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All the news for Friday 26 July 2019

2019 Test Match: GER v MAS (M)
Krefeld

25 Jul 2019     GER v MAS     2 - 4

FIH Match Centre

Oltmans will stick to his methods to lift hockey standard

By Aftar Singh



KUALA LUMPUR: In only three years, Roelant Oltmans (pic) transformed India’s 11th-ranked men’s hockey team and took them to fifth spot in the world standings.

Oltmans, who was India’s coach from 2013 to 2015, envisages achieving a similar feat with the Malaysian hockey team.

The Dutch coach said that when he was in charge of the Indian team, they were one or two rungs higher than Malaysia.

“But today, they are the highest ranked Asian team. I helped them improve every aspect of their game and they gradually moved up the rankings.

“It needs a lot of hard work to achieve that. I only took charge of the Malaysia team last October and the team have managed to improve their ranking by one rung to 12th in the world,” said Oltmans.

“You can’t expect wonders in just a few months. It takes time to improve and we first need to get the best combination of players who can adapt well in their positions.

“The players need to build up their confidence and work on their game before they can start thinking of improving their rankings,” said Oltmans.

“I also need more than a year to help the Malaysian team close the gap on the world’s top teams.

“We need to break into the top 10 before we can think of reaching the top five,” said Oltmans, who was hired to help Malaysia qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Malaysia have not featured in the Olympics since the Sydney Games in 2000.

Malaysia are now in Europe to play nine matches to prepare for the playoff matches in October to earn the Olympic ticket.

Oltmans said the players are physically and mentally ready to put up a strong challenge against teams like reigning world champions Belgium, Germany, Holland, England, Spain and Ireland.

“We need to get some positive results in the playing Tour to gear up for the playoff matches in October.”

The Star of Malaysia

2019 Test matches JPN v NED (W) - 1st Test
Koufu city, Yamanashiken, Japan

26 Jul 2019 17:00     JPN v NED     2 - 3

FIH Match Centre

Kathleen Sharkey Selected as Team USA Flag Bearer for Lima 2019 Pan American Games



LIMA, Peru - Field hockey athlete Kathleen Sharkey (Moosic, Pa.) was selected as Team USA’s flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony of the XVIII Pan American Games, to be held July 26 in Lima, Peru, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee announced today. Sharkey was chosen to receive the honor by fellow Team USA members.

A member of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team, Sharkey earned a fifth-place finish at the Olympic Games Rio 2016 – the best finish by a U.S. field hockey team at an Olympic Games since 1984. She was previously a striker at Princeton University from 2008-12, notching a school-record 107 goals and 245 points throughout her prolific career. Sharkey joined the U.S. Women’s National Field Hockey Team in 2011, leading the charge of Team USA’s attack ever since.

 “I am very honored to be selected as the flag bearer for Team USA at the Opening Ceremony,” said Sharkey. “There are so many amazing athletes here in Peru and to be able to represent Team USA as the flag bearer is an amazing feeling.”

While this is Sharkey’s first appearance at a Pan American Games, she has extensive experience on the international stage. A two-time Pan American Cup medalist, she was a member of the 2014 Champions Challenge and 2017 World League Semifinals gold medal teams.

Starkey is the first field hockey athlete to serve as flag bearer for Team USA at the Pan American Games.

The 2019 Pan American Games will take place from July 26-Aug. 11 in Lima, featuring 6,700 athletes participating in 39 sports and 61 disciplines. Twenty-two disciplines are qualifiers for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Throughout the 17 days of competition, athletes will showcase their talents in 14 different districts of Lima and Callao.

For more information and photos of Team USA at the 2019 Pan American Games, visit TeamUSA.org/Lima2019 and follow @TeamUSA on Twitter.

U.S. Pan American Team Flag Bearers
1951    Miguel de Capriles, Fencing
1955    Unknown
1959    Unknown
1963    Unknown
1967    Don Schollander, Swimming
1971    Linda Metheny, Gymnastics
1975    Lones Wigger, Shooting
1979    Ann Meyers, Basketball
1983    Denise Curry, Basketball
1987    Jim Abbott, Baseball
1991    Jim Schreiner, Canoe/Kayak
1995    Peter Westbrook, Fencing
1999    Karen Smyers, Triathlon
2003    Carl Eichenlaub, Sailing
2007    Danielle Scott-Arruda, Volleyball
2011    Jason Read, Rowing
2015    Kim Rhode, Shooting
2019    Kathleen Sharkey, Field Hockey

Content Courtesy of Team USA

USFHA media release

Double Trouble: Kaeppeler Brothers Enjoy Added Chemistry on the Pitch

By Andrew Wood, USA Field Hockey Contributing Writer



While the U.S. Men’s National Team prepares to go against the best teams in North and South America at the 2019 Pan American Games next week, the stars and stripes bring a band of brothers who have been teammates long before they played on the international level.

While Aki and Kei Kaeppeler (Stuttgart, Germany) spend most of their time playing across the Atlantic Ocean, both enjoy their time together as representatives of the United States. Along with that honor, their time at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru will be an opportunity for exposure around the Americas.

"The name on the back is just me, but the name on the front is our pack," said younger brother Kei. "As a team, we thrive to perform on the highest level to put the U.S. Men's National Team on the map of international field hockey."

The camaraderie of 'joining a pack' was echoed by the older brother.

