News for 16 September 2016
All the news for Friday 16 September 2016
Pakistan versus Oman: International hockey at home for Colts
By Nabil Tahir
Hockey players train at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore, Pakistan. PHOTO: REUTERS
KARACHI: Pakistan will get its first taste of international hockey in six years when the Oman U18 team turns out at Lahore’s National Hockey Stadium today to play their Pakistani counterparts as part of the Pak-Oman U18 Hockey Series.
The Middle Eastern side arrived in Lahore yesterday and had a training session in the evening to get used to the local conditions. Pakistan U18, on the other hand, have been training since last week and seem more prepared for the series.
As per Shahbaz Senior, the secretary of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), the first of the four-match series will be played today during the day, while the follow-up game will be played tomorrow under floodlights.
The series will then resume after a day’s rest, with two back-to-back matches scheduled on September 19 and 20.
“We have also arranged a dinner for both teams on their day of rest so that they can interact with each other. This will not only boost the team’s confidence but also aid the revival of hockey in Pakistan and help us attract more players to the game,” said Shahbaz
“This series will be really helpful for both the teams and we hope that a massive crowd will come to witness the matches as the entry is free,” he added.
Moreover, Shahbaz revealed that the series will serve as a warm-up for the fourth Boys Under-18 Asia Cup, which begins in Dhaka, Bangladesh from September 24.
The Express Tribune
Pakistan-Oman Junior Hockey Series begins at NHS today
LAHORE: Pakistan youngsters will take on Oman's juniors in their first encounter of the four-match series at the National Hockey Stadium Lahore here on Friday (today).
"The series between the two countries will also see return of international hockey to the country after six years," a spokesman for the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) said on Thursday.
He said the Oman Hockey Federation had requested the PHF for a series with their juniors. "We agreed to play the series against them prior to the Boys Under-18 Asia Cup. We are sure this series is going to provide much needed practice to our youngsters ahead of the important event," he added.
Two of the four matches will be played at night under floodlights. "A wonderful action packed outdoor entertainment awaits sports lovers in the city of Lahore and adjoining areas," he added. The official said that the federation was trying its best to provide all necessary facilities and practice to the youngsters as it believed they were the real asset of the country.
The 4th Boys Under018 Asia Cup Hockey, to be held under the auspices of the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), will roll into action on September 24 at Dhaka, Bangladesh. Seven teams, split into two pools will be vying for the continental cup crown in the youth meet.
Hosts Bangladesh have been placed in Pool A alongside India and Oman, while Pool B is comprised of Pakistan, China, Chinese-Taipei and Hong Kong.
South Korea and Malaysia, who are winners and runners-up, respectively of the last edition of the tournament held in Singapore in 2011 are not participating in the event this time.
Pakistan will play their first match against Chinese-Taipei on September 24, while in their second contest they will clash with China on September 25. They will play their third match of against Hong Kong on September 27. The final of the event will take place on September 30.
Schedule
1: September 16 (starts 4:30 pm)
2: September 17 (starts 8:00 pm)
3: September 19 (starts 4:30 pm)
4: September 20 (starts 8:00 pm)
The Daily Times
'We are happy to visit Pakistan"- Oman Under 18 Hockey Manager
Members of Oman Under 18 Hockey Team on arrival at Lahore
Oman's under 18 hockey team reached Lahore this evening to play a 4-test series against their Pakistani counterparts. All matches to be played at the National Hockey Stadium, Lahore, beginning from tomorrow.
Soon after the arrival, visiting team's manager Mr Mohammad Abdullah Al-Batrani told the media,
"We are very happy to visit Pakistan. Playing against a strong team like them so close to the Boys under 18 Asia Cup (starting from September 24) will be the best preparation for Oman.
Oman Hockey Association is grateful to the PHF for accepting our request.
'In fact, Oman/Pakistan hockey relations have a long history. Pakistan greatly helped us when we were getting ready for our maiden appearance in a big event, the 1982 Asian Games. Oman's national team had two month training in Karachi. We surprised everyone by finishing as high as 6th at those Asian Games.
That cooperation has continued ever since. Oman hockey is grateful to Shakir Munir, a former junior Pakistan international . Shakir, who is accompanying the squad, has rendered great service as Oman's goal keeper coach for last so many years. Presently, he is also working as the international coordinator with the OHA.
