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All the news for Thursday 20 September 2018

Hockey Series Open - Santiago 2018 - Day 2
Santiago (CHI)

Men's results 19 September

BOL v VEN (RR)     0 - 14
BRA v PER (RR)     9 - 0
CHI v URU (RR)     0 - 0

Pool Standings

Women's results 19 September

URU v PER (RR)     13 - 0
BOL v BRA (RR)     0 - 2
CHI v PAR (RR)     13 - 0

Pools Standings

FIH Match Centre

“Las Cimarronas” and “Las Diablas” 13 goals in each match

Macarena Ilabaca Burrows, PAHF


FIH Hockey Series Open (women) - Chile vs. Paraguay. Photo: Oscar Munoz Badilla

Prince Of Wales Country Club,  with higher temperatures than Chile is used to in this days , but still freezing and rainy , the women's teams had to coexist with the forecast.

The big winners of this day: Uruguay and Chile, who in each of their games scored 13 goals against their rivals. Uruguay vs Peru and the Chile vs Paraguay.

Uruguay continues adding victories

8 AM. A very cold morning toto play the first game of day 2 of the Hockey Series Open: Uruguay vs Peru.

The 'Cimarronas' led by Nicolás Tixie, dominated the game during the 60 minutes. The score was opened by a PC in the 7th minute, and from then on three more goals via PC and two more field goals.

The cimarronas who scored today were Milagros Algorta (x4), Manuela Vilar (x2), Sol Amadeo (x2), Jimena Garcia (x2), Agustina Taborda, María Barreiro and Constanza Barrandeguy.

Chile continues unbeaten

With no doubt the game that attracted more public despite the cold and today's holiday in Chile, was the one led by Sergio 'Cachito Vigil' with more than 100 people in the stands celebrating each of their 13 goals scored by the Diablas.
The Player of the match was  María Jesús Maldonado, who converted four of the 13 goals for the Chilean national team (3 PC and 1 FG).

The Diablas who scored today were: María Jesús Maldonado(x4),  Francisca Tala (x2), Josefina Cambiaso (x2), Constanza Palma, Camila Caram, Josefa Salas, Paula Valdivia and Denise Krimerman.

Brazil managed to overcome Bolivia

After facing Chile where they lost 19-0, Bolivia arrived very early to court  ready to face a new rival: Brazil.
In a game were Bolivia pressured and tried to dominate but ended with an unfavorable result.

With a tight game, Brazil remain unbeaten after winning 2-0. The goals were converted by Alice Queiroz PC and Jacqueline Peyloubet.

Despite not winning this second game, Bolivia analyzed this new opportunity with positivism.

Day 3 of the Hockey Series: 8AM  Bolivia vs Uruguay, 10AM   Peru vs Paraguay and 12PM Chile vs Brazil.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release

2018 Darwin International Hockey Open (M) - Day 2
Darwin (AUS)

Results 19 September

MAS v JPN (RR)     3 - 3
ARG v AUS (RR)     2 - 0

Pool Standings

FIH Match Centre

Same script, different venue

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: It was encore at the in the Darwin Interantional at the Marrara Hockey Stadium in Australia Wednesday, when Malaysia took a 3-1 lead but ended up sharing points with Japan at 3-3.

It was a repeat performance from World No 12 Malaysia against No 16 Japan, who were down 2-5 in the Asian Games final in Jakarta, but equalised at 6-6 and then handed Malaysia a painful 3-1 defeat in the shoot-out to deny  a historic Asian Games gold and an Olympic ticket which came with it.

This performance came at the back of a 5-2 drubbing in the hands of Australia, and coach Amin Rahim's men will have a day's rest before playing World No 2 Argentina.

However, this time around Malaysia had rested six regulars and injected with experienced reserves, while Japan also fielded six players who earned their first caps in darwin.

Kazuma Murata  handed Japan an 11th minute leas, but Malaysia raced ahead with goals from Razie Rahim (15th, 21st) and Fitri Shaari (27th).

But Seran Tanaka  (45th) and  Shota Yamada (59th) fought back the equalsier.

Japan had lost 2-1 to Argentina, and will play Australia next.

"Yes, it's very disappointing as both the draws (Asian Games and now Darwin) were played out with the same script. The match changed when Razie (Rahim) received a yellow card late in the third quarter and carried forward in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter.

"Japan took this opportunity to penalise us," said Amin who is helming the national team for the first time.

When asked about Japan's six rookies: "We also have six fringe players, but then again, those who had played in the Asian Games should have covered them but it did not happen," said Amin.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

Malaysia suffer same old problem

By Jugjet Singh


Pic Courtesy of MHC

KUALA LUMPUR: It was deja vu for the Malaysian team when they let victory slip away against Japan in the Darwin Interantional at the Marrara Hockey Stadium in Australia today.

Malaysia took a 3-1 lead but ended up sharing points with Japan at 3-3.

It was an “Asian Games” repeat performance from World No 12 Malaysia against World No 16 Japan.

