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News for 02 March 2021

All the news for Tuesday 2 March 2021


Indian Hockey team to take on Germany in 2nd match of European Tour Series today


@TheHockeyIndia

In Hockey, India will take on hosts Germany in the second match of the European Tour Series today. The match will be played at 8:30 PM Indian time.
 
Playing their first international match in over 12 months, the Indian Men's Team led by PR Sreejesh put up a scintillating show as they outclassed hosts Germany 6-1 in the first of their four-match series on Sunday.
 
India will then travel to Antwerp, Belgium where they will take on Great Britain on March 6 and 8 before wrapping up the 17-day tour.

All India Radio News



Stats Speak: Today hundredth match of India-Germany in international hockey

By B.G.Joshi (Sehore-Bhopal, India)

First time India played Germany in Munich on September 11, 1932. India wins 6-0. Since then 99 matches has been played.

Germany has a better record of winning 53. However playing their first international match in over 12 months, the Indian men's hockey team led by PR Sreejesh put up a scintillating show as they outclassed hosts Germany 6-1 in the first test match.
 
India can win the series first time, if they drew or win the second test today.

Today (March 2, 2021, 8:30pm IST) it will be hundredth match of India-Germany in international hockey. Statistical highlights are:

India-Germany in International Hockey by B.G.Joshi (India)

Particulars

MP

W

D

L

GF

GA

Olympics

11

4

3

4

20

18

World Cup

8

2

2

4

10

19

Champions Trophy

16

4

3

9

29

39

Hockey World League

5

2

2

1

11

11

*Test Series (7th in progress)

18

3

5

10

31

38

Others

41

5

11

25

52

91

Total

99

20

26

53

153

216

 Note: *India drew the series in 1962, lost in 1991,1992,1998,1999 and 2001.

Fieldhockey.com



Germany and Indian women hockey teams meet once in five years!

By K. Arumugam


Legend Natascha Keller being tackled by India’s Saba Anjum (facing) and Ritu Rani

Indian sports fans may have been taken aback by the heavy defeat suffered by their women’s hockey team at Dusseldorf, Germany, on Saturday. However, the 0-5 drubbing at the hands of the hosts needs to be viewed in proper perspective.

The German women have been a top-ranked team in the world for long. They have won every title on offer – from the Olympics to European Championship and the World Cup.

History, however, is not the only factor.

What counts is familiarity between the two nations. India and Germany have hardly met in the international arena unlike Australia, New Zealand or Argentina, the other top teams.

Between 2010 and now, Indian women have engaged 33 countries. played Japan 30 times, China 20 times, New Zealand 25 times. But played Germany only rarely. In terms of matches played, India Germany ranks 23 out of 33!

The stat simply states the state of affairs. In the last 11 years (2010 to date), India and Germany have met only four times. This is a very poor contact rate if you want to beat a top team.

Last time the two nations played each other in Valencia, Spain, in a one-off match when India defeated Germany 2-1!

Before that the teams met twice in 2010 – five years before the Valencia encounter.

At a 4-nation tournament in Essen, in June 2010, Germany led 3-1 but the Surinder Kaur’s India bounced back, netting twice to draw the match 3-3. However, in less than three months, they met at the Rosario World Cup where the Germans were ready and alert to thrash India 4-1.

After Rosario, they met just once – at Valencia, mentioned above – and since then only now in Dusseldorf!

The stark fact here is that India and Germany meet on average just once in five years!

The reality that when you meet a strong rival without playing them regularly, one-sided result occur. This was what happened in the first test on Saturday.

When they were in more frequent contact with each other, a decade earlier, India ran Germany close even if they didn’t beat them. For example at the 2002 Madrid World Cup it was a solitary goal, struck by the legendary Natascha Keller that gave top-ranked Germany victory.

For whatever reasons, India and Germany hardly meet. The tour somewhat helped reduce this historical vacuum.

