News 19 February 2014
All the news for Wednesday 19 February 2014
Investec SA hockey girls outplay Scotland 5-0 to take 4-0 series lead
JONATHAN COOK in Pretoria
Investec SA women's hockey team goalscorer Jade Mayne lays the ball off during the fourth Test at Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria Tuesday night. SA won 5-0 and lead the five-Test series 4-0. Photo: REG CALDECOTT
A brace apiece from Lilian du Plessis and Kathleen Taylor, plus one more by Jade Mayne gave the Investec South Africa women’s hockey team an impressive 5-0 victory over Scotland in the fourth Test at Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria Tuesday night after the girls in green and gold had led 2-0 at half-time.
The in-form Du Plessis nailed two from the penalty spot in the 14th and 50th minutes while Taylor in the 28th, Mayne in the 40th and Taylor once again in the 65th netted a trio of wonderful goals from open play.
The result sees SA go 4-0 up in the series with the fifth and final Test at 1.30pm Wednesday. SA won the first Test 5-3, the second Test 4-2 and the third international 4-0.
SA had early territory and possession but Scotland were dangerous on the counter and two penalty corners in succession saw goalkeeper Hanli Hattingh pull off a pair of good saves from Sam Judge, while Lisa Deetlefs cleared off the line from Nikki Lloyd.
Both sides were prising open opposing defences with relative ease and creating quality opportunities. Keepers Siobhan Cowie of Scotland and South Africa’s Hanli Hattingh - plus both teams’ defenders (SA’s Marcelle Manson thrice) - were called on to make crucial interventions.
SA were finally rewarded when Celia Evans was impeded in the strike zone and Du Plessis made no mistake, going low to Cowie’s right. Scotland’s long balls were working well and had it not been for the final pass going astray they might have had more joy.
Seven minutes from half-time SA striker Tanya Britz crossed from the right and Taylor did the rest (2-0). Five minutes into the second half Mayne finished in magnificent fashion with a sizzling shot past Cowie after Taylor’s superb sleight of pass had carved open the Scotland defence. In the 50th Sulette Damons’ searing pace led to a second goal from the penalty spot by Du Plessis after the captain’s superb shot at full stretch had caught a Scottish foot on the line.
Scotland’s third PC came and went, keeper Hattingh making the intervention, but it was clear that SA’s finishing was better and Taylor underlined that in the 65th with a stunning goal on the turn after Illse Davids’ perfectly-weighted pass (4-0).
Three minutes from time, Mayne’s beautiful through-ball led to SA’s first PC of the match but Lisa Deetlefs’ powerful slap-shot was brilliantly run down by Howie.
SCORERS
Investec South Africa (2) 5 (Lilian du Plessis 14th and 50th minutes, Kathleen Taylor 28th and 65th, Jade Mayne 40th)
Scotland 0
SA Hockey Association media release
Scotland defeated in fourth test by South Africa
Scotland Senior Women team line-up before today's test against South Africa. Photo Credit: Reg Caldecott
Scotland Senior Women find themselves 4-0 down in the five match test series against South Africa, after a double for Lilian du Plessis and Kathleen Taylor together with a Jade Mayne goal gave the hosts a comfortable 5-0 win in Pretoria this evening.
The Scots were minus Dundee Wanderers’ trio Becky Ward, Vikki Bunce and Heather Elder, who have flown back for European club competition this weekend, so a number of less experienced players were fielded by Scotland Senior Women Head Coach Gordon Shepherd.
Following today's result a disappointed Shepherd said, “This was the poorest display of the week by the players. Many areas will need improvement before tomorrow's final match."
Scotland were afforded an early opportunity to open the scoring when they were awarded two penalty corners in succession. However, South African goalkeeper Hanli Hattingh was alert to deny Sam Judge twice at the first set-piece, while defender Lisa Deetlefs cleared Nikki Lloyd’s shot off the line.
Sam Judge prepares to let fly against South Africa. Photo Credit: Reg Caldecott
Another promising move saw Leigh Fawcett and Judge combine, but the latter's cross evaded Jennifer Eadie in the dangerzone.
