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News for 02 June 2018

All the news for Saturday 2 June 2018


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

PAR v BOL (Pool B) 1 - 4
BRA v ARG (Pool A) 0 - 13
URU v CHI (Pool B)     1 - 1

Pool standings

Pool A

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Argentina 2 2 0 0 34 0 34 6
2 Brazil 1 0 0 1 0 13 -13 0
3 Peru 1 0 0 1 0 21 -21 0

Pool B

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Uruguay 2 1 1 0 7 1 6 4
2 Chile 2 1 1 0 6 1 5 4
3 Bolivia 2 1 0 1 4 7 -3 3
4 Paraguay 2 0 0 2 1 9 -8 0

FIH Match Centre



Chile and Uruguay define their place in the semifinal on the last date

Argentina tookover Brazil and seals their pass to semifinals. Bolivia was the BIG protagonist of the day who won his first international game.

Patrick Espejo / PAHF


South American Games (2018mODESUR) Cochabamba 2018: Uruguay vs. Chile. Photo Oscar Munoz Badilla
   
Cochabamba.  Chile  and Uruguay played a very closed  game, so close that the 1-1 will force the two teams to define their places in the last day of pool games of the South American Games Cochabamba 2018.

The 1-1 reflected what was seen in the auxiliary field of Felix Capriles. A very tactical and even match, so tied was the game, that the goals came in the same minute. Kim Jacob opened the score with a penalty stroke for Chile. Lucía Lamberti (who today played 50 matches with his national team) equalized the game after a penalty corner.

Both teams are at the top of Group B, with 4 points, but with the 'Cimarronas' are in first place for the goal difference (+6 against the +5 from Chile). This Sunday, Uruguay will face Paraguay and Chile will face Bolivia.

SEMIFINALS FOR “LAS LEONAS”

Today's day had three special characteristics. A stadium with a large crowd; a strong and very offensive Argentina (today scored 12 goals against Brazil and has 34 goals in two games); and Bolivia who won the first international game.

Argentina was strong in all aspects. Although at times, Brazil’s renewed team tried to reach the goal defended by María Rossetti, they could not capitalized any situation. Agustina Gorzelany (2), Maria Campoy, Sofía Toccalino (2), Milagros Fernández (2), Julieta Jankunas (2), Priscilla Jardel (2), Victoria Sauze and Bárbara Dichiara, scored for Argentina.

Argentina will play on Tuesday June 5th to meet in the semifinals a team to be define by Sunday’s  results.

BOLIVIA MAKES HISTORY

Today the South American Games had a special protagonist: Bolivia’s Women Team, which with a 4-1 over Paraguay won its first international match.

From the first quarter, Bolivia managed to dominate the game. Romina Pardo (x2), Daniela Carballo and Alicia Villarroel scored for Bolivia.  The victory was celebrated loudly by the hundreds of fans.

The women's tournament will continue this Sunday 11:00 Peru vs. Brazil (Group A); 13:00 Chile vs. Bolivia (Group B); 15: 0 )Paraguay vs. Uruguay.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release



Bolivia makes history and wins its first international match

Patrick Espejo / PAHF


South American Games (2018mODESUR) Cochabamba 2018: Paraguay vs. Bolivia. Photo: Oscar Munoz Badilla

Cochabamba. For Bolivia and the fans at the Félix Capriles stadium wining this game was as if they had won the World League. The women's hockey team won its first international match this afternoon by beating Paraguay 4-1 in second day of the Cochabamba South American Games 2018.

The triumph was celebrated by the more than 250 fans who came to the stadium to encourage the team and to discover, incidentally, a sport that is seen and play for the first time in Bolivia.

It was Pardo herself who opened the score. "I received the ball, I saw the space and without thinking I hitted the ball. It was spectacular. I dreamed it all my life, since I start following hockey on TV and Internet”. She scored at the 10’.

Paraguay equilized the score in the minute 34’, but it was Pardo again who after a good collective combination managed to score with a touch under the goal two minutes later.

Bolivia, who was playing the second international match today, wanted more. The coach Daniel Santi ordered the team to continue attaking. Daniela Caballo scored the third goal when she capitalized a penaly corner. Alicia Villaroel scroed the last goal to seal the victory.

The hugs at the end of the game, the tears of joy from some players and the festive applause of the fans characterized a historic day. Today the names Pardo, Caballo, Villaroel, Santos, Sánchez, Cruz and, in general, the whole team, are known in the region and considered, Bolivian Heroes.

Bolivia will play Chile on Sunday (1:00 p.m.) – last game of group B.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release



2018 Test Matches: ARG v MAS (M) - 6th test
Buenos Aires (ARG)

ARG v MAS     1 - 2

Argentina win the 6 test series 4 - 1

FIH Match Centre



TEST 6: A win for Malaysia, finally

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian men's hockey team finally won a match after five tries against Olympic champions Argentina in Buenos Aires yesterday.

Coach Stephen van Huizen and his men lost the first four matches 1-0, 6-1, 7-2, 2-1 and then drew the Fifth Test 1-1, before winning the Sixth Test 2-1.

This is the second win against Argentina this year, as Malaysia beat them 2-1 in the pool stage of the Azlan Shah Cup, but then lost 3-2 in the Third-Fourth placing match.

Malaysia travelled to Argentina to look for a strong sparring partner in their bid to win gold at the Jakarta Asian Games and qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but the Argies fielded 10 new players and only eight Olympians in the Six-Test series.

Shahril Saabah (18th) and Haziq Samsul (22nd) scored for Malaysia while Olympian Pedro Ibarra scored in the 41st minute.

Van Huizen said this was their best game on the Tour.

"Best game on the Tour as it was hard work all the way. Shahril scored when Razie (Rahim's) overhead flick was not collected cleanly by Gilardi (Juan).

"He ran and hit a high reverse to beat Vilvardi (Juan) in goal. They kept coming at us but we fought hard to keep them out and counter attack when we won possession.

"In another breakaway before half time Haziq scored when the ball rebounded off the goal post.

"They threw everything at us but we defended well to earn a deserved win. Proud of the players and the turnaround in the last two games (draw and then win)."

Van Huzien believes his charges phusical condition is much better after the Commonwealth Games.

"The tempo of the games here were very high. All the hard work the last three weeks has helped the players to play till the end of every match."

Malaysia must beat South Korea, Pakistan, India, Japan and China in the Asian Games if they want to win gold and qualify for the Olympics -- which we last played in 2000 Sydney.

The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) have yet to release the Asian Games grouping, but Malaysia will meet all the teams above either at the group or knock-out stage in Jakarta.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey



TEST 5: Malaysia 1 Argentina 1

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Razie Rahim's penalty corner goal saved some grace for Malaysia in the ongoing Six-Test series against Argentina in Buenos Aires yesterday.

Malaysia finally held Olympic champions Argentina 1-1, in the Fifth Test, after losing the earlier four.

For the record, Argentina are only fielding eight Rio de Janeiro Olympians, and blooding 10 more players in the Tests. Nicolas Della Torre (37 caps) scored a field goal in the 12th minute, and Razie (240 caps) replied in the 26th minute.

Malaysia lost the earlier four matches (1-0, 6-1, 7-2, 2-1) and will play the final Test today.

Coach Stephen van Huizen said: "We started the match cautiously, and slowly got into the game.

"We managed to  keep them under control  until the 12th minute where they broke away around the left goal line and into the danger zone to score.

"Slowly we got back into the game and started giving them problems and when we won a penalty corner, Razie converted by flicking low into the right corner.

"The Argentinean started putting more pressure and we had to work hard to stop them and the whole team, including the forwards, had to cut their passes.

"Our goalkeeper (S. Kumar) was at his best to inspire confidence along with Shukri (Mutablib) and Razie (defenders).

"I'm happy with the effort and to a get result (one point) finally, as the matches have been tough."

The team is in Argentina to prepare for the Asian Games in Jakarta on Aug 16-Sept 2, where only the gold medallist qualifies for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey



Defender Faiz a no-show but Malaysia still manage a draw with Argentina

By Aftar Singh



KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia did not have the services of nippy defender Mohd Faiz Helmi in the fifth Test match but still managed to hold reigning Olympic champions Argentina to a 1-1 draw in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Faiz had to return to Malaysia to sit for his Universiti Malaya examinations, which begins today.

It was the first time Malaysia avoided defeat in five matches as they lost the first four matches 1-0, 6-1, 7-2 and 2-1.

To date, Malaysia have scored five goals and conceded 17.

On Thursday, Argentina took the lead through Nicolas Della Torre in the 12th minute off a field goal.

But penalty corner specialist Muhd Razie Abdul Rahim (pic) converted his first goal in five matches to earn Malaysia a draw.

National chief coach Stephen van Huizen said Faiz’s absence did not affect their backline.

“Overall, I’m happy with the team getting a draw as all the matches with Argentina were tough,” he said.

“We started cautiously but slowly got into the game.

“We managed to keep them under control until the 12th minute when they managed a breakaway to score.

“Despite trailing 1-0, we started to create chances and won a penalty corner which was converted by Razie off a low drag flick.”

“Argentina starting putting more pressure on us and we had to work hard. Our forwards did well to cut off their passes and goalkeeper S. Kumar, together with defenders Razie, Mohd Sukri (Abdul Mutalib) and Mohd Najmi (Farizal Jazlan) did well to stop their attempts,” said Stephen.

He said forward Faizal Saari injured his ankle after 20 minutes of play and was replaced.

“I also rested forward Muhd Haziq (Samsul),” said Stephen, who took 20 players to play the six Test matches in Argentina.

The matches are part of the national team’s preparation for the Asian Games in Jakarta from Aug 18-Sept 2.

The Star of Malaysia



Carroll strike gets Ireland off on the right foot



Naomi Carroll’s late goal earned Ireland a 1-0 win over Scotland to start their run-in to the World Cup on the right note at Glasgow Green

Lucy Camlin – a former Irish underage international – in the Scottish goal was called into action early on as Carroll showcased her determination to create a shooting opportunity and draw a good early save.

The chances being created were primarily by the team in green as they dominated large periods of possession and bypassed the Scottish defence with Roisin Upton lofting aerials to Sarah Torrans on the baseline.

Upton was again on hand to test the Scottish resolve when she sent a penalty corner drag flick goalward but pacey Scottish runners cleared the danger. The Green Army continued to increase the pressure via Nicci Daly and Gillian Pinder but their efforts saw the ball ricochet off the post in the final minutes of the half.

The tone didn’t change much in the second half with Chloe Watkins winning an early penalty corner but Lizzie Colvin’s shot zipped wide.

Pinder and Zoe Wilson picked up green cards within a minute of each other but some smart play by Ali Meeke won her side another penalty corner but the play broke down at the top of the circle before Camlin’s goal could be challenged.

Daly’s skill was again causing problems as she won a further corner but Upton’s drag drew a superb diving save from Camlin to keep the game at 0-0.

The corner routines finally paid off in the 55th minute when Carroll stepped her marker to get the vital deflection, and the goal would be enough to secure the 1-0 victory.

Women’s international test match
Ireland 1 (Carroll)
Scotland 0

Ireland: A McFerran, S McCay, G Pinder, S Loughran, R Upton, C Watkins, L Colvin, N Daly, S Torrans, A O’Flanagan (captain), A Meeke
Subs: E Buckley, A Naughton, Y O’Byrne, N Carroll, H Matthews, Z Wilson, R Barry

The Hook



Fulton resigns from Irish job to take up Belgian role


Craig Fulton during the recent series against Germany. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Craig Fulton stepped down from the Irish men’s head coach role on Thursday to take up an assistant coaching role in the Belgian setup following a spell of unprecedented success.

The shock move comes just six months before Ireland contest their first World Cup in 28 years and ends a super four year spell in charge.

He took on the job midway through the last Olympic cycle with Ireland at a low ebb, bowing out of 2014 World Cup qualifying process in ignominious fashion.

But he quickly turned things around, reintegrating a large quorum from the 2012 campaign and the results came thick and fast. A first Olympic qualification from the 2015 World League was followed by a maiden European Championships bronze medal.

He was names the FIH coach of the year as a result for 2015. World Cup qualification was assured last summer with a confident run that cemented Ireland’s place in the top 10 in the rankings.

Fulton said of his time in charge: “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 men’s team, together with the support of the Irish hockey community made history. To David Harte and the 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 three 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 men’s 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.”

The Hook



Sophie Bray relishes ‘incredible’ experience of home hockey World Cup

Sophie Bray will be one of hockey’s star forwards at the women’s World Cup

By Richard Bright


England's Sophie Bray (centre) (c) Ady Kerry

Sophie Bray, the hat-trick hero of England’s Commonwealth bronze, says the team has a “massive opportunity” to now go forwards and lift the women’s World Cup for the first time.

England’s highest finish in hockey’s showpiece event has been third in 2010, while they failed to make it beyond the group stages four years ago.

However, the Olympic title and bronze medals at the Europeans and Commonwealths have given Danny Kerry’s side optimism as they head into next month’s event with a younger squad at Lee Valley.

“We have a massive opportunity and we will go out there and try and grab it with both hands,” said Bray, 28.

“It would be a dream come true and unbelievable thing to win it.

“The World Cup is almost on your doorstep and the thought of it is incredible.”

Bray famously played the Rio Olympic final against the Netherlands without having washed her red GB kit throughout the whole tournament.

The story goes that after GB women beat Australia in the opening game, Bray found the washing system at the athletes’ village a tad complicated while her team-mates had lost items of kit.

Bray didn’t want the hassle so decided to wash the kit herself, but with a double header on the cards she ran out of time.

The rest is history as team superstition dictated that she keep to the same rituals, meaning a run of six matches unwashed.

Speaking to the BBC this week, she said: “The girls were pretty happy when the tournament was over.

“I’ve learnt that whatever happens in the first game, just wash your shirt.”

The Hockey Paper



Sam Quek turns down hockey World Cup interviews ahead of book launch

By The Hockey Paper


Sam Quek’s book will be published in July during the World Cup

Sam Quek, the Olympic gold medallist, marked the 50-day countdown to the Vitality women’s Hockey World Cup by hosting the launch of #BehindEveryGreatPlayer in London on Thursday night.

But the Wirral Olympian unfortunately wasn’t available for questions on the Hockey World Cup itself to further boost publicity on the London extravaganza next month.

The Hockey Paper was refused an interview by her agent on the grounds of media saturation ahead of the publication of Quek’s autobiography My Story So Far (White Owl, £19.99) which is set to launch during the World Cup.



The book is listed with a publication date of July 30 which falls the day after the group games finish and before the quarter-finals start at Lee Valley.

Quek, 29, has been signed up to be a main presenter at the World Cup this summer, presumably with BT Sport.

Her book is set to tell the story of how she overcame a tough childhood and the disappointment at missing out on two Olympics.

But she went through a third Olympic campaign to achieve success in Rio and then subsequently appeared on ‘I’m a Celebrity’ as the team’s popularity grew.

“Sam also has some very strong views on how women are portrayed in sport and their treatment by both coaches and the media,” the book synopsis states.

“This is a hugely topical subject at the moment and promises to remain so for some time.”

Quek hasn’t officially retired from the international scene but still plays club hockey for Bowdon Hightown in the Investec women’s Premier Division, a side she returned to for the first time in eight years last season.

She also works on a variety of sports for television networks, including men and women’s football, the NFL and hockey.

Meanwhile, the London event on Thursday took place at the House of Sport where Quek fronted a panel of experts which discussed the fundamental role a supportive network plays in achieving sporting success.

Panellists explored subjects such as the importance of positive parenting behaviours, how parents can encourage sporting activities and best practices for parents when it comes to encouraging participation in sport.

The panel included England’s Emily Defroand and her mum, Gill.

The Hockey Paper



Rupinder exclusion raises doubts while midfield gets Sardar boost

Along with Rupinder Singh Pal, Gurjant Singh and Lalit Upadhyay have also missed the cut for the Champions Trophy.

Bibhash Chatterjee


HI

Sardar Singh, Ramandeep Singh and Birendra Lakra made an expected return to the India men’s hockey squad on Thursday for the Champions Trophy after months on the sidelines.

The trio had missed the cut for the Commonwealth Games. Sardar and Ramandeep last played for India at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in March. Lakra also returns to the squad for the first since the four Nations tournament in New Zealand in January.

With ex-coach Sjoerd Marijne opting for younger players, the senior pros had lost their spots in the team. However, with Harendra Singh coming on board, the policy seems to have been altered with the latter choosing to revert to his senior stars.

The trio were expected to make the cut after being picked in the 48-member national team camp held earlier this month.

While Marijne stressed on the importance of youth in the squad, Harendra has adopted a more balanced approach for the Champions Trophy. He has brought in experienced players like Sardar, Ramandeep and Briendra who can guide the youngsters in pressure situations.

Missing Rupinder raises questions

The selection committee has, however, surprised everyone by dropping experinced defenders Rupinder Pal Singh and Kothajit out. This means that the defence will rely heavily on Harmanpreet and Birendra Lakra. However, Harmanpreet, Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas have proved their worth in the past. Birendra has a point to prove and will have to be at his best if he is to cement his spot in the side for the Asian Games in August.

Debutant Jaramanpreet is the only new face in the team that will face the likes of Pakistan, Argentina, Australia, Belgium and Netherlands in the group stage.

While the Punjab player has been rewarded for the exceptional improvement, his inclusion ahead of Rupinder’s does raise doubts over whether the latter was dropped.

The officials have tried to clarify that it might have been done considering the hectic schedule of the team following the Champions Trophy, but there is no denying the fact that Rupinder had a disappointing CWG. He was slow on the ball and conceded many penalty corners against the team. Even his long balls were a cause of concern as they ended up finding the opponents on numerous occasions. As drag flicker, he failed to find the net even once while Harmanpreet stepped up to score half a dozen.

Harendra clearly thinks that Rupinder has to improve. He does not want one player to slow the entire squad down. Given the importance of the Champions Trophy and the upcoming Asian Games and World Cup, Rupinder should be a worried man right now.

By handing Punjab’s Jaramanpreet a place in the squad, Harendra is definitely trying out the youngster. The PSPB player was on the probables list of the junior World Cup squad coached under Harendra but had missed out from the final squad.

Harendra might also use Sardar in the defence from time to time with Manpreet leading the midfield, if required. Sardar was deployed as a defender during the Asia Cup last and given his experience, he can play as a floating defender.

Pressure on Akashdeep, Mandeep

Harendra knows that India have struggled in front of goal. “There were basic problems in Gold Coast and despite circle penetration, shots on goal were few,” Harendra had said when he took over the squad.

    CWG statistics

    Attacking Circle Penetrations vs Pakistan: 26 (Pakistan has 14)
    Attacking Circle Penetrations vs Wales: 26 (Wales had just 8)
    Attacking Circle Penetrations vs Malaysia: 22 (Malaysia had 18)

Clearly finishing is a problem.

Among the strikers, Lalit Upadhyay and Gurjant Singh have been excluded as Ramandeep returns into the mix. Along with Akashdeep Singh, Sumit, Dilpreet Singh, SV Sunil and Mandeep Singh upfront, India is fielding a fast and experienced forward line.

Ramandeep’s exclusion from the Commonwealth Games squad had stunned many because he performed exceptionally well at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup scoring four goals, the highest by an Indian. He also creates plenty of goal scoring chances and can provide delightful assists in front of goal.

With SV Sunil also in the picture, one can expect a creative and structured attack from the duo, which wasn’t the case at the CWG. Quick and accurate passes with the aim of creating numerous chances to score is clearly on the cards.

But finishing it with a goal is what Harendra is working on clearly.

This is where Mandeep and Akashdeep have to step up or else they run the risk of losing their spot to the likes of Gurjant and Lalit in the future. The duo missed plenty of scoring opportunities during the CWG. And while it may surprise some that they were not dropped, it also shows that Harendra trusts their talent to come through at some point. However, they may be running out of time.

Sardar’s injection

But Harendra’s biggest call while selecting his first squad after taking over was to bring back Sardar, who looked like going into oblivion after he was left out of the CWG squad.

During Marijne’s tenure, he was deployed as a defender in the Asia Cup. However, he was then dropped for the Hockey World league Final as well. He only returned to captain India for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup where India finished fifth. Marijne refused to pick him for the Commonwealth Games stating that “we need midfielders who can also score.” Clearly he didn’t fit in Marijne’s scheme of things.

Now with Harendra in charge, Sardar has got another chance to cement his spot in the team. However, making the cut wasn’t easy. “I am judging a player not on the past, but on his form and fitness. His selection in the team was done after watching him in training at the camp,” Harendra was quoted as saying by Mid-Day.

However, whether Sardar will don the role of a sweeper or play in the midfield is still to be seen. Given his experience, he can justify both roles. He can feed the forward line with sublime passes and can also intercept the ball when playing a defensive role. Harendra is looking for skillful and fast players. Sardar seems to fit the billing. However, he will have to perform exceptionally well. Period.

The squad looks strong on paper, but will they be a force to reckon with? Only time with tell. With the Champions Trophy being Harendra’s first test as coach, the taskmaster has to aim for a podium finish to set the tone for the Asian Games and World Cup which follow.

Scroll.in



My mind is not in the past: Marijne

The women’s coach says he is a ‘glass is always half-full’ guy

Shreedutta Chidananda


Back to business: Sjoerd Marijne, seen with Rani, says it was easy for him to return.

Sjoerd Marijne has admitted that it was not easy to come to terms with his exit as men’s coach, but the Dutchman insists he is fully focused on his role with the Indian women’s hockey team. Marijne had to step aside as chief coach of the men’s team after the Commonwealth Games in April, and swap places with Harendra Singh.

“There was a moment when I was disappointed with a few things. And I think that’s quite normal, when you can’t finish what you wanted to do, at least till the World Cup,” he said at the SAI here on Friday. “On the other hand, I knew how things were going. I was not the first one. You know that when you start the job.”

Marijne added: “Of course it was emotionally difficult. But I’m someone who can focus quickly on the next thing. My mind is not in the past. I’m also not being honest to the girls if I stay in that mood. Otherwise I would still have been in Holland.”

Marijne had served as the women’s coach for a little over six months when he was asked to take charge of the men’s unit. Seven and a half months later, he is back in his first role again. He had no reservations about taking the job up, he said. “In this kind of situation, my wife is really important. She helps me to stay focussed on what is important in life. I’m a guy for whom the glass is always half-full. And when something happens, I always look at what opportunities I have.”

The women’s team appears to have welcomed Marijne back with open arms. “I didn’t leave them with a bad feeling. A few of them had cried when I left the team. We had a very good relationship. So it was easy for me to come back,” he said.

The women’s team has shown much improvement over the last seven months, but the process had been set in motion by him during the Netherlands tour last year, Marijne stated. “It started there; we changed things because we were not happy with the HWL Semi Final. The tactics we played there are the tactics they still play. Their fitness has improved a lot.”

Rani, who will lead the women’s team on its tour of Spain, had an interesting take on the repeated coaching changes. “Over the years, we have understood how the system works here. So many coaches have changed and we aren’t going to let that affect us. Ultimately, it is the players who have to perform. So it is better we focus on ourselves,” she said.

The Hindu



Marijne looks forward to stint with Indian women's hockey team

Manuja Veerappa

BENGALURU: In his 14-month association with Indian hockey, Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne has seen highs and lows. Coming in initially as coach of the senior women's team, he replaced Roelant Oltmans at the helm of the men's team late last year.

With his stint with the men's team abruptly halted in seven months, he surprisingly took up the offer of marshalling the women's side again.

His first assignment on return will be the five-match series against Spain beginning on June 12. The tour will serve as a tune-up event for the World Cup schedules to be held in England in July.

The 44-year-old, who was reunited with the squad last month, said he received a warm welcome from the team. "Although it was a surprise for me (being switched back to the women's team), I'm enjoying my time with the team. I'm a person who looks forward and not back."

Marijne admitted there were a few apprehensions about returning to India after his unceremonious exit from the men's side but his rapport with the women's team made the choice to comeback easy.

"Of course there was (apprehension). The phase was emotionally difficult. It's normal when you can't finish a job you wanted to finish. But I wanted to come back to India and take up the women's team assignment again, because when I left the team we shared a very good relationship and I was happy with their process and progress. That's why it was an easy discussion to return. The girls' work hard, they are disciplined and the good thing for me is that all the things I implemented before, is what they still follow. The structure has remained the same. I didn't have to make any adjustments on my return," he explained.

The chief coach didn't sound pleased with the Spanish sojourn and said it was important to keep the players fit physically and mentally.

"It is not about results in Spain, it is about being together as a team and working on the team process. We've played a lot of matches and this tour was decided before I became coach. We must be careful in Spain. We will rotate the players a lot because we don't want to overload. It is important for the players to stay mentally fresh. That's why I'm taking 20 players so we can rotate and ensure the players are fit for the World Cup."

Asked if he was weighed down by pressure, especially given his experience with the administrators, Marijne responded, "I don't feel pressure because I think the pressure is lesser when you are coaching the women's team. The players put a lot of pressure on themselves because they want to excel. They know this is a year they can create a legacy."

The Times of India



USMNT Enters Hockey Series Open as Highest Ranked Squad

SALAMANCA, Mexico – The U.S. Men’s National Team is among five nations set to converge and compete in the Hockey Series Open (HSO) at the Cancha de Hockey Siglo XXI in Salamanca, Mexico. With just four days remaining until the opening game of the tournament, the USMNT enters as the highest FIH Hero World Ranked team at No. 26 as they face new and familiar foes from the Pan American region.

Costa Rica (Unranked)

The Hockey Series Open will be the first major international competition for Costa Rica in 2018. The unranked team took part in the Hockey 5’s Central American Games in early December where they finished second behind Guatemala. Overall, the team posted a goal differential of eight through five games, winning all their matches until the final to go 4-1-0.

No. 39 Mexico

The host nation recently participated in the 2018 Youth Pan American Championship, placing second in their pool with seven points (2-0-1). In the U-18 hockey 5s style tournament, Mexico lost in the finals against Argentina. Four players on Mexico’s HSO roster participated in the second-place finish in early March, including goalkeeper Jesus Perez. Perez, one of the youngest players on Mexico’s squad, who averaged less and a goal allowed per game throughout the tournament.

The team has shown improvement since the men’s Pan American Cup in Lancaster, Pa., where Mexico placed seventh. In the final match of the tournament in August, it was another young player, Maximiliano Mendez, that scored the lone goal in the contest against Venezuela on a penalty corner opportunity early on. Leading the charge is veteran and team captain, Roberto Garcia, who has been a stellar individual in several of Mexico’s international competitions and currently boasts the highest international caps on the team with 123.

Just two years ago in the same city and setting, Mexico squared off with USA at the FIH Hockey World League Round 1, where USA prevailed 2-0.

No. 73 Panama

Panama also participated in the Central American Games this past December finishing third behind Costa Rica and Guatemala. The squad was very young with each participating player earning their first international caps. Among them was Angelo Boodie, who led all players in the Central American Games with 12 goals in six games. He is among the most experienced Panamanian players in terms of international caps (31) alongside Manuel Correa (32) and team captain Ademir Montenegro (32). The trio were also part of Panama’s qualifying efforts for the Central American and Caribbean Games in Kingston, Jamaica last November, where the squad finished last.

No. 66 Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s last major competition was also the Central American and Caribbean Games Qualifiers. Despite being outscored in their first two matches 7-1, the team persevered to rally convincing victories over Panama and Guatemala in the following days. The pair of wins set Puerto Rico up for a 3rd/4th place matchup with Guatemala once again. An early score by team veteran Joseph Agosto and a follow up by Gilberto Monserrate proved to be the deciding factors in a 2-1 victory.

No. 26 United States

It has been a busy and intense past few months for the USMNT. After one of the most successful calendar years of competition in 2017, USA hopes to keep that surge on the rise as they set their eyes on Salamanca. The Hockey Series Open is one of the biggest international events on the team’s 2018 schedule, and comes on the heels of extensive training across the European continent in April and early May. The USMNT began that tour in Neuss, Germany with three training sessions and a pair of scrimmages against a local club. After that, USA headed to another training camp in The Netherlands.

USMNT Hockey Series Open Schedule:

Wednesday, June 6        USA vs. Costa Rica    12:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, June 7        USA vs. Puerto Rico    4:00 p.m. ET
Saturday, June 9        USA vs. Mexico        6:00 p.m. ET
Sunday, June 10        USA vs. Panama        4:00 p.m. ET

*Click here for the full schedule

Prior to the squad’s practices, they took part in the 5 Nations Tournament in Malaga, Spain, finishing 5th. Nick Molcsan (Wanganui, New Zealand) and Tyler Sundeen (Simi Valley, Calif.) highlighted USA’s scoring efforts during the tournament, one that displayed improvement from the team’s home-pitch medal performance in the men’s Pan American Cup last August.

Head Coach Rutger Wiese was quick to the point of USA’s purpose at the Hockey Series Open: to test themselves and see where they stand midway through their 2018 schedule. The squad has a handful of new faces coming into the tournament, such as Amrit Beaty (Simi Valley, Calif.) and Christian DeAngelis (Doylestown, Pa.), who both registered their first international caps during the 5 Nations Tournament, and Liam Hawley (Ventura, Calif.) and David Kristof(Darien, Conn.) who both will make their first appearance at the senior level for USA. They will join recognizable USMNT veterans like Michael Barminski (Ventura, Calif.), Tom Barratt (Greensboro, N.C.), Ajai Dhadwal (Agoura Hills, Calif.) and Mohan Gandhi (Ventura, Calif.).

USMNT Hockey Series Open Roster:
Michael Barminski (Ventura, Calif.), Tom Barratt (Greensboro, N.C.), Amrit Beaty (Simi Valley, Calif.), Christian DeAngelis (Doylestown, Pa.), Ajai Dhadwal (Agoura Hills, Calif.), Mohan Gandhi (Ventura, Calif.), Alex Grassi (Brookeville, Md.), Liam Hawley (Ventura, Calif.), Will Holt (Camarillo, Calif.), Deegan Huisman (Almere, The Netherlands), Aki Kaeppeler (Stuttgart, Germany), Jaja Kentwell (Spring City, Pa.), Jonathan Klages (Berlin, Germany), David Kristof (Darien, Conn.), Adam Miller (Panama City, Fla.), Johnny Orozco (Ventura, Calif.), Paul Singh (Simi Valley, Calif.), Tyler Sundeen (Simi Valley, Calif.)

About the Hockey Series Open

The Hockey Series  is composed of two rounds, played over two years preceding either an Olympic Games or Hockey World Cup. The competitions and subsequent qualification processes are exactly the same for both the men’s and women’s competitions in line with hockey’s ‘Equally Amazing’ ethos. From all teams competing in this round, a minimum of 15 teams will qualify for one of three separate Hockey Series Finals. Each of the Hockey Series Finals will have eight teams playing in them and will take place throughout the world, with berths into the Olympic Qualification Events up for grabs.

The USMNT’s first game is Wednesday, June 6 at 12:00 p.m. ET against Costa Rica. As part of a commitment to support the sport’s growth at all levels, these events will be available on livestream through the FIH's YouTube channel for free, giving fans instant access to hundreds more hours of hockey action from across the world.

For more information including the full schedule, results and details on the live stream, and more regarding the Hockey Series Open, visit the official event page by clicking here. #HockeySeries2018

USFHA media release



Top Adult Club Teams to Gather for USFHL Adult National Championship in July

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Twenty of the top adult club teams from all over the United States will compete July 20-22 in the second annual United States Field Hockey League (USFHL) Adult National Championship, a USA Field Hockey Sanctioned Event, in the Philadelphia area. Each team qualified locally from their community to compete in this year's event. Listed below are some of the men’s and women’s teams that will face off against the reigning champs, Greenwich FHC, who won both the men’s and women’s divisions in 2017:

Women's Teams

Baltimore Field Hockey Association (BFHA), Baltimore, Md.
Blackouts, Boston, Mass.
DC Dragons, DC Metro
Miami Surf, Miami, Fla.
NEFHA Champion, New York, N.Y.
Olympic Club, Northern California
Philly Premier Field Hockey Association, Philadelphia, Pa.
Rovers (Greenwich), New York, N.Y.
Strikers, Lancaster, Pa.
Triangle FHC, North Carolina

Men's Teams

DC Dragons, DC Metro
Dallas FHC, Texas
Greenwich FHC , New York, N.Y.
Miami Surf, Miami, Fla.
Minuteman, Boston, Mass.
NEFHA Champion, New York, N.Y.
Philly Premier Field Hockey Association, Philadelphia, Pa.
San Jose Khalsa , Northern California
Triangle FHC, North Carolina

USFHL will host the Adult National Championship at The Proving Grounds in Conshohocken, Pa. and Drexel University in Philadelphia. The event will include an All-Star Game and karaoke social. The 2018 USFHL Adult National Championship is sponsored by Anikan Sports, RXBAR, Penn Monto, AstroTurf and Harrow Sports.

USFHL is the new national league where adult competitive communities throughout the United States will compete to be National Champions. More than that, USFHL is designed to grow the game for adults by encouraging local hockey competition, is led by local field hockey leaders and will support adult hockey with technology to improve organization and ease of participation. The main goal is to grow adult engagement and participation in local clubs, associations, leagues, tournaments, and open field hockey.

For more information, check out www.usfhl.com, follow USFHL on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFHL and Instagram @usfhl. For questions, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how your community can get plugged in for 2019.

USFHA media release



Kookaburra's gold provides inspiration to indigenous Australian communities


Australia's Commonwealth Games 2018 gold medallist Jeremy Hayward has been inspiring communities across the country Photo: FIH/WSP

It really is all about inspiring future generations as players from the Australian men’s and women’s squads regularly take time out of their busy training and competition schedules to visit communities in remote parts of the country.

The aim of the visits is to encourage young people, often from indigenous communities, to live healthy lifestyles and pursue their education – through the powerful medium of hockey.

On the most recent visit, the Kookaburra’s gold medal was one of the star attraction as Jeremy Hayward and Georgia Wilson visited the Pilbara Community Hockey Programme in Western Australia to help out with coaching clinics, teach hockey skills and chat to the youngsters taking part in the programme.

Hayward was one of the men’s squad that beat New Zealand in the final of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, while Georgia remains an important part of Paul Gaudoin’s team despite being ruled out of both the Commonwealth Games and Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup London 2018 squads after suffering an ACL injury.

“We’ll head to primary schools with a view to teach life and health skills, providing inspiration and a can-do attitude, with the conduit being hockey."
 Hockey Australia Commercial Partnership Manager Shane Tonkin

The two hockey players were taking part in the first of eight visits this year by various members of the men’s and women’s squads to communities across the state of Western Australia. The visits to various communities will culminate in two hockey carnivals at two locations in August this year.

The Pilbara Community Hockey Programme has been in existence since 2011 and is a partnership between Fortescue, one of the world’s largest producers of iron ore and who are based in Western Australia, and Hockey Australia, as part of the national association’s National Indigenous Hockey Program.

Fortescue’s association with hockey extends from its sponsorship of the Australia national squads through to grass roots projects such as the one at Pilbara.

Hockey Australia Commercial Partnership Manager Shane Tonkin spoke abut the reasons behind the National Association's commitment to the programme. “The Pilbara Hockey Community Programme, with Fortescue’s support, is about taking elite athletes and sport to the remote indigenous communities of north Western Australia. We travel to some of the most isolated towns in the world, to meet people who seldom get to experience and spend face-to-face time with elite international athletes.

“We’ll head to primary schools with a view to teach life and health skills, providing inspiration and a can-do attitude, with the conduit being hockey. We’d love to see these children begin on the pathway in the game to play at their local club or association and potentially one day represent the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras like Brooke Peris from Alice Springs or Des Abbott or Joel Carroll from the suburbs of Darwin.

“Through our partnership with Fortescue we’re forming hockey associations in these regions to give them a formal pathway to play the game, such as the Hedland Hockey Club or Nickol Bay Hockey Association.

“Long-term we want to expand into other towns in the Pilbara region, such as Newman and Tom Price. The big picture for Hockey Australia is a nation-wide indigenous programme. We want to use this as a pilot programme.”
 
Hockeyroo Georgia Wilson added: “I’ve really loved going up there and the kids have been so enthusiastic. They have a great willingness to learn.

“A lot of them haven’t played before so we start from a basic level and we’ve been able to progress. It’s been really encouraging to see.

“There’s a tournament at the end of the eight-week block so a lot of the teachers are trying to prepare them for the inter-school rivalry. The people have been so welcoming.”

“It’s great to speak to the kids about being an elite athlete. We always have a Q&A session after each visit and there’s always heaps of questions about nutrition, playing overseas, meeting famous people and much more.”

#GlobalProjects

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