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News for 04 December 2020

All the news for Friday 4 December 2020


World Cup qualification quotas decided



Lausanne, Switzerland: Under the chairmanship of FIH President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra, the Executive Board (EB) of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) conducted today, via online conference, its last meeting of the year.

Discussing the allocation of quotas per continent for the upcoming FIH Women’s and Men’s World Cups, to be played in 2022 and 2023 respectively, the members of the EB agreed on the following scheme:

Women
Africa: 1
Asia: 4
Europe: 6*
Oceania: 2
Pan America: 3
*including hosts

Men
Africa: 1
Asia: 4*
Europe: 7
Oceania: 2
Pan America: 2
*including hosts

Teams will qualify based on their performance at the final competition of each 2021 Continental Championship.

The match schedules of the 2022 FIH Women’s World Cup – hosted by Spain and the Netherlands - and of the 2021 FIH Women’s Junior World Cup - organized in South Africa - have been approved.

Furthermore, the EB expressed its great satisfaction for the inclusion of Hockey for those with Intellectual Disabilities - known as either ParaHockey ID or Hockey ID - in the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany, as a demonstration sport. The news was announced earlier today. This is the first time that hockey will take part in the flagship event of the Special Olympics movement and the EB extended thanks to everyone involved in this achievement.

Following up on its last meeting where it confirmed the reviewed FIH gender equality policy, the EB approved the amendments in the FIH Statutes concerning gender-neutral terms, which will be presented for approval to the FIH Congress in May 2021.

The EB also confirmed the principles of the FIH Academy Organisers Guide, the purpose of which is to outline the opportunities and roles for FIH, Continental Federations, National Associations and Licensed Providers in the delivery of FIH Academy Programmes, including parameters for Hero scholarships and courses.

For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please download the Watch.Hockey app or follow the FIH social media channels - FacebookInstagram and Twitter – and website.

FIH site



A special time for hockey


Photo credit: EHF/Col Morley

With a piece of extraordinarily bright news in a year that has been devoid of too much joy, the Special Olympics has announced that Hockey for those with Intellectual Disabilities, which is known as either ParaHockey ID or Hockey ID, will be included in the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin as a demonstration sport. For the purposes of this article, we will refer to the sport as Hockey ID.

Special Olympics, which was founded in 1968, has inclusion at its very core. It’s mission, which has remained unchanged for the past 52 years, is to “create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people.”

While the Special Olympics movement provides a host of training, fund-raising and other opportunities for communities around the world, one of the pinnacles of the movement is the bi-annual Special Olympics World Games.

At the event in June 2023, in Berlin, 7,000 Special Olympics athletes from 170 countries will compete in 24 sports. There will be a support staff of 3,000 coaches and 20,000 volunteers.

It is here that Hockey ID will be making its debut appearance, with between 12 and 15 nations represented, as a demonstration sport – one of two sports chosen from a field of 10.

Thomas Gindra, Vice President Sports at Special Olympics, commented on the decision: "All applications were convincing, but field hockey and rowing were slightly ahead in the end. These are established sports that have a lot of potential to advance the inclusive sports landscape in Germany together with Special Olympics. With field hockey and rowing, we want to send a strong signal that more and more sports and clubs are joining the Special Olympics movement and thus improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities."

The driving force behind Hockey ID's inclusion is Norman Hughes, who is FIH Hockey ID Project Lead. He explained that the journey to this point for Hockey ID began in earnest in 2015 when European Hockey Federation President and FIH Executive Board Member Marijke Fleuren introduced Hughes to Natascha Bruers, the Sports Director for Special Olympics Netherlands. One conversation led to another and eventually Hughes found himself presenting Hockey ID to the Special Olympics Eurasia Congress in 2019.

Among the audience were representatives from across the globe and Hockey ID began to gain more traction in countries where it had not formerly been really recognised or facilitated.

A major step forward occurred when the DHB (the German Hockey Federation) hosted the men’s EuroHockey Indoor Championships in February 2020 and ran a Hockey ID festival alongside the Championships. Representatives from Special Olympics Germany were at the event and witnessed for themselves the excitement and skill involved in Hockey ID.

“It was explained to me that we were up against 9 other sports for just two spots as demonstration sports,” says Hughes. “But we built a bid up and it was submitted in July. We heard the good news in November.”

