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All the news for Wednesday 8 November 2017

Vantage Black Sticks secure draw in Melbourne


Photo: Grant Treeby

The Vantage Black Sticks Men have recorded a 1-1 draw with Japan in their opening game at the International Festival of Hockey in Melbourne.

New Zealand dominated much of the second half but couldn’t find a winning goal with Japan showing desperation in defence, particularly in the fourth quarter.

Japan opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Hirotaka Zendana sent a penalty corner flick low and hard into the side of the goal.

The Kiwis were quick to respond though with George Muir equalising the score three minutes later through a stunning forehand shot of the back foot from the top of the circle.

With the score level 1-1 at halftime, the Black Sticks controlled possession in the second half and created plenty of scoring chances but weren’t able to make them count.

Head coach Darren Smith said it was a slow start from both sides in their first game of the tournament but a pleasing second half.

“It was a bit of a feeling out process for us in the first half but George scored a great goal and we did get into our work in the latter stages of the game,” he said.

“We showed some real quality in the fourth quarter playing up tempo hockey, showing efficiency on the ball and generating opportunities. We could have snatched the result but just couldn’t get the finishing touches.”

The Vantage Black Sticks are back in action against hosts Australia at 8:00pm tomorrow night (NZ time), with live coverage on SKY Sport.

VANTAGE BLACK STICKS: 1 (George Muir)
JAPAN: 1 (Hirotaka Zendana)
Halftime: 1-1

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Pakistan face Australia in Melbourne today

LAHORE: Pakistan will play their first match of the International Festival of Hockey against hosts Australia at the State Netball Hockey Centre in Melbourne on Wednesday.

The four-nation tournament also features New Zealand and Japan.

After the single league matches, the top two teams will play the final while the bottom two will feature in the third position playoff.

Australia, the reigning world champions who are No.2 in the FIH rankings, are favourites to win the title in Melbourne. New Zealand, ranked eighth, are expected to offer the toughest competition in the event.

After facing Australia on Wednesday, Pakistan play against New Zealand on Nov 9 and then against Japan on Nov 11.

Dawn

Kookaburras Thrilled With Trio Of Debutants

Ben Somerford



Kookaburras assistant coach Anthony Potter has praised Australia’s trio of newcomers Jake Harvie, Tim Howard and Corey Weyer following their debuts against New Zealand in Bendigo.

All three debuted in Sunday’s 4-0 win over the Black Sticks, backing it up again in Monday’s 2-0 victory over the same opponents.

Australia travelled from Bendigo to Melbourne on Tuesday, with the side moving into the competitive phase of the International Festival of Hockey,

The Kookaburras meet Pakistan in their first group game in Melbourne from 6pm live on Fox Sports.

Australia’s three debutants will all be buoyed for the competitive games by their experiences in Bendigo, having all made a good impression according to Potter.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the kids,” said Potter, who took the reins in Bendigo from head coach Colin Batch.

“To get an opportunity to play in Bendigo and play pretty well all of them, they got straight into it.

“They’ve got a bit of voice about them. I think one thing we do really well with the Kookaburras is the way we help the kids get into the game.

“You can see them grow minute by minute.”

Howard was thrilled with the Bendigo experience and said he was excited to meet some different opponents in Melbourne, with Pakistan along with New Zealand and Japan to come.

“Its awesome. It’s pretty special,” Howard said about his debut.

“All the boys are getting around me a bit. I’m looking forward to getting a bit more experience.”

Dylan Wotherspoon won't be part of the side in Melbourne, having returned to Brisbane.

Hockey Australia media release

Hockeyroos Turn Focus To World’s Best Dutch

Ben Somerford



The Hockeyroos have swiftly turned their attention to Wednesday night’s bumper International Festival of Hockey clash with world number one Netherlands in Melbourne.

Australia defeated World League Semi-Final winners United States 2-0 in Bendigo on Melbourne, before journeying back to Melbourne on Tuesday.

Emily Hurtz, who scored one goal and set up another on her return to the national team, said the team was now focused on Wednesday’s clash with the world’s best from 7.30pm AEDT live on Fox Sports.

Australia moved up from fifth to fourth when the latest FIH Hero World Rankings were released on Tuesday morning (AEDT) after their Oceania Cup success last month, but the Dutch represent a test of the Hockeyroos’ mettle.

The side will also meet Japan and the USA again during the International Festival of Hockey in Melbourne, but Hurtz said Wednesday’s game would be big.

“They’re ranked one in the world,” she said.

“They’ll be our toughest opposition in the next couple of games.”

Hurtz, 27, was happy with the Hockeyroos’ speed of play against the US, saying they did well against a side looking to over-run them as the game wore on.

The Victorian forward was also happy with the side’s attacking output, having created numerous chances, converting both a field goal and penalty corner, which bodes well against the Dutch.

“We need to have a balance of scoring field goals and having shots from the top of the circle from PCs,” she said.

“We need to maintain that heading into the International Festival of Hockey against the Netherlands.”

Hockey Australia media release

All Abilities Youngsters Meet Hockeyroos Heroes

Ben Somerford



The Hockeyroos were on hand to present the team shirts to the Victorian under-age Access All Abilities teams during a clinic at Melbourne’s State Netball and Hockey Centre on Wednesday morning.

The clinic, held by Hockey Victoria in partnership with Hockey Australia, saw several youngsters meet their hockey heroes.

Hockeyroos quartet Rachael Lynch, Jane Claxton, Jocelyn Bartram and Kaitlin Nobbs were present for the clinic.

The Hockeyroos are in Melbourne for the International Festival of Hockey which commences from 3pm on Wednesday.

The Kookaburra play Pakistan at 6pm, followed by the Hockeyroos against world number one Netherlands from 7.30pm.

All Wednesday and Thursday matches are live on Fox Sports.

Hockey Australia media release

Griffiths: Hockey girls on a mission

Livingston Scott


Kamille Griffiths

Kamille Griffiths, Jamaica's double goalscorer in their 3-0 win over Panama in the CAC female hockey qualifiers at the JN hockey field in Mona on Monday, says the team is aware of its indisciplined performance against the Panamanians and they intend to correct those mistakes when they face Guyana this afternoon at 12:30.

Griffiths scored for the hosts after 11 minutes before making it 2-0 a minute later from open play. Ebony McClean sealed the win with another goal on 38 minutes. But despite having their opponents on the back foot for majority of the match the Jamaicans failed to add to their tally because of some selfish play.

"I can agree there was some amount of indiscipline, but on the rest day, we will be working on some of the things we messed up with because we have a mission, a goal and an objective and that is to qualify for the CAC Games in 2018," Griffiths said.

"We need to restore hockey in this country to where it was or even better, so we are working towards the greater goals which is to qualify and win the tournament," she added.

The right or central link player, who has three goals to her name in the tournament, says she is happy with her performances and goals thus far, as prior to the tournament she was badly off form.

"I am very happy because coming into the tournament I wasn't on my best game. But I have been evolving because of my coach and peers' encouragement, and it feels really good to be converting," she said

"I am currently on three goals. and I had some more scoring opportunities. So I will be working on that for the other games. But on a scale of one to 10, I give myself a seven, as there are things I can work on, so there is room for improvement," she added.

The first game of the day will see Panama against Bermuda at 8:30 a.m, while in the other match Guatemala go up against Puerto Rico at 10:30 a.m.

In the men's section, Guyana play Guatemala at 2:30 p.m. and Puerto Rico oppose Panama at 4:30 p.m. Jamaica men's team returns to action tomorrow.

The Jamaica Gleaner

Perak fight back twice against Police to earn precious point

By S. Ramaguru


Reliable veteran: Perak goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin stopping Police’s Mohd Razie Rahim from scoring in the Razak Cup match at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh yesterday. — SAIFUL BAHRI / The Star

IPOH: Former champions Perak are just one point away from securing a semi-final berth in Division One of the Razak Cup hockey tournament.

A 2-2 draw with Police in their second Group B match at the Azlan Shah Stadium here means Perak now have four points from two matches.

Police and Johor have two points each while Negri Sembilan have one point, but all three teams are still very much in contention for a place in the last four as well.

