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All the news for Wednesday 24 October 2018

Men's Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2018 - Day 6
Muscat (OMA)



Results 23 October

KOR v OMA (RR)     4 - 2
MAS v IND (RR)     0 - 0

Fixtures 24 October 2018

18:55     JPN v PAK (RR)
21:10     IND v KOR (RR)

Pool standings

FIH Match Centre

South Korea rally to overcome fighting Oman 4-2



MUSCAT: South Korea twice rallied from the arrears to post a 4-2 victory over a fighting Oman in the Hero Asian Champions Trophy at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex here on Tuesday.

Oman opened the scoring in the sixth minute through Salah Al-Saadi’s fine deflection, but only to see the Koreans equalise in the next minute on a field goal from Hwang Tae-Il. An outstanding goal by Mohammed Al Lawati put Oman into the lead again in the 36th minute, when he split through the defence and beat the goalkeeper with a diving one-handed shot.

In the last quarter, the Koreans managed to score three times. On two occasions, they capitalised on an-extra player edge they enjoyed when Omani players were sent off the field for deliberate infringements.

Lee Seung-Hoon brought the scores level at 2-2 with an opportunistic strike in the 47th minute before two penalty corner goals from Yang Ji-Hun (51st minute) and Jang Jong-Hyun (59th) sealed the fate of the match.

This is South Korea’s first victory after three losses in the preliminary round-robin league of the six-nation competition, providing the Koreans a glimmer of hope to make the semi-finals.

South Korea will next play defending champions India in their last league fixture tomorrow. A victory over India, who have already secured their passage into the semi-finals, can boost the Koreans hopes of making the semi-finals.

Oman are yet to secure a point from four outings. Their last league game will be against reigning Asian Games champions Japan on Thursday.

Asian Hockey Federation media release

Defending Champions India in goalless draw with Malaysia

India continue to top the pool; play South Korea in the next Round Robin match



MUSCAT,: Defending Champions India were held to a goalless draw by Malaysia in the fast-paced encounter of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Muscat 2018 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex here on Tuesday.

Both India and the Asian Games Silver medallists Malaysia now have 10 points each from four outings in the preliminary round-robin league, with India topping the standings on basis of a superior goal difference.

The Indian team got off to a nervy start as they wasted several scoring opportunities early in the match. They had a spate of chances early in the contest, only for Hardik Singh to fritter away a scoring opportunity, Harmanpreet Singh’s penalty corner flick being blocked by the Malaysian goalkeeper and Mandeep Singh failing to get a touch on long diagonal balls twice in the first quarter.

Malaysia created one opening on a counter-attack, but mostly fell back to defend their goal against the Indian strikers.

In the second half the Indian strikers were not allowed space to enter the circle until the closing stages, when they forced two penalty corners but could not produce a goal-bearing shot. This was a period when Malaysia were down to 10 players as Tengku Tajuddin was shown the yellow card for a deliberate foul on Indian Captain Manpreet Singh.

Nilakanta Sharma missed the target by inches in one of the combined Indian raids.

Indian Chief Coach Harendra Singh rued the missed chances. “I am not happy. We cannot miss chances like this in international hockey,” said Harendra.

Malaysian Coach Roelant Oltmans said his team faced a tough time when they were down to 10 players due to Tajuddin’s yellow card. “We came under some pressure in the last phase after the yellow card,” said Oltmans. “Otherwise, the game was more of less what we expected.”

On 24 October 2018, the Indian Men’s Hockey Team will play their fifth round robin match against Korea at 22.40hrs IST.

Asian Hockey Federation media release

Wasteful India progress to semi-finals despite goalless draw against gritty Malaysia


File image of Indian hockey team acknowledging fans during the Asian Champions Trophy 2018. Image Courtesy: Facebook/Hockey India

Defending champions India missed chances galore to be held to a goalless draw by old nemesis Malaysia in their penultimate round robin match, but they still managed to progress to the semi-finals of the Asian Champions Trophy, here on Tuesday.

Unbeaten so far in the tournament, India still lead the points table with 10 points from five matches. Malaysia have the same number of points, but are behind India on goal difference.

India enjoy a goal difference of 22 against Malaysia's seven.

It was a golden chance for India to avenge their 6-7 sudden death loss at the hands of Malaysia in the semi-finals of the Asian Games and Harendra Singh's men looked in the mood but missed chances ruined their day.

India had earlier thrashed hosts Oman 11-0 before outclassing arch-rivals Pakistan 3-1. In their last match, India mauled reigning Asian Games gold medalist Japan 9-0.

With an unbeaten record so far in the tournament, India and Malaysia have already secured their places in the semi-finals of the tournament.

While India will take on South Korea in their last round robin match on Wednesday, Malaysia will square up against Pakistan on Thursday.

Firstpost

Malaysia hold defending champs India to 0-0 draw in Oman tourney

By Aftar Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia stay unbeaten in the men's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament after holding defending champions India to a 0-0 draw in Muscat, Oman on Tuesday (Oct 23).

It was the 30th meeting between the two countries and India have won 20 times while Malaysia have won seven times and drew thrice.

Both countries are tied with 11 points from three wins and a draw but India top the standings with a better goal difference.

Malaysia and India have already secured a place in the semi-finals in the six-nation tournament.

Malaysia forwardline led by Faizal Saari were a letdown as they failed to create any scoring chances in the match and also failed to earn a single penalty corner in the match.

Malaysia will wrap up the round robin fixtures against two-time champions Pakistan on Thursday while India will take on South Korea today.

The Star of Malaysia

India play out draw with Malaysia, stay on top


Manpreet Singh and Chinglensana Singh were rock solid in midfield. AHF

Defending champions India played their best match of the tournament, outplaying Malaysia for most part of the fast-paced encounter, but failed to convert that dominance into a win.

