News for 16 October 2018
All the news for Tuesday 16 October 2018
Youth Olympic Games - What the athletes said
Yesterday marked the final day of competition at the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games. Today we look back on some of the quotes from the medal winners as they left the Hockey5s court in Youth Olympic Park with new medals around their necks.
Speaking after her gold medal victory against India, Argentina star Victoria Miranda said: "I cannot not believe it... it is a unique experience - getting the chance to win such a title and share it with all my friends and family! This happens only once in a lifetime!"
Looking towards the future she added: "We are a strong group and if we stay unified as we are now we can go really far!"
Women's bronze medal winner Ma Ning from China said: “I feel really happy and relieved after winning this bronze medal. We made a lot of effort, it was tough - also including the travel from China after which we were very tired. In the end we reached our goal and it feels great. We are thrilled!”
Argentina men also picked up bronze medals. Speaking to the FIH, Facundo Sarto said: "I am super happy! This is the result of hard work from all the team. I am so happy to have won a medal in front of our home fans."
Talking about the impact that the Youth Olympic Games Hockey5s events have had, he said: "We have been able to showcase our Argentinian character to the world. For our sport, we've shown that hockey in Argentina is one big party. Hopfully this will attract new people into the game in the future."
FIH site
Malaysia beat India in final to win Youth Olympic Games gold
By Aftar Singh
Unbelievable: Malaysian striker Muhd Akhimullah Anuar Esook prostrates in joy after the team defeated India 4-2 in the hockey final at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Sunday. — Reuters
KUALA LUMPUR: No one gave Malaysia a ghost of a chance of winning gold in the boys’ hockey competition at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. But that’s exactly what the boys did and they delivered it with a bang.
National coach Wallace Tan’s side upset India 4-2 in the final at the Parque Polideportivo Roca Stadium on Sunday.
Striker Muhd Akhimullah Anuar Esook was the hero of the Malaysian team as he not only scored two goals in the final but became the Games’ top scorer by netting 22 goals in seven matches.
In the final, Terengganu-born Akhimullah scored in the 14th and 19th minutes.
Mohd Firdaus Rosdi (eighth) and skipper Amirul Hamizan Azahar (17th) delivered the other goals for Malaysia.
Both India’s goal were scored by captain Vivek Prasad in the third and sixth minutes.
The 18-year-old Akhimullah, who was also the joint top scorer at the Asian Youth Olympics Qualifier in Bangkok with 17 goals with India’s Vivek, was thrilled to bits with his efforts.
“Never in my wildest dreams that we would win the gold at the Youth Olympics as we were not sure of the strength of the other teams,” said Akhimullah.
“We were the newcomers, we were just hoping to go as far as we can in the Games.
“But after finishing runners-up in Group A behind Argentina, our confidence level grew for the knockout stage.
“Winning gold in the Youth Olympics is the best achievement at the age-group tournament and it augurs well for hockey in Malaysia.
“We will now focus on qualifying for the 2020 World Junior Championship (the dates and venue have yet to be decided).
“I am also happy with my performance as I not only helped Malaysia to win gold but also did well to win the top scorer award,” he added. Most of the Malaysian players are from the Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) students in Bandar Penawar.
This was the first time Malaysia team qualified for the Youth Olympics after they finished runners-up to India in the Asian Youth Olympics Qualifiers tournament in Bangkok in April.
In Bangkok, India edged Malaysia 2-1 in penalty shootout after both teams played to a 4-4 draw in regulation time.
The Star of Malaysia
Syed Saddiq congratulates hockey team on Youth Olympic gold win
PETALING JAYA: Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (pic) has congratulated the boy's hockey team for bagging a gold in their debut at the Youth Olympics Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
"Malaysia created history once more in the Youth Olympics!" Syed Saddiq wrote on Monday (Oct 15) on Twitter with an accompanying video of the winning moment.
"You are all our inspiration!" he added.
Malaysia created history once more in the Youth Olympics!
Tahniah kepada #TeamMalaysia yang berjaya menundukkan India.
Kamu semua inspirasi kita!#MalaysiaBoleh pic.twitter.com/e4bdRrlCNt
— Syed Saddiq (@SyedSaddiq) October 15, 2018
Malaysia defeated India 4-2 in the final at the Parque Polideportivo Roca Stadium on Sunday (Oct 14).
This was the first time the Malaysian hockey team qualified for the five-a-side tournament in the Youth Olympic Games.
Muhd Akhimullah Anuar Esook was the hero for Malaysia when he scored two goals in the 14th and 19th minutes.
The 18-year-old, who also ended up top scorer in the tournament with 22 goals, was thrilled with his efforts.
The Star of Malaysia
Subahan: Lets build on Youth Olympics gold
By Jugjet Singh
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Under-18squad has opened up a can of opportunities, as they did the unexpected and delivered a gold medal in the Youth Olympics Hockey 5s in Buenos Aires Monday.
It was a sweet 4-2 win over India in the final, as hockey made its debut in the Third Youth Olympics and nobody expected them to travel the distance and return with gold.
Vivek Sagar Prasad gave India the lead in 2nd minute, but Firdaus Rosdi equalised in the fifth.
