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News for 20 December 2016

All the news for Tuesday 20 December 2016


India post win over Malaysia; top Pool in Women's U18 Asia Cup

BANGKOK: India U18 women's team continued its fine run in the 4th Women's U18 Asia Cup, beating Malaysia 3-1 in its final group match to top Pool A here on Monday.

Both teams were slow to start off the blocks, but India exhibiting control and held the possession.

India even managed to have several penetrations into the circle, but failed to create a clear chance for a goal.

Malaysia, meanwhile, earned the first Penalty Corner of the match but India's defence closed the drag flick down quickly, forcing it wide of the mark.

Soon after, India scored off their first PC to give the team a deserved lead. Manpreet Kaur deflected the disguised pass from the dragflick with a superb first time touch into the bottom corner.

The teams went into halftime with India leading 1-0.

India increased the pace of the play in the second half and started making inroads into Malaysia's stubborn defence. They doubled their lead with another PC in the 39th minute.

India's first shot was blocked by the Malaysian defenders but in the ensuing tussle, the ball fell in front of Poonam, who slotted home from within two yards.

Malaysia struck back with a goal in the 40th minute with Nuramirah Shakirah scoring off a counter attack.

However, India widened the deficit in the 46th minute via a superbly constructed goal finished by Lalremsiami.

Manpreet's driving pass into the circle was flicked on by Sangita Kumari, and a diving Lalremsiami guided the ball into the goal to give India a 3-1 lead.

From there on India held on to the possession comfortably and stifled Malaysia's attempts at a comeback.

The Times of India



Dream come true, India’s juniors refuse to sleep

Uthra Ganesan


Indian team having a group photo with UP Governor, Rama Naik, Chief Minister, Akhilesh Yadav and Sahara CMD, Subroto Roy after beating Belgium by 2-1 in the Finals of Jr. World Cup Hockey Tournament, Major Dhyanchand Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday. Photo Credit: Rajeev Bhatt

LUCKNOW: At 2.30 a.m. on Monday, the corridors of Fairfield Marriott in Lucknow were rent with screams of delight, out of control youngsters running around, goofing around, boys who would be men soon but for now, just partying teenagers.

It was the Indian junior hockey team, unable to sit still after winning the World Cup with a mix of domination and disdain that has always been the prerogative of the Europeans and Australians.

It had been seven hours since the team had lifted the trophy, but the excitement of being on top of the world was unabated.

And, for once, strict disciplinarians Harendra Singh and Roelant Oltmans turned an indulgent eye as the Indians backslapped the Spanish, Australian and South African players they had beaten on field in the past days and exchanged shirts and jackets.

Earlier, the team had partied at an impromptu function, surrounded by gushing socialites who would have struggled to recognise any of the youngsters before Sunday night. Through all this, however, the much-adored trophy was never let out of sight.

Everywhere captain Harjeet Singh went, the trophy went with him. When he wasn’t getting selfies clicked, he would keep staring at it with a loving look.

The only other hands that he would let touch the trophy were those of his teammates or staff members — so precious it was.

Back at their hotel, the players were all told to pack up for an early morning departure. It was a perfunctory order, taken as such by the 18 boys who couldn’t care less.

“Aaj raat neend kahan ayegi, abhi to kai din tak sone me dar lagega ki sapna toot na jaye (there will be no sleep tonight, in fact for many nights now, afraid that this might be a dream that will break when we wake up)” each one of them said.

And yet, when Harendra asked them to come together for a few photographs, not one dared to refuse.

“The toughest thing for them in these last two years was dealing with Harendra,” he admitted, only to be shouted down by his wards.

“This trophy is for coach saab and Cody!” was the chorus that, in the deserted lobby of the hotel, echoed like a war cry.

Cody Tribe, the team’s trainer, was around too, smiling indulgently at all his dietary restrictions being thrown to the wind.

The man the players accuse of keeping them away from everything they desired to eat all this while, and are immensely thankful for doing so, was not going to deny them on the biggest day of their lives.

