News for 15 November 2016
All the news for Tuesday 15 November 2016
Key decisions and announcements from Dubai
Following the conclusion of the Hockey Revolution Part 2 Conference and 45th FIH Congress, here's a summary of all the key decisions and announcements made in Dubai. To read more about each, click on the blue title.
New President
India’s Dr Narinder Batra was elected as FIH President at the 45th FIH Congress in Dubai on Saturday 12 November. He was the first Indian to be elected President of an Olympic Sport's international governing body. His four-year term begins immediately, replacing predecessor Leandro Negre from Spain who was awarded the title of President of Honour by the FIH.
New Executive Board
Congress voted five new Ordinary Board Members to the Executive Board, two of them being women. These included Danae Andrada (Uruguay), Hazel Kennedy (Zambia), Tayyab Ikram (Macau), Erik Cornelissen (Netherlands) and Michael Green (Germany). It follows member National Associations’ decision to accept an FIH Executive Board recommendation to change the gender structure of the Board, which sees four men and four women now represented as Ordinary Board Members. Overall, the 15 person Executive Board now features seven women and eight men as FIH continues to ensure women have greater influence in hockey at all levels of the sport.
New Members
Hockey continues to grow with five new National Associations - Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Swaziland, Nicaragua and Colombia - granted full membership by the Congress following substantial development of the sport in those nations in recent years. With an aim of reaching 152 National Associations by 2024, FIH are well on their way to achieving this target, with these nations taking the total membership to 137.
Hockey Champions Trophy 2018
In Dubai, the FIH 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.
Key Speakers
Throughout Congress delegates were able to hear from some key influencers from the world of sport and business. Whilst a hugely successful Turf and Field Forum and FIH Hockey Academy Management course took place on the Thursday, the Hockey Revolution Part 2 Conference on Friday and Saturday saw a number of key speakers present. Delegates were updated from FIH staff on the progress of the Hockey Revolution, Brand Research Project and new Event Portfolio. Simon Cartwright, Adidas Senior Brand Director, provided a lot of engagement with a session on brands while Jenny Mann from the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Sport Department and Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallist Gonzalo Peillat from Argentina joined National Associations and others for a hugely entertaining open discussion regarding the development of hockey in their respective areas. IOC President Thomas Bach also sent a video message to the Congress reflecting on the success of the Hockey Revolution so far, whilst Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) Executive Director Andrew Ryan updated attendees on governance and the challenges facing sports federations today.
Code of Ethics and Anti-Corruption Regulations
Another important topic discussed in Dubai was governance. Next year, FIH will introduce a new Code of Ethics and updated anti-corruption regulations, both presented to Member organisations. The new Code will be fully in-line with the new IOC Code of Ethics (2015 version) and cover the areas of conflicts of interest; confidentiality; integrity (including bribery, gifts & hospitality; match-related integrity and betting); elections and bidding for events. It also foresees the creation of an FIH Ethics Panel with the members to be selected from a pool of independent experts. All FIH members will be provided with a template integrity code, committing them to read the new Code of Ethics and anti-corruption regulations, give them to all staff and ensure full compliance.
Hockey Revolution Awards
Beneath the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, hockey's stars were recognised as part of the first Hockey Revolution Awards ceremony which took place at the glamorous No Limits Ball at the Armani Hotel on Friday 11 November. 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 with HRH Princess Haya Bint al Hussein amongst the guests.
The next FIH Congress will take place in New Delhi, India in 2018.
FIH site
Shaw Names Green Army Training Squad For World League 2
Head coach of Ireland women’s hockey team Graham Shaw has announced a training panel of 26 in preparation for World League 2 in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia (Janaury 14-22 2017). The squad, with an average age of just 23, sees some new faces joining the panel alongside familiar stalwarts. The Green Army begin a busy year on January 14th at World League 2 in Malaysia, the squad need to finish in the top 2 to book their spot in World League 3 (either in South Africa or Belgium) and endeavour to secure their spot in the 2018 World Cup. But a tournament-filled year doesn’t end there as they will then compete in Amsterdam (August 19-27) at the Eurohockey Championships; the squad will be making their deserved return to the A Division following on from an emphatic string of victories in the B Division in Prague last year.
