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All the news for Tuesday 9 June 2015

Malaysia in the final after 4-1 rout of Singapore

By Aftar Singh

SINGAPORE: It’s a testament to Malaysia’s high standard in men’s hockey that even a 4-1 win over Singapore is still considered a disappointment.

What’s worse is that Malaysia, represented by the National Juniors, had to come back from a goal down to beat minnows Singapore.

Sabri Yuhari gave Singapore the lead in the eighth minute before coach S. Arulselvaraj boys woke up from their slumber.

Sufi Ismat Rohulamin equalised for Malaysia with a field goal in the 27th minute.

Nik Mohd Aiman Nik Rozemi then scored two penalty corner goals – in the 34th and 39th minutes – to put Malaysia 3-1 ahead.

Aminuddin Mohd Zain completed the rout with another penalty corner goal in the 57th minute.

Malaysia have now sealed their place in the final with a match in hand. Malaysia will wrap up their fixtures against Myanmar, Wednesday.

In an earlier match, Myanmar beat Thailand 3-1.

Myanmar, trained by Pakistani coach Muhammad Akhlaq, have four points from two matches after drawing 1-1 with Singapore on Saturday.

The Star of Malaysia

Malaysia's 18 Olympic hopefuls

By Jugjet Singh

NATIONAL chief coach Tai Beng Hai finally named his final 18 for the World League Semi-finals, with three players having less than 30 caps.

The WL Semifinals, on June 20-July 5 in Antwerp, Belgium, is an Olympic Qualifier with the top-four assured of making the trip to Rio de Janeiro next year.

However, the young trio ahve played in many international tournaments before and are not wet behind the ears.

Meor Azuan (29 caps), Shahril Saabah (29 caps) and Haziq Shamsul (17 caps) will carry a heavy burden of making sure Malaysia do not miss the Olympics again -- a platform the country last played in Sydney 2000.

"Although the three have very few caps, they have played in the World Cup, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games before and they made the squad on merit," said Beng Hai.

Haziq, Meor and Shahril played in the last Junior World Cup in New Delhi where Malaysia finished fourth, while Shahril also played in the Netherlands World Cup. Meor has also played in the Commonwealth Games.

Malaysia are in Group B with China, Ireland, Great Britain and Belgium. While in Group A are Australia, Pakistan, India, France and Poland.

Only four teams from each group play in the quarter-finals, and Malaysia must beat China and Ireland (their first two games) to be in a comfortable position and avoid Australia in the last-eight if they want to play in Rio de Janeiro.

China are already in Europe playing friendlies, and yesterday they beat France 3-1. India also left for Europe yesterday.

"We will leave for Europe on June 14 and play a few friendlies with the Dutch under-21 side as well as Brazil for warm-up and acclimatisation.

"On China who are our first opponents, I believe they have improved much but still, we will be looking for our opening three points against them on June 21," said Beng Hai.

And Malaysia have plenty of rest after China, as their next match against Ireland is three days away -- on June 25.   And Malaysia have plenty of rest after China, as their next match against Ireland is three days away -- on June 25. Malaysia play Belgium the next day and Great Britain on June 28.

Controversial striker Faizal Saari, who went AWOL for a month after the Singapore World League Round Two, was given another chance by the new management in the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC).

He was not included in the Australian and Europe Tours, but Beng Hai said his fitness level is still good.

"We did a fitness test on Sunday, and all the 18 showed good results," said Beng Hai.

MALAYSIA: S. Kumar (gk), Roslan Jamaluddin (gk), Baljit Singh Charun, Razie Rahim (captain), Izwan Firdaus, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, Faizal Saari, Izad Hakimi, Marhan Jalil, nabil Fiqri, Azlan Misron, Firhan Ashaari, Shahrun Nabil, Sukri Mutalib, Faiz Helmi, Meor Azuan, Shahril Saabah, Haziq Shamsul.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

Three juniors make cut to World Cup hockey qualifier

By S. Ramaguru


National junior hockey player Mohd Shahril Saabah (left) playing for Thunderbolt in the Malaysian Junior Hockey League in 2013.

KUALA LUMPUR: There’s good news for National Junior Mohd Shahril Saabah, who only returned to the national hockey team a month ago after nursing an injured shoulder.

Shahril was supposed to have undergone surgery but managed to recover without having to go under the knife.

This has led the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) to include him in their final 18 for the World Hockey League Semi-Finals in Belgium from June 20-July 5.

Sixteen of the 18 players who featured in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh in March have also been retained. The two dropped were Mohd Ramadan Rosli, who is injured, and defender Ahmad Kazamirul Nasruddin.

Also dropped from the 25-man training squad were Mohd Hafiz Zainol, Azreen Rizal, Mohd Hafizuddin Othman, Mohd Azri Hassan and Mohd Rashid Baharom.

The other player who has found his way back into the squad is forward Izwan Firdaus.

“We have picked the players based on merit. Shahril was injured but recover to make the trip to Europe last month. There, we found that the injury did not affect his play. The doctors have also given him the green light to play,” said national coach Tai Beng Hai.

Two other National Juniors also made the final 18. They are Meor Mohd Azuan Hassan and Mohd Haziq Shamsul.

Controversial forward Faizal Saari too was included.

“I believe that he (Faizal) will be an asset ... he has shown marked improvement in his fitness. Overall, we’re happy that the players are committed and showing greater zest in their game,” said Beng Hai.

The team will leave for Holland on June 14 and play three friendlies before moving to Belgium. The friendlies will be against the Dutch Under-21 team (two matches) and Brazil.

The World Hockey League Semi-Finals is a qualifier for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

World No. 12 Malaysia are in Group B with Belgium, Britain, Ireland and China. Group A has Australia, India, Pakistan, France and Poland.

