News for 24 January 2018
All the news for Wednesday 24 January 2018
2018 4 Nations Invitational Tournament (M) - Day 1
Hamilton (NZL)
BEL v JPN 3 - 2
NZL v IND 2 - 3
FIH Match Centre
India to open 2nd leg campaign against host New Zealand
The Indian hockey team - File Photo, PTI
India would be aiming to put behind the disappointment of a first-leg final loss when they open their campaign against hosts New Zealand in the second leg of the Four Nations Invitational Hockey Tournament, in Hamilton on Wednesday.
In the first leg of the tournament, India got off to a good start with 6-0 win against Japan but lost 0-2 to Belgium in the following match. Winning 3-1 against hosts New Zealand, who had beaten Belgium 5-4 in their first match, put the Manpreet Singh-led Indian team in the final. India topped the pool table with a total of nine goals, having conceded only three in the pool stage while Belgium scored ten goals but conceded six.
"As a team we have made progress match after match. We had four young players make their debut and even scored in matches which is good," said chief coach Sjoerd Marijne about the team's performance in the first leg. "We came close to beating Olympic Silver Medallist Belgium which gives us a lot of confidence going into an important calendar year for hockey," he added.
Though his team lost a closely-contested final 1-2 to Belgium, Marijne feels the result was a positive. "You must understand that Belgium is here with their complete squad and they are one of the best teams in the world. Competing with them with the team we have here is still a huge step forward," he said. "The fact that the youngsters have shown confidence in playing the world No.3 ranked side gives me more options as a coach and it is this competition within the team which will help us grow," he added.
Though there are positives Marijne derives from the team's outing in Tauranga, he pointed out that missed opportunities continue to dent his side's chances. "For me, most important is converting the chances into goals. We create enough opportunities but that's not enough. We must score more goals," he asserted on the eve of their opening match in Hamilton.
Skipper Manpreet Singh stated that the team is eager to put up an improved performance here. "Doing well against a team like Belgium will no doubt give us the confidence for future matches but winning against them will be a big boost to young players. To be able to do that, there are areas that require improvement and we need to ensure we don't repeat the mistakes we did in the previous matches," he said.
"While doing well against a higher ranked team like Belgium, who we will play in upcoming major tournaments like FIH Champions Trophy and the Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018, is a priority, winning against Japan and New Zealand has also been a plus point for this young squad," he added.
Daily News & Analysis
India overcome New Zealand in a tough match
s2h team
Converting two successive penalty corners, India overcame fighting New Zeland 3-2 in a tough contest at the first match of the second leg of 4-Naions Cup
India played two contrasting quarters in the first half. If the first one was marked by its aggression, the other saw them giving much leeway to New Zealand. As a result, India fittingly took the lead while conceded equalizer in the second.
India, which won siler in the first leg of 4-Naitons Cup, started on a brisk note. In the entire first quarter, the Kiwis had no shots at the goal, proving the mood of the visitors. Lalit Updahyay punched the lead when he bounced on to a short rebound from goalie Devon Manchester to give India the much deserving lead (1-0) in the seventh minutes.
India had a couple of chances to enlarge the lead, but the same goalie was proved to be a Rock of Gibraltor. India's two good shots at goals were adeptly blocked by Devon in the dying moments of first quarter.
As if to say good bye to watch and wait game, New Zealand showed urgency when the second quarter started. It got two penalty corners successively but the Indians could safeguard their citadel. Philip Hayden and Kane Russel took the shots, Indian goalie PR Sreejesh was equal to the task.
In the 23rd minute, hardworking Daniel Harris took the ball into D from deep right flank and whanked at goal only to see PR Sreejesh stretch his left leg and block it. However, the alert winger tapped in the rebound to the other corner to equalize (1-1). NZ continued to attack and got their third penalty corner too, but in vain. The sides changed sides with 1-1 scoreline.
On resumption after lemon time, Mandeep Singh showed his class on the right flank, with clever move put the ball on the marker dot on the deep right edge of circle to get India its first penalty corner. Sarbhit Singh's push was not properly stopped by Harjeet Singh, but he dragged the ball to push into goal, whcih got deflected by the charger to find home (2-0). It was just four minutes into the third quarter.
Rupinder Pal Singh had no difficulty in getting India another penalty corner when he dragged long before sending a powerful flick into other corner of the net, to the left of goalie (3-1) in the 36th min.
Within a minute, Kane Russel struck his second goal off NZ's fourth penalty corner. PR Sreejesh indeed spotted the flight rightly and extended his left hand to block, but the force of the ball frustrated his attempt (3-2). Next minute NZ got their fifth penalty corner, but Russel flicked it high and wide.
