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News for 11 January 2020

All the news for Saturday 11 January 2020


2020 FIH Pro League (Women) - 11 Jannuary 2020

11 Jan 2020 14:00 (GMT +8)     CHN v NED (RR)     0 - 3   Wujin Hockey Stadium, Changzhou
12 Jan 2020 14:00 (GMT +8)    CHN v NED (RR)     Wujin Hockey Stadium, Changzhou

Live streaming and full game replay on https://fih.live (May be Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)

FIH Match Centre



2020 Test matches POL v RSA (W) - Tests 2 & 3

10 Jan 2020     POL v RSA     1 - 1
10 Jan 2020      POL v RSA     4 - 3

FIH Match Centre



100 up for O’Connor and Botha



The SPAR South African side took on the Polish Indoor Hockey team for the second test in Rogowo this morning. The game marked the 100th cap for Jessica O’Connor joining her skipper in the centurion club. Incredibly O’Connor has played every single test match since her debut against Namibia on 11 April 2014, a superb statement to her fitness. Remarkably the match also marked coach Lennie Botha’s 100th in charge of the SPAR South Africa women’s side. A superb achievement for both Botha and O’Connor.

For much of those 100 test matches, Botha’s SPAR South Africa could be categorized as built around a solid defence. Conceding only 185 goals across 100 test matches. One of the centre pieces to that defensive stability is the superb defensive work of Jess O’Connor. Their 100th test match would be highlighting the same.

A tactical arm wrestle finally gave its first inches in the 11th minute when Robyn Johnson converted a wonderful team effort that went through almost every player on the field. The South Africans have shown countless times in the past 24 months that the most dangerous time on a field is just after a goal as they regularly give the opponents the double punch. But today while the echoes of their celebration were still reverberating in the venue Poland pulled one back once again through the impressive Paulina Reeder.

Although the South Africans were denied a penalty stroke somewhat contentiously, the game ended in a 1—1 draw with the visitors incredibly impressive. Just 24 hours after they had been defeated 2-0 South Africa were unlucky to only draw. Something that sits well with the team.

Captain Cindy Hack paid tribute to Botha and O’Connor: “It’s a wonderful achievement for both Jessica and Lennie and we are delighted that we could give them the performance that their milestone deserved. We came here with the goal of competing with one of the best indoor hockey nations in the world and we are doing that exactly!”

SPAR South Africa vs. Poland Indoor Hockey Series (Times are in Poland)

1st Test – 9 January – Poland 2-0 SPAR South Africa
2nd Test – 10 January – Poland 1-1 SPAR South Africa
3rd Test – 10 January – 19:00
4th Test – 11 January – 18:00
5th Test – 12 January – 15:00

SA Hockey Association media release



SPAR South Africa in Pink lose in last minute to Poland




The third test between Poland and SPAR South Africa took place in Rogowa last night. Poland led the five-match series 1-0 after two games and were up against a fired up South African side dressed in Pink for the occasion.

In a combined initiative between SPAR and the South African Women’s Indoor Hockey team, the team will wear pink on certain fixtures in standing up for No Violence against Women and Children. This was started in the home series against Ireland in a match South Africa won 6-2. SPAR have also pledged that each time the team wears the pink kit in a series they will sponsor an amount of R4000 as well as R100 per goal scored to the charity supported by the SA Women’s Indoor Hockey team. For last nights game the team chose the Open-Door Crisis Care Centre

The Open-Door Crisis Care Centre (The Open Door) is a non-profit organization established by Thora Mansfield in 1997 at the request of the local South African Police, to assist women and children who were victims of rape and domestic violence.  Today they are regarded as a lead organisation in the country, lobbying for better service provision for victims of all forms of crime both in our homes, communities and in the workplace.  From small beginnings their “one stop crisis care centre” has reached over 400 000 men, women and children through direct and indirect services. 

South Africa opened the game in incredible fighting mood and found themselves 2-0 up with Kara Botes and Amy Greaves giving the visitors a 2-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Unfortunately, the hosts fought back with Amelia Katerla pegging the Africans back before goal-scoring machine Paulina Reder made it 2-2 at the half time interval.

The third quarter saw a lot of action but mostly from the umpires as four green cards and one yellow were shared between the two sides, but no goals were scored setting up a frenetic final quarter. The SPAR South Africa ladies must have thought they had done enough to win it when Kara Botes scored with three minutes remaining, but Poland showed their pedigree with Reder equalising from an error before with less than 15 seconds on the clock Magdalena Zagajska stole the victory for the Europeans.

