News 21 March 2014
All the news for Friday 21 March 2013
Final beckons Malaysia
By JUGJET SINGH
WORLD NO 1 Australia started off slowly, but went on to beat South Korea 5-1 to cement their spot in the final of the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh yesterday.
And now, Malaysia need to keep the score low when they play Australia tomorrow, and hope South Korea do not hammer South Africa in their last match to move into the final on goal difference.
The Koreans have scored nine and let in nine, while Malaysia have a seven-goal cushion going into the Australian match and they must not blow it.
Australia were given the run around by Asian champions South Korea, who defended stoutly until a silly mistake made all the difference in the 10th minute.
Off a goalmouth melee, Trent Mitton slotted in the ball for the lead.
However, the Koreans refused to be intimidated by that goal and kept defending while only moving forward a handful of times in the first half. And it paid off when they won their first penalty corner in the 32nd minute and Jang Jong Hyun nailed the equaliser with a low push which sounded the board.
But the Australians came back strongly into the match again, and just as the clock showed seconds left to half-time, Nicholas Budgeon scored to make it 2-1.
In the second half, goals by Jeremy Hayward (59th), Matt Gohdes (63rd, 69th) made it a comfortable 5-1 win for the Aussies.
Meanwhile, Malaysia have a well deserved two-day break after whipping China 7-3 on Wednesday.
Seasoned striker Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, who is playing in his eighth Azlan Shah Cup likes the improvement shown by the seven juniors drafted for the tournament, and feels they can only become better with exposure.
"Seven players without caps were included by the coach, and they showed some good promise in all the matches, and I believe that with more exposure, Malaysia will have a very strong team as these players mature further," said the 28-year-old who scored his first tournament goal against China.
Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin made his mark in the 2005 Junior World Cup in Rotterdam, and has been a permanent fixture in the Malaysian strikeforce since.
With beating Australia almost an impossible dream, the task as hand for Malaysia would be to stop the Aussies from scoring too many goals and have a rematch with the World No 1 in the final on Sunday.
New Straits Times
Kookaburras reach final
5-1 win over Korea with strikes from Mitton, Budgeon, Hayward & Gohdes (2)
The Kookaburras marched into the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup with victory over world number seven side Korea on Thursday evening with what Head Coach Ric Charlesworth described as a “very good performance”.
In a milestone match for Liam De Young, who became only the fourth Australian man to reach 300th appearances, and Jake Whetton who played his 50th game for the Kookaburras, the world’s number one side ran out 5-1 victors.
Speaking after the match, Charlesworth said, “It was a very good performance. Our defence played solidly. Korea is a team that are difficult [to play against] and it’s often a war of attrition. They’re frugal and risk averse and you have to slog it out. Overall, I thought we played really solidly; the guys at the front worked hard and put them under pressure."
Acknowledging Liam De Young’s remarkable achievement, Charlesworth added, “He’s had a marvellous career. He’s been playing [for the Kookaburras] since 2001, he’s won everything there is to win and he put in a great performance on a big night tonight. He’s got beautiful fluency, silky skills and great pace. He can play in multiple positions and gives us great flexibility.”
Western Australian Trent Mitton gave the Kookaburras an early lead and Tasmanian Nick Budgeon kept up his fine run of at least a goal a game in Ipoh with Australia’s second, which came on the stroke of half time in response to Korea levelling at 1-1 through Jang Jong Hyun’s penalty corner.
After a largely uneventful opening to the second half, the game sprung back into life with 11 minutes remaining as Jeremy Hayward gave the Kookaburras breathing space as he made it 3-1. His unstoppable rocket-propelled penalty corner flick flew under the bar and into the top corner giving the Korean defence no chance.
Matt Gohdes then struck twice in the final ten minutes to mark his return to the side having sat out Monday’s comprehensive win over South Africa. Gohdes’ first goal came as a result of good work by Jake Whetton, who set up the opportunity for Gohdes to guide the ball home into an empty net from chest height before the Queenslander slid in to convert Rob Hammond’s pinpoint pass in the final minute.
There was some concern, however, for the Kookaburras who lost two players during the game. New South Wales’ Tristan White was taken to hospital as a precaution after taking a knee to his lower back in a collision on the halfway line and five-times World Player of the Year Jamie Dwyer left the field clutching his hamstring after pulling up while running.
The Kookaburras' opponents in the final will be either Malaysia or Korea. Hosts Malaysia are the Kookaburras’ final round-robin opponents on Saturday night with a point enough to guarantee a rematch with Australia on Sunday. An Australian win will likely see the contest come down to goal difference between Malaysia and Korea, so long as Korea defeat South Africa in their final game.
Australia versus Malaysia gets underway at 9:05pm AEDT / 6:05pm AWST on Saturday and is live on Eurosport Australia, Foxtel channel 511.
Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
Ipoh, Malaysia
KOOKABURRAS: 5 (2)
Trent Mitton 10 (F)
Nick Budgeon 35 (F)
Jeremy Hayward 59 (PC)
Matt Gohdes 63, 70 (F, F)
KOREA: 1 (1)
Jang Jong Hyun 32 (PC)
Kookaburras squad v Korea
Athlete (Hometown, State) Caps/Goals
Started
Andrew Charter (GK) (Canberra, ACT) 58/0
Chris Ciriello (Melbourne, VIC) 128/70
Liam De Young (Brisbane, QLD) 300/34
Jamie Dwyer (Rockhampton, QLD) 312/203
Matt Gohdes (Rockhampton, QLD) 83/24
Rob Hammond (Townsville, QLD) 243/28
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT) 4/2
Mark Knowles (c) (Rockhampton, QLD) 228/19
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS) 203/51
Glenn Simpson (Melbourne, VIC) 103/20
Jake Whetton (Brisbane, QLD) 50/21
Used substitute
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD) 24/6
Nick Budgeon (Hobart, TAS) 18/9
Russell Ford (Melbourne, VIC) 147/71
Tyler Lovell (GK) (Perth, WA) 18/0
Trent Mitton (Perth, WA) 52/17
Andrew Philpott (Melbourne, VIC) 13/1
Tristan White (Wollongong, NSW) 25/1
Standings (correct at time of publication - updated here)
1. Australia (12 points, 4 matches)
2. Malaysia (10 points, 4 matches)
3. Korea (7 points, 4 matches)
4. China (3 points, 5 matches)
5. Canada (3 points, 5 matches)
6. South Africa (3 points, 4 matches)
Kookaburras' Fixtures, Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
22 March: Kookaburras v Malaysia - 21:05 AEDT - 18:05 AWST - 18:05 local time
23 March: Kookaburras v Classification - TBC
Hockey Australia media release
300 up for DY
Liam De Young to become only fourth man to play 300 times
In his 14th year as a Kookaburra Liam De Young will tonight step out against Korea at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in what will be his 300th match representing Australia. In doing so he becomes only the fourth man to reach the magic 300 games for the Kookaburras, following in the footsteps of Jay Stacy (321), Brent Livermore (317) and Jamie Dwyer (311).