The top three teams will automatically qualify for the Rio Olympics.

THE FINAL 18

S. Kumar, Roslan Jamaluddin, Mohd Razie Rahim, Mohd Marhan Mohd Jalil, Mohd Shukri Mutalib, C. Baljit Singh, Azlan Misrun, Mohd Shahrun Nabil Abdullah, Nabil Fiqri Mohd Nor, Faiz Helmi Jali, Mohd Firhan Azhaari, Faizal Saari, Izwan Firdaus, Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin, Mohd Haziq Shamsul, Mohd Sharil Saabah, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, Meor Mohd Azuan Hassan.

The Star of Malaysia

Preparations for Olympic qualification in full flow


We are in the final phase of preparation for the World League semi-finals. PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: As the Hockey World League semi-finals — the Olympic Qualification Round — draw closer, Pakistan’s preparation and training have gathered momentum, with the Greenshirts’ first encounter set to be against Poland on June 20 in Belgium.

The past four days have seen the players enter the final phase of their training camp. “We are in the final phase of preparation for the World League semi-finals,” said coach Shahnaz Sheikh. “We are focusing on fine-tuning our penalty corners, long corners and set pieces. The team is focusing on speed. This will help them move along the field together and hence improve passing accuracy.”

He added that the team is strong on the counter and the attack in the D has improved. “The players are now focusing on making it all come together and if they deliver then they are on track,” added the coach.

Meanwhile, skipper Muhammad Imran said that the players at the camp are training hard. “The team looks confident as we are learning new skills that will help us perform better in the opponent’s D. We are positive of delivering the desired results,” he said.

The team begins their qualification campaign for Rio with their first group stage fixture against Poland on June 20, then Australia on June 24, India on June 26 and France on June 28 in Antwerp, Belgium.

The Express Tribune

Pakistan’s olympic qualifiers campaign hitS visa snag

Mohsin Ali

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan hockey team's dream of early departure for Belgium to participate in the Olympic qualifiers suffers another body blow, as visas process will be completed by June 14.

Pakistan hockey team head coach and manager Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh has confirmed this scribe that the visa process is a lengthy procedure.

“The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has informed me that the Belgium visas might be issued on June 14.

I had requested the federation to ensure at least the team would depart on June 15 to stand any chance of playing two warm-up matches against Ireland, but these matches also look highly unlikely to be played under present circumstances.”

It is pertinent to mention here that the team management had requested PHF to ensure national team players should reach Belgium at least 10 to 15 days prior to the start of the event and they had already arranged five warm-up matches, three against USA and two against Ireland.

Pakistan team was supposed to play first warm-up against US on June 10, but non-serious attitude and lenient approach by the PHF left the team and management high and dry.

Instead of leaving 10 days earlier, the team will now likely to reach Belgium on June 20, when the real action starts from 20th of this month.

Talking to The Nation, Shahnaz looked highly upset with the unwanted delays and termed concerned people non-serious about hockey revival.

“The PHF high ups are taking Olympic qualifiers easy and don't realize what is on stake.

Despite several requests of arranging early departure of the team to prepare well for the crucial and crunch event for qualification of 2016 Olympics, no heed was paid.

The masses had not yet forgotten the pain and agony of missing World Cup Hockey for the very first time is our history, and they will never forgive us, if we don’t qualify for the Olympics.

It is my request to the IPC minister and secretary to at least ensure the team’s early depart on June 15 to stand an outside chance of playing two matches on June 16 and 18 against Ireland.

“A few flaws in were witnessed in the players’ technique during Australia and Korean matches, and tried our best to overcome them during the 10-day camp established at Naseer Bunda Stadium, Islamabad.

We also worked hard on physical and mental training of the players to get them in shape and prepare well for the challenge ahead.

Playing two warm-up matches against would not only boost our players’ morale but also help us remove their minor flaws if left yet,” he added.

“We are working hard on short corner and plenty corners and attacking and defensive errors.

We are also showing videos to players on daily basis so they may notice their mistakes and overcome them.

The boys’ mental and physical fitness levels are very high.

But one must understand, when we travel to other destinations, we have to adapt to that place’s situation and atmosphere,” Shahnaz said.

“I also met with Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Director General Technical and Training Dr Akhtar Nawaz Ganjera and requested him to release grant as the federation is facing huge financial constrains.

He, like always, promised to order not only release of grant for the team’s departure but also promised to hand over long-pending incentives of the players which they earned by playing in the finals of Asian Games and Champions Trophy before the team’s departure.

I hope and pray the promise may be materialized, as it would have huge physiological impact on players, who, despite not getting anything, are just playing because of the sheer love and passion for the country.

They deserve more respect.

“I hope the IPC minister will look into the matter and order immediate release of funds.

I also request Malik Riaz Hussain of Bahria Town to hand over Rs 2.
5 million which he had promised for the players as early as possible.

No one could expect players to perform without getting anything,” the head coach added.

“In spite of all wrong reasons and negativity spreading around, the boys and coaches are in high spirit.

We fully understand what is on stake and we will play out our hearts and try to secure top three finish to ensure Olympic berth for Pakistan.

The trials will be held on June 11 and 12 to finalize the squad for Belgium.
The PHF top brass along with chief selector will be present on the occasion to select the final squad.

I request masses to pray for the team’s success and keep faith in our abilities,” Shahnaz concluded.

The Nation

'Keep the chain strong & not allow easy counter'


Lilima Minz

New Delhi: Just couple of days before they take off for Belgium for the all important upcoming Fintro FIH Hockey World League Semi-Finals, the women team look confident and excited for the upcoming challenges.

Realising that the mid-field will play a very important role, the girls in the position are ensuing that they boost both the defence as well as the attack by ensuring that they are present to take the critical passes, tackling the opponents and keeping the ball possession successfully.