Although the result will be disappointing the South Africans have clearly shown that the gap between the European Elite of the Indoor Hockey game and themselves is as small as it has ever been.

SPAR South Africa vs. Poland Indoor Hockey Series (Times are in Poland)

1st Test – 9 January – Poland 2-0 SPAR South Africa
2nd Test – 10 January – Poland 1-1 SPAR South Africa
3rd Test – 10 January – Poland 4-3 SPAR South Africa
4th Test – 11 January – 18:00
5th Test – 12 January – 15:00

SA Hockey Association media release



Nelson-Nichols Names 2020 U.S. Women’s National Team Roster



LANCASTER, Pa. – 2020 welcomes eight new faces, along with two returners, to Team USA for the opportunity to represent the red, white and blue on the international stage. Following three days of intense training sessions at the 2020 Trial, held at Spooky Nook Sports in Lancaster, Pa., the USWNT coaching staff is excited to announce the 2020 U.S. Women's National Team.

“The athletes have worked incredibly hard through the recent trials to secure an opportunity to represent Team USA in the upcoming FIH Hockey Pro League season,” said Caroline Nelson-Nichols, USWNT Head Coach. “Our staff is excited to get to work with this talented group.”

Athletes attended the Trial that took place Monday, January 6 to Wednesday, January 8. Of the pool of athletes that were recommended by their college coaches, those successful candidates produced a high level of play creating a truly elite trial environment. Athletes were challenged to push the standards of the game and they rose to that challenge.

Ali Campbell (Lancaster, Pa.) returns to the USWNT after retiring in June 2017 and playing in 31 international caps. She is also a member of the U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team and in October 2017 helped the squad win the Indoor Pan American Cup and finish tenth at the 2018 Indoor Hockey World Cup. At the beginning of the month, Campbell, along with another returner, Laura Hurff (Newark, Del.), who left the squad in June 2019 to play in Australia, were in Vienna, Austria competing in the indoor Rohrmax Cup. Hurff has 23 international caps to her name.

Three athletes named have spent time on the U.S. Women’s National Development Team. Karlie Heistand (Hamburg, Pa.) has been on the Development Team the past three years and prior to that was a member of the U-19 and U-21 USWNT. Joining her is Kelee Lepage (Honey Brook, Pa.), who spent one year on the Development Team and was also a member of the U-19 and U-21 USWNT, and Madison Maguire (Rumson, N.J.).

Four more newcomers have weaved their way through the U.S. Women’s Olympic Development Pathway on various junior national teams. Carrie Hanks (Niskayuna, N.Y.) was part of the 2016 U-21 USWNT that won silver at the women’s Junior Pan American Championship and competed at the women’s Hockey Junior World Cup. Rachel Robinson (Mount Joy, Pa.) was most recently on the 2019 U-21 USWNT and toured with the squad in Germany. Haley Schleicher (Virginia Beach, Va.) was on the U-17 USWNT in 2015 and U-19 USWNT in 2016 and 2017. Corinne Zanolli (Newtown Square, Pa.) has been on the U-17, U-19 and U-21 USWNT since 2015 and is currently a member of the Indoor USWNT.

The newly named athletes are paired with fifteen that have been renamed from the 2019 squad. Veteran defenders Ali Froede (Burke, Va.), currently the most capped athlete with 91, and Ashley Hoffman (Mohnton, Pa.) will look to share their expertise, while Amanda Magadan (Randolph, N.J.) and Lauren Moyer (York, Pa.) will hold things down in the midfield. Strikers Danielle Grega (Kingston, Pa.), Anna Dessoye (Mountain Top, Pa.) and Taylor West (Princess Anne, Md.) will look to spark the offensive line.