Speaking about the squad, Shaw said “We learned a lot from the recent test series in Belgium and Scotland. We have introduced several new caps to the squad which has brought that extra competitive edge to the group. We are now working hard in preparation for World League 2 in Malaysia, a tournament we are very much looking forward to”.
World League 2 Training Panel:
1. Ayeisha McFerran – University of Louisville
2. Grace O Flanagan- Railway Union
3. Clodagh Cassin- UCD
4. Hannah Mathews- Loreto Hockey Club
5. Cliodhna Sargent- Cork Harlequins
6. Yvonne O Byrne- Cork Harlequins
7. Shirley McCay- Ulster Elks
8. Zoe Wilson- Harvestehuder
9. Lena Tice- UCD
10. Roisin Upton- Cork Harlequins/ University of Connecticut
11. Lizzie Colvin- Loreto Hockey Club
12. Gill Pinder- UCD
13. Chloe Watkins- Hermes Monkstown
14. Katie Mullan- UCD
15. Ellen Curran- Hermes Monkstown
16. Nicci Daly- Muckross
17. Emily Beatty- KHC Dragons
18. Chloe Brown- Ards
19. Anna O Flanagan- Hermes Monkstown
20. Rebecca Barry- Cork Harlequins
21. Jessica McMaster- QUB
22. Ali Meeke- Loreto Hockey Club
23. Nikki Evans- Hermes Monkstown
24. Naomi Carroll- Cork Harlequins
25. Emma Russell- UCD
26. Sinead Loughran- Munchner HC
Irish Hockey Association media release
MHL shadow creeps into World League Round Two
By Jugjet Singh
T&T's historic silver medallists at the 1967 Pan American Games held in Winnipeg.
For the record, Trinidad and Tobago beat Malaysia 4-2 in the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. BBC reported that it was T & Ts first ever win in the Commonwealth Games.
THE Malaysian men will play in the Melbourne Four-Nation on Nov 23-27 in their final showdown for the year.
After a dismal third at the Kuantan Asian Champions Trophy (ACT), Malaysia will play ACT champions India (world No 6), Australia (No 1) and New Zealand (No 8) in the Four-Nation.
"We will not be able to field a full squad as the two Police trainees (Nabil Fiqri and Razie Rahim) are back in training while two players have studies to catch up with.
"Fitri (Shaari) and Faiz (Helmi Jali) are in the midst of asking for study leave but I'm not sure they will get it and be able to play in Melbourne.
"However, this will give is a chance to field other players like Baljit Singh (who has recovered from injury) as well as juniors who played in the Sultan of Johor Cup as replacement," said Malaysian coach Stephen van Huizen.
Australia will be the team to beat, while Malaysia must show that they are capable of holding their head high against Olympic sides India and New Zealand.
"This is part of our preparations for the World League Round Two (In Trinidad and Tobago on March 25-April 2) where we must finish among the top-two to play in the World League Semi-finals."
However, after the Four-Nation, Van Huizen might see his charges only weeks before the World League as they will break camp for the Malaysia Hockey League.
"The players will represent their clubs in the MHL, but I can't say much about that because I have yet to see the full fixtures. I hope the MHL ends a few weeks before the World League so that I can get the players back together for training."
Van Huizen is looking at training national players mid-week during the MHL, which is normally played over the weekend, but then there is the Alagendra Cup to play for mid-week.
"The MHC Competitions Committee is still planning for a viable solution to the packed schedule, and maybe they can host the Alagendra Cup before the MHL?"
Packed schedule or not, Malaysia must beat Trinidad and Tobago, Japan, Russia, United States, Barbados, Chile and Switzerland to qualify for the next round.
For the record, Malaysia were champions in the Singapore World League Round Two, but finished sixth in the Belgium World League Semi-finals and failed to qualify for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
This World League is a qualifier for the 2018 World Cup in India.
