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All the news for Thursday 22 May 2014

Dharmaraj taking a big risk

WORLD CUP: Coach fielding newly paired defenders

By JUGJET SINGH


Malaysia players undergo training for the World Cup at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday. Pic by Osman Adnan

IT is a big risk but coach K. Dharmaraj will field two defenders, who will be paired for the first time, in the World Cup at the Hague, Netherlands, beginning May 31.

The combination of German-born Kevin Lim and Razie Rahim will be tested for the first time, and that, too, in the World Cup. Kevin earned his first caps for Malaysia in the Champions Challenge 1 (CC1) in Kuantan, where Razie did not play because of injury.

And they will be tested against World No 1 Australia on the first day of the tournament itself, followed by another gruelling test against in-form World No 5 Belgium (June 2). The other teams in Malaysia’s Group A are World No 4 England (June 5), World No 8 India (June 7) and World No 10 Spain (June 9).

Reigning Olympic champions Germany, the Netherlands. New Zealand, South Korea, Argentina and South Africa are drawn in Group B.

Experienced defender Baljit Singh, who was Razie’s right-hand-man in many previous tournaments, as well as the World League Qualifier where Malaysia won the ticket to the Hague — was left out in the cold.

Malaysia last played in the 2002 World Cup, and 12 years later, the only player left standing from that era is goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin while the rest will make their debut.

Dharmaraj made five changes from the bronze winning side in the Champions Challenge, and former skipper Shahrun Nabil made an entry after being sidelined in two major tournaments this year — the CC1 and the Azlan Shah Cup where Malaysia won silver.

The other two players named for the World Cup are midfielder Ramadan Rosli and forward Hafifi Hafiz Hanafi.

The five players dropped from the Champions Challenge 1 squad are goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman, defenders Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin and Ahmad Kazamirul; midfielder Azri Hassan and forward Rashid Baharom.

Dharmaraj said he named the team based on current form and experience, and it is the best team to put up a strong challenge in the World Cup.

“The players are in high spirits and they have vowed to give their best in the World Cup,” said Dharmaraj.

“The return of Razie, will definitely beef up our defence as he is the best defender in the country. We are also banking on him to deliver goals from his penalty corner drag flicks.

“I have included Roslan, Shahrun and Hafifi as they are experienced players, who have shown their ability in training.

“Our ranking has improved by one rung to 12 in the world after we won the bronze in the Champions Challenge 1,” said Dharmaraj, who took over as the national chief coach from South Africa’s Paul Revington in January.

WORLD CUP SQUAD — Goalkeepers: S. Kumar, Roslan Jamaluddin;

Defenders: Azlan Misron (captain), Razie Rahim, Kevin Lim, Faiz Helmi, Sukri Mutalib;

Midfielders: Fitri Saari, Marhan Jalil, Shahrun Nabil, Ramadan Rosli, Nabil Fiqri Noor;

Forwards: Ismail Abu, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, Faizal Saari, Firhan Ashaari, Hafifi Hafiz Hanafi, Shahril Saabah;

Team manager: George Koshy

Stand in manager: Nor Azlan Bakar

Chief coach: K. Dharmaraj

Assistant coach: K. Gobinathan

Team doctor: Razana Abdul Raffar

Physiotherapist: Yeo In-seung.

New Straits Times

Former captain Shahrun makes World Cup squad

By Aftar Singh


Mohd Shahrun Nabil (right) is back in the national hockey team for the World Cup, after missing two previous tournaments. - filepic
    
KUALA LUMPUR: Former captain and midfielder Mohd Shahrun Nabil is back in the national hockey team’s fold.

The 29-year-old Shahrun was annoyed with national chief coach K. Dharmaraj after being sidelined from two tournaments this year – the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh in March and the Champions Challenge I in Kuantan in April.

But he was hugely relieved on Wednesday after being named in the 18-player squad for the World Cup, which will be held in The Hague from May 31.

Dharmaraj has made five changes to the team who won the bronze medal in the Champions Challenge I tournament.

Apart from Shahrun, the other four who are back in the fold are defender and penalty corner specialist Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim, 36-year-old goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin, midfielder Mohd Ramadan Rosli and forward Hafifihafiz Hanafi.

The five players dropped are goalkeeper Mohd Hafizuddin Othman, defenders Mohd Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin and Ahmad Kazamirul Nasruddin, midfielder Azri Hassan and forward Mohd Rashid Baharom.

Razie has recovered from the shoulder injury he suffered in the Hockey India League in February while Roslan did not feature in the first two tournaments this year due to an ankle injury.

Dharmaraj said that he has picked the players based on current form and experience.

“The players are in high spirits and have vowed to give their best in the World Cup,” said Dharmaraj.

“The return of Razie will surely shore up the defence. We are also banking on him to score from his penalty corner drag flicks.

“I’ve included Roslan, Shahrun and Hafifi as they are experienced and have shown their ability in training.