Having played a thriller in the Asian Games semifinals, which Malaysia had won in the shootout, the pool fixture in Muscat between the table-toppers was a highly-anticipated match. Though it ended 0-0, the match was anything but boring.

India would be disappointed to not win a match they had almost complete control on. India had over 60 percent possession in the opposition’s half. They had two-three clear chances at goal, with only the goalkeeper to beat on two occasions, and earned three penalty corners. Two of the penalty corner near the end of the match. Malaysia, on the other hand, had no penalty corner, and had only one shot, that too off target.

However, India would be content with a crucial point, which keeps them on top of the pool, ahead of Malaysia on goal-difference. With a goal-difference of 22, as opposed to Malaysia’s 7, India can qualify for the semifinals in pole position with a win over South Korea in their last pool match on Wednesday.

The Tribune

India held to goalless draw by Malaysia in Asian Hockey Champions Trophy


India held to goalless draw by Malaysia in Asian Hockey Champions Trophy , File Photo

Defending Champions India were held to a goalless draw by Malaysia but managed to maintain their pole position in the points table in the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament.

Both India and the Asian Games Silver medallists Malaysia now have 10 points each from four outings in the preliminary round-robin league, with India topping the standings on basis of a superior goal difference.

The Indian team were off to a nervy start as they wasted several scoring opportunities early in the match.

They had a spate of chances early in the contest, only for Hardik Singh to fritter away a scoring opportunity. Harmanpreet Singh's penalty corner flick was blocked by the Malaysian goalkeeper and Mandeep failed to get a touch on long diagonal ball. It happened twice in the first quarter.

Malaysia created one opening on a counter-attack, but mostly fell back to defend their goal against the Indian strikers.

In the second half, the Indian strikers were not allowed space to enter the circle until the closing stages, when they forced two penalty corners but could not produce a goal-bearing shot.This was a period when Malaysia were down to 10 players as Tengku Tajuddin was shown the yellow card for a deliberate foul on Indian Captain Manpreet Singh.

Nilakanta Sharma missed the target by inches in one of the combined Indian raids.

Indian Chief Coach Harendra Singh rued the missed chances.

"I am not happy. We cannot miss chances like this in international hockey," said Harendra.Malaysian coach Roelant Oltmans said his team faced a tough time when they were down to 10 players due to Tajuddin's yellow card.

"We came under some pressure in the last phase after the yellow card," said Oltmans."Otherwise, the game was more of less what we expected." On Wednesday, the Indian team will play their fifth round robin match against Korea.

Daily News & Analysis

Pakistan eager to reverse Jakarta result versus Japan, says captain Rizwan

Says his team will be better prepared if there were to be another India-Pakistan clash in the knockouts

MUSCAT: Pakistan’s hockey team is seeking to reverse the result of the last encounter against Japan that cost them a place in the final of the Asian Games in Jakarta.

“We’ve been waiting for a chance to play Japan and reverse the result of our encounter in the Asian Games,” says Pakistan captain Muhammad Rizwan ahead of Wednesday’s encounter in the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Muscat 2018.

Japan shocked Pakistan in the semi-finals of the Asian Games and went on to win their first gold medal with another upset victory over Malaysia in September. “We lost to Japan in the Asian Games semi-finals where we took them lightly. Our players now have a lot to prove,” said Rizwan.

Pakistan got into their rhythm ahead of the Japan match with a 8-1 victory over hosts Oman last night, taking their points tally to six from three outings. In the previous fixture, Pakistan were beaten 3-1 by India, a game in which Rizwan said his team could have done much better.

“We could have played a lot better than we did against India. When we reviewed the match on video, I could not believe we lost in that manner because we had opportunities to score,” said Rizwan. “I want to play India again in this tournament. We want to give them a tougher game,” said Rizwan, aware that the format of the six-nation Hero Asian Champions Trophy Muscat 2018 could pit them against India again in the knock-out rounds.

Top four teams in the preliminary league will advance to the semi-finals. India and Malaysia have already secured their spots in the semi-finals with three successive wins, while Pakistan have one foot in the semi-finals after posting an imposing victory over Oman.

Rizwan said this tournament is important for the teams bound for next month’s World Cup – Pakistan, India and Malaysia. “In view of the World Cup coming up next month, a good show here will lift the team’s morale,” he said.

Pakistan team’s manger, Hasan Sardar says his players understand the significance of this tournament. “This tournament is like a pre-World Cup competition, which is providing us valuable match practice. I’m glad to see our forwards get into their rhythm” said Sardar.

“Our penalty corners are also working well,” he said after five penalty corner conversions featured in Pakistan’s massive win over Oman.

Asian Hockey federation media release

Pakistan face Japan in Asian Champions Trophy

By Nabil Tahir


Pakistan will have to beat both Japan and Malaysia to sail easily into the last four. PHOTO COURTESY: ASIAN HOCKEY FEDERATION

KARACHI  : Pakistan hockey captain, after an 8-1 win against Oman, is all set to take revenge from Japan as both teams face off in their fourth fixture of the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat on Wednesday.

Pakistan won their campaign opener against South Korea 3-1, but lost their second match against India by the same margin. Following defeat, team coach Muhammad Saqlain left the team following an argument with the manager Hasan Sardar.

The team went then faced a low-ranked Oman side under assistant coach Rehan Butt and won the match 8-1.

However, the real test of the team will be in their next fixture against Japan to whom they lost 1-0 in the semi-final match of the Asian Games.

Captain Muhammad Rizwan, who was leading the team in the Asian Games, told The Express Tribune that uncertainty in the coaching staff has affected the team, but still they are in good shape and concentrating on matches.

“In the last two months, the head coach [Roland Oltmans], who was working with us since the beginning of the year, left us and now our coach Saqlain left us. This does disturb the team but as we are players, our job is to just focus on the game and make the country proud,” he said.

