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All the news for Tuesday 2 August 2016

Samba medals! Women’s Olympic hockey competition



With just five days to go until the start of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, we provide a quick look at some of the interesting statistics from the women’s Olympic hockey medals table.

The Netherlands have won the most medals in women’s Olympic hockey, with three golds, one silver and three bronzes. They were gold medallists at Los Angeles 1984, Beijing 2008 and London 2012, silver medallists at Athens 2004 and bronze medallists at Seoul 1988, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000. If the team win gold in Rio, they will become the first women’s team in history to win three Olympic titles in succession.

Like the Netherlands, Australia have also won three Olympic gold medals, taking the title at Seoul 1988, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000. The 1996 and 2000 victories came during the Hockeyroos’ golden era, when Head Coach Ric Charlesworth and superstar player Alyson Annan - now Head Coach of the Netherlands – ruled the hockey world, a period of dominance which also saw them also win the 1994 and 1998 World Cups.     

Of the 12 women’s hockey teams competing at Rio 2016, nine have won at least one Olympic medal – Netherlands, Australia, Great Britain, Germany, Spain, Argentina, Korea, USA and China. New Zealand, Japan and India are all targeting their first ever Olympic medal in Rio.

In terms of individual achievements, Australia’s Rechelle Hawkes is the most successful female hockey Olympian of all-time, having been part of the title-winning squads from Seoul 1988, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000. If the Netherlands win gold in Rio, Hawkes will have to share that title with Maartje Paumen, Naomi van As, Eva de Goede, Ellen Hoog and Lidewij Welten, who were gold medallists at both Beijing 2008 and London 2012 and have been named in the Oranje squad for Rio 2016.

Since the introduction of a women’s hockey competition at the Moscow 1980 Olympic Games, five nations have been lucky enough to strike gold in the nine editions played so far. The first four editions featured four different Olympic champions, with Zimbabwe being the surprise gold medallists in 1980 before the Netherlands (Los Angeles 1984), Australia (Seoul 1988) and Spain (Barcelona 1992) secured their respective places in Olympic history. Following Australia’s victories at Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000, Germany emerged champions at the Athens 2004 Games before the Netherlands claimed their second and third Olympic titles at Beijing 2008 and London 2012 respectively. 

Make sure that you use #Hockey, #SambaSticks and #Rio2016 on social media when showing your support for your nation during the events, and follow FIH for all the latest updates as teams and fans get ready for the biggest show on earth – the Olympic Games. For more information about hockey in Rio, visit Rio2016.com.

FIH site

British teams among medal favourites

By Mike Haymonds

As the best-funded teams of full-time players taking part the Rio Olympics, Great Britain men and women will be expected to repeat at least the bronze medal the women gained at London 2012 and both are among the medal favourites.

Since the last Games the men have retained their high world ranking and are currently fourth. The women have slipped to seventh, despite becoming European champions in 2015, largely due to a disastrous 2014 World Cup and the recent fifth place at the six-nations Champions Trophy in June. The men finished fourth at the latter but last month were runners-up in a tournament consisting of the top-four ranked European nations.

The Single System, now called the Player Pathway, the master plan to revolutionise English hockey has now been in operation for eight years. In that time, despite an improvement in world rankings,  bronze at London 2012 and at the 2010 World Cup, both by the women, are the sole medals GB teams have won at the top two global events.

In Rio both GB squads will contain only England players - for the second successive Games for the men and for the first time for the women since their debut at the 1988 Seoul tournament.

Although a quarter of the 16-strong men’s squad are Northern Ireland-born, Iain Lewers and Mark Gleghorne, who began their international careers with Ireland, have played for England since 2011, and  David Ames and Ian Sloan switched allegiance from Ireland in 2015 and make their Olympic debut in Rio.

Both Rio squads have plenty of Olympic experience. Eight of the 2012 bronze medallists are in the women’s squad with captain Kate Richardson-Walsh, Crista Cullen, Helen Richardson-Walsh and Alex Danson making their third Olympic appearance.

In the men’s squad skipper Barry Middleton is a four times Olympian while Ashley Jackson returns for his third Games and ten players are making their Games debut.

