Welcome to the Fieldhockey.com Archives

Daily Hockey news updated @ 10:00 GMT

News for 16 April 2016

All the news for Saturday 16 April 2016


Pakistan overcome Japan

Pakistan defeated Japan 4-1 and will now play for the 5/6 placing in the classification matches on Saturday.

The defeat means that Japan finishes last in the seven team tournament.

Pakistan had only won their first game, a 3-1 win over Canada and lost all the rest.

As for Japan, they lost all the previous five matches they played.

After a lacklustre opening quarter, Pakistan took the lead in the 20th minute through Ali Shan.

Rizwan Ali then doubled the advantage for Pakistan four minutes later.

Shota Yanada reduced the deficit by converting a penalty corner in the 48th minute.

But Pakistsn hit back within seconds as Muhammad Arslan Qadir scored his fifth of the tournament to put Pakistan 3-1 ahead.

Arslan was on target again three minutes from time to make the final score 4-1.

Unofficial Sultan Azlan Shah Site



Aussies remain unbeaten

Australia completed the preliminary round with a perfect record of six wins out of six when they defeated Canada 3-0.

Australia had already booked their place in Saturday's final while Canada were hoping that a win could see them sneaking into the bronze medal playoffs.

But the Aussies were  in an uncompromising mood as they played their normal attacking hockey.

The Aussies took the lead when skipper Mark Knowles scored from a penalty corner rebound in the 16th minute.

Blake Govers made it 2-0 through a penalty corner in the 33rd minute.

Flynn Ogilvie made it 3-0 after being put through by Mathew Swann.

Canada missed a stroke in the dying seconds as Scott Tupper saw his attempt saved.

Australia has a problem in the penalty corners as they have only managed 5 goals from the 33 they have been awarded in the six matches.

Unofficial Sultan Azlan Shah Site



India hit Malaysia for a sixer

India booked a place in the final of the Azlan Shah Cup when they defeated Malaysia 6-1.

India needed an outright win to pip New Zealand for a place in the final against Australia.

As for Malaysia the defeat sees them playing New Zealand for the bronze medal.

India last played in the 2010 final where they were joint champions with Korea as the final was abandoned due to rain.

Prior to that they had made the 2008 final but lost to Argentina.

India were on fire from the first whistle and took only three minutes to scorer.

Chandanda Thimmiah was perfectly placed at the far post to turn a cross from Mandeep Singh.

Four minutes later Harjeet Singh broke through the middle to score and India were cruising.

India were awarded a penalty corner in the 12th minute and the effort by Hermanpreet Singh was turned around the post by Mohd Shukri Mutalib on the goal line.

Ramandeep Singh made the most of a botched up penalty corner to score the third goal in the 25th minute.

Two minutes later it was 4-0 as Danish Mujtaba was first to pounce on a penalty corner rebound from Hermanpreet's attempt that hit the post.

At halftime India had a comfortable 4-0 lead.

The Indians were not done as Ramandeep made it 5-0 in the  39th minute.

Shahril Saabah reduced the deficit to 5-1 in the 46th minute.

That was a temporary respite as Talwinder Singh scored in the 50th minute to make it 6-1.

Unofficial Sultan Azlan Shah Site



Kookaburras make Azlan Shah Cup Finals

Kookaburras defeat Canada 3 - 0

Holly MacNeil


                                                                                             
The Kookaburras took on Canada tonight at the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia, winning their sixth consecutive game at the tournament.

Australia took ownership of the match immediately, with their attack working hard for the duration of the first quarter. Ten minutes in and the Kookaburras had a chance at the first penalty corner of the match, but the shot completely missed the mark. Canada had a slow start to the game and didn’t manage to penetrate their circle for the majority of the first quarter.

With the score tied at nil all going into the second quarter, Australia were quick to get another chance at a penalty corner. Chris Ciriello’s stinger bounced of the pads of goalkeeper David Carter, giving Kookaburras captain Mark Knowles the opportunity to flick the penalty corner into the net.

The first half was slightly under par for the Australian’s, who gave away no chances to the Canadians, but missed their own opportunities to score.

Blake Govers was quick off the mark in the third quarter, giving Australia a much needed boost with a penalty corner which lifted Australia’s lead to 2 – 0.

Flynn Ogilvie took the opportunity to score a field goal from the outset, taking Australia’s lead over Canada to 3 – 0. As the third quarter ended, Australia missed three opportunities at penalty corners.

The fourth quarter saw the Kookaburras fail to convert a number of penalty corners to the scoreboard. Fifty-six minutes into the quarter and Canada had their first shot at a penalty corner for the game, flicking it wide and missing the opportunity to get on the scoreboard.

The Kookaburras held on to take the match from Canada at 3 – 0.

Kookaburras Head Coach, Graham Reid said: “Tonight we created a lot of opportunities, we just didn’t manage to convert the penalty corners which was disappointing. Defensively we were pretty good, so we’re now looking at how we can approach the finals.

“India are currently playing Malaysia, which will determine if we play India or New Zealand in the finals tomorrow night.”

The Kookaburras will play in the finals of the Azlan Shah Cup tomorrow at 8.45pm AWST / 10.45pm AEST. If India defeat Malaysia then the Kookaburras will play India, however if Malaysia win then it will be a final between the Kookaburras and the New Zealand Black Sticks.

KOOKABURRAS 3 (1)
Mark Knowles 16 (PC)
Blake Govers 33 (PC)
Flynn Ogilvie 36 (FG)

CANADA 0 (0)
 
Results & Fixtures, today
JPN 1 – 4 PAK
AUS 3 – 0 CAN
MAS 1 - 6 IND
                                                                                           
Kookaburras’ squad v Canada
Started
Tom Craig (Lane Cove, NSW) 22/17
Matthew Dawson (Killarney Vale, NSW) 38/6
Matthew Gohdes (Rockhampton, QLD) 149/48
Blake Govers (Wollongong, NSW) 23/20
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT) 51/17
Fergus Kavanagh (Gerladton, WA) 222/15
Tyler Lovell (Perth, WA) 63/0
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS) 268/64
Flynn Ogilvie (Wollongong, NSW) 25/11
Simon Orchard (Maitland, NSW) 193/55
Tristan White (Wollongong, NSW) 72/3
   
Used Substitute
Chris Ciriello (Melbourne, VIC) 183/114
Jamie Dwyer (Rockhampton, QLD) 357/238
Mark Knowles (Rockhampton, QLD) 281/23
Matthew Swann (Mackay, QLD) 132/6
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA) 83/10

Unused Substitute
Andrew Charter (Canberra, ACT) 107/0
Jacob Whetton (Brisbane, QLD) 102/44

Hockey Australia media release



Canadian men fall short in final round robin game at Azlan Shah Cup

Shaheed Devji


PHOTO: Canadian defender Adam Froese chases Thomas Craig in Canada’s 3-0 loss to Australia on April 15 at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia.

In its final round robin match at the 2016 Azlan Shah Cup, the Canadian men’s field hockey team lost 3-0 to the world’s number one ranked team, Australia, Friday in Malaysia.

The Canadians needed a win to have a chance to play for 3rd, but were not able to come up with the three points. The loss means the Canadians will play for 5th place against Pakistan Saturday at 3:40pm (12:40am PT/3:40am ET in Canada). Canada and Pakistan played in the tournament’s opening match, with Pakistan coming away with a 3-1 win.

Australia went into Friday’s match undefeated and with top spot clinched, meaning they would play in the tournament final on Saturday regardless of the outcome against Canada. Despite that, the tournament’s top team began its final match strongly putting the pressure on the Canadians early.

They earned a penalty corner in the fourth minute, but the dragflick from Jeremy Hayward hit an Aussie and Canada got away unpunished.

The Canadians quickly settled into their defensive shape, knowing that if they were to have any chance to win, they would have to keep the Australians – who entered the match with 18 goals for over 5 matches – off the scoreboard as much as possible.

Canada did well defending well in the first quarter. While Australia controlled possession for the majority of the first fifteen minutes, the Aussies were not able to generate a prime scoring opportunity after the initial corner.