The 2020 calendar for the USWNT will hit the ground running with the second edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League. USA kicks off competition on Friday, January 24 against No. 1 The Netherlands at Karen Shelton Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Congratulations to the following athletes who have been named to the 2020 U.S. Women’s National Team:

Mary Beth Barham (Fairfax, Va.), Virginia Bramley (Elizabethtown, Pa.), Ali Campbell (Lancaster, Pa.), Anna Dessoye (Mountaintop, Pa.), Ali Froede (Burke, Va.), Linnea Gonzales (Bel Air, Md.), Danielle Grega (Kingston, Pa.), Alexandra Hammel (Duxbury, Mass.), Carrie Hanks (Niskayuna, N.Y.), Karlie Heistand (Hamburg, Pa.), Ashley Hoffman (Mohnton, Pa.), Laura Hurff (Newark, Del.), Jess Jecko (Sauquoit, N.Y.), Kelee Lepage (Honey Brook, Pa.), Amanda Magadan (Randolph, N.J.), Madison Maguire (Rumson, N.J.), Lauren Moyer (York, Pa.), Alyssa Parker (Woodbine, Md.), Miranda Rigg (Harrisonburg, Va.), Rachel Robinson (Mount Joy, Pa.), Kealsie Robles (Yorktown, Va.), Haley Schleicher (Virginia Beach, Va.), Casey Umstead (Green Lane, Pa.), Taylor West (Princess Anne, Md.), Corinne Zanolli (Newtown Square, Pa.)

Three athletes were unable to participate in the trial due to injury. Kelsey Bing (Houston, Texas), Nicole Woods (Beverly, Mass.), Julia Young (Yorktown, Va.) will all receive a trial at a date to be determined.

USFHA media release



Lehigh Valley-area field hockey players donned the Red, White and Blue

By Tim Shoemaker

Quite frankly, Mayv Clune feels fortunate still to be a field hockey player, let alone one who represents the Red, White and Blue.

In March 2017, she was training with the junior national team at Duke University when she injured her left knee in what was originally diagnosed as a PCL sprain. It turned out to be a tear. She continued to play, including at a tournament in Germany, and she continued to see doctors, including one who eventually said that she should not play again.

Finally, three months later, she met with Dr. Robert LaPrade at the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado. LaPrade fixed the knee surgically, gave her a regimen, and after a year and a half, Clune was back on the field at the University of Maryland.

“I’m lucky to find the doctor that we did,” said Clune, a Quakertown resident who led Moravian Academy to the 2016 PIAA Class A championship. “I would not be where I am today.”

Clune, named after the famous Irish queen Maeve, hasn’t looked back.

Last week, she played for the U.S. national Indoor team in the Rohrmax Cup in Vienna, Austria. She had a goal and an assist for the United States Blue team in a 2-1 win over SV Arminen of Austria in the 7th/8th place game.

One of her teammates on the Blue team was Annika Herbine, the Emmaus junior and Morning Call field hockey player of the year in 2019. Liberty High senior Rayne Wright, the 2018 Morning Call player of the year, played for the U.S. Gold team.

The U.S. selected 19 players, then divided them into two teams for the Rohrmax Cup. They traveled, trained, dined and saw the sights together, but played in different four-team pools. USA Gold went 2-1-0 and took third place. USA Blue went 0-2-1 and took seventh.

The next big tournament for U.S. hockey is the Pan American Games in March. Those rosters have not yet been announced.

Clune, the 2016 Morning Call co-player of the year, took a redshirt in the Fall of 2017 and has two years of eligibility remaining at the University of Maryland. Next year, she will call Wright a teammate when the Liberty High recruit joins the Terrapins.

Clune’s mother, Diane Clune Molinaro, played for the U.S. Olympic team in 1988. Mayv said that her goal is to some day do the same. Clune Molinaro briefly coached the Quakertown field hockey team, but gave it up to spend more time watching Mayv.

“[Playing in the Rohrmax Cup] is the highest accomplishment I’ve had,” she said. “A goal of mine has always been to represent my country. I’ve had a few setbacks, but it’s still a goal for me. I’d love some day to play in the Olympics and follow in my mom’s footsteps.”

Indoor field hockey is a little different from outdoor field hockey. There are six players on a side and the field is half as long (50 yards) and narrower. Clune said that playing indoor helps with her speed, skill and decision-making.

The two styles of play do not always necessarily translate, but in her case, they do.

“I’m learning how to make decisions in a fast-paced game,” she said. “The men’s team is such a fast-paced paced game. They’re able to make good decisions. The speed of making decisions is what I’ll take away from the trip.”

Her knees and ability to play the sports have taken Clune to several different countries.

“The team I was on made the experience fun,” she said. “When I travel to a different country, I try to embrace the culture. One of the better experiences is branching out and try new things. I’ve traveled to China. It definitely is an eye-opening experience. There are things I’ve never seen before or eaten before.

“Being able to see the culture of field hockey in a different country is interesting. In America, it’s not as embraced as it is overseas. Men’s field hockey tends to be more popular abroad. To see that culture and see it embraced was a great experience.”