Talking on practice sessions, Lilima Minz said “While the team is working on the penalty corner conversions, we are also working to ensure that we get the required field goals also. Here I think the mid-fielders will play a very important role as we have to ensure possession of ball and making the right passes in the D. While we are doing this, we are even ensuring that the chain behind does not break, which might allow the opponents to counter attack.”

Speaking on the most looked after challenge, Lilima said “I think it will be Australia as we had given them a tough time during Hawke’s Bay Cup. We had few clear chances to convert against them, but we were unable to do so. This time around we will aim to turn things in our favour and not leave any chance of capitalising”.

The FIH Hockey World League Semi-Final will be played from 20 June to 04 July 2015 and ten teams will be seen fighting it out for the title. India will play their first match against Belgium at 07.30 PM IST on 20 June 2015.

The matches will be telecasted LIVE on Star Sports.

Stick2Hockey.com

Indian hockey team leaves for Belgium

NEW DELHI: The Indian men's hockey team left for Belgium from here on Monday night to take part in the Hockey World League Semi-Final.

The 10-team tournament will be played in Antwerp from June 20 to July 5.

A top-4 position at the tourney will help teams qualify for the Hockey World League Final to be played in India in November-December. Also, a top-3 finish will help sides qualify for the 2016 Olympics for which India have already secured their berth by winning the 2014 Asian Games gold.

India have been placed in Pool A with Australia, France, Pakistan and Poland and will start their campaign against France on June 20.

The Times of India

Women's World League Semi Final - Preview


GB Women celebrate scoring 2015

With just two days to go until Great Britain kick off their quest for Olympic Qualification at the World League semi-final in Valencia, we take a look at the teams they are up against in the pool stages.

Ranked eighth in the world, Danny Kerry’s side are in a pool with hosts Spain, China, Canada and old foes Argentina, with four of the five sides in the group qualifying for the quarter finals.

Playing as England, the team had a good World League campaign last time out, finishing in the bronze medal position after a tense shootout win over Argentina in Las Leonas’ own back yard.

New faces have come into the group with Clifton’s Joie Leigh, Slough’s Shona McCallin looking impressive in their fledgling international careers. The experienced players too have really stepped up of late, with Alex Danson who took her tally of international goals to 80 in the recent series with Japan, looking as lively and dangerous as she ever has.

The noises coming from the Great Britain camp are positive. Strength in depth is good with a lot of competition for places and the recent Japan series has proved to be a good learning experience with head coach Danny Kerry commenting in the aftermath:

“Japan are a very disciplined side, strong in defence and pose good counterattacking threats. It’s about concentrating for the whole game and it was perfect for us in the lead up to the Olympic qualifiers.”

The mood is positive, the players are ready, and all that remains is for Great Britain to do the business. It should be a memorable tournament.

The opponents:

Argentina. FIH World Ranking: 3.
Argentina have been one of the big hitters in women’s hockey for some time. They have won five of the last six Champions Trophy tournaments and also claimed the bronze medal at the 2014 World Cup and silver at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Luciana Aymar, the eight-time winner of the FIH Player of the Year Award has called it a day, but there is still plenty of talent within their squad. Carla Rebecchi and defender Noel Barrionuevo are experienced and quality players, while 2014 FIH Young Player of the Year Florencia Habif is rated as one of the most exciting emerging talents in the game. They will certainly be regarded as one of the teams to beat in Valencia.

GB record vs. Argentina: P: 29 W: 10 D: 5 L: 14 GF: 43 GA: 44

China. FIH World Ranking: 7.
The silver medallists from the 2008 Olympics have undergone a transitional phase since then, but are now starting to see the fruits of that labour. The vast majority of players that have featured in recent squads are aged 23 or under, with a smattering of experience added in to create a balance. Wang Mengyu, the 23-year-old defender is fast developing a reputation as a feared penalty corner threat and will be one to watch out for. Their progress has been steady but they are not to be taken lightly.

GB record vs. China: P: 8 W: 5 D: 1 L: 2 GF: 14 GA: 7

Spain. FIH World Ranking: 15.
The hosts have a fairly modest world ranking but there is a lot of buzz that they may be a dark horse at this competition. Great Britain defeated them in a recent test series but Coach Danny Kerry felt their world ranking does not do them justice and he expects them to be a threat in Valencia.

Under the guidance of Head Coach Adrian Lock, Spain’s women are getting back to their best. The Englishman has a youthful but extremely talented group of players. Key players include battling midfielder Georgina Oliva and 22-year-old Berta Bonastre, the younger sister of Silvia Bonastre, who represented Spain at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. They also have Rocío Ybarra. The captain is one of the most important players in group having been in the side for over a decade.

GB record vs. Spain: P: 39 W: 22 D: 10 L: 7 GF: 68 GA: 43

Canada. FIH World Ranking: 20.
A 2nd place finish at the Hockey World League Round 2 event in Dublin earned Canada a place in the HWL Semi-Finals. They finished above two higher-ranked nations in the final standings, and pushed host nation Ireland all the way in the final. Hannah Haughn and Kaitlyn Williams, the respective Young Player and Goalkeeper of the Tournament, were both hugely impressive and will be looking to bring their outstanding form into the HWL Semi-Finals. Thea Culley was Canada’s top scorer in the Hockey World League Round 2, netting five times to help them to this stage of the competition. Canada’s women have not participated in an Olympic Games since Barcelona 1992. That is a streak that Head Coach Ian Rutledge will be determined to end this year.

GB record vs. Canada: P: 12 W: 6 D: 3 L: 3 GF: 21 GA: 13

Great Britain Hockey media release

Confident Women’s National Team hoping to build on recent success at World League Semifinals

Shaheed Devji

The stars have aligned quite well for the Canadian Women’s Field Hockey team as they prepare to open the World League Semifinals in Valencia, Spain this week.

