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News for 13 October 2016

All the news for Thursday 13 October 2016


FIH confirms teams participating in Hockey World League Round 2 events



The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has confirmed which teams will participate in each of the Hockey World League Round 2 events taking place at six locations around the world between January and April 2017.

Round 2 will be played over three men’s and three women’s events, with eight teams assigned to each destination by the FIH Competitions Committee.

The first Round 2 women’s event will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 14-22 January. The teams aiming for qualification for the Hockey World League Semi-Finals and a shot at 2018 Hockey World Cup qualification are Ireland, Italy, hosts Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Fiji and Wales.

A couple of weeks later, a further eight women’s teams will take to the field in Valencia, Spain between 4-12 February. Hosts Spain will compete against Scotland, Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Ghana and one more team to be confirmed.

The third women’s event will be hosted in West Vancouver, Canada between 1-9 April. Teams taking to the field there will be India, Belarus, Canada, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Chile and France.

Men’s Round 2 begins in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where Canada, Oman, Egypt, hosts Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka, Ghana and Fiji will be playing between 4-12 March.

From 11-19 March Ireland will also host a men’s Round 2 event in Ulster, with a venue to be confirmed shortly. Hosts Ireland will welcome France, Poland, Ukraine, Italy, Wales, Scotland and Austria.

The last men’s Round 2 event takes place in Tunapuna in Trinidad and Tobago from 25 March until 2 April. There, Malaysia, Japan, Russia, hosts Trinidad and Tobago, USA, Barbados, Chile and Switzerland will take part.

Composed of four rounds (Round 1, 2, Semi-Finals and Finals) and played over two years, the Hockey World League shines a spotlight on the sport around the world. Even the smallest hockey-playing nations have the opportunity to write their own chapter in hockey’s history books.

A lot is at stake for teams participating in these Hockey World League Round 2 events. Whilst vital FIH Hero World Ranking points will be awarded depending on final standings, eight teams per gender will qualify for the Hockey World League Semi-Finals. These will be the top two teams from each event plus the two highest placed teams in the FIH Hero World Rankings of the teams that finish third.

Taking place next June and July, the Semi-Finals offer teams the chance to qualify for the Hockey World League Finals later in the year, plus the ultimate prize of 2018 Hockey World Cup qualification.

Tickets for the first of those, the men’s Hockey World League Semi-Final at London’s Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre (15-25 June) are now on sale and can be purchased by clicking here.

Fans can support their nation’s journey throughout the Hockey World League by following FIH on Twitter,Facebook and Instagram and visiting FIH.ch over the coming months.

#HWL2017 #MakeYourMark

Hockey World League & Hockey World Cup Information

FIH site



Pakistan's National Senior & Under 21 Hockey Squads Announced

After the 3-match trial series between Pakistan's national senior probables and the under 21 probables in Lahore from October 8-10, the final lineups of the two sides have been announced.

The matches were watched by the national selection committee, comprising Abdul Rasheed Jr (chairman), Farhat Khan, Waseem Feroze and Qasim Khan.

Both the sides have engagements in Malaysia.

The national team will be appearing in the 4th Asian Champions trophy in Kuanton, the state capital of Pehang, from October 20-30.

The under 21 side will be in action at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Johor Baru, from October 31-November 6.
 
NATIONAL SENIOR:
 
GOALKEEPERS: Imran Butt & Amjad Ali
DEFENDERS: Aleem Bilal, Muhammad Irfan & Ammad Shakeel Butt
HALVES: Rashid Mahmood, Tasawar Abbas, Niwaz Ashfaq, Fareed Ahmad, Toseeq Arshad & M. Rizwan Junior
FORWARDS: M. Irfan Junior, Umar Bhutta, Arslan Qadir, Ali Shan, Ejaz Ahmad, M. Rizwan Senior & Abdul Haseem Khan
Manager: Hanif Khan, Head Coach: Khawaja Junaid,  Assistant Coach: Ahmad Alam, Video Analyst: Nadeem Lodhi
 
NATIONAL JUNIOR (Under 21):
 