Perak, however, had to fight back twice to get the draw against Police yesterday.

Police went ahead through an S. Baljit Singh penalty conversion in the 14th minute before Perak levelled the score through a Syed Mohamed Shafiq Syed Cholan penalty corner goal in the 36th minute.

National defender Mohd Razie Rahim restored Police’s lead through a penalty corner conversion in the 44th minute but Perak hit back again – this time through Mohd Akhmal Tajuddin, also off a penalty corner set-piece, in the 54th minute.

Police coach Zul Khairi Ariffin was disappointed with his team for conceding the two goals.

“We had the lead twice and we allowed them to come back into the game. The only consolation is that we are still in the running for a semi-final berth.

“We need to win our next match – against Negri tomorrow,” he said.

In the other Group B match, Johor and Negri Sembilan played out a dour 1-1 draw to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Johor, who drew their opening match 4-4 against Police, took the lead in the fourth minute through a penalty corner set-piece by Alfarico Lance Riau.

Negri equalised in the 14th minute through a Kavin Kartic penalty corner goal.

In Division Two, Perlis qualified for the semi-finals after whipping Armed Forces 4-1 for their second win in Group B.

Perlis got their goals through Izwan Ariff Nasruddin (ninth minute), Mohd Najmi Jazlan (19th, 58th) and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (30th). Forces replied through Mohd Firdaus Ismail (35th).

Perlis had trounced Singapore 6-0 in their opening match and have an unassailable six points.

The second semi-final spot looks set to go to Kedah, who beat Singapore 3-0. Kedah need just a draw against Perlis tomorrow.

Forces can still make the last four, but they will have to beat Singapore by a big margin and hope for Perlis to beat Kedah.

The Star of Malaysia

Korea plan to turn defence to attack in Auckland



Kim Jong Eun is one of Korea’s longest serving players, with more than 215 caps to her name. She is also captain of the team that has perfected the art of growing into tournaments and performing when it comes to the crucial matches.

The FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final in Brussels in June this year was a case in point. An underwhelming draw with lower-ranked Italy, followed by a 9-0 thumping at the hands of the Netherlands meant that many spectators had written off Korea’s chances of qualifying for either the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup in London or these Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final in Auckland. But a spirited quarter-final match, which went to shoot-out, against the host nation Belgium saw Korea win to book a place in both top-flight events.

The subsequent 1-0 loss to New Zealand was a tight match that could have gone either way, but Korea were happy that they had achieved both their targets.

"We have studied the opposition teams and we have different tactics and game plans for each team. You will be surprised to see us playing different styles of hockey in Auckland.”
Kim Jong Eun, Korea

Kim Jong Eun says that since the hockey World League Semi-Finals, Korea have been working hard on their defence and maintaining structure. The tactic relies on the sharp-shooting skills of strikers such as Cheon Seul Ki and Cheon Eun Bi making the most of a limited amount of chances in a game. With Cheon Seul Ki finishing as second top scorer in Brussels, it is a tactic that works.

The captain is hopeful of a good result in Auckland. She says the team has been playing and training very well together and morale is high in the Korea camp. The team that takes to the pitch in Auckland will have some changes to the one that finished fourth in Brussels but the core, Kim Jong Eun, goalkeeper Jang Soo Ji, Kim Youngran and Park Mi Hyun – who was missing for the Hockey World League Semi-Finals – will provide a steadying influence.

Korea share Pool A with USA, the host nation New Zealand and the world number one team, the Netherlands. It is with straightforward honesty that Kim Jong Eun admits that she is wary of the encounter with the Dutch.

“The Netherlands have been one of the best teams of all the time and are a very steady and consistent team. The way they manage the game as a team is definitely their biggest strength but the individual skills within the squad are outstanding.” 

For Korea, the counter-attack is where they feel they can most make their presence felt, so Coach Huh Sang Young will need to get his defensive structure spot on as Korea enter the tournament as the lowest ranked nation (9th in the world).

“This is the event where the best teams are competing to be the best in the world,” says Kim Jong Eun, as she explains why the Hockey World League Final is such an important tournament. “It is a good event to gauge where my team is at by playing against other teams from other continents and regions. For Korea, geographically, we are at a disadvantage, which restricts us when it comes to travelling to play against other teams from other parts of the world.”

While the talk is all about strong defence and counter-attack from Korea, Kim Jong Eun does throw a note of caution to the opposition. “We have studied the opposition teams and we have different tactics and game plans for each team. You will be surprised to see us playing different styles of hockey in Auckland.”

And she added, with a smile: “We are all excited about going to New Zealand, Aoteaora. Of course we will be there for hockey, but it wouldn’t harm anyone to look around the town after we win the event.”

#HWL2017

FIH site

Bandurak inspires Holcombe to big victory


©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics

Nick Bandurak scored four times for Holcombe as they beat Kent rivals Canterbury 5-1 to keep England’s remaining EHL representatives in the top half of the league table.

Bandurak started the scoring two minutes into the tie before Michal Nowakowski tied the game at half-time at 1-1. But three more goals from the striker - who now tops the goalscoring charts - along with a Richard Lane goal saw Holcombe record their fourth win from seven outings to stay to be in fifth place.

Their week got better with the news that George Pinner, Barry Middleton and David Ames were all named in the GB squad to travel to Mannheim to play a three match series against Germany next week.

Elsewhere in the league, a late strike from Alan Forsyth helped leaders Surbiton secure a 3-2 win at East Grinstead on Sunday.

Andy Piper had given East Grinstead an early lead only for goals from Will Marshall and Nick Parkes to put the visitors ahead.

Ross Stott made it 2-2 at half time with a 30th minute field goal and the match looked to be heading for a draw until Forsyth’s 65th minute winner from open play.

Beeston leap-frogged East Grinstead after beating hosts Sevenoaks 4-2. Mark Gleghorne’s tenth minute goal gave them an early lead and Sam Ward secured a second-half hat-trick to help the Bees to victory.

Peter Flanagan’s 31st minute strike from a penalty corner gave Brooklands MU the lead at half time, but second-half strikes from Ben Arnold, Simon Mantell and Ed Horler helped Wimbledon hit back to win 3-1.

And Hampstead & Westminster were 3-2 winners at Reading with Matt Guise Brown scoring two and Toby Roche one, while Ben Boon’s two goals were in vain.

Euro Hockey League media release

Stats Speak: Double Delight-The Dutch rule international hockey

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

Indian men and women both have won Asia Cup in 2017.It was their second double delight, the first in 2003-2004 season when India won the double crown in Asia Cup. However in World tournaments viz. Olympics,  World Cup, Champions Trophy and Hockey World League, only Netherlands have won the championships in both men and women category. Since inception of international hockey it has happened 41 times when men's and women's team of the same nation have been crowned in the same tourney. Brief statistics are as under:
Double Delight (1908- Nov 2017)

Fieldhockey.com
B.G.Joshi has unique distinction of keeping phenomenal records of Hockey

I'm not satisfied. This is just the beginning: Harendra Singh

Rutvick Mehta


Indian players form a huddle to celebrate their Asia Cup triumph after defeating China in the title clash in Kakamigahara (Hockey India)

Having guided Indian women’s hockey team to Asia Cup title barely two months since taking charge, coach Harendra Singh tells Rutvick Mehta players now have self-belief that they can win matches as well as bigger tournaments

Your first assignment as coach of the Indian women's team, and you're coming back with a gold. How satisfying is it?

I'm not satisfied. This is just the beginning. There is a long way to go for us. No doubt, this was a very good start for the team as well as for me. We won every game convincingly, and remained unbeaten. So, this is a positive beginning. But for me, next year is really crucial. We have the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the World Cup, and when we enter these high-profile tournaments, we can go in saying that we are the Asian champions. So in that regard, this is a good morale-booster for the team.

The team hadn't won an Asia Cup title in 13 years, and also hadn't tasted much success in the recent past. Did you believe that you could take this team all the way going into the tournament?

