News 17 July 2014
All the news for Thursday 17 July 2014
Black Sticks win Four Nations Tournament
Photo: Black Sticks Women after their Four Nations win in Dublin. Credit: Adrian Boehm
The Black Sticks Women have won the Four Nations Tournament in Dublin this morning, beating Ireland 3-0 in the final to complete their clean sweep.
The Kiwis have been the dominant team during the tournament, winning 9-2 against Ireland, 10-0 against Chile and 7-0 against Canada during the week.
In today’s game, Krystal Forgesson scored first after some good pressing was followed up by a quality finish to beat the goalkeeper from a shot at the top of the circle. Later in the first half, she scored again to take the score to 2-0 at half time. Canterbury’s Sophie Cocks got the third goal with ten minutes left in the game from a powerful shot at the top of the circle.
“Ireland turned out to play, we knew that it was going to be harder than our first game, they created a lot of opportunities. It was a closely contested game and our goal keepers [Sally Rutherford and Bianca Russell] were called on to make a lot of saves, so credit to them that they could keep the Irish scoreless,” said head coach Mark Hager.
“Unfortunately, we were awarded six or seven penalty corners today but we couldn’t convert them. When our penalty corners are on-song it takes a lot of pressure of our team,”
It was also a milestone game for Central’s Emily Naylor who played her 250th international test. Naylor, aged 28, became New Zealand’s most capped female hockey player in April this year, overtaking Suzie Muirhead’s long standing record. With a lot of her family and friends at the game today, a presentation was made by Irish Hockey at the end of the game to recognise her significant achievement.
Capital’s Anita Punt who scored an impressive seven goals throughout the week, was named Player of the Tournament.
The Black Sticks, who are ranked second in the Commonwealth, have a rest day and will then head to the Athletes Village in Glasgow ahead of their first game against Trinidad and Tobago at 6am on Saturday 26 July (NZ time). The Kiwis will also face India, South Africa and Canada in pool play.
Sky will be showing over 100 hockey broadcasts during the Commonwealth Games. Click here for the Sky schedule.
Result
Full time: 3-0 Black Sticks win
Half time: 2-0
Goal scorers: Krystal Forgesson x2, Sophie Cocks
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Black Stick women claim Four Nations title
TOP PUNT: Black Sticks star Anita Punt was named player of the tournament in Dublin. Dirk Markgraf, www.265-images.com
The Black Sticks women's hockey team have completed their Commonwealth Games warmups by claiming the Four Nations title with a 3-0 win over hosts Ireland in Dublin.
New Zealand were unbeaten throughout the tournament, earlier recording big wins against Chile 10-0, Canada 7-0 and Ireland again 9-2.
Krystal Forgesson scored first goal of the final after some good pressing was followed up by a quality finish to beat the Irish goalkeeper from a shot at the top of the circle.
Forgesson scored again late in the first half to give the Kiwis a 2-0 lead at the break.
Sophie Cocks got the third goal with 10 minutes left in the game from a powerful shot, again at the top of the circle.
The Irish kept Kiwi goalkeepers Sally Rutherford and Bianca Russell busy and the visitors did well to keep a clean sheet.
Black Sticks coach Mark Hager's only complaint today was the inability of his team to convert several penalty corners on a day when Emily Naylor played her 250th international for New Zealand.
In more good news for the team, Anita Punt scored seven goals throughout the week to be named player of the tournament.
The Black Sticks, who are ranked second in the Commonwealth, now head to Glasgow to train for their first Games match against Trinidad and Tobago at 6am on Saturday week (NZ time). The Kiwis also face India, South Africa and Canada in pool play.
Stuff
Ireland 0-3 New Zealand - Ireland Secure Silver
Ireland lost 3-0 to the world number 4's in the final of the Electric Ireland 4 nations taking place at UCD this evening, in a match that saw a much improved Ireland from their previous encounter unleash attacks and goal scoring chances on this top nation.