The 32 year old from Brisbane has had quite the career to date having won medals at three Olympic Games, including Athens in 2004, and three World Cups, including the gold medal the team will be looking to defend in The Hague in June.
Read what he had to say about his achievement in today’s Courier Mail and listen to his comments in the video below, taken at training this morning. And don’t forget to check out his stats in the infographic too.
De Young will be the only player making a milestone appearance against Korea; Jake Whetton will play his 50th game for Australia in the match.
Read the Courier Mail article with comments from Liam and his father
Hockey Australia media release
Australia beat S. Korea to keep 100% record intact
By Aftar Singh
Korea’s Eun Seong-hong (left) tussling for the ball with Australia’s Daniel Beale during their Sultan Azlan Shah Cup match in Ipoh. — SAIFUL BAHRI / The Star
IPOH: Defending champions Australia kept their 100% record intact after outplaying Asia Cup champions South Korea 5-1 and qualify for the final in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament.
It was the fourth straight win for the Kookaburras, who will wrap up their round-robin fixtures against Malaysia on Saturday.
South Korea’s defeat on Thursday puts Malaysia in a good position to qualify for the final.
Malaysia are currently second in the standings, behind Australia, with 10 points. South Korea are third with seven points.
But with a seven-goal advantage in hand, Malaysia go into their last match against Australia in good nick.
Liam De Young made his 300th international appearance and was presented with a memento by coach Ric Charlesworth before the match on Thursday.
The Australians got their goals through Trent Mitton (10th), Nicholas Budgeon (35th), Jeremy Hayward (59th) and Matt Gohdes (63rd, 69th).
Two-time champions South Korea replied through Jan Jung-hyun in the 32nd minutes.
Charlesworth was impressed with his team’s performance.
“It was a solid display. The Koreans gave us a hard time in the first-half and it was difficult to break their defence.
“But we played with more determination after the breather and made full use of our chances,” said Charlesworth, who is concerned with a few injuries to his players.
In the first match of the day, Canada registered their first win in the tournament by edging China 4-3.
Canada and China are tied on three points from one win in five matches. China, however, are fourth with a better goal difference.
Canada’s goalscorers were Matthew Guest (first, 15th minutes), Gordon Johnston (33rd) and Iain Smythe (64th). China replied through Guo Xiaoping (third), Huang Yue (46th) and Du Talake (64th).
The Star of Malaysia
Tengku Ahmad baffled as scoring touch deserts him in Ipoh
By Aftar Singh
Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (left) is playing in his eighth Sultan Azlan Shah Cup outing and he has only found the net 17 times in 52 matches. — SAIFUL BAHRI / The Star
IPOH: Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin is the most experienced forward in the national hockey team. But he doesn’t seem to have much luck when it comes to the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournament.
This is his eighth Sultan Azlan Shah Cup outing and he has only found the net 17 times in 52 matches.
That’s a poor return for a player who has represented Malaysia 218 times – scoring a total of 77 goals – and is dubbed “Zidane” for his brilliant stick work and dedication.
In fact, in this year’s edition, he has only scored once in four matches.
The 164cm-tall Tengku Ahmad’s only goal came in the 7-3 win over China on Wednesday.
Tengku Ahmad, a member of the 2010 Asian All Star team, admitted to being perplexed about losing his scoring touch when it comes to the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
“I should be scoring regularly in the tournament as I’m the most senior forward ... and I’m featuring for the eighth time in the Azlan Shah Cup.
“But somehow I just can’t seem to score,” said Tengku Ahmad, who only scored twice in six matches in the tournament last year.
Luckily for Malaysia, while Tengku Ahmad has failed to find his scoring touch, the junior strikers – debutants Mohd Shahril Saabah and Mohd Rashid Baharom – have been plundering the goals.
After four matches, Shahril, 20, has scored three goals and Rashid one.
Malaysia have 10 points from three wins and a draw. They edged South Africa 3-2, drew 2-2 with South Korea, beat Canada 3-1 and China 7-3.
Malaysia need just a draw against defending champions Australia in their last round-robin match on Saturday to seal a place in the final.
Malaysia played Australia twice in the same tournament last year, drawing 1-1 in the preliminary rounds and losing 3-2 in the final. Faizal Saari and Tengku Ahmad scored against Australia in the final last year.
The 23-year-old Faizal will be back in action against Australia after serving out a one-match suspension against China.
He was suspended for breaking a chair after being sent to the sin bin for hitting a player in the match against Canada on Monday.
Tengku Ahmad is glad that Faizal will be back for the match against world champions Australia, who are in Ipoh with their best players.
“The challenge will be on us to stop them from scoring ... they have world-class forwards. We just need to stay focused throughout the match,” said Tengku Ahmad, a member of Malaysia’s silver medal team in the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games.
The Star of Malaysia
SA hockey men need one point against South Korea
JONATHAN COOK in Ipoh, Malaysia
South Africa's Brandon Panther takes on superstar Jamie Dwyer and the Australians during the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia this week. photo by TIM MYERS
The challenge is clear for the South Africa men’s hockey team when they take on world number seven South Korea at 2.05pm (SA time) Saturday in the final round-robin match (live on SuperSport 6) at the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia.
A draw or win will ensure South Africa play for third place Sunday; defeat will mean playing against Canada to avoid the wooden spoon.
