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All the news for Thursday 12 January 2017

Tickets to Hockey World Cup 2018 qualification phase await the top two finishers



The Hockey World League blasts back into action this weekend as the first of six (three women’s / three men’s) Round 2 competitions gets underway at the Stadium Hoki Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The women’s event, which takes place between Saturday 14 and Sunday 22 January, will see Italy, Ireland, host nation Malaysia, Thailand, Wales, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong and Singapore battling for a top two finish to guarantee a place in the Hockey World League Semi-Finals, where those coveted berths at the women’s Hockey World Cup 2018 in London, England are up for grabs.

Like all of the Round 2 events, the competition in Kuala Lumpur will witness a clash between teams that came through the first phase of the competition against sides that were automatically given a bye through to Round 2 due to their higher placement in the FIH Hero World Rankings. The highest ranked teams will enter the competition at the Hockey World League Semi-Final stage of the Hockey World League.

The competition will feature two pools of four, with the finishing positions at the end of the pool phase determining the line-up for the quarter-finals, which begin on Thursday 19 January.

Italy (FIH Hero World Ranking: 15) are the top ranked team in the event and will certainly be seen as the favourites to emerge top of the pile in Pool A, where they face Wales, Thailand and Singapore.

Italy’s experienced captain Chiara Tiddi has the potential to be one of the star players at this event, and she will be hoping her team can get off to a winning start when they face Wales on Saturday.

Wales (WR: 32) finished second behind Russia at the Hockey World League Round 1 event in Douai, France, gaining deserved confidence from three victories in four matches to reach the second phase. They will be determined that their journey does not end here.

Thailand (WR: 31) and Singapore (WR: 43) also go head to head in Pool A on the opening day. Both teams qualified from the Round 1 event hosted by the Singaporeans, with Thailand claiming first place and Singapore finishing third.

The meeting between the two sides in Round 1 ended with Thailand taking a 2-0 victory, with star player Tikhamporn Sakunpithak - who captains the team in Kuala Lumpur - netting one of her 13 competition goals on her way finishing the event as top scorer.

In Pool B, Ireland (WR: 16) are the top ranked side and arrive at the event determined to keep alive their dream of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since the 2002 competition in Perth, Australia.

With seven players on their roster having over made over 100 senior international appearances, including the 200 capped Shirley McCay and Cliodhna Sargent, they will certainly fancy their chances of making progress on that goal in Kuala Lumpur.

Ireland start their campaign against Kazakhstan (WR: 33), who qualified for this event with a second place finish at the Hockey World League Round 1 competition in Singapore. Natalya Gataulina top scored for Kazakhstan with six goals, and will be aiming to make a similar impact in Kuala Lumpur.

Also in Pool B, host nation Malaysia (WR: 21) get their campaign underway when they take on Hong Kong (WR: 37), who finished fourth at the Round 1 tournament in Singapore. With home advantage and a higher ranking, Malaysia will be seen as favourites for the contest, but Hong Kong will be keen to upset the odds.

The top two finishers from the women’s Round 2 events in Kuala Lumpur, Valencia, Spain (4-12 Feb 2017) and West Vancouver, Canada (1-9 Apr 2017) are certain to qualify for the Semi-Finals, being joined in the World Cup qualifier phase by the two highest ranked of the third placed finishers from those three events. 

To learn more about how the teams progress through the competition in the hope of reaching the 2018 Hockey World Cups, click here, with more detail about all of the HWL events available by clicking here.

You can keep track of the tournament in New Delhi on the official competition pages by clicking here and on FIH’s social media channels using the #HWL2017 hashtag.

FIH site

Butali edge Niger Flickers to sneak into Club Championship semis

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

Butali Sugar Warriors on Wednesday scrapped into the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Club Championship after a nervy 2-0 win over Niger Flickers of Nigeria at City Park Stadium.

The result saw Butali finish their Pool B matches with six points same as Ghana Police and 23-time champions Sharkia of Egypt. With all three teams also finishing on an identical goal difference of +2.

Goals scored was used to determine the final outcome of the pool.

Police finished top courtesy of the seven goals they scored in the three matches, while Butali scored five goals and Sharkia scored four goals. Two first half goals from Emmanuel Simiyu and Vincent Odhiambo were enough to hand the local side a place in the semis.

