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All the news for Wednesday 6 September 2016

Coach Senge calls for friendlies ahead of Cup ties

By BRIAN YONGA


Kenya international Maxwell Fuchaaka trains at the City Park Stadium on September 4, 2017. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

National men’s hockey team coach Meshack Senge has called for high profile friendlies to aid the team’s preparations for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Ismailia, Egypt.

Senge believes playing local sides alone will not help his team gauge its preparedness for the continental showpiece whose winner will qualify for 2018 World Cup.

“We need to play matches that will greatly measure the team and give us the necessary test and preparations we need for the continental event,” Senge told Nation Sport on Monday at the team’s training camp at City Park Stadium in Nairobi.

“We understand that funds are an issue but we need to be in top shape when we come up against South Africa and Egypt next month,” he added. Champions South Africa and Egypt, who will also take part in the competition, have already named their final squads for the biennial tournament.

The provisional squad of 35 players resumed training on Monday ahead of the October 19- 29 tourney which will also feature women’s teams.

TRAINING SESSION

Monday’s session was attended by 25 players and Senge was largely impressed with the turnout with notable absentee of a few players due to job commitments.

Last season’s Most Valuable player Paul Omariba of Strathmore University Gladiators is one of the seven new players in the team that will eventually be whittled down to a final 18.

“It feels good to be called up to the national team and I am doing my best to ensure I make it to the final team and get to play against the best teams in the continent,” Omariba, who helped Strathmore win the league title last year, said.

Kenya will come up against defending champions South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Botswana, and Zambia alongside the hosts. The country has yet to win the competition, finishing second four times and third another three times.

The men’s team has played at two World Cups – 1971 and 1973 while the women’s team has yet to feature at the global showpiece. Both teams won bronze at the last edition held in South Africa in 2015.

Senge, who was in-charge of the team, is ready to avenge his side’s narrow 2-1 loss to South Africa in the semi-finals of the 2015 edition.

Daily Nation

U.S. Men’s Masters Committee Selects Training Squads for 2018 FIH Masters World Cup and FIH Grand Masters World Cup



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - After the most comprehensive tryout and selection process yet, the U.S. Men’s Masters Committee is pleased to announce the men's training squads for the FIH Masters World Cup to be held July 27 to August 5, 2018 in Terrassa, Spain and the FIH Grand Masters World Cup to be held June 21 to July 1, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain.

Chairman of USA Men’s Masters Field Hockey, Warren Prestwich, said that the interest was so great that squads were created for the following age groups, O-40, O-45, O-50, O-55 and O-60. This represents an increase from two teams at the last two Masters World Cups to five for 2018. There is still hope to form an O-35 team, but more players of interest in this age division are needed to form the team. If you qualify for the O-35 age division (i.e. you turn 35 to 39 in 2018) and wish to be considered for selection please contact Warren at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Plans are being finalized for a training camp at the end of January 2018, and after this camp travel rosters of 18 athletes will be selected in February 2018.

Below are the squads:
 U.S. O-40 Men's Team
1     Alexander Armas     Charlotte, N.C.
2     Raja Bal     Milpitas, Calif.
3     Marvin Bam     Lancaster, Pa.
4     TJ Bamrah     Santa Clara, Calif.
5     Federico Baudini     Doral, Fla.
6     Ellis Chance     Brooklyn, N.Y.
7     Adrian Cramp-Gale     South Pasadena, Calif.
8      Jeremy Gajkowski     Eagleville, Pa.
9     Alan Golding     Washington, D.C.
10     Shawn Hindy     Fort Worth, Texas
11     Jesse Larson     Crownsville, Md.
12     Pedro Magalhaes     Hendersonville, Tenn.
13     Danish Mahmud     Columbus, Ohio
14     Riyaz Mohamed     Scottsdale, Ariz.
15     Jorge Perez     Tampa, Fla.
16     Sukhwinder Sandhu     Mount Kisco, N.Y.
17     Alan Scally     Thousand Oaks, Calif.
18     Eldrid Sequeira     New York, N.Y.
19     Gurdev Singh     Danville, Calif.
20     Lakhvinder Singh     San Ramon, Calif.
21     Kevin Tan     Pittsburg, Pa.
22      Vernon Vassou     Arlington, Va.
23     Michael Warari     Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
24     Tijs Wolters     Spring City, Pa.
GK     Trevor Shattuck     Lutherville, Md.
GK     Garfield Stewart     Bayshore, N.Y.
GK     Dave Peel     Perry Hall, Md.
GK     Eddie David     Whitney Point, N.Y.
GK     Jason Wellings     Coronado, Calif.