Ireland gifted the Black Sticks with their first goal just 3 minutes in when a defensive error set Krystal Forgesson up for a free shot at the top of the circle which left keeper Emma Gray no chance. Ireland regrouped quickly and minutes later Shirley McCay at the back sent a great line ball up to Naomi Carroll who slipped to Nikki Evans but their efforts yielded no goal. Moments later Ireland were tracking back Forgesson diving to meet Webster's pass but Ireland kept the effort out. Ireland were forced to soak up pressure late into the first half but a solid looking defence team kept calm while Emma Gray in goals batted away numerous attacks. New Zealand doubled their lead in the 22nd minute when Krystal Forgesson shot from a narrow angle to bang it in at pace making it Ireland 0 New Zealand 2 before the break.
Ireland came out fighting after the break Gillian Pinder setting the tone bursting through to set up Nikki Evans who worked well to find circle space but the ball just ran away and no shot ensued. Plenty of attacking waves came from the Irish side coming through from defence and midfield who combined well and with penalty corners and open play opportunities but the goal just wouldn't come. New Zealand too had plenty of chances as the game ensued in an end to end fashion, Emma Gray in goals for Ireland in particular pulling off top drawer saves to keep the black stick efforts out. With only minutes to go Ireland suddenly found themselves down to 10 when a yellow was shown and with hardly a chance to breath New Zealand pounced Sophie Cox this time finishing to put the match beyond Ireland's reach. Final Score Ireland 0 -3 New Zealand.
Commenting after the match Coach Darren Smith " It was a big improvement from Saturday to Wednesday, we tackled and defended better around the circle. The way we handled New Zealand's attacking corner where they scored five from set pieces on Saturday and none today there was a big difference. We created some good attacks especially in the second half which was good to see. We enjoyed the opportunity to play New Zealand, one of the best teams in the world, along with two quality nations in Chile and Canada. The Electric Ireland 4 Nations has been hugely beneficial and now we look forward to playing France and Spain in August as we continue our World League preparations."
Final Standing:
1) New Zealand 2) Ireland 3) Chile 4) Canada
Starting XI: Emma Gray, Cliodhna, Emma Smyth, Nikki Evans, Alex Speers, Shirley McCay; Megan Frazer, Chloe Watkins; Anna O'Flanagan; Gillian Pinder; Alison Meeke
Reserves: Stella Davis, Naomi Carroll, Nicci Daly, Hannah Matthews, Deidre Duke, Kate Dillon, Yvonne O'Byrne
Irish Hockey Association media release
Canadian women shift focus to Glasgow after Irish Four Nations
Shaheed Devji
Wednesday marked the final day of the 2014 Four Nations Invitational Tournament in Dublin, Ireland and the Canadian Women's National Field Hockey Team faced Chile in the 3rd place match.
The two teams played in the first game of the tournament on Saturday, when Chile came out on top with a 2-0 victory. In that game, the Canadians had a good first half, with several chances and kept Chile to 0-0. In the rematch, the Chileans were able to net two in the first half for a 2-0 lead. They added a third in the second half for the 3-0 victory.
"We ended the tournament with an improved performance, building from game one through to game four," says Canadian head coach Ian Rutledge. "Today's performance should have yielded a better result, but we didn't take our chances."
The Canadians out-possessed and out-shot Chile throughout the course of the game, at one point hitting the cross bar. There were strong performances at all ends of the pitch, from the back-end up through to the forwards, which will be encouraging for both team and coaching staff
As it was throughout the tournament, the luck was not on their side in the final match of the series, but the team is taking positives from their effort and performances in this tune-up tournament as they now head to Glasgow, Scotland for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
"Structurally and tactically we are in a good place," adds Rutledge. "we will use the next week training inside the village wisely, addressing a few minor areas exposed our recent opponents, while building from the positives."
Canada opens the tournament on July 24 against India, a team which is ranked fourteenth in the world and will certainly prove to be a very capable opponent.
Field Hockey Canada media release
World Cup heroes gear up for Glasgow
Aussies red hot favourites for golden double at Commonwealth Games
Australia striker Kieran Govers was unquestionably one of the stars of last month's Rabobank Hockey World Cup. Will he fire the Kookaburras to Commonwealth Gold in Glasgow? (Photo: FIH / Grant Treeby)
Just over four weeks ago, the finest international teams on the planet were fighting it out at a truly sensational Rabobank Hockey World Cup in The Hague, Netherlands. For ten of the 24 teams that competed in that monumental event, another chance to get amongst the medals at a major international hockey competition is just around the corner.