Look, if I'm the coach, I don't go into a tournament just to participate. I go there to win, be it any tournament of any level of importance. For me, winning is a habit, and I want the girls to have the same mindset. I'm happy that the girls have bought into my thoughts in just a span on around a month. These girls had not tasted a title triumph for a long time. Now they have. And I want them to build on this.

India beat two higher-ranked teams in the competition: China twice and Japan once. How difficult was it to get the players to believe that they could beat these sides?

When I had my first meeting with the girls after taking charge of the team, one of the things I told them was this: 'rankings are just numbers, nothing else. You want an example? Check the results of the 2016 Rio Olympics. The sides that won were not the top-ranked teams. Great Britain, who were the women's champions, were ranked 6th, and Argentina, the men's winners, were also sixth. So, rankings is just data, a theory that is only a piece of statistics. But it all depends on your mentality, and how you perform on the field on that particular day. Rankings will have no say then'.

I think the girls understood what I was trying to convey to them, and that's why it's no surprise to me that we beat two higher-ranked teams in this competition, and in big games too (Japan in semifinals and China in final).

These inspirational talks are great, but the players still had to go out and turn these words into action, isn't it?

Of course, saying all these things was easier than actually going out and doing it on the field. Words do not win you games, performances do. And that involves a lot of factors: skills, strategy and mindset. Once you have a mix of all this, it becomes a winning combination. Obviously, we still have a lot of things to improve upon. But the important thing for now is that the team has started believing it itself. The confidence is back in the girls, that they can score goals and win tournaments. You can see that by the number of goal-scorers we had in the Asia Cup.

The team scored 28 goals in six matches in the tournament. Attacking hockey seems to be the new buzzword in Indian hockey. Is it the kind of hockey you want from your players as well?

Attacking style of hockey sounds good, looks good and feels good too. But the more crucial factor for me than playing attacking hockey is playing for the team. I made one thing very clear to the players: hockey is not about individuals. I told them I want many players to score goals. I do not want a situation where an individual scores four goals, catches everyone's attention, becomes the toast of the nation and yet, we end up losing. That sort of hockey has no place for me.

What is your biggest takeaway as coach from this triumph?

Self-belief, without a doubt. The belief that 'yes, we can win matches and win tournaments'. And win matches against anybody. The feeling has now started creeping into the team and because of that, the team played so well throughout the tournament. I saw the hunger in the team, I saw the winning mentality in the team. And I want it to continue and take it forward.

Can this winning mentality come against the top teams of women's hockey as well? The powerhouses like England, Australia, The Netherlands, Argentina and the like...

Yes, surely. This team is very much capable of beating anybody. And this is not just loose talk. You cannot jump into the ocean if you don't know swimming. These girls know how to play quality hockey, and now with the self-belief in them, you will see the results going forward. We beat Asian teams, and we are Asian champions now. We can also beat European teams, and become world champions in the future. But it's a step by step process.

You had spoken about Mission 2018. Next year is going to be a stern test for this team, isn't it?

Mission 2018 has already started, and it will convert into reality in 2020 (Olympics). I'm focussed on the three big tournaments next year, which are Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and World Cup. My goals are clear for that: I want the team to reach the final in two of these competitions, and win gold in one.

Finally, you took over this team in September. How have the last couple of months been for you personally?

Oh, lots of changes. Not just for the players, but for myself as well, going from coaching men's teams to a women's team. I feel I have adapted well to the changes. I look at all of these girls as my daughters. The one thing that I have admired the most about this team since taking over is the girls' focus and discipline. I am a strict disciplinarian. And thankfully, I didn't have to struggle much in that area.

DNA

Stronger, faster, tougher

Indian women’s hockey team raises bar on all fronts

Indervir Grewal


India’s star drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur gets a rousing welcome at Khalsa College for Women, Jalandhar, her alma mater, on Tuesday. Tribune Photo: Sarabjit Singh

Harendra Singh, the Indian women’s hockey team’s chief coach, has admitted that he didn’t watch women’s hockey until a few months back. He is not the only one as most of the hockey fans in India have very little knowledge of the women’s team. One reason is a lack of interest due to low expectations. The team made headlines after qualifying for the Rio Olympics, but the attention was brief. The other reason is that very few matches of the women’s team are shown on television.

So, when the team left for Japan for the Asia Cup, not many paid attention. But when India beat China, the highest ranked team at the event, 4-1 in their second pool match, it raised curiosity. “Must have been a fluke” was the first reaction. But the team’s continued dominance in the tournament, winning all their matches, and the subsequent title triumph has made everyone take notice, and try to figure out the team’s sudden transformation.

Weakened opponents

There are some points that could help put the victory in perspective. The three highest ranked teams at the Asia Cup — world No. 8 China, No. 9 South Korea and No. 11 Japan — had already qualified for next year’s World Cup. So, they could have been trying out new players and strategies, preparing for the important year to follow. At the Hockey World League Semifinals in Brussels, the Chinese coach said that several stronger players were recovering from injuries.

Japan has not had a good record this year, marked by their slip in the latest rankings to No. 12. They finished sixth at the HWL Semifinals in Johannesburg after losing to lower-ranked South Africa. For this event, the Japanese team included only two players who had figured at last year’s Olympics, and the team’s average age was only 22.5 years.

Due credit

However, all this cannot take away the credit from the Indian team, which, for so long, has been used to finishing a fighting second against its higher-ranked Asian rivals. China had finished second in Brussels, while Japan beat India 2-0 in Johannesburg. At the Asia Cup, India beat China twice and Japan once, 4-2 in the semifinals; they scored 28 goals. India, deservedly, rose two places to world No. 10, their highest ranking in seven years.

What has been the reason for this transformation into winners? “We worked very hard,” was Gurjit Kaur’s reply. But then she talked about the mentality of the team, how the players went into the tournament with a sense of vengeance. “We played with intensity. We were determined to not lose against these teams again,” said the top-scorer for India.

Bonding

Harendra, who was with the team for just about a month before the tournament, said that he “just focussed on team bonding and worked on developing their confidence”. He has said that he wanted the players to think of themselves as winners. Gurjit said that the team has “become mentally stronger and more positive”.

Not taking the credit away from Harendra, but the shift to “think positive” attitude goes back before Harendra. Sjoerd Marijne, now the men’s team coach, will be feeling extra proud about the victory. It was the Dutchman who had first talked about changing the mentality of the women’s team.

Confidence man

In May, a month after becoming the women’s coach, Marijne had told The Tribune that he was “focussing on what they were good at”. “It will help lift their confidence. The girls must believe in themselves, that’s where it all starts. You are what you think you are. If you think as the No. 12 in the world, you will always stay there; but if you start thinking like the No. 1 team, you will be more critical about everything and you will lift the bar. That will lead to better achievements,” he had said.

However, thinking like a top team and playing like one are two different things. Gurjit said that the team has improved exponentially over the year. “Physically, we are fitter, stronger. We play at a faster speed, with a lot of one-touch passes,” she said. The one-touch style reminds one of the men’s game at last month’s Asia Cup, Marijne’s first assignment after switching to the men’s team.

In fact, Marijne had said in May: “We want to make progress in the physical part, become stronger in the game. I want to increase the speed at which the team plays. I want the players to apply more pressure on the ball carrier all over the pitch and create more opportunities when we win the ball.”

Now that the women have conquered Asia, after 13 years, they will be eager to prove themselves at the world level. The next year, with the World Cup, Commonwealth and Asian Games, will be a busy one for them. These events will be the true test of the team’s improved physicality and recently-found mental fortitude.

The Tribune

What fuelled Indian women’s hockey team’s dream run at Asia Cup


The Indian women’s hockey team spoke in depth to HT about their Asia Cup victory. (Sonu Mehta/HT PHOTO)

Fresh after their victory at the Asia Cup, the Indian women’s hockey team’s mainstays -- Savita Poonia, Rani Rampal, Navjot Kaur and Navneet Kaur -- spoke to HT about their journey to the continental title after 13 years and the progress the squad has made under coach Harendra Singh

The fatigue, from the wild celebrations after they beat China in the Asia Cup hockey final and the long-haul flight from Tokyo to Delhi, was very much apparent on their faces.