It is a big ask but not impossible for world number 12 South Africa. World number 13 Malaysia showed the way with a 2-2 draw against Korea in the third round of matches. For head coach Seok Kyo Shin’s Koreans, a convincing victory over SA will go some way towards redressing what has been an unconvincing week.
Apart from the chance to have a second tilt at the Aussies in Sunday’s final, another winning incentive for Korea is that SA are in their pool at the World Cup in The Hague, Netherlands in June.
“For that reason alone, Saturday’s match is of massive importance to us,” said SA head coach Fabian Gregory after a busy training session in intense humidity Friday afternoon. “We are looking to test a few things, and if we get something out of the game ahead of our World Cup clash it will a major confidence booster.”
Korea will look to place SA under pressure, forcing the men in green and gold into areas where they are confident of turning the ball over and launching telling counter-attacks.
“Korea have excellent technical skills, are exceptionally quick and have a good penalty corner attack, but like any team they don’t like pressure” said Gregory. “We have a plan, which we believe will work.”
In Saturday’s other Test match, Australia – already through to the final yet always seeking perfection, play Malaysia. The Kookaburras have been so dominant they are expected to win well, but the vociferous Malaysian crowd - with their flares, drums, chanting and singing - spur their team on to greater heights.
Going into Saturday’s matches, Malaysia have scored 15 goals with eight against while Korea have scored nine and conceded nine, which gives the host country a goal difference advantage of seven. For Korea to reach the final, they will have to beat SA convincingly and hope that, first, Malaysia don’t take a point off Australia, and second, are soundly beaten.
With Korea playing SA after the Malaysia/Australia clash, they will know exactly what is needed.
Everyone here, other than Korea, hope it will be an Aussie/Malaysia final, which will be a treat for South Africans watching on SuperSport, who are unused to seeing a packed house at a hockey stadium, coupled with a remarkable bunch of fans.
Last year the Aussies beat Malaysia in the final, scoring the winner with 20 seconds left - and for that game a horde of fans were turned away at the gates, as the ground was packed to the rafters and beyond.
Sunday’s final is live on SuperSport 6 at 2.30pm (SA time). The fifth/sixth place playoff and the third/fourth place playoff are on SuperSport 7 at 9.30am and 12 noon respectively.
Log (matches played in brackets, goal difference, points): 1. Australia (4) GD24, 12pts; 2. Malaysia (4) GD7, 10pts; 3. South Korea (4) GD0, 7pts; 4. China (5) GD-8, 3pts; 5. Canada (5) GD-11, 3pts; 6. South Africa (4) GD-12, 3pts.
South Africa: Rassie Pieterse (Southern Gauteng, goalkeeper), Jethro Eustice (SG), Rhett Halkett (Western Province), Robin Jones (KZN Inland), Dylan Swanepoel (WP), Wade Paton (WP, capt), Jonty Robinson (Northern Blues), Tim Drummond (KZN Coastal Raiders), Clint Panther (SG), Lungi Tsolekile (WP), Julian Hykes (SG). Rolling substitutes: Francois Pretorius (NB), Taylor Dart (SG), Owen Mvimbi (SG), Pierre de Voux (WP), Ignatuis Malgraff (Eastern Province), Brandon Panther (SG), Jacques le Roux (WP, goalkeeper).
TV times and channels (all SA time) - Sat 22 Mar: SA v South Korea (2.05 pm SuperSport 6). Sun, 23 Mar: 5th/6th playoff (SuperSport 7 at 9.30am SA time); 3rd/4th playoff (SuperSport 7 at 12 noon SA time); Final (SuperSport 6 at 2.30pm SA time).
SA Hockey Association media release
FIH announces format change set to improve hockey experience
(Photo: Grant Treeby)
20th March 2014: The FIH has announced changes to the structure of the game that will result in a higher intensity, faster paced and more exciting game of hockey. As of 1 September, major FIH events such as the Champions Trophy, Hockey World League Final and Rio 2016 Olympic Games will assume a new format that includes moving to four 15-minute quarters and having 40-second time-outs when a penalty corner is awarded and after a goal is scored.
Leandro Negre, President of FIH, said: “The decision demonstrates our commitment to fan engagement. With the additional breaks, fans will have the opportunity to enjoy more replays and be more engaged with the event, whether in the stadium or watching from a far, while hockey commentators will be allowed more time to provide sport analysis between plays. In addition, coaches and players will see improvement in their performance with the additional opportunities to re-hydrate and re-strategize.”
Overall game time will move from 70 minutes (previously two 35-minute halves) to a 60-minute game with four 15-minute quarters. The additional time-outs for penalty corners and after goals ensures that the new 60-minute format is primarily actual playing time and eliminates the dead time associated with penalty corner set up while allowing for teams to enjoy their goal celebrations.
Official Press Release
FIH site
FIH decides to implement 4-quarter match format from Sept
NEW DELHI: Taking a cue from Hockey India League, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Thursday made significant changes in the structure of the game, moving away from two 35-minute halves to four-quarter format of 15 minutes each in a match.
As per the new format, overall game time will move from 70 minutes (previously two 35-minute halves) to a 60-minute affair with four 15 minute quarters where there is a time-out for penalty corner setup and goals.
After the first and third quarters, each team will have a two-minute break, while the existing 10-minute half time will remain unchanged.
The HIL, which has completed two editions so far, plays in a four-quarter format of 17 and a half minutes each in a match.
The FIH, which took the decision today in its Executive Board in Lausanne, said that the change will improve the flow and intensity of the game and increase the fan experience and opportunity for game presentation and analysis.
"Following the already-existing formats of several other sports such as basketball, American football and netball, the FIH Executive Board has decided to move hockey into a four-quarter format," the FIH said in a statement.
The new regulations will come into force from September 1 and thus will not be implemented in the Hockey World Cup to be held in The Hague (the Netherlands) from May 31 to June 15.
"The new regulations will be applied to the upcoming Champions Trophy, World League Round 2, World League Semi-Final and Final, all continental Olympic qualifying events as of 1 September 2014 as well as the Rio 2016 Olympic Games," the FIH said.
Supplementing the new 60-minute regulation, the FIH also announced the implementation of a 40-second time-out when a penalty corner is awarded.