Stick2Hockey.com
Scotland draw with Wales in Gran Canaria
Scotland and Wales women battled out a scoreless draw in the second match of a five-game series in Gran Canaria. The matches are in preparation for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April, and Head Coach Gordon Shepherd will name his Scotland women’s squad for the tournament on the 14th of February.
The Scots won the first match of the series 1-0, but it was a tougher encounter this time round as the Scots found themselves pitted against a much improved Welsh side, especially in the first half.
Wales dominated early doors and forced Scotland to defend right from the start. The Welsh created a number of chances to score in the first half forcing Nikki Cochrane to make a string of good saves.
The Scots were resolute and started better in the second half, creating a few good chances of their own to score.
Not long into the half and the Scots very nearly struck the back of the net when Robyn Collins shot just wide from a penalty corner.
Fiona Bruce was then denied by an unbelievable goal line clearance – it looked a goal all day long but a Welsh stick on the line somehow got to it and stopped Scotland grasping the lead.
The match ended in a draw and the pair will face each other again tomorrow for their third encounter of five in Gran Canaria.
Head Coach Gordon Shepherd said, “We didn’t play as well as we did in the previous match, Wales were much improved and even though we could have won the game, a 1-0 win would probably have flattered us in all honesty, we didn’t play in the manner of the first match.
“We’ll be looking to improve in tomorrow’s game. We’re not creating enough chances and we need to move the ball quicker.
“We made nine changes from the squad in the previous game, which we’ll do for each of the games.”
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Two Ways to Watch the USWNT vs. The Netherlands Series
PALO ALTO, Calif. – The countdown is on to see the U.S. Women's National Team take on the FIH Hero World Ranked No. 1 The Netherlands! In a little more than 48 hours, the red, white and blue will take the field at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. to kick start a four-match series. This international event marks USA’s first of the year as they prepare for a competitive schedule leading up to the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup in London, England in July.
Did you know there are two ways to watch all games of the series?
Be in the Stands
At atmosphere you won't want to miss! If you are on the West Coast and within driving distance to Palo Alto, Calif. USA Field Hockey highly recommended being in the stands for what promises to be a thrilling series. Theme Night has been established to help rally the crowd to be big, bold and loud as the athletes will take care of the performance on the pitch. All tickets for the Saturday, January 27 game are sold out and all tickets in Section A for the Sunday, January 28 game are sold out. All other matches are trending in the same direction so make plans to watch the USWNT in action! Tickets for games that are not sold out will be for sale at the door. Click here to purchase tickets.
Live Stream it on usafieldhockey.com.
With fans near and far, USA Field Hockey understands that sometimes it is impossible to get to the venue. With that, all games of the series will be live streamed, for free, on usafieldhockey.com. The live stream video will sit on the official U.S. Women's National Team vs. The Netherlands Event Page and will be pushed out just prior to the match on all social media channels.
USFHA media release
Netherlands Squad In Perth For Test Series
Ben Somerford
The Netherlands men’s hockey team are in Perth ahead of the upcoming Test Series against the Kookaburras which begins in Narrogin on Saturday 27 January.
The 24-player Dutch squad arrived in Perth on Friday 12 January and have been training ahead of the four-match Test series which will be live streamed at www.epicentre.tv.
Among the strong Dutch squad are Billy Bakker and Mirco Pruyser who were both nominated for the FIH’s Hockey Stars Player of the Year award.
FIH Hockey Stars Rising Star of the Year nominees Jorrit Croon and Thierry Brinkman are also in the travelling party for the world number four Dutch.
Besides for the live stream, you can follow the matches on Twitter via @Kookaburras and the FIH Match Centre.
Tickets are available via Ticketmaster from $5 via this link.
Netherlands Squad: Tristan Algera, Sander Baart, Billy Bakker, Lars Balk, Pirmin Blaak (GK), Roel Bovendeert, Thierry Brinkman, Jorrit Croon, Jonas de Geus, Joep de Mol, Derck de Vilder, Bob de Voogd, Martijn Havenga, Bjorn Kellerman, Robbert Kemperman, Terrance Pieters, Mirco Pruyser, Glenn Schuurman, Seve van Ass, Thijs van Dam, Sam van der Ven (GK), Mink van der Weerden, Valentin Verga, Floris Wortelboer
Australia v Netherlands Test Series Fixtures:
Saturday 27 January 4.30pm WST - Narrogin Hockey Stadium
Sunday 28 January 4.30pm WST - Narrogin Hockey Stadium
Thursday 1 February 7pm WST - Perth Hockey Stadium
Saturday 3 February 7pm WST - Perth Hockey Stadium
Hockey Australia media release
Kookaburras Seek Rio Revenge In Dutch Test Series
Ben Somerford
Australia and the Netherlands will renew their rivalry with a four-match Test series in Narrogin and Perth from Saturday 27 January to Saturday 3 February.
