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News for 12 June 2018

All the news for Tuesday 12 June 2018


Qualification for the Men’s Rabobank Hockey Champions Trophy 2018


Copyright: FIH / Getty Images

The 37th edition of the prestigious men’s Champions Trophy is set to be a sensational event of top class international hockey.

The qualification criteria set out by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in July 2015 stated that the line-up for the event would consist of the nations that held the Olympic, World Cup, Hockey World League and Champions Trophy titles, who would join host nation the Netherlands alongside one nation nominated by the FIH Executive Board.

With Australia’s Kookaburras being the holders of the respective World Cup, Hockey World League and Champions Trophy title, this meant that the number of nations nominated by FIH Executive Board rose from one to three.

The FIH Executive Board nominations were issued to Olympic silver medallists Belgium, Asian continental champions India and three-time Champions Trophy winners Pakistan, the latter being the nation widely regarded as the founding fathers of the Hockey Champions Trophy concept. Belgium, India and Pakistan complete the line-up alongside Olympic champions Argentina, top-ranked Australia and host nation the Netherlands.

With five of the top six placed nations in the FIH Hero World Rankings taking to the field in a country renowned for its passion for hockey, the men’s Champions Trophy is all set to be another cracking chapter in an event with a wonderful history. 

Before the action begins on Saturday 23 June 2018, we take a brief look at the history of the nations that will compete in Breda.

The Netherlands (FIH Hero World Ranking: 4) qualified as the host nation of the competition and will be looking to make home advantage count at De Bredase Hockey and Bandy Club. Oranje have a wonderful record in the Champions Trophy, having claimed eight titles between 1981 and 2006. In addition to their eight triumphs, the reigning European champions have also finished on the podium a further 14 times, with six silver medals and eight bronze. Their most recent medal arrived at the 2011 event in Melbourne, where they took silver behind host nation Australia. The Dutch have a fine Champions Trophy record on home soil, having won the title at the 1982, 2000 and 2003 events, which all took place in Amstelveen. 

Argentina (FIH Hero World Ranking 2) come into the event as the reigning Olympic champions, following their stunning gold medal win at Rio 2016, which earned them the right to compete in this edition of the men’s Champions Trophy. They are current Pan American champions and also enjoyed a wonderful World Cup event on Dutch soil four years ago in The Hague, where they claimed the bronze medal. That could be a good omen for potential success in Breda, where they must surely be seen as serious contenders for the title. This is Argentina’s sixth appearance in the Champions Trophy, having featured in the 1987, 2003, 2006, 2008 and 2014 events. Their best display to date came at the 2008 competition in Rotterdam, where they took the bronze medal by beating host nation Netherlands on penalty strokes. 

As the title holders of the Champions Trophy, World Cup and Hockey World League, Australia (FIH Hero World Ranking: 1) actually qualified for this event three times over. They have a peerless record in the Champions Trophy, having won the event a record 14 times, four clear of nearest rivals Germany. The Kookaburras won five successive titles between 2008 and 2012 and have also claimed a monumental haul of other medals too, with ten silver and four bronze. With a quite remarkable 28 podium finishes from 35 Champions Trophy appearances, they will enter this competition knowing that a 15th title is very much within their capabilities.

Having competed in only three Champions Trophy competitions (2012, 2014, 2016), Belgium (FIH Hero World Ranking: 3) may not have the same level of history as the other nations taking part in Breda. However, they are unquestionably one of the finest teams in the world and will be setting their sights very much on the title. A silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games remains the high point for the Red Lions, who also took the runners-up positions at both the 2017 European championships in Amstelveen and the Hockey World League in 2015. A gold medal here in Breda could be a breakthrough moment for an extraordinarily talented group of players.

Asian champions India (FIH Hero World Ranking: 6) will also feel that they have a fantastic chance of challenging for the Champions Trophy, a title which, quite remarkably, they have never won. They came agonisingly close at the 2016 event in London, finishing runners up behind Australia thanks to an agonising shoot-out defeat. This could be their year.

