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All the news for Thursday 16 June 2016

Who will emerge heroes in London this week?


Will one of the captains emerge the hero with only two more days of play at the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016. Original photo by Jeff Scott

With Australia securing their place in the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy Final last night, it's all to play for over the last two days of competition as three teams look for a hero to take them into the showpiece final against the reigning World champions.

Belgium, Great Britain and India are all still in the running ahead of the final round of pool matches on Thursday as they all bid to secure a shot at the title against the Kookaburras.

Great Britain have rallied a battle cry as they call on home supporters to pack the stands and cheer them to victory. India meanwhile will be full of confidence after a number of positive results have stirred passion amongst their supporters across the world. Belgium too will be hoping to continue momentum as they got their form back on track, and will be hoping their fans make the short trip over from their homeland to cheer the Red Lions into the Final.

To qualify for the gold medal match, home nation Great Britain need Australia to beat India in Thursday's first match before they in turn require victory against Belgium. The third match of the day is between reigning Olympic champions Germany and 2014 Champions Challenge winners Korea.

It's all to play for in London so don't miss your chance to be part of all the drama and excitement over the next two days.

SCHEDULE
Thursday 16 June
        16:00        Australia v India
        18:00       Korea v Germany
        20:00       Great Britain v Belgium
Friday 17 June
        15:45       5th in Pool v 6th in Pool
        18:00       3rd in Pool v 4th in Pool
        20:15       Men's Final

#HCT2016 #BestOfTheBest

FIH site

Confident India aspire to rise to Australian challenge


Team India hockey players celebrate a goal against Germany. (AP Photo)

LONDON: A first-time entry into the final at stake, a confident India would aspire to rise to the challenge of taking on Australia in their last league outing of the 36th Hero Champions Trophy here on Thursday.

India were beaten by four goals in two encounters against Australia in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournament in Ipoh (Malaysia) two months ago, but are eager to produce a better show against the reigning world champions, who have already secured their place in the title match, at the Lee Valley Hockey Centre.

World No. 1 Australia prevailed 5-1 in their league fixture of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup against India and then, when the teams again met in the final, the dominant side from Down Under triumphed 4-0.

India are drawing inspiration from their victory last year in a Test match at home, ahead of the World League Finals in Raipur.

India's most notable performance against Australia recently was in the 2015 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup where striker Nikkin Thimmaiah's hat-trick spurred them to victory, but that was an experimental Australian team.

Ahead of the Olympic Games, Australia have fielded a very strong side here, but are in a dilemma over penalty corner shooter Chris Ciriello's fitness.

"The match against Australia is a very tough outing. We have to produce our best performance to put up a good contest," said Indian coach Roelant Oltmans, who is happy to see the Indians stay in the hunt for a medal.

"A medal at the Champions Trophy was the target we set ourselves when we set off for London. I'm happy that our game has improved with every tournament," said Oltmans.

Australia are heading the round-robin league standings with 10 points from four outings, followed by India on seven from four matches.

A victory over Australia tomorrow would put India into the final of the Champions Trophy, something they have not achieved so far, but even a draw could boost their prospects of making the title encounter.

Great Britain and Belgium are the other teams that can win their last league match to edge out India from the final. These two teams will clash in the last league engagement and will have the luxury of playing after the Australia-India fixture.

Britain are currently on five points and Belgium are on four. If Australia defeat India, hosts Britain will just need a win over Belgium to overtake India on points, but Belgium too can finish second on goal difference if they prevail in this match.

Belgium's hope rests on improving their goal difference and wait to see if India concede too many goals to Australia. A draw between Britain and Belgium would clear India's passage to the final.

If India are able to keep the Australian strikers at bay and do not concede too many goals, they can still finish second in the league standings despite a loss to the world's top-ranked side. In this case, they will be keenly watching the match featuring Belgium and Britain.

India's only previous medal in the history of the Champions Trophy was a bronze they won way back in 1982 at Amsterdam.

To be able to match Australia, the Indian defenders will need to polish their act and the strikers have to improve their finishing. In yesterday's 2-1 victory over South Korea that kept them India in the medal contention, the strikers repeatedly lost their way after breaking into rival territory.

"We'll have to put up a much better exhibition of hockey. Yesterday, the strikers were more excited than needed," said Oltmans.

Irrespective of having already clinched a place in the final, Australia coach Graham Reid is not going to take the foot off the pedal.

"Do you expect any Australian coach to do that?" Reid said when asked if the Australians may play a relaxed game in their last league outing.

"The Indians seem to be playing their best hockey for a while," said Reid as he made plans for the match.

Reid is not sure of fielding Ciriello in tomorrow's match, allowing his crack shooter adequate rest with the Olympic Games less than two months away.

The Times of India

Champ Stat: What points table points to

s2h Team

The points table of the London Champions Trophy will be in focus tomorrow on the penultimate day, as it throws up so many possibility as to who will play Australia in the final and who will move to fourth position to play for Bronze.

Except Australia which can choose its partner for the final, all other teams have a big stake in Thursday's proceedings at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

The glorious uncertainty of who will take on Australia in the finals of the London Champions Trophy, India or home team Great Britain, reigns supreme in the mind of Indian hockey followers.

undefined Without a loss, even a hint of it, Australia as usual rode like a colossus to take it appointed place in the Friday final.

Their last match in the pool is against India.

