News for 15 October 2016
All the news for Saturday 15 October 2016
Holcombe prepare to face league leaders
Holcombe's Harry Trusler takes a shot. Credit www.hockeyimages.co.uk
After the drama of their Euro Hockey League exploits last weekend, there is no let-up for Holcombe as they face a tough clash with Men’s Hockey League Premier Division leaders Hampstead and Westminster on Saturday.
Having signed a raft of new faces in the summer, Hampstead are one of three teams who are unbeaten in the league, and top on goal difference. But a Holcombe win could see any one of five teams go top as the early Premier Division table continues to take shape.
“We were delighted with our performance in Europe last weekend,” said Holcombe president and first team manager Keith Martin. “It was just a shame that we were in such a tough group.
“We are at full strength for this weekend with the same 15 players, so we’re looking to continue to build on our form.
“With Hampstead having signed so many new players we’re never sure who we will be facing, and Kwan Browne is an excellent coach. But our coach Julian Halls is excellent too, so it should be a really good game.”
The team that beat Holcombe a fortnight ago, Wimbledon play host to Surbiton in Saturday evening’s other Premier Division match, with the division’s other games all on Sunday.
Third-placed Beeston entertain bottom of the table Canterbury, while East Grinstead will be looking to climb from their current position of fifth when they play Loughborough Students at Saint Hill Road.
Finally Reading – who clinched their first win last weekend – go to Brooklands MU in search of a second victory.
Leaders Southgate will be aiming to notch up win number five when they play host to a Wapping side who are still searching for their first win in the Men’s Conference East. And Sevenoaks – who trail Southgate on goal difference – head to Oxted on Sunday.
The only unbeaten side remaining in the Men’s Conference North, the University of Durham are at home against a Bowdon side who will be keen to keep their title aspirations on track.
Meanwhile, Preston and Doncaster could go top if the University of Durham slip up. Preston head to Cannock while Doncaster take on South Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Hallam.
Both unbeaten in the Men’s Conference West, third-placed Old Georgians entertain second-placed Cardiff & Met on Sunday. Elsewhere, leaders the University of Exeter are aiming to keep their 100 per cent record going at home against a Fareham outfit still looking for their first win.
FIXTURES – Saturday, October 15
Men’s Premier Division
Wimbledon v Surbiton 17:30
Holcombe v Hampstead and Westminster 18:00
Men’s Conference East
Southgate v Wapping 17:00
FIXTURES – Sunday, October 16
Men’s Premier Division
Beeston v Canterbury 14:00
Brooklands Manchester University v Reading 14:00
East Grinstead v Loughborough Students 14:00
Men’s Conference East
Oxted v Sevenoaks 12:45
Brighton and Hove v Cambridge City 13:00
Indian Gymkhana v Teddington 14:00
West Herts v Richmond 14:00
Men’s Conference North
Olton and West Warwicks v Oxton 13:30
Leek v Deeside Ramblers 14:00
Cannock v Preston 14:00
Doncaster v Sheffield Hallam 14:00
University of Durham v Bowdon 14:30
Men’s Conference West
University of Birmingham v Isca 12:30
University of Exeter v Fareham 13:00
University of Bristol v Cheltenham 13:00
Team Bath Buccaneers v Chichester 13:00
Old Georgians v Cardiff & Met 14:00
England Hockey Board Media release
East Grinstead test for leaders Holcombe
Pippa Chapman of East Grinstead. Credit Simon Parker
Leaders Holcombe face a tough clash with fellow unbeaten outfit East Grinstead in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday.
Having won three of their first four matches, Holcombe are a point clear at the top of the early table, but with four other teams within one victory of overtaking them they will be fighting for every point.
A late goal three minutes from time gave East Grinstead a draw at last season’s champions Surbiton last weekend, and they will be aiming to continue that form at Holcombe.
“We had a difficult battle against Surbiton last week, and we expect another pretty tough game this week,” said Tony Crisp, Team Manager at East Grinstead who are missing Olympic gold medal-winning star Laura Unsworth.
“But Holcombe will no doubt be without a few of their top names, and we’re going there full of optimism and anticipation. We’re still fairly inexperienced at this level, but we bolstered our team with one or two new names over the summer and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Surbiton are the other unbeaten side in the Premier Division so far this season, and they could go top of the table as they head to Canterbury, while Clifton Robinsons face a tough challenge as the University of Birmingham come to Bristol.
