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News for 11 January 2016

All the news for Monday 11 January 2016


PIA edge Wapda in shootout to retain title

National Bank beat Army to secure third position

Anwar Zuberi


PIA players celebrate with the trophy after the National Hockey Championship final on Sunday. Anis Hamdani/White Star

KARACHI: Lady Luck smiled on formidable PIA when they overcome Wapda 5-4 on penalty strokes sudden death after being tied two-all in regulation time to retain their title, overall 30th triumph, in a repeat final of the 62nd National Hockey Championship at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium on Sunday.

After a lull in the first two quarters, the airlines twice forged ahead but Wapda retaliated with vigour to draw level thus extending the match to penalty stroke shootout.

The two teams again remained engaged in a three-all draw after wasting two chances apiece and on the sudden death PIA succeeded in converting two chances as against one by Wapda.

At the outset, Shafqat Rasool broke the ice in the 31st minute of the third quarter. Two minutes later M. Jaffer neutralised the lead.

The airlines again surged 2-1 when Ihsanullah scored off team’s third penalty corner in the 44th minute. Again the lead was short lived as Umar Bhutta beat PIA custodian Imran Butt three minutes from the final whistle.

Shafqat Rasool, Mohammad Zubair and Amir Shahzad availed their chances on penalty strokes for PIA as M. Ifran and Rana Sohail squandered.

Wapda also scored thrice on first penalty stroke session through M. Irfan, Umer Bhutta and Ejaz Ahmed while Bilal Ahmed and Mohammad Usman faltered.

On sudden death, Shafqat and Zubair did the needful for PIA as against one by Umer Bhutta. Mohammad Irfan threw away his chance.

PIA had won the title last year in similar fashion beating Wapda on penalty stroke shootout 4-2 after playing two-all in stipulation time.

Earlier, former champions National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) whipped Army 4-2 on penalty stroke shootout after one-all draw in play-off to seize third position.

Mohammad Imran surprised the bankers by taking the lead in the 24th minute off a penalty stroke while the bankers equalised through Tosiq Arshad who scored off penalty corner in the dying moments of the match.

Ammad Shakil, Shan Irshad, Dilber Hasan and Bilal Qadir slammed a goal each for bankers off penalty stroke while Army could score twice through Kashif Ali and Noman Khan.

Minister for States and Frontier Regions Division retired Lt Gen Abdul Qadir Baloch who graced the occasion awarded the trophies and medals to the winners, runners-up and third placed teams along with the PHF president retired Brig Khalid Sajjad Khokhar.

PIA also earned a winning cheque of Rs3,00,000 while Wapda received runners-up cash award of Rs2,00,000. NBP fetched Rs1,00,000 for being bronze medallist.

Speaking on the occasion, the guest said Prime Minister Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif was supposed to come here but due to prior commitments he asked him to grace the occasion.

He informed that the prime minister has also sent Rs3.0 m on account of the event.

Meanwhile, Ihsanullah, who slammed nine goals in the event, was declared “Top Scorer” of the championship.

The “Best Player of the Tournament” award went to Olympian Rizwan Senior of Army while Abu Bakar of PIA was declared “Emerging Player”.

Imran Butt and Khurram Majeed were jointly declared “Best Goal-keepers” following a tie and shared Rs50,000 amongst themselves.

Dawn



National Hockey Championship: PIA crowned champions for 29th time

By Nabil Tahir


PIA captain Irfan (left) and vice-captain Rasool pose with the trophy after defeating Wapda to bag their 29th National Hockey Championship title. PHOTO: IRFAN ALI/EXPRESS

KARACHI: A brilliant performance by Shafqat Rasool helped PIA successfully defend their crown as they defeated Wapda 7-6 on penalties, after the match had ended 2-2 in normal time, in the final of the 62nd National Hockey Championship at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium in Karachi on Sunday.

Both teams started the match on the offensive but were unable to break through each other’s defence in the opening 31 minutes of the game. Rasool finally broke the deadlock with his strike just after the half-hour mark. The goal jolted the opposition attackers who, courtesy of Muhammad Jaffar, levelled the game just two minutes later.

PIA, who desperately sought the winner, started pressing Wapda’s defence and managed to get a penalty corner in the 45th minute, which Ehsanullah converted with confidence, to take a 2-1 lead  at the end of the third quarter.

The defending champions had seemingly done enough to guarantee a win but were handed a shock when in the 57th minute Umar Bhutta struck with a spectacular goal to equalise for his side and force the game into a penalty shootout, which PIA managed to win 7-6.