Vivek again gave India the lead, but goals from Akhimullah Anuar Esook (14th, 18th) and Amirul Hamizan Azahar (17th) handed Malaysia a well fought gold medal.
For the record, Akhimullah scored a total of 22 goals in the tournament.
"This is a monumental achievement for our youth, as frankly, when they qualified for the Youth Olympics we waved them on their journey by telling them to do their best.
"But they achieved a marvellous milestone not only for themselves, but made the whole country proud with a fantastic display," said Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal.
Subahan gave credit to the 1Mas Programme for building a strong foundation for this group of players.
"Most of the boys are from the 1Mas Programme initiated by Tunku Abdullah (Sultan Ahmad Shah) and we would like to thank all the coaches involved in nurturing this batch of youth.
"Credit goes to the Education Ministry for giving these boys a leeway whenever we needed them, and also the National Sports Council (NSC) for their undying help towards hockey," said Subahan.
MHC have changed the 1Mas structure by introducing a new youth development programme, and hope the NSC give them a leg up.
The toast of the team, coached by Wallaca Tan and Megat Azrafiq, is Akhimullah Anuar Esook who scored a total of 22 goals to almost single handedly snatched the gold medal.
"These boys have tremendous potential and are our future to lead in qualifying for the 2021 Junior World Cup. Akhimullah, for one, has shown great potential and even Technical Director Terry Walsh feels the same," said Subahan.
Akhimullah is a product of Sekolah Sukan Tunku Mahkota Ismail and in 2016, as a 16-year-old, played with the Malaysia Blue in the Australian Hockey League.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Dharmaraj: More funding needed for youth development
By Jugjet Singh
KUALA KUMPUR: Former national juniors coach K. Dharmaraj believes our Youth Olympics Hockey 5s gold medal should prompt more funding from the government, for a medal chance in the 2021 Junior World Cup.
The Malaysian boys’ Under-18 squad upset the odds to enter the final in Buenos Aires, and then beat India 4-2 with a scintillating and convincing display.
"The fact that India, Australia and Argentina fielded their best Under-18 players for the Youth Olympics is a recognition for the development of our youngsters over the years.
"Nobody should belittle their achievement, and right now, the government via the National Sports Council should offer more funding towards junior development.
"These boys, as well as our Sultan of Johor Cup team, need more international exposure to not only qualify for the Junior World Cup, but also go for a medal," said Dharmaraj who now coaches the national women's squad.
Under Dharmaraj, the Malaysian junior boys ended fourth in the 2013 Junior World Cup, and the coach sees great potential in the present batch as well.
"I have been observing these boys grow up since some were 15 years old and playing in the Junior Hockey League as well as other tournaments in the country.
"They have great speed and goal scoring abilities, which is not only important in hockey 5s, but field hockey as well.
"India, Malaysia and Australia sent their best Under-18 players for the Youth Olympics even though it clashed with the SOJC. This shows that four teams (including Argentina) had class players in the Youth Olympics and we beat them all to the gold."
Argentina had beaten Malaysia 4-2 in Group A, while India had beaten Argentina 3-1 in the semi-finals.
Defending champions Australia were sent packing by Zambia 6-4 in the quarter-finals, while Malaysia hammered Zambia 7-4 in the semi-finals.
"The above results show that it was not an esay path for Malaysia to enter the final, as even Zambia proved the formbook wrong by beating defending champios Australia.
"Everybody should be proud of Malaysia's achievement, and do not point fingers at the other weak teams in the tournament to belittle this historic gold medal."
Sports Ministed Syed Saddiq Syed Rahman congratulated the boys on twitter: "Malaysia created history once more in the Youth Olympics!
Tahniah kepada (Congratulations to) #TeamMalaysia yang berjaya menundukkan India (who beat India). Kamu semua inspirasi kita! (You guys are our inspiration!).
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Why Hockey 5s is not for everyone
Argentina women claimed a first golf PIC: Hockey Argentina
Hockey 5s saw packed crowds and plenty of goals at the Youth Olympics as the sport goes from strength to strength at junior level – but it’s not for everyone
Lapping it up
Argentina kept the media waiting after their 3-1 success over India in the women’s final. After collecting their gold medals, they danced and left fans happy for an hour after their historic win.
#Hockey5 ¡El baile de las campeonas!
¡Así festejaban Las Leoncitas la medalla de oro!#VamosArgentina #ArgentinaEnBuenosAires2018 pic.twitter.com/aESvsdO7bV
— Comité Olímpico ARG (@PrensaCOA) October 14, 2018
Why no Great Britain team?
While Zambia continued to make hay in the shortened format, Vanuatu’s under-18s continued to make friends and Argentina won a first gold (in either Youth or Senior Olympics), there were some notable missing nations at the Hockey 5s. If attention spans are indeed getting shorter and Olympic chiefs are forever looking at ways of making the Games cheaper, with fewer athletes, and a bite size formula, then surely Hockey 5s will one day become part of the Olympic fabric.