"At first, I was just glad to play more top-level hockey and nationality was secondary," said elder brother Aki. "But with every tour, the team grew on me and I felt more pride representing the USA and being part of the wolfpack. Now every game is like going on a hunt for the best teams with the pack."

Kei earned his first international cap last July against Spain before formally joining the USMNT in September. Being members of the USMNT is not the first time the two have come together as teammates. As both got their start with the HTC Stuttgarter Kickers club in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, they also came together once more in 2016 to play for TSV Mannheim, a team Aki describes as a "young and hungry team.” Aki says the on-field connection with Kei, which they experienced for three years, pays off on the global stage.

"Being familiar with a teammate is always really helpful," added Aki. "I think the more you play and train with a person the better you read them on the field...It just means that we have that split-second advantage because we have a better understanding than others would on the field."

While many may expect the brotherhood to be an asset for the rest of the ‘pack, Kei joked their intensity may actually work against them.

"Occasionally, he passes me the ball when I call for it,” said the younger brother. “Some may even say it is bad for the team chemistry since we both are too competitive.”

Their field hockey experience began as kids when they spent their childhood on the pitch.

"When we were younger we would go to the hockey field every day in the summer holidays to hit around balls and mess around," commented Aki. "I think I taught Kei a lot of small things including technique in the summer breaks."

As the siblings grew into full-time professionals, they both developed their own style of play at the opposite sides of the field while also developing different philosophies when it comes to their favorite sport.

"I think I am always a bit more cautious on the field than my brother who goes for it more," continued Aki. "Kei’s approach is more aggressive, a kind of 'you'll never beat me attitude,’ that I learned from him."

Younger brother Kei agreed wholeheartedly.

“I guess I am quicker, Aki is stronger,” noted Kei. “He has a very good drag flick and I run a good penalty corner defense. In terms of position and style of play we are very different, almost opposite."

Aki's style of play comes with more patience and maturity. While he is trying to sweep away goals from opposing attackers, he is also one of the first to distribute the ball every time they try to score.

“I think my approach to the game is more patient," said the defender. "I like to play in a position where I can control the pace of the game and have an overview of the whole field."

Every ounce of the Kaeppeler brothers’ natural chemistry could play a key role when the best of the two continents compete in Peru. The biggest fish in the pond is FIH World Ranked No. 4 Argentina, who claimed the silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and most recently finished fifth in the inaugural FIH Pro League. Before focusing on Los Leones, USA has neighbor No. 10 Canada on their immediate radar, a team Aki faced with the red, white and blue in the 2017 men’s Pan American Cup and who placed 11th in Rio.

Both are highly anticipated matchups heading in to Peru, especially with the Olympic Games and direct qualification looming on the horizon.

"Of course, Argentina is a world class team and Canada played in Rio and at the World Cup," said Kei. "These teams set a certain standard but we know that we can keep up."

In Lima, only the gold medalists will earn a guaranteed trip to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Aki added this year will be tougher than the 2015 Toronto edition, where he and his teammates placed fifth.

"We’ve always said that we want to measure ourselves with the best in the world and playing Argentina in Peru will be another chance to see if we can keep up with one of the top teams," commented Aki. "All in all, I think the competition all over the Americas has grown since I first started playing for the team."

While this will be Kei's first trip to the Pan American Games, Aki has fond memories of his time representing USA north of the border in 2015. His experience walking into the Rogers Centre for the opening ceremonies was very similar to the very Olympic Games they will be fighting to compete in.

"What an experience to walk in a stadium filled with people cheering for you and to live with some of the best athletes in the world representing all kinds of different sports,” recalled Aki. “The whole setup was incredible and something I've never experienced before or since."

The two are no longer teammates on the club level. In the last year, Kei moved to Great Britain, where he currently studies at University College London. In the meantime he keeps his skills fresh on the pitch playing for Hampstead and Westminster in London.

The USMNT will begin their Pan American Games campaign Tuesday, July 30 at Villa María del Triunfo when they take on host nation Peru in the final match of the men’s first day.

Team USA has their eyes set on Lima with a gold medal and automatic qualification to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on the line. With that, fans and followers can join the conversation and follow along with additional story lines with the hashtag #AllEyesOnLima on social media and usafieldhockey.com. Check back weekly for more stories around USMNT and USWNT athletes, umpires, venue, history and more as the Pan American Games excitement heats up.

Looking for a way to support the teams in Lima? Click here to make a gift today and leave a comment with your gift to cheer on your favorite athlete on the U.S. Men’s or Women’s National Team. All notes will be sent to the team.

USFHA media release

2019 Pan American Games: Men’s National Team Preview

Team Canada rides experienced roster into 2019 Pan American Games



The time has finally come. After all the preparation, Team Canada is finally ready to compete in the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. Going in as the second highest ranked team in the tournament, Canada is hoping for a place in the finals, and a chance to fight for a gold medal at this prestigious tournament. A first-place finish will ensure a spot at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

Team Roster

Players to watch

Scott Tupper, one of Canadas most decorated players, recently hit the 300 Cap milestone during Canada’s test series against the Japanese national team.

“It’s been really great, and I’m just proud to have been able to be a part of this team for so long,” said Tupper. “I truly love playing for Canada and consider myself lucky every time I get to line up with the guys. I wouldn’t have thought I’d ever make it to 300, but it’s been a fantastic ride and I’m hoping I’ve got enough gas in the tank to push on for another couple years or so. Mostly, I’m just lucky the boys haven’t gotten too sick of having me around!”

