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FIH Match Centre
Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Spotlight on China
In the latest of our Olympic Spotlight series we focus on China women, who took the silver medal at Beijing 2008 and secured qualification for Tokyo 2020 with a dramatic shoot-out victory over Belgium in the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in 2019.
China Head coach Yang Wang has every reason to believe that this rapidly improving team can outperform expectations in Japan. There is certainly plenty of quality players to call upon, including Cui Qiuxia, a hugely experienced defender with a reputation for being utterly fearless. The Olympic training squad also contained two world class shot stoppers in Li Dongxiao (nominee: FIH Goalkeeper of the Year 2015) and Ye Jiao (nominee: FIH Goalkeeper of the Year 2018), while outfield player Zhong Jiaqi was nominated for the 2019 FIH Rising Star of the Year award.
Ahead of their quest for a medal in Tokyo, we caught up with China co-captains Cui Qiuxia and Peng Yang to get their thoughts and feelings about the upcoming Olympiad.
Cui Qiuxia and Peng Yang, thank you so much for talking to us. It may have been delayed by a year, but the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is getting close. Despite the delay and all the challenges surrounding the covid situation, you and your team must be very excited. Can you tell us how you are feeling about it all?
Cui Qiuxia: “In the past year, with the covid-19 pandemic, every day has been difficult. It has not been an easy thing for all of us to stay healthy. As we enter the Tokyo Olympics, I’m glad we did it. The Tokyo Olympics is coming soon, and me and my team are doing safe shielding. We are very excited. We are looking forward to having an excellent performance in Tokyo.
Peng Yang: “We are all pretty excited and looking forward to playing in Tokyo.”
What does representing your country at an Olympic Games mean to you?
Cui Qiuxia: “To me, it is a great honour to represent my country in the Olympics. It is the most wonderful place to realise a dream.”
Peng Yang: “For me, it will be one of the most incredible moments of my life.”
As always at an Olympics, every match is difficult! The focus will be on getting out of a pool containing Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Spain and Japan to reach the quarter-finals. What are your thoughts about the pool phase?
Cui Qiuxia: “Every opponent in the Olympics is strong. We all face tough opponents, and every match will be challenging. We need to focus on our tactics and play with more efficiency to earn more chances. I cannot wait to start the Games. I think we are very well prepared now.”
Peng Yang: “I’m looking forward to playing every game in our pool, because all the matches are interesting for us.”
Finally, what would it mean to you to win an Olympic medal?
Cui Qiuxia: “If we win a medal at the Olympics, I think it would be amazing. I really want to know what it feels like to win a medal in field hockey. [if we win a medal] we will have more support and have positive plans here in China. It will hugely help the sporting level [of hockey] in China.”
Peng Yang: “It would mean a big step forward for Chinese hockey.”
The hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will take place from Saturday 24 July to Friday 6 August 2021. Both the men’s and women’s competitions feature 12 teams, split into two pools of six ahead of quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches. For more information about the hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, visit https://tokyo2020.org/en/sports/hockey/.
#Tokyo2020
#StrongerTogether
#HockeyInvites
FIH site
Olympic hockey set for behind closed doors as Tokyo spectators banned
Hockey Olympians will play in front of no spectators at the Oi Stadium as the Olympics effectively turned into a TV-only Games.
It followed the news on Thursday that all spectators would be banned from attending Olympic events in Tokyo after the Japanese government declared a state of emergency over rising infections.
“Many people were looking forward to watching the games at the venues, but I would like everyone to fully enjoy watching the games on TV at home,” Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike said. “It’s gut-wrenching because many people looked forward to watching at the venues.”
Last month, Games organisers put in place plans to allow venues to be 50 per cent full, up to a maximum of 10,000 people.
The capacity of the North and South pitch is 10,000 and 5,000 respectively, but the stands will remain empty for the duration.
Andy Anson, British Olympic Association chief executive, said: “We have a lot of sadness and regret for the Japanese people in particular, because it’s a massive thing to host an Olympic Games. I find it very sad for them that they aren’t going to have the experiences we had at London 2012.”
The Oi Hockey Stadium, Tokyo
“It’s sad that there aren’t any fans, but the competition is going to be as intense as ever. That’s the main reason for it to go ahead. It’s not about greed, it’s about something that funds the whole Olympic sporting ecosystem around the world.”
With both GB hockey teams qualifying, Team GB’s squad of 201 female and 175 male athletes will be the biggest for a non-home Olympics.
