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News for 02 May 2019

All the news for Thursday 2 May 2019


FIH Men's Series Finals Kuala Lumpur 2019 - Day 6

CAN v CHN (Cross-over)     3 - 3 (3 - 1 SO)
MAS v WAL (Cross-over)     2 - 1

Upcoming (GMT +8)

2 May 2019 17:50     BLR v BRA (7 / 8)
2 May 2019 20:05     CHN v WAL (5 / 6)

3 May 2019 17:50     ITA v CAN (SF)
3 May 2019 20:05     AUT v MAS (SF)

FIH Match Centre



Canada get past China's Great Wall

By Jugjet Singh


Canada’s players celebrate a goal during their FIH Series Finals crossover playoff against China at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil earlier today (Wednesday). (EPA PIC)

BUKIT JALIL: Canada had to slog until the shootout before they brought down the Great Wall of China in today’s (Wednesday) crossover playoff of the FIH Series Finals at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

The World No 10 side kept their nerves in the shootout to win 3-1 following a 3-3 draw against 14th-ranked China in regulation time. Canada will play World No 32 Italy in the semi-finals on Friday.

Captain Scott Tupper said they could have won the match in the last 20 seconds.

“We are Canadians and we never have it easy. But today (Wednesday) we could have wrapped up the match in the last 20 seconds, but our goal was disallowed by the Japanese umpire (Michihiko Watanabe).

“However, we assembled our best five shooters and kept our nerves (in the shootout) to win the match.

“Our goalkeeper is a world-class shootout specialist, and he saved three to take us further,” said Tupper.

A normally jovial coach Paul Bundy did not look too pleased with the goal that was disallowed.

“If we had a video referral that goal would have stood,” said Bundy.

On the semi-finals, Bundy said: “We need to do our homework on the Italians who have won all three (Group B) matches convincingly.

A dejected China coach Kim Sang Ryul did not show up for the press conference.

China took the lead three times but Canada kept replying with goals to force a shootout.

Du Talake (fourth), Tu Yuan Lin (45th) and Su Lixing (50th) netted for China while Canada scored through Oliver Scholfield (16th), Iain Smythe (47th) and Sukhi Panesar (51st).

New Straits Times



Malaysia live to fight another day

By Jugjet Singh


Malaysia’s Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Wales in Wednesday’s FIH Series Finals playoff match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil. PIC BY MOHAMAD SHAHRIL BADRI SAALI

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia edged Wales 2-1 in a FIH Series Finals cross-over match to stay afloat at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.

They must beat Austria in the semi-final on Friday to salvage their battered pride in the eyes of world hockey following the 4-2 humiliation by Italy on Monday.

The other semi-final will be between Canada and Italy.

It was not an easy win, as when Wales took out their goalkeeper for a kicking back with five minutes remaining, they scored and it was a tense moment for Roelant Oltmens’ men to deliver in this match.

“The last five minutes were a little tense because even though we knew they will use a kicking back, and we were prepared for it, our players were too eager to score and made mistakes.

“Wales had one good shot and scored, but in the end, we held onto the lead and will play in the semis,” said Oltmans.

Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, at 33, led by example again.

“That's my job, to lead the younger strikers and also give them guidance, and I'm glad I did well in this tournament,” he said.

On their semi-final opponents, Austria, he said: “They are a good defensive team, and we will have to work harder to find the gaps,” said Oltmans.

A point to ponder is that Wales will never get to play in the Olympics even if they win this tournament, and the next round as well.

That is because for the Olympics, Wales, Scotland and England combine to form Great Britain.

So, there was no pressure on them, while Malaysia had to redeem their pride after the shock loss to Italy.

The first quarter was a tale of missed chances, as Malaysia even failed to score off their only penalty corner.

But it was a different Malaysia who fought for every ball, and even though the national team did not play beautiful hockey, a combined effort delivered two goals.

Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin gave the team some breathing space in the 27th minute when he scored a beautiful goal which mesmerised not only the crowd, but the Wales players as well as they stood rooted, watching the ball crash in.

Wales held themselves well after that, but Faizal Saari made sure of the second goal with a well placed reverse stick attempt in the 40th minute.

The match went into high gear when Luke Hawker scored in the 56th minute, but Malaysia held onto their dear lives to avoid a shootout.