Among the key factors that sealed the deal for Hockey ID’s inclusion was the willingness of the FIH, the EHF and other national hockey associations to work in partnership with the Special Olympics.

“It was also the fact that we are doing a lot in education and coaching,” adds Hughes. “We need to keep pushing now though because the Special Olympics will want to see us keep growing and developing. Things such as coaching resources and coach education are a vital part of that and it will be great to see these embedded into the FIH Academy.

“I also hope this will inspire nations to get on board now. I would like to see local groups linking with their Special Olympics organisations to really make sustained progress.

"For the athletes, it is really life-changing. It is a massive opening ceremony and a massive closing ceremony. There are workshops in between events and full educational experiences. It builds confidence, and opens up other opportunities.”

President of DHB, Carola Meyer, said: “We are very, very happy that we could successfully apply with Hockey ID as a demonstration sport for the Special Olympics World Games 2023 in Berlin.

“It is a very important step to be represented with field hockey in the Special Olympics family. This application has been supported by many letters from different national hockey federations, the International Hockey Federation and the European Hockey Federation, which was certainly a decisive criterion of hockey to win the bid against strong competition.”

As of this year, Hockey ID in Germany has two ambassadors in Selin Oruz, the bronze winner of Rio 2016, and Mahmut Gerdan, an active member of the Special Hockey Team Germany. "I am a very proud ambassador of Special Hockey Team Germany today," Selin Oruz said when she received the news of the successful application. "And I wish our team lots of fun at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin!”. "That's great news," said a delighted Mahmut Gerdan, who as a player has already taken part in a European Championship in Hockey ID. "It's great that we can be there in Berlin. Until then we will train hard to become even better. To play such a tournament in front of your own audience in Germany is something very special!”

FIH Executive Board member and EHF President Marijke Fleuren, who has championed the inclusion of Hockey ID at the Special Olympics, said: “To say I am delighted that Hockey ID gets the chance to participate in the Special Olympics World Games as a demonstration sport would be an understatement.

“I am thrilled and emotionally touched that our athletes can show their skills on such a platform. They deserve it, as do their parents and fans who have given them 100 per cent support on their journey to participate in our sport. From my side, a big thank you to Norman Hughes and Natascha Bruers for their tireless work and enthusiasm and to DHB and Special Olympics Germany for making it happen.”

FIH President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra, said: “FIH has a huge commitment towards inclusivity and the news that Hockey ID will be a demonstration sport at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin shows the enormous progress that is being made across the international hockey community in this area of our sport.

“Congratulations are due to Norman Hughes and his team for the work they have done in this area. And we are immensely grateful to the DHB and Special Olympics Germany for providing this opportunity. And we must acknowledge that, while these are tremendous achievements, we cannot stop here. We must now keep pushing forwards, with the support of continental federations and national associations, to ensure that the inclusive nature of Hockey ID is available to hockey communities in every corner of the globe.”

FIH site



ParaHockey to join the Special Olympics World Games in 2023 in Berlin



ParaHockey ID will be included at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin as a demonstration sport as the game for those with intellectual difficulties continues to grow in stature.

In June 2023, hockey will take its place among 7,000 Special Olympics athletes from 170 countries, competing in 24 sports. There will be a support staff of 3,000 coaches and 20,000 volunteers. For its debut appearance, hockey will have between 12 and 15 nations represented.

Thomas Gindra, Vice President Sports at Special Olympics, commented on the decision to choose hockey ahead of a number of other applicants: “All applications were convincing, but field hockey and rowing were slightly ahead in the end.

“These are established sports that have a lot of potential to advance the inclusive sports landscape in Germany together with Special Olympics. With field hockey and rowing, we want to send a strong signal that more and more sports and clubs are joining the Special Olympics movement and thus improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.”

The driving force behind Hockey ID’s inclusion is Norman Hughes, who is FIH Hockey ID Project Lead. He explained that the journey to this point for Hockey ID began in earnest in 2015 when European Hockey Federation President and FIH Executive Board Member Marijke Fleuren introduced Hughes to Natascha Bruers, the Sports Director for Special Olympics Netherlands.

One conversation led to another and eventually Hughes found himself presenting Hockey ID to the Special Olympics Eurasia Congress in 2019. Among the audience were representatives from across the globe and Hockey ID began to gain more traction in countries where it had not formally been really recognised or facilitated.

