News for 09 August 2020
All the news for Sunday 9 August 2020
Manpreet Singh and four other players showing only 'mild symptoms': SAI doctors
Manpreet and four other players tested COVID-19 positive on their return to the national hockey camp at the SAI South Centre in Bengaluru. - Biswaranjan Rout
The Indian men’s hockey team skipper Manpreet Singh and the four other players who tested positive for COVID-19 were showing “mild symptoms” and were doing well, the doctors from Sports Authority of India said on Saturday.
The SAI said in a statement that the players, housed in the National Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, are being attended to by its in-house doctor and another from the state government, who has been deputed on SAI’s request.
Additionally, the SAI has got on board expert doctors from Manipal Hospital, who have also attended to the players.
Dr. Avinash HR, who has been deputed by the state government, said all five players are exhibiting mild symptoms with only one down with fever.
“The vitals of the players like temperature, oxygen levels have been monitored and all five players have been found to be mild symptomatic cases,” Dr Avinash said.
“Except for one, the other four players did not have a fever. They are doing fine and we have put them on immunity boosters and other support medicines,” he added.
Chief coach Graham Reid said, “I am constantly in touch with all five of them and they are doing fine.”
“SAI has made every arrangement to give them the best care. The chefs are making special dishes for them as per their choice, beyond the mess menu, and the athletes are very happy about it.”
Besides Manpreet, defender Surender Kumar, Jaskaran Singh, drag-flicker Varun Kumar and goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak have also tested positive for COVID-19.
Routine investigations as per protocol will be conducted by doctors till their vitals are normal again, the SAI said.
To ensure that they have 24-hours access to the SAI authorities on campus, two officers have been earmarked to exclusively monitor the players and cater to their requirements.
The players tested positive after returning to the national hockey camp at the SAI South Centre in Bengaluru following a month-long break.
The national players were earlier stranded at the centre for over two months (till June) when a national lockdown was imposed to contain the virus.
After coming back from the break, the players were in mandatory quarantine before resumption of training at the centre.
Sportstar
SAI's COVID-19 SOP under spotlight as five hockey players test positive
Jonathan Selvaraj
Manpreet Singh was one of five Indian hockey players to test positive for Covid-19. Ian MacNicol/Getty images
Even as five members of the Indian hockey team were revealed to have tested positive for the Covid-19 virus on Thursday, the reason for their testing negative on tests conducted earlier, appears to be the fact that the standard operating procedure (SOP), laid down by the Sports Authority of India, was not implemented properly.
The initial negative tests results for the hockey players were likely a result of being tested by Rapid Antigen kits rather than the more comprehensive RT-PCR (Real-Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests that the SAI guidelines for the resumption of training camps had mandated.
Referring to athletes who had traveled outside SAI facilities during the nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the SOP document, that was published in May, and which had been approved by the Sports ministry stated that "all the athletes and staff, including administrative staff joining the training facilities afresh, shall be tested for COVID-19 (RT-PCR test) to prevent any chance of infection to the personnel who have been staying in an infection free environment at the training facilities...."
Members of the Indian hockey team had returned to the national hockey camp at the SAI South Centre in Bengaluru following a month-long break. They had earlier been stranded at the centre for over two months (till June) when a national lockdown was imposed to contain the virus. However, the members of the Indian hockey team, who had arrived in Bangalore, were subject to the Rapid Antigen test.
In contrast to the RT-PCR test, that takes a minimum of five hours to give out the results, the maximum duration for interpreting a positive or negative test is 30 minutes in the reliable rapid antigen detection test,. However, the antigen test, while delivering quick results, is less accurate, with a sensitivity rate of 50.5% to 84%, depending on the viral load of the patient. Data from two major civic laboratories in Mumbai shows that up to 65% of symptomatic patients who tested negative for the Covid-19 virus on antigen tests were subsequently confirmed with positive results on RT-PCR tests.