GOALKEEPERS: Ali Raza & Talal Khalid             
FULL BACKS: Atif Mushtaq, Hassan Anwar & Mubasshir Ali   
HALVES: Ammad Shakeel Butt, Abu Bakar Mahmood, Faizan, Junaid Kamal & Tazeem-ul-Hassan
FORWARDS: Shan Irshad,  Azfar Yaqoob, Muhammad Dilber, Muhammad Atiq, Bilal Qadir, Mohsin Sabir, Rana Suhail Riaz, Sami Ullah, Muhammad Rizwan &  Umar Hamdi
Manager: Brigadier (Rtd) Mukhtar Farani, Head Coach: Tahir Zaman, Assistant Coaches: Zeeshan Ashraf & M.Irfan, Video Analyst: Zahid
 
PHF Media release



India to play junior hockey tourney in Spain


Indian men's junior national Hockey team captain Harjeet Singh (centre) arrives at the Indira Gandhi International airport in New Delhi. File photo

The Indian junior men’s hockey team will participate in the four-nation International Junior Hockey Tournament in Valencia, Spain, from October 24 to 30.

The team will be led by Harjeet Singh and Dipsan Tirkey will be the vice-captain. Goalkeeper Vikas Dahiya, who was stand-by goalkeeper for P.R. Sreejesh at the Rio Olympics, will also feature in the team along with Suraj Karkera as the second goalkeeper.

The defence line-up will include Varun Kumar, who had an impressive outing in the Australian Hockey League (AHL) with seven goals, including a hat-trick, to his name. He will be joined by Gurinder Singh, vice-captain Dipsan Tirkey, Harmanpreet Singh, Hardik Singh and Anand Lakra.

The midfield will be formed by captain Harjeet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Santa Singh, Sumit and Shamsher Singh.

The forward line will be spearheaded by the talented Armaan Qureshi, who scored four goals in the recently concluded AHL alongside Manpreet, Gurjant Singh, Parvinder Singh, Ajay Yadav, Simranjeet Singh and Ajit Kumar Pandey.

Joining India in the tournament will be 2013 junior world champions Germany, whom they play in the opening game on October 24, along with Belgium and hosts Spain.

“The boys played their heart out in the Australian Hockey League and their performance was commendable. In Valencia, we will now meet some of the top junior teams like Germany, Belgium and Spain which should keep us in good stead for the Junior World Cup later this year,” India junior team coach Harendra Singh said.

“We have learnt a few things during the AHL and are in the process of ironing out the current challenges to emerge as strong as we can before we go to Lucknow for the Junior Hockey World Cup in December,” he added.

The squad:

Goalkeepers: Vikas Dahiya, Suraj Karkera

Defenders: Varun Kumar, Dipsan Tirkey (vice—captain), Hardik Singh, Gurinder Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Anand Lakra

Midfielders: Nilakanta Sharma, Harjeet Singh (captain), Santa Singh, Sumit, Shamsher Singh

Forwards: Armaan Qureshi, Gurjant Singh, Manpreet, Parvinder Singh, Ajay Yadav, Simranjeet Singh, Ajit Kumar Pandey.

The Hindu



‘Trusted warrior’ Lakra back on his feet

Shreedutta Chidananda


Birendra Lakra. PHOTO: Shreedutta Chidananda

If not for an anterior cruciate ligament injury in February, Birendra Lakra would have played in his second Olympic Games this year.

The timing of the injury was cruel but Lakra does not wish to dwell on the pain of the past. “Of course it hurt a little to miss the Olympics,” he says.

“It was a fact that I was injured. Yet, I tried to come back. I even got a chance in Valencia but because I was not fully fit, I could not go to Rio. It hurt a bit. But you have to forget all that and look ahead.”
Immense relief

It is to his — and the Indian team’s — immense relief that Lakra is back to full fitness. Later this month, the 26-year-old defender will take part in the Asian Champions Trophy in Malaysia, a proper return to action after a long time out.

“I’m excited to be back,” he says. “I want to contribute the same way I used to before.

“If you keep thinking about the injury, you’ll never be able to play.”

If there is delight at Lakra’s return among his colleagues, there is also admiration at the manner he and Shrikant Iyengar, the team physiotherapist, went about his rehabilitation process.

“It’s a credit to Biru and Shrikant’s dedication and hard work that he recovered so soon,” says Roger van Gent, the team’s Strategic Coach.

“Normally, it takes six to nine months for a player to recover from an ACL injury but he was back on the pitch inside four months. He spent six to eight hours on his rehab every single day, even on Sundays. And it helped that he was in the camp, in this team environment, all along.”

Hockey India sanctioned an allograft, which allowed a tendon (from a cadaver) to be imported from the U.S. and grafted in.

