News for 07 February 2015
All the news for Saturday 7 February 2015
Czechs, Austrians, Germans & Dutch power into women’s semis
Men’s quarters & semis to take place on “Super Saturday” at the Indoor World Cup in Leipzig
Austria celebrate their shoot-out win over Belarus. (Photo: FIH / Frank Uijlenbroek)
Day 3’s evening session at the Indoor Hockey World Cup featured the women’s quarter-finals, with Czech Republic, Austria, Germany and the Netherlands all sealing their places in the final four with victories in Leipzig. Czech Republic continued their hugely impressive form at the Indoor World Cup by storming into the semi-finals with a 4-3 triumph over Australia. Double strikes from Adela Reinosova and Adela Meijzlikova gave the Europeans the victory to set up a semi-final meeting with the Netherlands.
In the second quarter-final, Austria came needed the drama of a shoot-out to defeat Belarus, meaning that the Belarusians miss out on the top six for the first time in Indoor World Cup history. The Austrians surged into a 3-0 lead but were pegged back by Belarus before Julia Busch netted the crucial goal in the shoot-out to set up a semi-final clash against home favourites Germany.
Pool A winners Germany were given a massive scare by Poland in the third quarter-final, with the team that finished fourth in Pool B holding the lead through Paulina Okaj before second half strikes from Katharina Otte and Kristina Hillmann put the home favourites into the semis.
The Netherlands overcame stern resistance from a talented and stubborn Ukraine to emerge 2-0 winners to seal their semi-final berth. The match remained goal-less until two minutes from time when team captain Karin den Ouden fired home a penalty corner before Vera Vorstenbosch wrapped the game up in the final second.
For full details of the women’s competition, click here.
In the men’s competition, Germany, Russia and Poland are the only teams who remain unbeaten and were joined in the last eight by Austria, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and Iran. The men’s quarter-final matches take place on Saturday, with Austria facing Poland (0900 UTC / GMT+1), Netherlands playing Sweden (1030), Germany butting-heads with Switzerland (1200) and Russia meeting Iran (1330). The matches which are being live streamed on the FIH You Tube Channel , so make sure that you tune in.
For full details on the men’s competition, click here.
Follow the action
Website
Full coverage of the events will be available via www.fih.ch with live streaming of key matches from the quarter-final stages being available in most territories.
You Tube
The FIH You Tube channel is providing live coverage of key matches from the quarter-finals onwards, with full match replays and highlights of selected games being posted as soon as they become available. To visit our You Tube channel, click the link below:
Social media
FIH will provide comprehensive coverage of the event via our social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Facebook: facebook.com/fihockey
Instagram: instagram.com/fihockey
Twitter: twitter.com/fih_hockey
#IWC2015 #leipzig #fihockey
FIH site
IWC2015: Business end approaches
Quarter-final line-ups known at Indoor Hockey World Cup in Leipzig, Germany
Tomasz Dutkiewicz celebrates Poland's quarter-final qualification. (Photo: FIH / Stanislas Brochier)
The final round of Pool matches at the Indoor Hockey World Cup were played during the first session of the Friday schedule, confirming the quarter-final line-ups in both the men’s and the women’s competitions.
Ukraine became the eighth and final team to reach the quarter-finals as the Pool phase of the women’s Indoor Hockey World Cup came to an end on Friday morning. The Ukrainians joined Germany, Netherlands, Australia and Austria as qualifiers from Pool A, with Netherlands, Belarus, Czech Republic and Poland reaching the last eight from Pool B.
The women’s quarter-final matches – which are being live streamed on the FIH You Tube Channel - take place this afternoon. Pool A runners up Australia face Pool B’s third placed team Czech Republic at 1630 (UTC / GMT +1), with Pool B runners-up Belarus playing Austria, who finished third in Pool A at 1800. Home favourites and Pool A winners Germany butt heads with Pool B’s fourth ranked team Poland at 1930 before Pool B winners Netherlands clash with Ukraine, who finished fourth in Pool A, at 2100.
Germany, Russia and Poland are the only teams who remain unbeaten in the competition and are joined in the last eight by Austria, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and Iran. The men’s quarter-final matches take place on Saturday, with Austria facing Poland (0900 UTC/GMT+1), Netherlands playing Sweden (1030), Germany butting-heads with Switzerland (1200) and Russia meeting Iran (1330).
Here is a quick summary of the first session of play on Day 3.
Women’s Pool A: Host nation Germany emerged as 5-1 winners in the big Pool A clash against Australia, a result which secured their place at the top of the Pool ahead of the team from Oceania. Ukraine’s safe passage was confirmed with a 2-2 draw against Austria. Canada finished bottom of the Pool but each claimed their first point of the tournament with a 2-2 draw against Belgium, who finished fifth.
Women’s Pool B: The Netherlands maintained their devastating form to finish top of the Pool with a 6-3 win against Poland, who finished fourth in Pool B. Belarus finished second in the Pool after turning on the style to hammer third place finishers Czech Republic 7-0, leapfrogging their opponents in the process. As in Pool A, the bottom sides in Pool B claimed their first tournament points as South Africa and Kazakhstan played out a 5-5 draw.
To keep track of all the details from the women’s competition, click here.
Men’s Pool A: Pool A winners Germany made it five wins out of five with another convincing display by beating Australia 9-4, with the Aussies finishing bottom of the table. Austria finished second in Pool A but were disappointed by their 2-2 draw against Czech Republic. Sweden grabbed a place in the quarter-finals with a remarkable 10-8 victory over Iran, who finished level on points with Czech Republic but qualified for the quarters due to more wins. Sweden’s Björkman brothers had a massive influence on the game, with Johan netting five times with brother Joakim scoring a hat-trick.
Men’s Pool B: A brilliant treble from Alexander Zhirkov inspired Russia to a 5-4 triumph over the Netherlands, a result which sees them finish at the top of Pool B ahead of their opponents. Triple World Indoor Silver medallists Poland may have finished third in the Pool but remain unbeaten going into the quarter-finals, having completed their Pool B campaign with a 6-3 win over bottom-placed Canada. Fourth place in the Pool went to Switzerland, who defeated South Africa 4-1 thanks in part to a double strike from Manuel Keller.
To keep track of all the details from the men’s competition, click here.
Website
Full coverage of the events will be available via www.fih.ch with live streaming of key matches from the quarter-final stage being available in most territories.
You Tube - Live from Friday
The FIH You Tube channel will become active from the quarter-finals, with highlights of key matches being posted as soon as they become available. To visit our You Tube channel, click the link below:
Social media
FIH will provide comprehensive coverage of the event via our social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Facebook: facebook.com/fihockey
Instagram: instagram.com/fihockey
Twitter: twitter.com/fih_hockey
#IWC2015 #leipzig #fihockey
FIH site
Family time at the Indoor Hockey World Cup
Several brothers and sisters are involved in the action in Leipzig
The Dutch twins Daphne and Denise Admiraal. (Photo: FIH / Frank Uijlenbroek)
The Indoor Hockey World Cup is something of a get together for several family members who are spread throughout the teams competing here in Leipzig. The Australia men’s team contains three brothers among their ranks – team captain Kurt, Heath and Flynn Ogilve. “To line up alongside my brothers ahead of the first game was amazing”, said Heath. “Listening to the anthem was a special moment, a huge honour.”