He was instrumental in arranging this tour. Only last month, he had arranged a match on Pakistan's independence day between the Oman's national side and the star studded PIA from Pakistan.
In addition, a number of Pakistani hockey stars, mostly internationals, have been appearing in Oman's domestic events, the H.M.Cup and the League."
Speaking on the occasion, on the behalf of the PHF, World Cup winner Naveed Alam, Director PHF Development & Domestic, welcomed the Omani team and wished them a happy stay in Pakistan. He further said, "PHF's endeavour to bring international hockey to Pakistan has finally been successful. This should encourage other countries also to send teams to Pakistan. That, along with already enhanced activity at all the levels, junior, senior and women, should go a long way in the revival of the sport in the country."
All the four tests will be played at the National Hockey Stadium, Lahore.
Schedule:
16 September: 4.30 pm), 17 September: 8.00 pm (under flood lights)
19 September: 4.30 pm), 20 September: 8.00 pm (under flood lights)
Oman officials:
-MOHAMMED ABDULLAH AL-BATRANI (Team Manager)
-YOUSUFI DARWISH AL SIYABI (Head Coach)
-YOUNIS DARWISH AL SIYABI (ASISTANT COACH)
- SHAKIR MUNIR (GOALKEEPER COACH)
-RAED ABDUL SHARIF BAIT MARJAN (ASISTANT MANAGER)
-ASIM DAWOOD SIDDIQ (ASISTANT GOALKEEPER COACH)
Oman Players:
ZUHAIR AZHER AL-RASHDI, IBRAHIM NASSER AL HASNI, ASAMA KHAMIS AL-SHIBLI,
SULTAN ALI AL SHIBLI, ADNAN KHALIL AL HASANI, AMIR AHMED AL MASHARI,
ABDULLAH AWADH BAIT FARAJ ALLA, FAISAL SAIF AL HADHRAMI, MARWAN KHAMIS AL HAMMADI, TAHA HUSSAIN AL BALUSHI,ABDUL HAMID ABDALLAH AL NOUFALI, MOHAMMED SULAIMAN AL NOUFALI, HAMED ABDULLAH AL HASANI, ASEEL AMIN BAIT TAYSIR, FAHAD HASSAN AL LAWATI, AKRAM ASHOOR BAIT SHAMAIAA, RASHAD SALIM AL FAZARI, MOHAMMED SALIM AL ADHAM
Pakistan U18 squad to face Oman
Goalkeepers:
Waqar Younis & Adeel Rao
Fullbacks:
Amjad Ali, Rizwan Ali & Waqas Ahmad
Halfbacks:
Junaid Rasool, Moin Shakeel (Vice Captain), Adil Lateef & Junaid Manzoor (Captain)
Forwards:
Awais Arshad, Khairullah, Shahzaib Khan, Ahmad Nadeem, Ali Aziz, Afraz, Waqar Ali, Naveed Alam & Abdullah Babar
Standbys:
Awais Rasheed, Farhan Younis, Mohibullah, Roman Khan, Syed Zain Ejaz, Arsalan Haider, Murtaza Yaqoob, Amjad Rehman & Zulqarnain
Manager & Head Coach: Kamran Ashraf
Coach: Mudassar Ali Khan
PHF media release
Southland snatches dramatic victory in National Senior Women's Hockey tournament
SCOTT DONALDSON
The Southland women's hockey team won the national hockey tournament in Whangarei. SOUTHLAND WOLVES N FOXES
The Southland women's hockey team won the national hockey tournament in Whangarei.
Southland have won the National Senior Women's Hockey tournament in Whangarei.
They claimed the title after a tight gold medal encounter against Canterbury.
Scores were locked at 0-0 at fulltime, before the match went to a penalty shootout.
Southland dominated the shootout to clinch a 3-1 victory.
Kendall Holland, Dayna Holland and Celia Dickie were successful for the southerners.
Margot Willis scored for Canterbury.
Tasman clinched third place in the eight-team tournament with a shootout win over North Harbour.
Scores were locked at 3-3 at the end of play, as Tasman claimed a thrilling 4-3 win.
Goalkeeper Tessa Hewlett, Aimee Heaps, Megan Winslow and Dayna Holland were selected for the tournament team.
