News 17 April 2014
All the news for Thursday 17 April 2014
India men lose to Belgium in Europe tour
NEW DELHI: The Indian senior men's hockey fought hard before going down 1-2 to Belgium to succumb to their first defeat in the ongoing European tour at Naarden in The Netherlands.
India had earlier hammered Leiden Hockey Club (Dutch National Club) 7-0 in the first build-up game at Oegstgeest, before playing out a 3-3 draw against HGC Hockey Club (Dutch National Club) in their next game of the tour, which has been organized as preparations for the FIH Men's World Cup 2014 to be held at The Hague, Netherlands from May 31 to June 15.
In their match against Belgium late Tuesday night, the Indians started brightly but it was Belgium who managed to open the scorecard in the 17th minute when Tom Boon scored from a penalty corner.
Belgium then managed to hold on to the lead to go into the breather with their nose slight ahead.
In the second half, India did not allow the Belgians to convert any of the chances that came their way with some stout defending.
India finally managed to draw parity in the 58th minute when vice-captain Rupinder Pal Singh converted a penalty corner.
But India's joy was shortlived as Belgium scored in the very next minute, again through Boon (59th) but this time from a field effort.
India will now take on The Netherlands on Thursday.
The Times of India
Indian women defeat Ireland 3-1 in their first Test
NEW DELHI: Indian women's hockey team registered a come-from-behind victory by getting the better of Ireland 3-1 in their first Test match played at Dublin, Ireland on Wednesday.
This tour is a preparations for the Champions Challenge 1, scheduled to be held in Glasgow, Scotland from April 27 to May 4.
India rode on goals from Poonam Rani (37th min), Ritu Rani (61st) and Sunita Lakra (68th) to post a comfortable win, while Megan Frazer (4th) scored the lone goal for Ireland.
The Indian team had a tough time in the first half as it was the hosts who enjoyed the early share of exchanges and also managed to score a goal, which came through Frazer in the 4th minute of the match when she successfully converted a penalty corner.
At half-time, Ireland were leading 1-0. But after the change of ends, Ireland failed to find the back of the India net even once, while the visitors started getting a foothold on the game. In fact, the Indians did well to deny any more opportunities to the Irish women.
The second half saw the Indians eves implementing different strategies, which surprised the home team.
In the 37th minute, Poonam scored off the post from a penalty corner to level the scores 1-1.
Ireland had a good chance again in the 45th minute to surge ahead, as they had earned another penalty corner, but the visitors relieved the pressure clearing after an Irish miss-hit.
High in confidence, India started to put pressure on Ireland and took the lead in the 61st minute through a field goal from Ritu. In the 68th minute, Sunita Lakra converted a penalty corner to seal the match in India's favour.
Both teams will be playing their second Test match on April 17.
Results: India (3) Rani Poonam (37th min), Rani Ritu (61st) and Sunita Lakra (68th). Ireland (1) Megan Frazer (4th).
The Times of India
Europe tour: Indian women win; men lose
The Indian women’s hockey team registered a 3-1 victory over Ireland in the first ‘Test’ at Dublin, Ireland on Wednesday. This tour is a preparation for the Champions Challenge 1, scheduled at Glasgow from April 27 to May 4.
India rode on goals from Poonam Rani (37th minute), Ritu Rani (61st) and Sunita Lakra (68th) while Megan Frazer scored the lone goal for Ireland in the fourth minute.
The Indian women’s team had a tough time in the first half as it was the host which enjoyed the early share of exchanges and managed to score through Megan, who converted a penalty corner. Ireland led 1-0 at half-time.
However, it was a different story in the second half as the visitor started to get a hold on the game. The Indian women came up with different strategies, which surprised the host.
Poonam made it 1-1 in the 37th minute by scoring off a penalty corner and Ritu put India ahead in the 61st minute through a field goal.
Sunita converted a penalty corner to seal the match in India’s favour in the 68th.
First loss
Elsewhere, the Indian men’s team lost 2-1 to Belgium for its first defeat in the ongoing European tour at Naarden, The Netherlands on Tuesday.
The men had earlier thrashed Leiden Hockey Club 7-0 in the first build-up game at Oegstgeest before playing out a 3-3 draw with HGC Hockey Club in the next game of the tour, organised as preparation for the FIH men’s World Cup to be held at The Hague from May 31 to June 15.
Belgium opened the scoring in the 17th minute through Tom Boon’s penalty corner conversion and held on to the lead till the half time. India managed to draw parity in the 58th minute when vice-captain Rupinder Pal Singh converted a penalty corner. But India’s joy was short-lived as Belgium found the target again with a field goal in the next minute, again through Boon.
The results: Men: Belgium 2 (Tom Boon 17, 59) bt India 1 (Rupinder Pal Singh 58).
Women: India 3 (Poonam Rani 37, Ritu Rani 61, Sunita Lakra 68) bt Ireland 1 (Megan Frazer 4).
The Hindu
India go down fighting to Belgium
Lose their third build-up match 2-1; Indian women beat Ireland 3-1 in the first Test match
The men’s team slumped to a 2-1 defeat against Belgium in the third build-up game in Naarden, The Netherlands. courtesy: Hockey.Be
Indian men’s hockey team slumped to its first defeat in the ongoing European tour, losing 2-1 to Belgium in a hard-fought third build-up game played at Naarden, The Netherlands.
Both the teams started on an attacking note, but it was Belgium who managed to open the scoring in the 17th minute when Tom Boon fired in from a penalty corner.
In the second half, India did not allow the Belgians to convert any of the chances that came their way and in the 58th minute, the visitors finally managed to draw parity when Rupinder Pal Singh converted a penalty corner.