For a team that wasn’t allowed to taste sugar for almost three years, the day ended with a cake being wolfed down and smeared around in equal measure, in the presence of Tribe. It was only fair.

The Hindu



PM congratulates junior hockey team for world cup win

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated junior hockey team for winning World Cup and said it augurs well for the future of Indian hockey.

"Extremely proud of our youngsters! Congratulations to our junior hockey team for winning the #JuniorHockeyWorldCup," he tweeted.

He added that the "win augurs well for the future of Indian hockey & will make the sport even more popular among youngsters."

India defeated Belgium 2-1 to clinch the Junior World Cup held in Lucknow on Sunday.

The Times of India



Smells like team spirit

Captain Harjeet says every player knew his role and played it to perfection

Indervir Grewal


Throughout the junior hockey World Cup, the Indian team looked good in defence as well as in attack.PTI

An unbelievably loud crowd witnessed history in the making at a jam-packed Dhyan Chand Stadium here on Sunday. 

In Lucknow’s hockey circle, the hangover of previous night’s frenzied scenes of celebrations was still fresh. “Congratulations to you” replaced namaste as the greeting for the day. They knew they had been part of Indian hockey’s biggest win on home soil in a long time.

The junior World Cup win has kindled greater hopes of India bringing home more titles in the future. However, what has made this win even sweeter, is India’s complete team performance, an aspect not attributed to the Indian teams.

Break from the past

India’s teamwork had its effect on the defence. India’s defence was not troubled in most of the matches. It is a big credit for India, whose national teams are known for their defensive frailties.

South Africa coach had said that the Indian players “are good at individual defence and rely on it too much, more than the better-structured teams. They need to work on their defence.”

A valid point as defensively India showed susceptibility to change in pace in the pool matches. However, it never became a big worry later in the tournament. The team was structured in defence and the credit goes to every player, more perhaps to the forwards and midfielders. Unlike in the past, the forwards performed their defensive duties with unwavering discipline. The best example of it was India’s win in the final. The first line of India’s defence — relentlessly going after the ball-carrier and lunging to intercept every pass — suffocated the Belgians, making the title clash a one-sided affair.

The dominance India showed over top teams such as Australia, Belgium and England was a total opposite of the dynamics at the senior level; and the main reason for that was teamwork.

Harjeet Singh led from the centre

The captain led from the front, or rather from the centre. Manning his team from the centre, he had an almost flawless tournament. The only poor game he had was against Spain in the quarterfinals, when he lost his bearings a bit. But he quickly raised his game, and made sure his team was disciplined against Australia in the semifinals. The most impressive feature of his performance was the regularity at which he started counter-attacks. The speed with which he stole the ball of an opponent’s stick on numerous occasions showcased his presence of mind. India’s main strategy was to apply high pressure and catch the opponent off guard with counter-attacks. The captain proved to be the biggest weapon in this strategy; no wonder manager Roelant Oltmans couldn’t stop singing praises of him.

Mandeep Singh, man in form

The wiry striker was the most potent of the Indian forwards. More than the goals he scored (3), it was the goal-scoring opportunities he created, especially against defensively tight teams, that made him standout. He was at his pestering best against England, as he kept finding the space in a packed English third with brilliantly-timed runs, winning two crucial penalty corners, one of which led to the equaliser. Mandeep Singh was named the Man of the Match in all the three pool matches. 

The Tribune



Hockey dreams

The youth world cup has revived old ghosts — and hopes.

Winning the youth world cup is deemed a graduation of sorts, as in a band of young players announcing to the world that they are the future, the sporting geniuses to be beheld and trumpeted in the years to come. In the context of Indian hockey, now that they have won the Junior World Cup, it primarily connotes a revival.