“Our rankings improved by one rung to No. 12 in the world after we won the bronze in the Champions Challenge I. We will be heading to the World Cup after a lapse of 12 years to further improve our world rankings,” added Dharmaraj, who took over as the national chief coach from South Africa’s Paul Revington in January.

Malaysia last featured in the World Cup when they hosted it in 2002.

In The Hague, Malaysia will open their Group A campaign against defending champions and world No. 1 Australia on May 31. Their other matches are against world No. 5 Belgium (June 2), world No. 4 England (June 5), world No. 8 India (June 7) and world No. 10 Spain (June 9).

Reigning Olympic champions Germany, Holland New Zealand, South Korea, Argentina and South Africa are in Group B.

“The MHC (Malaysian Hockey Confederation) have set us a top-10 target in the World Cup but we’ll strive to do better than that,” said Dharmaraj.

The World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: S. Kumar, Roslan Jamaluddin.
Defenders: Azlan Misron (captain), Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim, Kevin Lim, Faiz Helmi Jali, Mohd Sukri Abdul Mutalib.
Midfielders: Mohd Fitri Saari, Mohd Marhan Mohd Jalil, Mohd Shahrun Nabil, Mohd Ramadan Rosli, Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor.
Forwards: Ismail Abu, Tengku Ahmad Tajudin, Faizal Saari, Mohd Firhan Ashaari, Hafifihafiz Hanafi, Mohd Shahril Saabah.
Manager: George Koshy
Stand-in manager: Nor Azlan Bakar
Chief coach: K. Dharmaraj
ssistant  coach: K. Gobinathan
Doctor: Razana Abdul Raffar
Physiotherapist: Yeo In-seung

The Star of Malaysia

‘Selection not in best interest’

KUALA LUMPUR — National coach K. Dharmaraj cleared the air on team selection after naming an 18-man strong squad for the World Cup at The Hague, Holland from May 31 to June 15.

Just a day after claiming “outside factors” decided several places in the team, Dharmaraj insisted he had named the strongest available squad, but conceded it was not in the best interest for the future.

He argued the older players should not be in the team merely to make up the numbers.

He, however, sees their inclusion as a platform for certain players to prove themselves ahead of September’s Asian Games, where the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) are targeting a gold medal.

“Based on experience and form, this is the strongest squad we have,” said Dharmaraj. “To me, the older players who have been in the team for several years must be in the core of 15. Otherwise, it’s better taking younger players.

“I want Malaysia to show we are no pushovers at the World Cup, but talk of being on the podium is absurd,” he added.

Malaysia are ranked 13th in the world, but are expected to pip South Africa to 12th when the new rankings are released next month.

Dharmaraj made five changes to the team who finished third in the Champions Challenge 1 (CC1) in Kuantan earlier this month.

In came veteran goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin, Hafifi Hafiz Hanafi, Sharun Nabil Abdullah, Razie Abdul Rahim and Ramadhan Rosli for Hafizuddin Othman, Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin, Ahmad Kazamirul, Azri Hassan and Rashid Baharom.

The five players dropped from the CC1 would continue training with seven other national players. The 12 could be called up for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games or even to the World Cup should there be 11th hour injuries.

Dharmaraj believes the return of Razie would be a massive boost to their defence, a department that fared badly during the CC1. Malaysia scored 17 goals in Kuantan, but also leaked 17.

“Razie is a big game player and known at the international stage, He would make a big difference. Also, I believe a player with Kevin Lim’s experience and mindset would be beneficial too,” said Dharmaraj.

Kevin and Razie, who have never played together, will surely face a a grueling test from world No. 1 Australia on May 31 before matches against Belgium (June 2), world No.4 England (June 4), India (June 7) and Spain in the Group A finale on June 9.

Olympic champions Germany, Holland New Zealand, South Korea, Argentina and South Africa are in Group B.

Malaysia only need to avoid finishing bottom of the group to meet their 10th place target.

Malay Mail

Azlan looking to break hockey milestone

By Aftar Singh


Azlan Misron is currently the most capped player in the national team with 336 caps. - filepic
    
KUALA LUMPUR: National hockey captain Azlan Misron turned 31 on Wednesday with one wish: to make history in the World Cup in The Hague, Holland.

Azlan is currently the most capped player in the national team – 336 caps – since making his international debut in 2002.

But he wants to break the record of former national skipper S. Kuhan, who played 341 times for Malaysia.

If Azlan plays in all six matches in the World Cup, he will pip Kuhan by one cap.

Azlan, the father of two children, will be featuring in the World Cup for the first time despite having donned national colours for the last 12 years.

“I’m looking forward to featuring in the World Cup as this could be my first and last ... after all, I turned 31 today,” said Azlan, who was made captain by national chief coach K. Dharmaraj this year.

Azlan said that while it would be great to become the most capped player in the country, “what is more important to me is giving my best in the World Cup”.

“I will shoulder a big responsibility in the World Cup as the captain and I don’t want to be a laughing stock. We will start as underdogs as we are the lowest ranked team – at No. 12 – in the World Cup. We will be featuring in the World Cup after a 12-year absence but we should not feel intimidated.

