News for 31 August 2015
All the news for Monday 31 August 2015
Hinch stars as England shock Dutch in Euro final
England women are the new champions of Europe following a remarkable shoot-out victory over reigning World and Olympic champions the Netherlands in the final of the Unibet EuroHockey Championships in London.
Goalkeeper Maddie Hinch was the heroine, producing a mesmerising performance in the shoot-out to guide her team to their second European crown, adding to the one they claimed way back in 1991, which was played in Brussels, Belgium.
Trailing 2-0 going into the final quarter thanks to a Caia van Maasakker penalty corner double, the prospect of a victory over the top ranked team in world hockey appeared to be slim. However, goals from Sophie Bray and Lily Owsley thrilled a capacity crowd at the Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre before Player of the Match Hinch produced a goalkeeping masterclass to give Danny Kerry’s charges a brilliant and utterly memorable tournament triumph.
Earlier in the day, Germany took the Bronze medal with a big win over Spain, while Belgium and Scotland were also winners in the battle to avoid relegation from the top table of European competition.
Women’s final day brought to an end a sparkling week of top class international hockey, but it is certainly not the last time that London’s wonderful Lee Valley stadium will welcome the world’s best teams. Next June, the Women’s FIH Champions Trophy will take place in the stadium and the tickets for that event are already on sale. For more details, click here.
Gold: England 2-2 Netherlands (3-1 SO)
England produced an incredible late comeback, surviving a huge and sustained Dutch barrage to land their second EuroHockey Championships with ace shot-stopper Maddie Hinch producing one of the performances for the ages.
They eventually prevailed in a shoot-out 3-1 after fighting back from 2-0 down with eight minutes to go in regular time to win in the most dramatic of fashion.
Asked to put the feeling into words, goalkeeper Hinch said: “That’s impossible! Literally, the best, best feeling in the world and boy do we deserve it. We’ve had some lows but this has been one hell of a summer and this has been coming. I’m just in a state of shock. I don’t know what to say. It just shows the level of belief in our team at the moment to come from two goals down, to say ‘we’re not giving up on this’ and that’s exactly what we did.”
Caia van Maasakker’s third quarter penalty corner double looked to have won the tie for the Dutch as they eventually broke through a blood and guts English defence. She found her range from the eighth and ninth Dutch penalty corners, finally finding a route past the superb defences of Hinch who kept out 22 shots on target overall.
But England produced a rousing comeback in front of the capacity crowd at Lee Valley with Sophie Bray and Lily Owsley’s corner rebounds in the closing eight minutes, earning their shoot-out chance before emerging victorious over the top ranked team in world hockey.
Bronze: Germany 5-1 Spain
A hat trick for Germany’s newest superstar Charlotte Stapenhorst was the icing on the cake for Germany in the Unibet EuroHockey Championships Bronze medal match. Germany’s hold on the EuroHockey title might have disappeared in the semi-finals, but the team was determined to leave the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre with a medal round their necks and their dismantling of the Spanish team was a study in structure and discipline.
“That victory was really important for us,” said Germany’s Kristina Hillmann. “We were so disappointed at our performance against the Dutch.”
In an insight into the tactics used, Hillmann added: “We played a great defence, swinging the ball around the back at a high pace and creating spaces through to our forwards.” It was a point that Spain’s Georgina Oliva agreed with: “They moved the ball so quickly, we chased it and got tired, so when we came to attack, we were too tired to be effective.”
WOMEN’S POOL C
Belgium 4-3 Italy
Retiring captain Liselotte van Lindt scored a goal and produced a player of the match performance to help Belgium take a 4-3 win against Italy, a result which relegated the Italians from the top tier of European hockey. Van Lindt opened the scoring for Belgium in the 4th minute of the match, before Italy moved into a 2-1 lead thanks to strikes from Aldana Lovagnini and team captain Chiara Tiddi. Two Belgian goals in three minutes from Manon Simons and Judith Vandermeiren gave Belgium a 3-2 lead before the ever resilient Italians levelled again when Giuliana Ruggieri found the net. The winning goal arrived in two minutes into the final quarter, with Emma Puvrez firing home to settle the contest.
Scotland 2-0 Poland
Scotland warded off any danger of potential relegation to EuroHockey Nations Championship II with a composed 2-0 win over Poland, ending the tournament in sixth place overall thanks to strikes from Nikki Kidd and Vikki Bunce. The Poles had a chance of leap-frogging the Scots in the Pool C rankings if they could summon their first victory at this elevated level of competition.
Scotland’s Kareena Marshall said: “We achieved our minimum target to maintain our place in this division and, you know what, in two years time, we want to step up. We definitely want to make the semi-finals; that would be phenomenal. Ireland have done it [in the men’s competition] so why not?”
Final standings:
Gold – England
Silver – Netherlands
Bronze – Germany
4th – Spain
5th – Belgium
6th – Scotland
7th – Italy
8th – Poland
Individual Awards:
Top goal scorer: Caia van Maasakker (NED) 5 goals
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Yvonne Frank (GER)
Player of the Tournament: Alex Danson (ENG)
More information about the competition can be found on www.eurohockey.org and www.eurohockey2015.co.uk
FIH site
Home win for England at Unibet EuroHockey Championships after dramatic finale
England were crowned champions of Europe after a dramatic shootout win over the Netherlands in the final of the Unibet EuroHockey Championships. After coming from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw, England won the shootout 3-1 thanks in part to the heroics of goalkeeper Maddie Hinch, who saved three times to condemn the Dutch to silver.
Germany collected the bronze medal after a strong performance against Spain. A hat-trick from Charlotte Stapenhorst did the damage.
Scotland maintained their top flight status with a win over Poland, who were relegated to the second tier of European competition along with Italy.
Unibet EuroHockey Championships – Final
ENG v NED 2-2 (3-1 after shoot-out)
England produced an incredible late comeback, surviving a huge and sustained Dutch barrage to land their second EuroHockey Championships with Maddie Hinch producing one of the performances for the ages.
They eventually prevailed in a shoot-out 3-1 coming back from 2-0 down with eight minutes to go in regular time to win in the most dramatic of fashion.