Both the Dutch and Czech Republic women’s teams contain sets of twins, with Denise and Daphne Admiraal lining up for the Netherlands and Tereza and Adela Mejzlikova representing the Czechs. “This is something special although we have played in the same team since we were little,” said Denise, the current top scorer in the women’s competition.
Austria has the Lenzinger sisters, Catherine and Alexandra, in their squad. “I’m the one giving some guidance because I’m the older sister,” explained Catherine, who plays in defence while her sister is a forward. “We always share a room, where it is possible”, she continued. While sharing a room is standard for the Lenzinger sisters, the Czech twins Tereza and Adela always find different room-mates within the team.
There are also several pairs of brothers among the men’s teams including Czechs Martin and Tomas Hanus, Canada's Devohn Noronha Teixeira and Micah Teixeira as well as Joakim and Johan Björkman of Sweden. The Björkmans are not the only brothers among the Swedish team, with Axel and Erik Ströby also in the group.
This Indoor World Cup doesn’t only see siblings contained within a single team. For example, Katharina Otte and Franzisca Hauke are both representing Germany’s women, while their respective brothers Alexander and Tobi, the FIH Player of the Year 2013, are part of the Germany men’s squad.
“We talk a lot during the tournament”, explained Franzisca Hauke. “I’m always asking for his feedback on my performance and I ask him how I can improve. Our parents are also here, so it’s nice for them too.”
Tobi added: “It’s cool, but sometimes it’s not so nice as I cannot always see her games due to the schedule and our own preparations. I think the women’s tournament is tough but I really hope that she makes it through to the final.”
Although the schedule is tight, Franzisca – known to her team-mares as “Sissy” – makes a big effort to see Tobi during the event. “I try to meet Tobi as often as I can. Sometimes I even message him in the evening and ask if we can still meet in the hotel. When he is already in bed, I don’t hesitate to see him in his room.”
For Alex and Katha Otte it works the other way around because Katha has by far more international experience. “I think it’s quite interesting that the younger sister has much more international experience than I do,” said Alex. “During the day it doesn’t matter that Katha plays in the women’s team because this fact doesn’t influence my preparation. However, it’s good for the family who will come to visit.”
Czech’s Republic’s Martin Capouch also seeks advice from his big sister Renata. “She is older, so she is the boss. I’m always interested in her feedback.” Renata sees this differently. “Usually my brother texts me when has forgotten something,” she said, laughing.
Their team-mates Klara and Jakub Kyndl are also in touch during the competition. “We have a family group on Whatsapp where we wish each other good luck,” said Jakub. Klara agreed: “This is a nice feeling. We support each other and of course I’m also asking him for feedback. We stay in the same hotel, so we try to catch up as often as possible.”
The Indoor World Cup truly is a family affair.
FIH site
Q&A with Dallas Riseley
Australian Dallas Riseley is the Indoor World Cup Tournament Director
Photo credit: Andrew & Debra Spence / Sydney Indoor Hockey Association
From Australia to Germany, Dallas Riseley is running the show in his first Indoor World Cup tournament as a Tournament Director. Dallas’ hard work in preparing the tournament over the past few months is being put into action in Leipzig this weekend.
Read our Q&A with Dallas below about the Indoor World Cup, his career and the role of a Tournament Director.
Q. When did you first become a Tournament Director?
A. My first role as a Tournament Director was at the Australian Country Championships in Shepparton in 1998. After that, it was a matter of having the support of Hockey Australia to enable me to break into the international scene.
Q. As the Tournament Director at this year’s Indoor World Cup, what does your role entail?
A. As Tournament Director, I’m responsible for the overall running of the tournament. This entails liaising with the organising committee in Germany as well as the FIH to ensure that everything is in place, so that when I arrive in Leipzig I only need to check that all of the rules and regulations have been adhered to. Once the matches start, it is a matter of making appointments for umpires and officials and dealing with whatever situations arise.
Q. Have you been a Tournament Director at a previous Indoor World Cup?
A. No, this is my first appointment to an indoor tournament both nationally and internationally.
Q. What do you enjoy most about being a Tournament Director?
A. Working with a team of umpires/officials that share a love of the game is very rewarding, having the opportunity to use and develop the skills that I have learned along the way and meeting people from all over the world.
Q. Is there a negative side to your role?
A. Having to issue suspensions to players and poor performance reports to officials is not a pleasant task, however, the reality is that it is sometimes necessary. In the main it’s a very enjoyable experience.
Q. What are you most looking forward to at this year’s tournament in Germany?
A. The opportunity to catch up with friends that I have made at previous tournaments will be a highlight. Also, being able to work with the best indoor players/umpires/officials in the world. There have been some significant rule changes in indoor hockey, so it will be interesting to see how they work.
Q. Do you have any advice for people wanting to become a Tournament Director?
A. Certainly, you need a thick skin, as players and coaches sometimes need to blow off a bit of steam, there’s no use taking things personally. Pay attention to detail, don’t get over officious and enjoy the experience. The opportunity to meet and work with so many different people is a privilege and one to be enjoyed. Be patient and just let things happen.
Q. Have you been a Tournament Director at other tournaments?
A. I have been a TD at numerous Australian Hockey League’s as well as the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia and several Oceania Cups.
Q. As a Tournament Director, how much goes into a tournament?
A. Well, I can tell you that the Indoor Hockey World Cup folder in my email inbox has 783 emails in it. As this is a joint men’s and women’s tournament I have been in close contact with the TD of the women’s tournament to ensure that both tournaments operate within the same parameters. As well as that, liaising with the organising committee and FIH certainly takes some time. If you can do a lot of the preparation well then the tournament tends to run well. There are no rest days during this tournament so it will be go, go, go. After the tournament it is simply a matter of finishing reports and sending them to FIH.
Q. What would be your top highlight as a Tournament Director?
A. When I was TD at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in 2013 it was my birthday during the tournament. Unbeknownst to me, the umpires and officials arranged for a special surprise on my birthday. During a break between games I was asked to stand on the pitch as the Sultan and the entire crowd sang happy birthday to me. That is something that I will never forget. The umpire manager at that tournament is also officiating at this Indoor World Cup, so I will look forward to catching up with him.
Q. Do you get a chance to explore cities you’re visiting?
A. After the tournament I’m taking the opportunity to see parts of Europe that I have not seen before flying home. That is one of the great benefits of being an international hockey official.
Hockey Australia media release
Aussie women miss semis
Australia's women narrowly lose IWC quarter final; play off for 5th to 8th
Photo credit: Andrew & Debra Spence / Sydney Indoor Hockey Assoc.
Australia’s women will contest the fifth to eighth place playoffs at the Indoor World Cup after going down narrowly to the Czech Republic in the quarter finals on Friday night. Despite the defeat Australia can still achieve a best ever indoor World Cup finish over the weekend and have already exceeded their 2011 result of ninth. The Australian women finished sixth in 2007.
Earlier in the day defeat at the hands of world number one Germany had seen the Aussie women finish second in Pool A, an outstanding achievement for the team ranked as the fourth strongest in the pool before the competition.
Match 5 – Australia v Germany, Pool A
AUSTRALIA 1 (1)
Emma McLeish 20 (PC)
GERMANY 5 (2)
Anne Schroder 15, 16 (FG, FG)
Katharina Windfeder 23 (PC)
Charlotte van Bodegom 25, 35 (FG, PC)
In their final Pool A contest Australia’s women suffered their first defeat of the Indoor World Cup, going down 5-1 to one of the pre-tournament favourites, world number one side Germany.