 U.S. O-45 Men's Team
1     Raj Denhoy     New York, N.Y.
2     Peter Edwards     Silver Spring, Md.
3     Andre Ferguson     Attleboro, Mass.
4     Juan Heredia     Miami Beach, Fla.
5     Shamsher Johal     Phoenix, Ariz.
6     Fuzzy Krishna     Santa Clara, Calif.
7     Harry Labana     Mountain View, Calif.
8     Sau Thong Lee     Vienna, Va.
9     Saran Mandair     San Jose, Calif.
10     Leroy Mayers     Parsippany, N.J.
11     James Michael     New York, N.Y.
12     Angus Miller     Bedminster, N.J.
13     Mark Morgan     Winnetka, Ill.
14     Marian Mueller     Barrington, R.I.
15     Christie Randy    
16     Chip Rogers     Oxford, Ohio
17     Alvaro Salcedo     Kensington, Md.
18     Amanmeet Sandhu     Modesto, Calif.
19     Steven van Randwijck     Leiden, The Netherlands
20     Walter Velasquez     Olney, Md.
21     Eelco Wassenaar     Utrecht, The Netherlands
GK     Oliver Stubel     New York, N.Y.
GK     Deol Harwinder     American Canyon, Calif.
GK     Barry Merriman     Washington, D.C.

 U.S. O-50 Men's Team
1     Rakesh Bansal     Los Gatos, Calif.
2     Hector Blasco     Miami, Fla.
3     Sunil DeSouza     Lake Forest, Calif.
4     Fernando Diez de Onate     Key Biscayne, Fla.
5     Jonathan Drucker     Coral Gables, Fla.
6     Ahmed Elmaghraby     Ledgewood, N.J.
7     Erik Enters     Harleysville, Pa.
8     Rob Groot     Sterling, Va.
9     Matt Hanson     Virginia Beach, Va.
10     Tommy Hoang     Westlake Village, Calif.
11     Srinu Karuturi     Monroe Township, N.J.
12     Markus Krueger     Seattle, Wash.
13     Jeff Lancaster     Buderim, Australia
14     Damien Lanyon     Solana Beach, Calif.
15     Matthew Licciardello     Fredericksburg, Va.
16     Muzammal Malik     Westminster, Md.
17     Mandhir (Manu) Singh     Basking Ridge, N.J.
18     Hugo Mazzalupi     Wayne, Pa.
19     John McGraw     Mechanicsburg, Pa.
20     Manuel Morales     Miami, Fla.
21     Ian Nicholson     Bloomfield, Conn.
22     Greg Pereira     Fulton, Md.
23     Caz Pereira     San Francisco, Calif.
24     Ulrich Reinhardt     Ann Arbor, Mich.
25     Roberto Sabella     Key Biscayne, Fla.
26     Asim Siddiqui     Arlington, Va.
27     Charanjit (CJ) Singh     Keller, Texas
GK     Prashant Aji     San Jose, Calif.
GK     Pradeep Menon     Cumming, Ga.
GK     Steve Wagner     Philadelphia, Pa.

 U.S. O-55 Men's Team
1     Manmohan Brar     Phoenix, Ariz.
2     Phil Danaher     Tatamy, Pa.
3     Kenny Desouza     East Bridgewater, Mass.
4     Joost Douwes     Stanwood, Wash.
5     Clement D'Souza     Dublin, Ohio
6     Andrew Dunning     Herndon, Va.
7     Richard Hayden     Ashburn, Va.
8     Brian Hope     Blandon, Pa.
9     Manzar Iqbal     Chicago, Ill.
10     Peter Jones     Stamford, Conn.
11     Tommy Khoo     Arlington, Va.
12     Bob Khosla     Mesa, Ariz.
13     Amrit Kohli     Bethesda, Md.
14     Eric McGinley     McLean, Va.
15     John Michalak     Camarillo, Calif.
16     Jeremy Roberts     Beltsville, Md.
17     Alexander Rooks     Belmont, Mass.
18     Kanwardeep Sidhu     San Jose, Calif.
19     Jaswinder Singh     Woodland, Calif.
20     Paramjit Singh     El Sobrante, Calif.
21     Brian Spencer     Moorpark, Calif.
22     Ian Tapsall     Fairfield, Conn.
23     Peter Thompson     Pembroke Pines, Fla.
24     Ian Wagge     Scarborough, Maine
25     Don Warner     Henrico, Va.
26     Amjad Zia     Springfield, Va.
GK     Warren Prestwich     Parksville, Md.
GK     John O'Haire     Christchurch, New Zealand

