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XI South American Games Cochabamba 2018 (M) - Day 2
Cochabamba (BOL)

Results 31 May 2018

PER v PAR (Pool B)     1 - 1
CHI v BRA (Pool B)     3 - 0
URU v BOL (Pool A) 4 - 0
VEN v ARG (Pool A) 1 - 3

Pool Standings

Pool A

 Pool B

FIH Match Centre

Chile and Argentina secure their place in the semifinals

Patrick Espejo / PAHF


South American Games (2018mODESUR) Cochabamba 2018: Chile vs. Brazil. Photo Oscar Munoz Badilla.   

Cochabamba.In the second day of Cochabamba’s South American Games 2018, Chile and Argentina won their matches today and secured a place in the semifinals of the tournament that will qualify for next year's Pan American Games in Lima. The other two places will be defined on Saturday when the last games of the group stage are played.

In a really intense game Chile beated Brazil. The two goals of Axel Troncoso  and one from Fernando gave Chile the 3 goals of the victory. 'La Roja' unbeaten and with no goals against.

In the last game opf the day, Argentina,  had to work more than planned, rotate the ball and generate opportunities to finally generate a 3-1 over Venezuela. Martín Ferreiro opened the score 20 'and  Alan Andino in the minute 23 gave Argentina the second goal. The third goal came by a well executed penaly coprner by Tomás Bettaglio. Andy Adrián in a good collective action discounted for Venezuela.

IT WAS A TIE

Peru and Paraguay opened the day with a very even game, and with both teams working hard on defense. It was a close match until Federico Ruétalo (Paraguay) broke the 0-0  with a good touch over goalkeeper Felix Mafferetti. Two minutes for the end, Sebastián Dennison capitalized a penalty corner and scored for the Peruvians . The 1-1 meant the first point for both teams.

BOLIVIA EXCITED THE CROWD

Numerous public came to the facilities of the auxiliary field of Felix Capriles and by the time Bolivia jumped into the field for its second international match, this time against Uruguay, the stadium was crowded. The fans sang songs to encourage their players who made a great game, with a lot of order and a great physical display .

But the Uruguayan experience allowed them to take advantage. The goals of Gabriel Ferreira, Diego Laborde (penalty stoke), Agustín Rivero and Federico Iglesias gaved Uruguay a 4-0 that meant their  first points in the South American Games and a chance to get in the semifinals.

The men's hockey tournament will continue this Saturday.  9:00am  Brazil vs. Paraguay (Group B); at 11:00 am Argentina vs. Bolivia (Group A); 1:00pm Peru vs. Chile (Group B) and at 3:00pm Uruguay vs. Venezuela (Group A). The two best placed of each group will play the semifinals (1st vs. 2B and 2nd vs. 1B). The teams that occupy the third and fourth places in their series will also face each other in to define 5th to 8th positions.

The hockey at the Félix Capriles de Cochabamba will continue tomorrow with the second day of the women's tournament

Pan American Hockey Federation media release

2018 Test Matches: ARG v MAS (M) - 5th test
Buenos Aires (ARG)

ARG v MAS     1 - 1

Argentina lead the 6 test series 4 - 0

FIH Match Centre

Difficult time in Jakarta

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian men's hockey team is far from ready to claim their maiden gold at the Jakarta Asian Games on Aug 16-Sept 2.

The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) set a lofty target for coach Stephen van Huzien and his men, to become automatic qualifiers for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

For the record, Malaysia last played at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Judging by Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and the ongoing Six-Test matches against Argentina, Malaysia are in for a fight of their lives in Jakarta.

At the Commonwealth Games, Malaysia lost 7-0 to England, lost to India 2-1 and drew 1-1 with Pakistan. They could only beat Scotland 2-1, and Wales 3-0 to finish fifth.

And in the ongoing Argentina Tests, Malaysia lost all four (1-0, 6-1, 7-2, 2-1) and will play two more matches in the next few days.

One of the weak department is goalkeeping, as the gap between No 1 S. Kumar and Hairi Rahman is huge.

In the fourth Test, it was 1-1 until the fourth quarter: "We substituted Kumar to allow Hairi to play in the the last quarter and we were careless to concede an early penalty corner within 17 secs and they scored of a set-piece. We kept fighting to the end but couldn't get the equaliser. However, it was a much improved performance.," said van Huizen.

When asked is the goalkeeping department is a problematic area when Kumar is on the bench, van Huizens said: "I think the other goalkeepers have improved and need more matches to progress further in decision making during matches.

"Hairi and Hafiz (Hafizuddin Othman, third goalkeeper) have done reasonably well when Kumar was out (on a six-month doping ban) and we will continue to give them as many matches and exposure as possible.

"The goals we conceded here even when Kumar was playing is not entirely the goalkeepers' fault but also the defence and team as a whole."

So what is the problem in Argentina?

"The matches are tough and the tempo, skill level, physical strength and standard makes it hard for our players.

"Their ability to switch quickly and counter attack as well as their combination means that any error in marking or hesitation means they create goals coring chances. They have also scored some good penalty corner goals right at the top corner."

Today, Malaysia will play their Fifth Test against the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympians, who are blooding 10 new players in the series.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

Late winner for Ireland sees Scotland defeated in first match of Celtic Series


Lexi Sabatelli on her Scotland debut – Photo by Mark Pugh

Ireland won the first game of the Celtic Series 1-0 with a late penalty corner winner.

Robyn Collins won her 50th cap in a contest that was saw Scotland match the World Cup bound Irish team throughout the game. There were also debuts for  Glasgow School of Sport’s Lexi Sabatelli and Fran Lonergan.

It was an even and competitive opening to the match with both sides battling hard for possession.