Asked to put the feeling into words, Hinch said: “That’s impossible! Literally, the best, best feeling in the world and God do we deserve it. We’ve had some lows but this has been one hell of a summer and this has been coming.
I’m just in a state of shock. I don’t know what to say. It just shows the level of belief in our team at the moment to come from two goals down, to say ‘we’re not giving up on this’ and that’s exactly what we did.”
Caia van Maasakker’s third quarter penalty corner double looked to have won the tie for the Dutch as they eventually broke through a blood and guts English defence. She found her range from the eighth and ninth Dutch penalty corners, finally finding a route past the superb defences of Hinch who kept out 22 shots on target overall.
But England produced a rousing comeback in front of the capacity crowd at Lee Valley with Sophie Bray and Lily Owsley’s corner rebounds in the closing eight minutes, earning their shoot-out chance.
Bronze medal match
GER v ESP 5-1 (4-0)
A hat trick for Germany’s newest superstar Charlotte Stapenhorst was the icing on the cake for Germany in the Unibet EuroHockey Championships bronze medal match. Germany’s hold on the EuroHockey title might have disappeared in the semi-finals, but the team was determined to leave the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre with a medal round their necks and their dismantling of the Spanish team was a study in structure and discipline.
The game was won in the first half as the German team moved the ball at a tremendous pace to create gaps in the hard-working Spanish defence. The first 15 minutes of the game saw a pattern of play emerging that would set the tone for the match. A German defensive platform, mostly involving Janne Muller-Wieland and Nina Hasselmann swung the ball around the back, sapping the energy of the Spain forwards and gradually, inexorably, the ball was moved up the pitch, with the midfield, led by Franzisca Hauke, seeking to release the forwards. In response, Spain sat back and soaked up the pressure, making occasional forays into the German half of the pitch.
Stapenhorst was joined on the scoresheet by Lisa Altenberg and Eileen Hoffmann. Carlota Petchame scored a consolation goal for Spain.
“We played a really good first half with a really consistent way of attacking and pressing, as well as outletting. That was reflected on the score-sheet, which is not always the case with us,” said head coach Jamilon Mulders. “The team’s reaction after the loss to the Netherlands was good and this is a really good finish to the tournament.”
In the earlier games, Belgium beat Italy to finish fifth, while Scotland finished sixth after beating Poland. The results mean Italy and Poland will be playing in the second tier of European hockey in two years time.
Gold – England
Silver – Netherlands
Bronze – Germany
4th – Spain
5th – Belgium
6th – Scotland
7th – Italy
8th – Poland
Player of the Tournament Alex Danson – ENG. The England star reached 50 goals for her country with a hat-trick against Germany and scored an important goal against Spain in the semi-final. The No15 terrorised defences all tournament and earned her award with a series of superb displays.
Goalkeeper of the Tournament Yvonne Frank – GER. Although Germany missed out on the final, there was not much more Yvonne Frank could do to help her side over the line. A string of world class saves against the Netherlands in the semi-final showed the best of the German No1 who had a splendid tournament.
Top goal scorer Caia van Maasakker – NED. Some consolation for the Dutch star, whose two goals in the final couldn’t bring home the title, but they did earn her the top scorer award. A threat from penalty corners, the No13 is feared by defences everywhere.
England Hockey Board Media release
Hinch inspires England to glorious gold
Lily Owsley celebrates her equaliser
A sensational goalkeeping display from England’s Maddie Hinch helped Danny Kerry’s side to a famous win in the final of the Unibet EuroHockey Championships. Caia van Maasakker had given the Dutch a two-goal lead via two penalty corners, but late goals from Sophie Bray and Lily Owsley took the game to a shootout. Hinch saved three times in the shootout and England were victorious, picking up the trophy for the first time since 1991.
The Dutch were the quicker of the two sides to settle, winning a penalty corner in the third minute. Caia van Maasakker took the shot but Maddie Hinch got down well to make the save to her right. With England under pressure, Xan de Waard played Eva de Goede in but Hinch got out well to block it. Alex Danson was first to threaten for the hosts, picking the ball up in the right and showing the defence a clean pair of heels before forcing Joyce Sombroek into action for the first time.
At the start of the second quarter the Netherlands had a glorious chance to open the scoring. Ginella Zerbo found herself clean through but Hinch got enough on the ball to divert the shot round the post. England were defending superbly and then on the counter they won a penalty corner eight minutes before the break. The slip left to Laura Unsworth was the option but Holland were able to charge the shot down and clear. Sjoerd Marijne’s team continued to push forwards and won another penalty corner before the break. Van Maasakker’s shot took a deflection but Hinch readjusted and made a stunning save to her right. Another corner was awarded but again, the England goalkeeper thwarted Van Maassakker.
Right at the start of the second half Naomi Van As glided into the circle on the right but her shot was seen off by the England goalkeeper who was being kept busy. She pulled off another fine save from a penalty corner with England’s defence pouncing on the rebound to clear the danger. A lovely patient move from Danny Kerry’s side set up their best chance of the quarter. They worked the ball into Danson inside the circle. Her instant turn and shot was superbly saved by Sombroek diving to her right.
England’s brave resistance was finally broken with five minutes left in the quarter. Van Maasakker got the better of Hinch from a penalty corner that found the net via a defender’s stick. The Dutch doubled their lead three minutes later and it was a second for Van Maasakker. Her fierce penalty corner beat the goalkeeper to her left with pace and precision.
Margot van Geffen picked up a yellow card in the opening exchanges of the final quarter and England made the extra player count, winning a penalty corner. They worked a complicated move and although Sombroek saved Kate Richardson-Walsh’s shot, Bray dug the ball out and forced it over the line to give Danny Kerry’s side a glimmer of hope. Hinch made an incredible double save from the next Netherlands penalty corner, keeping her side in the contest with a miraculous piece of athleticism. England drew level two minutes later. Another well worked penalty corner did the trick and Owsley was on hand to guide the ball over the line, setting up a grandstand finish to the delight of the crowd. With no further goals, the game went into a shootout.
