News for 09 November 2016
All the news for Wednesday 9 November 2016
McMaster Secures Victory For Green Army On Debut
In the second match of the series, in bitter conditions in Glasgow, the Green Army snatched a final minute victory courtesy of debutant Jessica McMaster.
Ireland started the brighter with 2 penalty corners in quick succession but Zoe Wilson’s strike and Katie Mullan’s drag flick were well defended by Scotland to keep the game 0-0 in the opening minutes. Scotland appeared happy to back off on the press, allowing Cliodhna Sargent to drive forward and distribute the ball at will. Grace O’Flanagan wasn’t called into action until the 23rd minute when she palmed away a shot resulting from a Scottish PC. Both sides were dealt green cards within a minute of each other as the half wound down and the Green Army earned their third penalty corner thanks to superb link-up between Lena Tice and Sinead Loughran, but the resulting shot was again well defended by Scotland the sides went into halftime 0-0.
Ireland again started the half strongly as Chloe Brown found herself 1 on1 with Lucy Camlin in the Scottish goal but Camlin made a strong save to deny the Green Army the opening goal. Moments later, Scotland built up a period of attack earing a penalty corner but the ever-reliable Mullan cleared any danger. Some of the paciest members of the Green Army Nicci Daly, Emily Beatty, Gillian Pinder and Loughran all caused the Scottish trouble as Ireland appeared to move up a gear with shots fired across goal and Camlin forced into more saves. But the first goal fell to Scotland as a close range shot from Heather Lang left O’Flanagan with no chance. As Ireland pushed for an equaliser they found themselves down to 9 players as Brown and Mullan received yellow cards within a minute of each other. However as soon as their 5 minute penalties were served and parity was restored Lena Tice drew her side level as she converted Ireland’s fourth PC of the game in the 64th minute. A last gasp attack by Jessica McMaster, earning her first senior international cap, saw her also score her first senior goal in the dying moment of the game to snatch victory for Ireland.
Congratulations Jessica McMaster on earning her first cap and scoring her first goal!
Ireland 2 (Tice, McMaster)
Scotland 1 (Lang)
Starting XI: G O’Flanagan, O’Byrne, Sargent, Brown, Tice, Pinder, Watkins (Captain), Daly, Upton, Russell, Wilson
Subs: Cassin, McMaster, Mullan, McCay, Beatty, Loughran, Maguire
Scotland Match Series:
Sunday 6th November Scotland 0v2 Ireland 6pm Titwood
Tuesday 8th November Scotland 1v2 Ireland 5pm National Hockey Centre, Glasgow
Wednesday 9th November Scotland v Ireland 12.30pm National Hockey Centre, Glasgow
Irish Hockey Association media release
Late winner snatches victory for Ireland over Scots women
By Justin Bowie
Becky Ward, Scotland
It was disappointment for Scotland women in Glasgow as Ireland came from behind to score a dramatic late winner and secure a 2-1 win.
Heather Lang sent Scotland into the lead 14 minutes into the second half, however Elena Tice equalised for Ireland with five minutes remaining, and Jessica McMaster made it 2-1 with just half a minute to go.
The first half was a subdued affair, with neither side creating too many clear-cut chances. Ireland arguably had the better of the half, and looked threatening from a couple of penalty corners.
Rebecca Condie came closest for Scotland in the first half, forcing the Ireland goalkeeper into action. The hosts were let off, however, when Ireland’s Emma Russell failed to connect with a cross which would have almost certainly sent the visitors into the lead.
The second half saw more action, with Ireland’s Chloe Brown finding herself through on goal shortly after the game was restarted. The ball was cleared, but the away side threatened again as a deflected effort forced Scotland’s goalkeeper into making a save.
While Ireland had looked dangerous, it was the hosts who were able to find an opening goal, courtesy of a cross from Mairi Drummond which eventually found its way to goalscorer Lang.
It appeared as if Scotland would be able to secure a win, however a pass out from defence which was intercepted in midfield led to a penalty corner for Ireland. An impressive exchange of play between Ireland’s Elena Tice and Chloe Brown resulted in Tice levelling the score.
The goal buoyed the away side, and they pressed for a winner in the final few minutes of the game. Jessica McMaster threatened with a minute remaining, her effort just going wide. It appeared as if the game would end even, yet McMaster found herself in a dangerous position once again and was able to seal a win for Ireland with the last action of the game.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Haryana to face Western Railways in final
A Punjab player (yellow) dodges past a Western Railways player during their semifinal in Jalandhar on Tuesday. Malkiat Singh
Jalandhar: Western Railways edged out Punjab in a thrilling semifinal to set up the title clash with Haryana in the women’s section of the 33rd Surjit Memorial hockey tournament here today. Western Railways beat Punjab 4-3, while Haryana fought past North Central Railways (1-0).
In the men’s section, Railways entered the semifinals after securing a 3-3 draw with ONGC. In another match, Namdhari XI secured a crucial 1-1 draw against Indian Oil to secure a spot in the semis. Both the teams ended on four points but Namdhari XI went through on better goal difference. Indian Oil’s Gurjinder Singh converted a penalty corner to give his team the lead in the 33rd minute. Bhagat Singh got the crucial equaliser in the 46th minute.