New Straits Times



Malaysia endure high suspense to edge Wales and reach semis

By Aftar Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia can heave a sigh of relief after they redeemed their battered pride by edging Wales 2-1 win to qualify for the semi-finals of the FIH Series Finals hockey tournament.

Malaysia, who were stunned 4-2 by world No. 32 Italy in the group match on Monday, were under pressure against Wales.

Roelant Oltmans’ men, who were criticised for their poor performances in the tournament, played well in patches and were lucky to escape with a win in the crossover match.

World No. 13 Malaysia will face world indoor champions Austria in the semi-finals tomorrow while world No. 10 Canada will take on Italy (32nd), the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, in the other last-four tie.

Wales, who will not feature in the Olympics (Britain will compete as a team), gave the Malaysian defence a torrid time.

Forward Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil had a golden opportunity to give Malaysia the lead in the very first minute but he muffed the chance.

In the 11th minute, Malaysia earned their first penalty corner but Muhd Razie Abdul Rahim’s pass was deflected into the side netting by Muhd Fitri Saari.Malaysia earned another penalty corner in the 20th minute and again they failed to get it right. But seven minutes later Tengku Ahmad managed to give Malaysia the lead. He collected a loose ball before firing it past goalkeeper James Fortnam.

Wales had the chance to draw level or even steal the lead after winning two penalty corners in a row in the 36th minute but keeper Muhd Hairi Abdul Rahman did well to save the attempts.

And four minutes later, Malaysia increased the lead via a well-taken reverse-stick attempt by Faizal Saari which hit the top net.

Malaysia, however, were caught off-guard in the 56th minute as Rupert Shipperley’s through pass from outside the semi-circle was deflected into goal by Jones Hywel.

The pressure was on Malaysia to maintain the lead and they endured anxious moments before reaching the last four. Malaysian captain Muhd Sukri Abdul Mutalib was a relieved man after the win.

“We managed to counter all their strengths in the match. We also stuck to the game plan of coach Oltmans and it worked well as we managed to take a 2-0 lead.

“We also defended well as Wales failed to score from the three penalty corners they earned in the match,” said Sukri.

The Star of Malaysia



George calls on Great Britain fans to make some noise



Goalkeeper George Pinner has been a vital cog in the Great Britain and England men’s team for nearly a decade but he still has a boyish enthusiasm for the game that is infectious – one of the reasons he is one of Danny Kerry’s trusted leadership team.

Right now, it is the fact that Great Britain are enjoying a good run in the FIH Pro League [currently at the top of the League] and the prospect of packed stands as Great Britain host a series of matches. Pinner took time out between preparations for their match against Germany to talk about the new league and the way his squad are building towards the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

“Obviously the concept of The FIH Pro League is very different to what we have experienced previously but it’s been really good. I think it’s been different and exciting in equal measures and we have adapted to some of the challenge we have faced with the longer trips.

“To have come away from the first four away games with three wins is really pleasing, we were obviously disappointed not to beat Australia but we have been pleased with the performances and steps forward we have made.”

Head Coach Danny Kerry has now been in place for six months and, says Pinner, the 2016 FIH Coach of the Year has been tweaking and adjusting the squad at every training session. “We’ve learnt a lot since Danny came in. We have played a very different way and that has been tweaked with every training session and game we have had.”

While Kerry is noted for his tactical nous, the squad have backed this up with tough training sessions and some very structured preparation time in the lead up to each match. Pinner says that this has all been part of building strong foundations, which in turn have produced good performances in the team’s away matches.

In a break from tradition, Kerry didn’t travel with the team to Argentina, instead trusting the rest of his coaching staff to run the team in South America. The move served to emphasise the importance Kerry attaches to the team realising how important every member of the coaching staff is to the team. It is a point Pinner reinforced: “Whilst Danny is the Head Coach, every member of our staffing team plays a key role in helping us as players realise our potential. Danny obviously had a very busy 2018 so, in the same way we are looked after as players, it’s really important staff are too – especially with what’s still to come this summer.

“Russell [Garcia] and Kwan [Browne] did a great job in Argentina as they did during our European tour last summer. You never know what could happen ahead of, or during a tournament, so it’s great for us to show as a group (both staff and players) that we can adapt and still go about our business in the same way.”

