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News for 01 June 2020

All the news for Monday 1 June 2020


Hockey India office to remain shut after two employees test positive for COVID-19

While one of the employees tested positive is from the accounts department, the other is a junior field officer.

After a recent announcement, Hockey India’s offices are set to remain shut for a couple of weeks. The measure has been taken since two of its staff members have tested positive for coronavirus. 29 out of 31 employees were tested and apart from the two that tested positive, two more have inconclusive results and will have to be tested again.

“The two inconclusive are being retested again on Sunday (May) 31st at 11am,” International Hockey Federation (FIH) and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narinder Batra said in a statement.

While one of the employees tested positive is from the accounts department, the other is a junior field officer. On the other hand, the two whose results are inconclusive include a joint director and a dispatch clerk.

“All 25 found negative have gone into home quarantine for 14 days to work from home,” said Batra.

“The two found positive are also in strict home quarantine under medical monitoring. The two inconclusive are also under home-quarantine under medical monitoring.”

Batra informed that Hockey India President Mushtaq Ahmad told him of the offices remaining closed for the 14 days.

“This will help in giving confidence to us and all our stakeholders including our athletes,” he said.

Batra has assured that he has gotten his staff members- at Faridabad and New Delhi offices tested after they rejoined the office post the corona break. The FIH President is in self-quarantine at home himself after his father tested positive.

The Statesman



Savita Punia went from disliking hockey to becoming vice-captain of Indian team

Savita Punia never played a sport till she was 14; she took up hockey at her grandfather’s insistence. Today, she is the goalkeeper and vice-captain of the Indian hockey team.

By Nirandhi Gowthaman


Savita Punia, the vice-captain and goalkeeper of the Indian hockey team.

The current first-choice goalkeeper and vice-captain of the Indian women’s hockey team Savita Punia had never played a sport until she was 14 years old. It was by chance that a local coach informed her parents about selections for hockey, judo, and badminton in her hometown, Sirsa. Her grandfather, Ranjit Singh Punia, persuaded her to take up the opportunity to play hockey.

 “My grandfather used to like hockey very much, but no one from my family had played any sport. So, he told me if I got the chance, I should play hockey. That is how my journey started,” Savita tells HerStory in an exclusive interview.

As a 14-year-old, Savita began playing hockey and slowly climbed up the rungs to play for her state team, junior national team and eventually for the senior side. She made her debut for the national team in 2008, but had to wait for some more years to become the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Today, Savita is more than just the first choice. She is also the vice-captain of the team, assisting captain Rani Rampal. Her consistent performances and winning efforts have brought her several accolades, including the Arjuna Award in 2018.

The calm, composed, and steel-nerved keeper reveals more about her career in a chat with HerStory.

HerStory: Who is your biggest inspiration?

Savita Punia: My biggest inspiration has to be my grandfather. He always supported me so much. He was always very encouraging and I think I am where I am today because of his encouragement and blessings. I remember when I had first played for India, dadaji heard that the news was in the newspaper, and at 67 years of age, he decided to learn to read. After a year or so, he learned reading and then made me sit with him and read the news out loud. It was a really great moment, and the biggest inspiration for me.

Edited excerpts from the interview:

HS: How did you decide to become a goalkeeper?

SP: The choices I make now are my choices but back then I didn’t really have a choice (laughs). I would really struggle initially and wouldn’t want to play, but in 2005, it was my first coach, Sundar Singh Kharab, who told my father that I had good height and I could play for India if I played as a goalkeeper.

But he said my dad would have to buy a kit. I remember my dad only used to earn about Rs 11,000 to 12,000, and the kit cost nearly Rs 18,000. I didn’t know about this conversation back then, but my mother told me that my coach and my dad had discussed it and took the decision for me.

It felt like a burden to me. I started to think that even if I returned the kit, the money might come back but my dad wouldn’t be satisfied. I also felt that I would never be able to make it that far. But once I started playing, I performed well in domestic tournaments. Whenever I would return home, I would be treated so well by dadaji; seeing him so happy really motivated me to take up the sport seriously.

HS: How was the first experience of representing India?

SP: When I got selected for the first time, it was really unexpected for me because there were seven goalkeepers in the camp and many senior players in our team. So, I wasn’t really expecting to be selected.

Like I said, I was never really serious about playing hockey. I would call my parents from the camp and tell my mother that I wanted to come back home. I just wasn’t the kind of person who liked that environment. However, that first tournament in 2008 with the senior team in Germany and Holland changed my perception.

