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All the news for Wednesday 11 January 2017

Gallant Scots defeated in second test away to Spain


Susan McGilveray 100 caps

Despite a good performance Scotland’s senior women’s hockey team lost 4-0 to Spain in the second of four test matches in Valencia. The Scots were dominant for long spells of the game but were punished by three goals in the final quarter as they attempted to win the contest.

Before the game got underway Scotland’s Susan McGilveray was honoured with a presentation ahead of her 100th cap for Scotland - a superb achievement.

When the action started it was Spain who created the first opportunity and threatened the Scots defence when they won an early corner. Scotland’s goalkeeper, Nicola Cochrane, continued her fine form from the previous day’s encounter and was quick out to stop the Spanish attack.

The keeper was called into action again soon after as a couple of chances on the trot were denied by the impressive Cochrane.

Five minutes into the game and Spain struck the opening goal - a fast break resulted in Maria Tost smashing the ball into the back of the net via a deflection to make it 1-0. Scotland then took the game by the scruff of the neck and displayed a much improved performance from the previous day’s defeat.

Scotland had much of the ball but couldn’t quite carve the Spanish defence open, and the first quarter ended 1-0 against the run of play.

Spain began the second quarter threateningly and Scotland’s Cochrane was again called into action early doors – the keeper saved superbly from a Spanish penalty corner routine.

Scotland then enjoyed a good attacking spell and came close to bagging an equaliser. After winning a corner the visitors found the Spanish defence resolute, and couldn't convert with seven minutes to go until half time.

The second half got off to a fast start with Spain threatening. The hosts won a corner but were denied a second goal on the line by hundredth cap winner McGilveray.

Scotland then created a great chance for Nikki Lloyd when Bex Condie fed her from the top of the D, but she couldn’t find the finish and the score remained 1-0.

Not long later and Amy Brodie was denied by a good save from the Spanish keeper as the Scot found herself free in the circle.

It finished 1-0 at the end of the third quarter and the Scots went all out attack to try and find an equaliser, but it allowed Spain to inflict some damage on the counter. The first corner of the quarter was awarded to Spain and a rebound was smashed into the top of the net by Carmen Cano and make it 2-0.

Scotland’s spirited efforts were put to bed when Spain scored a third with three minutes remaining - a cracking reverse stick strike into the top corner by Berta Bonastre to make it 3-0. Spain then scored through Cano with the last play of the game to make it 4-0.

Scotland Women’s Head Coach Gordon Shepherd said, “I’m disappointed with the result but pleased by the performance. It was a really good team performance, and we were much improved from the last game. We created chances and were the more dominant side, but the goals came against the run of play. There’s areas for us to improve on but tonight was a step in the right direction.”

The remaining games will take place on the 12th and 13th of January as part of preparation for World League 2 in February.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Scotland senior men’s squad announced for Russia matches



Scotland’s Men’s international hockey team’s quest to qualify for the Hockey World Cup soon gets underway, as the team enters the final phase of preparation for March’s World League 2 tournament in Ireland by taking on Russia in Spain.

Scotland will play Russia three times in test matches on the 15th, 16th, and 18th January. The Scots will play in World League 2, held in Belfast on 11 March to 19 March. The top two will qualify for the next stage of World League where there will be the opportunity to qualify for the Hockey World Cup.

It’s another big year for Scotland’s men’s team as the team will then compete in August to qualify for the Commonwealth Games when they play at EuroHockey Championship II held in Glasgow.

With so much to play for in 2017 the test matches against Russia will get the ball rolling on an exciting year.

Derek Forsyth, Scotland Men’s Head Coach, said: “This is the start of our build up towards World League 2 and the games against Russia will be a good test. The squad is looking forward to the challenges head throughout 2017. Our main aim is to ensure our participation in the CWG Gold Coast in 2018.”