Great Britain’s 5-1 win over Argentina, in front of a large crowd in Buenos Aires brought a lot of praise for the team. It is something that has given the team an extra fillip ahead of the remaining matches in the FIH Pro League, but Pinner is not getting carried away. “All the games coming up are going to be tough. We still have to play Belgium and the Netherlands home and away, both of whom are arguably the best two teams in the world.

“I also think playing at home will be an exciting challenge for us as a team. We need to ensure we maximise the home advantage and give the British fans something to cheer about. I think the onus is on us as a team to play some exciting hockey to get people behind us. We want the fans to come and watch and make some noise.”

#FIHProLeague

Official FIH Pro League Site



Seven changes across women's and men's teams for this weekend's games


Great Britain's men celebrate against Argentina in the FIH Pro League

Great Britain's men and women have each made three changes to their teams for this weekend's FIH Pro League matches in London.

The women's team play first on Friday evening as they host China in the capital, and Scottish duo Nicki Cochrane & Sarah Robertson come into the 18, along with Surbiton's Emily Defroand and East Grinstead's Ellie Rayer.

The men play their first ever FIH Pro League fixture against Spain on Saturday, and three players under the age of 25 have been brought in - Will Calnan, Luke Taylor and James Gall.

There will be a significant milestone for Laura Unsworth on Friday as she becomes one of a very select band of women to reach 100 caps for Great Britain. Then on Saturday's men's goalkeeper George Pinner reaches 50 GB caps, and both milestones will be marked before the matches.

The women's game begins at 7:30pm on Friday evening, with the men's match starting at midday on Saturday. Both games take place at Lee valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, and tickets start from just £5. They are available in advance, or in person at the venue.

Women's team
Giselle Ansley (Surbiton) (ENG)
Grace Balsdon (Canterbury) (ENG)
Nicki Cochrane (Beeston) (SCO) (GK)
Amy Costello (University of Birmingham) (SCO)
Emily Defroand (Surbiton) (ENG)
Sarah Evans (Surbiton) (ENG)
Tess Howard (Durham University) (ENG)
Alex Malzer (University of Nottingham) (ENG)
Hannah Martin (Surbiton) (ENG)
Lily Owsley (University of Birmingham) (ENG)
Hollie Pearne-Webb (Surbiton) (ENG) (C)
Suzy Petty (Wimbledon) (ENG)
Ellie Rayer (East Grinstead) (ENG)
Sarah Robertson (Hampstead & Westminster) (SCO)
Erica Sanders (Surbiton) (ENG)
Amy Tennant (Reading) (ENG) (GK)
Anna Toman (Wimbledon) (ENG)
Laura Unsworth (East Grinstead) (ENG)

Men's team
David Ames (Holcombe) (ENG)
Will Calnan (Hampstead & Westminster) (ENG)
David Condon (East Grinstead) (ENG)
Brendan Creed (Surbiton) (ENG)
Adam Dixon (Beeston) (ENG) (C)
Alan Forsyth (Surbiton) (SCO)
James Gall (Surbiton) (ENG)
Harry Gibson (Surbiton) (ENG) (GK)
Chris Griffiths (East Grinstead) (ENG)
Harry Martin (Hampstead & Westminster) (ENG)
George Pinner (Holcombe) (ENG) (GK)
Phil Roper (Wimbledon) (ENG)
Ian Sloan (Wimbledon) (ENG)
Luke Taylor (Surbiton) (ENG)
Zach Wallace (Surbiton) (ENG)
Jack Waller (Wimbledon) (ENG)
Sam Ward (Old Georgians) (ENG)
Ollie Willars (Beeston) (ENG)

Women's Head Coach Mark Hager said, “After the atmosphere against USA on Saturday, we’re very much looking forward to playing at home again on Friday night.

“China will be a tough team, they’re getting better with each game they play. They’ve had some good results of late so it will be a challenge for us.

“We’ve made a few amendments to our squad, it’s important we give opportunities to as many players as possible, especially in a competitive environment like the FIH Pro League.

“We are still developing but I thought we showed some good aspects to our play against USA at the weekend. The FIH Pro League is a great opportunity and playing home games in London is a fantastic experience.”

Men's Head Coach Danny Kerry commented, "We continue to shuffle our squad to ensure competition for places, growth in the depth of experience and we have therefore brought in Calnan, Taylor and Gall.

"Having watched Spain play the Netherlands recently - where the Dutch 'keeper kept the home team in the match during the first half - we will again need to be at our very best to stay with a highly talented and well organised Spanish team.

