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News 22 August 2014

All the news for Friday 22 August 2014


Netherlands and China women, Spain and New Zealand men top pool stage standings

Last day of pool matches locks in Nanjing quarter-finals


Spain men entered the quarter-finals with a win (Photo: FIH/SH)

At the beginning of a dramatic last round of pool play today, Germany men took on Mexico with the possibility of still reaching the quarter-finals, but a 4-2 win was not enough to go through in the end. Germany will play Bangladesh for 9th place, while Mexico reach the knockout stage.

Australia defeated Canada in an intense encounter, which set Canada up to face Pakistan in their quarter-final. Pakistan in turn drew with pool table number 1 New Zealand, scoring four goals in the final third but running out of time.

The table leader in the other pool, Spain, had an easier path into the quarter-finals with a 6-0 win over South Africa, which pitches the Iberians against Zambia.

On the women’s side, both table leaders walked into the quarter-finals with big scorelines, as the Netherlands defeated South Africa 11-0 and China moved past Germany with the same result.

Uruguay’s women got the better of New Zealand, which sets them up for a quarter-final against neighbors Argentina, while the Leoncitas drew with Japan, a result that allowed the Asian team to hold on to second place in the group.

Fiji and Zambia will be playing for 9th place in the women’s competition.

Results

Women

New Zealand – Uruguay 3:6 (1:4; 1:5)
Netherlands – South Africa 11:0 (4:0; 6:0)
Germany – China 0:11 (0:7; 0:8)
Japan – Argentina 3:3 (1:1; 2:2)

Men

Germany – Mexico 4:2 (1:0; 2:0)
Australia – Canada 5:2 (2:0; 2:1)
Pakistan – New Zealand 6:6 (0:3; 2:6)
South Africa – Spain 0:6 (0:2; 0:5)

FIH site



Australia make quarter-finals

Australia finish second in their Youth Olympics pool after a 5-2 win over Canada



It was an improved performance from the Hockey5s in their last pool match against Canada at the Youth Olympic Sports Park last night.

Coming off Wednesday night's one goal loss to Spain, the Aussies wanted nothing more than to get back on the winner’s list.

The boys secured their second victory scoring 5-2, showing great determination and defence to move into the quarter finals.

Nathanael Stewart was a standout for the Aussies tonight slotting home a goal but knows there is still a lot to improve on.

“We put a lot of strategies into what we have learnt from previous games and we just worked on developing those further by putting them into the game,” he said.

A different approach was brought into tonight’s match by the green and gold led from the front by Alec Rasmussen.

“We did a lot of research on Canada and they seemed to like the long shots so that was our main goal to shut those down. We had a really defensive mind set going into today’s game and it was great to see our plan work,” he said.

The game started well again for Australia getting out to a 2-0 lead at the first break but early in the second period, Canada reduced the margin to one.

Both sides traded a goal each to leave the score at 3-2 going into the final period. This time it was Australia’s turn to come out victorious.

Two goals in the third period put Australia through to the quarter finals, coming second in their pool after Spain beat South Africa.

“We pride ourselves on our defensive structures and making sure we don’t get goals scored against us. To only have two scored against us all game was really pleasing,” Stewart said.

It now comes down to knock out, with Mexico being the boys next opponent.

“We’ve got a rest day tomorrow, so we will make sure all our recovery is 100% then look at footage and find ways where we can improve,” Stewart added.

Game Four
Australia v Canada
Youth Olympic Games Nanjing, China

Australia: 5
Matthew Bird 1
Nathanael Stewart 9
Jonathan Bretherton 24
Corey Weyer 28
Mackenzie Warne 34

Canada: 2
Amrit Sidhu 12
Harbir Sidhu 35

Australia v Canada
Athlete (Hometown, State)
Matthew Bird, WA
Jonathan Bretherton, VIC
Max Hendry,  VIC
Tim Howard, QLD
Max Hughes, NSW
Alec Rasmussen, WA
Nathanael Stewart, NSW
Mackenzie Warne, QLD
Corey Weyer, QLD

Australia Fixtures, Youth Olympic Games
Saturday 23 August - Australia v Mexico 22:30 AEST / 20:30 AWST

Media Release Content
The above content has been supplied by the Australian Olympic Committee for Hockey Australia to distribute.