A major step forward occurred when the DHB (the German Hockey Federation) hosted the men’s EuroHockey Indoor Championships in February 2020 and ran a Hockey ID festival alongside the Championships. Representatives from Special Olympics Germany were at the event and witnessed for themselves the excitement and skill involved in Hockey ID.

“It was explained to me that we were up against 9 other sports for just two spots as demonstration sports,” says Hughes. “But we built a bid up and it was submitted in July. We heard the good news in November.”

Among the key factors that sealed the deal for Hockey ID’s inclusion was the willingness of the FIH, the EHF and other national hockey associations to work in partnership with the Special Olympics.

“It was also the fact that we are doing a lot in education and coaching,” adds Hughes. “We need to keep pushing now though because the Special Olympics will want to see us keep growing and developing. Things such as coaching resources and coach education are a vital part of that and it will be great to see these embedded into the FIH Academy.

“I also hope this will inspire nations to get on board now. I would like to see local groups linking with their Special Olympics organisations to really make sustained progress.

“For the athletes, it is really life-changing. It is a massive opening ceremony and a massive closing ceremony. There are workshops in between events and full educational experiences. It builds confidence, and opens up other opportunities.”

President of DHB, Carola Meyer, said: “We are very, very happy that we could successfully apply with Hockey ID as a demonstration sport for the Special Olympics World Games 2023 in Berlin.

“It is a very important step to be represented with field hockey in the Special Olympics family. This application has been supported by many letters from different national hockey federations, the International Hockey Federation and the European Hockey Federation, which was certainly a decisive criterion of hockey to win the bid against strong competition.”

As of this year, Hockey ID in Germany has two ambassadors in Selin Oruz, the bronze winner of Rio 2016, and Mahmut Gerdan, an active member of the Special Hockey Team Germany. “I am a very proud ambassador of Special Hockey Team Germany today,” Selin Oruz said when she received the news of the successful application. “And I wish our team lots of fun at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin!”.

“That’s great news,” said a delighted Mahmut Gerdan, who as a player has already taken part in a European Championship in Hockey ID. “It’s great that we can be there in Berlin. Until then we will train hard to become even better. To play such a tournament in front of your own audience in Germany is something very special!”

FIH Executive Board member and EHF President Marijke Fleuren, who has championed the inclusion of Hockey ID at the Special Olympics, said: “To say I am delighted that Hockey ID gets the chance to participate in the Special Olympics World Games as a demonstration sport would be an understatement.

“I am thrilled and emotionally touched that our athletes can show their skills on such a platform. They deserve it, as do their parents and fans who have given them 100 per cent support on their journey to participate in our sport. From my side, a big thank you to Norman Hughes and Natascha Bruers for their tireless work and enthusiasm and to DHB and Special Olympics Germany for making it happen.”

Euro Hockey League media release



Den Bosch boss takes over Belgian women’s coaching role



Den Bosch coach Raoul Ehren has been promoted to national coach of the Belgian women’s team, taking over from fellow Dutchman Niels Thijssen, who announced he will step down from the role this week.

Ehren had been acting as Thijssen’s assistant and so will now lead the Red Panthers up to and including the European Championship in June 2021 in Amstelveen. Longer term options will be discussed in the coming months.

“I am really looking forward to the challenge of preparing the team for the European Championship,” Ehren said. “I enjoyed my time with the Red Panthers last year and I have a lot of confidence in the players. I am sure they are ready to take the next step towards consistently winning medals at a European and world level event. ”  

Adam Commens, High Performance Director of the KBHB, added: “Raoul’s evolution from assistant coach to head coach once again demonstrates our philosophy of continuity, which we always try to achieve for our national teams. This formula has proven its effectiveness for us several times. ”

Ehren is one of the most successful trainers ever in Dutch women’s hockey. He has won the national title eight times with Den Bosch in the past ten seasons and his team is, again, in the lead this season while they also have a Euro Hockey League Women’s FINAL8 on the agenda next Easter.

He joined the staff of the Red Panthers just before the European Championship 2019 in Antwerp and has since built a strong relationship with the team.

“Raoul is an excellent coach, with a proven track record at the highest level in the Netherlands. In addition, he has shown international success with the Dutch junior women’s team. We are delighted to hire a coach of his profile for the Red Panthers and look forward to the team’s progress over the coming period.” Commens concluded.