2014 silver medallists Pakistan (FIH Hero World Ranking: 13) may have finished in seventh place at the XXI Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast earlier this year, but that result hides the fact that they went through the event completely unbeaten. Four draws in the pool phase – against Wales, India, England and Malaysia respectively - saw Pakistan finish fourth in their five-team pool, putting them in the 7-8 classification match where they defeated Canada 3-1. The founding nation of the Champions Trophy will be determined to add to the titles that they claimed in 1978, 1980 and 1994 – victories that all came on home soil.

The combination of outstanding teams and an event taking place in one of the world’s most fanatical hockey countries, there can be no doubt that the Rabobank Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy promises to be a spectacular edition in Breda. For a full schedule and all the tournament details click here.

#HCT2018

FIH site



Indian team has to be ruthless: Manpreet Singh

Pratyush Raj

CHANDIGARH: Manpreet Singh is one of the top midfielders in international hockey and is the engine on which the Indian team functions. Till recently, he was also the captain of the Indian team before being replaced by PR Sreejesh. The Jalandhar lad has scored 12 goals for India and has 210 international caps to his name.

TOI caught up with Manpreet Singh on the sidelines of a promotional event in Chandigarh. The 25-year-old believes that his game will improve in the upcoming season since the pressure of captaincy won’t be there. Besides, he also shared his opinion about new chief coach Harendra Singh and what the Indian team needs to do to improve its consistency at the world level.

Excerpts:

What is your evaluation of the Indian team’s performance during the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games?

I would be frank, it was really poor. It was an insipid show. We failed as a unit, and I think my individual performance was also below par.

Do you think you have been made a scapegoat for the performance and stripped off captaincy?

No, I don’t think so. It (removal from the post of captaincy) was the decision of the team management as they wanted an experienced guy to lead the Indian team. Sreejesh paaji was the captain before me and I was leading the team just because he got injured. I have no hard feelings.

Were you disappointed?

Yes, a little… but then I realised it is a blessing in disguise for me as now I can concentrate on my own game. There are lots of areas where I need to improve. I hope to keep delivering for my country and my team. I aspire to win medals for India.

There is constant chopping and changing of coaches in Indian hockey. Does that affect the team?

Honestly speaking, it (change of coaches) has never affected the team. We are a very close-knit unit and do not bother about things that are happening outside the turf. Our job is to play good hockey — no matter whoever the coach is.

There were rumours that senior players were not happy with the Sjoerd Marijne’s approach, is it true?

It’s not true at all. I was the captain of the team when Marijne was the chief coach — if there were problems, I would have known it. There was no friction between the senior players and the coach. I think these allegations are baseless.

Your opinion about the national team’s new coach Harendra Singh?

I am looking forward to play under him (Harendra). I had played under him for two years when I was with the Ranchi Rays during the Hockey India League (HIL). He is a strict disciplinarian and a very dedicated guy. On the field, he is a hard task master; but off it, he treats his team like his family.

Do you think Indian team lacks consistency, while playing top flight hockey against top teams of the world?

Yes, that is true and I agree it is one area where we need to improve significantly. One day we are beating the top-most team of the world, and the very next day we are losing to a team whose ranking is way below us. We have to be more disciplined and ruthless in our approach.

You have been recommended for this year’s Arjuna award. How does it feel?

It is an amazing feeling. I am honoured that Hockey India has recommended by name for the award, but right now my focus is to win a medal for the country in the upcoming Champions Trophy.

You have played more than 200 matches for the country. How has been the journey so far?

It has been incredible. There are a lot of memories — the 2014 Asian Games where we won the gold medal by defeating Pakistan in the final tops the chart. Then there is the 2014 Commonwealth Games where we finished second and got the silver; and not to forget the two Olympics (London 2012 and Rio 2016) that I have participated in. Although we didn’t win a medal, but an Olympic experience leaves you a lot richer. I owe all my success to my family. It hasn’t been an easy journey so far, but definitely satisfying one.

In the movie Harjeeta it is shown that you gave money to Harjeet Singh so that he can fly back to Chandigarh and get his passport. Is it true?

Yes, it is true. We were in the national camp for the Junior Asia Cup in Bengaluru and every member of the team was told to deposit their passport within a week. Harjeet didn’t have a passport and he was crying. I put my arm around him and gave my debit card to him — so that he can fly back to Chandigarh and get his passport done.

