News for 12 November 2016
All the news for Saturday 12 November 2016
FIH confirms Changzhou, China to host women’s Hockey Champions Trophy 2018
Senior members of the FIH and Chinese Hockey Association announced the hosting agreement in Dubai
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has confirmed that Changzhou, China will host the women’s Hockey Champions Trophy in 2018.
The event, scheduled to take place between Saturday 17 November and Sunday 25 November 2018, will be played in the Wujin Hockey Stadium in Changzhou, near Shanghai.
This will be the latest international hockey event held in the nation following the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The 2010 Asian Games were held in Guangzhou while neighbouring Nanjing hosted the 2014 Youth Olympic Games. More recently, the venue in Changzhou held the 2015 Women's Junior Hockey Asia Cup. This will be the first time however that the Hockey Champions Trophy has been hosted by the Chinese Hockey Association.
As the sport’s entertainment showpiece, this prestigious six-team invitational event demonstrates the true glamour of hockey. Over the years Hockey World Cup winners, World League champions and Olympic gold medallists have gone head to head for the prestigious Hockey Champions Trophy title. The last editions were held in London earlier this year, with Argentina women and Australia men winning what was the last major international events before the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Several participants for the 2018 Hockey Champions Trophy are already known. Hosts China will welcome 2016 Olympic gold medallists England (representing Great Britain) and 2016 Hockey Champions winners Argentina. They will be joined by the 2017 Hockey World League champions, 2018 Hockey World Cup winners and an invitational place to be decided by the FIH Executive Board.
With the world’s best hockey teams going head to head to battle for this historic Trophy, the 2018 edition will have a unique incentive. Changzhou will play host to the last ever women’s Hockey Champions Trophy with the FIH’s new portfolio of events due to begin in 2019.
This announcement was made during the Hockey Revolution Part 2 Conference which is currently taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Speaking from there, FIH CEO Kelly Fairweather said: “We are delighted to take our sport back to China, a nation that has so much potential in terms of sporting development and commercial opportunities. China put together an incredibly exciting bid which aligned with many of the initiatives outlined in our 10-year Hockey Revolution strategy. We look forward to working with them over the next two years to deliver what will be a truly memorable Hockey Champions Trophy in 2018.”
Outgoing FIH President, Leandro Negre, added: “China will always have a special place in hockey’s heart, with the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games providing an incredible platform for our sport. China is a nation renowned for staging world class sports events and with millions of passionate sports fans across the nation I’m sure the 2018 Hockey Champions Trophy in Changzhou will be a fitting farewell for this prestigious event.”
Chinese Hockey Association President, Lei Jun, was also pleased to confirm this host agreement. He said: “We are honoured to host this flagship international hockey event in China. Since the Beijing Olympics the sport has been developing fast across our nation. With more people tuning in to watch hockey on TV and increasing participation figures, we wanted to bring live world-class hockey back to China to inspire the next generation. We will be working hard to insure we put on a fantastic event in Changzhou and encourage the world to join us and experience the rich culture and fascinating heritage of our city.”
FIH site
International Hockey Federation announce Hockey Revolution Award winners in Dubai
FIH President Leandro Negre presenting the HRH Sultan Azlan Shah Award to Fumio Ogura Photo: Getty Images
The International Hockey Federation confirmed the winners of this year’s Hockey Revolution Awards at the No Limits Ball in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, earlier today.
10 awards were presented throughout an evening filled with inspiring stories of success from the hockey world as the sport celebrated recent development and achievements at a glitzy event in the Armani Hotel in Dubai.
President of Honour – Leandro Negre
Outgoing FIH President Leandro Negre, from Spain, was awarded the title of President of Honour for his passionate dedication to the sport. In addition to serving as President for eight years, Leandro has dedicated a huge part of his life to the sport, from playing international hockey (as a goalkeeper) for Spain in the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games to working on the organising committee for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Leandro served as President of the Spanish Hockey Federation (RFEH) from 1984 to 1992 and later became President of the European Hockey Federation (EHF). During his eight years at the helm of the FIH, Leandro has been the driving force behind the innovative changes in structure and approach to hockey – particularly the first stage of the Hockey Revolution – that has seen the sport's dramatic growth in participants and spectators across the globe.
The Pablo Negre Trophy - Hockey Association of Malawi
The Hockey Association of Malawi (HAM) has been awarded the Pablo Negre Trophy for its incredible progress in hockey development and performance over the past few years. Its strategic hockey plan has six priority areas, including the development of a national hockey stadium and the development of national teams at under-15, under-17, under-20 and senior level.They have established a robust youth development programme which is run in conjunction with the Kadish Foundation and targets young children from six to 17 years old, but HAM has also put resources into the structure around the game, with emphasis on the development of coaches, umpires and judges.
