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All the news for Wednesday 20 March 2019

2019 FIH Pro League (Women) - Upcoming fixtures

21 Mar 2019 16:00 (GMT +8)     CHN v ARG (RR)     -     Upcoming     Wujin Hockey Stadium, Changzhou    
22 Mar 2019 16:00 (GMT +8)     CHN v NZL (RR)     -     Upcoming     Wujin Hockey Stadium, Changzhou

FIH Match Centre

Black Sticks Women unchanged for match against China



Last week against Australia saw the Black Sticks women return to form and stun the Australian women 3-1 on their home pitch. The result kept the New Zealand side in touch with the top four and kept alive their hopes of making the FIH Pro League finals weekend.

The New Zealand women last played China down in Christchurch a few weeks ago in a match that was a tightly fought contest. The kiwis came out 2-0 victors on the day but were made to work hard to earn the result. China will be entering the match confidently after they dispatched of the German side 2-1 in the previous weeks action.

Black Sticks coach Sean Dancer commented after the Australia match “The match against Australia was important for a number of reasons. To get the result against such a quality side was pleasing. We need to make sure we recover well ahead of what is going to be a tough match against China”.

Dancer has left his side unchanged from the side which was victorious over the Australian team. This sees young midfielder Holly Pearson line up for her second match for the Black Sticks women.

Look out for Olivia Merry up front. Every match that Merry has scored in during the Pro League has seen the Black Sticks go on to win. Merry now leads the league in goals having amassed a whopping 8 goals in the competition so far. If she gets any space in the circle look out for her booming forehand shot.

On the China side watch the incredible saves that their goalkeeper Jiao Ye will make as she aims to frustrate the kiwi strikers and make them work for any potential goals.

Vantage Black Sticks Women vs China. Friday 22 March at 9:00pm. Coverage is on Spark Sport

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Malaysia to rotate three skippers at Azlan Shah Cup


The Malaysia Hockey Confederation (MHC) unveils the 18-men squad before they head to Ipoh for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. - Pic from MHC

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will be parading three captains during the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, which will be held from March 23-30 in Ipoh.

The absence of national skipper Sukri Mutalib, who is out injured, will see head coach Roelant Oltmans rotating the role among Muhd Razie Abdul Rahim, Fitri Saari and Meor Muhamad Hassan.

“The duties will be shared by the trio. I also hope the rest of the 18 players will play at the level that I want,” said Oltmans.

“The aim in Ipoh is simple ... we want to lift the Cup. Winning it will show that we are in the right direction before the all-important FIH Men’s Final Series in Kuala Lumpur (Apr 26-May 4).

“However, the approach for both these tournaments will be different because based on priority, the Final Series is much bigger. However, I want the players to be at their best at all times.”

In the squad, two youngsters, Arif Syafie Ishak and Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal, will make their bow in Ipoh.

Goalkeeper Zaimi Mat Deris and defender Luqman Nul Hakim Ahmad Shukram will also be making their debut after impressing Oltmans during the training camp in Kuantan recently.

“The training camp was excellent and those selected from the 28 players deserve a chance to show what they can do on the international stage.

“Arif and Azrai showed their capability during the camp. These two have a bright future.”

The 18-men squad

Goalkeeper: Hairi Abd Rahman, Zaimi Mat Deris

Defenders: Razie Abd Rahim, Faiz Helmi Jali, Najmi Farizal Jazlan, Arif Syafie Ishak, Luqman Nul Hakim Ahmad Shukran

Midfielders: Marhan Mohd Jalil, Fitri Saari, Amirol Aideed Mohd Arshad, Meor Muhamad Azuan Hasan, Ashran Hamsani, Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal, Nik Muhammad Aiman Nik Rozemi

Strikers: Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil, Firhan Ashari, Faizal Saari, Nor Syafiq Sumantri

The Star of Malaysia

National Hockey Stadium gets new polyethylene turf courtesy of MRCB

By Fadhli Ishak


Sports Minister, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (second from left), with KL Sports City Project Director, Datuk S. Nalgunalingam (second from right), Sports Tech Pro’s executive director, Datuk Dr Thanuraj Iyavu (right) and Malaysia Stadium Corporation (PSM) chief executive officer, Nik Razeen Daud inspecting the National Hockey Stadium’s new polyethylene turf earlier today (Tuesday). (PIC BY NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM)

BUKIT JALIL: The National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil has been re-turfed and will be ready to host the FIH Series Finals cum Olympic qualifying round on from April 26 to May 4.

Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who inspected the venue earlier today (Tuesday), said he was pleased with the repair works for the pitches.

Previously, both the main stadium and training ground pitches had become uneven, prompting complaints from players and officials. The venue was closed for repair works on February 11.

Contractor Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB), who conducted refurbishment and upgrading works to the National Sports Complex, now known as Kuala Lumpur Sports City, prior to the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games, carried out the repair works.

“In December we received feedback from players, former players and hockey practitioners regarding the condition of the pitches, both this (main stadium) and the training pitch having defects,” said Saddiq.

“They asked the Ministry to initiate carrying out the necessary repairs as soon as possible, as this field will be used for Olympic qualifying in April.

“We immediately contacted MRCB and they agreed to repair the pitch without any costs to the government.

“And we are grateful that, despite the short notice, the pitch has already been fully repaired. In fact it has been completed two weeks ahead of scheduled.

“This is the latest version of the polyethylene turf. We are currently in the process of obtaining final approval for the pitch from FIH.

“If possible we want to commence training (on new pitches) as soon as possible so the players can get used to it, if possible we want to start training today (yesterday) itself.

“So we have at least one month to prepare and hopefully make full use of the home advantage we have (in qualifiers).”

Saddiq disclosed that MRCB have offered to maintain the pitches until the middle of the year.

“I have been told that MRCB will maintain this pitch until June out of good will, and I have to thank them for that as they are not obliged to really do so,” added Saddiq.

“MRCB will work together with the Malaysia Stadium Corporation (PSM) until June. There will be some level of training transfer so PSM will be well equipped to maintain the pitches going forward.”

Malaysia have been drawn with China, Brazil and Italy in Group B for the FIH Series Finals. Group A features Canada Austria, Wales and Belarus.

Only the top two teams at the end of the tournament will advance to the next round of Olympic qualifying which will be held later in the year.

New Straits Times

Kookaburras Excited For FIH Pro League Away Matches

Ben Somerford



The Kookaburras cannot wait for the challenges which come when they depart Australian shores for the upcoming away matches in the inaugural FIH Pro League.

The world number two Kookaburras finished their FIH Pro League home matches with a 5-1 win over New Zealand to seal five consecutive victories and sit in top spot ahead of world champions Belgium.

Australia will now enjoy a break before their next FIH Pro League away to New Zealand in Auckland on Anzac Day, April 25, which will be televised on FOX SPORTS and kayosports.com.au.

Australian crowds turned out in force for the home matches, including a sell-out in Melbourne and almost 5,000 fans in Perth, along with good attendances in Hobart and Sydney.

The side were excited for more of the same overseas in the ground-breaking FIH Pro League, which pits the world’s top sides against each other on a home-and-away basis.

Kookaburras assistant coach Anthony Potter said: “The crowds have been fantastic.

“It’s a really good concept if you see the videos of the crowds in New Zealand and Argentina.

“The crowds in Argentina are like their football crowds, really vocal. It’s a good test for the guys.

“You go into the European summer and we’ve been there a number of times, travelling and playing day-in day-out is great.”

Potter, who stepped up as head coach in Australia’s final two matches in Sydney with Colin Batch sitting in the stands, added that there was plenty to like from the Kookaburras’ 3-2 win over Argentina and 5-1 defeat of New Zealand on the weekend.

“We spoke about being clinical with our chances,” Potter said.

“As Australians we make a lot of chances, but we’re trying to go away from hitting for the sake of hitting.

“The way we entered the circle, there was a lot of craft to it. To the naked eye it’s a chance but the movement off the ball was impressive.”

He added: “We talk about being calm under pressure and claiming moments of the game where guys can get more energy off.

