News for 07 April 2015
All the news for Tuesday 7 April 2015
Dwyer destroys Malaysia 3 -2
By Jugjet Singh
AUSTRALIA needed the experienced Jamie Dwyer to beat a stubborn Malaysia 3-2 in an entertaining Azlan Shah Cup match in Ipoh yesterday.
The world number 1 could do nothing right until the fourth quarter when Dwyer scored off a penalty stroke and then a field goal. Malaysia fought like Tigers but the world no 12 just did not have the final roar needed to hold Australia to a draw.
Malaysia gave Australia a run for the money when stout defending by Baljit Singh and agile goalkeeping by S. Kumar failed to break the deadlock early.
Australia had a lions' share in the first quarter but Kumar transformed into spiderman and stopped a handful of point blank attempts to keep Malaysia in the match.
The second quarter saw Malaysia open up and start attacking and won two penalty corners but attempts by Faizal Saari and Razie Rahim's were close but failed to give a hardworking Malaysian side the much awaited lead.
Australia did not panic but looked composed as they stoped Malaysia's attempts while slowly moving up again in the second quarter.
Malaysia'best chance came in the 24th minute when Meor Azuan saw himself face to face with Australian goalkeeper Trisian Clemons but his reverse stick just went wide and the world no 1 were let off the hook.
Even though it was a Monday night but still the Azlan Shah Stadium was half filled with a noisy bunch of schoolchildren whose cheers kept the Malaysian team playing with their hearts.
With one minute remaining in the second quarter, Shahrun Nabil was flashed the yellow card and this made Malaysia's task of defending much more harder in the third quarter.
Australia started making some basic mistakes and Malaysia were still in thr game when Ramadan Rosli won the fifth penalty corner in the 39th minute but Razie's high drive was easily palmed away by goalkeeper Clemons.
The world no 1 could only score off a penalty stroke in the 43rd minute when Ahmad Kazamirul brough down Glen Simpson. Jamie Dwyer beat Kumar with a high flick from the spot.
Dwyer again broke the Malaysian hearts when he scored a field goal in the 53rd minute, he's the most capped Australin with 323 caps and an old hand in Olympics and World Cups.
However Firhan Ashari shocked the world champions with a field goal in the 57th minute, but Dylan Wotherspoon quickly doused the fightback fire the very next minute to make it 3-1.
Just when the crown felt the match was over and done with Malaysia won their seventh penalty corner and a push from Kazamirul saw Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin deflect home in the 59th minute but the clock died down and Australia were let of the hook.
In another match, New Zealand surprised Asian Games champions India 2-1for their secind win after beating Malaysia 4-2 on Sunday. The Kiwis now have a realistic chance of playing in the final as they take a days rest before meting winless Canada on Wednesday.
Malaysian coach Tai Beng Hai lauded the positive fight:" Im happy with the commitment shown in both our matches so far as wenfought back from two goals down. But it is not easy to play the best in the world but we gave our best."
Australian coach Graham Reid was a relieved man when the final whistle blew: "I think when Malaysia play in ipoh they give their all and even willing to die for the country. I think the posts need to be checked because they must be thicker than usual, because they just keep stopping our attempts (joked Reid)."
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
AUSTRALIA 2 2 0 0 10 2 6
N ZEALAND 2 2 0 0 6 3 6
MALAYSIA 2 0 0 2 4 7 0
S KOREA 2 1 1 0 5 3 4
INDIA 2 1 1 0 3 4 1
CANADA 2 0 0 2 1 10 0
RESULTS: Canada 1 South Korea 3, New Zealand 2 India 1, Malaysia 2 Australia 3.
April 7: REST DAY.
April 8: Canada v New Zealand (4pm), South Korea v Australia (6pm), Malaysia v India (8pm).
April 9: REST DAY.
April 10: Australia v India (4pm), South Korea v New Zealand (6pm), Malaysia v Canada (8pm).
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Dwyer stars in Azlan Shah Cup win over Malaysia
By S. Ramaguru
Australia's Daniel Beale (right) and Malaysia's Shahrun Abdullah going for the ball during their Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2015 match in Ipoh on Monday. Australia won 3-2. SAIFUL BAHRI/The STAR
IPOH: Jamie Dwyer continued to sparkle in his comeback, putting up another scintillating performance to power Australia to a 3-2 win over Malaysia at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament.
The match at the Azlan Shah Stadium on Monday was thrilling to the end, but it was the experience of the world champions that made the difference.
All the five goals came in the last quarter of the game.
Dwyer, playing in an Australian record 323rd match, was always in the thick of action. The 36-year-old, who retired after helping Australia win the World Cup last year, scored in the 42nd and 53rd minutes. Dylan Wotherspoon netted the third in the 58th minute.
The Malaysians came back strongly in the last five minutes and managed to reduce the deficit in the 57th minute through a field goal by Mohamed Firhan Azhaari. Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin was the other scorer in the 59th minute.
Controversial forward Faizal Saari finally made his first start for Malaysia and it was the only change in the Malaysian team who lost 4-2 to New Zealand on Sunday.
The opening quarter proved to be an exciting affair with both sides creating plenty of goalscoring chances.
Australia, who whipped Canada 7-0 in their opening match, had four penalty corners compared to Malaysia’s three, but both sides failed to break the deadlock.
The second quarter saw Malaysia taking a more adventurous approach. In a quick counter-attack, Mohamed Meor Azuan Hassan had a golden chance but he shot wide.
The Australians had control of the third quarter, but the homesters defended well in numbers.
But Australia were not to be denied in the 42nd minute as they were awarded a penalty stroke in the 42nd minute after a foul by defender Ahmad Kazamirul.
Dwyer, who was recalled to the Australian side after a 10-month absence, had no trouble converting the flick past S. Kumar.
Dwyer was again on target in the 53rd minute, this time converting Glenn Turner’s pass from close range.
Firhan gave Malaysia a lifetime by scoring four minutes later to trail 2-1. But Wotherspoon put the match out of Malaysia’s reach by scoring in the 58th minute.
Tengku Ahmad netted the second goal but it was too late to save Malaysia from another loss.
National coach Tai Beng Hai was pleased that Malaysia were able to give Australia a run for their money.
“It’s never easy to play against the top team in the world. We knew we had a tough task, but the players did not give up.
“The Australians are good and will not let a goalscoring chance go. It is a good lesson for our players. But they showed today that they have it in them to play well at the highest level,” said Beng Hai.
Australian coach Graham Reid said he was not surprised by Malaysia’s improved performance.
“They have always played well at home. We are happy to have had a tough match as they gave us a good fight.
“We are happy to get the goals and the points from the match,” said Reid.
The Star of Malaysia
Dwyer, Wotherspoon on target
Dwyer & Wotherspoon help Kookaburras to a 3-2 victory over Malaysia
Two goals from Australia’s most capped player Jamie Dwyer and a last minute goal from Dylan Wotherspoon helped finish the Kookaburras atop of Malaysia 3-2 in their second pool match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Monday night.
A re-match of the 2014 Azlan Shah final, the Kookaburras - 2014 title winners - went head-to-head with the hosts and 2014 runners up, Malaysia, after Australia defeated them 8-3 in last year’s final.
It was a slow first half for the Kookaburras and Malaysia, with neither team able to convert their attacking opportunities to break onto the scoreboard.