Additionally, a 40-second time out will also be added when a goal has been scored. Both time-outs allow for on-field team celebration time, video replays and analysis for televised matches, as well as additional opportunities to engage fans.
The time-outs ensure that the new 60-minute format is primarily actual playing time and eliminates the dead time associated with penalty corner set up while allowing for teams to enjoy their goal celebrations, the world body said.
"The decision today demonstrates our commitment to fan engagement. With the additional breaks, fans will have the opportunity to enjoy more replays and be more engaged with the event, whether in the stadium or watching from a far, while hockey commentators will be allowed more time to provide sport analysis between plays," FIH president Leandro Negre said.
"In addition, coaches and players will see improvement in their performance with the additional opportunities to re-hydrate and re-strategise," he added.
India Head Coach Terry Walsh has supported the changes, saying it will allow teams to keep their best players on the ground for longer durations.
"Hockey has witnessed quite a few changes in the recent past. The shortening of match duration will help sides in fielding their best players for longer time," said Walsh.
High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans said: "The changes have been introduced keeping in mind the commercial point of view, which is not such a bad thing. I don't think India will face any disadvantage. It's impact could only be assessed after one year."
The Times of India
FIH moves to make hockey more attractive
In keeping with its efforts to attract the market and increase audience, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has decided to change the format of the game.
Coming into effect on September 1, international matches will now be 60-minute affairs, broken into four quarters of 15 minutes each. The 10-minute half-time break will be retained while there will be two-minute breaks after the first and third quarters.
According to the FIH, the change is to improve the flow and intensity. “With additional breaks, fans will have the opportunity to enjoy more replays and be more engaged while commentators will have more time to provide analysis,” FIH president Leandro Negre said in a release on Thursday.
The new rules mean organisers and broadcasters will have a chance to maximise revenue, both at the venue and on TV. Hockey India High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans admitted as much.
“I think it is good for the game since we know that, without commercial intervention, you cannot play professional sport anymore. And hockey is such a fast game, within normal play, there is no chance of a commercial,” Oltmans said.
Other changes include a 40-second time-out, after the award of a penalty corner and a goal, to ensure the new format is maximised for actual play. However, in case of a re-awarded penalty corner, teams will only get enough time to get back into position. The own-goal rule has already been scrapped by the FIH.
The time-outs, in particular, have been brought in to give the broadcasters more opportunities to generate profits while also allowing celebration time to the players after a goal.
Both Oltmans and chief coach Terry Walsh insisted that the changes would help top players stay on the pitch longer while giving them regular breaks. “It’s the first rule I have seen that has taken away some of the focus required; you can actually play comfortably (in short bursts) without an incredibly high level for long. But I am sure the coaches will force that up soon,” Walsh said after the team’s training session here.
The format, first introduced during the now-defunct Premier Hockey League in 2005, is currently used by the Hockey India League and the Euro Hockey League.
The Hindu
New hockey rules will see four quarters instead of two halves
LAHORE - International Hockey Federation (FIH) Thursday, announced changes to the structure of the game, moving from two 35-minute halves to four 15-minute quarters, a model that has been tried and implemented by both the Euro Hockey League and Hockey India League. The purpose of the change will improve the flow and intensity of the game and increase the fan experience and opportunity for game presentation and analysis.
Other changes include the implementation of 40-second time-outs following both penalty corner awards and the scoring of a goal. Both stoppages ensure that the 60-minute game time is maximized for actual play and not consumed with penalty corner set up or other dead time when the ball is not in play. The new regulations will be applied to the upcoming Champions Trophy, World League Round 2, World League Semi-Final and Final, all continental Olympic qualifying events as of 1 September 2014 as well as the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Leandro Negre, president of FIH, said: "The decision today demonstrates our commitment to fan engagement. With the additional breaks, fans will have the opportunity to enjoy more replays and be more engaged with the event, whether in the stadium or watching from a far, while hockey commentators will be allowed more time to provide sport analysis between plays. In addition, coaches and players will see improvement in their performance with the additional opportunities to re-hydrate and re-strategize."
The new format will result in a higher intensity, faster paced and more exciting game of hockey. It will enable event organisers and broadcasters to develop more engaging fan experiences, both at the venue, on TV and online. With an increase in opportunity to review highlights, explain the game and add colour to the play, people from all over the world can have a better lens on the exciting sport of hockey.
Following the already-existing formats of several other sports such as basketball, American football and netball, the FIH Executive Board decided to move hockey into a four-quarter format. Overall game time will move from 70 minutes (previously two 35-minute halves) to a 60-minute game with four 15 minute quarters where there is a time-out for penalty corner setup and goals. After the first and third quarters, each team will have a two-minute break, while the existing 10-minute half time will remain unchanged.
Supplementing the new 60-minute regulation, FIH also announced the implementation of a 40-second time-out when a penalty corner is awarded. Additionally, a 40 second time out will also be added when a goal has been scored. Both time-outs allow for on-field team celebration time, video replays and analysis for televised matches, as well as additional opportunities to engage fans.
The time-outs ensure that the new 60-minute format is primarily actual playing time and eliminates the dead time associated with penalty corner set up while allowing for teams to enjoy their goal celebrations.
The Nation
World body rings dramatic changes in hockey
Biswajyoti Brahma
NEW DELHI: In a major rule change aimed at making the game more exciting and viewer-friendly, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Thursday announced its decision to reduce the duration of matches to 60 minutes from its current duration of 70 minutes.
It has also decided to divide the game into four quarters of 15 minutes each. Hockey, which made its Olympic debut in 1908, has been played over two halves of 35 minutes each.
The new rule would come into effect from September 1 this year and major FIH events such as the Champions Trophy, Hockey World League Final and 2016 Rio Olympics will be played in the new format which also provides for 40-second time-outs whenever a penalty corner is awarded or after a goal is scored, the FIH said.
FIH said the move to make the game faster and more exciting was based on the model tried and implemented by Hockey India League and Euro Hockey League. "The decision demonstrates our commitment to fan engagement," FIH president Leandro Negre said.
The move to make hockey more attractive became necessary after the game came under the scrutiny of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In 2013, IOC voted to oust wrestling from the Olympic core sport and hockey barely managed to save itself. Wrestling, however, was later reinstated after it came with some rule changes to make the game more viewer-friendly. Negre had than termed the IOC vote as a "wakeup call" for hockey.