The Kookaburras head into the series as world number one after their World League Final triumph in India in December.
But they’ll also be out for some revenge on the world number four Dutch who knocked them out of the 2016 Rio Olympics at the quarter-final stage with a 4-0 win.
The Dutch haven’t visited Australian shores since 2012, when they were beaten by Australia in the final of the Champions Trophy in Melbourne.
The two sides have previously met 139 times, with Australia winning 72, compared to the Dutch's 39 wins, while there have been 28 draws.
The Test Series is important preparation for Australia with a view to the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in April, along with the Champions Trophy in June and World Cup in November and December.
Kookaburras goalkeeper Tyler Lovell, who is due to play his 100th game in the first Test match of the series, said: “We’ve got a fairly heavy schedule heading into the Comm Games.
“To play someone as quality as the Dutch is vital for our preparations.
“We don’t get many opportunities to play the Dutch. It’ll be great to have them here. We owe them one from Rio.”
The Kookaburras enjoyed a well-earned break following their triumph in India in December, but returned to training last week and head into a full squad camp this week ahead of the matches in Narrogin on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 January.
“We had four weeks off after we came for India when we won the World League and went back to number one in the world,” Lovell said.
“It’s reward for a hard year but this is a long year. We start now and finish with the World Cup in India in December. It’s important to refresh.”
For Lovell, he has plenty of reason for motivation having never competed at a Commonwealth Games or Olympic Games despite having almost played 100 games for his country.
“I went to the 2014 World Cup which we won but unfortunately back then the Comm Games was only 16 athletes not 18 (per team) and the same with the Olympics,” Lovell said.
“To miss out last year after playing all major tournaments was a bit tough.
“The fire is in the belly. I want to put a good performance in leading to the Comm Games, Champions Trophy and the World Cup.
“The full focus after that will be Tokyo.”
The matches will be live streamed at www.epicentre.tv. You can follow the matches on Twitter via @Kookaburras and the FIH Match Centre
Tickets for the matches are available from $5 via Ticketmaster.
Test Series Fixtures:
Saturday 27 January 4.30pm WST/7.30pm AEDT - Narrogin Hockey Stadium
Sunday 28 January 4.30pm WST/7.30pm AEDT - Narrogin Hockey Stadium
Thursday 1 February 7pm WST/10pm AEDT - Perth Hockey Stadium
Saturday 3 February 7pm WST/10pm AEDT - Perth Hockey Stadium
Hockey Australia media release
Shaw Reveals Match Schedule As Green Army Prepare For World Cup
2018 is already lining up to be one of the biggest years in recent memory for the Irish women’s hockey team as they firmly set their sights on the World Cup in London this Summer (July 21st – August 5th). But preparation for the showpiece event starts long before, and head coach Graham Shaw has scheduled 7 match series over the course of the next 7 months.
The first of those match series comes in early February against Spain in Benalmadena (fixtures listed at bottom of article). The Spanish sit 11th in the world and consistently knock on that top 10 door. The two sides play each other regularly; no fewer than 11 times in the last 2 years, with Spain having won 8 of those encounters. The series will act as an important litmus test for Shaw as he will be looking to pick his large World Cup squad from that extended panel shortly after.
A month later the Green Army will travel to Glasgow to play 2 matches against Scotland. This fixture again typically proves tight with the sides sharing the spoils in a 0-0 clash at the Eurohockey Championships in August, before picking up 1 win each and a draw at a match series in Belfast in October. Less than a week later, the team will be back on a plane and this time headed to Bisham Abbey to play the England. It will prove to be a challenging but highly valuable test for the squad as England sit in Pool B with them at the World Cup. The two teams don’t tend to meet often at major events but last Summer bucked that trend as England ran out 3-2 and 4-1 victors over the Green Army at World League and the Eurohockey Championships respectively. The teams will meet again in June at Lee Valley in London for another series with the World Cup within touching distance the following month. Commenting on the fixtures, Shaw said “The opportunity to play the world number 2 is invaluable training for us before a World Cup. Playing in Lee Valley and getting to essentially do a trial run with regards accommodation and transport, as well as playing on the new World Cup pitch, is going to be great preparation for us”.