“We should go all out and create a few upsets despite playing against formidable teams like Australia, England, Belgium, India and Spain.”

Azlan said that they are all “physically and mentally” ready for the World Cup, despite the rather shaky backline.

“With the return of top defender Mohd Razie (Abdul Rahim), our backline will be much stronger for the World Cup.

“We promise to give our best in the World Cup and will not let our Malaysian fans down,” said Azlan, who will marshall the defence with Kevin Lim, Razie, Mohd Sukri Abdul Mutalib and Faiz Helmi Jali.

The national team will leave for The Hague on Thursday and play three friendlies against Holland on May 25 and two clubs sides on May 27 and May 29.

They’ll kick off their World Cup campaign against defending champions Australia on May 31.

The Star of Malaysia

Azlan not thinking of appearance record



KUALA LUMPUR — Should Malaysia captain Azlan Misron play all the group matches and one classification game at the World Cup in The Hague, Holland, he would break S. Kuhan’s record of 341 appearances. Azlan did not realise he was closing in on the record as his focus has been on ensuring Malaysia make a lasting impression in Holland.

“I do not want to think of it (record). I need to help the team and play well to keep our heads high. That comes first,” said Azlan.
azlan

This is the first time Malaysia have qualified on merit since 1998. Malaysia were hosts in 200.

This is also Azlan’s biggest test with the national team as he missed out in 2002.

“I know this will be my last chance of playing at the highest level for Malaysia and I want to bow out in style. I’ve not thought of calling it quits, but playing in the next World Cup is far-fetched,” the 31-year-old said.

Azlan said as underdogs, it is not beyond them to create an upset or two.

“After the Champions Challenge 1 in Kuantan recently, we realised our weakness was in defence. There was no communication and ball movement.

We have to step up in that area and I hope the return of Razie Rahim will help.”

Azlan has won everything in the domestic scene with KL Hockey Club and has several international medals as well. Among them are a silver medal at the 2012 Asian Games and a bronze at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, 2007 Asia Cup and 2012 Asian Champions Trophy.

Malay Mail

India eyeing consistency in hockey World Cup


Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar with the World Cup-bound Indian hockey team in New Delhi.

NEW DELHI: Motivated by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar's morale-boosting pep talk, a well-prepared and fully focussed Indian men's hockey team will strive for consistency in the upcoming FIH World Cup as it leaves for The Hague, Netherlands - the venue for the mega-event tonight.

The 18-member India team will depart for The Hague to participate in the World Cup to be held at The Kyocera Stadium from May 31 to June 15.

A day prior to their departure the Indian players were in for a pleasant shock when Tendulkar paid a surprise visit at the team hotel in the Capital and spent close to two hours with the players during which he shared his valuable experiences.

Tendulkar visited the team on the request of captain Sardar Singh and motivated the players with his inspirational talks.

"Sachin is a fantastic personality. Only me and Sardar knew about his visit. It was a welcome surprise for the players. Sachin shared his experiences with the players and it act as a big morale-booster for the team in the World Cup," Indian hockey's High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans said before the team's departure.

Oltmans is happy with the preparation of the team and said India can spring up surprises in the tournament if they can play consistent hockey.

"Our preparation was upto the mark. The team is really gelling well. We made a lot of progress for sure but it is important for us to find out how close we are to the top teams," he said.

"The main question is how consistent we can be? If we can be consistent throughout the tournament we can make a hard day for every team.

"We are presently 8th in the world so definitely we will like to maintain that position if not better it. But if we can be consistent enough I think there will be surprises for sure," the legendary Dutch player said.

Insisting that Indian players know "they won't get too many opportunities to play in a World Cup", Oltmans refused to speculate the team's final outcome in the quadrennial event.

"It is very difficult to predict where we will finish. But we will take a game-by-game approach. The only thing in our hand is to perform to our level," he said.

Captain Sardar Singh too is optimistic about India's good showing in the World Cup.

"There is no lack in our fitness. The players are skillful and we are fully prepared for the job. I am sure the results will be positive," he said.

"My target is 5 or 6th position and anything higher than that will be a bonus. But our present focus is the first match against Belgium."

India are placed in tough Group A along side world champions Australia, England, Belgium, Spain and Malaysia while the Group B consists of hosts Netherlands, Germany, New Zealand, Korea, Argentina and South Africa.

India will open its campaign against Belgium on the opening day of the tournament.

Prior to the start of the tournament, India will play two practice matches against Argentina and South Africa.

The Hindu

Find out where to watch the Rabobank Hockey World Cup

Global television coverage includes SKY Sports, ABC and TEN Sports


(Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek)

With final broadcasting deals now locked up, this year’s Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 will be a hard event to avoid. In less than two weeks, 31 May to 15 June, the best men’s and women’s teams will take to The Hague to battle for glory and the right to claim the 13th Hockey World Cup title. With 76 matches, 24 teams and 15 countries represented, this climax event of the world hockey calendar will feature extensive global television coverage, high activation from global partners, record YouTube viewership and social media fan engagement, while an impressive international media attendance is expected.