"We are excited about playing at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre for the first time in the FIH Pro League, and we look forward to the atmosphere of our home support."

The women's team secured two points in their last game at home to the USA, and will be looking for another positive result against a Chinese side one place below them in the League table.

The men currently lead the men's table as they enter a crunch period in their fixture list. Spain have secured four draws so far, then winning every one of their shootouts so will pose a tough challenge on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

A day out at the FIH Pro League includes world class hockey and also the opportunity to play on the pitch after the game, as well as meeting our athletes for autographs and selfies. With tickets from just £5 for Under 18s and £15 adults, it's great value for a fantastic experience on and off the pitch. Click here to buy tickets.

Great Britain Hockey media release



SA Squad for FIH Hockey Series Final


Erin Hunter will captain the team

The South African Women’s Hockey Team, proudly sponsored by Supergroup, will be taking part in the FIH Hockey Series Final in Valencia from the 19-27 June. The tournament, featuring 8 sides including hosts Spain, has two spots up for grabs in the Olympic Qualifying matches to be played later this year.

The South Africans have been sorted into pool B alongside Wales, Thailand and Italy. The top team in each pool progresses directly to the Semi-Finals while the 2nd and 3rd placed teams play a cross pool qualifier first.

The South African challenge will be led by new captain Erin Hunter, who is appointed for the first time to lead the country. The vice-captain has been appointed as Phumelela Mbande, her first outing for the country since her player of the match performance against Argentina at the Hockey World Cup.

Hunter and Mbande were both part of that World Cup squad and are joined from that squad by Kristen Paton, Kara Botes, Dirkie Chamberlain, Lisa Deetlefs, Lilian du Plessis, Quanita Bobbs and Tarryn Glasby. There is also a recall for Celia Evans, the 2016 SA Hockey Player of the Year, after missing the showpiece event with a knee injury.

Bianca Woods, Hannah Pearce and Sandi Tabata will all be given the opportunity to earn their first caps for the country after impressing for the South African Under 21 side recently, while Indoor national player Robyn Johnson also will get an opportunity to wear the green and gold for the first time with the outdoor side.

It will also be the first test tournament for Robin van Ginkel in the role of Head Coach for South Africa and he is excited about the opportunity:

“I am really excited to take my first team to Spain and look to do well in the FIH Hockey Series Final. The team selected has a good core of experienced players that will help blend the new names into the team and into International hockey. I am really looking forward to the start of our four-year process and the success we can bring to South African Hockey!”

South African Women’s Hockey Squad
No, Player, Province, Caps

1, Erin Hunter (captain), Southern Gauteng, 41
2, Phumi Mbande (Vice-captain) (GK), Northern Blues, 35
3, Stephanie Baxter, North West, 23
4, Quanita Bobbs, Western Province, 114
5, Kara Botes, Southern Gauteng, 41
6, Dirkie Chamberlain, North West, 225
7, Lisa Deetlefs, Southern Gauteng, 250
8, Lilian du Plessis, Southern Gauteng, 119
9, Celia Evans, Northern Blues, 145
10, Tarryn Glasby, Western Province, 30
11, Robyn Johnson, Southern Gauteng, 0
12, Marizen Marais, Northern Blues, 14
13, Mmathshepo Modipane (GK), Southern Gauteng, 5
14, Kristen Paton, Southern Gauteng, 15
15, Hannah Pearce, SA U21, 0
16, Sandi Tabata, SA U21, 0
17, Izelle Verster, Northern Blues, 7
18, Bianca Wood, SA U21, 0

Fixtures – Hockey Series Final

19 June – South Africa vs. Wales
20 June – South Africa vs. Italy
22 June – South Africa vs. Thailand
24 June – Crossovers
26 June – Semi-Finals
27 June – Final

SA Hockey Association media release



2019 Recognised Futures Athletes List Confirmed

Ben Somerford

Hockey Australia’s 2019 Women's and Men’s National Recognised Futures Athlete list have today been confirmed.

The lists recognise developing young athletes at a level below the formal High Performance athlete categorisation pathway.

The selectors consulted each National Training Centre (NTC) and State Under-18 coaches, taking in performances at the 2019 Under-18 Australian Championships in Hobart last month.

The primary support of the athletes will remain their State Sporting Organisation, underpinning development programs in consultation with the respective NTC program.