I remember the first time I stepped on to the field and sang the national anthem - I had goosebumps and decided that I wanted to do it wholeheartedly. It was a life-changing moment for me. Even though I was the second-choice goalkeeper then, after Dipika Murthy, it was a great experience.


Savita Punia in action for India.

HS: As the vice-captain of the team, what are your responsibilities?

SP: It is a huge role but we have a lot of experienced players in our team. There is a bunch of senior players always ready to guide the youngsters. It is a great team environment and as the vice-captain, I try to ensure that all the younger players feel comfortable in the group, and are able to prepare themselves in circumstances which can help them give their best for the team each time they go out there.

It is important to interact and share your experiences, both good and bad, to make sure they realise that we’ve been through the same, and it happens to everyone.

HS: What do you love most about hockey?

SP: My family has received great respect through hockey - and that is my favourite part. When I had started playing, no one used to really play any sport in my village. Now, because of my performances and because people have gotten to know about me, hockey and other sports like football have become popular in Sirsa. We have many girls playing now.

HS: You were part of the team that played at the Rio Olympics. Tell us about that experience? How did you feel about it?

SP: The results didn’t go our way, and it was one of the worst tournaments for me, personally. But, it taught us a lot. About 10 players from that 2016 team are still in the 25-member core probables group. So, the lessons from Rio will certainly help us in the future.

HS: How do you think the Indian team will do at the 2021 Olympics? What did you think when the Olympics 2020 was postponed?

SP: When the Olympics were postponed, it was definitely disappointing for me because we’ve spent the last four years preparing to peak this year. However, we realised that it was the right call. We’ve all adjusted to it now, and are looking forward to working hard once we are back on the pitch.

I’m expecting a big performance from my team. All the 25 girls in the core probables group had been working really hard. With one more year to prepare, I am confident that we will be able to perform the way we would like to. Our goal will be to go for the podium.

Your Story



Six added to Hockey Australia Life Member list

Six outstanding servants to the Australian hockey community have been granted Hockey Australia (HA) Life Membership.

Sue Briggs OAM, Bob Claxton, Lyn Hill, Carol Sheridan, Robert Taylor and Colin Wansbrough were announced as the newest Life Members at the HA Annual General Meeting, which was held Friday 29 May via online video conference due to COVID-19.

HA President Melanie Woosnam lauded the devotion and time each of the new Life Members have given and continue to give to the sport.

“The contributions of these six genuine hockey people has been nothing short of outstanding and they each thoroughly deserve this recognition and accolade of becoming Life Members of Hockey Australia,” said Woosnam.

“Each have brought, but more significantly provided their own unique skillset, gifts and talents, but ultimately what is most evident is their commitment, dedication and love of hockey.”

“Life Membership is one of, if not the highest off field honour at Hockey Australia and on behalf of everyone in the hockey community I thank and congratulate them on being added to this special and illustrious list.”

Chairperson HA Awards Committee, Richard Aggiss also commended the new additions.

“Every one of these new life members has made a life time contribution to hockey, highlighting how important volunteers are to our sport and to sport in general,” said Aggiss.

A brief profile on the six new Life Members is below, with more detailed biographies to feature on the HA website over the coming days.

Sue Briggs OAM

A veteran in Australian Women’s Masters circles, Briggs has devoted much of her time and efforts into organising and growing Women’s Masters hockey in Australia. She currently holds down the position of Co-Chairperson of the Hockey Australia Masters Committee.

Bob Claxton

Claxton’s involvement in hockey spans over some 63 years. He is currently the Hon. Secretary General and Treasurer of the Oceania Hockey Federation due to his work and efforts to spread hockey in the Pacific Island region, as well as in Australia. The driver for Claxton in his many years of service is how he can make hockey better.

Lyn Hill

While successful internationally in her own right on the field, Hill has dedicated much of her life to the development of hockey in many roles simultaneously. This is the case for both officials and indoor hockey within Australia at club, association, state and national level.

Carol Sheridan

Involved with Australian Women’s Masters hockey since the first Australian Women’s Veterans 35+ team was selected in 1996, Sheridan has been integral in the growth of Women’s Masters Hockey in Australia. She is coming up to 25 years of involvement and service to the sport.