It’s not the first time the word revival has been used in India’s hockey circles. More often than not, it has been thrown around presumptuously, albeit through the lens of hindsight. Wizened followers of the game could feel a sense of deja vu, memories of 2001 rushing back in. That was an year of great promise in Indian sport — a few months after arguably the greatest Houdini in Indian cricket, a bunch of promising under-21s lifted the Junior Hockey World Cup in Hobart. The revival of the national sport and the national passion was fervently celebrated. Nine years later, the nucleus of the team that surmounted the all-conquering Australia in Eden Gardens scaled the pinnacle of Test rankings. But the core of the other golden generation had splintered, and only a few remained after the national failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics. So the generation ordained to recreate the magic of Indian hockey helplessly watched Indian hockey hitting its nadir.

It’s the ghosts of the sublimely gifted Deepak Thakur and Co that the class of 2016 should fear, or be wary of. It’s an instructive tale they would do well to not repeat. But there are sufficient reasons to believe they wouldn’t digress like their much-hyped predecessors. Firstly, this is a grounded bunch. Secondly, they won by playing a very modern brand of direct, attacking hockey. The obsession with fancy dribbles and dodges was shelved for a more pragmatic yet thrilling method. Thirdly, they are being groomed in a more professional set-up, with limited avenues to go astray and a committed support staff closely monitoring their progress. Maybe, in five to six years, the revival we are discussing now wouldn’t sound presumptuous.

Indian Express



Banbridge and Lisnagarvey finish 2016 on winning note



Banbridge and Lisnagarvey closed out 2016 in the Irish EY Hockey League with victories as the last of the European leagues finished its formal action before the turn of the year

Bann moved back to the head of the table on a weekend when the top five all moved position in a very competitive division. They provided some serious fireworks in the first 25 minutes in sweep aside struggling Railway Union 4-0.

All the goals came in that early period with Peter Brown and Dane Ward both scoring in the first eight minutes before Eugene Magee and Matthew Bell extended the lead out.

The second half was lower key with the damage already done. The result lifted Bann to the top of the table – with a game in hand – courtesy of previous incumbents Monkstown’s loss to Lisnagarvey.

Garvey’s 4-2 win earned them a modicum of revenge for their recent Irish Senior Cup defeat to the same opponent and came following a breathless, end-to-end battle.

Matthew Nelson opened the scoring with a diving touch to Neal Glassey’s excellent cross for 1-0 at half-time. Monkstown levelled via a Kyle Good thunderbolt but two goals from Andy Williamson in quick succession were the key moments.

He rebounded off his own shot for 2-1 before finishing off a Nelson assist for 3-1. Richard Sykes got Town back in the mix with 10 minutes to go but a heavily deflected Michael Robson goal – his first since switching from Annadale a fortnight ago – sealed the deal. Garvey move up to third as Monkstown dropped to second place.

Euro Hockey League media release



Scottish Women’s Indoor National League 1 delivers a super Sunday



It was tales of the unexpected at women`s indoor hockey National League 1; leaders Dundee Wanderers’ long-held unbeaten record was shattered after going down 4-3 to Milne Craig Western; then Edinburgh University beat second placed Grove Menzieshill by the same score and finished the day in pole position.

The day undoubtedly belonged to the Edinburgh students - they completed their programme with a trio of victories over Western Wildcats, Grove Menzieshill and finally Inverleith to lead the table by one point from Wanderers.

Perhaps the biggest result of the day was provided by Edinburgh University; the students removed Grove Menzieshill from second place with a 4-3 win.

The score ding-donged to 2-2 towards the end of the first half, Grove Menzieshill`s former internationalists Ali Bell and Linda Clement were on target, only to be negated by two strikes by Edinburgh`s Becky Dru. The underdogs took a 3-2 lead into the interval when Katie Hibbert added a third for the students.

Grove Menzieshill were back level a minute into the second half through Susan Hamilton, but the coup de gras came from Dru at a penalty corner for her own hat-trick and the winner.

