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News for 08 September 2016

All the news for Thursday 8 September 2016


IOC, Indian Railways in last four
 
Army Xi edges out PSB

By S Thyagarajan


An action sequence between Army XI and Punjab and Sind Bank.

Identifying the spots for the semifinals formed an interesting exercise on Wednesday in the MCC0-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium.

Although there was an element of predictability in the passage curved out by the two qualifiers, the defending champion, Indian Oil Corporation, and the Indian Railways, the hockey on view provided some excitement to the crowd from the manner in which the goals were scored.  

With a comfortable 5-2 win IOC touched 10 points in Pool A and awaits the second qualifier from the match between BPCL and Tamil Nadu.

While a draw is sufficient for BPCL to join IOC as the second team Tamil Nadu faces a herculean task of winning the match by more than five goals.

BPCL has seven points from three matches while Tamil Nadu has four.

In the other pool too there is a question mark over the second team as the Indian Railways, which smashed Hockey Karnataka by eight goals to two confirmed its place.

The toss up is now between the Army XI and Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC). The situation is that a draw can ensure Army XI a spot in the last four but ONGC needs an outright victory.

The tussle between the Army XI and PSB evoked more than ordinary interest as the former captured full points from an odd goal in five. A goal by that fine dribbler Arumugam put the Army team ahead in the 16th minute, PSB not only leveled the score through Gaganpreet Singh but surged into the lead midway through when Ramandeep Singh netted.

The 2-1 lead kept the PSB in an attacking mode until Binoy Bhengra brought the teams on par. It was Siraju’s opportunism that provided the match winner for the Army XI three minutes from the hooter.

Quite understandably, IOC toyed with the opposition Mumbai HA and the margin 5-2 clearly mirrors that fact. By the time half time arrived, IOC was 4-0 on the board. But two goals by Nizamuddin and Jugraj Singh injected a modicum of excitement and expectations before IOC sealed the fate of the match by a penalty corner from Raghunath.

Even more overwhelming was the victory of the Railways against a hapless Hockey Karnataka. The 8-2 score line conveys this eloquently. As in the previous matches Affan Yosuf was the pick among the Railway attackers.

After some semblance of challenge in the early minutes of the first half during which M G Poonacha scored, the youthful Karnataka faded away against the combined onslaught of the Railways.

The results: Pool A: IOC 5 (Vikas, Deepak Thakur, Roshan Minz, Vikas Sharma, V.R.Raghunath) beat Mumbai HA 2 (Nizammuddin, Jugraj Singh)

Pool B: Army XI 3 (S.Arumugam, Binoy Bhengra, AP Siraju) beat Punjab and Sind Bank 2 (Gaganpreet Singh, Ramandeep Singh)

Indian Railways 8 (Affan Yusuf 2, Jasjit Singh, Amit Rohidas, Malak Singh 2, Karanpal Singh, Gurpreet Singh) beat Hockey Karnataka 2 (M G Poonacha, Prithviraj).

Fieldhockey.com



IOC, Indian Railways qualify for semifinals

K. Keerthivasan


Sounding the boards: Deepak Thakur scores IOC’s second goal against Mumbai Hockey Association. Photo: R. Ragu

The second team to make it to the last four from both Pools will be determined on Thursday.

Army XI scripted a crucial 3-2 victory over Punjab & Sind Bank (PSB) in a Pool-B match of the 90th All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament here on Wednesday.

Later, Indian Railways, the National champion, ensured its passage into the semifinals with a huge 8-2 win over Karnataka in another Pool-B tie.

The second team from the same group (to enter the last four) will be determined after the match between Army and ONGC on Thursday.

Meanwhile, defending champion Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) outwitted Mumbai HA 5-2 in a Pool-A contest to enter the knock-out phase with three wins (and one draw) and 10 points.

After eking out a win over PSB, Army will go into its last group match against ONGC knowing pretty well that a draw is sufficient for it to qualify for the last four while ONGC will have to go for an outright win to entertain any hopes of making it to the last four.