He added that there are always disagreements among players or the management but that has to be resolved within the team. “Leaving the team is not a good gesture. We are here to prepare for the big challenges coming in future and if we don’t stick together it will be difficult for us to bring a medal back,” he said.

Talking about the Asian Games match against Japan he said, “In the last match we played against them, we made a lot of mistakes. They are not a tough team to beat. We are much better than then and we can win this match.”

“They will have a psychological edge over us as they won when we last met, but even they know that we can bounce back and win. Our focus is on overcoming the mistakes we made in the Asian Games semi and play as one unit. We have to show the fans and the coaches that the hard work they did has not been wasted,” he said.

Pakistan are currently on number three in the event rankings with six points, after two wins and one defeat, while India and Malaysia are number one and two respectively, both having nine points each. After facing Japan, the team will face Malaysia in their last league match before the top four teams qualify for the semi-finals.

The Express Tribune

Pools and venues confirmed for 2019 FIH Series Finals



The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has confirmed the composition of the pools for the FIH Series Finals in 2019. There are plenty of exciting games ahead!

Additionally, the full line-up of venues is now confirmed with India and Ireland joining France, Japan, Malaysia and Spain as hosts.

Three pools of eight teams each for women as well as for men will compete in these events which will gather a number of the best-ranked teams not involved in the FIH Pro League.

All teams qualified through the Hockey Series Open. Five more teams – two men’s and two women’s teams from Africa as well as one men’s team from Asia - will qualify to the FIH Series Finals through the remaining Hockey Series Open events due to be played in Africa (7-9 December in Zimbabwe) and Asia (date and venue to be confirmed).

“After the success of the Hockey Series Open, the FIH Series Finals will provide an even bigger stage for top and highly contested games. We’re convinced that this new competition, part of our new Event Portfolio, will generate a lot of excitement among fans all over the world”, FIH CEO Thierry Weil stated.
Match schedules for the FIH Series Finals will be confirmed at a later stage this year.

The top two teams from each FIH Series Final will secure a place in the Qualification Events for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games which will be held in November 2019.

Men’s Pools:

Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) 26 April – 4 May 2019
Austria
Brazil
Canada
China
Italy
Malaysia
Vanuatu
Wales

India (venue to be confirmed) 6 - 16 June 2019
India
Japan
Mexico
Poland
Russia
South Africa
USA
+ 1 team to be confirmed

Le Touquet (France) 15-23 June 2019
Chile
France
Ireland
Korea
Scotland
Singapore
+ 2 teams to be confirmed

Women’s Pools:

Ireland (venue to be confirmed) 8-16 June 2019
Czech Republic
France
Ireland
Korea
Malaysia
Scotland
Ukraine
+ 1 team to be confirmed

Japan (venue to be confirmed) 15-23 June 2019
Chile
Fiji
India
Japan
Mexico
Poland
Russia
Uruguay

Valencia (Spain) 19-27 June 2019
Belarus
Canada
Italy
South Africa
Spain
Thailand
Wales
+ 1 team to be confirmed

To find out more about the competition, follow the Hockey Series on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn or visit the official Hockey Series website.

#FIHSeriesFinals

FIH site

Ireland set to host key phase of Olympic qualifying process


Ireland’s Olympic hopes have received a boost this week. Pic: Frank Uijlenbroek/World Sport Pics

The Irish women’s team’s Olympic Games hopes received a huge boost as they were confirmed as one of the host nations for the next phase of qualifiers for Tokyo.

They will host the eight-team FIH Series Finals event from which two sides are assured of going on to the final playoffs for the Games in 2020.

Where exactly it will be remains to be seen with no venue currently confirmed. Hockey Ireland and UCD are currently in a stand-off over the redevelopment of the most obvious venue in Belfield with the pitch now three years past its sell-by date.

Should that impasse remain, the potential venues could include Stormont – host of the 2017 World League Round 2 – the Mardyke or the recently refurbished Lisnagarvey pitch at Comber Road or Havelock Park in Banbridge.

All would require temporary infrastructure like stands and television towers to be installed but they all have the standard of turf and space to work with.

In the competition itself, the Green Army will be the top seeds – at eighth in the world – following their World Cup exploits. Next best on the current entry list is Korea in 10th with Scotland (18th) also a dangerous opponent.

Czech Republic (19th), Malaysia (22nd), France (32nd) and Ukraine (27th) will be joined by one more side following completion of FIH Series Open events in Africa and Asia.

The Irish men, meanwhile, will travel to Le Touquet on France’s west coast for their Series Final. Again, they will be the highest ranked side, coming up against the hosts (20th) and Korea (14th), two sides with whom they have plenty of history.

Chile, Scotland and Singapore are outsiders while another two countries will complete the line-up.

Match schedules for the FIH Series Finals will be confirmed at a later stage this year. The top two teams from each FIH Series Final will secure a place in the Qualification Events for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games which will be held in November 2019.

On the men’s side, the other events take place in India and Malaysia. The women’s events are in Japan and Spain.

FIH Series Finals line-up
Men
Le Touquet (France) 15-23 June 2019: Chile, France, Ireland, Korea, Scotland, Singapore
+ 2 teams to be confirmed

Women
Ireland (venue to be confirmed) 8-16 June 2019: Czech Republic, France, Ireland, Korea, Malaysia, Scotland, Ukraine, + 1 team to be confirmed

The Hook

Ireland to host qualifiers for Tokyo Olympics

By Stephen Findlater



The Irish women’s team’s Olympic Games hopes received a huge boost as they were confirmed as one of the host nations for the next phase of qualifiers for Tokyo 2020.

They will be home for an eight-team FIH Series finals event from which two sides are assured of going on to the final playoffs for the Games.

The location in Ireland remains to be seen, with no venue confirmed. Hockey Ireland and UCD are in a stand-off over the redevelopment of the obvious venue in Belfield, with the pitch now three years past its sell-by date.