In the recent Asian Games final in Jakarta, Malaysia led 5-2 against Japan but the latter equalised at 6-6 before winning the shootout 3-1.

This time around, Malaysia rested six regulars and put in experienced reserves, while Japan also fielded six players who earned their first caps in Darwin.

Murata Kazuma handed Japan an 11th minute lead, but Malaysia raced ahead with goals from Razie Rahim (15th, 21st) and Fitri Shaari (27th).

However, Japan fought back with goals from Tanaka Seran (45th) and Yamada Shota (59th) to draw level.

Japan, who had lost 2-1 to Argentina, will play Australia next.

"Yes, it's very disappointing as both the draws (Asian Games and Darwin) were played out with the same script. The match changed when Razie (Rahim) received a yellow card late in the third quarter and carried forward to the opening minutes of the fourth quarter.

"Japan took this opportunity to penalise us," said coach Amin Rahim, who was helming the national team for the first time.

When asked about Japan's six rookies, he said: "We also have six fringe players, but then again, those who had played in the Asian Games should have covered them but it did not happen.”

Today’s performance came at the back of a 5-2 drubbing by Australia.

Amin Rahim's men will have a day's rest before playing World No 2 Argentina.

New Straits Times

Kookaburras Beaten By Olympic Gold Medallists

Ben Somerford



The top-ranked Kookaburras have suffered a 2-0 defeat to world number two Argentina in their second game showdown at the Darwin International Hockey Open (DIHO) on Wednesday night.

The 2016 Rio Olympic gold medallists struck twice late in the third quarter to stun world number one Australia at Marrara Hockey Centre.

Maico Casella fired a drag flick into the backboard from a penalty corner in the 44th minute, before Agustin Mazzilli rocketed a shot past Andrew Charter.

The Kookaburras, who defeated Malaysia 5-2 on Tuesday, had beaten Argentina 1-0 in a DIHO warm-up game at the same venue on Sunday.

Both sides remain in pole position to qualify for Sunday’s final, but Australia will now need to beat Japan in their final round robin game on Friday to be guaranteed of a spot in the decider.

Japan, who lost 2-1 to Argentina on Tuesday, drew 3-3 with Malaysia in the earlier game on Wednesday.

Kookaburras coach Colin Batch: “There were parts of our game today that was the best we’ve had since we’ve been away, but we had a bad lapse in that third term.

“Argentina defended very well. We couldn’t find a way through their defensive structure.”

Tom Craig fizzed an early chance across goal before Argentine captain Pedro Ibarra drew a good save from Kookas keeper Tyler Lovell from a penalty corner variation.

Casella tested Lovell from a drag flick, while Jack Welch was off target after good lead-up play by Dylan Wotherspoon before the opening break.

The second period was a tighter affair with fewer chances although Darwin product Jeremy Hayward forced opposition goalkeeper Juan Vivaldi into a good block from a short corner.

Argentina begun to get on top in the third with Kookaburras second-half keeper Andrew Charter denying Mazzilli in the 39th minute.

Five minutes later, Argentina were ahead when Casella slotted his powerful drag flick past Charter.

With less than 10 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Mazzilli doubled the pain with a stunning hit past Charter to make it 2-0.

Australia huffed and puffed in the last but couldn’t come up with a goal, with Flynn Ogilvie pushing a chance wide.

Australia 0
Argentina 2 (Casella 44’, Mazzilli 45’)

Hockey Australia media release

Batch Demands More Penetration In Attack

Ben Somerford



Kookaburras coach Colin Batch remains confident his side can progress to the Darwin International Hockey Open final but wants to see more penetration in attack.

Australia went down 2-0 to world number two Argentina at Marrara Hockey Centre on Wednesday, meaning they must beat Japan on Friday night to guarantee a spot in Saturday’s final.

Argentina have recorded two wins, having also beaten Japan 2-1 on Tuesday, to already have secured their spot in the decider.

“We’ll have a good look at the video,” Batch said. “Argentina were able to hold us up in the attacking midfield area.

“We couldn’t find a way forward and into the circle easily. That to me is something we need to do better in the future.

“We didn’t win enough penalty corners either so that’s another area to work on.”

The Lions scored twice late in the third quarter for the decisive goals, although Batch wasn’t displeased with his side’s performance.

“I think everyone lifts for a tournament,” he said.

“There were parts of our game today which were the best we’ve played since we’ve been away.

“We had a bad lapse in that third term, firstly the penalty corner and secondly the circle free hit right on three-quarter time. That really hurt us.”

Batch added: “We had our chances particularly in the second quarter. We had a really good second quarter, a lot of possession.

“We needed to score then but Argentina defended very well. We’ve got to find a way through their defensive structure if we play them again.”

Argentina is top of the standings with six points, Australia second with three (having beaten Malaysia 5-2 on Tuesday), while Malaysia and Japan have one point each.

Australia plays Japan at 7pm local time, preceded by Argentina-Malaysia from 5:15pm.