The squad selected for the camp in Spain playing three test matches against Russia is as follows:

David Forrester (Edinburgh University)
Rory Kerr (Bromac Kelburne)
Wei Adams (Dusseldorf)
Russell Anderson (Cannock)
Tim Atkins (Reading)
Michael Bremner (Klipper THC)
Gavin Byers (Grove Menzieshill)
Ben Cosgrove (Grove Menzieshill)
Callum Duke (Hillhead)
Alan Forsyth (Surbiton)
David Forsyth (Qui Vive)
Cammy Fraser (Grange)
Ed Greaves (Nurnberger HTC)
Hamish Imrie (Schaerweijde)
Willie Marshall (Surbiton)
Lee Morton (Bromac Kelburne)
Nick Parkes (Surbiton)
Duncan Riddell (Grange)
Nick Samra (Teddington)
Jamie Wong (Edinburgh University)

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Yes! We have made it

Champs Telkom Orange hit Uganda, make Africa Club semis

By Elizabeth Mburugu


Orange Telkom congratulates each other after scoring against Nigeria Kada Queens when they played Africa Cup Championship at City Park yesterda, on 07/01/2017 PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE

Champions Telkom Orange have booked their semifinals slot at the ongoing Africa Cup for Club Championships.

The reigning queens were in a class of their own as they trounced Uganda’s Weatherhead 9-0 in a women’s match yesterday, at City Park.

Kenya international Audrey Omaido was in imperious form as she scored six goals in the one-sided encounter. Betsy Ommala, Irene Ofula and Barbara Simiyu were also on target as the Kenyans won their third consecutive match. They now top pool A with nine points.

Telkom Orange coach Jos Openda was pleased his charges, saying they had achieved their first objective of qualifying for the knockouts.

“I was impressed with the forward line because they are finally getting it right as we enter the critical stages. Our first goal was to reach the knockouts and I'm glad they have done it,” Openda said.

He said he will rest most of his top players as they head into the last pool match. For him, continuity is important and he will give new players a chance to prove their worth.

Orange, who are chasing an unprecedented ninth crown, came into the match on the back of a 5-0 win over Egyptian side Sharkia on Monday evening. The Kenyan girls were on the offensive from the first minute, with the impressive Maureen Okumu, Lilian Aura and Audrey Omaido linking up well.

The trio combined to give Orange their first short corner and Omaido’s dragged ball was finished by Ommala in the fifth minute.

Okumu was a constant menace to the Ugandan defence and her marauding run in the 19th minute left her markers stranded as she set up Ofula, who slammed the ball home. Seven minutes later, Ofula turned provider as she unselfishly set up Omaido for the simplest of finishes.

Omaido added three more goals before the break to give her team a healthy 6-0 lead at the breather. Orange continued to press even harder after the break, while their opponents could not conjure up any meaningful chance.

Barabara Simiyu got her name on the score sheet in the 55th minute as she deflected Omaido’s cross past Weatherhead goalkeeper Beatrice Amono.

Weatherhead had a rare chance at goal three minutes later, but Racheal Atieno’s inviting cross lacked someone to finish it off. It was Weatherhead’s second defeat of the tourney.

POOR SHOW: Going gets tough for Ugandan clubs

Clubs representing Uganda at the ongoing Africa Cup for Club Championships are having a hard time. They have been overshadowed by their opponents from other countries and subjected to countless losses. Weatherhead’s only win was against their compatriots Wananchi, whom they defeated 4-3 in men’s pool A. As it stands, they have all been bundled out of title contention, even as their women’s sides, Wananchi and Weatherhead, seek to win their first matches. They however, still have a chance to put up a better show when they play their remaining group ties.

TRANSITION: Telkom Orange offers chance to new players

The future of young hockey players who have joined Africa women's hockey champions Telkom Orange looks bright, but solely depends on the availability of funds to run the club. Orange co-ordinator Jane Nyamogo told Feverpitch that they have recruited players as part of their transition plan, which will be beneficial to the club and country. "We have brought in talented players, who have what it takes to maintain the high standards of the club and also make the country proud," Nyamogo said. She added that she is proud with the performance of the junior players at the club championships.

The Standard Online

Telkom Orange 9-0 Weatherhead

Audrey Omadio scores six as ruthless Kenyans ease into semis

By BRIAN YONGA


Weatherhead's Alum Siddy (left) vies for the ball with Betsy Omala of Telkom Orange during their Africa Cup of Club Championships match at City Park Stadium on January 10, 2017. Orange won 9-0. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Champions Telkom Orange on Tuesday strolled into the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Club Championship after an emphatic 9-0 win over Weatherhead of Uganda on Day Four of the competition at City Park Stadium.

