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News for 06 July 2016

All the news for Wednesday 6 July 2016


Orange's hunt for elusive treble



With two Olympic gold medals already under her belt, fans can be forgiven for thinking Netherland's Maartje Paumen may approach Rio 2016 with a level of complacency but, as the former double FIH Player of the Year, revealed during the Hockey Champions Trophy, nothing could be further from the truth.

"Every Olympics is different. When I went to Beijing for my first Olympics, I was a 21-year-old and I was very nervous and did not know what to expect. At London 2012 I was captain, which brings its own challenges and motivations. Rio will be different again, but I know that we will go there wanting to play at our best in every game.

"When you think that we train twice a day, every day for four years, then you realise just how special the Olympics is."

The Netherlands captain says that the recent Champions Trophy provided a great opportunity for the squad to do some fine tuning. Since Alyson Annan came on board as coach in 2015, this has been the focus of the team – relentless work on the basics, honing the tactics, fine tuning penalty corner routines and increasing use of video analysis.

"The Champions Trophy was very important as it put us against the best nations in the world, so it was good to see where we stand at the moment," says Paumen. Her next sentences perhaps explains the Netherland's domination of the sport for the past 12 years. "We aim to play every game better than the one before. There have been many changes over the past few years, the increasing use of technology, for example, is one area, but at the end, the team that has the most heart and desire to win, will walk away with the gold medal."

With selection taking place a week after the team returned from London there was a certain amount of tension around the Netherlands squad. The 24 players would be reduced to 18, but Paumen emphasised that this was a positive. "Players were nervous about selection but that did not affect the way we played. Knowing that we are competing for places means we always bring our best game to each match, but we also know that as a team we are helping each other be the best we can be for Rio. Of course there is conflict because players are competing for places, but this is a positive thing."

In the next few weeks, Netherlands will spend two weeks training in Holland before playing Belgium and Spain. Then they jet off to Rio for the defence of their title and a chance to win an unprecedented third consecutive gold medal.

FIH site



Indian hockey team looks forward to the challenges ahead

Indian hockey has long struggled with the burden of expectations, much to its detriment, but with one month to go for the Rio Olympics, the present lot is cherishing the feeling while being aware of the challenges ahead.

Returning after a month-long European tour that saw the team win a historic silver medal at the Champions Trophy in London and then finish fifth at a six-nation event in Spain on Tuesday, coach Roelant Oltmans was satisfied with the performances and optimistic of the team’s chances at Rio.

“We in India always have great expectations from everyone including the crowds. We understand that the silver at London has only increased expectations and we are not running away from that.

“We embrace them and would work really hard in the coming weeks on a couple of details that I feel we still have to improve on and then we are ready for Rio and then the tournament starts,” Oltmans said on the team’ return.

That said, he did admit that the outcome of a couple of games in Valencia could have been better if the players had been a bit sharper, one of the areas that he would be looking to work on in the coming weeks.

Fitness, though, would not be one of them. Oltmans was all praise for the team’s fitness levels while admitting that no one can play too many matches at high intensity all the time.

Sardar conundrum

One area of concern would be Sardar Singh’s form even though the captain had the coach’s backing.

“He may be slowing down a bit when playing in the midfield because of holding the ball a bit too much.

“Also when holding the ball longer there is the danger of losing the ball. Sardar is an option in the midfield but also a very good option in the attack, something he has already done during the Hockey World League Finals in Raipur.

“The good thing is that the boys give me a lot of options and hopefully it is also confusing for the opponents,” Oltmans said.

The final 16 for Rio will be announced on July 12.

They will then proceed for a short camp in Bengaluru before heading to Madrid and thereon to Rio.

The Hindu



Buoyant Indian hockey team returns home, eyes Rio glory

New Delhi: The Indian hockey team arrived back in the country on Tuesday after a strong showing at the 6 Nations Invitational tournament in Valencia and a Silver medal from the Champions Trophy in London. The team has recently risen to number five in the official FIH World Rankings.

India's show at the Six-Nations Invitational Hockey Tournament ended with a 1-1 draw against Spain in Valencia placing them on 5th spot in the tournament. The team played in Olympic format with a 16 member-squad at the 6 Nations tournament. The 16 member team, presents its own new set of challenges, as reduced bench meant longer time spent on the pitch, with lesser time for recovery off the pitch. The decision was made to acclimatize players to the format so that they can tactically manage the effects of a reduced bench strength.