The Tribune
Indian women’s team prepares for the next challenge
Uthra Ganesan
The women’s hockey team completed India’s sweep at the Asian Champions Trophy, winning its maiden title just days after the men won theirs, but there is little time for the girls to either celebrate the achievement or share it with their families.
The team was busy preparing for its return soon after winning the trophy in Singapore and, having returned home late on Sunday night, has gone straight to training mode given that it has to leave again in a week for the next competition. No wonder the players and coach Neil Hawgood have been struggling with both the jet-lag and the poor conditions in the city that has hampered their plans.
“We will be leaving on Monday for a three-Test series against Australia and so the girls are all in Delhi only, there is no time to go home and come back. The conditions have been poor but it has improved a bit since we came back so may be we will train briefly now on,” Hawgood told The Hindu.
The tournament was the team’s first outing since the Rio Olympics, where the team finished 12th after qualifying for the first time in 36 years and Hawgood admitted that it was a great way for the girls to show that they had learnt some lessons from the Rio outing. “Winning the title here was very important to show that the Rio experience was fruitful. There is more confidence now and the girls are more consistent. The only Asian team we played at Rio was against Japan and it needs some understanding to realise that the, regardless of the result, team is making progress,” he added.
New faces
Part of that progress is the team management’s decision to keep trying out new faces in an attempt to develop a stronger core of players. As such, Hawgood admitted there might be changes in the squad on the Australia tour purely to “provide more exposure to newer faces” and compete against a much stronger opponent.
Deepika Thakur, one of the senior most players in the side who struck home the rebound in the dying seconds of the final to ensure victory, admitted that having lost to China a day before in their last league match rankled. “We were upset and angry and badly wanted to get level, which made the win even more satisfying,” she said.
Rani Rampal, who set up that penalty corner in the end, was more circumspect. “The Rio experience was more about the mind than only the game. There was so much more to see and learn there away form the game, including the way we approached the matches, the way we thought about the opposition and the whole attitude. All that helped us take a lot more confidence into the ACT and the title will only help us grow further,” she said.
The Hindu
Young Black Sticks trying to build depth
Stacey Michelsen in action during the Rio Olympics. Photo / Getty Images
The women's Black Sticks will be looking to build depth in next week's trans-Tasman trophy.
An Achilles strain has ruled out veteran defender Stacey Michelsen.
Coach Mark Hager says without retired Kayla Whitelock, Gemma Flynn, Anita Punt and now Michelsen, it provides a chance for other players to step up.
He says some of the young players who went to the Olympics have earned over 100 caps.
20 year old Bridget Kiddle has been called up as Michelsen's replacement.
Radio Sport
Year-end camp offers a chance to crack the 2017 Women’s National Team
Shaheed Devji
In an attempt to leave no stone unturned on the path to Tokyo 2020, the Women’s National Program (WNP) will be offering a select few the opportunity to trial with the current Women’s National Team (WNT) when it hosts its upcoming 2017 Selection Camp.
The purpose of the Camp will be to provide the opportunity for prospective National athletes currently outside of the Field Hockey Canada High Performance Pathway to show their wares alongside current squad members.
The camp will be held in Vancouver, British Columbia from November 29th to December 2nd, 2016. The camp will include fitness testing, two scrimmages, and off-field team sessions.
The application to attend is open to any player who believes they have what it takes to crack the Women’s National Team. Of note, an application does not guarantee an invite and only successful candidates who progress through the application stage will be invited.
To be eligible for the Camp athletes must:
Be a Canadian Citizen and have a valid Canadian Passport.
Be prepared to commit full-time to the 2017 Women’s National Program
To be considered, athletes should apply by sending an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the word “Camp” in the subject line.
Applicants should include a brief one-page Performance Resume including their playing history, achievements, and a brief fitness profile (including most recent fitness scores e.g. YoYo or Beep Test scores), as well as at least one letter of reference (e.g. from your school or club coach).
Further details regarding camp logistics will be shared with successful trial candidates.
There will be a levy of $100 for athletes who are invited to attend.
Any questions pertaining to the camp can be directed toward Steph Andrews, Women’s National Team Assistant Coach and Junior NAational Team Head Coach, by e-mailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Field Hockey Canada media release
Terps field hockey earns No. 2 seed in NCAA tournament despite loss in Big Ten title game
By James Crabtree-Hannigan
The Maryland team suffers a narrow 2-1 loss in the Big Ten Championship to Penn State at the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex on November 4, 2016. (Reid Poluhovich / The Diamondback)
Maryland field hockey forward Welma Luus was struggling to stay composed during the postgame press conference Sunday.
Her voice was shaky as she gave an answer about the 2-1 loss the Terps had just suffered to Penn State in the title game of the Big Ten tournament. Her eyes grew more and more glassy as she spoke.
But coach Missy Meharg knew how she could lift the spirits of her senior captain. After Luus gave a brief response, Meharg tapped Luus on the side and pointed up at the television hanging in the corner just behind her shoulder.