These days there are so many biopics coming up that are related to sportspersons. Do you want your life to be shared on the silver screen?

(Laughs) No, I haven’t achieved anything great in my career that necessitates a biopic. Maybe if we win an Olympic medal then something on those lines can be thought about.

The Times of India



India Women's Hockey Team Begin Five-Match Series Against Spain

India face Spain in a bid to build momentum for the 2018 Women's Hockey World Cup in London.

Edited by Joy Tirkey


India face Spain for a five-match series © Hockey India

The Indian women's hockey team will begin their five-match bilateral series against Spain on Tuesday at the Consejo Superior de Deportes Hockey Stadium. The Rani Rampal-led team is at full strength as they aim to build momentum for the 2018 Women's Hockey World Cup in London. In the recently-concluded Women's Asian Champions Trophy, India finished with a silver medal after losing the final to hosts South Korea. India's attackers were in fine form at the tournament as Navneet Kaur and Vandana Katariya finished as the joint top goal-scorers of the tournament with three goals apiece.

However, new chief coach Sjoerd Marijne wants his team to focus on keeping a tight structure in order to stop the opposition from scoring.

"We played very fluent hockey in South Korea and the forwards did a great job. However, these five matches against the Spanish team will help us in organising ourselves better when we don't have possession of the ball," Marijne said.

"We will look at our defensive structure, and make sure that we don't concede easy goals against the opposition. If we can manage to defend well, then it will increase our chances of winning the match."

The Indian women's team coach believes the team will face a tough test from the home team who are currently ranked number 11 in the world.

"Our opponents are playing at home and are very well equipped in all parts of the pitch. They have been performing well recently and have made improvements in their game," he said.

"It will be a tough test for our team but I am sure that the girls will give their everything to achieve the goal of winning."

NDTV Sports



Tarrant returns for Vantage Black Sticks


Photo: www.photosport.nz

Captain Blair Tarrant is set make a welcome return to the turf during the Vantage Black Sticks Men’s tour of Japan and India next month.

The 28-year-old veteran of 179 tests has recovered from a frustrating back injury which saw him unable to compete at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Tarrant leads a playing group of 20, including goalkeeper Dominic Dixon and striker Dylan Thomas who are both in line to make their debut, for four matches against Japan and one against Germany in Shiga and Gifu, Japan from 4-15 July.

Dixon and Thomas will then return home to New Zealand while the remaining 18 players head to Bangalore, India for three tests from 15-24 July as preparation for December’s Hockey World Cup in the same location.

Head coach Darren Smith said the tour is timely for the group, with an opportunity for some fresh faces to get international experience ahead of World Cup selections later in the year.

“To have the ability to spend time in Japan and India against very challenging competition gives us a chance to test our on and off field systems ahead of the World Cup and Olympics,” Smith said.

“It will be great to have Blair Tarrant back on the turf. He is a very important cog for our squad both as an outstanding player and the leadership role he undertakes. We look forward to seeing him in the Vantage Black Sticks shirt again.

“Dom and Dylan have been impressive during the past 12 months and recently in training so we are excited to see how they perform at the top level.”

VANTAGE BLACK STICKS MEN
Tour of Shiga and Gifu, Japan
4-15 July, 2018

PLAYER NAME

REGION

POSITION

AGE

CAPS

David BRYDON

Canterbury

Midfielder

21

35

Marcus CHILD

Auckland

Midfielder

27

126

Dominic DIXON

Central

Goalkeeper

21

-

George ENERSEN

Canterbury

Goalkeeper

26

34

Daniel HARRIS

Capital

Striker

21

12

Stephen JENNESS

Capital

Striker

27

207

Richard JOYCE

North Harbour

Goalkeeper

25

45

Dane LETT

Capital

Defender

27

23

Shea McALEESE

Central

Defender

33

264

Harry MISKIMMIN

Capital

Defender

23

39

George MUIR

North Harbour

Midfielder

24

95

Dominic NEWMAN

Canterbury

Midfielder

21

28

Jared PANCHIA

Auckland

Striker

24

86

Hayden PHILLIPS

Central

Midfielder

20

53

Brad READ

Capital

Defender

23

14

Nick ROSS

Southern

Midfielder

27

85

Kane RUSSELL

Southern

Defender

26

118

Blair TARRANT (c)