The final away series for the Green Army comes in the form of a trip to Germany to face the world number 6. The side have had to fast adapt to life without their former head coach Jamilon Mulders who has moved on to pastures new with China after a highly successful tenure. But they are still a formidable force and showed their calibre in a 5-1 victory over the Irish at the European Championships at the end of an intense summer of international hockey. However, the Green Army will be confident of recapturing the form that saw them claim a 2-2 draw (at World League Johannesburg) and an historic 2-1 victory over the Germans in the months prior to the Europeans. In fact, that 2-2 draw at World League in Johannesburg could well have been another 2-1 victory but for a last second penalty corner goal by FIH Rising Star of the Year nominee Nike Lorenz. “Germany are top level opposition, highlighted by their bronze medal the Rio Olympics. They’re a very strong side, very well organised and structured, and we learnt a lot from playing them last year. It’s a good opportunity to not only play 3 games against top level opposition, but to also spend time as a group” said Shaw.
The side return to home shores in the run up to the World Cup and will play host to several teams around the country in July. A 3-match series against Japan will begin on July 4th in Cork, before 2 further matches against the world number 12 in Dublin on July 6th and 7th. Ireland last faced Japan in the opener of the World League Semi Finals, a tight encounter that ended 1-1.
Hot on the heels of that series, comes an invitational 3 Nations against Italy and Chile due to take place from July 10th-14th, venue to be confirmed. Chile have recently leap-frogged the Green Army and moved from 20th to 15th in the world rankings, following their second place finish in the Pan American Cup. That finish is made all the more impressive given Chile had to beat USA, ranked 6th at the time, in the semi-finals. Italy sits one spot below Ireland in the rankings and there was little to split the two sides in a 2015 series in Belfast with 2 draws and a victory to Ireland. The side are looking forward to playing at home ahead of the World Cup says Shaw “It’s important to us to try play international matches around the country, playing in Cork is a great opportunity to give the World Cup squad the experience of playing in front of a home crowd before departing for London. “
Match Details vs Spain in CHP Benalmadena:
February 6th at 7pm Ireland vs Spain
February 8th at 1pm Ireland vs Spain
February 10th 12pm Ireland vs Spain
February 11th 12pm Ireland vs Spain
*All times listed are local
Irish Hockey Association media release
Telkom renew rivalry with Ghanaians in Cup
By BRIAN OTWAL IN ACCRA, GHANA
Telkom players celebrate a goal against Nigeria’s Yobe Desert Queens in Africa Cup for Club Champions hockey tournament in Accra, Ghana on January 20, 2018. PHOTO | BRIAN OTWAL | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Champions Telkom renew their rivalry with Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) as the Africa Cup of Club Hockey Championship enters its fifth day at the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium on Wednesday.
Both clubs have won their opening three matches to secure a maximum nine points, but GRA are top of the pile courtesy of a superior goal difference.
The hosts have scored 13 goals and conceded none, with Telkom bagging nine and are also yet to let in a goal. A win for either side will move them closer to Saturday’s final underlining the importance of this fixture.
The two sides have met five times, with nine-time champions Telkom winning all the matches. Their first meeting was in the final of the 2012 competition in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where Telkom won 4-2 on post-match penalties to claim their fifth title.
In the next competition played in January 2014 in Kampala, Telkom beat GRA 2-1 in the semi-final en-route to an all-Kenyan final with Strathmore University. In December of that year in Bulawayo, the duo against crossed paths in the semis and the Kenyans won by the same margin.
GRA were to suffer more heartbreak at the hands of Telkom during the 2015 edition in Lusaka, Zambia as Kenyan girls beat them 2-0 at the semi-final stage once again. In the 2016 final played at the City Park Stadium, Telkom won 2-0 to claim their ninth title.
Telkom coach Jos Openda admitted that those records will count for nothing when the two nemesis clash. “The competition begins now, because we are now up against Ghanaian sides who are in top form and also playing at home,” he said.
Evergreen Jackline Mwangi will lead Telkom’s attack alongside Audrey Omaido and Maureen Okumu. Mwangi leads the scorers’ charts with five goals so far. GRA’s attack will be led by internationals Elizabeth Opoku and skipper Monica Grant- Sewell.
Telkom end their preliminary matches against Ghana Police Thursday as GRA face Nigeria’s Kada Queens. Kenya’s other representatives Strathmore University Scorpions face Kada as they seek their first win of the tourney.
Scorpions have lost three straight matches and are now out of contention to reach the final. They can however, make the bronze medallist match. They are currently placed fifth with no points.
Men’s champions Eastern Company and 23 time winners El Sharkia from Egypt are in pole position in the men’s event.