Early doors Lucy Lanigan fought for the ball and slotted a delightful pass through for Lorna Cruickshank, but the ball got away from the forward as she tore into the Irish D.

Ireland won the game’s first penalty corner early in the second quarter but Katie Robertson was out like a shot to block the effort and keep the scores level.

Ireland began to get a foothold in the match and attacked the Scotland D, but they found the Tartan Hearts rear guard solid as the half ended at stalemate.

Into the second half and Scotland battled for the ball on the half way line and Katie Robertson sent Charlotte Watson running down the right; she picked out Sarah Jamieson who turned and smashed the ball low and just wide of the left post.

Ireland won a penalty corner and had Scottish bodies throwing themselves at the ball, but Lizzie Colvin battered her shot wide of the right post.


Photo by Mark Pugh

Then as Scotland pressed forward Lanigan stole the ball on the edge of the Irish D and Robertson let fly from an angle but narrowly missed the target.

As the third quarter reached a close Lexi Sabatelli chased the ball down into the right corner of the pitch and zipped a pass across goal, but Lanigan diving at full stretch couldn’t connect.

The fourth was end-to-end with both sides seeking victory. Lucy Camlin in goal for Scotland made a superb diving save to her right from a penalty corner to keep the lead from Ireland.

Ireland then took the lead from a penalty corner despite a brave attempt to stop it on the line. Naomi Carroll was the scorer for 1-0.

Scotland battled to the end but Ireland held on for the first win in the Celtic Series. The teams play again on Saturday at 15:00 before the final match of the series on Sunday at 11am.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Sardar Singh's return to India's Champions Trophy squad reflects coach Harendra Singh's emphasis on fast, skilful hockey

Sundeep Misra


File image of Sardar Singh, who returned to Indian team after missing CWG 2018. Reuters

Forget the Commonwealth Games; that chapter is over. And after much din over player selection, tactics and unnecessary attitude, Indian hockey has taken a step forward with a team that reflects the mindset of the new coach Harendra Singh. It’s been relatively quiet since he took over, but in the options process where former captain and midfielder Sardar Singh makes a comeback; two notable inclusions are Birendra Lakra and Surender Kumar. The other conspicuous omissions are Rupinder Pal Singh, reserve goalkeeper Suraj Karkera, Gurjant Singh, Kothajit Singh, Sumit and Lalit Upadhyay.

Of the chosen few, Vivek Sagar Prasad’s name stands out as someone who copped quite a bit of criticism, most of it based on a probable ‘too early inclusion’ into the national team. But for the selection committee that brought him into the CWG team, it would be an endorsement of Harendra’s belief that Vivek has a ‘bright future and does deserve a second chance’. In fact, Harendra said, “He did well in the camp and let’s not block his progress.”

Coming down to the Champions Trophy, an important pit stop on the way to the Asian Games and the World Cup, Harendra speaks about form, fitness and the hunger to wear India colours. He doesn’t beat around the bush when asked whether this Champions Trophy team reflects his philosophy on team selection, his belief in the outliers and whether this is a precursor to what we might expect when AG and WC teams are announced.

“I don’t believe in experimentation,” he says. “Players need mental stability to be able to understand and perform. You cannot keep a player out of the team and ask him to keep performing in the camp. The formula is simple and I believe that’s the way it is across the world — players who are in form will be selected and that will be the test at the Champions Trophy.”

Harendra is also clear that any dip in form will not be tolerated and that there is a ‘thin line’ between the ones outside and the 18 selected. “Let nobody take their spots for granted,” he adds. Pushed a little further, he adds, “If these boys perform, well, they should play the Asian Games.” But exhorts, “Let’s not get too ahead and ensure that the team performs and reaches the Champions Trophy podium.”

On the inclusion of Birendra Lakra and Surender Kumar, both out of the CWG team and now back in, he says form was the key factor. He is very hopeful that Rupinder Pal Singh will find his way back into the squad. “He has to perform at 200 percent and then he is also a tested player and has performed in various tournaments,” says Harendra. “We need to give another opportunity to Lakra who hasn’t played after the HWL Finals.”

The national coach is most excited about the inclusion of Jarmanpreet Singh. “He had a wonderful domestic season and he was at par with the rest in the camp,” says Harendra on the Surjit Singh Academy-player. “What I like about him is that he can play all four positions in the defence — central, free, right and left defender. Mostly you see players get confined into zones but this boy has the skill and easily slips into different roles.”

It also brings us back to the point that without Rupinder Pal Singh, effectively, you have Harmanpreet Singh as the sole and only penalty corner (PC) convertor. In times when PCs decide the fate of a match, especially in the furiously, fast paced 3rd and 4th quarter, won’t that be a pressure zone for Harmanpreet and the team? The answer is a furious ‘No’.

“We have Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas, who have been doing well in the camp. So to say that we only have one is not true. Yes, they need to perform and that is what has been told to them. It’s a defender plus PC convertor role. So the responsibility is greater.” Harendra also thinks that with injures, not believing in the other two PC convertors spells danger.

Sardar Singh’s inclusion throws up the obvious query — if the selection committee didn’t want him at the HWL Finals, four-nation in New Zealand and the CWG, what did they suddenly see that they couldn’t earlier? Harendra doesn’t elaborate. “I am going by fitness and form of the player and what someone did in the past, doesn’t help anybody,” he says. “He strengthens the midfield and it is up to him and the others to make most of the Champions Trophy tournament.”

The word purge might be inappropriate, looking at the forward line, but with Gurjant Singh and Lalit Upadhyay out, it’s not surprising either. Gurjant played in the Junior World Cup under Harendra and Lalit’s play does define Harendra’s thinking about a player — skilful, cerebral and strong in the basics. “But there is only that many that can get into an 18-man squad,” he reasons.

