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All the news for Thursday 8 June 2017

Canadian focus shifts to World League Semi-Final after France exhibition series

Shaheed Devji


Canadian midfielder Mark Pearson carries the ball against France at the 2013 World League Round 2 final in Saint Germain, France (By Marine Andrieux)

Canada’s men’s field hockey team wrapped up its three-game exhibition series in France with a 4-1 loss Wednesday at the Wattignies Hockey Club.

The Men’s National Team will now spend some time training in France before heading to London, England for the 2017 International Hockey Federation World League Semi-Final, where World Cup qualification will be awarded to the top five teams.

Once in London, Canada will face Malaysia in a warm-up match before opening the tournament on Friday, June 16 against Pakistan.

Canada ends the exhibition series in France with a draw and two losses.

“France is a good team, they’re up and coming,” says Canada’s Interim Head Coach, Paul Bundy. “They’ve got some guys from the Junoir World Cup cycle four years ago when they made it to the finals. They’re maturing and they deserve to be a lot higher ranked.

The 17th ranked French side that is headed to the World League Semi-Final in Johannesburg, South Africa on the heels of a top-two finish at World League Round 2 where they pushed the 9th ranked Irish men to a shootout.

“This series of games…it’s hardened us from a team perspective,’ Bundy says. “We’re bonding pretty well together. We’ve obviously got back our guys from Europe, so those guys are getting back in.”

Monday’s game began well for the Canadian men, when Gordon Johnston picked up his fifth goal of the exhibition series on a penalty corner in the first quarter.

France responded with their own penalty corner goal in the first frame and went on to put in three more on the corner to go on to the 4-1 win.

“It’s a game where we lost a little bit of focus in patches and they scored four corners,” Bundy adds. “Their set pieces are working quite well and on the flip side ours are still getting going.

“I think the other games, we had a lot more focus, and that gave us a lot more consistency, we were able to win the ball higher up the field, and then we were able to create good attacks.”

Bundy says in addition to shoring up the corner, the 11th ranked Canadians will be focused on tightening up defensive play as they prepare for the World League competition in which they face two top ten teams India (6th) and the Netherlands (4th) and 13th ranked Pakistan in the first three games.

Field Hockey Canada media release

Indian team eyeing top 2 finish in tournament



Dusseldorf (Germany): Ever-improving Indian men's hockey team captain Manpreet Singh on Wednesday said the past masters of the game are eyeing a top two finish in the upcoming Hockey World League (HWL) Semi-finals in London.

But it will be easier said than done as India will have to fight it out against top teams like Argentina, Netherlands, England, Korea and Malaysia for the top honours.

"While our aim is to finish top two in London, it's important we play match by match and not take any team lightly especially in the pool stage," said Manpreet, who will lead the side in the absence of regular skipper PR Sreejesh, who is recovering from an injury.

"Our focus will be on getting off to a winning start and carry on the momentum from there," he added.

The Indian team will arrive in London on Friday after playing in the three-nation Invitational tournament featuring hosts Germany and Belgium.

The upcoming HWL Semi-final is a much anticipated and important tournament for India, where they are grouped in Pool B along side Canada, Scotland, Netherlands and Pakistan.

India begin their campaign against Scotland on 15 June followed by matches against Canada on 17 June and arch-rivals Pakistan on 18 June. India will play world no 4 the Netherlands on 20 June.

"We will also play two practice matches against Argentina and England. This will be a good opportunity for us to work on our challenges and focus on areas of improvement identified while playing against Germany and Belgium," Manpreet said.

"We cannot afford to miss out on goal scoring chances and we need to improve our conversion rate," he said.

Firstpost

Black Sticks Men set for World League


Photo: PMF Images

Vantage Black Sticks Men’s head coach Darren Smith has named his side to compete at the FIH World League Semi Final in South Africa next month.

The Kiwis are set to take on some of the world’s best hockey teams at the tournament, which runs from 9-23 July in Johannesburg.

The side is steeled by the return of several key players following a season of club hockey in Europe with Shea McAleese, Blair Tarrant, Hugo Inglis, Nic Woods, Jacob Smith, Marcus Child and Jared Panchia all back in black for the first time this year.

The tournament also marks the first taste of international hockey since the Rio Olympic Games for talented 19-year-old Hayden Phillips who has now fully recovered from an ankle injury.