PIA took the lead twice but were pegged back by a determined Wapda, who only lost 7-6 on penalties. PHOTO: AYSHA SALEEM/EXPRESS

“This was a memorable final as the pressure was intense on both teams but even then they were able to score two goals each,” PIA captain Muhammad Irfan told The Express Tribune. “I am happy that we were able to retain the title, especially considering the fact that we had inexperienced players in our squad.”

Meanwhile, Wapda skipper Sohail Abbas said that the best team had won the match and congratulated the victors. “We tried our best to win and took the game to a penalty shootout which proves that we gave a tough time to PIA. We could have won but missed some easy chances and penalty corners,” Abbas told The Express Tribune. “The best team won in the end.”

Earlier, NBP finished third as they defeated Army 5-3 in the penalty shootouts after the game had ended 1-1 in normal time.

The Express Tribune



PIA down WAPDA to win 62nd National Hockey Championship

KARACHI: Olympian Shafqat Rasool sparkled as defending champions Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) downed Pakistan WAPDA in a thrilling final 7-6 to lift the 62nd National Hockey Championship title at Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium here on Sunday. PIA defeated WAPDA in the sudden death stage of the penalty shootout. Chief guest Federal Minister For State & Frontier Regions Lt-Gen (r) Abdul Qadir Baloch presented a glittering trophy to PIA captain Mohammad Irfan and cash prize of Rs.300,000. Runners-up WAPDA pocketed cash prize of Rs.200,000 while third position holders National Bank of Pakistan received Rs.100,000.

Shafqat was outstanding throughout the final. He demonstrated his brilliance not only in leading attacks but he tackled and intercepted successfully. One of the most exciting finals of the national hockey history ended into a 2-2 draw in the stipulated time. Both teams scored three goals in penalty shootouts session and in the sudden death stage Shafqat didn’t make any error once again while WAPDA’s Mohammad Irfan failed to net the ball. If Shafqat was brilliant in the middle Amir Shehzad was marvelous. Amir skillfully tackled but his interception was also excellent. He defended beautifully clearing the ball from his team’s circle and also led attacks. He initiated an attack in the 31st minute along with Waqas Akbar and Mohammad Zubair which provided an opportunity for Shafqat to score the first goal. Two minutes later WAPDA’s Mohammad Jaffar leveled the score. In the 44th minute PIA earned a penalty corner which was converted by Ehsanullah.

A thrilling game was witnessed in the fourth quarter of the final. A large crowd enjoyed beautiful dribbling, deceitful dodging and tackling demonstrated by both the teams. WAPDA exerted pressure amid a series of attacks and the ball remained in the half of the PIA most of the time. Jaffar, Shehbaz and Waseem Ahmed made a move in the 57th minute on which Umar Bhutta received standing ovation from the spectators after netting a beautiful goal. From WAPDA, Umar, Tasawar Abbas and Jaffar played magnificently. Their goalkeeper Imran was marvelous who stopped as many as three penalty corners and a couple of direct hits of the opponents.

Earlier, NBP earned third position after beating Pakistan Army 5-3 in the penalty shootout stage. It was sheer luck of the Bankers who were losing 1-0 till the 59th minute of the match but managed to convert a penalty corner just seconds before the final whistle to level the score 1-1. Army scored their lone goal in the 24th minute on a penalty stroke. NBP missed at least two chances to level the score.

The Daily Times



PIA edge out Wapda to retain hockey title

KARACHI - Defending champion Pakistan Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) edge out Pakistan Wapda in thrilling penalty shoot out to retain National Hockey Championship trophy at the Hockey Club of Pakistan (HCP) Stadium on Sunday.

PIA beat Wapda in the sudden death stage of the penalty shootouts 7-6 after both teams played 2-2 draw in regulation time.

Olympian Shafqat Rasool was outstanding throughout the final as he opened the account for PIA in the 31st minute.

Two minutes later, Wapda’s M Jaffar leveled the score.

In the 44th minute, PIA earned a penalty corner which was converted by Ehsanullah.

Jaffar, Shehbaz and Waseem Ahmed made a move in the 57th minute on which Umar Bhutta received standing ovation the spectators after netting a beautiful goal.

Both the teams scored three goals in penalty shootouts session and in the sudden death stage.

Shafqat didn’t make any error once again while Wapda’s Irfan failed to net the ball.

Earlier, National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) got third position after beating Army 5-3 in the penalty shootouts.

It was sheer luck of the bankers, who were losing 1-0 till the 59th minute of the match but managed to convert a penalty corner just seconds before the final whistle to level the score 1-1.

Army scored their lone goal in the 24th minute on a penalty stroke.

At the end, chief guest Federal Minister For State & Frontier Regions Lt Gen (R) Abdul Qadir Baloch gave away the winning trophy to PIA captain M Irfan and also a cash prize of Rs 300,000 for winning the championship.