Australia broke through the Malaysian defence in the 43rd minute, after Jamie Dwyer was awarded a penalty stroke due to unfair play in Australia’s attacking circle. Stepping up to the spot, Dwyer flicked the ball on-target and into the back of the net, pushing the Kookaburras in front, 1-0.
Following ten minutes later, Dwyer well positioned got a quick shot away, making it 2-0. Malaysia, still yet to break onto the scoreboard found their opportunity at the 57th minute mark with Firhan Ashari halving the deficit 2-1.
Queenslander, Dylan Wotherspoon scored a last minute field goal and his second goal of the tournament in the 59th minute, making it 3-1. Quickly turning the ball around, Tengku Ahmad netted Malaysia’s second goal moments before the final siren, however, this wasn’t enough to knock the Kookaburras off their 3-2 victory.
Speaking to Kookaburras Head Coach Graham Reid directly after the match, he commented, “We created a lot of opportunities tonight, it was probably some of our best hockey that we have played in a while however, we needed to better execute in the circle.
“The halftime message was to stay patient with the process that we are going through and things will eventually come, and sure enough they did. We lacked energy late in the second half, which allowed the crowd to get behind Malaysia and help them.
“Overall, I was really pleased with our efforts tonight, we still have a lot of work to do on our penalty corners and set plays however, that’s something we will be working on.”
Reviewing the Kookaburras’ performance from their previous 7-0 defeat over Canada Sunday night, Reid discussed the teams plan of attack coming into tonight’s match against Malaysia, having faced them in last year’s final.
“Tonight we mainly wanted to try and keep the crowd out of the game by scoring early. The idea was for us to dictate the game, making the play rather than sitting back waiting for Malaysia, as well as applying the pressure.”
During the match, the Kookaburras paid their respects to former Kookaburra and Olympian Paul Dearing, wearing black armbands in his commemoration. Dearing first played for Australia in 1963 against New Zealand and retired after the Munich Olympics in 1972, having played in three Olympic Games.
The Kookaburras’ third match of the Sultan Azlan Shah will be against Korea on Wednesday 8 April, 8:30pm AEST/6:30pm AWST.
Match 2 v Malaysia
KOOKABURRAS: 3 (0)
Jamie Dwyer 43, 53 (PS) (FG)
Dylan Wotherspoon 59 (FG)
MALAYSIA: 2 (0)
Firhan Ashari 57 (FG)
Tengku Ahmad 59 (FG)
Kookaburras squad v Malaysia
Name (Hometown/State) Caps/Goals
Started
Tristan Clemons (GK) (Ferndale, WA) 12/0
Matthew Dawson (Central Coast, NSW) 12/0
Matt Gohdes (Rockhampton, QLD) 112/32
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT) 29/10
Mark Knowles (C) (Rockhampton, QLD) 247/20
Trent Mitton (Perth, WA) 64/20
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS) 233/59
Glenn Turner (Goulburn, NSW) 114/79
Jake Whetton (Brisbane, QLD) 80/34
Tristan White (Wollongong, NSW) 46/3
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA) 48/4
Used Substitute
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD) 46/8
Nick Budgeon (Hobart, TAS) 30/12
Tim Cross (Eaglemont, VIC) 2/1
Jamie Dwyer (Rockhampton, QLD) 323/209
Glenn Simpson (Melbourne, VIC) 120/22
Dylan Wotherspoon (Murwillumbah, QLD) 6/2
Did Not Play
Leon Hayward (GK) (Darwin, NT) 3/0
Kookaburras’ Sultan Azlan Shah remaining fixtures
Wednesday 8 April – Kookaburras v Korea – 8:30pm AEST
Thursday 9 April – Kookaburras v New Zealand – 8:30pm AEST
Saturday 11 April – Kookaburras v India– 6:00pm AEST
Sunday 12 April – Final– 10:30pm AEST
Sultan Azlan Shah competing teams
Australia (World ranking #1)
Canada (#15)
Korea (#8)
India (#9)
Malaysia (#12)
New Zealand (#7)
Hockey Australia media release
World champion Australia beats Malaysia 3-2
IPOH: Malaysia suffered their second defeat in the 24th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey Tournament when they went down 2-3 to world champion, Australia, at Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium tonight.
The national squad coached by Tan Beng Hai, however, managed to give quite a stiff competition to Australia throughout the game and even forced the world champion to work harder before claiming victory after the half time ended with no score.
In second half, Australia striker Glenn Turner was assaulted in the penalty box, hence resulted with a goal from a penalty shot taken by Jamie Dyer in the 43rd minute.
Jamie also scored the team’s second goal in the 53rd minute.
Malaysia launched a counter attack which proved to be fruitful as Muhammad Firhan Ashaari managed to score the first goal for the national squad in the 57th minute.
However, Dylan Wotherspoon widened the gap by scoring another goal for Australia in the 59th minute, just seconds before Tengku Ahmad Tajudin Abdul Jalil netted the second goal for Malaysia.
The score stood still until the final whistle.
In another matches earlier, Korea claimed their first victory by defeating Canada 3-1, while New Zealand beat India 2-1.
New Straits Times
Kiwis bag second win in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
By S. Ramaguru
New Zealand's George Muir (right) collided with India's Sardar Singh during the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2015 match in Ipoh on Monday. - SAIFUL BAHRI/The STAR
IPOH: New Zealand notched their second straight win in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over India at the Azlan Shah Stadium.
It was an absorbing match with both sides having ample chances to score.
The Kiwis, who beat Malaysia 4-2 on Sunday, took the lead in the 38th minute through skipper Simon Child. But their joy was shortlived with the Indians hitting back five minutes later through Akashdeep Singh.
The Kiwis then found the winner in the 55th minute through penalty corner expert Andy Hayward whose drag flick had the Indian defence well beaten.
New Zealand coach Colin Batch was pleased to bag another three points.
“It’s good to get off with two wins, but there is still work to be done. It was a tough match as the Indians have a good side. We took our chances better compared to them,” he said.
In an earlier match, South Korea came from behind to defeat Canada 3-1 for their first win.
Canada, who were humiliated 7-0 by Australia in their opening match, played a much-improved game. They took the lead in the 11th minute through Richard Hildreth.
But the Koreans, who drew 2-2 with India on Sunday, kept plugging away and found the equaliser in the 22 minute through Kim Seong-kyu.
Nam Hyun-woo then gave Korea the lead by scoring from a penalty corner in the 27th minute. It was also through a penalty corner that Korea scored goal No. 3 with Jang Jong-hyun on target in the 54th minute.
Canadian coach Anthony Farry said they paid the price for missing some early goalscoring chances.
“You have to tuck away the chance when you get it. Otherwise, you end up losing. The Koreans are a strong side and they played well today,” said Farry.
Canada next play New Zealand while Korea have a date with world champions Australia.
The Star of Malaysia
Most capped Aussie player strikes a brace
Tazeen Qureshy
To the utter dismay of the home crowd, hosts Malaysia lost their second consecutive match against defending champions Australia today.
The hosts lost 2-3 against the Australians.
Jamie Dwyer, who created a new record on Sunday, by becoming the most capped Australian player scored two goals to star in the team's victory.
He scored the first goal in the 43rd minute through a penalty stroke while his second was a field goal that came ten minutes later in the 53rd minute.
But, the victory didn't come easy. Australia had to slog till the last minute to win the match.