In the day’s other top flight action the bottom four teams face each other looking to get important points on the board. Reading, at the foot of the table host 7th placed Leicester and Bowdon Hightown in 8th are at home to Slough in 9th.
The two remaining unbeaten sides in the Investec Conference North, the University of Durham and Beeston are preparing to face each other on Saturday at the Nottingham Hockey Centre. Meanwhile, third-placed Brooklands Poynton make the short trip to Timperley as they bid to keep pace with the top two.
Similarly, Trojans and Stourport will play each other in the Investec Conference West on Saturday with both wanting to preserve their unbeaten runs. Elsewhere, leaders Olton and West Warwicks travel to Isca.
Investec Conference East leaders Sevenoaks travel Chelmsford in search of a fifth-straight victory, while Wimbledon – who climbed to second after last weekend’s win over Chelmsford – are at home against Cambridge City.
FIXTURES – Saturday, October 15
Investec Women’s Hockey League
Investec Premier Division
Clifton Robinsons v University of Birmingham 13:00
Reading v Leicester 13:30
Bowdon Hightown v Slough 13:45
Canterbury v Surbiton 14:00
Holcombe v East Grinstead 16:00
Investec Conference East
West Herts v St Albans 13:30
Wimbledon v Cambridge City 14:00
Harleston Magpies v Southgate 14:00
Chelmsford v Sevenoaks 14:00
Northampton Saints v Hampstead and Westminster 14:15
Investec Conference North
University of Durham v Beeston 12:00
Liverpool Sefton v Loughborough Students 12:30
Timperley v Brooklands Poynton 12:40
Wakefield v Belper 13:30
Sutton Coldfield v Ben Rhydding 14:00
Investec Conference West
Swansea City v Gloucester City 12:00
Isca v Olton and West Warwicks 12:00
Oxford Hawks v Bristol Firebrands 12:00
Buckingham v Exe 12:00
Stourport v Trojans 14:30
England Hockey Board Media release
Another big weekend in Scottish National League awaits
After a near miss in Europe last weekend Bromac Kelburne hope to use that experience to see off rivals Grove Menzieshill in this weekend’s top first division fixture on Tayside.
Gordon Shepherd, Kelburne`s coach, said: "Our intention is to continue to improve on the excellent performances of last weekend. Grove Menzieshill will be a tough game but I`m confident if we can produce the form we have already shown this season, we can come away with the three points."
With a full squad available Kelburne could present a difficult challenge for Grove Menzieshill`s aspirations for silverware this season. But the Taysiders` coach Chris Anderson brings his own statistic into the equation. "We were undefeated against them in the league last year, so we know we have the ability to beat them, but we know we`ll need to play very well to win."
Anderson`s charges have made a promising start to the campaign; they have clocked up wins over Western Wildcats and Edinburgh University, although they let slip a 3-0 lead against Grange to finish with a share of the spoils.
Ben Wilson returns and striker Paul Martin may also feature depending on a late fitness test, but Gavin Byers and Euan Cuthill are still missing.
However, it is newly promoted Watsonians who are in pole position after three games and this weekend they visit Hillhead to try and maintain that exceptional start.
The Edinburgh side have scored 16 goals so far in their three straight victories in the league, and have taken to National League 1 with ease. Last weekend however they succumbed 5-1 to Hillhead in the Scottish Cup, so this weekend’s big National League encounter holds a lot of promise for an exciting match.
Grange could move up from their present fifth position with a home win against a PSL Clydesdale side that have barely moved into a canter so far this season.
Even after only three games played the league is already taking on a top and bottom half shape, so the winner of the clash between Gordonians and Western Wildcats could make some progress up the ladder.
There is no doubting that the top attraction in the women`s competition is the Titwood clash between Milne Craig Western and visitors Edinburgh University.
"Hopefully we can win on Saturday, that`s the plan," said a confident Sam Judge, Edinburgh`s player/coach. "Games against Western are always quite open, but we have a lot of pace throughout the team, and that is a strength of ours."
There are plenty of lethal finishers in the Edinburgh ranks; Amy Brodie who got five against CALA last week, Becky Merchant, Sarah Robertson and Judge herself when required.
Western are at the top of the pile with three straight victories, but last weekend required a stirring comeback from 2-0 down to see off Dundee Wanderers by the odd goal in five.
Derek Forsyth, Western`s coach, said: "We feel we got closer to their level in the play-off matches last year. Our squad is stronger now so we are looking to build on these performances, it will be a good challenge for us."