Putting great pressure on the Indian side, the Belgians immediately scored in the next minute, this time from a field effort by Boon. India had earlier annihilated Leiden Hockey Club of The Netherlands 7-0 in the first build-up game at Oegstgeest, before playing out a 3-3 draw against HGC Hockey Club in their next game of the tour.
The tour is in preparation for the FIH Men’s World Cup to be held at The Hague, Netherlands, from May 31 to June 15. India will next take on The Netherlands on Thursday.
Result: Belgium 2 (Tom Boon 17th and 59th min beat India 1 (Rupinder Pal Singh 58th min).
Sizzling display
Indian eves produced a sizzling display of attacking hockey in the second half to beat the Irish team 3-1 in their first Test match played at Dublin, Ireland.
India rode on strikes from Poonam Rani (37th minute), Ritu Rani (61st) and Sunita Lakra (68th) to script a come-from-behind victory, while Megan Frazer (4th) scored the lone goal for the hosts.
Frazer gave the home side an early lead by converting a penalty corner in the first game of the three-Test series.
However, they failed to capitalize on their lead as the Indians strikers took command after half-time.
India, without giving any more opportunities to Ireland, started getting a foothold on the game, whereas, the home side failed to further extend their lead.
Poonam scored from a rebound off the post after a penalty corner to draw level.
Ireland had a good chance again in the 45th minute to surge ahead, as they earned another penalty corner, but the visitors relieved the pressure, clearing after an Irish miss-hit. India then scored two goals in the last ten minutes through Ritu and Sunita to leave the Irish team out of sight.
Both teams will meet again on Thursday for their second match. This tour is in preparation for the Champions Challenge 1, scheduled to be held at Glasgow, Scotland from April 27 to May 4.
Result: India 3 (Poonam Rani 37th min, Ritu Rani 61st min and Sunita Lakra 68th min) beat Ireland 1 (Megan Frazer 4th min).
The Tribune
Malaysia thrash China 6-1 in friendly
By Aftar Singh
China's Huang Yue and Malaysia's Hafifi Hafiz Hanafi fight for the ball during their friendly match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Malaysia won 6-1. – Azhar Mahfof / THE STAR
KUALA LUMPUR: Forward Mohd Firhan Ashaari scored a brace in the last three minutes of the match to steer Malaysia to a convincing 6-1 win over China in the tense third friendly match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
The 21-year-old Terengganu hitman was on target in the 67th and 70th minutes after defender Ahmad Kazamirul Nasruddin (19th), Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor (27th), Hafifihafiz Hanafi (36th) and Mohd Ramadan Rosli (54th) had found the net for Malaysia on Wednesday.
Du Talake scored China’s consolation goal in the 42nd minute off a penalty corner.
National midfielder Nabil Fiqri was sent to the sin bin for a rough tackle in the 46th minute. Four minutes later, forward Faizal Saari and China’s Du Talake were also flashed the yellow cards for a scuffle.
China are here to play six friendlies with Malaysia in preparation of the Incheon Asian Games in September.
Malaysia won the first match 2-1 last Sunday and drew the second 4-4 on Monday.
The two teams will clash for a fourth time on Thursday at the same venue at 5pm.
Former German international Kevin Lim, who received the clearance from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to feature for Malaysia last month, has yet to see action in the friendly matches.
The 27-year-old defender said that he suffered a slight hamstring injury during training last week and hopes to play his first match on Thursday.
“I need to play in the last three matches to impress the (national chief) coach (K. Dharmaraj) and win a place in the Champions Challenge I in Kuantan (from April 26-May 4),” said Kevin.
There are 29 players in the training squad and Dharmaraj will drop nine players after the six friendly matches.
The Star of Malaysia
Ford called up for 150th
Victorian Russell Ford replaces injured Jason Wilson for first NZL test
Victorian forward Russell Ford will make his 150th appearance for Australia in tonight’s first Test against New Zealand Black Sticks after being brought into the matchday squad following the withdrawal of Queenslander Jason Wilson through injury.
Wilson sustained a hip injury in training on Wednesday and following assessment on Thursday morning was withdrawn on medical grounds.
The revised squad for tonight’s match, which will be live streamed on the Hockey Australia website, is as follows.
Watch live online from 9pm AEST / 7pm AWST.
Kookaburras squad for first Test v New Zealand
17 April 2014
Athlete (Hometown, State) caps/goals
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD) 26/7
Kiel Brown (Toowoomba, QLD) 144/4
Joel Carroll (Darwin, NT) 96/2
Andrew Charter (Canberra, ACT) 60/0
Russell Ford (Melbourne, VIC) 149/72
Matt Gohdes (Rockhampton, QLD) 85/25
Kieran Govers (Wollongong, NSW) 83/40
Rob Hammond (Townsville, QLD) 245/28
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT) 6/3
Mark Knowles (Rockhampton, QLD) 230/19
Tyler Lovell (Perth, WA) 20/0
Trent Mitton (Perth, WA) 54/17
Simon Orchard (Maitland, NSW) 140/44
Glenn Simpson (Melbourne, VIC) 105/20
Matthew Swann (Mackay, QLD) 97/5
Jake Whetton (Brisbane, QLD) 52/21
Tristan White (Wollongong, NSW) 27/2
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA) 26/3
Hockey Australia media release
Oz warm-up for NZ team
New Zealand will warm up for this month's Champions Challenge hockey tournament with two internationals against Australia in Perth, the first tonight.
For both men's teams, the games will help clarify World Cup selections for the year's major event, in the Hague starting at the end of May.
For world No1 Australia, there is the prospect of three titles this year - the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and Champions Trophy.
"This is a chance for a whole range of people to prove their fitness and show their form," Australian coach Ric Charlesworth said of the transtasman clashes.
Seventh-ranked New Zealand are top seeds for the Champions Challenge, starting in Malaysia on April 26, with a game against No15 Ireland.