Canada’s good defending, however, meant they would only generate a few offensive opportunities throughout the game.

The Australians opened the scoring in the 16th minute when they picked up another corner. Canadian keeper David Cater made a strong save on the dragflick from Chris Cirello, but the Aussies picked up two rebounds, the second of which was put by Carter by Mark Knowles.

Carter kept the game at 1-0 in the 18th minute when Thomas Craig got by a Canadian midfielder and went for a run which ended in him finding Blake Govers in tight. Govers deflected the ball towards goal but was stopped by Carter.

Canada was given a chance to work towards an equalizer in the 25th minute, when veteran Australian Jamie Dwyer was sent off for two minutes after a stick tackle on Adam Froese.

The Canadians, however, were not able to create an opportunity with the extra man, or before the end of the first half.

At the start of the second half, the Australians added to their lead when they were given a chance to play with the extra man.

Iain Smythe was sent for five minutes with a yellow card and Australia immediately pulled their goalie in favour of a “kicking back,” a defender who has both player and goalkeeper privileges.

With no goalkeeper and Canada on a yellow card, the Australians were up two men. They quickly earned a corner and Govers’ flick was quite easily saved by Carter. But Australia, with constant pressure, earned another corner moments later and this time made good on the chance.

It was Govers again, who chose a sweeping hit at the Canadian post-man Scott Tupper, who got a piece of the ball, but not all of it and Australia took a 2-0 lead in the 33rd minute.

They would add another with the extra-man in the 36th minute on a Flynn Ogilvie diving deflection in close before the teams returned to even strength.

The Canadians had their best chances to break the shutout and close the gap late in the fourth quarter.

In the 55th minute, Tupper scooped a ball overhead to Matthew Sarmento who earned a free hit. It was taken quickly by Sukhi Panesar, who then earned Canada’s first penalty corner of the game. Gordie Johnston took the flick and it seemed as though he was aiming for a runner to his right, but the Canadian couldn’t get there in time and the ball went wide.

In the final minute, Mark Pearson had the ball in the Aussie circle, where he was surrounded by two Australian players. He flipped the ball up and stickhandled in their air to get out of the jam, got a diving shot on goal which was stopped by Tyler Lovell, and in the process won Canada’s second corner.

Tupper took a dragflick which hit the foot of the Australian post-man, who was ruled to be behind the goalkeeper and therefore blocking a ball destined for goal. Canada was given a penalty stroke, which Tupper also took. His quick shot, though, was stopped by a great kick save from Lovell and Canada was left off the scoreboard.

The Canadians will face Pakistan in the 5th place match Saturday at 3:40pm in Malaysia (12:40am PT/3:40am ET).

GAME NOTES:

    This article previously reported the loss was Canada’s smallest deficit in a loss to Australia. That was incorrect, the Canadiens lost 2-1 Australia in 2009.
    Matthew Guest did not play Friday due to a lower-body injury sustained in Canada’s previous match (2-2 draw with Malaysia)
    Canadian captain Scott Tupper played in his 228th international match, putting him in 8th place tied with Chris Gifford in all-time senior men’s game played for Canada

Field Hockey Canada media release



Black Sticks to play for bronze at Azlan Shah



The Black Sticks Men will play off for bronze at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup after results on the final day of round robin knocked them out of the final.

India powered to a 5-1 win over hosts Malaysia to sneak past New Zealand by one point into second place to secure a final berth against Australia.

The Black Sticks finished third on the standings at the conclusion of round robin with 11 points after three wins, two draws and one loss meaning they will now play for the bronze medal against Malaysia at 10pm tonight.

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Black Sticks men in playoff for third at Sultan Azlan Shah Cup after India thump hosts


Black Sticks captain Simon Child and his team will have to settle for the third-place playoff in Malaysia. ANTHONY AU-YEUNG/PHOTOSPORT

The title defence of the Black Sticks men's hockey team at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is over.

New Zealand were relegated to the playoff for third after India hammered hosts Malaysia 6-1 in the last pool game of the tournament in Ipoh on Saturday (NZ time).

The Kiwis had needed world No 13 Malaysia to win or draw to retain second spot, but the seventh-ranked Indians proved far too good as they booked their spot in the title-decider against top qualifiers and world No 1 Australia.

The Black Sticks, who face Malaysia for the bronze medal at 10pm tonight, finished just one point behind India and are left ruing draws against lower-ranked Malaysia and Canada to start the tournament.

Eighth-ranked New Zealand had to settle for a 3-3 result against the hosts, before drawing 1-1 with the world No 14 Canadians.

Wins against Pakistan (5-3), Japan (4-1) and India (2-1) and a 1-0 loss to Australia followed, but it was not enough to advance the Kiwis to their second straight Azlan Shah final.

After the tournament, the Rio Olympics-bound Black Sticks return for a six-week camp in Auckland, before departing at the start of June for a three-test series against the second-ranked Dutch and a Six Nations tournament in Valencia, Spain.

Stuff



Malaysia play New Zealand for bronze

By Jugjet Singh

MALAYSIA will play New Zealand in the Third-Fourth placing match of the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh Saturday.

Yesterday, Malaysia were hammered 6-1 by India, who checked into the final against World No 1 Australia.

After playing five super matches, Malaysia played like schoolboys in-front of a packed gallery.

India came out looking for a spot in the final and scored two quick goals inside 10 minutes of play.

However, India were made to look good by Malaysian defenders Izad Jamaluddin and Razie Rahim, whose poor clearenceas led to the early goals.

First Razie's soft clearenace was turned into goal by Chandanda Thimmaiah in the third minute, and then Izad gave away the ball to  Harjeet Singh for the second goal in the seventh minute.

Skipper Razie, playing like a novice, gave away the third penalty corner which also earned him a yellow card for a bad tackle.

Ramandeep Singh scored in the 25th minute, and India were on their way to playing in the final today against Australia.

And Danish Mujtaba made it 4-0 in the 27th minute, off a penalty corner rebound. Ramandeep got his brace in the 39th, and Talwinder Singh made it 6-1 in the 58th minute.

Shahril Saabah scored Malaysia's consolation in the 46th minute.

Meanwhile the International Hockey Federation (FIH) yesterday made another mockery, and mess of their tournaments, when they, for the umpteenth time plan to change the Olympics and World Cup qualifying format.

And they also officially killed the Champions Trophy --- as it would not be held after 2018. The Champions Trophy made its debut in 1978, and was the brainchild of Pakistan.

FIH president Leandro Negro made the announcement in Ipoh yesterday.

"We will do away with the Champions Trophy after 2018, and also have a new format for the World League. There will no longer be a World League Semifinals and Finals, but after the World League Round One and Round Two, we will hold direct qualifying tournaments for World Cup and Olympics," said Negre in Ipoh.

World No 1 Australia, who had already qualified for the final, went on to beat Canada 3-0 in their final pool match.

The Australian goals were scored by Mark Knowles (16th), Blake Govers (33rd) and Flynn Ogilvie (36th).

In another match, Pakistan beat Japan 4-1 to play against Canada in the fifth-sixth classification.

The Pakistan goals were scored by Ali Shan (20th), Rizwan Ali (24th), Arslan Qadir (48th, 57th).

Shota Yamada scored for Japan in the 48th minute.

FINAL STANDINGS

             P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts
AUSTRALIA    6  6  0  0  21 3  18
INDIA        6  4  0  2  18 11 12
N ZEALAND    6  3  2  1  15 10 11
MALAYSIA     6  2  2  2  12 19 8
PAKISTAN     6  2  0  4  11 17 6
CANADA       6  1  2  3  8  13 5
JAPAN        6  0  0  6  8  20 0

RESULTS Japan 1 Pakistan 4, Australia 3 Canada 0, Malaysia 1 India 6.

April 16: Final: Australia v India (8.35pm); Third-Fourth: Malaysia v New Zealand (6.05pm); Fifth-Sixth: Canada v Pakistan (3.40pm).