Forsyth spent last year rebuilding the famous Glasgow side with the introduction of several younger players alongside experienced internationalists - it seems to be working with three straight victories in the women`s first division and 22 goals in the process. The Glasgow side are certainly piling in the goals this season with Jen Eadie, Fiona Bruce and Millie Brown the main contributors.
Forsyth said: "Our squad is stronger this year and we are looking to build on these performances, the game against the champions will be a good challenge for us."
There are a few niggling injuries in the squad which will require some late fitness testing. But Forsyth said: "Having a bigger squad this year helps as we have the cover if these players are not available."
The chasing pack will be hoping to progress further up the table, second placed Grove will be hoping to overcome Hillhead while Wildcats and Dundee Wanderers face Kelburne and Erskine Stewart`s Melville respectively. Meanwhile, CALA host Watsonians as both battle for some points this season to climb up the table.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Ross Stott retires from international hockey
Ross Stott
After 117 caps, 6 goals, 2 commonwealth games, and 5 Europeans, Scotland senior international hockey player Ross Stott has announced his retirement from international hockey.
Stott said it was a tough decision after many great years and moments representing his country, but felt it was the right time.
He has been playing for the senior men for 11 years and will continue playing club hockey for East Grinstead in England.
With many great memories playing for Scotland, Stott rates his best moments as earning his first cap against South Africa, scoring his first goal for Scotland which came against Italy, playing in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and every time he played for Scotland along with brother Niall.
Stott said: “I will miss wearing the Scotland top! I’d like to thank all the coaches that helped me develop as a player, and as a person, to get me to my goal which was to play for my country. Thanks to everyone involved in the national setup, especially those behind the scenes, and the players. Also to my fiancée Fran for supporting me the last two years and understanding why I had to go away a lot. Most importantly thanks to my mum and brother for helping me, supporting me, and sacrificing a lot for me.”
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Kenya Police, Strathmore Gladiators hunt for playoff slots
By BRIAN YONGA
Felix Mochama of KCA University (left) vies for the ball with Kennedy Siblieche (right) of Kenya Police during their Kenya Hockey Union Premier league match at City Park Hockey Stadium on October 9, 2016. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Former Kenya Hockey Union men’s Premier league champions Kenya Police and Strathmore University Gladiators will be looking to clinch the last two play-off spots in their respective pool matches this weekend.
Police take on Pool B leaders Greensharks at the City Park Stadium Saturday evening while the Gladiators will be away to Kisumu’s Bay Club Sunday afternoon in two of the 10 matches lined up this weekend.
Women’s champions Telkom Orange will look to regain top spot with victory in their two outings this weekend. They face Daystar University Saturday afternoon at City Park before tackling Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture of Technology (JKUAT) Sunday.
Police need just a point in the encounter to confirm their place in the knockout stage but coach Kenneth Kaunda wants his charges to win the match and top their pool.
Finishing first will see them avoid a clash with champions Butali Sugar Warriors who will top Pool A.
“We have won every match since we lost to Chase (Sailors) two months ago and we want to finish our preliminary matches with a bang by winning against Sharks,” Kaunda told Saturday Nation Sport Friday.
“Our defence will need to be alert because our opponents have dangerous players who can hurt us.”
Kaunda is likely to stick with the side that demolished KCA-U 6-2 last weekend meaning goalkeeper Martin Agesa, Sammy Oungo, Willis Okeyo, lethal forwards Calvins Kanu and Moses Cheplaiti will all feature.
Cheplaiti and Okeyo both scored twice against the students and will hope to replicate the same form against Sharks.
Sharks coach Ben Owaga expects a close encounter but has urged his charges to go for the three points.
“We have already qualified for the playoffs but we will approach the match just like a final, we want to finish on a high,” he said.
Alex Kubasu, who has been in ominous from with six goals this season, will lead the Sharks attack. They lead the table with 13 points with Police placed second three points behind.
Gladiators will secure qualification with a win and both USIU and Sikh Union Nairobi fail to win their respective matches this weekend.
The two-time champions will be wary of bottom-place Bay Club who are battling relegation. Gladiators are second in the pool, eight points behind runaway leaders Butali who were the first team to clinch a play-off spot.
“We will need to be alert at all times and be patient because Bay have a good record at home and will therefore want to prove a point,” Gladiators coach Meshack Senge said.
