News for 20 June 2020
All the news for Saturday 20 June 2020
Indian Hockey players return home
s2h team
Women's team captain Rani Rampal in airport. Pic courtesy her social media accounts.
New Delhi: Indian men's and women's hockey core probables, who were based at SAI Centre, Bengaluru since three months, are heading back home. They were given a much needed month-long break. Social media accounts of most of these players are a galore with pictures of them in airport, showing enormous relief in their faces.
While the Women's Core Probable Group were in SAI since February for the National Coaching Camp, the Men's Core Group arrived in Bengaluru in the first week of March after notable performance against the World's top three teams Australia, Belgium and the Netherlands respectively in the FIH Hockey Pro League earlier this year.
It has been decided that the Men and Women Core Probable athletes will be recalled on 19 July 2020 to resume sports activities as part of their preparations for the Tokyo Olympic Games. Having spent the nationwide lockdown in a very safe and secure environment in SAI Centre, Bengaluru, the athletes had begun basic sports activities since 10 June 2020, however, basis consultation with the teams Chief Coaches Graham Reid and Sjoerd Marijne, it was unanimously decided that the players be allowed to take a break of four weeks.
Expressing the importance of returning fresh mentally and physically to the field, Mohd. Mushtaque Ahmad, President, Hockey India said, "Having consulted with the Chief Coaches of both the teams, Hockey India decided that it was important to give the players a much-needed break. These have been challenging times for everyone and I must credit the teams' Coaching Staff who ensured the players physical and mental well-being during the nationwide lockdown when hockey training was suspended."
PR Sreejesh in airport. Pic courtesy his social media accounts.
Ahmad further added that during this break, the players have been advised to follow all the guidelines provided by the government. "The players have been specifically briefed that they need to adhere to government guidelines during this break and continue to follow social distancing. We are very proud of how our players have handled this situation over the last 3-4 months and have stayed strong as a unit. It is important they continue to act responsibly during this break.
We believe this time off will help players return to Bangalore feeling fresh mentally and physically in order to resume preparations for the Olympic Games," Ahmad added.
Stick2Hockey.com
Homesick India players leave SAI, Bengaluru for a month’s break
Most of the members of the national men’s and women’s teams returned to their homes on Friday after being granted a break.
Uthra Ganesan
Both the men’s and women’s teams were stuck at the SAI South Centre in Bengaluru since March 25. - K. MURALI KUMAR
More than 100 days since they reported at the national camp, the Indian men’s and women’s hockey players are finally headed home for a month-long break, starting Friday.
The 56-odd probables had been stuck at the Sports Authority of India’s Bengaluru Centre due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and resultant lockdown. While the men had been at the camp since March 2 following their Pro League games against Australia, Belgium and Holland in Bhubaneswar, the women had been cooped up since February 16, making it a four-month-long stay.
The decision was taken by Hockey India late on Wednesday evening following consultations with SAI officials, coaches and support staff and players themselves. It is understood that while most players preferred leaving on Thursday, ticketing issues and working out travel formalities took time.
The players, both men and women, would be leaving in batches with the first group leaving on Friday morning and most expected to be gone by Sunday evening. They would, however, have to strictly follow quarantine rules – home or institutional -- depending on their respective states. Karnataka native SV Sunil, though, went home Thursday itself. Goalkeeper Suraj Karkera, who decided against travelling because of the severe pandemic situation in Mumbai, and the women’s duo of Sushila Chanu (Manipur) and Lalremsiami (Mizoram) however would continue to stay in Bengaluru.
The players have been asked to report back on July 19 which is again likely to be followed by a 14-day quarantine period. “There wasn’t any problem at SAI, honestly, in terms of facilities or diet or anything. But the days of three or four-month-long camps are long gone. Most players are used to short, high-intensity camps instead and the fact that for almost two of those, there was no on-ground training made it more difficult. It was more a mental and emotional thing, staying away from families,” one player en route to the airport said. The players had finally got permission to resume basic on-ground training, in small groups, from June 10.
While women’s Dutch coaches Sjoerd Marijne and Janneke Schopman too left for home early Friday morning, the men’s staff including coach Graham Reid and Chris Ciriello is uncertain and staying put at SAI for the moment.