It is learned that the Karnataka government, not SAI, conducted the Rapid Antigen Tests on the athletes at the SAI Bangalore campus. Despite the reduced sensitivity of the test, the Karnataka government has been increasing the use of the rapid antigen test as they look to ramp up testing for the virus. Of the 42,458 tests done on August 3, 29,488 (69%) were rapid antigen tests, while 12,970 (30%) tests were performed using RT-PCR kits.
An official order issued by the health and family welfare department reads: "All symptomatic persons testing negative through rapid antigen testing should undergo confirmatory tests through RT-PCR.
As such, the players were subsequently tested via the RT- PCR kit on Thursday, after one player subsequently showed symptoms of the virus. It was subsequently surmised that the players had picked up the virus while traveling to Bengaluru. However, the same test could have been carried out at the start itself since private testing (after furnishing a prescription from an authorized physician) is permitted in Karnataka.
The members of the national cycling camp who arrived at New Delhi's IG stadium at the start of the month, having traveled from various parts of the country, were tested through the RT-PCR kit, which showed that none of the players had the coronavirus. "We were thinking of doing the tests on our own, but the Sports Authority of India suggested that they would get it done for us. They will also be conducting regular tests on the cyclists over the duration of the camp," said Onkar Singh, the general secretary of the Cycling Federation of India (CFI).
But while the CFI is going ahead with its plans for the national camp, other federations are noticeably jittery, especially after the positive cases amongst the men's hockey team.
"The incident came as a shock to us. We feel that it is not possible to conduct a camp. While there's no doubt the players can be kept safely at a camp, there's no way to be sure they will not pick up the virus if they are travelling to the camp from their homes across India," said Rajiv Bhatia, secretary of the National Rifle Association of India, which indefinitely postponed their own national camp that was expected to begin on August 1.
ESPN
Coaches Amin and Razie out to prove Oltmans wrong
By Jugjet Singh
Coach Amin Rahim is not surprised former national hockey coach Roelant Oltmans changed his mind about Malaysia. - NSTP/File pic
NATIONAL caretaker coach Amin Rahim and penalty corner ace Razie Rahim are determined to prove Roelant Oltmans wrong.
Dutchman Oltmans, who resigned as national coach on July 31, delivered an unkind cut in his parting words before boarding his flight to the Netherlands by stating that Malaysia will neither win the 2022 Asian Games nor qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Amin had a sly smile on his face when answering.
"I have been assistant to Oltmans since he arrived after the 2018 Asian Games and have heard him say the same about India and Pakistan many times.
"He told us that India and Pakistan will not win the 2022 Asian Games title. He claimed that they lacked infrastructure and development programmes.
"He used to praise Malaysia for their initiatives to excel in field hockey.
"So, it does not come as a surprise to me when he 'changed his mind' about our country after quitting in a haste," said Amin.
Policeman Razie, currently the No 1 penalty corner flicker, was a bit more diplomatic.
"Everybody has a right to speak their mind, and I respect Oltmans as well.
"But I would like to take up the challenge to prove him wrong. I know my teammates also feel the same," said Razie.
New Straits Times
Hockey on The Olympic Channel: Re-live the match action!
As we reported last week, The Olympic Channel – the official news and video service of the International Olympic Committee – features some excellent hockey content. Today we focus on the match videos that are available on the channel, giving fans the opportunity to relive some of the biggest moments in recent Olympic history.
Olympic Games Rio 2016
As we all remember, the form book was thrown out of the window in both the men’s and the women’s hockey competitions at Rio 2016. Two unfancied teams ended up standing at the top of the podium for the first time in their respective histories, with Argentina men and Great Britain women taking the gold medals ahead of Belgium and Netherlands respectively. Germany claimed both bronze medals, with the men beating the Netherlands and women getting the better of New Zealand.
Full match replays of all four medal games are available to watch on The Olympic Channel, the links to which can be found below.