While India women’s hockey team skipper Rani Rampal kept fidgeting with her shoe laces -- tying and untying them half-a-dozen times – as if she just wanted to get rid of the ‘appendage’, her deputy Savita Poonia, though animated, tried, every now and then, to conceal a yawn.

Rampal, Poonia, along with goalkeeper Navjot Kaur and Navneet Kaur -- the mainstays of the victorious Indian team -- visited Hindustan Times on Tuesday for a candid chat, sharing insights and anecdotes from their journey under coach Harendra Singh.

The victory in the Asia Cup, after 13 long years, had taken a toll on these women and they seemed in dire need of rest.

It was a ‘Chak de’ moment for India in Kakamigahara, Japan, on that eventful evening of November 5 , and the magnitude of the achievement finally sunk in when they arrived in New Delhi where hundreds of well-wishers welcomed them at the airport, while many others across the country sent congratulatory messages on social networking sites.

It was all made possible by the confidence Harendra Singh reposed in the girls.

“The coach was so confident about our victory that before we went into the shootout, he said, ‘Our shootout takers will score three goals and the goalkeeper (Savita) will stop two shots…’ That gave us the confidence,” said Navjot Kaur, who scored the opening goal in the final. “I don’t know, but he perhaps had this premonition -- or the confidence in us -- that the gold was ours even before we went into the nerve-wracking shootout.”

Certainly, the coach has struck a consonant chord with the women in the three-odd months he has been with the team.

“The fact that he is motivated all the time gives us confidence,” added goalkeeper Savita who is also the team deputy. “You have to do this for India…you have to do this for your country, he keeps telling us. This, and the fact, that we can easily explain our viewpoint because of the ease of conversation is a big plus.”

The victory has ended the anguish of the team after it failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in London at the Hockey World League Semi-Final in Johannesburg earlier this year. It has also given the women the motivation to perform in a busy 2018. A whole set of top-notch tournaments including the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the World Cup are lined up in 2018. And, if they win the Asiad gold in Jakarta, they can automatically qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

“When we did not qualify for the World Cup and finished eighth out of the 10 teams in Johannesburg, we consoled ourselves by saying we were as good as our position and we didn’t deserve it,” said skipper Rampal. “ But we motivated ourselves and gave it our all in the camp knowing that we had another chance (in the Asia Cup) and we should focus on that. The Asia Cup was the last opportunity for us to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and we did it.”

Asked if there was pressure on the team during the penalty shootout, Rampal said the team is used to such situations. “This was not the first time... we have faced this before when we go into sudden death where I have to score and she (Savita) has to save, so we are used to it.”

With time to unwind now, Savita, the shopaholic that she is, would want to hit the shopping plazas and malls, while Rampal just wants to listen to rustic Punjabi music, her favourite being Gurdas Mann.

Hindustan Times

Winning Asia Cup great, but we need to succeed in 2018: Rani Rampal

Jamie Alte

NEW DELHI: Back in the country after helping the Indian women's hockey team lift the Asia Cup title for the first time in 13 years, captain Rani Rampal and experienced goalkeeper Savita Punia are naturally beaming when speaking of the team's success over the past ten days. On Sunday, India extended its unbeaten run in the tournament held in Japan to a fabulous sixth game, beating China 5-4 in the penalty shootout to be crowned Asian champions.

And yet amid the unmistakable pride and satisfaction following their achievement, there is a tone of measured expectancy and hope when the two stars talk about 2018, in which India will participate in the sport's three biggest events - the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and lastly the World Cup. The Indian team put behind it a middling year - during which they finished eighth out of ten teams at the World Hockey League Semi-Finals in South Africa, swept Belarus 5-0, endured a poor run in the Australian Hockey League and did well in a low-key tour of Europe - to claim gold in the Asia Cup and thus seal passage to the World Cup. But for Rani and Savita, this victory is only a stepping stone into the next year, where they are determined to do the country proud and remind everyone that they mean business.

"The next year is very important for us. These tournaments happen every four years. Naturally, now that we have won the Asia Cup, expectations will increase. We as a team need to enter these tournaments with the same confidence we had entering the Asia Cup," Rani told TOI Sports in an exclusive chat on Tuesday. "That said, we cannot be content with winning the Asia Cup. We have to improve if we want to be compared with world class teams. Physically and mentally, there is lot to work on. There is plenty of hard work to be done. Everyone needs to see the confidence we have from training hard."

Four months ago, the team finished eighth out of ten in the WHL Semi-Finals in Johannesburg. According to Rani, the catalyst for a change was shift in the players' mindset as well as the arrival of Harendra Singh, who in 2016 coached the junior men's team to the World Cup title.

"If you look at 2016, we won the Asian Champions Trophy. In Johannesburg, we had a very good team but we failed to play to our potential. We did not deserve to finish eighth out of ten teams. But that is part of sports - that you go somewhere and don't play as well as you expected to. Sometimes, in a short span of time, you finish where you did not expect to finish. We were stunned to finish eight, and our confidence dipped," she said. "But we moved on, telling ourselves that though we did not qualify for the World Cup, we had one shot left to do so - the Asia Cup. We were determined to prove that we were good and we were determined to qualify for the World Cup. For the country, getting into the World Cup is a big deal and that was our singular motivation. We all decided that. It was not about winning the Asia Cup; it was about qualifying for the World Cup. When your target is so important, you focus solely on that and it becomes your common mindset.

"We were confident, largely because of Harendra sir's appointment as coach. He had coached the men's team to success, so we as a team felt confident of repeating that success under sir. Secondly, as I mentioned earlier, the mindset had changed. We had to qualify for the World Cup, that's it. For a player, there is no bigger tournament than the World Cup. We wanted to keep it simple, but also remained determined to win gold. Knock-outs are never easy, and we had mentally prepared ourselves for the toughest quarter-final, semi-final and final. We spoke of how if we were unable to grab the early momentum in games, we try to force games into shootouts. We consider ourselves good in shootouts and we have a very good goalie in such situations."

Savita, who was adjudged Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the Asia Cup, concurs. "That was our goal - to qualify for the World Cup. And qualification would only come with a gold medal. We wanted to qualify on merit, so that when we do travel to the World Cup, it is with a different level of confidence. Personally - and I can speak for Rani too - this was our third Asia Cup and we already had bronze and silver medals, so our mission was to win gold. We discussed about how victories are not based one or two performances, but a collective goal," she said.

She too underlines the arrival of Harendra as pivotal in the women's team undergoing a shift. "Once Harendra sir came on board as coach, the target was the Asia Cup. The fact that he coached the junior men's team to the World Cup title last year acted as additional motivation for us. We started to think that maybe this was our time now. Being the last tour of the year, we had collectively decided that we had to win the Asia Cup to qualify for the World Cup and enter 2018 ready for the three tough tournaments ahead," she said.

Savita's brilliance in the penalty shootout during the final proved the difference between victory and defeat, as well as a ticket to the World Cup, and in particular, her stunning save with the scores locked at 4-4. It would prove the defining moment of her spectacular tournament - she conceded just five goals while India's strikers scored 28 - but for Savita, the good work by her strikers, headlined by Rani who scored twice in the shootout, as well as Harendra's confidence after full-time never let the butterflies in her stomach get out of control.

"To everyone it would naturally look like an extremely pressure situation, but somewhere inside I had a certain positivity because my strikers were scoring consistently. Before the shootouts, our goalkeeping coach Bharat bhai and our coach told us that our strikers would score at least three goals and that I would save at least two goals. So after that, it fell on me to prove their trust in me. That meant I had to remain calm and focus on the goal. If I thought too much about the result, it could distract me," she said.

"To be honest, there had been such situations during the past few years. But still, it all comes down to the goalkeeper's performance on the day, in that minute ... so that's what you train for, what you practice for. We went into the final knowing how good China were, despite having beaten them in the league stage. We prepared for a low-scoring final score followed by a penalty shootout. When the buzzer blew at 1-1, it reminded us of the Olympic Qualifiers when Rani scored a goal and then I saved the decisive goal in sudden death. When Rani scored her first goal in sudden death on Sunday, I told her 'didi, we have to repeat the same performance from the Olympic Qualifiers'. In shootouts, the player and goalkeeper have an equal chance at succeeding and failing, so it hinges on how calm and cool you remain."