The route to medals in Rio has been lengthened as the top four from the two six-team pools will now qualify for quarter-finals whereas previously the top two proceeded to the semi-finals which is an essential target for GB if they are to win medals.

Women’s head coach Danny Kerry said: “Compared with 2012 this squad is more attacking and creative and the defence has greater outletting ability. In the last four years there has been a closing up of standard amongst the top nations and there are seven teams who are medal contenders.”

Men’s head coach Bobby Crutchley said: “I’m confident we’re in good shape and now have a better understanding of how we need to play the teams we’ll meet.”

Daily Express

Rio 2016, meeting Usain Bolt and what I cannot do without - Maddie Hinch column



Maddie Hinch's Olympic experience got off to the best possible start as she met Usain Bolt at Heathrow Airport as she prepared to fly to Rio. In her latest column for BBC Sport, the Great Britain women's hockey goalkeeper talks about her hopes and fears, the risks of social media and what she can't do without when she's away from home.

'I 100% believe we can win a medal'

It's hard to believe but, as I write this, it's finally becoming real. My hope is we express ourselves and deliver what we are capable of, which I 100% believe is enough to win a medal.

Sport is brutal, some teams will hit form or get lucky, but for us, as long as we perform, that's our goal. If each player does their best and is relaxed, that's the target. Of course, that is easier said than done but we're ready and we know it's in there.

My biggest fear is having regrets. I need to look back knowing we did everything we could. I'm going to have a smile on my face and enjoy it as much as I can. I want to treat it as another hockey tournament and I don't want to be something that I'm not.

What happens as we settle in to Rio?


Being a hockey goalkeeper means having to pack plenty of kit

Our first day's training will be relatively light, and we've got a practice game booked in soon after. We'll also have to work out how we manage our logistics and I'm sure the coaches will also want us to get the excitement out of our system and get any selfies done.

I don't know how it all works because it's a first Games for me and I'm as excited as anyone.

'Every day we'd pretend to be from a different sport'

For London 2012, I was on Team GB's ambition programme, so me and Susannah Townsend weren't part of the squad but were kept close to the group and were walking around the Olympic Park in full kit, which was amazing.

We weren't competing but loads of people kept coming up to us asking for photos, and every day we'd pretend to be from a different sport. One day we were archery, the next we were gymnastics and we kept making stuff up when people spoke to us in Westfield. It was so funny!

When we walked into the village there was so much going on, so many famous people and it was so cool. I knew pretty quickly why the coach didn't pick me in 2012 - at 23 I wasn't ready to handle all of that. As a reserve goalkeeper you have to keep your head down and just be ready. So he was right, well done Danny Kerry. Now this time I'm there for real.

GB women's hockey Olympic fixtures (all times BST)
Sunday, 7 August: v Australia (00:30)
Monday, 8 August: v India (22:00)
Wednesday, 10 August: v Argentina (17:30)
Thursday, 11 August: v Japan (00:30)
Saturday, 13 August: v USA (22:00)
Monday, 15 August: Quarter-finals
Wednesday, 17 August: Semi-finals
Friday, 19 August: Final & bronze medal match

Why we're missing the opening ceremony

Next Friday is the opening ceremony but, as a team, we've decided not to go because we're competing the following day.

As soon as the schedule came out, it was never going to happen. It's my first Games so I was gutted but we listened to the girls who've been before and they told us the effect it can have on you, standing up for four hours when you're playing the next day.

We've made the right call.

I think about our captain Kate Richardson-Walsh - it's her fourth Games and in my opinion there's every chance she could be asked to carry the flag for GB - but I know she'd put the team first at all times, that's why she is who she is.

The Commonwealth Games ceremony was exhausting enough and that's half the length of time. We'll have it on in our flats though.

'It's important to get the flatshare mix right'

We're due to be in flats of seven. Apparently there's a maid's room with no windows so I'll probably get put in there - that's what normally happens to goalkeepers!

I know the coaches have thought a lot about it because it's important to get the mix right, and Team GB also spend a lot of time on the decoration and so on.

I'll be taking some home comforts with cards and plaques to make it feel like home.

There's 18 of us staying in the village and I wanted to mention our reserve goalkeeper, Kirsty Mackay, who will be out in Rio with us but staying outside the village. It's such a tough position but if anyone can handle it, it's her.