The TV showed the ACC title game; one of several games across the country over the weekend that determined who would receive the NCAA tournament's top-four seeds later that night.
Many of those results helped the Terps, who ended up with the No. 2 seed and will host the first two rounds this weekend.
"We know there's a lot ahead of us,"Luus said.
At the time of the press conference, Virginia was beating North Carolina, a scoreline that bode well for the Terps earning one of the four host spots. The Cavaliers held on, and Maryland received the news it was hoping for before it went to bed Sunday.
After losing to Penn State, that result didn't seem so certain. Though Duke and Syracuse, the two teams ranked ahead of Maryland heading into the weekend, lost early in the ACC Tournament, they also owned head-to-head wins over the Terps.
So if the Tar Heels, who entered the weekend No. 5, won the ACC championship game against Virginia, it seemed they could have taken Maryland's potential host spot. Instead, Maryland leapfrogged Syracuse to snag the second seed. Penn State, meanwhile, earned the final hosting spot after winning the Big Ten championship.
But as the clock ticked down Sunday and the Terps took their first loss in more than a month, the possible postseason scenarios weren't on their minds.
The team wasn't happy with its inconsistency, as it failed to create sustained offense against Penn State's pressure. Forward Emma Rissinger scored in the 26th minute, but the Terps went scoreless after that.
Penn State then scored twice after halftime to deny Maryland from repeating as Big Ten tournament champions.
"It's just that vibrant understanding that you just got to play every single possession with a sense of intellectual hockey,"Meharg said, "and I think we did that much better at times than others."
Despite replacing goalkeeper Sarah Bates with Sarah Holliday early in the second half, Meharg was pleased with her team's defense performance. On the other end of the field, the Terps had success getting the ball into Penn State's circle. They just couldn't take advantage of those chances.
The 29th-year coach said that was due to the team using the wrong strategy down the baseline, especially late in the game while playing with a two-player advantage because of an empty net and a Penn State yellow card.
"As the women debriefed in here right after the game … they said, 'Boy, let's play smarter at that point,'"Meharg said. "When you've got them on the baseline, then you've got to pull it right back to the top. It's like basketball: Bump it out and take the shot."
After suffering their first loss since Sept. 25, the Terps will look to bounce back when they play the winner of Monmouth and Massachusetts on Saturday.
"I know how quickly I can move on, I've been doing it a long time,"Meharg said. "We're a very, very strong, spiritual team. We believe in each other. We will move forward."
The Diamondback
Johor HA: MHC should appreciate SOJC , not lament
By Jugjet Singh
Below is a statement from the President of Johor Hockey Association with regards to the remarks by MHC as appearing in the media.
Johor Hockey Association regrets the statement made by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation President Dato Seri Subahan Kamal pertaining to Organising a tournament to rival the Sultan of Johor Cup.
While acknowledging that is well within the rights of MHC to organise another tournament, JHA President Datuk Md Jais Sarday advised Subahan to study the reasons on the history of the organisation of SOJC rather then firing pot shots.
"The SOJC was initiated by the former President of MHC Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah after Johor successfully Organised the 2009 Junior World Cup,"said Jais.
"HRH Sultan Ibrahim had graciously consented to naming the trophy as the Sultan of Johor Cup and it received strong backing and support of the Johor State Government.
"It is a platform to develop young players for the country. Therefore it is something that MHC should appreciate rather then lament about
"We , the JHA welcome the initiative of MHC to organise another U21 tournament as they deem fit.
"It will not dampen our spirits or enthusiasm to organise the SOJC annually as we have done so without fail since 2011 and it has received the blessings of HRH Sultan of Johor, the state government as well as the international body FIH."
Jais however took Subahan to task with regards to the broadcasting rights as well as the payments made to state Hockey associations.
"On the issue of broadcast rights, MHC has never formally written to JHA as the broadcast rights belong to JHA and all such matters should be discussed with us before formalising any deals with others,"explained Jais.
"It is unfair to blame Dato Manjit ( Majid Abdullah) as he did briefed the JHA in his capacity as a Deputy President if JHA. But we waited till September 30 for MHC to tell us what was the fee they were willing to pay for the broadcasting rights.
"When we failed to hear from MHC, we took it upon ourselves to discuss it with other broadcasters and I had to personally meet with the Minister of Information in order to finalise the telecast as it was important that Hockey fans , not only in the country but all over the globe not be deprived of an opportunity to watch world class action.
"Matches were even in live streaming and this was a first for Hockey here in Malaysia.
"When there was no such thing as an agreement from JHA, why create a fuss now when we took matters into our own hands as the national body was not being transparent about the amount to he paid?"
Jais went on to clarify that JHA had not paid the sanction fee of USD5,000 simply because MHC did not pay JHA the RM100,000 that Tenaga Nasional Berhad had pledged for the SOJC and paid to MHC to channel to the state body.
"We were told by TNB that they had paid the RM100,000 to MHC. Rightfully MHC should have channelled the money to us prior to the tournament,"said Jais.