Should that impasse remain, the potential venues could include Stormont — host of the 2017 World League Round 2 — the Mardyke, or the recently refurbished Havelock Park in Banbridge.

All would need temporary infrastructure like stands and video towers to be installed but all have the standard of turf and space required.

In the competition itself, the Green Army will be top seeds — at eighth in the world — after their World Cup exploits.

Next best on the current entry list is Korea in 10th with Scotland (18th) also a dangerous opponent. Czech Republic (19th), Malaysia (22nd), France (32nd), and Ukraine (27th) will be joined by one more side following completion of FIH Series Open events in Africa and Asia.

The Irish men, meanwhile, will travel to Le Touquet in France for their Series final. Again, they will be the highest ranked side, coming up against the hosts (20th) and Korea (14th), two sides with whom they have plenty of history. Chile, Scotland, and Singapore are outsiders while another two countries will complete the line-up.

Alexander Cox, meanwhile, named his squad for November’s World Cup yesterday with Luke Madeley’s inclusion the most eye-catching.

The Three Rock Rovers defender has been in powerful form this season at club level and it will be the former Irish U21 skipper’s first ranking tournament. He takes up the spot made available by John Jackson who could not commit due to work commitments. Otherwise, the panel was reasonably as anticipated with Kilkenny man Jeremy Duncan shading John McKee for one of the forward spots. Kinsale twins Conor and David Harte are among 10 of the Rio Olympians included.

They ramp up their preparations with five games in seven days in Valencia, starting on Monday.

The Irish Examiner

India to host 1 of 3 men's Hockey Series Finals from June 6 to 16

India will host one of the men's FIH Hockey Series Finals from June 6 to 16, a tournament from where two teams will make the cut for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifiers.

The top two teams from each FIH Series Finals will secure a place in the Tokyo Olympics' qualification events to be held in November next year.

Besides hosts India, other teams in the event are Asian Games champions Japan, Mexico, Polland, Russia, South Africa, USA. One more team is yet to be confirmed.

The venue for the India-leg of Hockey Series Final is also be finalised later.

Three pools of eight teams each for men as well as women will compete in these events, which will gather the best-ranked teams not involved in the FIH Pro League.

The Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur and Le Touquet (France) will host the other two legs of the men's competition.

The Malaysian leg will be held from April 26 to May 4 and will be contested by Malaysia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Italy, Vanuatu and Wales while Chile, France, Ireland, Korea, Scotland, Singapore and two more unconfirmed teams will compete in the Le Touquet leg from June 15 to 23.

All teams have qualified through the Hockey Series Open.

Five more teams -- two men's and two women's teams from Africa as well as one men's team from Asia -- will qualify for the FIH Series Finals through the remaining Hockey Series Open events due to be played in Africa (December 7-9 in Zimbabwe) and Asia (date and venue to be confirmed).

The women's competition will be hosted by Ireland (June 8 to 16), Japan (June 15 to 23) and Valencia (June 19 to 27).

The Indian women will feature in the Japan leg of the Hockey Series Finals which will also have Chile, Fiji, hosts Japan, Mexico, Poland, Russia and Uruguay.

"After the success of the Hockey Series Open, the FIH Series Finals will provide an even bigger stage for top and highly contested games," International Hockey Federation (FIH) CEO Thierry Weil said in a statement.

"We're convinced that this new competition, part of our new event portfolio, will generate a lot of excitement among fans all over the world," he added.

Daily News & Analysis

Cox Reveals World Cup Team With Turkish Airlines As Sponsor



Green Machine head coach, Alexander Cox, has today announced his World Cup squad of 20 players that will travel to Bhubaneswar in India for the showpiece event. The team will be the first Irish men’s hockey team to compete at a World Cup since 1990.

Speaking at the announcement, Cox said “I am proud to announce our World Cup squad. The camps we had in Ireland and overseas were very good and allowed me to see the potential of all the players in our training panel. The 20 players selected give me the most options in defense, midfield and attack. We are very much looking forward to the upcoming tournament in Valencia which will be our first test as a team as we look towards the World Cup”

Today also marked the unveiling of Turkish Airlines as the new primary sponsor of the senior men’s team, speaking about the announcement Hockey Ireland CEO Jerome Pels said “We are pleased to reveal Turkish Airlines as the new primary sponsor of the Green Machine. Hockey is a global sport and we’re delighted to partner with such an international brand like Turkish Airlines. They have a long history of sponsorship in sport and we’re very excited about this partnership”

Hasan Mutlu, Turkish Airlines General Manager for Ireland, commented “We are delighted to be announcing Turkish Airlines as the sponsorship partner for Ireland’s men’s hockey team.

This is a momentous day for both organisations as we cement our relationship we can clearly see the immense potential for this team on the international stage. We are delighted to support them in their every success as the men’s hockey World Cup in India comes closer into view”.

Ireland, currently ranked 10th in the world, sit in Pool B with world number 1 Australia, number 7 England and number 17 China. The world number 1 always prove a potent threat and they picked up the Champions Trophy title during the summer as well a victory the last time Ireland faced them, but both sides have changed since then with former coach Fulton opting for a young squad at that Azlan Shah Cup while the Kookaburra’s will be without the experience of Mark Knowles, following his retirement from international hockey.

England are a more familiar opponent but could also offer some surprises with Danny Kerry taking the helm following the conclusion of the Women’s World Cup in London. The two teams will come face to face prior to the Odisha World Cup getting underway as they meet in Valencia for a 4 Nations Tournament with Spain and the Netherlands in the coming days.

The Green Machine and China only seem to cross paths at major tournaments every few years, and the last time was at World League in Belgium 2015 on route to the Olympics. No fewer than 11 of the current squad were involved in that 6-0 victory over China and 10 of the squad played a part in the 2013 4-0 victory so the men in green have a plethora of experience to call upon.

