News for 27 July 2022
All the news for Wednesday 27 July 2022
Black Sticks women chasing rare back-to-back gold at Commonwealth Games
Brendon Egan
New Zealand’s Rose Keddell celebrates scoring a goal in the gold medal match against Australia at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Scott Barbour/Getty Images
Who could forget the scenes at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre four years ago?
India have unfinished business at the Commonwealth Games, believes Indian hockey coach Graham Reid
Reid was not the coach of the Indian team at the Gold Coast Games, but he did see them play at the event. He refuses to compare that side of 2018 to this 2022 team, which last year won a medal at an Olympics after 41 years.
Amit Kamath
The Indian men's hockey ended a 41-year medal drought by clinching the bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. (Image credit: Twitter/@reidgj)
When the Indian men's hockey team takes the turf at the University of Birmingham Hockey and Squash Centre to begin their campaign at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, they will have a bit of unfinished business to take care of believes India coach Graham Reid. While the Indian men's national team has never won gold at the CWG, they finished outside the podium places at the Gold Coast Games four years ago after losing the semi-final to New Zealand, before losing the bronze medal playoff to England. It was a setback for the side that had won silver at the previous two editions.
PR Sreejesh eyes a memorable swansong
"Another Commonwealth Games is a tricky one because in another four years, I don't think I will be able to sustain," Sreejesh said.
PR Sreejesh in action against Spain on Sunday (Hockey India)
PR Sreejesh feels his chequered international career resembles Malayali staple 'Avial' - a mixed curry of 13 vegetables. At 34 and in the twilight zone, all that is left for Sreejesh is to tick a couple of boxes in a career that has been filled with numerous ups and a few downs.
Former Indian Forward Jyoti Sunita Kullu Relives 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games Glory
The 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games gold-winning feat is perhaps one of the biggest moments of Indian women’s hockey. The Indian hockey eves wasn’t probably considered good enough to go all the distance after their fourth-place finish at the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games. To be honest, not many would have put their ‘money’ on the Blueskirts, especially if their pool phase performance was anything to go by – the Indian women dished out a sloppy solitary goal win over Canada in their tournament opener, and then went down tam
Alan Forsyth: Scotland's hockey captain admits Olympic snub still rankles as he prepares for Birmingham 2022
Team Scotland hockey captain Alan Forsyth says he will never get over being overlooked for Tokyo last year as he prepares to lead out his nation at his fourth Commonwealth Games.
By Alec McQuarrie
Team Scotland hockey captain Alan Forsyth celebrates scoring a goal during the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Forsyth, who was only selected as a reserve for the Olympic Games last summer, is still devastated by the decision and may face his GB teammates in Birmingham later this month.
British coach to lead Ghana against England
Ali Ghazanfar will coach both men's and women's teams in Birmingham PIC:Ali Ghazanfar/Facebook
A British coach has been tasked with overseeing the Ghana men’s and women’s teams at the Commonwealth Games.
FIH President and EB members elections: nominations deadline set for 26 August
Lausanne, Switzerland: The deadline to receive nominations for the elections to the position of FIH President and to the four open positions of EB Ordinary Member has been set for 26 August 2022 (midnight CEST).
FIH sets August 26 deadline for Presidency nominations
By Ali Iveson
©Getty Images
A deadline of August 26 has been set for nominations to be the next International Hockey Federation (FIH) President.
Hockey World Cup in India under threat after FIH rejects HI’s proposal to hold elections in 20 weeks: Reports
Meanwhile, a three-member FIH delegation led by newly-appointed acting president Seif Ahmed is also expected to visit India on August 15.
Ritesh Pathak
(Picture Credit: Twitter)
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is irked about the Delhi High Court-appointed Committee of Administrators’ (CoA) decision of giving 20 weeks turnaround time to Hockey India to adopt a new Constitution and put in place a duly recognized and democratically-elected board. The global body has also threatened the Indian board with taking away the hosting rights for the Men’s Hockey World Cu p slated to be held next year.
Drake Names 2022-23 U.S. Women’s National Team Roster
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Following evaluation at the Senior Nexus Championship (NXC), presented by Osaka Hockey, and throughout last year, U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Greg Drake and his staff have named the 2022-23 U.S. Women’s National Team roster. This newly named 38-athlete squad is comprised of familiar names and a depth of experience, but also a mix of young, emerging talent.