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Helen Richardson-Walsh: ‘Dutch Ladies are ruthless’
In just over two weeks, on July 24, the hockey tournament at the Olympic Games in Tokyo will start. With prominent figures from the hockey world, we have been looking forward for weeks to the battle for the highest hockey gold. Today we speak to the former English hockey player Helen Richardson-Walsh (39), who won gold with Great Britain in Rio in 2016 at the expense of the Orange Women. Today, the 293-time international works as a hockey commentator.
Former hockey goalkeeper Edwards is all praise for Manpreet and Co.
The 52-year-old Edwards feels the current men's hockey team that will compete at the Tokyo Games is the fittest ever from the country.
V.V. Subrahmanyam
Hockey Olympian Alloysius Edwards at Gymkhana Ground in Hyderabad. - V.V. SUBRAHMANYAM
Former India hockey goalkeeper Alloysius Edwards feels that the Manpreet Singh-led Indian hockey men's team in next month’s Tokyo Olympics is the best and the fittest from the country ever to compete at the Games.
The 52-year-old Edwards, who led in the Azlan Shah Trophy once, should know it better having been with the Indian team for close to 15 years - twice in the Olympic camps (1988 and 1992) - before finally making it to the 1996 Atlanta Games.
“This Indian team has the youth and class and I am pretty confident that the first-time Olympians will all be excited to give off their best and that in the process should only help the team’s cause,” he said in a chat with Sportstar.
“This team is capable of beating the best and fitness is the key unlike in the past. And, that they could maintain such high levels despite the pandemic is a tribute to their hard work and determination,” he said.
The Punjab & Sind Bank Manager takes pride in revealing that it was he as the junior national selector in 2004 who insisted that goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh was given the exposure.
“He showed a lot of talent and skills too. The top brass in the IHF was not keen but I stood my ground and I am glad that Sreejesh is now the best goalkeeper,” Edwards said.
“Honestly, picking Sreejesh as the only goalkeeper in the squad might also be too harsh on him. There will be pressure for sure on him, more so because he has to stay away from injuries and be extra safe might also not let him display his robust style of goalkeeping,” he explained.
"I also feel good to see midfielder Hardik Singh in the squad for Tokyo for he was another player pushed by me during my junior national selector's stint," he said.
“And, picking only one goalie for the Olympics should also be disheartening for the other contenders who could have hoped for the second slot. They should not be faulted if they were left wondering whether it was worth training so hard and giving off their best in all the major events when this kind of selection takes place,” Edwards said.
“Frankly, I was disheartened then (in 1988 and 1992) but never gave up putting in the best efforts in all the tournaments that I played later on,” he said.
“And, when I finally got the nod for Atlanta, my joy knew no bounds. I went to Velankanni with my family and tonsured our heads. Even my wife gave up her long hair. All this shows that it is not just the athlete who takes pride in getting that Olympics blazer but the entire family,” he said.
“Oh! The Atlanta Olympics is the most unforgettable experience. Watching the great Mohammed Ali lighting the Olympic Torch, Dream Team of basketball, and so many big names from other disciplines. It made me feel in the Games Village that I too belonged to that big family like a small member. The aura was different,” Edwards said.
“Then, came the 2000 Sydney Olympics. I was in the team, attended the one-month camp in Brisbane before the Games and then went to Sydney Games Village. I had everything - the kit, the jersey (No. 12), the blazer and the will-power backed all the years of training and hard work,” he recalled.
“I sacrificed everything for what I thought would be the moment of reckoning in my career. Then, I faced the shock of my life when I was replaced. I was told that I could stay back, but I was shattered. I could not stay there. It was a humiliating experience. It was abysmal and flew back distraught,” Edwards said.
“Never thought my career as a player would undergo such dramatic change in four years and that too after being in the Olympics squad. I wish and pray to God that those kinds of humiliations should never be meted out to any athlete,” he concluded.
Sportstar
The story behind Zimbabwe’s hockey Golden Girls
Sixty-six countries boycotted the 1980 Olympics in Moscow in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
Although that left a whole lot of medals for the Soviets to win, it also meant that the competition needed some augmenting.
Take women’s hockey: Five of the six teams scheduled to play in the competition, including the United States, participated in the boycott, so organisers scrambled for replacements.
They were able to call upon Czechoslovakia, India, Australia, and Poland, all countries thathad been eliminated in qualifying. But that still left one team. Here’s an idea: How about we call Zimbabwe?