Though India lost the first match 0-5 after trailing by 0-4 at half time, there has been improvement since then. In the next encounter on Sunday, Rani Rampal’s girls could pin down the hosts. It was, like at Madrid mentioned above, a solitary goal that denied the visitors a deserving draw.

It is therefore important for aspiring teams to be in contact with each other on the playfield lest, the slightly better team overwhelms the other. This is exactly what happened on Saturday at Dusseldorf.

There could be many more reasons for such a one-sided match but only the coach and support staff can analyze and reveal those when they return. Meanwhile, it’s safe to conclude that contact with leading teams is a must to avoid such humiliation.

It’s good augury that the girls bounced back and restricted defeat in the next encounter to just a 0-1 score line.

Stick2Hockey.com



MHC to pay heavy price for hosting league

By Jugjet Singh


MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal. - NSTP/File pic

When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

The proverb best describes the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC), who were facing a losing battle in hosting the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) but rose against all odds to make it happen.

The MHL starts with the men's tournament on March 11, followed by the women's event four days later.

Both competitions end on April 3.

While many tournaments became victims of the Covid-19 pandemic, the MHC were determined to host the MHL.

And it became a reality when the National Security Council (NSC) and the Health Ministry gave the green light.

However, the MHL this year will go down in the history books as the most expensive edition due to its strict Covid guidelines.

MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said the total cost for the tournament will be around RM2 million.

MHL will be akin to hosting the international Azlan Shah Cup as the MHC want to lead the way in opening up the field and become a role model for other sports to follow suit.

"The MHL will be the most expensive task ever for the national body.

"However, the MHC want to become a role model for other associations to follow as we need to reopen the field ahead of our international qualifiers this year.

"It is expected to cost around RM2 million to host the MHL.

"We will bear the costs of Covid-19 testing, food and lodging for 600 officials and players, who will stay in a sports bubble for three weeks," said Subahan.

The national men and women's senior and junior teams will be involved in several international tournaments this year, and the MHL is the first step.

The youth teams will play in the men's Junior Asia Cup (July 1-10) and the women's Junior Asia Cup (Aug 16-21), while the seniors have their respective Asia Cups.

New Straits Times



Umpires face problems with 'sports bubble'

By Jugjet Singh


NSTP file pic

THE Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) "sports bubble" may keep everyone safe but it has caused a problem for umpires.

Many who hold full-time jobs have declined officiating in the MHL as they have to be in the bubble with the teams and other officials for about three weeks.

However, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) are not worried thanks to the Armed Forces, who will be providing seven umpires.

A tournament like the MHL needs at least 16 umpires.

The MHL's sports-bubble concept require those involved in the tournament to stay at a designation hotel throughout its duration.

Asked whether the MHL would have sufficient umpires, a confident MHC said there are enough to go around.

The men's MHL starts on March 11, followed by the women's event four days later, with both competitions ending on April 3.

Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Terengganu Hockey Team, Tenaga Nasional, TNB Thunderbolts, Maybank, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Sabah and Nurinsafi are the teams in the men's MHL.

The women's league comprises PKS UniTen, Police Blue Warriors, Mutiara Impian, Sabah, Young Tigress and UniKL Ladies.

Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) vice-president Ranjit Singh, also the umpires' committee chairman, said: "The sports-bubble concept is necessary to keep Covid-19 out of the MHL, but it also poses a problem for our umpires.

"Many, especially teachers, could not afford to take leave as schools are re-opening, but the Armed Forces were gracious enough to provide seven umpires.

"We will implement a batch-by-batch concept whereby some umpires will blow the early stages and then make way for others," said Ranjit.

Although the Education Ministry has agreed to give students and teachers, who are hockey umpires, leeway for the tournament, some headmasters need the latter's services in their respective schools.

"The ministry has given my umpires leave to officiate matches, but some headmasters need them as their schools have reopened."

Although students can play in the MHL, the MHC have barred those in Form Five and Form Six as they are sitting or preparing for examinations.

"Difficult times need different approaches, and I am glad that my umpires understand the gravity of the situation.