The likes of Holland, Great Britain and Germany didn’t take part in European qualifying – Poland and Austria winning places – while New Zealand and the USA also didn’t participate. Asian nations, meanwhile, were eager after a hotly-contested qualifying competition.
A Great Britain Hockey spokesperson said: “With finite resources at our disposal, the Hockey 5s format is not currently a priority at that age group. We do of course regularly review our strategy and we could revisit this decision in the future.”
(It must also be remembered that the IOC set a limit of one team per Nation per gender over all events, so if your Nation's Hockey and Rugby 7s team both qualified only one of them could go - which is why South Africa only had a Women's Hockey team and not a Men's despite both teams qualifying - Fieldhockey.com addition)
Hockey 5s not for everyone
The buzz around hockey5s is nice. But just that. The buzz. Nice.
As an entertaining promotional vehicle seems to work but as a game is just a deficient, ugly version of our beautiful 11v11 hockey. Very few transferible concepts and a misperception of people watching for 1st time.
— Self-Pass (@self_pass) October 13, 2018
What they said
“I cannot not believe it. It is a unique experience to get the chance to win such a title and share it with all my friends and family! This happens once in a lifetime! We are a strong group and if we stay as unified as we are now we can go really far!”
Argentina’s Victoria Miranda
Sportsmanship
True sportmanship! #Namibia's team hugged #Zimbabwe after they tied 3-3 in the #Hockey5 Preliminary Round at #BuenosAires2018. Namibia advanced and Zimbabwe lost the chance to fight for the medals.
Follow the @youtholympics on the Olympic Channel! ???? https://t.co/vfUYIV4Qc8 pic.twitter.com/x5l0G3N6xq
— Olympic Channel (@olympicchannel) October 12, 2018
Malaysia’s quiet celebrations
"I think all Malaysians will be very proud of our team. We will only celebrate a little bit… Maybe we will eat chocolate and listen to some music!"
Hockey5s gold medallist Amirul Azahar #GameChangers #BuenosAires2018 @FIH_Hockey @ocm_mom pic.twitter.com/dQ9aMcRJF1
— Youth Olympic Games (@youtholympics) October 14, 2018
Quick goals
A goal right from the start? Watch this AMAZING goal from Craig Marais #9 (Year 10). The other Marais #4 you also see? Oh, that's our School Captain, Brad. The brothers are representing Australia in the Men's Hockey 5s at the @youtholympics @BuenosAires2018 pic.twitter.com/rpsCrQMTok
— Brighton Grammar (@BrightonGrammar) October 13, 2018
Team work to the fore
We are loving the amazing teamwork being shown during #Hockey5s at @BuenosAires2018 #GameChangers #BuenosAires2018
Follow fihockey https://t.co/GLr4Cd1fTL (just one h ????) @instagram for more close up action! pic.twitter.com/dmFHdE3P5Q
— International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) October 10, 2018
The Hockey Paper
India are the top contenders to win the Hero Asian Champions Trophy title, says Japan Chief Coach Siegfried Aikman
The Asian Games Gold Medalists will vie to reassert their supremacy in Asia; begin Hero Asian Champions Trophy campaign against Malaysia on 18 October 2018 ~
Muscat: With just three days to go for the start of the much-awaited Hero Asian Champions Trophy Muscat 2018, the top Asian teams have descended on the beautiful Capital city of Muscat for a battle of supremacy in the continent. Asian Games Gold Medalists Japan, who arrived yesterday along with their nemesis Korea, Malaysia and Pakistan, will be joined by Defending Champions India who arrive today. A free-wheeling conversation with the Japanese Coach Siegfried Aikman, a Dutch national of Indian origin, on Monday revealed his team's strategical approach to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where they will be gunning for a podium finish.
Aikman, without mincing words said, "We wanted to enter the 2020 Olympic Games not as host nation but as Continental Champions. We had to win big in order to gain that self-confidence that we too can beat big teams and that we are not afraid of teams like Korea, Pakistan, Malaysia or India anymore."
At the forthcoming Hero Asian Champions Trophy Muscat 2018, Japan will have the platform to reinstate this self-belief and reassert their supremacy in Asia when they take on World No.5 India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Korea, Oman and prove to the world that the Asian Games Gold Medal was not a one-off incident. "Of course we will be playing to win every single match but at the same time we will also be testing quite a few young players who are below the age of 20, in order to select a core group that will give us enough options and also create more competition within the team ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games," stated Aikman, who is a master at accurately studying the opponents' weaknesses and successfully using it to Japan's advantage. It is what they did in the Final of the Asian Games where they were 0-4 at half time against Malaysia but made a sensational comeback to draw 6-6 in regulation time and go into a shootout.
"It was in fact against India that we had planned thoroughly to play against in the Final of Asian Games. After we drew in our final Pool match, we knew we wouldn't face India in the Semi Final but were expecting to meet them in the Final and had strategically prepared for it. We had strategised differently against them in the pool stage and would used a different strategy had we played them in the Final. However, because of their loss against Malaysia, we will never know how we would have done against them in a Final. I think for our team, it was also critical to have won a few matches against Pakistan in the lead up to the Asian Games that helped boost our confidence," he added.