The Champions Trophy performance was the team's best ever, early India had won the Bronze medal in the 1982 Champions Trophy.

Fielding an experimental team, which featured a lot of young faces making their debut at the tournament, they scored 10 goals in the tournament. The defence was the key factor though in their march to the Final, as they conceded the second least goals in the tournament (11) behind the eventual champions Australia.

Harmanpreet Singh, was named the Best Upcoming Player of the Tournament player of the tournament. The young members at the recent tournaments have exhilarated audiences with their performances. The current team has also been termed as the best team so far in terms of fitness, talent and unity, strengthening the hopes for Rio Olympics among fans in the country.

"This was a great opportunity for me to play with the senior members and to learn so much from them. Playing on the 16 member Olympic format was challenging but also helped us gauge what we learnt at the training. Ensuring we are permanently, physically prepared for all scenarios, and that we are in peak shape as a unit when head to Rio," Harmanpreet Singh said.

Speaking after arriving back in the country, PR Sreejesh who had captained the team at the Champions Trophy said, "As proud as we are at our achievement, we are also very grateful and overwhelmed by the reactions from the support we have received from home. After a long tour, now we are focussed on the Rio Games and ensuring a strong showing there so that we can make our supporters proud. We will have a few days break to rejuvenate ourselves before we resume the camp at SAI Bengaluru and get ready for Rio."

Chief Coach Roelant Oltmans added, "Our aim was always to win a medal at the Champions Trophy. We have achieved that. It is on the backburner now though. We have to look ahead and focus on the Olympics. The team deserves a much-needed break after all the hard work, and then, very soon, it will be back to the grind as we sharpen up for the all-important Olympic Games."

The Times of India



Post Champions Trophy silver, hockey team focus on Rio

New Delhi: Fresh from the Champions Trophy silver, Indian hockey team goalkeeper P.R Sreejesh on Tuesday said the team is now all geared up for producing another brilliant show at Rio.

Sreejesh, who captained the side in the Champions Trophy said he is proud of the achievement and is now fully focussed on the Olympics, starting from August 5.

"We are proud of our achievement. We are also grateful and overwhelmed by the support we have received from home. After a long tour, now we are focussed on the Rio Games. We want to ensure a strong showing in Rio so that we can make our supporters proud," Sreejesh said after the team's arrival here.

"We will have a few days break to rejuvenate ourselves before we resume the camp at SAI Bengaluru and get ready for Rio."

The silver medal winning feat last month in London was India's best ever performance in the Champions Trophy, surpassing the bronze medal finish in the 1982 edition of the tournament but head coach Roelant Oltmans feels its on the backburner and the target is Rio.

"Our aim was always to win a medal at the Champions Trophy. We have achieved that. It is on the backburner now. We have to look ahead and focus on the Olympics," Oltmans said.

The Indian hockey team returned home earlier in the day after a strong showing at the six-nation invitational tournament in Valencia and a silver medal finish in the Champions Trophy, which has propelled it to No.5 spot in the world rankings.

"The team deserves a much needed break after all the hard work, and then, very soon, it will be back to the grind as we sharpen up for the all-important Olympic Games," Oltmans said.

India finished fifth in the six-nations Invitational Tournament in Valencia after drawing 1-1 against hosts Spain in their final match.

Fielding an experimental team, which featured a lot of young faces making their debut in the Champions Trophy, India scored 10 goals in the tournament.

Defence was the key factor in their march to the final as they conceded the second least goals in the tournament (11) behind eventual champions Australia.

Harmanpreet Singh was named the best upcoming player of the tournament.

"This was a great opportunity for me to play with the senior team and to learn so much from them. Playing the 16-member Olympic format was challenging but also helped us gauge what we learnt at the training. It ensured we are physically prepared for all scenarios, and that we are in peak shape as a unit ahead of the Olympics," Harmanpreet said.

The Times of India



Champions Trophy silver medal is on backburner, focus is now on Rio: Oltmans

NEW DELHI: Having achieved the goal of a podium finish at the recently-concluded Champions Trophy in London, the Indian men's hockey team chief coach Roelant Oltmans has now set his eyes on his next big target -- the Rio Olympics.