'Format suits Indian players'
Former Indian coach Harendra Singh welcomed the "major change" and said the format would suit the Indian players, but also pointed out that it would make the job of the coaches more challenging. "This is best for entertainment and it will certainly generate more revenue as matches will be very fast-paced like basketball," Harendra told TOI.
"As far as players are concerned, I think this format will suit players from the sub-continent. The players will get more breaks during the matches and it will help them start each quarter fresh," Harendra told TOI. "But it will be a new challenge for coaches as they would have to make optimal use of the players by coming up with good rolling substitution."
Olympian Viren Rasquinha also agreed that the changes would make the game more exciting. "Shorter duration means more goals," Rasquinha said. However, he added that to make the most of the changed format, India should start using it in the domestic circuit. "Rolling substitution has been very crucial in the last 10 years. We need to introduce the new format in the domestic structure."
New Format
Match duration: 60 minutes 4 quarters: Each quarter will be of 15 minutes
40 sec timeout: After penalty corner awarded and after a goal scored
Two-minute breaks: After the first and third quarters. The existing 10-minute half time will remain unchanged.
The new format comes into effect from September 1, 2014
Major rule overhauls in the sport over the years
Artificial turf replaces grass in the 1970s
Introduction of floodlights. With growing TV coverage of major events, artificial lighting was introduced during the evening games in the mid 1970s
Rolling substitution. Two substitutes were first allowed in 1973 but once taken off the field, the player was not allowed back on to the field (like in football). In 1988/89, three substitutes were permitted. Since 1992, multiple, rolling changes were allowed
Off-side rule dropped in 1996 in a bid to ensure more goals during a match
A "self-pass" from a free hit was introduced. It enables the player taking the free hit to play the ball himself again after taking the free hit to encourage free-flowing hockey.
"Own goal" introduced: a goal can be scored after the ball is touched in the circle by either an attacker or a defender.
The Times of India
Rule Change: 4Q dose another self goal for FIH
K Arumugam
When cornered by the Olympic Organizing Committee in 1976, the Federation Internationale de Hockey (FIH) did not stand up, but buckled.
Canadian Olympic Committee asked it to bend, but FIH Crawled.
It agreed to play on synthetic surface, and then it claimed it will change hockey forever.
The surface on the face of it did not change anything for hockey except bringing vast reduction in playing surfaces across the globe; African continent for an instant may not have more than 50 of them collectively!
When after the Atlanta Olympics when the offside rule was introduced, Federation Internationale de hockey predicted transformation of hockey. It has not happened exactly.
What has resulted in sum so far is that it was about to be dropped from the future Olympic ambit, but just survived. It’s a proof change of surface, removal of off side, or introduction of substitutions and alike did not yield any tangiable result to hockey attain mass profile.
The FIH, used to its wisdom that tinkering with rules is the only way forward to popularize its baby, is at it again.
Self start rule introduced in the rule book before the last Olympics, the short-lived own-goal etc etc made only cosmetic changes to hockey’s appeal. But the FIH will not stop.
Unlike football, hockey has the sadistic pleasure of killing itself under the much-sold, much more defeatist wisdom.
Hockey was played for 70 minutes since modern game started appearing in the Olympic arena, starting from early 1900s. Then came the Leagues in India, which folded quicker than they came, where the concept of four quarter was introduced.
The premier hockey league where this was introduced did not survive, contrarily it was moving to point of no return. Neither did hockey benefit nor the television channel it promoted. Then came, and we forget for a awhile WSH, the Hockey India League, which is surely global hockey world’s costliest property, with the same 4Q concept.
HIL is a good one, but is on its infancy. First year saw only five teams, next year saw only one more team addition, that too from the government department, and now with Sahara chief in jail, things may be back to square.
HIL though is an improving asset, and has a long way to go before it establish itself as success. In Indian context it did not enthuse two sections that count in India – cinema and cricket.
Now, with the football league on the anvil, IPL franchises and cine world jump in. It did not happen in HIL. It struggles.
The point here is HIL experiment is still going on, nothing conclusively established of its grand success though we wish it to be so, and it has made a lot of players millionaires.
How meanwhile the FIH found one of the technical aspect of the game as it was played in HIL, will be its future vista?
The 4Q rule it has now brought out is borne out of HIL; will the same be launching pad of future hockey. Football has not changed any rule, played for 90 minutes with just one break. Commercials endorse, and the sport is on world’s top.
What is the problem for hockey?
Its lack of quality tournaments and events that are the problems for hockey’s present low profile, not the rules.
FIH's focus, on the face of it seems, only selling the game to television and bowing to their diktats instead of preserving the game's virtues.
Stick2Hockey.com
Hockey changing to appeal to more people
MATT RICHENS
Hockey is set to change and follow basketball's lead as the sport's governing body hopes to make the sport more appealing to an Olympic audience.
As of September 1, hockey will be played in four 15-minute quarters instead of two 35-minute halves.
Forty-second time-outs will also be introduced and be implemented when a penalty corner is awarded and after goals are scored.
The purpose of the changes, according to the FIH, is to ''improve the flow and intensity f the game and increase the fan experience and opportunity for presentation and analysis''.
The FIH's release does not make it clear if the rule changes will be introduced to all levels of the sport of just international hockey.
However, the time-out appear purpose-built for top-level hockey and televised games.
"The decision today demonstrates our commitment to fan engagement,'' FIH president Leandro Negre said.
''With the additional breaks, fans will have the opportunity to enjoy more replays and be
more engaged with the event, whether in the stadium or watching from a far, while hockey
commentators will be allowed more time to provide sport analysis between plays.''The four-quarter model has been tested by both the Euro Hockey League and the Hockey India League.
The existing 10-minute halftime break will remain the same while two-minute breaks will be used after the first and third quarters.
The 40-second time-outs will not be awarded for re-awarded penalty corners.
The new regulations will be applied to the upcoming Champions Trophy, World League Round Two, World League Semifinal and Final, all continental Olympic qualifying events as of September 1 as well as the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Stuff
Coach Walsh excited about developmental plan
Apart from preparing the Indian hockey team for some important events this year, chief coach Terry Walsh is excited about a developmental plan to establish a uniform style of play at every level.