At the tournament in Muscat which begins on 18 October 2018, Japan will begin their campaign against Malaysia on the opening day. According to Aikman, his team will not be looking at results as much as they would like to emphasis on their own game. The Dutchman explained, "For us it is extremely important to focus on our own game and work on certain areas that will put us in good stead and help us build on our game for 2020. While we will play to win, results will not matter as much as playing a disciplined game."
Speaking of who would be the title contenders for this year's edition, Aikman called out India without skipping a beat. "India are undoubtedly the contenders for winning the tournament. They have the skills, tactical awareness and fitness but they are vulnerable under pressure and that's the area which we need to capitalize if we want to success against them," Aikman concluded.
Japan will take on Malaysia in the opening match at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Muscat 2018 while India play hosts Oman in the second match of the day.
Asian Hockey Federation media release
Siegfried Aikman: India are the top contenders
s2h team
Muscat: Japan's Dutch coach Siegfried Aikman is known for appreciating good in the other teams. This positivist now rates India high on the eve of another edition of Asian Champions Trophy unfolding at Muscat, Oman, in a few days. Without bating his eyelid, Aikman predicts India as the top title contender in Muscat, despite it finishing two steps below his team Japan in the recent Asian Games.
"India are undoubtedly the contenders for winning the tournament. They have the skills, tactical awareness and fitness but they are vulnerable under pressure and that's the area which we need to capitalize if we want to success against them," Aikman said.
On his team's objective, and the recent upward swing in fortunes, the learnt Aikman, without mincing words said, "We wanted to enter the 2020 Olympic Games not as host nation but as Continental Champions. We had to win big in order to gain that self-confidence that we too can beat big teams and that we are not afraid of teams like Korea, Pakistan, Malaysia or India anymore."
At the forthcoming Hero Asian Champions Trophy Muscat 2018, Japan will have the platform to reinstate this self-belief and reassert their supremacy in Asia when they take on World No.5 India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Korea, Oman and prove to the world that the Asian Games Gold Medal was not a one-off incident.
"Of course we will be playing to win every single match but at the same time we will also be testing quite a few young players who are below the age of 20, in order to select a core group that will give us enough options and also create more competition within the team ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games," stated Aikman, who is a master at accurately studying the opponents' weaknesses and successfully using it to Japan's advantage. It is what they did in the Final of the Asian Games where they were 0-4 at half time against Malaysia but made a sensational comeback to draw 6-6 in regulation time and go into a shootout.
"It was in fact against India that we had planned to play in the Jakarta final. After we drew in our final Pool match, we knew we wouldn't face India in the Semifinal but were expecting to meet them in the final and had strategically prepared for it. We had strategised differently against them in the pool stage and would used a different strategy had we played them in the Final. However, because of their loss against Malaysia, we will never know how we would have done against them in a Final. I think for our team, it was also critical to have won a few matches against Pakistan in the lead up to the Asian Games that helped boost our confidence," he added.
At the tournament in Muscat which begins on 18 October 2018, Japan will begin their campaign against Malaysia on the opening day. According to Aikman, his team will not be looking at results as much as they would like to emphasis on their own game. The Dutchman explained, "For us it is extremely important to focus on our own game and work on certain areas that will put us in good stead and help us build on our game for 2020. While we will play to win, results will not matter as much as playing a disciplined game."
Japan will take on Malaysia in the opening match at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Muscat 2018 while India play hosts Oman in the second match of the day. His team, Asian Games Gold Medalists, had arrived Muscat on Sunday, so also Korea, Malaysia and Pakistan. India has reached their today.
A free-wheeling conversation with the Japanese Coach Siegfried Aikman, a Dutch national of Indian origin, on Monday revealed his team's strategical approach to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where they will be gunning for a podium finish.
Stick2Hockey.com
Asian Champions Trophy will be good preparation for Hockey World Cup: Manpreet
Manpreet Singh , PTI
India's hockey captain Manpreet Singh says the Asian Champions Trophy is not only a redemption chance for them after the below-par show at the Asian Games but also an opportunity to test the waters before the World Cup at home.
India had lost to Malaysia in semifinals at the Asian Games in Jakarta but beat arch- rivals Pakistan to win a bronze medal.
"We have had a tough few months as we could not achieve our target of winning the gold medal at the 18th Asian Games, but it is time now for all of us to rejuvenate ourselves and prepare well for the Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018," Manpreet said before leaving for Champions Trophy, to be held in Oman.
World number five Indian team will begin its campaign against hosts Oman on Thursday.
"The Asian Champions Trophy will give the team a chance to face some of the best Asian teams, who will also be involved in the World Cup later in November-December. Therefore we will try to produce our best performances and aim at winning the competition," said Manpreet.
With the Indian team facing competition from World No. 12 Malaysia, arch-rivals Pakistan, World No. 14 South Korea, Asian Games 2018 gold medallists Japan, and hosts Oman, the tournament will give the Indian team the opportunity to avoid committing the mistakes like those happened in Jakarta.
"We have trained well during our National Camp in Bhubaneswar, and have focused on minimizing the mistakes in our overall play. We all knew that there were areas that needed work and the team has been determined in making things right as we approach the biggest two months in all of our careers," said the captain.