One company ready to set the bar for televised coverage is Sky Sports, who will provide United Kingdom and Irish viewers with the latest innovation and analysis tools with the use of the SkyPad.

“We will show all of the matches, all the teams and all the players,” said Phil Marshall, Sky Sports producer. “Sky Sports viewers can follow England's men and women's teams throughout the competitions as well as the reigning world champions. With so many men and women in the UK playing hockey regularly, I'm sure our World Cup coverage will be a popular part of our summer of sport.”

Also highlighting the list is ABC Television, Australia, who will have complete coverage live and on delay across the nation, which includes three different time zones.

“ABC Television, Australia is providing a daily highlights show for early evening prime time which will point to live match coverage later that evening,” outlined Justin Holdforth, Head of ABC TV Sport & Events. “The ABC will also provide extensive radio, news and online coverage and all programming will be available on our catch up service ‘iview’.   Audiences will be able to immerse themselves in this wonderful tournament when they want, how they want and on whatever device they want.”

The interest level continues to impress as Germany will have 33 live matches carried by Sport 1. Belgium also has no shortage of interest with four channels sharing rights and broadcasting in both French and Flemish. Of course, all 76 matches will be available in the Netherlands on NOS or their cable partner Omroep West.

Asia’s leading sports network TEN Sports will have 38 live matches showing in India with preview shows for each of the India men’s  games. In addition, they will also broadcast the women’s final.

Recently added to the list of nations with TV coverage are China and Spain. China Central Television (CCTV) is the predominant state television broadcaster in mainland China reaching more than one billion viewers. In Spain, TVE will broadcast the Spanish men’s matches.

In addition to television coverage, the demand from global sponsors to activate with the Rabobank Hockey World Cup is strong. A mix of national and international brands are represented including Adidas, Heineken, Hero and Volvo representing a wide number of brand categories. Both sponsors and fans will be able to enjoy the experience through the record-setting numbers set for YouTube viewership and social media engagement.

For the Rabobank Hockey World Cup, FIH is on target to exceed over 500,000 Facebook fans, 30 million impressions on Twitter, 7000 Instagram followers and will have over 3 million website views. YouTube plays an important role in the digital strategy and is set to have 1.25 million views for the live stream and video on demand for the World Cup alone. Fans will be treated to more than 500 pieces of video on demand during the competition with goal replays being tweeted within three minutes of scoring.

At the event itself, media interest will be higher than ever before with 250 accredited journalists on site, not including the 140 members of TV crew who will also be present. Of the 250 expected journalists, 150 will journey from outside of Holland and include all forms of media including print, online, TV and radio.

The two-stadium event is expected to sell out with Kyocera Stadium holding 15,000 fans, while GreenFields is equipped for 5,000 meaning that over the 15 competition days 250,000 ticket holders will file through the venue.

“On TV, at the venue, online or on a mobile device, the Rabobank Hockey World Cup will be the most highly covered and easily accessible hockey event ever seen before,” said Kelly Fairweather, FIH CEO.

Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014  |  TV Broadcasting Reach

FIH site

England's Kate Richardson-Walsh on marrying her team-mate

By Ollie Williams, Olympic sports reporter


Kate posted this selfie on Twitter prior to England's first EuroHockey final in 22 years. England lost 2-0 to Germany in a penalty shootout after a 4-4 draw

Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh grew up together, became world-class hockey players together and won Olympic medals together. Nine months ago, they were married.

If two England footballers heading to this year's World Cup were set to celebrate their first anniversary, coverage would be difficult to avoid.

Back in January, former Premier League player Thomas Hitzlsperger announced he was gay "to move the discussion about homosexuality among professional sportspeople forwards".

However, hockey's same-sex wedding sparked little coverage beyond congratulations. There was no discussion - players say none was needed.

"We are a couple, we love each other and we happen to be playing in the same team," says 34-year-old Kate Richardson-Walsh, the England captain.

"I feel quite proud that I was brought up around hockey, where there have been lots of different ethnicities, religions, sexualities and so on. It's normal, and I feel proud of that.

"We're very professional in that we draw a line and when we're at hockey we are Kate and Helen, hockey players and team-mates.

"Away from hockey we're Kate and Helen the couple. It's important that line is drawn and to be able to say to each other 'that's not good enough', and not start having a row about it afterwards.

"We do talk about hockey at home. We don't row about it but we have really good debates because we're so passionate about the game and passionate about the squad."

On the field, Kate and 32-year-old Helen have led the restoration of Britain as a hockey force.


Kate and Helen may not play as England team-mates again, with Kate retiring after the Commonwealth Games

Bronze at London 2012, Team GB's first Olympic hockey medal in two decades, would have been unlikely without influential defender Kate Walsh and tireless midfielder Helen Richardson.

Off the field, when they became the Richardson-Walshes, team-mates believe the couple demonstrated how little trouble hockey has with diversity - a word, and concept, some other sports have struggled to manage.