There is a chance, which is not misplaced or hyperbole, that the Thursday encounter can well be dress rehearsal for Friday Final.

For that India has to either win, or draw Australia tomorrow (Thursday).

India has not reached the finals of Champions Trophy so far.

India has had no great history in the Champions Trophy especially against today's rival .

However, history can always be made.

Both teams miss out some stars, still did well to be talked about in the top bracket.

The other team in the contention is none other than Great Britain.

GB’s chance is not theoretical, but very much a possibility.

All eyes therefore will be on Belgium-GB which will be played last of the Action Day Five.

If Belgium defeat Great Britain, it will have same points as that of India (7).

Then the margin of victory will count. Therefore, even India would lose to Australia, the margin will have a bearing. Indian defenders need to be extra-careful against Australia tomorrow.

If GB wins, India loses to Australia, GB is through to home Champions Trophy final.

The second match of Thursday is between Germany and South Korea.

The winner will have chance to play for Bronze provided Belgium loses to GB.

Therefore, except India, these two teams will hope for a British win tomorrow.

Stick2Hockey.com

Against Australia, India focus on defence in Champions Trophy

Onus will be on goalkeeper PR Sreejesh as India hope for a win against Australia to qualify for Champions Trophy final.


In the absence of Birendra Lakra and Rupinderpal Singh, the young Indian defenders have shown surprising composure and stubborness in the four group stage matches so far.

India’s resilient defence will be put to test when they take on world champions Australia in the final round robin match of the Champions Trophy at the Lee Valley Park in London on Thursday. India, who are placed second on the points table, are chasing their first-ever spot in the final of Champions Trophy. Roelant Oltmans’ side has shown signs of improvement in the last few tournaments, with the team’s defensive structure standing out. In the absence of Birendra Lakra and Rupinderpal Singh, the young defenders have shown surprising composure and stubbornness in the four group stage matches so far.

The young defence, however, will be put under pressure by Australia who have already booked a place in the final. Australia have generally recorded wins by huge margins against India. In the previous encounter between the two teams, at the Azlan Shah Cup two months ago, Australia beat India 5-1 in the group stage and 4-0 in the final.

However, India will draw inspiration from their victory in the Test series in Raipur against the Kookaburras, a rare moment of success against the world champions. India’s most notable performance against Australia recently was in the 2015 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup where striker Nikkin Thimmaiah’s hat-trick spurred them to victory, but that was an experimental Australian team.

Ahead of the Olympic Games, Australia have fielded a very strong side, but are in a dilemma over penalty corner shooter Chris Ciriello’s fitness.

“The match against Australia is a very tough outing. We have to produce our best performance to put up a good contest,” said Indian coach Roelant Oltmans, who is happy to see the Indians stay in the hunt for a medal. “A medal at the Champions Trophy was the target we set ourselves when we set off for London. I’m happy that our game has improved with every tournament,” said Oltmans.

Australia are heading the round-robin league standings with 10 points from four outings, followed by India on seven from four matches. A victory over Australia would put India into the final of the Champions Trophy, something they have not achieved so far, but even a draw could boost their prospects of making the title encounter.

Great Britain and Belgium are the other teams that can win their last league match to edge out India from the final. These two teams will clash in the last league engagement and will have the luxury of playing after the Australia-India fixture. Britain are currently on five points and Belgium are on four. If Australia defeat India, hosts Britain will just need a win over Belgium to overtake India on points, but Belgium too can finish second on goal difference if they prevail in this match.

Belgium’s hope rests on improving their goal difference and wait to see if India concede too many goals to Australia. A draw between Britain and Belgium would clear India’s passage to the final. If India are able to keep the Australian strikers at bay and do not concede too many goals, they can still finish second in the league standings despite a loss to the world’s top-ranked side. In this case, they will be keenly watching the match featuring Belgium and Britain.

India’s only previous medal in the history of the Champions Trophy was a bronze they won way back in 1982 at Amsterdam. To be able to match Australia, the Indian defenders will need to polish their act and the strikers have to improve their finishing.

In Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over South Korea that kept them India in the medal contention, the strikers repeatedly lost their way after breaking into rival territory. “We’ll have to put up a much better exhibition of hockey. Yesterday, the strikers were more excited than needed,” said Oltmans.

Irrespective of having already clinched a place in the final, Australia coach Graham Reid is not going to take the foot off the pedal. “Do you expect any Australian coach to do that?” Reid said when asked if the Australians may play a relaxed game in their last league outing. “The Indians seem to be playing their best hockey for a while,” said Reid as he made plans for the match.

Reid is not sure of fielding Ciriello in Thursday’s match, allowing his crack shooter adequate rest with the Olympic Games less than two months away.

India, meanwhile, will depend on vice-captain SV Sunil once again to deliver. Sunil has been relishing the responsibility and has been one of the consistent performers in the tournament. He has even scored crucial goals. However, the form of goalkeeper PR Sreejesh will be crucial if India hope to win the tie.

Australia have scored second-most number of goals in the tournament and although the Indian defence has looked solid, it has conceded soft goals. Against Australia, Oltmans will hope the young back-line will perform once again.

Indian Express

India address late goal concern to boost Rio hopes

By Sudipto Ganguly



MUMBAI (Reuters) - Leaking late goals has been something of an Achilles' heel for the Indian hockey team but captain Sardar Singh believes his team have addressed the issue as they head to Rio looking for the country's first Olympic medal in 36 years.