Army has been inconsistent so far and has been underwhelming in its group matches so far. Be it the 2-1 triumph over Karnataka, or the 1-2 loss to Indian Railways, Army, a former champion, has failed to raise its level. And it has to realise that ONGC is not a neophyte.

S. Arumugam scored the opener for Army from the right, an angle from which the ‘keeper Guriqbal Singh thought he had it covered, but the forward unleashed a drive that gave the custodian little chance.

Army continued to have the upper hand for most of the first half with Poovanna and Siraju troubling the PSB ‘keeper.

However, PSB came back strongly in the second session after the equaliser as minutes into the first half Gaganpreet Singh scored off a penalty corner.

Army ‘keeper Arpit Choudhary effected a couple of very good saves even as forward Ramandeep Singh (PSB) kept prowling near the goal-line dangerously. The Rio Olympian finally found the target by firing a backhander after receiving a pass from Jaskaran Singh.

Army forced the pace and earned three penalty corners, but could convert none. It was forward Binoy Bhengara who levelled the scores (2-2) with a shot off a rebound of the ‘keeper’s pads.

Three minutes remaining for the hooter, Siraju scored the match-winner with a deft placement off a fierce shot by Bhengara from the right.

While IOC has qualified, the match between Tamil Nadu (four points from three matches) and BPCL (seven from three) will determine who the second team from Pool-A will be.

Tamil Nadu, a raw team, will have to defeat BPCL, with three Rio Olympians, by a margin of more than five goals to enter the last four.

The results:

Pool-A: IOC 5 (Vikas 22, Deepak Thakur 29, Roshan Minz 32, Vikas Sharma 34, V.R. Raghunath 47) bt Mumbai 2 (Nizamuddin Mohd. 38, Jugraj Singh 44).

Pool-B: Army XI 3 (S. Arumugam 16, Binoy Bhengara 58, A.P. Siraju 67) bt PSB 2 (Gaganpreet Singh 36, Ramandeep Singh 47).

Indian Railways 8 (Affan Yousuf 12 & 25, Jasjit Singh 17, Amit Rohidas 44, Malak Singh 52 & 55, Karanpal Singh 61, Gurpreet Singh 68) bt Karnataka 2 (M.G. Poonacha 29, Prithivi Raj 69).

he Hindu



Army get past PSB 3-2, Railways enter semis

Vivek Krishnan

CHENNAI: Punjab & Sind Bank (PSB) were knocked out of the All India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament after suffering a 2-3 defeat to Army XI at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on Wednesday. Army XI now have six points from three games and a victory against ONGC on Thursday will ensure their progress to the semi-finals. Apart from the first fifteen minutes of the second half, Army XI dominated most of the possession and deserved their victory. Tamil Nadu's S Arumugam gave the local crowd something to cheer about as he opened the scoring for Army XI in the 16th minute. PSB did string together some good passes in the middle of the field in the first half, but indecisiveness in front of goal cost them dear. Post the break, however, they came out all guns blazing and scored two goals in the space of eleven minutes to overturn the deficit.

Skipper Ramandeep Singh deserved much of the credit for the first goal, winning the penalty corner that Gaganpreet Singh scored from in the 36th minute. Shortly after, Ramandeep was once again at the forefront as a thunderous shot into the bottom corner helped PSB go 2-1 ahead. Just as PSB seemed to be getting on top, though, Army XI struck back courtesy Binoy Bhengara to make it two goals apiece. Binoy wasn't done there. With just three minutes left to play, he provided the decisive pass as Siraju AP tapped the ball into the back of the net to give Army XI all three points.

Indian Railways, meanwhile, sealed their place in the semi-finals as they beat Hockey Karnataka 8-2 to top Pool B with nine points. IOC defeated Mumbai Hockey Association 5-2 in a Pool A encounter.

Results: Army XI beat Punjab & Sind Bank 3-2, IOC beat Mumbai Hockey Association 5-2, Indian Railways beat Hockey Karnataka 8-2.

