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All the news for Saturday 5 June 2021

EuroHockey Championship 2021 Men - 5 June
Amsterdam, Netherlands

All times GMT +2)

4 Jun 2021     GER v WAL (Pool B)     8 - 1
4 Jun 2021     NED v FRA (Pool B)     3 - 0

5 Jun 2021 11:00     ENG v RUS (Pool A)
5 Jun 2021 13:15     BEL v ESP (Pool A)
5 Jun 2021 20:15     FRA v WAL (Pool B)

6 Jun 2021 15:00     GER v NED (Pool B)
6 Jun 2021 17:30     ESP v RUS (Pool A)
6 Jun 2021 19:45     ENG v BEL (Pool A)

Pool Standings

Pool A

Pool B

FIH Match Centre

EuroHockey Championship 2021 Women - 5 June
Amsterdam, Netherlands

All times GMT +2)

5 Jun 2021 15:30     NED v IRL (Pool A)
5 Jun 2021 18:00     ESP v SCO (Pool A)

6 Jun 2021 10:30     ENG v ITA (Pool B)
6 Jun 2021 12:45     GER v BEL (Pool B)

Pool Standings

Pool A

Pool B

FIH Match Centre

Germany men dismantle Wales 8-1; Holland in control


Germany were impressive 8-1 winners PIC: EHF/World Sport Pics

Germany opened their bid for a first European men’s title in eight years with an 8-1 win over Wales, which included a sublime solo goal from Christopher Rühr.

The Rot-Weiss Köln forward found himself alone with turnover ball on the half-way line and dashed up field in plenty of space before a bullet forehand left the Welsh all at sea.

Ruhr’s goal came two minutes from time with the Germans 6-1 up, while there was still time for two more goals – including Constantin Staib doubling up and the final polish from the outstanding Timm Herzbruch – as Kais al Saadi’s side warmed up for their clash against hosts Holland on Sunday in fine style.

View Christopher Ruhr’s goal here

“We really enjoyed playing in front of spectators after the difficult year 2020 – and that at such an important tournament,” Florian Fuchs said afterwards. “We performed very well as a team today. Nobody stood out, but the team tore it.

“That’s our strength right now with the Honamas. But we haven’t won anything with a win. It has to go on like this.”

Wales’ solo strike was scored via a penalty corner and the dangerous stick work of Gareth Furlong.

The Welsh will now meet France in their second Pool game on Saturday.

The French also found out that as hard as they played, it was the end product which counted as Holland ran out 3-0 winners through Jip Janssen, Thierry Brinkman and Jeroen Hertzberger.

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The Hockey Paper

Dutch men make strong start to EuroHockey Championships on home soil of Amstelveen

By Mike Rowbottom


The Dutch men made a winning start in the home EuroHockey Championships in Amstelveen tonight ©Getty Images

The Netherlands men’s team marked the opening day of the EuroHockey Championships in the Dutch city of Amstelveen with an encouraging victory that bodes well for their challenge on home soil.

In the second match of the day involving men’s Pool B teams, the hosts beat France 3-0 in the Wagener Stadium.

Goals from Jip Janssen, Thierry Brinkman and Jeroen Hertzberger did the job for the team ranked third in Europe against their 12th ranked opponents.

They now occupy the second semi-final qualifying place in Pool B on goal difference behind Germany, who got the Championships off to a prolific start.

The Germans, ranked fifth in the European men’s list, beat 18th-ranked Wales 8-1 to establish themselves at the top of the Pool B qualifying group.

Seven different German players got on the scoresheet, with Constantin Staib getting two goals.

Gareth Furlong netted a solitary reply for Wales after 21 minutes.

The Dutch men, third-ranked in Europe, will fancy their chances of upsetting Belgium, the world and defending champions, given home advantage.

That advantage will have more weight for that fact that the European Hockey Federation is expecting "thousands" of spectators to take advantage of their first opportunity to watch the sport for almost 18 months due to COVID-19 restrictions - and there was an appreciative crowd at tonight's match for the hosts.

But it is the Dutch women who are the orange-hot favourites to win gold, given that they are seeking a third consecutive title to go with their three World Championship victories.

The Netherlands women’s team will play Ireland in a repeat of the 2018 World Cup final, as well as Spain and Scotland, in Pool A.

England, Italy, Germany and Belgium make up Pool B of the women's event.

Belgium’s men have been drawn in Pool A with Spain, whom they beat to win their first EuroHockey Championship in 2019, England and Wales.