In the 14th minute, South Africa took the lead when they were awarded a penalty stroke after Celia Evans was adjudged to have been impeded in the circle. Lilian du Plessis made no mistake from the spot, beating Scotland goalkeeper Siobhan Cowie low to her right.
Scotland almost found an equaliser when an excellent run from Ailsa Wylie found Judge, and her cross from the left was deflected by captain Linda Clement, only for the home 'keeper to make the save.
Alas, in the 28th minute, the home side doubled their advantage as striker Tanya Britz crossed from the right and Kathleen Taylor was on hand to finish off the move to give her side a 2-0 lead.
A half chance for the visitors gave Kareena Marshall the opportunity to put the national side on the scoresheet, but the shot was easily saved leaving them 2-0 down at the interval.
Scotland’s chances of a comeback were dented five minutes into the second half as Jade Mayne increased South Africa’s lead to 3-0 with an excellent effort past Cowie.
The game was put to bed in the 50th minute when du Plessis claimed her second goal from the penalty spot after a Scottish foot had stopped Sulette Damons’ shot on the line, leaving the Scots trailing by four goals.
in the 60th minute, Eadie had penalty corner blocked.
Taylor grabbed her second of the match five minutes from time after a sharp turn in the circle led to her beating Cowie to make the final score 5-0.
Ailsa Wylie faces up to a South African defence. Photo Credit: Reg Caldecott
The Scots face South Africa in the final match tomorrow at 11.30 GMT.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Investec SA women’s hockey team named for Argentina series in Mar del Plata
The convenor of national selectors, Mickey Gordon, has announced the names of the 20 players who will represent the Investec South Africa women’s hockey team in a five-Test series against world number two Argentina in Mar del Plata, Argentina from February 22 to 28.
In the current series between the Investec SA women’s team and Scotland in Pretoria, the fifth and final Test is at 1.30pm Wednesday at Tshwane University of Technology. SA lead the series 4-0.
The SA men’s team will also be playing a five-Test series against Argentina in Mar del Plata, Argentina from February 22 to 28.
INVESTEC SA WOMEN’S TEAM
Phumelela Mbande, Anelle van Deventer, Lisa Deetlefs, Marcelle Manson, Quanita Bobbs, Nicolene Terblanche, Marsha Cox, Shelley Russell, Tarryn Bright, Bernie Coston, Kathleen Taylor, Illse Davids, Jade Mayne, Dirkie Chamberlain, Lilian du Plessis, Celia Evans, Tanya Britz, Sulette Damons, Candice Manuel, Kelly Madsen.
TEST MATCHES
22 Feb: 19.00 Argentina vs South Africa (Men); 20.40 Argentina vs Investec South Africa (Women)
23 Feb: 19.00 Argentina vs South Africa (M); 20.40 Argentina vs South Africa (W)
24 Feb: Rest Day
25 Feb: 19.00 Argentina vs South Africa (M); 20.40 Argentina vs South Africa (W)
26 Feb: Rest Day
27 Feb: 19.00 Argentina vs South Africa (M); 20.40 Argentina vs South Africa (W)
28 Feb: 19.00 Argentina vs South Africa (M); 20.40 Argentina vs South Africa (W)
Please note, these times are Argentina time, which is five hours behind South Africa time. The men’s Test matches therefore will start at midnight SA time and the women’s matches at 1.40am SA time.
SA Hockey Association media release
Skipper Azlan wants to play in all hockey meets this year
By Aftar Singh
Azlan Misron (in yellow) was captain for two years in 2008 and 2009. As the most senior player in the squad going to Perth on a playing tour, he has been named captain again. – Bernama Photo
KUALA LUMPUR: Azlan Misron, who is the most experienced player in the national team with 327 international caps, was named captain for Malaysia’s playing tour to Perth.
The Perak-born defender, who will turn 30 on May 21, said that he is honoured to be skipper again.
“I was captain of the national team for two years from 2008 to 2009 and believe that I was given the armband because of my seniority in the team,” said Azlan, who made his debut for Malaysian in 2001.