Guust Lathouwers Memorial Trophy - Ray O-Connor
Ray O’Connor of the Irish Hockey Association has been an international Umpire – earning his golden whistle for 100 international matches in 2000 – an Umpire Manager, a mentor to up-and-coming officials, a member of the FIH Umpiring Committee and is currently Chair of the European Hockey Federation (EHF) Appointments Committee.During his years of involvement with hockey at the highest level, Ray has been responsible for some ground-breaking work, including the Road To Projects, which first began with the Road to London 2012. He was also a leading light behind the development of the EHF Umpire Development Panel (UDP), considered one of the most important umpiring projects at continental level.
Theo Ykema Award - Solomon Islands Hockey Association
Natural disasters and political instability had pushed hockey into a corner in the Solomon Islands at the start of the 21st century. However, a huge effort by the Solomon Islands Hockey Association (SIHA) has turned this situation around and the progress made by the association since the release of its plan of action in 2014 has been outstanding.Working with the Oceania Hockey Federation and with help from the FIH Target Assistance Programme (TAP), the SIHA has made progress in a wide range of areas. Key amongst these are the focus on raising participation levels among women; increasing the amount of competitions running at all levels, from school and club to international events; the employment of a communications officer to raise the game’s profile; and the recruitment of a development officer and school visit officers.
Etienne Glichitch Award - Norman Hughes
Norman Hughes has been Continental Development Officer (CDO) for the European Hockey Federation since 2002. Prior to that he was a player and coach for England and Great Britain.During his time as CDO, Norman has been a key player in the design and delivery of coaching courses, including Top Coaches and Coaches 4 Europe programmes. More than 600 coaches, umpires and officials have benefited from his work. Norman also plays a key role in the European Youth Leaders Programme and spearheaded the inclusion of a Paralympics at the EuroHockey.
The Super Fair Play Trophy Rene G Frank - Laura Pigretti
When it comes to long service and high standards you need not look further than Argentina’s Laura Pigretti. She has been a Technical Official at FIH events for more than 25 years – a time span that covers four Olympic Games and three World Cups.Her colleague, Sheila Brown, describes her as: “The fairest, most honest person, who would always go the extra mile.”
HRH Sultan Azlan Shah Award - Fumio Ogura
Fumio Ogura is President of the Institute of International Sports Politics in Japan. During his career in sport, which began as a player for the Japan under-21 team in 1967, Fumio has played for and coached the national team – a role that lasted 20 years – as well as organising numerous competitions across Asia.With Tokyo hosting the 2020 Olympic Games, Fumio has used all of his experience as an advisor to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games Bid Committee. Currently, Fumio is Deputy Executive Director of International Relations and Sports Department of 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Order of Merit - Claire Digby
Claire Digby is a former South African international who turned to umpiring and became an FIH international umpire. She has also served the sport in an administrative capacity, working on committees and boards for her own national association, the African Hockey Federation and the International Hockey Federation.Claire served on the South African Women’s Hockey Association from 1985-1992 and the joint South African Hockey Association from 1992-2000. In addition, she also spent 21 years on the Executive Board of the African Hockey Federation.
Diploma of Merit - Resham Singh
Resham Singh is currently Executive Board member of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya and was Kenya’s Team Manager for the 2016 Olympics. Resham represented Kenya at the 1972 Olympics in Munich and was also part of the squad that contested the first World Cup in 1971. Resham turned to umpiring and eventually became a member of the FIH Umpiring Committee after officiating at a number of high profile international competitions. Resham has been awarded the Hockey Legend Award by both the African Hockey Federation and the National TV of Kenya.
Member of Honour - Steve Jaspan
Former South African player Steve Jaspan has enjoyed 25 years involvement with FIH, first as a member of the Disciplinary Committee and the Events Committee and then in a series of wide-ranging roles. These roles include Chairman of the FIH Media Task Force, Chairman of Global Competitions Task Force, and Chairman of the Competitions Committee. He is currently Chairman of the High Performance and Coaching Advisory Committee.In 2015 Steve received the Order of Merit from the African Hockey Federation recognising his many years of service in a variety of capacities.
The No Limits Ball was part of the Hockey Revolution Part 2 Conference, featuring the 45th FIH Congress, being held between 10-12 November in Dubai. To read about all the latest news from this event, visit the official website by clicking here.
FIH site
Resham Honoured by FIH
by Dil Bahra
Seif Ahmed (Left), President African Hockey Federation presenting Diploma of Merit Certificate to Resham Singh Bains. Photo: Getty Images
Resham Singh Bains of Kenya has been honoured by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) with their Diploma of Merit. He received the award at a gala dinner yesterday held by hockey’s governing body during their bi-annual Congress in Dubai.
He becomes the third Sikh in the world to receive this award. The other two, both Kenyans, to receive this award are Hardev Singh Kular (1995) and Avtar Singh Sohal (2001). Kenya’s legendary Hardial Singh Kular had been recognised by the FIH with the Order of Merit back in 1984.