Daily Nation
The unbeaten Kenyan side aims to extend form against the Ghanaians
Telkom out to hurt their Ghanaian hosts
By Elizabeth Mburugu
2016 AFRICA CHAMPIONSHIPS FINALS Telkom Kenya player (right) beats Ghana Revenue Authority player in the women's Hockey Africa Championships held at the City Park stadium,Nairobi,Kenya. Kenya won 2-0. Photo/Jennifer Wachie
History will count for nothing when defending champions meet hosts today.
Continental hockey giants Telkom Kenya face off with Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) today in women’s Africa Cup of Club Championships (ACCC).
Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium in Accra, Ghana, will be a combat zone as the two arch-rivals lock horns in hunt of continental glory.
Reigning Africa champions Telkom will be out to extend their dominance over the Ghanaians whom they have conquered in the past five editions of the annual tournament.
Today’s clash will rekindle the love-hate relationship between the East and West African countries. Going by the past intensity in their previous meetings, today's match promises fireworks.
Despite playing on a foreign turf, Telkom go into the match as favourites having ruled the continent for the past five years. However, Telkom coach Jos Openda said they will have to be at their best and go full throttle because their rich history will count for nothing and only the outcome of the match will matter.
“We must remain focused because until we successfully defend our title and get the job done, we are still every team’s target,” said Openda.
“We have beaten GRA before but this is a whole new ballgame because it’s not just the teams that are battling us, but the entire country is behind them. This has given them confidence and that's why we must be at our best” Openda said.
He added that GRA is a tough side that must be taken seriously and playing them after three matches should be seen as an advantage.
“We used the first three matches to gauge ourselves and also point out some aspects of the game that need to be strengthened.
"It has also given us an opportunity to watch our opponents in action. We now have an idea of what to expect. It would have been different had we not had the chance to watch them.”
Openda is likely to maintain his first 11 that has veterans Jackline Mwangi in attack and Terry Juma in defence. Audrey Omaido and Maureen Okumu will join Mwangi while captain Tracy Karanja, Lilian Aura, Barbara Simiyu and Caroline Guchu will control the midfield.
Rachel Ousa, Flavia Mutiva and Lucy Wangeci are also likely to be Openda’s first choice in defence.
Having lost to Telkom since the 2012 final in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, the Ghanaian girls also known as the Custom ladies, will be hoping to break the jinx that has seen them suffer one defeat after another at the hands of the experienced Kenyans.
They will bank on home advantage in their quest to end Telkom's reign at the helm of Africa women’s club hockey.
In 2012, Telkom beat GRA 4-2 in post-match penalties to lift the continental gong, which they have not relinquished since.
The Standard Online
Govia makes three changes to hockey squad
Nigel Simon
T&T's Solomon Eccles passes the ball during the game against Canada at the Pan American Indoor Cup in Guyana last year. Photo by:Yan Huckendubler
T&T senior men’s indoor hockey coach Raphael Govia has made three changes to his 13-member team which will head to the Fifth FIFTH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Berlin, Germany from February 7 to 11.
Following a training session at the Woodbrook Youth Facility, Woodbrook on Monday night, Govia, who was part of the T&T team which qualified to play at the Indoor World Cup in Vienna, Austria in 2007, but opted out of the final selected his squad which will depart on Sunday for a one-week training camp in Holland before selecting his final 12 players for the short journey to Germany.
As expected Solomon Eccles who led the national team to the 2017 Pan American Indoor Cup Men’s Tournament finals win, 7-0 over Argentina at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Georgetown, Guyana last October and he will have the core of his team from that team with him for Berlin stint.
They include, goalkeeper Ron Alexander, Jordan Reynos, Aidan De Gannes, Australia-based Akim Toussaint, Mikel Pierre, Kristien Emmanuel, Marcus James and England-based University student, Tariq Marcano.
The three players added to the team who were not involved in Guyana are goalkeeper Karlos Stephens, and attacking duo Shaquille Daniel and Andrew Vieira with goalkeeper Reiza Hosein, vice-captain Dwain Quan Chan and Mark Ayen the three players failing to keep their spots.
Quan Chan misses out due to a groin injury, Ayen has work commitments while a drop in form has costs Hosein his spot which goes to Stephens.
When the competition flicks off at the Max-Schmeling-Halle, T&T will come up against Czech Republic in their first Pool B, match on February 7 from 12.45pm (Germany Time) and then Poland at 7.30pm to close out the first day.
On February 8, the “Calypso Stickmen” will come up against Australia at 3.05pm and Kazakhstan from 10.05pm before closing out the round-robin series versus host Germany on February from 11.50am. Pool A comprises Austria, Belgium, Ireland, South Africa, Switzerland and Russia.