Once-mighty India are the most decorated nation in the sport's Olympic history but the South Asians collected the last of their eight gold medals way back at the Moscow Games in 1980.

Having failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008, the team representing a nation of 1.3 billion people did recover to seal a spot at the London Games four years later only to finish last among the 12 countries taking part.

India, in Pool B along with Argentina, Canada, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands in Rio, have often been hamstrung by an inability to stay competitive in the final 15 minutes.

"We have worked a lot on not conceding goals at the end," Singh, who has been rested for India's Champions Trophy campaign in London, told Reuters. "The main thing is concentration.

"Hockey now is very fast and you need to focus every second in a match. The training sessions have been very good but it now depends on how we execute."

India did concede a late goal in the 57th minute against South Korea on Tuesday but scored within seconds to go up 2-1 for a victory against their Asian rivals.

Under Dutchman Roelant Oltmans, who became India's high performance director in 2013 and then was appointed coach last July, a relatively inexperienced team finished second behind Australia at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia in April.

The team are currently second in their group behind Australia at the Champions Trophy, fuelling renewed hopes of a first Olympic medal in more than three decades.

"People follow hockey in India and they want results and so the expectations keep on increasing. But that is a good thing too," Singh, 29, said

"The team is doing well in the last two years. The way we are training, the process we are going through has been good. The team is on the right track.

"It's imperative that we execute our plans if we are to win a medal at the Olympics."

The halfback said the current side gelled well both on the field and off it and their speedy forwards make India a dangerous side on the counter-attack.

Singh also feels coach Oltmans has had a big impact.

"Oltmans understands our culture, his understanding with the players on and off the field is good," he said.

"We have a good understanding and can share anything with the coach. He likes attacking hockey which is also good."

The Star of Malaysia

Discover all the latest stats from the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy



Did you know that nearly 3,000 goals have been scored in men's hockey Champions Trophy history, or that Maartje Paumen is the all-time leading female goalscorer in the women's event (28 goals)?

Thanks to a collaborative effort by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), sports fans can now find facts like these with access to a huge interactive resource of hockey statistics from the Hockey Champions Trophy. They can be found on the stats pages of both the men's Hero Hockey Champions Trophy and women's Hockey Champions Trophy official event websites.

Official data from the last 38 years of the men's competition and 29 years of the women's competition can now be viewed. The digitalised data contains statistics from the inception of the men's Hockey Champions Trophy in 1978 , and the women's competition in 1987.

Visitors to the site can relive history whilst also predict the future by using the various different comparisons in these new look pages. Containing historical archives as well as live tournament data, fans can search through and compare masses of data. Examples include all time goal-scoring records for players and teams, win-loss records, head to head comparisons and much more.

Providing big and bold statistics is considered key to helping the world gain a better understanding of the sport's athletes, teams and the game by giving them a considerably richer experience throughout historical and live data. It was also considered key to detail both genders side by side in line with hockey's long standing commitment to gender balance across all areas of the sport.

It is hoped this will be a hugely useful tool not only for fans, but also for media and broadcasters covering the events as well, with many already using the data during this year's men's Hero Hockey Champions Trophy. Following its launch at the start of the men's event, over 6,000 fans from over 100 countries viewed over 25,000 pages of statistics on the first day alone.

The FIH website will continue to be developed over the coming months with a view to introduce this resource for all key FIH events. If you have any feedback for this particular area, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To view the latest men's Hero Hockey Champions Trophy and the women's Hockey Champions Trophy stats, visit: http://stats.fih.ch

#HCT2016 #BestOfTheBest

FIH site

Excitement builds as start of women’s Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 nears


Women’s event gets underway on Saturday with the 'Best Of The Best' in action

With the men’s Hero Hockey Champions Trophy reaching its climax at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London this Friday, the build-up to the women’s Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 is well and truly underway.

The London 2012 Olympic legacy facility is currently playing host to the last major international hockey competitions before the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and with all six of the competing teams in the women’s Hockey Champions Trophy having qualified for the upcoming Olympiad, you can be sure that every single match will be fiercely contested.

The women’s Hockey Champions Trophy 2016, which takes place from 18-26 June, will see reigning World and Olympic champions Netherlands (FIH Hero World Ranking: 1) taking on Champions Trophy title holders and 2015 World League champions Argentina (WR: 2), Oceania champions Australia (WR: 3), New Zealand’s brilliant Black Sticks (WR: 4), host nation Great Britain (WR: 6) and Pan American champions USA (WR: 7).

The action gets underway on Saturday at 1200 (UTC/GMT +1) with USA and Australia both looking to get their competition off to the perfect start. Australia are considered to be one of the favourites and have a proud history in the Champions Trophy having won the event on six previous occasions. With the likes of inspirational team captain Madonna Blyth and prolific goalscorer Jodie Kenny, the Hockeyroos could take some stopping here in London.

USA - lead by defender Lauren Crandall - are a top class side that earned their place against the “best of the best” by winning the 2014 Champions Challenge event.

The second match of the day promises to be a thriller, with reigning champions Argentina taking on host nation Great Britain at 14:00. Following England’s gold medal success at last year’s Unibet EuroHockey Championships, many players within the GB squad - including team captain Kate Richardson-Walsh, shot-stopper Maddie Hinch and 2015 FIH Young Player of the Year Lily Owsley - have recent experience of winning a major title at this venue and will take that confidence into this event.