Butali stand-in coach Meshack Senge is adamant his team can go all the way despite their slow start to the competition.

"We have achieved our first target and we can now plan for the semi-finals. We were brilliant in the first half but got tired in the second period and our lack of depth did not help," he said.

Butali will play the winner of Pool A in Saturday's semi-final. They join ladies champions Telkom Orange, who were the first local side to reach the semis.

Also through to the semi-finals are Ghana Revenue Authority, who saw off rivals Ghana Police 4-3 in a Pool B encounter to make it three wins out of three.

QUEENS THROUGH

Kada Queens from Nigeria also sealed their place as runners up in Pool A after they thrashed Uganda's Weatherhead 6-1 as Heartland also from Nigeria beat Wananchi (Uganda) 9-1 in another match.

On Tuesday night, local men’s side Kenya Police upset defending champions Eastern Company from Egypt 2-1 in a thrilling contest. Vincent Odindo scored the winner 10 minutes from time to give the law enforcers a deserved win.

Police went on the offensive from the onset, and should have taken the lead in the seventh minute, when they awarded a penalty flick after Oliver Echenje was infringed as he made his way to the Eastern Company goal. Willis Okeyo was unable to score as his penalty was brilliantly saved by Eastern keeper Shehata Farahat.

Police did take the lead four minutes later after a swift counter attack saw Richard Birir’s shot poked home by the impressive George Mutira.

Buoyed by the goal, Police grew in confidence and should have doubled their lead at the quarter-mark but Moses Cheplaiti failed to finish off Mutira’s dragged shot.

The defending champions created their first chance of the match minutes later as winger Ahmed Elnaggar dribbled past three Police players but his shot was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper James Kayieko.

Eastern equalised early in the second half as Elnaggar poked the ball home from close range. Odindo had the final say, lashing on to Robert Masibo’s hard shot that deflected off Farahat.

Police were set to play Ugandan side Weatherhead on Wednesday night, where a win will seal their place in the last four.

THURSDAY’S FIXTURES

Women: Orange v Sliders - 8.15am, Ghana Police v Dar Ladies- 10.30am, Weatherhead v Sharkia - 12.45pm, Heartland v GRA - 5.15pm

Men: Eastern v Wananchi - 3pm, Kenya Police v Exchequers - 7.30pm.

Daily Nation

Butali Sugar Warriors through to semis

By Elizabeth Mburugu


Kenya Butali players celebrate their 4-2 win against Ghana Police during the Africa Cup Championship at City Park, Nairobi on 08/01/2017 PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE

Butali Sugar Warriors are through to semis. Like the proverbial cat with nine lives, hosts Butali survived elimination to advance to the knockout stage of the hockey Africa Cup for Club Championships.

Two first half goals from international Emmanuel Simiyu and Vincent Odhiambo were enough to give Warriors a 2-0 win over Niger Flickers of Nigeria in their last pool B match.

While a 3-0 victory was what they needed going into the match, the Kenyans just scored two after which they ended up tied on six points with Ghana Police and former champions Sharkia.

Pool B was tightly contested with the three clubs winning two matches and losing one. Coincidentally the second rule of the tournament that would have seen teams proceed on a superior goal difference could not also be used as they all had a difference of two goals.

The third rule of goals for is what gave the sugar men a lifeline as they had scored five, one more than Sharkia putting them second on the pool standings. Ghanaian law enforcers topped the group with seven goals while Flickers finished last after losing all their matches. Butali will play winners of pool A in Saturday’s semi-final. Butali stand-in coach Meshack Senge said despite having qualified for the semis they were disappointed because they had set out top the pool. “Our first objective was to qualify for the semis and it is good we have done it although not the way we wanted. We now move to our second objective which is to ensure that we play in the finals,” Senge said.

He added: “We will polish the areas that worked for us in the last three matches and also improve on our weakness.”

In the women’s contest, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) laboured to a 4-3 win over their counterparts Ghana Police. With the victory, GRA sealed their semi-final slot while Police will have to play their last pool B match against Dar Ladies of Tanzania.

There fate also depends on the Heartland and GRA tie. The second semi final spot in the pool is tightly contested between Nigeria’s Heartland and Ghana Police who both stand a chance of qualifying.

