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News for 10 April 2020

All the news for Friday 10 April 2020


FIH plan new meet for second-tier nations

KUALA LUMPUR: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) have introduced a new tournament – the Nations Cup – to be held next year.

And the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) are interested in hosting the eight-team second-tier tournament.

The Nations Cup is a tournament for both men and women’s teams not involved in the FIH Pro-League, which is only for the top nine teams in the world.

MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said they would submit their bid before the closing date on April 30.

“We are interested as it will benefit our players and fans. Besides, FIH know our capabilities in hosting tournaments, ” said Subahan.

“We hosted the FIH Series Finals last year in Bukit Jalil and it will not be a problem for us to host eight teams next year.

Malaysia are ranked 11th in the world and did not qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.

The tentative dates for the Nations Cup next year will be in May or June as the Tokyo Olympics Games begins on July 23.

The Star of Malaysia



Hockey recognised for anti-doping education programmes



It is a feather in the cap for FIH as its focus on educating athletes about anti-doping measures has been recognised as one of the leading examples in international sport.

From next year, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code will include the requirement for all International Federations to raise their game when it comes to educating athletes about anti-doping issues. It is a road already well travelled by FIH, who have made it mandatory for all athletes to undergo WADA’s anti-doping online course prior to being allowed to compete in an international event and during 2019, FIH also introduced anti-doping education booths at three major events.

While awareness of anti-doping will be raised a few notches on Play True Day – which takes place on 9 April – for hockey, as with most other sports, anti-doping is a 365 days a year issue.

Hockey, as a great supporter of WADA, will be throwing its weight behind Play True Day, a WADA-led initiative, to raise awareness amongst athletes and the broader sporting community of the importance and desirability of clean and fair sport. The phrase “Play True” encapsulates the aim of ensuring that sport is played on a fair and drug or doping-free basis.

Talking about hockey’s approach to anti-doping, FIH Sport and Development Director Jon Wyatt says: “We are really proud that we have a very low level of doping and cheating in hockey. In 2019 we had no adverse findings which is fantastic. WADA publish a league table on an annual basis and our numbers of adverse findings have been very low for many years now.

“Anti-doping is expensive so sports that have a problem with doping have to spend a large amount of money doing a lot of testing. We are in the fortunate position that we don’t have a major doping issue within hockey, so are able to control this and satisfy WADA’s requirements by conducting a relatively small number of team tests. That doesn’t mean we are complacent - far from it – and in competition and out of competition testing can occur at any time on any member of a squad, so the deterrent is very much still there

Wyatt is also keen to make it clear that anti-doping is a far from straightforward process. He relates how two years ago there were a small but significant number of adverse findings from a single competition. A swift investigation, supported by WADA and the relevant National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) discovered that the athletes had all unknowingly eaten contaminated meat products at the same hotel. There was nothing wrong with the food, it is common practice in some countries, but the substances are on WADA’s anti-doping list. The processes in place and the collaborative work with the authorities meant the situation was resolved quickly.

Of course, while the athletes involved had no idea about the presence of contaminant in the meat, the case did highlight the incredible levels of vigilance that all athletes must adopt and this is where the FIH education programme comes into its own.

“The thing we are very proud of and the thing we spend more time on than testing, is our education programme,” says Wyatt. “At every senior FIH event it is mandatory that all the athletes complete an online WADA anti-doping course and have a certificate to prove it. The athletes have to re-take the course every two years.”

The completion of the online course is registered with the FIH and it is the responsibility of the national association to collect the athletes’ certificates and send them to FIH ahead of a tournament.

In 2019, in response to a survey completed by athletes, FIH introduced education and information booths at the FIH Series Finals events in Malaysia and Japan as well as at the FIH Pro League Grand Finals in the Netherlands. The booths were in situ at the venues and at the athlete hotels. In addition, at the event in the Netherlands, the booths were also open to the public to help raise public awareness.

For the future, FIH is planning on delivering booths at junior events. As Wyatt says: “This is where the athletes’ education on anti-doping has to start. It is such a complex area. The public see it as a simple black and white matter – you are either a drugs cheat or you are clean, but it is important for athletes to realise that even some simple cough and cold remedies contain banned substances. The bottom line is – always ask your Team Doctor, don’t take chances before considering taking any supplement or medication. Our education courses hammer that home.”

