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News for 19 March 2020

All the news for Thursday 19 March 2020


Will Tokyo Olympics organisers be forced to postpone 2020 Games?

By The Hockey Paper


The Oi Olympic Hockey Stadium is in the waterfront area of Tokyo Bay

As Tokyo organisers continue to portray an upbeat approach to the 2020 Games going ahead amid the coronavirus pandemic, the optimism has begun to infiltrate its own camp.

International Olympic Committee member Hayley Wickenheiser said this week that plans for the Tokyo Games – due to start on July 24 – to go ahead are “insensitive and irresponsible.” She added: “This crisis is bigger than even the Olympics.”

There’s more. An opinion piece in Wednesday’s New York Times, with the headline ‘Cancel. The. Olympics’ was equally forthright.

Jules Boykoff, a political scientist who studies the Olympics, wrote: “While sports can create an escape hatch from the grit and grind of daily life, there is no escaping the fact that the coronavirus pandemic presents an extraordinary challenge that cannot be overcome with mere platitudes and prayers. Pressing ahead with the Tokyo Games means creating a massive, potentially perilous petri dish. For the sake of global public health, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games should be canceled.”

The cancellation of events, Olympic qualifiers, test events and more – some weeks in advance – has caused a serious logistical headache for federations, governing bodies and, of course, the athletes. No events. No training.

Hockey is one of the lucky sports in that qualification has already been completed. But the dearth of events leading up to Tokyo means that, if the games go ahead, countries will be scrambling for warm-up games and four nations tournaments prior to Japan. Even then, some countries may not be able to travel.

Take the host nation Japan, whose men’s side last played an international match in November. They were due to travel to Holland to play the Dutch next week. But with almost every country entering into lock out mode, travel or a change of plans have made this impossible.

On the women’s side, Japan were due to face Ireland, China, Great Britain and South Africa in a hockey series in Durban starting on Thursday.

On the plus side, it has been reported that Japan’s central training base in Kakamigahara has no reported outbreaks of coronavirus.


Team GB celebrate Rio gold in 2016 PIC:WORLDSPORTPICS

The downside? It means potentially preparing for the Games at home and then going straight to an Olympics, without an international tournament feel for months. Forget faster, higher, stronger. The quality would surely be poor across the men’s and women’s Pools.

In a recent poll by Japanese agency Kyodo News, nearly 70 percent of people do not expect the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held. Meanwhie, senior figures in British sport are, according to The Times, “90 per cent certain” that the Games will be postponed.

The IOC has until May 26 – two months out from the Games – to delay the Olympics. And the latest coming out of Tokyo hints that this may indeed be the case. It is surely the right call to make now.

To finish with Wickenheiser, a former ice hockey Olympian, who even expanded on her criticism in later tweets rather than back down.

“Should the Olympics be cancelled? No one knows at this point and that IS my point,” she wrote. “To say for certain they will go ahead is an injustice to the athletes training and global population at large. We need to acknowledge the unknown.”

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The Hockey Paper



Life is more important than any hockey match - Ireland captain Katie Mullan

By Katie Mullan, Ireland captain


Mullan and her Ireland team-mates reached the 2018 World Cup final in London

This week I'm supposed to be in South Africa with the Irish women's squad ramping up our preparations for the Tokyo Olympics.

Actually, it was originally to be Malaysia for our warm weather training camp but when coronavirus spread to countries in the Far East in January, the trip had to be cancelled. South Africa was the alternative after we had enjoyed such a great visit there at the start of the year.

However, right now real life is more important than any hockey game or training camp. We have to do what is best to protect our communities.

It's important to say the decision not to travel to Durban wasn't a simple one, but in the end it is the best thing for everyone involved.

There were so many unknowns and too many questions we couldn't possibly know the answers to, and that led us to make the decision along with Hockey Ireland and Sport Ireland. We all need to be responsible and we all need to take the current situation seriously.

Lots of the girls are really trying to drive the importance of social distancing through their social media accounts and that, right now, is the priority of using our voice to encourage this. We want to help the elderly and those most vulnerable in any way we can.

My own hockey club in Ballymoney are going door-to-door around the community handing out care packages where needed. It's the little things that can help so much.