However, Las Leonas are not ranked second in the FIH Hero World Rankings for nothing, and in Carla Rebecchi and 2014 FIH Young Player of the Year Florencia Habif, they have two of the most outstanding talents in the game. 

The final game of day one sees a match-up between two sides renowned for their attacking prowess, with reigning World and Olympic champions the Netherlands taking on New Zealand’s Black Sticks at 16:00.

The Netherlands, coached by legendary Australian player Alyson Annan, are the top ranked side in the world and have set their sights on reclaiming the title that they last won in 2011, an event played on home soil in Amstelveen.

The Dutch have a fantastic array of talent at their disposal including four FIH Players of the Year – Naomi van As (2009), Maartje Paumen (2011 and 2012), Ellen Hoog (2014) and Lidewij Welten (2015), while brilliant shot-stopper Joyce Sombroek, the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year for both 2014 and 2015, is an ever-reliable presence.

The Black Sticks are also packed full of talent, with Anita McLaren (formerly Punt) and Gemma Flynn providing speed and goals while Kayla Whitelock - who has made a sparkling return to international hockey since the birth of her daughter Addison last year - remains a hugely influential figure. 

The round-robin games of the women’s Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 will conclude on Saturday 25 June, with the classification matches and showpiece final taking place on Sunday 26 June.

The men’s Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 has been packed full of outstanding action as well as huge broadcast innovations, with host broadcaster BT Sport fully embracing the FIH’s Hockey Revolution Strategy and its mission statement to make ‘hockey a global game that inspires the next generation’.

“The hosting of innovative and exciting entertainment events is a key goal in FIH’s Hockey Revolution strategy, which is designed to raise the global status and popularity of hockey in a bid to reach our ambition”, said FIH President Leandro Negre. “With exceptional action on the field and fan-focussed entertainment all around the venue, a very special time awaits the thousands of fans attending the events in London.”

Tickets for the Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 events are still available and can be purchased by clicking here.

#HCT2016 #BestOfTheBest

FIH site

Defending champions Argentina looking to retain iconic Trophy



Alongside the Netherlands, defending champions Argentina have been the dominant force in women’s hockey for well over a decade. 'Las Leonas' (The Lionesses) have won five of the last six Hockey Champions Trophy competitions and also claimed the bronze medal at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup in 2014 and silver at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Despite the retirement of iconic attacking midfielder and eight times FIH Player of the Year Luciana Aymar after the 2014 Hockey Champions Trophy on home soil in Rosario, there is no question that Argentina remain a true powerhouse of world hockey, a fact proven by their title success in the Argentina Hockey World League Final at the end of last year.

Delfina Merino, Carla Rebecchi and drag-flicking defender Noel Barrionuevo are all potential match winners amongst the current group, while 2014 FIH Young Player of the Year Florencia Habif is rated as one of the most exciting emerging talents in the game.

The team is coached by former Argentina men’s international Gabriel Minadeo, who stepped into the role late in 2015 following the resignation of Santiago Capurro and enjoyed near instant success by winning the Hockey World League. It is Minadeo’s second spell as Head Coach of Argentina women, having guided the team to bronze medals at the 2006 Hockey World Cup and 2008 Olympic Games respectively.

Extra info: Although the first women’s teams were officially formed in 1909, it was the appointment of former men’s international Sergio Vigil as Head Coach in 1997 that triggered a rapid rise to greatness. Under Vigil’s leadership, Las Leonas achieved their first Hockey World Cup title, their first Olympic medals and their first Hockey Champions Trophy medals.

The staggering success of the team has seen them achieve a level of fame normally reserved for their national football team, with some of the players hosting television shows and appearing in advertising campaigns for major brands. The achievements of Las Leonas has ensured that hockey is one of the most popular sports in the country, with the player and fan base continuing to grow at great speed.

The team’s reputation for being tenacious even in the face of defeat was the central factor for their now legendary nickname, with the lioness being chosen as their symbol shortly after the team achieved qualification for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Player perspective – Carla Rebecchi (Forward): “Things are going really well with training and test matches. I would like to win the title again at the Champions Trophy and, of course, to win an Olympic medal, gold if possible. It would be a dream come true.” 

One to watch: Carla Rebecchi. A sensational attacker who can change the game in a blink of an eye, Rebecchi is one of the most experienced players in the Argentina line-up and is always influential.

FACTS
Nickname: Las Leonas
Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 2
Notable honours: 2x World champions (2002, 2010), 2x Olympic silver medallists (2000, 2012), 2x Olympic bronze medallists (2004, 2008), Hockey World League champions (2015), 7x Champions Trophy winners (2001, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014),
6x Pan-American Games gold medallists (1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007), 4x Pan-American Cup winners (2001, 2004, 2009, 2013).

Rank in previous CT editions: 2014 – 1st, 2012 - 1st, 2011 - 2nd, 2010 - 1st, 2009 - 1st, 2008 - 1st, 2007 - 2nd, 2006 - 4th, 2005 - 4th, 2004 - 3rd, 2003 - 4th, 2002 - 2nd, 2001 - 1st, 2000 - 4th, 1999 - 4th, 1995 - 6th
Confederación Argentina de Hockey website: www.cahockey.org.ar

Twitter: @ArgFieldHockey
Facebook: argfieldhockey
Instagram: @arg_fieldhockey

FIH site

Olympic and World champions Netherlands looking to reign supreme in London



The Netherlands (FIH Hero World Ranking: 1) have long been one of the dominant forces in world hockey, and in recent years have claimed the vast majority of the sport’s biggest prizes. They are the Olympic gold medallists from both the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Games, and two years ago once again proved themselves as the finest team on the planet by winning the Rabobank Hockey World Cup in front of their home fans in
 The Hague.