Also showing their support for Play True Day are the Asia Hockey Federation who have shared the following article.

#PlayTrueDay

FIH site



Hockey Ireland declares 2019/2020 season null and void

Hockey Ireland on 26 March announced that the 2019/20 hockey season for all league, cup and all other domestic hockey competitions in Ireland are deemed to have finished.

The Hockey Ireland Board and Hockey Ireland Branches are acutely aware of the scale of the health crisis facing the island of Ireland at this time, as well as the energetic strain that Covid-19 is currently placing on people in all aspects of their lives. In a time of such uncertainty for everyone, the Board and the Branches are keen to provide clarity, while also respecting the magnitude of effort each player, coach, umpire, volunteer, school, club and hockey entity has invested into this season.

The Hockey Ireland Board, in consultation with the Branches and on recommendation of the Competitions Working Group, have decided the following:

  • The EYHL 1 and 2 season 19/20 has been stopped and has been declared null and void as there are too many games left to play to determine a fair final ranking by mathematical or other method.
  • The EY Hockey Champions Trophy is cancelled for the 19/20 season.
  • There will be no automatic promotion/relegation in the EYHL 1 and 2.
  • The Board of Hockey Ireland has asked the EYHL Competitions Group to consider options of increasing the number of teams in the EYHL league(s) for the 20/21 season and report back to the Board with their recommendations. The Board have also received proposals to explore a full season EYHL2 concept and the Board have asked the EYHL Competitions Group to look into the viability of implementing this and make recommendations to the Board.
  • European club competition places will be determined at a later stage by the Board pending the outcome of the current European season and a conclusive decision from the European Hockey Federation (EHF).
  • The Hockey Ireland Branches will use a percentage equalisation method to complete league standings in their respective province. It is up to each province to make decisions on relegation and promotion and the Branch competition rules apply.
  • Branch Cup Competitions: If Cups are at Semi Final or Final stage or can be completed, they are postponed.  The Branches will look for an opportunity to play these (early) in the 2020/21 season. If no opportunity arises, the Cup competitions will be cancelled.
  • Hockey Ireland Cups, Hockey Ireland Trophy and Hockey Ireland Challenge Finals and Semi Finals are postponed. Hockey Ireland will look for an opportunity to play them (early) in the 2020/21 season. If no opportunity arises these competitions will be cancelled.
  • Other Hockey Ireland competitions:

Kate Russell All Ireland Schoolgirls Championships

26th and 27th March

Cancelled

John Waring All Ireland Schoolboys Championship

1st April

Cancelled

June Smith Competition

2nd April

Cancelled

National U15 Girls Championship

9th May

Cancelled

National U15 Boys Championship

10th May

Cancelled

Junior Interprovincials

16th and 17th May

Cancelled

U13 Championships

30th May

Cancelled

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




Hockey Ireland would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this time and appreciates the efforts many of you are going to in order to continue training while at home.

Irish Hockey Association media release



EYHL declared null and void with further decisions to be finalised in due course


EYHL and EYHL2 have both been declared null and void. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Hockey Ireland has declared the EY Hockey League “null and void” among the many tough decisions to be made due to competition’s cessation due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

All action was called to a halt on March 12th with the governing body convening a working group two weeks later to decide the next course of action after the season was deemed “finished”.

With no action likely for at least a few months, the top tier and the EYHL Division 2 were both knocked on the head with the EY Champions Trophy also cancelled.

While there were calls to give more time to see how the situation panned out, Thursday’s statement said “there are too many games left to play to determine a fair final ranking by mathematical or other method”.

As such, the EY Champions Trophy will not be played while the statement added that there will be automatic promotion or relegation between EYHL1 and 2.

However, the make-up of the two divisions could yet be adjusted with the Hockey Ireland board asking the competitions group to “consider options of increasing the number of teams in the EYHL league(s) for the 20/21 season”.

To this end, the board have already received the proposal to run a “full-season” EYHL2 and are looking into its viability.

Also to be determined at later date are the European places on offer with Hockey Ireland waiting to see exactly how the European Hockey Federation decides to organise their events. Most of the European club events scheduled for April and May have been cancelled with the Euro Hockey League currently placed “on hold”.

There is some hope, though, that some of the 2019/20 national competitions can be completed with the Irish Senior Cup, Trophy and Challenge semi-finals and finals “postponed”. Hockey Ireland will look for an opportunity to play them early in the 2020/21 season if time allows.