Stuff
Ford NHL finals day schedule confirmed
Photo: www.photosport.nz
The Ford National Hockey League finals match-ups have been confirmed following Round 7 at the Whangarei ITM Hockey Centre.
The Women’s K Cup final will see the Canterbury Cats go up against North Harbour at 1:00pm, while Auckland and Midlands play for bronze at 9:30am.
In the Men’s Challenge Shield final the Canterbury Cavaliers battle it out with Midlands at 3:00pm, following North Harbour against Central Mavericks in the bronze medal match at 11:15am.
Both Men’s and Women’s finals and bronze medal matches will be broadcast LIVE on SKY Sport 4 throughout the day.
The Canterbury Cats secured their place in the women’s final after defeating Midlands 3-2 in a nail biting clash which saw Midlands needing a win to make it into the top two.
Midlands played a strong first half and went into the break leading 2-0 following goals from Kim Tanner and Susie Gilbert.
But the Cats flexed their muscles in the second half and scored three unanswered goals through Anne Mackechnie, Hannah Hill and Jackie Eden to ensure a first place finish with 21 points at the conclusion of round robin.
Auckland earned themselves a chance to play for bronze with a dominant 6-1 result against the Central Mysticks.
Samantha Harrison and Madison Doar both netted doubles for Auckland while Julia King and Melissa Simpson also scored. Tyler Lench scored the lone goal for Central.
In Men’s results, Midlands held on under late pressure to defeat the Canterbury Cavaliers 3-2 and snatch a place in the final over North Harbour, based on a superior number of outright wins.
Midlands opened strongly and raced out to a 2-0 advantage thanks to penalty corner goals from Adriaan Stolk (3rd minute) and Joseph Lyons (41st minute).
Canterbury pulled one back late in the third quarter through Dominic Newman before Midlands opened a 3-1 buffer with Stolk scoring his double in the 47th minute.
Nick Haig slotted home from a penalty corner for Canterbury soon after but the Cavaliers were unable to find an equalising goal, setting up a rematch with the title at stake tomorrow.
The Central Mavericks secured their place to play for bronze after downing Auckland 3-1 to hold on to fourth place at the end of round robin.
Defending champions the Capital Cobras had early moved into contention for bronze with a 9-2 victory against hosts Northland, before the Mavericks powered back in their game.
Matt Young starred for Central with a brace of goals while Martin Atkinson added another to move up to first equal top goal scorer at the tournament going into finals day.
The 2016 Ford National Hockey League is proudly supported by the Whangarei District Council and Trillian Trust.
CLICK HERE for full results, standings and goal scorers
FORD NHL ROUND 7 RESULTS – WOMEN
Canterbury Cats 3: (Anne Mackechnie, Hannah Hill, Jackie Eden)
Midlands 2: (Kim Tanner, Susie Gilbert)
Auckland 6: (Samantha Harrison 2, Madison Doar 2, Julia King, Melissa Simpson)
Central Mysticks 1: (Tyler Lench)
Capital 3: (Felicity Reidy, Aniwaka Roberts, Caitlin Procter)
Northland 2: (Kelsey Eaton, Laura Douglas)
BYE: North Harbour
FORD NHL ROUND 7 RESULTS – MEN
Midlands 3: (Adriaan Stolk 2, Joseph Lyons)
Canterbury Cavaliers 2: (Dominic Newman, Nick Haig)
Capital Cobras 9: (Jared Jones 2, Martin van Liemt, Stephen Jenness, Oliver MacIntyre, Steven Crossett, Ollie Logan, Benedict van Woerkom, Phil Roper)
Northland 2: (Sanjay Smith, Luther Cronin)
Central Mavericks 3: (Matt Young 2, Martin Atkinson)
Auckland 1: (Daniel Panchia)
BYE: North Harbour
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Canterbury chasing double delight in finals
By David Leggat
Canterbury will chase a dose of double delight when they contest both finals at the national hockey tournament in Whangarei tomorrow. Photo / Ron Burgin.
Canterbury will chase a dose of double delight when they contest both finals at the national hockey tournament in Whangarei tomorrow.
Both teams finished top of the men's Challenge Cup and women's K Cup, even though the men lost their final round robin game against Midlands, 3-2 today. Adriaan Stolk (two) and Joseph Lyons got the decisive goals for Midlands.