Hockey Australia media release



Quarter-finals time for Hockey5s in Nanjing



There were mixed results for the New Zealand Hockey5’s at the Nanjing Youth Olympics overnight with the NZ Men holding off a strong comeback from Pakistan to draw 6-6 while the NZ Women lost 3-6 to Uruguay.

The NZ Men will now face South Africa in the quarter-finals at 1am on Sunday while the Women will take on Japan at 10pm on Saturday (NZT).

The NZ Men finished top of their table and were in control of last night’s game leading 6-2 until the final third when Pakistan scored four goals to equalise. David Brydon, Aidan Sarikaya, Robbie Capizzi, Dominic Newman all finding the back of the net and Central’s Dylan Thomas scoring a double.

“In the first two thirds we really dominated and played the best hockey we have played all trip – the game was a real combination, in the first third we played really well and then in the second third we consolidated the lead. But then in the final third Pakistan snuck in a couple of goals and it got the crowd going and our defensive structure fell away, we weren’t marking players and communication was really difficult with the noise from the crowd,” said coach Dave Kosoof.

“But overall, really happy, the boys are tired but everything is going well. The draw is enough for us to get through and be at the top of our pool which was the main objective.”

In the women’s game, sitting second on the table, Uruguay got off to a dream start scoring four times in the first 10 minutes and ultimately it was too much of a lead for the Kiwis to come back.

Auckland’s Su Arn Kwek scored a goal in the first spell and Midlands Frances Davies and Capital’s Bridget Kiddle found the back of the net in the 31st and 33rd minute, but it was not enough for the Kiwis to take Uruguay’s second spot on the table.

“We weren’t consistently defending well, we had moments but it wasn’t enough. The girls ran hard and I’m proud of their effort, they have huge hearts, I knew we would never have an issue with their output but defensively we just couldn’t master it today,” said coach Caryn Paewai.

The NZ Women who finish third in their pool, know about the Japanese team having played them in a warm-up game ahead of the Youth Olympics. “They have a great counter-attack and are a very quick, skilful side,” said Paewai.

There are 10 nations competing in the Hockey5’s at the Youth Olympics, with two pools of five nations in each. (NZT)

The men’s team is David Brydon, Canterbury (17); Robbie Capizzi, North Harbour (17); Fynn Edwards, (GK) North Harbour (18); Richmond Lum, Auckland (18); Dominic Newman, Canterbury (17); Hayden Phillips, Central (16); Aidan Sarikaya, Midlands (17); Dylan Thomas, Central (18); Mackenzie Wilcox, Central (17). The team is coached by Dave Kosoof.

The women’s team is Isla Bint, Auckland (16); Frances Davies, Midlands (17); Su Arn Kwek, Auckland (18); Bridget Kiddle, Capital (17); Tayla White, Auckland (17); Ella Hyatt-Brown, North Harbour (16); Catherine Tinning, Canterbury (18); Casey-Mae Waddell, Central (17); Amy Robinson, Midlands (18). The team is coached by Caryn Paewai.

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Relentless Pakistan draw hockey match

By Nabil Tahir

KARACHI: Pakistan hockey tied their final Pool B match 6-6 with New Zealand to make it to the quarter-finals of the men’s Hockey 5s at the Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China on Thursday.

Muhammad Atiq and Shan Irshad scored two goals each to lift Pakistan back from 6-2 to 6-6.

“The way our players bounced back after being down 6-2 in the last period is really impressive, and it shows that we have the ability to pull through,” coach Tahir Zaman told The Express Tribune from Nanjing.

New Zealand took the lead by scoring in the second, seventh and 12th minutes to end the first period 3-0. They further extended their lead by scoring in the 14th minute of the second period, but Pakistan replied with strikes from Atiq and Irshad in the 15th and 18th minutes of the match, taking the game to 4-2.

The third period had some nerve-wracking moments for the team as New Zealand extended their lead to 6-2, and it took some late stroke of inspiration by Atiq, Irshad, Mubashir Ali and Junaid Kamal to equalise 6-6.