The same goes for the provincial branch cup competitions which have reached the semi-final or final stages. As for the provincial leagues, the statement says “a percentage equalisation method” will be used to complete league standings.

It does, however, remain at the discretion of each province to make decisions regarding relegation and promotion and “the Branch competition rules apply”.

The remainder of competitions are deemed as “cancelled”, namely:

    Kate Russell All Ireland Schoolgirls Championships
    John Waring All Ireland Schoolboys Championship
    June Smith Competition
    National U15 Girls
    National U15 Boys
    Junior Interprovincials
    U13 Championships

“Hockey Ireland would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this time and appreciates the efforts many of you are going to in order to continue training while at home.”

The Hook



Irish Hockey League season declared null and void because of coronavirus


Jonny Bell looked set to win an Irish Men's Hockey League medal with Lisnagarvey. Lisnagarvey led the men's league by five points with eight games left to play

Hockey Ireland has declared the Irish Hockey League null and void after deciding there were too many games remaining to determine a final ranking.

Last month the sports governing body decided that the current season at all levels was deemed finished because of the spread of Covid-19.

The Competitions Working Group was tasked to come up with recommendations on promotion and relegation.

However, this proved impossible which led to Thursday's decision.

The last round of fixtures took place over the weekend of 7/8 March with Lisnagarvey leading the men's IHL by five points over Banbridge with eight games left to play.

At the bottom Annadale were eleven points adrift of the team above them and almost certainly would have been relegated.

In the women's IHL Dublin side Loreto had a three-point lead over Pegasus and Old Alex with three games remaining but the chasers had a game in hand. Ulster side Belfast Harlequins were bottom but only five points behind Railway Union.

However there will be no promotion or relegation between the top league and EYHL 2 although Hockey Ireland will consider increasing the number of teams in the EYHL leagues for next season as well a proposal to explore a full season for EYHL 2 which is currently played in a group format. Those decisions will be taken at a later date.

The end of season Champions Trophy play-offs, scheduled for the start of May, have also been cancelled with European places for next year to be decided by the board once the European Hockey Federation have made decisions on their own calendar.

However the process of deciding the provincial leagues will be handled differently.

All branches including, the Ulster Branch, will use a percentage equalisation method to complete league standings.

Cookstown, Kilkeel and Instonians were involved in a tight three-way race for the men's Ulster title while Queens and Ards were battling it out for the women's championship.

Those decisions are expected to be announced shortly.

Many Ulster and Irish Cup competitions have been cancelled but it is hoped that those that had reached the semi-final stage can still be completed at the start of next season.

Pegasus and UCD were due to meet in the Women's Irish Senior Cup final at the end of March while Lisnagarvey and Cookstown were to be involved in the men's semi-finals.

BBC Sport



Call for “full-season” women’s EYHL2 next term


Corinthian and Trinity in action earlier in the 2019/20 season. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Eight of the women’s EYHL2 clubs are hopeful they can compete in a season-long version of the competition for the 2020/21 campaign as Hockey Ireland’s competitions committee considers what happens next following the truncated 2019/20 season.

They made their case in a letter – signed by Trinity, Monkstown, Corinthian, Queen’s, Lurgan, Ards, UCC and NUIG – to the working group this week with their views set to be taken into consideration.

Currently, EYHL2 exists in a middle-ground with clubs playing in both their provincial leagues as well as this competition with between 10 and 12 games. When cups are factored in, it leaves clubs with well over 30 games for a large group of clubs to play – excluding indoor – each season.

In the letter, the clubs jointly requested the “Working Group recommends to the Board of Hockey Ireland that EYHL 2 becomes a full-time, 18 match competition from season 2020-2021 onwards.

“It should be sufficient to say that we feel strongly enough about this matter to write at this time. It is our expressed wish that Hockey Ireland should use the current period to listen to the teams, players and coaches involved and act accordingly.  We are happy to discuss this matter, and any issues relating to it, in any form that you or Hockey Ireland deem appropriate over the coming period.

“Similarly, we feel the issues which would arise should this happen – the nature of promotion/relegation, geographical concerns – could be ironed out early in the Summer, well ahead of the new season, COVID-19 dependent.”

While clubs have welcomed the introduction of EYHL2 to provide a stronger bridge between the provincial and national level competitions, it’s current format has created a number of issues.