When the Canadian women continue their quest for Olympic qualification Wednesday against China, they will be doing so after a successful spell of hockey over the last half-year.

Most recently, Canada, ranked twentieth in the world, is coming off a test series with world no. 14 Ireland in which they won twice, including the last match of the tournament 3-2.

The recent split with Ireland at the new Pan Am Fields in Toronto, Ontario, comes after a second place finish at World League Round 2 in Dublin, Ireland, where Canada was narrowly defeated by the home side in a penalty shootout in the tournament final.

Combine the competitions with Ireland with Canada’s dominant performance at World League Round 1 in Mexico last September and there hasn’t been much to complain about in recent memory.

“I think there’s definitely more confidence. We were so close to winning World League 2,” says Canadian defender Karli Johansen, who scored twice in the matches in Toronto in May. “We all knew that it was within reach and that we maybe could have done it on another day. Even though that was a month or two ago, we still have that momentum coming into this tournament.”

Confidence is a funny thing. It can often act as a detriment to top teams when treated as a right of passage, but it can also serve as a boon to help lower ranked teams play up to the level of their opponents.

For the Canadian women, it seems to be the latter which is at play, having proven their worth against the higher ranked Irish in recent competition, and scoring draws with the likes of England (world no. 8) last summer and the United States (world no. 5) in a World League Semifinals tune-up match played over the weekend in Spain.

This is all to say that the Canadians are in a good spot heading into the tournament in Valencia, where they look to finish in the top three and qualify for the 2016 Olympic Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

‘We’ll be playing a lot of teams that will be pretty different from Ireland (who are also competing in Spain),” adds Johansen. “They’ll have a lot of different playing styles. For us it was really good to get the basics down and playing our game.”

And if confidence isn’t the x-factor for the Women’s National Team at the World League Semifinals, it will be that Canadian-focused approach that could be.

“Focusing on our team, not really so much the opposition, we definitely get what we need,” says Johansen.

With five or their nine opponents ranked in the top ten in the world, Canada would be remiss not to acknowledge the ability of their competition. But focusing on what they are able to do has been a recipe for recent success and will likely continue to be the case if the are to qualify for Rio through World League.

Field Hockey Canada media release

Cosyns targets World League quarter-final success



Royal Daring’s Tanguy Cosyns says objective one for Belgium is firmly on securing and winning their World League Round 3 quarter-final in Antwerp when the tournament gets underway in a fortnight’s time.

His side saw off Ireland twice last weekend – 4-2 and 3-2 – at Dragons’s Brasschaat home, the venue for the event, but the striker reckons told hockeybelgium.lesoir.be the side can step up a further level.

"We are already physically very sharp;we have made ​​an extra step further in and are now much more explosive.This will be extremely useful in World League 3.

"We still have a number of loose ends at the tactical level.We do know that we are on the right track and three straight wins demonstrate that we are on the right path.

"We always have to work on our offensive and defensive corners.Of course, we know this is a crucial part of modern hockey.We still have to become more efficient."

He adds that his side is looking forward to playing on home soil and pinning down an Olympic ticket from the competition – something they will achieve with a top three finish.

"We want to address this World League with a winning mentality.We know we have to first be among the top four in our group in order to compete in the quarter-finals.

“But we want to give the best of ourselves at each meeting.Our first objective will be to win the quarterfinals! "

Euro Hockey League media release

Stats Speak - Valencia

By  B.G.Joshi

Sehore-Bhopal, India: Know the teams: Hockey World League-Round 3(Olympic Qualifier-Women), Valencia- Spain, June 10-21, 2015.

Pool: A

1-Argentina-ARG
World Ranking: 3.Coach: Santiago Capurro, Captain: Macarena Perez Rodriquez,
Current Titles: Champions Trophy (2014); Pan Am Cup (2013),
In Hockey World League

 Olympic Appearances: 6, Best Finish in Olympics: 2Silver (2000, 2012)
Last time played in Olympics: London-2012, Rank-2.

2-China-CHN
World Ranking: 7. Coach: Jun Myung Cho, Captain: Cui Qiuxia, Current Titles: 0,
In Hockey World League

 Olympic Appearances: 4, Best Finish in Olympics: 1Silver (2008)
Last time played in Olympics: London-2012, Rank-6

3-Great Britain-GBR
World Ranking: 8.Coach: Danny Kerry, Captain: Kate Walsh-Richardson, Current Titles: 0,
In Hockey World League

 Olympic Appearances: 6, Best Finish in Olympics: 2 Bronze (1992, 2012)
Last time played in Olympics: London-2012, Rank-3.

4-Spain-ESP
World Ranking: 15.Coach: Adrian Lock (England), Captain: Rocio Ybarra, Current Titles: 0,
In Hockey World League

 Olympic Appearances: 5, Best Finish in Olympics: 1Gold (1992)
Last time played in Olympics: Beijing-2008, Rank-7.

5-Canada-CAN
World Ranking: 20.Coach: Ian Rutledge, Captain: Kate Gillis, Current Titles: 0,
In Hockey World League

 Olympic Appearances: 3, Best Finish in Olympics: 5 th (1984)
Last time played in Olympics: Barcelona-1992, Rank-7.

Pool: B

1-United States of America -USA
World Ranking: 5.Coach: Craig Parnham(England), Captain: Lauren Crandall,
Current Titles: Champions Challenge I (2014),
In Hockey World League

 Olympic Appearances: 5, Best Finish in Olympics: 1Bronze (1984)
Last time played in Olympics: London-2012, Rank-12.

2-Germany-GER
World Ranking: 6.Coach: Jamilon Mulders, Captain: Luisa Steindor,
Current Titles: Europeans Cup (2013),
In Hockey World League

 Olympic Appearances: 8, Best Finish in Olympics: 1Gold (2004)
Last time played in Olympics: London-2012, Rank-7.