Edinburgh University started the day`s campaign with a five goal mauling of Wildcats. The students were four ahead at the break with a double by Kirsty Abraham along with Louise Campbell and Susan Graham. The only goal of the second period emanated from a penalty corner strike by Becky Dru.

The students completed their day`s assignment with a comfortable 7-1 win over neighbours Inverleith who are now fixed at the bottom of the table.

Edinburgh were 3-1 up at the interval through Annie Arthur, Abraham and Graham, while Kirsty Dinwoodie replied for Inverleith. The goals continued to flow in the second half, Arthur scored twice to complete her hat-trick while Abraham and Graham each scored one more.

Wanderers were caught cold against Western when Ali Eadie sunk a penalty corner strike in only seven minutes. Worst was to follow with a procession of goals by Susie Gillman, Lexi Sabatelli and Kayleigh Justice to put the Glasgow side four up. A lifeline for the Dundonians arrived when playmaker Vikki Bunce pulled one back just before the interval.

Although Western failed to add to their tally in the second half, and Bunce converted two penalty corners to bring the difference to only a single goal, the favourites ran out of time and conceded the three points.

A double hat-trick by Gillman was the highlight of Milne Craig Western`s 9-1 win over Aberdeen Bon-Accord in their earlier fixture of the day.

Wanderers recovered some of their composure in their second outing with a 7-3 win over Bon-Accord. Bunce was again on target with another hat-trick, Julie Bryce got a double while the other strikes came from Emily Dark and Rachel Osborne.

Grove Menzieshill started their day with a comfortable 5-1 victory over Wildcats, the Taysiders led 2-0 at the interval through Bell and Katie Stott. In the second half further goals were added by Bell again along with Lee Pendreigh and Sophie Pettigree, Lucy Findlay got the consolation for Wildcats.

CALA Edinburgh were the first side at the bottom end of the table to pick up points with a 5-2 win over Capital neighbours Inverleith. The score was tied at 2-2 at the interval, Shona McNab and Robin Robeson scored for CALA while Ella Watt got both Inverleith`s goals. CALA built up a commanding lead in the second half, Robeson scored again while Amie-Jayne Redell notched a couple.

CALA then added to their points tally following a 2-2 draw with Wildcats.

Aberdeen Bon-Accord also moved off the basement position after a 4-1 victory over Inverleith. A double by Ruth Cox and another from Nikki Davidson gave the Aberdeen side a 3-1 advantage at the interval, Carly Bissett replying for Inverleith. The only goal of the second half came from Bon-Accord`s Holly Steiger for the crucial three points.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Wananchi sweep hockey league awards

By Kasozi Balikuddembe



They were as sublime as you like it!  Wananchi Men and Women sides have painted local hockey in their colors, winning both the Men and Women leagues and certainly the 2016 season will undoubtedly live to stay in their minds.

On Saturday, the teams added a total of five accolades to their collectables during the National Hockey League Awards at Lugogo Hockey stadium.

They took home the two crowns in the ladies and Men's category as their very own Innocent Mbabali and Doreen Asiimwe claimed the MVP awards respectively.

Mbabali who has had a season of his life coaching the Wananchi women's side to the women's trophy and standing out as an umpire and player, received a standing ovation on his way to receiving the trophy.

Thomas Opio was another Wananchi player who was recognized for scoring the most goals in the season (20). "It is always a good feeling to be rewarded of your efforts. Im motivated to go for more" said Opio.

Emmanuel Baguma was also on Wanachi's awards chain, emerging the youngest promising player in the Men's category. It was only weatherheads' Siddy Alum and Deliverance's Vicky Aketch that got to share on the awards.

National Hockey League Awards
Men's Category
Champions:
Wananchi
MVP:
Innocent Mbabali
Top Scorer:
Thomas Opio
Youngest Promising Player:
Emmanuel Baguma
Women's Category
Champions:
Wananchi
MVP:
Doreen Asiimwe
Top Scorers:
Siddy Alum
Youngest Promising Player:
Vicky Aketch

New Vision



Eight teams for MHL Premier Division next year

KUALA LUMPUR: It’s finally settled.