Resham, who was born in Punjab, India, emigrated to Kenya in 1955 at the age of ten. He graduated from Kenya Polytechnic and played for Railway Gymkhana Nairobi from 1968 – 69 and Sikh Union Nairobi from 1969 to 1978.
He earned his first international cap for Kenya when he was selected to play against Malawi in the East and Central African Hockey Championship in Dar-es- Salaam in 1969. He played at the First Hockey World Cup in Barcelona in 1971 where Kenya finished fourth and at the Munich 1972 Olympic Games.
After retiring from playing international hockey he took up umpiring. He was awarded his FIH Badge in 1981 and umpired at the 6th Hockey World Cup in Willesden, London in 1986. He also umpired at the Junior World Cup in Kuala Lumpur in 1986.
He was a Committee member of the FIH Umpiring committee from 2003 to 2005, Vice Chairman of African Hockey Federation and an executive Board member of National Olympic Committee of Kenya. He was on the Executive Board of African Hockey Federation from 1984 to 2015 and Chairman of Kenya Hockey Union from 2005 to 2013.
Sikhs in Hockey
Raghunath to lead India in Four-Nations Tournament, Australia
Bengaluru: After India's successful campaign in the Asian Champions Trophy, the Indian hockey team will head Down Under for a Four-Nation Tournament starting November 23 followed by a Test series against hosts Australia.
The team will be led by experienced drag flicker VR Raghunath in the absence of PR Sreejesh who is carrying a knee injury, he sustained during the penalty shootout at the semifinal against Korea at the Asian Champions Trophy.
The responsibilities of his deputy will be shouldered by defender and drag flicker Rupinder Pal Singh who showcased splendid form and was adjudged top scorer at ACT.
Akash Chikte who came up with outstanding performance in the final of ACT will be India's custodian in Melbourne, Australia where they play the hosts, Malaysia and New Zealand. The second goal keeper will be Abhinav Kumar Pandey from Uttar Pradesh. "Abhinav has been in and out of the camps. He has had a knee injury for a while but has made a strong comeback and we are pleased with his performance in this camp," said chief coach Roelant Oltmans.
Ace forward SV Sunil too will miss the tournament as he is yet to fully recover from the wrist injury he sustained at the Rio Olympics. Ramandeep Singh who replaced Sunil in ACT will also miss out due to injury. The injured duo will be replaced by Nikkin Thimmaiah and Sardar Singh.
"Both Sreejesh and Sunil will remain in SAI for rehabilitation. Also Sreejesh has willingly stepped up to spend some time with the junior team goalkeepers. He has already starting working with them and will assist Dave Staniforth who is joining us next week. This is great for the young boys and sharing his experience with them will be valuable ahead of the Junior World Cup," stated Oltmans, who will work with the junior team while strategic coach Roger Van Gent will accompany the senior team to Australia.
Meanwhile stand-in skipper Raghunath expressed that the team is upbeat and eager to face the challenge Down Under. "The Asian Champions Trophy win has boosted the morale of the players and the team's spirit is high. However, playing in Australia is a different challenge and we are up for it. We have beaten Australia in their home earlier in 2014 Test series and look to repeat similar performance this time too," he said.
GOALKEEPERS
1. Abhinav Kumar Pandey
2. Akash Chikte
DEFENDERS
3. Rupinder Pal Singh (Vice Captain)
4. Pardeep Mor
5. VR Raghunath (Captain)
6. Birendra Lakra
7. Kothajit Singh
8. Surender Kumar
MIDFIELDERS
9. Chinglensana Singh Kangujam
10. Manpreet Singh
11. Sardar Singh
12. S.K Uthappa
FORWARDS
13. Talwinder Singh
14. Nikkin Thimmaiah
15. Affan Yousuf
16. Mohammad? Amir Khan
?17. Satbir Singh
?18. Akashdeep Singh
Stick2Hockey.com
Raghunath to lead India in Australia
V.R. Raghunath.
V.R. Raghunath will lead the Indian hockey team in the absence of the injured P.R. Sreejesh during its tour of Australia.
India is set to travel to Australia later this month to play a four-nation tournament, starting November 23, followed by a Test series against the home side.
Sreejesh is yet to recover from the knee injury he sustained during the penalty shoot-out against South Korea in the semifinals of the Asian Champions Trophy. Akash Chikte, who turned in a fine performance in the final of the ACT, will take his place in goal.
Sreejesh will, in the meantime, work with the Indian Junior team’s goalkeepers, as they prepare for next month’s World Cup.
“Sreejesh has already starting working with them and will assist Dave Staniforth (goalkeeping coach) who is joining us next week.
“This is great for the young boys and [his] sharing his experience with them will be valuable ahead of the Junior World Cup,” said chief coach Roelant Oltmans, who will remain in India to work with the Junior team.
The strategic coach, Roger van Gent, will accompany the senior team to Australia.
S.V. Sunil, meanwhile, has not completely recovered from the wrist injury he sustained at the Rio Olympics.