“As captain, I will shoulder more responsibility but what is important to me is to play for Malaysia in every tournament this year.
“I want to play in the World Cup as I have never played in the tournament before. I also want to help Malaysia win the Asian Games (in Incheon from Sept 19-Oct 4) because the winners of the Asiad will qualify automatically for the 2016 Olympics,” said Azlan.
Midfielder Mohd Shahrun Nabil, who has been skipper of the national team since November 2012, is also among the 15 players who left for Perth Tuesday night.
In preparation of next month’s Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, the national team will play two matches each against the Australian Institute of Sports (AIS), Australian High Performance team and the Western Australian team.
Dharmaraj said that he named Azlan as skipper for the playing tour because he is the most experienced.
“However, I have not decided yet who will be captain for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup or other tournaments,” said Dharmaraj, who left with the team on Tuesday night.
“I will only decide on the captaincy later. What is important for me now is to see how the 15 players perform in the six matches.
“I have named a mixed team of seniors and juniors as I want gauge the performance of several players, who were recalled for training last month.”
Among those recalled are defenders Mohd Madzli Ikmar and Ahmad Kazamirul Nasrudin, forwards S. Selvaraju and Azammi Adabi, and three players who featured in the Junior World Cup in New Delhi last December – goalkeeper Mohd Hafizuddin Othman, midfielder Moer Mohamed Azuan and forward Azri Hassan.
The squad
Goalkeeper: Mohd Hafizuddin Othman.
Defenders: Azlan Misron (capt), Mohd Madzli Ikmar, Ahmad Kazamirul Nasrudin, Baljit Singh Charun, Mohd Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin.
Midfielders: Mohd Shahrun Nabil, Mohd Marhan Mohad Jalil, Meor Mohamed Azuan, Azri Hassan, Izzat Sumantri.
Forwards: Tengku Ahmad Tajudin, Firdaus Izwan, S. Selvaraju, Azammi Adabi.
The Star of Malaysia
Razie to miss Azlan Shah Cup, Champions Challenge I
By Aftar Singh
Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim (right) in a file photo. He dislocated his shoulder during an Indian Hockey League match between Dabur Mumbai Magicians and Ranchi Rhino.
KUALA LUMPUR: Penalty corner specialist Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim needs more than two months to recover from the shoulder injury he suffered in the India Hockey League.
The 26-year-old defender, who featured for Dabur Mumbai Magicians, dislocated his shoulder in the Feb 8 match against Ranchi Rhino.
National chief coach K. Dharmaraj said that it is a great blow to the national team as their main penalty corner flicker and sweeper would miss two tournaments – the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh from March 13-23 and the Champions Challenge I tournament in Kuantan from April 26-May 4.
“Razie has been advised to rest for more than two months to fully recover from the injury. I hope that he will recover in time for the World Cup (in The Hague from May 31-June 15).
“He is the most hardworking player in the team and we need his services badly for the World Cup as we will be playing against top 12 ranked teams,” said Dharmaraj.
Malaysia last played in the World Cup in 2002 when Kuala Lumpur played host.
Twelve teams will feature in the World Cup and Malaysia are the lowest-ranked team in the tournament at No. 13.
“I want to name the best possible team for the World Cup as we will face a strong challenge in the tournament,” said Dharmaraj.
Malaysia, who are ranked 13th in the world, will open their World Cup campaign against world champions Australia on May 31.
Their other Group A matches are against world No. 5 Belgium (on June 2), world No. 4 England (June 5), world No. 10 India (June 7) and world No. 9 Spain (June 9).
Olympic champions and world No. 2 Germany are drawn in Group B with Holland (No. 3), New Zealand (No. 6), South Korea (No. 7), Argentina (No. 11) and South Africa (No. 12).
The semi-finals are slated for June 13 and the final is on June 15.
Dharmaraj said that in the absence of Razie, he would rely on forward Faizal Saari, who is also playing for Mumbai Magicians, to deliver goals from penalty corners.
The 23-year-old Faizal is the second penalty corner flicker in the national team. He was joint top scorer with India’s Rupinder Pal Singh in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh last year, where he scored six goals for Malaysia.