Talking to reporters after a practice session at the National Stadium here on Thursday, Walsh sounded optimistic about the plan which will cover under-14, under-17 and under-21 players.
“We are starting to get some plans which are going to be in place with reference to our development.
“And that is huge. I am delighted that the academy type of process is going to be of high quality.
“We are going to link everything under this plan,” said Walsh.
“We are looking at developing in a style of game which replicates what we are doing at the top level.”
Walsh said it would take some time before such a plan yielded results.
“By end of the third quarter of the year we will see the first part of it take place. It will take 12-18 months to really see it work,” he said.
Key players recovering
Walsh said some key players — such as Mandeep Singh, Gurwinder Singh Chandi, S.V. Sunil, Harbir Singh and Danish Mujtaba — were on the path to recovery and should be fit in the next few weeks.
The chief coach said the Indian team might play a few games against the Netherlands and Belgium, apart from local sides in Europe in the run-up to the World Cup in May.
The Hindu
Uttar Pradesh, Railways, Air India Sports Promotion Board and Comptroller & Auditor General in national hockey semis
National Hockey Championship RNA Research & Archives
Uttar Pradesh, Railways, Air India Sports Promotion Board and Comptroller & Auditor General of India made the semi-finals of the Hockey National Championship (Division A) on Thursday.
It will be Air India Sports Promotion Board versus Uttar Pradesh and Comptroller and Auditor General Of India against Railways, this Saturday.
In a Pool A match, Air India Sports Promotion Board bagged an easy win over Andhra Pradesh.
Association Of Indian Universities beat Chandigarh Olympic Association 2-1 in another Pool A match.
In the last match of the day, Punjab stormed past Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy with a 6-1 win.
Results:
Pool A - Air India Sports Promotion Board 4 Armaan Qureshi (20 and 60 min), Osaf Ur Rehman (5 min) and Gaganpreet Singh (34 min) Vs. Andhra Pradesh 0.
Pool A - Association of Indian Universities 2 Gurjindeer Singh (50 min) and Gagandeep Singh (68 min) Vs. Chandigarh Olympic Association 1 Preetinder Singh (44 min).
Pool B - Sports Authority Of India 6 Aiyappa P.R (8, 35 and 60 min), Sandeep Kumar Singh (32 min), Raju Pal (43 min) and Faraz Khan (67 min) Vs. Manipur 0.
Pool B - Punjab 6 Ajay Kumar (17 and 56 min), Karan Pal Singh (27 min), Harpreet Singh (38 min), Parvinder Singh (41 min), Gurvinder Singh (63 min) Vs. Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy 1 Amit Kumar Singh (44 min).
DNA
Haryana eves join Punjab in semis
Bhopal - Haryana beat Chhattisgarh to enter the semifinals of the ongoing Hockey India senior women’s National Championship (Division A) at Aish Bagh stadium here today.
Haryana will meet Jharkhand in the first semifinal, while Punjab will take on Railways in the other last-four match to be played on Saturday.
Haryana continued to dominate pool A by hammering Chhattisgarh 12-0. Navneet Kaur scored four goals, while Navjot Kaur scored a hat-trick as Haryana won their third consecutive match.
In pool B, Railways thrashed Bihar 24-0. Rani scored five goals, Poonam Rani scored four, while Vandana Kataria, Soundriya Y and Joydeep Kaur got hat-tricks in the one-sided affair.
In another pool A match, Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy beat Hockey Odisha 4-1. Jharkhand registered a comfortable 8-1 win over Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd., while Hockey Bhopal edged out Sports Authority of India 3-1 in a keenly-contested pool C encounter. In pool D, Karnataka came from behind to overwhelm Kerala 5-2.
Air India, Railways book semifinals berths
Lucknow: Air India will take on Uttar Pradesh and Comptroller & Auditor General of India will face Railways in the semifinals of the senior men’s National Championship (Division A) to be played here on Saturday.
In the Pool A matches today, Air India dispatched a listless Andhra Pradesh 4-0, while Association Of Indian Universities eked out a 2-1 win over Chandigarh Olympic Association. Air India made a bright start as Osaf Ur Rehman opened the scoring in the 5th minute. Armaan Qureshi made it 2-0 in the 20th minute before he returned to add another in the second half. Gaganpreet Singh was the other scorer.
In the other matches, Sports Authority of India blanked Manipur 6-0 and Punjab breezed past Madhya Pradesh 6-1 in Pool B. Ajay Kumar scored two goals in this inconsequential match for Punjab
Odisha, MPHA girls complete semis list
Mysore: Hockey Odisha and Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy (MPHA) registered easy wins to enter the last-four stage of the Hockey India junior women’s National Championship (Division A) at Chamundi Vihar hockey ground here today. While Haryana will meet Jharkhand, Hockey Odisha will take on Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy in the semifinals on Saturday. Meanwhile, Punjab routed Bihar 8-0 but failed to secure a semifinal berth.
The Tribune
Jharkhand, Punjab complete senior women hockey semis line-up
BHOPAL: Railways, Haryana, Jharkhand and Punjab today qualified for the semi-finals of the ongoing 4th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship (A Division) at Aish Bagh and MDC stadium.
Haryana will meet Jharkhand in the first semi-final and Punjab takes on Railways in the other last-four match, to be played on Saturday.
In a pool B match, Railways routed Bihar 24-0 while Haryana continued to dominate pool A by hammering Chhattisgarh 12-0. This was Haryana's third consecutive win.
In another pool A match, Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy beat Hockey Odisha by 4-1.
Jharkhand had a comfortable 8-1 win over Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd, while Hockey Bhopal edged past Sports Authority of India in a keenly-contested pool C encounter.
In pool D, Karnataka came from behind to overwhelm Kerala 5-2.