The top five finishers will qualify for the 2023 Men's Hockey World Cup, due to be held in India.

The Dutch women and the Belgian men are competing fresh from wrapping up the Hockey Pro League titles last weekend.

Inside the Games

'We've learnt a lot' - Ireland's Watkins ready for Dutch opener


Monkstown midfielder Watkins has 226 Irish caps

Ireland's Chloe Watkins believes the squad have "learnt a lot" from previous matches against the Netherlands as the teams prepare to meet in the EuroHockey Championships on Saturday.

The Dutch recorded a resounding 6-0 win when the sides faced each other in the 2018 World Cup final.

But having since qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, Watkins believes the Irish can produce a stronger display against Euro hosts Holland this time.

"It's a huge tournament," she said.

"We're starting off the campaign with the Dutch, which is going to be a test against the best team in the world.

"We're looking forward to having another run out against them, we've learnt a lot from playing them in the past, so hopefully we'll fare a bit better."

Ireland are aiming to reach the semi-finals of the European Championships for the first time, an achievement that would likely bring with it qualification for next year's World Cup and the Euros in 2023.

After facing favourites Holland - who added the European title to their World Cup crown in 2019 - in Saturday's opener, Sean Dancer's side will play Scotland and Spain in their other two Group A games on Monday and Wednesday.

A top-two finish in the group would seal a semi-final spot for Ireland, and while the Netherlands - who have not lost a European fixture in normal time since 2011 - will provide perhaps the sternest test from the outset, the Green Army have reason to be confident of advancing after having put nine goals past Scotland in two games when the sides met in May.

They also beat Spain in a shootout to reach the World Cup final so Dancer's side will know not to get too disheartened by a loss to the Dutch.

And Watkins, who is set to win her 227th Irish cap against the Dutch, believes a first run to the last four is an ambitious but achievable target.

"The European Championships are without doubt the hardest tournament in our calendar," said the Monkstown midfielder.

"Our best finish to date is fifth, so to say we have a semi-final opportunity is really ambitious but it's well within our ability as a team.

"It's probably our best chance at it and we're going to give it everything."

Team's legacy must be to play at tournaments - Mullan

Ireland captain Katie Mullan is similarly upbeat about the team's chances and hopes that a more positive showing against the Dutch can act as the launchpad for another run into the latter stages of a major tournament.

"Nobody has played a tournament in a long time, so I think there's going to be a few shocks," said Mullan.

"We have to be prepared for that but we're just excited to put into practice all the hard work we have done since September, a lot of hard work on a lot of cold days behind closed doors, so hopefully that shines through with the quality of hockey we will look to play at the Euros.

"I think teams will take us very seriously. There is no better opportunity to show that than in the first game against Holland.

"That first game will be about us finding our groove with tournament hockey again."


Mullan will lead Ireland out against the Dutch on Saturday

Mullan added: "The most important thing will be to put in a performance that we're proud of against Holland, that's the part we want to correct from when we played them a couple of years ago.

"2018 was our first time playing at one of the majors, so we have to make sure that the legacy of this team is to play at major tournaments.

"Going to the World Cup next summer is a huge priority so it's not a hard job keeping the girls focused on that."

Ireland women's squad for EuroHockey Championships

Ayeisha McFerran (SV Kampong, 100 caps), Lizzie Murphy (Loreto, 13), Michelle Carey (UCD, 0), Naomi Carroll (Catholic Institute, 111), Lizzie Colvin (Belfast Harlequins, 196), Nicci Daly (Loreto, 189), Nikki Evans (Old Alex, 198), Megan Frazer (Belfast Harlequins, 136), Sarah Hawkshaw (Railway Union, 33), Hannah Matthews (Loreto, 147), Shirley McCay (Pegasus, 306), Hannah McLoughlin (UCD, 14), Katie Mullan (Ballymoney, 193), Anna O'Flanagan (Muckross, 207), Lena Tice (Old Alex, 109), Roisin Upton (Catholic Institute, 76), Chloe Watkins (Monkstown, 226), Deirdre Duke (Old Alex, 141).

Travelling reserves: Sarah McAuley (Muckross, 0), Zara Malseed (Ards, 0).