Experienced defender Nick Haig also comes back into the fray after suffering a broken foot during the home test series against Pakistan earlier this year.

Several players were not considered through injury or unavailability including Simon Child, James Coughlan, Blair Hilton and Brad Read.

Coach Smith said the final selections were extremely tough with the competition for spots high among the squad.

“There were some tough calls and some extremely good players missed out, but that’s a great problem to have as it shows there is some depth within the squad,” he said.

“We are looking forward to the challenge of the World League Semi Final, it will be a high pressure environment and we know that we will need to be at our peak to get the results needed.”

The Black Sticks are joined in Pool A by reigning world champions Australia, Spain, Japan and France.

Pool B sees Rio 2016 silver medallists Belgium take on Rio bronze medallists Germany, reigning African champions South Africa, Ireland and Egypt.

Ten teams will take part in two Semi Final tournaments, with the other Men’s event being held in London. Results across both Semi Finals will determine contenders for the 2017 Hockey World League Final, while the top 10 finishers gain qualification for the 2018 Hockey World Cup. Both events will be hosted in Bhubaneswar, India.

Teams will also be awarded FIH World Ranking points from the World League Semi Final, which could prove crucial in relation to qualification for future events.

New Zealand’s opening game at the tournament is against France at 10pm on Sunday 9th July (NZ time). All Vantage Black Sticks games will be broadcast live on SKY Sport.

VANTAGE BLACK STICKS MEN
FIH World League Semi Final – Johannesburg, 9-23 July

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Big names return for Black Sticks Men

By David Leggat


Shea McAleese is back for the Black Sticks. Photo / Photosport

Welcome back lads; that's the message to a clutch of leading players back in the New Zealand men's hockey team for the world league semifinals in Johannesburg next month.

The group of seven players have finished their stints with European clubs and will significantly enhance the quality in the world No 8 Black Sticks for the tournament, which starts on July 8.

Experienced Shea McAleese, Blair Tarrant, Hugo Inglis, Nic Woods, Jacob Smith, Marcus Child and Jared Panchia are returning to the national team for the first time this year.

In addition, promising midfielder Hayden Phillips is back after an ankle injury, having been missing since the Rio Olympics, while seasoned defender Nick Haig returns after breaking a bone in a foot against Pakistan earlier this year.

"There were some tough calls and some extremely good players missed out, but that's a great problem to have as it shows there is some depth within the squad,'' national coach Darren Smith said today.

''We are looking forward to the challenge. It will be a high pressure environment and we know that we will need to be at our peak to get the results needed.''

To that end, New Zealand are travelling to South Africa via Belgium. It may sound an odd route but the preferred option, via Perth and a handful of games against world No 2 Australia, fell through.

Plus Brussels, is hosting the women's league semifinal, which the New Zealand squad will be attending, around the same time.

The Belgians are world No 5, and were Rio Olympic silver medallists. The country is in the same time zone as Johannesburg, so there are pluses. New Zealand will have three matches against Belgium, which will certainly help.

Smith wanted tough preparation and he'll get it there. They have several days in Johannesburg to top off the lead-in into the tournament.

The squad are just back from eight days training at the Gold Coast, using the Commonwealth Games venue for next year. They'll have a fortnight together in Auckland before departing on June 23.

Smith liked what he saw from the younger players who went to the Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia in April.

''We were keen to see how the young guys would match up against the boys returning from Europe and put them through some real competition,'' Smith said.

''We were really happy. Getting some of the guys back from Europe was really good, with their experience and some of them for the first time since Rio. It's nice to see them back in the squad.''

Among those ruled out of the trip are regular captain, world class striker Simon Child, who is sidelined by a lingering leg injury, Blair Hilton and James Coughlan, who was unavailable.

The Black Sticks will play Australia, Spain, Japan and France in pool A, starting with the improving French on July 9. Pool B comprises Belgium, Rio bronze medallists Germany, reigning African champions South Africa, Ireland and Egypt.

Ten teams are also taking part in the other semifinal tournament in London. Results over both tournaments will determine the teams to advance to December's world league final, to be held in Bhubaneswar, India.

The top 10 overall get qualification for the World Cup late next year, and also in the Indian city.