 U.S. O-60 Men's Team
1     Jote Atwal     Livemore Hills, Calif.
2     Peter Bale     Salem, Ore.
3     Mike Coleman     Corona, Calif.
4     Andrew Dunning     Herndon, Va.
5     Lance Eichert     Conshocken, Pa.
6     Neville Gardner     Bethlehem, Pa.
7     Robert Goldmuntz     Antwerpen, Belgium
8     Dieter Hillert     Encinitas, Calif.
9     Manzar Iqbal     Chicago, Ill.
10     Peter Jones     Stamford, Conn.
11     Amir (Lodi) Khan     Monroe Township, N.J.
12     Todd Koch     Quakertown, Pa.
13     Andrew Layton     Bellingham, Wash.
14     Ajay Mathur     Ladera Ranch, Calif.
15     Eric McGinley     McLean, Va.
16     Darryl Michael     Troy, N.Y.
17     Steve Pany     Schnecksville, Pa.
18     Derek Pappas     Palo Alto, Calif.
19     Tony Patricelli     Elk Grove Village, Ill.
20     Sankar Ramani     Fremont, Calif.
21     Alva Serrette     Stone Mountain, Ga.
22     Michael Serrette     Delray Beach, Fla.
23     Aaron Sher     Scottsdale, Ariz.
24     Jaswinder Singh     Woodland, Calif.
25     Paramjit Singh     El Sobrante, Calif.
26     Mohan Singh     Aliso Viejo, Calif.
27     Jeff Starfield     Beverkt, Mass.
28     Ejaz Syed     Evanston, Ill.
29     Jeff Woods     Radford, Va.
GK     Peter Jardine     Thousand Oaks, Calif.
GK     Donald McPherson     Ventura, Calif.

CLICK HERE TO NAVIGATE TO THE U.S. MASTERS WEBSITE

USFHA media release

Hockey India invites applications for Roelant Oltmans' replacement

NEW DELHI: Hockey India on Tuesday invited applications for the vacant post of national men's team's chief coach in its website, just three days after removing Dutchman Roelant Oltmans unceremoniously from the helm of affairs.

Taking a cue from the BCCI, the HI advertised for the position for the first time in its website.

According to the advertisement, the chief coach will be given a three-year term till December 31 i.e. 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games cycle, subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probation period.

The selected chief coach will report to HI High Performance Director David John and CEO Elena Norman and his principal employer Sports Authority of India (SAI).

The advertisement further states that the chief coach will be responsible for leading the national senior men's team for the Olympic qualification 2018, with a view to achieving success at world level hockey and Olympic Games.

In addition, the chief coach will need to oversee the development and preparations of the national junior men's team during the term.

The chief coach will also be required to submit regular reports to the management on the status of the national teams and the core probables programme.

As per the advertisement, the applicant should possess high performance coaching qualifications Level 3 of International Hockey Federation (FIH) or experience of successful achievements at the international level in a coaching capacity.

The desired applicant should also have the knowledge of other men's international teams with the ability to provide offensive and defensive strategies among others.

He should also have the ability to attain excellence from players, coaches, staff and all stakeholders through the establishment of a winning culture.

The desired candidates should submit their applications via email, including a cover letter to HI CEO by September 15.

Oltmans, who came to India four years back as High Performance Director before assuming the role of coach in 2015 following Paul van Ass' removal, was sacked last Saturday citing a string of poor performances in the recent past.

See the Hockey India communication here

The Times of India

Indian hockey needs foreign coach with local sensibilities to achieve success

Sundeep Misra


File photo of Roelant Oltmans. AFP

The Indian women’s team had been beaten 4-2 by South Korea in the 1998 World Cup, an event where the men’s and women’s World Cup were held jointly. Col Balbir was the women’s coach while Vasudevan Bhaskaran was coaching the men’s team led by Dhanraj Pillay.

The Colonel was walking alone and clearly in distress. The women’s team had lost their fifth consecutive match. “Let’s meet tomorrow and talk,” he said. “The Indian men’s team are playing Canada and we can watch it together,” Balbir said.

I had been watching the women’s matches along with the men’s. They had played well but the ruthlessness was missing. A fluent midfield wasn’t able to unsheathe their swords in time to cut and make the opponent bleed. Defeats of 0-1 to England; 1-2 to Argentina; 1-2 to New Zealand were matches that could have either been drawn or India could have snatched a match-winner.

As coach, finishing 5th in a five-team pool meant that you would be fighting for 10th-12th position. That itself would give any coach a handful of ulcers and sleepless nights. Balbir’s gait was of a man who had aged considerably. In normal circumstances, Balbir would be that streak of sunlight in a darkened room, his laughter like a ringing tone. Burdened by the results, knowing that the team was capable of winning matches, you couldn’t help but feel for Balbir.

On 28 May, India was playing on the second pitch against Canada. The Galgenwaard Stadium is the home of the Dutch football team FC Utrecht. I met the Colonel at the media bar and we walked off to watch the match. It was afternoon. India was supposed to win. They had three points from a lone win against New Zealand. Hanging at the bottom of the Pool, they needed a win to haul themselves into 3rd spot; respectable after defeats against Germany, Netherlands and South Korea.

But when the match ended, Canada had won 4-1 and they celebrated with the zest of trophy winners. “I don’t think we have the coaches in India who can once again take India back into the top four,” said Balbir, completely stumping me. Balbir, I would again say, is not the type to say anything without thinking it through.