That result enabled Midlands to bump North Harbour into third and so they will face Canterbury again tomorrow.
The Canterbury women will play North Harbour, who had an anxious wait today, when they had the bye and had to hope the Canterbury result against Midlands went their way.
It did, Canterbury winning 3-2 with goals from Anne Mackechnie, Hannah Hill and Jackie Eden.
Midlands will be kicking themselves, having led 2-0 at halftime through Kim Tanner and Susie Gilbert.
Canterbury beat Harbour 1-0 in their round robin game earlier in the week, however midfielder Erin Goad, a former national junior representative and development squad player, believes there were important lessons to take out of that Canterbury loss.
''You always learn a lot more from a loss than a win. We have sat down and looked at those parts of the game we can do better," Goad said.
''We've gained quite a bit during the week in terms of implementing what we are trying to achieve. Hopefully we can finish it off tomorrow."
Auckland's miserable men's tournament ended in a 3-1 loss to Central, and are left playing off for fifth place tomorrow. Daniel Panchia got their goal while Matt Young, with two, and Martin Atkinson score for Central.
Shorn of their internationals, along with the other teams, as they have been given time off after the Olympics, the defending champions were well off the pace, nabbing only one win in the campaign.
The big winners of the day, at least on the scoreboard, were Capital, who thumped Northland 9-2, with eight players getting goals, Jared Jones striking two of them.
The bad news for Capital was that the win put them, for a short time, into the third-fourth playoff, only to be overtaken by Central.
Shorn of their internationals, along with the other teams, as they have been given time off after the Olympics, the defending champions were well off the pace, nabbing only one win in the campaign.
The Auckland women are chasing third in the playoffs today after a 6-1 over Central today, with two goals apiece for Madison Doar and Sam Harrison.
National league results:
Final round:
Men: Midlands 3 Canterbury 2, Capital 9 Northland 2, Central 3 Auckland 1.
Standings: Canterbury 16 pts 1, Midlands 16 2, North Harbour 16 3, Central 15 4, Capital 13 5, Auckland 5 6, Northland 0 7.
Playoffs today: (for 5th-6th) Auckland v Capital; (for 3rd-4th) North Harbour v Central; (for 1st-2nd) Canterbury v Midlands.
Women: Canterbury 3 Midlands 2, Auckland 6 Central 1, Capital 3 Northland 2.
Standings: Canterbury 21 pts 1, North Harbour 17 2, Auckland 15 3, Midlands 14 4, Capital 5 5, Northland 4 6, Central 3 7.
Playoffs today: (for 5th and 6th) Capital v Northland; (for 3rd and 4th) Auckland v Midlands; (for 1st and 2nd) Canterbury v North Harbour.
The New Zealand Herald
Canterbury on track to do National Hockey League double in Whangarei
ROBERT VAN ROYEN
Canterbury Cats captain Jenny Storey will attempt to lead her team to their first national title since 2002 on Saturday. John Davidson
Canterbury is just a couple of games away from doing the National Hockey League double.
Both the Cavaliers and Cats have qualified for Saturday's men's and women's finals in Whangarei, with the Cavaliers up against Midlands and the Cats against North Harbour.
The Cats last won the K Cup in 2012 but the men haven't been crowned Challenge Shield champions since 2005, also the last time the title was won by a team outside of the North Island.
Canterbury`s Nick Haig scored one of his team's two goals against Midlands on Friday. David Rowland/Photosport
While the Cavaliers had already secured top spot and a place in the final before their final round-robin game on Friday, a 3-2 loss to Midlands, the Cats needed to overturn a two-goal deficit against Midlands to secure a spot in the women's decider.
Their thrilling 3-2 comeback win saw them also finish on top of the standings, having won five out of their six matches to notch 21 competition points.
Down 2-0 at halftime, the Cats were under the pump before they stormed back to win it with goals from Anne Mackechnie, Hannah Hill and Jackie Eden.
Hill equalised with a lovely deflection from a penalty corner nine minutes from time, before Eden netted the winner a few minutes later.
"It was just about playing with pride," Cats assistant coach Sue Innes said. "I thought our first half was a bit sluggish and we allowed them to take the game to us and put us on the back foot.
"At halftime, it was about our Canterbury pride and getting back into our short-passing game we've been doing all week and supporting each other. That's what happened and we came through - it was awesome."
