
As you might expect, the decisions that Emma makes during a game are based purely on what she sees, not what she hears.

“I rely on my vision to follow the game and I often don’t hear the clash of sticks or the different sounds between a ball hitting a stick and a shin pad. I follow the ball very closely and make my decision based on its direction from the outcome of the tackle or deflection.”

Kirsty Reiter, Victoria’s umpire manager, was amazed by Emma’s motivation and drive. She said, “I met Emma for the first time when she was appointed to the umpire panel for the under 18 women’s national championships in 2014. I didn’t know that Emma had a hearing impairment prior to the tournament and I admit that I had apprehensions about how that might affect her umpiring.

“After watching Emma umpire her first game I was blown away by her umpiring ability. Emma controls the game beautifully. She really impressed me with the way she handled herself both on and off the field. She has proven that her impairment is no obstacle and she is a very capable and promising hockey umpire.”

Aspiring to reach higher level championships and the Australian Hockey League, Emma offers advice to others - with or without a disability - that ‘the sky is the limit’.

“Umpiring has made me a better player and has given me a better understanding of the game. In order to keep improving and learning always listen to other umpires and take on board their suggestions and advice,” she says.

Embracing her disability, Emma assists others with disabilities in finding a career path with Nova Employment. Working with adults aged between 18-20 years old she helps prepare them for the workforce over a two year period in a program called ‘transition to work’.

“Doing what I love and achieving more than I ever expected is a way for me to show these young adults with a disability that they can do anything, just as I did with my umpiring. There are no limits and you will never know what you can achieve until you try.”

Hockey Australia media release

Black Sticks Men’s 2015 squads finalised



Black Sticks head coach Colin Batch has confirmed the final make-up of the New Zealand Men’s National Squad ahead of an important year of hockey.

The 2015 National Squad consists of 25 athletes, while a further nine players round out the Development Squad.

Four players have been promoted to the National Squad including Ryan Archibald (Auckland), Joe Bartholomew (North Harbour), Jacob Smith (Capital) and Dwayne Rowsell (Auckland).

After a two year hiatus, the return of veteran midfielder Archibald (278 tests) is an exciting prospect for the Black Sticks.

He played all four games in the recent series against Canada in Nelson and Christchurch and showed why he is still one of New Zealand’s top players.

“We’re pleased to be able to bring Ryan back into the National Squad and have him fully committed. He is a classy player and adds a lot on and off the field,” coach Batch said.

Defenders Bartholomew and Rowsell, along with striker Smith have all earned a call-up thanks to their performances in games against Japan and Canada late last year.

This year the Black Sticks are gearing everything towards qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics, with a spot up for grabs at June’s FIH World League Round 3 in Argentina.

CLICK HERE to see more on the Black Sticks Men

2015 MEN’S NATIONAL SQUAD

2015 MEN’S DEVELOPMENT SQUAD

Hockey New Zealand Media release

NZ Beach Hockey champs rock The Mount


Photo courtesy NZ Herald, Andrew Warner

The third annual NZ Beach Hockey championships wrapped up at Mount Maunganui over the weekend and were a great success.

A change in format this year to a one day event saw more teams enter and over 80 participants enjoyed a great day in fantastic conditions.

With over $2000 in prizes from local businesses on the line and the prestige of winning the coveted Giant Jandal trophy, competition wavered between social and competitive but some impressive skills and goals saw the large crowds fully engaged and intrigued by this hockey with a twist.

After some tight competition, local team and defending champions ‘Je Suis Beach Hockey’, captained by former Black Stick Lincoln Churchill, managed to hold all competitors at bay to be crowned 2015 champs.

NZ Beach Hockey looks forward to another enjoyable competition in January 2016, for more information visit www.facebook.com/nzbeachhockey

Hockey New Zealand Media release

India to play in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tourney

by S. Ramaguru


Incheon Asian Games champion India have confirmed their participation in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh to be held in April.

KUALA LUMPUR: Asian Games gold medallists India have accepted the invitation to play in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh from April 2-12.

The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) have also decided to make the tournament a seven-nation affair instead of six.

Besides India, the other confirmed teams are world champions Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Canada.

“We have invited South Africa and they are expected to reply within the next two days,” said MHC secretary general Datuk Johari Abdul Aziz.

Pakistan, a tournament regular in the past, are conspicuously missing. They have not been invited, probably due to their last-minute withdrawal last year.