EuroHockey Junior Championship 2022 - 27 July
Ghent, Belgium
All times GMT +2
Men
26 Jul 2022 16:30 ESP v SCO (Pool A) 8 - 1
26 Jul 2022 18:45 ENG v BEL (Pool A) 1 - 2
27 Jul 2022 11:00 FRA v GER (Pool B)
27 Jul 2022 11:00 NED v AUT (Pool B)
27 Jul 2022 15:30 BEL v SCO (Pool A)
27 Jul 2022 15:30 ESP v ENG (Pool A)
Pool standings
Women
26 Jul 2022 12:00 IRL v SCO (Pool B) 2 - 2
26 Jul 2022 14:15 GER v ENG (Pool B) 2 - 1
7 Jul 2022 13:15 IRL v GER (Pool B)
27 Jul 2022 13:15 ENG v SCO (Pool B)
27 Jul 2022 17:45 BEL v ESP (Pool A)
27 Jul 2022 17:45 NED v WAL (Pool A)
Pool standings
FIH Match Centre
Durban Girls’ College wins 2022 SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Grand Finals
Durban Girls’ College claim their fourth Grand Finals win. Photo by Rogan Ward
After seven years, Durban Girls’ College reclaimed the title of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge at the tenth Grand Finals where they met host school, St Mary’s D.S.G. in the conclusion of the tournament.
In the recent Grand Finals, St Mary’s have dominated with four consecutive wins. The only team in the tournament to have a 100% record at the all-important weekend, Durban Girls’ College have met St Mary’s in the main game three times and in their third clash, managed to release the host school’s firm hold. In the history of the tournament, St Mary’s have hoisted the trophy five times, and with College’s latest victory, they now have four spectacular wins.
The game got off to a quiet start as both teams took some time to settle the nerves. Building momentum, the pace intensified as they determinedly attacked on either end but were unable to break through the sterling last line of defence after some great runs and quick, precise passes.
In the 30 minutes of running play, both teams earned one short corner each, as well as a couple of long corners. With time running low, St Mary’s managed two great runs down the side lines, causing Durban Girls’ College’s defenders to scramble at the back but the exciting breaks didn’t amount to any goals. As the final whistle blew, the gold silver game had no scores being recorded, meaning eight players would head to the circle for the deciding penalty shootout.
Amy van Rooyen from Saints got proceedings underway but her fine attempt frustratingly hit the upright. Next up, Emily Macquet netted the first goal for College. Levelling up the scoreline, Georgie Pollock got St Mary’s first in the second round. Edging her team one goal up, Tara Pakendorf knocked in the second for College. All pressure fell on Elizabeth Anderson from St Mary’s who fired off a fantastic shot but desperately watched as it shaved the upright, going just wide of the goals, resulting in victory for Durban Girls’ College.
The bronze medal game was a Pietermaritzburg derby, where St John’s D.S.G. met rivals St Anne’s College. St Anne’s netted the first goal in the first minute, but St John’s stepped up a gear and fired in three well-crafted goals in response, giving them their best result in their two appearances at the Grand Finals, their first podium position.
Over the history of the tournament that started in 2011, 935 teams from around KwaZulu Natal have participated in 110 regional tournaments. 16,380 girls have taken to the turf in the ten annual regionals, with a total of 2,010 matches being played.
Results
1 Durban Girls’ College; 2 St Mary’s D.S.G.; 3 St John’s D.S.G.; 4 St Anne’s College; 5 Our Lady of Fatima; 6 Hoërskool Pionier; 7 Grantleigh College; 8 King Edward High School; 9 Domino Servite; 10 Kuswag Hoërskool
Versveld and Associates media release on behalf of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge
Series of confusion at Pakistan hockey federation, no clarity about day-to-day incharge
The federation became a laughing stock when Bajwa refused to leave his office and occupied the secretary-general's seat on Monday and Tuesday, after Saeed Khan was announced as the new secretary general on Saturday.
File image of Pakistan Hockey Team. Image: Twitter/@TheHockeyIndia
Karachi: Three-time former Olympic champions Pakistan is facing one of its worst crisis with total confusion prevailing over the functioning of the Pakistan Hockey Federation.
Hockey Wales First Cap Celebration Evening Marks Start of Nation Wide Heritage Project
On Friday July 15th 2022, Hockey Wales hosted its first Cap Celebration Event. During the evening, caps were awarded to former international players as part of Hockey Wales’ heritage project.