Tournament details

Group A (world ranking): Netherlands (1st), Spain (7th), Ireland (8th), Scotland (22nd)
Group B: Germany (4th), England (5th), Belgium (12th), Italy (17th)

Ireland fixtures (all times BST)

5 June: Netherlands v Ireland, 14:30
7 June: Ireland v Scotland, 11.30
9 June: Ireland v Spain, 11.30
11 June: Semi-finals/relegation pool
12/13 June: Medal matches/relegation pool

BBC Sport

FIH statement on Oman appointed as hosts of the 2024 FIH Hockey5s World Cup



Hockey is an inclusive sport and FIH unequivocally promotes inclusion and diversity. This is a fundamental part of our values and principles, and applies to all FIH events, wherever they might be staged.

Oman is aware of FIH stance on inclusion and diversity and has ensured FIH that everybody will be welcome at the FIH Hockey5s World Cup, no matter their ethnical background, gender, sexual orientation or religion.

We will monitor this very closely with the Oman Hockey Association and the Omani authorities.

Sport is one of the universal languages which helps to build bridges and has proven on a number of occasions that it can be a catalyst for dialogue and positive change in society.  

FIH site

National Association's reaction

England

England Hockey Statement Regarding FIH Hockey 5s World Cup

England Hockey is very excited with the FIH’s plans to develop Hockey 5s. The FIH Hockey 5s World Cup being hosted in Oman has come as a surprise and we have written to the FIH to ask for clarity on the process and decision. This has been answered in some part by the recent FIH statement.

England Hockey are passionate about making the sport welcoming to everyone and inclusive to all communities. As it stands, the process for nations to qualify for the Hockey 5s World Cup has yet to begin. If England were to qualify, the Board would reserve their right to not participate, subject to fully understanding how the FIH and the Omani authorities are working towards making the event inclusive for players, officials and fans alike.

England Hockey Board Media release

Canada

Statement on FIH Appointment of Oman as Hosts of 2024 Hockey 5s World Cup

On June 3, 2021, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced Muscat, Oman as the host of the inaugural Hockey 5s World Cup. This decision has caused consternation across our international hockey community and Field Hockey Canada (FHC) shares this concern. Hockey across the globe is, and should continue to be, a diverse and inclusive sport. The FIH prides itself on being ‘Equally Amazing’ and FHC is proud to be part of an equally amazing sporting community.

FHC CEO Dr. Susan Ahrens said, “The fact remains that the rights of those in the LGBTQIA+ community are oppressed in Oman. This is a human rights issue. Since 1945, the United Nations have been clear that there should be ‘respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction.’ Whilst the statement made by the FIH today rightly recognizes the power of sport to elicit positive societal change, the caveat to this must also be clear: societal change is only possible when sport is used in a considered and purposeful manner and action is taken in support of promises for diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. The opposite is true when it is not.”

This month, FHC will be forming our own diversity, equity and inclusion committee as we continue to lead positive change in our sport in Canada through a values-based approach. We encourage the FIH to consider a similar committee which might guide future decision-making.

There is an opportunity for change to be harnessed through sport and we would encourage the FIH to either re-consider the decision to host in Oman or put in place a considered strategy towards reaching a much loftier goal in 2024 – that of social justice for the Omani people. We can and must do better.

Field Hockey Canada media release

Scotland

Scottish Hockey Statement Regarding FIH Hockey 5s World Cup

Scottish Hockey has welcomed plans by the FIH to develop Hockey 5s and as part of our strategic review we are planning how we move forward on this exciting new development.

We will be writing to the FIH to ask for clarity following the surprise announcement that the FIH Hockey 5s World Cup is being hosted in Oman, although this has been answered in some part by the recent FIH statement.

Scottish Hockey is committed to our values and is passionate about making the sport inclusive for everyone.

As it stands, the process for nations to qualify for the Hockey 5s World Cup has yet to begin. If Scotland were to qualify, the Scottish Hockey Board would reserve its right to not participate, subject to fully understanding how the FIH and the Omani authorities are working towards making the event inclusive for players, officials and fans alike.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

England Hockey ‘surprise’ at Oman hosting 5s World Cup


FIH hope Hockey 5s will attract new audience PIC: Buenos Aires 2018

England Hockey (EH) says it would pull out of the Hockey 5s World Cup if world hockey chiefs failed to do more to understand Oman’s stance on inclusivity.

The Hockey Paper asked England Hockey to comment on Friday morning following former captain Kate Richardson-Walsh’s critical stance on Oman being awarded the 2024 World Cup in Muscat.

Richardson-Walsh had said on Thursday night that “awarding tournaments to countries where being LGBTQ+ is illegal is incomprehensible.”