Ireland qualified for the Olympics by beating Canada in a playoff

That's not to say we aren't continuing our preparations 100% for the Tokyo Olympics. As a squad we are used to a strict schedule and lots of training together, so it is different at the moment because we can't really get onto a pitch, meaning we have a lot of self-driven training.

Everyone is getting out and doing a lot of running and most of us have gathered little bits of equipment to set up a gym at home. For now it's down to each player to take individual responsibility. With such a motivated group, this isn't a problem for us.

From my perspective as the captain it is great to hear the girls say how much of an opportunity this is to really push ourselves and push physically to get our fitness levels to the next stage.

The situation is uncertain and we await more information, like many athletes. Our coach, Sean Dancer, has made it clear that our health and wellbeing - and that of our family and friends - is what matters most.

It's not like every other country is training as normal at the moment so it's not like we are falling behind. We are all trying to face the challenges but we are all aware that what is going on in the world is much bigger than any hockey match we might play in or any hockey competition we take part in.

No matter what life you live, the uncertainty around the next couple of months will make you feel uneasy. However, the best we can do for ourselves and our loved ones is adhere to all the advice given around hand hygiene, social distancing and necessary isolation.

I know many people feel anxious, but we are all in this together and it's amazing what we can achieve once we are united in our end goal.

Stay safe.

Katie Mullan was talking to BBC Sport NI's Nigel Ringland.

BBC Sport



Tokyo Olympics: Youngster Raj Kumar Pal eyes Indian team berth

21-year-old midfielder Raj Kumar Pal said he aims to earn a spot in India's Olympic-bound men's team, after a strong debut at the FIH Pro League.


Raj Kumar Pal

He almost quit hockey after losing his father in 2011 but India’s new-found attacking midfielder Raj Kumar Pal says he is now working hard to earn a spot in the country’s Olympic-bound men’s hockey team following a strong debut at the FIH Pro League.

The 21-year-old from Uttar Pradesh played on par with his experienced teammates during his dream debut against World Champions Belgium at the FIH Hockey Pro League in February. He was impressive in mounting attacks as was asked of him by coach Graham Reid.

However, nine years back he had to take a break from the sport after losing his father, who was his support system.

“I had joined the SAI Sports Hostel in 2010 itself but after my father passed away (in 2011), I was forced to stay with my mother who was alone as my brothers also were away from home at that time,” he said.

“The emotional turmoil after losing my father and difficulties at home had almost made me give up hockey but as fate would have it, I rejoined the SAI Sports Hostel in 2012 after my mother persuaded me.

“I really wish my father could see me play for India...But his encouraging words continue to give me strength. My only aim now is to give my 100 per cent for the team, stay focused in every day training and try to make the squad for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics,” he added.

In his debut match, Reid had entrusted Raj Kumar with the task of standing up to the Belgian defence, and he did not let this opportunity slip as with a number of moves surging forward coupled with feisty tackles, creating opportunities to score.

“Playing against the world champions in my first international match was the biggest moment of my life and I wanted to ensure I lived up to the expectations,” said Raj Kumar, who is currently part of the on-going National Coaching camp in SAI, Bengaluru.

Born in Karampur village in Ghazipur district of Uttar Pradesh, Raj Kumar had burst into the domestic scene during an U-14 tournament in Lucknow in 2010.

Raj Kumar started playing hockey at the Meghbaran Stadium alongside his two elder brothers at the age of 10. He was part of the SAI Sports Hostel, Lucknow when he was spotted by Hockey India High Performance Director David John during the Senior National Championships in 2018.

”...it took me a while to get used to the training techniques and game-sense. I used to feel a lot of pressure initially because the hockey we played back home was very different from what the senior team played,” he said.

“But I was constantly encouraged by Lalit bhai (Upadhyay, India forward also from Uttar Pradesh) who made me understand that it was important to stick to ‘simple hockey’ and not feel pressurised,” he recalled.

After he impressed again during the 2019 Senior National Championships, Raj Kumar was called-up for the national camp in Bhubaneswar last year.

“Though I did have awareness about the fitness required at this level, understanding small things like not to hold the ball too long and general tactical awareness is something I have to work on.