The five defeats as coach of the women’s team had taken its toll. And now after seeing the men’s team finish 5th in the Pool, he was probably convinced that Indian hockey needed to take a serious look at its coaching talent.

But to have him utter the dirty word ‘foreigner’, which he did later, was like rewriting the hockey scriptures. “Even I know, we need to groom our retired players into good coaches,” explained Balbir. “But till that happens, it might be just too late.”

For a good hour, Col Balbir spoke about the gaps, the need for an advanced course in coaching. But time and again, he came back to the point that, India needs some professional inputs from title winning coaches. After Netherlands won the World Cup beating Spain in the final 4-3 (Spain led 3-1), Balbir also pointed out that ‘India could at some stage try and get Roelant Oltmans. It was just a thought at that stage; the Olympic gold and World Cup winning coach flying to India! Col Balbir himself had never thought that Oltmans would come to India in 2013, 15 years later.

Now, 19 years later, Roelant Oltmans has come and gone. Asked by Hockey India to relinquish command and make way for another coach. Possibly another foreigner. Probably an Indian.

The debate has yet again been ignited. Some coaches, mainly those who could never take India into the top six at the Olympics or the World Cup or even win a medal at the Champions Trophy want an Indian to hold the reins of the national team.

And there are some who do believe that if the command is given to an Indian for at least four years, the results will follow. Rajinder Singh, who took India to the 2001 Junior World Championship title and was then rewarded by KPS Gill to become the senior men’s team coach, had the stripes.

Rajinder won the 2003 Asia Cup and took India to the 4th spot in the Champions Trophy. Under him, India played with passion and the forward line reverted back to the free-flowing movement seen in the 70’s and 80’s. But in some matches, the defensive four or three, whichever way Rajinder created his structure, let in crucial goals at key moments.

For instance, the match against Holland in the 2003 Champions Trophy. India led 3-1 with eight minutes left and lost 4-3; the Dutch match-winner coming in the last 30 odd seconds as the defenders scattered like a stone thrown among a kit of pigeons.

Structures were the main issue. Playing patterns were getting so tight and organised that even General Patton would have called them complex.

Germany’s Paul Lissek who coached Malaysia during the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur organised defences building them on counter-attacks that in the semi-finals against India, the Malaysian team sat back defending with passion and fervour. India had nine goal scoring chances in the first half. They couldn’t put even one inside the Malaysian goal. The same pattern followed in the second half. Malaysia seized just one chance in the dying minutes and won the match 1-0.

Tactics and defensive patterns had arrived in Asia. Paul Lissek in the lobby of the Concorde Hotel, Kuala Lumpur in 1999 during the Asia Cup said, “India needs a process. It’s not overnight. Your coaches cannot take hockey as a hobby. You have to leave your daily life and just be a coach.”

But in 1994 when KPS Gill was elected, Cedric Dsouza was appointed national coach. There was an air of optimism. In 1989, he had led a young Mumbai team to the National Championship final in Gwalior where they had beaten Punjab in the final. Cedric, the fast talking coach was the flavour. And in 94’ Sydney during the World Cup, he ensured India finish 5th.

In terms of improvement, it was five spots above 10th where India had finished in the 1990 World Cup. Finally, it seemed that India may not look overseas for a coach. But performances slid after that. And even though Cedric D’Souza came back in 2002 for the Kuala Lumpur World Cup, India was still out of the top six. Under Cedric, India played 24 matches, won 5, drew 9 and lost 10. The best place finish was the 5th in the 94’ World Cup and worst was the 8th at the Olympic Games in 96’ Atlanta.

Hopes rose again after India won the Asian Games in 98’ Bangkok. But MK Kaushik was sacked for getting the gold.

Bhaskaran took the team to the Sydney Olympic Games and a semi-final slipped away when all we needed was a win against a weak Poland. We drew 1-1. And the debate was reignited that India just didn’t have it in them to cut through the opposition.

But Korean coach Kim Sang Ryul, who had a NIS degree from Patiala, took Korea to the Olympic final. Indian coaches pointed to that saying that if he could, why can’t our coaches do it? The assessment was correct. Except that Kim slept 5 hours a day and worked more than the players. There was no tournament in the world that he wasn’t seen at. But at the bottom was a work culture he built looking at the strengths of the Korean players. And Korea gave him a free hand from 1990 till the Sydney Olympic Games – a run of ten years.

India first experimented with a foreign coach when KPS Gill appointed Germany’s Gerhard Rach in 2004. Till date, nobody knows how he slipped into the radar of the Indian Hockey Federation. Under him India finished 4th in the Champions Trophy and 7th at the Athens Olympic Games.

In 13 matches, he only won three, lost 8 and drew 2. Rajinder Singh junior was appointed in 2005 and promptly India finished 6th in the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Joaquim Carvalho came in 2007 and India won the Asia Cup in Chennai. But at the Olympic Qualifying in Chile, India lost to England and for the first time India was out of the Olympic Games. Panic set in. India knew that the way back was tough and no Indian coach could have handled that.