“Normally, they cut a tendon from our own hamstring and use it,” says P.R. Sreejesh. “That would have added another month to the process, because then two places would have had to heal.”

Lakra underwent surgery in Mumbai in March. Then began a race against time, to have him ready for the Olympics.

By June, Lakra was back on the pitch. The six nations tournament in Valencia was the defender’s big test, but it was clear there that he was not going to be fully ready in time for the Games. “Being fit is one thing; being match fit is another,” says van Gent.

“We were just a month away from the Olympics. And for the sake of his own career, we couldn’t afford to let him get injured again.”
Fortunate

Lakra is merely grateful to be back doing what he loves. “I was fortunate that Shrikant was the Ranchi Rays physio when I was injured during the HIL,” he says.

“He was able to handle the rehab process from the beginning. Otherwise, I would have lost some more time.”

His captain is pleased. “I missed him in Rio,” Sreejesh says. “He’s one of our trusted warriors.”

The Hindu



‘Every captain in the future has to stop’: van Gent


Roger van Gent.

The Indian men’s hockey team’s Strategic Coach, Roger van Gent, believes all captains have a limited shelf life.

Asked at the SAI here if Sardar Singh could ever return as full-time captain, van Gent said: “Every captain in the future has to stop. There is a moment. I don’t know when or why but it’s a normal process in sport. You’re the captain and you get to a moment when some other guy stands up, a young player becomes a senior. It’s a normal process.”

India named Manpreet Singh as the vice-captain for this month’s Asian Champions Trophy in Malaysia. The 24-year-old half-back took over from S.V. Sunil as P.R. Sreejesh’s deputy. The idea behind it, Van Gent stated, was to create more leaders in the team.

“Since this process of rotating captains started in the team, you see the players also grow,” the Dutchman said. “You give more responsibility to one player, he thinks he has to work harder, become smarter and show keenness to impress the coach. It’s working well.”
Praise for Sunil

Sunil had improved a great deal after being appointed vice-captain, van Gent felt.

“The moment he became vice-captain, I saw him grow,” he said. “I always found him to be a great player and striker. The whole world likes to see him that way. But making him vice-captain made him more responsible for the team.

“He’s a leader at the moment and a leader by example, especially in difficult matches. He has to be responsible as to who will start the move, who will take the ball ahead and who will penetrate the circle when the opposition defence is really good.”

van Gent was full of praise for India’s junior team, which finished fourth in the Australian Hockey League on Sunday.

“They were excellent and maybe exceeded expectations,” he said. “It’s a pity they came fourth and not third because a medal is always good. I know the competition there (in Australia) and I have trained many of those teams in the Netherlands. They are strong. And you have to be a strong team to compete and play in a semifinal (in that league). It’s a big achievement. It’s a big boost to their confidence ahead of the Junior World Cup.”

The Hindu



Stalwart Kayla Whitelock confirms retirement



Black Sticks Women’s veteran leader Kayla Whitelock has confirmed plans to retire from international hockey.

The 30-year-old thought hard about her future following the Rio Olympic Games, where the Black Sticks were beaten by Germany in a gut-wrenching bronze medal match, deciding now is the right time to focus on the next step in her life.

Whitelock [nee Sharland] made her New Zealand debut in 2003 and over a career spanning 13 years, played 255 tests and scored 63 goals.

She was part of four Olympic campaigns (Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016), three Commonwealth Games (Melbourne 2006, Delhi 2010 where the team won the silver medal and Glasgow 2014 which produced a bronze), along with two World Cups in 2010 and 2014.

Whitelock took some time away from hockey following the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, in a break which saw the birth of her first daughter Addison with husband George.

She made a comeback early this year in preparation for her final Olympic campaign, captaining the Black Sticks within one game of a medal in Rio.

“After my last game in Rio I was emotional and quite disappointed not to come away with a medal. Following some time back home with family I’ve made the decision to officially retire,” she said.

“George and I are looking at having more children as well as spending time with Addison. It’s been a great career and I want to thank everyone who has been there from the start especially my sponsors like TK, Asics, Skins, Balance and also Sir Owen Glenn who has helped really raise the profile of hockey.

“I’m really thankful to have been a part of the team for so long and also for the wonderful friendships I have developed over the years.”

 Black Sticks Women’s coach Mark Hager said Whitelock would be difficult to replace in every way.

“Kayla will be missed not only as a player but also as a person and for her leadership on and off the turf. Not only is she well respected on the domestic and international stage but she will go down as one of the greatest Black Sticks of all time,” Hager said.