The Star of Malaysia
Mumbai Magicians signs off on a high
UTHRA GANESAN
Mumbai’s second consecutive win in the competition helped it finish fifth among the six teams with 18 points, improving on its last-place finish last year. Newcomer Kalinga Lancers finished last with 17 points. Photo :Vivek Bendre
It was an inconsequential match for both teams but Dabur Mumbai Magicians ensured it ended its campaign in the second edition of the Hockey India League on a winning note, defeating Uttar Pradesh Wizards 3-2 here on Tuesday.
Mumbai’s second consecutive win in the competition helped it finish fifth among the six teams with 18 points, improving on its last-place finish last year. Newcomer Kalinga Lancers finished last with 17 points.
UP drew first blood in the 22nd minute through Nithin Thimmaiah but Gurjinder Singh levelled for the Magicians in the 31st minute before veteran Prabhjot Singh and captain Glenn Turner scored to put the hosts 3-1 ahead.
Wizards managed to reduce the margin through V.R. Raghunath’s penalty corner conversion but Mumbai managed to hold on for full points.
UP now travels to Ranchi for the semifinals, most likely against last year’s runner-up Delhi Waveriders, unless the last league match of the competition — between Jaypee Punjab Warriors and Ranchi Rhinos on Wednesday — ends in a draw.
The result: Dabur Mumbai Magicians 3 (Gurjinder Singh, Prabhjot Singh, Glenn Turner) bt Uttar Pradesh Wizards 2 (Nithin Thimmaiah, V.R. Raghunath).
The Hindu
Mumbai Magicians wrap up show on a high
Magicians celebrate a goal against Wizards in Lucknow on Tuesday. DNA Photo DNA
Mumbai Magicians ended their Hockey India League campaign on a high notching their second win of the tournament defeating Uttar Pradesh Wizards 3-2 at the Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium on Tuesday.
It was the Magicians' second win of the tournament having beaten debutants Kalinga Lancers 3-2 in their previous match.
Wizards took the lead through Nithin Thimmaiah in the 22nd minute. The goal possibly pumped up the Magicians, who replied in style scoring three goals. Gurjinder Singh put the sides level by slotting home a penalty corner in the 31st minute before Prabhjot Singh (56th minute) and captain Glenn Turner added their name to the scoresheet to give the Mumbai side a comfortable two goal lead.
The Wizards, however, reduced the margin of defeat a minute later through skipper V Raghunath.
The win ensured Mumbai came away with the match with five points, finishing fifth in the standings with 18 points from 10 games while the Wizards ended their campaign with 28 points from 10 games. The UP side now travel to Ranchi for their semifinal clash on Saturday.
In the last league match of the tournament, hodlers Ranchi Rhinos face the Punjab Warriors at Ranchi on Wednesday
DNA
Mumbai bow out with a win
Lucknow - They might have struggled for most part of the tournament but Mumbai Magicians drew curtains on their campaign in the second Hockey India League in style, defeating Uttar Pradesh Wizards 3-2 to register their second consecutive win this year at the Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium in Lucknow. Wizards drew the first blood in the 22nd minute through striker Nithin Thimmaiah.
Mumbai, however, made a remarkable comeback and pumped in three goals to stun the hosts. Gurjinder Singh levelled the score for Mumbai by converting a penalty corner in the 31st minute before veteran Prabhjot Singh (56th minute) and captain Glenn Turner scored field goals within a span of six minutes.
Wizards, however, reduced the margin of defeat a minute later when skipper VR Raghunath converted a penalty corner. By virtue of this win, Mumbai pocketed five points, finishing fifth in the competition with 18 points from 10 games. Wizards finished the league campaign with 28 points.
The Tribune
Mumbai Magicians stun Uttar Pradesh Wizards
LUCKNOW: They might have struggled for most part of the tournament but Mumbai Magicians drew curtains to their campaign in the second Hero Hockey India League in style, defeating Uttar Pradesh Wizards 3-2 to register their second consecutive win on Tuesday.