In came Spain’s Jose Brasa in 2010, a man who could create puzzles out of the structures he created in Indian hockey. The players loved it and he found success too when India won a silver in the Commonwealth Games but then slipped to 8th in the 2010 World Cup.

Foreign or Indian, India was found wanting at the top level. And when India crashed to 12th spot in the 2012 London Olympics, most in India realised that a good foreign coach was essential.


File picture of Roelant Oltmans. AFP

Roelant Oltmans came in 2013 but as High Performance Director and after him came Terry Walsh, a legendary Australian forward. India finished 9th in the 2014 World Cup but for a lot of critics in Holland, India’s display was arresting. They lost two extremely close games against Belgium and England but Terry was getting the pulse of the team.

It all worked out when India won the gold at the 2014 Asian Games but Terry was sacked right after that. Oltmans took over and took India to a bronze in the Hockey World League Finals and then the silver in the Champions Trophy. It was impressive. Simply because India had never got onto the podium except for a bronze in the 1982 Champions Trophy.

Astroturf was inducted in Hockey since Montreal Olympics (1976).  Indian Hockey has been struggling since then. Here is the performance of all the coaches on turf. Results of India in 8 tourneys viz. Olympics(OG), World Cup(WC), Champions Trophy(CT),  Hockey World League (SF and Finals rounds-HWL),Commonwealth Games(CWG), Asian Games(AG), Asia Cup(AC), Asian Champions Trophy( ACT) has been considered.

With Oltmans leaving for Holland, where does Indian hockey go now? To whom should it turn? Foreigner or Indian? Except for Harendra Singh, there is nobody on the horizon who can manage a team. Oltmans says, “To be honest, I don’t think India can manage without a foreigner. You need a total package and most Indian coaches are not up there with their knowledge levels. If you can groom Tushar Khandkar, maybe, you can have a good coach for the future.”

Oltmans also says the total structure counts. “You could open certain areas to foreigners but then one man needs to head the whole staff. It’s just not the coach alone who can deliver.” Speaking on whether he had lost his passion as he won an Olympic gold and a World Cup in 96’ and 98’, Oltmans was scathing in his reply. “I am more passionate now than ever before,” he said. “I have put in 110 percent. And all those who are saying that I am not result oriented are speaking a lot of bull-shit.”

Just before the 2014 football World Cup in Brazil, the then USA coach, Jurgen Klinsmann, said, “We cannot win this World Cup, because we are not at that level yet. Realistically, it is not possible.”

In the Indian scenario, especially in hockey, these are lines you cannot utter. Oltmans probably said in the committee meeting that India should send a different team to the 2018 Commonwealth Games as the Asian Games and the World Cup are after that. “And that we should accept that a higher ranking may not come,” he explains. “But the team cannot play three back-to-back top level tournaments with the same set of players.”

An Indian coach probably would have said, ‘let’s go for gold.’ Terry Walsh after winning the Asian Games gold said in the press conference that ‘India will be lucky if they can enter the top six in Rio.’ He was promptly sacked under some pretext or the other.

Hockey India has advertised for the job of the Indian national coach and there would be a fair amount of applications coming in – some good, some average and probably one or two excellent resumes. But the tough call is who to pick - Indian or Foreigner. We seem to have come full circle without entering the top four at the Olympics or the World Cup. Yes, it no longer suffices that we win in Asia. There is a need to bring medals back home from the Olympics and the World Championships.

In India, success is subjective. For some beating Pakistan is success. For some reaching the quarter-final and playing a close game against the reigning Olympic Champion will do. For others, the loss is deep and hurtful when a team yet again fails to reach the semi-finals and the dream of winning gold evaporates. We last won the World Championship in 1975. We last won the Olympic Gold in 1980. Don’t even count the years.

Maybe, when India’s High Performance Director, David John and the rest sit down to choose the next Indian coach; they would like a combination — a foreigner with Indian sensibilities. Oltmans had an observation about India’s traffic. “It looks like it is chaotic. But it is structured.” Maybe, we need exactly that in Indian hockey; the chaos needs to be a ladder.

Firstpost

HI should get an Indian coach for national team: Mukesh Kumar

Venkata Krishnaprasad

HYDERABAD: Three-time hockey Olympian N Mukesh Kumar, on Tuesday pitched for an Indian coach for the national team following the ouster of Dutchman Roelant Oltmans a few days ago.

Speaking to TOI on Tuesday, the 47-year-old former right-winger, who played for India for 16 years, lamented the failure of the Hockey India (HI) officials to rope in the services of experienced Indian internationals instead of getting foreign coaches.

Mukesh, who represented India in 307 matches and scored 80 goals, also lauded the HI decision to appoint Jude Felix as the junior team's coach. "I felt very happy after hearing the news of Jude's appointment as the junior team coach. Jude has proved himself as a coach too. It's definitely a welcome move from the HI in a long time," he said.