It was a result that meant the Australian women finished second in Pool A and went through to a match-up against the Czech Republic, third in Pool B, in the quarter finals.
A sound defensive effort in the early stages kept the Germans at bay for a full quarter of an hour before Anne Schroder struck twice in as many minutes, much to the relief of the home crowd. On the stroke of half time Australian captain Emma McLeish netted her third goal of the tournament from a penalty corner to send the teams in separated by just a goal at the break.
Katharina Windfeder made it 3-1 for Germany shortly after half time, followed quickly by the first of two Charlotte van Bodegom goals as the hosts showed their quality. Van Bodegom’s second came five minutes from time as Australia settled for second in the pool and turned their attentions to the afternoon’s quarter final.
Match 6 – Australia v Czech Republic, Quarter Final
AUSTRALIA 3 (2)
Shelley Watson 6 (FG)
Makalea Potts 12 (FG)
Kary Chau 38 (FG)
CZECH REPUBLIC 4 (3)
Adela Reinosova 1, 26 (FG, FG)
Adela Mejzlikova 4, 17 (FG, FG)
Australia’s women will play off for positions five through eight at the Indoor World Cup and can still record a best ever finish despite missing out on a place in the semi finals after a 4-3 defeat at the hands of the Czech Republic.
Having finished second in Pool A, Australia faced the Czechs, ranked sixth in the world – two places higher than the Aussies – in the quarter finals. It was a spirited performance from the girls in green and gold, who recovered well from conceding two early goals to level the score midway through the first half as first Shelley Watson swept home after good work by Kary Chau before Makalea Potts stole into the Czech circle to fire an equaliser.
Before half time though Adela Mejzlikova had restored the Czech lead, 3-2 at the break. Adela Reinosova netted her second and the Czech Republic’s fourth early in the second half with a back post deflection but Australia refused to lie down. With two minutes remaining Kary Chau flicked home to halve the deficit.
There would be no way past the Czech defence in the final minutes, however, and Australia must settle for a classification of fifth to eighth. They’ll play the loser of the quarter final between Ukraine and the Netherlands on Saturday in Leipzig.
Team Manager Karen Seaman said the final result was a devastating one following the success of their opening four matches.
“The girls are understandably disappointed. To open the tournament for four wins really showed we could match it with the top league. Even in this game, we were in it. We could have won it.
“For us it’s just a harsh reality of the system. We are now playing for fifth to eighth spot which doesn’t justify the effort and performance of this team.
“Their chemistry on court and off has been something special. They drove this, not the coaching staff and they deserved better.”
Hockey Australia media release
Indoor men take first win
Australia's men beat Canada in IWC 9th-12th playoff
Reporting by Courtney Beaton
Photo credit: Andrew & Debra Spence / Sydney Indoor Hockey Assoc.
Australia's men put up a brave performance against a German team packed full of its senior outdoor international stars but went down fighting before rallying to come from behind twice against Canada for their first win of the tournament. The result means the Australian men will contest the ninth/tenth place playoff against Czech Republic.
Match 5 - Australia v Germany
Pool A
AUSTRALIA 4 (3)
Paul MacKinnon 2, 26 (PC, FG)
Flynn Ogilvie 12 (PC)
Simon Beaton 17 (PC)
GERMANY 9 (6)
Alexander Otte 8, 9, 15 (FG, FG, FG)
Fabian Pehlke 10 (FG)
Thilo Stralkowski 13, 40 (FG, FG)
Moritz Furste 20 (FG)
Ferdinand Weinke 30 (FG)
Tobias Hauke 39 (FG)
Despite the performances of the Australia men moving from strength to strength they left their run too late and a 9-4 loss to world number one Germany in their final group match had Australia up against Canada later in the finals for ninth to 12th placing.
The host nation, whose squad is packed with senior outdoor internationals including 2012 and 2013 World Players of the Year Moritz Furste and Tobias Hauke, proved why it is the world number one ranked indoor team with a dominant performance, defeating Australia 9-4.
This was a must-win match for Australia to have any chance of a quarter finals birth and they came to play, shocking Germany with an early goal from Paul MacKinnon just two minutes in.
Germany didn’t hesitate in firing back with a goal scoring spree that saw Alexander Otto score two goals in just two minutes before Fabian Pehlke netted a third a minute later.
Australia fought back through Flynn Ogilvie – their only senior outdoor international - who fired a blistering ball high into the net to keep them in touch but again Germany responded with another two goals from Thilo Stralkowski and Otto.
Despite the stretching score line, Australia continued to apply pressure and a shot from Flynn Ogilvie in the circle gave Australia a penalty corner which Simon Beaton finished off, closing the gap to just two.
Germany again answered through way of their captain, Moritz Furste, who scored a field goal right on the half time break. The six goals conceded in the half would prove too much to chase down.
It was Paul MacKinnon who again opened the scoring for Australia with a field goal just four minutes into the second period before Germany’s Tobias Hauke extended the margin back out to three with a field goal against the run of play.
Australia did all they could to pull the game back within reach, subbing out their ‘keeper in lieu of Simon Beaton as a kicking-back to try and penetrate the German defence but it would be to no avail with Tobias Hauke and Thilo Stralkowski finding the net and shutting out any chance of the playoffs for Australia.
Match 6 – Australia v Canada
9th-12 Place Playoffs
Australia 6 (1)
Heath Ogilvie 14, 33 (PC, PC)
Paul MacKinnon 26, 39 (PC, FG)
Simon Beaton 35 (PS)
Nigel Croke 40 (FG)
CANADA 3 (2)
Ken Pereira 7, 23 (FG, FG)
Jeewanjoth Bath 16 (FG)
After falling short of their playoff aspirations, Australia faced off against Canada in the ninth to 12th place contest. It was a sour taste for the Australians who, after getting off to a slow start, had come home strong, only to be met with the world number one Germany in their final, must-win match.
A feisty and speedy Canada opened the scoring early through a field goal by their experienced captain, Ken Pereira, seven minutes into the game. A penalty conversion for Australia offered some reprieve with Heath Ogilvie finding the top of the net seven minutes later.
Canada caught Australia off-guard and Jeewanjoth Bath made the most of some scrappy defence to put them back in front at the break with teammate Ken Pereira scoring the first goal in the second half to stretch their lead out to two.
It was a nervous, feisty and fast few minutes for Australia before Paul MacKinnon rattled the backboard with another solid penalty corner shot to bring Australia to within one.
Heath Ogilvie was soon to net his second goal of the game through another strong strike off a corner before a penalty stroke was awarded to Australia for a foul on Flynn Ogilvie. Simon Beaton stepped up to score to give Australia the lead with five minutes to play.
Canada pulled their goalkeeper with three minutes to play but Australia’s offence was too strong. Paul MacKinnon netted a field-goal and his second goal of the game and Nigel Croke sealed the win in the final minute with a goal of his own meaning Australia will contest the ninth/tenth playoff against the Czech Republic at 03:15 AEDT on Sunday.