That experience did not seem likely three and a half years ago.

The Morning Call



Irish Womens National Development Squad and U21 Squad Announced

The National Development Squad has been introduced as part of the HookedforLife review and aims to help address the gap created by recent developments in the game which has seen athletes reaching senior level at an older age. The introduction of the squad allows athletes to continue development after the U21 age group for two further years and they will compete in matches at U23 level. This is line with several other top nations. Selection is based on an athlete’s potential to play at senior level within 4 years. Players will be supported in 2-3 Strength and Conditioning sessions per week with mid-week regional sessions starting in March at Abbotstown. The U21 Squad provides a longer term, development opportunities for players aged 18-20 and it is expected that some players will move into the Development Squad from here once they have been assessed within match play.

Quote from David Passmore:

“This development is an important one for the women’s game in Ireland and will allow us to develop a number of players who have been in the U21 program further with a view to them reaching the senior squad after the Tokyo cycle. A number of the group are currently training with the seniors which allows them to understand the intensity of training required. The program has been carefully planned with Sean Dancer who has taken a great interest in the up and coming talent since his arrival last May”

“The group of younger players that have move up from U18s, along with some players who have developed while at college in England means the group has a good mix and we enjoyed a great training camp at Abbotstown last week. Our aim will be to have a crop of talented players vying for senior squad places once the Tokyo cycle is over”

National Development Squad

1, Roisin Begley, Catholic Institute, Munster
2, Nadia Benallal, Beeston HC / NTU, England, Ulster
3, Michelle Carey, UCD, Leinster
4, Niamh Carey, UCD, Leinster
5, Sophia Cole, Railway Union HC, Leinster
6, Amy Elliott, UCD, Leinster
7, Katie Fearon, Railway Union HC, Leinster
8, Christina Hamill, Loreto HC, Leinster
9, Hannah Humphries (GK), UCC, Munster
10, Jane Kilpatrick, Loughborough Uni, England, Munster
11, Sarah MacAuley, Muckross HC, Leinster
12, Zara Malseed, Ards LHC, Ulster
13, Erica Markey, Trinity College, Leinster
14, Jess McMaster, Queens University, Ulster
15, Ellie McLoughlin (GK), Muckross HC, Leinster
16, Hannah McLoughlin, UCD, Leinster
17, Caoimhe Perdue, UCC, Munster
18, Ellen Reid, Banbridge HC, Ulster
19, Caitli Sherin, Loreto HC, Leinster
20, Sarah Torrans, Loreto HC, Leinster

Others in consideration for the Development Squad:

Abbie Russell,  UCD,  Leinster
Tori Hastings,  Queens,  Ulster
Kathryn Egan,  UCD,  Leinster
Yasmin Pratt,  Monmouth Uni, USA,  Leinster

U21 Squad

1, Olivia Berry, Pegasus HC, Ulster
2, Gemma Ferguson (GK), University of Ulster, Jordanstown, Ulster
3, Laura Foley, Catholic Institute, Munster
4, Anna Horan, Catholic Institute, Munster
5, Jade Lamont (GK), NTU, England, Ulster
6, Katie Jane Marshall, UCD, Leinster
7, Katie McKee, Beeston HC, England, Ulster
8, Emily McStea, Queens University, Ulster
9, Lisa Mulcahy, Loreto HC, Leinster
10, Siofra Murdoch, Harvard, USA
11, Laura Noble, Pembroke Wanderers HC, Leinster
12, Siofra O'Brien, Loreto HC, Leinster
13, Millie Regan (GK), East Grinstead HC

2020 Program:
9-13 April Training & Matches against Great Britain Elite Development Program, Warwick, England
5-14 June Warm Weather Training Camp and Matches v USA Development and U21s, USA
20-27 June 5-6 Nations U23 Tournament, UCD, Dublin
8-15 August EHF U23 6 Nations, Cardiff, Wales (ENG / GER / IRL / RUS / SCO / WAL)

Irish Hockey Association media release



Vote now! Five Australians in contention for FIH Hockey Stars Awards



Voting closes soon for the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey Star Awards for 2019, with five of Australia’s best nominated in the various categories.

Hockeyroos goalkeeper Rachael Lynch and Kookaburras quartet Blake Govers, Tyler Lovell, Eddie Ockenden and Aran Zalewski have been nominated after a stellar year on the international hockey stage representing their country in 2019.

Votes can be cast by clicking here. Voting closes on 17 January 2020.