Kenya international Audrey Omadio struck six times in the lop-sided encounter. Betsy Ommala, Irene Ofula and Barbara Simiyu added the other goals as Orange made it three wins out of three to move to nine points in Pool A, with a match to spare.

Orange coach Jos Openda praised his charges for securing qualification and believes they are yet to hit to form in the competition.

"Our forward line is finally gelling well and we can only get better with more matches. Our first target is achieved and we can now plan for the semis," Openda said.

"We still have a lot of work to do if we want to defend the title but so far, so good."

Orange, who are eyeing a record ninth crown, came into the match on the back of a 5-0 win over Egyptian side Sharkia on Monday evening.

The Kenyans went on the attack from the onset with the impressive Maureen Okumu, Lilian Aura and Omaido linking up well upfront.

The trio combined to give Orange their first short corner of the match and Omaido's dragged shot was finished by Ommala in the fifth minute.

Okumu was a menace to the Ugandan defence and her impressive run in the 19th minute left the opposition backline exposed before setting up Ofula to double Orange’s lead.

Seven minutes later, Ofula turned provider as she unselfishly set up Omaido for the simplest of finishes.

Omaido added three more goals before the break to give her team a healthy 6-0 lead. Orange continued to press after the break with their opponents struggling to create any chances.

Barabara Simiyu got her name on the scoresheet in the 55th minute, deflecting Omaido's cross past Weatherhead keeper Beatrice Amono.

Weatherhead had a rare chance at goal three minutes later but Racheal Atieno's inviting cross was cleared by Orange defender Terry Juma. Orange second choice keeper Ruth Njoki, who started ahead of regular Cynthia Onyango, did not make single save in the entire match.

Omaido capped of an impressive display with two more goals in the last nine minutes to move top of the scoring charts.

It was Weatherhead's second defeat of the competition ending their hopes of reaching the last four and are rooted at the bottom of the pool with no points.

Orange take on Sliders in their final pool match on Thursday while Weatherhead face Nigeria's Kada Queens.

Ghana Police also sealed their place in the semi-finals after they beat 23-time winners Sharkia of Egypt 1-0 in cracking Pool B men's encounter.

The win moved the Ghanaian side top of the standings with six points after their final pool match.

This means Kenya's Butali will need to beat Niger Flickers b three goals on Wednesday in their final match to secure their place in the last four. A draw or a loss for Butali will see Sharkia join Police in the knockout stage.

In an earlier match, Weatherhead men's team beat their counterparts Wananchi 4-3 in all-Ugandan Pool A contest.

Daily Nation

Butali Sugar Warriors tackle Flickers in must-win Pool B clash

By BRIAN YONGA


From left: Butali Sugar Warriors players Zack Aura, Rijsen Joost, Bernebus Odhiambo and Bran Musasia celebrate a goal during their Africa Cup of Club Championships match against Ghana Police at City Park Stadium on January 9, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Hosts Butali Sugar Warriors lock horns with Nigeria’s Niger Flickers on Wednesday in a must-win match on Day Five of the Africa Cup for Club Championship on at City Park Stadium.

A 3-0 win for Butali will see them reach the last four. The Kenyan men are third in Pool B with three points after a win and a loss in their first two matches.

Warriors’ stand-in coach Meshack Senge said his charges have no room for error as thy seek to reach the last four.

“We can’t afford to drop any points. We have improved. We have what it takes to defeat our opponents,” said Senge.

In Group A, 2011 bronze medallists Kenya Police take on Uganda’s Weatherhead. A win for Police will move them closer to securing a last four slot.

ALL-GHANAIAN WOMEN'S ENCOUNTER

In another encounter, Bank of Ghana’s Exchequers will be looking for a third win when they play defending champions Eastern Company. The Ghanaians have had a good run, winning all their matches so far. In the women’s contest, fireworks are expected in an all-Ghanaian affair when last year’s silver medallist Ghana Police clash with perennial rivals Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in Pool B.

GRA, who have been regulars in the annual event, finished third last year and are hopeful of winning their maiden crown.

In another Pool B match, former champions Heartland of Nigeria play Wananchi of Uganda. In Pool A, Kada Queens of Uganda will be seeking a second win against Weatherhead of Uganda.