It was Mumbai Magicians' second victory in the tournament this year after having defeated debutants Kalinga Lancers 3-2 in their previous match.
UP Wizards drew the first blood in the 22nd minute through lanky striker Nithin Thimmaiah who scored a field goal.
But Mumbai Magicians made a remarkable comeback and pumped in three goals to stun the hosts.
Gurjinder Singh levelled the scores for Mumbai Magicians by converting a penalty corner in the 31st minute before veteran Prabhjot Singh (56th minute) and captain Glenn Turner scored from field efforts within a span of six minutes to take a sizeable lead.
The Wizards, however, reduced the margin of defeat a minute later when skipper VR Raghunath made use of a penalty corner.
By virtue of this win, Mumbai Magicians pocketed five points, finishing fifth in the six-team competition with 18 points from 10 games.
For Uttar Pradesh Wizards it was their fourth loss in HHIL 2014 and finished the league campaign with 28 points from 10 games.
UP Wizards will now travel to Ranchi for their semifinal fixture on Saturday.
In the last league match of HHIL 2014, defending champions Ranchi Rhinos will play Jaypee Punjab Warriors at Ranchi on Wednesday.
Speaking on the 2nd consecutive win Head Coach, MK Kaushik, Mumbai Magicians, said, "It was a great match today but with a few defense lapses, but the end is satisfying. We dominated from the start but it was a slow start. The team has improved with some good attack and defense."
The Times of India
Hauke on a high
The FIH Player of the Year is also crowned Player of the Tournament at the EuroHockey Indoor Clubs Champions Cup
Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek
Tobias Hauke's year just keeps getting better. The recently-crowned FIH Player of the Year, was also named Player of the Tournament at the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champions Cup 2014, as his team, Harvestehuder THC from Germany, beat the Russian Federation's representative Dinamo Yekaterinburg 4-10 in the final to be crowned indoor hockey champions.
The score margin doesn't do justice to the quality and competitiveness of the game, Dinamo conceded three quick goals towards the end of the match when they removed their 'keeper in an effort to close the gap.
Belgium club Racing Club de Bruxelles took the bronze medal after a tense shoot out with the Spanish team C.H. SPV Complutense. The results mean that Kolos-Sekvoya Vinnitsa (UKR) and Hockey Club Valenciennes (FRA) will be relegated to the Indoor Club Champions Trophy next year.
Taking their places among indoor hockey's premier club sides next year will be representatives from Switzerland, courtesy of a winning performance from HC Rotweiss Wettingen, and SV Arminen of Austria. The two teams both won promotion after they beat Menzieshall HC from Scotland and HAHK Mladost of Croatia respectively in the finals of the Eurohockey Indoor Club Champions Trophy held in Minsk.
Relegated from the second division are Italian club side CUS Bologna and SV Kampong of the Netherlands. Next season they will both play in the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champions Challenge 1.
FIH site
US Mens Development Squad Shows Strong Start to Series
The U.S. Men’s Development Squad began a four game series against the University of British Columbia (UBC) yesterday at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center. Team USA came out on top of the tightly contested match with a score of 4-3.
The U.S. got on the board first when a passing combination from Kanwarpreet Sidhu (San Jose, Cali.) to Ranveer Kundi (Glendora, Cali.) led to a backhand shot through the UBC goal keeper’s legs in the 14th minute, putting Team USA up 1-0. Play went back forth with circle play in both ends for the remainder of the first half. With neither team able to capitalize, the score remained 1-0 at halftime.
Team USA earned an attack penalty in the 47th minute where Sean Cicchi (Thousand Oaks, Cali.) played a rebound off the keeper to go up 2-0. UBC quickly fired back after a defensive error and Oliver Scholfield capitalized on the opportunity to make the score 2-1 at the 50 minute mark. A minute later, USA’s Sidhu found himself within striking distance to the goal and was able to slip the ball past the keeper from a low angle. Adding to back-to-back goals, UBC was netted a goal off of a broken attack penalty corner to bring the score to 3-2 just a minute later.