Helen Richardson-Walsh went first and was fouled by Sombroek. She took the resultant penalty stroke herself and scored. Hinch then saved from Willemijn Bos to keep it 1-0. Danson kept her cool to slot home the second and Hinch denied Lidweij Welten to put England in a strong position. Bray converted hers and Ellen Hoog got Netherlands on the board. Although Sombroek saved from Georgie Twigg, Eva De Goede was unable to beat Hinch and England were crowned champions.
Quotes – Georgie Twigg
“I’m still in shock to be honest. I can’t quite believe it. What a fantastic day!
When we went 2-0 down we looked at each other and we knew what we had to do. We don’t train day in, day out to go down without a fight. The belief we have is incredible and will take us far in this next year. Once the first goal went in I knew we could do it. As soon as it went to shootout, we had a lot of confidence.
The first corner goal was a special routine we haven’t used before in a match. We practice them to try and score when it matters and that’s what happened.
We sat and watched the Dutch shootouts yesterday and with Maddie Hinch in goal we are always very confident. We’ve had a lot of practice, we executed well when we took them and Maddie did what she does, it was brilliant.
It’s been an incredible tournament. When we went 2-0 down the crowd lifted us. It’s been a really special event. Playing at the Olympic legacy venue and getting a gold medal, it doesn’t get much more special than that.”
England 2 (0)
Sophie Bray 52 (PC)
Lily Owsley 54 (PC)
Netherlands 2 (0)
Caia Van Maasakker 40, 43 (PC, PC)
England win 3-1 after shootout
England Hockey Board Media release
England women win Unibet European Championship at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
By Graham Wilson
Maddie Hinch helped England beat the Netherlands in a penalty shootout. GETTY
MADDIE HINCH turned to her secret notebook and won the Unibet European Championship for England at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Goalkeeper Hinch and her brave defence had fended off world and Olympic champions the Netherlands to come back from two goals down with eight minutes to play when Sophie Bray pounced on a penalty corner and Lily Owsley scrambled home an equaliser two minutes later to take the gold medal clash to a shoot-out.
Hinch's notebook has all the details on her opposition and she referred to it on the pitch before going into goal to make three stunning saves to take the title 3-1.
"I am renowned as a bit of a geek on penalties but as soon as it was the shoot-out it was my turn to step up and I knew we had got this," she said. "The gold has been coming a long time but it is the best feeling in the world to do it front of our home crowd.
"It's all about confidence in these situations. The race to Rio is on."
Coach Danny Kerry added: "We were battered by the Dutch for three quarters. Then I asked the team if they believed they could do it, as I did. And they said yes. We needed to dig in and fight back.
"Compared with winning the bronze medal in the London Olympics this was almost as good, especially as its my first gold and on home turf."
Striker Alex Danson was named player of the tournament.
Daily Express
England come back from the brink to beat Holland in a shoot out
England have won their first European Championship title in 24 years and denied Holland a weekend of ‘Total Hockey’
By Rod Gilmour, Lee Valley
England have won the EuroHockey Championships. Photo: Livepic
England women denied Holland a weekend of ‘Total Hockey’ in the most dramatic fashion yesterday as they came back from the brink here to win their first European Championship title in 24 years after a barely believable shoot out success.
A day after Holland had routed Germany 6-1 to lift the men’s title, the odds were heavily in the women’s favour to land a ninth title in the last 12 editions of Europe’s showpiece event.
That much ran true for large swathes of the final as Danny Kerry’s side soaked up everything Holland threw at them until the third quarter when fearsome striker Caia van Maasakker scored two penalty corner goals in the space of three minutes.
But the world and Olympic champions hadn’t accounted for Maddie Hinch, Holcombe’s diminutive goalkeeper, who pulled off a dozen saves during normal time as England rallied from 2-0 down in the final quarter to score twice in two minutes and force the ensuing drama from the 23-metre line.
Holland also hasn’t accounted for Hinch’s red ‘playbook’. Before the shoot out she studied her notes, stuck her helmet back on and kept out two Dutch players as England scored their first three. Despite Georgie Twigg missing, Hinch thwarted another Oranje and jubilation ensued.
“I do my homework and I’m renowned for doing so,” said Hinch afterwards. “Under pressure, people tend to resort to do doing what they’ve done in the past and I felt really confident going into it.
“This is simply the best feeling I have ever experienced. I want to get used to this and win more events.”
They have already started the ball rolling. As an England and Great Britain side, they are now unbeaten in 15, while victory saw them to their second successive tournament by winning all of their games.
To defy them, all the world and Olympic champions had to do was maintain their superior possession percentage and keep their expansive passing game in the last quarter.
But England, who hadn’t beaten Holland since 2003 when stalwart captain Kate Richardson-Walsh scored the winner, somehow contrived to rock their usual stout defence, which had shipped only two goals in four previous games.
Roared on by a vociferous crowd of 5,000, Alex Danson had England’s first meaningful shot in the third quarter. They then won a precious penalty corner eight minutes from time. In the circle melee, Sophie Bray tapped home. Still there was danger, but Minch pulled off a miraculous double save with legs and arms both sprawling.
Two minutes later another penalty corner was realised – a routine which has proved their downfall in recent years – as Lily Owsley pounced from close range for the leveller.
With Rio qualification already assured in June after their World League success, and as the England girls danced a Copacabana jig for the second time in three months, Kerry, the coach, was left to reflect on a final quarter that seemingly went by in a blur.
“We were getting battered by Holland and weren’t really playing hockey with some cheap turn over,” he said. “But the last quarter I asked them if they could win, and they said 'yes'."
Holland are such masters in the game that Louis van Gaal, the Manchester United manager, employs two former hockey players as his backroom analysts.
Here, Holland’s own video analysts would have revelled in the statistics: 31 circle entries to England’s 11, 22 shots on goal to England’s 11. But that was before friends Bray and Owsley set up the thrilling denouement.
“We knew if we kept the score low, our forwards were playing well enough,” added Hinch. “We’re starting to get used to these situations and we now have no fear playing sides like the Dutch.”
The Telegraph
Hinch's performance for the ages
England produced an incredible late comeback, surviving a huge and sustained Dutch barrage, to land their second EuroHockey Championships with Maddie Hinch producing one of the performances for the ages.
