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News for 17 June 2016

All the news for Friday 17 June 2016


Australia face India in Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 final



The final of the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 will be played between Australia and India following a dramatic day of action at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London.

A third goal in three matches from Tristan White helped the World champions to victory over India in their final pool match, but they now know that the Asian champions will be their opponents in Friday’s title match.

The Kookaburras had to wait for the outcome of the evening’s match between Great Britain and Belgium before knowing who their fellow finalists would be, with India hoping that the Brits and the Belgians would draw in order to seal their safe passage into the gold medal game.

Remarkably, India got exactly what they wished for, as GB fought back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with the Red Lions thanks to late strikes from David Ames and Barry Middleton.

That result meant that Great Britain would face Olympic champions Germany in Friday’s bronze medal match. The Germans sealed their place in that match by powering to a 7-0 victory over Korea, with Constantin Staib and Oskar Deecke both scoring twice.

The men’s Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 will conclude on Friday (17 June) with Belgium taking on Korea in the 5-6 classification match at 1500 (UTC/GMT +1) before Germany and Great Britain go head-to-head for bronze at 1800. The showpiece final begins at 2015, with India hoping to upset both the form book and the FIH Hero World Rankings when the face an Australia team looking to claim a record 14th Champions Trophy title.

Match 13: Australia 4, India 2

Australia claimed their fourth win from five matches with victory over India on day five at the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016, ensuring that they finished top of the pool phase at the event in London.

The majority of the match was closely contested, although it was the Australians who went into half time with a 2-0 lead thanks to strikes from Trent Mitton and captain for the day Aran Zalewski. The Kookaburras added a third through Flynn Ogilvie before India captain VR Raghunath pulled a goal back with a trademark penalty corner, although Australia restored the two goal advantage seconds later when Tristan White continued his remarkable tournament by scoring his third goal in three games. A Mandeep Singh strike early in the fourth quarter gave India genuine hope, and they could have rescued the game were it not for Australian shot-stopper Tyler Lovell, who made numerous saves to help the Kookaburras to victory.

“It’s always a tough one, the match before you go into the final”, said Australia striker Blake Govers. “We went out there to try and keep the momentum going, and we started off not too bad and got a bit of a lead. Then we started to slack off and they showed what good teams can do and they came back to hurt us. I’m glad to come away with the win and I’m looking forward to the final tomorrow.”

Match 14: Korea 0, Germany 7

Constantin Staib and Oskar Deecke both scored twice as Olympic champions Germany produced a superb performance to overpower Korea and seal their place in the bronze medal match. The result was Germany’s biggest ever victory at a Champions Trophy, surpassing their 6-1 win over Spain in Karachi way back in 1981.

Staib started and finished the scoring with field goals, with Tom Grambusch, Deecke, Timm Herzbruch, Deecke again and Marco Miltkau all registering in between as Die Honamas produced their best performance of the competition. Although they will not defend the title that they won in Bhubaneswar, India two years ago, the youthful Germans have lost just once in this competition and continue to improve with every game. 

The performance of the team was really outstanding today”, said Germany striker and captain Florian Fuchs after the match. “We were desperate for that win because we were not able to win in our first four matches here. We are a really young squad and have a lot of new players on the team. These young guys have performed and they have a big future. German hockey has nothing to worry about, I think.”

Match 15: Great Britain 3, Belgium 3

Australia claimed their fourth win from five matches with victory over India on day five at the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016, ensuring that they finished top of the pool phase at the event in London.

Belgium’s Red Lions needed less than 40 seconds to take the lead against the home favourites, with Thomas Briels guiding a cross into the roof of George Pinner’s net before GB captain Barry Middleton levelled with a penalty corner deflection five minutes before half time. Belgium’s Loick Luypaert gave his side a 3-1 lead with a brace of penalty corner drag-flicks either side of the break, putting the Red Lions within one goal of sealing their own place in the competition final. However, Great Britain’s decision to replace their goalkeeper with an outfield player with six minutes remaining proved significant, with David Ames and Barry Middleton tying the match as the Belgians lost their discipline.

I think we’ll look back on that match and think it was really one that we should have won”, said Great Britain midfielder Harry Martin after the match, knowing that victory would have secured a place in the event final against Australia’s Kookaburras. “I think we controlled large parts of it and obviously it got pretty crazy towards the end. In the end we were pleased with a draw, but we definitely wanted a lot more from that match.”

Despite the disappointment of not reaching the final, Great Britain still have a chance of medaling at the event when they face Olympic champions Germany in Friday’s bronze medal match.

 #HCT2016 #BestOfTheBest

FIH site



Kookaburras make the final of the Champions Trophy 2016

Kookaburras defeat India 4 - 2

By Holly MacNeil



The Kookaburras have sealed their place in the final of the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 after the fight back from India came too late to stop the Australians.

Australia had the first chance to get on the scoreboard with a penalty corner ten minutes into the game, but after an injection by Daniel Beale and trap by Simon Orchard the goal went unconverted. At quarter time the score remained tied at nil all in the last pool game for the teams.

The Australians again had the first chance going into the second quarter with a penalty corner three minutes in, however the injection from Glenn Turner and trap by Matthew Swann again could not be converted.

A minute later an obstruction on Turner scored the Kookaburras another chance to goal with a penalty corner, but the opportunity was missed. On their fifth chance at a penalty corner, Trent Mitton got the conversion giving Australia their first goal and the lead over India.

Only three minutes later, and Aran Zalewski fired the Kookaburras into action with a field goal, extending the lead to two nil going in to the half time break.

The third quarter saw Australia get two opportunities for penalty corners in the first three minutes, with both chances missed.

Australia kept fighting and in the 35th minute of play, Flynn Ogilvie extended Australia’s lead to 3 – nil with a slick field goal just metres from the net. India replied by getting the ball back to their end of the pitch, but it wasn’t to be.

India wasn’t going down without a fight and got their first penalty corner opportunity with three minutes to go in the third quarter. Raghunath Vokkaliga scored a penalty corner for India in the last minute of the quarter to get them on the board. Australia answered immediately with the ball flying down to their circle for Tristan White to score a field goal from a deflection from Glenn Turner.

Mandeep Singh continued the scoring streak, with a field goal for India minutes into the final quarter of play.

Fifty-six minutes in and India had two opportunities to get their score up with penalty corners, followed by a scramble at the net but goalkeeper Tyler Lovell was all over the net and blocked every opportunity.

Australia stormed away with the victory and their place in the final of the Champions Trophy 2016.

Kookaburras Head Coach Graham Reid said: “I was happy with the first three quarters it was just that last quarter was really disappointing. We gave them some easy opportunities, allowed them in and they took advantage of it.

“Part of the objective of this tour was to be able to string four quarters together, and we just struggled a bit with that today. Tomorrow is the game now that we need to focus on, and we don’t even know who we’ll be playing yet.”

Captaining the Kookaburras Aran Zalewski said: “It was a good hit out today, 4 – 2 against India and they proved difficult in the second half.

“I’m looking forward to tomorrows match, we don’t know who we’re playing but we’re going to prepare accordingly. We’re really excited and we’re going to be up for it.”

The Kookaburras will next play in the final on Friday evening at 8.15pm BST/ 3.15am AWST (Saturday 18) / 5.15am AEST (Saturday 18), with their opponent dependent on the outcome of the games between Korea and Germany, and Great Britain versus Belgium.