For instance, in Leinster, clubs are expected to participate fully in two leagues, leading to an ongoing train of refixed matches with many taking place in midweek.

Twice this season, for example, Monkstown have had to play seven matches in four weeks with many others enduring similarly stressful schedules for player well-being.

The variation in standard between provincial and EYHL2 level was also cited as problematic while there is a hope playing in a “full-season” competition would help player retention.

** At the time of submitting the letter, Greenfields and Cork C of I had yet to indicate their position on the matter

The Hook



Belgium men’s hockey team take calls to help public

Due to restricted outdoor movement in Belgium, the men's hockey team is acting as a bridge between isolated people and on-field volunteers.

Samarnath Soory


The Belgian national hockey team is doing its bit to give back to the community during the coronavirus pandemic.   -  Instagram/ Emmanuel Stockbroex

The coronavirus pandemic has affected day-to-day life around the globe leading to more than 85,000 deaths and affecting more than 1.4 million people.

Sports competitions remain suspended while the International Olympic Committee announced the big decision to postpone the Tokyo Olympics to 2021. Athletes across the world have come forward in various ways to help their communities and men’s hockey’s World and European champion Belgium has stepped to the fore collectively to help those in need.

As part of a citizen-initiative program covid-solidarity.org, the Red Lions take calls from people who are in isolation and the elderly who cannot go out to shop for groceries.

“We are all available for the people in need where we take calls and fill out a form with their requirements and send it through,” defender Emmanuel Stockbroex told Sportstar on Thursday.

Due to restricted outdoor movement in Belgium, the team is acting as a bridge between isolated people and on-field volunteers.

Citizens can call the helpline where required items are noted down on a customised shopping list and the printout is put outside in a visible area of the house which is then picked up by other volunteers.

“Its a way for us to keep contact with each other and also give back to the community,” Stockbroekx said.

Speaking about the severity of the lockdown in Belgium, which recorded over 23,000 positive cases leading to more than 2,200 deaths, the 26-year-old said: “Here in Antwerp, we can go biking, running or exercise outside. The police drive around and make sure we go back home. It's not a problem as long as you keep moving, but it is very strict,” he said.

Belgium is currently the No. 1 team in the men’s rankings and is on top of the FIH Pro League Hockey 2020 standings with 16 points from 6 matches.

Sportstar



Caged tigers

We’re monitoring their mental and physical health, says coach Reid as hockey stars think out of the box to train at SAI centre

Indervir Grewal



Times are tough for sportspersons. With the countrywide lockdown hampering with their plans, they have little idea about when they will get to train or how long will they have to wait to compete again.

While many are in the comfort of their homes, there are others who are stuck in Sports Authority of India (SAI) centres because the lockdown was imposed while they were still in national camps. This has been the case with the Indian hockey teams.

The men’s and women’s teams were supposed to go on small breaks when the lockdown was announced, leaving them stuck in the SAI centre in Bengaluru. Training was banned even as the camp was going on; and now, due to social distancing norms, the players are not allowed to even eat their meals together.

Players are trying different ways to stay fit and work on their hockey skills. Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh posted a video on Twitter showing him exercising on the stairs. Captain Manpreet Singh posted a video of himself dribbling through an obstacle course made of energy drink cans and shin guards in a room. “No turf? No problem, you can always train wherever and with whatever resources you have,” he wrote in the post. Women’s team captain Rani Rampal posted her own version with a chair, a water bottle and a backpack.

Men’s chief coach Graham Reid said that he was monitoring the players’ mental health. “We are in constant contact with the players, ensuring both their physical and mental health are looked after. We are also monitoring each player’s family situation very closely,” Reid said.

Away from families

It has been harder for the foreign coaches who had to put off their trips home. Women’s head coach Sjoerd Marijne was on his way to the airport to fly out of India when he decided to turn back. The Dutchman said it was a hard decision as he had not seen his wife and kids for a long time, but added that he took the right decision.

Australian Reid said it was not easy being away from the kids during this difficult time. “As any parent will tell you, it is really difficult being separated from your kids and family,” Reid said.

“My heart goes out to those who have little kids and are away from them at the moment. It’s hard enough with our kids who are in their early twenties and much more independent,” he added. “My wife and I have resolved ourselves to the idea that we won’t get together as a family for at least another six months but compared to even 10 years ago, the technology allows you to connect much more than you were able to do in the past.”