“Her motto was ‘it’s not about the number of games you play, but the quality of your performance every time you wear the singlet’ and she certainly lived by that in every one of her 255 games.

“Kayla encompassed a game built on both defensive and attacking skills, and was an immensely talented player who could win games up front or save them in the back half. A superb hockey player but also a true sportswoman, mentor to many and a great friend to all who crossed her path.

“Personally I cannot thank Kayla enough for how she welcomed me into the Black Sticks whanau eight years ago. She gave me and all the girls a belief and inspiration to trust that we could achieve a lot of firsts along the way. I wish her, George and Addison all the best for their futures.”

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Whitelock hanging up her stick

By David Leggat


Kayla Whitelock has decided to walk away from the Black Sticks. Photo / Getty

New Zealand's most influential women's hockey player of the last decade, Kayla Whitelock is hanging up her stick.

Whitelock, 30, hinted strongly after New Zealand's defeat in their bronze medal playoff at the Rio Olympics in August that was it for her. Confirmation came tonight.

She played 255 internationals, scoring 63 goals as a dominating midfield presence for the Black Sticks. Only five players have scored more goals for the Black Sticks.

In football parlance, Whitelock would be known as a box to box player, a resourceful defender and formidable attacker, and a significant influence in New Zealand's rise to their current fifth ranking.

She took part in four Olympic campaigns, three Commonwealth Games, winning silver and bronze medals, and two World Cups.

Whitelock stepped aside after the 2014 Commonwealth Games for her the birth of here first child, Addison with husband and former All Black George Whitelock, but returned for the Rio Games.

Her debut was in 2003 and her career ran parallel with her good friend, Emily Gaddum, nee Naylor, who retired recently as the country's most capped women's international with 274 caps.

"After my last game in Rio I was emotional and quite disappointed not to come away with a medal," Whitelock said. ''Following some time back home with family I've made the decision to officially retire.

"George and I are looking at having more children as well as spending time with Addison. It's been a great career."

Black Sticks coach Mark Hager, who formed a strong working relationship with Whitelock, paid tribute to her contribution.

"Kayla will be missed not only as a player but also as a person and for her leadership on and off the turf," Hager said.

''Not only is she well respected on the domestic and international stage but she will go down as one of the greatest Black Sticks of all time."

The New Zealand Herald



Graham Reid to leave Kookaburras

Paul Gaudoin interim Head Coach

Author: Holly MacNeil



Kookaburras Head Coach Graham Reid has announced that he will not seek to renew his contract with the men’s national team when it concludes on December 31 this year.

Former Kookaburra Reid, 52, will relinquish his position immediately after two years as the program’s Head Coach during which time he saw the Kookaburras through the Rio Olympic Games, as well as winning the 2016 Champions Trophy, the 2015 World League Final and the 2015 Oceania Cup.

During his time as Assistant Coach or Interim Coach, Reid helped the Kookaburras to a bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games, along with two World Cup gold medals, two Commonwealth Games gold medals, five Champions Trophy’s and three Oceania Cup’s.

The Kookaburras have maintained a number one world ranking through-out the duration of Reid’s two year tender. Reid announced his decision to national squad athletes and his coaching team earlier this week.

Reid said of the decision: “I have decided that after 8 years with the Men’s Program, six as Assistant Coach and two as Head Coach, that it is the right time for a change in direction for both the program and myself. This has been a tough decision and I respect Hockey Australia giving me time to consider all options.

“It has been a great privilege to be involved with such a successful team as the Kookaburras. The staff and athletes I have worked with over those 8 years have given me great support and I have loved my time with the program. My passion for the Kookaburras, the sport and its future success will always remain.

“I would also like to thank my family and close friends who have made countless sacrifices and unconditionally supported me through this fantastic journey.”

Hockey Australia Chief Executive Cam Vale commented: “Graham has made an enormous contribution to the success of the Kookaburras over his 8 years as Assistant Coach, Interim Coach and national Head Coach.

“On behalf the board, staff and athletes I can’t speak highly enough of Graham as a person, as well as being a world class coach who has had great success. We respect Graham’s decision and wish him the best for the future in whatever path he chooses to take.”

Vale also advised that the process for replacing Graham will be announced in the coming days, with Reid to relinquish his coaching duties and serve out the remaining months of his contract assisting with the interim arrangements and review process of the last four year cycle being conducted with the AIS.