Results today
AUS 4 – 2 IND
KOR – GER
GBR –  BEL
                                                                                           
KOOKABURRAS 4 (2)
Trent Mitton 20 (PC)
Aran Zalewski 23 (FG)
Flynn Ogilvie 35 (FG)
Tristan White 45 (FG)

INDIA 2 (0)
Raghunath Vokkaliga 45 (PC)
Mandeep Singh 49 (FG) 

Kookaburras’ squad v India
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD) 80/15
Tim Deavin (Launceston, TAS) 131/6
Blake Govers (Wollongong, NSW) 31/26
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT) 59/17
Tyler Lovell (Perth, WA) 69/0
Flynn Ogilvie (Wollongong, NSW) 33/12
Simon Orchard (Maitland, NSW) 202/56
Andrew Philpott (Melbourne, VIC) 28/1
Matthew Swann (Mackay, QLD) 140/6
Glenn Turner (Goulburn, NSW) 129/93
Tristan White (Wollongong, NSW) 80/6
   
Used Substitute
Josh Beltz (Hobart, TAS) 14/2
Matthew Dawson (Killarney Vale, NSW) 46/7
Trent Mitton (Perth, WA) 93/35
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS) 277/65
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA) 91/12

Unused Substitute
Andrew Charter (Canberra, ACT) 113/0
Chris Ciriello (Melbourne, VIC) 188/114

Kookaburras’ Fixtures
Friday June 17, 8.15pm BST / 3.15am AWST (Saturday 18) / 5.15am AEST (Saturday 18)

Hockey Australia media release



India enter Champions Trophy final for 1st time in 36 years


Chandanda Thimmaiah of India celebrates after scoring their second goal during the FIH Mens Hero Hockey Champions Trophy match between India and Korea at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on June 14, 2016 in London, England. Getty Images

India’s only podium finish until now was a bronze medal, won way back in 1982 in Amsterdam.

Indian men’s hockey team had their date with history as they clinched a maiden appearance in the final of the prestigious 36th Hero Champions Trophy Hockey tournament against formidable Australia after hosts Great Britain held Belgium to 3-3 draw in a final round robin match.

This will be India’s first appearance in the summit clash in 36 years since the inception of the blue-riband six-nation tournament.

India’s only podium finish until now was a bronze medal won way back in 1982 at Amsterdam.

India would thank Great Britain, who rallied from a two goal deficit to hold Belgium 3-3 in a cliffhanger at the Lee Valley Hockey Centre late last evening. This was after India lost 2-4 to title favourites Australia in their last round robin encounter.

The draw between Great Britain and Belgium meant both of them finished behind India in the round-robin league, paving the way for India to play World champions Australia in the tonight’s title encounter.

Australia topped the league standings with 13 points from five games, while India ended on seven points. Great Britain ended on six points and Belgium were left on four points.

Britain will feature in the bronze medal match with dethroned title holders Germany, who outplayed South Korea 7-0. This was Germany’s biggest win over the Koreans in international matches. Belgium will take on South Korea in the play-off for the fifth position.

Starting the day’s proceedings with a 2-4 loss to top-ranked Australia, the Indian players went through a pensive wait for the result of the last league fixture as both Great Britain and Belgium could have scraped ahead of India.

Britain simply required a victory to go past India on points, while Belgium needed to win by three goals or score at least four in a two-goal victory to finish ahead of India on goal difference.

All three possibilities were within close distance until the last stages, leaving the Indian fans in the stadium on tenterhooks. Even the last British shot at the goal with five seconds left could have taken the hosts into the final, but the ball went a few centimeters wide of the post.

The Indian team had left the ground after their match and followed the developments at the hotel, while the pendulum swung from one side to the other in a dramatic sequence.

India’s tentative defence and wayward shooting had left them marginally short in the past, but luck smiled on India today as Belgium squandered their chance of increasing the 3-1 lead even as Britain played without a goalkeeper for the last six minutes.

Then Belgium had two players sent off and were down to nine men, allowing Britain to score twice in the space of three minutes and drawing 3-3 parity with 75 seconds left.

Britain went all out looking for that one good shot to land on target and lift them into the final, but the Belgian defence hung on grimly.

Two shots from British strikers went wide of the target and India found themselves in the final.

Belgium had surged into the initial lead in the opening minute when Florent van Aubel deflected a powerful shot past British goalkeeper George Pinner.

Britain equalized on captain Barry Middleton’s penalty corner conversion in the 25th minute. Jerome Luyparet fired in two successive penalty corners in the 30th and 42nd minutes to give Belgium a 3—1 lead, but the fourth goal proved elusive even when they surged forward with full thrust.

The tide turned for Britain when van Aubel got a yellow card in the 56th minute and Emmanuel Stockbroekx was sent off with red card two minutes later.

David Ames sent in a five reverse hit past a crowded circle in the 57th minute to revive the home team. With the crowd egging them on, captain Middleton scored his second goal of the match by deflecting a cross from Sam Ward in the 59th, but the 3-3 equaliser was as far as they could go.

Points table:

Country Played Wins Draws Losses Points
Australia 5 4 1 0 13
India 5 2 1 2 7
Great Britain 5 1 3 1 6
Germany 5 1 3 1 6
Belgium 5 1 2 2 5
South Korea 5 1 0 4 3


The Hindu



India suffer 2-4 defeat to Australia

LONDON: India's hopes of qualifying for the title clash hung in balance as they succumbed 2-4 to world champions Australia in their last league outing of the 36th Hero Champions Trophy Hockey here today.

India's two goals came from penalty corner shooter VR Raghunath and striker Mandeep Singh, but it was too late to cause any threat to Australia, who had gained a stranglehold through strikes from Trent Mitton, Aran Zalewski, Flynn Ogilvie and Tristian White.

Australia topped the league standings with 13 points from five matches, while India finished on seven points and now await the result of the Great Britain-Belgium encounter to know if they will feature in the final or the bronze medal match tomorrow.

India needed a victory today to secure a place in the final against Australia, who were already assured of the top spot in the standings ahead of this fixture.

India's chances of making their first entry into the Champions Trophy final depend of the result of the Great Britain match against Belgium, both of whom can overtake India in the standings.

Britain, on five points, need a victory to get the second spot in the round-robin league. Belgium can come level with India on points if they win the last match, which will bring them level with India on points. Then the goal difference will come into play.

A draw in the Britain-Belgium match will leave India in the second place, giving them a place in the final.

India pulled all 11 players into their own circle in the first quarter and succeeded in denying the rival strikers too much space or time to pose much danger.

It was in the second quarter, when the Indian defenders erred in conceding too much space in their territory that Australia mounted the pressure and succeeded in scoring twice through penalty corner conversions.

India did not have a single shot at the Australian goal in the first half and started their fightback too late to be able to change the result.

At the start, the Indians were content on defending their own territory and did not move up until the seventh minute, when overlapping striker Surender Kumar sent a cross into the right from the right flank. The Australian defenders kept their composure and the ball was cleared by the goalkeeper without an Indian striker coming into the frame.

Australia's first penalty corner came in the 10th minute when Jeremy Hayward's shot was blocked by goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.

Indian strikers Talwinder Singh lost his way at the top of the rival circle when he was dispossessed by the challenge from three defenders in the 12th minute. The Indian strikers thereafter did not mount a decent raid in until they got the first penalty corner in the 42nd minute, while Australia strengthened their stranglehold on the match.

Denied a goal in the first quarter, Australia exerted more pressure as they forced five penalty corners in the second quarter and scored twice.

Matt Dawson's penalty corner in the 17th minute rebounded off the right post and goalkeeper Sreejesh made two fine saves off the next penalty corners before Australia opened the scoring with a conversion by Trent Mitton in the 20th minute.

Three minutes later the Indian goal fell again when Daniel Beale's shot got deflected off Harmanpreet Singh's stick over the goalkeeper's shoulder. Before Sreejesh could try to palm the ball away, Aran Zalewski eased the ball into the net.

Australia were continuing to make life difficult for Indian defenders when Flynn Ogilvie made it 3-0 in the 35th minute. Picking the cross from right in the circle, he had plenty of time and space to get into position for a goal-bearing shot and defeated the custodian with a shot that brushed his pads before landing in the far corner of the cage.

The Indians pulled one goal back in a brief period during which they forced their two penalty corners in four minutes. Harmanpreet Singh's penalty corner flick in the 42nd minute lacked the force to get past the Australian defence, but VR Raghunath scored India's first goal with a low penalty corner shot that went into the boards to the left of the goalkeeper in the 45th minute.