FIXTURES: Nov 23: Malaysia v New Zealand, India v Australia; Nov 24: Malaysia v India, New Zealand v Australia; Nov 26: Malaysia v Australia, India v New Zealand; Nov 27: Final and Third-Fourth.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Five-star Forsyth fires Surbiton into top four
Alan Forsyth, pictured, scored five times to help Surbiton to a 6-1 victory over Beeston in England’s men’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday to move the London club up to fourth place.
Forsyth opened the scoring in the seventh minute before David Beckett doubled the lead. Forsyth found the target again just before the break but Mark Gleghorne reduced the deficit for Beeston just before the whistle brought the first half to a close. In the second half, Forsyth added to his haul with strikes in the 44th, 68th and 69th minutes.
Leaders Holcombe also scored six goals as they beat Brooklands Manchester University 6-0 with goals coming from Sam Ward, Gareth Andrew, Rob Field, Aaronvir Cheema, Iain Lewers and Jonty Robinson.
Wimbledon moved up to second after a 5-3 win over East Grinstead. Chris Gregg scored twice for Wimbledon with their other goals coming through Ben Arnold, Peter Millar and Simon Mantell.
Martin Scanlon, Ashley Jackson and Andy Piper replied for East Grinstead and they could have pushed the home side even closer but for a missed Ashley Jackson penalty stroke.
Hampstead and Westminster are up to fifth after a 4-1 win over Reading. Rupert Shipperley opened the scoring in the 28th minute and a quickfire double from Matt Guise Brown made it 3-0.
Chris Cargo then added a fourth for Hampstead before Richard Mantell converted from a penalty corner with two minutes left for a Reading consolation.
Euro Hockey League media release
Clifton Robinsons' perfect day
Danson and Issy Palmer celebrate a Clifton Robinsons goal
Clifton and Robinsons: Two fine, established clubs from the West who have long shared a bond, supporting each other in cup and league fixtures alike. The support is so strong, they practically moved in at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre last summer as they had three teams in three different finals over three days. From these strong foundations, the clubs have no undergone a merger, becoming Clifton Robinsons. With the women’s side in Investec Women’s Premier division action on Sunday it became a day of celebration for the newly formed Clobbies.
After some neat promotion around 700 people came down to watch them take on Reading and as luck would have it, Alex Danson, Olympic gold medallist was making her Clifton debut against her former club:
“What are the chances?” Danson told England Hockey. “I was only able to play one game this half of the season and I couldn’t believe it was against Reading! I know some of them still and it was really friendly and really nice to see them before the game. It was a good game and I really hope Reading pick up. I think they showed enough to show they can get results. It was a lot of fun and there were a lot of friendly faces but of course in my first game for my new club it was great to get three points.”
Danson, who has been there and done it her decorated career, praised the work of the club’s volunteers after their sterling work produced what must surely be a record for a crowd in a women’s league game.
“It was a fantastic day and having 700 people coming down was amazing. There was a mix of local clubs, local schools and all sorts of other people. The club’s volunteers did a great job of promoting it. It was such a great atmosphere, the ground was full all over and as it was my first game I was blown away. I asked if we had this every week but it seems not!”
Danson’s first game for her new club yielded a 5-1 win against her former side. Despite a long association with Reading her reasons for moving were simple:
“I’ve played with Sarah Ellis [Clifton goalkeeper] for something like 17 seasons. Apart from when I played in Holland we’ve always played together. When she moved to Clifton we were having some dinner with some friends and she sort of talked me round! I’ve played at Clifton many times and it’s an amazing club with some truly brilliant volunteers. The junior section is thriving and now with the merger with Robinsons there’s a men’s and women’s section in great shape. It’s a lovely atmosphere and they’re a really competitive side. They’re always in and around the top five and they’re pushing again this season and beyond so it’s a very attractive club for me.”