In other matches, Uganda’s woes continued as Wananchi and Weatherhead fell to Heartland (9-1) and Kada Queens (6-2) respectively. Wananchi beat Dar 2-1 to register their first win.

The Standard Online

Sweet win for police as they beat Egyptians in hockey duel

By Elizabeth Mburugu


Kenya Police Willis Okeyo with the ball when they played Eastern in the Africa Cup Championship at City Park, Nairobi yesterday. ON 10/01/2017 PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE

Resilient Kenya Police put up a spirited fight to beat men’s defending champions Eastern Company of Egypt 2-1 in their men’s pool A match of the ongoing hockey Africa Cup for Club Championships at City Park. Vincent Odindo’s 61st minute goal was enough to help Kenyans break the jinx of losing to Egyptian clubs over the years.

Kenyans have endured heartbreak, suffering one loss after another in the hands of their Egyptian counterparts at both club and national level. However, the Kenyans got enough of the beating and it was payback time as the law enforcers turned tables. Not even Eastern Company’s emphatic 14-0 conquest over Uganda’s Weatherhead in their opening match could deter Police from bagging maximum points.

Police coach Kenneth Kaunda said his charges stuck to their game plan and he was pleased their strategy worked. “They put all we had learnt in training into practice and I’m glad it worked for us. They also stuck to our game plan and I believe that that was our strong point because that way everybody knew what to do and when to do it,” Kaunda said.

He added that they will not let the win get into them lest they lose focus. “We can’t say that with that victory we are better than other competitors because we still have more matches to play. Until the job is done we are still determined to work harder so we can achieve our objectives.”

The match was balanced with Police not ready to concede an early goal pressing deeper into the opponent’s territory. Their efforts could have paid off in the eighth minute through a penalty stroke after Oliver Echenje was fouled in the circle but international Willis Okeyo’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Shehata Farahat.

The law enforcers refused to let the missed chance dampen their spirits and three minutes later George Mutira tapped home Richard Birir’s shot to give the home boys a 1-0 lead. Police gained more confidence after the goal and they almost added a second through a short corner but Moses Cheplaiti shot wide.
READ: Butali Sugar Warriors through to semis

With numerous threats in their space Eastern’s Ahmed Elnaggar retaliated outwitting the Kenya Police defence for a one on one encounter with police goalie James Kayieko. The former Kenya one goalkeeper was equal to task to save his side from conceding. City Park broke into song and dance in the 29th minute when fans thought that police had doubled after Odindo’s shot beat Farahat but his goal was disallowed for a 1-0 score at the break.

On resumption, Police intensified their hunt for more goals but it was Eastern who levelled the score first in the 55th minute through Ibrahim Amr. Odindo finally put his name on the score sheet with his winning goal after being set by Robert Masibo with nine minutes remaining.

Police will take on in-form Bank of Ghana’s Exchequers in their last pool match this evening while holders Eastern Company will tackle Uganda’s Wananchi.

The Standard Online

Good host

Is Kenya destination of choice?

By Elizabeth Mburugu


Captain Orange Telecom Tracy Karanja (right) receive the 2016 Champion's Ladie's KPL Hockey Trophy from Sanjay Patel Managing Director Butali Sugar Factory at City Park Stadium on Sunday, Dec 4, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

The high number of entries at the ongoing hockey Africa Cup for Club Championships at City Park may be a  proof that African nations love coming to play in Kenya.

The 27th edition of the annual African clubs hockey extravaganza has brought together 19 entries (15 foreign and four local clubs).

Compared to last year's event held in Lusaka, Zambia that had a total of 13 clubs among them four from the host nation and other past editions in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and Kampala, Uganda, Kenya has the highest number of entries. Ghana and Uganda are represented by four clubs, two each in the men and women’s categories. Egypt and Nigeria have three while Tanzanza are represented by one women’s club.

The Standard Online

Empty stands

Poor turnout for the championship


Kenya Butali player Peter Nyambura with the ball as Ghana Police players give chase when they played in the Africa Cup Championship at City Park, Nairobi Kenya on 08/01/2017 PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE

Even with a host of foreign teams taking part in the Africa Cup of Club Championship, fans are still struggling to fill the City Park Stadium.