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey



Parade of power by Australia ahead of Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final

By S. Ramaguru

IPOH: World champions Australia warmed up for the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup with a routine 3-0 win over Canada in their last preliminary round match at the Azlan Shah Stadium.

World No. 1 Australia had secured their final berth earlier and Friday’s outing was more of an experiment as they tried out new tactics.

The verdict: The experiment is a success.

Australia coach Graham Raid said that they are using the tournament to experiment with their tactics before the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August.

But that did not stop the Kookaburras from steam-rolling past all the teams as they won all their matches to finish the preliminary round with the maximum 18 points.

Inspirational skipper Mark Knowles (16th minute), Blake Govers (33rd) and Flynn Ogilvie (36th) were the scorers against Canada.

In the third quarter, Australia even had the guts to take off their goalkeeper and bring in an extra outfield player for about five minutes.

Man-of-the-match Ogilvie said that this was to get an extra goal and also heap more pressure on Canada, who had one player on yellow card.

“It was a good game and we tried new things. We altered our tactics, tried various set pieces for our penalty corners ... and also we were defensively sound,” said Ogilvie.

“The tournament has been brilliant so far and I’m looking forward to the final tomorrow. There were ups and downs for Australia even though we won all our matches.

In the other match, the battle of the bottom two teams saw Pakistan trouncing Japan 4-1.

Goals from Mohd Arslan Qadir (48th and 57th), Ali Shan (19th) and Shakeel Ahmad Butt (23rd) were enough to sink the Blue Samurais, who failed to get a single point in the tournament.

Shota Yamada, the only highlight in an otherwise poor Japanese side, scored the consolation goal for them in the 48th minute. He is their top scorer in the tournament with three goals.

Arslan said that the team were under pressure after losing four straight matches in the tournament.

“It was our last match and the coach told us to give it our all. We had a poor tournament, but at least we ended it with a win. These are bad days ... but they won’t last long. We will bounce back. This has been a good learning experience for us,” said Arslan, who scored five goals in the tournament.

The Star of Malaysia



Malaysia pay the price for persistent defensive gaffe against India

by S. Ramaguru and T. Avineshwaran

IPOH: Malaysia needed to beat India by at least eight goals to have a chance of joining Australia in the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament.

Instead, it was India who went on a goal feast, clobbering the hosts 6-1 in their last preliminary round match at the Azlan Shah Stadium on Friday.

So, while India will take on Australia in the final, Malaysia will face defending champions New Zealand for the third placing on Saturday.

The same old problem – mistakes in defence – led to Malaysia’s capitulation at the hands of India, who got their goals through Chandanda Thimmiah (third minute), Harjit Singh (seventh), Ramandeep Singh (25th, 31st), Danish Mujtaba (27th) and Talwinder Singh (50th).

Mohd Shahril Saabah scored Malaysia’s consolation goal in the 46th minute.

Malaysia coach Stephen van Huizen was clearly disappointed with the way Malaysia started and felt that the two early goals did them in.

“I told the players to play some good hockey for themselves and the fans. India were quicker to the ball and they pressured us well,” he said.

“In international hockey, hard work is important ... but today we were beaten by a team who played brilliant hockey.”

For their classification match against New Zealand, he said the players will have to regroup and refocus if they want to mount a fight against the Black Sticks.

“It will be a tough game because physically, New Zealand will be in better shape after two days’ rest. We have to play intelligently tomorrow.”

Basically, if the Malaysians hope to get the better of the Kiwis, they had better cut down on their mistakes and sharpen their attack. Otherwise, another mauling awaits them.

Meanwhile, India coach Roelant Oltmans was gushing over Ramandeep’s performance and described him as “one of the most intelligent players in the squad”.

“He scored two goals today, but what impressed me was his work rate. His pressing was first class and I thought he played intelligently,” said the Dutchman.

“The whole team did what I wanted today and the scoreline was pleasing.”

India lost their preliminary round match against Australia 5-1, but Oltmans said that if they played like Friday against the Aussies, there is a chance for them to win the tournament.

“Let’s see what we have learnt from our first game against them. The scoreline was harsh as we played a good game.

“I’m hoping for a reasonable outcome tomorrow. Bring the same style of hockey we played against Malaysia and we will surely entertain the crowd.”

The Star of Malaysia



India into the Azlan final after thrashing Malaysia

s2h Team

Thrashing the hosts Malaysia 6-1 in the final pool match, India made it to the Saturday final of the Silver Jubilee Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

India needed an outright victory to pip New Zealand and ensure for itself the priceless slot in the final of the Silver Jubilee Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. India has done the same with clinical precision in the striking circle.

With eleven points after six matches New Zealand was second on the pool table above third placed India when India took on the hosts today night. India needed full points to pip New Zealand.

India was quick on target within three minutes from start. Nikkin Thimmaiah stunned Malaysia off a perfect minus from SV Sunil, with close range deflection to put India ahead in the third minute. Then on goals came easily for India which showed enormous prowess in the art of scoring.

Indian precision and speed put Malaysian on back foot, had to be subdued against the sustained attack of India. Malaysia was panicky, physical and wayward, even getting yellow card and then conceding penalty corners outside D due to poor tackles.

At half time India led Malaysia 4-0.

India in fact created double the number of gilt etched chances.

Nikkin act was followed by Harjeet Singh, Danish Mujtaba and Ramandeep Singh

Ramandeep Singh struck again to enlarge the lead 5-0 in the third quarter where Sabaah stole a goal to get Malaysia its consolation goal (1=5). But shortly in the fourth quarter, Talwinder Singh slotted an empty cage in the 50th minute to consolidate Indian superiority (6-1).

India last played the Azlan Shah final in 2008, which it lost to Argentina.

India next year won the Azlan Shah but on league format.

Stick2Hockey.com



Real test for India today

K. Arumugam

After a long time Australia men’s team has brought its best strength for the Azlan Shah Cup, it showed on the turf the way it comprehensively outplayed all the rivals with 3, 4 goals margin.

Classic players like Jamie Dwyer are on test so as to qualifying for the Rio.

That Australia is favourite today, as it was a dozen times in the past, is stating the fact.

Here lies the god send opportunity for India.

Unlike a decade before, India as a routine gets amble opportunity to rub shoulders with the most famous of the Oceania teams.

Being the FIH’s favourite hosts, Indian meets Australia in most major tournaments like Champions Trophy, top rounds of Hockey World League etc.

Almost the entire Australian team members participated in the all the four editions of Hockey India League.

Then the Indians have the bonus of Hockey India – Hockey Australia MoU: the annual bilateral series, only country other than Pakistan to have this privilege.

Therefore, the Indian public expects Indian team to play on equal terms with their today’s rival and not allow themselves to cave in, as we have been witnessing well over decades.

India is in the Finals today because it had outplayed the teams that are not qualified for the Rio like Pakistan and Malaysia, who are for sure used the Ipoh event to lay roadmap for future.

India on the hand even struggled against Canada, a superb individual game of captain Sardar Singh saving us from blushes.

Reaching the final is good for hockey’s profile, publicity and for any competitive sport that seeks commercial success.

India’s 5-1 win our Pakistan has already attracted wide coverage though it is wrong to judge Indian hockey team’s progress in terms of its performance against its neighbour team. Emotive but not educative.

So also Indians total dominance of Malaysia, as it came a crucial juncture in the tournament.

These two wins do not have much sporting merits, however uncharitable the comment seems.

Real test of Indian hockey’s progress will be measured now.

India trains more top players for longer durations than any other teams in the world. The extent of quality exposures Indian men have is enviable.

Therefore India has to play with purpose today.

Mindset is most important today. It’s not about playing a final but against the World’s best team.

India’s real test lies against three nations: Australia, The Netherlands, Germany.

India has brought itself a fortune of playing a final against one of them. Their rival today will go all out, called full press in coaching parlance.

India need to pull up its socks, thankfully remind itself of numerous chances it has got engage the world’s most envied team, and therefore show consistency and competitive equality.