Results of the day: Pool B - Railways Sports Promotion Board 24 Rani (5, 8, 34, 46 and 62 min), Poonam Rani (25, 35, 53 and 55 min), Vandana Kataria (9, 19 and 51 min), Soundriya Y (13, 15 and 30 min), Joydeep Kaur (43, 64 and 65 min) and Deepika (22 and 58 min), Th. Chanchan (52 and 69 min), Anupa Barla (59 min), Jasjeet Kaur (37 min), Vs. Hockey Bihar 0
Pool A - Hockey Haryana 13 Navneet Kaur (7, 10, 36 and 56 min), Navjot Kaur (3, 38 and 42), Rajni (37 and 68), Monika (53 min), Supreet (13 min) Bharti (12 min) and Sonika (16 min) Vs. Chhattisgarh Hockey 0
Pool A - Madhya Pradesh Hockey AcademyHockey Academy 4 Ramgaihzuali R (25 and 66 min), Shyama Tidgam (43 min) and Shivani Singh (68 min) Vs Hockey Odisha 1 Nilprojita Majhi (60 min)
Pool C - Hockey Jharkhand 8 Binita Xess (13 min), Anima Minz (21 min), Roseline Dungdung (25, 60 min), Poonam Barla (57, 63, 65 and 67) Vs Mumbai Hockey Association 1 Nishi Singh (3 min)
Pool C - Bhopal 3 Rashmi Singh (56 min), Ritusha Arya (64 min) and Reena Kataria (66 min) Vs. Sports Authority Of India 1 Sevanti Kushre (61 min).
Pool D - Karnataka 5 Muthamma P.G (32 min), Teena K.R (34 min), Kavyashree S.P (40 min), Ranjitha A.K (49 min) and Nandini B.P (51 min) Vs. Kerala 2 Arunima Remanan (27 min) and Maria Susan Jose (65 min).
The Times of India
Kedah edge Selangor
Kedah Sports Council carved out a slim 1-0 win over Selangor Sports Schol in the Women's League at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil last night. But there was penny of drama off the pitch in a game that was highly entertaining as both teams played free flowing hockey.
The match had to be stopped in the 58th minute as one of the floodlight towers at the NHS 2 blacked out. With no MHC officials present, the two Technical Officials on duty, Naranjan Singh and Surjit Singh had to make calls to Ipoh to seek assistance. The regulations provide for a 30 minute wait before calling the match off.
The initiative of the duo saved the day as the match was moved to NHS 1 to be completed and Kedah hung on to the solitary goal scored by skipper Roziana Sameion in 5th minute to take all three points.
However Selangor Sports School, made up largely of players below 16 put up a strong display and have a bright future if the players continue to excel in this sport.Two players, notably Nurul Aisyah Abdul Razak and Nur Haelin Md Taip showed good individual skills that received praise from a national coach as well.
TNBMHL site
Sikhs impact at Men’s Second World Cup, 1973
by Dil Bahra
India’s Surjit Singh vies with Netherlands’ Jeroen Zweerts and Wouter Leefers in the final of 2nd World Cup in Amstelveen, Netherlands. Photo: Morley Pecker.
The second Men’s Hockey World Cup was played at Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen, Netherlands from 24 August to 2 September 1973.
Twelve nations competed at this world cup: India; West Germany; Spain; Kenya; New Zealand and Japan in Pool A and Argentina; England; Pakistan; Netherlands; Belgium; and Malaysia in Pool B.
Kenya’s team, which included nine Sikhs, was:
Kenya: 1. Surjit Singh Rihal (Capt); 2. Amarjit Singh Marwa; 3. B. R Mgalu; 4. Brajinder Daved; 5. Davinder Singh Deegan; 6. Jagjit Singh Kular; 7. Jagmel Singh Rooprai; 8. Nahar Singh Kalsi; 9. Naran Dass Rajput; 10. Naresh Verma; 11. Nashon Ochieng; 12. Odour Tabais; 13. Ranjit Singh Sehmi; 14. Reynold Pereira and 15. Tarlochan Singh Channa.
Team Manager: Maurice Dantas and Coach: Alu Mendonca.
Harvinder Singh Marwa, was selected for the World Cup but had to withdraw at the last minute due to injury.
The Kenya Team was captained by Surjit Singh Rihal who had taken over from Avtar Singh Sohal who retired at the end of Munich Olympics after captaining Kenya for a period of just over 10 years. Avtar did, however, accompany the team as assistant coach.
India’s team, which included eight Sikhs, was:
India: 1. M.P. Ganesh (Capt); 2. Cedric Pereira; 3. Charles Cornelius; 4. Michael Kindo; 5. Baldev Singh; 6. Surjit Singh; 7. Ajit Pal Singh; 8. Harmik Singh; 9. V. Bhaskaran; 10. B.P. Govinda; 11. Ashok Kumar; 12. Harcharan Singh; 13. Chand Singh; 14. Ajit Singh; 15. V.J. Philips and 16. Varinder Singh
Manager: R S Gentle; Coach: Balkrishen Singh
Hardial Singh Kular of Kenya was on the FIH Jury of Appeal for the tournament.
Gurdev Singh of India was on the umpires panel.
In the Pool A match, India defeated Kenya 4 – 0, Chand Singh and Baldev Singh scoring in the first half and Ajit Pal Singh and B.P. Govinda scoring in the second half.
Sikh players scored 20 goals out of the 132 goals scored in the tournament – Surjit Singh scoring 6, Baldev Singh, Chand Singh and Ajit Pal Singh scoring two a piece and Harmik Singh and Harcharan Singh scoring a goal a piece for India.
Kenya’s goal scorers were Jagjit Singh Kular and Tarlochan Singh Channa with two goals a piece and Jagmel Singh Rooprai and Brajinder Daved with a goal a piece.
India, one of the fittest teams, went into the final as firm favourites, having scored 13 goals and conceded only 1 goal on their way to the final.
Netherlands, however, won the 2nd World Cup after a dramatic penalty stroke competition 4 – 2. India’s penalty corner taker, Surjit Singh gave India a perfect start by converting a penalty corner in the 7th minute and adding a second one in the 12th minute to give his team an early 2 – 0 lead. Ties Kruize replied with a penalty stroke before half time and converted a penalty corner in the 45th minute to make the score 2 – 2 at fulltime and take the final into five periods of extra time. With only 31 seconds of the second period of extra time remaining, India was awarded a penalty stroke. B.P. Govinda shot weakly and Marteen Sikking saved easily. In the penalty stroke competition, Paul Litjens, Ties Kruize, Jeroen Zweerts and Bart Taminiau successfully converted for Netherlands whilst Harmik Singh and Ajit Pal Singh converted for India.