At the end of the round-robin phase, the top four teams in each pool will advance to the quarterfinals followed by the semifinals on February 10, and the third place playoff and final a day later.
Commenting after the team’s training session, Govia said he was satisfied with the effort of the players who have been training very hard getting their fitness in over 25 odd sessions to date, and two more left, today (Wednesday) and Friday.
He added, “A lot of emphasis has been put on all their “skills” passing ability and good sound basics and awareness on the court”.
“That type of sharpness will make them winners and once they believe, they can cause lots of trouble in Berlin on the court every game”.
“Our players are branded with a particular style of play, coach Darren Cowie and myself have understood that and we are going to work that brand”.
Looking ahead to the tournament in Germany, Govia said his only bit of worry from his team would be the goalscoring aspect as he still needs to emphasis on impact attacks and clinical finishing every opportunity his team gets.
“The firepower of likes of Mikel Peirre, Jordan Vieira and Akim Toussaint will cause some serious problems for coaches and defences up there.
A confident Govia ended, “This team is combined of good quality and enormous talent and explosive players, the mix of seniors with the younger fiery ones augers well for the two games a day competition”.
The T&T quartet of Alexander, Eccles, Toussaint and Pierre were all named to the Pan American Hockey Federation 2017 Pan American Indoor Elites Teams following their impressive display in Guyana in leading T&T to its first title in the event while Jordan Vieira who plays locally for Fatima was voted the 2017 T&T Hockey Board (T&THB) “Men’s Player of the Year”.
T&T MEN'S HOCKEY TEAM
Solomon Eccles (captain)
Ron Alexander
Jordan Reynos
Aidan De Gannes
Akim Toussaint
Mikel Pierre
Kristien Emmanuel
Marcus James
Tariq Marcano
Karlos Stephens
Shaquille Daniel
Andrew Vieira
Reiza Hosein.
The Trinidad Guardian
Hasan Sardar eyes Asian Games title as camp begins
Anwar Zuberi
KARACHI: Pakistan hockey team’s manager-cum-head coach, former Olympian Hasan Sardar said he is eyeing to regain the Asian Games title at Jakarta later this year in order to earn a direct ticket for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“The year 2018 is very important from our point of view as it has four important events lined up in the Commonwealth Games, the Champions Trophy, the Asian Games and the World Cup,” he told newsmen while supervising first day’s training session of the national hockey camp probables at the Abdul Sattar Edhi Stadium on Tuesday.
He is being assisted in the camp by coaches Mohammad Saqlain and Rehan Butt.
With the exception of five probables, 37 have reported in the camp. Three players namely Ammad Shakeel Butt, Azfar Yaqoob and Aleem Bilal were playing league in Malaysia while Rizwan and Rashid are expected to join by Wednesday.
Hasan, who has recently been inducted in the Hall of Fame by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) along with other legends, said his team’s first assignment will be a four-nation international tournament being held at Muscat next month. Besides Pakistan, other teams include Japan, Oman and South Korea.
Pakistan team will fly to Muscat on Feb 10, he added.
Hasan, a former Mumbai World Cup and Los Angeles Olympic gold medallist, said due to shortage of time, the players will undergo physical drill in the morning and match practice in the afternoon for three days before taking a day’s rest.
Trials will be held to select the team for the quadrangular event, he said.
He disclosed that plans are afoot to invite two to three specialist foreign coaches including for penalty corners and goalkeeping.
The former Olympian said the players will also have workouts in the gymnasium to improve their fitness. “The nutrition of players will also be improved,” he remarked.
Making comparison, he was of the view that the skills of Pakistani players were still better than the Europeans but they needed to improve in areas like goalkeeping, PC conversion and required to remain focussed to avoid blunders in matches.
It is pertinent to mention that Hasan had once managed the Pakistan team at the Afro-Asian Games hockey tournament held at India in 2003 where the greenshirts ended up with a silver medal.
He expressed his dismay on the renowned PC striker Sohail Abbas’ failure to lead the World XI in a two-match series. “The PHF honoured him (Sohail) by naming him captain besides offering the same purse of US$3,000 that was given to the foreign players.”
“Had he (Sohail) accepted the offer and led the World XI, he would have been my first choice as PC expert to train players in the camp for a reasonable honorarium,” he concluded.
Dawn
COAS meets international hockey players
RAWALPINDI: International hockey players, who have come for the World XI series, and Pakistan’s hockey legends met Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa here on Tuesday.
The COAS appreciated the Pakistan Hockey Federation’s initiative for bringing the international players to the country, according to Inter Services Public Relations statement.