And then there were Harendra's words during the brief period between full-time and the shootout, which lifted the experienced goalkeeper a notch. "He also told us to stay cool because that was part of what we trained for. He wanted us to execute just that during the shootout. And that's what panned out in sudden death. That was our coach's experience talking ... he has been coach of a world champion team, he oversaw a penalty shootout win in the semi-finals of the Junior World Cup ... so we were inspired by his comments to us before the shootout because there was intent and experience in his words. It was critical."

The Times of India

Mission World Cup, Harendra Singh key to turnaround for Indian women's hockey team

Jamie Alter

"We dream the same dream. We think the same thing. We are the dream team. We are the Indian team. We are a champion team."

Contrary to popular belief, the anthem from the 2007 Hindi film Chak De! India is not the main slogan or chant that the Indian women's team uses when they are on the field. This was just one of the nuggets revealed by four members of the victorious Indian women's team that beat China in penalty shootouts on Sunday to lift the Asia Cup - captain Rani Rampal, goalkeeper Savita Punia and forwards Navjot Kaur and Navneet Kaur - when they visited the TOI office in Noida on Tuesday.

Read on to learn more about the Asian champions, what went into their campaign in Japan, the promise that 2018 holds, the changing role of women in Indian sport and how detached Bollywood's portrayal of hockey in films is.

Excerpts:

Congratulations on the victory. Asian champions, unbeaten all tournament, winning the title after 13 years and qualifying for the World Cup ... to whom do you give the credit?

Rani Rampal: First of all, to my team-mates and our coaching staff who have given us such good guidance. Then, Hockey India, the Sports Authority of India and the government of India who have provided us the facilities necessary for us to perform at such a high level. A special thanks to my coach Baldev Singh sir, because of whom I and some of my team-mates are sitting here today. It was sir who gave us a base in hockey, from where we were able to be groomed and learn so much.

Four months ago, the team finished eighth out of ten in the World Hockey League. What has changed since then?

Rani: Firstly, the players' mindset changed. If you look at 2016, we won the Asian Champions Trophy. In Johannesburg, we had a very good team but we failed to play to our potential. We did not deserve to finish eighth out of ten teams. But that is part of sports - that you go somewhere and don't play as well as you expected to. Sometimes, in a short span of time, you finish where you did not expect to finish. We were stunned to finish eight, and our confidence dipped. But we moved on, telling ourselves that though we did not qualify for the World Cup, we had one shot left to do so - the Asia Cup. We were determined to prove that we were good and we were determined to qualify for the World Cup. For the country, getting into the World Cup is a big deal and that was our singular motivation. We all decided that. It was not about winning the Asia Cup; it was about qualifying for the World Cup. When your target is so important, you focus solely on that and it becomes your common mindset.

Savita Punia: Absolutely. That was our goal - to qualify for the World Cup. And qualification would only come with a gold medal. We wanted to qualify on merit, so that when we do travel to the World Cup, it is with a different level of confidence. Personally - and I can speak for Rani too - this was our third Asia Cup and we already had bronze and silver medals, so our mission was to win gold. We discussed about how victories are not based on one or two performances, but a collective goal.

Expectations were not that high when you departed for Japan, considering this year's mixed results and the fact that you had not won the Asia Cup for 13 years. Was there any sense of this being a burden?

Savita: Not a burden, but a responsibility. When we have our camps, they are keeping in mind the next tournament or series. Once Harendra sir came on board as coach, the target was the Asia Cup. The fact that he coached the junior men's team to the World Cup title last year acted as additional motivation for us. We started to think that maybe this was our time now. Being the last tour of the year, we had collectively decided that we had to win the Asia Cup to qualify for the World Cup and enter 2018 ready for the three tough tournaments ahead.

Rani: We were confident, largely because of Harendra sir's appointment as coach. He had coached the men's team to success, so we as a team felt confident of repeating that success under sir. Secondly, as I mentioned earlier, the mindset had changed. We had to qualify for the World Cup, that's it. For a player, there is no bigger tournament than the World Cup. We wanted to keep it simple, but also remained determined to win gold. Knock-outs are never easy, and we had mentally prepared ourselves for the toughest quarter-final, semi-final and final. We spoke of how if we were unable to grab the early momentum in games, we try to force games into shootouts. We consider ourselves good in shootouts and we have a very good goalie in such situations.

Navjot Kaur: There was no additional pressure. It was about qualifying for the World Cup. We had trained hard for this tournament, and for every foreseeable situation. For three months we focused only on the Asia Cup. That we achieved our goal is testament to our focus and training.

Now you've won the Asia Cup, there is plenty of focus on the team. In 2018, there are three major competitions - the World Cup, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. Do you think success in these competitions will result in the limelight and attention you deserve?

Rani: The next year is very important for us. These tournaments happen every four years. Naturally, now that we have won the Asia Cup, expectations will increase. We as a team need to enter these tournaments with the same confidence we had entering the Asia Cup. That said, we cannot be content with winning the Asia Cup. We have to improve if we want to be compared with world class teams. Physically and mentally, there is lots to work on. There is plenty of hard work to be done. Everyone needs to see the confidence we have from training hard.

Savita, congratulations on being named Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Tell us about that shootout.

Savita: To be honest, there had been such situations during the past few years. But still, it all comes down to the goalkeeper's performance on the day, in that minute ... so that's what you train for, what you practice for. We went into the final knowing how good China were, despite having beaten them in the league stage. We prepared for a low-scoring final score followed by a penalty shootout. When the buzzer blew at 1-1, it reminded us of the Olympic Qualifiers when Rani scored a goal and then I saved the decisive goal in sudden death. When Rani scored her first goal in sudden death on Sunday, I told her 'didi, we have to repeat the same performance from the Olympic Qualifiers'. In shootouts, the player and goalkeeper have an equal chance at succeeding and failing, so it hinges on how calm and cool you remain.

But is it even possible to train for that level of pressure?

Savita: To everyone it would naturally look like an extremely pressure situation, but somewhere inside I had a certain positivity because my strikers were scoring consistently. Before the shootouts, our goalkeeping coach Bharat bhai and our coach told us that our strikers would score at least three goals and that I would save at least two goals. So after that, it fell on me to prove their trust in me. That meant I had to remain calm and focus on the goal. If I thought too much about the result, it could distract me.

You had some really pivotal moment's during India's campaign, and allowed just five goals conceded all tournament.

Savita: If I conceded less goals, that has a lot to do with the team's performance (laughs). Credit to the defensive line, midfield and strikers. Before our opening match, we stressed on how we had to score a lot more goals than we conceded. I'm glad it panned out that. Personally, to play my 150th match was special during this tournament. I felt like an experienced player, especially when I reflected on my earlier years. The nervousness has long gone, thankfully.

You referenced the coach Harendra Singh's instructions before the shootout to score three goals, because he was confident that Savita would save at least two ...

Rani: Yes, he did say that to us. He also told us to stay cool because that was part of what we trained for. He wanted us to execute just that during the shootout. And that's what panned out in sudden death. That was our coach's experience talking ... he has been coach of a world champion team, he oversaw a penalty shootout win in the semi-finals of the Junior World Cup ... so we were inspired by his comments to us before the shootout because there was intent and experience in his words. It was critical.

You faced Japan, the hosts and defending champions, in the semi-final. What was it like preparing or that game?

Rani: When you play a host team, you know there is a slightly different atmosphere. You are under a bit more pressure, but equally so is the home team. We were hopeful that Japan would be under more pressure, in this case, and wanted to take advantage of that. We just viewed it as another game, and stuck to our plans and what we do well. And I think that's exactly what happened - they fell under far more pressure and we played our attacking brand of hockey. We handled that match much better than them.

Most sports in India are compared to cricket when it comes to attention, remuneration, facilities and recognition. For women's hockey, is there a division even within the sport? As in, the attention given to men's hockey versus women's hockey?