Kada beat Kenya’s Sliders 5-1 and a win for them will see them set one foot in the semis. The Ugandans are tied on four points with Sliders but have an upper hand, thanks to their goal scoring prowess.

Daily Nation

Better late than never

by S. Ramaguru


Big contributor: Terengganu’s Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (left) scored twice in the 5-3 win over Maybank in the final of the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Knockout Trophy yesterday.

KUALA LUMPUR: Two opportunistic strikes late in the match were enough for Terengganu to beat Maybank 5-3 in the final and lift the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Knockout Trophy.

South Korean Jang Jung-hyun was the toast for Terengganu as he created a record of sorts when he bagged his third hat-trick in four games this season.

The east coast side led 3-1 at half-time at the Tun Razak Stadium yesterday, courtesy of goals by Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (15th minute) and Jung-hyun (23rd and 26th). The bankers had earlier equalised through Hafifihafiz Hanafi in the 22nd minute.

Maybank came back after the break to hit Terengganu twice – through Nam Hyun-woo (39th) and Hafifihafiz (41st) – to make it 3-3.

Then came Terengganu’s two late strikes by Tengku Ahmad (51st) and Jung-hyun (58th).

Terengganu coach Sarjit Singh admitted that “Maybank made a fight of it” but felt that his players deserved credit for keeping their cool.

“Yes, it was tough and we expected it. This is a good start for the team as we wait to defend the two titles we won in the last three years. I’m sure this win will boost my players’ confidence,” he said.

This is Terengganu’s seventh title in four years. They were double champions in the last three years.

Yesterday’s win saw Terengganu pick up RM70,000 in prize money. Maybank, who earned RM30,000, last won a title in the MHL in 1995 (League).

Yesterday, Terengganu and Maybank began the game cautiously.

It wasn’t until the end of the first quarter that Terengganu opened the scoring, with national forward Tengku Ahmad on target from close range.

But the bankers came back strongly in the second quarter to equalise through a Hafifihafiz field goal in the 22nd minute.

Maybank then paid the price for giving away penalty corners cheaply and Tereng­ganu’s Jang-hyun struck twice to take a 3-1 first-half lead.

But Maybank were not done, yet.

In the 39th minute, the bankers earned a penalty stroke and Hyun-woo was spot-on.

Two minutes later, it was all square as Hafififihafiz got his second off a goalmouth melee to level the score at 3-3.

Terengganu then stepped up a gear and Maybank can thank their Canadian goalkeeper David Carter for keeping them in the game.

But even he could do nothing to stop Tengku Ahmad from slotting home a soft goal to give Terengganu a 4-3 lead in the 51st minute.

Jung-hyun then wrapped up the win with his ninth goal of the tournament.

The Star of Malaysia

Fresh outlook for Black Sticks Women’s squad


Frances Davies gets a call up after Junior World Cup and last months series against Malaysia. Photo: www.photosport.nz

The Black Sticks Women have ushered in some fresh faces to the 2017 National Squad as the group progresses into the new Olympic cycle.

Head coach Mark Hager has named an initial squad of 21 players with five more to be added following next month’s test series in Argentina.

The squad is grounded by a core of experienced and talented athletes with nine having played over 100 tests while versatile defender Stacey Michelsen is the most capped (216).

Thanks to her recent performances at the FIH Junior World Cup and December’s test series against Malaysia in Stratford, 20-year-old Midlands defender Frances Davies has earned a call up.

Goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon is also new face to the Black Sticks with the 24-year-old previously living and playing her hockey in Australia.

North Harbour defender Kathryn Henry is still rehabilitating from a torn ACL and will be reassessed following the Argentina tour.

Several experienced players including Anita McLaren, Gemma Flynn, Charlotte Harrison, Petrea Webster and Sophie Cocks have opted to take a break from international hockey and were not available for selection.

Hager said it’s an exciting phase for the squad as they hunt for more success this year with the focus shifting towards the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

“After an Olympic campaign you always see changes for different reasons and I’m excited about the group we have going forward,” he said.

“It’s pleasing to see some great young athletes coming through and pushing for places, and that’s why players like Frances Davies and Erin Goad have been rewarded.