Wapda was awarded a cash prize of Rs 200,000 and third position holder NBP got away with Rs 100, 000.

The Nation



PHF names probables for South Asian Games camp

KARACHI: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has named 40 probables for Pakistan Whites hockey camp in preparation for the South Asian Games being held in India next month.

The probables have been asked to report to camp commandant Mohammad Saqlain at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium for training on Monday by 8pm. The camp begins from Tuesday.

The probables were announced after getting the nod from the PHF selection committee Rasheed Junior (chief selector), Saeed Khan, Farhat Khan, Waseem Feroz and Qasim Khan (members).

Probables:

Goal-keepers: Imran Butt (PIA), Yasir (Customs), Amjad (NBP), Mazhar Abbas (NBP) and Khurram Majeed (Wapda).

Full-backs: Aleem Bilal (Wapda), Irfan (PIA), Kashif Shah (SSGC), Ahsanullah (PIA), Asad Aziz (Navy), Ayaz Lodhi (Balochistan) and Majidullah (Steel Mills).

Half-backs: Rashid (Navy), Fareed (Wapda), Rizwan jr (NBP), Tauseeq (NBP), Junaid Iqbal (PTV), Saleem Nazim (Customs), Murtaza (HEC), Bilal (PTV), Rashid (PTV), Zohaib (Wapda), Taimoor Malik (PIA) and Tasawwar Abbas (Wapda).

Forwards: Shehryar (Railways), Usman (Wapda), Umar Bhutta (Wapda), Rizwan Sr (Army), Kashif Ali (PTV), Kareem Khan (PTV), Sultan Meer (Quetta), Akbar Ali (Navy), Jaffar Ali (Wapda), Hammad Zafar (Army), Haseem (Customs), Bilal (Wapda), Ali Shan (SSGC), Arsalan Qadir (NBP), Samiullah (PAF) and Owais-ur-Rehman).

Dawn



PHF looks to build bridges with HI at South Asian Games


Former Pakistan hockey captain and newly-elected Secretary of PHF Shahbaz Ahmed. The Hindu Archives

Pakistan Hockey Federation’s newly-elected Secretary Shahbaz Ahmed says he will look to repair “strained relations” with Hockey India when he visits the neighbouring country during the South Asian Games next month.

The former Pakistan captain and Olympian told PTI in an interview that he had avoided contact with HI since taking over three months back because of the freeze on cricketing ties between the two countries.

“I didn’t feel it was the right time to touch the Indian hockey officials. Their top official Narendra Batra also didn’t come for the Asian hockey federation meeting recently,” he said.

“But our priority remains to improve relations with India and I am planning to now go for the SAF Games where our hockey team will be present,” Shahbaz said.

Batra made it clear few months back that Hockey India would not entertain bilateral ties with Pakistan until the PHF apologised for the unsavoury incident that took place after the semifinal of the Champions Trophy in India in December 2014.

Some of the Pakistani players came under fire when their celebrations went overboard after the team beat India in the Champions Trophy semifinals.

“I read Batra’s statement and I think maybe there is still something that happened there that we don’t know about and when I go to India and meet Batra, I plan to find out the reason for his strong stance,” the former forward said.

Shahbaz took over as secretary and Brigadier (retd) Khalid Khokar came in as President in the PHF after Pakistan failed to qualify for the Olympic Games at the World Hockey League in Belgium last year.

“There is no doubt that India is now a powerhouse of world hockey in terms of money and I also intend to see how their Indian hockey league works as we are also planning to launch our own small professional league this year,” he said.

Shahbaz said that it was unfortunate that Pakistani players were not part of the HIL but noted nothing could be done until bilateral relations between the two countries improved.

“We are facing a financial crunch and we are doing our best to restore the credibility of the sport in Pakistan and we see India as an important part in our plan to revive and restore Pakistan hockey to its glory days,” he added.

The Hindu



Canterbury continue unbeaten run


Canterbury's Sarah Kerly in action against Surbiton. Credit Andy Smith

Canterbury are still unbeaten in the Women’s Super 6s Championship Premier Division, winning both of their games on Sunday.

They faced a Surbiton side still looking for their first point, but it was far from easy for the early table-toppers as they battled to a narrow 2-1 win.

Sarah Kerly scored in both halves and Sarah Haycroft got the consolation for Surbiton.

Canterbury’s second game against the University of Birmingham was won in more emphatic fashion as Kerly once again scored a brace in a 5-1 win. Anna Kolarova also scored twice with Grace Balsdon also on target.

The University of Birmingham won their other game, beating bottom of the table Surbiton 7-2 in the final game of the day. Emily Defroand and Hannah Martin both bagged a brace.