The Cats beat North Harbour 1-0 on the back of a solid defensive performance earlier in the week, but they will be refreshed for the final having had the past two days off.
"We are expecting a really, really hard-fought match. The results during the week make no difference now. It's just a one off final game," Innes said.
Cavaliers coach Andrew Hastie said he was "naturally disappointed" with Friday's 3-2 loss against the side his team will meet in Saturday's final, but did admit to tinkering with players' game-time to help keep them fresh for his team's first appearance in the final since 2007.
Midlands, which needed to win the match to make the final and deny North Harbour a place in the championship match, scored early and led 3-1 late in the final quarter.
However, Cavaliers captain Nick Haig dragged his team to within a goal 13 minutes from time, but Canterbury couldn't find the equaliser to force a shootout.
Hastie said his team enjoyed plenty of possession but needed to improve their finishing inside the circle if they were to end their title drought.
The women's final is scheduled for 1pm and the men's at 3pm.
Stuff
All the best
SAPURA Hockey Club are poised to lift the Malaysia Hockey League Premier Division League title, provided they do not fumble against Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) at the Batu Buruk Stadium Friday.
After THT, Sapura have Maybank to beat on Sunday to realise their dream of winning the League title -- which they last won in 2005.
"It has been too long since we laid our hands on a title, and the Alagendra Cup on Tuesday was a welcome relief.
"We last won the Overall title in 2006, and the League in 2005 and are in a good position to realise our dream.
"From the two opponents, I believe THT will be the hardest to beat as we meet them in their own den in Batu Buruk (Kuala Terengganu)," said Sapura coach Yahya Atan.
Sapura beat Tenaga Nasional 2-1 in the Alagendra Cup final, which was a cracker until the final whistle.
"It was a good final, as all my players gave their very best and I believe they will do the same in the remaining two League matches as well," said Yahya.
Yahya's men lead Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) by a point, while double champions THT are two points adrift of the leaders.
"This is the most crucial weekend for all teams as the margin is very close and while we will aim to collect full points against Sapura and then Tenaga on Sunday, we will also be keeping our fingers crossed that the two teams above us drop points," said THT coach Sarjit Singh.
FRIDAY -- Premier Division: Maybank v UniKL (Malacca, 6pm), Tenaga v Kuala Lumpur HC (KLHA, 6pm), Terengganu HT v Sapura HC (Batu Buruk, 5.30pm).
SUNDAY: Terengganu HT v Tenaga Nasional (Batu Buruk, 5.30pm), Kuala Lumpur HC v UniKL (KLHA, 8pm), Sapura HC v Maybank (Tun Razak, 6pm).
Division One: Quarter-finals First Round: TNB Thunderbolts v Nur Insafi (KLHA, 8pm), SSTMI v ATM Airod (SSTMI, 6pm), UiTM-KPT v Ipoh City Council (Tun Razak, 6pm), Politeknik v BJSS (Taman daya, 5pm).
PREMIER DIVISION
P W D L F A Pts
SAPURA 8 6 0 2 14 11 18
KLHC 8 5 2 1 25 11 17
THT 8 5 1 2 22 14 16
UNIKL 8 2 1 5 8 12 7
MAYBANK 8 2 1 5 16 30 7
TENAGA 8 0 3 5 14 21 3
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Magee and Bann to make hometown proud as Round1 comes to Ireland
Banbridge’s most famous son Eugene Magee is hopeful his club can put on a show that the “whole town can be proud of” as they become the first Irish venue to host a Euro Hockey League event on October 7th to 9th.
Magee is among the home club’s star attractions, playing a key role in Ireland’s rise in the world game. His drag-flick put the green machine on course for a European Championships bronze in 2015 while his midfield performances helped power the island to a first Olympic berth in 108 years.
On the club front, Magee has also made waves, winning an EHL bronze with KHC Dragons in 2012 while he also lined out for HGC in the maiden season of the world’s best club competition.
But Banbridge has “always been my home”, adding that “even when I was playing abroad I always had a special connection to the place.”
And he is looking forward to another marquee day in the Co Down club’s history. Based half an hour away from Belfast and an hour north of Dublin, it is a real hockey-town, with the local school Banbridge Academy providing a strong link to the club.