‘Eat, sleep, jog, watch movies’

“There are two players in each room, with the beds moved far away each other’s,” said defender Varun Kumar with a laugh. “We eat our meals two at a time on a big table in the dining hall. It feels strange,” he added. Kumar said it’s not the kind of break they would have wanted, but are making the best of it. “I wake up late. Do a little jogging — they have allowed us to use the track two-three players at a time. The rest of time I watch movies on Netflix, old hockey matches or listen to music,” he said.

The Tribune



Sports Ministry to help stranded Olympian in U.S.

Ashok Diwan was supposed to fly back to India on April 20.

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has assured all possible help to hockey Olympian and member of the 1975 World Cup winning team, Ashok Diwan, who is currently stranded in the U.S. due to travel restrictions in place amid global COVID-19 pandemic.

Rijiju’s office on Thursday evening said the Indian Embassy in San Francisco has been contacted and they are sending a doctor to attend Diwan who is currently dealing with health issues.

“Hockey Olympian Ashok Diwan is stranded in the U.S. and is unwell. He reached out to Kiren Rijiju through IOA. The Indian Embassy in San Francisco has been contacted, they’re sending a doctor to attend to Mr. Diwan to ensure he receives immediate medical attention.”

Diwan, who represented India at the 1976 Summer Olympics, had written a letter to Narinder Batra, President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), asking him for help.

In his letter, the 65-year-old stated that he is suffering from high blood pressure among other diseases and he had to attend hospital in emergency last week in California.

Diwan said that he was supposed to fly back to India on April 20, but due to the ongoing situation his travel dates have been pushed.

“I am not feeling well these days, moreover I don’t have any insurance here. As you know the medical costs are very high here,” he wrote.

“I request a favour to forward this message to the Sports Minister and the External Minister for helping me here by instructing Indian Embassy at San Francisco to help me with a hospital for my check-up or if they can arrange earlier departure from San Francisco to India.”

“Sir, kindly treat this urgent as I am really in bad health here,” Diwan, who was one of the first three Dhyan Chand awardees, added.

He also promised to pay all the bills after returning to India.

India is currently under a 21-day nationwide lockdown which will end on April 14 due to coronavirus outbreak which has claimed around 200 lives in the country thus far. Till then, there’s also a travel ban in the country, both within and outside.

The Indian government has also made it clear that any decision to allow foreign flights to operate to India can be taken only once the current lockdown period ends on April 14 midnight.

The Hindu



Former hockey champion Ashok Diwan to receive 'immediate medical attention' after being stranded in United States

New Delhi: Former Indian hockey player Ashok Diwan, who is unwell and stranded in the United States amid the coronavirus crisis, will receive "immediate medical attention", the government has assured.

"Hockey Olympian Ashok Diwan is stranded in the US and is unwell. He reached out to @KirenRijiju through IOA," Kiren Rijiju Office tweeted on Thursday.

"The Indian Embassy in San Francisco has been contacted, they're sending a doctor to attend to Mr. Diwan to ensure he receives immediate medical attention. @WeAreTeamIndia," it added.

Diwan had sought help from the Sports Ministry after he had developed health problems. He was scheduled to fly back to India on 20 April. However, due to the coronavirus crisis, his travel has been postponed.

Diwan was a member of the 1975 World Cup-winning team.

Firstpost



Okeyo awaits Germany return for some unfinished league business

By AGNES MAKHANDIA


Kenya Police midfielder Willis Okeyo passes the ball to a teammate during their Kenya Hockey Union men premier league match against Western Jaguars at City Park Stadium on September 22, 2018. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Kenya international midfielder Willis Okeyo can only wait and see if he will be able to complete his tour abroad.

Okeyo was scheduled to link up with his German club Verein Fur Bewegungsspiele Stuttgart this month for the second leg of the Herren Oberliga League.

In fact, Okeyo was to fly out of Nairobi on Saturday ahead of the season’s second stanza that was scheduled to bully off next weekend but that can now obviously not happen because of the lockdown in most parts of the world due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Almost the entire sporting calendar, internationally, continentally and nationally has been decimated as measures are taken by various governments to try and contain the spread of Covid-19.

Germany had by Thursday recorded 113,296 cases of the disease with 2,280 deaths while Kenya’s figures stood at 184 with seven deaths.