With Ramandeep Singh and Sumit Kumar (jr) back into the team, it is but fair that Akashdeep Singh’s inclusion after a bad CWG would raise a few eyebrows. “He is a proven player and that one bad outing doesn’t mean that he couldn’t make his way back,” explains Harendra. “The entire group was in the camp and we picked players on the way they performed under training and we believe that a couple of players will always force their way in, looking at injuries, form and fitness, the rest core group will always be there.”

Harendra believes that the ones sitting outside are "not out of the team as players like Rupinder and Kothajit don’t need exposure anymore." The same explanation is for the dropping of Suraj Karkera who makes way for Krishan Bahadur Pathak. “Karkera has played in quite a few tournaments and done well,” he says. “So we thought let’s go with Pathak and let him understand the pressure of a Champions Trophy.” There is no doubt that India has good goalkeepers and the fight for the second spot will always be hotly contested.

It’s an important team selection, probably more important than even the CWG. With a change in management, there is pressure. But the team selection also reflects the way coach Harendra wants to move — faster hockey with a set of forwards that combine skill with speed. Akashdeep symbolises everything delightful about the sport with Sunil and Ramandeep using speed as weapons. In Dilpreet, Harendra has a forward who has a knack of being in the right spot while Sumit gives us a glimpse of what the future might hold. But the most interesting aspect would be to see Harendra bring back that poacher’s instinct in Mandeep Singh, who is too inconsistent and temperamental at the moment.

But it’s the midfield where most of the focus would lie. Manpreet Singh, who did expect to go as captain till the World Cup will hopefully breathe easy and get over the disappointment despite the fact that hockey captains do have a role but it’s the coach who calls the shots. Harendra needs an aggressive Manpreet who drives the central zone with the tactical mind of a Sardar and the overlapping pace of Chinglensana. Vivek can only flower in the company of Sardar and Manpreet and one believes that Harendra will play him more asking the youngster to drive into the opposition striking circle.

Harendra doesn’t want the team to be a participant. “Champions Trophy is the road to the Asian Games and the World Cup and we cannot take it lightly,” he says. “It’s the podium that is important. We also need to get that winning habit. I know the skill is there.”

Breda in Holland will see some fixes to the Indian team. Of late, there has been chaos; but Indian hockey has witnessed worse before. The challenge for Harendr, apart from winning, is to bring structure to that chaos.

Firstpost

Sardar finds favour again

Lakra, Ramandeep also included for Champions Trophy

Shreedutta Chidananda


Sardar Singh. 

Veteran midfielder Sardar Singh was recalled as Hockey India named an 18-member squad for the Champions Trophy on Thursday. The experienced pair of Birendra Lakra and Ramandeep Singh was also brought back while uncapped 21-year-old Jarmanpreet Singh was called up for the first time.

Sardar appeared to have reached the end of the road when he was left out of the Indian team for the HWL Final and Commonwealth Games but the 31-year-old seems back in favour under Harendra Singh. Lakra and Ramandeep had not been part of the CWG squad either.

“The three of them have earned their place in the team,” said the chief coach. “They have shown improvement and proven their fitness. It’s not that they are there because I have selected them.”

Rupinder Pal Singh and Kothajit Singh have been left out of the side but Harendra stated that they had been rested and not dropped.

“We have rested Rupinder because it’s a chance to try out Jarmanpreet Singh. Kothajit has been rested because we want to take a look at Lakra. We will have healthy competition and a bigger pool of players for the Asian Games.”

Rupinder’s absence leaves Harmanpreet Singh as India’s only experienced penalty-corner specialist, but Harendra was not concerned.

“Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas have proven themselves in the HIL. In the absence of Rupinder, it is an opportunity for all three,” he said.

The Champions Trophy will begin in Breda in the Netherlands on June 23, with India to start its campaign against Pakistan.

The team: Goalkeepers: P.R. Sreejesh (capt.), Krishan Bahadur Pathak; Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, Surender Kumar, Jarmanpreet Singh, Birendra Lakra, Amit Rohidas; Midfielders: Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam, Sardar Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad; Forwards: S.V. Sunil, Ramandeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Sumit Kumar (Jr.), Akashdeep Singh and Dilpreet Singh.

The Hindu

Sardar Singh, Birendra Lakra return to Indian hockey team for Champions Trophy


Sardar Singh , AFP

Former captain Sardar Singh was on Thursday brought back to bolster the Indian hockey team's mid-field while Birendra Lakra was included to shore up the defence line-up for the upcoming Champions Trophy, beginning on June 23 in Breda, The Netherlands.

Hockey India announced the 18-man squad for the last edition of the prestigious event and made a lot of changes to the side, to be led by goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.

Sardar was not part of the Indian team, which had a disappointing outing at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. He was expected to reclaim his place in the side after being included in the national training camp in Bengaluru.

Also making a comeback to the side is Lakra, who like Sardar, was not part of the CWG squad.

The selectors have dropped defenders Rupinder, Kothajit Singh and Gurinder Singh while Jaramanpreet Singh and Surendra Kumar were included.

Among the strikers, the axe fell on Lalit Upadhyay and Gurjant Singh as Ramandeep Singh earned his place back.

The selectors also replaced goalkeeper Suraj Karkera with Krishan Bahadur Pathak. Sreejesh, under whose captaincy India won a silver in the last edition, said the team is determined to do well.

India had lost the final to world number one Australia and it was their first podium finish at the event after 34 years.

"I think that was the closest we came to winning the gold and most importantly beating Australia. Though we had to settle for a second place, it was a memorable tournament. This time too, we want to make it a memorable one as it's the last edition of the prestigious event," said Sreejesh.

Chief coach Harendra Singh made it clear that the players have to do well to be in the reckoning for a place in the Asian Games squad.