"The culture of hockey is so much more open. We're so lucky to be hockey players. Everyone is just accepted for who they are," says Beth Storry, who played in goal for Britain at the London Olympics and whose partner is Dutch defender Chantal de Bruijn.

"Ever since I've been young, hockey has been a very open environment if you're gay or lesbian. I couldn't imagine playing in a sport where you couldn't be yourself and not be open about who you are.

"With football, I think it's a great shame - the odds are there are probably a lot of gay men playing in the Premier League. It's a shame you can't be open, you can't be who you want to be. In hockey, nobody judges you, nobody questions you."

The Richardson-Walshes made their Olympic debuts together at Sydney 2000 but only became an item at the Beijing 2008 Games, after Walsh had broken off her engagement to Brett Garrard, the former England and GB men's hockey captain.

The two came through London 2012 to win bronze despite Kate breaking her jaw in the opening group game, leaving Helen to deputise as captain - and worry not only about her loved one undergoing emergency surgery, but also about leading a team now missing a key player.

Kate missed just two games, returning to action with a plate in her jaw and a protective mask.

But now, two years later, something far more painful has happened.

With hockey's World Cup  beginning in the Netherlands at the end of this month, Helen has been left out of the England squad. The sport's star couple will be temporarily torn apart.

Having suffered longstanding problems with a ruptured disc in her back, Helen had major surgery earlier this year, followed by an intense battle for fitness ahead of the tournament.

The selectors decided she had not done enough.

"I know in time everything will be okay. For now though, it hurts," she wrote on a blog documenting her rehab.

The World Cup is the sport's pinnacle, alongside the Olympic Games. Winning the title had been one of her lifetime ambitions.

"I've lost the chance to achieve a goal of mine that, not only have I worked incredibly hard for over these last 11 weeks, but absolutely and completely dedicated my life to, 100%, for the past 15 years," she added.

"I have no idea when I'll get to the acceptance stage. I keep fluxing between the anger, bargaining and depression stages, meaning I'm not much fun to be around at the moment."

An emotional Kate, speaking on the BBC programme Inspire, is almost in tears as she recalls the moment she realised Helen had not made the squad. "I kept on refreshing my emails. When it arrived I scanned for her name and it wasn't there. It's just really sad," says the England captain.

"She'd got herself back playing and because there was a month to go, with her experience and what she brings to the team - I am biased - I would have had her in the squad.

"I got myself to the point where I really believed her name would be on the sheet."

She must now lead England at the World Cup knowing her partner and team-mate of more than a decade is sitting at home.

"Kate's going to have to concentrate on the World Cup, yet at the same time needs to care for Helen. But you also just know they're going to get on with it," says Storry, 36, who retired from international hockey after London 2012.

"They're very good at keeping it separate - it's very much business when you're on the pitch, and your private life is separate.


Britain's Kate Walsh (C) shoots towards goal in the women's field hockey bronze medal match between New Zealand and Britain at The Riverbank Arena in London on August 10, 2012.

Kate Richardson-Walsh captained Great Britain in 2012 to their first Olympic medal since 1992 - only the second in their history

"It helps when your partner understands hockey and what it takes to play at that level - to know that when you're going off training again, getting up at a stupid time, or only talking about hockey, it's because you love it."

Kate is now set to retire from the international scene - she will don an England shirt for the last time this summer, looking for the major title that has so far eluded her.

"This is my last season playing in the international team and this potentially could have been the last tournament Helen and I played together, if she'd been selected," she says.

"All of those things make it harder. My emotions are heightened because it is my last season. They say you kind of just know, and I know it is time."

On her blog, Helen wrote: "There's nothing more I would like to see than my wife, Kate, lift the World Cup.

"Of course, I wanted to be by her side when she did, but we've both shared so many highs and lows, and she truly would be worthy of this success."

Watch Kate Richardson-Walsh's full interview with Gabby Logan on Inspire: The Olympic Journey, Sunday, 8 June, BBC Two, 17:30 BST.

Kate Richardson-Walsh

    Age: 34
    Born: Manchester
    School: Priestnall School, Stockport
    Hockey clubs: Reading
    Position: Central defender
    Playing style: Anchor of the team and specialist in the drag-flick
    First England cap: 7 May 1999 v Russia
    Caps: 205 England, 110 GB, 315 total

Helen Richardson-Walsh

    Age: 32
    Born: Hitchin, Hertfordshire
    School: West Bridgford School, Nottingham
    Hockey clubs: Leicester, Reading
    Position: Midfielder
    Playing style: Energetic midfield playmaker known for covering large distances in games
    First England cap: 21 July 1999 v Japan
    Caps: 159 England, 90 GB, 249 total

BBC Sport

Racing and Lille through to French semi-finals



Racing Club de France and Lille close out their Top Six campaign this weekend safe in the knowledge that they already have a place in the semi-finals in the bag in their quest to become 2014/15 national champions.

Both sit on 18 points at this stage in the season with Racing set to meet third place Lyon on Sunday while Lille face CA Montrouge with the former more likely to end the season in first place thanks to an incredible run of 17 goals this term by Jean-David Koch.