'Copacabana and Christ the Redeemer top of the list'

I'd love to see the city. Our schedule is full on but I think there's a friends and family day when I'd love to get out of the village because I love travelling.

Obviously the classic Copacabana and Christ the Redeemer are top of the list - they look unbelievable. I'd love to get into the heart of Rio and I believe the city at night is amazing.

If I wasn't going to play for a team in the Netherlands after the Games, I'd probably have stayed out there a bit longer.

At the end of the day, we're there to play, though, and nothing will get in the way of that.

'Meeting Bolt was just ridiculous'


Maddie Hinch, Usain Bolt, Crista Cullen, Nicola White and Giselle Ansley. Fancy meeting you here! Maddie was able to tick off the top name from her Olympic selfie list before she even left Heathrow

Just before we left for Rio, I got the first and by far the biggest name crossed off my Olympic selfie list.

We bumped into Usain Bolt at Heathrow, which was just surreal. We couldn't believe it when we spotted him. I can't tell you how excited I was. I mean, it's Usain Bolt!

The best way to put it is my friend spotted him in the village in 2012 and took his photo, which was enough to wind me up - and she didn't even get close to him! So meeting him for real was just ridiculous.

I absolutely love him and, as you can tell, he is one person I have always wanted to meet. He was so chilled and such a cool guy. What a start to the trip! I never normally see anyone famous - apart from my team-mates Kate Richardson-Walsh and Alex Danson.

In terms of other selfies during the Games, I'm looking for anyone from the men's rugby sevens, and Jess Ennis-Hill too!

'I love social media but there's more risk than reward'

I can't do without my phone, unfortunately. There are lots of things to consider around Rio and, as a group, we've had a discussion about social media and what our policy should be.

I love social media but I also know it can be a distraction and sometimes I'm guilty of that.

It's OK when it's going well, but who knows how you'll react when it's a negative experience and you're being criticised? That's what scares me and I personally don't think I'll take that risk.

I genuinely believe I can stay away from my Twitter mentions, trust me. In the past, teams have stayed away from social media completely during competitions, partly to send a message about their focus.


Julianne Margulies, Chris Noth and Christine Baranski in a scene from The Good Wife TV series. Maddie Hinch is "gutted" that TV drama The Good Wife is ending

At the same time, we know where we're at as a sport, and social media is a huge tool. If we want the sport to grow, we have to put up with any negativity, and then we'd say 'bring on the haters'.

For me, with social media there's more risk than reward. The biggest reward is to be great on the pitch and win, then people will follow us. Play well, let your hockey do the talking, it's as simple as that.

I also can't do without my laptop/tablet because then I can't watch any TV series.

The Good Wife is great but it's about to end so I'm gutted about that. I'm a bit behind so don't anyone tell me what happens between Alicia and Jason, and whether Peter's going to jail. I need to watch something new, so tweet me @MaddieHinch with suggestions, please.

I've also been watching Love Island. Even Alex Danson is hooked, and she told me she's going to go on the show next year so I want to share that with the world. Let's spread that rumour.

I sound like a right tech geek with the first two must-haves, so now I'm going to say tea for my last one. With those three I'll be sorted - cup of tea, The Good Wife and my phone, so anyone can get in touch with me.

Craving a gold medal and chocolate

I know a lot of the girls take presents for themselves for the end of the tournament with stuff they've been craving all year.

I've been off chocolate since the new year so I'll definitely have some.

So if I can get a gold medal, some chocolate and some salted caramel ice cream, I'll be a happy girl.

BBC Sport

Stats Speak: fascinating set of facts and figures  in 108 years of Olympic Hockey(part-2)

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

Renowned Hockey statistician B.G.Joshi has provided some fascinating set of facts and figures, you probably never knew about the game. Here are the details of Golden Families.

Keller family of Germany and Dar family of Pakistan have unique distinction of winning  most Gold Medals in 108 years of Olympic Hockey,details are:

Golden Family: Keller of Germany (wins 5 Gold and 4 Silver)

*FRG not played in 1964, as lost 3 matches series to GDR, thus Carsten not became Quadruple Olympian.