Since that success, Oranje have claimed a bronze medal at the Argentina Hockey Champions Trophy (December 2014), a first place finish at the FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final in Antwerp (July 2015) as well as a silver medal at the Unibet EuroHockey Championships in London (August 2015). Despite ending 2015 with a disappointing fifth place finish at the Argentina Hockey World League Final in Rosario, they remain the world’s top ranked side and will be the team to beat at both the Hockey Champions Trophy and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, where a third successive gold medal is a very realistic possibility.

The Netherlands have a glittering array of world-class talent at their disposal. The provisional squad named for the Hockey Champions Trophy contains four FIH Players of the Year – Naomi van As (2009), Maartje Paumen (2011 and 2012), Ellen Hoog (2014) and Lidewij Welten (2015), while brilliant shot-stopper Joyce Soembroek, the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year for both 2014 and 2015, is an ever-reliable presence.

Extra info:In October 2015, the Royal Dutch Hockey Association (KNHB) named legendary Australia international Alyson Annan as Head Coach of the Netherlands women. Annan – widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and a central figure in the Hockeyroos team that won two Olympic gold medals and two World Cups between 1994 and 2000 – moved into the position vacated by Sjoerd Marijne, who stepped away from the role following the Netherlands’ shoot-out defeat to England in the final of the Unibet EuroHockey Championships in August.

Double FIH Player of the Year Annan has been a long-time resident in the Netherlands and, since ending her playing career in 2003, has held numerous coaching roles. In 2004 she was Assistant Coach to Marc Lammers, who guided the Netherlands women to a silver medal at the Olympic Games in Athens. More recently, Annan has been coaching the Dutch junior women’s team and Amsterdam H&BC men, the latter making her the first female Head Coach in the history of the top Dutch men’s division.

One to watch: Lidewij Welten. The 2015 FIH Player of the Year is an exceptional attacker blessed with speed, skill and an eye for goal. Welten has been a dazzling performer for the Netherlands over the past 18 months and is likely to be a central figure for the side both in London and Rio.

FACTS
Nickname: Oranje
Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 1
Notable honours: 3x Olympic gold medallists (1984, 2008, 2012), Olympic silver medallists (2004), 3x Olympic bronze medallists (1988, 1996, 2000), 7x World champions (1974, 1978, 1981, 1983, 1986, 1990, 2006, 2014),
Hockey World League champions (2012-14 Edition), 6x Champions Trophy winners (1987, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2011), 8x European Champions (1984, 1987, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2011).
Rank in previous CT editions: 2014 – 3rd, 2012 - 3rd, 2011 - 1st, 2010 - 2nd, 2009 - 3rd, 2008 - 3rd, 2007 - 1st, 2006 - 3rd, 2005 - 1st, 2004 - 1st, 2003 - 3rd, 2002 - 3rd, 2001 - 2nd, 2000 - 1st, 1999 - 2nd, 1997 - 3rd, 1993 - 2nd, 1991 - 3rd, 1989 - 5th, 1987 - 1st  
KNHB website: www.knhb.nl
Twitter: OranjeHockey
Facebook: OranjeHockey
Instagram:OranjeHockey

FIH site

Olympic axe hovers over Black Sticks in London


Black Sticks women at the start of the test against Argentina. Photo / Getty Images

The Olympic selection axe will hang over the New Zealand women's hockey team at the Champions Trophy in London, starting this weekend.

Assistant coach Sean Dancer says they'll be naming the squad for Rio when they return home.

Dancer says it'll be an interesting plane flight home with a lot of selection discussions.

He says their 25 national squad members and development player Kelsey Smith are all in the running for the 16 spots in their final Olympic team.

The Black Sticks will have limited time on the London turf before their Champions Trophy opener against the Netherlands.

Dancer says because the men's Champions Trophy is still in progress, there's little training time available.

He says they've only got two one hour sessions leading into Sunday morning's game.

The Black Sticks lost two-nil to the Netherlands in a warm-up test this week.

Radio Sport

Black Sticks set for Six Nations in Valencia



The Black Sticks Men are set for their final tune up ahead of the Rio Olympic Games at the Six Nations Tournament in Valencia, Spain from 27 June – 3 July.

New Zealand (ranked 8th in the world) go up against Germany (3rd), Argentina (6th), India (7th), hosts Spain (11th) and Ireland (12th).

The Men’s Olympic team of 16 players will compete at the tournament, while Nick Haig, Marcus Child and Richard Joyce will also play during the tour.

The Black Sticks open their Six Nations campaign against Spain on Tuesday 28 June at 6am (NZ time).

Hockey New Zealand have arranged for all Black Sticks games to be streamed LIVE through www.hockeynz.co.nz and www.blacksticks.co.nz

Prior to the tournament, the Black Sticks also play world number two Netherlands in a three test series on 21, 23 and 24 June in Groningen.