“Part of that is the defensive role. It’s a massive focus for us at the moment. We did it well but will continue to train it.”

All away FIH Pro League matches will be broadcast on FOX SPORTS and live on kayosports.com.au.

Kookaburras away FIH Pro League fixtures:
Thursday 25 April 2:30pm AEST – New Zealand v Australia – Auckland
Sunday 5 May 7:30am AEST – Argentina v Australia – Buenos Aires
Sunday 9 June 11pm AEST – Great Britain v Australia – London
Friday 14 June 3am AEST – Spain v Australia – Madrid
Sunday 16 June 10pm AEST – Germany v Australia – Krefeld
Thursday 20 June 4:30am AEST – Belgium v Australia – Antwerp
Saturday 22 June 11pm AEST – Netherlands v Australia – Amstelveen
Semi-Finals 28 June & Final 30 June – Amstelveen

Hockey Australia media release

Hockeyroos Target Wins In FIH Pro League’s Pacific Leg

Ben Somerford

Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin is eager to gain some positive results from the side’s upcoming pacific leg of the FIH Pro League following back-to-back defeats in Sydney.

The Hockeyroos finished off their home fixtures in the FIH Pro League with losses to Argentina and New Zealand, leaving the side in fourth spot with four wins, one shootout win and three defeats from eight matches.

Australia will now enjoy a break before their next FIH Pro League away to New Zealand in Auckland on Anzac Day, April 25, which will be televised on FOX SPORTS and kayosports.com.au.

“We’ll head back to Perth and train there for four weeks before we start the pacific leg in Auckland, Buenos Aires and Pennsylvania,” Gaudoin said.

“It’s important we do there well now considering this weekend.”

Gaudoin also added he wanted to changes to the 2020 FIH Pro League schedule, bemoaning back-to-back fixtures.

“I think that’s something we’ll try to rectify next year,” he said.

Gaudoin pulled no punches when assessing his side’s failings over the weekend.

“We’ve got to be able to finish, that’s the clear concern for us,” Gaudoin said. 

“We had a number of chances and we’re not putting them away. That’s giving the other teams opportunities.

“They got a couple of breaks their way but we don’t want that to happen. We need to be better in our attacking third to capitalise on some quality chances.”

The selectors also blooded debutante Miki Spano over the weekend and Gaudoin said she improved throughout the games.

“It was a tough weekend for her, having two losses but at the same time she’ll be better for the run,” Gaudoin said about the Adelaide talent.

“One of the things I trying to get used to the speed of international hockey so any rookie coming in, it takes time. She was better on Sunday.”

All away FIH Pro League matches will be broadcast on FOX SPORTS and live on kayosports.com.au.

Hockeyroos away FIH Pro League fixtures:
Thursday 25 April 12:30pm AEST – New Zealand v Australia – Auckland
Sunday 5 May 5am AEST – Argentina v Australia – Buenos Aires
Saturday 11 May 9:30am AEST – USA v Australia - Lancaster
Sunday 2 June 6pm AEST – China PR v Australia - Changzhou
Monday 10 June 1am AEST – Great Britain v Australia – London
Sunday 16 June 8pm AEST – Germany v Australia – Krefeld
Thursday 20 June 2:30am AEST – Belgium v Australia – Antwerp
Sunday 23 June 11pm AEST – Netherlands v Australia – Amstelveen
Semi-Finals 27 June & Final 29 June – Amstelveen

Hockey Australia media release

Executive Board reasserts necessity of harmonised international calendar

Lausanne, Switzerland: At its first meeting of the year on 15-16 March at the International Hockey Federation (FIH) headquarters in Lausanne, the FIH Executive Board (EB), chaired by FIH President Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra, reasserted the absolute necessity of establishing a rolling 4-year international competition calendar that balances opportunity for all nations to participate, athlete welfare and the commercial realities of international travel.