"Hockey India should devise a system for nurturing players at the grassroots level. They should use the services of experienced internationals like Dhanraj Pillay, Jude Felix and Jagjit Singh for the benefit of the game in the country," he said, adding: "I am not asking for any rewards for myself. Players like me, who had the opportunity to don national colours for such a long time are being ignored by the hockey federation. If their services are utilised properly, we can definitely produce world-beaters in four-five years.

"We've produced stalwarts like Mohammed Shahid, undoubtedly one of the all-time great players in world hockey. I was a great admirer of Shahid's dribbling skills. Sadly, he died last year without passing on his exceptional skills to the next generation of players. I'm not blaming Shahid for this. HI should come forward with a proper system that can make good use of experienced internationals."

Mukesh, who had a 25-day short stint as junior India coach in 2013, said that the federation should set up specialised development centres across the country for forwards, goalkeepers, defenders etc and appoint former internationals as in-charges so that they can impart necessary skills to youngsters. The development should be run in a professional manner and coaches should get paid decently," he added.

Speaking about the current Indian team, he said, most of the players lack required skills to succeed at international level. "They play a physical game but lack the basic hockey skills like dribbling, passing skills etc. Without necessary skills, it's impossible to succeed at international level," he said.

Mukesh urged Union sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore to take the initiative and invite all former international and Arjuna awardees for a seminar to develop sports in the country. "Being an Olympic silver medallist shooter himself, Rathore knows what is needed to be done for developing sports in a professional manner in the country. He should take the initiative and rope in the former internationals and set up talent development centres for various sports and games across the country to nurture talent," he said.

The Times of India

We’re hiring: Director of Hockey Development

Kori Sidaway


Women’s National team captain Kate Wright battles with a team USA player during the 2017 Pan American Cup (Yan Huckendubler/PAHF)

Working in collaboration with a variety of partners, Field Hockey Canada is the national sport governing body responsible for the development, growth and promotion of field hockey in Canada. Field Hockey Canada receives financial contributions from the federal government and other agencies, organizations, sponsors and donors, and is accountable for the disbursement and reporting of funds according to the contracted terms and conditions. Programs, activities and services are operated within the limitations established in an annual budget led by the CEO and approved by the Board of Directors. Field Hockey Canada staff is responsible to manage and administer the finances and provide administrative support for all Field Hockey Canada activity.

Based out of the Field Hockey Canada office in Vancouver and reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Hockey Development is a full-time and permanent employee role responsible for managing the long-term strategy and day-to-day activities surrounding the development of field hockey across Canada. The Director of Hockey Development is the primary conduit to Provincial Sport Organizations and other national and international partner organizations involved with development programs. This includes coach education, officials and umpire development, athlete pathways and domestic events.

Qualifications

Skills / Background:

•     Post-secondary degree in sport management or related field of study with a minimum of five years’ experience in sport development.
•     Experience working in a sports environment, having developed and activated programs (i.e. coaching, officials, athletes), ideally in a Canadian context.
•     Knowledge of the Canadian sport system; working with athletes, coaches, officials, senior staff and volunteer committees.
•     Ability to work efficiently, constructively, and independently while managing tasks and time spent in a responsible and accountable manner.
•     Excellent communicator, with exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal skills.
•     Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and deliverables.
•     Willingness to travel and work flexible hours, including weekends, if required.
•     Bilingualism is considered an asset (English/French).

If you have a passion for working within sport and collaborating with a variety of stakeholders and believe you posses the appropriate experience and skill set for this senior position, please submit your resume and covering letter electronically by Friday, September 22, 2017 to: Jeff Sauvé, CEO (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Field Hockey Canada is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.  In addition, Field Hockey Canada is committed to providing accommodation for people with disabilities.  If you require accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.

We appreciate your interest; however only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

For further information on the role, click here.

Field Hockey Canada media release

SA Hockey Icons to Foster Talent in Pretoria



The SA Women’s Hockey Team recently qualified for the 2018 Hockey World Cup after a stellar performance in the World Hockey League held in Johannesburg last month. Their sights are now set on visiting various provinces for the rest of the year to mentor young players and school coaches as part of The Investec Hockey Academy.

As such the Investec Hockey Academy will begin with Gauteng; offering courses at St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls in Pretoria on 16 and 17 September.

SA Hockey icons involved in sharing their expertise on the Academy’s courses at St Mary’s include SA Head Coaches’ Fabian Gregory and Sheldon Rostron, former SA Under-21 Women’s’ Coach Lindsey Wright, as well as SA Women’s’ Hockey players’ Shelley Russell, Quanita Bobbs, Bernadette Coston, Sulette Damons, Lisa Deetlefs, Celia Evans, Nicolene Terblanche and many more.