With Ellis and international team mate Joie Leigh in the ranks and Issy Palmer, a team mate of Danson’s at the Junior World Cup in 2001 the Great Britain star has seamlessly slotted in. Despite her other commitments ruling her out of club action until after Christmas she is relishing the chance to throw herself into league action after the festive break:
“I haven’t played club hockey for a long time.” said the England star. “Since the Olympics I haven’t really played. I’ve missed it so much. I haven’t played much club hockey because of my international commitments but now I have a chance I want to play club hockey as much as I can.” she adds “I just love playing and being able to get involved in the national league again it’s fantastic. I’m looking forward to playing home and away for Clifton and getting back out there. Because of my commitments I can’t play again till after Christmas but I hope to play all the games after that and I can’t wait!”
What a day for Clifton Robinsons: A huge crowd, a great celebration of the merging of the clubs, an Olympian makes her debut and they win 5-1. They’ve probably had worse days!
England Hockey Board Media release
Great action but no shocks in the quarter-finals
Scottish Cup medal
There were no shocks in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup although there was an avalanche of goals, especially in the men`s competition.
The only all-first division clash between Grange and PSL Clydesdale ended with the league leaders rattling in 11 against the Glasgow side. Frank Ryan was top scorer with four and Luke Cranney notched a hat-trick, but coach David Knipe singled out Todd Mills as the man-of-the-match despite the fact that he did not find the net himself.
Scotland striker Ian Moodie was on fire with four goals in Edinburgh University`s 6-2 win over second division Dundee Wanderers at Peffermill, the other goals came from Peter McKnight and Antonis Efthymiou. Ross Glashan and Tom Cole replied for the Taysiders.
Grove Menzieshill were far too strong for second division Granite City Wanderers and came away with an 8-1 victory. There were six different individual scorers but Ciaran Crawford and Jamie Golden both picked up doubles.
Holders Bromac Kelburne rattled in 20 without reply against FMGM Monarchs, but ironically the man-of-the-match was Dundee goalkeeper Sean Thomson, but for a string of fine saves the score might have been much higher. Nonetheless both Lee Morton and Jack McKenzie scored four while Jonus Nommensen and Johnny Christie picked up hat-tricks.
The top women`s match of the quarter-finals was on Tayside, joint league leaders Grove Menzieshill triumphed 2-1 against Wildcats in a close encounter. Sarah Jamieson and Dollar schoolgirl Jenny Walls were on target for the Dundonians.
Dundee Wanderers were two up at the interval against Kelburne, Sam Sangster and Amy Snelle were on target, the Paisley side came back with a goal in the second half but not enough to save the tie.
Grange, the only lower league team left in the competition, foundered 5-1 against league leaders Milne Craig Western at Titwood. Millie Brown scored twice for the home side with Fiona Bruce, Ali Howie and Frances Lonergan getting the others.
Holders Edinburgh University progressed safely into the semi-final draw after a seven goal defeat of Hillhead, there were two goals each for Amy Brodie and Kirsten Peters.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Surjit Hockey Tournament suffers government apathy
Dy CM skips finale; state focus shifts to kabaddi, claim players
Rachna Khaira
Jalandhar: The recently concluded 33rd edition of the Surjit Hockey Tournament was held with usual pomp and fervour. However, it failed to attract the attention of Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, who is also the president of Hockey Punjab and Sports Minister of the state. Sukhbir Badal, despite being in the city on Friday, the concluding day of the event, gave it a miss.
This has created uproar amongst hockey players who had slammed the SAD government for ignoring the national sport. Some former hockey Olympians said while it was claimed that crores of rupees were spent on promoting kabaddi, which didn’t even have any Olympic recognition, the state government didn’t made any efforts to promote hockey in the state.
Resentment was also seen amongst the tournament organisers. Although the concluding day of the event had always seen the presence of Chief Minister Badal, Deputy Chief Minister and other SAD ministers, the ritual stopped after the SAD regime turned its attention towards promoting Kabaddi.