Votes from National Associations – which will include some international athletes and coaches votes – will count for 50% of the overall result, while fans and players (25%) as well as media (25%) will make the other half of the votes.

Lynch has been nominated for the Women’s FIH Goalkeeper of the Year after a host of quality performances, particularly in the inaugural season of the FIH Pro League.

The 33 year old was named the Player of the Match as she proved impenetrable when the Hockeyroos defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in Melbourne, while she was also announced as the Goalkeeper of the Pro League Grand Final. CLICK HERE to vote.

Kookaburras co-captains Ockenden and Zalewski are two of six players to be shortlisted for the Men’s FIH Player of the Year.

The duo have been staples in the Kookaburras line up for an extended period and were both integral in helping the Kookaburras lift the inaugural Pro League trophy, which saw Australia’s men’s team claim the world number one ranking.

Ockenden and Zalewski were also valuable contributors in the Kookaburras’ Oceania Cup success and resultant qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. CLICK HERE to vote.

Lovell enjoyed a standout year to be in the running to be named the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year. The 2014 World Cup winner shone throughout the Pro League and reeled off a host of world class saves in the Grand Final triumph over Belgium. CLICK HERE to vote.

Govers is in the running to be named the Men’s FIH Rising Star of the Year after scoring 20 goals in 2019, including 12 during the FIH Pro League as he finished as the tournament’s top scorer. He also struck four times in the Oceania Cup against New Zealand.

Three matches off making his 100th appearance for the Kookaburras, Govers carried his formidable international goal scoring form into the Sultana Bran Hockey One League. CLICK HERE to vote.

Australia’s five players nominated in the annual awards are the most of any nation.

The winners of all 2019 FIH Hockey Stars Awards, which also include the FIH Coach of the Year, will be announced in February 2020.

The FIH Coach of the Year (in the Men’s and Women’s competitions) will be determined by an FIH panel.

Voting closes on Friday 17 June 2020 so vote now.

FIH 2019 Hockey Stars Awards – Nominees

WOMEN
FIH Player of the Year:
Carla Rebecchi (ARG), Janne Müller-Wieland (GER), Eva de Goede (NED), Frédérique Matla (NED), Stacey Michelsen (NZL), Olivia Merry (NZL)

FIH Goalkeeper of the Year: 
Rachael Lynch (AUS), Maria Ruiz (ESP), Mathilde Petriaux (FRA), Ayeisha McFerran (IRL), Megumi Kageyama (JPN)

FIH Rising Star of the Year:
Julieta Jankunas (ARG), Zhong Jiaqi (CHN), Nike Lorenz (GER), Lalremsiami (IND), Frédérique Matla (NED)

MEN
FIH Player of the Year:
Eddie Ockenden (AUS), Aran Zalewski (AUS), Lucas Vila (ARG), Arthur Van Doren (BEL), Victor Wegnez (BEL), Manpreet Singh (IND)

FIH Goalkeeper of the Year: 
Tyler Lovell (AUS), Vincent Vanasch (BEL), David Carter (CAN), Quico Cortes (ESP), Victor Aly (GER)

FIH Rising Star of the Year:
Maico Casella (ARG), Blake Govers (AUS), Zachary Wallace (GBR), Vivek Prasad (IND), Jonas de Geus (NED)

#HockeyStarsAwards

Hockey Australia media release



Delightful MHL debut by Dutchman

By Jugjet Singh


The UniKL team celebrating their Charity Shield victory in the MHL yesterday at National Hockey Stadium. Pic by MOHD YUSNI ARIFFIN

KUALA LUMPUR: Dutch international Roel Bovendert made his Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) debut and duly delivered the Charity Shield to Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) yesterday.

The match was a cracker as UniKL edged Terengganu Hockey Team 3-2 and it looks like UniKL and THT will again be the front-runners for titles this season.

Razie Rahim drew first blood with a low penalty corner push to hand UniKL the lead in the 19th minute, but Faizal Saari equalised in the 26th minute with a beautiful field goal.

Faizal was on target again in the 36th minute, but Razie equalised with another penalty corner goal in the 337th minute.

Then Bovendert settled the score with a 50th minute reverse stick shot to hand UniKL their second Charity Shield.

In the other match of the day, Tenaga Nasional were slow to rise against their “brother team” Thunderbolts but still managed to win 3-1.

With 13 national players on their side, much more was expected from Tenaga in this match but Thunderbolts had 15 national juniors.