“They displayed amazing sportsmanship, but still have to face tough teams like Spain and Australia,” said Zaman. “I have told them that their main focus should be the quarter-finals and beyond.”

Zaman added that they have to face Canada in the last-eight round on August 23, for which they have special training sessions planned for the team.

Meanwhile, Pakistani weightlifter Abdur Rehman lost the men’s 77kg event, finishing third-last after lifting 239kg, while the gold medallist lifted 319kg.

The Express Tribune



Hockey team make quarters at Nanjing

LAHORE: Pakistan hockey team played a 6-6 draw against New Zealand entering quarter-final at the ongoing 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China.

According to reports received her, Mohammad Atiq and Shan Irshad scored two goals each while Mohammad Junaid Kamal and Mubasshir Ali scored one goal each. Pakistan will play against Canada in the quarter-final on Friday.

Dawn



Ireland draw with Spain after close encounter



Ireland draw with Spain after a close encounter in the Electric Ireland Tri Nations in UCD

Ireland started strongly and were rewarded  early on with a penalty corner. The ensuing drag flick was powerfully executed by Audrey O’Flynn, putting Ireland into the lead 1-0 in the 9th minute. Ireland continued the pressure with a second penalty corner awarded minutes later which was saved by Spain’s keeper Ruiz. Ireland continued to capitalise with a crash ball from Pinder in the 18th minute which was narrowly missed by Mullan making a sprint to the back post. Spain gathered themselves and came back at Ireland with a penalty corner awarded in the 22nd minute. Ireland defended adeptly with Duke clearing from the goalmouth.  Spain continued the pressure but a second penalty corner was again thwarted by the strong Irish defense. Ireland continued to soak up the pressure and finished half-time with one goal ahead of their opponents.

The Green Army had a strong start to the second half, securing a penalty corner within minutes of the restart. Another O’Flynn drag flick was expertly saved off the pads. This closely contested game continued with end to end possession which the Spanish team capitalised on with a goal from open play, the opportunity taken by Magaz in the 46th minute. Ireland faced disappointment immediately afterwards as an Irish goal from O’Flanagan was disallowed due to a false restart.

The match continued with end to end play, both sides failing to capitalise on the opportunity presented. Despite some intense pressure from the Ireland team in the dying minutes, the match finished up with a goal apiece. Ireland 1, Spain 1.

Ireland are back in action on Saturday against France at 2pm.

IRELAND 1 (1) Audrey O’Flynn 9m pc
SPAIN 1 (0) Alicia Magaz 46m fg

Starting XI: Stella Davis (GK); Cliodhna Sargent; Chloe Brown; Nicola Evans; Megan Frazer (Capt); Audrey O'Flynn; Chloe Watkins; Nicola Daly; Anna O'Flanagan; Gillian Pinder; Yvonne O'Byrne
Reserves: Ayeisha McFerran (GK); Naomi Carroll; Katie Mullan; Deirdre Duke; Kate Dillon; Alison Meeke; Emily Beatty
 
Series 4
•Friday August 22nd Spain v France 17.00
•Saturday August 23rd Ireland v France 14.00
•Sunday August 24th Ireland v Spain 14.00

Irish Hockey Association media release



Tanzania to Meet Ghana in World Hockey Trend-Setter

TANZANIA women's team will open their campaign in the World Hockey League with Ghana on September 5 at City Park Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.

The tournament will be held from September 2-8 and Tanzania will be represented by both men and women's teams in the league that will also involve hosts Kenya, Ghana and Egypt.

According to the fixtures released by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and its copy availed to the 'Daily News' by the Tanzania Hockey Association (THA) Secretary, Kaushik Doshi, the men's team will face hosts Kenya on the opening day.

The teams will play against each other to determine the winner and runner-up who will proceed to the second round of the league to be played at different venues. The fixtures show that Tanzania men's team will have a date with Egypt on September 6, and the following day they will face Ghana.

The ladies team will take on Kenya on the same day. The two local teams have been undergoing intensive training since last month to prepare for the league.

The men's team is training under head coach Mnonda Magani, who is assisted by Merica Kahola, while the ladies are coached by Italian Valentina Quaranta, who is assisted by Ignas Abdallah.