The first leg ended in July. Stuttgart are lying third on the league table with eight points from five matches, behind Ludwigsburg on 13 points and leaders Freiburg with 13 points.

Okeyo remains hopeful he will be back in Germany and is drawing inspiration from football side Bayern Munich who resumed training last Monday.

“The club is engaging me on a daily basis and that has given me hope. They are also in constant communication with the Germany Embassy so that once the Covid-19 is contained, I will be given first priority to jet out and join them,” said the 36-year-old international.

He was in the Kenya team that competed in the Tokyo Olympic qualifiers held in South Africa last year.

Kenya finished fifth as South Africa qualified to represent Africa at the Tokyo Games that have been rescheduled to next year.

Okeyo, who locally turns out for giants Kenya Police in the Premier League, said he has learnt a lot from the Germany club and at the same time challenged players to watch YouTube hockey videos to remain knowledgeable in the sport.

“I have become a better player. While at Stuttgart, I have embraced coaching and when in Kenya I extend my coaching skills to the USIU (United States International University-Africa) women’s side," Okeyo said.

“My input is there for everyone to see after I guided the students to finish second in the women’s Premier League last season and qualification to the African Clubs Championship.”

The talented Okeyo feels he has gained so much in his short stint in Europe.

“I receive training programmes from my club in Germany which I share with other players locally. I still do morning runs and avoid eating junk foods,” he said.

He revealed he intends to play for two more seasons before retiring.

“I will play for Police and Kenya if selectors need me."

“I think I have served the country the best way I could.”

Daily Nation



Prudence pays off for MHC

By Jugjet Singh


Datuk Seri Subahan assured that the MHC will honour all their contracts with local and foreign coaches; pay their staff full salary, and complete the hosting of junior and development tournaments this year. - NSTP/FATHIL ASRI

WITH their chief an accountant by training, it is little wonder that the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) are still able to stay afloat in these financially-choking Covid-19 days.

Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal, the MHC president, feels that the national body have always run a tight ship with thrifty and prudent spending.

And he hopes this will help Malaysian hockey weather the economic storm wreaked about by the coronavirus.

At the other end, their counterparts, the M-League footballers are wailing and flailing amid desperate clubs resorting to pay cuts or throwing them into the seas of unemployment.

Yesterday, Subahan assured that the MHC will honour all their contracts with local and foreign coaches; pay their staff full salary, and complete the hosting of junior and development tournaments this year.

“We, at the MHC, have always practised prudent spending and that is why we can still safely say that everything is status quo regarding our paid staff as well as local tournaments like the Junior Hockey League (JHL), Under-14, Under-16 and Razak Cup.

“Our local coaches, as well as foreign coach, Roelant Oltmans, will also continue with the existing deals. Oltmans’ contract is until October and it will behonoured.

“Our other coaches like Wallace Tan (national boys’ under-21) and Lailin Abu Hassan (national girls’ under-21), as well as their assistants, will be fully paid as well.

“This is because even though the coaches can’t train their players on the pitch, they are still actively monitoring them via social media and making sure they are fit until the MCO (Movement Control Order) is lifed,” said Subahan.

Oltmans and the local coaches have been giving assignments to their players to complete, after which they fill up a special form on what they have done, sometimes with videos, and submit them daily.

But with the Covid-19 scourge showing no signs of abating, Subahan said the government will be the deciding factor in sports’ future.

He also warned that things might change depending on the measures taken by the government.

“As of now, we have no problems. But as the situation progresses, we will have to follow NSC’s guidelines on funding as well as advice from the MOH (Ministry of Health) on when we can safely organise touraments again.


File Photo: Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal, the MHC president, feels that the national body have always run a tight ship with thrifty and prudent spending. - NSTP/MOHAMAD SHAHRIL BADRI SAALI

“I’m sure the MOH will have guidelines for sport activities after the MCO is lifted, and MHC will make sure they are followed when we run our tournaments.

“However, all this is only possible if the situation improves after Hari Raya and that the restrictions are lifted by then. If not, the MHC calendar (local and international) will be too packed.

“But the competitions committee is looking into that as well,” said Subahan.

MHC’s national players renewed their contracts with paymasters National Sports Council (NSC) on April 1, and Subahan hopes the terms and conditions will remain the same as in previous years.

“I am in constant contact with NSC, and there has been no talk of cutting down spending, up to now.