Euro Hockey League media release



Paying A Price For The Past?

Ashley Morrison

There is nothing sadder than witnessing a once great team unravel.

The Australian Women’s Hockey team were the cream of the crop for a long time. Denied the opportunity to play at the 1980 Olympic Games the first in which women’s hockey was played, in 1984 they lost the bronze medal match to the host nation the United States on penalty strokes. In this competition the medals were decided by where teams finished in a League format. Australia and the USA could not be separated, both teams had played five, won two, drawn one and lost two, and had the same goal difference.





The Forgotten One.

Ashley Morrison

Most sports fans will remember the 2018 US Open Women’s Tennis final. Sadly few remember it for the result.





Hockeyroos mull strike option after key players omitted from squad

By Rod Gilmour


GK Rachael Lynch has won 233 caps for Australia

Australian hockey has become embroiled in controversy months out from the Tokyo Olympics after the Hockeyroos’ squad selection for 2021 saw two key players omitted and potential strike action mooted.

Following Hockey Australia’s squad announcement – which had the hashtag ‘ROOthless’ – Rachael Lynch, the FIH world goalkeeper of the year, and former co-captain Georgina Morgan were left out of the squad.

According to reports Down Under, the notable omissions saw an emergency meeting convened by 15 Hockeyroos in Perth while a training session this week was boycotted, said the Australian Associated Press. A players’ strike was also discussed.

Hockey Australia were notified of player unrest following a letter sent by the Australian Hockey Players’ Association – set up in 2016 to cover the men’s and women’s squads – while the union said that appeals had been lodged to reinstate the experienced pair.

Hockey Australia had only recently launched an indepedent enquiry into the women’s programme after several players spoke out against the national governing body over a negative culture in the set-up.

Earlier this year Lynch took up full-time nursing to fight the global pandemic. At 34, she is Australia’s most-capped keeper, while Morgan is one of three skippers who stepped down from the role in recent months, including Jodie Kenny, who retired from the international game in October.

Lynch was replaced in the Hockeyroos squad by Aleisha Power, who played three games for the women’s team in 2017.

Women’s head coach Paul Gaudoin said after the squad announcement on Wednesday that selection would spark mixed emotions, adding “that is the nature of high performance sport”.

He added: “Selection is always difficult and even more so this year. I empathise with the athletes who have missed out but the selection panel has chosen a squad that it believes gives the Hockeyroos the best chance of success not just in 2021 but over the next Olympic cycle.”

Hockey Australia said that due to the impact of COVID and the inability of some athletes to attend last month’s selection camp, there was the option of filling the full quota of 27 squad places in early 2021. This could mean that two players could be added.

The Hockey Paper has contacted Hockey Australia for comment.

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The Hockey Paper



Hockey Australia boss backs under-siege Hockeyroos staff

HA facing player unrest over axing of two key team members. Coach Paul Gaudoin and director Toni Cumpston under fire

Hockey Australia chief executive Matt Favier has thrown his support behind Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin and high-performance director Toni Cumpston despite growing player unrest.

Months of discontent among the player group has reached breaking point, with the unexpected exclusion of star goalkeeper Rachael Lynch and former captain Georgina Morgan causing widespread shock. Both players are set to appeal their omissions.

A significant number of Hockeyroos players are considering striking over the omissions to the latest squad, with tensions between players and management running high.

Much of the anger has been directed at Cumpston, who has been in her post since 2016. Gaudoin, who also joined the program after the disastrous Rio Games in 2016, is in the firing line as well, although to a much lesser extent.

With less than eight months to go until the Tokyo Games, the Hockeyroos are a fractured entity. But Favier is backing both Gaudoin and Cumpston to guide the Hockeyroos back to calmer waters.

“Paul is still absolutely backed and supported by the leadership team and the board,” Favier told AAP. “And Toni is probably one of the best performing high-performance directors the sport has ever had. She is tough but fair.

“We’ve had our challenges along the way to where we are at this time, and Toni is providing excellent leadership to this group. Look, I don’t expect every player to be sending Christmas cards to every member of the leadership team. That’s not how I think about things.

“In my opinion, her relationship is professional with the player group, as it needs to be. Toni is firmly supported by me as the CEO and is firmly supported by the board.”