When the country was known as Rhodesia, it competed in three Olympics.
But it was banned from participating in 1972 after other African nations pressured the IOC not to recognise Rhodesia’s racist, white-minority government. Independent Zimbabwe came into being in 1980, and it was again eligible for Olympic competition.
The Zimbabwean women’s field hockey team, however, remained all white. The roster was composed of former members of the Rhodesian national team, which, in keeping with the previous government’s policies, had barred any black players.
The Zimbabweans were nowhere near ready to play. They had six weeks to practice and had never trained on artificial turf. The team relied on amateur players. Ann Grant was a bookkeeper. Christine Prinsloo was an insuranceunderwriter.
Their coach, Anthea Stewart, also played. Despite the rush to come together — and flying to Moscow in a plane normally used forshipping meat — the Zimbabweans excelled. They won three games and managed a draw in two others. Pat McKillop was tied for the tournament lead in scoring, with six goals.
At half-time of the final against Austria, the Zimbabwean minister of sport came onto the field. He told the team that if they won, each player would receive an ox. With that extra bit of motivation, they prevailed 4–1 and would take the gold medal, the very first ever for Zimbabwe.
“It still feels like a dream standing on that podium,” said McKillop. Nicknamed the Golden Girls, they returned to their country as heroes. But they would not get a chance to defend their crown. In 1984, all the traditional field hockey powers were back at the Games, making this golden opportunity a once-in-a-lifetime shot at glory.
Excerpt from Total Olympics: Every Obscure, Hilarious, Dramatic, and Inspiring Tale Worth Knowing by Jeremy Fuchs (Workman). © 2020.
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Junior Africa Hockey Cup cancelled
COVID-19 has put paid to Namibia's hopes of hosting the Junior Africa Cup hockey tournament, with the Africa Hockey Federation announcing that the tournament had been cancelled.
Namibia was due to host the tournament from 14 to 22 August, but due to the escalating Covid-19 situation, it has now been cancelled.
"The Africa Hockey Federation (AfHF) recently received several updates from the Namibia Hockey Union (NHU) as host of the Junior Africa Cup (JAC) 2021 for men and women, re the Covid-19 developments in Namibia preventing NHU from committing to the hosting of the JAC 2021 (M/W) at the above-mentioned dates,” it said in a press release.
"Moreover, Namibia's president's speech of 30 June 2021 about the escalating Covid-19 situation and followed by Covid-19 measures of public health restrictions made it impossible for the JAC 2021 to take place on the planned August 2021 dates; such dates being originally postponed from March 2021 by a special extension from the FIH and not subject to any further extensions,” the press release added.
With this year's qualifying tournament for the Junior World Cup now being cancelled, the AfHF announced that the 2016 African champions and runners-up will now qualify automatically for the Junior World Cup.
The men's qualifiers are the defending champions Egypt and the runners-up South Africa, while the women's champions are South Africa and the runners-up Zimbabwe.
"The AfHF has been forced to take this decision given the unfortunate news of the highly contagious Covid-19 variant hitting Namibia and the surrounding countries and the impossibility of having another postponement based on valid reasons as discussed with the FIH.
"This decision has been taken with a heavy heart keeping in mind its impact mostly on our young players amongst all stakeholders. The safety and wellbeing of our players, coaches, officials, administrators and fans remain our top priority,” it added.
The men's JAC will be held in India from 25 November to 5 December 2021, while the women's JAC will be held in South Africa from 5 to 16 December 2021.
The Namibian
A humble request from Nor Saiful to MHC
By Jugjet Singh
TNB development coach Nor Saiful Zaini said he would like to request for a modification to the age-limit rule. -NSTP/HAIRUL ANUAR RAHIM
While requesting for a small change, Tenaga Nasional are all for the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) to use this year's Junior Hockey League (JHL) as a selection base for the 2023 men's Junior World Cup (JWC) that the country will be hosting.
TNB development coach Nor Saiful Zaini said he would like to request for a modification to the age-limit rule.
Earlier this week, MHC had announced they will organise the JHL (for boys and girls) on Nov 26 to Jan 2, and the Razak Cup on Nov 10-20. But instead of the usual Under-19 age limit, it will be Under-21 this time.
TNB have five JHL teams under their wings: defending double champions Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School, Bukit Jalil Sports School, Anderson School, Temerloh Sports School and SM Kuala Selangor, who have an artificial pitch.