BLACK STICKS MEN
SIX NATIONS, VALENCIA

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Royal Belgian Hockey Association confirmed as hosts for 2019 EuroHockey Championships


2019 EuroHockey Championships Trifinance EuroHockey Championships, 2013 (COPYRIGHT EHF/FRANK UIJLENBROEK)   

Brussels : At the recent Executive Board meeting, the 2019 Evaluation Committee presented two bids for the 2019 EuroHockey Championships. One from Belgium and one from Germany. Following a full discussion and taking into account the recommendations of the Evaluation Committee the EHF Executive Board has decided that the Royal Belgian Hockey Association has won this close competition. The EB is delighted to announce that the Women’s and Men’s EuroHockey Championships in 2019 will be played in the Belgian city of Antwerp.

    8 women’s and 8 men’s teams to compete for the European Cup
    Qualification for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, 2020
    Event will take place in August 2019

Taking place in August 2019, the event will feature the top 8 European women’s and men’s teams. Six teams will qualify from the 2017 EuroHockey Championships in addition to the 2 top ranked teams at the 2017 EuroHockey Championships II (Glasgow, Men and Cardiff, Women), those events will take place in August 2017.

The EuroHockey Championships in 2019 is a direct qualifier for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 with the winning team not only being crowned European champions but also securing a coveted spot in the Tokyo line up.

EHF President Marijke Fleuren, said: “It was a challenging decision for the EHF Board to decide between the two very strong bids for the 2019 EuroHockey Championships, so firstly I would like to thank the two National Associations for their excellent bids. This time Belgium came out as the winner after a fair and transparent decision making process.

The Royal Belgian Hockey Association is one of the biggest success stories in recent European hockey history. In 2013 they hosted a magnificent fan focused EuroHockey Championships in Braxgata HC. Since then they have made massive gains in their capacity to deliver world class hockey events to the fan base and the popularity of hockey continues to grow all the time. We believe that the best is yet to come both on and off the pitch and we are looking forward to delivering together something very special for the athletes and fans in Antwerp 2019.”

Serge Pilet, General Secretary of Royal Belgian Hockey Association added “The Royal Belgian Hockey Association is delighted to have the opportunity to organize the 2019 EuroHockey Nations Championships. With the 2013 Euros in Boom and the FIH World League semifinals in Brasschaat last year, Belgium has shown to the world that it is capable to organize world class hockey events, providing outstanding experiences for both athletes and fans. We are very proud that our hard work has been acknowledged by EHF and has resulted in this new allocation to Belgium.”

For more information about both events, visit the EHF website, www.eurohockey.org

EuroHockey media release

Chasing The Dream with USWNT Athlete Katie Reinprecht



Not all storms hail from the sky.    

The traditional sense of an incoming downpour includes alarming dark grey clouds and claps of dramatic, ground-shaking thunder. But there is another kind of fury which is served from the hockey stick of a 5’6", brunette. With jet-like speed and electric agility, USWNT midfielder Katie Reinprecht has been a key contributor on Team USA's roster since 2009.

Before making waves on the international scene, before becoming an Olympian, Reinprecht’s first taste of hockey traces back to second grade. But the first introduction to the sport didn’t bode well for the young Reinprecht.

“The first time I ever picked up a stick, I didn’t really like it,” said Reinprecht. “The ball kept getting stuck in the grass, so I became frustrated. I ended up moving on to other sports but picked it up again in fifth grade. It was only until I played indoor on a faster surface did I see the potential of the sport. Shortly after, I discovered the fast-paced nature of turf. From there my love for hockey took off.”

While still participating in hockey, Reinprecht explored other sports.

“Swimming, tennis, gymnastics, karate, basketball, lacrosse and soccer – growing up, we tried it all,” said Reinprecht. “I think playing different sports when I was younger molded me into the field hockey player I am today. I look at the game in a different light. It made me realize what I truly love and where my passion lies.”

From every angle, Reinprecht soon was surrounded by field hockey with her mother starting the club team, Mystx Field Hockey, and her two sisters, Julia and Sarah, playing just as much as Reinprecht was.

“There is definitely a lot of hockey talk around the dinner table,” said Reinprecht as she chuckled. “In the beginning, when we were younger, we would always feel bad for my dad because the four of us constantly talked about practices or games. Over time, he was right there with us contributing to the conversation.”

Julia, Sarah and Reinprecht became a bit of a package deal, perhaps a silent pact forged in their early days of backyard hockey. The triple threat cycled through Princeton University’s field hockey program where Reinprecht earned honors such as two-time Ivy League Player of the Year (2008, 2009), three-time First Team All American (2009, 2010 & 2012), Four-Time Ivy League Champion and was named Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year her senior year. In 2011, Reinprecht displayed dedication by pausing her studies to train full time with the U.S. National Team, which gave way to her London 2012 Olympic Games invite. At the time of her graduation, Reinprecht, along with her sister Julia, was one of only four players in Ivy League field hockey history to earn four-time First Team All-Ivy Honors; her sister Sarah was a three-time First Team All-Ivy Honors and a Second Team All-Ivy Honors as well.

Another impressive accolade she has on her playing resume is the title of Olympian. In Reinprecht's first venture to the Olympic Games in 2012, the Perkasie, Pa. native didn't only have family support in the stadium, but on London's blue and pink pitch as well. Reinprecht competed for Team USA alongside her sister, Julia. Although thrilled and honored to represent her country at the top-tier international stage beside of her sister, the final result of the tournament was disappointing for Reinprecht and the team.