How India will play today is more important that who wins the game. If India will be outplayed as it was in the league, which will mean we are where we are.

The onus is on the Indian players.

Stick2Hockey.com



India won once only in final against Australia

B.G.Joshi (Sehore-Bhopal, India)

India beats hosts Malaysia by 6-1 in last league match of Silver Jubilee edition of Azlan Shah Cup Hockey. Today India will meet mighty Australia in final. Australia have won AZ Cup on 8 occasions (1983, 98, 2004, 05, 07, 11, 13, 14) and runners up thrice (1996, 2006, 2015) in 15 appearances. Five times (1985, 91, 95, 2009, 10) India became triumphant in AZ Cup in 18 appearances. Statistical highlights are:

*It is India’s 204th international tournament since inception in 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. For AZ Cup it is 19th appearances.
*In 2008 India was runners up to Argentina in AZ Cup, lost the title by golden goal scored by Mario Almada, full time score 1-1. Sardar Singh(born: July 15,1986) was the captain at that time too, Sardar wrote his name in record book as youngest ever captain of Indian team in 2008.
*Against Australia it will be 12 th final, India had won once only in Hockey Australia Challenge Cup (Sydney-2003). India beats Australia in final by 5-3 under the captainship of Dhanraj Pillay. Prabhjot Singh (2),Jugraj Singh, Baljit Singh Dhillon and Gagan Ajit Singh have scored for India, whereas Troy Elder have netted hat trick for Australia.
*Today is 95th Gold Medal match of India. India has won 50 Gold Medals so far.
*Head to head of India vs. Australia are:

Particulars

MP

W

D

L

GF

GA

Total

113

21

17

75

188

349

In Azlan Shah Cup

13

3

1

9

26

39

In Final Match#

11

1

0

10

11

49

 

#Twice Commonwealths Games; 7 occasions Hockey Australia Cup;
once Esanda Cup and once German Masters Cup.

*In New Delhi Commonwealth Games final India had suffered worst defeat (0-8) in final. Australia have won all five CWG title (1998, 2002, 06, 10, 14) in their kitty.

Fieldhockey.com



India thrash Malaysia 6-1 to set up summit clash with Australia


(Twitter Photo)

IPOH (Malaysia): India produced an inspiring performance to outplay hosts Malaysia 6-1 in a must-win match and secure their seventh appearance in the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament on Friday.

Needing a victory in their last round-robin league fixture to qualify for Saturday's title clash (18:15 IST), five-time winners India stamped their authority on the hosts to finish ahead of defending champions New Zealand in the standings.

India's opponents in the title encounter on Saturday will be reigning world champions Australia, who on Friday prevailed 3-0 over Canada to complete an all-win record in the preliminary league.

Australia finished with the maximum 18 points from six outings, followed by India on 12 points and New Zealand on 11 points.

Australia have won this title a record eight times and were losing finalists to the Black Sticks last year, when India earned a bronze.

S V Sunil (2nd minute), Harjeet Singh (7th), Ramandeep Singh (25th and 39th), Danish Mujtaba (27th) and Talwinder Singh (50th) scored for India, while Shahril Saabah (46th) scored a consolation goal for Malaysia.

India's last appearance in the final of the Azlan Shah Cup was in 2010, when they shared the title with South Korea after torrential showers flooded the ground.

Watching the India-Malaysia contest from the sidelines were New Zealand, who will now face hosts Malaysia for the bronze medal on Saturday. Malaysia finished fourth after failing to add to their eight points on Friday.

Malaysia needed a seven-goal victory to edge ahead of New Zealand in the standings, but they went out seeking to avenge their loss to India in the Hockey World League Semifinals that cost them qualifications for the Olympic Games.

Malaysia's last victory over India was in last year's Sultan Azlan Shah Cup here, when the home side posted a 3-2 victory in a league match.

Starting on a brisk note, India had four scoring opportunities in the initial five minutes of the game, but managed to utilise just one through Nikkin Thimmaiah after he was fed by Sunil in the second minute.

Collecting the ball from Manpreet Singh, Sunil dribbled in parallel to the goalline before sending the cross that left goalkeeper Hairi Rahman stranded.

India could have scored again in the next minute when Ramandeep had the ball in the circle and the Malaysians were outnumbered by the strikers in the circle, but he sent a directionless centre despite being aware that Sunil was way behind.

Chinglensana Singh's reverse shot went wide off the right post before Harjeet Singh capitalised on a defensive lapse to send a stinging reverse drive into the boards for the second goal.

Malaysian striker Ramadan Rosli failed to reach a diagonal long ball from captain Razie Rahim in the ninth minute, while Ramandeep at the other end shot wide from close range.

Razie was sent off with a yellow card booking when he blocked striker Ramandeep from breaking away on the 25-yard line and India scored twice off penalty corners during his absence.

India's third goal came during penalty corner action in the 25th minute when the push was not stopped, but Mujtaba held on to the ball and pushed the ball into the goalmouth. Malaysia's goalkeeper stopped the ball with his pads but it fell in front of Ramandeep who capitalised on the rebound for his first goal.

Two minutes later, Rupinder Pal Singh's rasping penalty corner shot rebounded into play off the crossbar and this time Mujtaba sent the ball back into the net.

Ramandeep made his second entry on the scoresheet in the 39th minute by deflecting in Harmanpreet Singh's long diagonal ball from right.

Malaysia pulled a goal back in the 46th minute as Shahril Saabah deflected a long ball from Razie into the boards.

Talwinder then rounded off the Indian scoring by slamming in a rebound from the goalkeeper, who had managed to block a long shot.

The Times of India



Hope to give Australia a good contest tomorrow: Oltmans

IPOH (Malaysia): Pleased with his wards showing in the 6-1 thrashing of Malaysia in the must-win match, Indian men's hockey team coach Roelant Oltmans said he is hopeful of giving world champions Australia a keen contest in the final of the 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on Saturday.

"I'm pleased to see the energy of the boys. That's what you want to see as a coach," said Oltmans, who had set a target of finishing among the medalists in the tournament.

The Indian victory secured them the second spot in the round-robin league standings with 12 points, edging past defending champions New Zealand on 11 points. Australia duly topped the standings with the maximum 18 points from six successive victories.

"The finals are always special. I want to test and see what our boys will do tomorrow," said Oltmans.

"I'm happy that the team played strongly and applied pressure. That is why we were on top of it throughout. Now we need to focus on the final," he said.

"Playing the final against Australia is a great opportunity for us," said the Dutchman, aware of the 5-1 hammering Australia gave to India in their league encounter earlier in the tournament here.

"Yes we did lose by a big margin, but the scoreline is a bit harsh. We played a good game, but the outcome was terrible. Tomorrow we ought to try to combine a good game with a good outcome," the coach said.

Oltmans acknowledged Australia's world no. 1 standing but expect his boys to give the Kookaburras a run for their money on Saturday.

"Australia are the best, there's no doubt about that. We hope to give them a good contest," he said.

Malaysian coach Stephen van Huizen said India's early thrust put the game beyond his team's reach.

"I'm disappointed with the early goals, but the boys fought hard," said Van Huizen.

"The game was over when we conceded four goals in the first half."

The Times of India



Consolation win: Pakistan rout lowly Japan 4-1

By Nabil Tahir


As impressive as it seems, Pakistan’s 4-1 win didn’t mean much as it came against minnows Japan, who have never beaten the Greenshirts. PHOTO: MALAYSIAN HOCKEY CONFEDERATION

KARACHI: As Pakistan defeated Japan 4-1 in their final group match of the 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup yesterday to avoid finishing dead last, India crushed hosts Malaysia 6-1 and secured their place in the tournament final.

The consolation win means that Pakistan will now play a playoff with Canada for the fifth place today, while India will later face world champions Australia, thanks to amassing 12 points — one more than New Zealand’s 11.

“We are happy to have picked up our second win and qualify for the playoff,” said Pakistan’s head coach Mohammad Khawaja Junaid. “Although we defeated Canada early in the tournament, it will be a tougher match this time as both the teams have since gained a lot of experience on this turf.”