Sportstar
From reluctant pupil to gold medalist
When Lily Owsley receives the ball and sets off on a characteristically forceful run towards goal, there is a palpable sense that anything could happen. The attacking midfielder is a force of nature on the pitch and a lively and likeable character off it. She has graduated from being one of the younger members of an established squad into one of the leading members of a developing group of players and her experience as a gold medal-winning Olympian that will be invaluable as Great Britain prepare to defend their crown in Tokyo in a year’s time.
Owsley was named FIH Rising Star in 2015 and has a gold medal from both the 2015 EuroHockey Championships – where she scored in the final – and the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
The 25-year-old was in a relaxed mood as she chatted to her brother Freddie about how hockey had not been her choice of sport as a youngster and how coffee mornings have continued throughout lock-down, albeit virtually.
Who or what first influenced you to pick up a stick and play hockey?
Lily Owsley: It was actually mandatory at my new secondary school to play hockey. I loved football and athletics and hockey was not something I knew about or had ever played and I don't like doing things I am not good at – which is why I am not a swimmer! It took me quite a while to get into it. I started playing at the age of 13 or 14 which was relatively quite late but then it didn’t take me very long to start loving the game.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
Lily Owsley: I would have to say my family, despite them not knowing much, if anything, about hockey. They give me so much perspective and such good support. They taught me there are way more important things than sport, and that gives me a good perspective going into games. Whether we win or lose, I know there are more important things in life and that keeps me grounded.
If there was a sentence to sum up your playing style or attitude, what would it be?
Lily Owsley: “I have to say aggressive, fast and direct. Definitely direct.”
What moment on the pitch are you most proud of and why?
Lily Owsley: “I think I would have to say when we won the Europeans back in 2015 that was my proudest team moment. It was the first gold we had won as that squad and it was only a year out from the Rio Olympics so it gave us that motivation and belief that we could do something very special and that Olympic gold wasn't too far out of reach. That was a real turning point in the squad and that makes me incredibly proud.”
The Covid-19 situation has obviously impinged on everyone’s preparations, but what are examples of activities that your squad have used to keep a sense of team throughout the lockdown period?
Lily Owsley: “We have been doing quite a lot as a squad. We have been doing Zoom calls, little cups of tea on a Friday morning. We have obviously kept doing our meetings with coaches and support staff but as a group we have done quizzes, fancy dress, lots of Yoga (led by Grace Balsdon) so it's been great. More recently we have been doing meditation and breathing stuff but I have been missing them a lot.
What part of returning to play after this enforced break are you most looking forward to?
Lily Owsley: “Definitely matches. I don't love training every day, I just do training to get to the matches. My training is driven by the excitement of actually playing. I am very competitive by nature, and winning is my drive. So definitely matches because that is where I get my buzz from, and my love of hockey.
How have you changed as a player since Rio 2016?
Lily Owsley: “I think massively. When I look back I don’t really recognise the player I was pre 2016. I feel like my role has changed within the squad. A lot of players retired after Rio so I got thrown from being the baby to taking a more senior role in the team. And with that comes a lot more responsibility, which I have absolutely loved.
The biggest change is that I moved position from forward to midfield and the things I described earlier about aggressive, fast and direct [play] is far more impactful from the midfield. And there is more space for me to get going, where I didn't have that space and open game play from the forward line. So shifting position and more responsibility.
Profile*: Lily Owsley – England and Great Britain
Position: Midfield/Forward
Shirt number: 26
Age: 25
International appearances: 151
Place of birth: England
You can follow Lily on Twitter @LilyOwsley and on Instagram @lilyowsley
* Information correct as of 19 June 2020.
FIH site
Hockey Ireland COVID-19 UPDATE No. 7 regarding Return to Hockey
From Monday 22nd of June clubs can start reduced activities and skill training in instances where the club can comply with the Hockey Ireland issued protocols and Government regulations as part of Step 2 of the return to hockey.
All clubs must appoint at least one Covid-19 Compliance Officer (CVO) prior to the return to activity. A CVO must be registered with the club’s provincial branch and the clubs must declare that the protocols and regulations are fully understood and complied with before starting any activity.
Hockey Ireland and its Branches have a strong commitment to the safety and welfare of the community, and this should be the paramount consideration in determining return to play by the clubs. We reiterate that the ability of the club to comply with the protocols and regulations should determine when the clubs are ready to return and this should not be accelerated solely as a consequence of decisions by Hockey Ireland, the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive to ease restrictions.