Sources said while SAD leaders had promised grants up to Rs 37 lakh in the last two years, the Society has only received a grant of Rs 4.5 lakh to date. While Education Minister Daljit Singh Cheema had announced a grant of Rs 10 lakhs to the Society, the government had released only Rs 2 lakh so far. Punjab Jails Minister Sohan Singh Thandal has released Rs 2.5 lakh as against the promised grant of Rs 5 lakh. While Transport Minister Ajit Singh Kohar and Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Sikander Maluka had promised a grant of Rs 11 lakhs each, they have not released any payment to date.
Sources said due to the government’s apathy, Surjit Hockey Society was facing financial crisis. The Society used to get Rs 80 to 85 lakh as grants and sponsorships, which has now reduced to a mere Rs 30 to 35 lakh. “Although we are managing the show with the support of our NRI sponsors and spectators, it is time that the government should also extend support to keep alive the flame of Olympian Surjit Singh. A dedicated fund should be set up for the Society from the sports budget,” said Surinder Bhapa.
The Tribune
Legendary Hockeyroo takes on new challenge
Madonna Blyth unveiled as player-coach of Hale’s elite women's program
She might have announced her retirement from international hockey this week but Madonna Blyth isn’t done yet.
The Hockeyroo legend - who is Australia’s most-capped female player - is now set to return to the club she played for when she was first drafted through the AIS system in 2004 as she prepares to lead Hale's top women's team in next year’s Premier One Competition as their player/ coach.
Kane Greenaway, Hale Hockey Club President, said Madonna’s influence, coupled with the assistance of former teammate and 200-game Hockeyroo Nicole Arrold, would help to shape a new generation of elite women’s hockey at the club.
He added: “We’re thrilled to get Madonna back to the Hale Hockey Club. This is a milestone day for the club.
"Madonna came here as a young and talented teenager and won many admirers for the way she played the game.
"We’ve watched in awe as her career developed and to have the opportunity to get her to come back here at such a pivotal time in our club’s development is perfect.
"We want her to create a legacy of success that will survive for the club to compete for premierships for generations to come.
"At an elite level in our men's and women's program we are now providing the best club coaching in Perth. Put that alongside our facilities and social set-up - and we’re the perfect club for hockey players of any level or age."
With 342 caps over a 12-year international career, Madonna was twice named in the World Team of the Year.
As the Hockeyroos’ captain she led her team to two Commonwealth Games gold medals including scoring the winning goal in the shootout against England in Glasgow in 2014, World Cup silver, Champions Trophy silver and World League silver.
Hockey WA media release
The Hockey Paper launches - 16 November
One day to go!
An exciting new addition to the hockey world awaits with the first edition of The Hockey Paper available on British news-stands on Wednesday 16 November.
The Hockey Paper will become the first dedicated newspaper to hockey covering the Men's and Women's Premier Divisions, with extensive round-ups of the six conferences below.
We will also report on hockey action throughout Europe and the wider world along with big interviews with star players, special features on grass roots, universities and schools.
Available to buy at supermarkets and local newsagents for just £1.50 - or you can subscribe via our website to receive the editions: www.thehockeypaper.co.uk
Led by former Telegraph correspondent Rod Gilmour, The Hockey Paper will feature renowned columnists such as Simon Mason, Nick Irvine, Beckie Middleton and Todd Williams.
Editor-in-chief David Emery said: "This is a thrilling time for hockey fans in the UK after the success in the Rio Olympics. We believe The Hockey Paper can tap into that interest and reflect the ever-growing status of the game."
So mark the date in your calendar as Greenways Publishing, the stable of proven sporting titles The Rugby Paper, The Non-League Football Paper, and The Cricket Paper, prepares for week-by-week coverage.
The Hockey Paper / Greenways Publishing
Twitter: @thehockeypaper
Facebook: The Hockey Paper
Website: thehockeypaper.co.uk
The Hockey Paper media release
Obituary: Bill Colwall
A senior Hockey writer from England seen at the Men's Hockey World Cup held at Monchenglabach in Germany.
Bill Colwill, Treasurer of the SJA for 12 years, was named as the 2006 winner of the Doug Gardner Award
I remember seeing him travelling to most of the hockey tournaments with his wife. A modest and simple gentleman who commanded more respect from all the sports administrators, sports journalists, photographers and players as well.