Victory in that event will guarantee New Zealand's place at the 2016 Champions Trophy.
The second Perth game is on Saturday night, when New Zealand skipper Dean Couzins is expected to play his 300th international.
The New Zealand Herald
Kookaburras fight for WC berths
PERTH - World Cup spots will be up for grabs when the Australian men's hockey team takes on New Zealand in a two-Test series in Perth, starting today.
Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth will use the majority of his 30-man squad across the two Tests in order to decide the make-up of his World Cup team.
Although five-time world player of the year Jamie Dwyer is still recovering from a hamstring injury, the Kookaburras will be boosted by the return of Matthew Swann, Joel Carroll, Kieran Govers and Simon Orchard against the Kiwis. This year is shaping as a big one for the Kookaburras, who are aiming to win the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and Champions Trophy treble.
The Kookaburras won the last World Cup in 2010, and Charlesworth says the series against NZ will give a host of fringe players the chance to impress before he names his final squad later this month.
"This is a chance for a whole range of people to prove their fitness and show their form," Charlesworth said.
The Fiji Times
That's when good neighbours become good friends...
Sport is at the heart of both Australia and New Zealand society and the Rabobank Hockey World Cup will provide a grandstand for their rivalry
All Blacks versus Wallabies, Silver Ferns versus Diamonds and Black Sticks versus Hockeyroos/Kookaburras – the intense sporting rivalry when it comes to the teams from Down Under can be the stuff of legends. Here are two neighbouring countries working hard to gain a friendly supremacy – via the sporting arena.
How does this play out on the hockey pitch? Where the All Blacks tend to boss at rugby union, the Aussies do have a markedly better hockey heritage. The comparison between the men's teams is stark – in all their 118 meetings, the Kookaburras have won 83 matches to the Black Sticks 17. And in the Oceanic Cup, which is always contested between the two teams, Australia are unbeaten. They are currently ranked number 1 in the world.
The Black Sticks men are ranked at number 6 in the world. However, there is a sign that the tide might be changing. The New Zealand side are going through a purple patch at the moment. They claimed an impressive silver medal at the Hero Hockey World League Finals and have their sights on a medal in the Hague.
When it comes to the women's teams the story of the New Zealand team in the past few years is one of unqualified improvement. The Black Sticks are currently ranked fifth in the world. They came fourth in the London 2012 Olympics, their best finish to date in an Olympics, and they tore the Oceania Cup from the Australian's grip for three successive tournaments in 2007, 2009 and 2011.
By their own high standards the Hockeyroos have not enjoyed much success of late, and players readily admit they have been going through a transition period. Their last World Cup gold medal came in 1998 and their last major trophy was Olympic Gold in 2000. They are ranked 6th in the world, and will be looking to improve on that position in the coming months.
The Rabobank Hockey World Cup is throwing these rivals together again. The women will play each other in the pool match on 9th June, while the men are coming together earlier in a series of preparation matches this week.
There is no denying the immense importance that the players attach to defeating their close rivals. Australia's Jason Wilson summed up his team's feelings: "We always go into games versus them as favourites and I think we like to prove that it is for a reason. Growing up in Australia you watch so many series, test matches, rivalries between Australian and New Zealand sporting teams and it's no different in hockey I guess. They have definitely come a long way. The biggest mistake you can make is to underestimate them."
And Black Stick's striker Katie Glynn struggled to keep a smile off her face when asked how she felt after New Zealand had beaten Australia 3-2 in a pool match in the 2011 Champions Trophy. "Let's just say it feels really good right now," was as far as she would go.
There is a lot of respect between the teams, as well as some good humoured banter. Australia's Rachel Lynch says: "They are certainly a team who compete well at the world stage. They have had ups and downs but ever since recruiting an Aussie as their coach they have been on the rise. Makes sense."
When it comes to great sporting rivalries, the pleasure for outsiders is watching the drama unfold. One suspects this Hockey World Cup will be no different as the two nations prepare to do battle.
Watch the Australia versus New Zealand test series on live stream here.
FIH site
SA men’s hockey final World Cup selection squad
The South African Hockey Association has released the names of the players to attend the final selection camp ahead of the national men’s team’s participation in the 2014 Hockey World Cup finals that takes place in The Hague, Netherlands from May 31 to June 15.
The camp is to be held at St Alban’s College in Pretoria from April 27 to May 3.
SA MEN'S FINAL WORLD CUP SELECTION SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Rassie Pieterse (Southern Gauteng), Gowan Jones (KZN Coastal), Jacques le Roux (Western Province)
Defenders: Justin Reid-Ross, (Northern Blues), Lloyd Madsen (SG), Mohamed Mea (KZN Coastal), Dylan Swanepoel (WP), Jethro Eustice (SG), Andrew Cronje (WP), Lance Louw (SG), Robin Jones (KZN Inland), Rhett Halkett (WP)
Midfielders: Clive Terwin (WP), Jonty Robinson (NB), Tim Drummond (KZN Coastal), Taylor Dart (SG), Wade Paton (WP), Austin Smith (WP), Clint Panther (SG), Owen Mvimbi (SG), Miguel da Graca (SG), Craig Haley (SG)
Forwards: Julian Hykes (SG), Lungi Tsolekile (WP), Lloyd Norris-Jones (WP), Ignatuis Malgraff (Eastern Province), Pierre de Voux (WP), Taine Paton (KZN Coastal), Matt Botha (WP), Brandon Panther (SG)
SA Hockey Association media release
Campo, Harvestehuder, Rotterdam and Dragons through
Drama abounded on day one of the KO16/KO8 as four sides from four different countries - Club de Campo, Harvestehuder, Rotterdam and Dragons - advanced to the last eight of Europe's top club competition.