"It is an extremely important tournament for the players to showcase their firepower as the team for the forthcoming Asian Games in Jakarta will be picked on the basis of performance at the Commonwealth Games and the Champions Trophy," Singh said.

"While this team will be put to test against another Asian powerhouse Pakistan who we will face in the Asian Games, the Champions Trophy will provide the ideal platform to see where we stand against higher-ranked teams like Australia, Belgium, The Netherlands and Argentina in the lead up to the World Cup," he added.

India will begin their campaign at the Champions Trophy against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 23.

Indian Team

Goalkeepers: Sreejesh Parattu Raveendran (C), Krishan Bahadur Pathak

Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, Surender Kumar, Jarmanpreet Singh, Birendra Lakra and Amit Rohidas.

Midfielders: Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam (VC) Sardar Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad.

Forwards: Sunil Sowmarpet Vitalacharya, Ramandeep Singh Mandeep Singh, Sumit Kumar (Jr.) Akashdeep Singh and Dilpreet Singh.

Daily News & Analysis

Jarmanpreet endures dope ban, makes it to Indian hockey team

Manuja Veerappa

BENGALURU: As a teenager, when Jarmanpreet was picked by Punjab Warriors for the 2015 Hockey India League (HIL), he was touted as a star defender in the making. He had been part of the 2013 Junior World Cup camp and was also among the probables for the 2016 edition of the tournament, which India went on to win at home.

But his career hit a major roadblock in February 2015 when he failed a random dope test during HIL. After his samples tested positive for 19-norandrosterone, a metabolite of nandrolone (an anabolic steroid), he copped a two-year ban after it was established at a National Anti-Doping Agency hearing that the prohibited substance in his body was not intentionally injected.

Jarmanpreet had contested that the failed test was a result of an injection administered by a medical practitioner in his home town, Amritsar, for lower back pain in December 2014.

Playing for ONGC after his ban ended last year, the 23-year-old turned in many match-winning performances that caught the attention of Hockey India’s high performance director David John. After figuring among the 50 core probables recently, the Punjabi made the Indian team for the Champions Trophy, which was announced on Thursday.

Speaking about Jarmanpreet, John told TOI, “Credit to Jarmanpreet for not giving up and to ONGC for keeping faith in him. It is the responsibility of each player to be aware of doping violations. It is unfortunate that as a naïve youngster he went to a doctor who was unaware of banned substances and Jarmanpreet paid a heavy price for it.”

John said they watched Jarmanpreet since he returned from the ban. “I’ve watched him play in the inter-petroleum tournament and at the senior Nationals. What I saw was a supremely fit player with outstanding skill sets. He is an attacking defender who plays smart hockey. We wanted to give him an opportunity to rebuild his career and Champions Trophy offers that opportunity. It is an important tournament for him with the Asian Games and World Cup scheduled this year. He was among the top 2-3 players at the selection trials. I’m glad the boy did not give up on hockey and his dreams.”

The Times of India

Pakistan hockey captain hopeful of etching name in Champions Trophy history

By Nabil Tahir


ONLY THE BEST SURVIVE: Pakistan hockey team will fly to Netherlands for the third phase of their training camp where the final 18-member squad will be announced for the Champions Trophy. PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: Pakistan hockey team captain Muhammad Rizwan Senior is eyeing victory in the 2018 edition of the Champions Trophy to be held at Breda in Netherlands from June 23 to July 1.

A 22-member squad for the event was announced by chief selector Islahuddin Siddiqui on Thursday after day-long trials, after which Rizwan said they want to etch their name in the history books by winning the last-ever Champions Trophy.

“We have working hard since the past month and are focusing on fitness too. We all want to win this edition of the Champions Trophy so that Pakistan becomes the inaugural and the last winners of the title,” Rizwan told The Express Tribune.

Islahuddin was the captain of the Pakistan side that won the inaugural Champions Trophy and Rizwan says the former naming him the captain places a big responsibility on his shoulders.

“Our chief selector is the one who led team Pakistan to victory in the first edition and now he has selected me to lead the team in the last edition; I don’t want to disappoint anyone,” he said. “We will be facing the top five teams of the world, but we are confident to give them a tough time.”

In the first phase of the team’s training for the tournament in Abbottabad, the focus was set on fitness. Moving on to the second phase at the Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium, team worked on their game play.

The team will fly to Netherlands for the third phase of the camp where the final 18-member squad will be announced for the Champions Trophy.

“Our fitness level has become better,” said Rizwan. “We have been facing fitness issues in the recent international tournaments and it has been one of the factors affecting our performances. Our new coach and fitness trainer has worked on each player to help them attain peak fitness.”

Meanwhile, team manager Hassan Sardar revealed that Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has hired a penalty corner and a goalkeeping coach in Netherlands.

“The team in their last phase will be focused on specialisation areas like forward play, penalty corners and goalkeeping,” said Sardar. “We have a penalty corner specialist Mubashir Ali who has been performing well in the recent past but we have also included experienced Aleem Bilal to strengthen our goal scoring. We have seen that forwards are unable to convert moves into goals, so that is where we will be working in the last phase.”

Sardar added that Pakistan are scheduled to play five practice games before the actual tournament — three against Austria, one against the Netherlands and two against local teams.

Pakistan’s 22-man squad

Mohammad Rizwan Senior (c), Imran Butt, Mazhar Abbas, Amjad Ali, Irfan Senior, Mubashir Ali, Aleem Bilal, Ammad Shakeel Butt, Touseeq Arshad, Rashid Ali, Tasawwar Abbas, Rizwan Jr, Abu Bakar, Irfan Jr, Arsalan Qadir, Umar Bhutta, Rizwan Sr, Shafqat Rasool, Ali Shan, Azfar Yaqoob, Aijaz and Rana Sohail.