Moreover, the COAS also assured the PHF of Pakistan Army’s support for the provision of security for international hockey matches and revival of Pakistan’s national game.
During the meeting, PHF president Brig (r) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar thanked the COAS for his keen interest and efforts towards sports activities in Pakistan.
The Daily Times
COAS assures full support for hockey
Kashif Abbasi
Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa poses with the World XI and Pakistan hockey legends on Tuesday. INP
ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa impressed hockey legends with his knowledge about the national game as he recalled center-forward Hasan Sardar’s magical goal in 1982’s Asia Cup in Karachi against arch-rival India.
In the final of 1982 Asia Cup, which Pakistan won comfortably, Hasan struck a superb field goal after piercing into the defence of India, beating five opponent defenders to net the ball.
“That superb field goal is still etched in my memory,” said the Army chief who on Tuesday met the international hockey players from the World XI hall of fame and the Pakistan greats including Hasan Sardar.
General Bajwa appreciated PHF’s initiative for bringing the world players to Pakistan and assured PHF of Pakistan Army’s support for provision of security for international hockey matches and revival of the national game.
The participants of the meeting told Dawn that Army chief requested the visiting players of the World XI to convince their countries to send their team to Pakistan which is a safe country for sports.
Secretary PHF Shahbaz Ahmed Sr observed that Army chief showed ample knowledge of hockey, cricket and other sports which was surprising and encouraging for participants of the meeting. “Even, while meeting with Dutch legendary player Paul Litjens, Bajwa recalled some of his superb goals against Pakistan,” Shahbaz said.
When contacted, President PHF Brigadier (retired) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar said the meeting was a highly encouraging one as the COAS assured him of all out support for promotion of hockey. “Army would provide foolproof security to all visiting teams and for Pakistan Hockey League,” he said.
Dawn
COAS vows tight security for int’l teams
World XI players, PHF high ups meet Army Chief
Mohsin Ali
ISLAMABAD - The hockey players World XI and hall of fame, including Pakistan hockey legends and PHF high ups, met with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa here at General Headquarters Tuesday.
The Army chief lauded the initiative of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for bringing the world players to Pakistan. He assured the PHF of Army’s all-out support for provision of security for international hockey matches and revival of the country’s national game.
Talking to The Nation, PHF president Brig (r) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar thanked Gen Bajwa for his keen interest and efforts for sports activities in Pakistan. “The COAS was highly satisfied with the efforts being made by the PHF for bringing international hockey and Hall of Fame super stars of Pakistan. He lauded the international players and legends for visiting the country and also assured his full support for return of international hockey to the country and promised to provide foolproof security to the visiting teams and players.”
Khokhar said not only international stars but living legends Islahuddin Siddiqui, Sami Ullah, Ch Akhtar Rasool, Shahnaz Sheikh and others were also present on the occasion. “The COAS promised to talk to government regarding provision of funds to the PHF, while he especially talked to Dutch players and urged them to bring their national team to Pakistan, saying Pak Army will provide them security and they will feel completely safe wherever they want to play hockey matches.”
Khokhar said the COAS also promised to provide every possible assistance to the federation in conducting Pakistan Hockey League (PHL) or any other international event. “The promise of COAS will help Pakistan hockey flourish and attract international teams and players to Pakistan. After successful conduct of matches in Karachi and Lahore, I am grateful to all, who were part of that historic occasion and I am also thankful to the COAS, as he is always been a huge support to not only hockey, but other sports as well.
“Being a sportsman himself, Gen Bajwa knows the importance of sports and involvement of youth could make huge difference. The way, the COAS invited us, lend a helping hand and promised every possible help to us, is really a morale-boosting and encouraging for the PHF and it will go a long way in helping the federation to invite international teams , send our teams and coaches abroad and youngsters will be the ultimate beneficiaries,” he added.
Khokhar said: “By the grace of Almighty and help of media, we were able to show the world that Pakistan is completely a safe country for hosting all kinds of international events and we are capable of providing the best security to the visiting teams and players. The way families, kids and former greats turned up in huge numbers in Karachi and Lahore, is quite encouraging and it shows that people still want to watch hockey.
“People will see gradually that we will invite top teams and players and conduct 4-nation event very soon. I once again extend open invitation to past legends to join hands with the federation, rather than criticising and levelling baseless allegations. They must work for the betterment of hockey in general and country in particular. By issuing such statements and levelling allegations against us, they will serve no purpose and inflict huge damages to Pakistan hockey,” he added.