The Times of India



Terriers Off to Winning Start

Reigning Patriot League champs host Maine Friday

By Emmanuel Gomez


Tri-captain Ellie Landsman (Questrom'17), 2016 Patriot League Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, looks to lead the Terriers to a third straight Patriot League title. Photos by Scott Ellis, BU Athletics

Since joining the Patriot League three years ago, the BU women’s field hockey team has made it to the league championship game each year, winning the last two and advancing last season to the NCAA tournament. Despite that success, the 13th-ranked Terriers, the preseason favorite to clinch a third consecutive Patriot League title, remain dissatisfied.

“We’re definitely not pleased,” says tri-captain Amanda Cassera (SAR’17). “One of our biggest concentrations this season is winning our out-of-conference games—getting our RPI [ratings percentage index] up. This way we can face someone a bit lower ranked in the NCAA first round. And if we get to the elite eight, we know anything can happen.”

So far this season, indications are that the team could well return to the NCAA tournament. The undefeated Terriers opened the season with an impressive 2-1 win over number 16 Northwestern University in the first round of the Wildcat Classic and two days later claimed the Wildcat Classic title, defeating the University of New Hampshire 4-3. They took down the Northeastern Huskies 2-1 in overtime in last Friday’s home opener. It was another one-goal win two days later, when the team defeated Miami University 2-1. All this with the loss of leading scorer and First Team All-American Sofi Laurito (COM’16) and Third Team All-American Rachel Coll (Questrom’16) to graduation last spring.

With the intent of extending their unbeaten streak to five, the team hosts the University of Maine tomorrow, Friday, September 9, at 4 p.m.

The squad of 18 Terriers returned 9 of last year’s top scorers. Cassera and Allie Renzi (Questrom’18) lead the offense so far this year, combining for 14 of the team’s 29 points. Cassera, a Preseason All-Patriot League teamer, has been especially impressive, tallying a goal in three of the four contests, including the game-winner against Northwestern.

The offensive play of Renzi and Cassera, as well as of tri-captain Hester van der Laan (ENG’17), the Patriot League Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, has resulted in the Terriers’ leading the conference in goals and assists per game, for the best offense in the league.

“We got a lot of veterans back this year and the scoring is across the board, which is a testament to our depth,” says head coach Sally Starr. “But we’re not happy. We know we can score more—we just need to be more disciplined and poised around the goal. And if we score more, it helps everyone, including our win total.”

On the defensive side, reigning Goalkeeper of the Week Cammy Jensen (CAS’17) has performed remarkably this season. Jensen is second in the league in save percentage and average goals allowed per game.


Tri-captain Amanda Cassera (SAR’17) leads the team in goals (4) and points (9) thus far this season and is fourth in program history in career goals, with 33.

“We have a mantra, Fitter, faster, smarter, and she’s embodied that,” Starr says. “She’s in the best shape of her life and the results are showing. She hasn’t had to make a lot of saves, but some of the ones she’s made have been unbelievable. I’m really proud of how far she’s come.”

In front of Jensen is a sturdy defensive line, steered by midfielder Ellie Landsman (Questrom’17), one of the captains. A corecipient of the team’s Unsung Hero Award last year, Landsman is not only extremely skilled, but has a reputation for inspiring her teammates.

“Ellie has so much poise and confidence on the ball,” says Cassera. “She’s huge on both sides. She keeps everyone calm when we get a little frantic and gives us an extra spark when we’re lazy. She can get the ball up the field in a hurry, make a clutch score or a huge tackle. She does everything.”

Early successes notwithstanding, the Terriers know they face a tough schedule in the weeks ahead: 5 of their 17 regular-season opponents qualified for the 2015 NCAA tournament, and 2 of them have won the last three NCAA tournaments, Syracuse University in 2015 and the University of Connecticut in 2013 and 2014.

But the Terriers say they’re excited by the challenge and positive about their chances of advancing to the NCAA tournament.

“People might look at us as underdogs when it comes to the national tournament,” says Landsman. “But we feel really confident, especially with all the work we’ve put in this summer and last spring. We feel like it’s even, and on any given night, we can beat anyone.”