First up, Club de Campo scored in each quarter to run up a comfortable 5-0 win, ending St Germain's run in this year's Euro Hockey League.
After a slow start, Anton Parente's penalty corner goal on the quarter-time hooter set them up well. Rodrigo Vila added another couple of goals while Alex Davila closed out the win with a pair of strikes in the last quarter.
In game two Paul Pongs' penalty stroke earned Harvestehuder the spoils in an incredibly tight all-German battle with Uhlenhorst Mulheim with precious little between the two sides.
He converted in the 33rd minute following Tobias Hauke's great run into the circle was chopped down by a defender. No problem for Pongs, he picked out the top corner past the impressive Felix Reuss for what proved the crucial goal in a dramatic tie with Uhlenhorst pushing for a late goal that never came.
Jeroen Hertzberger's hat trick powered Rotterdam to a strong 6-1 win over Grunwald Poznan to become the third side to make it through to the KO8.
It took little time for the Dutch side to get up and running, EHL Hero Hertzberger scored twice in the opening quarter along with Seve van Ass whose clever chip shot made it 3-0 at the quarter-time break.
Poznan got a goal back via Karol Majchrzak in the third quarter but Jeffrey Thys, Bas Campbell and Hertzberger's third goal completed the win.
And the best game was saved until last. Dragons brilliant record in the Euro Hockey League continued as they eliminated Dutch side Kampong to claim the final game of day one of this year's KO16 as Felix Denayer held his nerve to score the vital penalty.
The two sides shared a thrilling 2-2 draw in normal time before Dragons produced a great set of one-on-ones in the deciding shoot-out to prevail 4-3.
Euro Hockey League media release
Hertzberger powers Rotterdam to big win over Poznan
KO16, Eindhoven: Jeroen Hertzberger's hat trick powered Rotterdam to a strong 6-1 win over Grunwald Poznan to become the third side to make it through to the KO8 in Eindhoven.
It took little time for the Dutch side to get up and running, EHL Hero Hertzberger profiting from a turnover deep in Poznan territory and he duly smashed home a backhand shot. He made it 2-0 from a heavily deflected corner soon after before Jeffrey Thys set up Seve van Ass whose clever chip shot made it three at the quarter-time break.
Things improved for the Polish side, though, as time wore on, winning a couple of corners in the second quarter and they were back in the game in the third period when Karol Majchrzak got a goal back in stunning fashion. It came from a great inside pass from the left of the 25 and the striker rifled home a reverse-stick finish past Pirmin Blaak.
But any hope they had of making a game of things were extinguished 11 minutes from the end when Thys finished off a nice goal. Bas Campbell provided some party tricks for number five and Hertzberger completed his hat trick off the back of some neat passing between Thys and Bjorn Kellerman.
Euro Hockey League media release
Dragons shoot down Kampong for KO8 place
KO16, Eindhoven: Dragons' brilliant record in the Euro Hockey League continued as they eliminated Dutch side Kampong to claim victory in the final game of day one of this year's KO16 as Felix Denayer held his nerve to score the vital penalty.
The two sides shared a thrilling 2-2 draw in normal time before Dragons produced a great set of one-on-ones in the deciding shoot-out to prevail 4-3.
Early on, Thierry Brinkman shot over with a great early chance but made amends in the 13th minute as his side's persistence down the left touchline saw the ball bounce his way and he smacked home on the volley.
Dragons fought back with Florent van Aubel causing plenty of problems and they were level in the 22nd minute when Emmanuel Stockbroekx placed a hard and low cross into the path of Matthew Cobbaert who guided the ball home under pressure.
Robbert Kemperman put the Utrecht side back in front with a stunning effort on his trademark backhand, winding up his shot to the exact centimetre before shooting past Manu Leroy. It was so close to the edge of the circle that it had to be referred to the video umpire who, after a number of camera angles, confirmed the goal.
That made it 2-1 at half-time and the game continued to go from end to end in the second period. Five minutes into the second half, Jerome Saeys levelled the game once more and, despite the excellent efforts of both teams, including van Aubel's last second chance, no winner could be found.
It sent the game to penalties and Kampong took the initial advantage when David Harte denied Cobbaert. But Dragons produced four flawless penalties after that while Manu Leroy kept out both Laurence Doherty and Sander de Wijn. Denayer closed out a famous win with a classy finish and a place in the last eight.
Euro Hockey League media release
Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh appointed Pakistan's Head Coach
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has formed new selection committee, team managements for senior and junior teams and made certain other appointments aimed at lifting standard of hockey and bringing a sustainable change from the grassroots to the national levels. The 27th meeting of the PHF Executive Board which met at the National Hockey Stadium here on Wednesday unanimously approved these appointments.
Former Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqui has been name as the chief selector and he will be assisted by former Olympians Ayaz Mehmood, Khalid Bashir, Musaddiq and Arshad Ali Ch. While Shahnaz Sheikh has been appointed as the chief coach/manager of the Senior Hockey team while Nasir Ali, Malik Shafqat, Sameer Hussain and Abuzar Umrao will assist him as members. Their term will remain till 2016. Another former Olympian Manzoor-ul-Hassan has been made chief coach and manager of the Junior team with Qamar Ibrahim, Kamran Ashraf, Muhammad Akhlaq, Rehan Butt and Mohammed Irfan as members. Their job will remain till the Junior World Cup to be held in 2016. Rana also announced that former Olympian Tahir Zaman has been appointed as Director Coaching Program who would also work for the improvement of the game.
“All these decisions have been unanimously approved by the Executive Board which has given free hands to the selection committee and managements of senior and junior teams,” said Rana Mujahid, secretary PHF in a crowded press conference at the National Hockey Stadium on Wednesday. Rana Mujahid said all new officials were capable of lifting the senior and junior teams because they all possessed rich experience of international hockey and the PHF would fully support them in their efforts to achieve their desired goals. He hoped that the new appointments would determine the future of hockey in Pakistan.