According to Tupper,  the veteran presence and stellar play of Mark Pearson and Sukhi Panesar has added to Canada’s attack and has led to some of their recent success.

“I could see a bunch of guys having good tournaments, but if I have to pick a couple, Mark has been playing well up front over the last little while and I could see him being really dangerous in attack,” said Tupper. “Sukhi has been strong in midfield lately and I think he could be really impactful controlling the game from the middle of the field.”

Field Hockey is a team effort through and through and although there are many players to look out for, Canadian head coach Paul Bundy will look to the whole team to deliver on the big stage in Lima.

“To win an Olympic qualifier, all the players need to play to or above their potential,” said Bundy. “Our more experienced players will be key: David [Carter] will need to be very solid in goal. Mark, Keegan [Pereiara] and [Jamie] Wallace will need to apply score board pressure. Gordon [Johnston] and Scott [Tupper] will need to both be finding the net on their penalty corners, while Adam [Froese] and Sukhi will need to dominate between the two 25 yard lines. And, we all will need to be gritty and collectively smart on our defence.”

Schedule Breakdown

    Game 1 vs Mexico | July 30 | 2pm
    Game 2 vs USA | August 1 | Noon
    Game 3 vs Peru | August 3 | 4pm

Canada is the favourite to go undefeated in their group but the team understands that each game holds its own importance. One team that Canada is very used to facing are their neighbour’s south of the border, the United States. Over the years, this matchup is something that has turned into a rivalry;  one Tupper is looking forward to.

“Any game at a Pan American Games is special, but it’s always a very competitive game against the USA,” said Tupper. “They’ve improved over the last few years, added some new players and have gotten some good results lately. We’ll have to be really sharp and perform at our best if we want to take the win.”

The major competitor in the Pan American region is Argentina. They are the third ranked team in the wolrd, and are the front-runners to win the tournament, something that Canada will look to steal from the Argentinians.

Although they are expected to have a tough knockout stage, Bundy is expecting a shot at the gold medal.

“The expectations are to manage the pool games well and top the pool,” said Bundy. “Play with a high level of ‘collective intelligence’ through the cross-over games and put ourselves in the final.”

Going into Pan-Ams, Canada has been working hard on filling the holes in their game and improving on their strong points. They have been training in preparation for the tournament, and feel that they have solved any problems that they might have had.

“Right now, it’s just making sure that we’re all on the right page with things like set plays, corners and different tactics we have, as well as maintaining a competitive edge,” said Tupper. “Most of the work is done, we just need to keep each other sharp and arrive in Lima ready to hit the ground running.”

“The team is always working on its gaps, but with half dozen training sessions and a couple warm games before the Pan-Ams start, the body of work is done and now it time to perform,” said Bundy. “We have an obligation to our community and ourselves to grab this opportunity with both hands. As Canadians we have a history of qualifying for the Olympics through the Pan-Ams, we plan to seize this opportunity and continue this tradition.”

Seizing The Moment

Canada is coming off a big gold medal finish at the FIH Hockey Series Finals in Malaysia, then followed it up with a great performance during a test series against the Japanese National team. Canada will aim to keep their momentum flowing and use their experience to lead to continued success in Lima.

“We have an experienced group of individuals that knows their responsibilities and what they have to contribute in order for us to have success,” said Tupper. “That, and we are a really close group that loves spending time together and enjoys stepping on to the field to play together. We have a lot of experience in the group right now and that’s always helpful. The majority of our squad has played in big games and tournaments, so we’ll have that to fall back on as we get to difficult patches throughout the tournament.”

Canada’s first game of the tournament is on July 30th, when they take on Mexico in what should be a hard-fought, and competitive match to start the event. Follow the Field Hockey Canada event page for game results, photos and more.

Field Hockey Canada media release

2019 Pan American Games: Women’s National Team Preview

Focused and prepared Women’s National Team sets up for podium run at the 2019 Pan American Games



When the Canadian Women’s National Team packed their bags and headed off to Peru, they were doing so with a hope of returning as Olympic qualifiers. Although admittedly a tough task, Canada will look for a strong tournament after a fantastic second place finish at the Hockey Series Finals in Valencia, Spain. Head Coach Giles Bonnet knows that in order to do this, they’ll have to cause upsets along the way.

“We are the lowest ranked team of the mainstream countries participating and normally we should fall outside of the medals following Argentina (2), USA (13) and Chile (15),” said Bonnet. “Our aim in Lima is to do everything to create an upset at this event and change this status quo.”

Team Roster

Players to Watch

Team Canada currently has a solid balance of veteran players and young-rising talent. Players like Captain Kate Wright, Dani Hennig, Hannah Haughn and Sara McManus are all at the top of Canada’s all-time cap leaderboard.

“They’ve been through it all,” said Canada forward Steph Norlander. “Tactically, they can fall back on things and have hockey skills that maybe some of us younger players don’t have. It’s nice to have them always surrounding us and lifting us up.”

Team Canada’s highest scoring player, Brie Stairs, once again showed off her amazing offensive senses and ability at the Hockey Series Finals in June, scoring eight goals in five games, winning the award as top scorer of the tournament. She will look to have another stellar offensive performance in Lima.

As far as the team as a whole goes, Bonnet is depending on the entire roster to create another upset in Lima.

“Each player is expected to perform in the position they play and in the role requested of them,” said Bonnet. “The team is incredibly motivated and the culture within the group is fantastic. Any success achieved comes from this strength of “team” and the fact that the players are totally invested in achieving.”

SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN

    Game 1 vs Cuba | July 29 | Noon
    Game 2 vs Argentina | July 31 | 4pm
    Game 3 vs Uruguay | August 2 | 10am

Canada’s marquee group stage match is against Argentina, the third ranked team in the world. Although the team attitude does not change much when they prepare for the each game, they know they are going to have to do some extra work in order to be ready for the big game against Argentina.

“We’d like to prepare the same for all the games, but obviously some games are going to mean more than others,” said Norlander. “We have to prepare, making sure we do our homework just so we can be able to focus on our game as much as we can.”

Canada will also be under pressure in their other two games, in which they will go up against Cuba and Uruguay, the latter sitting at 25 in the world rankings.

“Uruguay is a team that is very capable and we have respect for the improvement they have made,” said Bonnet. “In Valencia in 2015 in the build-up to the Rio 2016 Olympic qualifier, they drew 1-1 with South Africa and narrowly lost 3-2 to Ireland. We expect a very tough match against them, especially as we look at their recent form and performance in Hiroshima at the FIH Final’s event.”

Team Canada is coming off an intense training camp leading up to the tournament, in which they trained and focused hard on any gaps that they may have going into Pan-Ams, and although they are tired, they’re ready and excited for this amazing experience.

“I feel like we’re still improving on that upward track and I don’t think we’ve peaked yet,” said Karli Johansen. “Hopefully we can peak at this tournament and show everyone, and all our supporters everything we’ve put in. We’re continuing to prove how good we are and how good we can be.”

Canada’s first game of the tournament is on July 29th, when they take on Cuba in what Canada hopes to be the start of an amazing tournament. Follow the Field Hockey Canada event page for game results, photos and more.

Field Hockey Canada media release

England Men's Squad For Invitational Four Nations Announced



Danny Kerry has named a squad of 21 for an Invitational Four Nations series between 1-4 August that will act as a warm-up for this year’s EuroHockey Championships.

This will be the first competitive outing for England’s men since finishing fourth at the 2018 Hockey Men’s World Cup, with 15 members of that side selected to take on Ireland, Spain and Malaysia out in Barcelona.

That includes Adam Dixon, who will captain England for the first time, as well as Mark Gleghorne and Liam Ansell, who have overcome injuries sustained during Great Britain’s FIH Pro League campaign.

Tom Sorsby is also set to make his England debut, having featured 10 times for GB earlier this year in the FIH Pro League, while Ashley Jackson will feature in an England shirt for the first time since 2015.

Liam Sanford misses the tournament though as he continues to recover from a knee injury, while Brendan Creed will also not feature as he has a minor knock.

England begin their campaign against Ireland on 1 August before facing hosts Spain – who they will also play in their group during the EuroHockey Championships – the following day. They then take on Malaysia in their final game on 4 August.

Speaking ahead of the competition, Head Coach Danny Kerry said: “This tournament is for us purely about preparing for the EuroHockey Championships. Results will be very secondary to getting selection correct for the Europeans, looking at aspects of our play and making the growth we need to in the time we have.

“Liam and Mark return after long injury lay-offs and I am pleased for them to be able once again to perform. They have a short opportunity to stake their claim for selection.

“Ireland, Spain and Malaysia will each pose different questions of our play and therefore the tournament will be excellent preparation for the upcoming Europeans.”

Kerry’s side will then contest the EuroHockey Championships in Antwerp between 16-25 August where they will face current world champions Belgium alongside Wales and Spain in their group.

As well as the prospect of a first European title since 2009, victory at this tournament will also guarantee Great Britain’s men a place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. If not then GB will play a two-legged Olympic qualifier in late October/early November.

England squad for Invitational Four Nations
David Ames (Holcombe)
Liam Ansell (East Grinstead)
Will Calnan (Hampstead & Westminster)
David Condon (East Grinstead)
Adam Dixon (C) (Beeston)
James Gall (Surbiton)
Harry Gibson (GK) (Surbiton)
Mark Gleghorne (Beeston)
Chris Griffiths (East Grinstead)
Michael Hoare (Wimbledon)
Ashley Jackson (Old Georgians)
Harry Martin (Hampstead & Westminster)
George Pinner (GK) (Old Georgians)
Phil Roper (Wimbledon)
Ian Sloan (Wimbledon)
Tom Sorsby (Surbiton)
Zach Wallace (Surbiton)
Jack Waller (Wimbledon)
Sam Ward (Old Georgians)
Henry Weir (Wimbledon)
Ollie Willars (Beeston)

England’s Invitational Four Nations fixtures (all times BST)
1 Aug – England v Ireland, 17:00
2 Aug – Spain v England, 19:00
4 Aug – England v Malaysia, 09:00

England Hockey Board Media release

OTE: Harman will be at the helm as Seniors rested

s2h team



New Delhi: Harmanpreet Singh will lead Indian men's team for the Olympic Test Event which is set to be played between 17-21 August 2019 in Japan. The ace drag flicker will have nimble footed forward Manpreet Singh as his deputy. Salient feature of the team is return of veteran SV Sunil to the national side after a fairly long gap.

Senior players Manpreet Singh, PR Sreejesh and Surender Kumar were rested.

Chief Coach Graham Reid said that the break will help the players shake off any niggling injuries and get fresh ahead of the Olympic qualifying matches in November.