The NTC program in each state will continue to support categorised athletes residing in the National Junior Squad and National Development Squad. Recognised Future Athletes may be supported by an NTC program where there is capacity.

The suitability of the NTC daily training environment for Recognised Futures Athletes will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Click here to view the 2019 Women’s and Men’s National Recognised Futures Athlete List

Hockey Australia media release



HI recommends Sreejesh for Rajiv Khel Ratna Award

If he wins, he will become the third hockey player to receive the prestigious award


P.R. Sreejesh. Photo Credit: M_VEDHAN

Hockey India has recommended P.R. Sreejesh for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award for 2019.

Having made his national team debut in 2006, the 30-year-old has over 200 caps for the team and was awarded the Arjuna in 2015. In 2017, he was conferred with the Padma Shri as well.

Sreejesh, if he wins it, will become only the third sportsperson from Kerala and from hockey to receive the prestigious award.

Chinglensana Singh Kangujam and Akashdeep Singh have been recommended for the Arjuna Award, as has been veteran defender and one of the key players of the women’s team, Deepika Thakur. While Chinglensana has been part of the Indian team since 2011, the 24-year old Akashdeep has led the Indian attack since 2012.

Deepika, meanwhile, has been a vital cog in the women's team defence for more than a decade and was named Hockey India’s Player of the Year in 2016.

The federation has also recommended R.P. Singh and Sandeep Kaur for the Major Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement and coaches Baljeet Singh, B.S. Chauhan and Romesh Pathania for the Dronacharya.

Neeraj for Khel Ratna; Arpinder for Arjuna

Press Trust of India adds: The Athletics Federation of India has nominated javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra for the Rajiv Khel Ratna Award.

The 21-year-old Neeraj was given the Arjuna Award last year after he won a gold in the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. He was also nominated for the Khel Ratna Award last year but was considered only for the Arjuna Award.

Five other track and field athletes have been nominated for Arjuna Awards.

They are Asian Games gold winners Tejinder Pal Singh Toor (shot put), Arpinder Singh (triple jump), Manjit Singh (800m) and Swapna Barman (heptathlon), as well as Dutee Chand (silver in 100m and 200m).

The Hindu



Indian hockey team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh nominated for Khel Ratna

Chinglensana Singh, Akashdeep Singh up for Arjuna Award


File image of PR Sreejesh. AFP

New Delhi: Ace India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has been nominated for the prestigious Rajiv Khel Ratna Award by Hockey India while the names of three other players have been proposed for the Arjuna Award.

Midfielder Chinglensana Singh Kangujam and forward Akashdeep Singh and women's team defender Deepika have been nominated for the Arjuna Award.

Hockey India has also nominated RP Singh and Sandeep Kaur for Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement, while coaches Baljeet Singh, B S Chauhan and Romesh Pathania have been proposed for Dronacharya Award.

Sreejesh is considered as one of the best goalkeepers in world hockey. He has been an integral part of the Indian team since making his debut in 2006 at the South Asian Games in Sri Lanka.

The 30-year-old from Kerala has made over 200 appearances for the country. He was a part of the Indian team at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, and the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.

He has won a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games, bronze at the 2018 Asian Games, silver at the 2016 and 2018 editions of the Champions Trophy. He was nominated for the Best Male Goalkeeper of the Year award by FIH in 2014.

The ace goalkeeper, who has also served as India captain, has previously been awarded with the Arjuna Award in 2015 and the Padma Shri in 2017.

Chinglensana has played in over 200 international matches since making his debut in 2011. He is currently the vice-captain of the Indian team.

He has won a silver at the 2013 Asia Cup, gold at the 2014 Asian Games, silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, gold at the 2017 Asia Cup, bronze at the 2017 FIH World League Final, silver at the 2018 Champions Trophy, bronze at the 2018 Asian Games and gold at the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy.

The 24-year-old Akashdeep has played in over 170 matches for the country since making his debut in 2012. He has won a gold at the 2014 Asian Games, silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, bronze at the 2015 FIH World League Final, gold at the 2017 Asia Cup, bronze at the 2017 FIH World League Final, bronze at the 2018 Asian Games and gold at the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy.

Indian women's team defender Deepika has represented the country at the World Cup thrice -- 2006, 2010 and 2018. She has earned over 200 international caps. She has won gold at the 2017 Asia Cup.

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