Malaysians, who had a slow start after trailing two goals to nil, suddenly took the crowd by surprise by scoring two quick goals to come back into the game.
In the 57th minute, Firhan Ashari pulled a goal down by scoring a field goal. Two minutes later, Australia once again increased the lead with Dylan Wotherspoon's goal.
Just as the match looked like slipping away from Malaysia's hands, seconds after Australia's third goal, the hosts earned a penalty corner and successfully converted it.
With one minute to go for the final hooter, Malaysia made desperate attempts to equalize but in vain.
Stick2Hockey.com
Australia eke out 3-2 win over Malaysia, Korea beat Canada 3-1
IPOH (Malaysia): Defending champions Australia were made to toil hard in their 3-2 win over a spirited Malaysian side, while Korea got the better of minnows Canada 3-1 in another league match on Day 2 of the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament, here on Monday.
World champions Australia struggled to open their account and after a barren first two quarters finally managed to break the stalemate in the 43rd minute when Jamie Dwyer scored from a penalty stroke.
The veteran Dwyer, who yesterday became Australia's most-capped hockey player surpassing Jay Stacy, was again at the thick of things and scored a fine field goal 10 minutes later.
The hosts pulled one back in the 57th minute through Firhan Ashari's field strike before Australia restored their lead in the 59th minute via Dylan Wotherspoon's field goal.
In the very next move Malaysia made it 3-2 when Tengku Ahmed deflected in a penalty corner to the joy of the home crowd.
But that was all the home team could manage as Australian defence stood tall to weather out the storm.
Australia will next play Korea on Wednesday, while Malaysia will be up against India.
Meanwhile in the first match of the day, Canada stunned Korea by taking the lead in the 11th minute through a field strike by Richard Hildreth.
But Korea came back strongly and pumped in two goals in quick time in the second quarter through Seongkyu Kim (22nd minute) and Hyunwoo Nam (27th) to take the lead.
Jonghyun Jang stretched Korea's lead in the 54th minute by converting a penalty corner.
The win gave Korea their first win in the tournament after they were held to a 1-1 draw by India on Sunday.
The Times of India
Black Sticks snatch late winner over India
Captain Simon Child flies into action
The Black Sticks Men remain undefeated at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia after a tight 2-1 win over India.
After a goalless first half, captain Simon Child put the Kiwis on the scoreboard in the 38th minute after getting a feather touch on a hard shot at goal from Shay Neal.
India responded with an equaliser just minutes later when Akashdeep Singh pounced on a penalty corner deflection to slip the ball through goalkeeper Devon Manchester’s outstretched leg.
But five minutes from fulltime Andy Hayward delivered the winning blow with a powerful penalty corner flick into the left hand corner.
Head coach Colin Batch said it was pleasing to be able to lift the intensity and hunt out a win for the second straight game.
“After India equalised I was impressed that we were able to find something and win the game. This group has a lot of belief that we can get results,” he said.
“Ryan Archibald did really well controlling the midfield in some difficult situations and plenty of the other guys stepped up today.”
The result sees New Zealand remain joint leaders on the tournament ladder with a maximum six points ahead of tomorrow’s rest day.
The Black Sticks are back in action against Canada at 8:00pm on Wednesday (NZ time), with live coverage on SKY Sport 3.
BLACK STICKS 2: (Simon Child, Andy Hayward)
INDIA 1: (Akashdeep Singh)
Halftime: 0-0
Hockey New Zealand Media release
India succumbs to the Kiwis
Sloppy defending cost India dearly as it conceded a late goal to go down 1-2 against a higher-ranked New Zealand in its second league match of the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament, here on Monday.
Despite enjoying better possession and ball control, the Indians paid the price for letting their guard down when put under pressure and succumbed to their first loss.
For New Zealand, it was its second straight victory in the six-nation tournament at the Azlan Shah Stadium.
After a barren opening half, New Zealand took the lead in the 38th minute through a field goal from skipper Simon Child before Andy Hayward (55th) converted a late penalty corner to hand India’s chief coach Paul van Ass his first defeat after taking charge of the team.
India’s lone goal came from the stick of striker Akashdeep Singh in the 43rd minute.
By virtue of this win, New Zealand has garnered maximum six points from two outings, while India has only one point from as many games.
After a day’s rest, India will play host Malaysia, New Zealand will face Canada and Australia will take on Korea on Wednesday.
The results:
New Zealand 2 (Simon Child 38, Andy Hayward 55) bt India 1 (Akashdeep Singh 43).
Australia 3 (Jamie Dwyer 43, 53, Dylan Wotherspoon 59) bt Malaysia 2 (Firhan Ashari 57, Tengku Ahmed 60).
Korea 3 (Seongkyu Kim 22, Hyunwoo Nam 27, Jonghyun Jang 54) bt Canada 1 (Richard Hildreth 11).
The Hindu
India lose 1-2 in a tight contest against New Zealand
India, on Monday, went down 1-2, fighting against New Zealand in a rain-hit match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia.
Starting on a positive note after drawing their first match 2-2 against Korea, India played a tight match, not allowing New Zealand to penetrate often into the Indian D.
With barely six minutes remaining for the first quarter, the match was stopped for nearly ten minutes owing to heavy rain. At the end of the first quarter, Ramandeep Singh got an open space right infront of the goalmouth, but he flicked the ball straight to the goalkeeper.
In the second quarter, India earned its first penalty corner in the 17th minute. But, a poor injection cost the chance to take lead.
Exactly ten minutes later, a foul committed by Kothajit gave New Zealand their first penalty corner, which was taken by Nick Haig. He, however, didn’t find the right direction and the ball went wide.
After a goalless first half, the second half began on a fast pace, as both teams went on an attacking spree.
In the 38th minute, in a crowded Indian D, Shay Neal hit was slightly deflected by skipper Simon Child, gifting New Zealand their first goal.
Five minutes later, India found the equalizer, with Akashdeep pushing the ball off the rebound from V.R. Raghunath in the penalty corner exercise.
However, New Zealand, thereafter, once again turned the match into their favour after Andy Hayward converted the third penalty corner for his team.
Thereafter, India, tried few desperate attempts, but made silly errors owing to the pressure-stricken situation.
India will next play hosts Malaysia in their next match on April 8.
Stick2Hockey.com
India concede late goal to lose 1-2 to NZ in Azlan Shah Cup
IPOH (Malaysia): Sloppy defending cost India dearly as they conceded a late goal to go down 1-2 against a higher-ranked New Zealand in their second league match of the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament, here on Monday.
Despite enjoying better possession and ball control, India paid the price for letting their guard down when put under pressure and succumbed to their first loss.
For New Zealand, it was their second straight victory in the six-nation tournament at the Azlan Shah Stadium.
After a barren opening half, New Zealand took the lead in the 38th minute through a field goal from skipper Simon Child before Andy Hayward (55th) converted a late penalty corner to hand India's chief coach Paul van Ass his first defeat after taking charge of the team.
India's lone goal came from the stick of striker Akashdeep Singh in the 43rd minute.
By virtue of this win, New Zealand have garnered maximum six points from two outings, while India have only one point from as many games.
Contrary to the final outcome, the Indians looked far more organized and coordinated on Monday compared to the tournament-opener against Korea on Sunday.
India controlled the game for most part of the opening 30 minutes, but just lost the rhythm in the last 10 minutes of the opening half.