The Boston University field hockey team faces the University of Maine tomorrow, Friday, September 9, at 4 p.m., at New Balance Field, 286 Babcock St. Admission is free and open to the public. The Patriot League Network will broadcast the game live.

BU Today



Women’s National Team Training Report – Sep 7/16

Shaheed Devji


PHOTO: Danille Hennig (left) and Sara McManus at Women’s National Team training on September 6, 2016

Canada’s women’s field hockey team kicked off a new quadrennial in mid-August with the beginning of one of its biggest training blocks in the past four years and likely for the next four years to come.

Focused on getting better at home

The 14-week training block with the team fully centralized at its home-base at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver comes after an intense period of competition in 2016, which saw the women play 20 matches all against higher ranked teams.

Despite not qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games, the Canadian women made most of the Olympic year and are now firmly focused on the next cycle, which begins with attempting qualification for the 2018 World Cup and will be quickly followed by the road to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

“We’ve had a productive and busy 2016, so as we head into 2017 and World League 2, it’s just a really good chance to continue the momentum,” says Women’s National Team Director and Head Coach Ian Rutledge.

“With competition it’s usually stressful and it’s hard to make adjustments or changes when your vehicle is in motion,” he adds. “What this (training block) really does is it gives us the chance to garage the car and work away and it and continue to refine it and make sure we’re going to be road worthy come competition.”

Focusing on the 2018 World Cup

The next meaningful competition for the Canadian women will come in early 2017 as they begin qualification for the 2018 World Cup.

World League Round 2 consists of 24 teams competing in three parallel tournaments in three different cities, with Canada competing in the tournament to be held in Vancouver in March-April.

To qualify for the 2018 World Cup, Canada’s women must achieve top 10 finish at the end of the World League Round 3.

Another way to qualify is to winner the Pan American Cup, which will be played later in 2017.

“It’s a big one,” says veteran defender Sara McManus. “But I think it will just make us that much more motivated and it will make this next big block go by faster because we’re all really excited for it.”

Playing at home

For the first time in a long time, Canada’s women will be hosting a large international tournament at home in 2017.

When Canada hosts World League Round 2 early next year, there will be a lot on the line – with World Cup qualification heavily tied to the tournament’s results.

But the stakes and the time away from competition before then will only serve to motivate the team, according to one of its leaders.

“You’re always itching to play and especially when you have a longer period of down time,” says Kelowna’s Danielle Hennig. “It makes getting back all that more exciting. Getting back knowing that we’re going to be playing on home turf doubles that. And I think we’ll be in really good form.”

Field Hockey Canada media release



We will host and win — Richard Akpokavie


Mr Richard Akpokavie (second right) with the Sports Minister, Nii Lante Vanderpuye (third right)

The president of the Ghana Hockey Association (GHA), Mr Richard Akpokavie yesterday gave an assurance that despite the financial constraints facing the association, they were poised to host and win the World Hockey League Round 1 to be staged between September 9 and 11 2016.

“Both the national female and male hockey teams are more determined than ever to win this tournament to enable them to qualify to play in the Hockey World League Round 2, ” he said.

He said this at a press conference to solicit the support of the media to enable the “host and win” mission of the association become a reality.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Nii Lante Vanderpuye, the vice president of the GHA, Mr James Amo Gotfried, the Greater Accra president of the GHA, George Hazel, as well as the chairpersons of the Local Organising Committee, Mr Kwame Owusu and Madam Elizabeth Safoah King, were among the dignitaries who attended the press conference.

Mr Akpokavie said media support would not only galvanise corporate bodies and individuals to develop interest in hockey and support them in diverse ways in their financial predicaments, but would also motivate the players to deliver.

“We are fortunate to be given this opportunity by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to host this important tournament, hence the need for us to take full advantage to qualify for the Hockey World League Round 2,” he explained.

He contended that hosting the tournament would also offer the sports fraternity the opportunity to better appreciate the players and the infrastructure at their disposal

On sponsorship, he said the GHA needed GH¢100,000 to host the tournament successfully, but with only a few days to begin the competition only Vodafone had offered them limited sponsorship.