The PHF secretary informed that from now the Federation would not set targets but it would be the responsibility of the selection committee and team managements to bring positive results. He said that the PHF has given free hand to the selection committee and the team managements to envisage plans and strategy to bring back lost glory in the game. The PHF secretary aid the Executive Board also decided to maintain strict merit at all levels to ensure transparency in the selection process which is imperative for the promotion of hockey in Pakistan. “We all agreed that merit will not be compromised”, Rana Mujahid affirmed.
Rana said that efforts would continue to bring former Olympians back in the fold of the Federation so that we could benefit from their vast experience and talent to promote hockey in Pakistan. He informed that a Conciliatory Committee has been formed headed by former Olympian Akhtar-ul-Islam who will be assisted by former Olympians, Islahuddin Siddiqui, Shahid Ali Khan and Shahbaz Senior. “The Committee will contact the former Olympians who are our national asset. It would listen and address their grievances to bring them back in the fold of PHF so that the game of hockey could benefit from their vast experience in international hockey”, Rana informed.
Answering a question former Olympian and Chairman selection Committee Islahuddin Siddiqui said that his and his colleagues’ collective object is to impart our experience and knowledge of the game aiming at uplifting the standard of hockey. “We all agree on bringing back our past glory in hockey and we have to strengthen the base from the grassroots level”, he opined. Head Coach of the Senior team Shahnaz Sheikh disclosed that he had already envisaged a comprehensive plan for the national team which would be implemented effectively. “We have to improve physical strength of our players and narrow the gap of our missings in the middle before the Asian games”, he said. Both former Olympians said it was indeed a great challenge not only for them but for the Federation as well and our collective effort would be to live up to the expectations attached with us,” they said.
Former Olympian Shahbaz senior hoped that with our collective efforts, coordination and hard work the things would be better in future and soon our national game would its lost glory in international hockey.
PHF MEDIA DEPARTMENT.
Shahnaz, Islah get national team reins
Mohammad Yaqoob
LAHORE: Legendary Olympians Shahnaz Sheikh and Islahuddin Siddiqi have been named as head coach-cum-manager and chief selector of the Pakistan team respectively while another ex-Olympian Manzoor-ul-Hasan Sr retains his post as head coach-cum-manager of the national junior team.
While the senior team management and selection committee will work till the 2016 Olympics, the junior team management will work until the next Junior World Cup.
“All the appointments have been made with complete consensus in the 27th Executive Board meeting here on Wednesday,” Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Rana Mujahid told a press conference here on Wednesday where he was flanked by Shahnaz, Islahuddin and Shahbaz Senior.
Announcing the details, Rana said Shahnaz would be assisted by other coaches like Nasir Ali, Malik Shafqat, Sameer Hussain and Abuzar Umrao while junior team coach Manzoor-ul-Hassan Senior would have the services of coaches like Qamar Ibraheem, Kamran Ashraf, Rehan Butt, M Irfan Senior, and Ikhlaq Ahmad.
In the selection committee, Islahuddin as head of the committee will have the services of ex-Olympians Ayaz Mahmood, Arshad Chaudhry, Khalid Bashir and Mussadiq Hussain. “The national selection committee has again been restored after reviewing its importance and further modifying its status. It will now also watch the performances of the players in all the domestic tournaments besides picking up the national and junior teams with the consent of their respective team managements,” elaborated Rana.
However, while all three including Rana, Shahnaz and Islahuddin have repeatedly been claiming there are no difference or conflict among the Olympians over any post, Manzoor Junior’s case belied that notion. When Rana was reminded that the PHF had not kept its promise with Manzoor Junior of making him the chief selector, Rana said he was the original choice but later the consensus developed on Islahuddin in the Executive Board meeting. “Manzoor Jr is with us and we have an appropriate office for him,” clarified Rana .
Meanwhile, the PHF secretary also said that former Olympian and head coach Tahir Zaman had been given the assignment of coaching director.
“From the grass-roots level to top level, Tahir will give a well-prepared hockey syllabus which will decide what kind of hockey will be played in Pakistan and on which lines,” said Rana. “Tahir will also prepare the coaches.”
However, it was learnt that Tahir will have no jurisdiction over the team managements of either the senior or the junior teams. He further said if the team managements want to take any help from Tahir, he would be available for them.
He said the Executive Board had also formed a reconciliation committee headed by Islahuddin, with Shahbaz Senior, Akhtar-ul-Islam and Shahid Ali Khan as members, which will continue to convince remaining disgruntled Olympians like Samiullah, Salim Nazim, Saqlain and others to join the PHF for the betterment of hockey.
He said the restriction on players aged 30 or more for featuring in the National Hockey Championships has been reviewed and now it has been fixed at 35 years.
To a question, Rana said the PHF posts meant nothing for legendary men like Shahnaz, Islah and other hockey greats and they had only accepted the same as challenge for the betterment of hockey in Pakistan.
“These Olympians were our captains in the past and also today,” he said showing utmost respect to his seniors. “We have decided that all of us will work without salary till the time that PHF coffers are brimming,” he said. “Yes the PHF has received a grant from the Punjab government and we will receive more and for that we are extremely grateful to Punjab CM, sports minister and D.G Sports Board Punjab,” said Rana.
He said both Shahnaz and Islahuddin would set the future’s targets and the PHF’s job would only be to facilitate them. “In future, all the questions about the team performance will be referred to Shahnaz,” he said.
To a question, he said the Pakistan team would compete in the 2014 Asian Games at all cost. The national team’s representation in the Games is in doldrums owing to the differences between the Inter-provincial Ministry and Gen Arif Hassan’s Pakistan Olympic Association which is the only body to have the authority to send the team for the Asiad.