The winners of each pool progress straight through to the quarterfinal and the bottom placed team goes home. The second placed team in Pool B will play off against the third placed team in Pool A, and the third placed team in Pool B will play against the second placed team in Pool A.

World Cup Squad:

Name, Club, Position
David Harte, Kampong, GK
David Fitzgerald, Monkstown, GK
Jonathan Bell, Lisnagarvey, Defender
Paul Gleghorne, HTC Crefeld, Defender
Luke Madeley, Three Rock Rovers, Defender
Conor Harte, Racing Club, Defender
Stuart Loughrey, Reading, Defender
Matthew Bell, HTC Crefeld, Defender
Lee Cole, Oree, Defender
Shane O’Donoghue, KHC Dragons, Midfield
Michael Robson, HTC Crefeld, Midfield
Kirk Shimmins, KHC Dragons, Midfield
Sean Murray, HC Rotterdam, Midfield
Chris Cargo, H&W, Midfield
Daragh Walsh, Three Rock Rovers, Midfield
Matthew Nelson, Lisnagarvey, Forward
Mitch Darling, Three Rock Rovers, Forward
Eugene Magee, Banbridge, Forward
Alan Sothern, Gantoise Gent, Forward
Jeremy Duncan, Heracles, Forward

NB. The final selection regarding the 18 playing squad members and 2 reserves will be made closer to the tournament.



Fixtures (all times listed are local)

Ireland’s Odisha World Cup Fixtures:

30/11/18 17:00 Ireland vs Australia
4/12/18 19:00 Ireland vs China
7/12/18 19:00 Ireland vs England
10/12/18 Crossover Match
12/12/18 Quarter Final
15/12/18 Semi Final
16/12/18 Bronze Medal Match
16/12/18 Final

Full Odisha World Cup schedule: http://fih.ch/events/world-cup/world-cup-2018/hockey-world-cup-bhubaneswar-2018-m//pools-matches

Pre-World Cup Fixtures

4 Nations Tournament Valencia:

29/10 16:30 Ireland vs Netherlands
29/10 18:30 Spain vs England
30/10 16:30 Netherlands vs England
30/10 18:30 Spain - Ireland
01/11 16:30 Ireland - England
01/11 18:30 Spain - Netherlands
03/11 10:00 1st vs 4th
03/11 12:30 2nd vs 3rd
04/11 10:00 3rd vs 4th
04/11 12:30 Final

10/11/18 14:00 Ireland vs Belgium in Royal Evere White Star HC

19/11/18 19:00 Ireland vs Netherlands at Hockey Club Hurley in Amsterdam

Irish Hockey Association media release

Ireland ready to fly into Hockey World Cup with Turkish Airlines as sponsor

By The Hockey Paper



Ireland men’s coach Alexander Cox announced his squad for next month’s World Cup on Tuesday, with a new primary sponsor to take them on their way to India.

Cox, who has taken over from Craig Fulton, has chosen 20 players with his 18, plus two travelling reserves, announced shortly.

The Green Machine, featuring eight Ulster players, will certainly need to be at full strength in their first World Cup since 1990 after being pitted in a strong Pool alongside world No 1 Australia, England and China.

The winners advance to the last eight, while the second and third-placed teams enter into the cross-over phase.

Cox said: “The camps we had in Ireland and overseas were very good and allowed me to see the potential of all the players in our training panel.

“The 20 players selected give me the most options in defense, midfield and attack. We are very much looking forward to the upcoming tournament in Valencia which will be our first test as a team as we look towards the World Cup”

Tuesday’s announcement also saw Turkish Airlines unveiled as the new primary sponsor of the senior men’s team.

The Irish squad will get its first outing next week when they travel to a Four Nations tournament in Valencia.

Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: David Harte (Kampong), David Fitzgerald (Monkstown)

Defenders: Jonathan Bell (Lisnagarvey), Paul Gleghorne (HTC Crefeld), Luke Madeley (Three Rock Rovers), Conor Harte (Racing Club), Stuart Loughrey (Reading), Matthew Bell (HTC Crefeld), Lee Cole (Oree)

Midfielders: Shane O’Donoghue (KHC Dragons), Kirk Shimmins (HC Rotterdam), Sean Murray (HC Rotterdam), Chris Cargo (H&W), Daragh Walsh (Three Rock Rovers)

Forwards: Matthew Nelson (Lisnagarvey), Mitch Darling (Three Rock Rovers), Eugene Magee (Banbridge), Alan Sothern (Gantoise Gent), Jeremy Duncan (Heracles)

The Hockey Paper

Ireland men can dream big at Hockey World Cup – just like the women

By The Hockey Paper


Ireland will have continental experience at Hockey World Cup PIC: Hockey Ireland

Ireland’s new coach Alexander Cox says the Green Machine can dream as big as the women’s side as they prepare for their first global tournament since the 1990 World Cup.

Comparisons with the World Cup silver medallists from London and how Ireland men may fare in November and December’s World Cup were inevitable at the Irish media day on Tuesday as Cox announced his squad, which will eventually consist of 18 players plus two travelling reserves.

Cox, who was assistant coach to the Dutch women when they won 2012 Olympic gold, told RTE: “Maybe when the tournament starts people will compare it but I think we need to be reasonable and you can’t compare the two tournaments.

“In this competition in India maybe seven or eight teams can become world champion. Therefore the competition is massive.

“What we can learn from the women is that you can dream big and that’s what we are also trying to do. We’re going to dream big and see what happens.”

Ireland, with a new sponsor in Turkish Airlines, are drawn in a tough Pool with world No 1 Australia, England and China.

But Ireland’s squad has enough experience to cope with the demands, coupled with 14 players who play outside of Ireland’s domestic league.