However, it was the Black Sticks who had the first shy at the goal in the fourth minute but Hugo Inglis missed an open chance as he shot wide with only India goalkeeper P R Sreejesh to beat.
Just when the match was settling into a good pace, heavy showers lashed the stadium, forcing the umpires to stop the match.
After the nearly 10-minute rain interruption, the match resumed and India had their first real scoring opportunity in the 14th minute, which an unmarked Ramandeep Singh squandered by hitting straight to the pads of New Zealand goalkeeper Devon Manchester.
Two minutes into the second quarter, India earned their first penalty corner of the match but wasted the opportunity as Manpreet Singh failed to stop the ball cleanly.
The Indians, however, lost the momentum midway into the second quarter as the Black Sticks exerted pressure on the Indian defence to earn their first penalty corner but wasted the opportunity.
A minute from the end of the second quarter, Shay Neal's feeble try was easily kept away by Sreejesh as both the teams failed to break the deadlock at halftime.
Just after the change of ends, Akashdeep pushed a Nikki Thimmaiah pass straight to New Zealand custodian Manchester.
New Zealand secured their second penalty corner in the ensuing attack but yet again they were off target.
New Zealand finally managed to break the deadlock in the 38th minute when Child deflected in Neal's pass from a goalmouth melee.
India drew level after V R Raghunath's initial try from their second penalty corner was saved by Manchester.
India had another scoring opportunity five minutes later when they secured their third penalty corner but once again Manpreet failed to stop the ball cleanly.
Put under pressure by the Black Sticks, the fragile Indian defence conceded a costly penalty corner in the 55th minute, New Zealand's third, and Hayward was bang on target with a powerful flick to the left of an outstretched Sreejesh in front of the Indian goal.
Thereafter, the Black Sticks fell back and defended in numbers to thwart any danger to their citadel.
After a rest day on Tuesday, India will next play hosts Malaysia on April 8 while New Zealand will face lowly Canada.
The Times of India
Paul van Ass: Time to convert good play
Pervez Qaiser
Time to convert good play into results feels coach Paul van Ass
Despite going down to 1-2 against New Zealand in the second match of the Sultan Azlan Cup, Indian coach Paul van Ass feels India played a good match and were better than their opponents.
"I thought we played a good match. Especially the way we started our first quarter. We were really pressing them and giving them a hard time" Van Ass said.
"I felt we had the better part of the match. Unfortunately, in the last six minutes, we got a corner and it was converted. But there is nothing wrong in the way we played hockey."
But he accepted that at the end of the day, it is the result that matters and the Indian team will have to work on it.
"In the creative part, we were more fun to watch but in the end it doesn't count. It is the result that you take with you. And we need to start working on converting good play into results."
When asked about the poor penalty corner conversion, that India missed two opportunities out of three due to improper execution, he says it is not a cause for worry.
"Today we missed due to poor injection. Stuffs like these can happen in pressure situation. We will have to learn to handle that," he added.
India will next play against Malaysia on April 8.
Stick2Hockey.com
We must reduce our mistakes, says Van Ass
IPOH: After India suffered a 1-2 loss at the hands of New Zealand in their second match of the Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament, team's new chief coach Paul van Ass said that despite being the better side on turf for the second consecutive day, results continued to elude his side.
After a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Korea on Sunday, India conceded a late goal to succumb to their first loss and hand New Zealand their second consecutive win in the six-nation tournament at the Azlan Shah Stadium.
Despite having the better share of possession and ball control, India paid the price for some sloppy defending as New Zealand scored through skipper Simon Child (38th minute) and Andy Hayward's (55th) late penalty corner conversion to give Van Ass his first taste of defeat with the Indian team.
"I think we played good match, especially in the third and at the start of the fourth quarter. We were freely pressing them, giving them some hard time with some scoring chances. I think we dominated the better part of the game but unfortunately in the last six minutes, we conceded a corner and that is more with the head (mental part)," the Dutchman told reporters after the match.
"It is unfortunate but there is nothing wrong with the way we played hockey today. The level of play was very good we didn't get the result which we should have got. May be that will come with time.
"From the creative part I think we were more fun to watch but that doesn't count because in the end it is the result which matters," said Van Ass, who took charge of the team barely three weeks ago.
Van Ass said there was nothing new in New Zealand's game and India need to reduce silly errors.
"It is not that they (New Zealand) surprised me by tactics. They did what they always do, played some long balls and they have good penalty corner specialist (Hayward). I feel our mistakes should reduce," he said.
India had three penalty corners on Monday out of which they made use of just one. On two occasions Manpreet Singh was at fault as he failed to stop the ball cleanly.
"It was not by purpose. The ejection was not right and that happens," Van Ass said when asked about the goof ups.
Asked whether he still fancies India's chances of reaching the final here, the India coach said: "It is still far away. I don't know what will happen. Only thing I know is that tomorrow is recovery day and then we play Malaysia."
New Zealand coach Colin Batch expressed happiness on his side's second win on the trot but said they had to dig deep.
"I am pleased with the second win but it was a difficult game. It was a tight game. Both the teams were conservative in their approach from time to time," he said.
The Times of India
Dwyer wants to win gold in Rio before signing off
IPOH (Malaysia): Jamie Dwyer has got all the trophies in his cupboard which a hockey player dreams of while picking up the stick and the legendary Australian now aspires a "fairytale" finish to his illustrious career with a gold medal in 2016 Rio Olympics.
Dwyer, the greatest-ever hockey player from Australia, has one gold and two bronze medals in the Olympics, two World Cup gold medals, three Commonwealth Games gold, six Champions Trophy titles and two Oceania cup gold besides two silver medals each in the World Cup and Champions Trophy to his credit.
But the 36-year-old diminutive striker is eyeing another yellow metal in next year's Rio Olympics, in what he believes would be a "fairytale" end to his 15-year-old career.
"Gold medal in Rio," was his prompt reply when asked what else more he desires to achieve in his career.
"It will be a good finish. I would like to go there and have success. We have a very good team at the moment and I think I can play a role in the team. To be able to play four Olympics would be awesome. Olympics is the pinnacle of our sport," Dwyer said in an interview.
Asked whether he would like to sign off the way cricketer Michael Clarke bid adieu to his ODI career by leading Australia to their fifth World Cup title, Dwyer, who on Sunday became his country's most-capped hockey player following his 322nd appearance against Canada in the 24th Azlan Shah Cup, said, "Why not? Definitely, win and finish would be perfect. It would be a fairytale."
Till last year Dwyer never had that thought in his mind but a snub from the Australian squad for Glasgow Commonwealth Games made him decide to prolong his retirement plans.
"The way it was ending for me wasn't really nice. If I would have played in the Commonwealth Games, I would have definitely retired. I didn't go there. Things with myself and coach (Ric Charlesworth) weren't very good. I didn't enjoy my hockey last year," said the record five-time world hockey player of the year.
"But I thought if I can keep doing it physically why not give it a shot. I want to enjoy as much I can over the journey to Rio whether I make it or not I don't know but I am gonna give it a crack. 100 per cent Rio would be my last irrespective of whether I make the team or not," Dwyer said.
Not many know Dwyer at one time aspired to become a cricketer but the prospect of representing the nation in Olympics forced him to shelve the plan.