Doshi said by participating, Tanzania will be seeded and awarded points that will enable the country to appear in the world rankings. "Such participation will also help us to participate in other international events in future. This is the first time Tanzania is participating in both men's and women's categories together," he said.

Various companies and individuals have come forward to sponsor the national hockey teams and become part of a group of well-wishers. He named sponsors of the men's team as Pankaj Kansara and R& K Trucking Ltd both of Dar es Salaam, Cultural Heritage and Hans Paul Automech of Arusha.

Others are Charan Singh & Sons, Rajinder Motors and Hari Singh & Sons of Moshi. Sponsors of the ladies team are Techno Brain, Diamond Motors and Jubilee Insurance, all of Dar es Salaam. "We appreciated their efforts without which it would not have been possible to participate in the forthcoming tournament," Doshi said.

He, however, said the door is still open to other companies willing to sponsor the two teams.

Meanwhile, Doshi said Tanzanian umpire Abdulkadir Mukaddam has been picked to be among the league umpires. "It is a proud moment for Tanzania Hockey to have its umpire recognised by the world body," he said.

All Africa



Northern Blues meet North West and Southerns face WP

JONATHAN COOK at Greenfields Turf


Caitlyn du Preez drives towards the strike zone as Border's SA defender Marcelle Manson (left) and Marlies van der Stel try to stop her during Northern Blues' 6-1 win at the SA Interprovincial Tournament on Greenfields Turf in Pietermaritzburg Thursday. Photo: GAVIN NEL

It became abundantly clear at the SA Women’s Interprovincial Hockey Tournament on Greenfields Turf in Pietermaritzburg Thursday that the form teams and frontrunners for the 2014 title are Southern Gauteng and Northern Blues.

Both sailed through their third and last Pool matches Thursday with absolute ease and look primed to repeat the medicine when they tackle their semi-final opponents Friday afternoon and evening.

Western Province beat KZN Coastal Raiders 4-0 in a Pool B match delayed by a lightning storm Thursday night to advance to Friday’s semi-finals, where they will face Southerns at 6pm in a repeat of last year’s final. Northerns will tackle Pool A runners-up North West at 4pm in the first semi-final. Saturday’s A Section final is at 4.30pm.

First-half goals from Western Province’s Leigh Boardman, Candice Manuel and Tarryn Bright were complemented by an Anna Malan strike in the dying seconds and Raiders will reflect on the opportunities they missed.

Raiders will now face Eastern Province at 12 noon Friday in the playoff round, with the winner of that clash going through to the fifth/sixth place decider on Saturday.

Earlier Thursday, Northerns cantered to a 6-1 win over a feisty Border who never threw in the towel but were outgunned in all departments. Blues striker Jacinta Jubb is a considerable threat in the strike and her lethal finishing earned the Tuks student a brace that included a penalty corner and one field goal.

Pool B winners Blues’ other goals came from Marlene Nortje, Jenna Shuker, Marguerite van Wyk and Kim Hubach while Marlies van der Stel got on the scoresheet for the East Londoners.

Star-studded defending champs Southerns faced Southern Gauteng Witsies in their final Pool A match and brushed them aside 8-1, young Investec SA striker Lilian du Plessis underlining another impressive display with four cracking field goals.

Southerns’ other strikes came from Louise de Jager, Robyn Johnson, SA star Shelley Russell and Sammy Prost while Witsies skipper Bridget Kee netted her side’s solitary goal from the penalty spot.

Pool A runners-up North West missed a hatful of chances but still beat a spirited Eastern Province 2-0 to qualify for a semi-final date with Blues.

In the B Section, or promotion division, Free State continued their good run with another convincing victory, this time a 4-1 win over a very defensive Mpumalanga, to finish top of Pool A. Free State’s goals went to Minjon van Tonder, Ashleigh Datnow and Mariaan Conry (2).

Host province KZN Inland won Pool B with a comfortable 4-1 victory over Eastern Province Settlers, the goals coming from Vicky Jonker, Carmen Grobler and Caitlyn Seegers (2).

Friday’s B Section semi-final one sees KZN Inland against KZN Mynahs (who were upset 2-0 winners over the fancied WP Peninsula Thursday) at Maritzburg College’s Pape’s Astro at 12 noon with the second semi-final featuring Free State against Zimbabwe at 2pm

Go to www.sahockey.co.za for all the logs, results and fixtures.