The Express Tribune

Pakistan hockey squad leaves for Netherlands on Sunday

KARACHI: The trio comprising Tazeemul-Hasan, Faisal Qadir and Ateeq Arshad were shown the door as the selectors on Thursday announced an extended 22-member Pakistan hockey squad for the 37th Champions Trophy to be held at Breda, Netherlands from June 23 to July 1. The team leaves for Amsterdam on Sunday, three weeks ahead of the competition, where they play five practice matches before finalising the 18 players for the event. “The purpose of sending four extra players is aimed at preparing a winning combination for the Jakarta Asian Games which is our main target,` chief selector Islahuddin Siddiqui, flanked by former Olympian and team manager Hasan Sardar, told newsmen while announcing the team at the Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium.

Islah said the selection was ‘unanimous and performance-based’ which was evident from the fact that some players had made a comeback in the team. “The doors are open for players who couldn’t earn selection to prove their mettle again,” he added. Asked to explain the reason as to why no player from Karachi, which had served as one of the biggest nurseries of the game in the yesteryears, was in the team, he admitted only 48 players turned up in the open trials convened by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) despite rich talent available in the metropolis.

Responding to a query, Sardar said the Holland event would benefit the greenshirts to play against the top European teams besides archrivals India. “We will go all out to achieve better results in the Trophy,” the former Olympian remarked. Sardar said after losing to India four times in a row by big margins, his boys held them to a two-all draw at the Commonwealth Games which was a sign of improvement.

He replied in affirmative when asked if the ratio of penalty corner conversion had improved. “Both Mubbashir and Aleem Bilal are scoring goals on penalty corners but the forwards are not performing up to the mark,” he remarked annoyingly. To another question, he said Abottabad boot camp was exclusively set up to improve the physical fitness of players under the Australian trainer Daniel Berry and that had had the desired impact. He went on to say that besides head coach Roleant Oltmans and physical trainer Berry, the PHF had hired the services of a specialised goalkeeping coach and penalty corner expert in Holland to improve the team’s skills.

At the outset, the probables who were attending the camp, appeared in three sessions of ten minutes each in the trials which were watched among others by the PHF President Khalid Sajjad Khokhar, secretary general Shahbaz Ahmed, selectors Islahuddin, Ayaz Mahmood and Farhat Khan besides the team management. Two selectors Mussadiq Hussain and Qasim Khan were conspicuous by their absence.

Pakistan squad: Imran Butt, MazharAbbas, Amjad Ali (goal-keepers), Irfan Sr, Mubbashir Ali, Aleem Bilal, Ammad Shekeel Butt (vice-captain), Touseeq Arshad, Rashid Ali, Tasawwar Abbas, Rizwan Jr, Abu Bakar Mahmood, Ifan Jr, Arsalan Qadir, Umer Bhuttta, Rizwan Sr (captain), Shafqat Rasool, Ali Shan, Azfar Yaqoob, Aijaz, Rana Suhail and Mohammad Dilber.

Officials: Hasan Sardar (manager), Roelant Oltmans (head coach), Rehan Butt, M Saq1ain (coaches), Daniel Berry (physical trainer).

The Daily Times

Indian captain Rani Rampal returns to women's hockey squad for Spain Tour as part of World Cup preparations


File picture of Rani Rampal (c). AFP

New Delhi: Rejuvenated after a break, skipper and ace striker Rani Rampal on Friday returned to the 20-strong Indian women's hockey team announced for the tour of Spain starting 12 June.

The Indian team will play a five-match series against the Spanish team as part of its build-up for the World Cup in July in London.

The team will have goalkeeper Savita as vice-captain. Youngster Swati has been called up as the back-up goalkeeper for the tournament.

Rani had been rested from theAsian Champions Trophy where India won a silver medal.

India's defence will see the return of experienced Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam. She will be joined by Sunita Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka, Suman Devi Thoudam, Deepika and drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur.

In the midfield, Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz, Monika, Neha Goyal, Navjot Kaur and Nikki Pradhan will hold fort.

India's forward-line will see skipper Rani return to action after being rested for the Asian Champions Trophy.

Experienced forward Vandana Katariya, who was adjudged as the Player of The Tournament in Asian Champions Trophy, too has been included along with Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Udita and Anupa Barla.

"Also, this tournament provides us a platform to fine tune our game before the World Cup and the Asian Games in Jakarta," said chief coach Sjoerd Marijne.

"We will rotate players a lot during this tour because as much as getting good matches ahead of important tournament like the World Cup is essential, keeping the players fresh is also important," he added.

The Team:

Goalkeepers: Savita (VC), Swati

Defenders: Sunita Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka, Suman Devi Thoudam, Deepika, Gurjit Kaur, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam

Midfielders: Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz, Monika, Neha Goyal, Navjot Kaur, Nikki Pradhan

Forwards: Rani (C), Vandana Katariya, Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Udita, Anupa Barla.

Daily News & Analysis

50 Days to go: A new chapter begins


Netherlands Maartje Paumen will be hoping her old team-mates can lift the trophy again in London Photo: FIH/WSP

The Vitality Women’s Hockey World Cup is now just 50 days away and the excitement is ramping up in host city London and all around the world.

The 2018 edition is the 14th Hockey World Cup, with the first event taking place in 1974 in Mandelieu, France. On that occasion the champions were Netherlands and, indeed, it is the Netherlands who are the reigning champions after they put on an outstanding performance to beat Australia in front of a vociferous 15,000-strong home crowd in 2014 in The Hague.

Star of the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 was the Dutch captain Maartje Paumen, scorer of seven goals – three penalty corners and four penalty strokes. “Paumen, she’s a killer, a lot of pressure but she does it always,” said team mate Kim Lammers in praise of her talismanic captain.