In just over one week’s time, the Scottish city of Glasgow will host the XX Commonwealth Games, a mammoth world class multi-sports event that is held once every four years. For those of you who don’t know, 'The Commonwealth' is an association of independent sovereign states spread over every continent and ocean. From Africa to Asia, the Pacific shores to the Caribbean, the Commonwealth’s 2 billion people make up a staggering 30% of the world’s population.
Hockey is a sport at the heart of the Commonwealth Games movement and has featured in every event since the introduction of team sports at the 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Australia is the most successful nation in Commonwealth Games hockey, and following brilliant performances from their international teams at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup it certainly comes as no surprise that both the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos are red hot favourites for a golden double in Glasgow.
Just as they did in 2010, Australia men come into the Commonwealth Games as reigning World Champions following last month’s dazzling title defence in The Hague, although they will be without some key personnel in their attempt to win fifth consecutive Commonwealth Gold medal. Legendary coach Ric Charlesworth, classy defender Liam de Young and midfield general Rob Hammond have all confirmed their retirements in recent weeks and their influence both on and off the field will be sorely missed. Five times FIH Player of the Year Jamie Dwyer is also absent, but with world class talents such as penalty corner ace Chris Ciriello, creative attacker Eddie Ockenden, sharp-shooter Kieran Govers and captain fantastic Mark Knowles all selected, it is clear to all that the mighty Kookaburras will take some stopping.
That being said, the Aussies are certain to face some stern opposition in Glasgow, with the likes of Barry Middleton’s World Cup semi-finalists England (FIH World Ranking: 5), Simon Child’s gifted New Zealand (6) and Sardar Singh's ever-unpredictable India (9) among the ten nations that will challenge for the title. Australia will compete in Pool A against India, South Africa (12), Scotland (25) and Wales (31), with England, New Zealand, Malaysia (13), Canada (16) and Trinidad & Tobago (29) butting heads in Pool B.
Taking a look at the women’s tournament, much has been made of the Hockeyroos' climb up the world rankings from seventh prior to the London 2012 Olympic Games to second following their Silver medal success at the 2014 World Cup. Their status as World Cup medallists and world ranking of two rightly installs them as pre-tournament favourites, although they’ll certainly need to keep a close eye on the likes of New Zealand, England and South Africa in particular.
Since the Champions Challenge in late 2012, the Aussie women have finished on the medal rostrum at every event they’ve competed at, and anything less than a Gold medal-winning performance in Glasgow is likely to be regarded as an underachievement from a side packed with incredible quality. Penalty corner stars Anna Flanagan and Jodie Kenny scored eight goals at the World Cup, and the free-flowing forward line of Kellie White, Emily Smith, Georgie Parker and Brooke Peris are all more than capable of making massive contributions in the hunt for goals.
Australia compete in Pool B, with sixth-ranked England expected to be their toughest opponent in a group which also contains Scotland (FIH World Ranking: 16), Malaysia (21) and Wales (32). England - captained by experienced defender Kate Richardson-Walsh, who will be competing in her final international tournament - endured a torrid time at the World Cup, going into the event as genuine medal contenders but only managing an 11th place finish. However, there is a renewed feeling of optimism in the camp thanks in part to a morale-boosting triumph at the recent Investec London Cup, beating Commonwealth Games rivals South Africa, Wales and Scotland to take the title. Kayla Whitelock's New Zealand (4) and Marsha Cox's South Africa (11) are the two highest ranked teams in Pool A, with India (13), Canada (22) and Trinidad & Tobago (31) completing the line-up.
The 11-day hockey extravaganza will take place at Glasgow Green’s National Hockey Centre, a superb new facility that was specially constructed for the Games and recently played host to 2014 women’s Champions Challenge 1 event. The action begins on Thursday 24th July at 0930 (UTC / GMT +1), when the women of Australia take on Pool B rivals Malaysia.
You can keep up to speed on all of the action from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on the official event website - www.glasgow2014.com, with hockey specific info available on www.glasgow2014.com/games/sports/hockey. Remember, many of your favourite players will be posting regular updates and photos on social media channels such as Twitter and Instagram, so get searching and start following!
FIH site
Gurwinder Singh Chandi will strengthen forward line: Walsh
Gurwinder Singh Chandi. File photo
India hockey coach Terry Walsh feels Gurwinder Singh Chandi’s re-induction into the team after more then a year in wilderness will add quite a bit of zing to the side’s attack in the upcoming Commonwealth Games here.