Women’s gold medal match: Netherlands v Great Britain
Women’s bronze medal match: Germany v New Zealand
Men’s gold medal match: Belgium v Argentina
Men’s bronze medal match: Netherlands v Germany
Olympic Games London 2012
Although they missed out in Rio, the Netherlands women were wonderful winners at London 2012, defending the title they won at Beijing 2008 by defeating Luciana Aymar’s Argentina in the gold medal game. The Netherlands men were also finalists that year, but were edged out in the gold medal match by 2008 champions Germany. Australia men and Great Britain women, the hosts, took the bronze medals in what was a superb hockey event at the Riverbank Arena.
Links to the full-match replays of the London 2012 medal games can be found below.
Women’s bronze medal match: New Zealand v Great Britain
Women's gold medal match: Netherlands v Argentina
Men’s bronze medal match: Australia v Great Britain
Men’s gold medal match: Germany v Netherlands
Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018
In addition to the brilliant action listed above, you can also find the gold medal matches from the thrilling Hockey5s competition that took place at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires. Hosts Argentina triumphed in the women’s competition, while Malaysia took the men’s gold medal, with India finishing as silver medallists in both tournaments. Replays of the gold medal matches can be found below.
Women’s gold medal match – Argentina v India
Men’s gold medal match – Malaysia v India
You can see an overview of some of The Hockey Channel’s biggest hockey stories by clicking here. To see a complete list of hockey videos and stories on the Olympic channel, please click here.
www.olympicchannel.com
FIH site
Hockey returning to pitch: No spitting and close contact celebrations
By Richard Bright
No close contact: Goal scorers must keep their distance PIC: Simon Parker
No spitting, an avoidance of shouting, chewing gum bans and no contact during celebrations are some of the edicts put in place for hockey’s return to the English recreational indoor and outdoor game.
It follows “special permission” given to England Hockey by the government to move from Step 2 to Step 4 in its Return to Play roadmap.
The green light has thus been given for intra club and local matches to commence although current restrictions mean that leagues and main competitions are still unable to resume.
A 26-page guidance issued by EH looked at the risks of coronavirus transmission via airborne droplets and through touching surfaces for players, clubs and coaches to adhere to.
“The risks during competitive hockey are low, but special permission has been given to resume hockey by government, so we expect all players to understand their responsibilities clearly and adapt their behaviours accordingly,” said England Hockey.
As far as returning to the pitch goes, eager players have been told “if possible” to “avoid shouting or raising their voices when facing each other during, before and after games. This will be included within England Hockey’s code of behaviour.
“Participants will be encouraged to refrain from spitting or rinsing out their mouths on or around the playing area. Chewing gum should be banned.”
Meanwhile, players are encouraged to take prompt PCs and free hits around the D and not to touch the ball with their hands.
A maximum of 30 people “are allowed in one group but more than one group can use a pitch as long as social distancing can be maintained outside of training.”
Any movement to Step 5 – a full return to plauy – will not require permission from government and instead will be determined by England Hockey “on the readiness of clubs to resume full competitive hockey.”
While the latest news will be heartily welcomed by hundreds of players in England looking at pre-season training, many clubs have yet to be able to train due to pitches located in restricted areas due to the pandemic.
“England Hockey is also acutely aware that not all hockey players or organisations are currently in a position to play, with access to pitches in particular a significant challenge. Moving to Step 5 (the resumption of league hockey) will therefore be assessed over the coming weeks, ensuring that the decision to start the season can be made when there is enough confidence that clubs are sufficiently ready to start. We continue to recommend planning for a normal start date for the season and will continue to monitor the situation closely.”
The Hockey Paper
It’s like winning lotto and having Christmas at the same time: Michael Nobbs after beating cancer
Nobbs was the former chief coach of the Indian hockey team. He represented Australian at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and was battling lung cancer.
By Naveen Peter
Michael Nobbs was diagnosed with an advanced stage of lung cancer.
One of the respected names in world hockey and the former chief coach of the Indian men’s hockey team, Michael Nobbs has defeated cancer.