He will be absent from the touring party, as will Ramandeep Singh, who filled in for Sunil at the ACT but is now injured.
Captain confident
Raghunath was confident of a good showing in Australia. “The Asian Champions Trophy win has boosted the morale of the players and the team’s spirit is high.
“However, playing in Australia is a different challenge and we are up for it. We have beaten Australia in their home earlier in the 2014 Test series and look to repeat it this time," he said.
The team: V.R. Raghunath (capt.), Abhinav Kumar Pandey, Akash Chikte, Rupinder Pal Singh, Pardeep Mor, Birendra Lakra, Kothajit Singh, Surender Kumar, Chinglensana Singh, Manpreet Singh, Sardar Singh, S.K. Uthappa, Talwinder Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah, Affan Yousuf, Mohammad Amir Khan, Satbir Singh and Akashdeep Singh.
The Hindu
Raghunath to lead India in Australia tour, Sreejesh out with injury
BENGALURU: Goalkeeper P R Sreejesh has been left out due to an injury and in his place experienced drag-flicker V R Raghunath will return to the squad to lead the Indian men's hockey team in the four-nation tournament in Australia later this month.
Raghunath, who was rested in last month's Asian Champions Trophy, will captain the 18-member squad in the absence of Sreejesh, who is recuperating from a knee injury sustained during the semi-final of the ACT against Korea in Kuantan, Malaysia.
Defender and drag-flicker colleague Rupinder Pal Singh, who was the top scorer in ACT, will be Raghunath's deputy in the tour Down Under.
Akash Chikte will shoulder the responsibility of goalkeeping in Sreejesh's absence while Uttar Pradesh's Abhinav Kumar Pandey will be the second custodian in the squad.
Chikte came up with an outstanding performance in the final of ACT to help India clinch the title by beating arch-rivals Pakistan.
"Abhinav has been in and out of the camps. He has had a knee injury for a while but has made a strong comeback and we are pleased with his performance in this camp," said India's chief coach Roelant Oltmans.
Besides Sreejesh, senior strikers SV Sunil and Ramandeep Singh too will miss the tournament due to injuries.
While Sunil is yet to fully recover from the wrist injury he sustained at the Rio Olympics, Ramandeep, who replaced Sunil in ACT, too have been sidelined because of health issues.
"Both Sreejesh and Sunil will remain in SAI for rehabilitation. Also Sreejesh has willingly stepped up to spend some time with the junior team goalkeepers. He has already starting working with them and will assist Dave Staniforth who is joining us next week. This is great for the young boys and sharing his experience with them ahead of the Junior World Cup," stated Oltmans, who will work with the junior team while strategic coach Roger Van Gent will accompany the senior team to Australia.
Ace midfielder Manpreet Singh and forward Akashdeep Singh, however, have made comebacks to the squad after being rested in the Asian Champions Trophy.
Besides India and hosts Australia, the four-nation tournament, starting November 23, will feature Malaysia and New Zealand.
The four-nation tournament will followed by a Test series between India and Australia.
Skipper Raghunath is upbeat about India's chances in the Australia tour.
"The Asian Champions Trophy win has boosted the morale of the players and the team's spirit is high. However, playing in Australia is a different challenge and we are up for it. We have beaten Australia in their home earlier in 2014 Test series and we will be looking for a repeat performance this time too," he said.
Team:
Goalkeepers: Akash Chikte, Abhinav Kumar Pandey.
Defenders: Rupinder Pal Singh (vice-captain), Pardeep Mor V R Raghunath (captain), Birendra Lakra, Kothajit Singh, Surender Kumar.
Latest Comment
Oltman is very open minded coach, he is ready to take any surprise step.Braj Kishore
Midfielders: Chinglensana Singh Kangujam, Manpreet Singh, Sardar Singh, S K Uthappa.
Forwards: Talwinder Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah, Affan Yousuf, Mohammad Amir Khan, Satbir Singh, Akashdeep Singh.
The Times of India
PNB win Surjit hockey title
Rachna Khaira
The Punjab National Bank players in a jubilant mood after winning the Surjit Hockey Tournament in Jalandhar on Friday. They beat Army XI in the final. Tribune Photo:Malkiat Singh
Jalandhar: Punjab National Bank, Delhi, beat Army XI (6-5) in sudden death to win the 33rd Surjit Hockey Tournament at Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium here today.
The first half was a goalless affair. PNB captain Shivdeep netted the ball in the 53rd minute to give his team a 1-0 lead, but armyman Ramandeep Singh equalised the score (1-1) in the 55th minute.
At the end of the stipulated time, both the teams were locked 1-1. In the penalty shootouts, Arjun Antil, Shivdeep and Gagandeep Singh (Sr) scored for PNB while Vishwa Thakur, Rajnish and Binay converted for Army XI to make it 4-4.