Hockey Australia media release
Canadian teams will play for 10th (women) and 11th (men) on Saturday
Yan Huckendubler, in Leipzig
Photo by Yan Huckendubler
The Canadian teams had mixed fortunes at the Indoor World Cup in Leipzig. The women had a draw (against Belgium) and a win (over (Kazakhstan) and will play for 10th place on Saturday. The men suffered two losses (against Poland and Australia) and will play for 11th.
(women) Canada vs. Belgium: 2-2 (ht: 0-1)
Both teams were on the hunt for their first win of the competition and well decided to come up on top of this last pool match. Even for this early morning game, they were supported by large fan sections; with the reinforcement of enthusiastic children from a local school, with face painted to Canadian colors and even one in a polar bear costume, Canada clearly won the cheering sideshow!
First period was played at high speed, but actions were often too rushed and chances not finalized, Belgium scoring the lone goal of the period on a penalty-corner in the 14th minute.
Madison Thompson brought the teams back level with a typical (ice) hockey move: she jumped onto the ice, sorry, court, for a quick substitution, intercepted a ball from a Belgian player who was not expecting to find her there, ran diagonally all the way into the circle then cut towards the goal and slide the ball by the stunned goal-keeper.
Canada survived a green card and a penalty-corner on the next action and play became wild, flowing non-stop from one end to the other. The players were leaving all their energy on the court and play became “physical” at time. The umpires had trouble keeping the tempers under control and had to dish out green and yellow cards to both teams.
Belgium briefly regained the lead in the 34th minute on a penalty-corner, but Kaelan Watson immediately equalized at the other end, also on a penalty-corner. Score tied 2-2 with four minutes to go! Both teams wanted to win and simultaneous replaced their goal-keeper for an extra field player, setting the stage for a torrid end of match.
The tie ensured a fifth place in pool A to Canada. They now will have to wait for the result of the last game of Pool B to learn their opponent of the 9-12 cross-over, either South Africa or Kazakhstan.
(men) Poland vs. Canada: 6-3 (ht: 4-1)
The Canadian men’s team lost their last pool match in a very intense and hard fought fight against Poland, in a game unfortunately marred by umpiring decisions that consistently baffled (and upset) players from both teams.
Poland had an early penalty-stroke but Pardeep Koonar, in goal for Canada today, saved it brilliantly. He could however not prevent Poland from scoring three times in three minutes to take a comfortable 3-goal lead in the 8th minute of play.
As the previous day against South Africa, the Canadians regrouped and picked up the pace. They could not penetrate the compact and experienced Polish defensive block and, with time passing, decided to pull their goal-keeper with five minutes left in the period. Interestingly, the Poles matched the move and both teams were playing with five field players and no goal-keeper.
Canada forced a penalty-corner and were denied an obvious stroke that only the umpire did not see. They maintained their pressure, earned another stroke in the 18th minute and Jonathan Roberts did not miss the chance to close the gap. Unfortunately, Poland regained their 3-goal lead just before half-time (4-1).
Canada continued in second period without a goal-keeper and managed to score twice, by Lyle Fernandes then Sean Barretto, coming tentatively close to tying the score. Play was getting physical and a Polish player was shown a yellow card to cool his tempter, but Canada could not capitalize on the advantage, leaving the door for a Polish final push.
Poland scored again in the 31st minute, then put the nail in the coffin in the 38th minute on a severe penalty-corner. The loss left Canada in fifth place, out of their objective to make the quarter-finals.
(women – cross-over 9-12) Canada vs. Kazakhstan: 4-1 (ht: 1-0)
Canada earned a well-deserved win in their cross-over against Kazakhstan, fighting hard to impose their play to their sometimes physical opponents.
They dominated the early stages of the game, but the first opportunity was for Kazakhstan on a penalty-stroke, coolly saved by KJ Williams in the Canadian goal. In fact, she saved it twice, as the Kazaks striker shot before the whistle, then was given a second chance by the umpire, and KJ showed her nerves by stopping both attempts!
Canada earned a penalty-stroke soon after and Madison Thompson needed only one attempt to open the score, the first time Canada was leading a match in this Indoor World Cup. Canada was dominating the proceedings, but the Kazakhs were putting a strong fight to defend the path to their goal and half-time was reached with the narrow one-goal lead for Canada.
The same pattern prevailed in second period, with Canada dictating pace but creating few clean chances. A swift deflection by Anna Easty shaved the post and it was finally Kyesia O'Neale who found the net in the 30th minute with an innocuous looking ball that tricked the goal-keeper.
Kazakhstan pulled their goal-keeper and, combined with a yellow card for Canada, managed to narrow the gap on a penalty-corner in the 39th minute, setting up a torrid end of game. The Kazakhs however picked up two yellow cards in a row, leaving the path open for two late Canadian goals by Alison Lee on penalty-corner then Jocelyn Mitchell on the last play of the match.
The Canadian women will now play for 10th place against South Africa, winner over Belgium in the other cross-over.
(men – cross-over 9-12) Canada vs. Australia: 3-6 (ht: 2-1)
Before the match, a ceremony was organized to celebrate the 50th Indoor Caps of Shankar Premakanthan and Ken Pereira. The parents of both players were on-hand to proudly present their sons with a memento of the occasion.
Things started well for the Canadians, and it was Kenny Pereira who had the honour of opening the score to celebrate in style his 50 milestone. For the first time in this competition, the Canadians were ahead on the scoreboard instead of having to run after the score. Australia were holding tight but could not generate any clean opportunity from the field. They did however score a penalty-corner in the 14th minute to briefly close the gap, but Jeewanjot Singh Bath reinstated the one-goal lead with a phenomenal run from centre line across the whole Australian defense concluded with a shot in an impossible angle.
Score was 2-1 in favor of Canada at half-time and Ken Pereira increased the lead just after the break with his second goal of the night. Things were looking good at this point and the large Canadian contingent was vocally expressing their excitement. Lyle Fernandes has a chance to widen the gap but his shot crashed on the cross-bar.
Things went downhill from there, with the Canadian players possibly starting to feel the effects of this sixth high level match in three days. In no time, Australia took the lead (4-3) thanks to two penalty-corners and a penalty-stroke. Canada tried to pull their goal-keeper to come back in the game but it was too late and Australia scored two more goals to finish with a clear cushion (6-3).
It was a heart-breaker loss for this Canadian team, who were close on most of their matches in this competition but never had the little breaks that could have propelled them on the sunny side. They now play South Africa to avoid the wooden spoon of the competition.
Results of Day 3 (Friday February 6):
(men) Poland vs. Canada:6-3 (4-1)
(women) Canada vs. Belgium:2-2 (0-1)
(women – cross-over 9-12) Canada vs. Kazakhstan: 4-1 (1-0)
(men – cross-over 9-12) Canada vs. Australia: 3-6 (2-1)
Pool Standings:
Men - Pool B: 1) Russia 2) Netherlands 3) Poland 4) Switzerland 5) Canada 6) South Africa
Women - Pool A: 1) Germany 2) Australia 3) Austria 4) Ukraine 5) Canada 6) Belgium
Schedule for Day 4 (Saturday February 7):
(men) 11-12 South Africa vs. Canada
(women) 9th-10th Canada vs. South Africa
Field Hockey Canada media release
Black Sticks Women win again in Whangarei
Pictured: The crowd at Whangarei ITM Hockey Centre enjoying today's international. photosport.co.nz
The Black Sticks Women are heading for a series whitewash against Canada after winning 4-0 today in their second match of a three-test series in Whangarei.