The forward line-up of the Indian team has S V Sunil (137 caps), Gurwinder Singh Chandi (97 caps), Akashdeep (41 caps), Ramandeep Singh (11 caps) and Nikkin Thimmaiah (11 caps).
Speaking on his comeback, Chandi said, “I am happy that I am back in the Indian team and that too for a big tournament, the Commonwealth Games. Although the comeback took me one and a half years but I utilised this period to work on my game which I will be using to my strength during the Commonwealth Games.
“The team is working hard on the forward position wherein our Chief Coach Terry Walsh is pushing us to give our best during these sessions and this has helped us to get closely weaved with each other’s style of game on the field.”
However, Chandi said the team has to contend with some very tough competition.
“Australia is a pretty tough team in our Pool to compete with but we will perform at our best against every team that we play against according to the strategies prepared by our coaches. I am sure that we will be able to deliver and live up to the expectations of our fans.”
Speaking on the forward line of the team, Walsh said, “We have one of the best forward line as compared to the tournaments in the recent past.
“The two young players, Nikkin Thimmaiah and Ramandeep Singh who got injured before the start of the World Cup are set to make their comeback along with an experienced senior player Gurwinder Singh Chandi is a sign of added power to the our forward line.”
Walsh felt Chandi’s experience would be of immense help during the event starting July 23.
“Gurwinder has good knowledge about tackling the ball in the circle and will play a key role in bringing positive results for the team.”
“I am confident that by combining the experience of these senior players, SV Sunil and Gurwinder Singh Chandi along with the opportunities created by our midfield will prove beneficial in increasing the conversion rate of the team and will produce excellent results.
“We still have more than a week ahead of our first game against Wales before which there are two practice games, scheduled against England and New Zealand this week, which will prove helpful in preparing the team better before commencing with matches in the tournament”
The Commonwealth Games will see a total of 10 teams divided into two groups. India are placed along with Wales, Scotland, Australia and South Africa in Pool A.
The Hindu
U21 Men Ireland 1-1 Portugal (Europeans)
Ireland's U21 men played hosts in their final pool game today at the Europeans finishing out 1-1 but with two earlier wins under their belts it was enough to ensure they finished top of the pool with seven points. Ireland opened the scoring in the 19th minute Simon Wolfe finishing off the field goal to give his side the lead, which was held right until the 68th minute. Ireland will now play Italy in the classification matches on Friday.
Ireland 1 (1) Simon Wolfe 19m fg
Portugal 1 (0) Ivo Moreira 68m op
Starting XI: Mark Ingram; Lee Cole; James Lormier; Ben Cosgrove; Neal Glassey; Mark Loughrey; Johnny McKee; Jamie Wright; Matthew Bell; Nick Burns; Peter Brown
Reserves: Jamie Carr; Simon Wolfe; Darragh Walsh; Sean Murray; Owen Magee; Harry Spain; Jeremy Duncan
Friday 18th & Saturday 19th - Classification matches
http://eurohockey.org/competitions/eurohockey-junior-championship-ii-lousada-men-2014/
Friday 18th & Saturday 19th - Classification matches
http://eurohockey.org/competitions/eurohockey-junior-championship-ii-lousada-men-2014/
Irish Hockey Association media release
U21 Women: Ireland 3-3 Scotland
Ireland's U21 Women's team did enough today to secure a spot in the promotion pool at the Europeans with a 3-3 draw over Scotland. Ireland secured a 7-0 win over Ukraine, the other team in their pool while Scotland missed out on goal difference as they put just six past the Ukraine. Ireland came from behind twice today showing composure and belief knowing that a draw was enough. Zoe Wilson opened Ireland’s scoring in the 4th minute from set play before Scotland scored two goals in a four minute period to give them a 2-1 edge. As cool as you like Roisin Upton converted on the half time hooter again showing her skill on the set piece.
Ireland trailed again after Kirsty Hill from Scotland converted from open play on 45 minutes but Ireland’s attacking style paid off thanks to Emily Beatty’s handy stick work in the 49th minute. Ireland will now set their sights on promotion where two countries will be promoted.