"The 2023 Junior World Cup is an under-21 tournament. So, we need to start developing Under-19 players who will be eligible to play in the tournament.
"It was announced on Wednesday that MHC will turn the JHL into an Under-21 event instead of Under-19.
"In my opinion, this will start a mad scramble among some teams to recruit as many Under-21 players as possible to lay their hands on titles while those in the 19 and below bracket will be overlooked.
"So, my humble request is that MHC include a quota system where each team are only allowed to recruit a certain number of Under-21 players while the rest must be Under-19 so that more talent for the JWC can be scouted and recruited.
"By 2023, only the present Under-19 players will turn 21 and eligible to play in the JWC," said Nor Saiful.
Schools also might find it difficult to register Under-21 players who have left the system and are in universities.
"If clubs like Terengganu HT, UniKL and Petaling Jaya City Council register for this season's JHL, I believe they will recruit many Under-21 players and this will defeat the purpose of development for 2023.
"For school teams, which are normally the majority in JHL, they will not be able to challenge for titles if this happens.
"So, I believe a quota system, like four Under-21 players in each team, will benefit the tournament as well as the nation," said Nor Saiful.
New Straits Times
Chris Duncan and Vikki Bunce confirmed as interim coaching team for Scotland women
Scottish Hockey is pleased to announce that Chris Duncan will be interim Head Coach for the Scotland Women’s National Team, with Vikki Bunce continuing as Assistant Coach. This follows Jen Wilson’s decision not to seek to renew her contact as Head Coach, which expires at the end of August.
Chris and Vikki will lead Scotland women into the World Cup qualifiers in October, after which recruitment for a permanent Head Coach will begin.
Having been assistants to Jen Wilson over the past three years in the Scotland Women’s National Team coaching setup, Chris and Vikki have played an integral in the team’s growth and success during this time.
Chris Duncan said, “Having been involved in the senior programme as an Assistant Coach over the past three years, I have had some amazing memories and experiences. To be given the opportunity to lead the team as Head Coach through to the World Cup qualifiers is a tremendous honour and a privilege that I am really looking forward to.
“I would like to thank Scottish Hockey for entrusting me to lead the programme in the interim. I am also pleased to have a wonderful support team alongside me to support the squad for the challenges ahead.
“The group of players are hugely committed and immensely driven to succeed, so it is an exciting opportunity for us all to try and create history over the next few months and shoot for the moon by qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. There is a wealth of potential in the squad and I look forward to building on the strong foundations which are already in place.
“On a personal note, I am immensely thankful to The Edinburgh Academy, for supporting me to take on this role.”
Scottish Hockey’s Head of Performance Andy Tennant added, “I would also like to place on record our sincere thanks to The Edinburgh Academy for supporting Chris’s ongoing development – and would like to reiterate my thanks to Jen Wilson for the outstanding contribution she has made to the programme in her three year tenure.
“As one door closes, however, another opens – and I am pleased that we have reached agreement for Chris and Vikki to step up and support the group through to the World Cup qualifiers in October. I am also delighted Elsie Walker has also agreed to continue as Team Manager – and we will look to add specialist coaching support to complement the support team in the near future.”
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Harris Appointed USMNT Assistant Coach & U-21 Head Coach
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Field Hockey is pleased to announce that Pat Harris has been named the U.S. Men’s National Team Assistant Coach and U-21 USMNT Head Coach. A current athlete on the squad, he will serve in a dual role on the senior team while playing and coaching.
"I believe the appointment of Pat Harris as an assistant coach of USMNT and head coach of U-21/22 is a great move,” said Harry Singh, USMNT Head Coach. “I know it will be a joy to work with Pat because of his positive attitude and ability to never give up as an athlete. His commitment and empathy are a value not just for me, but also for other staff and players. Pat is an excellent ambassador of [field] hockey not only in the United States but also across globe. His immense experience playing and coaching in Europe, one of the top hockey playing countries, will be great assets for team learning. I am absolutely confident that Pat will bring a rich experience, not only will he bring the kind of skills and experiences we're looking for, but he will also add an extraordinary tool for our team."
Harris will be responsible for supporting the USMNT in all aspects of the high-performance environment around the team including psychological, tactical and technical development. He will evaluate athletes and provide performance analysis during events. As the U-21 USMNT Head Coach he will introduce and develop high-level techniques and training principles that align with “The USA Way”. He will assist with the evaluation of athletes and work with the Junior High Performance team to ensure effective integration of coaching and support for all athletes.