The gold medal proved to be Paumen’s last major gold. She missed the 2015 EuroHockey Championships where her team fell at the final hurdle to a resurgent England and she missed out on gold at the Rio 2016 Games – where the Netherlands took silver behind Great Britain.

Another player looking to light up the stage in the Hague for once last time as her career passed its zenith was Argentinian hero Luciana Aymar. The charismatic and elegant midfielder, who was FIH Player of the Year an unprecedented eight times, was hoping to end her career on a high. In the event, Aymar picked up a hamstring injury and Las Leonas left with a bronze medal after beating wild card USA into fourth place.

But even as the players who graced our hockey stage in 2014 have departed in the intervening years, there are new heroes seeking to take their place.

At just 18 years, Madison Doar has all the makings of a new Black Sticks superstar. It took just two games for the attacking midfielder to score her first senior international goal and she will be hoping to increase her current tally of five as her team launch a bid for a first World Cup gold medal.

Haruki Nagai of Japan has more than 125 caps to her name and yet she is only just entering her hockey prime. At 23-years-old, Nagai is an outstanding defender, whose stability at the heart of Japan's defence will be a vital component of the Cherry Blossom's performance in London.

Erin Matson is the new bright hope for USA. The teenager is hard-working, talented and prepared to take risks. She is also a born goalscorer and has already proven herself a match winner on the big stage with her performance at the Hockey World League Semi-Finals in Johannesburg.

Germany's defence is renown for its discipline and structure – qualities normally built around hardened veterans of a squad. With 72 caps to her name, Nike Lorenz is no stranger to international competition but at 21 years of age, she is a relative youngster for Die Danas. Calm under pressure and immaculate with her distribution, Lorenz is key to Germany's defence.

Just when opposition thought they had seen the last of Dutch-woman Maartje Paumen dominating the field, along came Maartje Krekelaar. The attacking midfielder mesmerises opponents with her close stick skills and delivers the ball with fearsome accuracy. She may not yet have Maartje's aura of invincibility but she is a star of the future.

FIH site

What is the FIH Hockey World Cup?



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - It’s the second biggest stage for our sport. It’s held every four years. It encompasses the world’s greatest teams. But what is the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey World Cup? What is its history and how did it become so prevalent in the world of field hockey?

The idea of the first-ever Hockey World Cup was conceived by Pakistan’s Air Marshal, Nur Khan, who proposed it to the FIH through Patrick Rowley. This idea was approved on October 26, 1969 and adopted by the FIH Council in April 1970. The FIH proclaimed the inaugural men’s Hockey World Cup would be held in October 1971 in Pakistan. However, political issues prevented the first competition from being played in the country as the FIH inadvertently scheduled it to be played during the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Given the intense political climate, the FIH decided to move the tournament elsewhere. In March 1971, the first men’s Hockey World Cup was moved to the Real Club de Polo grounds in Barcelona, Spain. This inaugural event was the tournament’s smallest World Cup to date with only ten teams competing. The first three men’s Hockey World Cups were held every two years, and in 1978 was reverted to every four, which is mid-cycled between the Summer Olympic Games.

Since its inception, twenty-four men’s teams have qualified for the Hockey World Cup and eleven of these made it the semifinals. To date, Pakistan has been the most successful team, with four titles in six appearances. The Netherlands has three titles in six appearance, and more recently, Australia has been on the rise winning in 2010 and 2014, and now has three titles in five appearances.

In 1974, the first Women’s Hockey World Cup was organized by the International Federation of Women’s Hockey Association (IFWHA) and took place in Mandelieu, France. This remained true until 1982 when the IFWHA merged with the FIH. Since 1986, it has been held regularly once every four years, the same years as the men’s competition.

Of the thirteen women’s tournaments held so far, only four teams have ever won the event. The Netherlands is the most successful team, having won the title seven times and is the most recent winner in 2014. Argentina, Germany and Australia are joint second-best teams, having each won the title twice.

The size of the Hockey World Cup has changed over time. Some were very small featuring ten competition teams. In 2018, the event will expand to 16 teams, and the FIH will evaluate the possibility of increasing it to 24 in 2022.

Men’s Past Winners:

2014: Australia
2010: Australia
2006: Germany
2002: Germany
1998: The Netherlands

Women’s Past Winners:

2014: The Netherlands
2010: Argentina
2006: The Netherlands
2002: Argentina
1998: Australia

So who will take home this sough-after, cherished prize? The Hockey World Cup brings everything – drama, excitement, tension, heartbreak and joy. It is the parchment on which new hockey stories will be written. For more information regarding the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup, continue to follow USA Field Hockey’s #Gr1tForGlory campaign by visiting the official event page by clicking here. #Gr1tForGlory

USFHA media release

Parents need to be seen supporting athletes’ careers in sport

By Richard Bright


Giselle Ansley and her mum, Sue, discuss their life in hockey

England Hockey launches campaign to leverage hosting the women’s Hockey World Cup on home soil – and enhance public perception

Ellie Watton is recalling the time she returned to her family home in Derbyshire after missing out on selection for the 2015 EuroHockey Championships – the last major event hosted in London.

Nearly three years on from missing out on playing in front of a home crowd, Watton is at Bisham Abbey on a video call to her parents, Deb and Paul.

“I remember coming home and crying quite a lot and you guys helping me through it,” Watton, 29 this month, reveals.

The response from her father is one that resonates across the #BehindEveryGreatPlayer video, which launched on Friday to mark the 50-day countdown to the Vitality women’s Hockey World Cup next month.

It is one of watching of her daughter simply benefiting from playing sport.