Dwyer excelled in both hockey and cricket in childhood. In his mid-teens he scored 199 not out and 125 in two A-grade finals in Rockhampton, which led to the offer of a cricket scholarship at a major country college for which he would have to move to Brisbane.
But that never happened as the thought of never being able to compete at the Olympics didn't encourage him.
"I was pretty handy," he said about his cricketing exploits.
"I don't know how good I would have been in cricket, I am not sure. But I watched the 1992 and 1996 Olympics and I wanted to go to the Olympic Games and win the gold medal. Then I started to enjoy hockey a lot more than cricket as it is fast and entertaining.
"I would have liked to be involved in sports. I like all sports whether its cricket, golf everything. My hand eye co-ordination is pretty good, so I would have tried to get into cricket or golf," he said.
Dwyer on Sunday surpassed Jay Stacy to become Australia's most-capped hockey player and also scored his 207th goal in the Kookburras 7-0 win over Canada.
"It's a great honour to be the most-capped player for Australia. It is something I guess I will look back after my career is finish, be proud of what I have achieved," he said.
"I held Jay very highly. So it feels a bit weird passing Jay's record because Jay was one of the main reasons I wanted to play for the Kookaburras. He was a role model to me. There were posters of Jay in my wall while I was growing up. He is a true legend," said Dwyer, who became a father of a baby girl last week.
"Last week I became father of a beautiful girl named Zara. I have got two elder boys and I was expecting another boy but it was a nice surprise. Now my family is complete," Dwyer signed off
The Times of India
Canadian hockey player Froese made his choice clear
By S. Ramaguru
Canada hockey team captain Adam Frosese at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh.
IPOH: It is not often that you have a player who could have had a choice of playing for three countries.
Adam Froese finally chose to play for Canada but he could have been an Australian or even a Malaysian player. Yes, Malaysia.
He was born in Kuala Lumpur and stayed for three years in the Malaysian capital, before moving to Perth and stayed for 17 years.
His father Howard Froese is a Canadian while his mother Sheryl is an Australian. His father was based in Malaysia as a drilling engineer when Adam was born.
Adam in fact played for the Australian age group teams (Under-15, Under-18) for two years in 2007 and 2008.
At 17 years of age his father told him that he could play for Canada as well.
“Then Canadian coach Alan Brahmst had scouted me out and gave me the opportunity to turn out for Canada.
“Well that decided for me and I took the opportunity and went on to play for them. I played my first international for Canada in 2009 against India in a test series,” he said.
“It was my childhood dream to play in the Commonwealth Games and I am glad to have achieved that in 2010 in New Delhi. That is a highlight of my career thus far,” he added.
The 23 year old has no regrets playing for Canada. Would he have chosen Australia or Malaysia?
“I really do not want to go into that. I am happy playing for Canada and my heart is with them. My ambition is to see them back in the World Cup and the Olympics. I have no regrets in the decision that I have made,” he said.
Adam also set a record at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup with his 101st international cap in the match against Australia on Sunday, which they lost 7-0.
He is the youngest captain of the teams in this tournament. The defender was given the armband with regular skipper Scott Tupper not here in Ipoh.
Adam said that the team’s focus is on the Olympic qualifiers later in the year.
The Canadians have two chances to make the cut - first they will play in the World Hockey League Semi-finals in Argentina in June. If that attempt fails they have the July Pan-American Games to try and secure a berth.
“Yes we have two chances and we have to make sure that we make the cut. I am confident that we can do it through the World Hockey League.
“Our preparations here in Ipoh are geared towards that target. I am sure that every one in the team is focused on the task ahead. It is not about results here in Ipoh but to learn and gain form the experience by playing the top ranked teams,” he added.
The Star of Malaysia
De Voogd lands epic EHL title for OZ
Bob de Voogd finally settled one of the most incredible Euro Hockey League finals in the 11th round of a shoot-out in Bloemendaal to eventually see Oranje Zwart overcome UHC Hamburg.
He slammed home a rebound off Nicolas Jacobi’s pads to secure a 6-5 victory in the shoot-out after an incredible 30 minutes of one-on-ones that ran the gamut of emotions.
Both clubs had their chances to win while both goalkeepers – Jacobi and Vincent Vanasch were incredible – but it was the Eindhoven side that eventually prevailed.
Normal time had ended 1-1 in a pulsating battle. De Voogd was the man to separate the sides with a neat finish after a superb Mink van der Weerden run down the right wing, cutting inside before picking out the striker in front of goal.
That came in the 23rd minute as OZ had threatened on numerous occasions to unlock the door with Rob van der Horst driving them on from centre back.
Van der Weerden had two drag-flick chances, one of which clipped the outside of the post. Niek van der Schoot saw a great chance denied by Moritz Fuerste’s amazing last ditch tackle, joking afterwards that he was too quick for the OZ man.
It was one of a number of excellent Fuerste interventions as UHC hung tough in the face of a lot of pressure, keeping the gap at the minimum. One brilliant counter via van der Horst and de Voogd was inches away from the second soon after the big break.
Nicolas Jacobi also kept out de Voogd’s lightning strike from an acute angle.
But UHC kept grinding away and began to forge their own chances. Jonas Fuerste saw a great chance blocked brilliantly by Marcel Balkestein. Rashid Mehmood took another corner shot off the line.
And the pressure told with eight minutes to go – and Sander Baart in the sin bin – as Oliver Korn fed the ball into the top of the circle. It bounced to Niklas Bruns who took the shot on early, picking out the bottom corner with a perfect hit, tying things up and send the game to the shoot-out.
Speaking afterwards, Rob van der Horst said it was an incredible final: “There were a few times I thought it was over and a few times I thought we had won it. It was an unbelievable thriller.
“It was an amazing final. We were there last year and we lost in the shoot-outs and this time we won twice. You can win them, you can lose them. It’s amazing we kept on fighting the whole match, even after the disappointment of 1-1. Hamburg were superb and we needed to bring our ‘A’ game and thankfully we did.”
Final
UHC Hamburg 1 (N Bruns) Oranje Zwart 1 (B de Voogd), Oranje Zwart win 6-5 on a shoot-out
Euro Hockey League media release
Bloemendaal's Boon brings home bronze
Tom Boon’s tenth goal of the week saw the home crowd happy as HC Bloemendaal claimed the bronze medal from the 2014/15 Euro Hockey League, his 60th minute effort the decisive moment in front of 5,300 noisy fans.
It was tight and intense throughout with both sides having some great chances but were unable to convert. Boon’s devilish low backhand cross just about evaded all the waiting attackers looking to tip-in early on while Alexandre Evrard was brilliantly denied by Maurits Visser from Daring’s first chance.
The Belgian side won the corner count 2-0 in the first half but could not muster a dangerous shot as defences were on top for the most part. Simon Gougnard’s run and cross did wreak havoc but Pol Garcia-Cascon got a vital touch to prevent two Bloemendaal attackers from finishing the chance, meaning it was scoreless going into half-time.
And it remained like that when Roel Bovendeert’s near post deflection hit the side-netting of the Daring goal with the best chance of the third quarter.
But Boon finally broke through in the 60th minute when he picked up the pieces off Garcia-Cascon’s pads, turned and spun before firing into the bottom of the goal for 1-0. It was his tenth goal in just four games and meant that they salvage a medal for their work during the campaign.