FRIDAY’S A SECTION SEMI-FINAL FIXTURES
A Section semi-final 1: Northern Blues vs North West (4pm). Semi-final 2: Southern Gauteng vs WP (6pm).

THURSDAY’S RESULTS
A Section: North West 2 Eastern Province 0; Southern Gauteng 8 Southern Gauteng Witsies 1; Northern Blues 6 Border 1; Western Province 4 KZN Coastal Raiders 0. B Section: Free State 4 Mpumalanga 1; KZN Mynahs 2 WP Peninsula 1; SA Country Districts A 2 SA Country Districts B 1; KZN Inland 4 EP Settlers 0.

SA Hockey Association media release



Walsh confident about breaking Asian Games gold jinx


Indian Hockey team coach Terry Walsh during an interview in New Delhi. Photo: S. Subramanium

It’s been 16 long years that Indian men’s hockey team won a gold medal at the Asian Games, but its chief coach Terry Walsh said that the Sardar Singh-led side has a realistic chance of breaking the jinx in the upcoming continental event to be held in Incheon, South Korea.

India won only two gold medals in hockey at the Asian Games (1966 and 1998), and their best finish after that was a silver medal in 2002 Busan edition of the mega-event.

But Walsh feels going by India’s latest showing in the Commonwealth Games, his wards will start as one of the favourites in the Incheon Games to be held from September 19 to October 4.

“Yeah, you would think so,” was Walsh’s reply when asked whether India consider themselves as favourites in the Asian Games.

“Realistically, that would be the case. That would be fair and reasonable assessment but that doesn’t mean anything as we have seen in the past. It doesn’t matter whether you are ranked 14th or 4 you have to play in a tournament.

“We certainly should be regarded as one of the teams with a medal prospect in the Asian Games but we have to earn that,” he said.

But achieving the target is easier said than done as India have been clubbed alongside arch-rivals and eight-time and defending champions Pakistan in Pool B. The other teams in India’s pool are dark horse China, Oman and Sri Lanka.

Walsh is fully aware about the task at hand but feels that having not played top-class international hockey for quite some time, the pressure would be more on Pakistan than India.

“I think if there is any pressure that would be more on a team which has not played at this level for 12 months or so.

They have a bunch of younger guys who haven’t had a lot of international experience at this level. But there is always the historical and traditional pressure with India and Pakistan just like Germany and Holland and Australia and New Zealand,” the Australian said.

“But we have to guard against complacency. It’s (the pool) not as easy as it looks. China are a good side, they can play well and we all know Pakistan is a very good team.

Not for one moment we can think that we are automatic qualifier from this pool we will have to work really hard.”

Walsh is satisfied with the progress India has made so far under his guidance and feels the team is in a position to fight against teams outside the top four bracket in the world.

“Yeah, we are improving there is no doubt about it. We are getting to a better place where we can justifiably play and expect results against teams out side top 4 in the world and that’s a very good place for us to be. But we have quite a bit of work to do before we can justifiably say we can play against the top 2-3 teams in the world,” he opined.

He, however, said there are plenty of grey areas the players need to work upon if they wish to compete against the top teams of the world.

“We have a lot of areas where we have to get better at. For example, we have to get better at creating corners and converting our chances, giving away careless penalty corners is still a bone of contention,” Walsh said.

India captain Sardar Singh too is optimistic about his side’s impressive outing in Incheon.

“The way we are putting in efforts and performing from the World Cup we are confident we can win gold (in Asian Games), but the start is very important,” he said.

“In the Commonwealth Games, we worked on the mistakes which we committed in the World Cup and in the Asian Games we will be working on the mistakes which we committed in the Commonwealth Games.”

Meanwhile, Sardar refused to be drawn into any controversy regarding the snub hockey players had received from the selection committee of this year’s Arjuna Award but simply said any deserving athlete should get the recognition.

“Hockey India is handling the issue so let it handle this. We are only focused on our training but whoever deserves the award should get it,” he said.