3-South Africa-RSA
World Ranking: 11.Coach: Sheldon Rostron, Captain: Nicolene Terblanche,
Current Titles: Africa Cup of Nations (2013); All African Games (2011),
In Hockey World League

 Olympic Appearances: 4, Best Finish in Olympics: 9 th (2004)
Last time played in Olympics: London-2012, Rank-10.

4-Ireland-IRL
World Ranking: 14.Coach: Darren Smith (New Zealand), Captain: Megan Frazer, Current Titles: 0
In Hockey World League

 Olympic Appearances: Not Played

5-Uruguay-URU
World Ranking: 29.Coach: Gonzalo Ferrer, Captain: Sofia Mora, Current Titles: 0
In Hockey World League

 Olympic Appearances: Not Played

Fieldhockey.com

Call the doctor



Medical officers have an important role to play at hockey competitions. We hear from three of this year’s Semi-Final doctors

By the very nature of the game, players at a hockey tournament are constantly at risk of injury, which is why most teams will travel with a physiotherapist. However, not all teams take a doctor with them, and yet illness is something that can strike a player down and end his or her tournament as immediately as a bad injury will.

Tiredness caused through travelling long distances; eating foods and drinking water that may be very different to the food and drink that the athlete is used to; anxiety about the forthcoming matches; or simply being in a different environment – these can all play havoc with an athlete’s health and bring about tummy upsets, colds, chest infections and a host of other illnesses.

Which is one of the reasons that a medical officer is present at all FIH tournaments. But, as Doctor Leticia Ramírez Ceballos explains, it is not just attending to sick players that takes up the tournament doctor’s time.

“Over the course of the tournament – this year I will be attending the Women’s Semi-Final in Valencia – I complete an injury report for every match. That means 33 reports over the course of the 10 day tournament.

“I also co-ordinate and supervise the Anti-doping procedures.” This means being in attendance after each game as the athletes are randomly selected for drug testing. Sometimes a player can take several hours to complete this procedure, meaning a long wait for the doctor.

“The appointment is a big honour for me,” says Enrique Basso who is appointed for the Argentina Hockey World League Semi-Final in Buenos Aires. The Argentine doctor started his career in Rugby and is involved in hockey for more than eights years now. “It is great to see the development of the sport and also how the physical fitness of the players increased.”

If a player is seriously injured and needs hospitalisation, then it is the responsibility of the tournament doctor to oversee that process, working with the athlete’s coaching team to ensure the best care.  Even if the result of an injury is not hospitalisation, unless a team has brought it’s own medical staff, the tournament doctor will take on much of the after care of the athlete.

The doctor adds that it is not just the players she attends. “I also look after the officials, umpires can get injured, officials can be taken ill. I am on hand to look after them.”

The tournament doctor will also brief teams and FIH tournament officials prior to the start of a tournament on basic good hygiene to reduce the risk of infection. Dr Jim House, who attended the Hockey World League Final in 2014, spent time drumming home to the players the importance of hand washing after touching hockey balls that had rolled on the pitch. “These are the little things that get forgotten when you are at an international tournament,” he said.

The worst injury Leticia has faced was a craneal trauma in the opening match of her last tournament. She says: “The player was okay but could not play the rest of the tournament, that is tough to explain to that athlete that their tournament is over.”

“As a Medical Officer I must be up to date in Anti-Doping Testing standard, treatment protocols, endemic and epidemic illnesses or health issues of the country that hold a tournament. But above everything, I need to inspire confidence in every participating team, whether they have medical staff or not, that their needs will be catered for.”

FIH site

Parkroad up to fourth in hockey league standings

By BRIAN YONGA


Multimedia University’s Brinson Kadanya (left) and Patrick Gachanja train at a water-logged City Park Stadium for their league match against Jkuat. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Parkroad were the biggest beneficiaries in a weekend where number of Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) premier league matches were rained off.

Parkroad beat Kenyatta University 2-1 to move to fourth in the men’s Premier League standings.

Goals from Kenyan international Ian Oyale and Kevin Erol were enough for Parkroad to secure their third win of the season in six matches. Oyale gave his team the lead at the quarter hour mark with a brilliant shot before turning provider to set up his teammate Erol who doubled Parkroad’s advantage.

KU came back stronger after the break and scored a consolation goal through Edgar Otieno who finished off a penalty corner, but it was too little too late as Parkroad held out for victory to condemn KU to their third defeat of the season.

Parkroad team manager, Robert Wasike, savoured the victory, noting that his charges are aiming for a top three finish this season after moving five places up from their previous eighth position.

“The lads were excellent throughout the game and fully deserved their win. We are into the top four and our aim is now to cement our position as we aim higher this season,” Wasike told Daily Nation Sport.

KU lie 14th with no point after their third successive loss in their debut season at the top flight. They are strong candidates for relegation alongside bottom-placed Parklands who were also promoted to the premier league this season.

In the women’s national league, Vikings recorded their first win of the season after an emphatic 4-0 win over Kenyatta University. A double from Faith Wangare and a goal each from Delphin Jimo and Carol Kiuna ensured the three points for Vikings.
The win takes Vikings to fourth on four points, five behind league leaders and defending champions Telkom Orange and two behind third-placed Spartans of USIU.

In men’s national league, Technical University of Kenya beat Mount Kenya University 1-0 and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology beat Multimedia University 4-1. Four matches were called off following heavy rains.

Daily Nation

Dar Hockey Academy begins 2015 tour on sparkling note

By Ijaz Chaudhry

This is academy’s fourth tour of Europe but has come after a gap of two years after three visits in as many years, starting from 2010.