The Kiwis won their opening game 4-1 on Thursday, with the final game to be held tomorrow at 3pm.
It was very much a game of two halves today - the Black Sticks scored all four goals in the first half but were unable to convert any of their chances in the second.
“It was a good first quarter, I thought we were very clinical and even in the second quarter I thought we dominated. And then in the second half we lost structure and intensity, we weren’t running onto the ball with the same energy,” said head coach Mark Hager.
“To give Canada credit they stepped up their work ethic and their basic skills improved as the game went on. We rested Sam Charlton throughout the game – we didn’t give her as much game time and at times we missed her leadership on the field.
“But it’s a learning curve for our young ones and they are getting game time, so hopefully they get better because of the experience,” said Hager.
In the first half, the Black Sticks dominated in all areas of the game. They turned over the ball on defence and made the most of it up front with combinations working well, resulting in goals.
North Harbour’s Petrea Webster scored in the second minute thanks to a nice set up from Anita Punt and Kirsten Pearce. In the only penalty corner of the first half, local Brooke Neal got the second goal of the game scoring from a clever variation.
In the 11th minute, the keeper was caught high and Webster diving to reach the ball, just got an edge on it and ever so slowly the ball drifted over the line.
Northland star Stacey Michelsen finished off the scoring when she had a one-on-one with the keeper and finding space, she tapped it into goal.
The intensity dropped off in the second half, Canterbury’s Olivia Merry and captain Anita Punt had two of the better shots on goal but they were unable to convert.
The Black Sticks were without Aniwaka Roberts today following a calf injury in the first game, she is unlikely to play tomorrow.
The Black Sticks face Canada in the final game of the series at 3pm tomorrow at the Whangarei ITM Hockey Centre. Tickets are available at www.dashtickets.co.nz and are cheaper online than at the gate.
RESULTS
Full time: 4-0 win to NZ
Half time: 4-0 lead to NZ
NZ goal scorers: Petrea Webster x2, Brooke Neal, Stacey Michelsen
The umpires today were Aleesha Unka and Julena Phillips.
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Canadian women look to rebound in second match with Blacksticks
New Zealand took the first game of the test series 4-1
Shaheed Devji
Their training matches went well for the most part, and despite eventually falling 4-1 in the first of three official test matches versus the world's fourth best team, the New Zealand Blacksticks, the Canadian Women's National Field Hockey Team will likely be taking more positives than negatives into the second match.
After going down 1-0 early on a first quarter goal from Petrea Webster, the Canadian women rallied in the second. The Canadians earned a penalty corner and as she often does, Karli Johansen stood behind center looking to receive the ball.
Things went as planned and Johansen notched the equalizer with eight minutes left in the first half.
Goalkeeper Kaitlyn Williams made a key save off a Kiwi penalty corner before the half was out but just before the whistle to indicate half time, New Zealand was able to convert on another chance to make it 2-1.
Heading into the first match of the test series, Canadian head coach Ian Rutledge indicated the women were playing the best he has seen them play in the nearly two years he has been at the helm. But the stakes were raised in an official test match with one of the world's top tier teams, who clearly increased their level of play from the friendly played earlier in the week.
In the second, Williams continued her solid play and kept Canada in it, but a goal in the fortieth minute from the home team's Olivia Merry made the task of a comeback even more difficult for Canada. New Zealand were awarded five penalty corners through the game and added another tally in the sixtieth minute to put the match out of reach.
Despite the loss, the Canadian will be looking to build on their performance heading into the second match which will be played at 6:00pm PT/9:00pm ET on Friday.
For a schedule and results of the Canadian Women’s National Team’s test series in New Zealand, click here.
Field Hockey Canada media release
SA men’s hockey squad named for upcoming matches
“Reputation counts for nothing”
Clint goal ... (from left) Julian Hykes, Clint Panther (both Southern Gauteng), Taine Paton (KZN Coastal Raiders). Photo: STANISLAS BROCHIER
The South African Hockey Association have announced the names of the players for the upcoming national men’s hockey squad camp, from which a team of 18 will be selected to represent the green and gold in the World League Round 2 tournament in early March.
All at Hartleyvale in Cape Town, the SA squad will play two international matches against Dutch Premier Division club Rotterdam on February 21 and 22, as well as Test matches against world number two Germany, and France, on the proposed dates of February 27 and 28, and March 1 and 2.
Apart from SA, the World League Round 2 tournament at Hartleyvale from March 7 to 15 includes China, Egypt, France, Czech Republic, Belarus, Switzerland and Azerbaijan.
The goal at WLR2 is to qualify for the World League Semi-Finals event later in the year.
SA head coach Fabian Gregory says the policy that he and fellow selectors Allistar Fredericks (convenor) and Bruce Jacobs adopted has always been about rewarding the players who have shown form.
“It is exciting to see the crop of players coming through who are putting their hands up for consideration. It has created healthy competition within the group,” says Gregory. “As the selection panel, our approach is to reward those players who are performing; reputation counts for nothing.”
Fredericks cites the two camps and Test matches, in Durban in early January, and Cape Town towards the end of last month, as having been ideal for the panel, as it afforded them the opportunity to look at a generous cross-section of players.
“The camp work ethic has been heartening to see, while the Test matches in Durban [against Austria] and Cape Town [versus Holland and Ireland] gave the boys the chance to show what they could do against quality opponents,” says Fredericks.
Experienced striker Julian Hykes, who was unavailable in January due to outside commitments, returns to the squad.
Joining the squad towards the end of February are a number of South Africa’s experienced players, who were to a greater or lesser degree unavailable for the January period, in part due to club commitments abroad.
The 18 player-team for WLR2 will be named at the end of February.
SA MEN’S SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Gowan Jones (KZN Coastal Raiders), Jacques le Roux (Western Province).
Defenders: Jethro Eustice (Southern Gauteng), Daniel Bell, Rhett Halkett, Dylan Swanepoel (all WP), Matt Guise-Brown (Northern Blues), Robin Jones, Mohammed Mea (both KZN Coastal Raiders).
Midfielders: Dan Sibbald, Ross Hetem (both KZN Coastal Raiders, Clint Panther, Miguel da Graca (both Southern Gauteng), Marc Fourie (WP).
Forwards: Natius Malgraff (Eastern Province), Keenan Horne, Shannon Boucher, Pierre de Voux (all WP), Brandon Panther, Julian Hykes (both Southern Gauteng).
* To join the squad towards the end of February – Goalkeeper: Rassie Pieterse (Southern Gauteng), Defenders: Austin Smith (WP), Jonty Robinson (Northern Blues), Midfielder: Tim Drummond (KZN Coastal Raiders), Forward: Taine Paton (KZN Coastal Raiders).
SA Hockey Association media release
Australia Returns To Compete In 24th Edition Of Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
IPOH, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- Eight-time Sultan Azlan Shah Cup champion, Australia will return to compete in the 24th edition of the championship from April 2 to 12 at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium, here.
Chairman of the championsip organising committee Datuk Abdul Rahim Mat Ariff said that besides Australia, the 24th edition will also feature New Zealand which is ranked seventh in the world, Korea (8), India (9), Canada (14) and Malaysia (12).
Abdul Rahim, who is also president of the Perak Hockey Association, said the championship offered an avenue for the national squad to warm up for the semifinals of the World Hockey League in Antwerp, Belgium from June 20 to July 5.