“We have a lot to look forward to this year with the end goal making sure we give our absolute best performance at the FIH Women’s World League Final here at home in November.”

The Black Sticks Women’s team to travel to Argentina for a six-test series in late February will be announced on Thursday, while the Black Sticks Men’s National Squad will be named on Friday.

2017 BLACK STICKS WOMEN’S NATIONAL SQUAD

 2017 BLACK STICKS WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT SQUAD

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Former Hockeyroos goalkeeping aspirant lone uncapped face in Black Sticks women's 2017 national squad


Goalkeeper Grace O'Hanlon is the only uncapped player in the 2017 Black Sticks women's national squad. ANDY JACKSON/Fairfax NZ

Former Hockeyroos goalkeeping aspirant Grace O'Hanlon is the lone uncapped player in the Black Sticks women's 2017 national squad.

Head coach Mark Hager named an initial group of 21 players, with five more to be added following next month's test series in Argentina, on Wednesday.

Those five players are expected to be experienced faces Anita McLaren, Gemma Flynn, Charlotte Harrison, Petrea Webster and Sophie Cocks, who are taking a break from international hockey and were not available for selection.

The squad includes nine players with more than 100 test caps, led by versatile defender Stacey Michelsen (216).

At the other end of the scale is 24-year-old O'Hanlon, who has previously lived and played her hockey in Australia.

O'Hanlon is a former Queensland representative and was a member of the Hockey Australia women's national development squad last year. It is understood she qualifies to play for the Black Sticks through her father, who is from New Zealand.

The other big winner from the announcement was 20-year-old Midlands defender Frances Davies, who earns a call-up after strong performances at last month's Junior World Cup and test series against Malaysia in Stratford.

Hager said it was an exciting phase for the squad as they hunt for more success this year with the focus shifting towards the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

"After an Olympic campaign you always see changes for different reasons and I'm excited about the group we have going forward.

"It's pleasing to see some great young athletes coming through and pushing for places, and that's why players like Frances Davies and Erin Goad have been rewarded.

"We have a lot to look forward to this year with the end goal making sure we give our absolute best performance at the FIH Women's World League Final here at home in November."

The Black Sticks team to travel to Argentina for a six-test series in late February will be announced on Thursday, while the Black Sticks men's national squad will be named on Friday.

Black Sticks Women 2017 National Squad (five to be added): Georgia Barnett (22-years-old, 22 caps), Sam Charlton (25, 153), Frances Davies (20, 5), Natasha Fitzsimons (28, 59), Amelia Gibson (25, 60), Shiloh Gloyn (27, 29), Erin Goad, (23, 10), Jordan Grant (25, 63), Ella Gunson (27, 149), Sam Harrison (25, 100), Pippa Hayward (26, 120), Rose Keddell (22, 139), Rachel McCann (23, 36), Olivia Merry (24, 143), Stacey Michelsen (25, 216), Brooke Neal (24, 96), Grace O'Hanlon (24, 0), Kirsten Pearce (25, 68), Sally Rutherford (35, 129), Kelsey Smith (22, 31), Liz Thompson (22, 125).

Stuff

Former Kookaburra looks to inspire youngsters

Hale Hockey Club unveil Tim Deavin as player/ coach of elite men's program



Former Kookaburra Tim Deavin will be back in the action in Western Australia's this year after being named as player-coach of Hale Hockey Club's elite men's program.

With 138 caps over a seven-year international career, Deavin is a two-time Olympian who was part of the gold medal winning World League side in 2015 and the World Cup winning team in 2014.

After finishing fourth in the Melville Toyota League last season Deavin, along with retired Kookaburra David Guest, current Kookaburra Josh Beltz and Olympians Medallist Tom Kavanagh, now hopes to inspire the club's youngsters on the field.

Kane Greenaway, Hale Hockey Club's President, said Deavin was revered by his teammates and opponents for his exceptional work rate and never say die attitude and said he delighted to welcome him back to the club he played for after being drafted through the AIS system in 2011.

He added: “We are really excited to appoint Tim to the position of Head Coach. Tim brings a wealth of experience at International level to our young playing group.

"With eight players under the age of 21 in our Premier One side and six who have been identified Nationally, there is no better person to educate and role model the dedication and hard work that is required to make it at the elite level in our game.