They eventually prevailed in a shoot-out 3-1 coming back from 2-0 down with eight minutes to go in regular time to win in the most dramatic of fashion.
Asked to put the feeling into words, Hinch said: “That’s impossible! Literally, the best, best feeling in the world and God do we deserve it. We’ve had some lows but this has been one hell of a summer and this has been coming.
“I’m just in a state of shock. I don’t know what to say. It just shows the level of belief in our team at the moment to come from two goals down, to say ‘we’re not giving up on this’ and that’s exactly what we did.”
Caia van Maasakker’s third quarter penalty corner double looked to have won the tie for the Dutch as they eventually broke through a blood and guts English defence. She found her range from the eighth and ninth Dutch penalty corners, finally finding a route past the superb defences of Hinch who kept out 22 shots on target overall.
But England produced a rousing comeback in front of the capacity crowd at Lee Valley with Sophie Bray and Lily Owsley’s corner rebounds in the closing eight minutes, earning their shoot-out chance.
Earlier, a hat trick for Germany’s newest superstar Charlotte Stapenhorst was the icing on the cake for Germany in the Unibet EuroHockey Championships bronze medal match.
Germany’s hold on the EuroHockey title might have disappeared in the semi-finals, but the team was determined to leave the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre with a medal round their necks and their 5-1 dismantling of the Spanish team was a study in structure and discipline.
“We played a really good first half.with a really consistent way of attacking and pressing, as well as outletting. That was reflected on the score-sheet, which is not always the case with us,” said head coach Jamilon Mulders. “The team’s reaction after the loss to the Netherlands was good and this is a really good finish to the tournament.”
In the earlier games, Belgium beat Italy to finish fifth, while Scotland finished sixth after beating Poland. The results mean Italy and Poland will be playing in the second tier of European hockey in two years time.
Euro Hockey League media release
Alex Danson - Player of the Tournament
By Dil Bahra
Alex Danson displaying why she won Player of the Tournament. Photo: Koen Suyk
There have been a few great action photos in our sport of hockey over the years but this photo by Dutch photographer Koen Suyk tops them all. Koen, a photographer for over 40 years has covered seven Olympic Games and states that Sports photography is his great love, with hockey, golf and tennis as his specialties.
This photo was taken on Wednesday 26 August during the England’s pool match with Germany at the Unibet EuroHockey Championships at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The photo captures England Striker Alex Danson’s sheer unfettered determination to get the ball. She scored a hat trick in England’s 4 – 1 win to progress to the semi-finals.
Dutch photographer Koen Suyk.
In the 19 years I have been running Fieldhockey.com this photo of Alex Danson is by far and away the best action photo I have ever seen.
See more of Koen's work on his website
Fieldhockey.com
Scotland secure European A Division status
Victory over Poland Ensures Scotland's survival
Scotland finally retained their place among Europe`s elite with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Poland in the final relegation pool match at the European Nations Championships in London
The cause was perhaps helped by Belgium`s 4-3 win over Italy in an earlier match, the result left the Scots still in second spot in the pool, now only needing to avoid defeat against the Poles to finish a creditable sixth and retain their place in the top tier. But in reality, the Scots took the game to the Poles, totally dominated proceedings, and came away with a thoroughly deserved win to settle the issue in style.
The Scots were in control right from the start, they pressed the Polish defence without creating too many early openings, but the pressure was relieved by a dreadful error by the Polish defence. The ball was donated to Nikki Bunce in the circle, her initial shot cannoned off a post and Nikki Lloyd`s follow up effort was well blocked by the goalkeeper. Not learning from their earlier mistake the Polish defence failed to clear the danger, the ball eventually fell kindly to Nikki Kidd and the Mannheimer striker buried her low reverse stick shot in the Polish net.
The Scots had a couple of chances to extend their lead, a Kareena Marshall`s shot went wide of the goal and also Amy Brodie`s outstretched stick after good build-up work by Louise Campbell, while Kidd`s penalty corner effort was well blocked by the goalkeeper.
Although in total command of proceedings Scotland coach Gordon Shepherd urged the need to still go forward at his half-time interview, and his charges almost scored again in the opening minutes when a Kidd cross from the right was sent just wide of the target by Bunce. Becky Merchant received a ball at the top of the circle but was brilliantly tackled before she could unleash a shot.
The Scots doubled their tally six minutes into the second half, Nikki Lloyd and Kidd interchanged up the right to open up the Polish defence, but instead of shooting the latter unselfishly squared the ball to the unmarked Bunce who swept it into the unguarded net.
The Poles now needed three goals to keep their top flight status, but a well-marshalled Scottish defence in front of goalkeeper Amy Gibson were determined to keep a clean sheet. At the other end the Scots continued to press the Polish circle forcing them to defend in numbers.
Chances to extend the score continued to come, captain Leigh Fawcett`s penalty corner shot was well saved by the goalkeeper, an off-balanced Kidd failed to direct the ball goalwards, then Nikki Skrastin created an opening for herself only for her shot to be deflected clear.
With just under four minutes left Gibson, after a very confident display between the posts, gave way to Nicky Cochrane for her first outing of the tournament. The Scots played out the final minutes of the contest with no threat to their winning position.
"I was happy we managed to stay in the top flight for the second time in a row, especially with a relatively new squad," said Shepherd. "We took the game to the Poles, it was a professional team effort where every player stepped up to the mark."
Amid the celebrations there were two other personal accolades, Dundee Wanderers` defender Becky Ward collected her 100th Scottish cap and Nikki Kidd, who was directly involved in both goals, was named the player of the match.