"This year we are setting a target to achieve a new record after our hopes to emerge as champion were dashed after losing to Australia 3-8 last year.
"But I hope it will not end in sadness (for Malaysia)," he said at a press conference, in Ipoh, Friday.
Bernama
Rays outplay Lancers
One more to the kitty: Ranchi Rays gets one past Kalinga Lancers goalkeeper during Hockey India League at Ranchi. Photo: Manob Chowdhury, The Hindu
A hat-trick by Ashley Jackson and a goal by Nicolas Wilson enabled Ranchi Rays humble Kalinga Lancers 4-0 in the Hero Hockey India League in Ranchi on Friday.
The victory lifted the home team to third spot in the league table with 19 points from six matches. Uttar Pradesh Wizards is also on 19 points from six, but ahead on goal difference. It was a fifth consecutive defeat for Kalinga Lancers.
Player-of-the-match Jackson of England produced one of his best performances. He earned a penalty corner in the 11th minute and made no mistake with his drag-flick.
After a barren second quarter, Rays rolled over the visitor, with Jackson converting two more penalty corners in the 32nd and 41st minutes. In between, Nicolas Wilson finished off a Mandeep Singh backpass with a clean strike into the net.
The result: Ranchi Rays 4 (Ashley Jackson 11, 32 & 41, Nicolas Wilson 34) bt Kalinga Lancers 0.
The Hindu
Jackson's hat-trick gives Rays 4-0 win over Lancers
RANCHI: Skipper Ashley Jackson led from the front scoring a hat-trick as Ranchi Rays spanked Kalinga Lancers 4-0 in a league match of the third Hero Hockey India League on Friday.
Jackson converted three penalty corners with precision in while Nick Wilson scored a field goal to record the resounding win for the hosts.
Jackson gave Rays the lead in the 11th minute with first of his penalty corner conversions and then doubled his team's lead in the 32nd minute from another set piece.
Two minutes later Wilson (34th) scored a fine field goal before Jackson converted another penalty corner in the 41st minute to give The Ranchi outfit a 4-0 lead which they managed to hold on till the final hooter.
By virtue of this win, Ranchi Rays have moved up the points table to the third position.
The Rays will next host Uttar Pradesh Wizards at the same ground on Sunday, while the Lancers will travel to Mumbai to take on Dabang Mumbai in a battle of laggards.
The Times of India
Punjab Warriors aim to remain on top in HIL
Front-runners Punjab Warriors aim to get their act together after an away loss when they take on defending champions Delhi Waveriders in a Hero Hockey India League (HIL) encounter at the International Hockey Stadium here Saturday.
Warriors saw their unbeaten run of one draw and four victories being halted by Uttar Pradesh Wizards Wednesday. They lost 1-2 to Uttar Pradesh Wizards in Lucknow.
They will look to forget their last match and refocus against a side that is gaining momentum.
“We are improving with each match. We started slow in the league but are coming back strong. We are looking at continuing the form,” Waveriders skipper Sardar Singh said.
Another win for the iconic Australian Jamie Dwyer-led side will further cement their place at the top. They have 23 points.
Warriors conceded two early goals against Wizards, before losing 1-2. Coach Barry Dancer urged the defence to be ready from the beginning.
“Tomorrow we will have to ensure that we do not give away early goals. We have to attack their D (circle) and capitalise each opportunity that we get to score,” Dancer said.
“While we are sitting on top of the points table, tomorrow’s win will strengthen our position further. Penalty corners will be the key tomorrow and we hope to covert them.”
However, Warriors can take confidence from their 3-1 triumph against centre-half Sardar-led Waveriders.
Waveriders have been gaining momentum in the League and will be looking at giving a strong fight to Warriors. What is going in the team’s favour lately is the defence and seamless coordination amongst all members of the team.
Be it the clean passes in the rival D between Simon Child, Akashdeep Singh and Lloyd Norris Jones, or the strong defence of Gurbaj Singh, Steven Edwards and Rupinder Pal Singh, the team is clearly in form.
Penalty corner specialists Rupinder and New Zealander Andy Hayward aren’t in the best forms and that is a big headache for coach Cedric D’Souza.
“While we won our last match, but I wasn’t satisfied with it. We could have done better. We will have to work on our attack and find ways to penetrate better,” Cedric said.
On the other hand, hosts Warriors have a strong advantage of widely regarded world’s best goalkeeper Jaap Stockmann.
While Dwyer will be looking upto Sandeep Singh to convert the penalty corners, he is confident of putting required pressure on Waveriders to earn the goals along with S.V. Sunil.
Anticipating a win against Waveriders, Dwyer said: “We are working on our penalty corners as this was a loophole in our last clash against UP Wizards. The aim will be to put pressure on Delhi right from the beginning and work on all fronts beginning with defence, good goalkeeping and attacking strategy.”
The Hindu
Punjab Warriors look to keep winning momentum going
MOHALI: Table toppers Jaypee Punjab Warriors will look to maintain their winning momentum when they take on defending champions Delhi Waveriders in the Hero Hockey India League encounter on Saturday.
Punjab Warriors have four wins from six matches, while the Waveriders have posted just two victories in five games and are placed third in the points table.
The Punjab outfit seems to be high on confidence, having won their last match against the Waveriders 3-1 in Delhi. It would be an added advantage for them to be playing on in front of their home crowd on Saturday.
The Warriors have a key player in their ranks, widely regarded as world's best goalkeeper Jaap Stockmann, while Sandeep Singh would be expected to convert the penalty corners. He is sure to put the required pressure on Delhi Waveriders to earn the goals along with S V Sunil.
Punjab Warriors' captain Jamie Dwyer said, "We are working on our penalty corners as this was a loophole in our last clash against UP Wizards. The aim will be to put pressure on Delhi right from the beginning and work on all fronts beginning with defence, good goal keeping and attacking strategy."
On the other hand, Sardar Singh-led Delhi Waveriders have been gaining momentum in the League and will be looking at giving a strong fight to the Warriors.
What is going in the team's favour off-late is the defence and seamless coordination amongst all members of the team. Be it the clean passes in the D among Simon, Akashdeep and Jason, which helped them sneak in the goals, or the strong defence of Gurbaj Singh, Steven Edwards and Rupinder Pal Singh, the Waveriders are clearly in form.
The team will also be relying on Rupinder to convert the penalty corners and strengthen the team's position.
Skipper Sardar said, "We are bettering ourselves with each match. We started slow in the League but are coming back strong. We are looking at continuing the form. They are a very strong team but this will not deter us to follow our strategies against them. We will be focusing on rectifying the mistakes in our last clash against Dabang Mumbai and will try not repeating them."
The Times of India
Terry Walsh played a key role in revival: Mandeep Singh
Sam Chakraborty
RANCHI: Terry Walsh made an unceremonious departure from Indian hockey but if forward Mandeep Singh is to be believed, the 61-year-old Australian was playing a key role in the revival of the game in India.
"Terry was a great coach. We did really well under him. He was very hard-working and would make us work equally hard during the training sessions. Had he still been the coach, he would have surely done our hockey a lot of good," said Mandeep.
Plying his trade for Ranchi Rays in the ongoing Hockey India League (HIL), the 20 year-old has no clue about the actual reason behind Walsh's sudden decision to quit his position even after a fairly successful run last year with the national squad.