Today marks the sixth day of competition and the stadium is yet to be filled even during matches involving Kenyan sides.

One reason could be the gate charges set by the Kenya Hockey Union might be scaring away the fans. VIP tickets are retailing at Sh1,000 while the regular tickets go for Sh200.

The Standard Online

Terengganu hope to make MHL clean sweep with Charity Shield next

by Aftar Singh


May the best team win: Terengganu’s Jiwa Mohan (left) and KLHC assistant coach Mohd Harfizi Baharom posing with the MHL Charity Shield yesterday. Terengganu face KLHC at the Batu Buruk Stadium in Kuala Terengganu tomorrow.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Terengganu hockey team have clinched the double – Premier Division and TNB Cup (overall) – three straight times from 2014.

This time, Terengganu are eyeing history. They want to win all four titles – Premier Division, TNB Cup, Tan Sri P. Alagendra Knockout Trophy and Charity Shield – at stake in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

They already have one in the bag – the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Knockout Trophy, which they won after defeating Maybank 5-3 in the final on Tuesday.

Next in their sights is the Charity Shield. The east coast side will meet Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) at the Batu Buruk Stadium in Kuala Terengganu tomorrow.

Terengganu had thrashed KLHC 7-2 in the semi-finals of the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Knockout Trophy on Monday.

Terengganu midfielder Jiwa Mohan believes it is possible for them to make a clean sweep of the titles this season.

“We had a good start in the league and our confidence is high after our first title win,” said the 35-year-old former international, who was happy to see their five foreign players clicking well with the locals in the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Knockout Trophy.

“But we can expect a tough match against KLHC as they are a solid team. It will be a totally different playing in the Charity Shield.

“Last year, we lost to KLHC (2-1) in the Charity Shield match. But, if we adopt the right strategy and give it our all, we have a chance avenge that loss.”

KLHC assistant coach Mohd Harfizi Baharom admitted that the 7-2 thrashing has affected his players’ morale.

“My players are disappointed, but they have promised to set things right against Terengganu in the Charity Shield match,” said Harfizi.

“We beat them in Charity Shield in their own backyard last year ... we can do it again. We also want to win our fourth Charity Shield title in a row.”

But KLHC will be without national forward Mohd Rashid Baharom, who is nursing an ankle injury.

The Star of Malaysia

Black Sticks Women named for Argentina series


Stephanie Dickins makes her debut. Photo: Planet Hockey

Black Sticks Women’s head coach Mark Hager has named a versatile team for next month’s test series against Argentina in Buenos Aires.

The series, which runs from 10-22 February, will be the side’s first competition of the year as the young squad builds towards the FIH Women’s World League Final in Auckland this November.

Three players will make their Black Sticks debut during the series including midfielders Stephanie Dickins and Tessa Jopp along with goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon.

North Harbour defender Kathryn Henry is still rehabilitating from a torn ACL suffered in 2016, ruling her out of the trip to Argentina.

The team is spearheaded by experienced defender Stacey Michelsen, who has played 216 tests for New Zealand along with Sam Charlton, Liz Thompson, Rose Keddell, Olivia Merry and Ella Gunson who have all played more than 100 games.

Hager said the series is a great opportunity to open the year against the world number three ranked Argentinians.

“This will be a fantastic tour for the group in their first international competition of 2017,” he said.

“We have four debutantes and a lot talent who will be pushing for the additional five spots still up for grabs in the National Squad.

“Following the Rio Olympics it’s a new era for us and it will be exciting for all these players to have a high quality hit-out ahead of a big year.”

BLACK STICKS WOMEN’S TEAM
Argentina Series, 10-22 February

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Midlands defender gets national call-up


New Zealand's Frances Davies in action in the international hockey match, NZ Black Sticks v Malaysia, Photo / Kerry Marshall / photosport.nz

Strong performances at the Junior World Cup and the December test series against Malaysia have earned Midlands defender Frances Davies selection to the Black Sticks women's hockey squad.

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

Goalkeeper Grace O'Hanlon is a new face, with the 24-year-old previously living and playing in Australia.

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 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," 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 men's national squad will be named tomorrow.