New Zealand men's squad for the world league semifinal in Johannesburg, starting July 9:
Devon Manchester, Arun Panchia, Jared Panchia, Marcus Child (Auckland), Richard Joyce, George Muir (North Harbour), David Brydon, Sam Lane, Nick Haig (Canterbury), Hugo Inglis, Nick Ross, Kane Russell, Blair Tarrant (Southern), Jacob Smith, Stephen Jenness (Capital), Shea McAleese, Hayden Phillips (Central), Nic Woods (Midlands).

The New Zealand Herald

Black Sticks men confirm return of key names for World League semifinal


Striker Hugo Inglis is one of a number of key players back in the Black Sticks squad for their upcoming trip to South Africa. PHOTOSPORT/JOHN COWPLAND

The return of several key players is the feature of the New Zealand men's hockey team named for the World League Semifinal in South Africa next month.

The Kiwi men are set to take on some of the world's best teams at the tournament, which runs from July 9-23 in Johannesburg.

Following a season of club hockey in Europe, familiar faces Shea McAleese, Blair Tarrant, Hugo Inglis, Nic Woods, Jake Smith, Marcus Child and Jared Panchia are all back in black for the first time this year.

The tournament also marks the first taste of international hockey since last year's Rio Olympic Games for talented 19-year-old Hayden Phillips, who has fully recovered from an ankle injury, while experienced defender Nick Haig comes back into the fray after suffering a broken foot during the home test series against Pakistan earlier this year.

Several players were not considered through injury or unavailability, including captain Simon Child, James Coughlan, Blair Hilton and Brad Read.

Black Sticks head coach Darren Smith said there was plenty of competition for spots.

"There were some tough calls and some extremely good players missed out, but that's a great problem to have as it shows there is some depth within the squad.

"We are looking forward to the challenge of the World League Semifinal, it will be a high pressure environment and we know that we will need to be at our peak to get the results needed."

New Zealand are joined in pool A by reigning world champions Australia, Spain, Japan and France.

Pool B sees Rio 2016 silver medallists Belgium take on bronze medallists Germany, reigning African champions South Africa, Ireland and Egypt.

Ten teams will take part in two semifinal tournaments, with the other event being held in London.

Results across both will determine contenders for the 2017 World League Final, while the top 10 finishers gain qualification for next year's World Cup. Both events will be hosted in India.

Teams will also be awarded world ranking points from the semifinal tournaments, which could prove crucial in relation to qualification for future events.

New Zealand's opening game at the tournament is against France on Sunday, July 9 (NZ time).

New Zealand men's squad: David Brydon (age 20, caps 19), Marcus Child (25, 94), Nick Haig (29, 201), Hugo Inglis (25, 186), Stephen Jenness (26, 184), Richard Joyce (24, 21), Sam Lane (20, 16), Devon Manchester (Shea McAleese (32, 243), George M uir (22, 65), Arun Panchia (27, 218), Jared Panchia (23, 55), Hayden Phillips (19, 23), Nick Ross (26, 54), Kane Russell (24, 97), Jake Smith (25, 62), Blair Tarrant (26, 162), Nic Woods (21, 60).

Stuff

Shaw announces squad for Berlin 4 Nations



The Green Army’s preparation for World League in Johannesburg continues as Head Coach Graham Shaw announces his squad for 4 Nations in Berlin from 15/18 June.

“We have decided to bring 20 players to Berlin for the 4 Nations due to the tightness of the selection for WL3 in South Africa. “Germany (WR 7th), Korea (WR 9th) and China (WR 8th) provide ideal opposition in preparation for WL3 ” said Shaw.

Shaw continued “We are really looking forward to the challenge and spending more time together as a group”.

Thursday 15th June

17.00 China v Korea
19.00 Germany v Ireland

Friday 16th June

17.00 China v Ireland
19.00 Germany v Korea

Sunday 18th June

12.00 Ireland v Korea
14.00 Germany v China

Squad:

    Ayeisha McFerran (University of Louisville)
    Grace O Flanagan (Railway Union)
    Hannah Matthews (Loreto)
    Alison Meeke (Loreto)
    Shirley McCay (Elks)
    Yvonne O’Byrne (Cork Harlequins)
    Elena Tice (UCD)
    Zoe Wilson (Harvesthuder)
    Nicola Daly (Muckross)
    Roisin Upton (Cork Harlequins)
    Gillian Pinder (UCD)
    Chloe Watkins (Hermes/Monkstown)
    Lizzie Colvin (Loreto)
    Katie Mullan (UCD)
    Emma Russell (UCD)
    Anna O’Flanagan (Hermes/Monkstown)
    Nicola Evans (Hermes/Monkstown)
    Emily Beatty (KHC Dragons)
    Deirdre Duke (UCD)
    Sinead Loughran (Hermes/Monkstown)

Shaw will announce his final selection for WL3 following the 4 Nations in Berlin. The squad will depart for WL3 in Johannesburg on 29th June with the Tournament commencing on Saturday 8th July.