India are the defending champions, having won the title in 2016 when they beat Pakistan 3-2 in the final match in Kuantan, Malaysia.
"We have won the tournament twice before in 2011 and 2016, and we go into the 2018 tournament as defending champions. Our focus is on producing good performances throughout the five Pool stage matches in order to qualify for semi-finals.
"We have strong opponents in Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan and South Korea, therefore we will need to give our 100% at all times, and make sure that we play like the highest ranked team in the continent," said Manpreet.
Six teams will play each other in a round-robin format and the top four teams will progress to the semi-finals in the tournament which will conclude on October 28.
Daily News & Analysis
Team for Asian Champions Trophy selected on merit: coaches
Anwar Zuberi
KARACHI: Pakistan hockey team coaches Mohammad Saqlain and Rehan Butt have said the national team for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy was selected on ‘merit’ and despite financial woes they were looking forward to an improved performance in the tournament which begins in Muscat on Thursday.
“The team is physically fit and will hopefully make amends of the Asian Games loss,” they told Dawn on Sunday on the eve of team’s departure. The team will fly to Muscat in the wee hours of Monday.
The pair was optimistic that the boys will be in better shape before the World Cup which takes place in India in December.
“We’ve worked hard to rectify the shortcomings – lack of scoring by forwards and penalty corner drills – in the camp and positions of some players have been reshuffled,” they added.
They said that in the aftermath of poor showing by forwards namely Arsalan Qadir and Dilber for the last eight months, Irfan Jr has been brought in as centre-forward.
They said the competition will witness the same teams that featured in the Asiad at Jakarta.
The coaches were critical of lack of financial support and apathy from the government to the national game as the year culminates with the World Cup.
They added that with no penny in the federation’s kitty the nation‘s expectations are high who want the team to win gold and end the title drought.
“With financial worries back of their mind due to non-payment of their allowances it’s like asking for a moon from players with their stomach empty,” they argued.
The former players said the nation had witnessed a similar situation in 2014 when a neighbouring country had offered to lend financial help to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to meet hockey team’s participation in an international event abroad.
“With World Cup in Bhubaneswar looming around, they fear that neighbour might offer again to ensure Pakistan’s participation which is disgraceful,” they added.
They regretted that the PHF and couple of former Olympians have several times tried to call on Prime Minister Imran Khan on the issue but in vain.
They urged upon the Prime Minister to immediately come to the rescue of PHF in the larger national interest and save the game from embarrassment.
They hoped that Imran, who is former a sportsman himself and understands the problems, will personally look into the matter and facilitate the PHF at the earliest for better results from the team.
Dawn
Kookaburras Embark On Pre-World Cup Training Camp
Ben Somerford
The Kookaburras will this week embark on a pre-World Cup training camp as coaches and selectors narrow down on selection for the final 18-man team in India in November and December.
World number one Australia will be chasing a third straight title at the 2018 World Cup which starts on Wednesday 28 November in Bhubaneswar, India, and will be televised LIVE on FOX SPORTS.
The entire National Senior Men’s Squad have assembled in Perth this week for the camp which is seen as vital preparation for the World Cup.
Kookaburras coach Colin Batch said: “We’ll utilise this week’s camp as important preparation for the World Cup.
“The camp is an opportunity to test the players, build their fitness and home in on our final 18-player selection.”
Kookaburras players and support staff will also attend a camp in Western Australia’s south-west at the Nanga Bush Camp.
Batch added: “The bush camp is about team building and bonding. It’s a unique opportunity for the group which we expect we’ll gain a lot from.”
Australia are in Pool B with England (ranked seventh), Ireland (10th) and China (17th) at the 2018 World Cup.
The Kookaburras’ first match is against Ireland on Friday 30 November from 9:30pm (AEDT).
Final selection for Australia’s 2018 World Cup will occur in early November following the Australian Hockey League Finals.
Watch the matches LIVE on FOXSPORTS and follow @Kookaburras on Twitter for live commentary.
Kookaburras’ 2018 World Cup schedule:
Friday 30 November 9:30pm AEDT – Australia v Ireland
Tuesday 4 December 11:30pm AEDT – Australia v England
Friday 7 December 9:30pm AEDT – Australia v China
Monday 10 December – Crossovers
Wednesday 12 December – Quarter-Finals
Saturday 15 December – Semi-Finals
Sunday 16 December - Finals
Hockey Australia media release
SA men's hockey team intensify preparations ahead of World Cup in India
Dayaan Cassiem (right) in action for South Africa, is challenged by Mohamed Zaki of Egypt during 2017 Hockey World League. Photo: Aubrey Kgakatsi/BackpagePix
JOHANNESBURG – The South African men's hockey team are intensifying their preparations for the World Cup in India in December.
They will be competing for the sixth time at the 14th staging of the event and will be hoping to emulate or better the class of 1994 and 2010.
The final fixtures for the tournament have not yet been released.
In building up for the World Cup, South Africa will host France in a four-match Test series to be played at Wits University in Johannesburg.