The threat of strike action is a complicated matter given players are yet to sign a deal for 2021. It leaves them in a vulnerable position, with many fearing for their positions in the national set-up. Favier said it was up to the players to decide what they want to do next.

“Players will need to make a decision as to whether or not they are prepared to sign up to and join the national team and the national program into the future,” Favier said. “The board are fully supportive of the coaching staff and the leadership group that we have assembled and that continues to be the case.”

Hockey Australia has launched an independent inquiry after allegations of a poor culture surfaced recently. That inquiry is set to start next week, but its findings are unlikely to be known until early next year.

The Guardian



New Kookaburra Martin 'keen to rip into it'



Many are keen to see the back of 2020, but for Dylan Martin it is a year he will never forget.

The 22-year-old from the regional New South Wales city of Wagga Wagga was the only addition to the Kookaburras squad for 2021, something that he was not expecting…at least not yet.

Invited to the Kookaburras national selection camp in Perth, Martin made every post a winner as he impressed in the four intra-squad matches.

Upon returning to Sydney, Martin went back to everyday life which included undertaking his university degree. Then on 30 November he received a phone call that would change his life and will see him relocate to the other side of the country.

We caught up with Martin to get the lowdown on how he found out he was in the squad and what it means to him to join the Kookaburras.

Congratulations on your selection into the Kookaburras squad. How did you find out that you were in?

DM: “I was sitting down studying for a uni exam and got a call from Batchy (Kookaburras Coach Colin Batch). I missed it but called him back straight away and he asked how I was and what I had on today. I told him I had an exam on in a few hours. We talked for a bit and then he said he was happy with the way I’ve been going. He then said that they were announcing the national squad and that I was in it. Fair to say it shocked me a little bit. I wasn’t really expecting it and Batchy said, ‘I hope I haven’t ruined the exam for you’. When I got off the phone the exam was the last thing on my mind that’s for sure.”

What stage of your degree are you up to and how did the exam go?

“I’m doing a degree in Construction Management and the exam was on high rise construction. I’m at the end of my second year and have been doing it part time but COVID gave me an opportunity to do some extra subjects to catch up.”

What was your overriding reaction and emotion after being selected?

“I went to Perth for the selection camp and I guess anyone was a chance of sneaking in but I wasn’t sure. I knew the squad was going to be coming out soon and when I saw Batchy’s name pop up on my phone I thought this is when I am going to find out. Then to be told I was in the squad I was absolutely stoked. I think from where I was at the start of the year pre COVID to now, I wasn’t anywhere near the level I was at back then so I’m super stoked to have been selected.

What expectations did you having heading over for the selection camp?

“Initially I thought I was pretty lucky to be invited to go over there but I was keen to try and put in a good performance regardless of what the outcome was. I’m only young so I thought maybe after the Olympics I might be a better chance of getting a look in, so I just went over there and tried to enjoy it. Not many people have been lucky enough to travel around this year so it was good to go over there, have fun and play well.”

Is this the way you have approached your hockey all the way through – not putting too much pressure on yourself?

“I try not to think too much about it. When I first got over to Perth I was nervous but I really enjoyed it. I’ve missed playing Hockey One this year so being able to compete in that elite environment was great.”

How did you find the intra-squad games and the level of the super camp?

“All of the guys were really welcoming, and it is probably the highest level I’ve played at. I really enjoyed being part of it.”

COVID has restricted the amount of sport played this year. What did you do to keep yourself in peak condition and put yourself in contention to get a call up?

“I played locally in Sydney and trained at the NSW Institute of Sport. I had a bit of an idea early on in the year that this selection camp might be going ahead and that I might get an opportunity to go, so I tried to do what was best for me by getting fit and ready for it as best as I could and then see how it panned out.”

Well it panned out very well. So that was a big motivator for you this year?

“For sure. Not many people got this opportunity so to have this little window, I thought I can go over there and if I can put in a good performance it puts me in a good spot, but I thought it would be down the track, not for now.”

Growing up in Wagga Wagga, when did you first pick up a hockey stick and dream about the possibility of getting to this moment?

“As a young boy I played hockey with my family. I grew up playing in Wagga, played in a couple of rep teams and it wasn’t until 16 when I was really putting more into it. I started to make NSW state teams, did a lot of travelling from Wagga Wagga to Sydney and back which is a five hour drive each way, so I did that for a year or so. Then at 18 I moved to Sydney, did a gap year after school and played local league. I started university the year after and it is the last three years that everything has become a bit more of a reality of what could happen.”