Eight teams will compete in the Premier Division of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) next year.

This follows the confirmation by Maybank on their participation in the 2017 edition which starts on Jan 4. Maybank had kept the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) waiting for their confirmation. Earlier, there were fears Maybank would pull out of the league.

Besides Maybank, the other regulars competing are Tenaga Nasional, Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC), Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), Terengganu. The three new entries are newly-promoted Division One champions SSTMI, TNB Thunderbolt and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).

Said MHC chief executive officer K. Logan Raj: “The Premier Division will be played under the home and away format.

“There are also eight teams in Division One, but it will be a one round-robin league. We expected to conclude the MHL by the end of February.”

The Star of Malaysia



Players having say in new Black Sticks coach


Hugo Inglis celebrates with team mate James Coughlan after scoring. Photo / Getty Images

Hockey New Zealand are working closely with their players as they search for a new coach for the men's Black Sticks.

Applications are flooding in for the role vacated by Colin Batch earlier this month.

Hockey New Zealand High Performance Director Terry Evans says it's important to hear from the players about the type of coach they want to play under.

Evans says it's not a Hockey New Zealand programme run out of an office and it's very much athlete driven and he'd like to continue discussions with them in the coming weeks.

Hockey New Zealand hope to have a new coach confirmed by early February.

Radio Sport



U.S. Women's Masters Team Confirmed for Inaugural IMHA Masters Indoor World Cup



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The U.S. Women’s Masters Committee is pleased to announce the U.S. O-40 Women’s Masters Team for the Inaugural International Masters Hockey Association (IMHA) Masters Indoor World Cup on February 2-5, 2017 held in Krefeld, Germany. Team USA selected squad includes three players who have been part of the U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team, participating in numerous tours and Indoor Pan American Championships throughout their careers. Nicky Hitchens from 2004 to 2005, Maria Keesling from 2004 to 2008 and 2012 to 2015, and Denise Zelenak, captain from 2004 to 2010 and head coach from 2012 to 2014. New Masters teammate Tamika Smith was a member of the U. S. Women’s National Team from 1999 to 2004.

Having participated in two previous Masters Outdoor World Cups in Rotterdam, The Netherlands (2014) and Canberra, Australia (2016), this will be the third Masters World Cup for Megan Callahan, Beth Denmead, Susan Elliott, Nicky Hitchens, Maria Keesling and Denise Zelenak.

Racking up their second Master World Cup will be Sophie Etienne and Melissa Nash Mertz.

That leaves special congratulations to those making their first Masters World Cup team including Kelly Goodsell, Elzeth Hetzler, Tamika (Mimi) Smith and Christina Sommerfield.

We are pleased to announce the addition of Head Coach Lauren Hibshman and Manager Jenna Knouse. Both are past members of the U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team, with Hibshman earning a bronze medal at the 2014 Indoor Pan American Games Games. Their knowledge and work ethic have already had a positive impact on the new squad. 

Also joining the touring party is Physiotherapist Anja Hossbach. Hossbach accompanied the U.S. Women's Masters Teams to the 2016 Masters World Cup in Canberra, Australia. In addition to once again being the U.S. Women’s Team Physiotherapist, Hossbach will also act as physiotherapist for both of the competing men’s teams. 

U.S. O-40 Women's Team

 

Alternates: Alphabetical

* Megan Callahan (Baltimore, Md.)
  Jen Anderson (Owings Mills, Md.)

* Beth Denmead (Netcong, N.J.)

 

Jennifer Bandura (Boiling Springs, Pa.)

* Susan Elliott (Fountainville, Pa.)

 

* Meri Dembrow (Royal Oak, Mo.)

* Sophie Etienne (Belmont, Mass.)
 

* Melissa Emery (Big Sky, Mont.)

   Kelly Goodsell (Harrisburg, Pa.)

 

* Linda Kreiser (Middletown, Pa.)