France secured the final spot at the 2018 World Cup when they finished seventh at the Hockey World League semifinals at the same venue.
For South African coach Mark Hopkins, it will be the first time that local fans will see him in charge of a home fixture, before heading off to India.
The experienced Rassie Pieterse will be in goal for the SA Hockey men. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
With the World Cup now just under two months away, France and South Africa, ranked 16th and 15th in the world, will field most of their World Cup squads with the focus largely on fine-tuning rather than starting from scratch.
The South African men's hockey squad is:
Tim Drummond (capt), Dayaan Cassiem, Taylor Dart, Tyson Dlungwana, Jethro Eustice, Rhett Halkett, Tommy Hammond, Keenan Horne, Julian Hykes, Gowan Jones, Peabo Lembethe, Mo Mea, Owen Mvimbi, Bili Ntuli, Taine Paton, Rassie Pieterse, Austin Smith, Nic Spooner.
Independent Online
Five Minutes With Jocelyn Bartram
Ben Somerford.jpg)
She's one of the Hockeyroos emerging stars and she's been busy lately as the unbeaten NSW Arrows goalkeeper in the Australian Hockey League, so we thought we'd catch up with Jocelyn Bartram.
Do you have any nicknames?
Joce.
What's home for you?
I'm originally from Albury on the border of NSW and Victoria.
First affiliated club?
NASC Wombats.
And who is your current club in Perth?
Suburban Lions.
Why did you start playing Hockey?
I followed my mum and brother into the sport.
What motivates you in Hockey?
Trying to be the best I can be. And trying to be the best in the world to help the team achieve.
Can you name your Hockey highlight so far?
Hmmm, that'd have to be winning the 2017 Oceania Cup and with a clean sheet too!
If you weren't a Hockey player, what would you be?
A water polo player!
Who were your childhood heroes?
Tom Brady and, Hockey-wise, Stephen Mowlam.
What are your hobbies outside of Hockey?
Training my puppy, attempting to play golf and baking naughty things.
And what's your ambition outside of Hockey?
I want to graduate uni as a qualified Exercise Physiologist and work in a rehabilitation department in a hospital for burns or neuro.
Follow Joce on Instagram @JocelynBartram
Hockey Australia media release
Kazan the Russian conquerors for 16th time, edging out Elektrostal
Dinamo Kazan won the Russian championship once again as they got the best of Tana twice over the weekend to keep them out of range of Dinamo Elektrostal.
On Saturday, a hat-trick from Pavel Golubev saw them win 5-2, putting them on the precipice of the title, needing a draw to copper-fasten another national title and assure them of Russia’s top European spot.
But they showed some early nerves as Alexey Sobolevsky put Tana a goal up in the sixth minute. Kazan, however, quickly resumed normal service with Golubev scoring twice in quick succession before Nikolay Yankun and Almaz Kurbanov made it 4-1 with just 28 minutes gone.
Tana fought back with the next two goals for 4-3 with half an hour to go but Kazan finished strong with four more goals, including two more from Golubev for an 8-3 victory.
It assured them of their 16th championship, a special one as they trailed Elektrostal for long periods of the season by five points but managed to overhaul them in the finishing straight by three points.
“It doesn't matter which time you win: 2nd, 5th, 10th,” said Dinamo-Kazan head coach Araik Margaryan. “Every victory for us is like the first time. For us it was a difficult season and we found it hard to gain momentum.
“The second half of the season was more successful in the number of points scored and in the quality of our game.”
Elektrostal showed up well this season, pushing Kazan all the way but the Tartarstan outfit showed character, fortitude and the will to win to overtake the Moscovites.
Kazan now look forward to next Sunday’s EHL KO16 draw when they will find out who they play in the knock-out stages of the competition.
Euro Hockey League media release
Holcombe’s Nick Bandurak takes lead for club, school … and his Doberman
By The Hockey Paper
Holcombe HC top the Premier Division table after four games PIC: World Sport Pics
As England’s leading scorer in the men’s hockey top flight, Nick Bandurak is in sizzling form for Holcombe.
The 25-year-old has bagged nine goals in four matches this season, including five times against Sevenoaks, and kept the Kent side top of the Men’s Premier Division with another strike against hapless Wimbledon at the weekend.
What has contributed to the Medway mean machine’s hot streak in front of goal, you ask? It could well be threefold.
First there’s his new job which he started in September – head of Hockey at Danes Hill in Surrey in September.
Or could it e the off field distractions of his and fiancee (and fellow Holcombe player) Emma Trunks’ dog, Rollo, a strapping 46kg Doberman?
Then there’s the form of Holcombe, a tight-knit team which Bandurak admits has yet to even hit top form.
He said: “We had a great start three years ago when we went unbeaten through the regular season so we have an appreciation of the hard work that goes into making this kind of start, but more importantly capitalising on it throughout the season.
“We’re a really tight group both on and off the pitch. We’ve been lucky enough to retain the majority of our core group from last season so we all know our roles and what we bring to the table.”
Holcombe were beaten by Real Club de Polo 7-4 in last season’s Euro Hockey League last 16, despite missing several players due to the Commonwealth Games.