Commenting after the match Coach Dave Passmore said “We had a really good start to this game and were deserved leaders before a poor period just after the water break which allowed Scotland in for their only two circle penetrations of the half which they duly converted. We were clinical with our corners which was an area we had targeted but then a lapse in concentration let Scotland in for their third. I was pleased with how we remained positive and aggressive and we deservedly equalised after a few good saves by the Scottish keeper. Despite the hard back to back matches we held our nerve as Scotland threw the kitchen sink at getting a result.”
“I am really pleased for this group of players and staff who've worked really hard. My heart goes out to Scotland who are an excellent team. We can now look forward to improving over the next two matches and securing gold & promotion”
Ireland will progress into Pool F where they meet top of Pool C Ukraine and top of Pool A (Team TBC) they play Ukraine on Saturday and Pool A winner on Sunday
Ireland 3(2) Zoe Wilson 4m pc Roisin Upton 35m pc; Emily Beatty 49m fg
Scotland 3 (2) Kerry Ann Hastings 20m fg; Mairi Drummond 24m fg. Kirsty Hill fg 45m
Friday 18th & Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th - Classification matches
http://eurohockey.org/competitions/eurohockey-junior-championship-ii-vienna-women-2014/
Starting XI: Emma Russell; Chloe Brown; Amy Cooke; Kathryn Mullan, Emily Beatty, Roisin Upton, Erika Hinkson; Leah Ewart; Zoe Wilson; Hayley Mulcahy; Ayeisha McFerran
Reserves: Rachel Barnett; Sara Twomey; Kate Lloyd; Elaine Carey; Kerri McDonald; Hannah Grieve; Lucy McKee
Official Website and all results
Friday 18th & Saturday 19th - Classification matches
Starting XI: Emma Russell; Chloe Brown; Amy Cooke; Kathryn Mullan, Emily Beatty, Roisin Upton, Erika Hinkson; Leah Ewart; Zoe Wilson; Hayley Mulcahy; Ayeisha McFerran
Reserves: Rachel Barnett; Sara Twomey; Kate Lloyd; Elaine Carey; Kerri McDonald; Hannah Grieve; Lucy McKee
Irish Hockey Association media release
Mixed European fortunes for Scotland U21s
(Photo Credit: Douglas Rogerson)
A day of mixed fortunes for both Scotland U21 Men and Women in their EuroHockey Nations Championship II campaigns.
Scotland U21M 2-2 Italy
Scotland U21 Men ensured they will be in contention for promotion to the Championship in two years’ time after a 2-2 draw with Italy resulted in Head Coach Graham Moodie see his side sitting top of Pool A and securing qualification for the promotion pool stage.
Jack McKenzie and Hamish Imrie registered on the scoresheet for the Scots.
Following the match, Scotland U21 Men Manager Fraser McCurdy said, “We’re happy with the level of performance but gutted with the result. We felt we deserved a win.
“Our build-up play was composed and we created a number of chances and opportunities in front of goal. Unfortunately, the Italian tactics were to sit deep and defend in numbers, meaning we just couldn’t get the breakthroughs our play deserved.
“The guys were also claiming for a penalty flick right at the death but unfortunately the umpire decided to award a free hit to Italy.
“It now comes down to the last two games to see if we can secure promotion, an outcome we’d already prepared to face. The players are confident and have showed a lot of fight. We’ll see what draw awaits us after tonight’s games.”
Thomas Keenan had given the Italians an 11th minute lead from a penalty corner, an advantage they retained at the half-time interval.
However, Kelburne’s Jack McKenzie equalised for the Scots early in the second half, scoring a field goal to square the scores in the 43rd minute.
A second Keenan penalty corner put Italy back in front in the 51st minute, but the lead was short-lived, Hamish Imrie restoring parity from open play two minutes later.
Scotland U21W 3-3 Ireland
Agony for Scotland U21 Women as a battling 3-3 draw with Ireland wasn’t enough to ensure progress to the promotion pool stage at the EuroHockey Junior Nations Championship II in Vienna.
Scotland’s goals came from Kerry-Anne Hastings, Mairi Drummond and Kirsty Hill.
By quirk of fate, both Scotland and Ireland, considered two of the strongest sides in the tournament had been drawn in the same pool. In the end, Ireland squeezed through on goal difference by virtue of scoring one more goal against Lithuania in their match yesterday.