“Tim is a great club person and was always someone who while playing for his country always wanted to come back and play at club level at every opportunity. He certainly leads by example on the field with his determination and work rate and we are hoping that these attributes will be the cornerstones of the way our Premier One side play in the coming years."

Hockey Australia media release

Verga set for stint in Malaysia in February

AH&BC Valentin Verga is set to play a series of quick-fire games with Terengganu – the champions for the last three years – in the Malaysian Hockey League, starting in February.

Speaking about the upcoming adventure, Verga said: "Terengganu knew that I was not sold for the HIL [Hockey India League]. At first, I rejected their offer but the Malaysian competition lasts for two months and I had already committed to a training camp with Orange."

But they came back with another offer, suggesting he only play the games in February.

“Two days after we come back from South Africa, I will fly to Malaysia. In 23 days, I will play a dozen matches but cannot play in the final. According to the rules, you can include not play in two league finals each season. So, on the February 24, I fly home and on the 26th, I will play with Amsterdam at Kampong."

Verga becomes the first Dutchman to play in the Malaysian Hockey League and is looking forward to the challenge.

“It was really unfortunate that India did not happen because I was really looking forward to it. But going to Malaysia now is cool and hopefully fun. I know the country a bit from playing here with the junior team and twice on holiday. It is beautiful and the people are super friendly and the food is good."

Euro Hockey League media release

Janakpuri-Ashok Vihar final in the Delhi OTHL Sunday League



Government Boys Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya, Ashok Vihar and Government Boys Senior Secondary School Janakpuri entered the grand final of the 3-month long Delhi OTHL Sunday League.

While Ashok Vihar, which came fourth in the league easily outwitted League topper Govt Boys Senior Secondary School, Ghittorni, Janakpuri established overall supremacy in seeing off the tough challenge of Govt Boys Senior Secondary School, Mahrauli.

The final between Ashok VIhar and Janakpuri will be played on Sunday.

The first of its kind in schools hockey, the Delhi OTHL Sunday League was started in September with top 14 of the 24 schools where hockey was introduced by the Delhi based NGO Hockey Citizen Group which runs globally acclaimed project One Thousand Hockey Legs.

Earlier, Government Boys Senior Secondary School Saket engaged Mahrauli outfit for a play off and lost in the shoot out.

Though the Mahrauli School came second in the pool after playing 16 matches, it was asked to play the fifth placed team Saket in order to hand out a mild punishment for the top team for using more camp players in certain earlier matches against the stipulation.

Top 50 players are undergoing a 6-month long camp in Delhi. In order to give more chance to fringe players in the school teams, each team was allowed only to play two of their camp players in the first phase of the League.



This play off was fought with vigour and vengeance. First Mahrauli took the lead with the goal coming from Mohd. Fardeen in the 8th minute. However, Dilip, a camp player equalized three minutes before hooter. In the resulted penalty shoot out, both Anil Paswan and Ram Singh failed to convert while Baljit Singh and Sumit Sharma utilied their quota fruitfully, handing out semifinal berth to their team. Saket also missed a stroke in the course of play.

Saket will on Sunday face Yogi Arvind Sarvoday Bal Vidyalaya in the 5th place decider. Guddu led Ghittorni, which won 10 of its 16 matches in the League, and thus topped the pool with 54 points, gave a tough fight throughout the contest, but could not reply 15th minute field goal struck by Mohd. Kaif. Farman Ansari, Sagar Nepali and Chandra Bhusan worked in tandem upfront to equalize but the defence manned by experienced Teenu, Mohsin Ali, Mohd. Saif stood solid.

The other semifinal between two experienced teams Janakpuri and Mahrauli was an intense affair, but from the word go its is apparent who is dictating terms. Its Janakpuri team led by strapped Vikas.

Engineered by the energy of Kanhaiya Kumar Mahrauli had its moments initially with Mohd Fardeen, Abhinandan and Sumit Sharma on attack. Baljit Singh and Rupender Singh were also strong at the back. However, in a break away move, set up by camp boy Gulshan Prasad, opportunistic Dharmender found the ball home in the 13th minute.



He got the feed on the left side on line, took it to the D along side lines and unleashed a strong forehand to see the ball crahing the other side net.