Harris has an extensive coaching resume on top of his lengthy one as an athlete. He got his start training and mentoring athletes from Louisville High School in California in 2006. He thrived in consulting individuals in player development, and this evolved his collaboration and future into coaching. In 2009, he became a field hockey coach for Laren Mixed Hockey Club in The Netherlands where he worked with multiple teams, but most notably led the U-16 boys to one of their most successful seasons and a district championship.
In 2012, Harris became part of the Mannheimer Hockey Club in Germany has both a coach and player. Assisting as a coach/mentor during his time there, he used his experience to contribute to developing male youth ranging in age from 12 to 18.
Harris shifted clubs in 2020 to Koninklikke Hockey Club Leuven in Belgium. He currently works with the U-11 Boys I, U-15 Girls I and U-16 Boys I teams.
Harris is the most capped men’s athlete for both the indoor and outdoor programs. A member of the outdoor squad since 2000, he has accumulated 150 international matches for the red, white and blue and has been a prominent name on the senior squad. On top of countless series and tours, he played in two Pan American Cups, two Pan American Games and the FIH Hockey World League/Hockey Series, while earning a few personal accolades along the way.
On the indoor side, Harris has been a member of the team since 2002, and he just recently played in his 50th international match, making him the highest capped men’s indoor athlete. He has competed in five Indoor Pan American Cups for USA and was on the squad that won the event in 2008 that qualified them for the FIH Hockey Indoor World Cup.
Harris received his bachelor’s degree in Sport Science and Wellness in 2016 and master’s degree in Sport Management in 2018, both from California University of Pennsylvania.
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity,” commented Harris. “Being involved with USA Field Hockey as a coach has always been something in the back of mind, something I wanted to pursue. I’m excited to have the chance work with such an experienced professional as Harry and hopefully will be able give back to the sport that has given me so much!”
Harris will lead the U-21/22 USMNT at the men’s Junior Pan American Championship taking place August 21 to 28 in Santiago, Chile, with the assistance of USMNT Head Coach Harry Singh.
Join USA Field Hockey in welcoming Harris to the coaching staff of the USMNT.
USFHA media release
Former star player poised to be top hockey coach
Siabonga Martins in action for Windhoek Old Boys. File photo
SIYABONGA Martins was part of the golden generation of young black players who took the Namibian hockey scene by storm during the early 1990s and the 2000s.
“I can only thank my lucky stars for making my mark on the Namibian hockey map as a player of colour, starting with my days as a Unam hockey team player until the years that I played for the highly experienced Old Boys hockey team.
“I first started playing football for the Namibia Primary School at Katutura. I got injured during the Khomas regional trials, and with no assistance from my school, my father covered the medical bill and persuaded me to pick another sports code,” he says.
Martins is, however, quick to add that success did not come on a silver platter.
Erwin Handura, who was the development coach assigned to his primary school, 'discovered' the pacey midfielder-forward through the Standard Bank-sponsored Hockey Development Programme, which involved 10 schools at Katutura.
“It was not easy to break into the ranks on national level, because hockey was a predominantly white sport at the time and it was tough, but the players were just too willing to learn. The Unam team became a powerful team, and even dominated all the leagues at stake,” Handura says.
Martins won everything at stake with the Unam team, including 12 outdoor and 13 indoor titles, meaning the former junior star won 25 national titles altogether.
Aided by his football skills, he became a toast of Namibian hockey, together with the other young players like Rodney Martins, Heinrich Swartbooi, Steven Swartbooi and Bentley Tsuseb.
Martins' good form took him to the South African Varsity Cup with the Unam hockey team in 2003, because there was nothing more to play for in Namibia after dominating the local hockey league for so long.
“Handura was a player-coach with the Unam team, and he had a vision to help Unam hockey develop, so he recruited players from different schools at Katutura to give them extra training, and introduced them to the club scene. I started as a midfielder at the time.
“However, as the years progressed I converted to a forward. I got my break onto the first team after one of the senior players needed a break, and I grabbed the chance with both hands,” Martins says.
He made his international debut against Botswana scoring a goal during the 17-0 drubbing of our eastern neighbours during the under-21 test match played in Windhoek in the early 1990s.
Martins went on to represent Namibia at five All Africa Games, and considers the match against Egypt in 2005 as his best game for the country.