Tenaga’s goals were scored by Norsyafiq Sumantri (26th) and Akhimullah Anuar Esook (48th, 52nd). Fahmi Khalid scored for Thunderbolts in the 43rd minute.

RESULTS

Men’s: Maybank 4 HockAdemy 1, Unversity Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) 3 Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) 2, Tenaga Nasional 3 TNB Thunderbolts 1, NurInsafi 1 Universiti Teknologi Mara 4.

New Straits Times



Bright start for HockAdemy but no happy ending

By Jugjet Singh

NEW Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) team, HockAdemy started well but ended miserably with a 4-1 hammering by seasoned campaigner Maybank.

Fitness proved to be HockAdemy's undoing. They took the lead through Arif Sabron in the 24th minute, but lost steam in the final two quarters.

Maybank's goals were scored by Haziq Samsul (25th, 51st), Nur Asyraf Ishak (34th) and Aslam Hanafiah (44th).

HockAdemy ccoach S. Selvaraju admitted that his debutants did not have enough time to prepare for the team.

‘We just formed this team and our fitness workouts were not properly done. We had players with skill, but fitness let us down in the last two quarters.

‘However, I believe this team will become better after a few more matches.’

HockAdemy's three Pakistani imports also struggled, as they only arrived 24 hours before the match.

‘Our three Pakistani players arrived the night before match day and naurally they were a little tired. They did not connect well with the other players.

‘Once they get used to the rest of the team, I believe they (imports) will start producing results,’ said Selvaraju.

RESULTS - Men's: Maybank 4 HockAdemy 1; Tenaga Nasional 3 TNB Thunderbolts 1; NurInsafi 1 Univrsiti Teknologi Mara 4.

TODAY - Men: TNB Thunderbolts v THT (National Stadium Pitch 1, 5pm), HockAdemy v UniKL (National Stadium Pitch I, 7.30pm), NurInsafi v Tenaga Nasional (Sungai Petani, 5pm), Maybank v UiTM (National Stadium Pitch II, 5pm)

Women: Sabah v Terengganu Ladies (Likas, 4pm), Police Blue Warriors v Mutiara Impian (Tun Razak, 5pm), UniTen v HockAdemy (National Stadium Pitch I, 5pm).

New Straits Times



Haziq makes remarkable comeback to steer Maybank to victory



KUALA LUMPUR: Former national forward Mohd Haziq Samsul (pic) was out of action for eight months due to a left knee meniscus surgery last May.

But it did not stop him from making a remarkable comeback to score two goals to steer Maybank to a convincing 4-1 win over debutants Hockey Academy of Kuala Lumpur (Hockademy) in the opening match of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

The match delayed by 25 minutes due to heavy downpour and when it started, Hockademy took the lead through Arif Sabron off a field goal in the 24th minute.

But the Tigers, who have been playing in the MHL since 1987, fought back to score four goals in space of 30 minutes.

Despite being out of action, Haziq stepped up to equalise in the 25th minute off a penalty corner before Mohd Nur Asyraf Ishak increased the score in the 34th minute.

Ten minutes later, former international Hafifihafiz Hanafi made it 3-1.

And Haziq scored his second and the Tigers’ fourth goal in the 55th minute to complete the rout.

The 26-year-old Haziq, who joined Maybank as a clerk last year April, was delighted to star in his first match in eight months.

“I lost my place in the national team due to the injury and it got worst after playing in the MHL last year, ” said Haziq, who picked up the injury at the World League semi-finals in London in 2017.

“I hope to impress in this MHL to win a place in the national training again.”

Tenaga Nasional also got off to a good start by defeating TNB Thunderbolt 3-1 at the same venue.

The Star of Malaysia



India’s Rani Rampal nominated for ‘World Games Athlete of the Year’ award

According to Hockey India, the FIH recommended Rani’s name for her outstanding performances and her ability to lead by example.


Rani Rampal is a “huge inspiration to many in the country,” says Hockey India president Mohd. Mushtaque Ahmad.   -  K. MURALI KUMAR

Rani Rampal, the captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, has been nominated for the ‘World Games Athlete of the Year’ award by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

Twenty-five athletes have been nominated for this award from their respective sports by their international federations. The FIH has recommended Rani’s name for her outstanding performances and her ability to lead by example, Hockey India said in a statement. “We at Hockey India are elated by the news of Rani being nominated for the World Games Athlete of the Year 2019. She indeed is a huge inspiration to many in the country and has made her own mark in the sport,” stated Mohd. Mushtaque Ahmad, president, Hockey India.