FIH player of the year in 1999 Natascha Keller (caps-413, goals-203) became the second hockey player in history to receive prestigious ‘Golden Ribbon of the German Sports Press’ on March 19, 2011.

Golden Family: Dar of Pakistan (wins 3 Gold and 2 Silver)

Fieldhockey.com

Nelson's Kelsey Smith still pinching herself after unexpected Olympic selection

WAYNE MARTIN


Nelson Black Sticks player Kelsey Smith, shown here in action against USA, is about to fulfil her Olympic dream. JOEL FORD/GETTY IMAGES

It's fair to suggest that at the start of the year, any Olympic aspirations Kelsey Smith might have entertained would probably have been focused on Tokyo 2020.

Smith has been a rising young star on the national women's hockey scene over recent years. The midfielder-striker was initially named in the Junior Black Sticks while playing for Richmond's Waimea College in the Nelson premier women's club competition in 2012, but moved to Wellington in 2013 in a bid to advance her hockey career. And last year she was named as a development player in the Black Sticks women's hockey team for a six-test series against Argentina.

Talented, certainly. But even as recently as just two months ago, it appeared likely that Smith, who turns 22 this month, was still deemed to be a project in the eyes of the national hockey selectors. So a Rio prospect? Most likely as injury cover only. Then again, a lot can happen in two months.


Black Sticks player Kelsey Smith. MARION VAN DIJK/FAIRFAX NZ

A lot did happen in fact. First choice players began to fall over and as Smith began to shoulder her way through the door, the right people began to take notice.

She'd got her first taste of top international hockey against the touring Argentinians at home in 2015 and as the planets continued to align for her, Smith's own compelling form continued to keep her in the frame.

Although Smith had played at the International Hockey Open in Darwin in early June this year, where she scored in both the semifinal and final, the return of experienced players Kayla Whitelock, Gemma Flynn, Stacey Michelsen and Sally Rutherford initially meant there was no place for Smith in the New Zealand team at the FIH Champions Trophy tournament in London from June 19-27.

Having already amassed 20 caps for New Zealand, it still appeared that she was on the outer for Olympic selection. However, injury again intervened and Smith eventually made the trip to London where she continued to impress New Zealand coach Mark Hager. In the end, Hager had no option but to include Smith in his Olympic squad.

"We brought her in for some practice games and in the first three or four games she scored seven goals and we thought we've made a bit of a mistake here [by not selecting her], " Hager said at the time.

"We obviously then got a couple more injuries in the group so we thought it was a good opportunity to bring Kelsey back. We took her to Darwin and she played pretty well there and in the Champions Trophy I thought she was one of our better forwards, hence why she's got the nod."

For Smith, Olympic selection was a remarkable climax to a whirlwind few weeks.

"It's been so full on. I wasn't expecting to be anywhere near where I am today, I'm still doing fulltime uni, so it's pretty crazy, " she said at the official squad announcement in Auckland.

"I was speechless. My flatmate was sitting next to me and she was like, 'wow, this is actually happening'. We were just really excited."

With Rio looming, it's meant a change of plans academically, namely dropping the entire second semester of her business degree at Massey to concentrate on hockey. And as for well-publicised health concerns, Smith was feeling pretty relaxed.

"The management's spoken to us about all of the potential concerns and stuff but the Zika virus, I don't think that's really going to bother me. We've had our jabs, so everything should be fine."

It's all part of an exciting new Olympic adventure.

"It's a brand new experience and I've got no idea what it's going to be like."

The women's Black Sticks will compete in pool A alongside the Netherlands, China, Germany, Republic of Korea and Spain and will open their campaign against Korea at Deodoro Olympic Park on Sunday, August 7.

Stuff

Who is Jamie Dwyer

By Eric Scatamacchia

Get to know Australian field hockey player Jamie Dwyer.



Jamie Dwyer is a five-time International Hockey Federation Player of the Year, having won the award in 2004, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Field hockey beginnings
Dwyer was born in Queensland, Australia to parents who played field hockey at a local club. He grew up playing field hockey and cricket, but decided to drop cricket when he was 15 because he dreamed of competing at the Olympics.