"We are resting some senior players including Manpreet Singh some of whom have had a very rigorous last 12 months of hockey and will give them a chance to shake off any niggling injuries and get fresh for the next three months of preparation for the November qualifying matches," said Reid.

In the absence of the senior players, Harmanpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh have been named the Captain and Vice Captain respectively and two players - Ashis Topno and Shamsher Singh have earned their debut spots in the Indian national team. However, experienced striker SV Sunil has returned to the national team after a gap of nine months.

Reid expressed that the Olympic Test Event will give a few players a chance to show their mettle at the international stage.

"With no world ranking points at risk, the Tokyo test event gives us an ideal opportunity to not only get a first hand look at how Tokyo is shaping up for next year’s Olympics, we will also see some players who have not had a chance to show us what they can do on the international stage," said Reid.

Indian Men's Team:
1. Krishan Bahadur Pathak
2. Gurinder Singh
3. Harmanpreet Singh (Captain)
4. Kothajit Singh Khadangbamv 5. Hardik Singh
6. Nilakanta Sharma
7. Vivek Sagar Prasad
8. Jaskaran Singh
9. Mandeep Singh (Vice Captain)
10. Gursahibjit Singh
11. Nilam Sanjeep Xess
12. Jarmanpreet Singh
13. Varun Kumar
14. Ashis Topno
15. SV Sunil
16. Gurjant Singh
17. Shamsher Singh
18. Suraj Karkera

Stick2Hockey.com

Manpreet, Sreejesh rested

To miss Olympics test event in Tokyo; set to be back for Olympics qualifiers in Nov


India captain Manpreet Singh and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh will make way for Harmanpreet Singh and Krishan Bahadur Pathak, respectively. file

Captain Manpreet Singh and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh were among a few senior players rested from the Indian hockey team for next month’s Olympics test event in Tokyo.

Besides Manpreet and Sreejesh, also rested from the 18-member men’s squad for the August 17-21 event is defender Surender Kumar.

Dragflick specialist Harmanpreet Singh will don the captain’s armband in Manpreet’s absence, while striker Mandeep Singh will be his deputy. Rookies Ashis Topno and Shamsher Singh will make their debut in the national team in the upcoming event.

Experienced striker SV Sunil also made a comeback after recovering from a knee injury. He was sidelined from the national team for nine months. Dragflicker Rupinder Pal Singh, who returned to the side after last year’s Asian Games for the tour of Australia in May, is another notable absentee from the squad alongside Birendra Lakra and Akashdeep Singh.

In Sreejesh’s absence, Krishan Bahadur Pathak and young Suraj Karkera will do the goalkeeping duties. India’s chief coach Graham Reid said the decision to rest some senior players was taken keeping in mind the Olympics qualifiers in November. “We are resting some senior players including Manpreet Singh, some of whom have played a very rigorous last 12 months of hockey. We will give them a chance to shake off any niggling injuries and get fresh for the next three months of preparation for the November qualifying matches,” the Australian said.

He said the Olympics test event provides them with a chance to test some new players. “With no world ranking points at risk, the Tokyo test event gives us an ideal opportunity to not only get a firsthand look at how Tokyo is shaping up for next year’s Olympics but also see some new players. We want to give them chance and see how they fare at the international stage,” Reid said.

The Tribune

Manpreet-led team needs to be consistent, says Dhanraj Pillay

Dhanraj Pillay said Indian men’s hockey team led by Manpreet Singh has quality, but needs to focus more on being consistent in its performances.


The former captain wants the current Indian men's team to develop consistency in tournaments.   -  PTI Photo

The Indian men’s hockey squad led by Manpreet Singh has quality, but needs to focus more on being consistent in its performances, feels former captain Dhanraj Pillay.

The 51-year-old former Olympian said he has dedicated his life to improve the popular sport where India was once a formidable force.

“We need not get discouraged because we could not get the Hockey and Cricket World Cup,” said Dhanraj, a four-time Olympian, at a function here on Thursday.

Dhanraj, along with ex-India spinner Nilesh Kulkarni, interacted with more than 7,000 school children across 70 schools of Sundargarh district, Odisha, on the importance of sports through VSAT-based technology developed by Valuable Group.

“I believe that it is essential to have consistency in the team and that is what the players in these tournaments should focus upon,” Dhanraj elaborated.

Asked whether he would enter politics, the mercurial former forward said he has dedicated his life to improve the game. “Politics is not for me. I am a born hockey player and will continue to remain so, dedicating myself to improve hockey."

Sportstar

Scotland men’s squad to face Ireland this weekend



Scotland men’s Head Coach Derek Forsyth has named a 20 man squad to face Ireland at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.

Scotland Men will welcome Ireland to the Glasgow National Hockey Centre for a two match series on 27th and 28th July. Both sides are preparing for the Belfius EuroHockey Championships in Antwerp from 16-25 August.  Scotland will play in this tournament for the first time since 2005, where they face opening games against Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands.

It is a return to the top level of international hockey for Scotland, and comes as a result of their tremendous EuroHockey Championship II gold medal victory in 2017.

Alan Forsyth and Lee Morton make their return to the squad off the back of a successful FIH Pro League campaign with Great Britain. Cammy Golden is also included in the line-up and will be looking to add to his goal tally after putting two past Spain last weekend, giving Scotland a 2-1 win.

Entry to the matches is free.