Johari believes this year’s tournament will be an interesting affair.

“All the invited teams are likely to play in the World League Semi-Final (in Argentina and Belgium in June and July). They will be using the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup to prepare for the Olympic qualifying tournament,” said Johari.

To date, Australia, India, New Zealand and South Korea and have qualified for the World League Semi-Final.

Malaysia are now playing in the World League Round Two in Singapore. Canada will be competing in the other World League Round Two in the United States from Feb 28-March 8 while South Africa will host the third tournament in Cape Town from March 7-15.

Malaysia, Canada and South Africa must finish in the top three in the respective legs to make the cut for the semi-final stage.

Meanwhile, Malaysia have improved their world rankings by one spot. They are now ranked 12th, overtaking South Africa.

Australia are still the No. 1 followed by Holland, Germany, England, Belgium, Argentina and New Zealand.

The top-ranked Asian team is South Korea at No. 8 followed by India and Pakistan. Spain are ranked 11th.

The Star of Malaysia

Indian hockey set to go Dutch?

While suspense over who will be the coach of Indian hockey team continues, dna has reliably learnt that Hockey India has shortlisted three names for the job. There are two Dutchmen in the pruned list and one of them may get the nod.

While suspense over who will be the coach of Indian hockey team continues, dna has reliably learnt that Hockey India has shortlisted three names for the job. There are two Dutchmen in the pruned list and one of them may get the nod.

It has also been learnt that HI has started the process of interview. Two names that have surfaced are former Dutch greats — Hans Jorritsma and Maurits Hendriks— who could be of the same wavelength as that of current India high performance director and former Dutch great Roelant Oltmans.

Indian hockey is in a dilemma as far as hiring a coach is concerned. It all started with the exit of Australian chief coach Terry Walsh. He quit after guiding India to Asiad gold, after a 16 years, at the Incheon Asian Games last year.

This will be the first time that Indian hockey is going all Dutch. However, many Europeans have coached the national team — from Ric Charlesworth to Jose Brasa to Michael Nobbs to Terry Walsh — but no one kept the job long enough leave a lasting impression.

Jorritsma has been without a job for quite some time after his stint with Pakistan team in the mid-90s. Also, it was under his guidance that the Dutch won almost all the big titles with drag-flicker Floris Jan Bovelander converting at a rate of 99.99 per cent on all short corners.

That was the best time of Dutch hockey with both Jorritsma and his main weapon Bovelander creating havoc in the opponent's camp.

And who can forget that incredible 3-1 victory of Dutch against Pakistan at 1990 Lahore World Cup final. Two out of the three Dutch goals were scored on penalty corners and the home crowd went silent as Bovelander smacked in his direct shots with considerable ease above the Pakistani goalie's pads.

The other shortlisted candidate — Hendriks has the distinction of rejuvenating Spanish hockey, winning silver in 1996 Atlanta Olympics and the Champions Challenge soon after.

However, his biggest contribution to modern hockey is the prevailing four-quarter format, adopted in all international hockey tournaments.

An HI official, who did not want to be named, said, "Hendriks was the first to suggest four quarters of 15-minute each. It was first implemented in India's Premier Hockey League (PHL) between 2005 until 2008."

HI president Narinder Batra said, "We're in the process of finalising hockey coach for our team. As soon as our process ends, Hockey India will sit with Sports Authority of India to finalise the formalities."

However, an insider said that Hendriks has a clear edge over other contenders because he is in touch with modern hockey and his experience and thoughts of four-quarter can be used to India's advantage.

"Jorritsma had an important role in Pakistan team but then his role was restricted to mainly training the team on a specific area, namely short corners and defence. He was not in charge of the entire squad, nor the principle planner," said an HI official.

With Oltmans calling the shots, HI would like to have someone of his choice who could implement his plans to take Indian hockey forward. A big barrier for the Dutch team to overcome will be the language and it would be interesting to see how they would communicate with Indian players.

DNA

SAI rates sacked Walsh as best coach

New Delhi - He was sacked as the head coach of the Indian hockey, but Terry Walsh has scored big in the Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) internal assessment report on coaches. Walsh, whose stint with Indian hockey ended on a bitter note after Hockey India (HI) president Narinder Batra accused him of financial misdeeds while working with United States Hockey, has been voted as the “best coach” by the SAI in its report, which has got the stamp of approval from the Sports Ministry.