Further relaxation may allow us to amend the protocols as we move forward. However, where restrictions are relaxed, we ask Clubs to keep activities within the existing protocol until further guidance is issued from Hockey Ireland.
During Step 2 the following will apply:
- Clubs should ensure that the travel distance restrictions under Government Regulations are enforced.
- Activities will only be allowed for small groups as outlined in the Hockey Ireland protocol which has been issued to Clubs.
- Social distancing rules should be adhered to at all times.
- Hockey activities will be limited to outdoor activity only.
- Clubs should have a mechanism for contact tracing participants. i.e. a booking system, log etc.
- Individuals who are unwell should not participate in their sport.
- Clubs should appoint Covid-19 Compliance Officer(s) and are advised to apply checklists for their club activity to ensure consistent compliance with Hockey Ireland protocols.
- Caution is advised for those who intend to engage in high intensity training following a recovery from COVID-19. Individuals should seek medical advice prior to a return to training.
- Club House and toilet/changing room facilities should remain closed. If closure is not possible, participants should monitor facility usage ensuring a 1-in-1-out approach is adopted.
- Competition is not allowed.
The full Return to Play Protocol can be found by going to https://www.hockey.ie/hockeyireland?content_page=COVID-19
This webpage will also contain the following:
A detailed description of the CVO’s role and responsibilities
A Hockey Ireland COVID-19 Risk Assessment and Guidance Template
A Club Declaration to be signed and returned prior to any hockey activity taking place
A Sample Participant Health Questionnaire
Useful COVID-19 related signage for around your club or facility.
Hockey Ireland COVID19 Update 7. Return to Play.pdf
Irish Hockey Association media release
No reply to DBKL, no home for KLHA
By Jugjet Singh
The KL Hockey Stadium at Jalan Pantai. PIC BY MOHAMAD SHAHRIL BADRI SAALI
KUALA Lumpur HA (KLHA) deputy president I. Vickneswaran is heartbroken that they are going to lose their iconic stadium at Jalan Pantai — all because no body did anything.
The Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium, which has nurtured many national players for decades, will return to its owner, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) after KLHA took no action to renew its contract.
"I am very sad with the events which led KLHA to lose its 'home' because no action was taken since the contract with DBKL expired on August 31, 2018.
"The previous administration had wanted to negotiate a better deal, but lost in the elections (June 2019) and it is said that the new management had formed a committee to look into it.
"But even I, as a deputy president, was not in the committee and not kept abreast of its negotiations.
"Now, the president (Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman) said he is going to appeal to the Federal Territories Minister (Tan Sri Annuar Musa) and sort out the mess.
"However, a simple reply to the numerous letters by DBKL could have solved the matter earlier," said Vickneswaran, a former national player.
KLHA knew they were in danger of losing their home after DBKL issued a statement on Thursday.
It said: "KL Hockey Stadium is a DBKL asset which was managed by KLHA with an agreement sealed in 1998 and valid until 2013. For the 15 years period, DBKL also gave KLHA RM10,000 for maintenance of the stadium.
"The second agreement was signed for five years from 2013 until 2018 and DBKL gave KLHA RM19,000 per month for maintenance.
"And in a meeting on April 29 last year, DBKL agreed to extend the agreement for another three years from May 1 2019 until April 2022 with the RM19,000 grant maintained for maintenance.
I. Vickneswaran
"However, KLHA had failed to pay an execution bond of RM34,000 and insurance policies for public liability and employment insurance.
"We wrote a reminder to KLHA on Nov 14 2019, but did not receive a response in the stipulated time-frame."
Vickneswaran said: "So now, DBKL has sent out a 'withdrawal of offer' letter and demanded the stadium be returned to them because of non-compliance of terms.
"The old KLHA regime had delayed the compliance as they wanted to get over with the elections first, and negotiate some matters. But the whole team lost and the matter has been in limbo since.
"Now, I believe we will lose this 'house' which had nurtured many national players and was used to the maximum from morning until night everyday. Bookings had to be made early, as it also hosts the KL league and many other schools as well as national league matches.
"There was never a quiet moment at the KLHA Stadium, which is also used by many clubs for development programmes."