Major competitions/medals
2004 Olympics gold
2008 Olympics, bronze
2010 World Cup, winner
2012 Olympics, bronze
2014 World Cup, winner

Breakout moment
Dwyer debuted with the Australian national team in 2001. In 2004, he scored the game-winning goal in the Gold Medal Match at the Athens Games. That year he also earned his first FIH Player of the Year award.

Olympic experience
Jamie Dwyer is a three-time Olympian. Most recently, he earned bronze with Australia at the 2012 London Games.

Off the field
Dwyer developed a coaching company with teammate and brother-in-law Mark Knowles called 1&9 Coaching, which looks to instil an interest in youth field hockey players.

Social media
Facebook: Jamie Dwyer
Twitter: @JamieDwyer01
Instagram: @jamiedwyer01

NBC Olympics

Top field hockey players to watch in Rio

By Eric Scatamacchia


Lauren Crandall makes field hockey look like a piece of cake. She is an experienced field hockey player and baker.

Five athletes to watch at the 2016 Olympic field hockey tournaments.

Lauren Crandall (USA)
Lauren Crandall is the captain of the U.S. women’s field hockey team. The defender was unable to play in the team’s final three matches before heading to Rio due to a foot injury although she is expected to be at full strength for the start of the Olympic tournament. Crandall is one of three U.S. players appearing in her third Olympics along with Rachel Dawson and Katelyn Falgowski.

Mark Knowles (AUS)
Mark Knowles is the 2014 FIH Player of the Year and captain of Australia’s men’s team. He along with Jamie Dwyer are the only members remaining from Australia’s 2004 Olympic roster that won gold. The three-time Olympic medalist is hoping to lead Australia, which is the top ranked team in the world, back to the top of the podium.

Ellen Hoog (NED)
Ellen Hoog is a two-time Olympic gold medalist with the Dutch women’s field hockey team. The forward has scored four goals at the Olympics and is looking to add to her tally in Rio. Hoog has been with the Dutch national team for over 10 years and in 2014 was named the FIH Player of the Year.

Florian Fuchs (GER)
At the London Olympics, Florian Fuchs scored six goals for Germany as the team won its second straight Olympic gold medal. He was the leading goal scorer for the Germans despite being the youngest player on the team at 20 years old. Now 24, Fuchs has established himself as a top player for the German national team.

Robert van der Horst (NED)
Robert van der Horst was named the 2015 FIH Player of the Year. The two-time Olympian and 2012 silver medalist is the captain of the Dutch national team. Van der Horst is hoping to lead the second-ranked Dutch to its first Olympic gold in men’s field hockey since 2000.

NBC Olympics

Top field hockey stories to watch in Rio

By Eric Scatamacchia

Five stories to watch during the 2016 Olympic field hockey tournaments.

Germany goes for its third straight Olympic gold in men’s field hockey

Germany’s men’s field hockey team is the two-time defending Olympic gold medalist. At the 2012 London Games, the team lost just one match en route to gold. The team is coming off a disappointing third place finish at the 2016 Hockey Champions Trophy in June, but is still among the favorites to top the podium.

If Germany can win gold in Rio, it will be the first Olympic three-peat in men’s field hockey since India had its run of dominance in the mid-1900s.

Australia and the Netherlands figure to be big challengers to Germany's quest for gold in Rio.

Can Dutch women three-peat?

The Dutch women’s field hockey team has won gold at the last two Olympics. Ranked first in the world going into the 2016 Games, the Netherlands are again among the favorites to win gold.

In 2012, the team dominated the rest of the field, winning all seven of its matches as it became just the second country to win consecutive Olympic golds in women’s field hockey.

Returning players from the 2012 Olympic team include forwards Ellen Hoog and Lidewij Welten, defender Maartje Paumen and goalkeeper Joyce Sombroek.

Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. are threats to the Dutch’s Olympic dominance.

Can U.S. women make the podium?

The U.S. women’s field hockey team finished last at the London Olympics, winning just one of its six games. Following the 2012 Games, the team brought in a new coach, Craig Parnham, and overhauled its system in the hopes of Olympic success in Rio.

This summer, the U.S. goes into the Olympics with its highest world ranking ever at fifth and a legitimate shot at a medal. The U.S. has not won an Olympic field hockey medal since 1984.

Can Australia men recapture men’s Olympic gold?