Passionate about giving back to the youth to sustain the future of SA Hockey, one of SA’s most-capped hockey players, Shelley Russell, is the mastermind behind the initiative who hopes to encourage the growth of the sport and nurture the young talent base in the country.

“We want to give aspiring hockey stars a glimpse of what is required to fine-tune their skills and abilities,” says Russell.

The St Mary’s courses will offer two-day, age-grouped Players’ Courses and Coaches’ Courses for all levels, providing them with the opportunity to learn important aspects to take their game to the next level; including the latest coaching techniques, behind-the-scenes training, and skills development.

Aimed at growing the sport’s participation and skills from a grassroots level, The Investec Hockey Academy offers a Fundamental Players’ Course (ages 8 to 11) that aims to build a solid foundation for the sport, an Intermediate Players’ Course (ages 12 to 15); focusing on skills development, and an Advanced Players’ Course (ages 16 to 18), providing players with position-specific training.

“I believe the more exposure you receive as a young child the better you will become,” says Celia Evans, SA Women’s Hockey player.

The Coaches’ Course, which runs alongside the Advanced Players’ Course, allows coaches of all levels to work alongside professional coaches, providing a first-hand experience of implementing the latest international coaching techniques and creating a community forum of discussion.

“Coaches are exposed to information that will help them build successful teams regardless of age group. As the key to developing our future stars, coaches need to be constantly brought up-to-date with international coaching techniques,” says former SA Under-21 Women’s Hockey Coach, Lindsey Wright.

For more information about the Investec Hockey Academy or to register your daughter or school coach for a course near you, contact Bernadine Miller on (031) 940 5565 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit www.investechockeyacademy.co.za.

The Pundits

McCay makes switch to Pegasus from Elks

John Flack


Shirley McCay in action for Ulster Elks in 2015. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Ireland’s most capped sportswoman Shirley McCay has joined Pegasus from the Ulster Elks. The 29-year-old, who won her 250th Irish cap at last month’s EuroHockey championship, has opted to play in the EY Hockey League after the Elks’ relegation last season.

McCay says she had little alternative but to move clubs, with Ireland almost certainly contesting next year’s World Cup in London.

Ireland are first reserve and should clinch their place in the showpiece next month, assuming either Australia or New Zealand win the Oceanic Championship to promote the Green Army as those two nations have already qualified.

“Staying at the Elks wasn’t really an option but I enjoyed my time there thoroughly and made a lot of special friends and memories at the club.” she said.

“I know I have to be playing top-flight hockey to give me the best possible preparation going into what is a World Cup year for Ireland but I am very grateful to Elks for everything they have done for me.”

McCay revealed that she was tempted to join either Ards or Belfast Harlequins, the other Ulster clubs who compete in the national league.

However, Pegasus will be relieved the 29-year-old opted to join them as they attempt to improve upon last season’s sixth place IHL finish.

She added: “Quins and Ards are both strong sides and of course with (internationals) Lizzie (Colvin) and Zoe (Wilson) going to Quins they were always a possibility.”

“But I think If international players can add value not just to one club in Ulster then it can only strengthen hockey across the province and not just within one or two clubs.

“I have good friends at Pegasus that I have played a lot with over my career both with Ulster and Ireland.

“They are a strong side with quality players and I really hope I can go there and enjoy my season and add value to the team.”

The Hook

Steve Horgan named NCAA national assignor of field hockey officials

Steve Horgan, the current Director of Umpiring for USA Field Hockey, has been named the NCAA’s national assignor of field hockey officials effective immediately.

“I am honored to have been chosen for this position,” said Horgan, who also serves as the NCAA rules interpreter for field hockey. “With my position at USA Field Hockey, I am hoping to be able to work to not only identify the best officials in the country to work the championships, but also to make sure we increase the educational offerings to officials so they are able to perform to the best of their abilities.”

A field hockey official since 1983, Horgan has worked virtually every level of the game from club and high school contests to the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games. He also has umpired NCAA contests at every division. On the international stage, he has umpired 85 contests, which include World Cups and the Pan American Games in addition to the Olympics.

As the national assignor, he will oversee communication among officials, conference coordinators, coaches and the NCAA, and provide consistency in officiating mechanics. In addition, Horgan will work with the Divisions I, II and III field hockey committees in the identification, training, selection and evaluation of umpires for each championship.

“With his background as an official who has worked the game at the highest level, we are confident Steve will be able to elevate the performance of our officials to new heights,” said Kelly Whitaker, NCAA Assistant Director of Championships and Alliances.  “He clearly understands the needs of everyone involved with NCAA field hockey from the coaches and players to the officials, and we are excited for him to get started.”

NCAA

Field Hockey Wins Two of Three Against Top Competition in California

By Sean B. Chanicka,


Junior back Olivia Allin and her Harvard teammates came back from California with a 2-1 record after going toe-to-toe with some of the country's premier teams. Matthew W DeShaw

After capturing its first outright Ivy League title since 1990 last season, the No. 20 Harvard field hockey team entered 2017 with high hopes. Its new campaign kicked off this weekend as the Crimson battled sweltering heat and got the best of two of its three opponents in California.