Meanwhile, Shahnaz said his first target is the Asian Games as Pakistan will have to defend its title to also qualify for the 2016 Olympics.
“I will be working to improve the players’ skills in areas such as ball-possession, to reduce the missing ratio to 40 per cent from existing 65 and to improve the physical strength of the players,” said Shahnaz.
Also speaking on the occasion, Islahuddin said: “PHF president Akhtar Rasool came over to us just for the sake of national hockey cause and listened to our criticism and observations with an open heart and mind. He then accepted all our suggestions after which we decided to join the PHF to jointly make an effort to revive the past glory of the game,” Islah said.
Meanwhile, Shahbaz Senior requested the media to give due respect to the legendary Olympians for their efforts to revive the game in the country. “Rana had met me in Jeddah just for the cause of hockey and I did not demand any post in return for my services, so it is not right to say that former Olympians came to join the PHF just for the perks,” he contended.
While Shahnaz Sheikh has been given the coaching job for the third time, Islah has been appointed chief selector for a second time. Under Shahnaz in 1998, Pakistan won silver medal in the Champions Trophy, another silver in the 1999 Asia Cup and won gold medals in the Azlan Shah Cup in 1999 and 2003.
Islah selected the team for the 2008 Olympics where it ended a poor eighth.
Dawn
Sheikh vows to win back hockey fans
By Natasha Raheel
Owing to Pakistan’s consistent below-par performance – including the failure to qualify for the World Cup – Shahnaz Shaikh is planning to revamp hockey right from scratch. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI: Winning back fans and supporters is the ultimate goal for Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh, the new hockey coach of the national team.
Sheikh has been appointed as head coach for two years after the Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) 27th Executive Board meeting in Lahore on Wednesday.
“Hockey is a result-oriented sport; we’ve lost supporters and fans because we keep losing at international events,” the veteran told The Express Tribune. “Such is the state of affairs now that we failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in Pakistan’s history.
“Now we have the Asian Games in September where we will be defending our title. I’m running out of time; starting from now, every minute counts.”
The all-important meeting at the National Hockey Stadium resulted in crucial changes, including appointments of Sheikh as the head coach, Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqui as the chief selector and Manzoorul Hassan as the coach and manager of the junior hockey team.
Sheikh said he is aware about the importance of his new responsibility.
“I’m glad that the current PHF President Akhtar Rasool and Secretary Rana Mujahid are willing to place hockey before everything else.
“We’ve been criticising the former administration because there weren’t any satisfactory results. A lot of money was wasted and the team kept losing. We are not part of the World Cup anymore; we aren’t playing the Commonwealth Games. For me, it will be like starting from scratch.”
‘Live, breath and think hockey’
The former striker further said he has submitted a plan about preparing the team for the Asian Games in Korea.
“I’ve told them that under my watch, every player in the camp will need to live, breath, and think hockey,” he said. “I’m here to deliver results.”
Sheikh lamented Pakistan’s ninth world ranking and stated that it was due to the lack of confidence and fitness of the players.“Our players need confidence. My priority is to bring them at par with the fitness level of the European teams. There is also an urgent need to dissolve psychological barriers that prevent our players from scoring.”
We’ve finally reached consensus, says Butt
On the other hand, Rehan Butt will be assisting junior head coach Hassan along with Qamar Ibrahim, Kamran Ashraf, Muhammad Akhlaq and Mohammed Irfan. Their job tenure will last until the Junior World Cup in 2016.
Butt, who also served as a coach with the previous PHF administration, said the new appointments will prove helpful.
“I’m glad the PHF administration trusts me,” he said. “We won the Youth Asia Cup last year, and I’ve been working with the U17 players so I’m very hopeful about the future. At least there is consensus among senior Olympians now.”
In other changes, Islahuddin will be assisted by Olympians Ayaz Mehmood, Khalid Bashir, Musaddiq and Arshad Ali Chuadhry. Tahir Zaman will be the PHF Director Coaching Program.
The Express Tribune
PHF ropes in ex-Olympians to change fortunes
Vocal critics of federation Shahnaz Sheikh, Islahuddin get roles
LAHORE - Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has formed new selection committee and team managements for senior and junior teams and made certain other appointments aimed at lifting standard of hockey and bringing a sustainable change from the grassroots to the national levels.
The 27th meeting of the PHF Executive Board met here at the National Hockey Stadium Wednesday and unanimously approved these appointments.
Former Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqui has been named as the chief selector and will be assisted by former Olympians Ayaz Mehmood, Khalid Bashir, Musaddiq Hussain and Arshad Ali Chaudhry while Shahnaz Sheikh has been appointed as the chief coach/manager of the senior hockey team and Nasir Ali, Malik Shafqat, Sameer Hussain and Abuzar Umrao will assist him as members. Their term will remain till 2016.
Another former Olympian Manzoor-ul-Hassan has been made chief coach and manager of the junior team with Qamar Ibrahim, Kamran Ashraf, M Akhlaq, Rehan Butt and M Irfan as members. Their job will remain till the Junior World Cup to be held in 2016. Former Olympian Tahir Zaman has been appointed as Director Coaching Programme who would also work for the improvement of the game.
Speaking at the press conference, flanked with former Olympians, here at the National Hockey Stadium on Wednesday, PHF secretary Rana Mujahid Ali said: “All these decisions have been unanimously approved by the PHF Executive Board which has given free hands to the selection committee and managements of senior and junior teams.”
Mujahid added that all new officials were capable of lifting the senior and junior teams because they all possessed rich experience of international hockey and the PHF would fully support them in their efforts to achieve their desired goals. He hoped that the new appointments would determine the future of hockey in Pakistan. “From now on, the federation will not set targets but it will be the responsibility of the selection committee and team managements to bring positive results. The PHF has given free hand to the selection committee and the team managements to envisage plans and strategy to regain the lost hockey glory,” he asserted.