Irish Hockey Association media release

England women vs Argentina tickets still available



England Hockey are hugely excited to be hosting a England women’s match versus Argentina this Saturday 10 June 2017. This news comes after the England v Netherlands match on 11 June sold out within minutes earlier in the year!

The weekend of 10/11 June now sees the world’s top 3 hockey teams facing off against each other, and tickets for the Argentina match are on sale now - click here to buy.

The fixtures will be known as the Investec Internationals, as part of England and Great Britain’s Principal Partner Investec’s fantastic contribution to women’s hockey in the UK.

Both matches will take place at the home of international hockey, Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Argentina, known as Las Leonas, were silver medallists at the London 2012 Olympics and won the Champions Trophy hosted by England Hockey at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in 2016.

The three teams playing that weekend – England, Netherlands, and Argentina – currently hold all of the major titles in hockey, with England/Great Britain winning Gold in the Unibet EuroHockey Championships 2015 and Gold in Rio 2016.

Click here to buy now!

England Hockey Board Media release

Please arrive early for upcoming hockey events


England line up at Lee Valley

Following the terrorist incidents which took place in Manchester and more recently London, England Hockey has reviewed its security plans for its forthcoming Investec Internationals and Hero Hockey World League Semi-Finals, which take place between 10 and 25 June at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.

The safety of those attending our events is of paramount importance and, with advice from the London Met Counter Terrorism Unit and working alongside the venue operators, we will be implementing a number of additional security measures, some of which will directly affect ticket holders.

In order to reduce queues upon entering the venue, ticket holders are advised to arrive earlier for security checks and to keep to a minimum the number of bags brought to the venue. We ask fans for their cooperation and understanding as both stewards and event staff carry out the required security checks.

Gates open at 12.30pm for the Investec Internationals on 10 and 11 June and 60 minutes ahead of every session for the Men’s Hero Hockey World League Semi-Finals.

The National Counter Terrorism Security Office is providing information to help the public stay safe.  For your awareness and personal safety, we recommend that ticket buyers and all members of the hockey family watch this informative ‘Stay Safe’ film.  Please click the following link https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/stay-safe-film.

We are very excited to be staging world class hockey in London this month, and we look forward to delivering some great sporting occasions enjoyed by all.

England Hockey Board Media release

Hockey Maharashtra, Central Reserve Police Force and CISF win in Senior National Hockey

Hockey Maharashtra crushed Hockey Rajasthan 9-0, CRPF had 3-1 win against Delhi Hockey, whereas CISF had to struggle hard while scripting a solitary goal win against Hockey Coorg at the 7th Senior National Hockey Championship 2017


Action on at the 7th Senior National Hockey Championship 2017 on Wednesday.(Ht Photo)

It was a day of contrasting wins at the 7th Senior National Hockey Championship 2017 (Men) B Division here on Wednesday as Hockey Maharashtra, Central Reserve Police Force and Central Industrial Security Force scored their consecutive wins.

Hockey Maharashtra crushed Hockey Rajasthan 9-0, CRPF had 3-1 win against Delhi Hockey, whereas CISF had to struggle hard while scripting a solitary goal win against Hockey Coorg.

It turned to be a one-sided affair as Maharashtra men kept scoring goals on regular intervals in their Pool A match, leaving Hockey Rajasthan men struggling even for the possession of ball in the 70-minute duel, at the Major Dhyanchand stadium.

Akshay Jadav, who opened the account in the 11th minute, scored a brace along with Pratap Shinde, who struck both his goals in the first half itself. Jatinder Singh, Ajit Shinde, Sanjay Toppo, Aniket Gurav and Gaurav Nimbolkar shared five goals between them.