Cox, who also coached Kampong where goalkeeper David Harte currently plays, added that Ireland would aim to play pressure-free hockey in India and revel in the excitement of a first World Cup for 28 years.

It was a sentiment backed up by defender Jonny Bell, who told the BBC: “Teams know when you play Ireland that you get a dogged opponent and when we bring our strengths we can be a match for anyone in the world.”

Asked how the mood in the camp was under the highly-rated Cox following the departure of Craig Fulton, Bell added: “Everyone upped their game. Everyone was out to impress and it was a competitive environment. That bodes well moving forwards.

“The girls have added to the incredible story that is Irish hockey. We won’t put too much pressure on ourselves and all eyes will be on Australia.”

Meanwhile, Ireland women received another boost on their path to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on Tuesday when they were announced as one of the host nations for the FIH Series Finals.

The eight-strong tournament – a venue has yet to be decided – will see two teams move forward to the Olympic play-offs next November.

Ireland World Cup Pool matches:

Nov 30
Ireland v Australia (5pm local time)

Dec 3
Ireland v China (7pm)

Dec 7
Ireland v England (7pm)

The Hockey Paper

Eight Ulster players in Ireland World Cup squad for India

Eight Ulster players have been named in the Ireland squad for this year's Men's World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India.

Defenders Jonathan Bell, Paul Gleghorne and Matthew Bell are joined in the 20-man group by midfielders Michael Robson, Sean Murray and Chris Cargo.

Forwards Matthew Nelson and Eugene Magee are also included.

The 16-team World Cup runs from 28 November to 16 December, with Ireland joined by world number one ranked Australia, England and China in Pool B.

Two of the 20 players will be named as replacements before the tournament but will travel to India along with the rest of the squad.

Alexander Cox has assumed the role of head coach in succession to Craig Fulton.

Ireland will face Australia in their opening game at the Kalinga Stadium on 30 November, followed by matches with 17th-ranked China (4 December) and England, ranked seventh (7 December).

The winners of each pool progress straight through to the quarter-final and the bottom-placed team goes home.

The second-placed team in Pool B will play off against the third-placed team in Pool A, and the third- placed team in Pool B will play against the second-placed team in Pool A.

Ireland are currently rated 10th in the world and will take part in a 4 Nations tournament in Valencia along with England, Spain and the Netherlands as preparation for the World Cup.
Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: David Harte (Kampong), David Fitzgerald (Monkstown).

Defenders: Jonathan Bell (Lisnagarvey), Paul Gleghorne (HTC Crefeld), Luke Madeley (Three Rock Rovers), Conor Harte (Racing Club), Stuart Loughrey (Reading), Matthew Bell (HTC Crefeld), Lee Cole (Oree).

Midfielders: Shane O'Donoghue (KHC Dragons), Kirk Shimmins (HC Rotterdam), Sean Murray (HC Rotterdam), Chris Cargo (H&W), Daragh Walsh (Three Rock Rovers).

Forwards: Matthew Nelson (Lisnagarvey), Mitch Darling (Three Rock Rovers), Eugene Magee (Banbridge), Alan Sothern (Gantoise Gent), Jeremy Duncan (Heracles).

BBC Sport

Madeley the new face in Irish men’s World Cup panel


Luke Madeley in action against USA earlier this year. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Luke Madeley is the bolter in the Irish men’s squad named for World Cup which gets underway in late November in India after his confirmation in the 20-player panel named by new coach Alexander Cox.

It will be the Three Rock Rovers man’s first world ranking tournament and follows a memorable month in which he fired home a crucial late goal for his club to advance in the Euro Hockey League ahead of Spain’s Junior FC.

Cox said he “would be lying” if he said that moment did not impact on his decision but said it was not decisive, adding it was part of an overall improvement in his game.

“He is still young but he has the body of a real mature player; he is strong and became fitter than what we was a couple of months,” Cox told The Hook.

“This was one of the things the previous staff told him that he needed and he improved on that. He has got a high ball, a good corner and what I like is he is willing to learn. If you give him information or tactical stuff, he tries to implement it in his game and has made good progress.

“I would be lying if I said it didn’t make an impact but it was not the decisive factor. It was positive to see him step up when needed, scoring a goal in the last seconds. It means he is able to perform when it is really needed, something we need at the World Cup.”

He comes into an experienced back-line with Olympians Jonathan Bell, Conor Harte and Paul Gleghorne in front of David Harte as well as Matthew Bell, Lee Cole and Stu Loughrey.

The other big call sees Jonny McKee miss out in the forward line. Up top, Mitch Darling returns after an extended break after Rio to join established faces Eugene Magee and Alan Sothern along with Matthew Nelson and Jeremy Duncan.

“It was a tough decision as he did a good job in the camps,” Cox said of McKee’s omission. “The info I gave him to improve on for the next squads after the World Cup is he needs to get more outcomes from his attacking skills.

“He has good skills up to the 25 and the circle but, as an attacker, you want outcomes – goal shots, penalty corners etc. If I compare him to other attackers selected, at this point, they are ahead.”

The midfield features Kirk Shimmins, Shane O’Donoghue, Chris Cargo and Michael Robson who were all involved in Rio. Daragh Walsh and Sean Murray are also selected in this area.

On the goalkeeping front, David Fitzgerald edges out Jamie Carr as number two and main support for David Harte.

All 20 will travel to the event with the 18 front-line players and two reserves to be confirmed following an intensive preparation tournament in Valencia which starts on Monday.

There, Ireland will play five games in seven days, ramping up their preparations with ties against England, Spain and the Netherlands.

They will be the first official ties with Cox on the sidelines in his role but they have played a series of training games with the Netherlands in recent times. He took over the job in August following Craig Fulton’s decision to leave the coach’s role in favour of being the Belgian assistant coach.