East Grinstead remain second courtesy of a 5-1 win over Bowdon Hightown and a 1-1 draw with Sutton Coldfield. Malou Pheninckx led the scoring against Sutton Coldfield with a hat-trick.

Bowdon Hightown are third despite that loss to East Grinstead, their other game ended in a thrilling 5-5 draw against Sutton Coldfield. Sally Walton was in great form, scoring all six of their goals on the day.

But Sutton Coldfield managed to tie the game with a last minute Clare Florida-James goal. It was her second of the match with Charlene Mason hitting a brace and Vicky Woolford scoring their other.

Chloe Rogers was another player in fine form, scoring a hat-trick to help Leicester to a 6-4 win over Slough.

But she could do nothing to stop her side slumping to a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Reading as Kate Richardson-Walsh scored three. Reading lost their other game 1-0 to Slough with Laura Bailey scoring the only goal.

* For goalscorers and full competition details, including live updates click here - https://englandhockey.altiusrt.com/competitions/8

England Hockey Board Media release



Davenport hits top form in Super 6s


Hockey 6s arena in all its glory

Tim Davenport turned on the style as he bagged an incredible 11 goals in one game for Wimbledon on day four of the Men’s Super 6s Championship Premier Division in Kettering.

He scored all but one in a 12-8 win over Holcombe. Nick Bandurak was also in fine form and netted three for the opposition, but Davenport was in a class of his own as he followed up four in the first half with seven after the break.

Despite Wimbledon losing their other game 6-5 to Bowdon, Davenport was in a rich vein of form again, scoring a hat-trick. This took his total to 18 goals in eight games and Wimbledon sit in fifth place.

East Grinstead still top the table and remain unbeaten. Ben Allberry is just four goals behind Davenport in the scoring table and he chipped in with a triple in his side’s 8-4 win over Loughborough Students and another goal in a 7-3 defeat of Beeston.

Reading jumped to second place after beating Canterbury 6-5 and Sevenoaks 7-5. Andy Watts scored four against Canterbury, who started the day in second, and then twice against Sevenoaks.

Canterbury won their other game but slipped to third in the table. Craig Boyne struck twice in their 7-4 win over Sevenoaks.

Despite sitting seventh in the table, Loughborough scored 14 goals in their two games – the 8-4 loss to East Grinstead and then a 10-8 win over Beeston.

Loughborough’s Ed Horler was deadly in front of goal, scoring twice in the East Grinstead game and then an incredible six against Beeston. Chris Proctor can count himself unlucky to be on the losing side, scoring five for Beeston.

Despite Proctor’s heroics, Beeston are propping up the table and are still searching for their first point after eight straight defeats.

* For goalscorers and full competition details, including live updates click here - https://englandhockey.altiusrt.com/competitions/9

England Hockey Board Media release



Three Rock Rovers regain Leinster hockey indoor title with win over Railway Union

Hat-tricks from Jody Hosking and Ross Canning inspired Three Rock Rovers to regain title

Three Rock Rovers 10 Railway Union 7

Hat-tricks from Jody Hosking and Ross Canning inspired Three Rock Rovers to win back the Leinster indoor title from arch rivals Railway Union last evening 10-7 in the final.

It was level five times before the Rathfarnham side pulled clear in the closing 10 minutes with Canning hitting form. With a two-goal wedge, Railway swapped out their goalkeeper in favour of an extra outfielder but the move backfired and Alan White and Fred Morris netted to seal the deal.

Hosking – named played of the tournament – had made the early inroads with his three goals all coming in the first half with Kenny Carroll and Nick Tate strong influences. Railway looked the side in the ascendancy midway through the second half with Mateusz Nowakowski completing his hat-trick to make it 6-6 before Rovers’ late volley. Indeed, it was one of the highest quality finals of recent times after the indoor game looks to bounce back after some lean times. The competition grew to nine teams this year.

Railway and Three Rock advance to the national finals in Ulster next weekend.

The Irish Times



Sweet revenge as Strathmore floor Vikings, Kenya Police fell Parklands

By BRIAN YONGA


Willis Okeyo (left) of Kenya Police is challenged by Allan Odongo of Parklands Sports Club during their Kenya Hockey Union men’s Premier League match at City Park Stadium on January 9, 2016. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Strathmore University Scorpions on Sunday began the second leg of the Kenya Hockey Union women’s National League with a 2-0 over Vikings at the City Park Stadium, Nairobi.

Two first half goals by Kenya International Gilly Okumu gave the varsity side the win. It was sweet revenge for Scorpions who lost the reverse fixture 1-0.

Scorpions coach Meshack Senge praised his charges for the victory, urging them to maintain consistency during the second half of the season.