The winner will be decided by online voting which closes on January 30.

‘Vote for Rani’

“We hope this nomination comes as an inspiration to many other aspiring players who wish to emulate Rani’s success. We urge all hockey fans to vote for Rani and also continue to support Rani and the Indian women’s team as they prepare for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics,” he added.

Rani helped India qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. It will be the first time that the team will participate in two consecutive Games.

This will be the sixth edition of the WGA initiative that recognises and honours an athlete or a team for their outstanding performance or for their social commitment or particularly, fair behaviour.

Last year, Acrobatic Gymnastics couple Mariia Chernova and Georgii Pataraia (Russia) won the title with 159,348 votes, just ahead of American Powerlifter Jennifer Thompson — 152,865 votes.

Sportstar



Arrangements for Pakistan junior training camp finalised

KARACHI: The PHF has finalised the arrangements for training camp of Pakistan juniors, scheduled to be started from January 12 at National Hockey Stadium in Lahore, an official told ‘The News’ on Thursday.

The official said that there would be 57 players in the camp. After the two-week first phase, the number of players will be cut. The PHF has also planned a series of matches between Pakistan seniors and juniors but its schedule would be decided later, the PHF official said.

Pakistan juniors are to participate in Asia Cup 2020 in June in Bangladesh, and the World Cup 2021. To qualify for the World Cup 2021, Pakistan must reach the semi-finals stage of Asia Cup, as the top-four teams will qualify for the World Cup.

The senior team is to participate in the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament in March and April this year. Before participating in the event, they will train in Lahore, during which they might play three to five matches against the juniors, the PHF official said.

“Despite financial constraints we have been successful in finding a bunch of talented players whom we will groom for future international assignments. They will improve the performance of Pakistan at the international level,” the official claimed.

He further said that PHF was also planning some matches against tough rivals before the Junior Asia Cup. “We have around six months. We found fresh talent in the country during the national junior championship. “The players will be gradually shortlisted according to the requirement keeping in mind the Junior Asia Cup,” the source said.

The junior players have been directed to report on January 12 to team management. The training starts from January 13.

The News International



Crunch time in Scottish Women’s Indoor National League 1

If present form is anything to go by, Dundee Wanderers will be many people’s favourites to finish the league part of Women’s Indoor National League 1 in pole position.

The Taysiders finish their programme with outings against Grove Menzieshill and Inverleith – and six points will be their target.

In the past Grove Menzieshill have been a real challenge; they were consistently one of the top sides in the competition but this season finds them in second bottom spot with a single point in the bag. That point was collected in a 3-3 draw with Watsonians, Sam Sangster getting the leveller with only a couple of minutes left.

Grove Menzieshill will have other ideas however and will also target to pick up some points with Grange and Hillhead as their other opponents on Sunday.

Inverleith might present a stiff test for the champions, they lie in third spot, five points adrift of the top. The Edinburgh side have won three of their five outings with Sarah Jamieson, Sarah McKay and Carly Bisset prominent among the scorers. Their only fall from grace came in a 6-1 reversal at the hands of Clydesdale Western.

Second-placed Clydesdale Western have produced a steady show of form, four wins out of five, and a defeat at the hands of Wanderers their only real blemish. To hold on to the runners-up spot the Glasgow side will have to see off the challenge of Watsonians and Edinburgh University, both sit in mid-table on seven points.

It is noticeable that Clydesdale`s goals come from almost every member of the squad, but mainly Jen Eadie, Bronwyn Shields, Marjery Justice and Millie Steiger.

Of the other games on the card, the confrontation between Grange and Grove Menzieshill will be interesting with both sides anxious to avoid bottom spot.

After Sunday`s matches the teams will be divided into two pools with semi-final positions at stake at the top end and relegation issues at the other.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Nine Scottish umpires and officials promoted by FIH

A tremendous nine Scottish umpires and officials have been promoted by the FIH. It is excellent reward for their performances, hard work and commitment, and further enhances Scotland’s reputation of producing world-class umpires and officials who participate at the top levels of international hockey.

Ian Diamond and Fraser Bell have been promoted to Advancement Panel Umpire for Indoor Hockey.

Alex Walker and Alex Fedenczuk received promotion to Advancement Panel Umpire for Outdoor Hockey. Caroline Ellice has been promoted to International Outdoor Grade.