"We don't know why he left. We won medals at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games under him and were all happy to get a coach like Terry."
Mandeep, however, went on to say that India's high-performance director Roelant Oltmans, too, had a huge impact on the team's technical and mental aspects despite Walsh's resignation just before Champions Trophy in December.
"Oltmans got us together just 10 days before the tournament and made us practise really hard. Prior to that, we had done well in Australia in the Test series and it is always fun to be with someone like him. He keeps the atmosphere of the team light but when it's time to get serious, he makes you go through the grind," remarked the Jalandhar lad.
Having grown up idolizing Sardar and Sandeep Singh, it's a dream come true for Mandeep to have represented the nation under the captaincy of the former. "When I used to play hockey at school and later on during the national camps, I always wanted to play like Sardar and Sandeep."
The Times of India
Quaid Gold Cup gets into action today
LAHORE: Eight top teams are featuring in the fifth Customs Quaid-i-Azam Gold Cup tournament which is commencing at the Customs Preventive Service Club Ground in Karachi from Saturday.
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Rana Mujahid said in a statement that the tournament was the part of annual calendar and it would provide an opportunity to the selectors to spot future talent.
Mujahid said the PHF has made its development plan to organise hockey and the management was making earnest efforts to provide basic infrastructure including best coaches and other support staff at the grass-roots levels.
The teams have been divided into two pools.
Pools:
Pool ‘A’: National Bank of Pakistan, Customs, Pakistan Police, Karachi.
Pool ‘B’: Pakistan International Airlines, Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Railways, Pakistan Steels.
Saturday’s matches: Railways vs Pakistan Steels, National Bank of Pakistan vs Police, Customs vs Karachi.
Dawn
PJCC demolish SSTMI Juniors
By Jugjet Singh
PETALING Jaya City Council (PJCC) demolished SSTMI Juniors 4-0 In Division One of the MHC-MILO-NSC Junior League yesterday, and quickly shifted their attention to today's match against Politeknik Malaysia.
Team manager Zainal Abidin hopes his players will not take the encounter against Politeknik Malaysia he reckoned they are stronger opponents than the Bandar Penawar Sports School's juniors.
"It is a different game altogether as we played against boys today but face older players tomorrow (Saturday)," said Zainal.
"We are in high spirits but must be cautious as I expect Politeknik to give us a tough fight and we must be on our toes or risk dropping points which we can't afford .
"We need another win will to put us back on track in the competition, and the prospects are looking good for now," he said.
PJCC took the lead in the eight minutes through Haikal Zamri while Syaiful Bakri Arzu doubled the lead just before halftime.
Husaini Abu Bakar converted a penalty corner in the 39th minute and Afiq Zulkilfy wrapped up the match in the 50th minute.
In other Division 1 matches, UniKL Young Guns whitewashed Olak PKT Tigers 9-0.
RESULTS
Division 1:
SSTMI Juniors 0 MBPJ 4
BJSS X SSTMI Thunderbolts X
Olak PKT Tigers 0 UniKL Young Guns 9
Division 2:
1MAS Pahang 1 1MAS Perak 0
BJSS Juniors 3 Sekolah Tunku Abdul Rahman 0
Kuala Lumpur Sport School 3 SM Sains Raja Tun Azlan Shah 1
ISMO PHA 1 Nurinsafi / Penang Hockey 3
SMSJ Knight 1 1MAS Melaka 5
1 MAS TBSS Tampin 11 1MAS Johor 0
FIXTURES
SATURDAY
Division One: Politeknik v PJCC ( Taman Daya), KLHC v SSP-Thunderbolts (KLHA, 6pm).
Division Two: Group A -- KLSS v Sek Tunku Abdul Rahman (KLHA, 4pm), BJSS Jnrs v SM Sains (KPM, 4pm).
Group B:
Ismo PHA v 1MAS Penang (Azlan Sah, 4.45pm), MATRI v MSSD Larut Matang (Kuala Kangsar, 4.45pm).
Group C:
Tun Hussein On v SMSJ Knight (Batu Pahat, 4.45pm), 1MAS Malacca v 1MAS Johor (MAlacca, 4.45pm).
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
UniKL thrash Tigers ahead of crucial clash with defending champs
By S. Ramaguru
KUALA LUMPUR: Last year’s runners-up Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) continued their push for the Division One league title in the MHC-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League with a 9-0 win over Olak-PKT Tigers at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
It was UniKL’s fifth win in as many matches as they prepare for their vital clash with defending champions SSTMI-Thunderbolt next weekend.
UniKL coach I. Vicknesweran said that their main focus is to secure full points from all matches.
“The big win is of little interest as we were after the three points from the match. Olak are a good side and I guess a little unlucky to have lost by so many goals.
“For us the good thing is that there were multiple scorers. It shows that we can rely on more than one player to score. But there is always room for improvement. Next weekend will be a big test as we will play the champions,” said Vicknesweran.
UniKL started the match without forward Jamil Johari Ghazali as he was red carded last week and was suspended for two matches.
Three players – Mohamed Shahfarul Aqmal, Maxhans Christi and Mohamed Zarie Nizam – scored a brace each.
The other goal getters were Abdul Khaliq Hamirin, Mohamed Izat Afifi and Mohamed Nur Faiz Rosli.
In another match at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Baru, Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) kept pace with the leaders after a 4-0 win over SSTMI Juniors.
The PJ side took the lead after eight minutes through Haikal Zamri while Syaiful Bakri Arzu doubled the lead in the 35th minute.
Husaini Abu Bakar converted a penalty corner in the 39th minute. Afiq Zulkilfy wrapped up proceedings in the 50th minute.
Defending champions SSTMI were also winners as they brushed aside BJSS 4-1 to stay in second in the standings.
The Star of Malaysia
Confusion over constitution in national hockey body
By S. Ramaguru
KUALA LUMPUR: Confusion reigns in the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC).
Their proposed Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled for next Friday, has now been thrown into disarray and their election process derailed.
And it’s all due to changes in their constitution.
Newly-appointed Sports Commissioner Datuk Zaiton Othman said that the constitution, which was recently amended, was null and void as the meeting held (in Johor Baru on Oct 13) to approve the changes did not have the required quorum.
She said in a statement that the MHC would need to call for another Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to table the constitution again and seek proper approval.
“The MHC can still hold their AGM on Feb 13 but must adhere to the old constitution. The administration of MHC need to buck up and do the right thing for the sake of hockey,” she said.
The MHC made a decision last year to amend their constitution and held an EGM on Oct 13 to approve the changes.
After that meeting, there was a protest against the lack of quorum and the last-minute changes to the constitution. This led to an intervention by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Sports Commissioner’s office.
The FIH said that the new constitution was not in line with their charter and called for several changes, including giving women more consideration.
The Sports Commissioner’s office also had misgivings but, for some reason, still approved the changes.
The MHC then went ahead with their plans for the AGM and set Feb 2 as the date for the closing of nominations.
Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal was nominated for the president’s post while two officials – Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad and Puan Seri Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah – entered the race for the deputy president’s post.
The women’s wing claimed that the deputy president’s position should go to them and that there should not be any open fight. They also claimed that the nomination process was flawed.
Now, the Sports Commissioner has stepped in and wants the MHC to do it all over again.
MHC secretary general Datuk Johari Abdul Aziz said that they will study the letter from the Sports Commissioner before deciding on the next step.