DBKL used to collect field booking fees, but gave back 10 per cent of them to KLHA.
The stadium's owner will now run the show, and KLHA will lose their rent-free office unless they want to stay on and pay for the space.
Hopefully, the FT Minister will listen to Megat, as otherwise KLHA will have to look for another home.
Better still, KLHA should start building their own stadium like what Universiti Kuala Lumpur did in Bangi.
DBKL is also serious about hockey, as it will field a development team in the Junior Hockey League this year.
"KLHA have been very fortunate that they got a super deal from DBKL since 1998, and now they will field a JHL team for the very first time. It's a shame that a simple contract extension has come to such a level," said Vickneswaran.
KLHA were known as the final destination for state players who aspired to don national colours while studying for a degree or working for a living.
New Straits Times
Sindh govt installs floodlights at KHA Complex
KARACHI: The Karachi Hockey Association (KHA) received a big boost here recently when floodlights were installed at the KHA Sports Complex by the Sindh government.
Four towers with each containing sixteen lights of 2000 volts have been installed at the complex. The installation of floodlights will help the players train in a better way in the evening as well. It is pertinent to mention here that the KHA Sports Complex has become the fourth hockey ground of the metropolis to acquire the floodlights, the other three being Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium, Iftikhar Syed Hockey Academy and Dr MA Shah-Islahuddin Hockey Academy.
It may be recalled that the KHA Sports Complex was in quite a dilapidated condition and was misused for a long time before the incumbent office bearers came into power. Noted former Olympians Samiullah Khan and Hanif Khan are the backbone of KHA Sports Complex and regularly groom promising players at the venue.
The KHA is working under the patronage of retried Vice Admiral Syed Arifullah Hussaini who is the Patron in Chief while Dr Syed Junaid Ali Shah is the president.
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Meanwhile, KHA secretary and former international hockey player Syed Haider Hussain, has thanked the Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah for his whole-hearted support to the national game. He also applauded the role played by Special Assistant to CM Sindh for Sports Bangul Khan Mahar, Sindh Sports Secretary Syed Imtiaz Ali Shah, Chief Engineer Muhammad Aslam Mahar and Najumuddin.
Haider further said that Sports & Youth Affairs department is playing a vital role in the promotion of healthy sports activities in Sindh.
Dawn
No one wants to be in hospital on Monday morning, says top hockey coach
By Richard Bright
Jon Royce, the former GB coach, says that ‘mismatches’ in junior hockey skills are accounting for the current dangers at grass roots level.
Royce, speaking before the coronavirus pandemic for one of our safety special issues, is the latest high-profile coach to back calls for changes to the rules to tighten safety at junior level upwards.
“For me the problem on a junior pitch particularly is that you have players of vastly different standards,” said Royce, who is currently coach at Brighton and Hove HC. “You could have a kid who is playing junior international hockey against someone who has barely played.
“A reverse stick is about to be wound up and you have the inexperienced junior standing between the shot and the goal with no concept of the dangers of where they are stood. That is why it so dangerous for me.”
Royce has been a dissenting voice against how hockey is run in recent years. He says hockey in England is “so badly organised” at junior club level and “there are mismatches the whole time.”
As columnist Todd Williams wrote in a recent issue, Royce is also at a loss to explain why the reverse hit has never properly been looked at by the FIH in terms of safety and control.
He said: “Why did hockey introduce the backhand hit? I can only guess it was to increase the goals scored and make the game more understandable and accessible to play on the forehand and backhand.”
This, says Royce, saw unforeseen circumstances. “There is no punishment for an uncontrolled hit. A cross could go head high across goal. Why isn’t that a card for causing danger to other people? If I bowled a beamer in cricket I would be taken off. It’s crazy. The question I’m asking is whether players can really control where they hit it? The answer is very few can.”
It is thought that the reverse stick came into the game around 25 years ago and originated from Argentina before it grew in global popularity. With the pace of the current game and more opportunities to watch the stars on TV, Royce says it is high time we looked at the current dangers.
He added: “The reverse stick came in without any feeling for the consequences in the sport. It has made the pitch smaller, made defenders’ reactions quicker. Everyone has to go to work on Monday morning. No one wants to go to hospital. It’s just plain dangerous.”
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