Bandurak got two goals that day, with field goals counting for double in a short-lived experiment, but the team that day have used the defeat to their advantage.
“There’s no secret to what we did over the summer; the guys just worked extremely hard,” added Bandurak, who joined from Cannock in 2015.
“We’ve had the reminder of KO16 in the back of our minds throughout the summer and it’s given us the platform from which to work. But we know we’re not playing as well as we can do at the moment.”
With Hampstead & Westminster lying second on an inferior goal difference as the only other unbeaten side in the league, it is the other top clubs which are already chasing.
And Bandurak knows all about that, having been kept on his toes off the field thanks to an 18-month-old Doberman.
“It’s awesome getting out with him and he absolutely loves his running,” said Bandurak, whose love for his pet is evident on his Instagram account. “You begin to regret it when he’s cruising at 4min/km and dragging you along but he’s great value!
“He’s definitely my fiancee’s dog though. Em’s had him almost entirely to herself since I started my new job so she’s getting the benefits of walking him far more than me!”
Which, of course, is giving Bandurak the spark in this searing early season form of his.
The Hockey Paper
Rugby star Fitzpatrick back and firing for Glens
Glenanne’s Paula Fitzpatrick. Pic: Adrian Boehm
Irish rugby international Paula Fitzpatrick showed her value to Glenanne as she scored a hat trick to make it two wins from two in women’s Leinster Division One at a very wet St Andrew’s against Avoca.
She is taking a break from rugby, allowing her to return to hockey. The Glens looked the stronger in the opening stages winning corners from wide attacks against Avoca.
They were the first on the scoreboard with a well-worked corner finding Fitzpatrick on the back post, a lead they maintained into the second half.
They continued the pressure which resulted in a long corner finding Rachel O’Brien in the circle who deflected to Niamh Lyons for her first goal of the season.
Glenanne ramped up the pressure with Fitzpatrick finding the back of the net twice more to complete her hat-trick and secure Glenanne the three points.
Avoca did have a late flurry of pressure, testing the Glenanne defence and managed a consolation goal from a corner move on the final whistle.
They join Trinity at the top of the table following the students 8-0 win over Rathgar with Clodagh Fullston getting a hat-trick. She started their scoring when she tapped in from Sally Campbell’s pass and Fullston’s quick reflexes also yielded the second from a corner rebound.
It was 5-0 by half-time and three second half goals completed the rout, making it 14 goals scored and none conceded to date in the provincial league.
Neassa O’Malley got the only goal of the Kildare derby as the Kilcock’s North side beat newly promoted Naas 1-0. Genesis beat Our Lady’s 3-2 to get off the mark for the season.
Women’s Leinster Division One: Naas 0 North Kildare 1 (N O’Malley); Our Lady’s 2 (M McCarthy, E Kilbride) Genesis 3; Rathgar 0 Trinity 8 (C Fullston 3, E Markey 2, A Long, R Burns, S Osborne); Glenanne 4 (P Fitzpatrick 3, N Lyons) Avoca 1
The Hook
No. 16 Wake Forest defeats No. 9 Syracuse off penalty corners
No. 16 Wake Forest defeats No. 9 Syracuse, 4-1
WINSTON-SALEM. N.C. — Facing a 1-0 deficit, the 16th-ranked Wake Forest field hockey team (8-6, 2-3 ACC) recorded four consecutive goals, all off penalty corners, to overcome No. 9 Syracuse (8-5, 1-4 ACC) 4-1 on Sunday at Kentner Stadium.
Syracuse struck first at the eight-minute mark as Carolin Hoffman took a close range shot from the left side that found its way past Wake Forest keeper Isla Bint as the Orange took a 1-0 lead.
The Demon Deacon defense found its stride and held the Orange scoreless for the remainder of the game. Syracuse put up nine shots, four of which were on goal, but Bint's three saves were enough to keep the Orange at bay as the Deacon offense came to life.
A foul in the circle in the 13th minute gave the Deacons their first opportunity as Jule Grashoff scored the first goal of the game for Wake Forest, her 13th of the season. Kelsey Gill inserted the ball, while Megan Anderson set up Grashoff for the equalizer.
Just five minutes later, Wake Forest took its first lead of the match on another corner. Anne van Hoof made the shot with Anderson and Veerle Bos on the assists. The Deacons held on to a 2-1 advantage at the half.
Out of the break, the Deacon offense held on to its momentum and another foul gave Wake Forest its seventh penalty corner of the game. Gill inserted the ball as Grashoff took a shot that was saved by Syracuse keeper Borg van der Velde. Gill controlled the reflection and found the back of the net from just inches out as Wake extended its lead to 3-1.
With just minutes remaining in the game, the Deacons struck again as van Hoof scored her second goal of the day from Bos. The Wake defense controlled possession for the remainder of the game as the Deacons earned the upset over ninth-ranked Syracuse.
Wake Forest finished the game with 11 shots, six landing on goal. Anderson and Bos each tallied two assists, while Gill tallied one goal and one assist. Van Hoof paced the Deacs with four shots, and two goals. In the net, Bint improves to 8-2 on the year, making three saves and only allowing one goal.