The PHF secretary said that the Executive Board also decided to maintain strict merit at all levels to ensure transparency in the selection process which was imperative for the promotion of hockey in Pakistan. “We all agreed that merit will not be compromised,” he added.
Rana said that efforts would continue to bring former Olympians back in the fold of the federation so that the benefit could be got from their vast experience and talent to boost hockey across the country. He informed that a conciliatory committee had also been formed headed by former Olympian Akhtar-ul-Islam who would be assisted by ex-Olympians Islahuddin Siddiqui, Shahid Ali Khan and Shahbaz Senior.
“The committee will contact the former Olympians who are our national asset. It will listen and address their grievances to bring them back in the fold of the PHF so that the national game could flourish at national and international level,” Rana asserted.
Replying to a query, former Olympian and chairman selection committee Islahuddin said that he and his colleagues’ collective object was to impart their experience and knowledge of the game aiming at uplifting the standard of hockey. “We all agree on bringing back our past glory in hockey and we have to strengthen the base from the grassroots level.”
Head coach of the senior team Shahnaz Sheikh disclosed that he had already planned for the national team which would be implemented effectively. “We have to improve physical strength of our players and narrow the gap of our missing in the middle before the Asian Games,” he added.
Both former Olympians said it was indeed a great challenge not only for them but for the federation as well and their collective effort would be to live up to the expectations attached with them.
Former Olympian Shahbaz Senior hoped that with their collective efforts, coordination and hard work, the things would be better in future and soon the national game would regain its lost glory.
The Nation
Pakistan name new coaches in search of lost glory
Crumbling finances forced the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to pull out of international events this year. -Photo by AFP
LAHORE: Pakistan named new coaches for their senior and junior hockey teams Wednesday as they try to drag themselves out of a slump and revive past glories.
Pakistan failed to qualify for the World Cup to be held in the Netherlands in June -- the first time they have ever missed the tournament, which they have won four times.
Pakistan have also won three Olympic gold medals but slumped to seventh position in the 2012 London Olympics. They were 12th and last in the 2010 World Cup in India.
Crumbling finances forced the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to pull out of international events this year.
Hockey struggles to compete with cricket for popularity and funding, but the PHF is hoping a 100 million rupee ($1 million) grant promised by Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif will give the sport the boost it needs.
The PHF said Olympian Shahnaz Shaikh will coach the senior team, while former captain Manzoor Ahmed will take charge of the junior team.
Another former captain, Islahuddin Siddiqui, will be the chief selector after the PHF persuaded former players to end their boycott of the federation and help the revival.
Shaikh, who had two unsuccessful stints as coach, said his first target would be to defend the Asian Games title which Pakistan won in China in 2010.
"I am here to do my best to revive Pakistan hockey and my first target will be to defend the Asian title in South Korea in September," said Shaikh.
Pakistan also suffered badly at the junior level, finishing ninth out of 12 teams in the Junior World Cup held in India last year.
Ahmed, captain of Pakistan's last Olympic gold medal-winning team in Los Angeles in 1984, said his task will be to give the junior team a stronger base.
The Times of India
PHF woos former players to revive Hockey in Pakistan
KARACHI: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has managed to woo back some of its disgruntled former stalwarts as it announced a new set up for the national senior and junior teams in a bid to revive the sport in the country and relive glory days at the world level.
The PHF executive board unanimously appointed former Olympian, Islahuddin Siddiqui as the chief selector while another former great, Shahnaz Sheikh was named as the head coach and manager of the senior team.
Former defender and Olympian, Manzur ul Hasan will be head coach and manager of the national junior team.
The PHF also named several other former Olympians as members of the national selection committee or on the senior and junior team managements.
Pakistan hockey which once ruled world hockey has hit rock bottom in recent times and last year for the first time Pakistan failed to qualify for the World Cup.
A bigger blow is the failure of the national team to take part in the Commonwealth Games owing to the tussle between the parallel national Olympic bodies.
There is also a big question mark over whether Pakistan will be able to participate in the Asian Games.
The PHF this year also decided against sending its team for the Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia owing to financial constraints.
"We are making efforts to draw on the experience of our former greats and we feel now Pakistan hockey can only be revived through the collective efforts of the hockey community," PHF secretary, Rana Mujahid told a news conference in Lahore.
Mujahid also said that a conciliatory committee would continue to work and bring back remaining former Olympians who are unhappy with the PHF back into the fold.
Former Olympians and internationals, Ayaz Mehmood, Khalid Bashir, Musaddiq and Arshad Ali Chaudhary will work with Islahuddin on the national selection committee while Nasir Ali, Malik Shafqat, Sameer Hussain and Abuzar Umrao will assist Shahnaz in the senior team.
Mujahid said former Olympian Tahir Zaman has been appointed as Director Coaching Program who would also work for the improvement of the game.
The most interesting aspect of today's meeting was the presence of former captain and celebrated Olympian, Shahbaz Ahmed who later also attended the press conference in a show of solidarity with the federation.
Mujahid also said that the PHF was still hopeful that a bilateral series with India would be possible after the elections in India.
The Times of India
Dames regain men’s hockey lead
Nigel Simon
Paragon’s Akim Toussaint, right, attempts to evade Defence Force’s Mickell Pierre during their T&T Hockey Board Men’s Championship Division clash at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua on Sunday. Defence Force won 5-4 after trailing 1-4. Photo: Anthony Harris
National senior team duo Aidan De Gannes and Shaquille Daniel scored two goals each as Notre Dame reclaimed top spot in the T&T Hockey Board Men’s Championship Division with a 6-1 whipping of Courts Malvern at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua on Saturday.