“I took over as PHF chief to serve the national game and bring old glory days. The entire world has witnessed mega stars of international hockey along with world’s best known legends were in Pakistan. By creating fuss and negative propaganda, certain elements will get nothing. People want to see national and international hockey and we are working on that. The day is not so far when our players will start delivering. The way juniors played in the second match in Lahore was good enough to open eyes of certain lobby that the federation has been working tirelessly on the fresh lot, who are asset of Pakistan hockey,” Khokhar concluded.
The Nation
Squads released for Jaffa Super 6s Finals
Clubs have released their squads ahead of the Jaffa Super 6s Finals at the Copper Box Arena on 28 January with a whole host of international talent set to be on show!
Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh have been named in the East Grinstead squad, who go into the finals after finishing top of the Premier Division, while England goalkeeper Amy Tennant will also feature.
Great Britain gold medallist Sam Quek is included in the Bowdon Hightown squad as is their current top scorer and London 2012 bronze medallist Sally Walton.
In the men’s competition, reigning champions Surbiton have named three current England and GB stars with James Gall, Harry Gibson and Brendan Creed all included.
The full squad lists are below and you can still secure your seat to see these thrilling sides in action as they battle it out for the indoor crowns.
Women’s Finalists Squads
East Grinstead:
Amy Tennant, Pippa Lock, Pip Chapman, Bara Kavanova, Helen Richardson-Walsh, Zoe Burrell, Kate Richardson-Walsh, Abi Harper, Ashlie Caddick, Ruth Gordon, Joanna Davis, Miranda Caillard, Elspeth Cockburn, Amy Thompson
Bowdon Hightown:
Kirsty Mackay, Kayleigh Maw, Sally Walton, Alex Shaw, Lucy McNaught, Sarah Ingham, Michelle Liptrot, Tina Cullen, Beckie Middleton, Sam Quek, Charlene Mason, Amanda Ferebee
Leicester:
Caitlin Jeffries, Steph Tirrell, Izzi Fullwood, Kathryn Lane, Chloe Rogers, Kerry Williams, Lauren Turner, Katie Long, Lucy Briscoe, Nikki Laybourne, Phoebe Willars, Laura Khan, Rachael Mack
Holcombe:
Laura Myers, Sophie Eldred, Leigh Maasdorp, Emma Trunks, Aspen Cumming, Dirkie Chamberlain, Phillippa Lewis, Harriet Pittard, Eleanor Watton, Nicola White, Steph Elliott, Tanya Britz
Men’s Finalist Squads
Surbiton:
Harry Gibson, Mark Pearn, Rob Farrington, Johnny Gall, Arjan Drayton-Chana, Hendrik Geyer, Zach Wallace, Brendan Creed, Adam Buckle, Morgan Males, James Gall, Conor Williamson, Mark Haycroft, Taylor Seager-Green, Max Lowrey
East Grinstead:
Paddy Smith, Dan Faulkner, Ashley Jackson, Wesley Jackson, Dominic Bowden, Will Arthur, Tijn Van Groesen, Simon Faulkner, Matthew Blood, Ben Allberry, Ross Stott, Josh Conglio
Team Bath:
Stephen West, Oli Wickens, Andrew Eversden, John Jackson, Matt Simonds, Josh Mardell, Liam King, Ben Mackey, Adam Croutear, Peter Scott, Toby Vaughan, Cam Heald, Sam Anderson
Wimbledon:
Ollie Meyer-Bothling, James Bailey, Ben Tibble, Simon Mantell, Steven Ebbers, Peter Small, Andy Pett, Iain Gordon, Jonny Codling, Phil Ball, Jonty Griffiths, Ed Horler, Gareth Hall, Nathanael Stewart
England Hockey Board Media release
Hertzberger a contender for top scorer award in MHL
By Aftar Singh
KUALA LUMPUR: Dutch forward Jeroen Hertzberger is in the running for the top scorer award in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).
The 31-year-old has been in smashing form since making his debut for Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) in this year’s league. He has netted eight goals – five from penalty corners and three from open play in five matches in the Premier Division.
He scored a brace each against Tenaga, Maybank and Terengganu and one each against TNB-Thunderbolt and Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC).
Hertzberger is out to increase his goal tally when UniKL face Terengganu today at the Batu Buruk Hockey Stadium in Kuala Terengganu.
Last Sunday, both teams played to a 2-2 draw in a tense match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
A total of eight yellow cards – five for UniKL and three for Terengganu – were flashed in the match.
The university team are fourth in the standings with eight points from two wins, two draws and a defeat.
Hertzberger, who scored a record 32 goals for Rotterdam club in the Dutch League last year to win the top scorer award, was happy that he had delivered so far.
The Star of Malaysia