But the Indian goal fell again within 30 seconds as Tristian White picked up the ball from the goalkeeper's pads to flick in and give Australia a 4-2 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Talwinder's reverse shot from the top of the circle opened up the space for Mandeep to deflect the ball in for India's second goal.

India's strikers came alive late in the game, but had a five-minute period of domination when they had a few shots at the goal, but Australian defenders held their ground.

The Times of India



Late surge too little for India as Australia all the way


Photo courtesy: FIH/Getty Image

India made huge efforts in the last quarter to realize their dream of drawing or defeating dominating Australia to enter their maiden Champions Trophy final, but it turned to be too late and too little, as the reigning World Cup holders raced to a comfortable 4-2 win.

After a barren half, in which both team spent their energy to explore each other, Australia struck a brace of goals to relax 2-0 in their favour at half time.

When they led 3-0 midway, it appeared another whitewash was waiting to happen, but India woke up with a goal from Raghunath with a immaculate penalty corner conversion in the 44th minute.

This 44th minute spurred Indians though the minute was conspicuous for events, even Christian White tap in a slow rolling ball from behind goalie.

India waged a grim battle in the last quarter, and had the Aussies on their feet, but a good goalkeeping and defence by players like Dawson, saw less damage for the ultimate winners.

In this spell, Mandeep Singh at last came to his own to deflect an opportunistic diagonal push by Talwinder from top of the circle.

India actually struck both the goals in the space of three minutes, last minute before the 3rd quarter and within first two minutes of last quarter. undefined However, India played its best game in this quarter. A Danish Mujtaba's surge met aweinspiring goalie, and then a good cross was not utilized by any of the Indian defenders.

India was largely subdued in the second quarter, and allowed enough elbow room for the marauding Aussie's forwards particularly Burnburry boy Aran and fleet footed Glenn Turner.

The former's dive to deflect Trent Mitton's feed deserved goalcage entry, but usually alert Sreejesh would have none of it, jumped to his right to save the blues.

India now need to wait for the last match between Great Britain and Belgium, whose result can still offer a fairy tale chance for India to be in the final.

Stick2Hockey.com



Believe it. Fairy tale Champions Trophy final for India

After losing honourably to mighty Australia (2-4), India waited four hours to graduate to a fairy tale Champions Trophy final.

After winning a bronze at world level event after 33 years -- six months and ten days ago at Raipur in the Hockey World League Final -- India is now on its second FIH medal, that too a minimum silver.

After Germany overrun Korea in the second match (7-0), Great Britain that had just five points needed an outright win to dislodge India from second position.

Belgium, with four points, also was in the race for the final. It needed good win to dislodge India on goal difference.

When Belgium took three-goal to one lead with just six minutes remained for the last pool match, it appeared Indian prospects seemed slip to bronze.

Then came the twists and turns to GB-Belgium match.

Coach Crutchley decided to rest goalie and instead put a green bib to pep up attack.

His vision got a boost with a Belgium player getting yellow card and then sent off once for all, as he tried to enter field before mandatory penalty period.

Great Britain in that spell, having two men advantage, took control of the match, and punctured two goals to draw. When it struck a minute 15 seconds left.

British could have struck and entered the final, but the Belgium who earlier defeated India and thus put their final prospects in jeopardy, made amends of sort.

Belgium did not buckle beyond.

The match had to end in draw, creating in its wake maiden entry for India

The Indian team which played a great fourth quarter against Australia today, benefitted.

Belgium, a contender for the final finished fifth and is out of even bronze

Germany will now take on Great Britain for the third place honour. India will take on Australia in the wee hours of Sunday morning (00:45 AM).

Stick2Hockey.com



Dilip Tirkey hails Indian entry into the CT Final

s2h Team



Quoting even second string teams used to beat India, and coming against such a recent history, first hockey player to crack 400 caps, and Member of Parliament Dilip Tirkey hailed India's maiden entry into the Champions Trophy.

In the recent past, we used to be beaten even by second string teams of Europe and Australia. Now our hockey has improved by leaps and bounds. The proof is India's first entry into the London Champions Trophy", said elated Dilip Tirkey, who led India to Amstelveen Champions Trophy 13 years ago.

"I vividly remember how we lost medal chances in the 90s and 2000s. One mistake or other cost us bronze medal many times. Now it feels nice we are sure of almost silver medal", sitting BJD parliamentarian opined.

Under his captaincy, India lost to Pakistan twice in the bronze medal match in 2002 and 2003.He carries a feeling of regret and dissatisfaction even today.

"Our team under Roelant Oltmans is doing better and better".

We won a bronze last year end, now we will at least silver if not gold. It feels very nice", the jewel from Sundargarh said.

"As a former player I am happy"

"At the same time, I wish the team success in the final against Australia", said Dilip who has been in the Indian Champions Trophy teams for almost ten years since 1996.

"This is also a great moment for Indian sports which is all gearing up for Rio", wound off Dilip, who is now a practicing politicians, often seen debating in the Upper House of Parliament.

Dilip played for India for a good 15 years from 1995 before a knee injury cut his hockey career short.

Stick2Hockey.com



Brave Great Britain have to settle for Belgium draw


Barry Middleton celebrates his equaliser against Belgium

Two goals from Barry Middleton and a first Great Britain goal for David Ames snatched a dramatic draw for Great Britain in their Hero Hockey World League match with Belgium. Having trailed 3-1 to goals from Thomas Briels and a double from Loick Luypaert a grandstand finale from the hosts rescued a point. With Australia defeating India earlier in the day, Bobby Crutchley’s side needed a win over Belgium to make the final. Despite their late heroics, the draw means they will now play for bronze against Germany. 

The match started in disastrous fashion for Great Britain, as Belgium took the lead from their first attack. Briels got in ahead of his marker to deflect the ball past George Pinner to make it 1-0. Belgium enjoyed the lion’s share of the pressure in the early going and had it not been for a smart stop from Pinner, Arthur van Doren could have made it 2-0. Great Britain’s best chance of the first quarter fell to Mark Gleghorne but his backhand strike hit the side netting.

Great Britain started the second quarter strongly. Nick Catlin did well to find himself some space inside the circle but his shot flew over the bar. With ten minutes gone in the second quarter the breakthrough came for the home side. From a well-worked penalty corner Gleghorne picked out Middleton who did the rest to level it up.  The joy was short lived; however as on the stroke of half time, Luypaert notched his first of the game with a precise penalty corner to send Belgium in 2-1 up at the break.

Bobby Crutchley’s side started the third quarter on the front foot. Iain Lewers picked out David Condon with a sumptuous long pass but the No22’s shot hit the outside of the post and went wide. With that chance still fresh in the minds Belgium stretched their lead thanks once again to Luypaert’s expertise from set pieces. Great Britain rallied and almost pulled one back. A flowing move in the dying embers of the third quarter set up Jackson but Vincent Vanasch was down well to make a fine save.  

The final quarter started with Great Britain knowing they had to throw everything at their opponents if the place in the final was to be theirs. A great run by Alastair Brogdon created space and the Wimbledon man found Sam Ward. Ward teed up Jackson but Vanasch performed heroics once again to make the save. Both Condon and Dan Fox further tested the goalkeeper’s reactions but Vanasch continued to defy the hosts with a string of good stops. With six minutes remaining Crutchley withdrew goalkeeper Pinner to go to 11 outfield players as a last throw of the dice.

With three minutes left the gamble paid off. Ames rifled an unstoppable shot past Vanasch to set up a dramatic final few minutes. With 58 minutes on the clock, Belgium’s Emmanuel Stockbroekx was given a red card, but that was not the end of the drama.
With a minute to go, the comeback was complete. Ward picked the ball up inside the circle and picked out Middleton to score his second, GB’s third. Amazingly there was still time to win the match and Catlin’s pile driver once again brought the best out of Vanasch, the goalkeeper’s reflexes saving his side’s share of the spoils and breaking the home fans’ hearts.

With Great Britain unable to find a winner they will face Germany in the bronze medal match. Australia and India will play for gold and Korea and Belgium contest the 5th-6th place match.  