The report, prepared on the basis of coaches’ performance at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and Incheon Asian Games, has praised the Australian for his tactical and technical acumen and putting Indian hockey back on track with creditable results — CWG silver medal, Asiad gold, Test series win against the mighty Aussies and a fourth-place finish in the Champions Trophy.

The SAI also lauded HI’s High-Performance Director Roelant Oltmans for his ideas to improve Indian hockey. Apart from Walsh and Oltmans, another foreign coach who has been appreciated by the SAI is BI Fernandez. The Cuban boxing coach has been described as “very good” by the SAI for guiding the Indian boxing team to glory at the two multisport events.

Fernandez is presently serving a two-year suspension imposed by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) for standing by Sarita Devi during her Incheon Asiad medal protest. Pistol coach Powell Smirnoff, who has produced talented shooters like Jitu Rai and Vijay Kumar, Rifle team coach Stanislav Lapidus and shotgun coach Marcello Dradi have also been described as “good” by the SAI.

Keeping in mind the performance of foreign coaches, the SAI has recommended their names to the Ministry to extend their contract till the 2016 Rio Olympics.

However, there are few other foreign coaches who have not been able to impress the country’s sports administrators. The SAI has expressed its displeasure over the working of athletics coaches Dmytro Vanyaikin and Andre Filimonua for not doing enough to improve the standard of Indian athletics.

The Tribune

Turner hoping Dabang Mumbai can blend for HIL

Glenn Turner is hopeful the newly formed Dabang Mumbai, featuring a number of EHL stars, can make a big impact in the third edition of the Hero Hockey India League.

The Dabang side features Bloemendaal’s Tom Boon, the most expensive player at this year’s auction, as well as his club mate Matthew Swann along with Kampong goalkeeper David Harte.

Englishman Nick Catlin, Czech Republic’s Tomas Prochazka and Dutchman Floris Evers are also players with experience of the Euro Hockey League and they will bring their experience to bear in the new look panel.

They have been working hard on the field in order to refine their strengths and work on their weaknesses and are keen to give a laudable performance ahead of the Hero Hockey India League 2015 at Mahindra Hockey Stadium, Mumbai.

Speaking about their practice sessions to date, Kookaburra star Turner said: “I am delighted to be back in India for the third time. This is the first season with the new team and I am really excited to start this season’s campaign.

“The team under the new coach is shaping really well and I am confident that the team will make it to the semi finals this season. We have a right mix of Indian talent and International experience along with a calm coach who is directing the team very well.”

Dabang Mumbai play their first game in the HIL on Friday against the Jaypee Punjab Warriors.

Euro Hockey League media release

Pakistan players must be allowed to play in HIL: Sardar, Ajit


Indian Hockey team captain Sardar Singh.   

India hockey skipper Sardar Singh and former captain Ajit Pal Singh on Monday said that the players from Pakistan should be allowed to be a part of the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) as it would improve the overall standard of the league.

However, both Sardar and Ajit Pal said that the HIL officials must follow the Indian government’s decision whether to allow the Pakistanis to play in the league.

“Pakistan have good players and they should be allowed to play in the HIL. Good players need to play in the league. But I also understand the situation and one must follow the government’s stand on it,” Sardar said during a promotional event of the Delhi Waveriders in New Delhi on Monday.

Ajit Pal echoed similar sentiments, saying, “As a sportsman, I would say they should be allowed. But one must understand the situation.”

As many as nine players from Pakistan had come to India for the inaugural edition of HIL in the year 2013, but they were forced to leave the country even before the start of the competition as there were protests from some political organisations.

Thereafter they have never been a part of the league because of continuous political tensions between the two neighbours.

To add to this, last month, two Pakistani players were handed one-match suspensions by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for making obscene gestures at spectators after their win over India in the Champions Trophy semi-final at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

The Hindu

Recognition must to put hockey on road of recovery

Mohsin Ali

ISLAMABAD - Former hockey world champion and Olympian Mansoor Ahmed described Pakistan hockey team’s performance in the Champions Trophy pool matches as very unsatisfactory as the green shirts lost all the three matches they had played.