“I’ll never forget sitting with the team at the end of it all in London and asking each other what we could have done differently,” said Reinprecht. “This time around it’s different. Yes, we have new coaches and a new training complex but we’re also approaching the Rio Games differently. It’s not in anyway good enough to just go, just participate. We want to change the script. We’re not settling for just going. We want to stand on the podium.”

But going through a second cycle of Olympic Games training wasn’t an easy decision for Reinprecht. Another  4-year commitment required reflection.
 
“I went back to college after The Games to finish my senior year,” said Reinprecht. “During that time away from the team, I settled into different priorities. It was difficult to wrap my mind around the daily, immersive grind and commitment from that angle, giving some much of yourself to the program. I was hesitant, which seems crazy because I would want it no other way now.”

Now staring at what could be her second run at the Olympic Games, the feisty midfielder is eager to share hockey with sports fans all over the world during August in Rio.

“If anything can be said about our team, it’s that we never, ever give up,” said Reinprecht. “We’re a hard team for any opponent to face because for the entire 60 minutes of play we’re going to be in it until the end. And it’s incredibly exciting to watch.”

USFHA media release

Confidence in ladies hockey

By CROFTON UTUKANA

Despite Solomon Islands women’s hockey team will make the first debut in international hockey competition Bently Donga is confident that our national side will be competitive.

Head coach Donga stressed this to Star Sports in an interview.

“This will be our first time to have our women’s team representing the country in any international competition,’’ Donga said.

 He said since hockey was introduced in Solomon Islands, they did not have any women’s team competed in any competitions.

“This is the first time we have a women’s team.’’

“And with current trend of hockey in the country, I believe we will achieve commendable result in our first appearance in international competition,’’ he said.

He also stressed the level in which hockey has taken in the country is really amazing.

“The interest displayed by our young girls’, students and women are very encouraging,’’ he said.

He further stressed the level of support Oceania Hockey Federation rendered towards the development of the sport in the country was outstanding.

Meanwhile Star Sports understands both men and women’s teams are currently undergoing intensive training in preparation for the World League Round One set to be staged in Suva, Fiji from June 27th – 3rd July 2016.

Winners of the World League Round One will progress to Round Two.

The format of play for this World League Round 1 will be hockey 5’s.

Solomon Star

Hockey in Cinema yet again

s2h Team



After Chak De India, which glamorized Indian women hockey, Indian cine goers are in a treat for another hockey feat in the much awaited 'Udta Punjab' (Rising Punjab) film, which will hit big screens shortly.

Actress Alia Bhatt, younger daughter of famous film director and producer Mahesh Bhatt, will be presented as a hockey girl in the film which was in news for censorship issue recently.

Film star Alia Bhatt will be seen as a migrant Bihari girls playing hockey player in the director Abhishek Chaubey's 'Udta Punjab'.

Alia with a hockey stick is seen in the promos and teasers, where as an innocent personified player, she stops a truck and takes a free lift, reminding routine rural scene of contemporary Punjab.

It is reported in the cine media that Alia trained in hockey for a month and a half in Mumbai, before she began shooting for the film in Punjab.

"I was given a coach and we trained at a place in Bandra. I would reach at around 6 am every morning," she was quoted as saying.

"The idea was to get the postures right, learn to hold the stick right and to control the ball."

"Hockey is a very difficult sport but I had to push myself despite injuries," she said at the launch of the song 'Ikk Kudi' from Udta Punjab.

"I worked hard because I wanted to be comfortable with the hockey stick, and project the certain ease in the body language of hockey players. I also wanted to bring a degree of strength and force to my character".

"It was a hectic and physically demanding kind of a film. One would need years of practice to be able to pull off the role of a hockey player convincingly," Alia told reporters, adding "I got a lot of help from the director, the coach and the girls."

Udta Punjab revolves around drug-related problems in Punjab. The film stars Shahid Kapoor essaying the character of a high-on-drugs, long-haired rockstar Tommy Singh. Kareena Kapoor Khan plays a doctor who is determined to fight the illegal transportation of drugs, while Diljeet Dosanjh portrays a police officer. The film is scheduled to release day after tomorrow (June 17).

Stick2Hockey.com

Snubbed By Punjab Police, Ex-Girlfriend Files Rape Complaint Against Hockey Captain Sardar Singh In Delhi

Problems off the field haven't stopped troubling Indian hockey captain Sardar Singh. Now, his ex-girlfriend has filed a complaint against him for alleged rape in Delhi after Punjab Police dismissed her plea.

The Delhi Commission For Women (DCW) on Wednesday came to her rescue. DCW has highlighted the case of an international woman hockey player who has alleged rape, physical abuse and criminal intimidation by the captain of the Indian hockey team, Sardar Singh, in both Punjab and Delhi.


She tried lodging a complaint with the Punjab Police but got rejected. Now, she's turned to Delhi. Will she get justice?

A British national of Indian origin, she has alleged that she was assaulted in London too by Singh. DCW has issued a notice to Hockey India for explaining within seven days its inaction in the matter so far.

On Tuesday, the woman filed a complaint at the Chanakyapuri police station. DCP (New Delhi) Jatin Narwal said the matter was under investigation. An FIR has not been registered yet.


"Kab kiya complaint (When did she complain?)," Sardar Singh said. "I can't control anyone's mind, can't change what people think. I don't want to make any comment. Punjab Police had dismissed her complaint. I am concentrating on my game, my hockey. It's an important year (Olympics is round the corner) and I want to think of only that," he said.