Defender Michael Hoare said afterwards:

“We’re really frustrated. You could say we’re pleased to come back from 3-1 down with four minutes left, we even had a chance to win it at the end, but in big games like this you can’t afford to concede goals. If you score three goals in a game you should win it. That’s the disappointing thing for me; we gave them poor goals at the start and end of the first half and that wasn’t good enough.


I’m sure we’ll take positives from it but this is a missed opportunity and I don’t see it any other way. We’re all disappointed and I don’t think getting a draw makes up for that.

We’ll come back and be ready to try and get the bronze medal. We’ll take what was good and we’ll work on the things we need to improve. They’re a strong side but we know we can beat anyone on our day and we’ll be determined to do that.”

Great Britain 3 (1)
Barry Middleton 25, 59 (PC, FG)
David Ames 57 (FG)


Belgium 3 (2)
Thomas Briels 1 (FG)
Loick Luypaert 29, 42 (PC, PC)

Great Britain Hockey media release



GB miss final despite draw with Belgium

By Nick Hope


Great Britain will face Olympic champions Germany in the bronze medal match

Great Britain's men missed out on the Champions Trophy gold medal match despite battling back to a secure a thrilling 3-3 draw with Belgium.

The Belgians led 3-1 with only four minutes left, before David Ames scored his first international goal for GB.

Barry Middleton equalised with just over a minute on the clock, but despite further pressure a winner did not come.

Britain, who would have slipped to the fifth-sixth play-off with a defeat, will meet Germany for the bronze medal.

"It feels like a defeat," Ames told BBC Sport.

"We wanted to win this and there are positives to take from how we fought back, but overall we're disappointed we weren't able to take chances earlier."

After pool leaders Australia defeated India in the first game of the day, Britain knew a victory over Belgium would have put them into Friday's gold medal match.

However, Bobby Crutchley's side found themselves behind after only 35 seconds, with Thomas Briels sweeping home.

Captain Middleton equalised in the second period, but Loick Luypaert then struck just before the break.

After Luypaert scored again to put Belgium two ahead, Britain looked beaten, but the decision to withdraw keeper George Pinner for an extra outfield player paid off as they battled back to draw.

"We've had some amazing battles against Belgium and yet again we've had another incredible draw," said Middleton.

"We don't want to be in this position where we have to fight back, we want to be controlling it from the off, so we'll learn from this."

Britain will now face Olympic champions Germany for third place.

"It's a game we want to win and we want to finish the competition with a medal," said coach Crutchley.

World number one side Australia will face India for gold, whilst Belgium and Korea will meet in the fifth-sixth play-off.

BBC Sports



Spain gets by Canada in first of three games in Madrid

Shaheed Devji



After four games in Ireland, Canada’s men’s field hockey team kicked off the second and final leg of its pre-Olympic European tour with a 3-0 loss to Spain Thursday in Madrid.

The contest was the first of three games between the two Olympic bound teams. It is the second time the countries have met this year, after playing a friendly in South Africa in January.

The teams also met in 2015 at the Hockey World League Semifinal in Argentina, where the Canadians upset the Spanish 3-2 en route to 2016 Olympic qualification.

On Thursday, Spain got the better of Canada, scoring two first half goals, despite a fairly evenly played thirty minutes.

The first chances of the game went to the home side, who put two quick shots on goalkeeper David Carter in the 5th and 6th minutes, but the Canadian backstop turned them away confidently.

Canada then spent some time in the Spanish end, keeping Spain pinned deep in its own end before picking up a chance of is own in the 13th minute when Keegan Pereira quickly took a free hit and put a ball into the circle for an open Brenden Bissett, who was a step behind and couldn’t convert.

Spain went back the other way and in the 14th minute, a ball played into the Canadian circle bounced free to David Alegre who put it by Carter for his first of two goals on the night.

Canada carried the play at the beginning of the second quarter, but wasn’t able to generate any scoring chances despite plenty of possession.

Spain then capitalized on an opportunity on the penalty corner. Carter and Canadian captain Scott Tupper combined to thwart the first attempt, but the rebound on a second consecutive corner was put in by Salva Piera just before half-time for the 2-0 lead.

The pace picked up early in the second half with both teams aware that the third goal could be a turning point.

Canada’s Floris van Son almost got Canada on the board in the 40th minute when he made a quick move around a Spanish defender to get into the circle, but his backhand shot went just over the goal.

As they had in the first two quarters, the Spanish added a late-quarter goal to go up 3-0 in the third quarter and despite Canada creating several offensive opportunities in the fourth period, Spain came out victorious.

The second match of the three-game series will be played Friday at 7:00pm local time (10:00am PT/1:00pm ET) and can be watched live here.

Field Hockey Canada media release



Black Sticks going for gold in 2016



Under the guidance of Head Coach and former Australian international Mark Hager, New Zealand’s Black Sticks have enjoyed arguably the most successful period in their history. In 2011, the team claimed their first ever Hockey Champions Trophy medal when they took third place at the competition in Amsterdam, and a year later narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal when they were beaten by Great Britain in the fight for bronze.

Following a difficult 2013, the team achieved a hugely creditable fifth place finish at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 before claiming fourth place at the end-of-year Argentina Hockey Champions Trophy. In 2015, a fourth place finish at the FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final and a silver medal at the Oceania Cup were slightly below expectations, but the side ended the year with a magnificent, confidence boosting silver medal at the Argentina Hockey World League Final, losing the final against the host nation in Rosario.

The provisional New Zealand squad named for the Hockey Champions Trophy contained masses of world level experience. Six players in the group have represented the Black Sticks over 200 times, with Emily Gaddum (formerly Naylor, 270+), Gemma Flynn (230+), Charlotte Harrison (200+), Stacey Michelsen (200+), Kayla Whitelock (formerly Sharland, 240+) and Anita McLaren (formerly Punt, 220+) all having achieved the milestone. McLaren and Flynn provide speed and goals, while New Zealand’s most capped player Gaddum brings a hard-nosed approach to the defensive line.

Following the birth of her daughter Addison last year, former captain Kayla Whitelock has made a sparkling return to international hockey in 2016 and remains one of the team’s most influential players. Whitelock has set her sights on claiming a medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, spurred on by the pain of missing out on bronze at London 2012. One player who will miss out this summer is midfielder Shiloh Gloyn, who badly injured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee, sidelining her for six months and cruelly ending her Olympic dream.

Player perspective – Kayla Whitelock (midfield) on why she decided to return to international hockey: "Just being so close in London, not quite getting that medal. That would be a dream, getting a medal in Rio. I was watching the girls and seeing how they were going, and I think they were taking a good step in the right direction and I wanted to be part of it."

One to watch: Anita McLaren (formerly Punt). With well over 200 international appearances to her name, this lightning fast attacker is one of the most experienced members of the Black Sticks line-up. Her frightening turn of pace has been terrorizing defenders for years, and is also a regular scorer from penalty corner situations thanks to her impressive drag-flicking skills. She recently married New Zealand decathlete Scott McLaren.

FACTS
Nickname: The Black Sticks
Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 4
Notable honours: 3x Oceania Cup gold medallists (2007, 2009, 2011), Hockey World League silver medallists (2015), 6x Oceania Cup silver medallists (1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2013, 2015), FIH Champions Trophy bronze medallists (2011), 2x FIH Champions Challenge gold medallists (2005, 2009), Commonwealth Games silver medallists (2010), 2x Commonwealth Games bronze medallists (1998, 2014), 4th place at London 2012 Olympic Games.

Rank in previous CT editions: 2014 – 4th, 2012 - 6th, 2011 - 3rd, 2010 - 5th, 2006 - 6th, 2004 - 6th, 2002 - 5th, 2001 - 5th, 2000 - 6th, 1999 - 5th, 1987 - 6th  
Hockey New Zealand website: www.hockeynz.co.nz

Twitter: @BlackSticks
Facebook: nzblacksticks
Instagram: @nzblacksticks

#HCT2016 #BestOfTheBest

FIH site



Team GB hoping for perfect send-off for Rio


GB will be looking for the home fans to inspire them to victory in London Photo: FIH/Stanislas Brochier

The recent return to winning ways followed a rough period for the England and GB team. They suffered a significant drop down the FIH Hero World Rankings as a result of England’s dismal 11th place finish at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014, despite entering the competition ranked third.