Southern

Defender

28

179

Dylan THOMAS

Central

Striker

22

-

Nic WOODS

Midlands

Defender

22

83

VANTAGE BLACK STICKS MEN
Tour of Bangalore, India

15-24 July, 2018

PLAYER NAME

REGION

POSITION

AGE

CAPS

David BRYDON

Canterbury

Midfielder

21

35

Marcus CHILD

Auckland

Midfielder

27

126

George ENERSEN

Canterbury

Goalkeeper

26

34

Daniel HARRIS

North Harbour

Striker

21

12

Stephen JENNESS

Capital

Striker

27

207

Richard JOYCE

North Harbour

Goalkeeper

25

45

Dane LETT

Capital

Defender

27

23

Shea McALEESE

Central

Defender

33

264

Harry MISKIMMIN

Capital

Defender

23

39

George MUIR

North Harbour

Midfielder

24

95

Dominic NEWMAN

Canterbury

Midfielder

21

28

Jared PANCHIA

Auckland

Striker

24

86

Hayden PHILLIPS

Central

Midfielder

20

53

Brad READ

Capital

Defender

23

14

Nick ROSS

Southern

Midfielder

27

85

Kane RUSSELL

Southern

Defender

26

118

Blair TARRANT (c)

Southern

Defender

28

179

Nic WOODS

Midlands

Defender

22

 


Hockey New Zealand Media release



Black Sticks name squad for lengthy overseas tour


New Zealand skipper Blair Tarrant returns to the Black Sticks squad. Photo / Greg Bowker

Black Sticks captain Blair Tarrant is to make a welcome return to the turf on New Zealand's men's tour of Japan and India next month.

Tarrant, 28, has recovered from a frustrating back injury which sidelined him during the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April.

The veteran of 179 tests is back to lead a group of 20 to Japan for four internationals against the hosts and one against Germany from July 4-15.

Eighteen of the group, minus newcomers Dominic Dixon and Dylan Thomas, will then go to Bangalore for three tests from July 15-24 as preparation for December's World Cup. The cup is being staged in Bhubaneshwar but that turf is not ready for next month's matches, hence the change of location.

The trip offers strong reconnoitre opportunities for both the 2020 Olympics and the World Cup.

"To have the ability to spend time in Japan and India against very challenging competition gives us a chance to test our on and off-field systems ahead of the World Cup and Olympics," head coach Darren Smith said.

''(Tarrant) is a very important cog for our squad both as an outstanding player and the leadership role he undertakes,'' Smith said of the returning captain.

New Zealand squad:
Goalkeepers: Dominic Dixon (Central), George Enersen (Canterbury), Richard Joyce (North Harbour).
Defenders: Dane Lett, Harry Miskimmin, Brad Read (Capital), Shea McAleese (Central), Kane Russell, Blair Tarrant (c, Southern).
Midfielders: David Brydon, Dominic Newman (Canterbury), Marcus Child (Auckland), George Muir (North Harbour), Hayden Phillips (Central), Nick Ross (Southern), Nic Woods (Midlands).
Strikers: Daniel Harris, Stephen Jenness (Capital), Jared Panchia (Auckland), Dylan Thomas (Central).
* Dixon and Thomas only play the Japanese leg of the tour.

The New Zealand Herald



Harendra flags off poor food at SAI centre

Uthra Ganesan


Harendra Singh. Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar

The quality of food and standard of living at Sports Authority of India’s training centres have come under the scanner again with men’s hockey chief coach Harendra Singh complaining about the same.

In a letter to the federation, that saw its way to the Sports Ministry and SAI through the Indian Olympic Association, Harendra says the AI Centre in Bengaluru not only serves food deficient in nutrients but also maintains shockingly low standards of hygiene.

“I would like to bring to your notice that food quality at SAI Centre is well below par... insects, bugs and even hair were found in the food,” Harendra wrote in the letter dated June 6.

Incidentally, Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore had visited the Bengaluru campus before the Commonwealth Games and had been apprised of the issues by the campers. He had given orders to rectify matters within 48 hours.