EH said in a statement: “The FIH Hockey 5s World Cup being hosted in Oman has come as a surprise and we have written to the FIH to ask for clarity on the process and decision.

“This has been answered in some part by the recent FIH statement.”


Hockey 5s will have first World Cup in 2024

The Rio gold medallist had handed in her resignation from the FIH athletes’ committee on Thursday night following the decision to award hosting rights to Oman.

EH asked the FIH and Omani organisers for more clarity in clear support of both Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh’s comments on social media.

The statement added: “England Hockey are passionate about making the sport welcoming to everyone and inclusive to all communities. As it stands, the process for nations to qualify for the Hockey 5s World Cup has yet to begin.

“If England were to qualify, the Board would reserve their right to not participate, subject to fully understanding how the FIH and the Omani authorities are working towards making the event inclusive for players, officials and fans alike.”

Oman is set to host the first Hockey 5s World Cup in January 2024. The FIH has stressed the need to take the shortened format to new destinations to widen the sport’s appeal and participation.

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The Hockey Paper

Canada urges FIH to reconsider Hockey 5s host or push for social change


Canada to form a diversity, equity and inclusion committee this month PIC: Field Hockey Canada

Field Hockey Canada has become the latest national body to pour scorn on the International Hockey Federation’s decision to award the first Hockey 5s World Cup to Oman.

On Friday, England Hockey expressed ‘surprise’ at hosting rights handed to Muscat, while Field Hockey Canada suggested that the FIH either reconsiders its decision or reach a goal of ‘social justice for the Omani people’ by 2024, when the January event is slated to take place.

“This decision has caused consternation across our international hockey community and Field Hockey Canada (FHC) shares this concern,” a statement read. “Hockey across the globe is, and should continue to be, a diverse and inclusive sport. The FIH prides itself on being ‘Equally Amazing’ and FHC is proud to be part of an equally amazing sporting community.”

FHC chief executive Dr. Susan Ahrens said: “The fact remains that the rights of those in the LGBTQIA+ community are oppressed in Oman. This is a human rights issue.

“Since 1945, the United Nations have been clear that there should be ‘respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction.’

“Whilst the statement made by the FIH today rightly recognises the power of sport to elicit positive societal change, the caveat to this must also be clear: societal change is only possible when sport is used in a considered and purposeful manner and action is taken in support of promises for diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. The opposite is true when it is not.”

Field Hockey said it will form a diversity, equity and inclusion committee this month and it “encouraged” the FIH to consider a similar committee which might guide future decision-making.


Oman has been criticised after being awarded Hockey 5s World Cup

A spokesperson added: “There is an opportunity for change to be harnessed through sport and we would encourage the FIH to either re-consider the decision to host in Oman or put in place a considered strategy towards reaching a much loftier goal in 2024 – that of social justice for the Omani people. We can and must do better.”

Meanwhile, there were contrasting statements from Oman on being awarded the World Cup which failed to mention that women were competing in the dual gender event.

In a release by the Asia Hockey Federation – and noted by the Reverse Stick podcast – Oman Hockey Association President Captain Talib Al Wahaibi said: “I am very pleased, delighted, and grateful – We happily undertake this great responsibility to deliver the first ever FIH Men’s Hockey 5s World Cup at the highest possible standard and we will provide the state-of-the-art conditions for the athletes.”

The release issued by the FIH did state men and women in Al Wahaibi’s statement.

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The Hockey Paper

Junior High Performance Staff Names Rise & U-21 USWNT Head Coaches

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - USA Field Hockey is pleased to announce the head coaches of the U.S. Rise and U-21 Women’s National Team programs for 2021-22. Ralph Boersma has been named the Rise USWNT Head Coach and Tracey Paul will serve as the U-21 USWNT Head Coach, both on a volunteer basis.

“We are delighted to be able to appoint both Ralph and Tracey to these important roles in our Olympic Development Pathway,” said Phil Edwards, USA Field Hockey’s Senior Manager of Coaching and Performance. “They have both done excellent jobs as assistant coaches within the program over the last two years and we look forward to continuing to work with them as they deliver world class programming to both the women’s Rise and U-21 teams.”



After previously serving as the assistant coach in 2018 and 2019, Boersma will now be at the helm of the Rise USWNT as the head coach. The Netherlands native boasts a wealth of prior coaching experience, having spent several years overseeing teams for the HV Victoria hockey club in Rotterdam.