Things didn’t change much in the second game of the day between CRPF and Delhi. Jayant Tirkey slammed back-to-back goals in the seventh and 15th minutes, respectively, before Ignacius Toppo stretching the lead to 3-0, converting a penalty corner in the 24thminute (3-0).

But a change in ends, left CRPF men guarding their goalpost for most of the time after captain Vijay Kumar Maurya-led Delhi men opted for an attacking hockey. They could have leveled the score at least, had they played a better hockey in the rival’s penalty circle. Their repeated efforts paid dividends in the 48th minute when Vijay Kumar Maurya converted a penalty corner into goal (1-3).

In Pool C, CISF and Hockey Coorg played out a feisty encounter filled with action. Niraj Yadav’s sixth minute strike remained the only highlight of the match. Though a spirited Hockey Coorg tried to stage a comeback in the fourth quarter, launching a foray of attacks, CISF defenders stayed strong to deny any scoring chance to the rivals.

THURSDAY’S FIXTURES

At Mohd Shahid stadium (7.30 a.m.): Hockey Maharashtra vs Petroleum Sports Promotion Board; (9.00 am): Telangana Hockey vs Major Port Sports Control Board; (4.30 pm): Delhi Hockey vs Hockey Himachal.

At Major Dhyanchand stadium (7.30 a.m.): Hockey Andhra Pradesh vs Hockey Andaman and Nicobar; 9.00 am: Central Industrial Security Force vs Sports Authority of Gujarat - Hockey Academy; 4.30 pm: Hockey Uttarakhand vs Vidarbha Hockey Association.

Hindustan Times

Red and white the Euro colours as Wettingen triumph in Trophy


Picture: Sander Uijlenbroek

Switzerland’s Rotweiss Wettingen edged out Austria’s SV Arminen 1-0 in the EuroHockey Club Trophy final to boost their respective nations in the European ranking list.

After a championship that had seen 70 goals in 15 games, the 16th and final game was decided by a sole goal scored in the 17th minute. But, Wettingen’s win was no boring 1-0 result, instead the sides played out a final that was end-to-end throughout.

It was a game won by tactics and, on this occasion, coach Marcus Ventnar had got the tactics spot on and the trophy was on its way to  Switzerland.

He masterminded a canny defensive game that left their opponents Arminen unable to play their usual stylish, passing game.

The incessant rain also played a part in Elektrostal. Where SV Arminen played the more intricate passing match, Wettingen used the width of the pitch but as the first 15 minutes drew to a close, neither side had really troubled their opponent’s defence.

The sole breakthrough came in the 17th minute. Wettingen had looked the more attacking side after the two-minute break and were creating some nice space.

An aerial from Fabian Wullschleger started the move. His lofted ball put Arminen on the back foot and a subsequent passing move found Jan Hödle in front of goal. His shot was saved by Mateusz Szymczyk but Nicolas Steffen was on hand to slot the rebound home.

With a 1-0 lead, Wettingen set about their defensive duties with real discipline. When they attacked, they did so with speed and purpose but, as soon as possession was over-turned, the red and white shirts were behind the ball in great numbers and you could also see the will of the Arminen team draining away.

The final few minutes were all Wettingen. When they were in possession, they took the ball to the corner and counted down the clock, when their opponents had the ball, there was simply no way through.

For both nations, it will boost their ratings in the national rankings used to decide the EHL places as they look to earn back a place in the top tier of the competition.

The finalised rankings table will be confirmed within a week when the breakdown of national qualifiers for the 2017/18 EHL season will be released.

Euro Hockey League media release

Hawes reflects on tough weekend for Wimbledon at EHL FINAL4



Wimbledon coach Ben Hawes admitted it was a tough weekend for his side as they missed out on a medal at the EHL FINAL4, falling 8-0 to HC Oranje-Rood before losing 3-1 to KHC Dragons in the BRONZE MATCH.

His side had impressed with KO16 wins over German sides UHC Hamburg and Mannheimer HC but a lengthy lay-off due to the early finish of the English league left his side shy of match sharpness.

Indeed, their six-week lead-in to the FINAL4 only saw them play a friendly against the England national team and then a tie against lower tier Chiswick. With key defender Michael Hoare injured and a number of their squad heading to the Sultan Azlan Shah competition in Malaysia, it further hampered preparations for the biggest ties in their club history.