During his time as a player for the Kookaburras, Reid scored 30 goals in a 130 game international career; competing at two Olympic Games including winning a silver medal at the 1992 Barcelona Games, winning bronze at the 1990 Lahore World Cup and competing in nine Champions Trophy’s.

Kookaburras Assistant Coach, Paul Gaudoin will serve as the Interim Kookaburras Head Coach for the period across the trans-Tasman Series and International Festival of Hockey which will take place in November.

Graham Reid has chosen not to make any further comment at this time.

Hockey Australia media release



Chris Clements Steps Down as Head of the Men’s Program



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Following 8 years of commitment to USA Field Hockey, 6 years specifically with the Men’s Program, Chris Clements, U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach is stepping down from his role within the organization effective as of January 1, 2017. Recently, he led the USMNT at Hockey World League Round 1 in Salamanca, Mexico to an undefeated record, clinching a berth into Hockey World League Round 2. Clements and the players, had an almost 90 percent success rate (win or tie) against teams ranked below them and a 30 percent (win or tie) against teams ranked above from 2012-2016. Clements also achieved the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey Academy certification as an FIH (Elite) coach this year. He has also been a part of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) National Team Coach Leadership Education Program working with other head coaches from across the USOC coaching family for the past 18 months.

Beyond the USMNT, Clements has worked with various regions to increase the opportunities for boys and men to play as part of a focus to create a sustainable and productive regional model that will allow more players to progress through the player pipeline both regionally and nationally.

“We are hugely appreciative of the contribution Chris has made to the men’s program during a significant period of time and to each and every athlete and team he has worked with,” said Simon Hoskins, USA Field Hockey’s Executive Director.

The USMNT strategic direction will continue as planned with a stronger regional emphasis. This balances a focus for the junior and senior national teams and equally for developing a robust male pathway. The regionalization approach further heightens the program’s opportunity to develop premier talent for the international stage. USA Field Hockey will announce details of the search process for new staff leading the program in the near future.

“I would like to thank the players for their willingness to commit so much to the program and the journey they have been on,” said Clements. “There is a lot of unfinished business with this player group and I am confident in their future success. It has not been easy, but I feel that the experience gained will have a lifelong impact and legacy for the current and future players based on the decisions and direction we traveled. Beyond the players, it is the staff who volunteered so much of their time to work within our program. Without this volunteerism we would not have been able to provide such quality coaching across the program with both the Senior, Junior and Regional squads. Special mention to the Junior and Senior National Team’s Rutger Wiese, Jason Reynolds, Brian Schledorn, Nate Franks, Phil Edwards and Peter Gorka for their time and commitment. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute with the program and wish the players and USA Field Hockey all the best for future success. I also wish to thank those who have been particularly active in various regions throughout the country to help grow the game. Ben Maruquin, Shawn Nakamura, Kathy Schiller, Mike Whitehead, Paul Lewis, Gabby Lewis, Rutger Wiese, Chris Pothier, Ben Howarth, Joey Civico, Kevin Barber, Alex Grassi, Steve Danielson and Pat Cota, have given countless hours to provide further opportunities for boys and men. Another special thank you goes to the USA Field Hockey Mens Foundation and the USA Field Hockey Booster Club as well as the sponsors and donors to the program."

USA Field Hockey thanks Clements for his dedication to the USMNT program and boys' development within the sport in the United States.

USFHA media release



Hockey girls learn from the best

Local school hockey players got the opportunity to learn from SA hockey players and coaches at the weekend.

Lauren Walford


SA U21 women's hockey coach, Lindsey Wright with Alli Hanger (Thomas More College), Kayler Hulett (Ashton International College), Jodie Connoly (The Wykeham Collegiate) and Amba Brown (Durban Girls' College).

GIRLS from Port Natal Junior School, St Henry’s Marist Brothers’ College, Maris Stella School and Durban Girls’ College got the opportunity to learn from SA hockey players and coaches at the weekend.

This was part of the Investec Hockey Academy’s courses held at St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls in Kloof.

Local girls learnt skills from SA men’s hockey player Wade Paton, SA women’s hockey player Kelly Madsen, SA U21 women’s hockey coach Lindsey Wright, and SA women’s hockey coach Sheldon Rostron .


SA women's hockey coach, Sheldon Rostron with Britney Nel (Durban Girls' College), Lee Piggott (St Mary's Diocesan School for Girls) and Georg Post (St Mary's Diocesan for Girls).