“We controlled the match right from the onset and utilised our chances well. We don’t want to drop any points in this leg so that we can keep up with the leaders,” Senge told Daily Nation Sport.

Scorpions scored in their first attack of the match when Okumu finished off a well worked move, firing past Vikings keeper Angela Kogei.

The goal sprung Vikings into action and they threatened with a series of short corners.

Scorpions however, doubled their lead after 31 minutes when Okumu fired another field goal to give her team a two-goal cushion before half-time.

The second half was rather a dull affair, Scorpions failed to add more goals as Vikings failing to create any chances.

“Conceding an early goal affected us and we were unable to recover. We allowed them (Scorpions) to much room and they punished us,” Vikings coach Clyde Mbaha said.

MEN'S LEAGUE

On Saturday, the 2013 league champions Kenya Police began the second leg of the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) men’s Premier League with a 4-0 win over Parklands.

Goals from Felix Okoth, Moses Cheplaiti, Richard Birir and Willis Okeyo gave the law enforcers the deserved win over Parklands.

Police coach Kenneth Kaunda praised his charges for the win saying: “It was our first game of the year, we gave our all and got the win. We hope to complete the weekend on top of the league standings,” Kaunda said.

In another match, two time league champions Strathmore Gladiators beat 2012 champions Sikh Union 2-0.

Earlier, Women’s Premier League champions Telkom Orange’s match against Sliders was called off due to power failure.

Daily Nation



Scorpions sting Vikings

Strathmore third in hockey league standings after vital win

By Elizabeth Mburugu


Vikings Charity Juma(l) and Strathmore Doreen Hongo interlock for the ball during the women league at Citypark. Strathmore won 4-1. ON 28/09/14 PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE

Strathmore University’s Scorpions defeated Vikings 2-0 in a Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) women’s league match yesterday at City Park.

Last season’s top scorer Gilly Okumu’s brace in the first half was enough to give Scorpions three vital points.

Strathmore, who are regarded as the second best team in the country behind Africa and national champions Telkom Orange, have been in a roller-coaster form this season.

They are now third in the league standings behind leaders Telkom and Sliders.

Scorpions’ head coach Meshack Senge said he is looking forward to a productive year despite having lost some key players.

“We look forward to a successful finish in the season because the start was not good for us. Some of my best players have left, but I believe that my current squad is equal to the task.”

Okumu opened the scores for Scorpions seven minutes after the whistle as she beat Vikings’ defence and goalkeeper Angela Kogei with ease.
See also: Strathmore University officials inspect Kiambu County revenue collection system

The return of experienced midfielder Laura Gichau added value to the team as she combined well with Yvonne Karanja and Okumu. Just after the half-hour mark, Okumu added her second as Strathmore led 2-0 at halftime.

Meanwhile, former men’s premier league champions Kenya Police began the year on a high as they trounced Parklands Sports Club 4-0. This was their first second leg match and a win put them level with reigning champions Butali Sugar Warriors on 40 points.

Police began the match in hunt for early goals, but their efforts were thwarted by Parklands, who resorted to defensive play. However, after many failed attempts, Felix Okoth broke the deadlock as Police led 1-0 at the breather. After play resumed, Moses Cheplaiti converted two penalty corners in the 54th and 64th minutes before Willis Okeyo slotted in the fourth in the 70th minute.

In another men’s premier league encounter, two-time champions Strathmore University’s Gladiators defeated 2012 champions Nairobi Sikh Union 2-0.

Clayson Luvanda and Derrick Kuloba scored in each half as the university students bagged the vital points. Nairobi Sikh struggled to keep up with the high tempo, as Gladiators made them sweat for most of the time. Luvanda put Strathmore in the lead with his field goal in the 18th minute.

Kuloba, who made his international debut last year during the Africa Olympic qualifiers in South Africa, scored Gladiators’ second goal in the 43rd minute to give them a deserved 2-0 victory.

The Standard Online



Foreign players star attractions in HIL

The 4th edition of the Coal India HIL will see an inflow of international talents for the 34-day long hockey extravaganza.


Ranchi Rays skipper Ashley Jackson celebrates with his teammates.

Be it Kalinga Lancers’ German playmaker Moritz Furste or Ranchi Rays’ captain Ashley Jackson, foreign players have been the biggest attraction for the franchises in the Hockey India League (HIL) and this year’s edition, starting from January 18, will be no different.

The 4th edition of the Coal India HIL will see an inflow of international talents for the 34-day long hockey extravaganza. While some big players like Jamie Dwyer and Furste have changed their sides, the likes of Tobias Hauke and Florian Fuchs will make their debut this year.