In the sudden-death shootout, Arjun Antil and Gagandeep Singh (Sr) scored for PNB. For Army XI, Vishwa Thakur scored but Rajnish Salaria missed his shot.
Winners Punjab National Bank bagged a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh and a trophy, while the runners-up received Rs 2.50 lakh and a trophy. Gagandeep Singh (Jr) of Punjab National Bank was declared the best player of the tournament.
The Tribune
Telkom Orange on the brink of 20th league crown
By BRIAN YONGA
Telkom Orange players celebrate a goal against USIU-A Spartans during a past KHU women's Premier League match. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Telkom Orange will claim a record 20th Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) women’s Premier League title if they avoid defeat against debutantes Amira Sailors in their final league match on Sunday at the City Park Stadium, Nairobi.
The champions, who have been impressive form yet again this season, top the table with 19 points, two ahead of second placed Strathmore University Scorpions.
A draw will be enough to secure the title but a loss, coupled with a Scorpions win against bottom placed Daystar Falcons, will see the university students win their maiden title.
Orange assistant coach Josephine Ataro says his team is under no pressure ahead of the title decider and is confident her charges will wrap up another gong.
“At the beginning of every season our target is usually to win the title and this season is no different. We are well prepared for the match and the team is fired up because the title is at stake, “Openda told Saturday Nation Sport.
Kenya international Audrey Omaido, who struck four times during the team’s 6-0 win over Sliders in their last outing, has recovered from a knock and will partner top scorer Jackline Mwangi upfront.
Orange have scored an impressive 55 goals from seven matches and only conceded thrice.
Amira, who lie in third place, will also be aiming to end the season on a high and Coach Linet Onyango has warned Orange to expect a tough match.
“We will not roll over and allow them to have their way. We intend to finish the season on a high and that means giving 100 percent in this fixture, “she said. Orange beat Amira 3-0 in the final of the Sana Cup last month in the teams’ only other previous meeting.
Leah Omwantho and Susan Oketch will lead the bankers’ forward line. Second placed Scorpions who face Falcons just before the Orange, Amira clash will be hoping the latter can do them a favour.
“The timing is impeccable for us as we have a chance to set the pace and put more pressure on them (Orange). We can only handle what is within our grasp and that is win our match against Falcons and hope the other result goes out way,” Scorpions coach Meshack Senge said.
Falcons have not won a single match all season and are in danger of ending the season with the unwanted record. Sliders, who have had a disappointing campaign, take on Kenyatta University Titans in another women’s encounter this afternoon.
In the second tier men’s league, leaders Technical University of Kenyatta (TUK) take on MultiMedia University while Wazalendo Youth face Parkroad Tigers.
FIXTURES (All matches at City Park Stadium)
Saturday
Premier women: KU Titans v Sliders – 2pm
National men: Parkroad Tigers v Wazalendo Youth – 4pm
Premier men: Western Jaguars v KU Vultures (13&14 position)- 6pm
Sunday
National men: TUK v Multimedia – 9am
Premier women: Daystar Falcons v Strathmore – 11am, Orange v Amira Sailors – 1pm
National men: Thika Rovers v Impala – 3pm
Premier men: Parkroad Badgers v Sikh Union Nairobi (11&12 position)- 5pm
Daily Nation
It's down to the wire in title duel
Amira stand between Orange and their 19th league trophy
By Elizabeth Mburugu
Telkom defender Lucy Wangeci.ON 09/08/14 PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE
Battle for this season’s Kenya Hockey Union women’s league title heads to a nail-biting finish tomorrow when leaders Telkom Orange and second-placed Strathmore University Scorpions play their last matches.
Champions Orange will play debutantes Amira Sailors, while Strathmore will take on the winless Daystar University in crucial matches at City Park.
Telkom Orange top the log with 19 points from six victories and one draw, while Scorpions are second with 17 points. They have won five rounds of matches and drawn twice.
Separated by just two points, Orange will be seeking victory against Amira, but a draw of any kind will still see them retain their gong thanks to their unrivaled goal scoring prowess.
Strathmore must beat Daystar and pray for an Orange loss, for them to have a chance of winning their maiden league trophy.
Orange assistant coach Josephine Ataro told Feverpitch that her charges will go full throttle in their title hunt.
“A lot is at stake for us because this match decides if we will maintain our status as the queens of hockey in the country. We have to be at our best and I urge my players to give their all and complete the job,” Ataro said.
Orange, who are also the reigning Africa Cup of Club champions, have dominated Kenyan hockey over the years and have 18 league titles to show for it. This will be the second meeting between proficient Orange and rookies Amira.
They first met in last month’s Sana Tournament in Mombasa, where Orange trounced their opponents 3-0 in the final.
Amira coach Linnet Onyango said their aim is to make the best out of the match, insisting that her charges should play their hearts out.
“So far, so good. My girls have played very well and a third-place spot is within our reach. Nonetheless, it all depends on what we do in this tie. They just have to remain focused.”