He then admitted that the team fell short of achieving their target of a top-four finish, but remained hopeful of better days ahead. “We tried our best but made mistakes. This tournament will help us gain the experience this side needs,” said Junaid. “Our young players got some great exposure and have strengthened their playing structure.”

Pakistan dominated possession in the first quarter but did not find the opening goal until the 20th minute when Ali Shan slotted the ball past Japanese goalkeeper Takashi Yoshikawa.

Within four minutes, Pakistan doubled their lead when Rizwan Ali tapped the ball into an open goal after a miss-hit by Tasawar Abbas.

Japan, who had not beaten Pakistan in any of their previous meetings and lost 7-0 in their previous match at the Asia Cup in 2013, played with more cohesion towards the end of the third quarter and were able to score in the final quarter with a direct hit by Shota Yamada in 48th minute.

They were still celebrating when man-of-the-match Arslan Qadir restored Pakistan’s two-goal advantage in the same minute. Qadir, who tops tournament’s goal-scoring chart with six strikes, scored his second nine minutes later to complete the rout.

“I am happy to top the charts and will try to score more as Malaysia’s skipper Razie Rahim is just a goal behind,” Arslan told The Express Tribune.

Elsewhere, Australia defeated Canada 3-0 as skipper Mark Knowles, Blake Govers and Flynn Ogilvie all scored a goal apiece.

The Express Tribune



Pakistan defeat Japan 4-1 in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup



ISLAMABAD: Pakistan defeated Japan 4-1 in their last group match of the ongoing 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup at Ipoh, Malaysia on Friday. They will now play classification match for 5th-6th position on Saturday (today).

The defeat meant that Japan finished last in the seven-team tournament. This is the second win for Pakistan as they had only won their first game, a 3-1 win over Canada and lost all the rest: against New Zealand (5-3), Australia (4-0) and India (5-1). As for Japan, they lost all the previous five matches they played.

Pakistan took the lead in the 20th minute through Ali Shan after a lacklustre opening quarter. Then four minutes later Rizwan Ali doubled the advantage for Pakistan.

Japan’s Shota Yanada reduced the deficit by converting a penalty corner in the 48th minute. But Pakistan hit back within seconds as Muhammad Arslan Qadir scored his fifth of the tournament to put Pakistan 3-1 ahead.

Arslan was on target again three minutes from time to make the final score 4-1.

Japanese players, though, did try to stage a comeback in the game’s dying moments, they couldn’t maximise on the goal-scoring opportunities.

“We are happy to have picked up our second win and qualify for the play-off. It will be a tougher match but it will also help us gain more experience that this side needs,” Pakistan coach Khawaja Muhammad Junaid said. “Our main goal was to ensure that the playing structure the team is being built upon is strengthened,” he added.

Pakistan will face Canada for the fifth spot today.

The Sultan Azlan Cup features India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan and host Malaysia competing for the title.

The Daily Times



Pakistan beat Japan; India set up Australia final

IPOH - Pakistan destined Japan to the bottom of the table with a comfortable 4-1 win in their final group match at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament in Ipoh.

The win also ensured Pakistan qualify for the fifth placing playoff tomorrow.

“We are hapy to have picked up our second win and qualify for the playoff.

It will be a tougher match but it will also help us gain more experience that this side needs, said Pakistan coach KM Junaid.

He added that his main goal was to ensure that the playing structure the team is being built upon is strengthened.

Japan, who had lost all their games in the competition, came back strongly in the fourth quarter but exposed their back in their attempt to search for goals.

Discarding the defensive approach that they had adopted against Australia, Japan played a more open game against the SAF Games champions.

Having not beaten the Pakistani in any of their previous meetings and having lost 0-7 in their last match up at the Asia Cup in 2013, Japan were again not good enough.

Pakistan dominated the possession but did not find the opening goal until the 20th minute.

Just as it looked like Pakistan were not taking their chances well inside the D, Ali Shan picked up the ball in close range inside the D slotted the ball past Takashi Yoshikawa.

Within four minutes they had doubled the lead.

Abbas Tasawar dazzled his way past the Japanese defense but his attempt from an acute angle hit the post and fell on to the path of Rizwan Ali, Rizwan had the easiest of task to tap the ball into an open goal.

Japan began to tighten their game and played with more cohesion towards the end of the third quarter and began to make some headway inside the Pakistani D.

In the 48th minute Shota Yamada, who had squandered three previous attempt was on target this time with a direct hit that had Imran Butt beaten.

Hardly had the Japanese side settled down when, Pakistan struck back.

They quickly swarmed the Japanese goalmouth and in the melee M Arslan Qadir slotted the ball in past Takashi Yoshikawa.

Arslan found his second of the match in the 57th minute.

Rizwan Ali dribbled his way to top D before making an attempt at goal.

Arslan, who was lurking near the Japanese keeper and deflected the ball into goal.

Arslan, who is now the tournament top scorer with six goals to his name, was also picked as the Man of the Match

India stormed into final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey with a 6-1 demolition of Malaysia in their crucial final group match.

India will play Australia in the final while Malaysia plays New Zealand in the third placing playoff.

India needed just a simple win to make it to the final while Malaysia needed an eight goal margin of victory.

But it was the Indians who came out hungrier with their aggressive play from the first whistle.

It was the worst defeat inflicted upon the Malaysians in the tournament.

Malaysia had lost 1-5 to Australia in their preliminary round match, the same score line India lost to the Kookaburras in their opening game.

However, the final match between the two Rio Olympic bound teams can be a cracker.

Last year Australia easily beat New Zealand in their opening match but lost the final to the Black Sticks.

“The whole team did what I wanted today and the scoreline was pleasing,” said Indian coach Roelant Oltmans.

“Íf they played like today, there is a chance for them to win the tournament.

Let’s see what we have learnt from our first game against them.

The scoreline was harsh as we played a good game.

I am hoping for a reasonable outcome tomorrow.

Bring the same style of hockey we played against Malaysia and we will surely entertain the crowd,” he added.

Australia ended their preliminary rounds of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup unbeaten.

Having already qualified for the finals earlier, the favourites easily defeated Canada 3-0 in their final group match.

Australia were on top of the Canadians throughout the game.

They kept control of the ball possession and hardly gave Canada any decent attempts into their D until the final quarter.

In the 16th minute, from second penalty corner, Australia finally found the opening goal.

The Nation



Australia defeat Canada 3-0 to continue winning spree

IPOH (Malaysia): World champions Australia completed their all-win sequence in the round-robin league competition of the 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament by posting a facile 3-0 victory over Canada on Friday.

Captain Mark Knowles (16th minute), Blake Govers (33rd) and Flynn Ogilvie (36th) scored for Australia, who did not press at their top pace to conserve energy for Saturday's final encounter.

Australia logged the tally of maximum 18 points from six outings, while Canada finished on five points and slipped behind Pakistan, who scored a 4-1 triumph over bottom-finishers Japan.

Pakistan's win boosted their points tally to six, but they still failed to make it to the top-four place in the league standings, thereby dashing their chances of claiming a medal.

Pakistan will take on Canada in the playoff for the fifth and sixth spots tomorrow.

After being held goalless in the first quarter, captain Knowles opened the account for Australia in the 16th minute with a penalty corner conversion and Govers doubled the lead by flicking on target three minutes into the second half.

Ogilvie's strike in open field play rounded off the Australian scoring by finding the mark from a crowded goalmouth melee.

Canadian captain Scott Tupper squandered a chance to reduce the margin as he failed to convert a penalty stroke in last minute of play.

Later in the day, Pakistan spanked Japan, who finished the tournament without a point.

Two field goals from Pakistan striker Muhammad Arslan Qadir in the last quarter took the fight out of Japan, who had narrowed the lead to one goal when Shota Yamada converted a penalty corner in the 48th minute.

Pakistan had earlier asserted their authority through open play strikes by Muhammad Irfan Jr in the 20th minute and Rizwan Ali in the 24th minute.