Shortly after the end of that event, England Head Coach Jason Lee made the decision to step away from the squad and was replaced on an interim basis by Danny Kerry, the team’s former Head Coach who also held the role of Performance Director for England and Great Britain Hockey.Kerry’s impact was immediate, guiding the England team to a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland before achieving a fifth place finish at the Argentina Hockey Champions Trophy at the end of the year.

Soon after, Kerry was named Head Coach for the England and GB Women’s Hockey programme through to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and, following England’s European title success, was named High Performance Coach of the Year at the UK Coaching Awards at the end of 2015. England Hockey recently announced that Kerry had been appointed Head Coach of the England and GB women’s teams on a permanent basis through to the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020. As well as the respective talents of ace shot-stopper Hinch and ever-dangerous goal-scorer Alex Danson, a vast array of top class internationals have been named in GB’s provisional squad for the Hockey Champions Trophy.

2015 FIH Young Player of the Year Lily Owsley is one of the hottest young properties in the game thanks to her speed and incredible skills, while veteran stars Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh bring masses of world level experience to the fold.

Another hugely experienced player named in the provisional squad is powerhouse defender and penalty corner expert Crista Cullen, who stepped away from hockey after winning bronze at the 2012 Olympics but returned to the GB training squad late last year. If selected for the Champions Trophy, Cullen will be hoping to produce her best performances in a bid to secure her place in the squad for Rio 2016.

Player perspective – Susannah Townsend (midfield): “The Champions Trophy will be a tournament where each team will set out to start to build some momentum going into the Olympics. For us, we are at home, with our home crowd and playing at a stadium where we have had a lot of success. Personally I love playing at home in London, having the home support in one of the best cities in the world makes it a pleasure to play in.”

One to watch:  Alex Danson. One of the most feared strikers in the game, Danson is a defender’s nightmare: quick, skillful and absolutely lethal in front of goal. Named on the shortlist for the FIH Player of the Year for 2013.


FACTS
Great Britain
Nickname: Team GB
Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 6
Notable honours: 2x Olympic bronze medallists (1992, 2012), FIH Champions Trophy silver medallists (2012).

Rank in previous CT editions: 2012 – 2nd, 1997 – 5th, 1993 – 6th, 1989 – 4th, 1987 – 5th.
About the team: Following their bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Hockey Champions Trophy hosts Great Britain will be aiming even higher at Rio 2016 and certainly have players capable of mixing it with the very best in the world. They were in excellent form at the Valencia Hockey World League Semi-Final 2015, defeating China in the competition final to book their ticket to Rio. The vast majority of that squad went on to represent England at August’s Unibet EuroHockey Championships at London’s Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, where they took the title thanks to the goalkeeping heroics of Maddie Hinch, whose brilliance in the shoot-out helped her team overcome world number one ranked Netherlands.

GB Hockey website: www.greatbritainhockey.co.uk
Twitter: @EnglandHockey
Facebook: EnglandHockey
Instagram:@gbwomenshockey

#HCT2016 #BestOfTheBest

FIH site



Pan-Am champions USA earning their stars and stripes


USA are a team to be feared after beating Argentina to the Pan-Am title last year Photo: FIH/Stanislas Brochier

Over the past two years, Team USA have earned a reputation as a team that needs to be feared and respected in equal measure.

The team – coached by former England and Great Britain international defender Craig Parnham – powered to victory at the 2014 Champions Challenge in Glasgow, Scotland to seal a ticket to this year’s Hockey Champions Trophy before taking their brilliant form into the Rabobank Hockey World Cup, where they claimed a remarkable fourth place finish despite entering the event placed 10th in the FIH World Rankings.

Despite a sub-standard fifth place finish at the Valencia Hockey World League Semi-Final, 2015 will be remembered as a very good year thanks to the successful defence of their Pan American Games gold medal. For the second successive Games, Team USA saw off the challenge of higher-ranked Argentina, with goals from midfielder Katie Reinprecht and striker Michelle Vittese earning a victory over Las Leonas to seal a place at the Rio 2016 Olympics. The USA team that will compete in London is captained by 31-year-old defender Lauren Crandall, who with over 270 international appearances is one of the longest serving members of the group.

Crandall is one of five players to have surpassed the 200 caps marker, with key midfielder Rachel Dawson (280+), Michelle Kasold (210+), Katelyn Falgowski (210+) and Katie Bam (200+) also members of the 200 club. Melissa Gonzalez, Michelle Vittese, sisters Julia and Katie Reinprecht and goalkeeper Jaclyn Briggs have all played over 100 times for a very experienced and talented USA team that will be looking to secure a podium finish at this event.

Coach comment – Craig Parnham: "This is an important phase for us as we prepare for the Olympics in August. The warm-up games in Holland followed by the Champions Trophy provide us with a great opportunity to play against the world's top teams. This competitive match phase allows us to continue to refine and grow the technical and tactical components of our game."

Player perspective – Katelyn Falgowski (midfield): “We have trained hard and are ready to draw on our training for strength, encouragement and determination. We view every opportunity as a chance to get better and take practice, one day, one game at a time. We are preparing ourselves to the best of our abilities and are excited to see what this summer holds in store for us, both in London and Rio.”

One to watch: Katie Bam (formerly O’Donnell). A quick, skillful and creative forward who sets up as many goals as she scores. The influential 27-year-old has played a significant role in the USA revival in recent years and will be keen to make her mark in London.

FACTS
Nickname: Team USA
Current FIH World Ranking: 7
Notable honours: Olympic Bronze medallists (1984), Hockey World Cup bronze medallists (1994), Hockey Champions Trophy Bronze medallists (1995), Hockey Champions Challenge gold medallists (2014), 2x Pan American Games gold medallists (2011, 2015), 5x Pan American Games silver medallists (1987, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007), Pan American Games bronze medallists (1991), 4x Pan American Cup silver medallists (2001, 2004, 2009, 2013).
Rank in previous CT editions: 1995 – 3rd, 1997 – 6th
USA Field Hockey website: http://www.teamusa.org/usa-field-hockey
Twitter: @USAFieldHockey
Facebook: USAFieldHockey
Instagram:@usafieldhockey

#HCT2016 #BestOfTheBest

FIH site



Germany seeks spot among greats in Olympic field hockey

By CLIFF BRUNT


FILE - In this Aug. 11, 2012, file photo, Germany's Christopher Wesley lifts Moritz Fuerste, top right, as they celebrate their victory over the Netherlands in the men's field hockey gold medal match at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Germany is looking to establish a run of Olympic men’s field hockey dominance unseen in more than half a century. The nation seeks its third straight gold medal in Rio. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena, File)

Germany is looking to establish a run of Olympic men's field hockey dominance unseen in more than half a century.

Germany will be seeking its third straight gold medal in Rio this August. With a victory, Germany would become the first nation to win at least three straight since India won six straight golds from 1928 to 1956.

There's plenty of veteran leadership and experience left over from past winners, including two former FIH (International Hockey Federation) Player of the Year award winners — Tobias Hauke (2013) and Moritz Furste (2012). Maximilian Muller, Benjamin Wess, Oliver Korn and Christopher Zeller also have a pair of gold medals.

The path is lined with tough challengers, including top-ranked Australia led by stars Jamie Dwyer and Mark Knowles.

Dwyer, the five-time FIH Player of the Year, was on the 2004 gold-medal winning squad, but Australia settled for bronze in both Beijing and London. He's 37 years old, but still performing at a high level.

"He has an underlying competitive desire," Australia coach Graham Reid said. "The way he approaches training and the way he approaches games — he brings that to everything to do with hockey, even off the field. He's diligent, he's professional. And that's what, I think, gives you that longevity. Longevity is not easy in any sport, to be honest, especially in quite a physically demanding sport."