“It’s probably a reflection of where we are as a club and as a nation in club hockey,” Hawes said following their loss to Dragons. “Saturday was massively disappointing because of the way we lost. We always pride ourselves on is hard work and physical work along with spirit and belief and we got outdone on that front as well as technical execution which was a shame.

“On Sunday, we spoke about being more positive in our approach and aggressive in our pressing. Dragons have got some really good individuals but I feel we should have been able to compete for longer periods.”

Looking back on his club’s second EHL campaign, Hawes said that the gap in the season did have an impact.

“In the KO16 and KO8, we were probably in the peak of our season. We showed we can compete but it was very clear when we dropped off for six weeks, to maintain that is a tough ask. It’s a challenge we have. We want to compete at this level and aspire to get here regularly but we have to be realistic sometimes and we are not best setup to do it.”

He also says that next season will have an extra complication for his club – if they reach the KO16 – and Surbiton. Both clubs have large international elements, not just with England but also with Scotland and Wales who could yet be involved in the Commonwealth Games.

“That six week break is never going to be conducive to whichever English team gets [to the EHL]. Next year, who knows what that is going to be like because the guys will be at the Commonwealth Games if we make the KO16? That’s a harsh reality for that year in particular.

“I am not sure England hockey have priority for club hockey in the EHL which is a shame but there is a balance to be had between the international and club game. International hockey makes the players better while the EHL makes our players better and makes a broader base [for England Hockey]. It’s a lesson for us and it gives us something to aim at.”

Euro Hockey League media release

Upset as Woodridge top regional hockey tournament



Woodridge College caused an upset when they claimed the final spot in the provincial finals of the SPAR Eastern Cape Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge after winning the Port Elizabeth Central tournament on Sunday.

The champions had the edge possession and territorial wise against Alexander Road High, but, after failing to convert their short corners, they had to wait until the penalty shootout to seal the deal 2-0.

The shootout saw Woodridge’s first attempt blocked, but the ball was recovered on the rebound and hammered home. The second point followed after Woodridge’s player was taken out by the goalkeeper, resulting in a free stroke.

Woodridge join Kingsridge High School (East London Inland), Clarendon High School for Girls (East London Coastal), York High School (South Western Districts) and Kingswood College (PE North) in the grand finale in August.

Union High School initially qualified for the finals in the PE North tournament, but will be replaced by runners-up Kingswood due to a clash in dates with the school’s derby day.

Tournament coordinator Peter Wilson said Woodridge advanced to the final after putting in a stunning performance in the playoffs against last year’s provincial champions Collegiate.

After finishing in a goalless draw, the 20-minute match went into the eight-second penalty shootout where Woodridge secured the win 3-2.

The second playoff saw another pre-tournament favourite, hosts Pearson, fall 1-0 in penalty shootouts to Alexander Road after both sides failed to score during the match proper.

In the playoff for third, Collegiate and Pearson drew 1-1 to share the spoils.

Hockey Challenge national director Les Galloway said the tournament provided an opportunity for individual players to catch the eye.

“It was an excellent event, with strong, competitive hockey on display. This is their chance to make an impression on the selectors as they aim for higher honours.

“It also gives players the opportunity to measure themselves against what is out there and become better,” said Galloway, who initiated the concept in KwaZulu-Natal seven years ago.

SPAR Eastern Cape promotions and advertising manager Alan Stapleton said the tournament had been a great display of hockey and of the camaraderie between players.

Brendon Winship, who umpired the final, was selected as the most promising umpire of the day.

Final PE Central standings: 1 Woodridge, 2 Alexander Road, 3 Collegiate and Pearson, 5 Framesby, 6 Victoria Park, 7 Westering, 8 Nico Malan and 9 Linkside.


CAPTION: SPAR Eastern Cape promotions and advertising manager Alan Stapleton (back left) with the Woodridge College team who won the Port Elizabeth Central tournament in the SPAR Eastern Cape Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge on Sunday. The team are, back from left, Chumisa Yona (vice-captain), Megan Crossman, Megan Webb, Lauren Bryans, Cheré Jacobs, Lauren Booysen (captain), Chloë Duval, Mbali Nkutha, Maxime Bird (coach) and, front from left, Cheyanne Milne, Caylin Maree, Edith Molikoe and Geneé Phillips. Photo: Supplied

SPAR Hockey Challenge media release

A remarkable weekend for hockey development in Brazil

Confederação Brasileira de Hóquei


Men’s National Hockey5’s Championship   

After the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the Brazilian hockey community witnessed one more time moments of excitement and hope for the future of the sport in the country last weekend. On June, 3rd and 4th, the Federal University’s Hockey Training Center, in Rio de Janeiro, received the Men’s national Hockey5’s championship. The Training Center is one of the facilities built for the Olympic Games last year and it has been the home for Brazilian national hockey tournaments since September.