Daragh Walsh, Shane O’Donoghue and Jonny Bell at the launch of Turkish Airlines sponsorship. Pic Morgan Treacy/Inpho

Since then, the squad has held a series of two-day camps, initially in Lisnagarvey and then in the Netherlands at Papendaal and Kampong. During these camps, the side played a lot of 11 v 11 games as well as playing short, sharp games against the Dutch, sometimes simultaneously over two fields.

He initially called up 28 players until Peter Caruth withdrew from the squad. John Jackson also found it tough to make himself available for camps, something which saw Cox rule him out of the World Cup.

It gave the Dutchman a small insight into some of the extra issues to manage in the Irish context compared to when he was involved with the Oranje setup.

“When I came in, I asked all the players to be fully committed ‘within reason’. The within reason is because some guys have work so we take that into consideration.

“In the end, John wasn’t available for enough of the camps. Peter Caruth also stepped down. All the rest were able to make all the camps and practices of the programme. John was only really available for the tournament and that is not enough so I couldn’t select him.

“It’s a pity because he is an experienced player and he has the quality to be in the group but leading up to a World Cup, it’s not fair. When you are building a team, you need to be there.

“Other than that, it’s not actually been that difficult because all the players are very willing. The programme we put in place is all within reason. The guys who play in the German, Dutch and Belgian leagues have a tough schedule so we can’t train three or four days a week. But nor do the Dutch – they train Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. We only lose one day compared to that.

“All the guys, even those who work, were willing to commit to the programme so I cannot complain at all about that.”

For now, he is looking forward to his first formal international matches in charge, something of a tricky one to manage as they play the Dutch next Monday and then quickfire games against Spain and England.

“The Valencia tournament is the most important one for now. We play the Netherlands on Monday already; they have had a week off since the Dutch league finished. The Belgian and German-based guys stll have games next weekend – some with two.

“They only fly in Sunday evening and then we play on Monday so the first real test is a physical and mental one.”

Elsewhere at the squad announcement, Turkish Airlines were confirmed as the team sponsor for the World Cup.

Hasan Mutlu, Turkish Airlines General Manager for Ireland, commented: “We are delighted to be announcing Turkish Airlines as the sponsorship partner for Ireland’s men’s hockey team.

“This is a momentous day for both organisations as we cement our relationship we can clearly see the immense potential for this team on the international stage. We are delighted to support them in their every success as the men’s hockey World Cup in India comes closer into view.”

Irish men’s squad for Hockey World Cup (November 28 – December 16, 2018; Bhubaneswar, India): David Harte (SV Kampong), David Fitzgerald (Monkstown), Jonathan Bell (Lisnagarvey), Paul Gleghorne (HTC Crefeld), Luke Madeley (Three Rock Rovers), Conor Harte (Racing Club de Bruxelles), Stuart Loughrey (Reading), Matthew Bell (HTC Crefeld), Lee Cole (Oree), Shane O’Donoghue (KHC Dragons), Michael Robson (HTC Crefeld), Kirk Shimmins (KHC Dragons), Sean Murray (HC Rotterdam), Chris Cargo (Hampstead & Westminster), Daragh Walsh (Three Rock Rovers), Matthew Nelson (Lisnagarvey), Mitch Darling (Three Rock Rovers), Eugene Magee (Banbridge), Alan Sothern (La Gantoise), Jeremy Duncan (Herakles)

Four Nations Tournament (Valencia, Spain)
October 29: Ireland vs Netherlands, 4.30pm
October 30: Ireland vs Spain, 6.30pm
November 1: Ireland vs England, 4.30pm
November 3/4 : classification games

The Hook

Irish men's hockey squad first to compete in World Cup since 1990


Pictured today is (L-R) Daragh Walsh, Shane O'Donoghue and Jonny Bell with Hockey Ireland CEO, Jerome Pels and Hasan Mutlu, GM Turkish Airlines Ireland. Photo Credit: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy.

The Green Machine head coach, Alexander Cox, has today announced his World Cup squad of 20 players that will travel to Bhubaneswar in India for the showpiece event.

The team will be the first Irish men’s hockey team to compete at a World Cup since 1990.

Speaking at the announcement, Cox said:

“I am proud to announce our World Cup squad. The camps we had in Ireland and overseas were very good and allowed me to see the potential of all the players in our training panel.

"The 20 players selected give me the most options in defense, midfield and attack.

"We are very much looking forward to the upcoming tournament in Valencia which will be our first test as a team as we look towards the World Cup”

Today also marked the unveiling of Turkish Airlines as the new primary sponsor of the senior men’s team, speaking about the announcement Hockey Ireland CEO Jerome Pels said:

“We are pleased to reveal Turkish Airlines as the new primary sponsor of the Green Machine.

"Hockey is a global sport and we’re delighted to partner with such an international brand like Turkish Airlines. They have a long history of sponsorship in sport and we’re very excited about this partnership."

Hasan Mutlu, Turkish Airlines General Manager for Ireland, commented:

“We are delighted to be announcing Turkish Airlines as the sponsorship partner for Ireland’s men’s hockey team.

"This is a momentous day for both organisations as we cement our relationship we can clearly see the immense potential for this team on the international stage. We are delighted to support them in their every success as the men’s hockey World Cup in India comes closer into view."

Breaking News.ie

Sir Owen Glenn to pay Black Sticks players millions


The Black Sticks men and women sides will receive a funding boost. Photo / Photosport

Black Sticks players will be receiving a much-needed funding boost thanks to a new multi-million dollar deal.

Hockey New Zealand announced a new funding arrangement with businessman and philanthropist Sir Owen Glenn, which will see the Blacks Sticks men's and women's national squads receive $2 million a year for two years starting from next month.

Glenn confirmed he is donating $1 million per annum for two years to New Zealand's elite hockey squads, with the New Zealand government agreeing to match the donation through High Performance Sport NZ and Hockey NZ as part of the deal.

Hockey NZ boss Ian Francis said the grant comes at an important time as the sport goes through significant changes.