Knowles is coming into his own at age 31 as he heads into his fourth Olympics. He was the FIH Player of the Year in 2014.

The Netherlands is ranked second and has a long history of being strong at the Olympics. Robert van der Horst, the 2015 FIH Player of the Year, leads the Oranje. He was a part of the Dutch team that earned silver medals at the 2012 Olympics and the 2014 World Cup.

Great Britain is ranked No. 4, and Belgium is on the rise at No. 5. Argentina is No. 6 and won the Pan American Games last year.

Here are some things to watch as competition begins in Rio:

AUSTRALIA'S SUCCESS

The Kookaburras have the No. 1 ranking and perhaps something even more important — a victory at the 2014 World Cup. Australia rolled past the Netherlands 6-1 in the final.

"I think perhaps it helps a little bit in belief that some of this group has," Reid said. "That always helps to know that you can win a really important title like that. Unfortunately, it's a long bow to draw to say that just because we won the World Cup, it will have too much bearing on the Olympic Games."

HOME COOKING?

Brazil's men will compete in the tournament, though the team was just No. 32 in the latest rankings. The squad finished fourth in the Pan American Games last year.

Host nations have done well the past few Olympics. China's women finished second in Beijing in 2008, and Great Britain's men were fourth in London in 2012, while its women were third.

LUCK OF THE IRISH?

Ireland will make its first ever appearance at the Olympics. The team is No. 12 in the latest rankings and features David Harte, the 2015 FIH Goalkeeper of the Year.

RISING STAR

Germany's Christopher Ruhr was named the FIH Rising Star of the Year in 2015. He scored 15 goals in 30 international matches last year. He also won the award in 2013.

KEY MATCHES: Belgium vs. Great Britain, Aug. 6; Netherlands vs. Argentina, Aug. 6; Belgium vs. Australia, Aug. 9; Great Britain vs. Australia, Aug. 10; Netherlands vs. Germany, Aug. 12. Gold medal match, Aug. 18.

Bristol Herald Courier



Dutch seek third straight Olympic gold in field hockey

By CLIFF BRUNT


FILE - In this Aug. 22, 2008, file photo, Netherlands players celebrate with their gold medals after defeating China 2-0 in the women's gold medal field hockey match at the Olympic Hockey Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The Netherlands will chase history at the Rio Olympics

The Netherlands will chase history at the Olympics.

The Oranje is trying to become the first women's nation to win three consecutive field hockey gold medals on the women’s side after winning in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012.

This year’s squad features some key mainstays from both winners, including Naomi Van As, Ellen Hoog, Lidewij Welten, Eva de Goede and Maartje Paumen. Welten was the FIH (International Hockey Federation) Player of the Year in 2015, Hoog won in 2014 and Paumen, the top Olympic women’s scorer ever, won in 2011 and 2012.

With that veteran core providing a balanced, high-scoring attack and a stout defense that is backed by 2015 FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Joyce Sombroek, the Dutch have remained the top-ranked team in the world.

“Success breeds success, and it’s just embedded in their culture,” USA coach Craig Parnham said.

A familiar rival awaits. Second-ranked Argentina was the runner-up to The Netherlands at the 2012 Games and looks to take the next step. Noel Barrionuevo, Carla Rebecchi and Rosario Luchetti were key players on that team, as well as the 2008 team that finished third.

Argentina’s Luciana Aymar, an eight-time FIH Player of the Year who is generally considered the greatest women’s player of all time, has retired from international competition. A new star is on the rise — Delfina Merino was third in the player of the year voting in 2015.

New Zealand is ranked No. 4. China, the silver medalists in 2008, is No. 5, and Great Britain is No. 6.

Here are some other things to watch as the women get set to compete:

TEAM USA

The Americans haven’t medaled since 1984, when they hosted the Games in Los Angeles, but they showed they might be a threat by winning the Pan American Games last year. The USA made a solid showing in Beijing in 2008, posting draws against Argentina and Japan, which were both ranked in the top five at the time. The Americans qualified in 2012, but finished last. They are back and have moved up to No. 7 in the world FIH rankings.

DOWN UNDER

Australia won gold in 1988, 1996 and 2000, but has not medalled since. The No. 3 team in the world features Jodie Kenny, who finished fourth in voting for the 2015 Player of the Year. In 2014, Australia won the Commonwealth Games and lost to the Netherlands in the World Cup final.

LAUREN CRANDALL

The 31-year-old defender was fifth in the FIH Player of the Year balloting in 2014, making her a rare American considered one of the best in the world.

“She’s the captain,” Parnham said. “She’s hugely experienced and has been through many cycles with the USA. She’s a great leader for the team. Not only does she speak well for our team, but she defines her ability on actions and behaviors. She leads by example and is a role model for the younger players.”

RISING STAR

Great Britain’s Lily Owsley was honored as the FIH’s Rising Star of the Year in 2015. Now just 21, she helped her squad earn silver at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and the European championship in 2015. She’ll try to help Great Britain improve on its third-place finish at the 2012 Olympics.

KEY MATCHES

China vs. Netherlands, Aug. 10; Australia vs. Argentina, Aug. 11; New Zealand vs. Netherlands, Aug. 12; China vs. New Zealand, Aug. 12. Gold medal match, Aug. 19.

WTOP Washington's Top News



No realistic hope of Olympic medal in hockey: Viren Rasquinha

MUMBAI: While praising the Indian men hockey team's progress under the guidance of coach Roelant Oltmans, former international player Viren Rasquinha did not hold out a realistic chance for the country to climb the medals podium at the upcoming Rio Olympics.

"We have to take one step at a time. In Beijing (2008 Olympics) India did not qualify and we were 12th (and last) in London (Olympics in 2012). From there to go and win a medal is unrealistic. Our first aim should be to qualify for the quarterfinals," he said.

Speaking at a panel discussion, Rasquinha, who represented the country at the Athens Games in 2004, said Australia were the favourites for the gold, while India can nurture hopes of getting past all other teams on its current form.

"The first priority for the Indian squad would be to make it to the quarter-finals (under the changed format for the tournament). Australia are undoubtedly the favourites. But take away Australia and we have a chance against all other teams.

"All are within our range. If we meet any of those countries in the quarters I would have hopes (for India) but if we meet Australia I don't have hopes as our record is not good. The no 1 priority is to qualify (for quarters) and no 2 is to avoid Australia (in quarters)," said Rasquinha.

The 35-year-old Rasquinha was all praise for Oeltmans and said he, for one, is not surprised at the improvement in the Indian team under the Dutchman. "Oeltmans is doing a fantastic job. He has built a fine team ethics. Everyone comes back to help the defence. There has been effective rolling substitution because of which India is playing at a very high intensity that has surprised many. But I have not been surprised," he said.

"I had seen Oeltmans making a difference to Pakistan in Athens. I don't want to talk about the past, but he's the best person to guide India and has done a wonderful job. I am not surprised to see India playing really well in the (ongoing) Champions Trophy," he said.

Rasquinha, however, cautioned that from what he had seen thus far a few problem areas remained for the team. "There are a few problem areas. We are not able to close out matches, our short (penalty) corner defence is suspect, while the conversion rate of short corners and conceding last- minute goals are still problem areas that the team needs to address."

He praised the Indian women's team for having qualified for the Olympic Games after 36 years. "They have done very well to qualify after 1980 (at Moscow). It's a huge credit. Whatever they do in Rio is a bonus."

His abiding memory of the Athens Games was the match against Australia, said Rasquinha. "We were down to 10 men and trailed 1-3 before we made it 3-all against Australia. We conceded the match-winner to Australia, who went on to win the gold, with 20 seconds left on the clock. We then came seventh. That was the difference," the 35-year-old noted.

The Times of India



Japanese farming town is known for hockey, producing Olympians

Kyodo


Children in Iwate, Iwate Prefecture, play field hockey in a town competition last October. | KYODO

IWATE, IWATE PREF. – A small mountain town in Iwate Prefecture is proud of its reputation as a town that has produced several Olympic hockey players.