Life is about to significantly change for you. Are you ready to pack up and head to Perth?

“I am. The place where I’m living at now – the rental agreement ends this week so that has worked out perfectly. I had a conversation with the university and they’re happy for me to do some stuff online and everything else will be in place pretty soon so I’m looking forward to it.”

What in the Kookaburras environment are you most looking forward to?

“I’m stoked to be involved. The Kookaburras are a very successful sporting team and it will be good to learn off others. There are obviously the coaches, but I think some of the best learning is learning from other players and there are some seriously talented hockey players that I can learn from. I’m just keen to rip into it.”

Hockey Australia media release



Hockey Ireland pay heavy price for hosting high profile games

Stephen Findlater

Hockey Ireland’s finances face a “material uncertainty” which could affect its “ability to continue as a going concern” according to the financial auditors in their accounts presented at the sporting body’s AGM this week.

In 2019, Hockey Ireland filed a deficit of €280,730 and has negative reserves at the year end of €157,390.

While the directors of Hockey Ireland said they hope to “secure additional long-term sponsorship and they expect to increase the income from affiliation fees”, this auditors maintained their concerns and the situation for 2020 is, of course, complicated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The deficit arises primarily as a result of significant losses relating to the hosting of the women’s World Series Semi-Final in Banbridge and the Olympic qualifiers in Donnybrook.

These two events accounted for roughly €235,000 of the total loss. In both cases, CEO Jerome Pels explained the difficulty in securing a timely host had a big knock-on effect with delays in upgrade works at UCD’s National Stadium proving costly.

“Hockey Ireland had to secure a new venue because the National Stadium was under renovation and the pitch at the Sport Ireland Campus was not in place yet.

“FIH requirements, erection of temporary stands and the commercial challenge of the venue [for the Series event] being outside Dublin resulted in a significant loss.

“Despite the financial implications, the event was a great success and secured home qualification for the Senior Women’s Team on the road to Tokyo.

“Hosting the Senior Women’s Olympic Qualifier in a rugby stadium and installing a temporary hockey surface in Energia Park [Donnybrook Stadium] was a massive undertaking.” Pels said this event did have “significant benefits” with a record crowd of over 6,000 flocking to both matches while RTÉ broadcast the fixtures at primetime, creating a “unique moment in Irish hockey history”.

However, this did not translate into revenues with the International Hockey Federation taking all the broadcast rights income as well as co-opting their most attractive advertising spots around the pitch.

Hockey Ireland did not request extra support, either, from Sport Ireland whose preference was to play the games at the National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown.

The hockey body felt they could create a more spectacular event at Donnybrook while breaking even and so decided against the NSC but they fell short of their targets to the tune of €80,000.

Pels also pointed to the Irish men’s failed Olympic qualification effort, saying the trip to Vancouver “incurred higher costs than anticipated as the location was announced with limited notice, and the team was assigned a fixture much further afield than planned for.” To address the shortfall, Hockey Ireland have are working on a number of plans to make sure the company remains a going concern.

These includes switching its membership model from a team to an individual player basis to increase affiliation fee income. Additional sponsorship was secured in 2019 with further sponsorship being actively sought.

In addition, Hockey Ireland aims to review and monitor expenditure while limiting capital expenditure. Relevant government Covid-19 supports will also be targeted.

"The directors have concluded that the combination of these management plans will significantly improve the company's ability to continue as a going concern, to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business.” The other eye-catching figure in the 2019 accounts saw close to €500,000 contributions raised by the Irish youth teams to conduct their various programmes, up from €320,000 in 2019.

All this money is generated directly from within the respective age group programmes via player contributions, fundraisers and personally sourced sponsors with Hockey Ireland not providing resources.

On a more positive note, Hockey Ireland was able to provide its first official membership count. This was listed at 33,521 players, not including those involved in the schools system.

Irish Examiner



Scottish North conference continues in another weekend of competitive action

The North Conference competition continues to survive the pestilence. Tuesday`s announcement that Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire will remain in tier 2 for the present has allowed Saturday`s four matches to take place.

Ironically, of the 20 games played so far, there has not been a single draw.