Indeed, Bann is one of a unique few clubs in Ireland that compete at the top level despite not being based in a major city. As such, their support for the local parish is seldom equaled.
“It will be a great day for hockey in Banbridge,” Magee says of that situation. “We have hosted Irish Hockey League finals in previous years and created a great atmosphere for both supporters and players so really looking forward to the EHL.
“We have always been a passionate club; we play with a lot of heart and I think the supporters appreciate that. Other sports in the local area tend to come to support us too like golf, soccer, hurling and cycling.
“We hope that this EHL will be a spectacle that the whole town can be proud of and if the Irish hockey league finals that we've hosted are anything to go by, it should be!”
As for his own EHL history, he says that the tournament has played a “special” role in his career, playing with Dutch finalists HGC and Belgian bronze medal winners KHC Dragons.
“The EHL in HGC was pretty special for me. It was the first time I had played professional hockey. HGC hosted and put on a great show. Playing with legends like Bram Lomans was a great experience.
“I made a decision to go play in Australia in the second part of the season so missed out on playing in the finals [and eventually a silver medal].
“Dragons had some world class supporters following us through our EHL venture. Every EHL experience was made special by them. In 2012, it was a pretty difficult year for me, Ireland just missed out on going to the Olympics but the EHL immediately after that gave me a new goal and I was delighted to have achieved a medal with a great team.”
And now he gets to make new memories with Banbridge in front of his home crowd. They are in a really tough group with a strengthened Saint Germain and a Royal Leopold team who have also added star quality.
“Both will be a tough test for us. The French teams have previously been very good and played with a fast tempo but also very physical. The Genestet brothers will be ones to watch out for on that team.
“Leopold already had a quality side and the addition of Glen Turner will be something that we will have to manage but I think with the talent we have in Banbridge we will put up a good fight.”
Euro Hockey League media release
Holcombe enjoy productive Hamburg warm-up tour
Holcombe enjoyed a hugely productive tour to Hamburg last weekend as they build up to the new English season and their debut in the Euro Hockey League In Banbridge from October 7-9, 2016.
They traveled without some of their key men as Barry Middleton finally got to enjoy his honeymoon following the Olympics having got married last January. Iain Lewers, meanwhile, came home from the Olympics with pneumonia and is about two weeks away from a return.
Ashley Jackson was also unavailable but they still put in impressive performances. On Friday, they drew 2-2 with UHC Hamburg with goals from Rob Field and Luke Smithard and 1-1 with Atletic Terrassa, Sam Ward on the mark – both games were played on a 35-minute format.
With an enlarged panel on Saturday, they got the better of UHC 4-1 with Ward netting twice while James Stedman and Nick Bandurak also scored.
On Sunday, they fell 3-2 to Club an der Alster with the German club getting the winner in the closing 20 seconds while Bandurak netted two times to bring his tally to three for the weekend.
It was a productive weekend all told for the squad who start their English league campaign on Saturday against Surbiton. From last season’s panel that won the regular season title, Holcombe have added South African international Jonty Robinson while Australian Under-23 international James Day will arrive once his state team commitments are complete.
On the debit side, Nick Catlin has registered with East Grinstead for the upcoming season while Brazil’s Stephane Vehrle-Smith and George Lilley have also moved on.
Euro Hockey League media release
Nicola Pluta looking to lead field hockey
By Elizabeth Harvell
Freshman forward Nicola Pluta from Moenchengladbach, Germany, has already made her mark on the No. 11 ranked Wake Forest women’s field hockey team.
The team captain for the 16-under girls German national team, Pluta has already scored nine points this season (as of Sept. 14) Coming off of a season-high 22 shots in their 6-0 victory over Davidson Tuesday, Sept. 13, at Kentner Stadium, Pluta led the Demon Deacons with seven shots, three of which were on goal. The Old Gold & Black sat down with Nicola to talk to her about the season so far.
How are you adjusting to your freshman year at Wake Forest?
It’s going pretty well. I really like this school, so it’s not that difficult to adjust. There’s a lot of people helping me, and I have my team around me, so the adjustment has been quite easy.
How are you adjusting to the U.S. coming from Germany, and what has the transition been like for you?
It’s not that different. I expected it to be more different. Actually, because I live on campus, it’s quite international, so I don’t really know what life is like in America. I only know the campus life, but so far, it’s quite good.