"Our players are competing in the [FIH international] pro leagues in 2019 which will take the sport to a new level and make demands on our players like never before," Francis told Radio Sport.

"So we knew that we needed to raise significant additional funds and we're very grateful that Sir Owen has generously donated a proportion of the costs towards that."

The deal will be paid monthly direct to each player in the new contracted squads (25 players from the men's and women's sides), which are yet to be announced.

Under-fire Black Sticks women coach Mark Hager will still be part of the selection process to pick the new squads, despite an ongoing review into the team culture following claims that Hager created a negative environment within the side.

Francis told Radio Sport he was confident with the selection process and that there will be no conflict of interest, despite Hager's involvement.

"Mark is our head coach and we've got a team of selectors in and around him, and there is actually a full selection process to undertake. So yes we are confident in the process."

Glenn, who has had a long association with hockey in New Zealand, said he hoped the funding would give the Black Sticks sides a better chance at winning medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

"The Black Sticks now have the same funding as other leading national hockey teams.

"My hope is that it will allow both the men's and women's teams to focus on training and preparing for the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020. I really believe we have a chance at winning gold with the right support."

The New Zealand Herald

Razak Cup: Kedah and Negri withdraw.. Perlis in two minds.


PIC: Negri Sembilan team manager S. Chandran.

KUALA LUMPUR: The second oldest hockey tournament in the country was thrown into turmoil at the 11th hour, as two teams have withdrawn while one more is waiting for an appeal.

The problem is player-eligibility rule which was introduced a month ago after the closing date of entries.

The 56th Razak Cup will start at the Bukit Jalil Stadium Friday, but Division One team Negri Sembilan and Division Two team Kedah have written in to the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) to withdraw their teams.

Perlis, in Division One, is still waiting for an appeal to be considered by MHC.

However, it looks like the three states can say goodbye to their Razak Cup hopes, as MHC Competitions Committee manager Brian Fernandez when asked if they will relax the rule said: "It's the states' prerogative if they wish to participate or not."

Negri Sembilan team manager S. Chandran said in the end, the players will become victims of a rigid rule.

"After the entries closed we were informed of a new eligibility rule where only four guest players are allowed per-team while the rest must be born in their respective states.

"More than half of our boys were born in other states but have been studying and staying in Negri Sembilan for a long time. In fact, they are a product of our development programme.

"Only their Identity Card number shows that they were born in another state (normally the mother's state).

"So, we did appeal to the MHC Competitions Committee to relax the rule but they stood their ground. And so, we have no choice to withdraw even though all the players played for Negri in the recent Malaysia Games," said Chandran.

The Razak Cup team managers meeting is Thursday.

Kedah HA secretary B. Sandra Gesan had the same problem.

"Half our team is born at other states but we are the ones who developed them. So we had no choice but to withdraw," said Sandra.

Perlis team manager Mohamed Shurizat said they are still waiting: "We are also facing the same problem like Kedah and Negri, as half of our boys are born at other states as well. If there is no favourable reply from the Competitions Committee, we will be forced to withdraw as we do not want to be whipping boys in Division One."

For the record, the oldest hockey tournament in the country is the Gurdwara Cup which has been held for 67 years without a single break.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

After an impressive start, Maryland field hockey’s offense has fallen out of sync

“All that hard work, and where are we?”

By Lila Bromberg


The team huddles together during Maryland field hockey’s match against Ohio State at the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex on Sept. 21, 2018. (Andi Wenck/The Diamondback)

When Maryland field hockey traveled to Princeton early in the season, erased a three-goal deficit after halftime and scored the game-winner in double overtime, the team had an air of invincibility.

Staying undefeated in that fashion on the road against the No. 5 team in the nation was a huge statement, and the Terps remained perfect in the following weeks with two more top-10 wins.

But the Terps couldn’t climb out of a three-goal hole against then-No. 7 Penn State on Oct. 7 and ended the season with a 3-1 defeat to No. 23 Virginia.

Between those losses, Maryland won three games, including a 2-1 victory over No. 8 Iowa. But even in those contests, the Terps offense has looked out of sync, and if they are to avenge their 2017 national championship loss this November, their attack will need to return to its early-season form.

“Every year I'm doing this job, I wonder what I'm doing [in] the third or fourth week of October,” coach Missy Meharg said. “I don't mean to sound funny with that, but I think all us as coaches go, 'Wow. All that hard work and where are we?’... [Sunday] was a testament to that.”

Against Iowa, Maryland managed only five shots and two goals. Against No. 17 Northwestern on Friday, the Terps’ passing and shooting was sloppy, and they finished with two goals on 12 shots. On Sunday in Charlottesville, Maryland scored on only one of its 14 shots against a sub-.500 team.

Prior to Penn State, Maryland had scored multiple times in all but one game, averaging more than 18 shots a contest. The team dominated possession and displayed crisp passing that’s disappeared of late.

Much of the struggles coincide with the absence of defender Nike Lorenz, who had 10 goals and three assists before an upper leg strain kept her out of the past four games. Lorenz plays a crucial role in keeping the team connected.

“She’s someone who's loud and talking to everyone around her,” forward Linnea Gonzales said. “We just need people to step up a little bit more and play more together."

The team has been without other key players as well. Defender Sophie Giezeman missed the last two games, and midfielder Kyler Greenwalt left Sunday’s contest early with an injury.

With injuries piling up, the Terps know it’s crucial to get back on track as they enter the postseason. Meharg wants the team to work on making smarter leads and passes.

“In the beginning of the season, our connection was so much better,” defender Bodil Keus said. “We're behind in that right now. We need to pick that up, and it starts with the communication.”

But given the team’s stellar regular season as a whole, the Terps aren’t yet hitting the panic button.

“We just have to get back to what got us where we are today,” Meharg said.

The Diamondback