The Times of India



Ones to watch: Championship Playoffs


Giselle Ansley shoots from a penalty corner.

This weekend things get serious in the Men's Hockey League and Investec Women's Hockey League Championships playoffs. Silverware, glory and European qualification all up for grabs as the best of the domestic game collide in their quest for honours. We give you a little glimpse into some of the players who'll catch the eye this weekend.  

Ashley Jackson (Holcombe)
The England and Great Britain star is one of the main attractions for the Kent side, chasing their first ever Championship title. A star of the recent Hockey India League and England and GB’s all time leading scorer, Jackson is a potent set piece threat, one of the most graceful players on the ball and a phenomenal passer. Well worth watching.

Alan Forsyth (Surbiton)
Goals win games and Forsyth sure knows how to score them. A player who tops the scoring charts this time out with 21 strikes to his name. It is a feat made all the more impressive by the fact that he is not a penalty corner specialist. If Surbiton get Forsyth the ball in the circle, he will do the rest.


Alan Forsyth of Surbiton

John Jackson, (Reading)
The Ireland star is the very definition of an all-action player. Likely to be featuring for the Green Machine in Rio, Jackson will pop up at one end with a superb piece of defending to deny a goal before appearing at the other end to show his expertise in front of the net to score one. A very underrated player, Jackson will help to make Reading tick.

Alastair Brogdon, (Wimbledon)
One of the star attacking players in the Great Britain team, Brogdon is powerful and pacy and can score all sorts of goals. A player with a phenomenal engine, the former Waterloo Ducks man can turn a game on its head in an instant.

Giselle Ansley, (Surbiton)
A defensive rock, the Great Britain defender is one of the main reasons for Surbiton’s mean defence. The elegant defender shows her international class time and time again and with her penalty corner abilities improving all the time, her threat from set pieces is a danger to any team.

Maddie Hinch, (Holcombe)
The Kent side have a plethora of stars but one of the brightest of those is goalkeeper Maddie Hinch. The stopper has earned rave reviews for her stellar performances in the international arena and will be pivotal to Holcombe’s task of keeping the champions at bay. Agile, brave, capable of the most incredible saves, the Great Britain No1 will take some beating.

Sarah Kerly (Canterbury)
The striker with the famous name is a player to keep an eye on. Pace, skill, tenacity and the innate ability to put the ball in the net, this striker is one to keep an eye on. Does her share of the defensive work in the press and her selfless running and ability to bring other players into the game make her a nightmare for any defence.

Hannah Martin, (University of Birmingham)
Birmingham’s side reads like a who’s who of the junior international scene. Martin, the younger sister of Great Britain star Harry Martin has bags of skill and trickery as well as the game intelligence of a player much more senior. Birmingham are riding on a crest of a wave this season and her undoubted talent is a big factor in that.

What's the best way to drink in the experience of the spectacular league finals weekend? It's to be there to see if for yourself! Buy tickets for the event here. Tickets are available to buy online up until midnight before each day.

We recommend buying tickets in advance as they increase if bought at the venue. Please note that Weekend tickets cannot be purchased on the gate and must be bought in advance.

England Hockey Board Media release



Back to Hockey goes on Tour


Alderley Edge

Alderley Edge Back to Hockey has gone on tour. The Cheshire club have been running sessions for five years since the campaign began and have over 100 women on their database so it was only inevitable a hockey tour was due to happen.

The tour came about from one Back to Hockey regulars Claudia Schickel, born in East Germany but residing in the UK for her husband’s work. Claudia followed her two daughters down the hockey pathway and picked up a stick for the first time with the Cheshire club and quickly became part of the hockey family.

Last year Claudia and her family returned to Germany and after the close friendships that have developed during her stay in the UK gave birth to the idea of a hockey tour. Claudia arranged a friendly tournament for the Alderley Edge women to face her new club Munchner Sport Club in Munich over the Easter holidays.


Alderley Edge

The tour was brilliant with the Back to Hockey ladies already invited back next year. Every picture tells a story and it looks like Alderley Edge HC and Munchner Sport Club, Munich now have a super relationship.

Where it all began

They started with Thursday evenings as their prime time but after feedback from some of the players being too busy with children and family in the evening they mentioned a Friday morning slot might prove popular. The 9.30am Friday morning sessions were born which included a free cup of coffee and a slice of cake all for £5. 

Coach Kelvin Briggs was delighted with the growth of Friday's; ‘Friday mornings just took off so fast. A whole new audience for us with both local Mums enjoying some 'me time' and a number of professional and medically qualified women taking Friday's off to play. We have doctors, midwives, a vet, a publican, a farmer, part time teachers and retired ladies swelled the ranks on the Back To Hockey database to over 100 ladies.’

As skills and confidence grew, it was not long before a few friendly games were organised with nearby Bowdon Hockey Club Back to Hockey group to give the women what it feels like to be in a competitive match against similar level of players.

After a couple of years running both Thursday night and Friday sessions over a dozen women now play each week in the season on Saturday club sides. Skills and fitness levels have improved but the vital fun and friendship element are a big part of why the Back to Hockey sessions has been such a success.

Liz Callaghan has summed it up beautifully;

'Going back to hockey has given me back a sense of belonging that I haven't had for a long time. I would probably not have met most of the ladies through my day to day life and the eclectic mix of personalities, ages and life experiences of them all collectively brings about a great camaraderie, team spirit and humour that I otherwise would never have had access to. Obviously keeping fit is a big bonus of back to hockey but the laughter and friendships made have meant a much healthier mind for me.'

Player Emma Cockayne doesn’t know what she would do without Back to hockey now;

‘Back to hockey has completely changed my life. The girls are now amongst my best friends and make up a big part of my life. I have found a fantastic community within Alderley Edge Hockey Club and I hope to be involved with them for a long time. What did I do before I went back to hockey??? I genuinely have no idea.’

England Hockey Board Media release



Champs Butali Sugar Warriors scent title

Police won the first leg 2-1, handing Butali their only defeat this season.


Nakuru Hockey Club's Caleb Nyakundi vies for the ball with Zack Aura of Butali Sugar Warriors during their Kenya Hockey Union men's Premier League match at City Park Stadium on April 3, 2016. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |   NATION MEDIA GROUP

Champions Butali Sugar Warriors will retain their Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) men’s Premier League title if they win their two matches this weekend.

The league leaders take on second-placed Kenya Police this evening at City Park Stadium before playing Wazalendo on Sunday at the same venue.

The top two teams are left with four matches each. Butali lead the standings with 67 points, four more than Police. Bagging maximum points in their weekend matches will move the Lakeside team to 73 points, 10 ahead of the law enforcers.

If Butali win both matches and lose the remaining games they will still retain the title even if Police emerge victorious in their last three games, as they will finish on 72 points — a point behind the defending champions.

ONE LOSS

Police won the first leg 2-1, handing Butali their only defeat this season. Police can put their title chase back on track of if they beat Butali again, but a loss will all but end their hopes.

Butali hit Police 2-1 to clinch the 2014 title when the league was played in a pool format. The season, league matches were played home and away.

Police forward Moses Cheplaiti, who tops the list of scores this season with 18 goals, is confident his team will floor Butali and wrest the title.

“I think they (Butali) know that we are the only team capable of stopping them. Our only aim tomorrow (today) is a win, anything else is unacceptable as it will end our title hopes,” the striker told Saturday Nation Sport on Friday.

Butali, buoyed by last weekend’s dramatic 3-2 win over USIU, head into the fixture with both the best attacking and defensive record in the division. They have scored 93 goals from 24 matches and conceded only 14 goals.

In another match, Parkroad face Wazalendo. In the women’s league, Sliders host Mombasa Sports Club tomorrow in their final tie. A win will see them finish second, sealing their place in this year’s Africa Club Championship alongside champions Telkom Orange.