Orange could move five points clear at the top with victories in their two matches this weekend as they bid to win a record 19th title.
FIXTURES (All Matches at City Park Stadium unless stated)
Saturday:
Premier Women: Orange v Daystar – 12pm, Sliders v Vikings (2pm)
Premier Men: Nakuru v Sikh Union – (Nakuru) – 2pm, Western Jaguars v Wazalendo – 4pm, Kenya Police v Greensharks – 6pm
Sunday:
National Men: Wazalendo Youth v JKUAT – 9am, Kimathi University v Thika Rovers – 1pm
Premier Women: Orange v JKUAT – 11am
Premier Men : KU Titans v USIU - 3pm, Bay Club v Strathmore (Kisumu) – 3pm
Daily Nation
Orange out to regain top spot in hockey league
By Elizabeth Mburugu
Orange Telkom celebrate after scoring against Kenyatta University when they played premier ladies at Citypark on 02/07/2016. Orange scored 10-0. PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE
Telkom Orange return to action this weekend in hunt for maximum points in the Kenya Hockey Union women’s league title chase.
The 18-time national champions have two matches lined up and victory in both will see them leap to the summit of the table. Currently second on the log with 10 points from four matches they have no room for mistakes as they seek to defend their title.
However, the African queens are expected to have it easy when they take on bottom placed Daystar University this afternoon at City Park Stadium. Orange will capitalise on Daystar’s poor show that has seen them lose all their matches and conceding 20 goals and are yet to score after five outings. Their second tie will be against Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
Orange coach Josephine Ataro told Feverpitch they are determined to win both matches convincingly. "We have to make the best out of hese matches because the league is tightly contested and a slight mistake might cost us. The title race is still wide open and only the best will grab the top honours hence the need to up our game,’’Ataro said.
In another women’s tie, last year’s runners up Sliders play Vikings today. Sliders who played to a barren draw against United States International University of Africa denting their title hopes will be hoping to bounce back and register their third victory of the season.
In the men’s premier league contest former champions Kenya Police will play Greensharks in the battle to decide who tops pool B. Separated by three points a victory for second-placed Police will see them tie on 13 points with Sharks and only goals will be the difference between the two sides. Nonetheless, a victory for Sharks will see the law enforcers remain second and book a date with arch-rivals and reigning champions Butali Sugar Warriors in the knockout stage.
The Standard Online
EHL KO16 coming to Eindhoven
The Euro Hockey League (EHL) and the European Hockey Federation are delighted to announce HC Oranje-Rood, Eindhoven, as the hosts of the EHL KO16 which will take place from April 14 to 17, 2017.
The KO16 will be the first major event hosted by Oranje-Rood at their Eindhoven home since the amalgamation of 2015 EHL champions HC Oranje-Zwart and EMHC.
The venue hosted the climax of the 2013-14 EHL season but has since built a spectacular new clubhouse and an attractive new surface that will provide the perfect platform for the world’s best club hockey competition.
Speaking about the choice of hosts, EHL chairman Hans-Erik Tuijt said: “The EHL is delighted that we are able to make a multi-year deal with HC Oranje Rood for hosting the KO16.
“EHL have ambitions to grow all of the rounds of the competition and the size and scale of the venue will allow us to host a superlative competition.
“Alongside the main event, we have many plans for utilising the facilities at HC Oranje Rood, which are second to none, to engage all our hockey followers both young and old.
“The partnership with the club will also extend to the City of Eindhoven and Province Noord Brabant. This partnership will allow us to establish longer term deals with commercial partners to continue to build the EHL as a must-see event for hockey fans.”
Simon van den Boomen from HC Oranje Rood said: “We are proud to be the host of such a prestigious event. The teams and visitors can be sure that HC Oranje Rood will do its utmost to contribute to a spectacular EHL KO16 and KO8 event.”
The announcement comes soon after a hugely successful first EHL visit to Ireland with record breaking crowds enjoying the sensational hosting by Banbridge Hockey Club for ROUND1.
Banbridge qualified for the KO16 for the first time with a dramatic draw against Royal Leopold to eliminate the Belgian side. In addition, UHC Hamburg, reigning champions SV Kampong and Atlètic Terrassa also advance to the knock-out stages.
That quartet will join the 12 pre-qualified sides: HC Oranje-Rood (NED), AHBC Amsterdam (NED), KTHC Rot-Weiss Koln (GER), Mannheimer HC (GER), KHC Dragons (BEL), Racing Club de Bruxelles (BEL), Club Egara (ESP), Real Club de Polo (ESP), Wimbledon (ENG), Racing Club de France (FRA), WKS Grunwald Poznan (POL) and Lisnagarvey HC (IRL).