The recent review into the international calendar, together with revisions to the current World Ranking system, resulted in a series of recommendations which were approved including:

• Increasing the importance of Continental championships and events
• Discontinuing the FIH Series events after 2019, allowing National Associations to focus on participation in Continental qualifiers and championships
• Reviewing the World Cup qualification system with more weight given to Continental championship performance
• Developing an individual match-based World Ranking system, with the aim of moving away from the current tournament-based system, so that all international matches are meaningful with world ranking points at stake. The new match-based rankings system has been developed using the results of all international matches over the past 3 years, and will be run and further improved in the background during 2019, with a target “go live” date of January 2020

On the subject of facilities, the EB received an update on progress that has been made in order to launch dry artificial turf pitches by 2024. Having announced this target at the FIH Congress in December, FIH are in discussion with multiple members of the artificial turf industry about how this can be realised so that hockey can contribute towards protecting the environment by no longer watering playing surfaces.

Continuing hockey’s excellent record on anti-doping, the new WADA approved anti-doping programme was also ratified, with an increase of over 50% in athlete tests in 2019 compared to last year, and the trial of face to face education in addition to the existing compulsory online athlete education courses.

A report about the FIH Pro League highlighted the successful launch and first two months of the new global FIH competition, and how all parameters, in particular athlete welfare, are being thoroughly analysed in order to finalise the 2020 match schedule with all stakeholders.

The global development of hockey being the number one mission of FIH, an update was given on the progress of the implementation of “Hockey 2024”, the development strategy of FIH presented at the 2018 FIH Congress. The EB reinforced that development programmes will reach primarily countries which are most in need.

The meeting started with a visit of IOC President Thomas Bach who was presented with the FIH President’s Award which had been bestowed on him in November 2018.

It was the first EB meeting of Fumio Ogura (JPN) - recently elected as President of the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) - in his capacity of FIH EB member.The next EB meeting will take place on 28-29 June in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, on the occasion of the very first FIH Pro League Grand Final.

FIH site

FIH to do away with Hockey Series events after 2019

To enable members to focus on continental qualifiers

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) will do away with its Hockey Series events after this year to enable its member associations to focus more on continental qualifiers and championships, the game’s governing body said on Tuesday.

Insisting that the inaugural edition of the ongoing FIH Pro League has been a success, the world body said it will stop the Hockey Series events, which also serve as World Cup and Olympic qualifiers, after this year.

Instead, the world body has decided to give more emphasis on continental tournaments for qualifications in big events like the World Cup and Olympics.

The decision was taken at the FIH Executive Board’s first meeting of the year on March 15 and 16 at its headquarters here under the chairmanship of its president Narinder Batra.

“The FIH Series events will be discontinued after 2019, allowing National Associations to focus on participation in continental qualifiers and championships,” the FIH said in a statement.

“The FIH will review the World Cup qualification system with more weight given to Continental championship performance.

“A report about the FIH Pro League highlighted the successful launch and first two months of the new global FIH competition, and how all parameters, in particular athlete welfare, are being thoroughly analysed in order to finalise the 2020 match schedule with all stakeholders,” it added.

The FIH has ratified the new WADA approved anti-doping programme.

The Hindu

FIH 'monitoring' India-IOC situation ahead of Hockey Series in Bhubaneswar

Jaspreet Sahni

New Delhi: After the International Olympic Committee (IOC) wrote to all International Federations about their 'hold talks' stand on India hosting international sports events, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over tournaments across sports, including the men's FIH Series Finals that is scheduled for this June in Bhubaneswar. As of now, the world body of international hockey, the FIH, is "monitoring this issue".

Vacancy: Senior Women Head Coach

HEAD COACH IRELAND WOMEN’S HOCKEY NATIONAL TEAM



Hockey Ireland is seeking to appoint a senior women’s full-time Head Coach to lead the Irish Women’s Hockey National Team towards achieving its strategic objectives, namely to compete for medals at World and Olympic level tournaments.

About Hockey Ireland

Hockey Ireland is the National Governing Body for the sport of field hockey in Ireland. Governing the 32 counties of Ireland, the Association is responsible for the management and overall development of all areas of the sport.