One of the biggest buys of the season made by Lancers is German stalwart Furste, who was bagged for $105,000. Furste was named as the Euro Hockey League’s Most Valuable Player in the 2007-2008 and 2009-2010 seasons.

At the European Championship 2011 he got the award as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. The two-time Olympic champion and 2012 FIH player of the year, one of the best midfielders in the world, will be looking to put his stamp on the tournament in the new franchise.

The 31-year-old captained now-defunct Ranchi Rhinos to HIL glory in the inaugural edition and the Bhubaneswar based franchise is expecting a similar performance from the Hamburger.

Furste’s compatriot and fellow midfielder Hauke, who was in the 2008 and 2012 summer Olympic gold medal winning teams, will be a big addition to the arsenal of the Uttar Pradesh Wizards.

One of the best defensive midfielders of his generation, the 28-year-old has been nominated for the 2015 FIH Player of the Year and also won the prestigious award in 2013.

Lucknow based Warriors will hope that Hauke along with this year’s Australian recruit Jamie Dwyer, a five-time World Player of the Year, will help them land them their first HIL title. Apart from the duo, Australian attacking midfielder Eddie Ockenden, who was with Wizards in the first three editions. The deep-playing trio will form a ferocious line behind the frontmen.

Another German who will be a major crowd puller will be Fuchs. The 24-year-old German striker was awarded the FIH Young Player of the Year in 2012. He has been a part of the 2012 Olympic winning German team and Champions Trophy gold medallist at Bhubaneshwar in 2014. He is one of the most lethal strikers in the world and was picked up by Dabang Mumbai for $96,000.

The HIL player auctions saw a lot of international midfielders being picked up by the franchises. The Australians along with the Germans were highly in demand. Seasoned Australian Simon Orchard who was bagged by the Jaypee Punjab Warriors for $71,000 will be a major boost for the team.

Orchard will be playing alongside the Indian captain Sardar Singh, who has moved from Delhi Waveriders, and it will be two world class acts on display. The 29-year-old Orchard has won several medals with them including gold at the 2009 Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy, gold at the 2010 Men’s Hockey World Cup and gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Orchard, who played for Wariors in the first three editions, will hope to win the title this time.

England’s Jackson is a creative treat and the Ranchi Rays made the right decision by retaining the attacking midfielder and drag-flicker for a sum of $95,000.

Jackson made his debut in 2007 for the England at the age of 19. He was named FIH Young Player of the Year 2009 and is the first English player to receive this accolade.

Skipper Jackson led from the front and scored 12 goals to help the Rays clinch the 2015 HIL title. Out of the 12 goals, 11 came from penalty corner conversions, leading him to become the top-scorer of 2015 and also the Player of the Tournament.

The 28-year-old will be at the forefront of the attack of the Ranchi Rays and will be looking to defend their title once again.

Apart from Jackson, Rays have also retained his compatriot Barry Middleton for $67,000. Rays will depnd on the veteran forward, with more than 350 international caps, and Jackson in their bid to retain the title.

The Hindu



FIH would be looking at experimental rule: Mumbai coach Stacy

MUMBAI: Hockey India's revolutionary rule change for the upcoming HI League in which a field goal will be counted as two could be viewed with a lot of interest by the games world body, FIH, according to Dabang Mumbai coach Jay Stacy.

"I am not sure (whether it will be seen at the international level), but I am sure they will review the rules and am sure FIH would be watching and taking great interest in how it pans out, what happens after a few matches and after the League," said the former Australia international here after overseeing a training session of his team at the Mumbai Hockey Association Limited's Mahindra Stadium yesterday.

"Everything is worth experimenting. We will see how it goes, but it should be a fine opportunity. Perhaps there will be greater emphasis on creating attacking strategies, to create field scoring opportunities.

"It will be better for fans and people watching. It could be good. But I don't really know. Could make it exciting, we have to wait to see," added the four-time Olympian, who represented his country in 321 internationals between 1987 and 2000.

In the past too some experimental rules like the four-quarter period, instead of the age-old two-halves format, was first adopted in HIL before the same was replicated by FIH at the international level.

This being the Olympic year, preceded by the FIH Champions Trophy, a suggestion that the top players could be a bit wary in getting injured, was rejected outright by the 47-year-old Melbourne resident.

"If you get worried about getting injured you have probably more chances to get injured. They are professionals and they know how to manage their body. They have played international hockey long enough to know recovery aspect, the nutrition, diet, fluids and everything to keep body in 100 per cent conditions.

"I am sure most countries treat it that way. The International matches that you are able to play is very important as part of preparation for the Olympic Games," said Stacy.