Robert Taylor

All of Taylor’s involvements have been honorary and on a voluntary basis. His contribution has included establishing hockey as a sport in the newly created ACT Academy of Sport, instigating an ACT based team in the inaugural Australian Hockey League, while also using his expertise to oversee the electrical design of the initial construction for the National Hockey Centre in Canberra. He has also served on numerous Hockey Boards.

Colin Wansbrough

Heralding from Camberwell in Melbourne, Wansbrough enjoyed on field success at club and state level but then went on to make an even greater contribution off the field in the administration side. Described as selfless, humble and diligent in performing his duties, for Wansbrough it was always about the game and the players and never about himself or what he could get out of it.

Hockey Australia media release



Gongs for Black Sticks hockey legends

George Heagney


Former Black Sticks captain Kayla Whitelock has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Getty-Images

Two of New Zealand's recent hockey legends can now add Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit to their storied careers.

Kayla Whitelock and Emily Gaddum were both given the gong in this year's Queen's Birthday honours for services to hockey. The two friends grew up together and played a lot of hockey together in their lengthy careers.

Gaddum, now based in Hawke's Bay, and Manawatū's Whitelock have both had long stints in the Black Sticks, playing at multiple Olympics, Commonwealth Games and international tournaments.

Whitelock played 255 games for New Zealand from 2003 to 2016 and when she retired she was the second-most capped Black Stick. Gaddum was New Zealand's most-capped player, with 274 games, when she retired in 2016 after 12 years in the team.

Whitelock came out of retirement at the end of last year with an eye on this year's Tokyo Olympics, which have been postponed until next year.

Whitelock said she was shocked at the Queen's Birthday honour and hoped to celebrate at some point.

"It's obviously good for hockey and promotes hockey. It has been a long career.

"I've been through a lot of ups and downs."

Whitelock would likely have been travelling with the Black Sticks in the past couple of months, but Covid-19 ruled that out.

She said the Olympics had been in the back of her mind.

"I'm still on a fitness block while I've been in lockdown. I'll try and play a bit of club hockey here in Manawatū and take it from there."


Another former Black Sticks veteran, Emily Gaddum, has also been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Stuff

Gaddum echoed Whitelock's thoughts about being surprised to receive the honour and didn't see it coming.

She is now the chief executive of the Hockey Foundation, has coached Iona College and Woodford House high school teams in Hawke's Bay, is player coach for the Havelock North club, and has run school holiday programmes and youth camps in Hawke’s Bay.

She said she still enjoyed playing and played in the National Hockey League last year.

Both players were in the New Zealand team that won a silver medal at the Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010 and a bronze at Glasgow in 2014.

They also won gold medals at the 2005 and 2009 champions challenge tournament, and played at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.

Captain of New Zealand from 2012 to 2016, Whitelock was named New Zealand women’s player of the year in 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2016.

Stuff



With idol by his side, Hamiz wants spot for keeps



KUALA LUMPUR: Mohd Hamiz Mohd Ahir (pic) is extra motivated to be the country’s top hockey goalkeeper now that his childhood idol is his coach.

Hamiz had trained with the national juniors for two weeks under former goalkeeper S. Kumar before training was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Since his sister introduced him to the sport when he was 13, Hamiz had always looked up to Kumar, who is regarded as one of the top keepers in the world.

Kumar, who retired early this year, was appointed as the juniors’ goalkeepers coach in March.

Hamiz said he was determined to follow in Kumar’s footsteps.

“I was selected into the team in March and fortunately, I’ve only benefitted two weeks of training with Kumar before the MCO (movement control order) was imposed,” said Hamiz.

“I was in awe during training. He was really helpful and inspired us on and off the field.

“He says that as a keeper, we should not fear any team. Instead, we should believe in ourselves and invest more time in training.

“I want to learn all the skills from him and become a top keeper like him.”

Hamiz was named as the best goalkeeper for Pahang Hockey Academy (AHP)-Thunderbolt in the Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL) in 2016.

Two years later, Hamiz made his parents Mohd Ahir Bohari and Seri Rukhaida Abu Naim, who sell satay in Bera, Pahang, proud by helping Malaysia win their first-ever hockey gold in the Olympic Youth Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Last year, he was between the posts to help Malaysia win bronze in the six-nation Under-21 Sultan of Johor Cup.

Hamiz, who played for TNB-Thunderbolt in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) in January, is waiting for a new date to be announced for the Junior Asia Cup in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The meet scheduled in June has been postponed.