“We have enjoyed watching you progress, for us as parents it’s one of our proudest moments,” said Paul, as her daughter wipes away a tear.

Watton is one of a host of current England players featured in the campaign which highlights the support network behind achieving sporting success: be it family, friends, coaches, physios or volunteers.

Defender Giselle Ansley, who also stars in the campaign with her mum, Sue, said: “I was introduced to the sport of hockey almost from birth – my mum used to take me to games in my pram.


You need to get involved as a parent, says Gill Defroand (left)

“From my first moments playing hockey, my mum has always been right by my side supporting me through thick and thin.”

England Hockey’s mission is to leverage hosting the World Cup on home soil to enhance the public perception of hockey across the country.

According to the governing body, the number of young girls playing the sport has doubled since 2012.

Emily Defroand, pictured above with her mum as a young hockey player, kick started the campaign at an event in London on Thursday night, on a panel featuring Sam Quek, the 2016 Olympian.

Gill said that parents’ involvement is key, either as a taxi service, helping the coaches or even picking up the cones at training sessions.

“It’s very important that the parents are there supporting their children,'” she says.

The Hockey Paper

WC Will Be Challenging Says Medical Officer Nayak

Tazeen Qureshy



For almost nine years, Col (Dr) BK Nayak has maintained an unbreakable bond with Indian hockey. He has been with the team through its rough phases and has also shared glory with them. Now, with less than six months to go for the Hockey World Cup scheduled in Bhubaneswar from November, the army doctor can’t wait to ‘officially’ discharge his duty.

“I am extremely honoured that FIH has considered an Indian doctor for the role of a Medical Officer for the prestigious World event. This is the biggest moment in my career and I feel blessed to be selected. It is very challenging. I have to plan everything in advance and look into all minute details, so that I can stand up to my responsibilities,” he says.

A native of Bhubaneswar, the host city of the tournament, and the first Indian to be appointed as Medical Officer, for the World Cup, he is naturally extra happy about his appointment.

Col (Dr) Nayak’s stint with hockey dates back to 2009, when the team was prepping up for the Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010. The Indian Hockey Federation had been disbanded a few months earlier and Hockey India, the new governing body, was looking for a revamp in the whole system.

“They (Hockey India) wanted some medical expert who had prior knowledge of sports. We brought in a lot of novelty in the process. We started doing a ‘baseline test’ on the first day of the camp. We introduced scientific methods in training. All the latest physical gadgets were used to gauge the fitness level,” explains Col. (Dr) Nayak.

In fact, it was one of the first step towards developing a fit team – a key aspect in modern hockey.

“We would have extensive physical tests for first three days during the camp. We would monitor everything - blood parameter, hormonal parameter, fat percentage, aerobic capacity, strength evaluation, speed, lactic acid, maximum heart rate and a lot more. Evert 4-6 week, we would re-evaluate all parameters to check if the training was beneficial,” he recalls.

Over the years, his bond with hockey grew stronger and he went on to accompany the team in Sultan Azlan Shah Shah Cup (2009 and 2010), Commonwealth Games (2010), Asian Games (2010), Hockey World Cup (2010) and Asian Champions Trophy, (2012).

Though he has shared the success with the team, he has also seen players go through rough patches. The career-threatening knee injury of SV Sunil in 2010, is one of the worsts, which he has seen from close quarters.

“The bone on his right-knee was dead. We sent it to Japan for harvesting and later it was sent back to re-implant. It was very expensive and the rehab was difficult too, but Sunil did his best,” Col (Dr) Nayak says, adding that PR Sreejesh and Birendra Lakra are the other two fit players in the team, who have a lot of resilience.

But, who is his favourite player? “You will get me killed if I take one name,” he says jokingly, adding Australian Jamie Dwyer’s name to be on the safe side.

Stick2Hockey.com

Craig Fulton To Step Down As Green Machine Head Coach



Hockey Ireland today announce that Craig Fulton, head coach of Ireland men’s hockey team, is stepping down from the role. Fulton has been at the helm of the Green Machine since 2014 and is moving on to pastures new as assistant coach to the Belgian men’s national team.

Fulton’s record speaks for itself and his history-making tenure has seen Ireland win a European bronze medal, qualify for the Olympics Games and most recently qualify for the upcoming World Cup.  Fulton said “It has been an absolute honour and a pleasure to have been Head Coach of the Irish mens team since 2014. Great teams are made up of great individuals and I am very proud to say that this has been the case with the players that I have been fortunate enough to coach.

I am proud that the Irish Mens Team, together with the support of the Irish hockey community made history. To David Harte and the Irish mens squad all the best for the World Cup and beyond, may this team continue to inspire the next generation of hockey players”.

Fulton’s final match series in charge will come in June when Ireland face France in 3 matches in Cork. Following that series the current team assistant coaches Jonny Caren, Kai de Jager and John Bessell will lead the side as Hockey Ireland begin the recruitment process. 

Fulton was quick to acknowledge those coaches and the other members of the backroom team “Thank you to all the Irish Senior Mens staff from 2014 to date, none of the progress would have been possible without your drive and dedication. I would also like to thank Hockey Ireland, Sport Ireland, Sport NI and the Olympic Council of Ireland for the unwavering support, long may it continue so as to help push the team forward yet again.

I look forward to taking on a new role with the Belgium Hockey Federation in the near future and I am excited about the new challenges that lie ahead”.  Commenting on Fulton’s decision, Hockey Ireland CEO Jerome Pels said “We would like to thank Craig for all he has done for the Green Machine and Irish hockey as a whole over many years. We understand and respect his decision to move on to Belgian Hockey, and thanks to the structures he has put in place we are confident the senior men’s team will continue to thrive and make history. We wish Craig every success in his new role and all his future endeavours”.