Saturday 27 July | 15:00 | Scotland v Ireland
Sunday 28 July | 13:00 | Scotland v Ireland

Squad

Tommy Alexander (UHC)
Russell Anderson (Brooklands)
Tim Atkins (Surbiton)
Kenny Bain (Hurley)
Michael Bremner (UHC)
Andy Bull (Old Georgians)
Gavin Byers (UHC)
Callum Duke Hillhead)
Murray Collins (Teddington)
Craig Falconer (Reading)
David Forrester (Montrouge)
Alan Forsyth (Surbiton)
Cammy Golden (Grove Menzieshill)
Ed Greaves (Teddington)
Rob Harwood (Western Wildcats)
Hamish Galt (Western Wildcats)
Callum MacKenzie (Cardiff Met)
Lee Morton (Old Georgians)
Aidan McQuade (Grove Menzieshill)
Duncan Riddell (Grange)

Get along to the Glasgow National Hockey Centre to cheer on Scotland and give them a final send off

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Pakistan hockey: From champions to qualifiers

National sport witnessed 37-year-long golden era, 4 World Cups and many Olympic gold medals

Aamir Latif



KARACHI, Pakistan - Hockey legend Samiullah Khan recalled a cold but shining morning in January 1982 when he together with other players of Pakistan’s national hockey squad landed at Karachi airport holding the glittering World Cup trophy after his team beat West Germany 3-1 in the final in Bombay (now Mumbai).

As soon as the champions emerged from the lounge, thousands of exuberant hockey lovers chanted "Pakistan Zindabad", or Long Live Pakistan, while showering them with rose petals and placing garlands around their necks.

Some of the elated sports lovers would hoist the players on their shoulders as the security officials had to struggle to make way for the team to hop on their bus.

“Those moments are unforgettable. That was the golden era of hockey when the sport would run in the nation’s blood,” Samiullah, also known as ‘The Flying Horse’ because of his great speed, told Anadolu Agency.

It took the champions six hours to cover a 15-kilometer distance from the airport to the mausoleum of the father of the nation, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, due to the huge crowds.

To the surprise of many, hockey is the national sport of an otherwise cricket-obsessed Pakistan, which ruled the game for decades, notably from 1948 to 1984.

Having won world cups in 1971, 1978, 1982 and 1994, Pakistan is the most successful and only team that has won the title four times.

Apart from the four world cup titles, Pakistan has also won three Olympic gold medals -- in 1960, 1968 and 1984 -- and eight Asian Games and four Champions Trophy tournaments.

But the sport, for which the country was world-renowned, is now a picture of apathy.

Spectator-less stadiums, declining numbers of players and a virtual media blackout are enough proof that the nation has lost interest in the sport.

Scenes during the ongoing national hockey championship at Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium in Karachi further exposed the government and Pakistan Hockey Federation’s so-called efforts to regain a spot on the victory stand.

Several players were crammed into small halls and rooms with their clothes and kits hanging above them from the walls.

Some players queued up outside the grounds to fetch water from a cooler after spending a sleepless night due to a power outage in the sultry weather.

"What kind of performance do you expect from us if we couldn’t sleep the whole night?" said a player who represented the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province squad taking part in the championship.

"Look at the conditions and facilities (here) first and then expect us to compete at the international level," he said with a sarcastic smile, requesting not to be named.

Currently, a total of 440 clubs are registered with the Pakistan Hockey Federation, of which only 40 are active, according to Samiullah.

Gradual Decline

The country is in 17th place in the world hockey ranking, which means it cannot even directly qualify to play the final rounds of the World Cup, Olympics or Champions Trophy. It has to play a qualifying round to secure a place in the final rounds of these tournaments.

Several teams which were trained and coached by Pakistani players, including China, South Korea, Japan and Malaysia, are ahead of Pakistan in the world ranking.

"It's painful to see the current hockey situation. But this has not happened all of a sudden. It's a gradual decline," Hanif Khan, another hockey star who was part of the national squad that won several titles from 1976 to 1985, told Anadolu Agency.

Khan, who scored 145 goals in 150 matches, cited political intervention, destruction of domestic structure and lack of facilities as key reasons behind the collapse of hockey in the country.

Samiullah, who scored 56 goals in 150 matches, vindicated Khan's view.

"Apart from political intervention, Pakistan could not meet the latest infrastructure standards, which ultimately affected the team's performance but also reduced youths' interest in the sport," he observed, referring to the introduction of AstroTurf -- an artificial grass surface -- ground in hockey in 1975.

"Pakistan had managed to compete even after the introduction of AstroTurf until the mid-1980s because of its super-fit and experienced players. But gradually, the number of good players declined due to the lack of this facility in most of the country," Samiullah noted.

Until 1990, Pakistan had only four AstroTurf grounds compared to the Netherlands, which has over 200 of them.

Currently, Pakistan has 40 AstroTurf grounds, including a few with Desso Turf -- an improved version of AstroTurf -- for its population of 210 million compared to over 600 for the Netherlands' 17 million people.

Glamorization

Both Khan and Samiullah see "over glamorization" of cricket as another key reason behind the shift of youths’ and sponsors' focus from hockey.

"There is much more money, glamour and recognition in cricket compared to hockey. That's why more and more youths are inclined towards cricket," Samiullah said, citing the example of a former national hockey team captain, Zeeshan Ashraf, who worked as a part-time cashier at a government bank, whereas many former and current cricketers are working as vice-presidents and at other high-profile positions in public and private sector organizations.