“In spite of his instructions no change is visible,” Harendra says. “Recently we conducted blood tests on all 48 athletes (of the men’s squad) and many food-related deficiencies were reported,” he added.

IOA president Narinder Batra alleged that the problem was widespread across all SAI Centres and sought prompt action.

SAI officials, when contacted, said the matter had already been taken cognizance of and action initiated on the complaints.

“We have initiated the process and all issues will be sorted out, with new infrastructure and a new chef in place within a week,” officials assured The Hindu.

The Hindu



Harendra complains of poor conditions in the camp

s2h team



Indian Men's chief coach Harendra Singh has complained about poor quality and unclean food being served at the Sports Authority of India, Bangaluru, where the Netherlands' bound Indian team is presently undergoing preparatory camp.

The complete content of the mail that concerned Harendra wrote to Hockey India is reproduced below, as Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra, President of Indian Olympic Association, has forwarded the mail to top functionaries in the Government.

Dear Sir,

I would like to bring your kind notice of Food quality at Bangalore SAI centre, which is well below par. Excessive oil and fat through out is not good for professional sides. Bone with lack of meats, monotonous food is being served, and cleanness is also not there. Some of the cases of players and staff, insect, bugs and hair were found in food.

Sir, I also would to also like to inform you that hygiene part has also been neglected.
Sir before CWG during our one of the camp Hon’ble Sports Minister visited the camps given instruction to competent authorities that with in 48 hrs these complain must be addressed. But in spite of Hon’ble Minister Saheb instructions, no change is visible.

The kitchen utensil which are used to prepare the food are, not clean.

Sir, we are preparing Senior Men’s for up coming Champions trophy’s, Asian Games and World Cup. It is vital for these high performance athletes to have all meal which consists entire nutrition. Recently we conducted all 48 athletes blood test and many Athletes' blood report revealed many food related deficiencies which are hindrances for them to perform to an optimum level.

Therefore, I would like to inform you that kindly look in to this matter and help us to get this problem ASP.

Warmest regards

Harendra Singh, Chief coach - Men's Hockey

India will be playing the last edition of the Champions Trophy in Breda, The Netherlands which starts on 23rd June.

Stick2Hockey.com



Just bugs & bones, no meat for hockey stars: Chief coach

Manuja Veerappa

BENGALURU: India’s hockey stars training for the Asian Games and World Cup are getting more bones than meat to eat, says the chief coach, and have found, at times, that this lean diet is supplemented with unwanted protein in the form of bugs. There is also a hair problem.

Chief coach Harendra Singh wrote to Hockey India president Rajinder Singh on Saturday complaining about the poor quality of food being served to the players at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre here. The coach also complained about bad hygiene in the kitchen (the bugs, and the hair).

In his letter, Singh, who first raised this issue as the national women’s team coach, states: “...The food quality at Bangalore SAI centre has been well below par for a professional unit. There is excessive oil and fat throughout (in the food), bones with hardly any meat. In some cases, players and staff have found insects, bugs and hair in the food. Hygiene has also been neglected.”

Singh’s letter says recent blood reports of players have indicated food-related deficiencies of vitamins and minerals. Singh referred the matter to Indian Olympic Association president Narinder Batra who, in turn, sent an email to SAI director-general Neelam Kapur urging her to take action.

Food has been a bone of contention between SAI and National Sports Federations over the years.

The Times of India



Hockey teams demand better quality food in SAI

Manuja Veerappa

BENGALURU: On March 22 when Union sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore visited the Sports Authority of India, South Centre, here, the Indian hockey teams had informed him about the poor quality of food at the camp.

Speaking to the media later, Rathore had said, "I have already told the regional director we will pay the chefs and cooks more but we have to have better quality."

But nothing has changed since then.

According to sources in Hockey India, the federation has made repeated requests to SAI since October last year. On Saturday, the men's team chief coach Harendra Singh wrote to HI president Rajinder Singh following blood reports of players which indicated food-related deficiencies like potassium. Singh referred the matter to Indian Olympic Association president Narinder Batra. In turn, Batra shot off a mail to SAI director general Neelam Kapur urging her to take action.