The silver medal winning feat last month in London was India's best-ever performance in the Champions Trophy , surpassing the bronze medal finish in the 1982 edition of the tournament.

"Our aim was always to win a medal at the Champions Trophy. We have achieved that. It is on the backburner now. We have to look ahead and focus on the Olympics," said Oltmans after arriving in the capital following a successful tour.

The Indian hockey team returned home on Tuesday after a strong showing at the six-nation Invitational tournament in Valencia and a silver medal finish in the Champions Trophy , which has propelled it to No. 5 spot in the world rankings.

"The team deserves a much-needed break after all the hard work, and then, very soon, it will be back to the grind as we sharpen up for the all-important Olympic Games," Oltmans said.

India finished fifth in the six-nations Invitational Tournament in Valencia after drawing 1-1 against hosts Spain in their final match.

The Men in Blue played in Olympic format with a 16-member squad at the six-nations tournament. The 16-member team, presents its own new set of challenges as reduced bench strength meant longer time spent on the pitch for players with lesser time for recovery off the pitch.

Fielding an experimental team, which featured a lot of young faces making their debut in the Champions Trophy, India scored 10 goals in the tournament. The defence was the key factor in their march to the final as they conceded the second least goals in the tournament (11) behind eventual champions Australia.

Harmanpreet Singh was named the best upcoming player of the tournament.

"This was a great opportunity for me to play with the senior team and to learn so much from them. Playing the 16-member Olympic format was challenging but also helped us gauge what we learnt at the training. It ensured we are physically prepared for all scenarios, and that we are in peak shape as a unit ahead of the Olympics," Harmanpreet said.

Goalkeeper P R Sreejesh , who captained the side in the Champions Trophy, is proud of the achievement and said the team is now completely focussed on producing a good show at Rio de Janeiro.

"We are proud of our achievement. We are also grateful and overwhelmed by the support we have received from home. After a long tour, now we are focussed on the Rio Games. We want to ensure a strong showing in Rio so that we can make our supporters proud. We will have a few days break to rejuvenate ourselves before we resume the camp at SAI Bengaluru and get ready for Rio," Sreejesh said.

The Times of India



Clements Establishes 2016-17 U.S. Men’s National Team Roster

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Chris Clements, U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach, has established the 2016-17 U.S. Men’s National Team Roster. The 21-athlete squad has some seasoned, experienced veteran players as well as one new addition, goalkeeper Brandon Karess (Chula Vista, Calif.). An additional nine athletes were also named to the developmental squad that will train and compete in some international competition with the USMNT.

"We have been developing a group of players over the last couple of years that will have the ability to represent the USA for many years to come," said Clements. "With the addition of a couple of players to the group and the development squad to push them from behind, the goal is to increase the competition amongst the selection and within our program from the top to the bottom."

"The pragmatic and long term approach will see returns in the long run and with the assistance of the U.S. Olympic Committee, USA Field Hockey’s Men’s Foundation and USA Men's Field Hockey Booster Club, we have and will continue to see steady improvements in performances," continued Clements. "These players work incredibly hard day-in and day-out whether domestically or overseas playing in various leagues. Their willingness to take the program to a better place is evident daily."