Talking to The Nation, Mansoor, who was last world cup winning member of Pakistan hockey team way back in 1994 in Sydney, Australia, said: “Both Asian giants Pakistan and India played their traditional hockey in semifinal, but unfortunately, the Indian head coach Roland Otman didn’t understand the actual position of the match and allowed Pakistan team to play their natural game with utmost ease and comfort.

It was a golden opportunity for the Pakistan team to play according to their strength and destroy Indians.

Mansoor termed Pakistani players’ celebrations after beating Indians was quite natural.

“It is the beauty of the game, when a team wins, it is quite obvious, the boys enjoy, but I was very surprised the way Indians reacted especially their officials, crowd and the hostile media.

It was totally unprofessional and highly regrettable.

I am very surprised Pakistani players were banned, which was not heard or witnessed before.

I am also astonished why Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) didn't take up the case with the FIH.

Indians behaved worst against Netherlands in the third place play-off, but they got away from any plenty or ban, why such harsh and unwanted treatment was rendered to Pakistani players.

“Germans are the world champions and physically and mentally stronger than Pakistan and Australia, but I think Pakistan played well keeping in mind how hostile crowd was and they were literally handicapped after two main players were banned just before the final.

I am quite please that Pakistan hockey team did manage to achieve their target in the Champions Trophy and people, who had written off Pakistan hockey, have now seriously treating the national game.

“It seems Pakistan hockey is on the road of recovery, but I am very disappointed that the PHF is running from post to pillar to get financial support.
It is my request to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to spare some time and invite hockey team and federation and listen to their genuine demands.

I am sure the meeting will help the team a lot in climbing back to old glory days and it is the right of the players to be recognised as they did wonders sans lack of funds, central contracts and rewards, so they deserve better treatment as they are the national heroes,” Mansoor added.

“All hockey legends must have to join hands and contribute towards taking Pakistan hockey back to old glory days.

I have started Mansoor Hockey Academy in Islamabad in collaboration with PSB and organising youth hockey development training camps at various cities.
I am conducting trials for the selection of U-12 to U-16 age group players here at Naseer Bunda hockey stadium on January 21.

All the interested players are advised to bring their B form or school certificates for age verification.

The trials will be open for all and the players will be provided hockey sticks, tracksuits, shoes, shin guards and complete goalkeeping equipment as well as daily allowance,” he stated.

“This training camp will be first of its kind and the main aim of it is to hunt fresh faces, then grooming them by teaching modern hockey rules, regulations and techniques and the special concentration will be on physical fitness, which Pakistan team is lacking for the last 20 years,” Mansoor concluded.

The Nation

Line-up for German indoor quarters confirmed



The line-up for the German indoor playoffs were finalised last weekend with Berliner HC and Lichterfelde emerging from the east region, the tightest of all the divisions.

Berliner made a big move on Saturday with a 7-4 win over Zehlendorfer  Wespen, one of the other contenders in the group, with Benedict Swiatek scoring four times. They followed up with a 6-6 draw with Charlottenburg on Sunday. Lichterfelde advanced in second place despite a draw and a loss over the weekend.

In the North, Club an der Alster took the second spot behind HTHC thanks to their 7-3 win over Klipper on Saturday while UHC Hamburg fell 10-8 to Harvestehuder. Alster's Marco Miltkau, pictured, top scored in the group stages with 34 goals.

In the South, Mannheimer HC secured a quarter-final place despite a 6-4 loss to city rivals TSVM, who also went through, on Sunday in Frankfurt.

The West championship was decided in a direct bateel, ultimately won by Uhlenhorst Mülheim 7-6, beating Rot-Weiss Koln.

In the last eight, North champions HTHC face TSV Mannheim while the Club an der Alster travel to Mannheim HC. West champion Mülheim has home advantage against Lichterfelde and Berliner HC host Rot Weiss.

England Hockey Board Media release

Indoor success for Craigholme and Wildcats



Craigholme School and Western Wildcats were the successful teams in the U18 Indoor Cup competitions this weekend.

In the U18 Girls Indoor Cup on Saturday, Craigholme narrowly defeated George Heriot's in a tense finale, the Glasgow school running out 3-2 winners.

Meanwhile, in yesterday's U18 Boys Indoor Cup competition, Western Wildcats eased to a comfortable 5-2 victory over city rivals PSL Team Sport Clydesdale to take the trophy back to Auchenhowie.



Congratulations to all the competing teams on an excellent and entertaining weekend of hockey.