Boersma started his coaching career at HC Hoeksche Waard back in 2011. Two years later he traveled to the United States where he worked with players at the Total Dutch Field Hockey club in New Jersey and then in the summer of 2014 trained athletes in the Virginia Beach, Va. area.

He joined the Duke University coaching staff in March 2017 as an assistant coach. In his first two season, Boersma culminated back-to-back trips to the NCAA Quarterfinals. In 2018 he was named the U-19 USWNT assistant coach and renamed in 2019.

Boersma holds a Royal Dutch Hockey Association (KNHB) Hockey Trainer Level 3 and Level 4, International Hockey Federation (FIH) Level 3 and USA Field Hockey Level 2 certifications.

“I want to thank USA Field Hockey for the opportunities they have given me throughout the years,” commented Boersma. “I am honored and thankful to be named the head coach of the Rise team. I am excited to help these ambitious athletes reach their field hockey goals and hopefully develop them into future Olympians!”

“I want to thank Phil and Craig for their confidence in me and I look forward to build upon ‘The USA Way’ vision and foundation they have created. I also want to thank my head coach, Pam Bustin. Her passion and pride for USA Field Hockey as an alum is inspiring and her mentorship over the last 4 years has helped me become a better coach every day.”

Boersma will coach an individual team at the Young Women’s National Championship and continue to lead the Rise USWNT program into 2022.



Paul was appointed the U-21 USWNT Head Coach after serving as the assistant in 2019. A native of New Zealand, she began her coaching career in the United States in the San Diego area at San Pasqual High School. Throughout the 1990’s, Paul was the head coach of the Southern California Futures site, a regional selector and a National Futures Tournament California team coach. In 1998-99, she worked as an assistant for the U-16 USWNT and served as a coach/selector for the U.S. Men's National Team program. She was honored as the 1997-98 California State Coach of the Year.

Paul is a 21-season veteran of the Boston University coaching staff, helping the Terriers earn a combined 20 conference tournament and regular-season titles as well as eight NCAA Tournament appearances. After serving several years as a coach in New England High Performance, she served as the head coach of the New England Junior High Performance Center in 2016 and 2018. In 2017 and 2018, she coached at the Young Women’s National Championship and was the head coach of the New England Junior High Performance squad. From 2015-16, she was an assistant coach for the U-19 USWNT and an assistant for the New England U-16 Team that competed at the 2016 National Futures Championship. Under Paul’s tutelage at BU and San Pasqual, several athletes have gone on to earn spots on the USWNT rosters.

“I am thrilled and honored to accept this appointment and continue working with our incredible U-21 athletes,” said Paul. “It’s exciting to head a group with so much potential while supporting the development of the next generation of USWNT players and building on the work of the athletes and that of the previous head coach, Jarred Martin. I would like to thank USA Field Hockey’s leadership for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to moving the U-21 squad ahead on a path to international success.”

Paul will coach an individual team at the Young Women’s National Championship as well as the U-21 USWNT in a summer series prior to preparation for the women’s 2021 Junior Pan American Championship. That tournament will take place August 16 to 29 in Santiago, Chile is a qualifier for the Junior World Cup, which will be held in South Africa in December.

“Thank you, of course, to the outgoing head coaches, Ole Keusgen and Jarred Martin, for sharing their expertise with the playing group and coaches,” added Edwards. “They have both left great foundations upon which to build on.”

USFHA media release

Hockey India pays tribute to Usman Khan as ‘very stylish’ left-winger passes away at 76

Khan breathed his last in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh after a long battle with cancer.

New Delhi: Former India hockey player Usman Khan has died after a prolonged battle with cancer, the sport's governing body in the country said on Friday while condoling his death.

Khan was 76 and survived by three sons and a daughter.

Expressing his condolences to Khan's family, HI president Gyanendro Ningombam said, "We are deeply saddened to learn about the demise of former India player Usman Khan. He is remembered for his excellent abilities as a left-winger and was a very stylish player in those times.

"On behalf of Hockey India, I extend our deepest condolences to his family in this moment of grief," he said in a press release.

He breathed his last in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh after a long battle with cancer.

Khan, a retired assistant commissioner of Customs, Chennai, was a stylish left winger. He played hockey at the Madrasi Azam Ground before shifting to Kolkata, where joined the Customs.

In Kolkata, Khan played for the Calcutta Customs and also represented Bengal in the national hockey championships for several years.

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