Granite City Wanderers surrendered their lead at the top of the men`s conference table for the first time last weekend – the combined culprits were a frozen pitch which took its toll on their fixture with Ellon along with Gordonians 8-1 win over Aberdeen Grammar FPs in a game that did go ahead. The result propelled Gordonians into pole position, but by the very slender margin of a single goal.

Granite City won the latest clash between the sides – but only by the odd goal in seven. And Grammar were ahead 3-1 early in the second half, John Dargie getting all the goals. But in the end, Granite City clawed their way back into the contest and Stuart Begg got the winner inside the final ten minutes.

On paper then Granite City would appear to be favourites for Saturday`s game, but a lot may depend on the grit of Grammar. Certainly they lost to Gordonians last weekend, but a reliable source informed that they only had the bare eleven on duty. More depth to the playing squad could produce a better outcome.

In the other game unbeaten Gordonians should again emerge with the three points against Ellon – last time it was 7-0 with Robbie Wallis and Harry Legget both scoring twice.

With back to back victories over Aberdeen University, Gordonians are also top of the women`s Conference, they lead Ellon by three points and a better goal difference.

On Saturday, Gordonians travel to Granite City Wanderers – the only side to beat them this season. The league leaders led 1-0 at the interval, Lyndsey Davidson finding the net. But an injury to their keeper allowed Granite City to retaliate with Amy Ferguson and Jen Smith getting the goals for the three points.

It is perhaps too early to assess the real impact that Granite City might have in this competition, they are six points behind Ellon and nine adrift of Gordonians, but they have only played four games. They had 2-1 wins over both Gordonians and Aberdeen University, but lost twice to Ellon – so the jury is out on this.

Ellon will be hoping for a Gordonians slip-up as they travel to take on an Aberdeen University side still looking for their first points of the competition. Ellon have already fired in five goals twice against the students this season – Nikki Kidd has got five while Gracie Gray-Giles has picked up a brace in the process.

Although without a win University have come close on a couple of occasions, but only scoring four times in six games is a clear disadvantage.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



On Dhyan Chand’s Death Anniversary, Hockey Stars Reiterate Bharat Ratna Demand

By TAZEEN QURESHY



Former hockey captain Dilip Tirkey took up the sport long after the demise of legend Dhyan Chand – 16 years to be precise. But that has not stopped him from getting inspired by the legend.

“I only knew his name. Dhyan Chand was synonymous with hockey. I had heard about his antics on the field and had massive respect for him. Unfortunately, I could never meet him, but his stories inspired me growing up as a sportsperson,” says Dilip Tirkey.

Forty-one years after his death, Tirkey is ‘fighting’ to give his inspiration his due.

“When the Indian government decided to honour sportspersons with Bharat Ratna, I was almost sure that Dhyan Chand ji would get it. But, it was instead given to Sachin Tendulkar. Sachin is a cricket legend and rightfully deserves the honour. But if he is the sports icon of the 21st century, Dhyan Chand ji took Indian sports to great heights in the 20th century. He should be accorded with the Bharat Ratna,” he says.

This is not the first time that the demand for Bharat Ratna to be accorded posthumously on Dhyan Chand has been raised. The appeal had gained momentum during the 2015-16 period, when former hockey stars including Ajit Pal Singh, Zafar Iqbal, Ashok Kumar had joined hands for the same. The issue was also raised in the Parliament earlier.


Dilip Tirkey and Sudarshan Pattnaik paying respects to Dhyan Chand

“It is unfortunate that despite our pleas, no action has been taken in this regard. I don’t have to tell anyone about Dhyan Chand’s contribution to sports. If there was anyone who single-handedly put India’s name in the sporting map of the world in the 20th century, it has to be Dhyan Chand.”

On the occasion of the 41st death anniversary of the legend, eminent names in Odisha got together to offer a small tribute. Among them was internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, who is known to convey messages through his art.

“I have supported several campaigns through my sand art, but ‘Bharat Ratna for Dhyan Chand’ is close to my heart. Even if I don’t belong to the sports fraternity, I am aware of the great achievements of the hockey giant. Dhyan Chand ji and his achievements are beyond ‘Bharat Ratna,’ but nevertheless, he should get the tag,” Patnaik said.

A signature campaign was also organised, which in the coming days will be open for the public.

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