   Elzeth Hetzler (San Ramon, Calif.)
 

*+Nicky Hitchens (Philadelphia, Pa.)

 

*+Maria Keesling (Downingtown, Pa.)

 

* Masters World Cup Squad 

*  Melissa Nash Mertz (Elizabethtown, Pa.)

 

+ National Indoor Squad

   Tamika (Mimi) Smith (Elkridge, Md.)
 
   Christina Sommerfield (Lewes, Del.)
 

*+Denise Zelenak (Wilmington, Del.)

 
     
Coach:
Lauren Hibshman
     
Manager:
Jenna Knouse 
(Both former National Indoor Squad members)
 
Head of Video Analysis:
Ashley Jones
 
Team Physiotherapist:
Anja Hossbach


USFHA media release



International Hockey Federation opens application process for Home & Away League



Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has launched the application process for the ‘game-changing’ global Home and Away League due to begin in January 2019.

Application documents have been sent to the top 16 men’s and 16 women’s hockey nations listed in the FIH Hero World Rankings. Between seven and nine teams will be selected for each League which will run from January until June every year. These teams will be chosen by a specially selected FIH Event Portfolio Implementation Panel.

Whilst the official name of the League has yet to be finalised, the process for participation has already started with a view to announcing the teams who will play in the inaugural leagues in June 2017.

The top teams have now received a clearly defined set of participation criteria which they will be evaluated against. These have been designed to ensure the quality of the League and high standard events right from the start.

The criteria have been developed around meeting the three main objectives of the new event portfolio - to generate a massive change in TV and media coverage for hockey; create big, bold, packed and loud events and make a step change to increase future revenues for the sport.

National Associations will be required to submit extensive information in order to be eligible, with sustainability the key aspect of the Leagues’ long term vision.

Whilst details about marketing proposals for promoting the League and commercial strategies aimed at generating income will be required, evidence of financial sustainability will be critical. This will include detailed modelling, projecting budgets for both the participation in matches overseas as well as hosting matches in their homeland. And with no bidding fee associated with League participation, nations need not worry that selection will be offered to the highest bidder.

Those selected will substantially benefit from the increased number of home matches as part of a more consistent hockey calendar. With more opportunities to see their heroes in action throughout the year, national teams' fan base and followers are expected to grow. This will not only increase the commercial value of the sport through ticket sales, hospitality and merchandising, but also commercial interest in the teams and their athletes through increased sponsorship opportunities.

Ensuring the quality of the teams taking part is what is needed to provide a competitive League, which in turn will offer a huge number of exciting, action-packed matches for fans in the stands and the millions of viewers tuning in from across the world. Hence performance history will be another important aspect within the evaluation process.

FIH will need to consider which nations can offer the perfect stage for these teams to shine. With a requirement to host ‘Big, Bold, Packed and Loud’ events in line with the FIH’s 10-year Hockey Revolution strategy, venue selection and experience of hosting previous events will be imperative.

National broadcasters will also be fundamental to its success - their commitment to fully support and promote the competition and ensure millions of fans can consume hockey. This is particularly important in terms of raising the profile of the sport and its athletes – giving more sports fans more access to hockey throughout the year. This will also contribute to increasing the commercial value of the sport, by giving it more exposure through a host of international broadcast partners.

Speaking about this launch, FIH Acting CEO David Luckes said: “This is the first step towards the implementation of our game-changing new event portfolio. It’s been designed to provide a regular calendar of must‐see events played in packed stadia across the world throughout the year and will therefore completely change the landscape of international hockey.” He continued: “This is the start of an extensive consultation process which will ensure the quality and sustainability of these leagues. Over the coming months we will be helping all of these nations with the application process and look forward to announcing the teams as the next step in the summer of 2017.”

Further information about the new portfolio of events can be viewed here. Over the coming months further details about the Home & Away League, including the official name of the new competition, will be revealed through FIH.ch and via FIH Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

FIH site

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