Racing are going in search of their first national title in 18 years but they confirmed their place in the first two places with a 3-2 win over St Germain last time out while Lille romped to a 9-2 win over Paris Jean Bouin.

They have stiff potential opposition in the knockout phases, though. This term's EHL representatives St Germain are among four of the sides bound for the quarter-finals along with Lyon, Montrouge and Paris Jean Bouin, playing off for a place in the semis.

It all builds up to the finals of the French championships in Lille on June 21 and 22.

Euro Hockey League media release

Under 21 men’s and women’s squads named



Following the recent National Under 21 Tournament, Hockey New Zealand is pleased to announce the following squad selections.

These selections represent the playing group identified as the best performed at the Under 21 men’s and women’s tournaments.

The make up of Hockey New Zealand's underpinning programs will be finalised at the conclusion of the Under 18 and National Hockey League, with individual performances across each of the various tournaments considered before the final Junior Black Sticks and Future Black Sticks squads will be named, with a view toward selecting athletes who perform consistently at a high level.

Hockey New Zealand is working to identify suitable training and competition opportunities for the development programs, with a view exposing a broad group of development athletes to international competition.

Congratulations on the performances of those named following the Under 21 tournament.

MEN'S U21 SQUAD

WOMEN'S U21 SQUAD

Hockey New Zealand Media release

PIA pull kill switch against Customs

KARACHI: PIA were guided to a 7-2 victory over Customs and a semi-final spot by Rana Sohail and Saif Ali, who scored a brace apiece in the quarter-final of the ongoing 33rd National Junior Hockey Championship at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium on Wednesday.

In another quarter-final of the championship, lady luck did not shower blessings over Railways as they lost their first match of the tournament and were sent packing by Punjab (C) with a scoreline of 3-0. Mohammad Asif, Hannan Anwar and Mohammad Asif Jr contributed with a goal apiece in Punjab’s quarter-final conquest.

Meanwhile, Aqeeb scored a brace for Wapda against Pakistan Education Board to lead his team to a 2-0 victory.

Elsewhere, NBP won their quarter-final 6-1 against Army courtesy Shan Irshad’s hat-trick and a brace by Mubashar.

After a day’s rest, NBP and Punjab (C) will face each other in the first semi-final, while PIA will go face to face with Wapda in the second semi-final.

Open trials for Youth Olympics

Open trials to select Pakistan Junior and Pakistan Youth teams for the upcoming Youth Olympics will be held today from 1430 to 1800 hours at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium. Individuals born between January 1996 and December 1999 are eligible to take part in the youth Olympics team’s trials.

The Express Tribune

Wapda, NBP, PIA, Punjab Colours in semis

Anwar Zuberi

KARACHI: The quartet comprising holders Wapda, last year’s runners-up National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), the formidable Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Punjab Colours made it through to the semi-finals of the 33rd National Junior Hockey Championship at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium on Wednesday.

Aqeeb struck twice in a span of 12 minutes — 42nd and 54th — as Wapda overcame Pakistan Board 2-0 to earn a place into the last four.

Despite defeat, the youthful Pakistan Board team won many admirers for fighting all out against a superior outfit and keeping them at bay till half-time.

Another feature of Pakistan Board is that none of their players was scratched during scrutiny at the start of the event.

Wapda are slated to meet PIA in Friday’s first semi-final after the latter sent Customs packing 7-2 in another quarter-final.

PIA were on a goal-scoring spree right from the word go — thanks to Rana Sohail and Saif Ali Khan — who came up with a brace of field goals.

The former netted in fifth and sixth minutes while the latter scored in 17th and 27th.

Nohaiz Zahid Malik, Mohammad Awais and Abu Bakar slammed one goal apiece in 31st, 38th and 58th respectively to complete the rout.

Bilal and Sarwan scored one goal each for losers.

NBP got past Army, winning by a tennis score of 6-1 in another one-sided quarter-final.

Shan Irshad, who broke the deadlock in the fifth minute, went on to add two more to his tally in 48th and 52nd to finish with three goals. Mubashir scored twice, converting penalty corners in 17th and 56th minutes while Ateeque netted one.

Ahmed Faran scored a late consolation for soldiers when he converted his team’s only penalty corner one minute before the long whistle.

The bankers have been drawn to meet Punjab Colours in the second semi-final after the latter halted the winning run of Railways, registering a 3-0 victory with M. Asif, Hannan Anwar and M. Asif junior scoring a goal apiece.

Thursday is the rest day in the event.

Friday’s fixtures:

Semi-finals: Wapda v PIA (3.00pm); NBP v Punjab Colours (5.00pm).

Dawn

James dents Parkites title hopes

Nigel Simon

National defender Marcus James scored a quick first-half double as Defence Force battled past Queen’s Park CC in a key T&T Hockey Board Men’s Championship Division encounter at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua on Sunday.

Starting the day, nine points adrift of leaders’ Notre Dame but with three matches in hand, the Parkites were eager to get a win and got the best start possible when national forward Matthew Tang Nian netted in the 12th minute.