The other goalkeepers in the team fighting for a place in the Junior Asia Cup squad are Che Shahrul Azmi Che Saupi and Mohd Aidil Mohd Shah.

The Star of Malaysia



Just like the good old days for Yahya

By Jugjet Singh


Yahya Atan. -NSTP/File pic

FORMER Malaysian youth coach Yahya Atan has been roped in by the Sabah Hockey Association (SHA) to take charge of the development programmes in the state, like the good old days of 1Mas.

"I was hired by SHA to do their development and scout players.

"This is like the 1Mas programme days, but on a smaller scale," said Yahya, who was also part of the nationwide 1Mas programme in the past.

He was part of the national team that finished 11th at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

The 66-year-old also coached Malaysia's Junior World Cup team that finished 12th at the 2001 Tasmania edition.

"I was hired before the Covid-19 pandemic hit the nation, and have yet to start training players in Sabah.

"I am waiting for the Conditional Movement Control Order to be lifted so that I can travel to Sabah and get cracking.

"It is a pity that the Johor Malaysia Games and the Junior Hockey League (JHL) have been postponed as the Sabah teams were ready for both tournaments.

"Sabah will continue to prepare their teams (two teams each in the boys and girls' competitions) for the JHL, which will be held later this year.

"Hopefully, the Malaysia Games, which has been moved to next year, will be on as scheduled."

Sabah surprised their more illustrious opponents by winning the 2018 Malaysia Games gold medal (men) and finishing second in the women's category.

"There are many players with talent in the state, and all I need to do is to polish them."

Yahya was handed the task to coach the women's indoor team for last year's Philippines Sea Games but was suddenly replaced with K. Dharmaraj at the 11th hour.

"Yes, I have come one full circle from a player to a national coach and an indoor coach.

"I am confident Sabah will be a force in age-group competitions soon," he added.

New Straits Times



Return to the pitch not too far away for local hockey players

Samantha Newsam


Moving forward; As the Tamworth Hockey Centre upgrade nears it's completion, players are preparing for a return to the pitch. Photo: Tamworth Hockey Association Facebook

Tamworth Hockey Association in Australia still has a couple of boxes to tick before players can return to the pitch but anticipate being able to resume training within a couple of weeks.

"There's still a few steps we've got to do before anyone can play hockey again," president Mark O'Connor said.

They have finalised their COVID safety plan and are submitting that to Hockey NSW for ratification.

Then once they get the green light from them and the additional things such as signage that they need from the state body, it will be all systems go.

"It's a very comprehensive program that we'll be putting in place to keep our people safe," O'Connor said.

It is a three-tiered approach with the association, club and individual all having a part to play.

Under the current guidelines O'Connor said they can train with 10 players a half field and with no physical contact.

There will also be dedicated training times with "no access outside of those times for anybody", and times will be staggered to minimise movement. He said there will also be separate entry and exit points into the facility and players will have to sign-in and sign-out.

Each of the clubs will also have to appoint a designated COVID officer and complete a club checklist. The players will also have to agree to an individual player safety plan before they can come into the ground.

"It's a lot of work but necessary work to keep our people safe but we're really pleased that we have got a pathway ahead and we're very pleased that we should see some hockey players running around in a very short time," O'Connor said.

Meanwhile due to a number of other events being held on the October long weekend and impacting on accommodation availability, the THA has pushed the 2020 York Cup and Kim Small Shield back another weekend.

It will now commence at 3pm on Thursday October 8 with the coaching clinics and wrap up on Sunday October 11.

The Northern Daily Leader



SA Hockey Statement | Response to Alert Level 3

The South African Hockey Association has noted the directions as issued by the Honourable Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Mr Nathi Mthethwa. These directions issued on Saturday 30 May 2020 are further to the Alert Level 3 Regulations as announced by the National Command Council on Thursday 28th May 2020 and thereafter gazetted.

The directions announced by the Sports Minister seek to clarify how sport will be permitted under Alert Level 3 which starts on 01 June 2020. As announced by the Minister these directions are currently in draft and will in due course be gazetted and published.

What we know so far from Saturday’s briefing:

  • That professional or elite athletes involved in non-contact sport may resume matches.
  • That professional or elite athletes of non-contact sport and contact sport such as Hockey will be permitted to train under strict conditions.
  • These athletes are those that are in preparation for the Olympics, International Championships, National Qualifying Championships, Local Professional Leagues at Club, Provincial and National Level.
  • These athletes and staff are to train under strict health conditions, which include but not limited to testing for COVID-19, daily screening and register kept, use of hand sanitisers, social distancing, a regularly sanitised venue & equipment as well as all touch points at the venue.