The Final standings were 1. Netherlands; 2. India; 3. Germany; 4. Pakistan; 5. Spain; 6. England; 7. New Zealand; 8. Belgium; 9. Argentina; 10. Japan; 11. Malaysia; 12. Kenya
The brilliant action photo accompanying this article, which was featured on the cover page of World Hockey in the Oct – Dec 1973 issue, was taken by Morley Pecker who won first prize in the FIH competition for the best photograph taken at the World Cup.
Next week: 3rd World Cup.
Sikhs in Hockey
Sandra Levy Named As Canada's Chef De Mission For Nanjing 2014
TWO-TIME OLYMPIAN SANDRA LEVY NAMED CANADA’S CHEF DE MISSION FOR NANJING 2014 YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES
CANADIAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE RELEASE:
Two-time Olympian (Field Hockey) and two-time Pan American medallist, Sandra Levy has been named as the Chef de Mission for the Canadian Team competing at the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) announced today.
“The Youth Olympic Games is centred on sport, culture and education so the Chef de Mission who guides our young athletes through the Games will play a crucial role in the shaping of our future Olympians and, ultimately, the leaders of tomorrow,” said Marcel Aubut, COC President. “Sandra has the passion, the experience and the inherent understanding necessary to excel in this vital position and we are delighted that she will be leading our young athletes through Nanjing 2014.”
“This is an amazing opportunity to share what I’ve learned in sport and in life with some of the most promising young athletes from across our great country,” added Ms. Levy. “It is also a chance to give back to the sport community that has helped to make me the person I am today. I can’t wait to get started.”
An 11-year veteran of the Canadian Women’s National Field Hockey Team, Ms. Levy was a silver medallist at the 1991 Pan American Games, and a bronze medallist at the 1987 Pan American Games. She competed for Canada in both the Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games, and went on to be a key member of the mission team during the Nagano 1998 Olympic Winter Games. She has remained engaged in the strengthening of Canada’s Olympic Movement through her involvement with the COC’s Legal Committee, as the Director of Special Projects for the Toronto 2008 Olympic Bid Corporation, and as a member of the Board of Directors and Chair of Human Resources Committee with the TORONTO 2015 Pan American /Parapan American Games Organizing Committee.
Off the field of play, Levy, who is trained as a lawyer, is Senior Vice President, Human Resources at Ply Gem Canada Inc. and has sat on a number of boards including the York University Board of Governors. Throughout her career, she has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions in and out of the world of sport, including the African Canadian Achievement Award of Excellence in 2008 and the Johnny F. Basset Award for Sporting Excellence and Community Values in 2000. She was inducted into the York University Sport Hall of Fame in 2003. In the early 1990s, Levy was a teacher with the York Region Board of Education and the York Region Catholic Board while training for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona.
The Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games will take place from August 16th to 28th, 2014 in Nanjing, China. The Games, which are the second Youth Olympic Games ever held, will include 28 different sports, and welcome the best young athletes from around the world. Athletes who participate in the Youth Olympic Games must be between 15-18 years of age as on December 31st of the year the Games are held, with variations within that range depending on their gender and the sport or discipline in which they are competing. The aim of the Youth Olympic Games is to spread the Olympic spirit and encourage sport participation.
Field Hockey Canada media release
Spring weather welcomes the Regional Club Championships
US Club season moves outdoors with Spring’s promising weather
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – After a brutal winter in many parts of the country, the field hockey club season moves outdoors to bask in the much sought after sun and rising temperatures. Green grass, budding trees and fresh air will surely be in attendance for the 12 up-coming Regional Club Championships (RCC), presented by Harrow Sports.
Region 8 will hold the first RCC on March 29 - 30 and will be followed by 11 other tournaments spanning from Bedford, Mass. to St. Louis, Mo. Teams will gather to compete for qualification to the National Club Championships (NCC) in July 2014 and the ultimate bragging rights of being crowned the top U-14, U-16 and U-19 team in the nation.
Teams are able to carry a roster of 24 athletes, a change from 20 in previous years. The increase allows for clubs to roster additional players who may not be able to attend the RCC but can attend the NCC. Please note, only 20 athletes from the roster will be able to participate on competition day. Athletes may also only compete for their affiliated club and only one club team per age group in each RCC is permitted.
RCC with one to four teams participating will qualify one team to NCC; RCCs with five to 16 teams participating will qualify two teams. Four spots will remain after the conclusion of the RCC season. These will be awarded to the highest-ranked, next-to-qualify club team that attended a RCC.
Spring is a time for new beginnings and growth – and we’re not just talking about the warm, welcoming weather. RCC provide clubs the opportunity to create a strong long-lasting, year-round tempo for their athletes’ outdoor season. Take advantage of your first chance to hop into hockey outside with this USA Field Hockey event!
USFHA media release
Secondary School ‘minor league’ flicks off
Following the successful revival of the Secondary Schools Outdoor Hockey League at the St James Barracks, Western Main Road, St James last month, the T&T Hockey Board’s Schools and Youth Committee will host its “minor league” tournaments today and tomorrow from 9 am on each day.
The two-day event will be contested at two venues, today at the St James Barracks for schools in the North/West Zones and the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua for the East Zone while tomorrow, the South/Central Zone tournament takes place at Debe Secondary.
These tournaments are aimed at providing competitions for beginner schools that are new to the TTHB’s Hockey Development Programme while testing players’ ability to perform in various match situations.
North/West Zone:
Girls: Woodbrook Gov’t Sec,
Bishops Anstey, Corpus Christi
College (red), Corpus Christi College
(blue)
Boys: Woodbrook Gov’t Sec, Trinity
College, St George’s College,
Mucurapo West, Mucurapo East,
Tranquillity Gov’t Sec.
East Zone:
Boys: El Dorado East A, El Dorado
East B, Tunapuna Sec, Combined
School, St Augustine Sec, St
Joseph’s College
Girls: St Joseph College, St Joseph’s
Convent (St Joseph), St Augustine
Sec, St Augustine Girls High,
Lakshmi Girls High, Combined.
The Trinidad Guardian