Unibet EuroHockey Championships 2015 (W)
Pool C Result
Scotland 2 - 0 Poland
Scotland Senior Women: Amy Brodie, Leigh Fawcett, captain (both Grove Menzieshill), Fiona Bruce, Ali Howie, Susan McGilveray, Nicki Skrastin (all Clydesdale Western), Louise Campbell, Nikki Cochrane, Becky Merchant (all Edinburgh University), Vikki Bunce, Becky Ward (both Dundee Wanderers), Aileen Davis (Clifton), Amy Gibson (Slough), Nikki Kidd (Mannheimer), Nikki Lloyd (Wimbledon), Emily Maguire (Reading), Kareena Marshall (Western Wildcats), Sarah Robertson (Holcolme)
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Olympic qualification a dream come true: Women’s hockey captain
Goalkeeper Savita (left), captain Ritu Rani (centre) and striker Rani Rampal, members of Indian women's hockey team. Photo: Prashant Nakwe
With the Indian women’s hockey team earning the Olympic qualification after 36 long years, skipper Ritu Rani said that representing the country at the quadrennial extravaganza, is a dream come true for the team.
The Indian Women’s Hockey team last time featured in the Moscow 1980 Olympics, where they finished at a respectable fourth position.
The team posted a fifth place finish in the Hockey World League (HWL) semi-final, earlier this year in Antwerp, Belgium, to ensure that they remained in contention for the Olympics.
The berth was confirmed when Spain lost the semi-final clash to England, during the women’s Euro Hockey Championships on Friday.
“It’s a dream come true. I am still in the process of realizing that we have made it to Olympics. We were aware that the outcome of the match between England and Spain will confirm our position for the games next year and we had been waiting for the results,” an ecstatic Rani said.
“We were overjoyed when we came to know that we have qualified. This is a lifetime moment for each player and we will ensure that we make it more memorable by giving it a podium finish,” she added.
Experienced striker Rani Rampal meanwhile, is still finding it hard to believe that she will grace the hockey fields in Rio in Indian colours.
“This is just so unbelievable. While we were sure of a berth but now that this has happened it is still hard to believe. We had been playing and practicing for this moment for many years now,” the Haryana girl said.
“Many in the team were aware that it would be the last opportunity to achieve our dream and play in the Olympics and this time we were adamant that we will make this happen,” she added.
Goalkeeper Savita Punia looked back to their game against Japan in the HWL, which she believes was the game-changer.
“I still remember the game against Japan during the Hockey World League at Antwerp. We knew a win would keep us in contention and so in a way I had to ensure that Japan did not find the nets. While we had scored early, the job from there was to defend that one goal. Each one of us took it on oneself, that we will defend it and not allow them to score,” Savita said.
“When I came on board my immediate focus was to see that the team qualifies for the games next year. During every game at Antwerp I reminded the players that this is their chance to Rio.,” chief coach, Mathias Ahrens, said
“They have to deliver to see their dreams come true. I am happy that I was able to motivate and guide them, which has ensured us this spot in the Rio Olympics. From here now my job will be to see that they make the country proud through their performance,” he added.
The Hindu
We will make it count, say Indian women hockey players
NEW DELHI: An "overjoyed" Indian women hockey team today vowed to make the most of the Olympic qualification as it will be one last opportunity for many players to compete in the showpiece event.
The women team will be featuring in the Olympics after a gap of 36 years. The last time they competed was in the Moscow 1980 Olympics, where they finished a respectable fourth.
"It's a dream come true. I am still in the process of realising that we have made it to Olympics. We were overjoyed when we came to know that we have qualified. This is a lifetime moment for each player and we will ensure that we make it more memorable by giving it a podium finish," India captain Ritu Rani said.
Star striker Rani Rampal, whose crucial goal against Japan in Antwerp kept the Indians in hunt, said, "This is just so unbelievable. While we were sure of a berth but now that this has happened it is still hard to believe. We had been playing and practicing for this moment for many years now. Many in the team were aware that it would be the last opportunity to achieve our dream and play in the Olympics and this time we were adamant that we will make this happen."
Goalkeeper Savita also remembered the win against Japan.
"I still remember the game against Japan during the FINTRO FIH Hockey World League. We knew a win would keep us in contention and so in a way I had to ensure that Japan did not find the nets. While we had scored early, the job from there was to defend that one goal.
"Each one of us took it on oneself that we will defend it and not allow them to score. I think it was everyone's effort that day which has allowed us to see this beautiful day today. From here there is no looking back. We will make this qualification count and will make the country proud."
Vice Captain Deepika said, "This year we had took it on ourselves that we will not let this opportunity go. It was not an easy game as Japan was also playing with the same goal but it was possible because we stood up as a unit. Next year we will ensure that we add another feather by aiming for a podium finish."
Speaking on the qualification, Chief Coach Mathias Ahrens said, "During every game at Antwerp I reminded the players that this is their chance to RIO. They have to deliver to see their dreams come true. From here now my job will be to see that they make the country proud through their performance."
The Times of India
KZN Raiders and SA juniors a close call
JONATHAN COOK in Pretoria
There was not much to choose between the South Africa Under-21 hockey team and KZN Raiders on day one of the SA Men’s Interprovincial Tournament at Tuks Astro in Pretoria Sunday.
The outcome was an entertaining 2-2 draw in which both sides had their chances to earn maximum points.
The other results in this 12-team event saw South Gauteng Wits beat North West 5-0, defending champs Western Province Peninsula account for KZN Inland 3-0, underdogs Free State make a late comeback against 2014 silver medallists Southern Gauteng in what was an eventual 5-3 defeat, last year’s bronze medallists Western Province scored six without reply against Eastern Province, and hosts Northern Blues beat KZN Mynahs 7-0.
Pool A comprises WP Peninsula, who earned an historic first-ever title in Durban last year, Northern Blues, KZN Raiders, KZN Mynahs, KZN Inland and South Africa U21, who were given a special invitation in order to assist with their Junior World Cup preparations.
Pool B is made up of Southern Gauteng, Western Province, SG Wits, EP, Free State and North West.
Against SA U21, the KZN Raiders opened the scoring through a penalty corner by captain Matt Fairweather in the ninth minute. Ryan Julius equalised four minutes after half-time (34th) before the SA juniors took the lead via a Kyle Lion-Cachet PC in the 47th. Raiders levelled the match 2-2 in the 52nd when Greg Last powered a PC into the backboard.