Amira are third in the rankings with 14 points and have a chance to finish in the top three. Today, Kenyatta University’s (KU) Titans tackle last season’s runner-up Sliders, who have been blowing hot and cold this season.
Meanwhile, the tussle for premier league spot hots up in the men’s second division tier when second-placed Wazalendo Youth play Parkroad Tigers today, and tomorrow Thika Rovers play Impala.
In the men’s premier league seeding matches, Western Jaguars travel to Nairobi to meet KU Vultures, whereas Parkroad Badgers will tackle 2012 champions Nairobi Sikh Union.
The Standard Online
Garvey and Bann provide 11 players to Ireland
Irish champions Lisnagarvey will contribute six players to the 35-player panel named by coach Craig Fulton this week as the green machine plan their bid for a place at the 2018 World Cup.
Teenager Matthew Nelson is the latest addition to the Irish panel following superb performances at this summer’s European Under-18 Championships held in Cork.
The speedy forward joins club mates James Lorimer, Neal Glassey and Sean Murray along with Olympians Jonny Bell and Paul Gleghorne.
For the most part, Fulton has held on to the Irish side that became the first to play in the Olympics in over 100 years with 16 members of the extended Rio panel still in situ.
John Jackson and Timmy Cockram step out for the moment while goalkeeper David Fitzgerald underwent surgery in the past week.
Banbridge, who will join Garvey in the KO16 next Easter, contribute Matthew Bell, Eugene Magee, Drew Carlisle, Jonny McKee and Owen Magee to the selection.
Overall, there are five uncapped players in the panel with Luke Madeley (Three Rock Rovers), Sam O’Connor (Glenanne), Keith O’Hare (Pembroke) and Julian Dale (Cork C of I) hoping to make waves along with Nelson.
Euro Hockey League media release
FIH reveals nominees for 2016 Hockey Stars Awards
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced the nominees for the 2016 Hockey Stars Awards, the annual prizes recognising the best players, goalkeepers, rising stars, coaches and umpires in a given calendar year.
The announcement was made during the Hockey Revolution Part 2 Conference which is currently taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Five male and five female nominees have been selected for each award. The Player, Goalkeeper and Rising Star awards were selected by a panel consisting of the FIH Athletes' Committee, Continental Federations, Coaches and media. All awards are based on performance at international events during the 2016 season, as well as the player's overall contribution to the sport.
Winners will be decided by the combined results of an online vote that is open to the public and a peer vote from international athletes. Voting for Players, Goalkeepers and Rising Stars will open on 16 November and closes on 2 December.
The Coach of the Year nominations, three from each gender, were selected by the FIH High Performance and Coaching Panel, with winners decided by a peer vote.
The 2016 Umpire Award winners, one male and one female, will be selected by the FIH Umpiring Committee.
All winners will be announced in January 2017.
Nominees are presented in no particular order.
2016 Player of the Year nominations
Women: Carla Rebecchi (ARG); Kate Richardson-Walsh (GBR); Stacey Michelsen (NZL); Alex Danson (GBR); Naomi van As (NED).
Men: Gonzalo Peillat (ARG); John-John Dohmen (BEL); Moritz Fürste (GER); Tobias Hauke (GER); Pedro Ibarra (ARG).
2016 Goalkeeper of the Year nominations
Women: Maddie Hinch (GBR); Joyce Sombroek (NED); Kristina Reynolds (GER); Jackie Briggs (USA); Belen Succi (ARG).
Men: Juan Vivaldi (ARG); Jaap Stockmann (NED); Vincent Vanasch (BEL); David Harte (IRL); Parattu Raveendran Sreejesh (IND)
2016 Rising Star of the Year nominations (Players under 23)
Women: Maria Granatto (ARG); Lily Owsley (GBR); Nike Lorenz (GER); Kathryn Slattery (AUS); Florencia Habif (ARG).
Men: Arthur van Doren (BEL); Christopher Rühr (GER); Jorrit Croon (NED); Harmanpreet Singh (IND); Timm Herzbruch (GER).
2016 Coach of the Year nominations
Women: Alyson Annan (AUS); Karen Brown (GBR); Janneke Schopman (USA).
Men: Carlos Retegui (ARG); Danny Kerry (GBR); Shane McLeod (BEL).
More information about Hockey Stars 2016 and voting will be posted on FIH.ch over the coming days.
#HockeyStars2016
FIH site
Sreejesh among FIH Goalkeeper of the Year nominations
DUBAI: Indian men's hockey captain PR Sreejesh has been named as one of the candidates for 2016 Goalkeeper of the Year award of the FIH while Harmanpreet Singh made the grade as one of the 2016 Rising Women Star of the Year nominees.
The nominees for the 2016 Hockey Stars Awards, the annual prizes recognising the best players, goalkeepers, rising stars, coaches and umpires in a given calendar year were announced during the Hockey Revolution Part 2 Conference of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) which is currently taking place here.