What are you most looking forward to both on and off the field this year?
On the field, I am looking forward to the big games and the NCAA championship.
I would like to win a title with this team. I was really looking forward to the UNC game, which we unfortunately lost. But the spirit of the game was so special. UNC is so close to Wake Forest, so it was a different game compared to any other game I’ve played so far. You could just feel that everyone wanted to win the game. That was quite special and impressive.
Off the field, I’m excited to meet people and to get to know a different lifestyle compared to the German one.
Why did you choose Wake Forest?
Wake Forest combines academics and field hockey pretty well. I don’t know if there’s another school where I can play field hockey at this high level and receive great studies. That’s why I was interested in Wake Forest. Then I started to get to know the coaches, and when I first Skyped them I was like, “Okay, I’m coming to Wake Forest.” It’s one big family, and I just felt like this would be the right place for me for the next four years.
You’re had a large offensive impact so far this season. What does it feel like to have such a big impact on your team as a freshman?
I didn’t expect it. When I first came here, I didn’t expect that I would perform so well. The whole team is doing such a great job. If the rest of the team didn’t stop our opponent and get the ball, then we couldn’t score on the attack.
It’s a great team, and I feel so proud to be a part of it.
What are your goals for yourself this season, and what are your goals as a team this season?
For myself, it’s to find my place on the team and to play a steady season.
For the team, I can’t say, because I don’t really know our opponents yet, but I would be so happy if we made it to the championship and reached the finals.
The Wake Forest Field Hockey team takes on Syracuse at home at 12:00PM on Sunday, Sept. 18.
Old Gold and Black
Dhanraj ‘powers up’ Yuvraj Walmiki’s home
The incident was recalled by Pillay at an event organised by the NCP’s youth wing in Mumbai.
Hockey player Yuvraj Walmiki inside his shanty in Marine Lines, Mumbai. File photo: Vivek Bendre
For over three decades, the Indian hockey player Yuvraj Walkimi’s house had no electricity, but a brief visit by legendary Dhanraj Pillay to a Maharashtra Minister ensured that power reached his home within three hours.
The incident was recalled by Pillay at an event organised by the NCP’s youth wing on Wednesday evening.
“I am telling this for the first time. In Walmiki’s house, almost for 35 to 40 years, there was no electricity. At that time, Ajit dada (Ajit Pawar) was in the Maharashtra Government. I went to meet him along with Yuvraj, and within three hours, after I left Ajit Dada’s office and came home, there was electricity in (their) house,” said the 48-year-old four-time Olympian.
Yuvraj (26), who comes from a humble background and grew up in Mumbai, was a member of the Indian team that won the 2011 Asian Champions Trophy. He also played for India in the 2014 World Cup.
Yuvraj’s brother Devinder was a member of the Indian hockey team, which played in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Ajit Pawar is a senior NCP leader and held various portfolios, including energy, in the Congress-NCP Government which was in power in Maharashtra from 1999 to 2014.
At the occasion, Olympians from Maharashtra — Dattu Bhokanal (rowing) and Nashik—based Kavita Raut (track and field) — were felicitated for representing India at the last month’s Rio Olympic Games.
The kin of Devinder Walmiki, tennis player Prarthana Thombare and steeplechase specialist Lalita Babar (who took part in the Rio Games), received the felicitation on their behalf.
The Hindu
Ex-international hockey player depends on paddy farming to eke out a living
Divya Dubey
RAIPUR: Former international hockey player Vincent Lakra, who represented India in 1978 World Cup at Buenos Aires, Argentina, is now struggling to adjust to life beyond the turf in a remote tribal village in Chhattisgarh where he does a mono crop paddy farming to feed his family of 11 members.
Hailing from Sithraa village in Dharamjaigarh block of Raigarh district, Lakra was in the team which had won the test match against Pakistan before the 1978 World Cup. The player, who was the part of team India that played matches in Holland, England and Pakistan, now lives a secluded life in the remote tribal area.
"Lakra was one of the best central forwards in the team that played 1978 World Cup in Argentina. His energy level was tremendous and he never used to get tired on the ground ", former Indian hockey player and Coach Balbir Singh Dosangh told TOI over phone from Chandigarh.