Food has been a bone of contention between SAI and NSFs over the years.

In his letter, Harendra, who first raised the issue as the national women's coach, states: "...The food quality at Bangalore SAI centre has been well below par for a professional unit. There is excessive oil and fat throughout, bones without hardly any meat. In some cases, players and staff have found insects, bugs and hair in food. Also, hygiene has been neglected."

TOI spoke to a number of campers at the Centre and learnt that food at the camp did not provide sufficient proteins, vitamins or variety to supplement the amount of training the players undergo. This in turn could and to some extent is already affecting the immune system, recovery, muscle growth energy and performance on the pitch.

Among the key changes the players seek are sufficient nutrients and carbohydrates for energy. They also want a major protein source in each meal, providing enough options for vegetarians as well. The men's hockey team is currently working with a dietician.

Another major hurdle at the camp is hygiene. Most of the vessels used to cook look dated and often the cooks and helps do not wear gloves or hats.

While Kapur was remained unavailable for comment, Shyam Sundar, regional director SAI, South Centre, said, "We are taking measures to improve the facilities and they (hockey coaches and staff) have discussed their requirement with me. Also, we have invited applications last month for a chef to cater to varous tastes."

What's on the plate?

SAI budget per elite athlete per day: Rs 690.

A broad look at the menu

Breakfast: Boiled eggs, papaya, cold milk, brown bread, butter, jam and seasonal fruits.
Lunch and dinner: Chicken curry, egg burji, chapatis, boiled vegetables, greens, two kinds of sabzi, rice and curd.

Major grouses:

Quality of food provided. For example, instead of chicken breast which is recommended, most often bony chicken is served.
Quality and variety of fruits.
Lack of hygiene

What they want:

Variety in the menu.
Ensure a major protein source at each meal
Enough options for vegetarians.

The Times of India



Champs Police draw level with Butali

By BRIAN YONGA


Kenya Police's Richard Birir controls a short corner during their Kenya Hockey Union men's Premier League match against Sikh Union on May 27, 2018 at City Park Stadium. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Champions Kenya Police moved level on points with leaders Butali Sugar Warriors following the weekend round of the 2018 Kenya Hockey Union league matches.

Greensharks missed the chance to close the gap on the top two after they lost 2-1 to Wazalendo, while in the women’s Premier League, United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) are off the bottom spot after securing their first win of the season.

Champions Police saw off USIU men’s team 2-1 in Sunday's late game thanks to goals from strikers Amos Barkibir and Calvins Kanu.

The students pulled a goal back through skipper Owens Odando but it proved to be a mere consolation. The win took the law enforcers to 21 points, same as leaders Butali, who were not in action this weekend, and remain top courtesy of their superior goal difference.

Butali have played seven games, one less than Police and the two nemesis are set to clash this coming weekend in a crunch tie.

Police coach Patrick Mugambi said the win gives them the confidence going into the top-of-the-table clash against Butali.

“We have already lost one game this season and we cannot therefore afford to drop any more points if we want to keep our title,” Mugambi admitted.

Sharks missed the chance to move to within a point of the top two after they went down 2-1 to Wazalendo. Joab Malanda struck the winner for Wazalendo two minutes to the end to earn his side their first win against the Sharks in three seasons.

Waza had gone ahead through Nelson Shiraku’s 26th minute penalty stroke, before Sharks restored parity through Victor Osiche six minutes to the end.

Sharks had drawn 1-1 with USIU on Saturday. Sharks remain in third place on 17 points from nine matches, four ahead of Wazalendo who are fourth.

The 2012 champions Nairobi Simba complete the top five places with seven points. Last season’s women’s Premier League runners up USIU Spartans finally got their first win of the season after a 2-0 win over Amira Sailors.

Goals from captain Beatrice Mbugua and Peres Akinyi gave the Thika Road-based side the much needed three points.

The win lifted them two spots to fifth place with three points, though they are still nine points behind leaders and champions Telkom.

Spartans coach Willis Okeyo believes the win could prove to be a turning point in their season.

Daily Nation



1Mas: From bad to good in Sabah

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah Hockey Association (SHA) secretary Avtar Singh was fuming when asked about the 1Mas Programme which was recently axed by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC).