"The players are very down after the result", said Scotland U21W Head Coach Neil Menzies. "We thought the game was won but we had a disallowed goal for what the umpire saw as a use of the foot.
"It was a fair result in the end, a game played by two teams who should be in the promotion pool, but the format was always against both sides. The best we can do now is fourth.
"The team fought hard in conditions that were hot and not easy. We have a rest day now, with a chance to re-group and look forward to the weekend."
It was Ireland who sparked the content into life as early as the fourth minute, Zoe Wilson opening the scoring from a penalty corner.
However, two field goals inside two minutes from Kerry-Anne Hastings (20’) and Mairi Drummond (22’) gave the Scots a 2-1 lead.
Ireland were back on level terms right on the half-time hooter, captain Roison Upton firing her side’s second goal before the teams entered the dressing rooms at the interval.
Scottish hopes of a win were raised in the 45th minute when skipper Kirsty Hill made it 3-2 from a penalty corner, only for Emily Beatty to frustrate the Scots with another equaliser four minute later.
A 3-3 draw means Scotland now progress to a fairly meaningless last two games against the runners-up of Pool A and B, with only final classification places to be determined.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Narrow loss for England U18 Girls in Five Nations
England Under-18 Girls battled well against rivals Germany, but went down 3-2 in their latest Five Nations clash at Beeston on Wednesday afternoon.
Goals came from Beeston’s Erica Sanders and Maidenhead’s Ellie Rayer, but it wasn’t enough to take victory.
“The girls responded well after struggling in the first half and giving easy ball away,” said Head Coach Andy Bradshaw. “But in the second half we showed good character, turned the ball over in midfield well and created good chances.
“We put the Germans under pressure and gave ourselves the chance of nicking the win, which was pleasing. Overall the Germans deserved the win but, for us, being able to adapt and compete against them is an important part of our learning curve.”
After a close first half, Germany scored just either side of half time to lead 2-0, but England hit back through Erica Sanders after good build up play down the left.
The very next minute Germany restored their lead to 3-1, but England continued to battle well with good pressure, and Ellie Rayer scored with a deflection a minute later, following good penetration down the right and an early ball in from Alicia Caillard.
But Germany held out for the win despite continued England pressure.
The England Under-18 Girls have a rest day on Thursday, and are next in action on Friday against Holland at 2pm.
Germany U18 Girls 3 (1)
Sina Eckhardt - 30 (FG)
Marleen Muller - 39 (FG)
Maxi Marquardt - 53 (FG)
England U18 Girls 2 (0)
Erica Sanders 52 (FG)
Ellie Rayer (54 (FG)
England Under-16 Girls competed well against their German rivals at the Five Nations Tournament at Beeston, but lost out 4-0 on Wednesday afternoon.
They conceded just one goal in the first half after having enjoyed a lot of possession, but lost their shape towards the end of the second half.
“The girls competed really well,” said Head Coach Marc Bourhill. “We conceded an early goal but we won a lot of ball and created some good chances. The second German goal came against the run of play, and towards the end we lost our shape a bit, but overall we’re positive about how we played.”
Paula Enzelberger opened the German’s account from open play after six minutes, and eight minutes after the second half started Naomi Heyn doubled their lead, again from open play.
Solvej Althos added a third German goal on 50 minutes, before Heyn bagged her second on 56 minutes to complete the scoring.
After a rest day on Thursday, the England Under-16 Girls and are next in action on Friday against Holland at 12noon.
Germany U16 Girls 4 (1)
Paula Enzelberger 6 (FG)
Naomi Heyn 43 56 (FG, FG)
Solvej Althos 50 (FG)
England U16 Girls 0 (0)
England Hockey Board Media release
High performance programme of Hockey India set to start next month
New Delhi: The ambitious High Performance Programme of Hockey India (HI) is all set to go live from next month with the launch of its website, a one of a kind interactive platform for coaches and players of the country.
The website will be launched in three-phased manner with the basic level launch scheduled for next month, intermediate level by October and the elite level by December end.
The website will be on the lines of International Hockey Federation's (FIH) Hockey Academy's portal and will aim to deliver a simplified education framework for the development of coaches and players from grass roots to a high performance level.