Johnny Orosco (Ventura, Cali.) earned his first goal of the series with a powerful drag flick in the 65th minute off of another U.S. attack penalty corner, giving Team USA a 4-2 lead. UBC was able to again return fire in the 66th minute with quick play and use of the baseline to beat U.S. keeper Spencer Reed, capping the score 4-3 in favor of Team USA at the final whistle.
“It was a good start to the week for gained experience playing against a quality opponent,” said Head Coach Chris Clements. “The goal of the week is to develop key tactical elements of our game that we have identified in building the bigger picture, our style of play, within the men’s program.”
USFHA media release
US Mens Development Squad to build off of key concepts in UBC series
During the second match of the U.S. Men's Development Squad vs the University of British Columbia (UBC) series, Team USA set a high tempo which established a theme they maintained throughout the entirety of the game. In the third minute of play, U.S. athlete Ranveer Kundi (Glendora, Cali.) acutely redirected a rebound off of the opposing keeper's pads to net a goal. Despite the United States' constant pressure on the Olympic Training Pitch in Chula Vista, Cali., the squad fell to UBC 1-2.
UBC was able to tie the score at minute 15 after a ball ricocheted from U.S. goalie Spencer Reeds' (Ventura, Cali.) pads and UBC athlete John Sharp secured the team's first goal. Back-and-forth play lead to another first-half goal by UBC at minute 29, where UBC athlete Gordon Johnston had a well-placed flick off a corner to find a hole in the bottom left of the cage.
The U.S. Men's Development Squad created pinpoint passes and quality ball control to establish numerous scoring opportunities but were unable to capitalize. The team will build off of these key concepts and look to improve upon them in the remaining two games.
"We took another step forwards today with the team," said Head Coach Chris Clements. "The players are developing some very positive"
USFHA media release
Womens U18 Squad Provides Promise for Future
The U.S. Women’s Under-18 Squad wrapped up play at the Youth Olympic Games Qualifier in Montevideo, Uruguay. After several days of intense competition, the U.S. ended in third place, just short of automatic qualification for the 2014 Youth Olympic Games.
Team USA took on Uruguay for the third time of the tournament on Saturday. Taking advantage of a slow U.S. start, Uruguay struck in the 7th and 11th minutes of play. Down by two goals after the first period, Team USA had trouble penetrating the Uruguay defense. With eight minutes left in the match, Uruguay increased its lead to 3-0.
In the 31st minute, Ashley Hoffman (Mohnton, PA) took a quick free hit to Austyn Cuneo (Waterford, NJ) who hammered the ball past a sliding Uruguay keeper to get the U.S. on the scoreboard. Despite a strong third period Team USA could not make the match any closer and fell 1-3.
Coming off of a very tough loss, the U.S. showed great resiliency as they bounced back for their final game of the tournament to beat Mexico. The U.S. started off strong as team captain Hoffman received a great pass from Madison Morano (Hammonton, NJ) and nailed it past the Mexico keeper. Cuneo put in Team USA’s second goal of the match at the 7 minute mark. In the 10th minute, Morano and Hoffman combined to strike again with another strong pass by Morano for Hoffman to finish. A minute later, Hoffman got her 3rd goal of the game to take the U.S. to a 4-0 advantage.
During the second period, Team USA generated impressive passing combinations, but the Mexico keeper made strong saves to keep the U.S. at bay.
In the third period, the U.S. continued the onslaught of shots and netted several more goals. Morano sent the ball over to Margaux Paolino (Villanova, PA) on the left side, Paolino got the keeper to bite and sent it high and over the keeper for Team USA’s 5th goal. Sophia Tornetta (Plymouth Meeting, PA) took the ball up the right side and sent it back to Hoffman. Hoffman sent it to the left to a wide open Cuneo who one-timed it into the net in the 28th minute, putting the U.S. up 6-0. Cuneo got her hat trick one minute later when S. Tornetta and Skyler Fretz (Oley, PA) created a great opportunity for her to finish in the 29th minute of play. Fretz tallied one of her own as she blasted one in from a few feet past the halfway line.