All the boys in this under 16 side of the Dar HA were on their first trip outside Pakistan.

As always, MOP club in Vught are hosting the Pakistani hockey academy in Holland. The resourceful club boasts wonderful facilities including four artificial hockey pitches plus a smaller ground for practicing individual skills.

Dar Ha’s first match was against the MOP’s under 18 team. Since, it was the first overseas match for this new generation of the DAR HA, the boys were a bit tentative in the opening stages. Then they were coming from temperatures of over 40 to 17 degrees.

Early exchanges were equally shared and it was all even till the 30th minute as neither side could find the net despite getting quite a few chances. The ice was broken in the 28th minute when match’s fifth and Pakistani side’s third penalty corner was dispatched in by Usman senior through a strong flick.  This is how the first half ended with the Dar HA ahead by a solitary goal.

It was a different story in the second half which was dominated by the visitors for large periods.  After seeing two penalty corners go waste, the Lahore based academy doubled the route through the same route and again via Usman senior. His well-placed flick gave the defence no chance.  The last 10 minutes saw the Pakistani youngsters besieging the opponents’ goal with attacks coming in waves. Two wonderful goals captivated the onlookers. First, Zulqarnain after an exhilarating run down the left flank controlled the ball beautifully in the circle. His cross was netted in by a diving Asad.  Soon after, a fluent move from right side found Usman junior in the circle. He had very little to aim at. But the lad showed maturity belying his years and found the net from a very tight angle to complete the score line.

It was a very encouraging start for the Dar HA who would be playing a total of nine matches against various sides in Holland.

Dar Hockey Academy: 4 (Usman Senior 2, Asad 1 and Usman Junior 1) MOP: 0

Ijaz Chaudhry writes on hockey and other sports. For more about him and his work, visit www.sportscorrespondent.info

Fieldhockey.com

Mixed Trophy & Plate Finals Review


Mixed Plate 2015 Champions Reading

Harleston Magpies became Mixed Trophy Champions for the second time, with Reading lifting the Mixed Plate to add more silverware to their impressive season in the National Cup Competitions.

Match reports from all eight games over the weekend can be seen below.

Saturday Matches

Mixed Plate SF 1 – Dereham 3 Eastcote 2

The first game was a close affair with Dereham coming back from behind twice to take the win.

Eastcote took the lead in the 16th minute through Kevin Haigh but Dereham were quick to reply with a goal in the 17th minute from Will Edwards. Haigh grabbed his second from a penalty corner to re-assert the lead before the break.

The second half started with both teams having opportunities to score but both goalkeepers made outstanding saves. Will Dewing for Dereham broke the resistance to even the scores at 2-2 and then in the 69th minute, Dereham Captain James Lavers scored the winner to take his team through to the Sunday's Final.

Mixed Plate SF 2 – Formby 2 Reading 2 (Reading won 7-6 on Penalty Strokes)

A penalty stroke competition decided the winner of the second semi final of the Mixed Plate. Formby took the lead early in the first half with a penalty corner strike from Conner Capper.  Reading replied before the break to go into half time 1 -1.

Intensity increased in the second half and Formby were awarded a penalty stroke which was neatly converted by Nick Giles. The Northern outfit seemed set to make it to the final but Reading were awarded a penalty stroke when the ball hit the body of a defender on the goal line. Rob Farrow converted the stroke and the final score was 2-2, taking the game to a penalty shootout. Both teams scored all five taking the game to sudden death. The first round was converted but the hero was Reading’s Goalkeeper Gary Noble who saved Formby’s seventh stroke to take them in to the finals.

Mixed Trophy SF 1 – Hampstead & Westminster 1 – Harleston Magpies 3

Harleston Magpies sealed their place in the finals of the Mixed Trophy with a win over Hampstead and Westminster. The Magpies took the lead early on with a penalty stroke from Andrew Bedwell. Despite Hampstead's best efforts to equalise, the score remained the same at half time.

The second half continued to be end to end with both goalkeepers, Jonny Dodds and Matt Collinge, making excellent saves. Bedwell scored his second following a penalty corner in the 60th minute. This lead to Hampstead pushing forward in search of a goal, opening the door for Harleston to counter attack. Toby Price drew the keeper to the right side and neatly crossed for Simon Hipwell to neatly slot home.

Hampstead and Westminster continued to strive for that elusive goal and were rewarded in the 67th minute when Carl Smith’s penalty corner strike hit the backboard. However, this was Harleston Magpies' day, and they sealed their place in the Trophy Final.

Mixed Trophy SF  2 – Bedford 2 Horsham 1

In a tight first half these two competitive teams were well matched but could not break the deadlock, despite both having opportunities to score. Horsham were unable to take advantage when Bedford went down to 9 players in the closing minutes of the first half following a brace of yellow cards.

It was Bedford who took the lead early in the second half when Alex Drummond scored a penalty stroke. Both teams again went down to 10 players and Bedford were able to take advantage with Drummond scoring his second.

Horsham replied straight away from the restart, Joseph Humphries was on target for the Sussex side.  This was the final goal of the game and despite Horsham pushing for that equaliser, Simon Dolan in goal for Bedford kept them at bay to seal his side's place in the final.

Sunday Matches

Mixed Plate 3/4 Playoff - Eastcote 2 Formby 5

Formby took third place in the Mixed Plate thanks to a Nick Giles hat-trick. He opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a well-worked goal from open play. Formby then applied the pressure and scored three goals in the space of 10 minutes from Connel Capper, Sam Mackerall and a second for Giles. With no reply from Eastcote, the score was 4-0 going into half time.

For the second half, Eastcote responded and Kevin Haigh pulled one with a penalty corner strike and followed with a field goal three minutes later. Eastcote continued to push forward, but Formby soon re-established  their cushion when Giles scored his third and final goal of the game.