Lakra, recalling his friendship with famous film star Sunil Dutt said, "Being a sports lover, Dutt was very friendly with me during my glorious days. Once, he asked me to settle down in Mumbai but I could not do so as I had to return to my native village Dharamjaigarh to support my family. Since 1984, I am living here at my village". "I played many matches for Bombay Gold Cup, Aga Khan Cup of Pakistan and Murugappa Gold Cup in Chennai." Lakra added.
"I started playing at an early age and subsequently got selected for the 1970 Commonwealth Games but unfortunately I could not put on the Indian jersey at that time. I represented India in the 1978 World Cup. Finally, in 1984 I hung up my shoes", emotional Lakra said.
Lakra said, after playing 14 years at domestic and international level, he was expecting some financial security from the then (united) Madhya Pradesh government and later from Chhattisgarh government.
"Right now we are struggling to meet ends and do not have adequate sources of income to give our children proper education or even provide them basic amenities. I don't even have a pakka (lintel) house to live. I get a pension of Rs 5,000 from the state government but that is not enough to support a family of 11 members," he told TOI. "To increase my earnings and make my family financially independent, I wanted to try my hand in coaching and for that I talked to senior authorities but failed to turn the things in my favour."
"At present state Government is promoting Hockey at very high level they had conducted the World Hockey League matches in Raipur and invited me for the inaugural ceremony," he said.
Ramesh Sharma - a veteran journalist from Pathalgaon in Jashpur district, who witnessed the glorious days of Lakra and the fame he got in this region after international events, said in 2003 the then union minister for sports and youth welfare Uma Bharti had announced that a first astro-turf hockey stadium would be built in Jashpur in recognition of Lakra's contribution towards the hockey. "But this did not move further".
When contacted, state sports and youth welfare secretary Sonmoni Borah told TOI that " the state government is in the process of revising the policy to honour veteran sportspersons who played in Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and other national/international events. "At present, state is providing a pension of Rs 5000 to Vincent Lakra. We are trying to enhance the facilities to be provided to internationals like him and the guidelines for the same are being revised by the state government," he added.
The Times of India
Teja... A life devoted to sports
By S.S Dhaliwal
He was easily identified as he always used to wear white turban and pants.
Serious and stern looking on the exterior but a man with such humility, warm hearted and friendly is the best way to describe Master Teja Singh Dhaliwal who passed away in Malacca on Thursday.
The 79 years old suffered a heart Attack at his home and breathed his last at the Malacca General Hospital.
Teja had undergone a by-pass operation in May this year and really never recovered from it.
My early introduction to a man that I later on admired upon learning more about him was at the Malacca Sikh Temple where Teja volunteered his services, also serving as the Treasurer in 2009/2012 especially during the annual prayers for Sant Sohan Singh Ji.
During my playing days I used to wonder who this gentleman was, always donning white pants, trade marks of his umpiring of Hockey and Cricket playing days.
A history teacher at Malacca High School, Teja also represented Malacca in both Hockey and Cricket and went on to become a Hockey coach that help mound the careers of players like Tam Chiew Seng, Tan Kam Seng, K. Embaraj, Lim Chiow Chuan, Chin Boon Ghee, Wallace Tan, , Sewak Singh, Tam Chew Meng even dating back to the years of Dato Dr. Mahinder Singh.
The MHS Hockey team held for years the record of defeating the Gurney School 36-0 in a Malacca schools Hockey tournament.
Former international umpire V. Sasidharan had the privilege of playing under the tutelage of Teja in Cricket for the government services tournaments.
"His managerial and human relation skills is something that I always admired and still hold on to as he taught me a lot, " said Sasidharan.
Teja was also credited with teaching history classes with distinction, often opting for story telling to make it more interesting for his students.
MHS had the proud record of being the best school in terms of History grades in the Lower Certificate of Education and Senior Cambridge exams with over 80 per cent scoring distinction when Teja was there.
Teja is the elder Brother of former international Harnek Singh and Brother in law of former MHF Umpires Board Chairman Lt. Col (R) Narinder Singh.
Rest in peace Sir and may the gates of heaven welcome this great personality as he meets his maker.
Good bye Teja, you will be missed but we will all remember you with sweet memories.
Pls be inform Late Master Teja Singh funeral will be held on Saturday 17/9/16 @4pm.. Cottege leaves residence 5204 C Taman Muhibbah Klebang @3pm to Jelutong Crematorium
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey