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All the news for Saturday 13 October 2018

3rd Youth Olympic Games - Day 6
Buenos Aires (ARG)

Men's results

11 - 12 VAN 2 KEN 9
QF1 MAS 2 AUT 0
QF2 AUS 4 ZAM 6
QF3 IND 4 POL 2
QF4 ARG 5 BAN 0
9 - 10 MEX 2 CAN 1

Final placings

9 Mexico
10 Canada
11 Kenya
12 Vanuatu

Women's results

QF1 IND 3 POL 0
QF2 AUS 3 RSA 3 (SO 2 - 3)
QF3 CHN 1 AUT 1 (SO 2 - 1)
QF 4 ARG 3 NAM 0

YOG Official site

Semi-Finals confirmed at Youth Olympic Games


Zambia shocked defending champions Australia to reach the Semi-Finals Photo: FIH/WSP

The Semi-Finals of the men's and women's hockey events at the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games were confirmed today following the conclusion of the Quarter-Finals.

In the men's competition Malaysia, Zambia, India and Argentina qualified for tomorrow's Semi-Finals, taking one step closer to Sunday's medal matches.

Malaysia were first to qualify as they defeated Austria 2-0 thanks to two goals from Akhimullah Anuar. Speaking afterwards, Malaysia's captain Amirul Azahar said: “Today we played a very good game and I am proud of my teammates because for our first Olympic experience we qualified for the Quarter-Finals and now we've made the Semi-Finals! I hope our team will play even better for the next game and we can make history!”

Zambia then shocked thousands of onlooking spectators after they knocked reigning champions Australia out of the competition. The African nation won 6-4 thanks to a hat-trick from Phillimon Bwali. Zambia never went behind in this match and have now guaranteed a chance to play for medals. Afterwards, Zambia's two goal hero said: “I feel really good, this is our first time at the Youth Olympic Games and we made it to the Semi-Finals so I feel amazing! We are already getting prepared for the next match against Malaysia. We will do it!”

India have been playing some impressive hockey during this event and did not disappoint as they defeated Poland 4-2. Speaking afterwards, India's Maninder Singh said:“Today we played a great team in Poland but we worked hard to reach the Semi-finals! I must say thank you to all the fans in the stands and followers around the world for their great support!”

Argentina meanwhile continued their 100% record as they defeated Bangladesh 5-0 in the last men's Quarter-Final of the day. Captain Facundo Zarate was the inspiration behind his team's victory, picking up three goals to the delight of thousands of home fans packing out the stands.

Santiago Micaz spoke for the Argentina team when he said: "Reaching the semi-finals in front of our crowd is amazing. It means everything to me and the team. We are so happy right now – with the volunteers, the supported, our coach. They are all pushing us forwards. With that support we can do anything."

The results mean the Semi-Final line up sees Malaysia take on Zambia, while Argentina will face India.

In the women's competition, India, South Africa, reigning champions China and Argentina are still in the medal hunt as they all qualified for the Semi-Finals.

Speaking after her team's 3-0 victory over Poland, India's Mumtaz Khan said: "I am so happy right now. I am proud of my team and myself. Now we need to make sure we qualify for the Final and take the gold medal back to India.

Australia and South Africa played out a hard fought, exciting match, which ended 3-3 in regulation time. South Africa won the subsequent shoot-out to the delight of Ammaarah Hendricks, who said: "It is unbelievable, I am very proud of the girls, I cannot believe we have got this far. It is very exciting and a real dream come true. The shoot-out was stressful but our goalkeeper [Mishka Ellis] stood firm and saw us through. All the girls played so well."

If the preceding game was edgy, the match between Austria and the 2014 champions China was tense and cagey. The match was a 1-1 draw at full-time and the shoot-out then went to sudden death after the teams remained in deadlock after three attempts each. It was China's captain Ma Ning, who held her nerve to score the deciding shoot-out goal in sudden death to secure a place in the Semi-Finals.

China's Zhu Xinyi said: "The team is really happy, but wow, the pressure was really high. I do not think we played our best game. We will need to improve for the Semi-Final. From now on we have nothing to lose and we will enjoy every moment of the competition."

The final women's Quarter-Final match saw Argentina women join their male counterparts as they defeated Namibia 3-0. The goals came from Josefina Rubenacker and two from captain Brisa Bruggesser.

The results mean that in the Semi-Finals, China will face Asian rivals India, while Argentina face South Africa.

In the men's 11-12 classification match, Kenya defeated Vanuatu 9-2 while the match between Pan American rivals Mexico and Canada to decide the 9-10 spots ended with a 2-1 win for Mexico.

Click here for the full schedule of the hockey5s at 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

Click here to watch the matches live.

FIH site

Kenya bow out honourably with Vanuatu rout

By GEOFFREY ANENE

Kenya’s maiden appearance in the men’s five-a-side field hockey at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games ended on a high note after a 9-2 rout of Vanuatu in the classification match for position 11 and 12 in Buenos Aires, on Friday.

Kevin Lugalia’s boys got the better of the Oceania silver medallists with a brace each from Brian Ogenche, Edson Ndombi, Richard Wanganga and Captain Ouma Olando, while Bryton Ndwati contributed one goal at the Parque Polideportivo Roca. Vanuatu scored through Lovis Iawila and Nicholsen Job.

Both sides had endured underwhelming debuts at the Youth Olympics after losing five consecutive matches in the preliminaries.

The African Youth Games bronze medal winners had found themselves on the receiving end against Australia (7-0), Canada (4-3), India (7-1), Austria (4-3) and Bangladesh (4-3) in Pool ‘B’. Vanuatu lost against Malaysia (14-0), Argentina (18-0), Mexico (8-3), Poland (15-1) and Africa silver medallists Zambia (17-1) in Pool ‘A’.

Kenya announced its intentions of a win taking a 2-0 lead inside the opening three minutes through Wanganga and Ogenche, but were quickly checked when Iawila pulled one goal back in the fourth minute.

Olando then gave Kenyans some breathing space in the fifth minute before Ndombi struck twice in the last two minutes of the first half to establish some daylight.

Ogenche and Wanganga completed their braces before Vanuatu added their second goal through Nicholsen Job in the 17th minute. Kenya had the last laugh through Olando seconds from the final whistle.

With hockey action over for Kenya, the East Africans now turn their focus to athletics where they are known to be world-beaters. Two hundred and six countries entered this year’s edition, with Kenya taking part in field hockey men’s five-a-side and athletics.

Daily Nation

Akhimullah strikes twice as hockey boys reach YOG semis

By Aftar Singh



KUALA LUMPUR: Striker Muhd Akhimullah Anuar Esook (pic) is on fire at the Youth Olympic Games.

The 18-year-old lad from Kuala Terengganu scored two goals to steer Malaysia to a superb 2-0 win over Austria to qualify for the boys’ hockey semi-finals in Buenos Aires, Argentina, yesterday.

Akhimullah, who has good skills and speed, gave Malaysia the lead in the 11th minute before he doubled the score in the 19th minute.

He has scored 17 goals in six matches.

The Malaysian hockey team, playing for the first time in the Youth Olympics, will face the winner between Australia and Zambia in the semi-finals.

Akhimullah was delighted with his scoring ability.

“We’ve achieved our target by reaching the semi-finals but we hope to go one better by reaching the final,” said Akhimullah.

“My mission is to score in all matches and I’ll only be happy if we win a medal.”

Twelve teams took part and Malaysia finished runners-up to champions Argentina in Group A with four wins and one defeat.

In the group matches, Malaysia thrashed Vanuatu (14-0), beat Mexico (4-2), outplayed Zambia (7-2), lost to Argentina (2-4) before edging Poland (4-3).

The Star of Malaysia

Malaysia v Zambia semi-finals

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Akhimullah Anuar Esook took Malaysia into the semi-finals of the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires when he scored a brace in the 2-0 win against Austria Friday.

Malaysia will now play Zambia, who beat Australia 6-4 in the other quarter-finals. It was a big surprise as Australia had topped Group B while Zambia had finished fourth in Group A and barely made the quarter-finals.

Akhimullah scored in the 11th and 19th minutes, and Malaysia now have a good chance of advancing to the finals.

For the record, Malaysia had beaten Zambia 7-2 in Group A.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

Indian women’s hockey team enters Youth Olympics semis

The Indian women’s team notched up a comfortable 3-0 win over Poland to enter the semifinals of the Hockey 5s competition of the 2018 Youth Olympic Games here.

Lalremsiami (10’), captain Salima Tete (14’) and Baljeet Kaur (14’) contributed to the U-18 team’s victory with a goal each at the Parque Polideportivo Roca.

The first period of the quarterfinal game started with Poland finding the first chance in the second minute as Viktoria Zimmermann tested the Indian goalkeeper Bichu Kharibam.

India’s Mumtaz Khan also had a chance in the same minute but could not get past the Polish custodian.

Both the teams tried to get into the rhythm and find an opening to take the lead, but it was only in the last minute of the first period that Indian forward Lalremsiami made the breakthrough as she scored past Poland’s Nicole Chruszcz to give her team lead.

The second period was a crucial one in the context of the match as Poland looked for an equaliser, whereas India wanted to extend their lead and secure a semifinal spot.

India also had a few chances in the opening couple of minutes, but it was only in the 14th minute where the Indian team delivered with two more goals as captain Salima Tete scored first and 54 seconds later, it was Baljeet Kaur’s turn to register her name on the score-sheet.

The two quick-fire goals in the 14th minute meant that India took a 3-0 lead which was eventually enough for them as Poland could not trouble the rival defence.

The Tribune

Aussies Suffer Youth Olympics Quarters Defeats

Ben Somerford



Australia’s men’s and women’s Hockey 5s sides have both been eliminated from medal contention after suffering quarter-final defeat at the 2018 Youth Olympics on Saturday morning.

Australia’s men had cruised through the group stage, winning every game, before suffering a surprise 6-4 loss to Zambia, who had finished fourth in their pool.

Meanwhile, the Aussie women went down in a heart-breaking shootout 3-2 to South Africa after a 3-3 draw.

In the men’s, Australia came from behind to equalise four times, before Zambia netted the final two goals of the game to seal the win.

Alistair Murray, Miles Davis, James Collins and Lain Carr all scored for Australia in the defeat.

In the women’s, Australia took a fourth minute lead through Amy Lawton before SA replied with two goals.

Grace Young and Lawton restored Australia lead at 3-2 in the second half before a late leveller to SA sent the match to a shootout.

After finishing 2-2 after three attempts each, the shootout went to sudden death with Courtney Schonell denied, allowing Kayla de Waal to score the winner.

Australia will now play Austria in the classification matches from 12am (AEDT) in the men’s, while the Aussies will meet Namibia in their classification clash from 1am (AEDT).

Click here to view men’s report

Click here to view women’s report

For the first time ever, there will be 24/7 streaming Youth Olympic Games coverage through www.olympics.com.au/live-stream.

Australian Schedule (all times AEDT):
Men’s Hockey
Monday 8 October 1am – Australia 7 Kenya 0
Tuesday 9 October 4am – Australia 4 Bangladesh 3
Wednesday 10 October 1am – Australia 6 Canada 3
Thursday 11 October 7:45am – Australia 4 India 3
Friday 12 October 1:45am – Australia 2 Austria 0
Saturday 13 October 5am - Australia 4 Zambia 6 (quarter-finals)
Sunday 14 October 12am - Australia v Austria (classification)

Women’s Hockey
Monday 8 October 3:30am – Australia 10 Zimbabwe 0
Tuesday 9 October 1am – Australia 3 Namibia 4
Wednesday 10 October 5:30am – Australia 8 Poland 0
Thursday 11 October 12:15am – Australia 1 China 3
Friday 12 October 5:30am – Australia 1 Mexico 1
Saturday 13 October 12am - Australia 3 (2) South Africa 3 (3) (quarter-finals)
Sunday 14 October 1am - Australia v Namibia (classification)

Selected Australian Teams:
Men’s Hockey
Lain Carr (18), Matcham, NSW
James Collins (18), Perth, WA
Miles Davis (17), Sydney NSW
Brad Marais (18), Melbourne VIC
Craig Marais (16), Melbourne, VIC
Alistair Murray (18), Tincurrin, WA
Jed Snowden (16), Melbourne, VIC
Christian Starkie (17), Perth, WA
Ben White (18), Blackburn, VIC

Women’s Hockey
Caitlin Cooper (17), Perth, WA
Naomi Duncan (16), Sydney, NSW
Amy Lawton (16), Emerald, VIC
Morgan Mathison (18), Gold Coast, QLD
Indianna Robertson (18), Bentleigh, VIC
Courtney Schonell (17), Narellan Vale, NSW
Jolie Sertorio (16), Peppermint Grove, WA
Maddison Smith (18), Albion Park, NSW
Grace Young (15), Yowie Bay, NSW

Hockey Australia media release

Godfather and godson united by Olympic ambition


Credit: Buenos Aires Olympic Committee

Los Leoncitos beat Malaysia in the fourth match of the group stage and managed to make it to the quarterfinals in what has been a perfect path so far at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

The date not only marked one extra step forward for the Argentine national team, but also set a meeting point for Lizandro Zago, Argentina’s captain, and his godfather, Matias Paredes, a player on the Los Leones, Olympic champion at Rio 2016 and an athlete role model for Buenos Aires 2018.

While Paredes has been accompanying the boys since the start of the competition, now he also wanted to talk about the things that unite them: the godfather-godson relationship as well as Olympism.

"It makes me envious, in a healthy way obviously, to see that the kids are playing here in Buenos Aires. I would have loved to have had a Youth Olympic Games, but I’m enjoying it from another side," said Paredes, owner of the Los Leones coveted No. 10 shirt.

As an athlete role model chosen by the International Olympic Committee, Paredes pointed out that "these Games are the first step as an athlete, a dream, especially for amateurs or semi-professionals. This experience needs to motivate them to keep on working. I hope that many of them end up playing for Los Leones. This is a great springboard for their careers.”


"Seeing him in this tournament gives me a lot of joy, it moves me a lot,” Paredes said of watching his godson compete at Buenos Aires 2018. (Photo: Néstor Beremblum/Buenos Aires 2018

In addition to their passion for hockey and the fact that they are playing in the same club (Ducilo de Berazategui), Paredes and Zago are united by the godfather-godson tie. Both also know the experience of living in an Olympic Village. Paredes experienced it in the near past, Zago is experiencing it now.

While they posed for pictures after the game against Malaysia that Zago could not play in because of a sprain, they highlighted the strong link they have.

"I get along with Mati very well. He is my godfather, but besides that, he is a friend. We always see each other at the club, at the CeNARD (National Center of High Performance Athletics) when we train with the teams. We share many moments together,” Zago said.

Paredes, on the other hand, described how the relationship came to be: “I am very close to Lichu’s father (Hernan, one of the coaches of Las Leoncitas at Buenos Aires 2018). We used to go on vacation with his family and when he was born he chose me as the godfather. So I've known him since he was born and I held him in my arms. Seeing him playing now is amazing, he’s so big. Seeing him in this tournament gives me a lot of joy, it moves me a lot.”


Lisandro Zago has lead the Argentine team to four straight victories in the preliminary round. (Photo: Lucas Valerga/Buenos Aires 2018)

Paredes’ own path in hockey, in turn, has inspired his godson to train harder.

“To make it to Los Leones would be a dream, something unbelievable that I deeply desire, but we must continue training and giving everything for the team. To be like Mati would be impossible because he is unique. He is a great one,” the junior captain said.

In regard to his team at Buenos Aires 2018 Zago said: "We are very united, well trained and very strong in our game. We have to continue match by match and giving our best."

Paredes agreed: "I want them to win a medal for our country".

The same sport. The same passion. An unbreakable bond and Olympism running through their veins. Matias Paredes and Lisandro Zago.

Click here for the full schedule of the hockey5s at 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

Click here to watch the matches live.

FIH site

2018 Sultan of Johor Cup - Day 5
Johor Bahru (MAS)

Results 12 October

IND v GBR (RR)     2 - 3
MAS v JPN (RR)     1 - 0
AUS v NZL (RR)     4 - 0

Final Pool standing

FIH Match Centre

U21s Secure Sultan of Johor Final Place With Another Stunning Comeback



Great Britain secured their place in their second consecutive Sultan of Johor Cup final with a dramatic victory over India.

Needing a win to give themselves the best possible chance of qualifying, second half goals from Stuart Rushmere and Eddie Way sealed yet another impressive comeback.

That came after they trailed 2-1 at half-time, with Vishnukant Singh and Shilanand Lakra on target for the two-time champions while Cameron Golden scored for the third straight game for GB.

With Japan unable to get the five goal victory they needed over Malaysia, the results means the U21s will face the Indians – who had two strikes disallowed - in what is set to be an enthralling final.

Seeking to maintain their 100% record, India came out firing with Vishnukant eventually converting their third corner in quick succession before Golden equalised less than a minute later, pouncing after confusion in the Indian circle.

India then and thought they had put themselves back in front though a stunning Gursahibjit Singh deflection, only for it to be disallowed, before James Mazarelo was called into action just 30 seconds after coming off the bench to kick an effort clear.

There was nothing he could do to stop Lakra’s deflection from a Mandeep Mor corner flying into the roof of the net, with Britain unable to muster any efforts of note before half-time.

They piled on the pressure at the start of the second half though, with Nick Park almost squeezing the ball through Kamalbir Singh’s legs while Eddie Way a one corner effort saved.

The equaliser seemed inevitable though and it came in the 40th minute as Rushmere pounced after another Way corner was blocked, before India almost grabbed themselves another on the counter but Yashdeep Siwach managed to clear the bar when it looked easier to score.

The final quarter was even more frantic, with Kamilbir thwarting Gareth Griffiths before Way’s drag flick flashed wide of the post.

He made no mistake in the 51st minute though, producing a superb flick into the corner of the goal to give his side the lead before seeing two more attempts blocked.

The drama wasn’t over though as India thought they had grabbed an equaliser, only for the umpires to have adjudged that the ball hit Lakra’s body on its way into the goal.

James Oates then came close to extending their lead further in the final minute but dragged his shot wide, although it wouldn’t matter too much in the end as Japan losts to hosts Malaysia in their final group game.

You can watch Great Britain attempt to win their second Sultan of Johor title at 13:35 tomorrow here.

India 2 (2)
V. Singh (PC, 5); Lakra (PC, 20)

Great Britain 3 (1)
Golden (FG, 6); Rushmere (PC, 40); Way (PC, 51)

Starting XI: Payne (GK), Nurse, Draper, Oates, Turner, Griffiths, Ramshaw, Park, Way (C), Mackenzie, Scott

Subs: Mazarelo (GK), Buckle, West, Crowson, Russell, Golden, Rushmere

Great Britain Hockey media release

Great Britain and India to meet again in final



After their spirited Sultan of Johor Cup draw with Australia, Great Britain men’s coach Jon Bleby said their tournament could now start in earnest.

They duly blitzed Malaysia 5-1 and then, on Friday, triumphed 3-2 over India to qualify for Saturday’s final against the same nation.

Britain, the 2015 champions, have been a consistent performer in Malaysia. They will be playing their fourth under-21 final in five years under Bleby in the annual event.

India had already qualified for their fifth final after a superb 5-4 win over defending champions Australia at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium.

But take nothing away from GB’s win as they clawed back another deficit thanks to second-half srikes from Stuart Rushmere and Eddie Way.

India thought they had levelled late on, but their goal was disallowed for a body infringement.

A win for India will see them become the first under-21 team to win the international tournament three times.

Britain will be bidding for their fifth win in six matches against India, a statistic Bleby knows all too well, having overseen the under-21 teams since their first final in 2014.



“It shows good mental strength and we will gain from this win,” said Bleby.

“The final as usual is a different ball game and neither team can afford to make mistakes. India has been a very consistent team and they will be just as tough in the final.

“But it is anybody’s game at this stage and we need to take advantage of this win and go for it. We have been a bogey team for the Indians and we should try and pip them.”

India coach Jude Felix said: “I feel confident that we will be back on form the final.”

The final will be played at 13:35 UK time. Watch live here

The Hockey Paper

Burras To Play In Sultan Of Johor Third Place Play-Off

Ben Somerford



Defending champions Australia have failed to qualify for the 2018 Sultan of Johor Cup final despite a 4-0 win over New Zealand at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium on Friday night.

The Burras finished third in the standings with seven points, with India and Great Britain progressing to tonight’s final.

Australia will play Japan, who both finished on seven points, in the play-off for third place from 9:05pm AEDT.

For the Australians, it is a chance to exact revenge on the Japanese for the 2-1 group defeat.

After two listless quarters, the Australians finally took the lead in the 34th minute through a penalty corner goal by Blake Wotherspoon.

The game did not pick up pace after the goal as both teams were happy to play out the match.

Jake Staines added the second goal in the 41st minute off a field attempt and Damon Steffens sealed the match in the 52nd minute off a penalty corner.

It was Damon’s eighth goal of the tournament. He is in line to win the top scorer award.

The Australians had a little extra as they ended the match with a fourth goal when they converted another penalty corner through Coby Green.

The Australians will head to the game against Japan as the favourites as they seek to end the tournament on the podium.

Watch the game via this link

Story by Satwant Dhaliwal via www.sultanjohorcup.com.my

Burras' 2018 Sultan of Johor Cup schedule:
Saturday 6 October 8:05pm (AEST) - Australia 1 Japan 2
Sunday 7 October 11:35pm (AEDT) - Australia 6 Malaysia 1
Tuesday 9 October 7:05pm (AEDT) - Australia 2 Great Britain 2
Wednesday 10 October 7:05pm (AEDT) - Australia 4 India 5
Friday 12 October 11:35pm (AEDT) - Australia 4 New Zealand 0
Saturday 13 October 9:05pm (AEDT) - Australia v Japan

Burras’ 2018 Sultan of Johor Cup team:
Cade Banditt (QLD)
Hayden Beltz (TAS)
Lachlan Busiko (SA)
Hayden Dillon (NSW)
Nathan Ephraums (VIC)
Matthew Finn (QLD)
Matthew Fisher (WA)
Liam Flynn (WA)
Coby Green (WA)
Niranjan Gupte (ACT)
Ehren Hazell (NSW)
Brayden King (WA)
Dylan Martin (NSW)
Daniel McBride (VIC)
Alec Rasmussen (WA)
Ben Staines (ACT)
Damon Steffens (VIC)
Blake Wotherspoon (QLD)

Hockey Australia media release

Malaysia shatter Japan’s dream of advancing to the final

By Mohd Farhaan Shah


Back off: Malaysia’s Muhammad Izham Azhar (left) vying for the ball with Japan’s Takahashi Yosuke during the Sultan of Johor Cup match at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium yesterday. — Bernama

JOHOR BARU: Malaysia dashed Japan’s hopes of qualifying for their first Sultan of Johor Cup hockey tournament final after pulling off a remarkable 1-0 win.

A field goal from Muhajir Abdu in the 57th minute at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium gave Malaysia their first victory in the tournament and put an end to the Japanese dream.

Britain made their way to the final after beating two-time winner India 3-2 yesterday.

Goals from Cameron Golden (6th minute), Stuart Rushmere (39th minute), and Edward Way (51st minute) ensured Britain a place in the final against India.

India, who have already qualified for this year’s final, got their goals through Vishnukant Singh (fifth minute) and Shilanand Lakra (20th minute) yesterday.

Japan had to beat Malaysia with more than five goals to stand a chance to qualify for the final on a superior goal difference but they limped out.

Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiruddin’s boys showed they were no pushovers by limiting Japanese attack by putting them under pressure.

Saiful said he was proud of his players overall performances as the bulk of them had never played in international matches.

“We need this kind of exposure for our young squad. This is a good platform for their development and a good learning exposure for them.

“They did not allow Japan control the match, our defence played really well. These are all the positives we should take from this tournament,” he said.

The Star of Malaysia

Australia's Batch ready to defend World Cup title


Colin Batch is aiming to lead Australia to back to back World Cup wins Photo: FIH/WSP

Being at the helm of the world’s best men’s hockey team cannot be an easy task. Expectation sits on the shoulders and every other team sees you as a target – a team to be knocked off a perch. And yet the Kookaburras Head Coach Colin Batch is a man who seems totally unflappable as he talks about the two major challenges his team faces over the next two years – the Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

“We will be ready for the World Cup, although there is still a lot of work to do,” says Batch. “The men’s competition is very tough at the moment. There are very fine margins between most teams. We can’t say we are in line to have success at the World Cup: yes, we are defending champions but this is a new group and they have to find success on the field as other groups have before them.

“And of course, Tokyo is not far around the corner. It’s coming quickly. We have a young group emerging and we have to get enough experience into those players before the Tokyo Olympic Games.”

The past year has offered the Australia team a rare chance to play top level hockey on home soil. Early in the year, the Netherlands travelled to Australia to play a four-match test series against the Kookaburras, which the home side won, thanks to a 6-1 victory in the final match. They followed that up with an emphatic win at the Commonwealth Games, again on home soil – retaining the title they have won for the past six editions of the Games.

For every great player that retires, another great player steps into their shoes.

As Batch points out: “Not many teams come to Australia, so it was great that the Dutch did that. It is good for people to see one of the top teams in the world playing in Australia. And the Commonwealth Games was a great event because it was also in Australia.”

Prior to the Commonwealth Games, Australia had won the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia, going through the six team tournament unbeaten, before they triumphed at the Rabo Champions Trophy in Breda, despite losing one of the round-robin matches to Argentina.

“The Champions Trophy was great,” says Batch, “It proved very good preparation against teams we hadn’t seen for a while, particularly some of the European teams.”

The key to the Kookaburras' success is the winning mentality that seems to be part of the team’s DNA. For every great player that retires, another great player steps into their shoes. It is this never-ending stream of quality that has kept the team consistently in the top one or two of the FIH Hero World Rankings for such a long time.


Australia will defend the title they won in The Hague in 2014 Photo: FIH/WSP

“The players just love playing for the Kookaburras,” says Batch as he tried to explain the team’s continuing gold rush. “They make themselves available every time, and that is despite it becoming harder and harder for elite players to commit to everything that is going on. We are looking forward to the FIH Pro League, but it asks for a lot of commitment. But people enjoy playing for the Kookaburras and that is why we are consistently good. People are prepared to push themselves to remain part of the squad.”

There have been some changes to the squad in the past few months with some high profile retirees, among them captain Mark Knowles. Batch acknowledges that his squad is still evolving and a number of new players are still finding their feet, but he adds, there are also some long-serving players. Eddie Ockenden is the pick of these – the attacking midfielder is the last surviving squad member from the team that won bronze in Beijing 2008.

Unlike many coaches, Batch is willing to namecheck the players he feels will be key to success at the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup in Bhubaneswar. “We have two outstanding goalkeepers in Tyler Lovell and Andrew Charter - that provides a good base for our defence to perform. Eddie Ockenden has played over 300 games so he is very important to us, as is Aran Zalewski in midfield – he is a bit of a midfield general for us. And Daniel Beale is getting better all the time. He is driven, he has a bit to prove but he has a real hunger.”

Talking about his team’s prospects, Batch is looking no further than the pool matches. “At this stage our focus is on Ireland, England and China to make sure we perform in our Pool before we hopefully progress to the next phase. Overall, everyone is a threat. We’ve seen at the Women’s World Cup earlier this year with how unpredictable that was. We’re expecting a very tight competition.”

Australia start their defence of the title with a Pool B match against Ireland, who are ranked at number 10 in the FIH Hero World Rankings.

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FIH site

Bhubaneswar dreams big

Hopes to become hub of elite training

Uthra Ganesan


Kalinga Stadium. File photo 

The upcoming World Cup will be the third major international hockey tournament in Bhubaneswar but the Odisha government has bigger ambitions in developing into a hub for multiple sports and a one-stop destination for elite sportspersons from across the country.

The first will be a High Performance Centre for athletics, ready to get off the ground by the end of this year, followed by HPCs in other sports.

In an interaction with select media, Odisha Sports Secretary Vishal Dev said, “We already have a Centre of Excellence here but are now also looking at starting an HPC for hockey.

Coaches from all over

“It will have some of the finest hockey coaches from across the world, along with a battery of support staff, including physios, nutritionists, trainers, masseurs, etc.

“We will be running talent identification programmes for kids from the sports hostels that we already have across the State and outside.”

The government is also in the process of upgrading residential facilities within the Kalinga Stadium Complex to enable hosting the National team from next month.

Sports Director Vineel Krishna revealed the stadium was not only the base for the national Under-15 football team but would also be the home ground for Indian Arrows in the coming I-League season.

It would also be hosting the Asian girls’ rugby championships later this month.

“Besides hockey and athletics, we already have more than 1,000 trainees in football, weightlifting, archery, badminton and sailing in sports hostels and are looking at setting up HPCs for all these sports,” said Krishna.

“The government would not get into their operations. We already have an MoU with the Gopi Chand Academy to be opened here,” Krishna added.

For the World Cup itself, the sports department has planned two fan villages within the complex and other events — a contemporary music and dance festival, an international food festival, a story-telling competition and a Bhubaneswar Art Trail, on the lines of the Kochi Biennale — all coinciding with the tournament but intended as annual fixtures.

The Hindu

Rizwan Sr to lead Pakistan hockey team in Asian Champions Trophy

Five players from Asiad get the axe

Anwar Zuberi



KARACHI: Five players who were part of the Jakarta Asian Games were shown the door as an 18-member Pakistan hockey team was named for the fifth Asian Champions Trophy which begins in Muscat next Thursday.

The five players who were axed from the team are Amjad Ali, Rashid Mahmood, Dilber, Shafqat Rasool and Junaid Manzoor.

Those who have earned selection in the team at the expense of the above players are Aleem Bilal, Irfan Jr, Mazhar Abbas (goalkeeper), Rizwan Jr and M. Zubair.

Rizwan Sr, who is playing league hockey in Holland, has been retained as captain and will reach directly to Muscat to join the squad. This is not the first time that he had been selected in absentia after skipping the camp and trials.

Responding to a query about the selection of Rizwan Sr, chief selector Islahuddin Siddiqui — who announced the team along with manager Hasan Sardar — said he (Rizwan Sr) was picked as he had gone abroad after securing NOC from the PHF besides making himself available for the country.

Referring to changes in the squad, Islah said the team has been picked on ‘merit’ and from the best available talent “Performance of players in the Asian Games, camp and the trials were also part of selection criteria,” he said.

He stressed upon the need that the forwards should avail chances besides accuracy in penalty corner conversions. “The forwards are not scoring goals despite getting chances while same is the case with PC strikers,” he remarked.

He said the forwards and full backs are likely to get four to five chances apiece in a match and it is up to them to go all out to avail the chances. He added that scoring of goals will build the team’s confidence.

Strangely, besides the chief selector, only one selector Qasim Khan watched the two-day trials. While Ayaz Mahmood is out of country the absence of Mussadiq Hussain, who has succeeded Farhat Khan earlier this month, shows lack of seriousness on his part.

Islah said he had taken the input of team manager and the PHF secretary while finalising the team besides making it clear that the team is only for the Asian Champions Trophy while a similar process will be carried out for the World Cup.

Sardar was confident that his boys will deliver the goods in the coming event.

Regretting the step-motherly treatment meted out to the national game from the government, the legendary centre-forward said despite the depressing scenario with no funds in PHF’s kitty, the team is confident of fulfilling the nation’s expectations.

“The team has shaped well which is evident from the fact that it has minimised the margin of defeat in the Commonwealth Games, Champions Trophy and the Asian Games,” he maintained.

The former spearhead said he will go for attack and will carry forward the plan of Pakistan’s former Dutch coach Roelant Oltmans who has left in disgust and had signed up as head coach of the Malaysian hockey team up to 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Sardar said he is aiming for his team to finish among top eight at the Bhubaneswar World Cup in December in order to qualify for the 2020 Olympics.
Squad:

Imran Butt (goalkeeper), Irfan Sr, Aleem Bilal, Mubashir Ali, Mohammad Touseeq, Tasawwar Abbas, Ejaz Ahmed, Ammad Shakeel Butt (vice captain), Irfan Jr, Rizwan Sr (captain), Ali Shan, Mazhar Abbas (goalkeeper), Rizwan Jr, Faisal Qadir, Abu Bakar, Umer Bhutta, M. Atiq and M. Zubair.

Officials: Hasan Sardar (manager), Rehan Butt and Mohammad Saqlain (coaches), Mohammad Nadeem Khan Lodhi (video analyst), Dr Waqas (physiotherapist).

Dawn

PHF names Pakistan team for Asian Champions Trophy

Azhar Khan

LAHORE - Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Friday announced the national team for the fifth Asian Champions Trophy to be played in Muscat, Oman from October 18.

According to PHF spokesman here on Friday, M Rizwan Senior will lead the green shirts while Ammad Shakeel Butt will be his deputy in the prestigious tournament, which will be participated by six teams including India, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Korea, Japan and hosts Oman. The inaugural match will be played between Malaysia and Japan on October 18 at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Muscat.

Pakistan will play their first match against South Korea on October 19 while they will take on arch-rivals India on October 20. After that, the green shirts will vie against Oman on October 22, against Japan on October 24 and against Malaysia n October 25. October 26 will be the rest day while the classification matches will be played on October 27 and third-fourth place match and the final will be contested on October 28.

It will be the fifth edition of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy. This was announced by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) on January 29, 2018. The Oman Hockey Association will be the host of the tournament.The 5th edition of the biennial event will take place at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. Indian automobile company Hero MotoCorp, a global partner of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and a long-term associate of the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), will be the title sponsor of the tournament.

PAKISTAN SQUAD: Imran Butt and Mazhar Abbas (goalkeepers), M Irfan Senior, Aleem Bilal, Mubashar Ali, M Tauseeq Arshad, Tasawwar Abbas, Ajaz Ahmed, Ammad Shakeel Butt (vice captain), M Irfan Junior, M Rizwan Senior (captain), Ali Shan, M Rizwan Junior, Faisal Qadir, Abubakr Mahmood, Umar Bhutta, M Atiq Arshad and M Zubair.

The Nation

Fitri to miss Asian Champions Trophy in Oman due to convocation

KUALA LUMPUR: National hockey player Mohd Fitri Saari has placed his graduation ceremony ahead of national duty.

And one can’t blame Fitri as he has waited six years to obtain a degree in sports science and will attend his convocation at Universiti Malaya on Oct 23.

With that, the 25-year-old Fitri, who marshalls the midfield, will skip the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman, from Oct 18-28.

He is the second key player to miss the action as defender and penalty corner specialist Muhd Razie Abdul Rahim also opted out of the team last week as he is still recovering from a hamstring injury.

National coach Roelant Oltmans said the absence of the two experienced players would not affect the team’s performance.

“We’ve other reliable players and it also gives me the chance to test the others in Oman.

“We’ve a well-balanced team of young and senior players,” said the 64-year-old Dutch coach.

Malaysia are featuring for the fifth time in the Asian Champions Trophy. They have consistently finished third in the last four outings in Ordos, China (2011); Doha, Qatar (2012); Kakamigahara, Japan (2013); and Kuantan, Malaysia (2014).

The challenge is for Oltmans to go one step better with Malaysia this time.

Malaysia’s challengers are defending champions India, Pakistan, South Korea, Japan and Oman in the six-nation battle.

“Our opening match against Japan will be important.

Japan denied us (Malaysia) a place in the Olympics (beating Malaysia 3-1 in penalty shootout after a 6-6 draw in regulation time in the final).

“We definitely want to collect points against Japan in the opening match to put us on the right track for a place in the semi-finals,” said Oltmans.

The Star of Malaysia

Oltmans to focus on players’ fitness and mental strength



KUALA LUMPUR: National men’s hockey coach Roelant Oltmans (pic) has been focusing on the players’ fitness and mental toughness ahead of the Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat, Oman, from Oct 18-28.

The 64-year-old Dutchman, who was hired as the national coach on Oct 1, said most of the players passed the fitness test, held on Monday, with flying colours.

“I’m pleased with the players’ fitness but of course, there’s always room for improvement. But overall, it was a good fitness test,” said Oltmans.

He also pointed out the importance of mental preparation.

“A player has to be mentally strong from the start to end of a match in order to win matches,” said Oltmans, who has 29 years experience in coaching.

“We ran a tough training programme over the past two weeks.

“I’ve focused on strengthening their legs. The players must get used to the hard training.

“I want them to be refreshed in mind and body for the tournament in Oman.”

Asked whether he has made any changes in the national team set-up, Oltmans said: “We cannot make sudden changes in two weeks. It won’t be good and the players will be confused.

“We’ll try to have a discussion on the structure and look into the style of play.

“Apart from creating tactical awareness, we’ll work on skill executions.

“There are a few players with minor injuries and we’ll wait until Friday to assess them before we name the squad for the tournament in Oman.”

Defender and penalty corner specialist Muhd Razie Abdul Rahim is down with a hamstring injury and will not feature in Oman.

Besides Malaysia, the other participating countries are host Oman, defending champions India, Pakistan, South Korea and Japan.

Oltmans is using the Oman meet as a “warm-up” ahead of the World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India, from Nov 28-Dec 16.

The Star of Malaysia

Passmore outlines squad for 2019 Junior Euros


Dave Passmore leads a session with an Irish U-23 selection this summer. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Dave Passmore has named a number of extensive selections as the Irish Under-21 women set their sights on next July’s Junior European Championships in Valencia.

The competition is an important qualification route for the Junior World Cup. Ahead of the Euros, the side will play warm-up matches against Spain, England and Belgium.

Speaking about the panel, head coach Passmore said: “This is a strong group of talented athletes and represents the fact that there has now been a ongoing program in place for the past two years and given we had 12 of the group included to the tournament in 2017.

“That said, we have some young faces that have pushed their way through from the past two Under-18 squads. Most of the girls attend twice weekly morning gym sessions and regional technical sessions around their busy club commitments as a way of closing the gap between ourselves and the big four, and results over the summer with the Under-23s and against England in Belfast in August show we are beginning to make progress.”

First on the wider development squad’s agenda is a trip to Atletic Terrassa from Monday, October 29 to Thursday, November 1 when an Under-23 selection takes on Spain three times.

The squad includes four Under-23 players; Serena Barr, Bethany Barr, Sarah Hawkshaw and Ruth Maguire and the remainder from the Under-21 list with Sarah Torrans and Ellen Curran being rested.

Passmore added: “This camp will provide the ideal opportunity to build on the development of these players following our successful summer campaign that culminated in the Brussels 6 Nations.

“The focus will be on player development and laying the platform for some to transition into the seniors and for others to understand an elite training environment.”

Irish women’s Under-21 squad for 2018/19: Michelle Barry (Cork Harlequins), Emma Buckley (GK, Racing Club de Bruxelles), Michelle Carey (UCD), Niamh Carey (UCD), Ellen Curran (UCD), Isabel Delamer (Trinity), Alanah Doyle (Ards), Katherine Egan (UCD), Amy Elliott (Railway Union/St Andrews), Laura Foley (Catholic Institute), Erin Getty (Queens), Christina Hamill (Loreto), Nina Heisterkamp (UCD), Hannah Humphries (GK, UCC), Mia Jennings (Loreto), Suzie Kelly (UCD), Jane Kilpatrick (Loughborough Uni), Erica Markey (Trinity), Hannah McLoughlin (UCD), Grace McLoughlin (Loreto), Jessica McMaster (Queens), Elizabeth Murphy (GK, Loreto), Siofra O’Brien (Loreto), Caoimhe Perdue (Cork Harlequins), Yasmin Pratt (Muckross), Abbie Russell (UCD), Caitlin Sherin (Loreto/Loreto Foxrock), Holly Taggart (Bristol Uni), Sarah Torrans (Loreto),

National Under-21 development squad: Jenny Clein (UCC), Katie Fearon (Railway Union), Niamh Gowing (Muckross), Gemma Ferguson (GK, Ulster Elks), Jade Lamont (GK, Beeston), Emily McStea (Queens), Sophie McDowell (Beeston), Emma Young (UCD)

Under-23 Squad for Barcelona (October 29 to November 1): Serena Barr (Benn Rhydding), Bethany Barr (UCD), Michelle Barry (Cork Harlequins), Emma Buckley (Racing Club de Bruxelles), Michelle Carey (UCD), Alana Doyle (Ards), Katherine Egan (UCD), Amy Elliott (Railway Union), Laura Foley (Catholic Institute), Christina Hamill (Loreto), Sarah Hawkshaw (Railway Union), Hannah Humphries (UCC), Mia Jennings (Loreto), Suzie Kelly (UCD), Ruth Maguire (Pegasus), Erica Markey (Trinity), Grace McLoughlin (Loreto), Hannah McLoughlin (UCD), Jess McMaster (Queens), Lizzie Murphy (Loreto), Caoimhe Perdue (Cork Harlequins), Yasmin Pratt (Muckross), Abbie Russell (UCD), Caitlin Sherin (Loreto)

Non Travelling Reserves: Niamh Carey (UCD), Nina Heisterkamp (UCD), Siofra O’Brien (Loreto)

The Hook

Tasty ties at the top of the Scottish National League 1 table


Grange v Western Wildcats

It could be tough in the early stages of the quest for the National League 1 crowns; in the men`s league there are big games featuring Hillhead, Clydesdale, Edinburgh University, Grove Menzieshill and Grange, while the leaders of the women`s league Dundee Wanderers take the trip to Auchenhowie to try to blunt the Wildcats` claws.

Edinburgh University coach Graham Moodie has the perennial task of rebuilding his squad for the start of each season. Moodie recorded the departure of eleven squad players, eight in last season`s starting line-up, so he is happy with the initial outcome. He said, “with this in mind we are satisfied with our start to the season, although we know there is a lot to work on.

“We have picked up a number of high potential young players and Jock Breckenridge has returned from Germany, so we are a young, but exciting team.”

It is a double-header for Moodie`s charges, champions Grange on Saturday and away to Uddingston on Sunday.

On Saturday`s game Moodie said: “Grange is not a target game for us, they have added two senior internationalists and two imports, and are just off the back of competing in the EHL, and it would be extremely difficult for us to compete with that.”

Whether Grange`s experience in Barcelona last weekend will have a positive or negative impact on David Knipe`s squad remains to be seen. But they are also unbeaten in the league with two wins and a draw under their belt, and are only a point behind the students with a game less played.

Certainly Grange won both outings last season, but with University`s line-up so different that may not provide much of an indication for Saturday`s encounter at Peffermill.

Moodie sees Uddingston the following day as an important prospect. “Our focus is on Sunday, it`s always tough against Uddingston and we take nothing for granted, but this is our target game.”

The students certainly play an attractive brand of attacking hockey, 17 goals in four games is testament to that.

Hillhead still lead the division but have a perilous trip to Tayside on Saturday to take on Grove Menzieshill on their own patch.

The `Hill have only played two games so far, but they were impressive victories over Watsonians and Uddingston.

Even without main striker Cameron Golden, on Great Britain U21 duty in Malaysia, there is still the likes of Albert Rowling, Paul Martin and Aidan McQuade from the set piece to put the league leaders under pressure.

While still unbeaten in the competition, Hillhead have dropped six points in draws against Clydesdale, Watsonians and Edinburgh University.

Another side on the up are Clydesdale who slipped into third spot after last weekend`s victory at Gordonians. Teenage striker Struan Walker is emerging as a lethal finisher, he has scored five times in the four outings to date.

Clydesdale, now under the coaching aegis of Ciaran Crawford who has taken over from Callum MacLeod, travel to Bothwell Castle Policies to take on an Uddingston side that have once again blown hot and cold.

It is an interesting statistic, the Lanarkshire side have scored eight goals in the campaign so far, all have been put in the back of the net by Brad Hughes. The Clydesdale defence will have to put the shackles on the Australian if they hope to maintain their unbeaten record.

It is a difficult task for Gordonians to break their duck against Western Wildcats at Auchenhowie.

Who would have thought that formerly 13-times champions Kelburne would be pointless after four games into the campaign, on Saturday they have the chance to rectify that situation with a win at Watsonians, themselves only two points better after a couple of draws.


MJV Dundee Wanderers’ Emily Dark v Milne Craig Clydesdale Western, Women’s Scottish Cup Semi-Final, Photo by John Preece

Dundee Wanderers` reign at the top of the women`s National League 1 – will it be long term or transient? The result of the Taysiders’ visit to Auchenhowie to take on second placed Wildcats on Saturday may provide an answer.

At present Wanderers have a two point advantage over the Wildcats – so it is all to play for at Auchenhowie.

Wanderers` renaissance was confirmed last weekend with a 3-2 win over Clydesdale Western, albeit that came from a late winner by Emily Dark with only five minutes left.

As well as Dark, the Dundonians have a lively attacking force in Heather Elder and Charlotte Watson, they have combined to give Wanderers a total of 14 goals in five games so far.

Wildcats are also unbeaten in this season`s campaign, although they have dropped four points in draws against Clydesdale Western and Grove Menzieshill.

Wildcats` success has also been based on attacking hockey with 17 goals already in the bag – so a close high scoring affair looks in prospect.

The chasing pack should keep up the pressure at the top in what is emerging as a very competitive scenario, Grove Menzieshill will hope they can do enough to see off Hillhead while Western could return to winning ways against Glasgow University.

Watsonians coach Keith Smith was disappointed to lose 3-1 to Wildcats last weekend, especially at they took an early lead and dominated much of the first half, but his charges will look to get back to a winning formula at home to GHK.

However, it might be far from a pushover as the Glasgow side are only a point adrift after victories over Grange and Glasgow University.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Surging Police hunt Butali Warriors as title race intensifies

By AYUMBA AYODI


From left: Butali Sugar Warriors playmaker Zack Aura, George Mutira and Frank Wanagwe celebrating a goal against KCA University during their Kenya Hockey Union men's Premier League match at City park Stadium, Nairobi on August 26, 2018. PHOTO | KANYIRI WAHITO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Champions Kenya Police head to Kakamega for a date with Western Jaguar while Butali Sugar Warriors return to Nairobi City to face Nairobi Simba as men’s hockey Premier League approaches its crucial stage this weekend.

While Police’s surge to the top continued when they beat Strathmore Gladiators 2-0, Butali Sugar faltered amidst complains of poor officiating to lose to Parkroad Badgers 1-0 last weekend.

Despite losing Butali Sugar upheld their league lead with 45 points with Police staying second with 42 points.
Things got interesting with last weekend’s results since it gave Police a golden opportunity to catch up with Butali, the 2016 champions at the top.

With only three points separating them in the 12-team league, Police have two matches in hand as they hunt down Butali, having won 14 matches with one loss.

Police will be eying revenge in Kakamega as they take on Western Jaguars Saturday at 3pm. Police might have crushed Western Jaguars 4-0 in the first leg in Nairobi but memories of last year’s 1-0 defeat in Kakamega are still fresh.

Police coach Patrick Mugambi will be without his inspirational striker Amos Barkibir, who is suspended. Samson Timbilil will cover up for Barkibir. “We are not focused on how many matches Butali have lost but how we shall deliver victories in our remaining seven matches,” said Mugambi.

Butali Sugar, who have registered 15 wins and two losses, can’t afford to drop more points as they take on Nairobi Simba, whom they whacked 5-0 in the first leg.

After Nairobi Simba duel, Butali Sugar will remain with four tough outings to wrap up their season.

They will take on United States International University, Strathmore University Gladiators and Greensharks before the final outing against Police, which could likely decide the league winner.

Butali coach Dennis Owoka will have to patch up his defence in the absence of the suspended Brian Musasia and Tony Nyukuri. Defensive midfielder Robert Amadi and striker Lawrence Okubasu are also out with injuries while goalkeeper Linus Sang is struggling to get fit after he got injured against Parkroad.

Owoka is glad to have his dependable striker Zack Aura back from suspension after he stayed away last weekend. “This has always been a derby and it’s going to be tough,” said Owoka. “We shall give our best since we can’t afford to drop points.

Parkroad, who stunned Butali, a victory that saw them drift away from relegation zone by one place to ninth with 17 points, hope to uphold the momentum when they visit Nakuru on Saturday.

Third-placed Wazalendo(26) will be battling to uphold status quo when they face sixth-placed Nairobi Simba (20).

Fourth-placed Greensharks (25) take on Parklands.

Fixture
Premier League (men): Nakuru v Parkroad Badgers (3pm, Nakuru), Western Jaguars v Kenya Police (3pm, Kakamega), Nairobi Simba v Wazalendo (6pm, City Park)
National League (men): MSC v MMU (1pm, Mombasa), Kisumu Youngstars v KU (3pm, Kisumu), Wazalendo Youth v Bay Club (4pm, City Park
Premier League (women): JKUAT v Chase Amira (12pm, City Park.
Super League (women): Lakers v KU (1pm, Kisumu), UoN v Nakuru (2pm, City Park), MSC v MMU (3pm, Mombasa).

Tomorrow:
Premier League (men): Greensharks v Parklands (3pm, City Park), Butali v Simba Siimba (5pm, City Park.
Super League (men): Mvita XI v MMU (9am, Mombasa), Kisumu Youngstars v Chase Sailors (9am, Kisumu; Impala v. Kabarak University (1pm) City Park.

Daily Nation

Gojra’s love for hockey

By Nishant Mehta thanks to an article provided by Ijaz Chaudhry


Gojra has produced a number of Pakistan superstars over the years Photo: Ijaz Chaudhry & Affan Manzoor

Pakistan’s association with hockey has been one of the highlights for the growth of the sport across the world. Apart from being the most successful nation in the men’s World Cup, Pakistan also has a deep-rooted culture for hockey. A town in the Punjab Province, Gojra, has contributed immensely to the success of the sport.

The story of Gojra’s love for hockey dates to the early 1950s when a physical training instructor at Government M.C. High school, the Late M Yaqoob, laid the foundation of what has been a long-lasting legacy.

Despite never having played hockey, he single-handedly raised the school team and created an atmosphere for many hockey clubs to start in the late 1950s. However, the level of their hockey was still no-match for the established sides of their neighbours.

One of the hockey clubs was patronised by Chaudhury Bashir, who established the Gojra Hockey club in 1964 and started arranging hockey tournaments, which saw participation of all the major teams of the country. Bashir also financed tours of Gojra Hockey club team to participate in the tournaments held in different parts of the country.

A seed sown in the early 1950s was now reaping fruits and Gojra started to leave an impression on Pakistan’s national side by the late 1960s.

Aslam Roda, became the pioneer by making Gojra the great nursery of hockey that it is today. Roda devoted himself to training youngsters at the Gojra Hockey Club.

Roda was joined by Iqbal Bali, another wonderful coach at the club, who played for Pakistan as a full-back in the early 1970s, and notably in the 1973 Hockey World Cup. Bali later became an international umpire. His contribution comes second only to that of Roda’s.


Gojra Welcomes the 1982 World Cup winners. Trophy held by local brothers Manzoor Ul Hassan & Rasheedul Hassan Photo: Ijaz Chaudhry & Affan Manzoor

With time, more and more Gojra boys wore the Pakistan uniform in hockey. Goalkeeper Mohammad Aslam was the first Gojra boy to win a major title in the 1970 Asian Games in Thailand, followed by the 1971 World Cup in Barcelona, Spain.

In 1975, Roda and Bali parted ways due to certain differences. Now Bali ran the Gojra Hockey Club while Roda began coaching a new club named Gojra Sports. In the hindsight, it helped Gojra hockey by developing a healthy rivalry.

Soon, Gojra had its first mega-star, full-back Manzoorul Hassan. He remained an important part of the Pakistan defence in 1970s and scored more than 100 goals. Manzoor also has the honour to be first player from Gojra to wear the captain’s armband for the national team.

The next star was none other than Manzoor’s younger brother, Rasheedul Hassan. The world class right-half has every gold medal in his cabinet: Olympic, World Cup, Asian Games, Asia Cup, Champions Trophy and Junior World Cup. He too captained Pakistan.

From the early 1980s onwards, no Pakistan team has left the country’s shores without having representation from Gojra.

The Pakistan team which won the Hockey World Cup in 1994 featured five Gojra players within the 16-member squad.

Incidentally, it was in 1994 when Pakistan had those two glorious successes, the Hockey World Cup preceded by the Champions Trophy, which made the Pakistan government sanction a synthetic turf for the Gojra city. For this, a proper stadium was required. Construction work was completed in the year 2000 and the turf was laid.

Various academies launched in 2009, invite PHF certified coaches to train players in different age groups. The idea is to develop a pool of players – from among trainees at the regional academies – for training at the national academy in Lahore. The national academy, in turn, is tasked with building players for the national squad.

Ironically, the clubs/academies of Gojra get almost no support from the government and are being run on a self-help basis. They meet their expenses through donations by former students.

At present, no town in Pakistan, big or small, is recognised for a single sport as much as Gojra is for hockey. It is its identity and pride.

Such has been the impact, that Gojra had no representation in the national team until late 1960s but in the last five decades Gojra now holds the distinction of contributing with the largest number of hockey players to Pakistan’s national teams.

Such development programmes are great examples of organisations engaging with the International Hockey Federation's Hockey Revolution strategy. With an aim of making hockey a global game that inspires future generations, Gojra's development of hockey is an example of positive progress being made in Pakistan.

FIH site

No. 8 Iowa beats No. 6 Penn State behind Maddy Murphy hat trick


Iowa beat Penn State in a top-10 showdown. Iowa Athletics

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- In a back-and-forth affair, the eighth-ranked University of Iowa field hockey team outlasted No. 6 Penn State, 3-2, behind Maddy Murphy's first career hat trick on Friday night at Grant Field. Iowa improves to 4-2 in the Big Ten with a 12-3 overall record.

HOW IT HAPPENED

In a defensive battle for most of the first half, the Hawkeyes pushed across the game's first goal in the 23rd minute. On the first shot on goal of the game, Murphy put Iowa up 1-0 on a rebound goal. Murphy was just getting started on a brisk, windy night.
 
The Hawkeye offense put the pressure on Penn State in the first half, registering nine shots and four penalty corners, while the defense allowed zero shots and penalty corners to lead 1-0 at the break.
 
The Nittany Lions came out on the offensive in the second half, scoring in the 37th minute off a penalty corner. Anna Simon was credited with the goal to tie the game at one. Penn State had the momentum for the first 15 minutes of the second half, but never got a shot off.
 
Iowa regained momentum in the 52nd minute on Murphy's second goal of the game that was upheld after a review.Lokke Stribos, who passed the ball in from outside the circle, was credited with the assist. Penn State wasn't going away, recording three quick shots on goal in the 54th minute, but Iowa goalkeeper Leslie Speight saved them all.
 
Penn State's Emily Klinger scored the equalizer in the 56th minute on a redirected shot. At two goals apiece with 14 minutes left, the Hawkeyes won the possession game, and put shots on goal in the 58th and 63rd minutes, but Penn State's goalkeeper saved both of them.

It was Murphy's third goal with less than three minutes remaining (67:41) that put the Hawkeyes on top 3-2. Katie Birch assisted Murphy's game-winning goal from the baseline.
 
QUOTING COACH CELLUCCI

"We stuck to the game plan. We chipped away.  We said we might bend but we aren't going to break. We absolutely did not break tonight. I couldn't be happier with the performance and obviously the result. We've had a great week of practice. They are confident, they know they can compete with anybody, and they were able to execute for 70 minutes. This was a fantastic result at home on Grant Field under the lights. It couldn't be a better night."
 
"Penn State is a very lethal attacking team. We knew they were going to get their offensive chances. Again, we had to chip away. We had to clean up a few things defensively, which we did, and then we were able to throw their game back at them with our counter attack. It was a great performance."
 
HEAR FROM THE STUDENT-ATHLETES

Maddy Murphy: "It feels so surreal. We haven't had a win like that and it feels so good. Everyone played so well, and we played as a team. After we lost 5-1 last year, to come back from that is outstanding. I couldn't be happier. This is a testament to how hard we've been training and how much we've focused in. Everyone wants it so bad and you can see it on the field. Everyone is putting in 110 percent every game, and the wins are coming. Everybody better watch out."
 
Katie Birch: "We knew Penn State was going to be a battle; it always has been. We talk a lot about bending, but not breaking. We've got a lot of grit on our team that we can bring it all 70 minutes of the game. We really did that today.Coming back definitely shows our resilience and grit. We scored with two minutes left, which is insane."
 
HAWKEYE NOTABLES

    It was Iowa's first win over Penn State since 2014 when Iowa beat the No. 4 Nittany Lions, 4-0, at Grant Field.
    Today marked Iowa's first win against a top-10 opponent since 2016 against No. 9 Northwestern.
    Iowa improves to 9-0 this season when scoring at least three goals.
    Maddy Murphy's first career hat trick extends her season total to 13 goals, which is the second most in the Big Ten. Murphy only needed three shots to net a trio of goals. Murphy now has four game-winning goals on the year.
    Goalkeeper Leslie Speight made three saves in five chances to improve her record to 12-3.

UP NEXT

Iowa returns to Grant Field on Sunday at noon (CT) to face No. 2 Maryland in the last home game of the season. Sunday is senior day for four Hawkeyes -- Makenna Grewe, Riley Kniptash, Isabella Brown, and manager Liam Norton. The game will be televised on BTN.

NCAA

Maryland field hockey shakes off last week’s offensive struggles to beat Indiana, 4-0

Madison Maguire opened scoring after 12 seconds.

By Lila Bromberg


Midfielder Madison Maguire defends the ball in Maryland’s 4-1 win over Indiana at the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex on Sept. 17. (Reid Poluhovich / The Diamondback)

None of last Sunday’s offensive struggles against then-No. 7 Penn State seemed to carry over into Maryland field hockey’s Friday matchup with Indiana.

The Terps took over 65 minutes to score and only had 13 shots in the 3-1 loss to the Nittany Lions.

But a week of introspection into what went wrong against Penn State appeared to pay off as No. 2 Maryland scored just 12 seconds into its contest against Indiana. And from there, the Hoosiers scored three more goals to build off of its dominant start en route to a 4-0 win over the Hoosiers.

“It was really big for us because we didn’t really start out on the best note when we were playing Penn State,” forward Linnea Gonzales said. “I think that just set the tempo for the game and gave everyone energy. After we started off that quick we wanted to keep going and we wanted to keep getting more.”

The victory is the Terps’ 14th of the season, and its fifth Big Ten win.

Maryland held Indiana without a shot for the entirety of the contest. When the Hoosiers earned a penalty corner opportunity in the first half, the Terps cleared the ball before goalkeeper Sarah Holliday could be troubled in net.

“Bodil Keus, Hannah Bond and Riley Donnelly were exceptional today with Sarah Holliday,” coach Missy Meharg said. “That communication with our goalkeeper and our three defenders was spot on, and when you have good early communication you’re going to be in a position to not give up a lot of shots.”

The Terps ended with 20 shots, nine of whom were on target.

Immediately after Maryland started the game with the ball, it began a passing sequence to get the ball up the field. Midfielder Kyler Greenwalt drove the ball into Indiana territory, forcing Hoosiers goalkeeper Sachi Ananias out of the net. Greenwalt then crossed the ball across the goalmouth to midfielder Madison Maguire, who easily slotted home the opening goal.

Gonzales continued to perform well for the Terps in the victory. In the 13th minute of the contest, she rocketed the ball into the net after receiving a side pass from Keus on a penalty corner. Then, in the 22nd minute, she managed to sweep the ball into the net from the far left side off a feed from defender Kelee Lepage. The senior now has 12 goals on the season.

“She’s such a talent to have on this team,” forward Mayv Clune said. “It just brings a sense of security because we know she brings that momentum, she brings that drive, she is in it 100 percent. Seeing her work her butt off on the field makes everyone work so much harder.”

The Hoosiers tried to slow down Maryland’s offense by putting in goalkeeper Shelby Querry for the second half, but it didn’t work. Clune also scored a goal for Maryland, her second of the season, in the 60th minute of the contest.

The Diamondback

Field Hockey Looks to Keep up Hot Streak Against Cornell

By Mahtab Shihab


Senior midfielder Victoria Boylett has started all but two games this season. Photo: Timothy R. O'Meara

After winning the last eight games, No. 11 Harvard (11-1, 3-0 Ivy League) goes into its game on Saturday against Cornell looking to set a new program record for wins in a row. The Crimson has been absolutely dominant this season, with its sole loss this season against one of the strongest teams in the nation, No. 3 Maryland.

Its No.11 ranking on the Penn Monto/NFHCA Division I Coaches Poll is its highest ranking in program history. Harvard looks to build on its successes from the past two seasons where it also had winning streaks of six games or more.

The Crimson also has the third highest winning percentage in the nation (.917) and is only two wins away from the program record (13). Cornell, on the other hand, has not had the most spectacular season, with a 3-8 overall record, and no conference wins. However, the series between Harvard and Big Red has always been competitive, with the Crimson holding a slim 7-6 advantage over the last 13 meetings. If Harvard is to make history and win its ninth game in a row, it cannot take Big Red for granted, and will have to bring its best efforts.

Harvard’s success this season is a result of its strong defensive play and and a balanced offensive game. The Crimson averages only 0.83 team goals against, which is the third best mark in the nation while also having the tenth best scoring attack in the nation, with an average 3.25 goals per game.

The versatility on both the defensive and offensive side has allowed Harvard to beat its opponents in dominant fashion, with six shutout victories already this season. Its offensive prowess has been spearheaded by juniors Bente Van Vlijmen (nine goals, five assists) and Maddie Earle (nine goals, two assists).

Vlijmen has been on a historic run, having scored 23 points already this season, and is on pace to break the single season scoring record (42 points) held by Judy Collins ‘99 and Shelley Maasdorp ‘05. Earle has also been instrumental to Harvard’s lethal attack with seven goals in the last six games.

Going into Saturday’s game against Cornell, the Crimson will have to keep up the phenomenal play from both of its veteran leaders and its underclassmen. Captain Kathleen Young proved herself in the clutch this past weekend, with a tie-breaking goal against Brown last Friday. In that same game, senior goalie Libby Manela earned the win against the Bears, and improved to 5-0 on the season. These seniors will need to have another stellar performance to ensure that Big Red does not upset Harvard at home.

First year Harvard goalie Ellie Shahbo also has to maintain her outstanding contributions, having won five straight starts and only allowing two goals within that span. If both its experienced and young talent perform up to expectations this weekend, the Crimson should have no trouble securing a victory.

Finally, it is critical that Harvard keeps Cornell’s top scorers in check, and continue to be aggressive with its offensive attack. Big Red has a 83-5 record in games in which they score three goals. Inhibiting leading scorer Kristen Pienaar from feeling comfortable will be integral to stifling Cornell’s attack. It is also essential that the Crimson has momentum from the start of the game. Big Red has a 114-15 record when they score first, showing that they are a significantly stronger team with early momentum.

While Harvard has proven before that they can still beat Cornell even when they score three goals, as evidenced by their 4-3 overtime victory over Big Red last year, the prevention of early scoring should be of utmost priority for the Crimson. Harvard should also keep up a strong scoring attack throughout the game in order to pester Cornell’s goalie Maddie Henry. Henry has shown her prowess with five double-digit save outings in her career, and is a goalie that is very difficult to score on.

Therefore, the Crimson will need to maintain its stalwart defensive play and potent offensive attack in order to come away with a victory against Big Red this weekend. Harvard will have the chance to make history on Berylson Field, and will need this win to continue breaking records and keep up its momentum as they face some of the strongest teams in the nation.

The Crimson