Incepted in 2010, and after RM11 million was spent, 1Mas will soon be replaced by another development programme by MHC.

That is because the money for 1Mas has run out, and it overlapped many other development programmes.

There was also confusion as players from Sports Schools, Project Schools, Tenaga Nasional's Thunderbolts programme as well as Universiti Kuala Lumpur's (UniKL) hockey club, were also said to belong to 1Mas.

The critics claimed that it became a merry-go-round circus, with the same players wearing different jerseys coming for training at different venues and days.

"The previous 1Mas programme, helmed by Lim Chiow Chuan (director), did not listen to suggestions or complaints from the states. I was banned from the programme, because I did not want to sign claims which were done without training sessions being conducted.

"They banned a state secretary for speaking out and standing up for the truth. Those were terrible days," remembered Avtar.

However, after a change of guards and Tai Beng Hai becoming director, Avtar was reinstated.

"The previous management did not want to listen to anybody, they ran the show on their own accord. I was reinstated in 1Mas Sabah once Beng Hai took over and paid back my dues from the day I was suspended.

"For Sabah, 1Mas under Beng Hai, has produced many talented players for the state and it did not overlap with the Sabah Sports School’s (which was formed in 2013) hockey programme, and in a way, we are fortunate about it.

"We have active centres in Lahad Datu, Tawau, Kudat, Keningau and Beaufort. They have steadily produced players every year, for our sports school.

"For us, 1Mas had a bad impact in the beginning and turned into gold in the end," said Avatar.

Kuala Lumpur HA secretary V. Rajamanickam, who also felt that the 1Mas was poorly run, wants accountability in a new programme by the MHC to replace 1Mas.
"States have been called up for a meeting Tuesday to discuss a new programme to replace 1Mas. I will suggest an accountability body be set up within the MHC to look into money spent on development programmes as well as to look into the overseas stints of junior and senior teams of both genders.

"This is to make sure every sen is spent wisely, and overseas stints should be matches against the best players of the said countries and not just travel for the sake of travelling and fulfilling a planned fixture," said Rajamanickam.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey



U18 Boys Squad For European Championships

Elun Hack, head coach of Ireland's U18 Boys squad, has today announced his squad of 18 for the upcoming European Championships in Santandar. Ireland sit in Pool B and will face tough opposition int he forms of the Netherlands, France and Belgium.

Speaking about the squad, Hack said “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the players selected to represent Ireland at the upcoming Europeans in Santander from 15/21 July. The selection was extremely competitive, and on the back of a very successful Training camp in South Africa over Easter we have selected the players that believe will best represent our team principles in the hopes of achieving our objectives. We hope to fine tune several key principles in the coming weeks, and give ourselves the best chance of being as competitive as possible when we play against the top nations next month. Many thanks to all the players, and parents, for their effort throughout the past several months."

Match Schedule:

15/7/18 10am Ireland vs Netherlands
16/7/18 5:45pm Ireland vs France
18/7/18 12pm Ireland vs Belgium

Click here for full tournament schedule.

  Surname First Club School
1 Adams Luke Three Rock Rovers Newpark Comp
2 Brophy Tony Church of Ireland Ashton
3 Dale Scott Banbridge Banbridge Academy
4 Duggan Mark Clontarf Mount Temple
5 Edgar Andrew Lisnagarvey Friends School, Lisburn
6 Empey Alistair Three Rock Rovers The High School
7 Gibson Fergus Annadale Sullivan Upper
8 Haycock Jack Cookstown Cookstown
9 Johnson Ben Kilkenny Newtown, Waterford
10 Kidd Oliver Lisnagarvey Friends School, Lisburn
11 Lawless David Clontarf Mount Temple
12 Lynch Johnny Lisnagarvey Wallace HS
13 Lynch Harry Three Rock Rovers The High School
14 McCollum Robert Three Rock Rovers Wesley College
15 Morris Harry Lisnagarvey Sullivan Upper
16 Ramsey Ewan Avoca Newpark
17 Robson Tom Annadale Sullivan Upper
18 Romoli Matteo Monkstown St Andrews College

Non Travelling reserves

19 Greaney Josh Corinthian Wesley College
20 Milliken Matthew Lisnagarvey Friends School, Lisburn
21 Raben Jake Hurley HC International School of Amsterdam

Irish Hockey Association media release



FIH excited by progress of YOG 2018 following Buenos Aires visit


The Youth Olympic Park in Buenos Aires will be ready for October's event Photo: FIH

Following a recent visit to Buenos Aires, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) reports positive progress being made ahead of this October's Youth Olympic Games (YOG).