“I will communicate with the president (Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah) and act accordingly. The Sports Commissioner had initially approved the amendments. So, why the change now?” he asked.
Besides the issue of a woman for the deputy president’s post, there is also a question on the make-up of the delegates for the AGM.
One camp claims that the delegates should comprise one man and one woman from each of the 16 affiliates but the other camp is against it.
The Star of Malaysia
Raja Noora asking for fair treatment in MHC
By S. Ramaguru
KUALA LUMPUR: Fairness is all that Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) deputy president Puan Seri Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah is asking for.
And she believes that the development of women’s hockey will be affected if the MHC’s constitution is changed to allow for an open contest for the position of deputy president.
She said that there is a need for a woman at the top end of the MHC hierarchy “so that the women’s affairs will be given due diligence”.
“It’s not about any particular individual but a post that will allow for women’s development to be given attention. Is the election of two men to helm the association good for the development of the game, particularly women?” she asked.
Raja Noora was speaking at a specially arranged press conference to make her case for the election of a woman deputy president.
She is the incumbent deputy president and is being challenged by vice-president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad.
The MHC amended their constitution late last year to allow for an open fight despite the objections from the women’s wing.
The amendments to the constitution were rejected by the Sports Commissioner’s office.
Raja Noora did not want to be drawn into the controversy but said that proper procedures should be followed as “the constitution is a very important aspect of any association”.
“I have always abided by the rules (of the constitution) and it’s never about any individual. Officials can come and go but the association remains ... and the development of the game is paramount,” she said.
“I have to add that the amendments done at the EGM (last year) were not in line with established procedures and I believe that going ahead with those changes will only tarnish the image of MHC.
“Take a look at associations around the world and you will see that men and women equally lead their respective associations. There are women presidents and it is only in Malaysia that there is gender bias.”
The MHC are supposed to hold their AGM next Friday but that meeting is now in doubt following the decision of the Sports Commissioner to reject the new constitution.
The Star of Malaysia
Sports Commissioner gets cracking
By Jugjet Singh
SPORTS Commissioned Datuk Zaiton Othman yesterday sent a 'love letter' to the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) which could derail their plans to hold elections on the eve of Valentines.
At the centre of a heated controvercy is that rights of women have been trampled upon, and the emended constitution does not have provisions that the International Hockey Federation (FIH) demands on women, as equal partners.
The SC's media statement gave two suggestions on how the MHC can wrangle themselves out of this mess, and the early indications are that elections can't be held as scheduled on Feb 13.
Zaiton's media statement read: "The Sports Commissioner has made a decision that the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) Extrarordinary General Meeting (EGM) was held in a hap-hazard manner, especially regarding quorum.
The MHC have two avenues to correct this situation
1. Continue with their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the proposed date of Feb 13 by using the old constitution or..
2. Hold another EGM to discuss amendments with the right quorum.
The old MHC constitution stated that every state must be represented by a man and a woman during AGM and EGM but that was not followed when the EGM was held in Johor Baru at the end of the year, where amendments were approved.
The old constitution also stated that there must be one senior vice-president from each gender, and 10 vice-presidents made up of five men and five women.
However, the amended constitution did away with that provision and stated that only seven vice-president's will be elected, two of which must be women.
Yesterday, MHC deputy president Puan Sri Raja Noora Ashikin held a press conference to clear the matter before producing the SC's letter.
"Some people have been trying to hide the truth, but the truth can't be hidden and it has surfaced today. I am not mad about positions, but justice must prevail and the right things need to be done so that this matter is brought to rest," said Noora Ashikin.
The deputy president has served under four presidents, starting from Sultan Aslan Shah, and is supposed to be challenged by Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad for the post on Feb 13.
"I have worked under many presidents and all of them respected the rights of women in this body."
MHC got into trouble for the first time when the FIH, in a letter dated Nov 17, and signed by CEO Kelly Fairweather, has stated that it did not agree to eight issues in the draft submitted by the MHC on amendments made to the MHC constitution during its EGM in Johor Baru in October
Among them were: Fairweather wrote: “In particular I have to point out that the new proposed amended statutes do not -
1) Have provisions for the suspension of members
2) Have provisions for indemnity of officials
3) Have an age limit for elections
4) Have a limit on the number of times a person may be elected to a particular office
5) Have provisions for gender equality
6) Have the new standard FIH anti-doping clause
“Furthermore I note that the governing Executive Board is not
elected democratically but is appointed by the President, which is not in line with FIH governance principles.”
MHC officials, when contacted, distanced themselves from this mess and said their president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah will make a statement soon.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
New opportunity to join England and Great Britain's Road to Rio
Adam Dixon celebrates scoring against New Zealand during their pool game at the XX Commonwealth Games Glasgow 29th July 2014 - credit Ady Kerry
A new opportunity has arisen to join England and Great Britain Hockey on the Road to Rio following a decision by NOW: Pensions, the Principal Partner of England and GB Men’s Hockey, to bring its sponsorship to a close after two successful years.
Its sponsorship of the men’s international teams will end in March 2015 and its sponsorship of the domestic Men’s Hockey League and Cup at the end of the season in May in line with a two year break clause in its contract.
Since NOW: Pensions agreed its partnership with England Hockey in 2013, it has enjoyed significant growth, transforming from a newcomer in the UK pensions industry to a brand which is well-recognised amongst its key target audiences.
“Over the past two years, our business has completely transformed. We now have nearly half a million members and over 4,500 clients”, states Morten Nilsson, NOW: Pensions’ CEO. “Our relationship with England and GB Hockey has been integral in helping us achieve this growth and the partnership has delivered all that we hoped it would and more. But, as the auto enrolment market gathers pace, our focus has to be on delivering the best possible service to our clients and our core business is taking priority. We wish England and GB Hockey the very best for the future and will continue to keenly follow the continued success of the men’s team.”
NOW: Pensions’ decision means an opportunity to partner with England and GB Men’s Hockey on the Road to Rio 2016, and beyond, is available from March 2015. With a medal for the men at the Commonwealth Games in August, visibility of the sport continuing to increase via tournaments such as the 2015 EuroHockey Championships in London and live on the BBC, as well as a growing participation base with 40% more juniors in hockey clubs since 2012, a partnership provides an excellent platform for brands looking to grow their brand awareness and engage an ABC1 family market.
England and GB Hockey Men’s Head Coach, Bobby Crutchley commented: “Our partnership with NOW: Pensions has helped raise the profile of the national team, supporting our success at both domestic and international tournaments. As we look towards Rio 2016, a great opportunity now exists for a new sponsor to become part of our team, working alongside us on what promises to be an exciting journey.”
England and GB Hockey Chief Executive, Sally Munday, added, “18 months out from a Summer Olympics, this is a perfect time to be associated with our sport. With global tournaments routinely being televised and media interest set to build, there are clear benefits of aligning with a sport with clear values, a growing player and spectator base and high performing teams. Our relationship-orientated, can-do approach ensures we deliver positive outcomes for our partners and I’d like to thank NOW: Pensions for its hard work, helping to raise the profile of the sport over the past two years.”
To find out more about the various sponsorship opportunities available visit www.englandhockey.co.uk/sponsorship and to enquire contact Jon Cockcroft, England Hockey’s Commercial Director on 01628 897 541 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
England Hockey Board Media release