“Seniors in the team are also very encouraging and don’t make me feel like a new comer in the team which has helped me tremendously mentally as well.”

Sportstar



Axed Faizal on the hunt for the next hockey star

IPOH: Malaysian international Faizal Saari is on the hunt for the next big thing in hockey, as he goes nationwide to scout for the young players while sharing his skills with them.

After being omitted from the national training squad for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, which has now been postponed, the player fondly known as Peja by his family members has gone to five schools and five clubs to train youngsters.

Instead of having a training centre in one place, Faizal, together with several partners, have decided that it is best to unearth talents by going nationwide.

For the striker, the journey has been fulfilling so far but has been stopped momentarily due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Going around and teaching youngsters has always been a passion of mine. Hockey has always been my heart and soul, and it is best to share that with people, ” said the 29-year-old, who has 247 caps and scored 170 goals since 2009.

“My first session was at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in Gombak, and we had 60 players. After that, we went to nine more spots, including five schools nationwide.

“Right now, due to the Covid-19 situation, we have stopped, but I am planning for more sessions once the situation gets better, ” he said.

Faizal said many were wondering if there would be talents to continue pushing the country’s team forward, but after his few sessions, he believes that the future looks secure.

“There were lots of talents, and I was impressed. It is my duty now to tap into them by polishing and refining their technique and skills.

“In some sessions, I trained the 18-year-olds and sometimes even played with them. It feels a little awkward because it reminds me of my national team days.

Last month, the Terengganu player aired his displeasure over national coach Roelant Oltmans’ decision to drop him and even said that he would not play for the national team as long as the Dutchman was the coach

Faizal, who loves the outdoors, admitted that the Government’s movement control order has affected his plans a little, but said that was no reason not to keep himself fit indoors.

“I have a treadmill at home, so I have a reason to run now. You can exercise indoors, so people cannot use the excuse that they cannot keep themselves fit during this period, ” said Faizal.

The Star of Malaysia



Whistling their way to success



Taking part in sport is a powerful tool when it comes to helping people rediscover strong personal and community values after they have encountered some form of personal difficulty.

This has proven especially true for eight young men from Catalonia in Spain, who for one reason or another, were struggling to stay in education, find employment or even to live within the law.

However, a unique programme has been developed that gives youngsters a sense of responsibility and control, as well as a huge amount of new skills.

Though InsSport, a programme developed and promoted by the Union of Sports Federations of Catalonia (UFEC), the eight boys have taken part in an eight week hockey umpiring programme.

It was a very steep learning curve for the youngsters as only one of the eight had even seen a hockey match, let alone umpired a game. So they learnt the game from the start and, over the eight week period, developed the skills and knowledge necessary to take control and officiate a game.



It wasn’t an easy task for the boys, many of whom lived more than two hours journey time away from the Municipal Stadium Marti Colomer hockey centre in Terrassa. But, they all attended the required 58 hours of hockey umpire training and impressed the coaches.

“What stood out and surprised us the most was the willingness and will they maintained. They came from far and wide to learn a sport from scratch. This is a challenge that has a lot of merit,” says one of the coaches on the programme, Julian Andrada.

At the completion of the course the participants had a chance to blow the whistle in the local Hockey Plus League. Speaking about the experience, one of the participants says: “There were a lot of people in the stands and you had to watch what you whistled. It’s a good experience to take full responsibility for what happens in these games.

“You have to stay calm, think hard and relax.”

And Andrada adds: “It’s about expressing yourself with gestures, because sometimes you don’t have to talk. Communication, sometimes made difficult by language and cultural differences, present an additional obstacle that they must learn to deal with. These are skills that can be used in many different areas of life.”

Following the umpiring course, the eight participants now have a diploma that allows them to umpire school and junior matches. The next step is to take the necessary qualifications to umpire at club level. But, for many of the youngsters, this is not just about moving up the umpiring ladder, it is about gaining the self-confidence and self-respect that they had lost temporarily while they struggled with disadvantages at home, school and within the wider society.

For eight people on the verge of dropping out, hockey has given them a way to succeed.

#Hockey4Life

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