2016-17 U.S. MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM ROSTER


KEVIN BARBER

#2 | MIDFIELDER
91 CAPS
CAMARILLO, CA


MICHAEL BARMINSKI

#3 | MIDFIELDER
52 CAPS
VENTURA, CA


TOM BARRATT

#14 | DEFENDER
29 CAPS
GREENSBORO, NC


SEAN CICCHI

#20 | DEFENDER
25 CAPS
THOUSAND OAKS, CA


AJAI DHADWAL

#12 | MIDFIELDER
75 CAPS
AGOURA HILLS, CA


MOHAN GANDHI

#26 | MIDFIELDER
46 CAPS
VENTURA, CA


ALEX GRASSI

#6 | MIDFIELDER
32 CAPS
BROOKEVILLE, MD


PAT HARRIS

#5 | STRIKER
113 CAPS
MOORPARK, CA


WILLIAM HOLT

#11 | STRIKER
99 CAPS 
CAMARILLO, CA


AKI KAEPPELER

#29 | DEFENDER
28 CAPS
STUTTGART, GERMANY


BRANDON KARESS
GOALKEEPER
1 CAP
CHULA VISTA, CA

CHRISTIAN LINNEY

#17 | STRIKER
45 CAPS
SAN DIEGO, CA

MANNY MARTINEZ

#15 | STRIKER
18 CAPS
LAKESIDE, CA

TOM MCCARTHY

#10 | MIDFIELDER
17 CAPS
EAST WINDSOR, CT

ADAM MILLER

#9 | DEFENDER
25 CAPS
PANAMA CITY, FL

JOHNNY OROZCO

#22 | DEFENDER
43 CAPS
VENTURA, CA


CHRIS REA

#30 | GOALKEEPER
44 CAPS
SAN DIEGO, CA


MORITZ RUNZI

#19 | MIDFIELDER
44 CAPS
BOSTON, MA


PAUL SINGH

#18 | MIDFIELDER
32 CAPS
SIMI VALLEY, CA


TYLER SUNDEEN

#4 | STRIKER
71 CAPS
SIMI VALLEY, CA



ANDY ZAYAC

#28 | GOALKEEPER
9 CAPS
HAYWARD, CA




 

2016-17 U.S. MEN'S NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL SQUAD


GRAYSON JAVINS
GOALKEEPER
PAIHIA, NEW ZEALAND


AMARDEEP KHOKAR

MIDFIELDER
VALENCIA, CA


KAI KOKOLAKIS
MIDFIELDER
WIESBADEN, GERMANY




GEORGE MCGUIGAN
MIDFIELDER
THOUSAND OAKS, CA

 
NICK MOLSCAN
STRIKER
WANGANUI, NEW ZEALAND


NATE O'LARI
GOALKEEPER
ORANGE, MA




KEELING PILARO
DEFENDER
SOUTHHAMPTON, NY


NICK RICHARDSON
DEFENDER
KENT HILL, ME


RUBEN VAN DAM
DEFENDER
VALKENSWAARD,
THE NETHERLANDS

 

The U.S. Men's National Team has traveled to Canada to compete in a four-match test series against the Canadian Men's National Team. This event will be the team's first organized matches since the Pan American Games in July 2015. The USMNT has been in a training camp since Monday, June 27 and continued to prepare before they left for Canada on Sunday, July 3.


"It has been a long time since we have been together and the selection is very different since we were last together," said Clements. "Due to the time and access to players, preparation time and squad composition, we will develop some process oriented objectives for the group regarding development of players and the squad present to play Canada. It will be exciting for those players who performed at the recent Junior Pan Ams to gain some senior experience. These athletes have been developing through the junior program and will now get exposure playing against international competition at a senior level in this series."

The team set to travel to Canada is very different from the one that represented at the Pan American Games last July due to injury and player availability. It will provide a number of players the opportunity to gain international experience at a senior level and help shape the future of the squad.

"The Canadians offer us an insight into how a North American team would qualify for an Olympic Games so we're very keen to see how we'd measure up," said Mohan Gandhi, USMNT midfielder. "This is an opportunity to show the Americas that we're not far off the pace. The lads are fired up for what will be a fiery and explosive contest next week.”

Wednesday, July 6 USA vs. Canada 7 p.m. Rutledge, West Vancouver
Thursday, July 7 USA vs. Canada 7 p.m.Tamanawis, Surrey
Saturday, July 9 USA vs. Canada 7 p.m. Rutledge, West Vancouver
Sunday, July 10 USA vs. Canada 6 p.m. Tamanawis, Surrey

This four-match series will be used as a starting point for the upcoming Hockey World League Round 1 which will be held in Salamanca, Mexico and in the long-term a build up for the 2017 Pan American Cup.

USMNT Traveling to Canada:
Tom Barratt (Greensboro, N.C.), Sean Cicchi (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), Ajai Dhadwal (Agoura Hills, Calif.), Mohan Gandhi (Ventura, Calif.), Alex Grassi (Brookville, Md.), Will Holt (Camarillo, Calif.), Grayson Javins (Paihia, New Zealand), Brandon Karess (Chula Vista, Calif.), Amardeep Khokar (Valencia, Calif.), Kai Kokolakis(Wiesbaden, N.Y.), Tom McCarthy (East Windsor, Conn.), Manny Martinez (Lakeside, Calif.), Adam Miller (Panama City, Fla.), Nick Molscan (Wanganui, New Zealand) , Nate O'Lari (Orange, Mass.), Johnny Orozco (Ventura, Calif.), Nick Richardson (Kent Hill, Maine), Paul Singh (Simi Valley, Calif.) and Tyler Sundeen(Simi Valley, Calif.)