There was no Indian in the 2016 Player of the Year nominations (both men and women) and in the 2016 Coach of the Year nominations (both men and women).
Five male and five female nominees have been selected for each award. The player, goalkeeper and rising star awards were selected by a panel consisting of the FIH Athletes' Committee, Continental Federations, Coaches and media. All awards are based on performance at international events during the 2016 season, as well as the player's overall contribution to the sport.
Winners will be decided by the combined results of an online vote that is open to the public and a peer vote from international athletes. Voting for players, goalkeepers and rising stars will open on November 16 and closes on December 2.
The Coach of the Year nominations, three from each gender, were selected by the FIH High Performance and Coaching Panel, with winners decided by a peer vote.
The 2016 Umpire Award winners, one male and one female, will be selected by the FIH Umpiring Committee.
All winners will be announced in January next year.
2016 Player of the Year nominations
Women: Carla Rebecchi (ARG); Kate Richardson-Walsh (GBR); Stacey Michelsen (NZL); Alex Danson (GBR); Naomi van As (NED). Men: Gonzalo Peillat (ARG); John-John Dohmen (BEL); Moritz Furste (GER); Tobias Hauke (GER); Pedro Ibarra (ARG).
2016 Goalkeeper of the Year nominations
Women: Maddie Hinch (GBR); Joyce Sombroek (NED); Kristina Reynolds (GER); Jackie Briggs (USA); Belen Succi (ARG).
Men: Juan Vivaldi (ARG); Jaap Stockmann (NED); Vincent Vanasch (BEL); David Harte (IRL); Parattu Raveendran Sreejesh (IND)
2016 Rising Star of the Year nominations (Players under 23)
Women: Maria Granatto (ARG); Lily Owsley (GBR); Nike Lorenz (GER); Kathryn Slattery (AUS); Florencia Habif (ARG).
Men: Arthur van Doren (BEL); Christopher Ruhr (GER); Jorrit Croon (NED); Harmanpreet Singh (IND); Timm Herzbruch (GER).
2016 Coach of the Year nominations
Women: Alyson Annan (AUS); Karen Brown (GBR); Janneke Schopman (USA).
Men: Carlos Retegui (ARG); Danny Kerry (GBR); Shane McLeod (BEL).
The Times of India
TV’s Nick Irvine to host inaugural Three Feathers Auction Dinner
Wales Senior Men are delighted to announce that renowned hockey pundit, Nick Irvine will host the inaugural Three Feather Feathers Action Dinner, taking place next month at the prestigious Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Nick, who is perhaps best known as a television commentator and the voice of the EuroHockey League, will lead the evening’s proceedings as players past and present come together to celebrate Welsh hockey heritage, with the added hope of raising additional funds for the men’s performance programme.
For nearly 30 years Nick has called it in many World and Olympic hockey tournaments, and most remarkably, has been the voice of every single EuroHockey League match since its conception ten years ago. In this time, Nick has clocked up well over 300 games in the commentary box watching the world's top club hockey event.
Throughout his extensive and varied hockey career, Nick has also been a player, coach, umpire, administrator, FIH committee man, team manager and journalist. He also has links to Welsh hockey once acting as the Wales team manager at an indoor European tournament!
Event organiser and Wales co-captains said: “We are thrilled to have Nick join us for Three Feathers. He has seen hockey change remarkably during his career and will be a fantastic host on the night, offering a fascinating insight into what’s changed, what’s stayed the same and where he thinks the game is going.”
The evening, which takes place on Saturday 3rd December, boasts some impressive items for auction. From riverside apartment stays in picturesque French towns and a 6-bed holiday home in Orlando, signed Rio 2016 GB women’s hockey memorabilia, to a downhill mountain bike experience day with a pro-rider, there is something for everyone.
All funds raised from the evening will primarily support the team on their way to the FIH World League Round 2 in March, following their impressive first round win in Glasgow, as well as the EuroHockey Championships next summer.
There are a limited number of tickets are still available and are open to all. Tickets cost £75 and include a drinks reception, three-course meal, house drinks (wine and beer), auction and dance.
To book tickets, please RSVP via email to David Kettle [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.].
Hockey Wales media release
Team Bath Buccaneers reaping Rio success
Team Bath Buccaneers
Since the Olympics many clubs have seen an increase in members after the Great Britain women inspired a nation by winning Gold at Rio 2016.
Team Bath Buccaneers are a club that have grabbed this opportunity with both hands to get more people playing hockey at their club.
They have over 400 juniors on their books and their club membership has grown just over 800. How has the club coped with this surge of newcomers and retained them in the club? We chatted to Heber Ackland, Director of Hockey at Team Bath Buccaneers, to find out what has been going on over the past few years and how they have managed the influx of newly inspired players!
“Since the Great Britain ladies won gold in Rio, the inboxes of the club’s men’s, ladies and junior sections have been inundated with new applications from both young and old alike, with many quoting being inspired by Rio to take up hockey or return to it.