“So I hope the players’ contracts will be renewed without any downgrade in pay.”

The Malaysia Hockey League (MHL), held before the MCO, saw Universiti Kuala Lumpur achieving a treble: winning the Charity Shield, League title and TNB Cup.

However, the national Junior Hockey League, initially scheduled for March 25-April 19, has been postponed. The new dates will be decided later. The girls’ event is only scheduled to start in June.

On the international front, MHC are keen to host the Nations Cup, which will be introduced by the International Hockey Federation in the middle of next year.

The new event will feature the top eight teams outside of the Pro-League. The eligible teams will be decided at the end of the Pro-League season or in June if the Covid-19 derails the tournament.

Malaysia are ranked 11th in the world, and the other likely teams for the Nations Cup are Spain (9th), Canada (10th), France (12th), Ireland (13th), South Africa (14th), Jalan (15th) and South Korea (16th).

New Straits Times



Atlanta Field Hockey Club Making its Mark Down South



Growing the game of field hockey in the United States is a shared, never ending goal among USA Field Hockey and enthusiasts of the game. It comes in all shapes and forms, and for Elizabeth Hitti, what started as an introductory clinic has grown the Atlanta Field Hockey Club into the first of its kind in the greater Atlanta area and state of Georgia.

Founded in 2019, Hitti and the Atlanta Field Hockey Club has introduced the sport to more than 40 boys and girls and has grown to 25 regular members. In just a few short months, the club has taken U-10, U-14 and U-19 squads to two 7v7 tournaments and increased practices from once a week to twice a week in their second season this spring. While it will take time and intense commitment, the goal is to continue to increase exposure to the sport of field hockey and grow to be a nationally competitive club.

“The Atlanta area is ripe for field hockey,” said Hitti. “The weather is nice enough to play outside 10 months of the year, schools only offer three team sports for girls in the fall with volleyball, softball and cheerleading, and football for boys. Many families move to Atlanta from other areas of the country where their kids grow up playing field hockey.”

Hitti, who grew up playing through USA Field Hockey’s Olympic Development Pathway, founded Atlanta Field Hockey Club as a 501(c)3 nonprofit status, with the mission to create a fun, competitive team environment for young girls and boys to learn the sport and open the door to future collegiate opportunities. As a student-athlete at the University of Pennsylvania, she led the NCAA in assists per game her senior year in 2015.

Following graduation, Hitti began coaching with the Boston Field Hockey Club while working as a full-time consultant. Last summer, she moved to Atlanta to pursue a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) at Emory University while being in contact with USA Field Hockey to help lay the groundwork for the club and clinic beforehand. Upon arriving, she was quick to note that youth field hockey was virtually non-existent in the Peach State. Drawing on her passion for the sport and her desire to give young athletes the same opportunities that field hockey gave her, Atlanta Field Hockey Club was born.

“After graduating [college], I knew I couldn’t leave the sport of field hockey behind,” continued Hitti. “I started coaching with Boston Field Hockey Club and immediately fell in love with it. When I decided to move to Atlanta to pursue my MBA, I was devastated to learn that there was no field hockey in the area. Part of going back to school to me meant that I’d have the extra time and energy to focus on coaching, both for a team and my own development as a coach. So, I decided to create it.”

To get the ball rolling, Hitti teamed up with USA Field Hockey’s Sport Development Department to connect with Adult Members in the state. A ripple effect soon followed as her network quickly grew around the region among adult players. As she puts it, the youth movement quickly followed suit. In addition to the nonprofit status, Hitti developed an initial business plan and fundraised to cover startup costs. She also teamed up with USA Field Hockey to kick off a Discover Field Hockey clinic last September.



“One of the biggest challenges the club has faced growing the game in the South is that schools don’t offer field hockey,” said Hitti. “Educating parents and new athletes on the game has been an extremely important aspect of spreading the word and building the program. The Discover Field Hockey program was crucial, providing new athletes with the gear they needed to play – sticks, balls and shin guards – while introducing them to the sport in a low-cost, commitment-free way. The clinic was a success, with more than half of the participants signing up for the six-week fall season.”

“Affordability and accessibility are common initial barriers in our sport and Discover Field Hockey eliminates those from the start," said Jenna Ortega, USA Field Hockey's Sport Development Manager. "At a $30 entry fee, every kid receives a full equipment package, USA Field Hockey Membership and participate in the 90-minute clinic. USA Field Hockey is excited to partner with clubs like Atlanta Field Hockey that are looking to grow the game across the community.”