Bronze medal match: Royal Daring 0 HC Bloemendaal 1 (T Boon)
Euro Hockey League media release
British clubs suffer shoot-out heartache in European hockey championships
THE English malaise of missing out in shootouts struck all three clubs at the first hurdle of the European championships in Holland.
By Graham Wilson
Mel Clewlow was left disappointed. Getty
English men’s champions Beeston fought back from two goals down through two Harry Martin penalty strokes to finish 2-2 against Belgians Royal Daring but went out of the last 16 of the EuroHockey League 4-2 in a shootout.
And Beeston were left counting the cost of a £15,000 trip for just one knockout game.
Making their debut in the women’s EuroHockey Champions Cup, Surbiton were held 1-1 by Club de Campo of Madrid and lost 2-0 in their shootout while Canterbury drew 2-2 against hosts SCHC only to lose 2-0 in the shootout as well.
They were then relegated from the top tier after losing 3-2 to University College, Dublin (UCD).
Canterbury’s double Olympian Mel Clewlow said: “We just didn’t hit the same standards or quality against UCD that we did in the SCHC game so we only really have ourselves to blame.
“UCD is the centralised centre for the Irish so they play together a lot and it showed. They were a physical side and played to their strengths but even though we underperformed we still had chances to get something from the game.
“We had a fair few crucial decisions go against us but we still didn’t do enough which is the really disappointing part.”
Daily Express
Indian women's hockey team to leave for New Zealand on Tuesday
NEW DELHI: The Indian women's hockey team will depart for New Zealand on Tuesday to participate in the Hawke's Bay Cup. The team will play their first match against China on April 11.
"We are not allowing our last unbeaten win during the World League Round 2 to affect us. While we are high on confidence, we are not forgetting the fact that we are due to meet teams like Australia, New Zealand and China," defender Sushila Chanu said.
"Our focus presently is on our first clash against China. They are a strong team but we are positive of a win. The plan is to look for the initial opportunity to score and this will help put pressure on them."
The Hawke's Bay Cup will be played from April 11 to 19 with eight teams participating.
The Times of India
Will take each game at a time: Sushila Chanu
New Delhi - The Indian Women Hockey team is all set to leave for New Zealand tomorrow to take on the challenge of the Hawke’s Bay Cup. High in confidence post their back to back wins in the recently concluded Women’s Hockey World League Round 2, the team is excited and waiting for the all important upcoming tournament. Playing their first match with China on 11th April 2015, which will mark their outing at the tournament, the team will play to start the tourney on a winning note.
The team with a visibly strong line-up in all departments will aim at taking on the opponents head on.
Speaking on the upcoming tournament Sushila Chanu said, “We are not allowing our last unbeaten win during the Women’s Hockey World League Round 2 effect us. While we are high on confidence but we are not forgetting the fact that we are due to meet teams like Australia, New Zealand and China. We are looking at one match at a time and our focus presently is our first clash against China. They are a strong team, but we are positive of a win. The plan is to look out the initial opportunity to score and this will help put pressure on them. ”
The preparatory camp, which commenced on 22nd March and will conclude on 7th April with the players practicing hard on their game as the tournament plays an important platform to gain experience before the FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final Round (Women), Belgium this year.
The Hawke’s Bay will be played from 11 April 2015 – 19 April 2015 and eight teams will be seen fighting it out for the title. India will play their first match against China at 6.00 AM IST on 11 April 2015. The matches will be LIVE Streamed on www.hockeyfestival.nz.
Stick2Hockey.com
Hong Kong add to Affiliates Tournament
The Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey begins this week with a diverse international draw in the Affiliates Tournament, including the Hong Kong women’s team, debuting in the tough women’s draw.
After the success of the Affiliates Tournament in 2014, the 2015 version promises to be even better. Hawke's Bay men are back to defend their title in a strong pool of contenders including last year’s finalist NZ Maori, NZ Indians, National Senior Tournament XI.
NZ Maori will be out looking to once again lift the Margaret Hiha Trophy, battling it out against NZ Indians, Hawke's Bay, National Senior Tournament XI and Hong Kong in the women’s draw.
Receiving a large amount of spectator attention is the international team Hong Kong, with many hockey fans recognising the Hong Kong coach (who will also be playing) Tina Bell-Kake.
Hong Kong kicks off their campaign with the feature match tomorrow night at 10am against NZ Indians. Tina returns to New Zealand after being away from home.
“I’m always excited to back in New Zealand, I’m more excited to be back in the bay."
Excitement is rushing through not only Bell-Kake, but through the rest of the Hong Kong team, as for some of the women this is their first time to New Zealand.
The Hong Kong team is looking forward to testing themselves this week.
“Some strong New Zealand players have come across to play in Hong Kong and our team have been impressed by the skills they show."
The expectations have been set from the New Zealand players which “keeps the girls on their toes which means the girls have to come out hard."
Men's action starts at 12pm tomorrow with NZ Maori taking on the National Senior Tournament XI down at Park Island hockey turf. Entry is free.
Hockey New Zealand Media release
'Oltmans can help Indian coaches'
Kumar Swamy
PUNE: Hockey World Cup-winner and national selectors' chairman BP Govinda on Monday said Indian coaches could still learn from their foreign counterparts and High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans maybe asked to guide them.
"We have always requested that the High Performance Director, whenever he is not with the Indian team, should train the Indian coaches," Govinda, in the city to watch the Senior men's national championships, said.
The 64-year-old, who was part of the 1975 World Cup-winning team, didn't give a direct response when asked if the time has come to appoint an Indian as the head coach of the national team but said the Indians shouldn't hesitate from foreigners. "Just because I am a former player, I won't accept (the coaching job)," Govinda, who won three consecutive Asian Games gold medals between 1970 and 1978 besides the World Cup silver in 1973, said.
"Myself and people like Ajit Pal were all qualified coaches, we have done the NIS course in Patiala. But we belong to the natural turf (era) and so much has changed since the advent of artificial turf.
"Indian coaches are good, but they can pick up from the foreigners what are the good things that you don't know and leave out what you don't want. You don't have to take in 100 percent. They (Europeans) have certain standards and knowledge that we don't know." The Indian team has had coaches from various countries in the last few years, but Govinda said that won't affect the development of the team.
The Times of India
HI's offer of financial help pricks Pak hockey pride
Ipoh - The cash-strapped Pakistan Hockey Federation has turned down Hockey India's (HI) offer for financial aid after it evoked strong reactions from a cabinet minister and former players.
“We cannot accept this offer from HI despite their polite gesture as this is purely an internal matter of the Pakistan Hockey Federation,” PHF President Akhtar Rasool said.
Soon after a senior official of Hockey India said last Saturday that it was concerned with news reports about Pakistan being unable to send its team for the Olympic qualifying tournament in Holland due to financial crisis and that HI was willing to lend a helping hand, the Pakistan hockey community reacted strongly. “It is all drama by the PHF to get more funds. It is a shameful situation for us that India is offering us financial assistance for our hockey,” former Olympian and captain Samiullah said.
Similar sort of reactions came from other former players and federal minister for information Pervez Rasheed said India's offer showed the incompetence of PHF. “The government has released around $12 million to the PHF in last few years so it is not as if the government is not supporting but the PHF needs to tell us where this money was spent because we have been told more than the players it was spent on other things,” Rasheed told reporters.