USFHA media release



U18 Boys & Girls results against Germany


U18 Girls England

U18 Girls

Our girls lost their first game 4-1 despite getting on the score sheet first at 17 minutes by Tarrant but due to a moment of lack of concentration in the second half lead the Germans to take the lead in the space of 10 minutes scoring 3 to take the win.

England showed great character as they came back from 3-1 down to come away with a 3-3 draw in the second game of the series.  We were first to take the lead after a well worked goal from Gooderham followed by Germany finishing off a penalty corner 15 minutes later leaving it 1-1 at half time. Despite conceding early in the second half England dug deep and Howard and Jefferson pulled two back to make it level.The final game saw another draw and a resilient England side holding their own to earn a 2-2 draw.

Coach Sarah Kelleher said;

“Despite the score line I am pleased with how the girls played in certain phases on the game. With a little more work in certain areas I certainly believe we can close up the gap in the score line. This has been our first test against good strong opposition and has been a very useful learning experience for our players.

“I am very pleased with the progress we have made over these 3 games and the team spirit the players have shown puts us in a very good place ahead of our next trip this coming weekend 7th – 10th July to play a further 3 match test series against Belgium.”

Match 1

England (1) 1
Mimi Tarrant – 17’(FG)

Germany (1) 4
25’ (FG), 54’ (FG), 63’(FG), 64’ (FG)

Match 2

England (1) 3
Abby Gooderham - 5 (FG)’
Tess Howard - 59’ (PC)
Sophie Jefferson - 63’ (PC)

Germany (1) 3
19’ (PC), 45’ (F), 46’ (PC)

Match 3

England (0) 2
Esme Burge – 38’ (FG) & 64’ (FG)

Germany (1) 2
25’ (FG) & 37’ (FG)

U18 Boys

The first game of the series was end to end with Germany capitalising on England defensive errors giving them a 2-0 lead after 10 minutes. England fought their way back with Oates and Crowson making it 2-2 at half time. Germany pressed hard in the second half seeing them take the lead but England were quick on the counter pulling one back from a reverse stick beauty by Gilmour finishing it 5-3 to the home side.

The second game saw England come from behind for a well earned 2-2 draw in a high intensity game with both teams showcasing quality counter attacks and defending plays.

The final game of the series saw the home side win 6-3. England were unlucky not to convert any chances in the first half whilst Germany scored their first two goals within a minute of each other finishing the first half 3-0. Germany were quick off the blocks in the second half and scored a 4th but England applied the pressure and were rewarded with their first goal of the game at 41 minutes from the inform Gilmour. Unfortunatly this wasn’t enough with the final result being 6-3 to Germany.

Head coach Jody Paul said;

“The performance given by the boys in the final game was the best he has seen the U18 Boys deliver over the past 3 years but they need to clinically finish the numerous chances created has to be the next major step forward. Over the 3 test matches sound progress has been made centered around our core strategies resulting in improved performances against a strong German opposition. The boys have gained valuable experience that they will take forward into the Europeans in Cork.”

Match 1

England (2) 3
James Oates - (F) 20’
Tom Crowson - (PC)
Euan Gilmour - 69’

Germany (2) 5
2’ (FG), 10’ (FG), 40’ (PCA), 41’ (FG) & 68’ (FG)

Match 2

England (0) 2
Alex Blumfield - 55’ (FG)
Euan Gilmour - 63’(FG)

Germany (1) 2
20’ (FG) & 43’ (FG)

Match 3

England (0) 3
Euan Gilmour 41’ (FG) 68’ (FG)
Ben Stevenson 48’ (PC)

Germany (3) 6
10’, 11’, 30’, 38’, 58’ & 66’

England Hockey Board Media release



U16 Boys & Girls Germany Results


U16 boys England

It was a tough challenge for our U16 squads against Germany over the weekend. The U16 boys lost the series 3-0 whilst the girls lost 2-0 but plenty of positives to take forward to take to the 6 Nations.