While it's difficult to say which country had the best chances in the Rio Games Hockey in August, Stacy felt 6-7 teams, including India who won a bronze in the recent World Hockey League, have the credentials.

"It's difficult to predict, six to seven teams can make it. Yes, India has got a chance. Of course in the Olympic Games you need to play some of your best hockey consistently through,. You can't afford to be up and down and dropping a match," said Stacy, who picked up a silver in 1992 Games and two bronze medals in the next two Olympics.

While regretting that one-time hockey giant Pakistan would not be seen at the Rio Games, having failed to qualify, Stacy felt the country needed to buck up to re-enter the elite field.

"It's historical, famous country for playing hockey. It's disappointing to see them miss from big tournaments. Some of the best games I have watched is India vs Pakistan, attacking free-flowing hockey and very skillful and fast. It's a bit of a shame (Pak have not qualified). They have quite a bit of work to do before they can get back."

Stacy was not willing to comment on whether the chopping and changing of coaches by Hockey India was good for the team, saying he was not in a position to comment on this.

"I am living in Australia and don't know the inside story. I can't really comment. In Australia we were lucky we had a few coaches - Terry Walsh and Frank Murray for a couple of Olympics. After an Olympic cycle or a World Cup cycle it's important to have a change. To have some innovations to keep motivation levels of the boys high and keep them learning, keep them engaged in what they aim to achieve."

The basketball style rolling substitution, the elimination of off side and the way penalty corners were taken are, perhaps, the biggest rule changes in hockey since his first Olympics in 1988 at Seoul where Australia bagged the fourth place, said Stacy.

"The three biggest - interchange of the players - there used to substitutes, off side, and I think may be the way penalty corners are taken. Probably those three are the big changes, but the interchange and off side are the two biggest changes.

"The other (major) change is the no-obstruction rule, which makes it difficult for the defenders to defend, but the umpires are very well (equipped) these days, but as a spectator it's good to watch. When the new rules come out everyone tries to work out how to take advantage of that rule."

Stacy ruled out revival of the game on natural grass, joking it will suit him at his age.

"Probably not, will suit me as I am not fast," he said with a laugh.

Looking ahead to the HIL, Stacy said he wants his side Dabang Mumbai to win the title, even when reminded of the team's dismal past record of finishing 5 out of 5 teams in 2013, 5 out of 6 in 2014 and sixth and last in 2015.

"I want to win the tournament. But (poor record of DM) that's in the past and you can't look in the mirror, you have to look forward. The Indian players (in the team) are young boys who are very talented. I am learning a lot about them already.

"Both myself and my assistant Greg (Nicol of South Africa) have some philosophies about hockey. There are different players this year and there's a different coaching staff and hoping we can bring different results. Staff is working really hard."

Stacy said that former India custodian Edgar Mascarenhas acts as the in-between man to communicate what he says to the Indian boys.

"Edgar is normally here and does some translation. He's helping us a lot in that area. It's one of the challenges we face - a lot of international players mixing with Indian boys. It's a challenge, but we have to find a solution. They are responding very well I am pleased with what they are doing so far."

The Times of India



Rajat Cup: KISS wins Rajat School Cup at Bhubneswar

s2h Team

Top Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences wins Rajat Memorial Inter-School hockey Cup at Bhubneswar Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, Bhubaneswar defeated Giridharijew Vidyapitha, Holipur by 4-3 in a thrilling encounter to win the 6th Rajat Memorial Inter School Hockey Tournament organised by Poonam Youth Welfare Organisation at the Odisha Police High School Ground, Cuttack.

It was a very close game of hockey and both the sides displayed brilliant stick work, enthralling the crowd.

Binay Bilasan Ekka of KISS scored 3 goals(1 Penalty corner and 3 field goals) while Sadhu Kirsani also chipped in with 1 goal to ensure a victory for the KISS side from the state capital.

For, Giridharijew Vidyapitha, Holipur, Sagar Nayak scored a couple of goals while Sashikanta Moahnty also gave one goal. Despite of their spirited performance in the tournament, they ended up at the second position.

Rajesh Bhoi of Giridharijew Vidyapitha was awarded the Best Player of the tournament trophy whereas Binay Bilsan Ekka from KISS was given the prize for being the best goal scorer in the tournament.

The souvenir of the organisation was also released on this occasion. Mr. Subhas Singh, Chairman, Odisha construction and other building welfare board was the chief guest in the prize distribution and closing ceremony. Engg. Bijjan Kumar Behera(Chief Engineer, NHAI), Dr. Krupasindhu Panda(cancer specialist) and DG Lion Lala Jagdish Roy(322C5) were the Guests of honor present on the dais. Mr. Gyanesh Kanungo, coach and chief organizer, PYWO extended the vote of thanks and also felicitated international hockey technical, Mr. Biswa Ranjan Sarangi who has also got a long association with PYWO.