The Deacons will hit the road for a pair of matches against Virginia and VCU on Friday and Sunday, Oct. 19 and 21. Friday's match is set for 5 p.m. and Sunday's game will begin at noon.
NCAA
Taylor Mason felt like time stopped after her first assist for Maryland field hockey
Mason recorded an assist on the Terps' first goal against Iowa.
By Lila Bromberg/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-umddiamondback.s3.amazonaws.com/public/ITHZI54AXVFV7PDCFXIHTKQTSU.jpg)
The team huddles together before Maryland field hockey’s match against Ohio State at the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex on Sept. 21, 2018. (Andi Wenck/The Diamondback)
Just before halftime of Maryland field hockey’s 2-1 win over Iowa on Sunday, forward Taylor Mason felt as if time had stopped.
With two Hawkeyes closing down on Mason outside the Iowa circle, Mason had redirected the ball between the defenders and found midfielder Brooke DeBerdine streaking down the left sideline. DeBerdine slotted the ball home to give Maryland a lead, and give Mason the first point of her career.
The assist, which helped propel Maryland to a 2-1 win, marked a significant step forward for Mason. The seldom-used forward ran to celebrate with her teammates — but not before taking a second to realize what had just happened.
“I was just super excited,” Mason said. “It was a first for me.”
Prior to her season-high 29 minutes against Iowa, Mason had played in just five games and totaled 57 minutes.
Coach Missy Meharg said she was impressed with Mason’s tactical play during her five minutes of action against Indiana on Friday, so the 30th-year head coach decided to alter her rotation Sunday.
"Taylor's just been getting better socially, tactically and technically,” Meharg said. “She has just taken the course. She's a super open-minded young woman, so she's really eager just to serve the team first and she's been training very well.”
Mason is a prime example of the depth of this year’s squad, which has contributed to Maryland’s best start since 2013. Meharg said the Terps have much more depth this season than in past years, including last season’s NCAA tournament runner-up team.
So far this season, players coming off the bench have contributed 12 goals, 12 assists and 61 shots, on pace to eclipse the team’s 16 goals off the bench last year.
Midfielder Kyler Greenwalt and forward Bibi Donraadt both began the season starting on the bench, but have since emerged as starters. Forward Lizzy Dessoye, also off the bench Sunday, forced a turnover that led to Maryland’s first goal.
“Our younger players are just stepping up and becoming more confident with the ball,” midfielder Madison Maguire said. “Our depth is significant. We have such good players that come off the bench and I think that them getting minutes is awesome."
And with her first assist as a Terp under her belt, Mason is looking forward to becoming a bigger piece for Maryland as the postseason nears.
“How well we’re doing, it’s the hard work we put in from the first day of preseason until now,” Mason said. “It’s nice to see all that hard work pay off. I think everyone’s just excited for what’s coming up next because we’re ready for it."
The Diamondback
Vale Ivan Spedding
Alexie Beovich
It is with sadness that Hockey Australia acknowledges the passing of Ivan Spedding a long-time staff member of firstly the Australian Hockey Association (AHA), and then the amalgamated body Hockey Australia.
Ivan’s early involvement was as a player in Sydney, his club being St. George. He went on to represent NSW and eventually Australia, playing alongside his brother Kevin, touring New Zealand for a test series in 1958. At this time Ivan was employed as a commercial artist working for Colgate-Palmolive.
Ivan was appointed as Coaching Director with AHA in 1979, eventually being re-titled as Technical Director and performing those roles for over 30 years. At various times Ivan also acted as the acting Executive Director for AHA.
Ivan made an outstanding contribution to the development of coaching within hockey, particularly the involvement of hockey within the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme. He established the initial AHA Coaching Committee consisting of himself, Richard Aggiss, Denis Glencross and Michael Craig, who devised and directed the curriculum development and course management of the various coaching levels.
Ivan was also instrumental in the development of Minkey in the 1980’s, the forerunner of the Hookin2Hockey programs. Ivan’s skills as a commercial artist were of great value in the production of the various coaching resources that underpinned both Minkey and the hockey specific components of the NCAS courses.
As Coaching Director Ivan was also responsible for organising with the Junior Selection Panel of John McKinnon, Les Wark, and Hugh Robson, both the Junior Talent Camps conducted at the end of the Championships for selected U17 players and the Australian Youth Camps conducted in January at the AIS Canberra each year.
Ivan was also a significant contributor for AHA and Hockey Australia internationally. He was a long-standing member of the FIH Coaching and Development Committee, and as such was central to the organisation and conduct of FIH coaching courses in Australia in conjunction with major events such as the 1994 World Cup and the 1999 joint Champion’s Trophy.
Ivan chaired the Hall of Fame committee from 2004 and was himself a recipient of an Award of Merit acknowledging his significant contribution and achievements for and on behalf of AHA and Hockey Australia.
Ivan was a person of great influence for the benefit of Australian hockey and he will be well remembered for his service to the game and his friendship with many.
Hockey Australia sends its sincere condolences to his three children, Martin, Jacqueline and Patrick at this emotional time.
Hockey Australia media release