"As for the RM50,000 for the state leagues, we have only received RM10,000 of the money came pledged.
"We held our state league finals and had the match telecast live as well yet no representatives from MHC deemed it fit to attend the final although invitations were sent.
"it is commendable that MHC is looking at increasing it to RM100,000 and we applaud the initiative of MHC."
Jais also had some brotherly advice for Subahan.
"Maybe he is naive with regards to certain matters and reacted spontaneously without giving much thought to the matters,"added Jais.
"He does not know much about Hockey as he has been involved in Football for a Long time.
"The SOJC is included in the FIH calendar annually and they are the sanctioning body and gave us the green light after the past administration of MHC had put up a paper justifying the organisation of such a tournament.
"We do our best each year and will continue to do so.
"Our hope is that the national team pays a more serious attention to its preparation as it carries the hopes and aspiration of the nation.
"Do not let the nation down as we owe it to the fans to put up a good performance whenever our team takes onto the pitch."
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
MHC's response to Johor HA grouses
By Jugjet Singh
MHC President Dato’ Sri Subahan Kamal, In response to the statement made by JHA President.
1. RM 100k from TNB for the sponsorship of SOJC.
The sum announced has not been paid, simply because we owe it to our sponsors - of which several deliverables has been agreed upon and must be met - to ensure the sum disbursed are of the equivalent value. We will distribute the figure once the media report is submitted. This matter has already been explained to TNB. If the deliverables or not met, we will refund the money to TNB. It has been our practice that tournament reports are sent post its completion.
2. RM 50k for TNB State League - similarly, the tournament ended on the 3rd of November. We are in the midst of processing payments for not only Johor, but Sarawak and N.Sembilan and expect to provide these payments by the end of next week.
3. We have documented evidence for the alleged broadcasting issue and I think it is best this matter is brought up for a discussion with the EB in our upcoming meeting.
4. I still will be proposing to the EB on having our own MHC U21 International Invitational Tournament and perhaps a Women's International Tournament in partnership with a willing State HA. A decision will be meted once the EB deliberates on this proposal. Also, we had live streaming for our National League matches and ACT on Astro on the Go, so this wasn't the first time live streaming was introduced.
5. In response to the statement by JHA President, that MHC were not serious in their participation at the SOJC, we find this to hold no water. Whilst our focus remains with the Program 2020 squad, I believe the results speaks otherwise. We drew with the eventual champions and beat NZ by 4 goals to 1. These teams are participating in the JWC. We aren't. If we are not serious, then are teams like NZ less serious than us? The focus of this tournament was to ensure our backup squad has sufficient matches, and 16 year old boys, who are clearly playing at a higher level than their age group locally, attain the necessary exposure to aid in their progress. We placed a lot of thought before this decision was made. We did not set a target simply because our focus was on the process of developing these players. We lost several matches and attained good results in others. Nevertheless, the boys played really hard albeit not attaining a favourable result.
6. I maybe naive, and I thank JHA President for his brotherly advice. But, being President and supported by many individuals on the EB and management who have played and managed the game at the highest level, I will endeavour to do what is best. It is true I am new to hockey, but I have been a long-time administrator of Sports. I am also a passionate fan of the sport and will champion what is best for the good of the game.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
In this remote tribal village in Jharkhand, every girl is a hockey player
Image : BBC India
Nikki Pradhan, one of the stars of the women’s hockey team that beat Malaysia and gained victory at the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, hails from the small tribal village of Hesel, situated in Jharkhand’s Khunti district. What makes this remote Naxal-hit village stand out is the fact that every young girl here is a pro at playing hockey.
“I used to get inspiration from my senior colleagues and started dreaming of becoming a big hockey player,” Nikki told Hindustan Times. Nikki’s greatest inspiration is Pushpa Pradhan, an ex-national player from her village who represented India at the 2004 Hockey Asia Cup, where the team brought home a gold medal.
While Nikki is the first girl from her village to represent India at the Olympics, there is at least one hockey player in each of the 70 tribal families that live here. Nearly a dozen girls from Hesel have participated in one hockey event or the other at the national level, while 25-30 girls have played hockey at the state level, reports BBC Hindi.
Despite being perhaps India's most hockey-loving village, Hesel lacks basic infrastructure. The village doesn't have a ground for practice, leaving aspiring girls practising in a school ground. When asked why they are so passionate about the sport, the girls answered unanimously - "To make the country proud!"
Your Story
Journalist Patrick Rowley receives British Empire Medal for Services to Hockey
Patrick Rowley (BEM) receives his British Empire Medal Award at the Tower of London by the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London. Left to Right: Lord-Lieutenant of London, Mr Kenneth Olisa OBE, Elizabeth Rowley (wife), Patrick Rowley BEM, Alison Heeks (nee ROWLEY his daughter) and Constable General Sir Nicholas Houghton GCB CBE ADC
International sports journalist Patrick Rowley received the British Empire Medal for services to Hockey at a ceremony held at The Tower of London on Friday 4 November.