Until 1990, Pakistan had over a dozen departmental teams. But gradually, both state-run and private institutions started disbanding their teams due to financial constraints and the country's dwindling ranking at the international level. Job quotas for almost all sports except cricket have been significantly reduced in public and private sector organizations in recent decades.

"If there is no money, no job and no recognition, then what's the attraction for youths to pick hockey?" Khan said.

The two legends, however, acknowledged that glamour and sponsorship were linked to performances.

"Pakistan needs victories. Glamour and money will automatically follow,” Khan said.

"But it will take 15 to 20 years to bring the current hockey structure to the international level if grassroots steps -- particularly restoration of domestic and departmental structure and non-political appointments in the hockey federation -- are taken today", he maintained.

Seconding Khan's view, Samiullah said Pakistan may find a place among top eight teams in the next four years if the federation "takes sincere steps".

Asif Bajwa, the secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), acknowledged that the revival of hockey in the country was an uphill task, especially when the federation was reeling from a financial crunch.

The PHF plans to set up two academies -- in the north and south -- to groom young players, who would later join the senior team, in addition to organizing hockey tournaments at the under-14 and under-16 level.

Bajwa, who is serving as PHF secretary for a second term, rejected the senior players’ claim about political appointments in the federation, saying including himself, all the presidents and secretaries were former hockey players.

“This is a crucial period when a World Cup champion is the country’s prime minister. If hockey is not revived during his tenure, then it will never be?,” said Bajwa, who represented Pakistan in international hockey from 1991 to 1997, referring to Prime Minister Imran Khan, who won the only Cricket World Cup for the country in 1992.

"We are approaching the prime minister and the chief ministers to seek their help for hockey’s revival. We must understand that you may chalk out good plans, but you must have resources to implement them," he added.

AA.com

Army thrash KP in National Hockey C’ship

ISLAMABAD - Thanks to brilliant hat-trick by Arsalan, Army continued their winning streak in the in the 65th Muhammad Noor Khan National Hockey Championship-2019 as they thrashed KP 7-2 in a match played at Abdul Sattar Edhi National Hockey Stadium, Karachi on Thursday.

In other matches, Wapda, who had the services of some of the top international stars, managed to beat young Punjab outfit 5-0, SSGC hammered PAF 7-1, Railways hold on Port Qasim 2-2 and Navy played 2-2 draw against Wapda Whites.

In the first match, it was all about Army’s Arsalan, who scored a superb hat-trick while Ali Haider, Saeed, M Riwan and Awais Zahid were also on the score-sheet for the Army. Saeed scored both goals for the KP team.

In the second match, mighty Wapda were too strong for the youngsters of Punjab, who played out their hearts and it was especially youngster Khubaiab Ahmed, who denied goal-scoring machine Umar Bhutta to score and his top class efforts were duly appreciated by the Olympians who were present at the venue and described Khubaib as future of Pakistan hockey. Aleem Bilal scored a brace for the winners, while Samiullah, Haleem Usman and Rizwan Ali also scored a goal each for Wapda.

In another match, Mubashir Ali was in red-hot goal-scoring form as he scored 5 goals to help SSGC teach hockey lesson to PAF in 7-1 drubbing. Besides Mubashir, Azfar Yaqoob and Ghazafar also scored a goal each. For airmen, Afraz scored the consolation goal. Railways and Port Qasim were involved in a top class encounter as they played out a 2-2 draw. Farhan Tariq and Rizwan Ali scored a goal each for Railways while Haris and AB Rehman scored for Port Qasim.

In the last match of the day, Navy and Wapda Whites played arguably the best match till date, as both teams displayed top class hockey in a thrilling 2-2 draw. M Sabir and Akbar Ali were on the score sheet for Navy while Rana Waheed and Adnan Anwar scored a goal each for Wapda-W.

The Nation

Telkom, Police stand in SAI's path to glory

By VICTOR OTIENO           


Greensharks' Samuel Mucheke (front) vies for the ball with Dee Pak of SAI from India during Sikh Union Club astro turf inaugural tournament held at Simba club in Nairobi on July 25, 2019. PHOTO | SILA KIPLAGAT | 

Visitors Sports Authority of India (SAI) will on Friday battle Kenya Police in the men's final of the Sikh Union Club Astroturf Inauguration tournament.

SAI ladies will contest for the title with record Kenyan champions Telkom in a winner-takes-it-all clash since the women's games are being played in round-robin format.

As expected, SAI men dominated their clash against Greensharks, winning 4-0 to book a slot in the final.

Vash Udev opened the scoring in the 12th minute before Singh Diljeet doubled their lead at the end of first quarter.

Despite trailing by two goals, Greensharks improved in the second period but there was no stopping Minz Ralat who found the board from close range on the 42nd minute and sealed victory for his side eight minutes to time.

The second men's semi-final pitting Sikh Union and Police was closely contested though the latter eventually won 2-1.

Police's goals were scored by Titus Kimutai and Oliver Echenje while Collins Asilwa was on target for the hosts.

Police coach Patrick Mugambi SAId they will play cautiously against SAI in the final.

"They (SAI) are very young and fast, so we must slow the game and capitalise on their mistakes to beat them otherwise it will be a total disaster for us," Mugambi SAId.

Meanwhile, Telkom moved level on 6 points with favourites SAI following their 2-1 win over USIU-A. But the Indian side top the four teams standing on goal difference.

Again, it was the deadly striker Jackline Mwangi who came to the rescue of Telkom with a brace.