IN PURSUIT OF A COACHING BADGE
The exciting forward may have been lost to Namibian hockey, but he is still playing the game in the United Kingdom (UK) for Ashford Hockey Club in Middlesex, England.
Martins is on a semi-professional contract as the UK allows him to do his Euro coaching badge.
He is currently on holiday in Namibia, but is expected to return to England before the preseason starts on 18 August.
Martins is still contracted to the Old Boys and plays for them when back home in Windhoek.
He also coaches the Windhoek Gymnasium field hockey team and manages their astro turf.
“It is quite hectic at the moment, because I am playing and coaching at the same time, because I am also busy with my Euro coaching badge. Now that is really the passport to elevating my life.
“My wish is to still complete my coaching badge this year. I am also an international umpire and my dream is to officiate at top international matches.”
GIVING HIS CHILDREN THE BEST
“I never forget that I am a father and, although I am away from home a lot, technology has made it easier for me to be able to communicate and stay in touch with my little ones and family at large,” he says.
“I know it is not always good for the children, but I have to do what I do to give them a better life. I love all my children a lot,” he says.
Martins attributes his longevity in the game to hard work and determination.
He says he is lucky he is still playing, but his long-term goal is to do coaching and umpiring.
Martins says Joseph Kashamako had the biggest influence on his career.
Kashamako used to be his club and national team captain, while Buck Bartlett, who is now his best friend and teammate at Old Boys, was his toughest opponent on the pitch.
The Namibian
SA Hockey pay tribute to Richard Dolley
The news of the passing of Richard Dolley came as a shock to so many of us. Even realizing that Richard struggled with his health over the last few weeks none of us expected that the call from up yonder would come for Richard, a husband, father, brother, uncle, family member, friend to many and one of us in the South African hockey community. Some of us that has walked through the proverbial minefield of South African sport with Richard will always vouch for his dedication and his believe in the principles of non-racial sport, as espoused by SACOS. Richard, although reluctant as times, understood that sport had to move along with the politics of the time. This never allowed him to be less critical of matters, when wrongs, were committed, and insisted that redress had to happen. Richard was not complicated as so many wanted to believe, he always had the interest of sport at heart.
Further, he was never found wanting to be a mere spectator from the sidelines. He rolled up his sleeves and got involved. Always seeking to be part of a solution or solutions. For this we respected him even more. He served hockey with distinction at levels ranging from schools, club, provincial and national in capacities that included coaching and selection panels. I was reminded that when he coached the S A u/21 men’s hockey team to Zimbabwe and the mode of transport was a local kombi taxi. Unfortunately, the taxi ran out of fuel some distance from the pitch. The driver wanted the team management to pay for the trip so that he could go to a service station to buy fuel, return and the trip could continue. Richard instructed the team to push the kombi to the service station. What is never mentioned in this story is that Richard, the Coach, and Wendell Domingo, the Manager, remained in the taxi whilst it was pushed. That was the day hockey stopped being a team sport.
Richard had an outstanding playing career in hockey, cricket and football. I must confess that the football part I did not know previously. I am glad the football part did not last an exceedingly long time after his tertiary days because hockey and cricket would not have enjoyed so much of his time and dedication. His performance records are preserved to bear testimony of his talents. His passion for sport was the very grit of the of the Dolley family DNA. It is borne out by his offspring.
Richard was politically astute and tried his hand at a local level. The political, social and civil issues he stood for in those early years were way beyond those of his political partners. One of his favorite comments to me when trying to understand the local politics was, particularly in the provision of services for the people, I told them these things many years ago. Richard has left an indelible imprint on the lives of many people. The respect he has gained throughout his sporting career as well as in his career as a teacher and leader of the profession knew no bounds.
The one uncompleted task Richard has set himself to achieve, was his ambition to record and publish the history of non-establishment hockey from the beginning up to the unity processes in South African Sport. We could never find the finances for this project. I hope that somebody will soon take on this project and see it to completion.
Richard, today we salute your memory and trust that your legacy will live for a long time. My life has been enriched by knowing you. Your commitment and service to life has been a beacon of honesty and trust. Our condolences are with Bernie, Corbyn and Brad, his siblings Gerald, Sandra, Rodney, Trevor and Gary. Be assured, Richard has paid his dues and leaves us with no debt, for he has done more than many wished they could. GOD Bless.
Charles K Smith
SA Hockey Association media release