Rowley has been involved in hockey for over 70 years, first as a player, then as national coach, sports correspondent, archivist and commentator. He is recognised for his unrelenting global promotion of the game.
Her Majesty the Queen’s Official 90th birthday Honour’s List was published on 10 June 2016. Patrick received his British Empire Medal on behalf of the Queen, by the Lord-Lieutenant of London, Mr Kenneth Olisa OBE and in the presence of the Constable General Sir Nicholas Houghton GCB CBE ADC.
Rowley was accompanied by his wife, Elizabeth, and daughter Alison Heeks.
Patrick’s daughter commented:”Today was a very proud day for my father, for his family and ultimately for the sport of Hockey, which is finally being recognised as a sport that makes a valuable contribution to bringing together likeminded people globally. My father has worked tirelessly to promote the sport and this honour of a British Empire Medal, is truly a fitting tribute to his lifetime of dedication.’.
Patrick (aged 82) has had a long career in journalism working for some of the world’s leading media organisations, at home and all around the world. He was employed for over 50 years by The Guardian in several capacities, was Deputy Sports Editor of The Observer and then worked for 25 years for The Sunday Times. Among the other media organisations for whom he contributed as a freelance were Dawn (Pakistan), Times of India, The Sunday Telegraph, The Daily Telegraph, The Times, Daily and Sunday Express, Daily and Sunday Mail, BBC, ITV Rediffusion,, Sky Sports, LBC Radio and international news agencies Reuters, AFP and Extel.
Rowley was Personal Assistant to two Presidents of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the founder (in 1965) and editor of the International Hockey Newsletter before founding and editing ‘World Hockey’, the former magazine of the FIH (June 1969 to April 1991).
In 1987 the International Hockey Federation (FIH), recognised his outstanding contribution by awarding him their ‘Order of Merit’. He was also honoured by Jawaharlal Nehru Society and AIPS. (International Press Sports Assoc.).
Patrick’s continued promotion of hockey led to his proposing and founding a number of the sports high profile initiatives, the Hockey World Cups, the Hockey Writer’s Club, the AIPS Hockey Commission and the Hockey Museum.
His knowledge of the game is renowned and his encyclopaedic memory is called upon daily by sports desks worldwide. In 1964 he wrote the ‘Book of Hockey’ and for OVER 40 YEARS HE HAS BEEN COMPILING AN ARCHIVE OF Club, National, European and international hockey fixtures, results, the only complete existing archive of 65 years of hockey match played, won drawn, lost and goal scorers that exists. A valuable asset, archive and lasting legacy for the sport he loves.
Patrick responded to his award by commenting: “My life has been dedicated to raising the profile of hockey. To be honoured for what I saw as a passion rather than a job, is beyond my wildest expectations. It has always been my ambition, to encourage the development of Hockey worldwide from grassroots to master’s levels. Part of my personal dream was fulfilled when Great Britain’s Women’s team dramatically won the Olympic Gold in Rio de Janerio this summer. I am truly humbled by this honour, when really all I have done is promote a sport I love”.
#LOVE HOCKEY.
PATRICK JOHN PHILLIP ROWLEY
DETAILED BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Patrick John Phillip Rowley (aged 82 years) has dedicated his life to the sport he loves – HOCKEY. His obsession with the game was cultivated at Aldenham School, when he was 7 years old. He quickly recognised the potential of this under-valued sport in terms of the transferrable skills it taught; teamwork, leadership, strategy, tactics, inter-personal relationship skills, people management, communication and most importantly the strong bond that the game fosters between players.
Patrick spent most of his life trying to get hockey bigger coverage in the newspapers and the media. He started writing at seven years old, encouraged by his mother who said that he wrote beautiful letters as he was one of many children evacuated from London because of the war (World War II), he knew that that was what he was supposed to do – write.
A keen player himself, he still plays hockey at the tender age of 82 (this year he helped the South Regional Veterans team win the Divisional 1 Over 75 tournament). All his life he has coached youngster’s, promoting the ‘healthy active lifestyle’, it’s skills, and ensuring that each one of them will grow up to be more rounded individual from their exposure to this team sport.
It was these early years that shaped his desire to write about his ‘first love’ (Hockey) and to focus on forging a - poorly paid career promoting the game. Sports journalism was his vocation, at 16 he left school and decided approach the newspaper offices in Fleet Street, he secured a job as an ‘intelligent’ tea boy at The Guardian. Rowley worked for The Guardian newspaper for over 50 years, from runner, to assistants, to Sports Journalist, to Sport Editor. He has covered some of the most memorable moments in sport including Englands World Cup Win at Wembley in 1966 and also the most devastating moment - the terrorist attack non the Israeli Olympic team in Munich in 1972. He later enjoyed a stint at The Observer but spent most of his life as a freelancer, travelling and reporting on hockey across the world.
Formerly married to ‘The Nation’s Sweetheart’ Olympic Swimming Champion and World Record Holder Judy Grinham, he has two children, Keith Rowley and Alison Heeks( nee Rowley) both of whom have achieved success in the sport of hockey at International and County level. He now lives in Woodford Green, Essex, with his wife Elizabeth Rowley.