In his address, Nii Vanderpuye commended the GHA for their selflessness in sustainining the interest of hockey in the country and assured of government’s support in their endeavours.

“The sacrifices that people have made in the development of the lesser sports, especially hockey, should be a catalyst for the government to support you to achieve greater heights,” he noted.

While thanking corporate bodies that had supported sports in various ways, he said their effort would not go waste because the government would respond appropriately to offer them tax incentives to motivate them to do more.

GhanaWeb



FIH announces nominations for upcoming Presidential and Executive Board elections

Vote will take place on 12 November


FIH President Leandro Negre is coming to the end of his term Photo: Nathan Ryan

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced the nominations for their Executive Board Member elections which will take place at the Hockey Revolution Part II Congress in November.

The vote will take place on Saturday 12 November 2016 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with five positions on the Executive Board to be voted in.

This includes the role of President, with Leandro Negre’s term in office coming to an end following the Spaniard’s eight year period presiding over the Federation.

Three candidates have been officially nominated by their National Association for this role. They include Australia’s Ken Read, India’s Dr Narinder Batra and Ireland’s David Balbirnie.

On the Executive Board, Members Mary Cicinelli from Canada and England’s Sue Catton will be standing for re-election while Netherlands Jan Albers and Pakistan’s Qasim Zia have chosen not to stand for another term in office.

This means that four positions as Ordinary Members of the FIH Executive Board will be elected at the Congress, or five if current Board Member Dr Narinder Batra is elected as President.

The female candidates in addition to Sue Catton and Mary Cicinelli are Danae Andrada from Uruguay and Hazel Kennedy from Zambia whilst male nominees are Eric Cornelissen from the Netherlands; Spain’s Santiago Deo; outgoing Athletes' Committee Chair Michael Green from Germany; USA’s Shawn Hindy and Tayyab Ikram from Macau.

Continental Federation Presidents will remain on the Board until their next continental elections. They include Egypt’s Seif Ahmed (Africa), HRH Prince Abdullah Shah of Malaysia (Asia), Netherlands Marijke Fleuren (Europe), New Zealand’s Pam Elgar (Oceania) and Argentina’s Coco Budeisky (Pan America).

They are supported by the Ordinary Members of the Executive Board, all of whom have another two years in office to complete their existing terms - Dr Narinder Batra (India), Marc Coudron (Belgium), Maureen Craig-Rousseau (Trinidad and Tobago) and Pamela Stuper (USA).

The FIH Athletes’ Committee is also represented on the Board, ensuring that athletes play an important role in determining the future of hockey. Departing Chair Michael Green from Germany will be replaced on the Board by incoming Joint-Chair Annie Panter from England.

The election of the FIH Executive Board will be part of the 45th FIH Congress on 12 November following several days of action packed activity in Dubai.

Executive Board and Continental Federation meetings will take place between 9-10 November in addition to the inaugural Turf and Field Forum for organisations involved in the FIH Quality Programme for Hockey Turf.

The Hockey Revolution Conference will then take place on Friday 11 November, providing updates on the latest news from the Hockey Revolution including an exclusive preview of FIH’s plans for the immediate future. This precedes the Hockey Revolution Awards Dinner later that night.

For more information about the upcoming FIH Hockey Revolution Part II Congress in Dubai, visit: http://www.fih.ch/inside-fih/fih-congress-2016.

FIH site



Ken Read to contest FIH Presidency

Holly MacNeil

David Hatt, president of Hockey Australia has released the following statement in response to the announcement by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) of the candidates to replace its outgoing president, Leandro Negre.

Australian Ken Read is one of three candidates officially nominated. The others are India’s Dr Narinder Batra and Ireland’s David Balbirnie.

The vote will take place on Saturday 12 November 2016 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates as part of the 45th FIH Congress.

David Hatt, president of Hockey Australia, said:

“Ken Read has been an outstanding servant to hockey for many years and in a multitude of guises.