Berea Mail



Current management not responsible for 'irregularities' committed in past: PHF

By Muhammad Yousaf Anjum

LAHORE: Pakistan Hockey Federation secretary Shahbaz Ahmed senior has said that federation’s current management was not responsible ‘financial irregularities’ in the past, saying the people currently at the helm of affairs are spending money wisely.

He was commenting on the Auditor General of Pakistan’s recently released 2015-16 audit report, which revealed major irregularities in the PHF between 2010 and 2011.

The report states that five senior hockey team officials, i.e. Ahmed Alam, Danish Kaleem, Muhammad Akhlaq, Shahbaz Junior and Dr Asad Abbas, who travelled with the contingent to Bangladesh, received their reward for winning the 2010 South Asian Games, “twice”. The PHF withdrew the amounts on March 22, 2011 and June 1, 2011.

Meanwhile, during the World Cup 2010, the PHF sanctioned Rs1.2 million in February to allow a 48-person delegation travel to India for the team’s participation in the mega event.  Interestingly, most of the people who travelled to India were neither players, nor experts or journalists.

“What happened in the past does not concern us,” Shehbaz senior told Express News on Wednesday. “We are responsible for happenings in the present era. We are getting grants, which are being spent with utmost care, and on record.”

The PHF secretary in 2010-11 was former Olympian Asim Bajwa. He was not available for comment.

The Express Tribune



EHL signs deal with ELEVEN SPORTS NETWORK



ELEVEN SPORTS NETWORK has today signed a multi-year agreement with Mediapro to bring the Euro Hockey League and EuroHockey Championships to fans in Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Singapore and Taiwan.

As part of the agreement, ELEVEN will showcase LIVE and EXCLUSIVE action from the next five seasons of the Euro Hockey League – and the men’s and women’s 2019 and 2021 EuroHockey Championships – with the 2019 edition set to take place in Antwerp, Belgium.

Hockey has increased in popularity in Belgium after the men’s national hockey team won silver at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, and every fan across the country will now be able to watch LIVE and EXCLUSIVE action via the ELEVEN SPORTS platform.

“This agreement is a significant milestone for ELEVEN as it means we will bring hockey to our fans in all our markets for the first time,” says Danny Menken, Group Managing Director, ELEVEN SPORTS NETWORK. “Hockey is an exciting, fast-paced sport which is full of skill and flair, and we are sure hockey fans will love following all the action from these two world-class competitions.”

“After a fantastic EHL first round in Banbridge with record breaking crowds, the EHL is proud to welcome yet another key broadcast partner, which proves the strength of club hockey in Europe,” says Hans-Erik Tuijt, Chairman, Euro Hockey League. “This partnership with ELEVEN means even more hockey fans will be watching the world’s best club competition around the world.”

The Euro Hockey League, which was introduced by the European Hockey Federation at the beginning of the 2007/08 season, aims to develop club hockey at the international level and provide a boost to the global development of the sport. Since its introduction, hockey has become one of the five most popular team sports across the globe.

“We are pleased to partner with ELEVEN and bring these two fantastic competitions to fans in five more countries,” says Marijke Fleuren, President, European Hockey Federation. “After the brilliant performance of the Belgian men’s national team at Rio 2016, Hockey is hot in Belgium right now. We are sure that the staging of the 2019 EuroHockey Championships in Antwerp, which serves as a qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will be a particular hit not only with the Belgium fans, but fans across the globe.”

Sports fans in Belgium will be able to follow every pass, tackle and goal online via the ELEVEN SPORTS platform, and enjoy LIVE and EXCLUSIVE entertainment on Proximus TV, Telenet, VOO, Orange, SFR and RTL, with the action available in Luxembourg on Tango TV, Orange and RTL.

In Poland, the network’s three channels, Eleven, Eleven Sports and Eleven Extra, are available on a total of 58 platforms (cable operators, direct-to-home and online streaming) across the country, including the ELEVEN SPORTS platform, nc+, Cyfrowy Polsat, UPC, Vectra, Multimedia Polska, INEA, TOYA, Orange, Netia, player.pl and IPLA, with some of the network’s premium sports content available on sport.pl, onet.pl and wp.pl.

While in Singapore, the network’s channels are available on ELEVEN SPORTS, Singtel TV, StarHub Go, Toggle and M1, with the action available in Taiwan via the ELEVEN SPORTS platform and on ELTA.

Euro Hockey League media release

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