The tournament had 11 teams in the under-18 competition and 5 teams in the under-15. These numbers marks the growing path of hockey in Brazil and brings hope for a continuous increase in the number of players and people involved with hockey in the country.

A familiar atmosphere and great goals were the highlights of the weekend, along with a loud crowd of parents who made the chorus of fans from the sidelines.

With an unprecedented number of more than 50 games over two days, the marvelous city of Rio had a blasting sport’s spectacle time, where the protagonists will most likely to be in the spotlight in senior division and Brazilian U-21 national squads in the next years.

After super exciting games, Sociedade Germânia, a traditional club from Rio de Janeiro, won the U-15 tournament, while Clube Doze de Agosto, from Santa Catarina, got the glory in the U-18. Sociedade Germania is also the current champion in the senior’s men’s division and the club with most national titles in Brazilian hockey. On the other hand, Clube Doze de Agosto arose from a project from Hoquei Clube Desterro for underprivileged children in the city of Florianópolis, and has proven in the last two years of consecutive titles that their players can be as successful in hockey as in life.

Finally, between smiles and tears, Brazilian hockey was the big winner of the weekend. Among so many young players, it is impossible to deny the hope of parents and hockey enthusiasts who look to the future of the sport and see its growth between the sticks of these kids.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release

Ministry recommends Dhyan Chand for Bharat Ratna

Sabi Hussain

New Delhi: In what will be music to the ears of the country’s hockey lovers, the Sports Ministry has requested the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to confer the Bharat Ratna on hockey legend Dhyan Chand.

Acceding to the long-pending demand to confer ‘Dada’ — as Dhyan Chand is famously known among his followers — with India’s highest civilian honour, Sports Minister Vijay Goel today wrote to the PMO, requesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to consider the “sentiments of hockey fans” and “duly award the legend for his astonishing achievements”.

Following his letter to the PMO, Goel told The Tribune that he’s “confident” that PM Modi would give his consent to what would be a “fitting tribute” to the “son of the soil”.

“Dhyan Chand will be the best sportsperson to receive the award. His credentials as a legendary hockey player are unmatchable. He will always remain the pride of India. Bharat Ratna would be a fitting tribute to him,” Goel said.

“The Prime Minister is himself a sports lover. The PM is taking so much interest in the upcoming FIFA under-17 World Cup and the future Olympic Games. He wants India to emerge as a sporting nation.”

“The final decision would obviously be taken by the PM. But I am confident that Dhyan Chand would get the honour this time around,” Goel added.

Dhyan Chand won three gold medals for India at the Olympics — in Amsterdam (1928), Los Angeles (1932) and Berlin (1936). He passed away in 1979.

Tendulkar got it in 2014

Dhyan Chand would have become the first sportsperson to receive the honour in 2014, but the then Congress-led UPA government had decided to confer the award on batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who had retired from international cricket in November 2013.

In fact, hours after Tendulkar’s retirement on November 16, 2013, the Congress government had made an official announcement to give the Bharat Ratna to him. The Sports Ministry (then headed by Jitender Singh) and the Home Ministry, however, had recommended Dhyan Chand’s name for the prestigious award to the PMO.

Many at that time had seen it as a populist decision by the government to cash in on the public sentiments of the cricket-mad nation. Sports lovers from different walks of life had criticised the government’s decision to choose Tendulkar over Dhyan Chand as the first sportsperson recipient of the award.

Last year, the clamour for Bharat Ratna to Dhyan Chand had again resurfaced when former hockey captains and Olympians — Ajit Pal Singh, Zafar Iqbal, Dilip Tirkey and Dhyan Chand’s son Ashok Kumar — had sit on a protest at Jantar Mantar here, a day before the National Sports Day on August 29.

Asked whether Dhyan Chand should have gotten the award before Tendulkar, Goel said: “It was that government’s decision. This is our government’s decision. But Dhyan Chand’s achievements are beyond these awards.”