Commenting on Patrick’s award, FIH President Leandro Negre said: "Patrick has devoted a huge part of his life to our sport as a player, coach, journalist and all of the other duties he has performed over several decades. In doing so he has played a hugely important role in raising the profile of hockey, therefore this honour is thoroughly deserved." (Source: FIH website June 2016)
Fieldhockey.com
Great Britain Women in the running for Vitality Team of the Year
GB celebrate winning Olympic gold
Great Britain Women’s Hockey Team have been nominated for the Vitality Team of the Year as part of the Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards.
The Awards, now in their 29th year, have led the way in recognising and celebrating the outstanding contribution to sport made by elite athletes, coaches, administrators, community volunteers and inspirational women.
On the evening of Thursday, December 8, the Awards will take place at the News UK headquarters in London Bridge.
Danny Kerry’s team, who won widespread acclaim for their dramatic gold medal triumph at the Olympic Games are part of a competitive category which also contains the 4x100m athletics relay squad, Manchester City women FC, Rowers Helen Glover & Heather Stanning and the Team pursuit cycling squad.
Last year, in the wake of their European Championships win, England Women’s Hockey Team took this honour and this year the Great Britain squad have a great chance despite the high standard of the other competitors.
The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards 2016 in association with Vitality are among the most prestigious and influential in the British sporting calendar and this year new categories have been added to celebrate the success of our Olympians and Paralympians at the Rio Olympic Games.
The Sportswomen Awards are once again supported by the Sport and Recreation Alliance, UK Sport, Sport England and Women in Sport.
For more information on the awards, including a full shortlist of the nominees, click here.
England Hockey Board Media release
Two award nominations for Great Britain golden girls
GB celebrate their gold medal
It’s been an incredible year for women’s sport with gold raining down on the brightest and best of female British athletes. The whole of Team GB did incredibly in Rio and the women more than did their part with Nicola Adams, Laura Kenny, Jade Jones and Dame Sarah Storey wowing millions with their phenomenal performances and achievements.
Within hockey we didn’t do too badly either. Over nine million people tuned in to watch Danny Kerry’s Great Britain team win a dramatic gold medal at the Olympic Games.
With awards season just getting underway, the plaudits are pouring in for our heroic golden girls. This week, BT Sport announced the shortlist for their Action Woman of the Year. The list is quite the who’s who of incredible talent and contains our very Maddie Hinch.
We’re sure she needs no introduction but just in case, Maddie, the Great Britain goalkeeper turned heads with a series of superb displays in the Olympic Games. Those performances reached a crescendo when in front of the watching TV audience she saved a penalty stroke in normal time in the Olympic final. With the teams drawing 3-3 she then saved multiple times in the shootout leaving Hollie Webb to fire home the winner and sending the nation, not just the hockey nation, wild.
Maddie Hinch celebrates at the Olympics
It’s not just Maddie who is being recognised. Quite rightly after their history-making gold medal, the whole team is also up for the Team of the Year Award.
This is one of two new awards to celebrate women’s sport: Team of the Year and Lifetime Achievement, both of which will be decided by a panel of industry experts and athletes.
Again, we’re sure you need little or no context for the team’s nomination but in our completely non-biased opinion it was the most enduring and incredible moment of the Olympics when Hollie Webb turned and slotted in that shootout to grab the gold for Danny Kerry’s team.
There are so many stories intertwined with the triumph but the delaying of the ten o’clock news, the first ever gold medal for the women and the subsequent media and public interest in hockey all because our team showed millions of people why our sport is so incredible, will take some topping.
The team of the year is voted by a panel of judges however the public have the chance to vote for Maddie, so probably not for the last time this awards season we ask the hockey family to mobilise and get behind our super keeper. You can vote here.
England Hockey Board Media release
Ames, Ward and Pinner named Team England Athlete Ambassadors
George Pinner celebrates at the CWG
Three of England’s hockey stars, George Pinner, David Ames and Sam Ward have today been announced as key members of the Team England Athlete Ambassador programme, which will see Commonwealth Games England (CGE) work closely with 30 English athletes in the build-up to the Gold Coast Games.
Commonwealth Games England’s President Denise Lewis is leading the programme and will work with Ambassadors from a range of Commonwealth sports. Lewis, President of Commonwealth Games England and former Olympic, European and Commonwealth champion, said:
“We are delighted to have a great selection of some of England’s greatest, and most promising, athletes involved in the Team England Athlete Ambassador programme. We will work with them and their sports to raise the profile of Team England and create excitement for the nation ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
“George, Sam and David are fantastic athletes. Their varied experience will also be vital in helping Team England prepare for the Gold Coast Games in just over 500 days’ time.”
The Team England Athlete Ambassador programme was unveiled at Commonwealth Games England’s Annual General Meeting in London today.