The New Zealand Herald

Three debutants in youthful Black Sticks women's squad for test series in Argentina


Stephanie Dickins is one of three debutants in the Black Sticks squad to travel to Argentina next month. PLANET HOCKEY

New Zealand women's hockey team head coach Mark Hager has named three uncapped players in a youthful squad for a test series in Argentina next month.

Midfielders Tessa Jopp (Southern) and Stephanie Dickins (Midlands) and goalkeeper Grace O'Hanlon, a former Queensland representative and member of the Australian national development squad last year, were all announced in a 21-strong group on Thursday.

The squad for the series, which will be played in Buenos Aires from February 10-22, has an average age of just 23 and also includes eight others with less than 50 caps for the Black Sticks.

Spearheading the group is experienced defender Stacey Michelsen, who has 216 caps, while defenders Sam Charlton, Liz Thompson, Rose Keddell and Ella Gunson and striker Olivia Merry have all played more than 100 games.

Other familiar faces Anita McLaren, Gemma Flynn, Charlotte Harrison, Petrea Webster and Sophie Cocks are taking a break from international hockey and were not available for selection, with North Harbour defender Kathryn Henry still rehabilitating from a torn ACL suffered in 2016 and also out of contention.

Hager said the series is a great opportunity for the world No 5 Kiwi side to open the year against the third-ranked Argentinians.

"This will be a fantastic tour for the group in their first international competition of 201.

"We have three debutantes and a lot talent who will be pushing for the additional five spots still up for grabs in the national squad.

"Following the Rio Olympics it's a new era for us and it will be exciting for all these players to have a high quality hit-out ahead of a big year."

BLACK STICKS SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Georgia Barnett, Grace O'Hanlon

​Defenders: Sam Charlton, Frances Davies, Natasha Fitzsimons, Erin Goad, Ella Gunson, Rose Keddell, Stacey Michelsen, Brooke Neal, Jenny Storey, Liz Thompson

Midfielders: Stephanie Dickins, Jordan Grant, Tessa Jopp, Rachel McCann, Phoebe Steele

Strikers: Michaela Curtis, Olivia Merry, Amy Robinson, Kelsey Smith

Stuff

McLaren to spend time working on the track


Anita McLaren in action during a match against Argentina. Photo / Getty Images

Anita McLaren will head to the track as she takes time out of hockey.

The women's Black Sticks all time leading goal scorer will have until May away from the sport, as she looks to refresh ahead of a new Olympic cycle.

To keep fit before considering her return in May, the well-known speedster will spend time doing sprint work.

However she doesn't see it becoming her focus for Tokyo.

She says hockey is the sport she wants to remain a part of, with both a World Cup and the Commonwealth Games next year.

Gemma Flynn, Petrea Webster, Charlotte Harrison and Sophie Cocks are also out of the 2017 Black Sticks squad.

Radio Sport

Kalinga Lancers' Sanjeep charged up for HIL debut

NEW DELHI: India's Under-18 hockey team skipper Nilam Sanjeep Xess, who is making his Hockey India League (HIL) debut in the upcoming edition, on Wednesday said playing in the cash-rich league will go a long way in helping him improve his overall game.

The teenage defender, who hails from Bargarh district in Odisha, said the league will also help him to find a route to improve financial situation back home.

"This is a huge opportunity for me. While I am very nervous to play against such top players in Coal India HIL, I am aware this exposure will make a lot of difference to my game," he said in a release.

"The money (approx Rs 2 lakh) from HIL will help me buy a kit and shoes. I also want to send some money for my parents as it will help them a great deal," he added.

The HIL begins on January 21 and the last edition runners-up Lancers began their camp on Tuesday. "I am very excited. It is slowly starting to sink in that I will be playing with senior players. At the camp, I got to meet Devinder Walmiki, Pardeep Mor, Lalit Upadhyay and Dharamvir Singh from the senior squad," Sanjeep said.

"I also keep in regular touch with Birendra Lakra and Dipsan Tirkey (both from Odisha) to understand the challenges in the league and how I can keep calm. They motivate me a lot," the defender said.

Sanjeep made his India debut at the 12th South Asian Games last year in Guwahati. He was also part of the Junior India World Cup probables' camp at Sports Authority of India (SAI), South Centre in Bengaluru.