Another great Hockey writer, Peter Savage wrote in his timeline (today) that he had just received the sad news of the death of Bill Colwill. Bill was a great supporter for all his efforts. It was Bill that suggested that he had a regular column in Hockey Sport and nominated him for membership of the Sports Journalists Association. Bill kindly acted as editorial advisor when Peter was editor of Hockey Talk and was a regular contributor.
He was one of Hockey's great characters.
Vino John
Bill Colwill OBE
By Pat Rowley
Bill Colwill presenting the Life Membership of Hockey Writers' Club to India's triple Gold Medalist Balbir Singh Sr. at Southgate Hockey Club in 2005
Bill was a close and very respected friend for as long as I can remember. He joined me on many reporting trips all over the world.
To me personally he was a mentor. I always valued his opinion and guidance.
My wife and I visited him in hospital and were distressed at his condition though never realising just how serious his illness was.
This has been a terrible year for me having lost so many close friends and Hockey Writers Club and journalistic colleagues.
Born. 15.10.1930. Died 13.11.16 in hospital.
Former Chairman/Secretary of Hockey Writers Club.
Hockey Correspondent, The Independent.
Contributor. Hockey Sport, etc.
Sole Editor. HWC Newsletter.
SCHUA Umpire.
FIH TD.
Head of COI department.
Married. 02.04.1955.
Wife Jean died. 2010.
One Son. Peter.
Pat Rowley
Bill Colwill
Just read the sad news of Bill Colwill's passing away. Bill Colwill OBE, was one of the most respected hockey journalists in the world. He was hockey correspondent of ‘Independent’ for a long time. Remained treasurer & membership secretary of SJA (Sports Journalists Association of Great Britain) for many years. He edited the newsletter of Hockey Writers Club of England for a long time. Many a time, I contributed to the Hockey Writers Club newsletter on Bill's asking- a great honour for me.
Ijaz Chaudhry
Lena Barclay
Scottish Hockey is sad to hear of the passing of Lena Barclay. Lena was very influential in hockey both here and internationally, and was a key person in the development of many of today's international officials.
An Honorary SHU member, Lena was deeply involved in all levels and in every position of Scottish and North District Hockey, and also travelled the world as a TD official with her husband, Wilson, often happily in tow as an official Scottish Hockey cameraman.
Lena was Captain and President of Aberdeen Ladies Hockey Club for many years and when she stopped playing she coached the club. Close friend Mary Anderson, Secretary of Aberdeen Ladies Hockey Club, said, “She inspired many young players and was always so encouraging and positive. She was also very involved in umpiring, and again many umpires had Lena to thank for getting them started blowing a whistle and progressing further. Many of us who now take on duties as TDs first learned the job from Lena. She was an inspiration to so many of us in the world of hockey.”
Lena came from Dumfries originally before moving up to Aberdeen where she taught at St Margaret's girls’ school. Word has it that Lena was also a very high profile judge in the Scottish country dancing world, and is remembered as a great character across hockey.
Anne Wotherspoon, President of Scottish Hockey, said: “Lena was very influential as a technical official both here in Scotland and internationally. She is remembered with fondness and great respect by many, including some of our European colleagues who became Olympic umpires and officials. In Scotland she was a key influence on many of our top international technical officials, including myself. She was always willing to give guidance and share her experiences with us 'youngsters'. As others have said she was a lovely lady and genuinely liked and respected by everyone I know in hockey.”
Hillhead’s Christine MacDonald added: “She was the person who taught me how to be a TO, but it was learning by experience just at various inter-districts, so as each new crisis arose, you learned how to deal with that one. She was a very unflappable person.”
North District President Angie Keith was also sad to hear about the passing of Lena. Angie said Lena’s tremendous commitment to hockey across Scotland has always been admired and she sent her love and best wishes to Lena’s family. The thoughts of all at Scottish Hockey are with Lena’s family and friends.
Lena's service is at Aberdeen Crematorium on Tuesday, 15th November at 1.15pm.
Scottish Hockey Union media release