The Athlete Ambassadors will support CGE to raise the profile of Team England and its values, develop a strong Team England ethos amongst athletes, the organisation and the nation, and prepare Team England for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Pinner, Ames and Ward who are likely to be part of the England Hockey squad who will compete in the Hockey World League in London in 2017 spoke to Team England in the wake of the announcement:
George Pinner, England and GB’s first choice goalkeeper said:
“I’ve been at the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games as well as many other competitions and they all differ so it’s hugely important for Team England to have this Athlete Ambassador programme to help best prepare for the 2018 Games.”
David Ames in GB Action
27-year-old midfielder David Ames said:
“There is a lot that goes into preparing for the Commonwealth Games, we have a lot to learn as athletes and Team England has a lot to prepare, but most importantly we need to help each other on the road to the Gold Coast.”
Forward Sam Ward said:
“The Commonwealth Games is hugely exciting for athletes and we need the whole of England to get behind us and get excited about the Games.”
Sam Ward takes on the German defence whilst playing for England
Commonwealth Games England also today revealed at its AGM detailed plans that are in place to create the best performance environment for Team England to deliver success for the nation at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
As part of its plans to send the best prepared team to the Gold Coast, CGE will hold a Team England preparation camp in Australia, create a dedicated performance centre inside the Commonwealth Games Village, offer a full programme of support services and send a team of around 600 athletes and staff, in what will be England’s largest ever sporting team to represent the nation abroad.
Team England at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games will include around 400 athletes who will compete in 18 sports, including 38 para medal events in what will be the largest ever para-sport programme.
The Team England Athlete Ambassadors announced today are:
Athletics – Niamh Emerson
Badminton – Lauren Smith
Beach Volleyball – Chris Gregory & Jake Sheaf
Boxing – Frazer Clarke
Cycling – Evie Richards
Diving – Freddie Woodward
Gymnastics – Kristian Thomas & Mimi Cesar
Hockey – David Ames, George Pinner & Sam Ward
Lawn Bowls – Ellen Falkner & Paul Brown
Netball – Joanne Harten
Rugby Sevens – Phil Burgess, Tom Mitchell
Squash – Laura Massaro & Nick Matthew
Swimming – Aimee Willmott & Ollie Hynd
Table Tennis – Will Bayley
Weightlifting – Zoe Smith & Ali Jawa
Wrestling – George Ramm
England Hockey Board Media release
Barbara Morgan appointed to Rabo EuroHockey Championships_498x540.jpg)
Rabo EuroHockey Championship logo
Scotland’s Barbara Morgan has been appointed as a Technical Delegate (TD) for the Rabo EuroHockey Championships. It is an important appointment at one of the top competitions in international hockey.
Barbara said that she felt very honoured to be appointed to the top level event in Europe. She said: “I was very surprised but pleased that EHF considered me for the TD position at the Rabo Euro Nations in Amsterdam, which is our top tournament in Europe. Also that the FIH approved the appointment as well. But it was hard not to let on to anyone until the appointments were officially announced!
“I am really looking forward to the tournament; I've a good team of officials and umpires for the woman's event and I'm sure we'll all work well with David Collier, the men's TD, and his team as well as the KNHB organising committee.”
Over ten days in August 2017, eight men’s and eight women’s teams from ten different European nations will compete for the Rabo EuroHockey Championships title. During the Pool phase (18th-23rd August) every team will play three pool games.
The opening match of the tournament on Friday 18th August will be The Netherlands vs Spain (women). The official Opening Ceremony of the renovated Wagener Stadium will also be held that day. The finals will take place on Saturday 26th August (women) and Sunday 27th August (men). Scotland’s senior women will compete in Pool B against England, Germany, and Ireland.
Barbara is also excited for the talent taking to the pitch at the tournament. She said, “I am expecting a fabulous show of top-class hockey in a tournament, which has in effect medal winning teams from Rio this year. Another four of the teams are in the world’s top 20, so we are lucky to have such quality on show. I know I have a good team who will ensure it all runs as smoothly as possible, plus our Scottish women's team are in attendance, which makes it special too.”
Like all hockey followers Barbara really looking forward to taking part in a tournament being played in a country which is so passionate about hockey as witnessed during the recent World Cup in Amsterdam. She is sure that there will be a great atmosphere within the stadium and that will bring the best out of all players and officials alike. Barbara added, “At the moment I have no details other than the actual dates of play and the schedule previously been released by KNHB. But I do expect to have a visit before the tournament and be there possibly three days before the play starts for meetings, equipment and technical checks that are required before any event. So as a volunteer I'll need to use nearly two weeks of my annual leave, but like everyone else who does this I don't mind because I enjoy doing it.”
Anyone inspired by Barbara's success and would like to follow in her footsteps in becoming a Technical Official can take the first steps when Scottish Hockey hosts a Technical Officials training course at Bells Sports Centre in early December. Anyone interested in becoming a technical official should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register before Friday 25th November.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Narinder Batra's focus on hockey's reach & revenue
Biswajyoti Brahma
NEW DELHI: Hockey India president Narinder Batra is not averse to having a world hockey league - like the Hockey India League (HIL) - in place, if he becomes successful in his bid to become the president of International Hockey Federation (FIH).
Batra, who will be fighting the election for the FIH's top post on November 12, said that the game needs new formats to get more viewers.