The Tribune
PHF turns down Hockey India's offer for financial help
Karachi: The cash-strapped Pakistan Hockey Federation has turned down Hockey India's offer for financial aid after it evoked strong reactions from a cabinet minister and former players.
"We cannot accept this offer from Hockey India despite their polite gesture as this is purely an internal matter of the Pakistan Hockey Federation," PHF President Akhtar Rasool told PTI.
Soon after a senior official of Hockey India said last Saturday that it was concerned with news reports about Pakistan being unable to send its team for the Olympic qualifying tournament in Holland due to financial crisis and that HI was willing to lend a helping hand, the Pakistan hockey community reacted strongly.
"It is all drama by the PHF to get more funds. It is a shameful situation for us that India is offering us financial assistance for our hockey," former Olympian and captain Samiullah said.
Similar sort of reactions came from other former players and federal minister for information Pervez Rasheed said India's offer showed the incompetence of PHF.
"The government has released around USD 12 million to the PHF as special funds in the last few years so it is not as if the government is not supporting hockey but the PHF needs to get its house in order and tell us where this money was spent because we have been told more than the players it was spent on other things," Rasheed told reporters.
PHF secretary Rana Mujahid, who confirmed getting a note from HI offering financial assistance, had announced last week that it was postponing a national training camp set up in Rawalpindi to prepare for the Olympic qualifying tournament as it could not pay the daily allowances of the players and coaches.
Pakistan has also failed to send its team to Malaysia for the Azlan Shah tournament due to lack of funds. Scheduled training tours of Australia and Korea as part of preparations for Olympic qualifiers late next month are also in doubt.
"We have asked the government to include any official of their audit department on our executive committee so that he can have a look at all our accounts and where we spend money.
"We have got audited accounts for the last few years," Mujahid said.
He said they were still hopeful that the government would bail them out of the financial crisis. A source in the PHF said that after the strong rebuttal from the federal minister the PHF was now planning to resume its training camp in Lahore from Friday.
Zee News
PHF turns down Hockey India’s offer
LAHORE: The cash-strapped Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has turned down Hockey India’s offer for financial aid after it evoked strong reactions from a cabinet minister and former players. “We cannot accept this offer from Hockey India despite their polite gesture as this is purely an internal matter of the Pakistan Hockey Federation,” PHF president Akhtar Rasool said on Monday. Soon after a senior official of Hockey India said last Saturday that it was concerned with news reports about Pakistan being unable to send its team for the Olympic qualifying tournament in Belgium due to financial crisis and that the HI was willing to lend a helping hand, the Pakistan hockey community reacted strongly. “It is all drama by the PHF to get more funds. It is a shameful situation for us that India is offering us financial assistance for our hockey,” former Olympian and captain Samiullah said.
Similar sort of reactions came from other former players and federal minister for information Pervez Rasheed said India’s offer showed the incompetence of PHF. “The government has released around $12 million to the PHF as special funds in the last few years so it is not as if the government is not supporting hockey but the PHF needs to get its house in order and tell us where this money was spent because we have been told more than the players it was spent on other things,” Rasheed told reporters. PHF secretary Rana Mujahid Ali, who confirmed getting a note from HI offering financial assistance, had announced last week that it was postponing a national training camp set up in Rawalpindi to prepare for the Olympic qualifying tournament as it could not pay the daily allowances of the players and coaches.
Pakistan has also failed to send its team to Malaysia for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup due to lack of funds. Scheduled training tours of Australia and Korea as part of preparations for Olympic qualifiers late next month are also in doubt. “We have asked the government to include any official of their audit department on our executive committee so that he can have a look at all our accounts and where we spend money. “We have got audited accounts for the last few years,” Mujahid said. He said they were still hopeful that the government would bail them out of the financial crisis. A source in the PHF said that after the strong rebuttal from the federal minister the PHF was now planning to resume its training camp in Lahore from Friday.
The Daily Times
In protest: Hockey umpire announces retirement
By Shamsul Islam
FAISALABAD: International hockey umpire Pervaiz Akhtar announced his retirement on Monday to protest against the government’s ‘step-motherly’ treatment of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).
The hockey training camp in Islamabad was forced to close down due to the paucity of funds and nonpayment of even daily allowances to players in the camp and Akhtar believes the authorities have let the sport down.
“It signals the end of government patronage to Pakistan hockey, which had helped the team earn international fame and repute,” he said.
He added that the camp was organised to select a national team for the 2016 Rio Olympics qualifying round in Belgium which is
scheduled to commence from June 6.
“PHF President Akhtar Rasool and general-secretary Rana Mujahid Ali have been strenuously struggling to uplift the sport in the country and at a global level, but due to the non-cooperation and patronage of Pakistan hockey by the government, the sport has been facing plenty of problems,” he added. “This state of affairs has even prompted the Indian Hockey Federation to offer Pakistan hockey a sizable grant, which is a slap in our faces.”
The umpire also lauded the statements of Olympians Rasool and Mujhaid for flatly refusing to accept any assistance from their neighbours and fierce rivals.
The Express Tribune
PHF invites IPC ministry, NAB to carry out scrutiny of hockey expenses
Mohammad Yaqoob
LAHORE: In what appears to be a response to the federal minister’s accusations of funds being misused, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has requested the Ministry for Inter-provincial Coordination and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to nominate an official each in the four-member committee to conduct an effective check on its expenditures.
Having been forced to cancel the national team’s training camp in Islamabad for the 2016 Olympic qualifiers last week due to paucity of funds, the PHF appealed to the government to issue a financial grant to the country’s hockey governing body to help it out of its crisis.
The Olympic qualifiers are due to be held in Belgium in July and the PHF, which hasn’t been issued a financial grant for the last two years, faces a tall order to make necessary preparations for the team to make it to the Rio Games.
Reports that Hockey India (HI) offered to help PHF financially saw a strong reaction from federal information minister Pervaiz Rasheed who said the government had given Rs1 billion to the federation over the last five years and it has doubts that the funds were misused.
“To say no to corruption, the Pakistan Hockey Federation has requested the Ministry for Inter-Provincial Coordination and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to nominate one official each in the four-member committee to have an effective check on the expenditures of the federation,” said a PHF news release on Monday.
“PHF President Akhtar Rasool said that the PHF has shook hands with NAB to spread their slogan of ‘Say No To Corruption’ and Pakistan hockey team along with the PHF president and team officials joined in a walk held in Islamabad on March 30 led by President of Pakistan.
“The PHF is a respectful, reverent and well-organised Sports Organisation in Pakistan and he [PHF president] has requested to the authorities for the formation of PHF Expenditures Committee, which would examine and monitor expenditures of the PHF as laid down in the financial rules of the Federation.
“PHF Secretary General would head the Committee with PHF Treasurer, an official of the Ministry for Inter-Provincial Coordination and a Director nominated by the Chairman NAB.”
Akhtar, a renowned Olympian centre-half, said that he believes that the presence of a NAB Director in the Committee would enhance its credibility and working and it would keep a strict check on the spending of the PHF.
The former government of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) allocated huge funds to the PHF during its tenure but it was largely because its then Punjab president Qasim Zia was the head of the federation and it is believed that those funds were given not to strengthen the game but to strengthen the party.
There are reports however that the Auditor General of Pakistan has completed the audit of the PHF accounts and got answers to all its objections.