U16 Boys

The first game saw the boys gage the intensity of the series as the Germans won 4-2 with two well worked penalty corners with Killington getting on the score sheet for England.

Despite coming out much more aggressive than the first game our boys lost 5-2 with two well worked penalty corners from the Germans. Whittaker was influential in both goals for England, creating a clear space for an unmarked Bhuhi to tap home the first goal. This was followed by a great turn over from a penalty corner taking on the defence to find the back of the net for his second. Germany were too strong for our boys in the final game of the series as we lost 7-1 with Whitaker getting England’s consolation goal from a well worked penalty corner.

Head Coach Jerome Goudie said;

If we can be more aggressive in our play and mentally composed throughout the game, we will see improved performances and results.

‘I felt we produced a very good performance for 60 minutes of the game in the second match. We were more aggressive and as a result were able to produce better opportunities and in greater quantity. As a team we showed greater desire and intent for 60 minutes.’

‘We’ll look to learn some quick lessons from this test series and apply these to the upcoming Belgium camp and 6 Nations tournament.’

Match 1

Germany (2) 4
F (8’), F (19’), PC (53’), F (64’)

England (1) 2
Elliot Killington - 16’ (PC) & 47’ (PC)

Match 2

Germany (1) 5
F (19’), F (59’), F (63’), PC (66’), PC (70’)

England (1) 2
Rohan Bhuhi - (F) 21’
Murray Whitaker - (F) 44’

Match 3

Germany (5) 7
PC (4’), F (7’), F (14’), F (30’), F (32’), F (55’), PC (66’)

England (0) 1
Murray Whitaker – 53’ (PC)

U16 Girls

The girls secured a 3-3 draw in their opening fixture against an experienced German side, despite having the lead at half time the girls worked hard to secure that all important draw.

The second game was end to end; Germany took advantage early on from a penalty corner to take the lead 1-0 and despite some well worked attacks from our girls it wasn’t quite enough to get on the score sheet.

The final game of the series saw Germany finish off the series with a 2-0 win after being pressed by our girls but unfortunately they were unable to make it count.

Head coach Marc Bourhill said:

‘The girls were set a lot of challenges in the second match by an experienced German team. Our 1v1 defending and work rate was tremendous and allowed us to compete. We need to be better with our marking and organisation which will come as we gain experience. Our pace up front will worry most sides and will always give us opportunities to score.’

‘These are the first game the group have played for a while as they have come off an intense exam period. We have learned a huge amount over the 3 games that we can take forward into the forthcoming camps in Belgium and at the 6-Nations tournament.

Match 1

England (2) 3
Lynn Vanderstichele – 17’ (FG)         
Vicki McCabe – 22’ (FG)
Millie Giglio - 50 (FG)

Germany (1) 3
7’ (FG), 48’ (FG), 64’(FG)

Match 2

England (0) 0

Germany (1) 1
10’ (PC)

Match 3

England (0) 0

Germany (1) 2
15’ (FG), 55’ (PC)

England Hockey Board Media release



Our hockey venue improves once again with new stand


Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre

Members of the Great Britain men’s and women’s hockey squad took time out to help unveil a new stand at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The south stand, which opened in time for the recent Hockey Champions Trophy, increases the capacity of the main arena to 4,000 and includes space for wheelchair users and their carers. A new permanent entrance was also added to the south stand to enable spectators to access their seats more easily. 

The seating in the new south stand was used for the Germany v India match, the first of the tournament, and was part of wider improvements to the venue following the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. These include a new large pitch side screen, flag poles and press tribunes, funded jointly by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, England Hockey and Sport England and totalling £680,000 to date.

Shaun Dawson, Chief Executive of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority said: “Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre is a world class venue that last year attracted around 110,000 visitors who played the two sports or were spectators who enjoyed the many events that take place here.

“The venue has benefited from development works that enhance the visitor experience and make events like the Hockey Champions Trophy that much more enjoyable. By working with England Hockey and Sport England, we ensure that the improvements are what hockey players and fans would expect from a major sports venue.“

Sally Munday, Chief Executive of England Hockey said, “Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre was already a world class legacy venue, and the addition of a new permanent stand enhances even further the offering to our hockey fans on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. To have the stand in operation and packed with supporters during the Hockey Champions Trophy was a sight to behold and another great step forward for both our sport and the venue itself.