He threw light on how useful the SAI camp for him, especially developing his drag-flicking skills.

"That camp was very useful for me though I didn't make it to the team. I am a defender and drag-flicker and I got to practice a lot with Harmanpreet Singh and worked on my technique.

"He is extremely good at drag-flicking and he motivates me a lot. The Junior World Cup win is a big inspiration for youngsters like me and I wish to emulate the team's success in the future tournaments," Sanjeep said.

The Times of India

Super 6s Final Four: Slough


Laura Bailey and Harriet Ward celebrate scoring for Slough

With the grand finale of the Super 6s coming up very soon we take a look at the contenders for the coveted crown of best indoor team in the land. First in the series is Slough, the team who finished top of the Women’s Qualifiers.

Slough as a club have quite a pedigree in this competition, capturing the title on 13 occasions – the most for any women’s team since the tournament’s inception in the 1976-77 season.  Their last title was in 2007-08 and they have been semi-finalists twice in recent years, narrowly missing out on the final by a single goal on both occasions.

This time out they finished the pool stage top of the table to set up a semi-final clash with Sutton Coldfield.

A tight-knit indoor unit, the Pink and Blacks have married the competition’s meanest defence (just 23 conceded) with the second most potent attack (38 goals scored) to finish top of the pile and ensuring they head into the semi-finals in confident mood.


Slough Indoor 2017

They met Sutton, their semi-final rivals in the pool stages and ran out 9-3 winners thanks in part to a hat-trick from Dilly Newton. The former England defender has been in red-hot form in front of goal, netting nine times making her Slough’s top scorer.

“Dilly’s enjoyed the tournament so far.” said Captain Kat McGonigle. “She’s got very quick hands and she’s shown her skills and scored plenty of goals for us. Long may it continue.”

Newton’s nine goals have been ably supported by Ashpal Bhogal who scored eight times, Harriet Ward and Laura Bailey added six of their own, showing Slough can score from all over the court.

McGonigle and her team mates are “excited” to get the chance to play at Wembley in front of a packed house and will be looking to right the wrongs of their semi-final heartbreaks in the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons:

“We’ve lost by a single goal in both the recent semi-finals we’ve played in so we’re keen to get out there at Wembley and show what we can do. Hopefully we can make it to the final this time.” Says McGonigle. “We’ve played some good indoor hockey so far and we hope we’ll continue to do that and see where that gets us. We’re really looking forward to it.”

England Hockey Board Media release

FIH makes Sreejesh member of Athletes' Committee

NEW DELHI: The Indian men's hockey team captain PR Sreejesh on Wednesday became a member of International Hockey Federation (FIH) Athletes' Committee.

FIH Athletes' Committee comprises a total of eight current and former hockey players who have the responsibility to act as a liaison between the FIH and the athletes to make sure the players have voice in the FIH decision making process.

Sreejesh, who led the Indian team to a historic silver medal feat at the FIH Champions Trophy in London last year, said he was looking forward to the responsibility bestowed upon him by the FIH.

"It's a great honour to be part of the FIH Athletes' Committee which comprises of legendary players like Moritz Fuerste and other international greats. I am looking forward to this new responsibility," he said.

While Sreejesh's role will be to seek and provide feedback to the FIH on behalf of all athletes, the Committee also gets to interact with the current athletes in a number of ways including post event surveys for the athletes and coaches to get direct feedbacks from the FIH events.

Organised meetings are also scheduled with the national teams at several events. The aim is to communicate with the players, to update them on the different activities but also to hear from them.

"We get to work together to develop the game and put forth players concerns and suggestions. It's a great initiative by the FIH to directly involve the players and I look forward to giving my suggestions with the inputs of our coaching staff, my team who I am sure will support me in this new endeavor. I see this as a great responsibility in terms of helping FIH develop the game globally," said Sreejesh, who is gearing up to play for the Uttar Pradesh Wizards in the Hockey India League, slated to begin on January 21.

The FIH Athletes' Committee will also need to liaise with the Athletes' Committee of the IOC and other sporting organisations to enable the sharing of information and research.

The team of eight will also get to develop, collate, provide and promote resources for athletes on topics of direct concern including athlete health and welfare, career preparation and management, anti-doping, betting and match-fixing.

The Times of India