Field hockey has long been part of life in the town of Iwate — which shares the name of the prefecture — ever since it was chosen to host the game during the 1970 National Sports Festival.

Fuji University professor Noritsugu Nishida, 70, was tasked with setting up local teams when he took a teaching assignment at Numakunai High School.

Nishida had no experience of playing hockey, so he invited university players from Tokyo for support. Lacking equipment, players practiced with soft balls and goal keepers used zabuton (floor cushions) as leg guards.

The town office provided elementary schools with sticks and balls and adopted hockey in physical education classes as the town sport.

Masao Tamura, 74, who has led a local junior sports club for nearly 40 years, said hockey became a household word when housewives began to play it. After their daily farm work, women would practice hockey under the lights of the trucks and tillers.

Children are raised in families where the hockey stick is part of daily life. Numakunai High School’s boy’s team has won the national schools competition six times, including for three consecutive years.

At its peak, the town had nearly 100 age-based hockey teams. The number has fallen to around 40 as fewer children are now living there.

The girls’ team at the high school, which won the interschool national championship in 2014, recently did not have enough members to form an 11-player team and so used students from other athletic clubs.

Nevertheless, the town’s annual hockey championship in October is the biggest event for residents, and people who live away from the town return to watch or play hockey. Elderly people who have quit playing now cheer for their grandchildren in games.

Shihori Oikawa, 27, a member of the Japanese women’s national team for the Olympics, was attracted to hockey while watching her mother play when she was small.

The annual championship provided Oikawa with opportunities to get acquainted with lots of people because all schools in the town participate in the event, she said.

“I will perform strongly at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics to show my gratitude to my hometown,” Oikawa said.

Japan Times



Hockey-5 Championship rolls into action from tomorrow

LAHORE: Inaugural Hockey-5 Championship will be played here from June 18 to 25 under floodlights at National Hockey Stadium. Hockey-5, a faster version of the game, is considered equivalent to Twenty20 cricket. Addressing a news conference on Thursday, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary general Shahbaz Ahmad said the PHF was making all efforts to revive hockey in Pakistan. “Launching of 5-a-side hockey is an effort in that direction. It will help in enthusing new spirit in the sagging fortunes of our hockey through presenting a faster version of the game," he added. Shahbaz said hopefully it would play a role in hockey regaining its past popularity akin to what T20 had done in cricket. “As every player including the goal keeper has a chance to score goal in this version so it should attract kids."

The PHF official especially thanked the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) for extending sponsorship of Rs.10 million for the event, and also for providing jobs to hockey players. Abdul Rauf, general manager of the OGDCL, also spoke on the occasion and assured the PHF of continued support of his department for promotion of the national sport. It is pertinent to mention that 5-a-side hockey is a newly introduced version of the sport. Played on a smaller pitch, almost half the size of a regular hockey field, it is fast paced with less stoppage.

Tournament director Tahir Zaman elaborated on the technical benefits for players. “Because of the faster pace, the situation changes frequently from attack to defence and vice versa. It has been observed that our players often take more time to adapt to this changing scenario. Hockey-5 will not only help in overcoming this weakness but should also improve communication and ball watching skills, two other sore points. Then goal keeping skills will also be sharpened," he maintained. Tahir said after holding the first hockey-5 championship, the event would be moved to schools in order to engage maximum youth in healthy activities. “This event is very important for Pakistan hockey in the current circumstances as majority of junior players will participate in it. The same boys will go on a European tour and later participate in the Junior Hockey World Cup," he concluded.

The Daily Times



Hockey-5 championship prize money is Rs2.5m

KARACHI: PHF secretary Shahbaz Ahmad announced on Thursday that the total prize money of the Hockey-5 championship would be Rs2.5 million.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, he said the winning team would be entitled to Rs700,000, runners-up Rs500,000, 3rd position holders Rs400,000, 4th position holders Rs300,000, 5th position holders Rs200,000, and 6th position holders Rs100,000.

Besides, there will be awards for the best player, the best goalkeeper and the top scorer.

Shahbaz especially thanked the OGDCL for extending sponsorship of Rs10 million for the event and for providing jobs to hockey players.

Abdul Rauf, OGDCL general manager, assured the PHF of continued support of his organisation.

Tournament Director Olympian Tahir Zaman said because of the faster pace, the situation changes frequently from attack to defence and vice versa. “It has been observed that our players often take much time to adapt to changing scenario. Hockey-5 will not only help in overcoming this weakness but will also improve communication and ball watching skills. The goalkeepers’ skills will also be sharpened,” he claimed.

Tahir said Jang owned Quetta Warriors, ARY owned Karachi Sharks, Express owned Faisalabad Falcons, City 42 owned Lahore Lions, Dunya owned Islamabad Fighters and Samaa owned Peshawar Panthers.

The News International



PHF introduces ‘fast’ league

LAHORE: Six teams will take part in the first Five-a-side Hockey League, to be organised by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).

The event will be held under floodlights at the National Hockey Stadium here from June 18 to 25.

The OGDCL has granted Rs10 million to the PHF to organise the league.

Tournament director Tahir Zaman, while briefing media, said the FIH had given approval for new rules formed for the league.

He said stadium’s length will be reduced to 50 yards and width will be shortened to 10 yards to make fast hockey possible.

He said the game would continue even if the ball returns after hitting signboards as it would generate fast tempo in the match.

Tahir added that teams from Islamabad Fighters, Quetta Warriors, Faisalabad Express, Karachi Shark, Lahore Lions and Peshawar Panthers are participating in the event.

The winners will receive Rs700,000, runners-up Rs500,000, third position holder Rs400,000, 4th placed Rs300,000, fifth placed Rs200,000 and the last team will get Rs100,000.

During the question and answer session, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Shahbaz Ahmed said the idea of Five-a-side League hockey was being introduced to make the game popular among the masses with its fast pace. Shahbaz said they would be spending about Rs6 to 7 million on the league.

Every player will get match fee besides having his share in the prize money.

Dawn



PHF to celebrate Olympic Day

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) will be holding various events in different parts of the country on June 23 to mark the Olympic Day with full zeal and enthusiasm.

Talking to APP, PHF secretary Shahbaz Ahmed Sr said to celebrate the big day with full zeal the federation would be involving all the hockey fraternity from across the country.

“The events will continue for a week,” Shahbaz said. “We have written letters to all provinces urging them to hold various events and engage maximum number of youngsters in those events in order to groom them.”

The PHF would be celebrating the Olympic Day according to the guidelines of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Hockey Federation (FIH), he added.

“Families of hockey greats who played and brought laurels for Pakistan will be invited to the events,” he said.

“A veterans event will be organised for male and female players,” he said, adding that youth and kids events would also be part of the celebrations. “Hockey events for special children will also be the part of this programme.”

Dawn



FIH confirms exclusive partnership with Coach Logic

National Associations, leagues and teams to receive exclusive membership benefits



The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is pleased to confirm Coach Logic as an official FIH Hockey Academy Partner, providing National Associations, their leagues and hockey teams with exclusive benefits to Coach Logic video feedback technology.

Coach Logic provides sports teams with an easy-to-use online video feedback and communication platform. Their product allows athletes and staff to upload, review and discuss match video as well as manage all aspects of the team - from player availability and fitness objectives to sharing resources and more.

National Associations, leagues and hockey team’s registering through FIH will be given exclusive membership benefits, including a 10% subscription discount, open until the end of August.

The partnership represents a unique step for FIH as it teams up with a sports technology partner for the first time. The establishment of this relationship was built around the Hockey Revolution, FIH’s 10-year strategy. Major initiatives aimed at increasing professionalism across all levels of the sport and securing commercial partners who share the strategy’s vision were key factors in agreeing this relationship.

One of the key attributes that first attracted FIH to Coach Logic was that their products are already delivering success for teams at all levels in various different sports – from national associations and teams, to club organisations, grassroots programmes and even officials.