“Hosting major events is a key part of our strategy to grow the sport and we are exceptionally fortunate to have the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre as our nation’s world class venue.”

You too can play at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre - go to www.visitleevalley.org.uk to find out more.



England Hockey Board Media release



Singapore to host 4th Women’s Asian Champions Trophy

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) and the Singapore Hockey Federation are pleased to announce their agreement regarding the hosting of the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2016 at Singapore’s Sengkang Hockey Stadium, from 29 October to 6 November 2016.

Hosting the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy this year is the latest coup for the small but mighty Singapore Hockey Federation that has amassed an impressive record of successful initiatives recently, including efforts in all areas from events to development and commercial to marketing and communications.

The world class facilities of the Sengkang Hockey Stadium have accommodated a number of high-profile events previously, including matches of the 2009 FIH Junior World Cup and the 2010 Youth Olympic Games, as well as more recently, the 2015 SEA Games and the Men’s and Women’s Hockey World League Round 1 event two months ago.

Part of the Sengkang Sports Centre complex, which also houses four swimming pools, various indoor facilities and a community club, the Sengkang Hockey Stadium features two green pitches with a seating capacity of 1.500 at the main pitch.

With the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy scheduled less than three months after the Olympic hockey tournament in Rio, which includes a record four Asian women’s teams (Korea, China, Japan and India), the four powerhouses will clash again for the continental crown in Singapore. Rounding out the field of five participants is the team from Malaysia who won a bronze medal in their first Women’s Asian Champions Trophy appearance three years ago.

First introduced in 2010 to create an opportunity for teams to gather more high-level competition experience, the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy has taken place three times so far, for the last time in 2013. In past Asian Champions Trophy editions, Korea has been the most successful team with two Asian Champions Trophy golds, while Japan has medaled in each edition, claiming silver in 2010, bronze in 2011 and finally, gold in 2013. All teams participating in this year’s event have participated in a Women’s Asian Champions Trophy at least once before, and reached the podium at least once, which suggests competition will be fierce.

The Asian Champions Trophy 2016 will follow a round robin format, with each team playing each other once, followed by gold and bronze medal matches. A detailed match schedule will be published by the Asian Hockey Federation in the coming weeks.

The Asian Hockey Federation also confirms that through a recent decision by the International Hockey Federation, Asian Champions Trophy events are included in the continental ranking element of the FIH World Ranking system from the next update. From that point onwards, the continental rankings for Asia will be calculated across a four-year cycle, taking into account the results of Asian Games, Asia Cup and Asian Champions Trophies held during that time.

Furthermore, the Asian Champions Trophy will not only be part of the system that determines continental ranking but will be considered part of the qualification systems for future Olympic Games and World Cups, which means that any team that is invited and declines participation in or withdraws from the Asian Games / Asia Cup and Asian Champions Trophy cannot qualify for the relevant Olympic Games or World Cup.

Asian Hockey Federation President HRH Prince Abdullah Ahmad Shah said, "The Asian Hockey Federation is delighted to partner with the Singapore Hockey Federation to host the 4th Women’s Asian Champions Trophy at the fantastic Sengkang Stadium facilities in Singapore. The recent successes of the current SHF leadership have raised the expectations and make me look forward to an undoubtedly innovative and exciting event."

Singapore Hockey Federation President Mathavan Devadas said, "The SHF are honoured to be selected as hosts for the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy. We hope to raise the profile of the game in Singapore with the hosting of this event, and to further develop Singapore as a sporting hub."

Asian Hockey Federation CEO Dato' Tayyab Ikram said, "Working with the Singapore Hockey Federation to host this event marks an important step in our efforts to find new ways to move Asian hockey forward and develop the AHF’s top tournaments into world class sporting events. I anticipate a great event, a fruitful cooperation and the start of a great partnership."

Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) media release



Bain switches from Amsterdam to HGC

Kenny Bain will play with HGC next season in the Dutch Hoofdklasse, making the switch after a season with AH&BC Amsterdam.