However, seven minutes later, former national stand-out Neil Lashley got the Army/Coast-Guard combination on level terms before James found the back of the net, in the 28th and 29th minute for a 3-1 half-time advantage.

The second-half was a much tighter contest, but with eight minutes left Tang Nian grabbed a second to reduce the deficit to 3-2, however, Defence Force held on until the final whistle.

The win was the fourth in seven matches for Defence Force to move to fifth spot with 12 points, 18 behind Notre Dame which has played five matches more while Queen’s Park stayed second with 21 points from 10 matches followed by defending champion Petrotrin with 19 from 12 matches and Courts Malvern with 15 from a match less.

The Women’s Championship Division title race is a two-team battle with Paragon sitting atop the table with 19 points from eight matches, two more than Shandy Carib Magnolias with two matches left for both clubs, while defending champion Notre Dame is a distant third with 12 points.

Ironically, Paragon and Magnolias both have outstanding matches against Courts Malvern, fourth with 10 points from eight matches and the Dames.

The Trinity Divisions are also yet to be decided with Queen’s Park and Paradise in the hunt for the men’s crown while Magnolias, Paragon and Harvard Checkers are in a three-way tussle for women’s honours.

Results

Tuesday:

Trinity Men:

Notre Dame 4 (Justin Beharry 3rd, 9th, Richie Alexander 7th, Keith De Peza) vs Police 0

Monday:

Men’s Championship:

Defence Force 3 (Marcus 28th, 29th, Neil Lashley 19th) vs Queen’s Park 2 (Matthew Tang Nian 12th, 62nd)

Current standings:

Men’s Championship:

Teams P W D L F A Pts

Notre Dame 12 9 1 2 35 16 30
QPCC 10 7 0 3 22 13 21
Petrotrin 12 6 1 5 30 21 19
Malvern 11 5 0 6 19 29 15
D/Force 7 4 0 3 16 17 12
Paragon 11 3 2 6 31 31 11
Paradise 8 2 1 5 14 20 7
Fatima 11 2 1 8 11 30 7

Trinity Men’s Division:

QPCC 9 8 0 1 55 7 24
Paradise 7 7 0 0 22 3 21
Notre Dame 9 7 0 2 27 12 21
Paragon 9 5 1 3 29 20 16
Malvern 8 5 1 2 20 10 16
Fatima 9 4 0 5 15 20 12
Shape 8 3 0 5 13 28 9
Carib 8 1 0 7 5 27 3
Police 7 0 0 7 2 26 0
Petrotrin 8 0 0 8 3 38 0

Trinity Women’s Division:

Magnolias 5 5 0 0 34 3 15
Paragon 6 4 1 1 12 4 13
Checkers 5 4 0 1 17 2 12
Ventures 7 3 1 3 7 10 10
Notre Dame 6 2 0 4 6 21 6
Police 7 1 2 4 7 24 5
Paradise 6 1 1 4 4 10 4
Malvern 6 1 1 4 12 25 4

Upcoming fixtures

Today

Mixed Veterans: Malvern vs Police, 8pm

Tomorrow

Women’s Championship: Harvard Checkers vs Ventures, 7 pm
Men’s Championship: Defence Force vs Petrotrin, 8.45 pm

Saturday

Women’s Championship: Malvern vs Shandy Carib Magnolias, 4.30 pm
Men’s Championship: Paradise vs Queen’s Park, 6 pm
Men’s Championship: Fatima vs Defence Force, 7.30 pm

Sunday

Men’s Championship: Paradise vs Notre Dame, 12.30 pm
Trinity Men: Shape vs Paradise, 2 pm
Women’s Championship: Ventures vs Harvard Checkers, 4.30 pm
Women’s Championship: Malvern vs Paragon, 6 pm
Men’s Championship: QPCC vs Paragon, 7.30 pm

The Trinidad Guardian

U21 men travel south to face rivals England

Scotland U21 men are playing two match friendlies down in Lilleshall against U21 England at the end of this week with a mixture of youth and experience in the team.

Predominantly the U21 side, with 5 players also featuring from the U18 squad and two senior players. This is all great preparation for the young U21 side ahead of the Europeans this summer in Portugal.

Due to few players not being able to play due to the exam period the U21 side fell short but head coach Graham Moodie felt this was a too good opportunity to play England to turn down.

‘I hope the senior players will bring more of a professional edge to the games, helping the younger players push and experience that senior level.’

It will be a tough set of matches but great International match practice for the team ahead of the Europeans.'

The Scots lost both matches that they recently played against the U21 England side last month, 5-0 and 5-2 and will be hoping to build on those performances. They play on Thursday 22nd May at 5pm and again on Friday 23rd May at 11am.