Australia’s men’s field hockey team is the only other men's team besides Germany to be on the podium at every Olympics since 2004. At the Athens Games, Australia won Olympic gold in men’s field hockey for the first time.

12 years later, the only remaining players from that team are brothers-in-law Jamie Dwyer and Mark Knowles. After winning the 2016 Hockey Champions Trophy, Australia heads to the Olympics as the top ranked team in the world.

Will having four quarters instead of two halves affect the match?

For the first time at the Olympics, field hockey matches will be played in four 15-minute quarters rather than two 35-minute halves. Although players have played with this format before, the change could impact the strategies of teams at the Olympics. 

NBC Olympics

PR Sreejesh Profile: Men’s Hockey

PR Sreejesh replaced Sardar Singh as the captain of the Indian men's hockey team for Rio 2016 Olympics.

by Sahil Malhotra


In absence of seniors and regulars, PR Sreejesh led the side in the 2016 Champions Trophy.

PR Sreejesh, 30, is one of the most experienced campaigners in India’s 16-men squad for the upcoming Rio 2016 Olympics. Ever since he made his junior debut in 2004, he has been a rock in front of the goal. Making those crucial saves in crunch situations, Sreejesh, for years now, has been a cool customer, at whatever level he has played. After waiting on the bench due to presence of senior goalies Adrian D’Souza and Bharat Chettri, the regular spot came his way in 2011, and he made sure to make it count.

Sreejesh made crucial saves in the 2014 Asian Champions Trophy Final against Pakistan, and was impressive in India’s 2014 Commonwealth Games performance where the team settled for silver. In absence of seniors and regulars, he led the side in the 2016 Champions Trophy and won many hearts as the team ended up with a silver after a spirited effort against Australia in the final.

The big announcement followed after his consistent performances as the 30-year-old was handed over the captaincy for the Summer Games. He replaced Sardar Singh who barely managed to keep his spot in the 16.

Event: Men’s hockey

Event Schedule: India commence their campaign against Ireland on August 6, play Germany on August 8, Argentina on August 9, Netherlands on August 11 before concluding the group stage against Canada on August 12

Qualification: India secured the berth after Asian Games gold

Record: India have won 11 Olympic medals, including eight golds. The last medal came way back at the Moscow Games in 1980

Squad: PR Sreejesh (captain and GK), Harmanpreet Singh (defender), Rupinder Pal Singh (defender), Kothajit Singh (defender), Surendar Kumar (defender), Manpreet Singh (midfielder), Sardar Singh (midfielder), VR Raghunath (defender), SK Uthappa (midfielder), Danish Mujtaba (midfielder), Devender Walmiki (midfielder), SV Sunil (forward and vice-captain), Akashdeep Singh (forward), Chinglensana Singh (midfielder), Ramandeep Singh (forward), Nikkin Thimmaiah (forward)
Coach: Roelant Oltmans

Indian Express

Oltmans complains of shortage of chairs, TV sets in Olympic Village


Chief coach Roelant Oltmans. Photo: K. Murali Kumar

The organisers have already faced complaints from Australia and several other teams about unfinished rooms at the Village

The Indian hockey teams at the Olympics are facing a shortage of chairs and Television sets at the Games Village. Chief coach Roelant Oltmans has complained that the players’ apartments are not properly furnished.

In a letter to Chef de Mission of the Indian contingent, Rakesh Gupta, Oltmans complained about unfurnished accommodation provided to both the men’s and women’s hockey teams.

“The apartments of the Rio Olympics are not furnished properly,” Oltmans, who is also the High Performance Director of Indian hockey, wrote in his letter.

“For athletes who have to perform at top-level during a longer period of the Olympics we need proper chairs and tables in the apartments for 6 persons. Actually there are only 2 chairs in each apartment. For men and women we are using 9 apartments so there is a lack of 28 proper chairs and for 7 Apartments we need at least one table as well. In the staff apartments we’ve managed to bring in some tables,” he said.

“During the Olympics we would like to give our players the possibility to watch the matches of our competitors live on TV. This will help the players to prepare themselves for the upcoming matches against these opponents.”

In another letter, Oltmans asked for Chef de Mission’s permission to purchase TV sets for the hockey teams.