Ged Curran was promoted to International Panel Umpires Manager for Indoor Hockey, while Aileen Ross and John Heron were promoted to Advancement Panel Umpires Manager for Outdoor Hockey.

Martin Monaghan has been promoted to International Elite Panel Technical Official for Outdoor Hockey.

Chair of the International Appointments Panel John Heron said, “The officials’ FIH promotions have been earned by hard work and commitment when presented with the honour to represent Scottish hockey on the international stage. I’d like to acknowledge the rest of our officials who support hockey every week, and encourage them to commit to improve and embrace every development opportunity available.

“The effort put in by our senior officials’ coaches is invaluable to the continued success of Scottish Hockey officials internationally.”

Officials Convenor Barbara Morgan said, “We are all extremely proud that the hard work of these umpires and officials on behalf of Scottish Hockey has been recognised by our governing body (FIH) and they have been upgraded. It is great to see Scottish officials being recognised and proves that hard work does pay off. Congratulations to them all.”

Promotions list

Ian Diamond promoted to Advancement Panel Umpire for Indoor Hockey

Fraser Bell promoted to Advancement Panel Umpire for Indoor Hockey.

Alex Walker promoted to Advancement Panel Umpire for Outdoor Hockey

Alex Fedenczuk promoted to Advancement Panel Umpire for Outdoor Hockey

Ged Curran promoted to International Panel Umpires Manager for Indoor Hockey

Aileen Ross promoted to Advancement Panel Umpires Manager for Outdoor Hockey.

John Heron promoted to Advancement Panel Umpires Manager for Outdoor Hockey.

Martin Monaghan promoted to International Elite Panel Technical Official for Outdoor Hockey.

Caroline Ellice promoted to International Outdoor Grade.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Soccer Could Learn From Hockey's Video Umpire System

By Brian Homewood

LAUSANNE, Switzerland — Hockey may enjoy only a fraction of soccer's wealth and glamour yet the sport's governing body believes it could teach its bigger cousin a few things about the use of technology.

Like soccer, hockey uses video replays in major competitions to make key decisions. While it is not immune to controversies over the decisions themselves, hockey officials believe its video system is less intrusive and more transparent than soccer's.

In soccer, a video assistant checks key decisions and suggests a VAR review if it appears the pitch referee has got it wrong. Yet many fans complain that goals are disallowed for trivial reasons, often after players and stadium announcers have celebrated.

Hockey uses the challenge system where a team can ask for a review if they believe a decision is wrong. If the video umpire agrees, they keep their right to a challenge; if not, they lose it for the rest of the game.

"In effect, it means that in the first half, nobody asks for the video umpire. You don't joke around because you know if you are wrong, you penalize the team for the rest of the game," said Thierry Weil, chief executive of the International Hockey Federation (FiH).

Replays of the incident are shown to the crowd and conversation between umpiring officials is broadcast to the public -- which does not happen in soccer.

"Sometimes football should listen to what other sports do, and not only hockey," Weil, a former FIFA marketing director, told a small group of reporters.

Weil was also proud of the way the players were monitored during top games.

"Every single player on the field of play is monitored so the coach can take players off and bring them on based on their physical condition," he said.

GLOWING BALLS

Weil said innovation was important in hockey, which is one of the oldest Olympic sports but is now looking over its shoulder with newer sports clamoring to be allowed into the Games.

"You have sports knocking on the door which are being considered as cool sports and our sport is not so cool," he said. "So you have to be on top of your sport and not taking things for granted."

One idea he would like to implement is to place a light inside the ball which makes it glow and extinguishes when time is up. "It is the kind of thing we need to bring to the sport," he said.

Weil said the FiH would also end the practice of watering the artificial pitches used for hockey as an environmental measure by 2024, even though he admitted that "some people say this will kill hockey".

"You play a World Cup in India and put tonnes of water on the field of play whilst next door they don't have water to drink, this is not something that can continue," he said.

Weil also wanted more portable pitches in the Pro League -- a worldwide league featuring nine teams in both the men's and women's competitions -- such as the one deployed at the Twickenham Stoop rugby stadium for England's home matches last season.

He said that was preferable to the temporary stadiums which had to be built for most games.

"If we can use existing infrastructure like we did in England, that is extremely useful," he said. "Temporary infrastructure involves a lot of work and money, and you have to build the lavatories for that... When you hear what we have spent on portable lavatories, it's nonsense."

The New York Times

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