In the 35th minute of play, Mexico was awarded a “challenge” when the U.S. had a defensive breakdown and fouled the Mexico attack player. Mexico took full advantage of the opportunity and scored to make it 8-1. Team USA struck one last time as Morano batted the ball down from mid-air and passed to Julianna Tornetta (Plymouth Meeting, PA) for the last Team USA goal of the tournament.
Team USA’s Cuneo was named “Top Scorer” of the tournament with 17 Goals (2 Challenges and 15 FP) and J. Tornetta earned “Young Player of the Tournament”.
USFHA media release
Veitamana, Ravatu to lead Fijian U18 teams
By RASHNEEL KUMAR
Amenatave Sam Veitamana and Lala Ravatu have been chosen to lead the under-18 boys and girls hockey teams to the Olympic Youth qualifiers which will be held in Vanuatu from March 8 to 11.
Fifteen-year-old Veitamana is also the second youngest in the 10-man team.
Veitamana is well supported in the leadership role by the team vice captain Krristofer Mock.
The Fiji Times
Dhanraj Pillay joins politics
K. Arumugam
Indian hockey's well known face Dhanraj Pillay has joined politics.
He has recently joined Aam Admi Party (Common man' Party) and is expected to get ticket for contesting from Maharashtra
Indian sports persons liking for politics, especially from cricket and hockey are well known, and the interest shown by Dhanraj Pillay are quite in the order.
Dilip Tirkey, first person in the hockey world to crack 400 caps barrier, is currently Member of Parliament from Odhisa, his own state, having got the coveted entry into the Indian Parliament after the State's ruling Party, Biju Janata Dal, offered him the 6-year seat.
Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar is the latest entrance into the Rajya Sabha, upper house of parliament, after Dilip Tirkey.
Rajya Sabha MPs are elected by the MLAs of State Assembly
However, cricketer Azaruddin, is sitting MP in lower house, which is elected through direct ballot by people constituency wise.
Aslam Sher Khan, 1975 World Cup hero, is the elected member of Parliament and also became a minister in the central government.
First MP from sports was Jaipal Singh Munda, Indian hockey's first Olympic captain.
Indian hockey's star Pargat Singh is also a practicing politician, having been elected to Punjab State Legislative Assembly from Jalandhar Constituency a couple of years ago.
Aam Admi Party is just a year old political outfit, formed by educated middle class Indian citizenry, which fights against corruption in Indian politics.
This party has stunned Delhi State with thumping win in the assembly elections, and thus catching the imagination of public at large.
If daily reports are any indication, a lot of new faces from every walk of life is entering AAP's fold, and the party is likely to contest in about 300 Lok Sabha seats in the five-year Parliamentary election due this May.
Stick2Hockey.com
Not so good news from past sponsors of hockey
K. Arumugam
Recently, a Member of Parliament, sprayed of all the things Pepper Gas in, of all places, inside Indian parliament. He did so while protesting against separation of his State into two, last Friday. The act, unprecedented in the world’s biggest democracy, came in for condemnation from one and all.
What has hockey to do with it?
The MP in question is one L. Ragagopal, who is owner of Lanco International, an Andhra based mining company that sponsored the first ever Hockey 9s in Perth, Australia.
This company brought in professionally by Delhi based Commune, sponsored the first edition in 2011, though the Hockey 9s was held again without Lanco on title this year.
Its not first time some hockey sponsors and their companies turned out to be in public domain for all wrong reasons.
Kuber, a chit fun based business chain, broke and its chairman, Praduman Sharma, was arrested in the mid 2000s. Kuber sponsored when India hosted its first Champions Trophy.
Sahara, sponsor of all age group men and women national teams, is also prominent in the courts and business news section of media nowadays.
Stock Exchange Board of India has won many legal battles against Sahara on various counts, and the latest is Sahara Company’s founder and Supreme Subrato Roy has been barred from leaving country. Sahara has been fighting against this in court.
Besides national team sponsors, Sahara also has Hockey India League Franchise, Uttar Pradesh Wizards, which has entered the semifinal second year in succession.
Stick2Hockey.com