"We will give their best support to make the tournament a success," Ranjit added.

New Straits Times



Northwestern and Rutgers Earn Weekly Field Hockey Honors


Peyton Halsey

Wildcats’ Halsey and Zimmer and Scarlet Knights’ Glatz claim weekly awards

Offensive Player of the Week
Peyton Halsey, Northwestern
M – So. – Reading, Pa. – Exeter Township
• Registered a Big Ten leading six points to help the Wildcats go 2-0 during the opening weekend of the season
• Netted two goals against Michigan State to open the season, recording her first multi-goal game
• Scored the eventual game-winning goal in the second half for the 2-1 win against Maryland
• Earns her first career Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honor
• Last Northwestern Offensive Player of the Week: Bente Baekers (Sept. 23, 2019)
 
Defensive Player of the Week
Gianna Glatz, Rutgers
GK – Sr. – Medford, N.J., – Shawnee
• Backstopped the Scarlet Knights to a 2-0 opening weekend against Indiana and Ohio State
• Recorded a 0.79 goals-against average and .833 save percentage over the weekend
• Earned a shutout win against Indiana (3-0) and only allowed one goal in the overtime victory against Ohio State (2-1)
• Claims her fifth career Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week award and first of the season
• Last Rutgers Defensive Player of the Week: Gianna Glatz (Sept. 23, 2019)
 
Freshman of the Week
Maddie Zimmer, Northwestern
M – Hershey, Pa. – Hershey High School
• Scored in her collegiate debut, giving Northwestern a 3-1 lead in a victory against Michigan State
• Finished with five shots on goal against the Spartans
• Recorded a shot in the 2-1 win against Maryland  
• Earns her first Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor
• Last Northwestern Freshman of the Week: Bente Baekers (Oct. 14, 2019)

2020-21 Big Ten Field Hockey Players of the Week
March 1
O: Peyton Halsey, So., NU
D: Gianna Glatz, Sr., RU
F: Maddie Zimmer, NU          

B1G 10 Conference



Danson’s tribute to the women who helped her soar



We start our International Women’s Day celebrations with an interview with one of Great Britain and England’s most respected athletes.

Alex Danson-Bennett used to set hockey hearts fluttering with her mazy dribbling, incredible work rate and ability to score goals from the cutest of angles. Now her own heart flutters as she holds her newly-born baby Ava and talks about the women who have influenced and inspired her throughout her hockey career.

“For me it is very simple, I have had the most incredible female role models in my life and they have impacted who I have become and the choices I have made,” says the gold medal-winning athlete.

“Following in their footsteps I hope I can do the same for this little one [Ava]. I hope that I can guide her. I hope I can raise her to be strong, independent and that you put your mind and soul into something and work harder than you know is possible.”

Among the strong women who have played such prominent roles in Danson’s own career, she talks about former England Head Coach Tricia Heberle, former England Hockey CEO Sally Munday and her own mother. “My mum has been the most encouraging supportive person I could ever have had to look up to. It was always about having fun. She never pushed me but she gave me helping hand when I needed it.

“Sally Munday just oozed fun and enjoyment and instilled professionalism into us. Tricia Heberle said to me when I received my first cap: ‘To represent England is not enough, she taught us that it was about how we trained, how we spoke to our fellow teammates and how we could be the best we could be.”

In perhaps the most touching parts of this video, Danson pays tribute to the travelling reserves who accompanied the Great Britain team to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Ellie Watton, Joey Leigh and Kirsty McKay were all in Rio throughout the Olympics but were never called upon to play. It is a level of sacrifice that still chokes Danson as she describes the attitudes of the three players.

“The character and personalities of those three were fundamental to our team. They didn’t receive a medal at the end and they didn’t play for one minute of any game. But, my goodness the friendship and professionalism they showed is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life and I will try to emulate that in any way I can.”

Danson, who finished her international career with more than 300 caps [combined England and Great Britain], concludes her interview by calling on people around the world to come together to celebrate strong women from every sphere of life.