During meetings with the YOG local organising committee, the FIH were given comprehensive updates regarding all aspects of the event, including visits to the Youth Olympic Village and the Youth Olympic Park where 12 men's and 12 women's national Hockey5s teams will go head to head between 7-14 October 2018 in Argentina's capital city.

Speaking about the visit, FIH's Director of Olympic Games and the Hockey Pro League, Hilary Atkinson, said: "The Buenos Aires 2018 YOG team are making good progress across all areas. It is both inspiring and exciting to see the detail of the innovation and activity being undertaken in the planning and implementation phases and we will continue working closely over the coming months with the local organisers as they finalise the venue's construction and bring this event to life through some exciting initiatives."

Plans were also developed to engage competitors with hockey's Athlete Role Models, Helen Richardson-Walsh (GBR) and Matías Paredes (ARG), giving them opportunities to personally interact with the Rio 2016 gold medal winning stars as part of the athlete education programme.

Discussions surrounding on-site activities for fans and an exclusive demonstration involving Parahockey players and hockey stars were also held which will support hockey's 'Equally Amazing' values during the event.

Legacy was another important talking point, with a joint group involving the local organisers, the Argentinian Hockey Confederation (Confederacion Argentina de Hockey Sobre Cesped y Pista) and FIH working together to ensure the facilities continue to benefit the sport in Argentina for many years to come.

Some cool digital activations were also shared, which will be rolling out over the next few weeks, and with significant content being broadcast by the Olympic Channel - anticipation for this event will really ramp up over the coming weeks.

The next key milestone for this event will be the confirmation of all qualified teams by their National Olympic Committees in August once the final continental qualifiers have concluded.

For more information about YOG 2018, visit the official website.

#YOG2018 

FIH site



Hockey Devotees Rewarded With Order Of Australia Honours

Hockey Australia (HA) today congratulates Ms Janice Hadfield, Mr David Hatt and Mrs Marina Laverty on being recognised by the Order of Australia for their meaningful contributions to Australian hockey.

Hadfield has become a Member (AM) in the General Division for significant service to hockey as an international umpire, and to professional development of officials.

She served as an official at international level for 32 years. During her long career Hadfield was a World Panel umpire who officiated at a number of international tournaments including the 1988 Olympic Games and the 1990 World Cup, and then as an FIH umpires manager at a number of world level events including the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games.

Hadfield has worked on a number of officiating panels, committees and councils, working to develop the art of hockey officiating. In 2006 she was awarded the Guust Lathouwers Memorial Trophy (awarded every two years for outstanding service to the development and promotion of umpiring) by the FIH.

Hatt, formerly President of HA, received his AM for significant service to hockey as a senior administrator, to Australian rules football, and to sport in Western Australia.

A former hockey player, coach and manager with Western Australia, he previously served as Executive Director and Chief Policy Advisor in the Western Australian Government’s Department of Premier and Cabinet from 2003 to 2008, and as Chief Executive of the Fremantle Football Club from 1994 until 2001.

In hockey, in addition to his involvement in nine national championship winning Western Australian teams, Hatt has represented Australia at Masters level and has served as Team Manager for the senior Australian men’s national team, the Kookaburras.

Laverty has been awarded her Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for service to hockey.

She has been involved with hockey since 1973 as both a player and a coach. Devoted to the sport, Laverty has assisted with the development and growth of hockey through her work at Canterbury Women's Hockey Association, Parranattam Women's Hockey Association, Western Districts Hockey Association and Nepean Hockey Association.

Laverty also served in the Army Reserves for 20 years whilst still playing at tournaments and contributing to Australian hockey.

HA would once again like to congratulate the trio on their remarkable achievements.

Hockey Australia media release

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