The draw for the EHL KO16 will be announced on November 18 with a match schedule and ticket sales to be announced shortly afterwards.
Euro Hockey League media release
Maryland field hockey needed overtime to beat an Ohio State team winless in the Big 10
By James Crabtree-Hannigan
Ohio State entered Friday's game against the Maryland field hockey team in last place of the Big Ten and searching for their first conference win. The Terps entered Friday's game tied for first place in the conference and ranked sixth in the country.
Yet after playing 70 minutes, the teams were tied. Maryland needed overtime to put away the Buckeyes, and Linnea Gonzales' goal in the seventh minute of the added period earned the Terps their fourth consecutive win.
Maryland outshot Ohio State 19-11 in regulation and earned eight corners to the Buckeyes' five. Ohio State, though, forced overtime and had a chance to score the golden goal a few minutes before Gonzales ended the game.
The Buckeyes earned a corner in the 73rd minute and put a shot on goal, but goalkeeper Sarah Bates made a stop to keep the game alive. Ohio State had another chance on the rebound, but that second shot went wide.
Four minutes later, the Terps had a penalty corner of their own. Defender Grace Balsdon sent a cross toward Gonzales, who buried a shot into the upper right of the cage to clinch a 2-1 victory.
Balsdon assisted on both of the team's penalty corner goals.
Carrie Hanks put the Terps on the board in the 27th minute, opening scoring after the Terps dominated play to begin the match.
Her score was the team's eighth shot of the game, and it had allowed the Buckeyes to take just three. It was the team's third penalty corner, while the Buckeyes had earned just one.
The team took the 1-0 lead to halftime, but the Buckeyes responded quickly after the break. Ohio State forward Irene Fritschy netted a fast break chance less than two minutes into the second half, tying the game at 1-1.
That score would last until the end of the second half as the Buckeyes kept the game — and the stat sheet — even. They were outshot 11-4 in the first period but narrowed that deficit to just 8-7 in the second, and matched the Terps with four corners.
Two of Ohio State's corner chances came in the final five minutes, but both of their shots were blocked and the game went to overtime. Then, after Bates stopped Fritschy's shot off the overtime corner, she couldn't put the rebound on target.
Gonzales took advantage a few minutes later and the Terps escaped Columbus with a tight, overtime win.
The Diamondback
Ramandeep, Akashdeep back for ACT
Manuja Veerappa
BENGALURU: Strikers Ramandeep Singh and Akashdeep Singh, who were initially rested for the six-nation Asian Champions Trophy, have been recalled to fill in for SV Sunil (wrist injury) and midfielder Manpreet Singh (groin injury). Defender Rupinderpal Singh has been named PR Srjeesh's deputy in place of Manpreet.
Keeping with the trend of experimenting with players' positions, chief coach Roelant Oltmans has moved forward Akashdeep to the midfield along with former skipper Sardar Singh who played in the frontline at the Rio Games. "We will always see what is best for the team. In this tournament, Sardar will play in midfield," reasoned Oltmans, as the team left for Kuantan, Malaysia on Friday night.
With a number of players in the side nursing injuries, Oltmans stressed on the need for injury management. "Sunil suffered this injury during the Olympics and it has come back again. With Manpreet too, it is a recurring injury. You have to be careful with them. Otherwise it becomes chronic and they could be out for a long time. The best decision in the interests of the players is to rest them."
With players like Pradeep Mor back in the squad and Affan Yousuf getting a big tournament opportunity, Oltmans pointed out, "It's good for them and for the development of hockey in the country. I'm curious to see how they perform."
The Times of India
Oltmans non-committal on continuing as coach
Roelant Oltmans.
Roelant Oltmans would not confirm if he had agreed to continue as chief coach of the Indian men’s hockey team but admitted that he would not hold the post of High Performance Director if he stayed on.
The Dutchman, who has been performing both roles since last year, was reacting to reports that Hockey India had offered him a contract extension till 2020.
“Let’s first wait until the signatures are there,” he said at the SAI here on Friday. “They’re not there yet. We are discussing and in case I remain I will only be chief coach.”
Asked if he wished to continue, Oltmans said: “We have been discussing that. There’s been a lot of improvement but the absolute performance is what matters.