Hockey India chief Narendra Batra refused to comment, saying: "I am out of the country. Will speak only on my return."



The woman, 21, alleged at the press conference, in the presence of DCW chief Swati Maliwal and other commission members, that she was raped by Singh in a five-star hotel in Delhi in October 2014 and that he subseqently tried to kill her by trying to push her from the top floor.



Asked why she had not filed a case at the time of the incident, the woman said she was not familiar with the laws then and Singh gave her the impression that since she was a Birtish national, she cannot take action against him under Indian law. The commission said the woman had been running from pillar to post in Punjab to register a case.

DCW claimed the woman had met Singh, who is a DSP with Haryana Police, at the age of 17. Her complaint to the police says they became friends on a social networking site in 2012. He allegedly proposed to her and they got engaged in February 2014. "On the pretext of marriage, he developed a physical relationship with her. He even forced her to abort their child in May 2015. She has alleged that Singh regularly beat her up and forced her to have physical relations with him," it is alleged in the statement.



"Most of the alleged incidents of rape occurred in Punjab," said the statement. "She gave a written complaint to Punjab Police on January 31, 2016, and despite the passage of five months, Punjab Police, in complete violation of the criminal law of India, has not registered an FIR till date. Instead, it set up an SIT which after recording sexist observations disposed of the complaint by filing it in April 2016, and asked the complainant to go to Haryana Police," states DCW, citing the woman's submission. The commission claimed that Hockey India too had taken no action on the complaint she had sent in May 2016, with a copy to Arun Jaitley, an advisor to the federation. She is claimed to have approached the Sports Authority of India too, Maliwal stated.



The commission has called for an FIR under Section 166A of IPC to be registered against Punjab Police for failing to register an FIR against Singh on revelation of a cognizable offence. It has also claimed that if it's true that Hockey India had released a statement describing her as a "fan stalker" of Singh, as claimed by her, it would be "prejudicial to the cause of a fair trial and contravene a woman's right to dignity as enshrined in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution". It has sought an explanation from Hockey India.

India Times

Delhi Commission for Women recommends FIR against Indian hockey skipper Sardar Singh in sexual assault case


Sardar Singh (Getty Images)

Swati Maliwal, DCW chief, also demanded that an FIR be registered against Punjab Police for failing to register FIR against SardarSingh despite his a British woman alleging rape and assault in January 2016.

The Delhi Commission for Women on Wednesday recommended registration of an FIR against India Hockey captain Sardar Singh in an alleged sexual assault case after a British woman Hockey player of Indian origin filed a complaint against him.

DCW chief Swati Maliwal also demanded that an FIR be registered against Punjab Police for failing to register the first information report (FIR) against Singh despite the woman alleging rape and assault in January 2016.

"The woman has given us a complaint and alleged that she was physically assaulted by Singh and that there was an attempt to push her from the top floor of a five-star hotel in Delhi and that she was raped by Singh therein. We have recommended registration of an FIR against Singh to SHO Chanakyapuri police station (in Delhi)," Maliwal said, adding that the Police Commissioner and his deputy have also been marked in the directive.

"Also, the law clearly states that if a woman says that she has been raped, police has to file an FIR. But the Punjab Police did not do so despite the woman approaching them and even upon revelation of cognisable offence.

"We demand that an FIR be registered against Punjab Police under section 166A of IPC for failing to register an FIR," Maliwal said.

Justice should be delivered in a fast track manner, she said. The Commission also issued a notice to Hockey India president Narinder Batra today and sought an explanation with regard to the allegations made by the complainant against HI and the action taken or proposed to be taken by it in the matter.

The 21-year-old complainant was the first British-Asian woman to represent England in hockey in 2010 as part of their junior women's team. She had filed a police complaint in February in Ludhiana following which an SIT was formed to probe the sexual harassment allegations. The SIT had given a clean chit to the Indian hockey team skipper.

Sardar has earlier denied all the allegations levelled against him, saying that the charges were 'inappropriate' and 'false'. The Commission also sought to know the policy followed by HI for handling complaints of sexual harassment and assault by team members of the Indian hockey team and whether it has constituted an 'Internal Complaints Committee' for handling cases of sexual harassment as per the Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act.

It also sought the information regarding the policy followed by HI regarding the benefits, travel facilities, hotel facilities and accompaniment policy of wives and girlfriends of the India men's hockey team.

The woman in her complaint has alleged rape, physical abuse and criminal intimidation by Singh and informed the Commission that she got pregnant in 2015 with Singh's child and upon the revelation of the same to the accused, he threatened her and forced her to abort the pregnancy.

In addition, she has alleged that HI has taken no action on her complaint, despite knowing about these incidents and that HI has facilitated her travel to various destinations and stay in hotels to accompany Singh during his hockey matches.

The complainant has also informed the Commission that HI had taken no action on a complaint she had sent to the organisation in May 2016.

Talking to reporters, she claimed that despite providing police with all the evidences, they did not file any FIR. "I was sent from SHO to ACP, then to the DCP and well way to DGP of Punjab Police, I also met the Ludhiana Police Commissioner," she claimed.

Ludhiana Police, she said, instead asked her to go and register a complaint at either Panchkula or Sirsa police station under the Haryana police.

DNA