“Thank you very much to offer your TV to our team to be able to watch the hockey matches during the Olympic Games. I’ve tried to rent more TV’s but unfortunately they are sold out in the Village. I would like to get permission to purchase 3 TVs to be able to follow the hockey competition in both the staff rooms and at least in one of the male and female Apartments,” the Dutchman wrote.

“Please help us to find a solution. We all want our hockey teams to perform well but we need to support them as well with the right conditions,” Oltmans concluded.

The Rio Games organisers have already faced complaints from Australia and several other teams about unfinished rooms at the Olympic Village.

The Hindu

Only bean bags in players’ rooms, Hockey India president lashes out at India’s Chef de Mission

India hockey team coach Roelant Oltmans had written a letter complaining about the lack of basic facilities for teams at Games village.


India hockey team players at their apartments in Games Village. (Source: Facebook)

On Monday, the coach of India hockey team Roelant Oltmans wrote a letter to India’s Chef de Mission Rajeev Mehta complaining about the shortage of chairs and television sets at the Games Village and the players’ apartments not being properly furnished. A day later, since no action has been taken on the issue, Hockey India president Narinder Batra shared his agony at Mehta on social media and posted photos of Indian team facing lack of basic facilities at the Games Village and alleged that “you do not believe in acknowledging or replying to mails from Hockey India.”

In the pictures shared by Batra, the players can been seen lying on the bean bags and the apartments are empty with no basic furniture. Batra, in his post, blasted Mehta saying “have you all gone for a paid holiday to Rio.”

“Dear Mr President IOA and Chef De Mission Indian contingent… have you all and IOA Staff who have gone to Rio, are on some kind of a Paid Holiday? (sic),” he wrote in his post.

He also mentioned part of Oltmans letter which said that “hanging in these bean-seats will lead to injuries on the long-term. Apart from 2 chairs and the 4 bean-seaters, there is nothing in the living room, nothing to hang clothes also.(sic),” wrote Oltmans to Batra.

The Hockey India president shared photos and video of players in the apartment and waiting for some solution to the situation. He said he is sharing this on social media because Mehta and IOA have not acknowledged or replied to mails from Hockey India.

He also asked IOA and Mehta to sort out the problems for both men’s and women’s team so that they can perform and also took a shot at Mehta saying “I certainly hope you want Indian teams to do well…”

Indian Express

TSD to enhance digital presence of Sunil, Walmiki

NEW DELHI: Four senior Indian hockey players including vice-captain SV Sunil have been roped in by Digital Identity Management Firm TSD Corp to enhance their presence in the digital space with an aim of establishing direct connect with their fans.

The other three apart from Sunil, whose digital rights will be managed by the firm are drag-flicker VR Raghunath, Manpreet Singh and Devinder Walmiki.

Walmiki on his new association with TSD said, "TSD Corp is the best when it comes to reaching your fans on a digital platform. It will be exciting to interact with the fans on a regular basis."

Raghunath on his part said:"It is imperative to have a presence digitally. I am quite enthusiastic about this association and it will be a delight to be able to reach out to my fans during the Olympics."

According to Pankaj Rahul Singh, Co-founder of TSD Corp, "It's an immensely proud moment for us to see our players representing India at the Rio Olympics, 2016. India is more passionate about hockey than ever before and it will be exciting to bring the players and their fans closer together under the social platform."

The Times of India

India loses second match on the trot


Ed Holrer scoring a goal past Krishan Pathak and Vijay Yadav. Avtar Bhurji

Indian juniors continued to lose in the ongoing England Series, having lost the third and penultimate test 1-2 at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre. Indian forwards miss rhythm in the circle. Dipsan Tirkey’s team started the series with 7-1 mauling of the hosts, but lost last two test on identical 1-2 scoreline.

Today, India started the match with high tempo, got even a shot at goal in the fifth minute. English defended well.

India got a first penalty corner in the 11th minute but wasted.

In the 21st minute, all the hard work of India paid dividends. Nippy forward Ajay Yadav gave India the lead. It did not survive long.

England’s Calnan Will equalized with a reverse shot, after braving Gurjinder on the top of the circle.

Five minutes before half time, Ed Horler, who struck only goal of the opener, put his team ahead. This goal survived full time.