“I told the boys after the Olympics: ‘It’s good that we’re getting a lot of compliments but it’s about winning medals in important tournaments.’That has to become more consistent.”
The Indian team for the Asian Champions Trophy will be without the injured duo of S.V. Sunil and Manpreet Singh.
“Sunil’s problem is a ligament in his wrist. He suffered this injury during the Olympics and it has come back again. Manpreet has a groin injury, which is also a recurring one. If you’re not careful with them they could become chronic ,” said Oltmans.
The pair will be replaced by Ramandeep Singh and Akashdeep Singh, with the latter set to play in midfield. Rupinderpal Singh, meanwhile, has been named vice-captain in Manpreet’s absence.
With V.R. Raghunath also missing through injury, the side will have to adapt its offensive and defensive routines at penalty-corners, Oltmans felt.
Word of praise
Oltmans had a word of praise for Affan Yousuf, who had promised much as a quick forward a few years ago before fading away. “He never fell off the radar,” the chief coach said.
“Some players have the talent but it takes a little bit of time before they are grown-up in the way they play. That’s something Affan missed a little bit. Now it looks like he understands that.”
The Hindu
Hockey India seeks fresh contract for Oltmans
Manuja Veerappa
BENGALURU: Hockey India High Performance Director and chief coach of the senior men's team Roelant Oltmans is all set to be with the team until the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Dutchman's contract is up for renewal early next year and Hockey India have written to the Sports Authority of India seeking a four-year extension.
But this time around, Oltmans', who took up the additional responsibility of a chief coach following the exit of Paul Van Ass in July last year, will be seen only in the role of a head coach.
Confirming the move, Hockey India president Narinder Batra told TOI: "We have written to SAI seeking an extension. Oltmans will be the chief coach and his role will include the development programmes. We haven't thought about the High Performance Director yet, we will approach it when the need arises."
On the contracts of the other coaches including women's chief coach Neil Hawgood, Batra stated, "Oltmans is the senior-most among the coaches, we will first get his contract cleared."
While Oltmans' was noncommittal on the contract issue, he confirmed that his role will be that of a chief coach. "Let's first wait until the signatures are there. It's under process. I have another three months before the contract expires. We are discussing and in case I remain then I will only be chief coach. That's correct."
Asked if he saw himself with the team until the 2020 Olympics, the Dutchman said, "We have been discussing that. There's no doubt."
The Times of India
Hockey India wants Oltmans as coach till Tokyo Olympics: Batra
NEW DELHI: Hockey India (HI) president Narinder Batra confirmed on Friday that he has written to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for extending men's team chief coach Roelant Oltmans' contract till the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Oltmans's contract is set to expire in January 2017. The Dutchman joined the Indian team as High Performance Director in 2013 and later took over as the head coach in August last year after as many as four of his foreign predecessors had been axed by HI.
Batra said the recommendation had been forwarded to SAI for their approval.
"Yes, that's true. We have written to the SAI for their approval for extending Oltmans's contract which expires in early 2017. We want him to continue as chief coach till Tokyo 2020," Batra said.
Under Oltmans, the Indian team reached new highs - the Champions Trophy silver in June besides bagging the bronze medal at the World League Final in December 2015.
While India's performance at the Rio Olympics this year was slightly underwhelming - a quarter-final loss to Belgium was not exactly the result that was being anticipated, the side is a more cohesive unit, with a robust core group of players.
The Times of India
Hockey, the poor man’s game in Telangana
It’s mostly the poor youngsters who take to the sport, says former India hockey captainN. Mukesh Kumar
S. Harpal Singh
Seeking support:Former India hockey captain N. Mukesh Kumar greeting a team during Telangana State Junior Inter District Hockey Tournament held in Adilabad recently.-Photo: By Arrangement
“In Telangana, it’s mostly the poor youngsters who take to hockey,” revealed former India hockey captain N. Mukesh Kumar. “They definitely need everything in terms of support for maintaining fitness,” he added, in support of his rather disturbing disclosure, as he watched youngsters battling it out in a match as part of the first Telangana State Junior Inter District Hockey Tournament at Adilabad’s Indira Priyadarshini Stadium a few days ago.
The Olympian wants the State government to extend support in the form of astro turf hockey fields and good accommodation for young players during training camps.
“We will look after the food part,” he asserted while referring to the 10-day training camp that is going to be held in Nizamabad for the players who got selected to the State junior hockey team after the tournament in question.