#ChooseToChallenge
#StrongerTogether

FIH site



JOB OPPORTUNITY: National Teams Operations Manager



Field Hockey Canada (FHC) is the national sport governing body responsible for the development, growth and promotion of field hockey in Canada. Among its responsibilities and in collaboration with a variety of partners, FHC selects, prepares and promotes Canada’s teams towards the goal of delivering sustained podium performances in international competitions including FIH World League, Continental Championships, World Championships, and major multi-sport games.

DOWNLOAD JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the High-Performance Director, the National Team Operations Manager provides support to the entire Field Hockey Canada high performance team, inclusive men, women and junior national teams. They do so by taking charge of the many administrative tasks required to ensure the success of FHC’s HP program. This is a dynamic role, with few days looking the same. As such, it will demand a resourceful, meticulous approach and comfort at successfully delivering to multiple priorities and tight timelines. The successful candidate will have hands-on experience in the field of high performance sports administration.

Primary Responsibilities

ADMINISTRATION

  • Provide administrative support to all aspects of the HP portfolio.
  • Key contact for Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport.
  • Provide support with all logistical elements of the portfolio, including travel and accommodation, insurance, domestic turf rentals and Visa requirements.
  • Collaborate with FHC’s designated clothing vendor to ensure national teams are outfitted.
  • Liaise with the Canadian Olympic Committee regarding certain prepatory tasks for Olympic and Pan Am Games.
  • Aid in the internal administration of insurance claims.
  • Provide administrative support for team nominations & all COC communications to athletes/support staff regarding Games planning/execution.
  • Coordinate and liaise with National Team Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, IST Lead and all other Field Hockey Canada staff as necessary to ensure efficient communication, budget management, scheduling, documentation and resource sharing;
  • Coordinate and liaise with service providers (insurance, Athletes Can, Game Plan, Canadian Sports Institute etc) to ensure efficient communication, documentation and compliance;
  • Coordinate and liaise with athletes including communication, documentation, scheduling, personal data updates and compliance;
  • Responsible for preparing and submitting lists for , and for ensuring all payments are up to date across the National teams and Next Gen programs.
  • Responsbile for submitting invoices
  • Prepare invoice lists for HP related programming, lead the collection and coding of invoices.
  • Book training pitches, facilities, meeting rooms;
  • In consultation with the Head Coaches and HPD, order, maintain, track inventory, replace and repair training and competition equipment; balls, cones, bags, bibs etc;
  • In consultation with the HPD, order, maintain, track inventory, decorate (ensure compliance with IOC, FIH, COC and CWG specifications), clothing for both training and competition including uniforms, training clothing, travel clothing and staff clothing;
  • In consultation with the Head Coaches and HPD order, maintain, track inventory, replace and repair tour/project equipment, printer, projector, radios, bags, snacks, stationary, banners, pins, pennants, flags etc.
  • Track player / staff / supporter recognition.

TOUR MANAGEMENT

  • Act as tour manager at identified training camps if necessary
  • Liaise with tour manager if not acting as tour manager;
  • Liaise with local organizing committee and international governing body.
  • Oversee travel logistics (all flight/transport/hotel, meals);
  • Communicate tour itineraries to staff and teams.
  • In consultation with the HPD manage tour budgets.
  • Organize all tour documentation (visas, security, vaccinations, insurance, travel, accreditation, code of conduct forms etc),

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • A combination of on field and office work is required. Currently, office work can be done from home due to the limitations imposed by COVID-19
  • Travel is required. Safe travel deemed necessary to occur during 2021 will occur during the COVID-19 pandemic to areas and events that have been approved and are low risk for athletes and staff
  • Required to work irregular hours and on occasion, be on-call for emergencies for time sensitive and priority issues

Experience and Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have experience in high performance sport, and possess strong administrative, communication and relationship management skills. The ideal attributes and qualifications the candidate should posses include:

  • Between 1-3 years progressive experience in sport
  • Forward focused and positive team orientation with the ability to effectively manage rapidly changing environments under pressure.
  • A strong understanding of high performance sport
  • Post-secondary degree required: related to sport science and/or sport management is an asset
  • Competent working with Word, Excel, Outlook and Windows
  • Experience in developing budgets a strong asset
  • Ability to work with limited supervision
  • Flexibility to manage competing priorities and timelines
  • Strong leadership abilities
  • Strong people and program management skills
  • Demonstrated critical thinking related to program planning and evaluation
  • Bilingualism an asset

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • This position is supported by Sport Canada funding
  • This position will be based in Vancouver, British Columbia
  • Start Date: April 1st, 2021
  • The successful candidate will be required to provide a criminal reference check and complete safe sport training
  • Salary commensurate with experience, benefits package included

To apply, please send your covering letter and resume to Adam Janssen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by March 14th, 5:00pm PST.

Field Hockey Canada media release



CrashCourse Concussion Story Wall

TeachAids, Brain Injury Association of America and the National Council of Youth Sports Unite with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s National Governing Bodies to Launch the CrashCourse Concussion Story Wall
 
Fairfax, Virginia – Every March, the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) leads the nation in recognizing Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge and support the millions of Americans affected by brain injury. The theme for this year’s awareness campaign is “More Than My Brain Injury”. In recognition of this national campaign, the CrashCourse Concussion Story Wall is proudly presented by TeachAids and BIAA, and the National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS), in collaboration with the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education and 19 of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s National Governing Bodies (NGB). These NGBs include: USA Archery, USA Artistic Swimming, USA Baseball, USA Bobsled & Skeleton, USA Cycling, USA Diving, USA Fencing, USA Field Hockey, USA Football, USA Gymnastics, USA Hockey, USA Karate, US Lacrosse, US Ski & Snowboard, US Soccer, US Speedskating, USA Taekwondo, USA Triathlon and USA Wrestling.
 
This groundbreaking product features an interactive database of 700 individual’s stories relating to how an injury occurred, the symptoms experienced, and personal suggestions from those who have been injured by a concussion (also known as a mild traumatic brain injury). It is intended as a comprehensive resource to help develop an understanding of the injury and appreciation for the whole person for the many who are impacted (athletes, parents, coaches, officials, teachers and military veterans).
 
“The CrashCourse Concussion Story Wall is a culmination of more than two years of research and development and thousands of hours of volunteer support,” says Dr. Piya Sorcar, founder & chief executive officer of TeachAids. “We are excited to launch this in partnership with such renowned and respected organizations as BIAA, NCYS, Palo Alto VA, SPICE and in collaboration with the support of USOPC’s National Governing Bodies.
 
An additional highlight of the Concussion Story Wall is a panel of 14 of the world’s leading medical experts addressing specific aspects of concussions related to symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, recovery and beyond. Individuals in need of further information, resources, and support after a brain injury may speak with an expert by contacting BIAA’s National Brain Injury Information Center (NBIIC) 1-800-444-6443.
 
“We are proud to launch the Concussion Story Wall with our valued partner TeachAids – especially in conjunction with Brain Injury Awareness Month,” offered Susan H. Connors, BIAA’s president and chief executive officer. “In addition to supporting those who have been injured and their loved ones, this resource will help raise awareness and be especially valuable for medical professionals in their interactions with their patients.”
 
The National Council of Youth Sports will make the CrashCourse Concussion Story Wall available to its membership which serves 60 million boys and girls across organized youth sports programs.
 
“NCYS is committed to promoting practices that help young people to play so they can thrive physically, socially and emotionally,” says Wayne B. Moss, executive director of NCYS.  “Our vision aligns perfectly with the CrashCourse education products by TeachAids. We are excited to arm our members with these state-of-the-art interactive tools.”
 
The CrashCourse Concussion Story Wall is available at no cost starting today.

TeachAids media release

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