Role Summary

Reporting to the Performance Director, the Head Coach will be responsible for providing world-class leadership and coaching to the Irish Women’s Hockey National Team

The Head Coach is required to work closely with key performance staff and will be specifically responsible for the assistant and specialist hockey coaches

Key responsibilities

• Coach the senior national women’s team using modern coaching techniques, tactics and trends
• Provide regular written reports to the Performance Director following all international events, while also providing programme reports as required
• Monitor and evaluate senior player performance for team selection using relevant data
• Utilise and coordinate coaches (hockey specific and other, e.g. strength and conditioning) to assist with development of players
• Alongside the Performance Director, develop and manage the programme and budget of the senior squad
• Communicate effectively with staff, players and relevant stakeholders
• Develop positive and constructive relationships within Irish Hockey (club coaches, administrators and dignitaries)
• Provide leadership, support and technical direction to Head Coaches of other Irish National Junior Age Grade Female Hockey Squads
• When required deliver coach education workshops and assist in mentoring and development of ‘home grown coaches’
• Be a key participant in the submission of government funding agency applications
• Utilise the Hockey Ireland Long-Term Player Development programme to maximise the potential of future international athletes
• Plan and implement a realistic programme to maximise use of resources and senior player availability
• Be a main contributor in the senior leadership team, contributing to long-term development of the wider performance programme, including but not limited to high performance
• Drive a positive high performance culture for players based both in Ireland and overseas
• Commitment to on-going personal development for the benefit of self and the programme
• Conduct other duties as requested by Performance Director or Chief Executive Officer

The required candidate

The successful candidate will be an experienced, driven, detail-focused and disciplined self-starter who is committed to bringing team success to the national team and developing the best of Ireland’s elite talent.

Experience and credentials:

The below experiences and credentials are not intended to be inclusive or exhaustive and may be amended over time due to the changing needs of the organisation.

• Proven record of success in international hockey
• Experience of world-class tournaments at the highest level (World Cup and Olympic level competition) in a coaching capacity
• Experience in planning, organising and implementing a comprehensive international coaching programme
• Ability to apply the principles of coaching, sport science, medicine and technology within a high performance programme
• Efficient and organised, with exceptional interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Level 3 and/or FIH coaching qualifications or equivalent (or working towards them)
• Proven methodologies in the development of elite talent and performance
• Exceptional people skills, with an emphasis on the management of player and coach personnel
• A competent knowledge of the latest coaching software systems
• A full driving licence
• Capacity to travel domestically and overseas for extended periods

Term

The contract role is through the Olympic cycle of 2020, with annual reviews.  Shorter-term applications will also be considered.

Reporting to:

The process of reporting will be as determined by the Performance Director.

Remuneration Package

This is a full time position with a remuneration that will be commensurate with experience.  It is conditional that the successful applicant must be able to live and work in Ireland.

Application Process

Candidates wishing to apply for this position should email CV with covering letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Application deadline is Thursday 28th March 2019 at 5pm

Irish Hockey Association media release

Polo move six points clear at the top in Spain


©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics

Real Club de Polo moved another couple of points clear at the top of the Spanish league as they beat Barcelona 2-0.

Both goals came in the third quarter with Guillermo Fortuño and Llorenc Piera on the mark to make it 11 wins out of 14 so far this season, rising to 35 points.

Two of their nearest rivals lost ground as Atletic Terrassa and Junior FC drew 2-2 with plenty of late drama at the Can Salas.

Ferran Saborit scored the only goal of the first half for Junior to go into the break 1-0 up but Pol Parrilla equalised from a corner early in the second half and it stayed that way until the closing five minutes.

Marc Bolto put Atleti in front for a brief while but Alex Gil equalised in the closing moments as Roger Pallarols’ new club shared the spoils against his old club.

Atletic Terrassa sit second with four rounds of matches to go, equal with Club Egara following their 3-2 win over RS Tenis.

They were thankful for Josep Romeu’s last minute penalty corner and Pau Quemada’s goal a few minutes earlier to win the game as they came back form 2-1 down with five minutes to go.

Junior are in fourth and have four points in the tank ahead of Club de Campo after the Madrid side scored a goal in each quarter for a 4-0 success at Jolaseta.

The next round is a crucial one on April 6 when Egara host Polo.

Euro Hockey League media release