Mukesh Kumar, who is a selector for the State team, foresees great time for Indian hockey following the start of Hockey India League. He said good players can even make Rs. 60 lakh every season playing this league unlike in the past.
“This is a fact that needs to be spread among the youth by coaches so that they are attracted to the game. The youth should also feel proud of playing hockey for their country,” he pointed out.
The former Olympian stressed on the need for discipline among players, especially the younger generation. He said the current nature of play demands professionalism which includes discipline and fitness.
“It is amazing to see these two things among youth taking to hockey in European and other countries,” Mukesh Kumar said. “Their professionalism has the teams across nations playing to a single strategy rather than adopt different ones like we do here in India,” he pointed out.
In a somewhat surprising act, the State hockey selector has his daughter and son take to tennis and shooting respectively. “It was their choice,” he observed.
The Hindu
FIH and Commonwealth Games united in drive towards gender equality in sport
FIH and CFG joined together to reinforce their drive towards gender parity Photo: FIH/Getty
Following the Commonwealth Games Federation’s (CGF) summit in Edmonton, Canada last week, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and CFG joined together to reinforce their drive towards gender parity in sport.
Both organisations share similar visions when it comes to shaping the future of their organisations and promoting gender equality in sport.
A summit, held on 6 October in Edmonton, Canada, as part of the CGF’s three-day General Assembly, brought together sports leaders and stakeholders from across Canada and the Commonwealth’s 71 nations and territories.
Hockey is a strong sport in many of these nations, including Australia as the host of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
At the Summit, it was announced that for the first time ever in the history of a major multi-sport Games, there will be an equal number of medal events for men and women at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Seven additional women’s events and categories across Weightlifting, Boxing and Cycling were confirmed on to the sports programme.
Louise Martin CBE, Commonwealth Games Federation President, said on this occasion: “This is a significant step towards the realisation of the Commonwealth Games Federation’s vision for gender equality. I’m so proud that the CGF, GOLDOC, the Australian Commonwealth Games Association and our International Federation colleagues have worked together to close the gender gap in time for Gold Coast 2018 – and present an equal number of medal moments for men and women for the first time ever at a major Games.”
CGF has been looking to strengthen its partnerships with International Federations as part of their strategic plan ‘Transformation 2022’ of which many elements align well with FIH’s 10-year Hockey Revolution strategy.
Hockey already features a gender balanced programme in the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. However, one of the key goals of FIH’s Hockey Revolution strategy is to increase the degree of professionalism throughout all areas of the sport, which also implies to increase the number of female professionals and volunteers working in Hockey, be it on the field or in governance structures.
Taking the example of top level sports coaching roles, women are generally still in a minority, but FIH is one of the pioneering international sports bodies leading the way in redressing the balance.
At the FIH Hockey Academy courses that ran alongside the Hockey Champions Trophies in London in June earlier this year, of the 64 participants, 19 were women, many of them coming from Commonwealth nations.
This is thanks to the FIH Women in Elite Coaching Initiative which helps FIH to bring women coaches into the spotlight so that more can follow their example.
The FIH push for more females in top roles goes back to March this year when it launched its Pledge for Parity campaign as part of International Women’s Day. The project’s long-term aim is to increase the number of females coaching within the top 12 nations.
Regarding Technical Officials at this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio, FIH had one of the best gender balances of all International Federations (IFs), with a 50:50 split. Looking at the pure participation numbers in hockey, the sport is played by as many girls and women as by boys and men – be it at the recent Olympic Games in Rio, the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014, at regional, national or local levels.
Speaking about this shared vision, FIH CEO Kelly Fairweather said: “We are delighted that both our strategies are aligned in respect of gender parity. Hockey prides itself on being an inclusive, gender balanced sport, but we are making further steps to ensure women have greater influence in hockey. Seeing the support that other organisations, such as the Commonwealth Games, are providing in this area sends out a united message which our sport is proud to endorse.”
Gender parity will continue to play a hugely important part in both CGF’s ‘Transformation 2022’ plan and FIH’s Hockey Revolution strategy as both the Commonwealth Games and the sport of hockey strive to increase access to and participation in their events and sport.
For more information about CGF, visit their website.
Find out more about FIH’s Hockey Revolution on the FIH.ch.