The website, a brainchild of Hockey India's High Performance Director and Dutch legend Roelant Oltmans, will not be open to public and can only be accessed by different academies under Hockey India and its coaches and players.
"It's a part of our talent development programme. Through this programme we want to develop the skill patterns, technical patterns of young boys and girls in the country.
The website will be an interactive platform which will have all necessary details about the game of hockey -- tactical, technical, physical and mental aspects," Oltmans told PTI in an exclusive chat.
"To make the programme more effective we are searching for a number of hockey academies in the country to allign with and follow our programme," he said.
"There are different areas if you talk about development and -- one is development of athletes and the other is development of coaches. Just like players, this website will have better coach development programme as well," the Dutchman added.
The contents of the website, developed by a professional firm, will be out of bounds for general public.
"It is almost ready. We are now just depending on the technicians to ensure us that it is tactically perfect and everything is secured properly," Oltmans said.
"Access will be limited to academies who is under this programme and follow our principles," he said.
Oltmans said in a bid to strengthen the grassroot levels of Indian hockey, once the powerhouse of the game with eight Olympic gold medals to its credit, HI was in the process of appointing High Performance Managers for different zones of the country who will follow the programme.
"Just like Vasudevan Baskaran (High Performance Manager of South Zone) we will appoint High Performance Managers in different regions of the country who will follow this programme," he said.
Olympic gold medallist and former coach of the senior men's team Baskaran, took charge as South Zone High Performance Manager earlier this month with an aim to find fresh talent across the country. He will be implementing HI's development programme for men and women at the grassroots level, including school, college and district level hockey.
According to sources in HI, two more High Performance Managers -- for Central and North zones -- have been finalised and will be appointed this month.
Oltmans said the International Hockey Federation (FIH)'s has extended full support to the programme.
"We are working in co-operation with FIH on coaches progarmme, but we are working ourselves on the academy programme. But the FIH has assured us all help," he said.
IBNLive
Hockey players to get contracts by 21st, says Rana Mujahid
Mohsin Ali
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Rana Mujahid has announced to award central contracts to players, selection committee, coach and other staff on 21st of this month.
“PHF is in dire financial crunch. We know this is holy month of Ramazan and we wanted to clear the dues of all the stakeholders but due to non-availability of funds, federation is finding it really difficult to run day-to-day affairs. As soon as we get the funds, it is my promise we will clear each and every penny of the concerned persons.” Rana while talking to the The Nation Wednesday said his main aim of visiting the national camp in Islamabad is to check the progress of the players, share their problems and give them an understanding that federation is keeping a close eye on ground realities.
He said he and president Chaudhry Akhtar Rasool had made one thing quite clear that the players would get the maximum benefits as they were the ones who perform on the field and they deserved better treatment. “We have drawn a comprehensive plan in which players would be divided into four categories for year-based central contracts. D category is specially designed for those players who are knocking at the doors of junior and senior levels but are still struggling to get a permanent place in either format. D category players would benefit a great deal and so the federation, as they are the ones who in future carry the burden of helping the national team perform exceptionally in international competitions.”
Rana said he was very grateful to CM Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif for releasing grant as the early release of grant had made it possible for the federation to run two senior team camps and one junior team camp and also helped us a great deal in establishing Youth Olympic camp.
“We have written letters to Korean, Malaysian and Indian Hockey Federations for a series against Pakistan team. We have also written letters to European federations, which include Spain, Belgium, France, Germany and Netherlands. I am quite hopeful we will receive positive response from these federations by the start of next week. I know Pakistan have not played any international series or tournament for the last seven months. We would left no stone unturned and would try to provide maximum opportunities to our team for the preparations of Asian Games. I am quite confident with the vast experience of Shahnaz Shiekh and other seniors, green shirts will defend their title successfully.”
Rana also thanked Inter Provincial Coordination Minister Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada and IPC secretary Chaudhry Ejaz for sending summery to Prime Minister for release of special grant of Rs 500 million annually for the federation. “It is my humble request to PM Nawaz Sharif to order early release of grant. This grant would help federation in fulfilling lot of commitments and help us in awarding central contracts to players and selection committee and other supporting staff. Our future plans totally depend on release of special grants, otherwise we will not be able to fulfill our even national commitments and it would be almost impossible for us to send team for Asian Games,” Rana concluded.
The Nation