Team Bath Buccaneers crowd
“What has allowed us to build on the post Olympic surge is the work we have done across the Club and in partnership with England Hockey, utilising their club development and coach development team and strategy, alongside our other key partner the University of Bath. It's this combination of factors that has been key for us.”
There are 5 things Team Bath are doing this season to maintain new and current members;
Small sided games are played at training session to help cater for the numbers and utilise pitch space
A flexible range of membership options;
Half membership options for senior players. For example 10 league games with no penalties on selection. This is found to be very popular with older players who can’t commit to every league match. As a result we have a lot more men and woman coming back to hockey.
U18 Membership – This was introduced 2 years ago, it is a special rate to encourage more juniors to play senior hockey. We now have well over 30 U18s playing league hockey which is great as it is a great investment in the future of our club. There is also flexible membership for juniors to accommodate if they play school sport on a Saturday which is similar to the half membership option.
Other incentives: special discounts for new joiners to the club. It normally looks like a two month try and see period especially for Back To Hockey players.
Linking with the local University has helped support both clubs provide more playing opportunities. The focus and investment made by the University of Bath into the sport of hockey has noticeably increased the numbers of student members playing for the club.
Improvement on publicising the club via social media
Working with England Hockey’s coaching team to improve the quality of coaching and introduced the golden thread into the coaching DNA of the club.
Ladies captain Janet Gubbin; "Since the success and exposure of the women's hockey at the Olympics, the ladies section has seen a dramatic increase in new players and players wishing to return to the game.
Looking ahead, Team Bath Buccaneers are looking to implement a long term strategy for growth, ensuring they capitalise on the success and heightened exposure, whilst guaranteeing sustainability in the long term for the club.
England Hockey Board Media release
PCB decides against writing off Rs10 million loan to PHF
By Muhammad Yousaf Anjum
LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmed on Friday wrote a letter to Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) announcing that the Rs10 million loan given by the country’s cricketing body cannot be waived off as a grant.
Three days ago, PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan said in a press conference that PHF wants to write off the loan given in the year 2000 and they have discussed the matter during a Board of Governors’ (BoG) meeting and asked the Inter Provincial Coordination ministry for advice.
However, now the cricket board has decided it cannot write off the loan as grant-in-aid. “The matter was deliberated in detail in a BoG meeting held in Lahore on November 8, and it was decided that the loan cannot be written-off as grant-in-aid,” said Subhan Ahmad in the letter.
Further, PCB has urged PHF officials to hold talks on the method and timelines for repayment of the loan.
Meanwhile, PHF Secretary Shahbaz Ahmad Senior told Express News that the federation will look into the matter after concluding current meetings in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Last month, the cricket board had asked PHF to return the loan that it gave to the latter under the chairmanship of General (Retd) Tauqir Zia. The amount was given to the hockey team which was due to participate in the Sydney Olympics in the aforementioned year. However, PCB later revealed that it was a loan and the PHF would have to return it.
Officials from both sides first met to resolve the issue on March 10, 2011 at the National Cricket Academy where it was mutually agreed that hockey federation would return this amount in instalments.
Although the number of installments was not agreed at that time, but PCB sent another letter on January 10, 2012 in which they suggested that there should be at least 10 installments to clear this amount.
“We request PCB to declare this loan of Rs10 million as a grant like Bangladesh, where government has announced a policy which pushed Bangladesh Cricket Board to give 5% of their income to the national game,” said PHF Secretary Shahbaz Senior previously told The Express Tribune.
The Express Tribune
PCB refuses PHF’s plea to write off Rs 10 million loan again
KARACHI - The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has once again refused Pakistan Hockey Federation’s plea for writing-off the amount of 10 million given to them 16 years ago as “grant-in-aid”.
PCB, in second communication in few weeks, has reminded the PHF to pay back the amount to the board as PCB cannot write it off under the constitution.
In a letter addressed to secretary PHF Shahbaz Ahmed, the PCB COO Subhan Ahmed has stressed that PCB’s board of governors have decided that the “Grant-in-Aid” cannot be written off.
“This matter (of writing off the money given to PHF) was deliberated in detail in the PCB governing board meeting held at Lahore on 8th November and it was decided that the loan cannot be written-off as Grand-in-Aid,” the letter reads.
“We therefore suggest that PCB discusses with PCB on the method and timeline for repayment of the loan,” it added.
PCB officials, while agreeing to the financial plight of the PHF, insist that PCB’s constitution doesn’t allow them to write off the loan and they have to adjust the amount to clear the pending audits. This is not the first time that PCB has asked the PHF to return the amount.
However, despite repeated requests by PHF, the PCB didn’t attempt to entertain the controlling body of the national sport in the country. The amount was given to the PHF by PCB in 2000 when retired Lt Gen Tauqeer Zia was head of PCB.
The Nation