The SA juniors missed a chance from the penalty spot and Raiders’ national goalkeeper Gowan Jones made a remarkable recovery save to stop a certain goal four minutes from the end. To be fair, the Durban lads also had first-half chances that got away so perhaps a share of the spoils was a justifiable outcome.
Raiders captain Matt Fairweather was reasonably pleased with his side and hopes they will continue to build on this solid start. “There is lots of work to do, but we had chances to win and we got much that was positive out of this first match.”
SA U21 head coach Garreth Ewing praised Fairweather’s performance, while also giving his own skipper, Alex Stewart the thumbs up.
“I think we were quite happy with a point on the first day, the guys were nervous so they're all feeling a little better now,” said the SA juniors mentor. “It was a good game, entertaining, but a little loose defensively by both teams.
“Our goal for the week is to compete in every game and to learn about playing together as a team. If we're in the shout for a semi-final that will be a bonus but it's not an expectation.”
Ewing appreciated the dynamism of the Raiders in their interchange. “Perhaps a bit too expansive, but they created lots of chances.”
SG Wits had too many options for a hardworking North West and the 2-0 half-time lead turned into a 5-0 whitewash by the final whistle. All five of Wits’ goals came from field play and were shared between Winchester Scott, Alridge Louw, Thabang Modise, Chad Burke and Brad Venter.
WP Pens were comfortable against a spirited KZN Inland and their cohesion was rewarded with two goals before half-time by Luthando Jonas (18th minute) and Ben Wiley (25th) while Jonas added a second 14 minutes into the second half (44th). Inland had their chances, in particular from penalty corners, but the Pens defence had the answers.
Southern Gauteng were outstanding in racing to a 3-0 lead inside 18 minutes and at 5-1 with 10 minutes left it appeared that Free State were on a hiding to nothing. To their great credit the Bloemfontein lads kept their heads and two goals without reply in those last 10 minutes was a due reward.
Nic Spooner (2), Gareth Heyns, Luke Sanan and Walter Pfaff got on the scoresheet for Southerns and Free State’s late goals came from Dylan Swanepoel and Kurt Hensburg.
Western Province, under new coach Steve Evans, who was the X-factor in Pens’ historic IPT triumph last year, had too much variety and creativity for a determined Eastern Province. The 3-0 half-time lead was doubled by the end, the WP goals going to Pierre de Voux (2), penalty corner drag-flick ace Dave Agar (2), Daniel Bell and captain Lloyd Norris-Jones.
The late game saw the Tuks crowd treated to some lethal penalty corner finishing by their Northern Blues stars, five of the seven goals coming from the set-piece. Grant Glutz nailed a hat-trick of PCs plus a field goal, captain Frankie Pretorius and Mark Holliday also netted from PCs, and skilful striker Richard Pautz scored from field play.
Monday’s match of the day is undoubtedly the clash between Northerns Blues and SA U21 at 6pm while the derby between Durban-based KZN Raiders and Pietermaritzburg-based KZN Inland, which starts at 11am, always fires up the respective teams.
Southern Gauteng versus EP at 2.30pm is another clash that requires no motivating the players.
The second-tier B Section tournament starts at St Albans College Tuesday.
RESULTS
KZN Raiders 2 South Africa U21 2; South Gauteng Wits 5 North West 0; Western Province Peninsula 3 KZN Inland 0; Southern Gauteng 5 Free State 3; Western Province 6 Eastern Province 0; Northern Blues 7 KZN Mynahs 0.
MONDAY FIXTURES
Tuks Astro: 09h15 SG Wits vs Free State; 11h00 KZN Raiders vs KZN Inland; 12h45 WP vs North West; 14h30 Southern Gauteng vs EP; 16h15 WP Pens vs KZN Mynahs; 18h00 Northern Blues vs SA U21.
SA Hockey Association media release
Pakistan hockey in the doldrums
By Muhammad Ali
After remaining top of the hockey world for more than three decades, Pakistan is at its lowest rung today. It is lamentable that a country which won Olympic gold thrice, World Cup four times, Asia Cup thrice, Asian Games gold record eight times, Asian Champions Trophy gold twice, FIH Champions Trophy gold thrice and remained unbeatable at regional level for many years is now a lowly team. The side’s failure to qualify for the Olympics 2016 for the first time marks a calamitous new low. Last month Pakistan finished eighth in the Olympics qualifying round at Antwerp in Belgium. It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan finished last in the World Cup held in India in 2010, and also failed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in the Netherlands. Pakistan hockey is on a serious decline since they won the 1994 world title in Australia.
Pakistan’s brilliant track record in international hockey since independence has owed much to the dynamic administrative skills of individuals like AIS Dara, Air Marshal Noor Khan, and Air Vice Marshal Farooq Umar. If one analyses carefully the periods of poor performance in Pakistan hockey they are invariably linked with poor management. At present there is much chaos and lack of vision in the PHF, and the chances the national team will sparkle in forthcoming events seem remote. Presently our national sport has been bedeviled with poor performance, rifts, petty politics, polarity, and has consequently been overshadowed by cricket. There are serious problems with the national sport of the country. Today Pakistan hockey is at the crossroads.
Due to country’s obsession with cricket these days, Pakistan hockey has been relegated to the background due to the Pakistan government’s indifferent attitude towards the national sport. On the other hand, our neighbour India in recent years has taken a giant leap in promoting its sports, injecting millions of dollars into cricket, hockey, badminton, tennis, football and kabaddi. They have started staging international leagues attracting world-class players. All this is helping India tremendously to elevate itself in the international sports arena. Unfortunately, the situation in Pakistan is exactly the opposite as the federal government lacks the required level of interest to involve the nation in sporting activities. Instead the Pakistan government is more interested in squandering billions of rupees on worthless projects.
Last week new president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, Brigadier (r) Mohammad Khalid Sajjad Khokhar, received a vote of confidence from the ‘rubber-stamp’ PHF Congress in Islamabad while current secretary general of the body Rana Mujahid Ali was given an extension on his contract, which will run till the 2018 World Cup. Head coach Shahnaz Shiekh voluntarily resigned from his post for the “betterment of hockey”. Khalid was nominated as president by the PHF chief patron, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, for the coveted post after resignation of Akhtar Rasool who was forced to resign despite the fact that he was an elected president.