Three minutes earlier, Ajay Kumar converted a penalty corner to give the ultimate winner a grand start. These two goals were adequate for the Janakpuri team to enter the Sunday final.

Fixture for Sunday

7-8th Place: Anglo-Arabic Vs GBSSS, Khanpur.
5-6th Place: GBSSS Saket Vs YA SBV
3-4th Place: GBSSS Ghittorni Vs GBSSS Mahrauli
1-2nd Place: GB SBV Ashok Vihar Vs GBSSS Janakpuri

Stick2Hockey.com

A hockey stick replaces the gun

Touted as the largest rural hockey tournament in the world, the Biju Patnaik Rural Hockey Championship is helping bring in a social change with the flick of the stick

Sajeda Momin


Giving sport a chance: Nearly 24,000 hockey players from 900 villages in three states ofthe Red Corridor are taking part in this event

It is being claimed that demonitisation has broken the back of the Maoists by making all their cash worthless. But this is merely a short-term solution since in a few months, the Maoists will again get hold of the new currency. There is, however, another man, who is attacking the Maoist menace where it hurts with a more positive approach — by preventing recruits. Dilip Tirkey, three-time Olympian and former Indian hockey team captain,  is giving young tribals from the Red Corridor hopes and dreams by picking up hockey sticks and putting down the guns.

By organising the world’s largest rural hockey tournament, the 39-year-old former full-back and deep-defender, now Rajya Sabha member, is telling the youth of his community that if he can do it, so can they. Under the aegis of the Dilip Tirkey Sports Research and Development Foundation, Tirkey has organised the Biju Patnaik Rural Hockey Championships, which has 1,500 teams comprising around 24,000 players competing with each other for three months.

The championships, which began on December 14 last year has teams from 900 villages in the tribal belts of three states — Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand — part of the Naxal-infested Red Corridor. The matches, which are being played at 32 venues across the three states, will culminate in the final match on March 5, Biju Patnaik’s birth anniversary, at the Biju Patnaik Hockey Stadium in Rourkela.

In the presence of Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Odisha Chief Minister Navin Patnaik and a host of other former and current National hockey players, the once-shy Tirkey told thousands of young, enthusiastic tribals gathered for the inauguration not to join the Maoists.

“We do have a problem in our midst, and that is a few of our young friends have strayed from the path of righteousness. I also ask them to come back and pick up a hockey stick, instead of a gun,” said Tirkey.

These areas are characterised by unemployment, illiteracy, over-population, and most importantly, poverty, which is the prime breeding ground for Naxal recruits.

“This is the only chance we have of establishing what I call the ‘Hockey Order’ so that we can organise the youth towards an activity, which gives them a chance to get jobs in various sectors,” said Tirkey.

The Olympian, who too came from a very humble background, said “What would I have been if I hadn’t picked up a hockey stick?” It’s also about self-respect and giving back to a society which has given him so much.

“Trying to discipline youngsters cannot be just the job of educationists. Somewhere sport has to play a part,” says Tirkey. Tirkey began working on the tournament more than eight months ago. He admits that as all players are from poor and rural background, the logistics of getting them here and upto speed was a nightmare. However, now seeing their enthusiasm, he would like to see this turn into an all-India affair.

The Rajya Sabha MP and Navin Patnaik’s blue-eyed boy, Tirkey’s detractors have accused him of organising the championships with a political end in mind — helping him win the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from the area. “I don’t see anything wrong in what he is doing. If he is empowering the youth, why criticise that? Today he has brought forward hockey as an instrument for change. I think we should appreciate that,” said Shakti Singh, Santosh Trophy footballer and friend.

Tirkey grew up in the underdeveloped district of Sundergarh and put it on the country’s map with his hockey exploits. After retiring in 2010, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the Biju Janata Dal. In 2014, Tirkey did run for the Lok Sabha on a BJD ticket from here but lost by a narrow margin. However, he rejects the possible political overtones of the tournament. “I am clear that this is a hockey event, and there is nothing political about it”.

The aim of the initiative is to scout for hockey talent, generate interest for the game among the youth and help them find the right path. Even if the championship is able to stop one tribal youth from picking up a gun and becoming a Naxal, it is a success, he adds.

The Tribune