U18 Girls Indoor Cup Results:
George Heriot’s 3-2 Strathallan
Galashiels Academy 0-3 Robert Gordon’s College
Strathallan 3-4 Craigholme School
Robert Gordon’s College 1-6 George Watson’s
George Heriot’s 1-2 Craigholme
George Watson’s 8-0 Galashiels Academy
George Watson's 1-2 George Heriot's
Craigholme 5-1 Robert Gordon College
George Watson's 3-0 Robert Gordon's College
Galashiels Academy 0-7 Strathallan
George Heriot's 2-3 Craigholme

Pools:

George Heriot’s 3-2 Strathallan
Galashiels Academy 0-3 Robert Gordon’s College
Strathallan 3-4 Craigholme School
Robert Gordon’s College 1-6 George Watson’s
George Heriot’s 1-2 Craigholme
George Watson’s 8-0 Galashiels Academy

Crossovers:

George Watson's 1-2 George Heriot's
Craigholme 5-1 Robert Gordon College
George Watson's 3-0 Robert Gordon's College
Galashiels Academy 0-7 Strathallan

Final:

George Heriot's 2-3 Craigholme

Standings:

    Craigholme
    George Heriot's
    George Watson's
    Robert Gordon's College
    Strathallan
    Galashiels Academy

U18 Boys Indoor Cup

Pools

Inverleith 3-7 Clydesdale
Dundee Wanderers 11-6 Gordonians
Aberdeen Grammar 8-5 Perthshire
Watsonians 4-9 Western Wildcats
Inverleith 7-6 Dundee Wanderers
Gordonians 1-10 Clydesdale
Aberdeen Grammar 6-3 Watsonians
Western Wildcats 10-5 Perthshire
Gordonians 4-14 Inverleith
Clydesdale 5-5 Dundee Wanderers
Watsonians 3-7 Perthshire
Western Wildcats 10-1 Aberdeen Grammar

Crossovers:
Inverleith 13-6 Aberdeen Grammar
Dundee Wanderers 4-2 Perthshire
Gordonians 9-13 Watsonians

Final:
Clydesdale 2-5 Western Wildcats

Standings:

    Western Wildcats
    Clydesdale
    Inverleith
    Aberdeen Grammar
    Dundee Wanderers
    Perthshire
    Watsonians
    Gordonians

Scottish Hockey Union media release

An African success story

In 1988, the African Union decided to set up the first African Hockey Championship  for clubs in Egypt' and one of the Egyptain team was able to win that tournament ..

Egyptian Sharkia hockey team one of the most famous . sports stories in the world .. and they call it the legendary team in Africa ..

It is the team that achieved the leadership at the level of Africa hockey as strong club and has achieved consecutive victories and was able to win 22 African Championship of continued ever from 26 African championship for clubs.

The team was able to achieve fame.

in the big hometown and fame spread to the Arab Republic of Egypt .. and they received the honour of the presidency twice and was awarded the Order of the Republic.

And will be recorded in an extended team Jeans Record Records ..He holds the most team at African Championships.

And now there Academy for young children include 1200 girls and boys ... and East seeks to spread the game to a wider inside and outside the scope of the city.

Fieldhockey.com exclusive

FIH signs up for IOC’s anti-betting measures

LAUSANNE: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has signed up to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Integrity Betting Intelligence System (IBIS). As an intelligence sharing digital platform, IBIS will enable FIH and its 132 member national associations to access an extensive network of monitoring and data-sharing across sports, event owners and the major sports betting entities.

The objectives set out by the IOC through the implementation of IBIS are three-fold - to safeguard sports from illegal sports betting, to support international federations and multi-sport event organisers with intelligence and information exchange, and to create a framework for transparency, confidentiality and trust across all users.

FIH joins the seven Olympic winter sports federations and a growing number of Olympic summer sports federations which have already joined IBIS in view of the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro 2016.

FIH have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IOC and implementation of the system is to come into effect in 2015.

“We are pleased to sign up to IBIS and to be working together with the IOC in the fight against corruption in sport,” FIH president Leandro Negre said. “As the world governing body of hockey, it is our responsibility to ensure the integrity of the sport is upheld and protected from the threats that are match-fixing and corruption. We are confident that this partnership will help safeguard hockey and all other Olympic sports and see it as an excellent step forward.”

The Daily Times