But changes at the top level of the PHF were expected after Pakistan failed to qualify for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics 2016. And how could the PHF Congress, comprising of weak and persons having their own axe to grind, could say no or go against the ‘wishes’ of the Prime Minister. It is an open secret that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif wanted Akhtar out of his sight for political reasons as well as for some ‘hatred’. And the Olympics failure gave the chief executive of the country a perfect opportunity. After the Olympics debacle, the Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Ministry and the PHF had formed their separate committees to probe what happened at Antwerp. The IPC committee, headed by former Olympian Col (r) Mudassar Asghar, in its report had put responsibility on the PHF officials and the team management. The PHF committee, headed by former Olympian Shahid Ali Khan, pointed out that preparation of the national team for such a big event was not perfect and the players also gave below par performance. Akhtar’s resignation came the day after the PHF fact-finding committee submitted its report to the national federation. A ‘postman’ of the IPC Ministry gave the Prime Minister’s ‘message’ to Akhtar who had no choice but comply. This ‘Akhtar-hatred’ was the main reason the federal government had refused to issue a special grant to the PHF in the last two years. It is really surprising and interesting that despite no money in the kitty, the greenshirts were able to grab gold medal in the Asian Champions Trophy, silver medal at the Incheon Asian Games in 2014 and silver medal at the FIH Champions Trophy in 2014.
After taking reins of the PHF, Khalid said that he and his team would work tirelessly to improve the state of hockey affairs in the country, adding that they had asked the government for a Rs100 million grant to initiate their goals. It is interesting to note that Khalid was a player and captain of the Pakistan Army hockey team from 1973-84. However he was never able to represent the country. At present he is working as Managing Director at the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC). Khalid wanted to become the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) president but when Salim Saifullah Khan took control of Pakistan tennis he turned his ‘interest’ towards Pakistan hockey. Khalid is a close relative of powerful Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal and has forced his way into Pakistan hockey. Khalid started his efforts to become the PHF president the day he came to know the crisis in Pakistan hockey, and his efforts bore fruit. Such positions have always proved a magnet for cronies and junket-seekers. After taking over, the new PHF chief jumped on the high horse, as if he would make Pakistan rule the world again.
In Pakistan hockey, whenever the greenshirts lose a tournament, an unwarranted overhaul takes place and merit runs poor second to personal whims. One is surprised to observe that the government ignores the fact that the change of command in no way promises success, planning does. But we are not a nation of sage souls. Rather we indulge in thoughtless decisions. If changing federation officials after every defeat or bad performance had been the best remedy, Pakistan would have been champions. Unfortunately, the technical understanding of issues is always ignored, and it triggers a rot.
A million dollar question which arises here is: would new PHF chief Khalid be able to deliver? The answer is not that difficult: NO. Khalid served as manager of the national hockey team for around three years during the tenure of his close ‘buddy’, then PHF secretary general Brig (r) Musarratullah Khan. And there was nothing to boast about managerial skills. If Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his ‘sage advisors’ in the IPC Ministry and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) think that Khalid would turn the tide, they are gravely mistaken. Khalid’s tenure as PHF president might rock the basis of Pakistan hockey further. He has no leadership qualities, vision, charisma, and the killer instinct that are hallmarks of a good administrator. Like many in this country, he is also obsessed with having two hats. How he will run and manage Pakistan hockey while working as MD of the government’s corporation is anybody’s guess.
In the national sphere and the sporting arena the root of our dilemma is the notorious system of patronage and imposed cronies, to the exclusion of merit and professionalism. Under the powerful patron’s benevolent gaze, the pick and choose appointees can survive scandals and failures that would crush an ordinary mortal. All said and done, one still expected the authorities to replace an Olympian of the stature of Akhtar Rasool with some renowned Olympian having strong credibility or a strong and determined administrator to head the PHF. But the deplorable, condemnable and dirty role of the IPC Ministry and the PSB, behind the scenes, knows no bounds.
The question for the Pakistan hockey now is rebuilding itself from the ashes of the Olympics 2016 Qualifiers campaign. Asia, once regarded as the superpowers of field hockey with South Korea emerging in 1980s, will only have one representative — India — at next year’s Games in Rio de Janeiro. India, the eight-time Olympic gold medallists, missed out on the 2008 Beijing Games but managed to regroup with a big injection of financial support. These are times when one fails to figure out what is keeping Pakistan hockey alive. In other countries, the people running the hockey affairs contribute by taking professional decisions and by executing them with competence rather than on the basis of personal preference and bias. But, frankly, we are not such a nation. The statements given by the top PHF officials in the national media, aim at to make people believe that the national outfit is doing well, and that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The fact is that the way things are being conducted, the days ahead are anything but that. Self-projection is definitely being given a different meaning here.
Building a strong team is not an overnight process and it takes years to put together a balanced side keeping in view the modern approach to competitive international hockey, and the exacting scientific preparations that the international teams now favour. The standard of the game is changing so rapidly that the gap between the best and the second in line has narrowed considerably. In fact, the difference between the four top teams has become so small that whenever any two of them meet it is very difficult to predict the outcome of the game. Failure to qualify for the Olympics was a most forgetful incident for Pakistan hockey. What is worse, it seems to be on an irrevocable downward slide. And realistically speaking, one should not harbour any hopes of the national team doing any better or revive itself to its former glory in coming years with the cronies running the show and incapable officials handling the affairs of the national sport of the country.
The Daily Times
Sept 4: KLHC v THT to decide title
By Jugjet Singh
KUALA Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) came back from a near-death experience, twice, to hold Sapura to a 4-4 draw in the Premier Division of the Malaysia Hockey League at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
Sapura took a 2-0 lead, but KLHC drew level, only to see Sapura take a 4-2 lead before nailing the two goals to steal a point in the final quarter.
However, the title chase is still between KLHC and Terengganu Hockey Team -- in a winner-takes-all on Sept 4 at the Batu Buruk Stadium in Kuala Terengganu.
Yesterday, THT beat Maybank 3-2 in Batu Buruk to set up the mouth-watering season finale.