Rani: So much has improved. The facilities are a lot better and we get the same facilities as the men's team. Overall, if you look at Indian sport, yes there is a difference. But not so much in hockey. Cricket is the most popular sport, and there is a difference between the men's and women's teams. I can speak only for hockey, and for us the idea is that we need to win and put up good results before we can think about asking for more support or better infrastructure or anything else.

Somewhere, it is about belief. Earlier, there was a widespread belief that girls could not win as many medals as boys could. We girls have changed that negative mind-set. Look at the Rio Olympics, from where the only medals came from Sakshi Malik and PV Sindhu. That went a long way in reminding everyone that Indian women can win medals, provided they are given the right support and focus. The same with cricket. Our women's team reached the final of the World Cup this year and narrowly lost. Now we have won the Asia Cup. With such results, that mind-set will change further.

Sportspersons often say that when they win, it's very easy for people to appreciate what they have done for the country. But they need real support when they are struggling to make a mark for themselves. Have you felt that?

Savita: Struggle is necessary for life and in sports. Without struggle, there is no fun. Our role is to go and win as many games as we can. Then it is for the public and media to respond. In India, sportspersons will struggle at the start because at the grassroots level the facilities are not that developed. But things have changed. In hockey, AstroTurf surfaces are being laid out across the country, so it's a matter of time before such improvements translate into better results. The faster the development, the sooner the results.

Savita, did anyone prevent or discourage you from taking to hockey when you were young?

Savita: No, because I was not that inclined towards sports as a career option. It was my grandfather's aim that I get into sports. It was only after I made it to the national camp that I appreciated the true value of what it meant to represent the country. It was from that day that I became determined to work hard to make a mark. Coming from Haryana, I know of the difficulties that many girls face; not being allowed to wear shorts or leave the house or traveling far from home.

When Chak De! India was made, it was loved by the audience. The story of this team is just as inspiring. Do you think when Bollywood tells a story of sport, it makes it more popular?

Rani: There is big difference between reality and a movie. Talking of Chak De! India ... as players we view such movies as being very different from what actually transpires. In reality, doing all that is shown on screen is so much tougher. In movies, it looks easy. Our job is to win the country as many medals as possible. It is up to the film-makers and actors to take up our stories and make more biographies that are real and tell our stories. That will spread awareness among the public ... awareness of real hockey. So far its been only about Chak De! India but there needs to be a lot more awareness of what is happening in Indian hockey.

You mentioned Baldev Singh's contribution to Indian women's hockey. You, Navjot and Navneet are his students and there are others in the current team who have emerged from his set-up. Similarly, in badminton, we have Pullela Gopichand's academy in Hyderabad. Do you see similarities between the two?

Rani: The atmosphere which sir had created there was a feeder system to the national team. Wherever he goes, automatically players will emerge from there, such is his dedication towards hockey. If you are to compare, then Baldev sir's contribution is far more. Badminton is an individual sport and when you focus on an individual, your focus can be more streamlined. But when you are trying to train and improve a team, it is tougher because you are working with 30 players from which you have to choose 18. And Baldev sir began working in schools were girls were not allowed to remove their dupattas from their heads, forget about getting them to wear shorts.

His biggest contribution to hockey is getting the sport played in places where it was unthinkable. To then gradually get girls from families who had never imagined their daughters stepping out of the house and reaching such a high level is remarkable. I am one of those girls. My parents never imagined that I would play for India. For Baldev sir to start out in such rural places where there were no facilities was very difficult, but he did it. He and the girls he trained would cut trees to make space for grounds to be constructed. India is indebted so sir for being such a guiding light.

Rani, there is an interview on YouTube where your father speaks of taking you to practice on horse-drawn carriage? Does he still drive a carriage, or has life changed drastically?

Rani: For the last year, I have asked him to not drive the carriage because he's getting old. He's worked for 40 years, he helped us get an education and helped us in sports, so now it's time that he relaxes. I want him to spend the rest of his life in comfort, happily. This is our time to work hard, so that all his hard work is rewarded.

Compared to the men's team, there are fewer women's games on TV. Of your seven tournaments and tours this year, only two were broadcast to the Indian audience. Does the fact that Indian hockey fans are routinely unable to watch you in action play on your minds when you tour?

Rani: To be honest, after the final, what I saw on social media was surprising. Never before had I seen Indian women's hockey get that much attention on social media. Social media is huge. Some women's tournaments are telecast, some aren't. We have to live with that. It has gotten better. There is live coverage of most major tournaments. I cannot comment on why the Asia Cup was not shown on TV, as I do not have an idea about that. It's good that Hockey India keeps people up to date on social media and that so many media houses are actively covering us on Twitter and Facebook. That lets people know about what we are doing. I think people were going mad on Twitter and Facebook during the final against China, waiting so tensely for the final result!

The Times of India

For Savita, old, unfulfilled promises continue to rankle

Uthra Ganesan


Savita Punia...a frustrated star 

On Sunday night, women’s hockey was trending across the country. India had won the Asia Cup and the girls were the toast of the nation. And none more than goalkeeper Savita Punia, who brought off the final winning save to deny higher-ranked China.

But applause on social media means little to the 27-year old with more than 150 international caps and the team’s primary custodian for a decade now.

Despite all her heroics — Savita was instrumental in India qualifying for the Rio Olympics, winning the Asian Champions Trophy last year and finishing on the podium in the previous Asia Cup — she remains jobless.

“I have met the Haryana government officials including sports minister Anil Vij several times. My father has also been visiting government offices in Chandigarh since 2013. Every time the answer is same — we are looking into it. Sometimes it does get irritating, there is frustration also. It’s not just about need — everyone needs job security. It is also about respect, despite being the seniormost in the side besides Rani, I am the only one still dependent on my parents” a sleepy-eyed, hurt but still proud Savita told The Hindu a day after the team returned from Kakamigahara, Japan.

The girls had been moving from one media house office to another since Tuesday morning and the brief respite for lunch was the only time they had to themselves. Despite the jet lag, Navneet Kaur, Navjot Kaur, captain Rani Rampal and Savita were happy at the recognition coming their way. They were also disappointed that lack of telecast meant no one saw their efforts or triumph.

Everyone from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sachin Tendulkar and Lata Mangeshkar had congratulated the team, including Haryana CM M.L. Khattar. But his own government has done little to Savita’s achievements. “The Haryana government is otherwise very quick to recognise and reward its sportspersons. In my case, however, there is only silence,” shrugged Savita.

Savita is planning to meet Vij again and, in case nothing materialises, try and approach sports minister Rajyavardhan Rathore for support. “As a former sportsperson, he must understand a player’s struggles better,” she hoped.

Despite all the neglect, however, the ace goalkeeper is determined to give her best every time she goes out on the field. She admits to learning a lot from her male counterpart P.R. Sreejesh and his predecessor Bharat Chetri — now coach with the women’s team.

“When the final went into shoot-out, he was the first to run up to me and tell me to relax, stay calm and not think of the result or even the next shot. The fact is we girls get tense more easily than the men. But he has been a great help even during trainings,” Savita said.

The biggest change, however, has come with the arrival of coach Harendra Singh.

“There has been a 180 degree change. He motivates all the time, saying we owe it to the nation. He cites the men’s example where results have brought more recognition. He work equally hard in planning strategies. There has been a lot of technical input also, a lot of work on planning and execution.

“Most importantly, as an Indian coach, he understands the Indian mindset and strengths and encouraged the team to play more attacking hockey. Even if we concede a goal, he doesn’t get upset and only pushes the team further, saying scoring two will always win against conceding one,” Savita explained.

A new beginning has been made on field. For Savita, the old, unfulfilled promises continue to rankle.

The Hindu

'Jobless Goalkeeper' Savita hopes Asia Cup win ends nine-year wait

NEW DELHI: India goalkeeper Savita Punia has received many accolades for her on-field heroics but she could not secure a job for herself despite all the success in a nine-year international career.

Last Sunday, Savita produced a stunning save in a tense shootout in the thrilling final against China to help India win the Asia Cup women's hockey title and secure a berth in next year's World Cup.