The club took part in two tournaments last fall, the first time many of its participants had played, let alone seen lined fields, goals and uniformed umpires. Despite the closest “local” teams being four hours or more away, Atlanta Field Hockey Club strived to give the athletes many opportunities to play real games, including competing against Atlanta-based university and adult club teams and traveling to North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia for all-day tournaments. Playing in these tournaments has generated an increased excitement for the sport, made practice “real,” and inspired immediate improvement in the teams.

One of Hitti’s biggest lessons she wants everyone to understand is that regardless of skill, games are why they play.

“No matter the experience level, we emphasized the importance of real game experience, early and often, putting our teams into local and regional tournaments as soon as the end of our first season,” said Hitti.

Today, the club’s athletes range from 5 to 18 years old, with many having played previously in other parts of the country, as well as Argentina, England and The Netherlands. The coaching staff features former NCAA Division I and III athletes, including former U.S. Women’s National Team athlete, Elle (Stone) Race.

“Our coaches were easy to find, women excited about their sport coming to their city,” said Hitti. “I’ve found former collegiate field hockey players in Atlanta through Instagram, the Georgia adult field hockey club and Emory University’s club team, word of mouth, at business school networking events, and more. I even met someone at my gym whose wife just happened to play four years of Division I field hockey. Race has also used her local school and lacrosse networks significantly to generate attention on the new sport, and many of our athletes have also joined because a parent played growing up.”

Although the club’s spring season has been put on hold due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, Hitti and the Atlanta Field Hockey Club are proud of their growth after less than a year of operation. They have an incredible group of girls and boys, who are passionate about the sport regardless of how long they’ve been playing. In addition to starting online live practices, the club plans to offer two camps this summer to expand its exposure and prepare for the fall season. She is confident her club numbers will continue to expand as more athletes around the area fall in love with the sport in the same way all of us have.

USFHA media release



FIH Latest affiliate member of ESTC

Membership will speed up development of more sustainable and durable surfaces
 
EMEA Synthetic Turf Council (ESTC) is pleased to announce that the Fédération Internationale de Hockey (FIH) has joined ESTC as an affiliate member. The affiliate membership enables FIH to interact directly with the synthetic turf industry and to participate in the various ESTC knowledge forums.

ESTC Director General Stefan Diderich calls the membership a milestone for both the synthetic turf industry and the international hockey community. “FIH and ESTC share the ambition of sustainable and durable synthetic turf fields that don’t compromise on affordability and game experience. Having FIH onboard will help speed up the process as ESTC represents the entire synthetic turf value chain for synthetic turf for different applications. FIH will certainly also benefit from knowledge gained or best practises observed in other synthetic turf applications and which our members have achieved.”

Hockey, through the innovative leadership of the FIH, has over 40 years’ experience of playing on synthetic turf fields and now fully embraces this type of playing surface, using it for all high-level competitions. Looking to the future, the FIH is working with the synthetic turf industry to develop surfaces that perform as desired, but without the need to water them first.

Commenting on the FIH joining the ESTC, Jon Wyatt, FIH Sport and Development Director, says that playing on synthetic turf has made hockey the fast, exciting and technically skilful game that is now played by millions of people around the world. By joining the ESTC, the FIH will be able to strengthen its relationships with the companies producing the surfaces that hockey needs. It will also help to ensure that FIH is part of the debate as questions around sustainability, maximising opportunities and returns on investment and environmental considerations become ever more important.

About ESTC

ESTC is the industry association for the synthetic turf industry and has the vision to serve as the forum to promote, develop, grow and advocate for the synthetic turf industry.

ESTC is the Voice of the Industry and it aims to fulfill her role by means of close collaboration with all parties involved, being it members, end-users, sports governing bodies and legislators.

ESTC is focused on the region Europe, Middle East and Africa. By means of a partnership with STC in North America, ESTC helps its members realizing a global reach. On a local level, ESTC works closely together with local industry associations to accomplish her goals and objectives.

The strategy of ESTC can best be captured in the 4-pillar model, consisting of Advocacy, Education, Marketing and Networking.

The members are at the core of everything we do and are the driving force of the organization.

ESTC Media release

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