With the two teams tied 0-0 at the break, Mwangi showed her prowess five minutes into the second half with a superb long range finish, before she stretched her side's lead seven minutes later.

The hard-fighting students capitalised on a defensive lapse to reduce the deficit through Veronica William on the 49th minute.

The latter was fed from the centre and she made no mistake, beating Telkom's goalkeeper Samantha Namarome.

And the students thereafter put a spirited fight, but their resolve was undone by poor finishing as they missed several chances upfront.

Friday's games will mark the end of the week-long competition organised to commemorate the laying of the astroturf at the 90-year-old hockey pitch at Sikh Union Club in Nairobi.

Daily Nation

New ruling is not fair

By Jugjet Singh


Perlis, Perak, Pahang and Negri Sembilan disagree on the players' eligibility rule, based on identity card, to where they are schooling or working. - NSTP File/ HAFIZ SOHAIMI

IT’S a rule change that four Razak Cup teams don’t want to follow.

The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) Competition Committee have hit a raw nerve with Perlis, Perak, Pahang and Negri Sembilan on a new players’ eligibility rule for the Razak Cup on Sept 6-14.

Perlis, Perak, Pahang and Negri Sembilan disagree on the players' eligibility rule, based on identity card, to where they are schooling or working.

The MHC competitions committee’s letter to its affiliates, states: “The eligibility criteria, based on place of birth, is deleted from the rules and replaced with the following:

1. Players, who are still students, will represent the state where they are studying (except for Sports Schools players who will return to their states).

2. Players who are already working but aged 25 years and below, will represent the state where they were studying.

3. Players, who are already working but aged 25 and above, will have the option to represent the state where they are working, or where they were studying.

4. Those, who are not in any of the above categories, are categorised as Guest Players and only four are allowed per state.

Last year, Kedah and Negri pulled out one day before the Razak Cup started because they were unhappy with the four guest players ruling.

“After the new rules were circulated, Perak HA wrote to MHC, asking them to revert to the IC ruling because we feel it is the best option.

“States develop players who later move to the big cities in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur to study and work as well as play hockey, and in the end, we lose our talent which we groomed.

“The new ruling is not fair, and Perak HA hope MHC will listen to its stakeholders,” said Perak HA secretary M. Selvakumaran.

Last year, the HC competitions committee bulldozed through its Razak Cup guest player ruling, prompting two states to pull out, but have softened their stance by calling for a state secretaries meeting on Aug 3.

“We will put forward our grouses and make them understand that if they stick to the new ruling, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor will benefit the most because a large number of universities are based there.

“States like Perak will suffer, while it looks like KL will have the luxury to form three strong teams if the MHC do not soften their stand,” said Selvakumaran.

New Straits Times

South African Under 21 Men Announced for IPT

Neville Rothman, Head Coach of the South African Under 21 side, has today announced the side selected to take part in the Mens Senior IPT. The Under 21 side has traditionally used the IPT as part of their process in building towards the next Junior World Cup.

The U21 Men are currently taking part in the Premier Hockey League in Randburg under the guise of the Golden Gate Gladiators. Some players have already taken the opportunity at the tournament to put their own names in lights, while all of them will hope to emulate Sam Mvimbi who earned his debut cap earlier this year.

Coach Neville Rothman shared his excitement about the team: “The only change from the CTM Premier Hockey League is that Bradley Sherwood returns and will add massive value from skills and leadership ability. Mpumelelo Maphumula is unavailable for selection as he will be playing football in the United States. This is another step on our process towards our ultimate goals of Junior World Cup in 2021.”

The Senior Mens IPT takes place in Bloemfontein between 26 and 31 August in Bloemfontein.

SA Men’s Under 21 Squad

Taine Bird (KZN Raiders)
Kyle Coker (Northern Blues)
Clayton Saker (Western Province)
Tevin Petersen (Western Province)
Michael Newland-Nell (Southern Gauteng)
Jacques v Tonder (Western Province)
Michael Horan (Southern Gauteng)
Guy Morgan (Northern Blues)
Matt Dewar (Northern Blues)
Sam Mvimbi (Northern Blues)
Jared Campbell (Northern Blues)
Luke Wynford (Western Province)
Tumi Ramphele (Southern Gauteng Witsies)
Simetu Bayanda (Western Province)
Idrees Abdulla (Western Province)
Peter Jarvis (Western Province)
Brad Sherwood (Northern Blues)
Angelo Walstroom (KZN Raiders)

SA Hockey Association media release

Hockey Australia Welcomes New Media & PR Manager

Hockey Australia (HA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nic Kerber as its Media and PR Manager.

Newly appointed General Manager - Commercial, Communication and Events, Tim Cherry said that this was a key appointment at this time for Hockey Australia.

“Nic has over a decade of experience in the media and communications industry, predominantly in sport. Nic has worked at the elite level as a Media Coordinator at Football Federation Australia (FFA) including Media Manager for the Matildas. Prior to this, he fulfilled the role of Media Manager at A-League club Adelaide United. These experiences made him the obvious choice for us and I am delighted that Nic has agreed to join our team” said Cherry. 

“I’m really looking forward to be joining Hockey Australia at this time and ready to hit the ground running. I’m also excited to be working with the national teams in the lead up to Tokyo 2020, along with supporting the new national league, Hockey One. I look forward to working with Tim and CEO Matt Favier, along with Toni Cumpston and the national high performance unit to continue to promote the sport and build on the recent efforts of Ben Somerford” said Kerber.

Hockey Australia media release