“His influence has been felt throughout the sport, from his home state of Tasmania, across Australia and on the global stage through his roles with the International Hockey Federation.

“Hockey Australia endorses Ken’s candidacy to replace Leandro Negre as the FIH president.

“Our sport is fortunate to have three excellent candidates vying to lead it through the Hockey Revolution during this time of exciting change.”

Hockey Australia media release



India's Narinder Batra in line to become FIH president

LAUSANNE: In a significant development for Indian hockey, national federation chief Narinder Batra has been nominated as one of the three candidates for the all-powerful post of FIH president following the completion of incumbent Leandro Negre's tenure.

With Negre's eight-year tenure coming to an end, three candidates, including Batra, Australia's Ken Read and Ireland's David Balbirnie has been nominated by their respective national federations for the top post.

The new president and executive board members of the FIH will be elected during the Hockey Revolution Part II Congress on November 12 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

On the executive board, existing members Mary Cicinelli from Canada and England's Sue Catton will be standing for re-election while Netherlands' Jan Albers and Pakistan's Qasim Zia have chosen not to stand for another term in office.

This means that four positions as ordinary members of the FIH executive board will be elected at the Congress, or five if current board member, Batra is elected as president.

The female candidates in addition to Sue Catton and Mary Cicinelli are Danae Andrada from Uruguay and Hazel Kennedy from Zambia while male nominees are Eric Cornelissen from the Netherlands; Spain's Santiago Deo; outgoing Athletes' Committee Chair Michael Green from Germany; USA's Shawn Hindy and Tayyab Ikram from Macau.

Continental Federation presidents will remain on the Board until their next continental elections. They include Egypt's Seif Ahmed (Africa), HRH Prince Abdullah Shah of Malaysia (Asia), Netherlands' Marijke Fleuren (Europe), New Zealand's Pam Elgar (Oceania) and Argentina's Coco Budeisky (Pan America).

They are supported by the Ordinary Members of the Executive Board, all of whom have another two years in office to complete their existing terms - Batra (India), Marc Coudron (Belgium), Maureen Craig-Rousseau (Trinidad and Tobago) and Pamela Stuper (USA).

The FIH Athletes' Committee is also represented on the Board, ensuring that athletes play an important role in determining the future of hockey.

Departing Chair Michael Green from Germany will be replaced on the Board by incoming Joint-Chair Annie Panter from England.

The election of the FIH Executive Board will be part of the 45th FIH Congress on November 12 in Dubai.

Executive Board and Continental Federation meetings will take place between November 9-10 in addition to the inaugural Turf and Field Forum for organisations involved in the FIH Quality Programme for Hockey Turf.

The Hockey Revolution Conference will then take place on Friday November 11, providing updates on the latest news from the Hockey Revolution including an exclusive preview of FIH's plans for the immediate future. This precedes the Hockey Revolution Awards Dinner later that night.

The Times of India



Polytan partner with Hockey New Zealand



Hockey New Zealand is pleased to confirm an exciting new partnership with Polytan as preferred turf partner.

Polytan are leading the way in synthetic sporting surfaces and are well known for their passion and determination to strengthen and support the growth of hockey both locally and worldwide.

Polytan recently announced a seven year collaboration with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) as an official global supplier which sees them sole provider of hockey turfs for the 2018 and 2022 Hockey World Cups as well as for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

“We look forward to working closely with Hockey New Zealand to provide the highest quality hockey surfaces,” said Polytan New Zealand General Manager Cody Linton.

“These facilities will benefit all hockey players from grassroots to elite with the Black Sticks, and provide a strong platform of opportunities for the sporting stars of tomorrow.”

Hockey New Zealand CEO Ian Francis said it was an exciting partnership with an eye towards the future.

“We are delighted to confirm this partnership with Polytan, who are world renowned for their quality, commitment, innovation and professional approach, as was evident in the fantastic pitches on show at the Rio Olympics.

This partnership will support us in the delivery of our Hockey New Zealand 2020 Strategy and place us in good stead towards achieving our vision to become the world’s best hockey nation.”

Hockey New Zealand Media release

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