FIXTURES (All Matches at City Park Stadium unless stated)

Saturday

National women: Orange v Daystar (12pm), Vikings v MSC (2pm)
Premier men: Wazalendo v Parkroad (4pm), Kenya Police v Butali (6pm)

Sunday

National women: Sliders v MSC (9am)
Premier men: Parkroad v MSC (11am), Butali v Wazalendo (3pm)
National men: Impala v Parkroad Tigers (1pm), Kisumu Younstars v Bay Club (Kisumu) - (3pm)

Daily Nation



Slinging Singapore's youth into new hockey programme



Somewhere in a classroom in Singapore, there are a number of young children who will one day wear the national hockey shirt with pride. These are the stars of the future that the Singapore Hockey Federation is hoping to discover through its primary schools initiative.

The Hockey World League (HWL) Round One has started its new season in Singapore, with nine men’s teams and seven women’s teams looking to progress to Round Two and beyond.

Excitement surrounding the sport is high in the south-Asian city state and the Singapore Hockey Federation (SHF) has recognised that this is a great time to promote hockey across the nation.

Both the men's and women's national teams are doing their bit to inspire hockey players in Singapore by putting on great performances at the Sengkang Stadium this week during the Hockey World League.

And earlier in the year, SHF hosted the world’s top women teams in the form of a tri-nations tournament between World and Olympic champions Netherlands, world number three ranked Australia and the world number eight, Germany.

Now the Hockey Federation is gearing up to take hockey to the youngest generation by introducing the sport onto the school curriculum.

The SHF believes that this is the most effective way of producing good hockey players and, to that end, is introducing a pilot programme in five primary schools.

Named the PE Programme, SHF says that it is “determined to be all geared up to produce the best hockey players in the world. Every country's hockey federation aspires to get good hockey players but few actually implement effective methods to make that happen. SHF is one of such few federations. This latest initiative is mind blowing.”

The PE programme launched last month, on 19 March. Hockey will now be played regularly as a time-tabled activity, giving it as much spotlight as other team sports popular in Singapore, such as basketball and football. The dual aim of the programme is to raise awareness of hockey throughout the school population and also to spot talent at an early age.

With Singapore ranked as the most influential Asian country and fourth in the world by American business magazine Forbes, then this initiative may well spread across the south Asian area and beyond.

The SHF has recognised that, while it is great to introduce initiatives, the success of such projects is dependent upon good management. This is the only way to achieve sustainability in the future.

For this reason the SHF is continuing to support the schools through their early stages of implementation. It is providing schools with the necessary equipment, as well as providing them with professional hockey coaches, who will train the school’s teachers to deliver great hockey sessions. The first teacher training workshop has already been held by coaches from the SHF at the CHIJ St Nicholas Girls School.

With its national federation already a buzzing and vibrant presence on social media and showing a commitment to spreading high quality hockey coaching among its young people, Singapore hockey is heading in the right direction to become a major force on the international hockey stage.

Its plans for growth and expansion are directly aligned to the goals of the FIH Hockey Revolution – building a recognised, powerful image and generating many more followers, as well as increasing the degree of professionalism in the sport. For more information about the Hockey Revolution, click here.

For more information about Singapore Hockey, click here.

To keep up to date with the Hockey World League, click here.

FIH site



FIH confirms changes to Indoor and Hockey5s rules


Photo: World Sports Pics

Following International Hockey Federation (FIH) Executive Board meetings in Lausanne, Switzerland last week, and upon recommendation of the FIH Rules Committee, a number of changes to the Rules of Indoor Hockey and Hockey5s were approved. Below is a summary of these changes:

Rules of Indoor Hockey
Changes to the Rules of Indoor Hockey (with reference to the numbered Rules in the 2016 edition) are as follows: -

Rule 13.2
Attacking Free Pushes within three metres of the edge of the circle – in line with the recommendation from the Athletes, there should be a consistent approach between Outdoor and Indoor Hockey. An attacking free push awarded within three metres of the circle should be taken from the point of the offence, with essentially the same interpretation as for Outdoor Hockey, but adjusted for the possibility to play the ball off the side-boards (where the ball would need to travel at least 3m before it rebounds off them into the circle).

Rule 7.3
‘Corner’ re-start - after the ball has been played over the back-line and no goal is scored, if played unintentionally by a defender or deflected by a goalkeeper or player with goalkeeping privileges, play will be re-started with the ball on the centre-line and in line with where it crossed the back-line and the procedures for a free push will apply.

Rule 14.1b
Green Card as a temporary suspension for one minute of playing time – it was agreed that this should be adopted into the Rules, rather than just being an FIH Indoor Tournament Regulation which varies the Rules of Indoor Hockey

Note: Issues surrounding the awarding of a Penalty Corner in combination with a Green Card will be addressed at International level, since the suspension time is virtually over if a team takes the full 40 seconds to put on their protective equipment. Ideally, Umpires should stop the clock under these circumstances.

These changes formally take effect from 1 January 2017. However, advance notice of the main changes is provided here so that Continental Federations and National Associations may, if they wish, implement the changes sooner for matches within their jurisdiction.

Rules of Hockey5s
For information, the following Regulations, which vary the Rules of Hockey5s, will be adopted for the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) and are recommended for all Continental YOG Qualifiers:

Rule 1
Field of Play: pitch size of 48 metres x 31.76 metres, with dotted 12 metres lines from each back-line.

Rule 5
Match & Result: matches to comprise two periods of 10 minutes with two minutes interval at half-time – the rationale behind this is due to YOG match scheduling issues.

Rule 11
Conduct of Play: Umpires, two Umpires will be required for each YOG match.

Changes to the Rules of Hockey5s (with reference to the numbered Rules in the current 2016 edition) are as follows: -

Rule 12
Penalties
12.2 Free Hits awarded for offences within and between the quarter-line areas – the Hockey5s Rules indicate 11 metres areas, while based upon the YOG Regulations these will be 12 metres areas. The lines indicating these areas will now be referred to as quarter-lines in the Rules.

12.3 Challenges will be awarded for intentional and unintentional offences on the same basis at present, except that this will now be for offences in the defending half, rather than just in the defending areas indicated by the quarter-lines as at present.

Rule 13
Procedure for Taking Penalties
13.3a, Challenge to continue to be taken from the quarter-line, except all other players should now be positioned behind the centre-line – this enables these other players to re-enter play more quickly.

13.3g, at a Challenge the ball should travel four metres before a shot at goal can be attempted. The starting position of the defending goalkeeper (as per Challenges/Shoot-outs in other formats) will now be from the goal-line (rather than four metres away from the ball), which is seen as enabling a much fairer contest between the attacker and defending goalkeeper.

Note: These changes formally take effect from 1 May 2016. However, advance notice of the main changes is provided here so that Continental Federations and National Associations may, if they wish, implement the changes immediately for matches within their jurisdiction.

Rules of Hockey 2017
No recommendations were made to the FIH Executive Board regarding changes to the current Rules of Hockey, which will be reviewed following the conclusion of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

For more information about the Rules of Hockey, click here.

FIH site



New Global Hockey League to change FIH structure

IPOH (Malaysia): The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is set to introduce drastic changes in the structure of global competitions with a new Global Hockey League (GHL) to be introduced in 2019 in place of the long-standing Champions Trophy, which will be scrapped.

FIH president Leandro Negre on Friday said the new GHL will be confined to seven teams and will be played on a home and away basis.

This new GHL will take up four months of the sport's international calendar from 2019, the FIH chief said.

"The Global Hockey League will be a transformation for international hockey," Negre said during the ongoing 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup here.

The FIH has acknowledged that it needed to bring changes to the current Hockey World League, which was introduced after the 2010 Olympics.

Negre said two major events, the Hockey World League's Semifinals and Finals would no longer feature in the calendar when the GHL takes off, but the round one and round two tournaments that provide international exposure to the lowly-ranked nations will continue to be part of the new structure.

"We will also have stand-alone qualifiers for the Olympic Games and the World Cup," Negre said, which in effect was the role being played until now by the Hockey World League Semifinals.

The Champions Trophy will become a casualty of the new format. The Champions Trophy will be be confined to the history after the 2018 edition that has been allocated to Amsterdam (The Netherlands).