The Hindu



PHF calls off Spanish tour: Rana Mujahid

Mohsin Ali

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Olympian Rana Mujahid has sent SoS call to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is also PHF patron, to immediately release special grant as the federation is in dire financial crisis.

Talking to The Nation, Mujahid said: “The file of financial grant has been lying on the table for the last several weeks and the time is running out fast. Any further delay in release of special grant can cost the federation, the team and the country dearly.”

“The funds situation is very critical and we have to put off a number of plans just because of financial constraints. If Spanish Hockey Federation (SHF) commits their national team matches against Pakistan hockey team, we will be then in hot waters as lack of funds are badly hampering our future ambitions. Any further delay can spell further disasters for the PHF and the team. We are the defending Asian Games title and I am fully aware of the fact that the national team had not played any international series or tournament for the last 11 months or so.”

“PHF president Akhtar Rasool has been doing his best to contact Prime Minister and arrange a meeting to discuss problems being faced by the federation. The current political situation of the country is another reason meeting dates are yet to be finalized, but I am sure soon the PHF chief will call on the PM, who will surely rescue the federation and order immediate release of special grants. As soon as we receive financial assistance, it is my promise I will immediately clear dues of the team management, the selectors and coaches and also hand over central contracts to the players,” Mujahid added.

“We have decided to call off Spanish tour because of visa issues and above all the Spanish Hockey Federation was not ready to let their national team play against Pakistan team, so it makes no sense of wasting huge amount of national kitty on such trips, which will be not more than wastage of time and money,” he stated.

“We will finish the Lahore camp today (Friday) and shift it to Islamabad on August 31 or September 1. The team will continue to train at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium. We have also decided to depart to Korea on September 10, as the POA has decided to send Pakistani Asian Games-bound contingent on September 18. We will not only play matches against Korean hockey team but also against different clubs and available international teams, who reach Korea for Asian Games. It will certainly help national team in adjusting to the conditions and provide the team much-needed match practice,” Mujahid concluded.

The Nation



Favourable draw for men's hockey in Asian Games

By Aftar Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia received a favourable draw for the men’s hockey competition for the Incheon Asian Games in South Korea from Sept 19-Oct 4.

Nine countries will feature in the men’s event and Malaysia, the silver medallist at the 2010 Guangzhou Asiad, are drawn in Group A with South Korea, Japan, Bangladesh and Singapore.

Pakistan, the defending champions, are pitted with arch-rivals India, Sri Lanka and Oman in Group B.

National coach A. Arulselvaraj was pleased with the draw.

“We have a good chance of reaching the semi-finals although we are drawn with South Korea and Japan.

“The Koreans have homeground advantage and they will be one of the contenders to reach the last four.

“We have a fighting chance against the Japanese. Although they will pose a threat to us, I believe we will be able to get the better of them to reach the semi-finals,” said Arulselvaraj, who replaced K. Dharmaraj as national coach last week following Malaysia’s disastrous showing at the World Cup in The Hague, Holland, in June and the recent Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

When asked whether he had problems with the players, Arulselvaraj said: “I’m happy with their attitude and commitment in training. The good news is that forward Mohd Firhan (Ashaari) is back in training after recovering from an ankle injury.”

As part of their build-up to the Asiad, the Malaysians will go to South Korea next week for two friendly matches.

“We will be leaving for South Korea on Aug 27. I will name the final squad of 16 players for the Asiad after returning from the trip next month,” said Arulselvaraj.

The Asiad is an important assignment for Malaysia as the winners will gain an automatic berth to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Meanwhile, eight teams will feature in the women’s competition in Incheon. 

Malaysia are drawn in Group A with India, China and Thailand. South Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan and Hong Kong are in Group B.

The Star of Malaysia



Ramadan not disappointed for Asian Games snub

By Aftar Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Mohd Ramadan Rosli is not disappointed for being left out of the national hockey team for next month’s Incheon Asian Games in South Korea.

Instead, the 23-year-old is having fun scoring goals for Kuala Lumpur in the Razak Cup tournament at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium. He is the top scorer in Division One with five goals in three matches.

Ramadan, who featured in the recent Glasgow Commonwealth Games, wants to continue his scoring act to help KL beat hosts Pahang in today’s semi-finals.