Dangerous Lee finally bloomed for Sapura with goals in the eighth and 28th, while the other goals were scored by Faridzul Afiq (12th) and Norsyafiq Sumantri (38th).
As for KLHC, the scorers were Syamim Yusof (13th), Harvinder Singh (15th), Nabil Fiqri (53rd) and Ali Shan (57th).
The match was delayed by faulty lights, as well a thunderstorm, when Sapura were leading 4-2. In Round One, KLHC were also held to a 3-3 draw by Sapura.
"We played catch-up in most of the match but after the rain delay, we removed the sweepers post and went on an all out attack. It could have back-fired, but my players gave their best and drew the match," said KLHC coach K. Dharmaraj.
On their final league match on Sept 4: "We beat THT 6-2 in the Charity Shield, but that can't be use to gauge their strength. We need to play our best game of the season, because if my players enter with a complacent attitude, THT are capable of thrashing is 6-2 as well."
Sapura coach Tai Beng Hai, peeved with several incidents in the match, refused to attend the press conference.
RESULTS: Premier Division -- Sapura 4 KLHC 4, Terengganu 3 Maybank 2, UniKL x Tenaga x.
Division One: Group A: MSP-YP-SSP 3 BJSS 2, MBI 4 MSNT-THT 2; Group B: UiTM 4 UniKL Young Guns 1, Nur Insafi 3 SSTMI 1, ATM Airod 3 Politeknik 0.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
MHL title cliffhanger continues to final day
By S. Ramaguru
KLHC player Dedy Ariyadi (left) tussles for the ball with a Sapura player in their Malaysia Hockey League match in Bukit Jalil on Sunday.- SHAARI CHEMAT/ The STAR
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Hockey League’s (MHL) Premier Division title fight will be decided on Friday.
It will be a showdown between defending champions Terengganu and Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) in the final match of the league.
In Sunday’s penultimate match, Terengganu edged Maybank 3-2 at the Batu Buruk Hockey Stadium in Kuala Terengganu to take over the lead in the six-team league after KLHC were held to a 4-4 draw by Sapura.
The win gives Terengganu 24 points, one more than KLHC.
Faizal Saari was the hero for Terengganu, scoring a hat-trick in the 38th, 55th and 60th minutes. Maybank replied through Mohamed Irfan in the 58th minute and Hafifihafiz Hanafi on the hour mark.
The east coast side now hold the advantage. They just need a draw in front of their home crowd to retain the title while KLHC must win to wrest the title away.
At the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil, KLHC and Sapura were again involved in another gruelling contest. In their first encounter, the two sides drew 3-3.
Sapura raced to a 2-0 lead with Dangerous Lee scoring in the eighth minute. Farid Zulhaziq then added another field goal four minutes later.
But KLHC stormed back with two quick goals. Mohamed Syamin Yusof scored a field goal in the 13th minute and two minutes later Harvinder Singh netted the equaliser.
Sapura then took the fight to KLHC with Dangerous scoring again from close range in the 28th minute. Ten minutes later, Sapura regained their two-goal advantage with Norsyafiq Sumantri adding the fourth in the 38th minute.
There was more drama in the 41st minute when the floodlights failed. And it was further delayed due to a sudden downpour. The match only resumed 30 minutes later.
It proved to be a good break for KLHC. They reduced the deficit through a field goal by Fiqri Mohamed Nor in the 53rd minute. And four minutes later, Pakistani Ali Shan scored a field goal to rescue a point for KLHC.
The Star of Malaysia
Events, broadcast at the heart of Australian plans
CEO Cam Vale comments on trans-Tasman announcement and future events
Hockey Australia Chief Executive Cam Vale says a “leap of faith” is needed in creating new events that will excite sports fans, commercial partners and broadcasters alike.
Vale, who has been in charge of the sport since September 2013, was speaking recently at the announcement of Canberra as the host of the new trans-Tasman competition against New Zealand in 2017 and 2019.
“We have as good content as anyone but what we’ve got to do is be prepared as a sport to make that leap of faith in creating it, putting it in the calendar, building the rivalries and putting something on the line because, as we see, the sporting public gets behind Australian sport when they know there’s something on the line and the event’s significant.”
Just this weekend England Hockey demonstrated what can happen if you take that leap of faith as their women, roared on by a passionate home crowd of more than 5000 in London and thousands more on national free-to-air TV, became European Champions for the first time in 24 years.
Just a few short years ago England struggled to capture the imagination of its own participants but a concerted effort in creating and hosting major hockey events – at domestic and European club level and international level – coupled with the halo effect of the Olympic Games in 2012 has seen an significant upward trend.
In the past six months, Vale and Hockey Australia have announced agreements with New Zealand and India, and with the NT Government, to create top quality international events in Australia. Canberra’s hosting of the Australian trans-Tasman events is just the start as Hockey Australia takes significant strides in its own events strategy.
“Hockey is a sport with a national footprint and we’ve got that [interest] in Perth, we know that works very well. But for me, the direction to spread this elite talent and showcase what we do as a sport around the country is significant. Canberra has a great history with the sport like so many other places, so it’s a perfect fit.
“We’ll be making some announcements around the Darwin event and who’s coming and what that will look like for next year, so that’s significant.
“And it’s really then looking particularly into Asia as to what else we can do, creating either permanent events or possibly creating some new tournament-type models that will engage our region on a regular basis, so I would expect that these announcements will be a regular focus probably for the next 18 months.”
And it’s not just fans in the lucky host towns and cities that will benefit but supporters of the sport nationwide with broadcast and live streaming expected to become a consistent feature.
“Whether they’re test matches, tournaments or something in between, the next key part for us is how we have those events broadcast to the areas around the country that aren’t seeing it.
“And, for us, capitalising on the fact that the sport has a strong exposure into Asia and if we’re playing countries from Asia and/or New Zealand, that those markets are interested in it as well.
“We would hope that as we’re seeing, content and live sport is really important to broadcasters. We’re putting the effort into creating something that is meaningful and has value so hopefully those discussions will start moving forward quite quickly and we’ll work through announcements with broadcast partners in the foreseeable future.”
Hockey Australia media release