The latter has already been used to great effect by FIH over the past year, with the Coach Logic platform assisting in the post-Tournament review of on-field performances and off-field development of international umpires.

Speaking about this latest commercial agreement, FIH Director of Sport David Luckes said: “This partnership marks a crucial stage of hockey’s development as we make steps to professionalise the sport across all levels. Coach Logic has built a strong tool for hockey and have committed to develop their products for our sport. This will be of huge benefit to any association or team looking to improve their performance.”

Coach Logic Co-Founder, Mark Cairns said: ““This relationship is incredibly important for the development of hockey, a sport which we are passionate about. We have spent a lot of time and investment on fine-tuning our products, and our platform is an excellent addition to any organisation’s development.  With continued input from FIH and individuals from all levels of the sport, we aim to develop a world class video feedback platform with a specific hockey focus. This will enable us to become a partner that not only FIH trusts, but more importantly the entire hockey community.”

As an FIH Academy Partner, FIH will actively support Coach Logic’s business through the hockey community, providing them with marketing and networking opportunities that are designed to actively create new business.

To take advantage of FIH’s exclusive Coach Logic offer for hockey, visit coach-logic.com/fih-deal  and use promotion code FIH10JUN during the month of June. Monthly codes will then be released on @FIH_Hockey on Twitter for July and August.

About Coach Logic
Coach Logic is an easy-to-use online coaching platform created by coaches, for coaches.  It allows coaches and players to review and discuss match video as well as improve general team communication and management.  Coach Logic was founded in 2012 by Mark Cairns and Andy Muir and its proven technology has been adopted by over 14,000 coaches and players in leading sports teams across the globe. For more information, visit: coach-logic.com

FIH site



ParaHockey continues to grow in Spain with help of new sponsor



When we last checked in with Spain and its ParaHockey work, they had received the Infanta Sofia Award. Their work with the ParaHockey program, called Hockey Plus, continues to reap rewards as a new ParaHockey competition has been created and has secured a supporting partner. La Liga BBVA Hockey Plus was officially inaugurated on Saturday June 4th with a presentation of the teams that will take part in this new tournament, as well as a dinner and celebration held in Club Egara. The new trophy was also unveiled, to the excitement of everyone present.



This new tournament is yet another important step towards integration, and the Real Federación Española de Hockey and the Federació Catalana de Hockey are happy to have the support of BBVA and Fupar in this new and exciting ParaHockey league, which will begin its first season in 2016-2017 and brings together teams from all over Catalunya: Club Egara, Atlètic Terrassa, Polo, Barça, and Iluro just to name a few. This league, the first of its kind in the region, will have home and away games and a play off stage and is expected to have between 120 – 150 participating players. The match schedule will be published in September.

Source: Real Federación Española de Hockey  / Club Egara
 
EuroHockey media release



Brit reiterates charge against Sardar

The Indian skipper refuses to comment, saying his focus is on Rio

Uthra Ganesan

More than four months after Sardar Singh was accused of assaulting a woman, the British national has reiterated her charge and sought action against the Indian hockey captain, this time in Delhi.

The 21-year-old, supported by the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), has alleged that she was “assaulted, threatened and raped” by Sardar at a five-star hotel in the city in February 2014 but did not file a report at that time as Sardar had convinced her that she would not get justice in India because of his police and political connections.

The Indian skipper is currently training in Bengaluru and will soon be joining the squad in Valencia for a six-nation tournament ahead of the Rio Olympics. Insisting that he was fully focused on his game and the Olympics, Sardar refused to comment on the issue, saying that he would not allow his concentration to waver.

“The team is doing so well that it only spurs me to improve my own game even further and match up to those guys. The team, hockey training and the Olympics are the only things that matter to me,” he told The Hindu.

The Delhi Police, meanwhile, is in the process of probing the allegations and taking legal opinion from both in-house and other experts before filing a case, not wanting to go wrong with any aspect of the case.

Sources say the Indian captain, rested for the first time in several years, has not followed any news other than that of the team’s fortunes in the ongoing Champions Trophy in London, preferring to work on his strength and conditioning and developing tactical nous. Interestingly, though Sardar went through a lean phase last year, his form in the 2016 Hockey India League — which coincided with the previous accusation — was impressive, indicating that the issue had not affected his game.

The woman, who has been in the city for a week, has also accused Hockey India and the Sports Authority of India of not acting despite repeated complaints. The federation has already distanced itself from the case, saying it is a private affair between two individuals.

Noted lawyer Rahul Mehra explained the legal angle, saying that the police was bound by rules to register the case and had four weeks to investigate and file a closure report with reasons if it did not find merit in the case. The earlier allegations were investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Ludhiana police without filing an FIR and, following inquiries, she was asked to approach the Haryana Police due to jurisdiction issues. Sardar is a DSP in Haryana Police.

The woman, an Indian-origin former under-19 England hockey player, has claimed to be in a relationship with Sardar for the past four years, getting engaged in 2014 with the consent of both families and even undergoing an abortion last year before things soured.

The Hindu



British woman accuses India's hockey star of rape and abuse

Andrew Marszal


Sardara Singh Credit: Ian MacNicol/Getty

A British woman has accused India’s national hockey captain of raping her and attempting to throw her from the window of a Delhi hotel.

The alleged victim claims that Sardara Singh - a household name in India who will lead the country’s men’s team at this summer’s Olympics - regularly beat her, forced her to abort their child, and threatened to have her and her family killed during a violent relationship.

The woman filed a complaint at a Delhi police station on Tuesday alleging that, among other acts, Mr Singh had in October 2014 attacked her at the city’s famous, five-star Ashok hotel during an argument over her makeup, before forcing her to have sex with him.

“It was like he was trying to kill me, he tried pushing me out of a window in his anger,” she said. “When we came back to the hotel he forced physical relations on me without my consent,” she has claimed.


Ashpal Kaur Bogal, Sardara Singh's girlfriend Credit: Keshav Singh/Getty

The woman alleges that the incident was just one of multiple occasions on which Mr Singh, 29, assaulted her and forced sexual intercourse on her, in India and abroad, during their relationship.

According to the woman, the pair met in London during the 2012 Olympics while she was still a teenager, and were formally engaged at a ceremony in India in October 2014. Soon after the engagement he began assaulting her, she alleges.

After she became pregnant with his child, the woman alleges Mr Singh refused to speak with her until she agreed to an abortion, and began to threaten violence against her British-based family.

“He repeatedly told me he would get me killed or he’d get my family killed, or he’d do something to me,” she alleged.

After the complete breakdown of the alleged relationship, the woman says she went to British police, who instructed her to first report the case to Indian authorities. She reported a rape case in India against Mr Singh to police in Punjab in February.

The state's police unit set up a special investigation unit but after three months dismissed the claims, citing a lack of proof.

Women’s rights activists told the Telegraph last night that Punjab authorities had broken strict anti-rape laws introduced in the wake of the infamous 2012 Delhi bus rape of Jyoti Singh.

“Indian law is very clear that if the girl alleges rape, a first information report (FIR) has to be filed,” said Swati Maliwal, head of the Delhi Commission for Women, a women’s protection body set up by the city’s government.

“It’s extremely shocking that for the last five months this girl has been going from pillar to post because the Punjab police have refused to file an FIR. It is illegal. Only the courts can decide who is right and who is wrong.”

The alleged victim has also accused Mr Singh, who is also a high-ranking police officer, of criminal intimidation.


Sardara Singh and Bollywod actor Salman Khan Credit: Sonhu Mehta/Hindustan Times

“The girl has claimed that Mr Singh has threatened her that because she's a foreigner, and he’s a high-ranking official in Haryana police and a very well-known name, she won’t be able to get an FIR,” said Ms Maliwal. “Something like that has happened.”

Mr Singh has denied all the woman’s accusations, describing them as “false and “inappropriate”. He says he was never engaged to the alleged victim, nor had any physical relationship with her.

"I know her, but it's wrong to say that I have assaulted her. I am sad to hear about such a thing,” he said in March. Mr Singh could not be reached for further comment last night.

The Telegraph

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