The team broke a 13-year-old jinx when Savita foiled an attempt from the rivals to ensure a 5-4 win.

India had failed to qualify for the last World Cup and finished ninth in the 2010 edition.

"I am very happy that I could contribute in team's win. I work harder to bring more laurels and will not let my unemployment affect my game," Savita said after team's return from Japan.

"I have been trying for a job for last nine years. I was promised a job under the Haryana Government's 'Medal Lao, Naukri Pao' scheme, but I have only been given assurances by officers.

"I am 27 now and still depend on my father's income. I am playing for my country for last 9 years and every time after a win, I hope to get a job but nothing changes."

Savita, who hails from Hisar, made her international debut in 2008 and has just completed 150 caps in Asia Cup. She started playing Hockey as per the wish of her grandfather Mahinder Singh and starred in India's bronze medal effort in Junior Asia Cup in 2009.

"I should take care of my parents but it is opposite in my case. My father is a pharmacist and it is not easy to run a family with his solo income," said Savita.

She had also applied for a coaching job with SAI after Rio Olympics but did not get any response from them.

"Sometimes I get very tense when I see my parents. My mother is worried that I don't have a job. My father encourages me to do well and I never let my game affected with my unemployment. But it is constantly in my mind when I am out of the ground," she said.

Savita hopes that Asia Cup win will help her to get a job.

"We have a sports minister who has been an Olympic medallist. I hope he will understand this and this title win also help me to get a job," she said while giving credit to goal-keeping coach Bharat Chhetri and chief coach Harendra Singh for her performance.

"I also hope that this will raise the profile of women Hockey in India and more girls will take up the game."

The Times of India

Proud of Rani’s team: Marijne

Shreedutta Chidananda


Hands-on mentoring: Manpreet Singh, left, and S.K. Uthappa are all eyes as Sjoerd Marijne shows them how it is done. 

The Dutchman, now involved with the Indian men’s side, was till recently in charge of the women’s

Sjoerd Marijne may now be in charge of the Indian men’s team but he cannot hide his joy when discussing the women’s side. It was not two months ago that Marijne was in charge of the women’s team on its tour of Europe.

As it now basks in the glory of its Asia Cup triumph, the 43-year-old is a rather pleased man. “I’m really proud of the team,” he said here on Tuesday.

“I left them only a month ago (sic). I’m really happy for them. It gives them a lot of confidence for the future. I didn’t get to see anything because it was not on TV or the internet, but it’s nice how Rani leads the team.”

Marijne was full of praise for drag-flicker Gurjit Singh, who scored eight goals in Japan. “She and Deep Grace worked individually [with Dutch drag-flick coach Toon Siepman] when we toured the Netherlands. He (Siepman) is one of the best. She benefited a lot from that.

“Another thing that helped her is changing the stick; that also makes her drag flick harder. It’s been a process from a long time. I’m really happy because she puts a lot of time into it,” he said. Marijne has enjoyed success of his own since his change of role, having presided over victory in the men’s Asia Cup in Bangladesh last month.

His next assignment, though, will be considerably tougher, with India grouped alongside Australia, Germany and England in next month’s HWL Final in Bhubaneswar.

“[In the Asia Cup] we played against teams ranked 12, 13... but it’s also really difficult to play a tournament as the highest-ranked team because you have to win,” he said. “It brings another kind of pressure. It’s nice to see how they handled it. But now we play against the highest ranked teams. We have to see where we stand in the world.”

India deployed Sardar Singh as a sweeper and captain Manpreet Singh said he was pleased with it. “The coach decided that Sardar would drop back. He’s an experienced player who can control the ball; he has the ability to play long passes. If the other teams press us, Harmanpreet (Singh) or Sardar can play a controlled ball out. He’s leading the whole team because he can observe the whole play from the back. He’s calling [the moves],” Manpreet said.

The Hindu

Either improve intercepting skills or stay at No. 6: India hockey coach

BENGALURU: Chief hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne warned that India will always remain at number six in the world rankings if the players don't improve their ball-intercepting skills.

After winning the Asia Cup, the Indian team is gearing up for the Hockey World League Finals, to be held in Bhubaneshwar from December 1-10.

"I think we can improve in every area. The Players need to improve intercepting balls because launching counter attacks is one of the strong points of India. We are too good at that and we can be a danger for any country. If we can't do that (improving ball interception), we will always be number six," Marijne said.

The World rankings are led by Argentina and they are followed by Australia, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany.

The coach, who replaced sacked Roelant Oltmans, further emphasised that the Indian team needs to work on consistency.

"Sometimes we are really good but the level drops too low, and if we do not work on it, rival countries would get goals against us. We need to work on consistency," he said.

Talking about the Hockey World League Finals, Marijne expected some surprise results.

"If you consider the rankings, Argentina are number one team in the world and Australia are number two. But, there are few others, like Spain, who did good things this summer. Competition in men's hockey is getting tougher and tougher. We may get to see some surprise results, which is good for global hockey," he said.

Marijne though said it's difficult to predict how India will fare in the tournament.

"I don't want to put ourselves in pressure situation, but there could be some underdogs among lower-ranked teams. I cannot promise India winning Hockey World League, but I would like them to go for it."

While talking about India's Asia Cup title-triumph, Marijne appreciated leadership qualities displayed by some players.

"In some crucial matches, players made quick on-field decisions to turn matches in our favour. I am very happy with this leadership qualities of our players, who turned the heat on the rivals at right moments," Marijne said.

Normally, it is Sreejesh, SV Sunil, Harmanpreet Singh and Sardar Singh, who lead from the front and make on-field decisions, he said.

The Times of India

We never start a game thinking we can't beat the other side: Manpreet Singh

Debayan Sen


Ian MacNicol/Getty images

There was a moment late in the Asia Cup final against Malaysia on October 22, when India coach Sjoerd Marijne felt that his stint "for just two weeks" before the continental tournament had helped the team understand his philosophy to coaching.

"The players chose a defensive style inside the pitch and adjusted. I was not able to coach from the sides -- they had to make the choices," said Marijne, speaking of a game where India scored two by half-time but then had to soak up a lot of Malaysian pressure in the second half. "That's what we want to do and that's why we want to be player-driven. I am really happy with that choice, because we won, and more importantly they took a decision. That's what we train for."

Marjine said his relationship with the team he has inherited from fellow Dutchman Roelant Oltmans is an "open" one, and that he gives them a lot of freedom. He cited how the team watched clips of their opponents in Dhaka during the Asia Cup and gave presentations in tactical meetings by themselves, as a measure of how well they responded.

"At the Asia Cup, we decided to go match-by-match. We had the league stages and then the Super 4s, and our aim was to maintain our performance level and stick to our structure from the first minute to the last," said captain and midfielder Manpreet Singh. "Indian players are very skilled, and we must use that skill at the right moments. In time to come, we have to work on our strengths like counter-attack, and pay more attention to defensive structure."

Ranked sixth going into the Asia Cup, India were favourites and played like one -- finishing their seven games unbeaten, scoring 28 goals and conceding just six. Marijne and his team know that the real test lies in Bhubaneswar, where India host seven other nations at the World League Final in December. India, who began their camp in Bengaluru on November 6, are hoping for their second podium finish at the biennial tournament finals, where they have always qualified by virtue of being hosts. The only positive finish was when they beat Netherlands on a shootout for bronze in Raipur two years ago.

"We played well in the Asia Cup, and now our focus is on the World League, because all top-ranked teams will be here," said Manpreet. "We have to perform well, especially in home conditions. We must prove that we are capable of being there at big tournaments, irrespective of the opposition. We play Australia first and have to give our best and improve for the tournaments coming up."


Indian coach Sjoerd Marijne with Manpreet Singh and Harmanpreet Singh Arjun Kalra/ESPN

"If you look at any team in the world, we have beaten them in recent years. Even when we have lost, we have done so by narrow margins and after fighting till the end. We never start a game thinking we can't beat the other side."