Scotland squad;

Sean Hadfield
Rory Kerr
Gregor Hirst
Michael McKenzie
Jamie Wong
Murray Collins
Fraser Henderson
Ross McIntyre
Gordon Amour
Lee Morton
Jack McAllister
Joe McConnell
Hamish Imrie
Scott Lindsay
Craig Falconer
Aedan McCrossan
Wei Adams
Russell Anderson

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Quick Hockey Launched at the National Sports Campus



Irish Hockey officially launched Quick Hockey, a new and exciting variation of hockey for everyone, at a demonstration of the game at the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown this afternoon. The new game was explained and showcased at the launch in front of the Irish Sports Council, international players, IHA board members and media. The development of Quick Hockey is being made possible through the support of the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund.

Irish Hockey designed Quick Hockey after a participation survey revealed a gap in the hockey market for a more casual, fun, flexible variation of the game of hockey. From the survey 70% of hockey players indicated they would continue to play ‘informal’ hockey once they had retired from competitive hockey if it was available. The results also showed that one of the top reasons players cease playing hockey is trying to balance family, work and social life and the inability to commit to a club. Irish Hockey believes that Quick Hockey is the perfect game to fill this gap.

Irish Hockey was one of eleven organisations to benefit from €125,000 distributed through the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund last year. It received a grant of €10,000 towards the project. The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund is open for applications once again this year and is seeking to support voluntary and non-profit organisations which want to kick-start new programmes encouraging people to become more active. Details can be found at www.coca-cola.ie/thankyou and applications are being accepted online until the 16th of June 2014.

Commenting at the launch CEO Mike Heskin said “Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the support and funding received from the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund which is a fantastic initiative helping communities to get and stay active.”

 He went on to explain the need for Quick Hockey “We first identified the need for a variation of our traditional eleven aside game of hockey when we conducted our participation survey. The results highlighted the necessity to offer a less formal option of the game that can be played on any surface in a 5-aside format. As a governing body we are always looking to progress our sport in line with our strategic plan, including increasing the numbers playing the sport and retaining those who currently play, the development of Quick Hockey is a game that will help us achieve these two goals.”

 Erica Roseingrave, Public Affairs and Communications Manager, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland, said: “The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund makes awards to voluntary and non-profit organisations promoting active lifestyles in communities all over Ireland. Through the Fund we seek to support innovative ideas which will encourage those who don't participate in physical activity to introduce it into their lives. Quick Hockey captured the judges imagination and we’re looking forward to seeing the programme rolled out across the country.”

 Irish Goalkeeper Pamela Smithwick stepped out from the nets to trial Quick Hockey and spoke to us about the experience “I really enjoyed it. I was on a team with people I had never met so it’s a good way to meet new people.”

When asked if she found it difficult transitioning from a keeper to an outfield player for Quick Hockey she said “I didn’t feel disadvantaged playing Quick Hockey by virtue of the fact that I am a goalkeeper and this was due to the easy format and less technical skills required to play Quick Hockey. The bigger ball is more forgiving and the no hitting also makes it less intimidating when playing.”

 Pamela felt it was a game that could have mass appeal “Quick Hockey will appeal to those that can’t commit to club training every week, also I think it will be great for schools and areas where there aren’t hockey facilities available. It was really good fun and great for fitness.”

 Irish Hockey have laid out a five year plan to roll Quick Hockey out which will bring the game to new players who do not have the facilities to run the traditional 11 sided hockey format while also giving Irish Hockey the chance to bring hockey to new schools and communities.

The major difference between the traditional 11 a-side game and this format is this game is played with a bigger and lighter ball with simplified rules. This format is also played with smaller teams which can be mixed or single gender and it can be played on any surface. But beyond that it is fun, fast-paced so excellent for fitness and health, easy to play, can be played at any age and it is also perfect for beginners.

Irish Hockey has already trialled Quick Hockey with both Pembroke Wanderers Hockey Club and at the National Hockey Stadium with their target audiences with great success.

Quick-Facts

· Teams are 5-a-side but can be flexible

· Play anywhere – indoor or outdoor on pitches of any size

· Mixed or men/women only

· Simple rules with a larger ball

· Perfect for all levels including beginners

For more information on Quick Hockey, go to www.hockey.ie/quickhockey. More details about The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund are available at www.coca-cola.ie/thankyou.

Irish Hockey Association media release

Vale Gerry Goldberg

By Kim Taranto


Gerry Goldberg

Last night INCLEAN was informed by son Errol that Gerry Goldberg (82 years old) had died, hit by a car earlier in the evening when walking in his home suburb. Truly an industry icon and much respected by the cleaning industry, Gerry will be a great loss to so many who he not only supported professionally but also mentored personally.

Gerry was chairman of Pall Mall Manufacturing as well as having been involved for many years in industry bodies, notably the National Cleaning Suppliers’ Association. He dedicated a great deal of his time to an industry he truly loved through industry associations as well as delivering educational training sessions in the products and systems that he knew so well.

Gerry had a number of great loves and passions – his family, his late wife Carol and – as an international hockey umpire .

At this stage it is not known when Gerry’s funeral will be conducted. The industry’s thoughts are with sons Errol and Andrew, the extended Goldberg family and the Pall Mall family.

InClean Mag

Gerry was the author of "Blow by blow : some aspects of the philosophy and practice of field hockey umpiring" published in 1984