India dominated the second half, there were clear cut chances, but goals were not happening as the Indians would miss sitters.

All along, England played a bit of physical hockey, Indians fell prey to the fact that they played individual game, which did not exist in the last two tests.

Stick2Hockey.com

Amsicora's Angius looking to make Italian history

SG Amsicora’s Luca Angius is looking forward to the not inconsiderable task of trying to take down EHL royalty following the Italian side’s draw against UHC Hamburg in the group stages.

Amsicora made their EHL debut last season in Hamburg, taking on Dinamo Elektrostal and Royal Leopold and while they left without a win, their open attacking style drew plaudits.

Indeed, Angius scored three times and, looking back, he said: “It was a great experience last year in Hamburg, playing at a high level. Personally, it was nice to score three goals in two games.

“We have a number of changes this year but we won the national Under-21 championship and so those guys will come into the squad.”

In Banbridge in October, his side will be looking to become the first Italian side to win a game in the EHL but they have been handed a tough draw, facing Welsh champions Cardiff & Met on the Friday before taking on three-times champions UHC a day later

“It will be really tough,” Angius said. “UHC play at a very high standard and are a great team. For us, it will be a huge challenge but it will be a great way to test us.

“Cardiff, we don’t know too much about but they must be at a really good standard to now be playing in the EHL but with our experience of playing the EHL last year and the spirit we showed, we will try and do our best.”

Of last year’s side, Mario Cannas has retired while Lorenzo Asuni moved to America and Luca Lixi is now in Belgium but they hope to have some new faces added to their line-up.

It will be a third trip to Ireland in three seasons for Angius who was recently in Cork as part of Italy’s Under-18 European youth championships campaign. In 2015, meanwhile, he travelled with Amsicora to play in the EuroHockey Trophy event in Dublin, hosted by Three Rock Rovers.

Euro Hockey League media release

Pakistani Olympian helps Dinamo Kazan retain the Russian hockey title.

Adnan Maqsood, Pakistani hockey Olympian has been playing for the Dinamo Kazan in the Russian field hockey league for last many years. This year he starred for his side who retained the title.

He has also played as a professional in the leagues of  Australia, England, India and Bangladesh.

Another Pakistani Olympian Imran Warsi, who had been Adnan,s team mate at Dinamo Kazan all the previous years, switched to Dinamo Ekaterinburg this season. Warsi’s side finished third.  
                                                  
Players from other countries have also been plying their trade in the Russian league. These include, among others, players from top hockey nations such as Netherlands, Germany and India.

PHF Media release

Tenaga will take the local route for new MHL season

by S. Ramaguru


Former player Amin Rahim (left) will be coaching Tenaga for the new season which starts Aug 19.

KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional have decided to stick to an all-local line-up in their chase for glory in next month’s Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

Initially, Premier Division side Tenaga were toying with the idea of recruiting foreign players to end their title drought. But after a rethink, the three-time league and four-time overall champions abandoned the idea.

And they believe they can still mount a strong challenge with their local players.

“We will be the underdogs as the other teams all have foreign players. But we are deterred as we have faith in our local players,” said Tenaga team manager Adam Izamry Idrus.

This season, there are three titles at stake with the introduction of a new knockout tournament involving teams from the Premier Division and Division One.

“We now have three chances instead of two to win a title. It’s not impossible. We can draw inspiration from the upsets that took place in the recent Razak Cup and Sukma in Sarawak (where minnows Perlis and Penang made the final).

“We have to believe in our abilities and go for it. Every match is important. We must get off to a right start and fight till the end,” added Adam.

Mohamed Amin Rahim, the former international and penalty corner specialist, has been tasked with bringing back the glory days to Tenaga. It will be his first major coaching assignment. He was the assistant coach in the national junior team for the last three years. He is now an assistant to national development squad coach Wallace Tan.

“As a player, Amin won quite a number of trophies. He knows what it takes to play in the MHL. I am sure Amin will do well as a coach,” said Adam.

The Premier Division starts on Aug 19 with Tenaga opening their campaign against Maybank.

Besides Tenaga and Maybank, the other teams in the Premier Division are Terengganu, Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) and Sapura.

The Star of Malaysia