FIH site
Hockeyroos ’Ride for Wheelbeing’
Holly MacNeil
Ash Nelson & Rach Lynch ride Perth to Albany
Hockeyroos Ash Nelson and Rach Lynch are leading a lycra-clad charge of 15 cyclists on a 725km+ ‘Ride for Wheelbeing’ from Perth to Albany, to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention charity, R U OK?
The two R U OK? ambassadors will peddle out of Perth on October 13 at 9am with fellowcyclists, including former West Coast Eagles star Chad Fletcher, former and current Hockeyroos Teneal Attard and Marnie Hudson and other keen supporters.
The ‘Ride for Wheelbeing’ team have already raised a whopping $10 000 via their fundraising page. The funds will be used to develop more school, workplace and community resources and toolkits for R U OK?
While none of the group consider themselves experienced cyclists, they look forward to reaching out to isolated communities to share an important message about checking in with family and friends who might be struggling with life.
Their itinerary will include hockey coaching clinics, school and community talks. The focus of the talks will be to highlight the importance of encouraging people to check in with mates and loved ones on a regular basis.
“Part of the trip will see us visit my hometown of Wagin,” Ash said. “As someone who grew up on a farm I know first hand how hard it can be for some people to open up and ask for help. Rural communities often lack resources and many just struggle on in silence.
“Death by suicide is particularly high in Western Australia and part of this trip will be about enabling these communities to support each other and check in more regularly.”
Rach agrees there is a real need to engage the townships of rural WA. “There’s a lot of farming communities and small towns that are really doing it tough. And while it’s been a big job pulling together 15 inexperienced, mis-matched people and trying to coordinate the logistics of the ride, I think we are going to achieve some really great things along the way,” she said.
CEO R U OK? Brendan Maher said he is inspired by the commitment of the Ride for Wheelbeing crew. “This is just another amazing example of Ash and Rachael’s dedication to R U OK?,” he said. “The work they have put into coordinating this ride is huge and I have no doubt they will connect with and inspire people in these rural communities, in the best possible way,” he said.
To donate to the ‘Ride for Wheelbeing’ go to: https://rideforwheelbeing.gofundraise.com.au/
When:
Cyclists will travel between the 13/10/2016 and 22/10/2016.
Where:
13/10: Leave Perth from Raffles Hotel at 9am.
Pinjarra Primary School visit and talk at 2.45pm
Mandurah Crossfit community evening and talk. 6pm
14/10: Bunbury Grammar Tony Brooker Pavilion, positive coaching sundowner event. 6pm
15/10: Bunbury Hockey Turf coaching clinic. 9 - 10:30am. (55 kids at present moment)
16/10: Narrogin Hockey Turf community talk and Q&A. 6pm onwards.
17/10: Narrogin Hockey Turf school talk/coaching clinic. 9:15am
17/10: Wagin Palace Hotel Q&A evening 6:30pm
18/10: Wagin District High School talk. 8:45 - 9:30am.
18/10: Kojonup community evening. 6 pm
21/10: Albany school talk Great Southern Grammar 2pm & GSSTA community event talk (Albany Hockey Turf). 4:30pm
Hockey Australia media release
HC stays trial proceedings against hockey player Sardar Singh
New Delhi: Delhi High Court has stayed the proceedings before a trial court here against former Indian national Hockey team captain Sardar Singh, facing allegation of sexual harassment made by his estranged girlfriend, an ex- British player.
"Further proceedings before the trial court shall remain stayed," Justice Vipin Sanghi said and issued notice to the former Under-19 British hockey player seeking her response on Singh's plea by January 6 next year.
The court has also sought the reply of Delhi Police on Singh's plea seeking stay on proceedings before a trial court which had allowed the woman's complaint seeking directions to the police for lodging an FIR.
Singh, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment, exploitation, mental, physical and emotional torture made by his estranged girlfriend, has submitted before the high court that the trial court did not give him a chance to be heard and no notice was issued before passing the order.
The woman had approached the trial court alleging that the police did not take action on her complaint against Singh.
The allegations levelled against Singh by the woman also includes charges of attempt to murder, causing miscarriage without consent and criminal intimidation.
In her complaint, she has alleged that the hockey player had established physical relation on the false promise of marriage and was also involved with other women.
She also alleged that Singh would beat her up, and refused to accept responsibility after she conceived and pressurised the complainant to undergo an abortion.
Singh had earlier denied all the allegations levelled against him by the British hockey player of Indian origin.
The victim had alleged that she met the captain during the 2012 London Olympics for the first time and later entered into a physical relationship.
The Times of India