The Champions Trophy was the showpiece annual event in the FIH calendar until the birth of the Hockey World League, rendering the Champions Trophy into a biennial event.

The 2018 Champions Trophy will be the third and final edition on the bi-annual roster. Not too long ago, the Champions Trophy was the biggest FIH event outside the Olympics and the World Cup.

The seven countries that play in the 2019 GHL are assured of featuring in the elite home-and-away competition for four years, Negre said.

He said the GHL would be a nine-team competition from 2021, after which relegation and promotion would be introduced in 2023.

Negre said South Africa's pullout from the 2016 Olympic Games lineup had prompted serious discussions in the FIH.

"We cannot fight with the National Olympic Committees that do not want to send their teams to the Olympics, but we want all continents to be represented," said Negre.

"This is not the first time it has happened and we feel bad that the African continent is not represented in the Olympic competition."

The FIH, he said, had now decided that if a continent's qualifier pulls out and another team from that continent had not qualified, the FIH would step in.

"If no other country from that continent had qualified from the FIH tournament and the continental champion pulled out, we will directly allocate the spot to a country from that continent," said Negre.

But this nominated country must figure among the top 20 in the FIH rankings, he added.

The Times of India



FIH plan to make a mess again



The International Hockey Federation (FIH) Friday made another mockery, and mess of their tournaments, when they, for the umpteenth time plan to change the Olympics and World Cup qualifying format.

And they also officially killed the Champions Trophy --- as it would not be held after 2018. The Champions Trophy made its debut in 1978, and was the brainchild of Pakistan.

FIH president Leandro Negro made the announcement in Ipoh yesterday.

"We will do away with the Champions Trophy after 2018, and also have a new format for the World League. There will no longer be a World League Semifinals and Finals, but after the World League Round One and Round Two, we will hold direct qualifying tournaments for World Cup and Olympics," said Negre in Ipoh Friday.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey



As One of Top Tournament Finishers, U-21 USWNT Reflect on Medal and Prep for Jr. World Cup

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Back on United States’ soil with medals around their necks after the Junior Women's Pan American Championship, the U.S. U-21 Women’s National Team take the time to reflect on their awesome experience in Trinidad & Tobago, qualification to the 2016 Junior World Cup and what’s to follow. We caught up with U-21 USWNT Head Coach Janneke Schopman, goalkeeper Kelsey Bing and forward Gab Major.

“It is an honor to be the head coach of this U-21 Team; it's a great group both on and of the field, not afraid to be challenged or work hard,” said Schopman. “We reached our goal with qualifying but now want more. With the lessons of the tournament and especially the final we know what we have to do in the upcoming 6 months to be ready for the first game in the Junior World Cup and bring the fight to whoever we’re playing.” 

To prepare for the Junior World Cup, Schopman and her staff are looking into various options like training camps and competitions including a match against Chile's Senior Team at the Home of Hockey at Spooky Nook Sports in Lancaster County, Pa. as well as have a potential training camp organized that weekend. Schopman is looking into another camp at the end of June around the Young Women's National Championship (YWNC) tournament and in July.

Describe the best on-field and off-field moments of the Junior Women’s Pan American Championship.
KB: I think the best on-field experience would be the last few seconds of the semifinal game against Chile. Knowing that we were going to qualify because we were 5-0 up just added to the excitement. One of the funniest off-field experiences was when Yuko, our athletic trainer, challenged Janneke to a race up this huge hill that the hotel was built into. The two had to run up the entire hill, then run up some steps, and jump into the pool. Janneke won the race by a good margin as the whole team cheered both of them on. It was quite a funny experience.
GM: The best on-field moment was the win against Chile and officially qualifying for the Junior World Cup. Everyone was very excited to secure our spot.The best off-field moment was getting to go to Maracas Beach on an off day. The weather was so hot in Trinidad so we were happy to get a relaxing day at the beach once before competition started.

With having limited training opportunities together as a team before the event, what was the morale like going into the tournament?
KB: It is definitely hard that our team is from so many different parts of the country; however, I feel that Janneke does quite a good job of ensuring that we felt prepared going into the tournament with our different training weekends. During all of our sessions, we always focus on our goals for the weekend. The two things that were consistently brought up was that we wanted to prepare for the Junior Pan Ams and keep developing our team work SQUAD (which stands for Synergy, Quality, Unity, Attitude and Determination). Often, we would focus on just a few of the words for acronyms. This constant focus made me feel prepared for the Junior Pan Ams.
GM: Going in to the tournament, we were focused on improving each game. We wanted to play to our full potential, connected as a team, and not worry about much else.  Looking ahead after the first few wins, we wanted to keep the momentum going. We didn’t want to let up for any game no matter who our opponent was. Short training sessions on the field in between games helped us with that.

You played a vital role in the final match by making some excellent saves, what kept you motivated?
KB: The thing that probably kept me the most motivated was that I wanted to win. My biggest pet peeve is getting second place, so going into the game, I wanted to be able to compete with the Argentinian team. My desire for our team to succeed definitely motivated me throughout the game. I knew that if our team stayed together as a unit, we were going to be able to do just that. However, the Argentinian team posed a formidable opponent, and they were able to find the back of the net more than I would have liked. I am definitely looking forward to having the opportunity to potentially play them again at the Junior World Cup because I think that with some more practice we definitely can compete even better with their team.

Your scoring performance at the event not only contributed in giving Team USA an edge over several teams but made you the highest goal scorer for Team USA, respectively tied with your teammate Erin Matson. As a forward and a prominent player in terms of scoring, what would you say is a key strength our offense holds compared to other junior teams?
GM: I think our attack puts very good pressure on the opposition, which is something that we talked about before each game. Stepping together is a strength of ours and I think it even got better as the games went on. I also think our ability to move the ball around the outside gave us many attacking opportunities.

USFHA media release



England and Great Britain Hockey recruiting for a Performance Director


A packed house looks on as Great Britain take on Germany at LVHTC

With the news of Danny Kerry taking the reins of the England and Great Britain Women’s Teams through to 2020 England and Great Britain hockey are now recruiting for the role of Performance Director.

European Gold in 2015, Olympic Bronze in 2012 and currently 4th and 6th in the world for the men and women’s hockey team (respectively) - our performance vision is to be consistently top three in the world for both teams. Would you like to drive our ambition to achieve this vision?

This role is about leading the translation of this ambitious strategy into delivery. The successful candidate is therefore likely to be someone who has proven success of this, who has the drive and ability to lead their team to strive for the very best and has demonstrable experience in leading sporting performance success at the highest level.

The priorities for the role are:

• To provide business wide leadership as a voting Board member and member of the Executive team who run the organisation on a day to day basis

• To provide leadership and strategic direction of the performance department and programmes

• To build and maintain effective ongoing relationships across England Hockey departments, Home Nations and external partners and stakeholders

England Hockey (EH) is the National Governing Body for the sport of Hockey and is nominated by Great Britain Hockey (GBH) to qualify and prepare teams for the Olympic Games.

You will manage a performance budget of £3m a year; lead a team of 19 permanent staff and over 100 consultants who in turn are supporting 50+ full time athletes plus those in our talent pathway.

We are looking for someone with a deep understanding of performance sport and requirements of medal success at the highest level. The ideal candidate will also drive the performance team to maximise collaboration across the wider business and the home nations.

You will be someone able to consistently demonstrate the England Hockey Brand Personality - Ambition, Integrity, Inspiration and Focus

For a more detailed job description and how to apply please click here or visit our jobs page.

The post-holder would not be expected to start the role until post the Rio Olympic Games in 2016.

Closing Date: 1100hrs Friday 20th May

Interview Dates:
1st Phase - Tuesday 7th June
2nd Phase - Tuesday 14th June

Location: Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre
Salary: Competitive
Contact: Dawn Brown
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

England Hockey Board Media release

Fieldhockey.com uses cookies to assist with navigating between pages. Please leave the site if you disagree with this policy.
Copyright remains with the credited source or author