Stick2Hockey.com



MJHL: MBPJ feeling ‘lucky’ this season

by S. Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MBPJ) feel their luck are about to change this season.

At last year’s Malaysia Junior Hockey League (MJHL) they were unbeaten but ended up in third place.

They also finished third in the overall standings after the semi-final loss to Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL).

But they are optimistic of making a breakthrough this time as they have retained seven players from last year’s squad and also roped in several experienced hands.

Team manager Zainal Abidin Ismail said on Sunday, they are feeling confident having made an early start to their preparations.

“This is the first time we have had a longer training stint. Our target is definitely to improve on last year’s performance,” said Zainal.

“In the league we were unbeaten but picked up three draws. That was the problem as we dropped valuable points. We have to learn from that,” he added.

MBPJ were the overall champions in 2006.

The team is coached by Azlansaufi Ahmad Sufian and his assistant Mohamed Harfizi Baharom.

The seven players from last year’s squad are Khairul Aliff Asyraf, Kamal Ridzuan Kamaruddin, Faiq Razin Zariq Idris, Mohamed Azwardi Ridzuan, Mohamed Husainin Abu Bakar, Mohamed Faid Farhad and Mohamed Faisol Rozihan.

Zainal added that their away matches could put a damper on their ambitions.

“There are quiet a number of outstation teams and we will have to travel at least five times. So being on the road could take a toll on the players.”

The other nine teams in Division One are double champions SSTMI-Thunderbolt, UniKL, SSTMI Juniors, Old La Sallians Association of Klang (OLAK Tigers), Politeknik Johor, Nur Insafi, SM Datuk Bentara Laur, BJSS-Thunderbolt and Pahang SS-Thunderbolt.

MBPJ will kick off their campaign against Olak Tigers on Friday and then take on Nur Insafi at the Sungai Petani Hockey Stadium on Sunday.

Zainal said they will use the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil as their home venue.

The Star of Malaysia



Hockeyroos sign Fortescue

Fortescue signs as Hockeyroos sponsor & extends existing hockey commitments



The Hockeyroos, Australia’s national women’s hockey team, will be counting on the support of Fortescue Metals Group after the world’s fourth largest producer of iron ore signed on as a team sponsor.

The Western Australia-based company also announced a three-year extension to its existing support of the Kookaburras – the national men’s team – and a five-year extension to its partnership with Hockey Australia’s National Indigenous Program.

The National Indigenous Hockey Program sees Australian athletes promote positive behaviours, school attendance, participation in sport, and a healthy lifestyle in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Fortescue CEO Nev Power said the National Indigenous Hockey Program had been well received by Pilbara schools.

“The program has been well received by students, teachers and the players themselves and we are committed to further growing the program’s footprint over time,” Mr Power said.

“The sponsorship of the Hockeyroos fits well with our desire to grow the indigenous program, but also to publicly demonstrate our commitment to gender equality.

“Hockey Australia pools sponsorship revenues and pays female and male athletes equally, but by signing on formally as a sponsor, we are very excited to be more directly associated with the Hockeyroos.

“Hockey is a fantastic sport for the whole family and we all love cheering on both teams when there are gold medals on the line. We are proud to be able to support both teams and the wider community through the extended relationship with Hockey Australia.”

Hockey Australia Chief Executive Cam Vale said, “Fortescue’s desire to expand and extend its support of hockey is a ringing endorsement of our sport.

“The strength of the relationship lies in the fact that it is about more than simply putting logos on uniforms. It’s about making a difference, whether that’s in company offices, out in remote communities in the Pilbara, or on the hockey pitch.

“Last year, Australian Sports Commission Chair John Wylie wrote to ASX 100 companies extolling the virtues of supporting women’s sport. I’m pleased to say that this was already something that Fortescue had expressed an interest in, leading to today’s announcement.”

Mr Vale added that the announcement further strengthens hockey’s leading position when it comes to gender equality.

“We recognise our athletes for their ability, not their gender, and the addition of the Hockeyroos to Fortescue’s existing sponsorship portfolio is another significant marker for hockey as one of Australia’s most gender-equal sports.”

Australian Sports Commission Chair John Wylie said, “Fortescue is taking a commendable leadership stance in improving gender diversity and its sponsorship of the Hockeyroos is highly encouraging for Australian sport and business.”

Fortescue’s relationship with hockey began in June 2011 when the company partnered with Hockey Australia on the National Indigenous Program. In May 2012, Fortescue became the Kookaburras’ first corporate sponsor with the initial sponsorship agreement extended in October 2014.

Hockey Australia media release

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