Procedure

According to the laid out procedures, the PMO will send the recommendation to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which, in turn, will consider the Sports Ministry’s request. If the MHA approves the request, it will recommend Dhyan Chan’s name to the Bharat Ratna committee, headed by the PM. If this committee approves his name for the award, then the file will be forwarded to the President for his final consent.

The Tribune

Dhyan Chand may scoop Bharat Ratna

Chander Shekhar Luthra


Dhyan Chand, who died in 1979, guided India to three gold medals at the Olympics (1928, 1932, and 1936).

Legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand might soon be conferred with Bharat Ratna (posthumously) as Union sports minister Vijay Goel has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fulfill the long-pending demand.

This has come four years after cricketing maestro Sachin Tendulkar became the first sportsperson to be conferred with India's highest civilian honour. Dhyan Chand, who died in 1979, guided India to three gold medals at the Olympics (1928, 1932, and 1936).

"Yes, we have written to the Prime Minister about Bharat Ratna for Dhyan Chand. Conferring him with the honour posthumously will be a fitting tribute to his exceptional service to the country," Goel said on Wednesday. He added that he is confident PM Modi would give his consent.

"Dhyan Chand will be the best sportsperson to receive the award. His credential as a legendary hockey player is unmatchable. His selflessness in popularising hockey is unquestionable," he said.

Former hockey captains Ajit Pal Singh, Zafar Iqbal, Dilip Tirkey, and Dhyan Chand's son Ashok Kumar have been running a campaign ever since Tendulkar was awarded the Bharat Ratna.

Long overdue

Awarding Bharat Ratna to Major Dhyan Chand has been long overdue considering he guided India to three Olympic golds (1928, 1932, 1936).

Honouring the hockey wizard might prove to be a timely shot in the arm for the sport in the country.

DNA

Sports Ministry writes to PMO, wants Bharat Ratna for hockey legend Dhyan Chand


Indian hockey fans holds placards during a protest march demanding the 'Bharat Ratna', India's highest civilian award for hockey legend Dhyan Chand in Amritsar on January 21, 2014 (AFP)

It is not the first time that the Ministry has sought Bharat Ratna for Dhyan Chand, who helped India win three gold medals at the Olympics (1928, 1932, and 1936).

The Sports Ministry has written to the Prime Minister's Office, requesting Bharat Ratna for the late Dhyan Chand in is considered to be its latest push to bestow the hockey legend with India's highest civilian honour. Sports Minister Vijay Goel confirmed that he has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Yes, we have written to the Prime Minister about Bharat Ratna for Dhyan Chand. Conferring the honour posthumously will be a fitting tribute to his exceptional service to the country," said Goel. It is not the first time that the Ministry has sought Bharat Ratna for Dhyan Chand, who helped India win three gold medals at the Olympics (1928, 1932, and 1936).

During the UPA rule in 2013, the Sports Ministry had chosen the hockey wizard for the honour over cricketing great Sachin Tendulkar. However in the same year, it was eventually announced that Tendulkar will be the first sportsperson to receive the award, hours after he ended his illustrious international career.

Asked whether Dhyan Chand, who passed away in 1979, should have got Bharat Ratna before Tendulkar, Goel said: "I would not want to get into this and it is not fair to comment about sportspersons of such legendary stature. You can't measure Dhyan Chand's achievements with any award. He is beyond that.

"As I said, Prime Minister will take the final call on this subject. He wants India to emerge as a sporting power and that is why he has been giving a lot of emphasis to sports. We want him to consider this. We feel Bharat Ratna to Dhyan Chand will not only give a huge boost to Indian hockey but also to other sports," said Goel.

The Ministry decided to write to the Prime Minister earlier this week. Dhyan Chand's son Ashok Kumar and other former players have been demanding Bharat Ratna for their hockey hero for years.

Last year, former India captains Ashok Kumar, Ajit Pal Singh, Zafar Iqbal, Dilip Tirkey were among a 100 former players who sat on a protest on Dhyan Chand being repeatedly ignored. Even in 2011, government did not consider the plea of 82 members of parliament who backed Dhyan Chand for the recognition.

'The Wizard' is considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time and singlehandedly popularised the game in India. His birthday, August 29, is celebrated as the National Sports Day when the country's top athletes are awarded by the President of India.

DNA