De Gannes handed the Dames a 1-0 lead at the half via his 24th-minute opener and three minutes after the restart Daniel got his first followed by his second, a minute later for a 3-0 lead.
However, Jason Clarke then converted from the penalty-spot for Fatima to reduce the deficit to 1-3, but the Dames then netted three more items through Danil Trancoso (59th), national captain Darren Cowie (63rd) and De Gannes in the 67th, to seal another comfortable win.
The victory pushed the Dames to 16 points from seven matches, one ahead of Queen’s Park which has a match in hand while defending champion Petrotrin climbed to 13 after spanking Defence Force, 5-2.
Leading the way for the Oilmen was national forward, the prolific Wayne Legerton with a hat-trick in the 32nd, 44th and 69th minutes while fellow T&T players, Evan Farrell and Nicholas Grant added one each.
For Defence Force, its national duo, Mickell Pierre and Marcus James got their replies.
A day later, Defence Force which was only playing its second match of the season due to work commitments stunned Paragon 5-4 after trailing 4-1.
The hero for the Army/Coast-Guard combination was ex-national captain, Nicholas Wren, who scored a hat-trick including the decisive item in the 69th minute while Jovan Woodward and Brian Burrows added the others.
Paragon, meanwhile, a hat-trick from Kiel Murray, a day after he also netted a treble in a come-from-behind 8-1 thumping of Fatima and one from Akim Toussaint, both national players.
And in the lone Women’s Championship Division match, Paragon had its 100 per cent winning record halted in a 1-1 draw with Shandy Carib Magnolias with Stacey Siu Butt netting a last gasp equaliser.
Danielle Thompson had given Paragon a 60th minute lead which looked good enough to secure a fourth straight win, only for Siu Butt to steal a share of the points for a her club.
Today one match is on schedule from 8 pm, with Police facing Notre Dame in the Mixed Veterans Division ahead of the five-day break for the Easter Holidays before resuming on April 25.
Results
Saturday
Men’s Championship:
Notre Dame 6 (Aidan De Gannes 24th, 67th, Shaquille Daniel 38th, 42nd, Danil Trancoso 59th, Darren Cowie 63rd) vs Malvern 1 (Jason Clarke 43rd pen)
Petrotrin 5 (Wayne Legerton 32nd, 44th, 69th, Evan Farrell 54th, Nicholas Grant 68th) vs Defence Force 2 (Mickell Pierre 46th, Marcus james 56th)
Sunday:
Women’s Championship:
Magnolias 1 (Stacey Siu Butt 70th) vs Paragon 1 (Danielle Thompson 60th)
Men’s Championship:
Defence Force 5 (Nicholas Wren 42nd, 50th, 69th, Jovan Woodward 21st, Brian Burrows 57th) vs Paragon 4 (Kiel Murray 4th, 13th, 29th, Akim Toussaint 26th)
Trinity Men:
Fatima 3 vs Petrotrin 0 - by default
Monday:
Mixed Veterans:
Carib 5 (Kern Ramsammy 47th, 65th, 70th, Hillary St Louis 20th, Kevin Adamson 68th) vs Fatima 3 (David Lee 23rd, 59th, Colin Young 44th)
The Trinidad Guardian
Barnes tops list at Hockey NZ awards dinner
Pictured: Hugh Barnes (right) with wife Valarie and Hockey NZ chairman Dean Ellwood. Photo credit: Sue Shepherd
Taranaki’s Hugh Barnes took top honours at the Hockey New Zealand service awards dinner last weekend.
Hugh was awarded the Pakistan Trophy for outstanding contribution to the administration of hockey around the Oceania Cup in Stratford late last year.
His incredible vision, leadership, dedication, and professional expertise ensured the successful delivery of a world class facility funded, engineered and delivered within five months which enabled Taranaki to host the Oceania Cup.
The result for Taranaki Hockey included new lighting, 268 permanent seats, a new carpark, new tennis courts, retaining walls, asphalt laid around the turf and a new electronic scoreboard.
The Pakistan Trophy is not awarded every year, but it was agreed by the Hockey New Zealand Board that Hugh was a very deserving recipient.
Hugh was nominated for the award by the Taranaki Hockey Association.
“Hugh is committed to achieving the needs of the Taranaki Hockey community, he fully understands the nature of the sport and in particular the complex dynamics of the Taranaki community.
“He is always contactable and approachable and now having been administratively involved for many years is an important source of information. When it comes to matters regarding facilities he will always have it under control and know what to do to ensure the best outcome.”
To top off the night, Hugh also received a Bronze Service award for between 15-19 years of service to the sport of hockey.
Awards were also given for other Bronze Service recipients along with Gold Service awards for 25 years of more service to hockey.
Hockey New Zealand chief executive Malcolm Harris spoke at the dinner about the high caliber of volunteers and administrators in the sport.
“Sport in New Zealand wouldn’t happen without passionate, dedicated people who go above and beyond to ensure sport is delivered to those in our communities.
“Having been in the role only a few months, I am heartened by the wonderful attitude and sincerity of the hockey community.”
Gold Service award (25 years or more service to hockey)
Chandu Bhana (Taranaki)
Caroline Bigham (Tauranga)
Graham Bone (West Coast)
Alan Galletly (Tauranga)
Andrew Green (West Coast)
Rob Leslie (Tauranga)
Ian Tennent (West Coast)
Allister Thomas (Taranaki)
Bill Webb (Tauranga)
Marion Webby (Taranaki)
There were no Silver Service award recipients in 2013
Bronze Service award (Between 15 and 19 years service to hockey)
Hugh Barnes (Taranaki)
Andrew Brydon (Canterbury)
Jim Murray (Taranaki)
Jude Sewell-Monod (Taranaki)
Hockey New Zealand Media release