He is the latest of several additions for the Hague-based club who have added big names like Pelle Vos from Bloemendaal, Joaquin Menini and Lucas Martinez from Club de Campo and Vincenc Ruiz from Club Egara.

Bain, who has played 150 times for Scotland, joins the club having already had spells in the Netherlands with HDM and Hurley before moving to Amsterdam. He scored four goals in the EHL in their run to the final.

The Dutchman will also be joined by former SCHC midfielder Tim Hage and goalkeeping teenager Joey Nietsen who moves up from the Under-18 team to the first team panel.

The new arrivals replace New Zealander Phil Burrows, Mannheimer-bound Gonzalo Peillat as well as Goof van der Kamp and Ben Arnold.

Euro Hockey League media release



Invitation to the veterans hockey tournament JUNE 2017 Bordeaux France

Good day,

France is welcoming a lot of soccer teams at the moment because of the Euro but next year, early June, Hockey will take over our country.

We would like to invite your teams to this event held in FRANCE (BORDEAUX) NEXT YEAR. We would love to welcome South African teams there.

Last edition was held last month in May with 12 teams (6 from England, 6 from France) and next year, it will be the 20th edition and we hope to welcome teams from all over the World.

Invitation for the International Hockey Festival for Veterans Teams. Bordeaux France. Fri 2nd to Sunday 5TH JUNE 2017

Early JUNE 2017. 3 or 4 DAYS OF HOCKEY AND FUN. SOCIAL HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

The veterans hockey tournament of Chateaux will be organized in Bordeaux on the Fri 2nd, Sat 3rd and Sun 14th June 2017. Annually organized for the last 25 years, this tournament gathers veterans hockey teams every year in Bordeaux at SAM HC. FUN, HOCKEY AND FRIENDS for 3 or 4 DAYS NON STOP !

Open to veterans sides, men/women, only.

RULES : The sum of the ages of the 11 players on the field should totalize a minimum of 440 years : a sort of tolerance is accepted with a maximum of 2 players between 36 and 40 years for the men and a maximum of 3 players between 30 and 35 years for the women. The hotels are situated at the city center and Merignac town. All of them have bars and restaurants. Close to hotel : Irish pub at 300 meters, supermarket, bars, restaurants (foie gras, bordeaux specialities, shops, pedestrian street, cathedral etc……)

PROGRAM The tournament will start on the Friday 2nd June. Teams can early on Friday or can arrive on the day before in the evening. Teams can leave on the Sunday late evening after the tournament or on the Monday morning early. Friday night is free for teams in town. Saturday night is the gala dinner in the wine chateau + vineyards + tasting. Saturday and Sunday’s lunches are included. The tournament will finish on the Sunday early evening at 7pm. Free evening

Teams usually arrive on the Thursday pm and leave after the tournament late on Sunday.

On request:We can also organise for groups (to be decided) a great tour dinner on the Sunday pm or Friday pm in a bistronomy/bistrot/gastronomy restaurant in the town city center (great restaurant) We can also organise a afternoon trip at Arcachon on the Thursday afternoon or Monday for teams who wish to visit the town by the ocean and possibility taste oysters.

http://www.comeonsport.com/Veterans-Hockey-Tournament,122.html

Cheers,

Olivier, COMEON SPORT



Dhanraj Pillay thanks PM Modi for helping ailing hockey legend Mohammad Shahid


Dhanraj Pillay had earlier appealed to the Prime Minster along with other ministries and associations, to help the Arjuna award winner.

Former Indian Hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay has expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Sports Ministry and Indian Railways for providing financial assistance to ailing hockey legend Mohammad Shahid.

"I thank the honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, Sports Minister Shri Jitendra Singh ji, Indian Railways and Railways minister Shri Suresh Prabhu ji and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Akhilesh Yadav ji for their prompt support and assistance to Shahid bhai's treatment," Pillay said.

Pillay had earlier appealed to the Prime Minster along with other ministries and associations, asking for help for the treatment of the Arjuna award winner who was suffering from chronic liver and kidney problems. Immediately responding to Pillay's plea the Railway Ministry, that currently employs Shahid, took care of all expenses incurred on his treatment and the Sports Ministry announced Rs 10 lakh for overhead expenses.

Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav also sanctioned Rs 5 lakh for the ailing Olympic Gold medallist.

DNA

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