Excerpts from an interview...
What made you file the nomination for the FIH president's post?
I feel my experience with Indian hockey, having hosted several FIH global events here, has enabled me to expand my service to the sport on a global level. I would like to support and lead the global hockey revolution which has become a central theme for the FIH and work towards a bigger and better ecosystem for the sport.
Are you happy with the way hockey is played now or do you plan to bring changes to the game if you become the FIH president?
Hockey in its traditional form is a gold standard. But having said that we should not get too comfortable in familiar terrain and we should constantly explore new opportunities for better fan and sponsor engagement. At the end of the day, the sport needs more viewers and we can achieve this via innovative formats like the recently concluded Hockey 5-a-side tournament or the more popular Hockey India League.
What fresh ideas can you bring to the table if elected FIH president?
For being FIH president I feel one needs to keep an equal eye on two key elements - reach and revenue. All the ideas I would like to implement will stem from these two larger level objectives. Club hockey is my key recommendation to encourage cross country engagement and learning. Player development is eventually at the heart of everything I would like to do to help the sport grow globally.
Few years back there were talks about dropping hockey from the Olympic programme...
Hockey has emerged a winner from many such battles. It is a traditional Olympic sport since 1928 and is here to stay. I also agree that some changes and innovations were needed to maintain the standards and engage audiences better. I am hopeful that in the long term, hockey will be one of the most followed Olympic sport.
How has your experience as president of HI been, and how will this experience help you if you are elected FIH president?
Having served as president of Hockey India, I have made several tough decisions which may not be popular but necessary for the benefit of the sport. A few years ago, people only looked at hockey from a nostalgic stand point, looking back at the bygone golden years of Indian hockey. I think we all needed a wake-up call to cultivate a team fit to compete in today's changing dynamic.
Your thoughts on the competition in the FIH elections and your chances of winning...
I think each competing candidate is highly credible. Both of the other two candidates also bring good experience to the table. I think the larger objective is the betterment of hockey and hence, may the best and most deserving candidate win.
As the HI president, how do you rate the progress of the national men's hockey team?
The current national men's hockey team has been one of the fittest and cohesive units I have seen in many years. I agree with chief coach Roelant Oltmans' methodology. They are out of the box and innovative, having shown good results.
Is there a possibility, if elected, we can see an FIH League on the lines of the Hockey India League (HIL)?
That would be incredible! However, it is early to comment on this with certainty. If elected I will definitely explore new formats on the global level as well.
Any future plans relating to Indian hockey?
The Indian hockey teams are doing well. We need to further nurture our women's team which made history this year by returning to the Olympics after a long hiatus. Now they have won the Asian Champions Trophy. We also want to encourage our junior players. We aim at achieving a global ranking of top three in the world.
The Times of India
Hockey Revolution and Olympic Agenda 2020 alignment provides strong foundations for hockey's future
Discover how the Hockey Revolution and Olympic Agenda 2020 strategies are aligning Photo: FIH
With the second chapter of the Hockey Revolution due to kick-off in Dubai in only a couple of days time, we take time to reflect on the success of FIH's 10-year strategy and what more we can expect from the Hockey Revolution Part 2 Conference, including the 45th FIH Congress.
The 10-year Hockey Revolution strategy was launched two years ago at FIH's Congress in Marrakesh, Morocco with one primary aim - to make hockey a global game that inspires the next generation. There, a number of defined goals and major initiatives were set out to achieve this.
Since 2014 a lot has been achieved and during the upcoming Conference in Dubai, new exciting elements of the Hockey Revolution will be discussed among more than 330 stakeholders and experts. This includes the new event portfolio, latest updates from all five major initiatives and incredibly valuable information from FIH's Brand Research project.
Many of the Hockey Revolution goals tie in well with the spirit of Olympic Agenda 2020, the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) strategic roadmap for the Olympic Movement.
For instance, one big goal of the Hockey Revolution is to develop innovative and exciting entertainment events whilst Olympic Agenda foresees to move from a sport-based to an event-based Olympic programme. Furthermore, both strategies are focusing on attracting more young people. Then, Olympic Agenda 2020 calls for gender equality across all sports and aims to achieve 50 percent female participation in the Olympic Games where hockey already features a gender balanced programme.
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. For instance, the FIH Women in Elite Coaching Initiative aims to raise the number of female coaches at elite level, especially 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.
Finally, 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, at regional, national or local levels.
In addition, the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) will present its recently developed new governance assessment tool. The latter comprises a comprehensive set of five key principles and 50 indicators which FIH will apply in the near future.
Another important topic of Olympic Agenda 2020 relates to the protection of clean athletes - a subject that features also on the top of FIH’s priorities. In Dubai, a dedicated FIH Hockey Academy Management Course tailored for officials from Continental as well as National Associations will focus on athletes’ pathways. Participants will look at best practise on how to develop talent and, at the same time, promote education for life after the sporting career.
To find out about everything that will be going on during the Hockey Revolution Part 2 Conference and 45th FIH Congress, visit the programme page of the official website by clicking here.
FIH site