The 66-year-old Australian was diagnosed with advanced stage lung cancer in late March and had been undergoing treatment at the Macquarie University Hospital, Sydney.
In a note to the Times of India, in which he penned down his past few months, the former Olympian shared the news. “I am free of cancer - NED (No Evidence of Disease). It's like winning lotto and having Christmas all at the same time,” Michael Nobbs wrote.
“I would have loved to run and jump and scream at the top of my voice; but I’m still sore from the operation and they, unfortunately, cut a vocal chord. They can fix it (but) they said my singing days are over.”
Reflecting on his journey through the testing period, the Aussie admitted that he was heartbroken on hearing the diagnosis but he chose to fall back on the sportsman in him to see him through.
“My world came tumbling down that moment,” Nobbs wrote.
“All the questions: Why me? I don’t smoke, never have. What’s next? Am I going to die? How will I cope? How will I tell the girls (daughters), my friends?
“I left and sat in my car and cried and cried, I never do that. I started to make some calls and after the initial shock, I came to realise what a wonderful family and friends I had. My time as a sportsman started to say to me: It’s just another battle, albeit the stakes were rather high.”
A worthwhile journey
The treatment period also saw Michael Nobbs come across people going through a similar fight in their lives. He believes interacting with them made the journey worthwhile.
“Sitting in chemo and radiation every day, you build a bond with many of them and a kind of support group to help each other,” the respected Aussie coach who took charge of the Indian hockey team before London 2012 shared.
“You get to realise that some of the stupid things you used to complain about or get upset about really aren’t that important. Family, friends, children, enjoy your trip through life. It could be a lot shorter than you think.”
Michael Nobbs was a member of the Australian hockey team at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, where the team lost the bronze medal match against Pakistan.
The Aussie tactician now hopes to look forward to seeing his daughter Kaitlin turn up for the Australian hockey team at the Tokyo Olympics next year.
Olympic Channel
FIH pays tributes to hockey legends
ISLAMABAD: The Executive Board of International Hockey Federation (FIH) observed a moment’s silence in memory of hockey legends Muhammad Asad Malik (Pakistan) and Balbir Singh (India) during video link meeting late Friday.
Both former sub-continent hockey greats’ services were lauded which they rendered for their respective countries.
The FIH EB discussed the current uncertainties surrounding the pandemic, which will continue to be closely monitored, and discussed the reports presented by affiliated federations in this regard.
With health and safety being of the utmost importance, the EB was informed about the safeguards being developed between the FIH and the national associations ahead of the re-start of the FIH Hockey Pro League, with the men and women of Germany and Belgium taking to the field behind closed doors on September 22 and 23.
The precautions that will be implemented are based on the government guidelines of both nations, designed to ensure that players, umpires, team staff, broadcasters and everyone involved in the planning and delivery of the matches can do so as safely as possible.
A total of 18 matches of Pro League II are set to be played in September and October, with the remaining 76 scheduled between January and June 2021.
In terms of development, the EB was informed about the success of the various online courses that have been held by the FIH Hockey Academy in recent months.
The switch from a face-to-face scenario to online video conferences has been extremely well received, with high attendance rates and very positive feedback from participants. Over 1,500 people from 72 nations have participated in the 93 courses that took place in the first six months of 2020.
The regulations for the delayed Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 have also been approved and will be available in the coming days. Aside from the competition dates, it was informed that all information from this year’s regulations, including the match schedule and the qualified teams, remains unchanged.
The EB was also informed that, in line with the new code from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the updated FIH Anti-Doping Rules have been approved and will be in use from January 2021.
Following a recent review, the Hockey5s Rules have been updated. In other news, the EB formally ratified the decision to move the new dates for the next FIH Congress which, as previously announced, will take place from May 18-23, 2021. The EB also approved the selection of the Deputy President of the FIH Judicial Commission, with nomination of Janice Shardlow (England) being unanimously approved.
The News International