Marijne said first-choice goalkeeper PR Sreejesh is still only "coming back on the pitch" from an injury sustained during the Azlan Shah Cup in May, and bringing him into the World League squad might be "doing things in a rush". Defenders Rupinderpal Singh and Birendra Lakra might also be fully fit, but assessing their match fitness could take more time before the team leaves for Bhubaneswar on November 21. This could mean another big tournament for Harmanpreet Singh, who was joint top-scorer with Malaysia's Faizal Saari at the Asia Cup with his seven goals.

"It is always good to have the responsibility of scoring, because I had been a part of the junior team not long ago," said Harmanpreet, who was paired alongside Sardar Singh in defence for the Asia Cup. "It was good, because he [Sardar] has always played in midfield. He knows how our game is structured, when we defend and when we push forward with the ball. The understanding was good."

Manpreet said the presence of Sardar in defence helped him and other midfielders play with greater freedom. "When the other team puts pressure or goes on a full-court press against us, we have two options now -- Harmanpreet and Sardar. This is the plus point, that we can play the ball back when needed, knowing that we have a leader in the backline. He [Sardar] gets a good view of the game, and calls well from there."

Marjine has often spoken about the importance of speed in modern hockey, especially in his recent stint with the Indian women's team, and he added the significance of getting the men's team to give-and-go more often. "I am not really interested in touching the ball a hundred times," he said. "I am more keen on playing give-and-go. They must create chances for themselves and for that they have to look up. If they do that, they can play the ball or they can go themselves."

Marijne also spoke of the importance of listening to players' needs for more rest between tournaments, and the ultimate goal of the team ahead of a busy 2018, which will include the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games and a World Cup hosted at home. "The one tournament that is most important is the Olympics in 2020. To qualify for that you, you have to win the Asian Games," he said. "But to be good at the Asian Games, you have to be good at the World League Final and then you have to be good at the Commonwealth Games."

"For me, every tournament counts and as India, you have to go there to win."

ESPN

Sreejesh targets January return

Manuja Veerappa

BENGALURU: By nature, Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh is full of fun and laughter. But talk about his lengthy injury lay-off and there is sadness in his eyes followed by hope.

The 29-year-old began his long and arduous journey back into the team on Monday by training with the Hockey World League Final-bound Indian team. While he started by padding up and walking in September, he began practising this week. The seasoned pro underwent a surgery-about four months ago-for an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee sustained during the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in April-May this year.

"The recovery process has been gradual but on course. It has been four-and-a-half-months. My first session with the team on Monday was good. I can't jump straight into the team, so I'm starting with the basics and I'm also working with my physio," Sreejesh told TOI on Tuesday.

According to Sreejesh, who captained the team at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the road to recovery has been tough. "It is like a second birth. I've had to learn everything from the beginning including walking with the gear. I'm not going to look back at the past because it was big. If you keep your expectations high, the disappointments will be than much bigger. So I'm taking it one-day at a time and looking to improve faster so I can regain my confidence."

The improvement, by Sreejesh's admission, is showing. "I wanted to get back on the field with my gear by December and I've achieved that target a month early. I will train with the team for the next three weeks and on my own next month. So, by the next camp in January next year, I should be back."

With the World Hockey League Finals slated in Bhubaneswar next month, Sreejesh is looking to help the young goalkeeping duo of Akash Chikte and Suraj Karkera, who came in for high praise from chief coach Sjoerd Marijne for their performance in the Asia Cup. "I think they have enough experience by now. But playing a major tournament in front of the home crowd for the first time is a different experience. So they have to be mentally prepared to cope with crowd pressure."

The Times of India

Ireland's Katie Mullan Awarded International Sports Person of the Year



Congratulations to Katie Mullen who has been awarded International Sports Person of the Year at the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Sports Awards on Friday evening (November 3rd).

The event aims to recognise all those who play a role in sport as participants, coaches and mentors.

The overall winners were selected following regional heats which were held in Ballymoney, Coleraine, Moyle and Limavady. The assessment panel faced difficult deliberations due to the high standard of nominees across many of the categories.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE, said: “This is the third year of our gala sports awards, which allow us to honour those who play such an important role in sporting life right across the Borough. I would like to commend all our nominees, who are fantastic ambassadors for our area and role models for the next generation. The Causeway Coast and Glens can feel rightly proud of our sporting successes, which are made possible by those who continue to dedicate their time to achieving their very best.”

Irish Hockey Association media release

4 Field Hockey Players Earn All-Ivy Honors with McILwrick Named to First-Team

By Bennett Gross


Senior Sam McILwrick was named to the All-Ivy first team. Michael Wenye Li

Cornell field hockey two-time senior captain Sam McILwrick unanimously earned first-team All-Ivy honors. Fellow senior Krysten Mayers and sophomore goaltender Maddie Henry took home second-team All-Ivy honors. Additionally, sophomore Maddy Conklin received an honorable mention.

McILwrick was second on the team with five goals and was third on the squad with 12 points, despite playing defense. Cornell also heavily relied on McILwrick, as she amassed the most minutes played on the squad, and started all 16 games.

Mayers concluded her career as the all-time leader in goals and points for Cornell field hockey with 99 points, including 42 goals, in her career. The senior led the Red in both categories this year.

McILwrick and Mayers aided the class of 2018 to accrue 42 wins over the past four seasons. This mark ties the highest win total in school history over a four year period.

Henry came into the season splitting time in net with senior goaltender Kelly Johnson, but after Johnson sustained several injuries throughout the season, Henry became the starter. Henry saved nearly 80 percent of the shots she faced, allowed just 1.49 goals per game and produced two shutouts in her 10 starts in 2017. Henry got off to a hot start, as she began the campaign with the second longest consecutive shutout streak in program history.

Conklin scored just one goal on the season, but along with McILwrick, anchored the defense. Conklin started all 16 games this year, and will be one of the major returning pieces for the Red next season

The Cornell Sun

Vitality announces major new elite and grassroots hockey sponsorships



Vitality, the business changing health and life insurance for good, has announced it will become the Official Wellness Partner of England Hockey.

The sponsorship is part of an innovative health partnership with both the men’s and women’s teams. The agreement gives Vitality a wide range of assets, from stadium TV advertising and perimeter board branding at England Hockey matches, to elite player appearances and money-can't-buy experiences for its members.

Vitality has also announced two further major hockey sponsorships. The insurer will be supporting the ongoing growth of the game in England through its title sponsorship of the grassroots programme, Back to Hockey, and it will also be the title sponsor of the 2018 Vitality Women’s Hockey World Cup, which takes place in London next summer.

The sponsorships are underpinned by Vitality’s mission to encourage more people to improve their wellness through taking up healthy behaviours, including playing sport. The move into hockey further strengthens Vitality’s position in top level and grassroots sport. Vitality already partners with Arsenal FC, AFC Bournemouth, Liverpool FC, England Rugby, Scottish Rugby, Welsh Rugby, ECB and England Netball. The brand is the title sponsor of the Vitality Westminster Mile, Vitality London 10,000 and the Telegraph Vitality Junior Golf Championship, as well as headline sponsor of parkrun UK with Vitality and official partner of The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards in association with Vitality.

Neville Koopowitz, CEO of Vitality, said: “We believe in the power of sport to help inspire people to live a healthy life, which is why we partner with leading sports figures, teams and events to help us share the Vitality message. We are excited to be moving into hockey and these sponsorships are a brilliant way to support the continued progress of both the elite and grassroots game while at the same time telling a new audience about Vitality.”

England Hockey Commercial Director, Jonathan Cockcroft added: “With shared values and goals, we are delighted to partner with Vitality as our Official Wellness Partner, Back to Hockey sponsor and title sponsor of the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup. As hockey participation grows, we're proud that our sport is making a positive contribution to the physical and mental wellbeing of people up and down the country. With a home World Cup on the horizon, we are excited to be working with Vitality to celebrate hockey, grow its fan base and inspire more people to pick up a stick.”

The sponsorships were launched at an event in Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, the venue for the Vitality Women’s Hockey World Cup next year. England Hockey stars Laura Unsworth, Giselle Ansley, Sarah Haycroft, Phil Roper, Adam Dixon and Henry Weir led a special coaching session for a group of people about to take part in the Back to Hockey initiative.

England Hockey Board Media release