Whilst the government must be careful in ensuring the funds are used in the right way, closing all doors of financial support for the national game for the last two years has added to the national game’s suffering.
The Pakistan hockey team has won 65 gold, silver and bronze medals in the last 68 years but the lack of government support — highlighted by the fact that a paltry amount of Rs1bn were handed to the PHF — is contributing to the slow death of the game in the country.
The PML-N provincial government in Punjab, meanwhile, has spent around Rs15 billion over the last three years on the so-called Punjab Sports Festivals, where useless world records have been made to get into the Guinness Book of World Records — records which were broken by individuals of other countries hours later.
Dawn
HA makes key appointments
Ben Bishop becomes National Junior Coach, Nathan Eglington joins men's program
Ben Bishop poses with the World Cup
Hockey Australia has made a number of appointments to its high performance programs in recent weeks, filling key vacancies ahead of a very busy period of international activity at home and overseas.
Ben Bishop has been appointed as the National Junior Coach for the men’s program, replacing Paul Gaudoin who relinquished the position when he became Senior Assistant Coach to the Kookaburras in October last year. Bishop will lead the junior program in preparation for the 2016 Junior World Cup in India.
Bishop, who played 20 times for the Kookaburras between 2002 and 2005, will be based in Canberra and will combine his duties as National Junior Coach with responsibility for the hockey National Training Centre program at the ACT Academy of Sport (ACTAS). His appointment marks a return to Hockey Australia, having served as an Assistant Coach with the Kookaburras between February 2013 and December 2014, helping lead the team to World and Commonwealth Games gold medals last year. He also returns to ACTAS where he was previously Head Coach.
Olympic champion Nathan Eglington, who represented the Kookaburras 136 times between 2002 and 2007, has also joined Hockey Australia’s Men’s High Performance Program in the role of Assistant Coach. Eglington, who was a teammate of Kookaburras captain Mark Knowles and Jamie Dwyer at the Athens Olympics, had been engaged as a part-time consultant specialist coach since October 2014, assisting with the Kookaburras’ preparation for the Champions Trophy and at the competition itself. He led the WA Thundersticks in last year’s Australian Hockey League and joins the program full-time from his role as Health and Physical Education Technician at Guildford Grammar School. Hockey Australia wishes to place on record its gratitude to Guildford Grammar School who facilitated a smooth process in Eglington’s appointment.
Two other appointments have also been made.
Angele Gray joined Hockey Australia in March in the role of Operations Manager for the men’s program. An experienced sports administrator and former cricketer, she joins from the Australian Sports Commission where she has been Assistant Director, National Operations, playing an influential part in the roll-out of the ASC’s Sporting Schools initiative.
Simone Fountain (née Hankin) has also joined Hockey Australia in the role of Operations Manager for the women’s program. An Olympic gold medallist in water polo from the Sydney 2000 Games and experienced coach and administrator, Fountain was previously Performance Team Director at the Western Australian Institute of Sport.
The appointments follow those of Olympic bronze medallist David Guest, who joined the men’s program in February as an Assistant Coach and Andy Smith, who became High Performance Director in February.
Hockey Australia High Performance – Key Staff
High Performance Director – Andy Smith
Men’s National Coach – Graham Reid
Men’s Senior Assistant Coach – Paul Gaudoin
Men’s Assistant Coach – Nathan Eglington
Men’s Assistant Coach (Resources) – David Guest
Men’s National Junior Coach – Ben Bishop
Men’s Operations Manager – Angele Gray
Women’s National Coach – Adam Commens
Women’s Senior Assistant Coach – Jason Duff
Women’s Assistant Coach (GK/Resources) – Mark Hickman
Women’s Assistant Coach/National Junior Coach – Craig Victory
Women’s Operations Manager – Simone Fountain
Hockey Australia media release
Vale Paul Dearing
Three-time Olympian Paul Dearing has passed away
Hockey Australia was saddened to hear of the passing of former Kookaburras goalkeeper Paul Dearing. Paul, from New South Wales, passed away at the weekend aged 73.
A three-time Olympian, he represented Australia at the 1964, 1968 and 1972 Olympic Games, winning silver and bronze medals. He was also part of the Kookaburras team that competed at the first World Cup in 1971. In all, he represented the Kookaburras from 1963 until 1972.
In 2008 he was one of the inaugural inductees into the Hockey Australia Hall of Fame.
His passing was marked by both the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos during their matches on Monday and a moment's silence was observed by all those in attendance at the Hockeyroos v China International Challenge in Sydney.
Hockey Australia expresses its condolences to Paul's wife Maureen, their children Steve, Stewart and Sonya, and family.
Paul's funeral will take place on Friday morning at 10am at Murray Funeral Hall in Blackall Street, Broadmeadow, Newcastle.
Hockey Australia media release
Triple Olympian Paul Dearing passes at 73
By JAMES GARDINER
PAUL DEARING 1942-2015
PAUL Dearing was a three-time Olympian, a member of the Hockey Australia hall of fame and an icon of Newcastle sport.
A fearless shot-stopper, Dearing played in 69 Tests between 1963 and 1972 and appeared at the Tokyo 1964, Mexico City 1968 and Munich 1972 Olympics, and went on to become a highly respected coach and umpire.
Dearing died at his Eleebana family home on Monday after a long battle with illness. He was 73.
Underlining the esteem in which he was held, a minute’s silence was observed before the Test between the Hockeyroos and China in Sydney on Monday night (which ended in a 3-2 victory to the Australians).
Dearing was a pioneer in an era when goalkeepers were admired for courage as much as their cat-like reflexes.
‘‘When dad played his Olympic hockey, he wore cricket pads, some kickers, a protector, cricket gloves and a baggy green hat,’’ son Steve Dearing said.
‘‘No face guard, no chest pad, nothing like that.’’
From humble beginnings growing up in Carrington and playing for club side Norths, Dearing went on to be the best in the world.
‘‘Paul had this amazing ability to have total control and calmness in what he did,’’ former teammate and long-time friend Bob Stuart said. ‘‘The ball would whistle past my ears. I’d look around and see it headed straight for Paul’s forehead. Paul would put his hand up, drop it still and half-volley the ball to halfway. He was an outstanding player.’’
Dearing was a member of the first Australian hockey team to win an Olympic medal, when they took bronze at Tokyo.
Four years later they were runners-up after a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Pakistan in the final.
In Munich, Australia finished fifth but Dearing was named as goalkeeper in the World XI.
‘‘Being named in the World side was an amazing honour,’’ Steve said. ‘‘But Dad always said his career highlight was the opening ceremony at the 1964 Olympics.
‘‘Here was a kid from Carrington at the Olympics.’’
After retiring, Dearing continued to serve as a coach and umpire and was inducted into Hockey Australia’s Hall of Fame in 2008.
Other son Stewart, a keeper like their father, also became a regular in the Australian team (1990-94) and is now an international umpire.
‘‘We didn’t have much choice what sport we were going to play,’’ Steve said. ‘‘Dad met Mum at a hockey field and we all played.
‘‘One of the greatest experiences I had was taking his silver medal from the Munich Olympics for show and tell at Carrington Primary. Dad’s Olympic medals are on display in the Newcastle museum.’’
Dearing is survived by wife Maureen and children Steve, Stewart and Sonya.
A service will be held on Friday at James Murray funeral home at Broadmeadow.
The Newcastle Herald