Mixed Final - Dereham 3 Reading 3 (Reading won 4-2 on Penalty Strokes)
 
A last second goal from Reading saw them clinch a draw, which took them to a penalty shootout for the second time in the weekend, this time to decide the Mixed Finals Plate Competition.

Reading took the lead in the fourth minute with a goal from Huw Kimber which was followed up just three minutes later by another from Rob Farrow. Dereham were swift to reply with a goal from CJ Edwards and the game went into half time at 2-1.

Dereham began to dominate much of the play in the second half with a fantastic solo effort by Captain James Lavers to level the score. As Reading began to tire, Georgie Edwards tipped in penalty corner for Dereham to nudge them in front, 3-2. As the crowd began the 10 second countdown for end of the match, a defensive error from Dereham lead to a last effort by Reading and Captain Alys Richard’s shot crossed over the line just as the final hooter went to send the game to penalty strokes.

Dereham were first in to go in the penalties but Will Dewing’s effort was saved by Reading goalkeeper Gary Noble and Ali Parkes scored his for the Berkshire side. Both teams went on the score their second and third efforts, however Noble saved the fourth Dereham effort which left Tommy Alexander to score for Reading and win the Mixed Plate Competition 4-2 on penalty strokes.

Mixed Trophy 3/4 Playoff - Hampstead & Westminster 4 Horsham 5

A penalty corner on the final whistle secured Horsham’s third place in the Mixed Trophy. As the temperature increased at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, so did the tempo of the game. Hampstead were awarded a penalty stroke in the first five minutes when the ball hit a Horsham foot on the goal line. Captain Jonny Witt scored confidently but it was Horsham who dominated the first half with goals from Freddie Campbell, Joseph Humphreys and Louisa Denman, the latter striking a half volley into the roof of the net.

At the half time break, Horsham led 3-1. Hampstead came back in the second half with Greg Howard scoring in the opening minutes and Daniel Humphreys followed this up on the 50 minute mark to tie the scores at 3-3.

This continued with both teams having opportunities to score but it was Greg Howard of Hampstead and Westminster who converted from a penalty corner to break the deadlock. Horsham did not give up and it was Steph Dent who scored the equaliser just five minutes later.

The last eight minutes were played at furious pace as both teams sought the winning goal. Both goalkeepers, Jonny Dodds of Hampstead and Andrew Isaacs of Horsham had made crucial saves from penalty corners. It looked like the game was going to go to penalty strokes but it was the Sussex side who had a chance going into the last seconds of the game when they were awarded a penalty corner.

With the 70 minutes now complete, ten Horsham players surrounded the D for the penalty corner. Ian Browne’s deceptive strike slipped past the Hampstead goalkeeper and Horsham has secured victory. 

Mixed Trophy Final - Harleston Magpies 3 Bedford 0

A goal for Toby Price and a brace for Andrew Bedwell were enough to secure the Mixed Trophy for Harleston Magpies in the final game of the day at Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre.

Both teams started cautiously in the opening minutes of the game until Bedwell opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a well taken penalty corner.  Harleston continued to press the Bedford defence and Price scored shortly before half time.

Bedford came out fighting after half time but were continuously denied with some good goalkeeping from Harleston’s Matt Collinge. As players began to tire in the heat, frustrations arose and yellow cards were issued with both team temporarily reduced to 10 players. Bedford almost took advantage of their extra player with Simba Chigwada and Dan Mason both close to scoring.

Harleston took advantage of Bedford pushing forward and in a counter attack move that drew keeper Simon Dolan, Maria Andrews’ shot hit a Bedford defender in the goal mouth and a penalty stroke was awarded. Bedwell stepped up to score his second and the third goal for the Norfolk club.

Bedford, in a last throw of the dice, substituted their goalkeeper to give them eleven outfield players, in pursuit of scoring that elusive goal. However, they were unable to convert their chances and Harleston Magpies took the title for the second time in their history.

England Hockey Board Media release

Mark Gleghorne backed to make the difference for Beeston

By Graham Wilson


Mark Gleghorne will replace Sam Ward

MARK GLEGHORNE has been given a new challenge – and it will not just be Great Britain’s bid to qualify for the Olympics in the World League tournament starting in Antwerp, Belgium, from June 20.

Gleghorne, who is in the squad to play world champions Australia in a showpiece warm-up at the Olympic Park, Stratford, on Saturday has followed team-mate Ashley Jackson out of East Grinstead – who finished top of the national league last season – and joined championship rivals Beeston.

Beeston director of hockey Graham Griffiths said: “We’ve got him. He is on his way.”

Griffiths said Gleghorne was the “perfect replacement” for losing international Sam Ward to promoted Kent club Holcombe, where Jackson will play next season.

“Obviously Mark is one of the best forwards in the country and we want 20 goals out of him. He can have as much penalty corner practice as he likes here, which is what he wants in the run up to the Rio Olympics.”

East Grinstead received a further blow to their ambitions after player-coach and Olympian Mark Pearn switched to the Richmond club and Matt Jones stepped down as their long-term manager.

Gleghorne’s signing is a real coup for Beeston, who finished fourth in the Premier Division last season. But it is promoted Holcombe, bankrolled by millionaire chairman David South, who are stealing the show.

They have Iain Lewers, once of East Grinstead, the England goalkeeper George Pinner, previously Beeston, GB captain Barry Middleton, internationals Nick Catlin, Dan Fox and now Ward, besides a host of top players.

Griffiths is not impressed. “We are in a different world now where people can buy a championship. Whether that is good for the game I don’t know. England chief executive Sally Munday describes it as an investment. My idea of investment is to put it into coaches, children and pitches.

“We are still looking for people who want to play hockey for love and not just be millionaires.”