“I am more than pleased with my performance in the tournament. I want to help KL reach the final as well as win the top scorer award,” said Ramadan, who is featuring in his fourth Razak Cup. 

Ramadan, who has 23 international caps under his belt, believes KL have the edge although Pahang have homeground advantage.

“We have a solid team. We can also rely on former international Mohd Amin (Rahim) for goals from penalty corners. On top of that, we have other experienced forwards like S. Selvaraju and Mohd Shamin (Yusoff),” said Ramadan.

Defending champions Perak will face Malacca in the other semi-final.

The Star of Malaysia



Terengganu thrash Kelantan

TERENGGANU whitewashed Kelantan 8-2 to emerge tops in Division Two of the 52nd Razak Cup in Kuantan yesterday.

They will now play Armed Forces in the final on Sunday. Forces beat Perlis 2-1 to finish runners-up in Division Two.

Even though the score looks impressive, Terengganu almost faltered after taking a 2-0 lead as Kelantan charged back to draw level at 2-2 before losing steam and letting in six more goals.

Terengganu were demoted after finishing last in Division One last season.

“We are looking for a promotion into Division One again, and are here to win all the matches. Even though we beat Forces 7-1 in the pool match, I believe the final will not be as easy but we have enough calibre players to challenge for the title and promotion,” said Terengganu coach Sarjit Singh.

RESULTS — Division Two: Terengganu 8 Kelantan 2; Force 2 Perlis 1; Kedah 2 Police 5.

TODAY — Division One Semi-finals: Perak v Malacca (8pm, Pitch I); Pahang v Kuala Lumpur (8pm, Pitch II).

New Straits Times



Alagendra delays release of nominations

FIVE Malaysian’s vying for positions in the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) will have to wait for another day, as acting president Tan Sri P. Alagendra refused to hand the nominations list even though entries closed on Wednesday.

When contacted yesterday, Alagendra said there is no hurry to release the nominations.

“Why should I release the nomination list today?

“I will do it in the next few days,” was his curt reply.

When pushed further, as five Malaysian’s were eagerly awaiting he said: “Ok, I will release it tomorrow (today).”

Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has been nominated for the president’s post but even after nominations closed, he is in the dark if there is a challenger or he has won unopposed.

With the demise of AHF president Sultan Azlan Shah who had served from 1990, Tengku Abdullah should try and keep the throne in Malaysia.

MHC senior vice president Nur Azmi Ahmad will stand for the vice-president’s post, while MHC vice presidents Manjit Majid Abdullah and AHF incumbents S. Shamala and Datuk Rahim Ariff will go for the council member’s post.

For the record, Shamala received the second highest vote four years ago, while Rahim will be defending his seat.

Incumbent secretary general Alagendra will vacate his post as the new AHF constitution only allows for those below the age of 70 to stand for elections.

New Straits Times



EuroHockey 2015: One year to go!


England National Anthem London Cup 2014

Today marks one year until the start of the EuroHockey Championships 2015. The event promises entertainment on and off the pitch, featuring the 16 best men’s and women’s teams in Europe, including both England teams.

Tickets went on sale last month at www.eurohockey2015.co.uk and are selling very quickly! It will be a perfect opportunity to watch some truly world-class sport in a family friendly environment, on London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park where the London 2012 Olympics was held.

The EuroHockey 2015 website also has new additions today – including an ‘Understanding Hockey’ section to enable newcomers to the sport to learn more about hockey and get the most out of the tournament.

Andy Tapley, Chairman of the EuroHockey Championships 2015 Board, commented: “We’re very excited about the EuroHockey Championships 2015 and the positive impact it will have for hockey not only in England but globally.

“Planning for the event is going very well, and having gone on sale last month we now have confirmation of the extremely high levels of interest we have in EuroHockey 2015 from the hockey following around Europe – not to mention from general sports and event fans in the UK after hockey’s prominence in the 2012 Olympics and this summer’s Commonwealth Games, showcasing what an exciting sport hockey is to watch.”

The event will be hosted at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, and the surrounding park area will be turned into a Hockey Fan Park, providing a fantastic experience for fans of all ages. Everyone’s welcome!

You can find out more information and buy tickets at www.eurohockey2015.co.uk

England Hockey Board Media release

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