The directions further note that training cannot take place just yet even though Alert Level 3 starts on 01 June 2020. The Minister announced that once the regulations are gazetted that SA Hockey as a National Federation submits within 14 days, the intended date to resume training, the operational guidelines that will be followed as well as affidavits.

SAHA will await the Gazetted regulations and make the submissions as required. SAHA Members and owners of hockey facilities will be informed of the return to training protocols once directed and approved by the Minister.

SA Hockey Association media release



Andrew “Bubbles” le Roux

It was with immense sadness that the South African Hockey Community have learnt of the passing of Andre “Bubbles” le Roux. Bubbles love for the game of hockey was immense and you will find it difficult to find a person who didn’t enjoy the company of a much-loved figure in our country.

Bubbles was involved in hockey since 1976 when he started his playing days at Milnerton Hockey Club and was a massive part of the SANDF Hockey, in playing, coaching and managing over the years. He is fondly remembered at Edgemead where he reinvigorated the program when he joined as coach in 2005, a school he remained involved with ever since.

Bubbles also was the team manager for SA U21 Men, multiple provincial teams and of course the SA Hockey Men in 2004 alongside Paul Revington as head coach.       

“Bubbles was a dedicated servant of the game and an absolute professional. His love for hockey kept his life forever intertwined with the game throughout his life.  On behalf of the South African Hockey Association we would like to send our condolences to the le Roux family, the Western Province hockey community and to the hockey family at large.” Marissa Langeni, CEO of South African Hockey Association.

Former National Coach – Paul Revington

It is with great sadness that I am writing this message having received the news on Monday evening of Bubbles’ sudden passing. Bubbles was a very good person to everyone he met. He was larger than life, always making people laugh and he balanced this with a very caring nature that made him easy to talk to on a personal level. I was lucky enough to meet Bubbles in 1992 when I did a year of military conscription in the SADF, which primarily involved playing hockey and cricket!

Bubbles did an amazing job organising a motley crew of makeshift “soldiers” including the likes of Murray Anderson, Roger Hickman, Craig Verdal-Austin and David Gibbon becoming a critical father figure to all of us (especially when it came to getting leave!). We shared wonderful memories together as a Team and I think the highlight for Bubbles was our SADF tournament in Potchefstroom where he played in goal.  My bond with Bubbles grew as we entered a strong and trusting coach and Team manager partnership with the WP senior men and SA U21 men in the early 2000’s. Bubbles was rewarded for his efforts by being appointed as SA senior team Manager for a series in January 2004.

Every time I saw Bubbles around Hartleyvale we would laugh about memories such as his love for Kylie Minogue, his need for a foot massage after a long day and his tendency to eat the players jelly babies on game day! All the players felt his genuine love for them, and he played a critical role in creating harmony and trust within our teams. Bubbles then entered the world of provincial hockey administration and led WP Hockey as President for several years with great success. Nothing was ever too challenging for Bubbles and he was always prepared to listen and help coaches, players and administrators achieve their objectives whether at club, provincial or national level through his position of President of WP Hockey.

Through his early commitment to “serve” as a Warrant Officer in the SA Navy he backed this up through his immense service to the game of hockey and the community in general. Bubbles will be sorely missed. Hartleyvale will never be the same without Bubbles presence but his spirit will remain embedded forever. Our sincere condolences go out to Caryl-Ann, Raoul, Marcé and Gérard – thank you for sharing your Husband and Dad with all of us for so many years.

Western Province Hockey Vice President – Charlene Fourie

It was with much sadness that I heard of the passing of a dear and valued friend. We travelled a long road of hockey together, dating back to 1982.

Since I have known Bubbles, he was very passionate about hockey. He filled every sphere, being a player, coach, umpire, manager of our national team and committee member.

We spent many hours together running tournaments and he always managed to amuse us to no end with his jokes and anecdotes. He was an absolute perfectionist when it came to pronouncing the names correctly of any international players participating in matches when he was the announcer.

On the field he represented the Navy and Milnerton Hockey Club as a GK and was involved with coaching at Milnerton Hockey Club and Edgemead High School.

He was a representative on the MHC committee and eventually had the honourable position of being President of Western Province Hockey Union.

He will be sorely missed.

SA Hockey Association media release

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