That day is a long way off but it will be interesting to see how East Grinstead and their rival clubs respond to a challenge that is financially out of their league.

Great Britain women open up their World League campaign against hosts Spain tomorrow (Wednesday), then play Argentina, Canada and China.

Daily Express

SECR derail Eagle to finish third in VHA Senior Division League

Suhas Nayse

NAGPUR: South East Central Railway (SECR) edged out Eagle Sports Club 3-2 to clinch the third spot in the VHA Senior Division Hockey League at the VHA ground on Monday.

In an exciting play-off tie for the third place between the two losing semifinalists, SECR overcame late fightback from Eagle Sports Club to post a narrow victory.

At half-time, the railmen were leading comfortably by three goals.

SK Imran provided a flying start to SECR with a goal in the very fourth minute of the match. Five minutes later, veteran Rajesh Bihari increased the lead.

Dalbir Singh added one more in the 25th minute to consolidate railmen's position. Although, Eagle fought back hard in the second half, they could not prevent defeat.

Sanjay Chaturvedi and Amit Yadav were the goal scorers for Eagle.

The Times of India

Reynos fires Parkites past Fatima

Nigel Simon

Jordan Reynos scored a hat-trick to lead Queen’s Park to a much needed victory, 7-1 over long time rival Fatima when matches in the T&T Hockey Board Men’s Championship Division continued at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua on Thursday.

Reynos got his goals in the 12th, 25th and 57th minutes while Damion Bright (sixth, 19th) added a double in the lopsided victory.

Dominic Young (14th) Shawn Lee Quay (57th) also netted one goal each for the Parkites while Jordan Vieira got Fatima’s lone item in the 15th.

The win lifted Queen’s Park to 11 points, one ahead of Defence Force, but seven behind run-away leader Petrotrin which has maximum 18 points from six matches while defending champion Notre Dame is second with 14.

On Friday, Defence Force wasted a chance to join third placed Paragon on 12 points after it let a 3-0 advantage slip, in a 4-4 draw with Courts Malvern.

The trio of Mickel Pierre (fifth), Shane Legerton (eighth), and Nicholas Wren (15th) found the back of the net as the Army/Coast-Guard combination looked set for an easy win.

However, J Drayton pulled a goal back for Malvern in the 22nd minute to give his team a little hope, only for veteran Kirth Davis to net a fourth item for Defence Force in the 30th.

But the final two sessions were all Malvern as Teague Marcano first cut the lead in half, at 2-4 with his 54th minute item, while his uncle and former national player, Anthony Marcano then stunned Defence Force with two quick items in the 57th and 58th to level the match at 4-4 and earn his team an unlikely share of the spoils.

In the Women’s Championship Division, 2013 winner Notre Dame dented the title hopes of Shandy Carib Magnolias with a hard fought 2-1 win on Saturday.

After a 0-0 score at the end of the first two quarters, national forward Blair Wynne fired the Dames ahead in the 37th minute, but two minutes later in-form Stacey Siu Butt netted her eighth goal in three matches to get Magnolias back on even terms.

But the Dames were not to be denied the crucial three points as national midfielder Kayla Brathwaite conjured up the winner five minutes later to carry her club to ten points, ten adrift of Guyana’s Georgetown Cricket Club which ended its 12-match campaign with 20 points.

Despite the loss, Magnolias remained second with 13 points, but from seven matches while defending champion Paragon is third with 12 from seven matches as well, three more than Harvard Checkers. Courts Malvern has five and Ventures, is without a point at the bottom of the table.

Results:

Thursday:

Men’s Championship

QPCC 7 ( Jordan Reynos 12th, 25th, 57th,   Damion Bright 6th, 19th, Dominic Young 14th, Shawn Lee Quay 57th) vs Fatima 1 (Jordan Vieira 15th)

Friday:

Men’s Championship

Defence Force 4 (Mikel Pierre 5th, Shane Legerton 8th, Nicholas Wren 15th, Kirth Davis 30th) vs Courts Malvern 4 (J. Drayton 22nd, Teague Marcano 54th, Anthony Marcano 57th, 58th)

Saturday:

Women’s Championship:Notre Dame 2 (Blair Wynne 37th, Kayla Brathwaite 44th) vs SC Magnolias 1  (Stacey Siu Butt 39th)

Girls Under-19:

Paragon 10 (Felicia King 2nd, 18th, 52nd, 58th, 70th, Gabriella Thompson 21st, 24th, 35th, 44th, Mariah  Boucaud 19th) vs Notre Dame 1 (Tahira Wynne 55th)

Trinity Men

Queen’s Park CC 2 (Mahinder Mali 58th, 65th) vs Shape 1 (Tyreek Burroughs 23rd)

Boys Under-19:

Courts Malvern 3 (A. Marcano 4th, Teague Marcano 57th, 66th) vs Paragon 2 (Kelon Skerritt 49th, J Ottley 60th)

The Trinidad Guardian

Suva schools hockey event

Vishaal Kumar

THE Suva Primary School Hockey Association held its Super Six Tournament at the National Hockey Centre in Suva on Saturday.

The tournament, which was postponed last week because of bad weather, started with seven schools taking part in the U8, U10, U12 and U14 grades respectively.

The association has been running on its own finances and has been without any major sponsors for the last four years.

Association treasurer Patreaschea Pesamino said despite the financial woes the association still managed.

"We have been without any major sponsors for some time now but the energy and eagerness from the students to play hockey has been overwhelming," Pesamino said.

"It's very good to see these children play week in week out and take up hockey as a sport. Every year we notice the level of competition improving which is a plus sign for us.

"The same number of schools is taking part this year from last year but we are planning to include more schools in the competition next year so we can have a longer season."

The weekly competition will be held over eight weeks. In week eight the association will host the super eleven tournament.

The Fiji Times