“The heat was definitely something we didn’t expect, but we were ready,” sophomore midfielder Bente van Vlijmen said. “Our staff was very prepared. We were hydrated and there were wet towels everywhere, but we still had to push and it was tough. But after a while we got into the game and the heat didn't bother us much until after the game had ended.”

The Crimson (2-1) opened its weekend slate by beating UC Davis (0-3) on Friday and No. 25 University of the Pacific (1-2) on Saturday. Harvard closed the weekend by facing off with its toughest opponent, No. 13 Stanford. In a close contest, the team eventually dropped its first game of the season to the Cardinal (3-2) in a shootout.

No. 13 Stanford, 2, No. 20 Harvard,1

In the team’s toughest matchup of the weekend, Harvard conceded the first goal of the contest to the hosts, as senior midfielder Sarah Helgeson tipped in a cross in the 47th minute. Stanford sophomore goalkeeper Kelsey Bing managed to stop many of the Crimson’s early efforts, but the team was finally able to break through in the 70th minute.

After earning a penalty corner in the final minute, van Vlijmen fired the initial shot, which senior midfielder Hannah Wellington tipped just inside the net for the score. Neither team managed to break through in overtime, sending the game into a shootout which the Crimson eventually dropped 3-2 to the Cardinal.

“After the game, we held our heads high” senior goalkeeper Olivia Startup said. “We thought we performed really well because we competed with one of the top teams in the country. We thought it was a great testament to how strong Harvard field hockey has become.”

No. 20 Harvard 5, No. 25 University of the Pacific 3

On Saturday, the Crimson rode a strong defensive performance for the second straight day to secure the victory. Trailing 1-0, freshman forward Mimi Tarrant continued her strong start to the season, scoring 15 minutes in to even the score. Minutes later, sophomore midfielder Maddie Earle scored following a scramble in front of the net.

Freshman back Hannah Pearce doubled the lead for the Crimson and pushed it to three in the 60th minute. The goals were Pearce’s first two of her collegiate career. However, the Tigers wouldn’t be denied, as the hosts scored two goals in quick succession to close the gap to one.

Van Vlijmen put to rest any hopes of a comeback, however, by scoring in the 69th minute. The goal was her second in as many days to start the season.

“We were pretty confident when we first started the game” van Vlijmen said. “We were really good at finding each other on the field and once we get into a flow, we feel as though we’re unstoppable. I feel as though that really showed through the first two games”.

No. 20 Harvard 3, UC Davis 0

Much of the Crimson’s success in 2016 came from strong defensive efforts, and the team’s defensive ability continued into its first matchup of this season against UC Davis. Harvard outshot its hosts, 19-0, accumulating 12 shots on goal.

In the second minute of the game, the Crimson scored its first goal as junior forward Kathleen Young found the back of the net. Just ten minutes later, Harvard saw its lead double. In the 22nd minute, senior midfielder Ellie Cookson saw her shot get deflected but Tarrant was able to secure the rebound and score her first career collegiate goal.

In the second half, the Crimson saw its leading scorer from last season—van Vlijmen—score the game’s third and final goal off of a penalty corner with 14:14 left to play. With the victory, Harvard improved to 4-2 in season opening contests under coach Tjerk van Herwaarden and 29-13-2 since 1974.

“I think one of our greatest strengths is that we have depth across the board” Startup said. “We’re a team where everyone has a chance to play and it really takes the entire team to secure these wins. We have a lot of great individuals but we know we’re strongest as a team.”

The Harvard Crimson

Maryland field hockey falls to No. 11 after being swept at the Big Ten/ACC Cup

By Scott Gelman

The Maryland field hockey team fell to No. 11 in the latest NFHCA Coaches Poll, which was released Tuesday.

Maryland opened the season ranked No. 6, the 19th consecutive time the Terps opened the season in the top 10.

After a late score helped coach Missy Meharg's team secure a season-opening win against Saint Joseph's in College Park, the Terps fell to then-No. 2 Duke and then-No. 12 Boston College last weekend in the Big Ten/ACC Cup.

Maryland (1-2) scored just once between the two contests, though Meharg credited the team's second-half aggression in both outings.

The Blue Devils (2-0) moved into the top spot after wins against the Terps and Northwestern in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Boston College jumped to No. 8.

Maryland returns to the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex this weekend to host Towson and Louisville in the Terrapin Invitational. The Cardinals (4-0) remained in the No. 9 spot in the rankings.

Penn State (No. 3), Michigan (No. 7), Northwestern (No. 14), Iowa (No. 17), Rutgers (No. 22) and Ohio State (No. 23) are among the other Big Ten teams in the top 25.

The Diamondback