Irish Hockey Association media release

Irish Men's head coach Craig Fulton steps down


Fulton (centre) celebrates with Ronan Gormley after their 4-2 win over Canada at the Rio Olympics

Craig Fulton will leave his position as Ireland men's head coach this summer to take up a new role as assistant coach to the Belgian national team.

Fulton, who led the team to Rio 2016, will end his tenure after a three-match series against France in June.

Assistant coaches Jonny Caren, Kai de Jager and John Bessell will take charge until a replacement is found.

"It has been an absolute honour and a pleasure to have been head coach of the Irish team since 2014," said Fulton.

"Great teams are made up of great individuals and I am very proud to say that this has been the case with the players that I have been fortunate enough to coach."

The former South African international, who succeeded Australian Andrew Meredith as Ireland coach, also helped the team to a European bronze medal finish in 2015 and secured their qualification to the World Cup in India later this year.

"I am proud that the Irish men's team, together with the support of the Irish hockey community, made history," added Fulton.

"To David Harte and the Irish men's squad all the best for the World Cup and beyond, may this team continue to inspire the next generation of hockey players".

Fulton, 43, will take up his new role with Belgium, who are third in the world rankings, seven places ahead of Ireland, before the start of the World Cup on 28 November.

BBC Sport

Malaysian juniors to play in six-nation tourney

KUALA LUMPUR: The national junior hockey team will feature in a six-nation tournament in Antwerp, Belgium, from July 14-21.

The tournament is part of their preparation for the Sultan of Johor Cup at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru from Oct 14-21.

The other teams to feature in Antwerp are Britain, India, Ireland, Holland and hosts Belgium.

Coach Nor Saiful Zaini said the tournament would be the first competition for his players.

“It will be a good preparation as we will get to play against top teams from Europe like Holland, Britain and Belgium and World Juniors defending champion India,” said the former international.

“Although the tournament is for junior players aged below 21, each country is allowed to include six players who are below 23.

“We might include a few players from the national senior team who are below the age of 23 to play in the tournament.

“But I have to get the approval of national chief coach Stephen (van Huizen) to release the players for the tournament,” said Nor Saiful.

Among the national senior players in this category are Muhd Farizal Jazlan, Muhd Najib Hassan, Muhd Nik Aiman Nik Rozemi, Muhd Amirol Aideed Mohd Arshad, Syed Muhd Syafiq Syed Cholan and Norshafiq Sumantri.

Stephen is unlikely to release the players as the national senior team are going to Australia in July to play a few Test matches in preparation for the Asian Games in Jakarta from Aug 18-Sept 2.

The Star of Malaysia

Northcliff High, De La Salle and Greenside High compete in Spar Hockey Challenge

Local schools have a blast at regional girls hockey festival.

Nicholas Zaal


Anna Mungle of De La Salle Holy Cross College and Ivy Goso of Greenside High School compete at the Spar Hockey Challenge. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

Three local schools competed in the Spar Hockey Challenge at Fourways High School on 27 May.

After a series of action-packed 20-minute matches, Northcliff High School finished fifth at the girls’ hockey festival.

De La Salle College and Greenside High School took sixth and 10th places respectively.

The event was competitive but also fun. In-between matches, players had a chance to interact with their opponents, practise with them in the indoor arena, or even eat boerewors rolls together.


Stacey Farinha of De La Salle Holy Cross College looks to take the ball upfield during their game against Greenside High School. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

“We have invited the strong schools as well as some development teams that do not normally get to play in big fixtures,” said event organiser, Josie Miella.

“You can see there are no heads down on the field because even when one team is winning easily, the players know it is just 20 minutes and they can jol again.”

She said friendship was the winner on the day.

Northcliff and Melville Times

Coaching E-Newsletter #7   DEVELOPING Coaches and Players

Purpose: Bridge the gap between Soft Skills and Hard Skills

By Shiv Jagday

Core Themes covered in this issue

Tactical: How to connect the soft passes coming from the Primary Play Making Space (PMS) and Secondary Play Making Space (SPMS), into goals with a short quick back swing hit.

Technical:Developing specific techniques to score first time field goals from these soft passes, via a mini hit or push on the run.

Video clips: Supporting the core themes of this issue.

Training Method Tips:How to develop a young hockey player in becoming a prolific goal scorer, in this specific game situation.

Food for Thought: Gentle touch passes v/s Rough, Forceful & Power based passes.

Motivational Quotes: Ancient old Strategic Rules which can still be applied in life and sports by San Tzu.

Ex-Kookaburra Matthew Bird faces drugs and weapon offences

By The Hockey Paper



Confirming the two replacements for the great Mark Knowles and young Matthew Bird this week, Hockey Australia had already celebrated the garlanded career of its outgoing captain.

However HA had kept its counsel over Bird, who had yet to fully make his mark with the Kookaburras squad after being named in the 2018 national squad last year.

Bird’s international career now looks in jeopardy before it had even started after the 21-year-old admitted this week that he would plead guilty to drug offences, as well as possessing a knuckle duster.

Bird is a former youth Olympic champion with Australia when the hockey 5s squad won gold in 2014.

Having made his way into the senior ranks, the Western Australian talent withdrew from the national squad earlier this month and then offered his resignation from the men’s squad with a pending court case.

According to the West Australian, Bird said that he would plead guilty to possessing a prohibited weapon as well as four counts of selling illegal drugs.

He is due in court again next Tuesday.

Earlier this month Hockey Australia confirmed in a statement that Bird had withdrawn from the National Senior Men’s Squad “following an incident concerning the Police in Perth” on May 3.

“Bird subsequently offered his resignation which has been accepted by HA until the matter is resolved.

“Hockey Australia will not be providing any further details at this stage.”

The Hockey Paper