Hockey Australia media release

Ford NHL teams shuffling for table positions ahead of final weekend

 

Men

Canterbury vs John Turkington Forestry Central Mavericks

Canterbury came up against a Central team that needed to get the 4 points from this game to give themselves a chance at making it through to the semi-finals later in the week. Canterbury got themselves on the score sheet early through a Sam Lane field goal in the 7th minute. Central then managed to tie the game up through a goal from Dylan Thomas. Canterbury sent themselves to the half in a good position getting a goal on half time from Lawrence Darling to head to the sheds up 2-1.

Central started the second half with some strong attacking play pushing hard to try and get the equaliser. Eventually that goal came through Jason Peel in the 43rd minute. Dylan Thomas got on the board for the second time in the game after a well converted penalty corner to put Central ahead. Canterbury struck back through Joshua Pollard to tie the game, making it look like we’d see another shootout., but Central’s Hayden Phillips seized on a quick counter attack and ripped a reverse goal from a far out angle to give Central the win. The victory takes Central to 9 points on the table and only one point out of the top 4. Canterbury remains on 14 points.
Full Time Canterbury 3, John Turkington Forestry Central Mavericks 4

Bayleys Midlands vs Southern

Southern has been showing significant improvements throughout the week and were coming up against a Bayleys Midlands side who, entering the match, still had a mathematical chance to make the semi-finals. The match was played end to end and saw some great attacking chances. Southern got on the score sheet first with a Malachi Buschl penalty corner. Bayleys Midlands then hit straight back with a Stirling Milicich field goal. The game continued to be played at a fast pace as both teams were pushing for 4 points.

At the end of the 3rd quarter Southern earned a penalty corner where Jack Gilbert scored off a well-executed German option. Southern then extended their lead with another drag flick to Jack Gilbert to make the score 3-1. Midlands pulled their keeper with 10 minutes to go in the game with hopes of pushing for the goals they needed to get the points.

Mark Weber managed to get a last minute goal but it wasn’t enough to get Midlands the result. The win moves Southern onto 4 points and gives them their first win of the competition. Bayleys Midlands remains on 4 points and will not be able to make the top 4.
Full Time Bayleys Midlands 2, Southern 3

Ricoh Capital Cobras vs Auckland

Auckland was coming into this game on the back of some impressive wins. With a win either team would secure their spot in the semi-finals. The first quarter was a tightly fought battle between the two sides. In the 17th minute Auckland had a penalty corner that was saved by the goal keeper. Arun Panchia jumped on the rebound and slotted a straight shot past the goalie. Auckland then continued to control the game for large periods and found the goal again in the 35th minute with a goal to Joe Crooks to make the score 2-0. The score remained 2-0 at the final whistle, giving Auckland security in the semi-finals. Auckland is now on 14 points, 1 point ahead of capital.
Full time Auckland 2, Ricoh Capital Cobras 0

Womens

Bayleys Midlands vs Southern

Bayleys Midlands were in need of 4 points from regulation play and came out of the gate firing. 19 minutes in, Midlands converted a well worked penalty corner to Alia Jaques. Midlands kept pushing hard and despite some good defence from Southern, the Midlands girls then put away a second goal from Georgia Morton. At the half the score was 2-0.

Southern continued to fight hard in the game but Midlands managed to put away their 3rd goal from an Amy Robinson penalty corner goal. Midlands managed to seal the victory with two goals in the last minute of the game to Alia Jaques and Amy Robinson. The victory moves Midlands into 4th spot on the table. Southern is still looking for their first win of the campaign and will come up against Auckland on Thursday.
Full Time Bayleys Midlands 5, Southern 0

 Mark Cromie Holden Northland vs Ricoh Capital Women

The Capital women needed to get a good win in this game to keep them in touch with the top 4 teams of the competition, while Holden Northland team were in danger of losing ground in the final seedings. The Capital women found themselves behind early after Tina Taseka put the Northland girls ahead. Capital worked hard and scored back-to-back goals in the 18th (Maddi McLean) and 24th minutes (Megan Hull) to lead 2-1 at the half.

This looked to be the way that the match was going to end until Ella Gunson slotted home a clutch goal in the final minute of the game to send the match to a shootout. Northland proved too strong in the shootout and their regulation clutch goal scorer stepped up to score the winning shootout goal. The win moves both teams to 8 points and keeps them only 2 points behind the 3rd placed Central Mysticks.
Full Time Mark Cromie Holden Northland 2, Ricoh Capital Women 2 (Shootout 2:1)

Auckland vs John Turkington Forestry Central Mysticks

The women’s table is starting to look like a bottle neck with 5 teams that have 8 or 10 points. This meant that the match between Auckland and Central was going to be really important in setting these teams up for a big push for the remainder of the week. Auckland got themselves up early in the match with two well-constructed field goals to Deanna Ritchie in the 18th minute and Katie Doar in the 24th to make the score 2-0 at half time.

Young gun Kaitlin Cotter scored two goals in quick succession to level the game and set up a thrilling last ten minutes. Auckland managed to secure the in through a Ghalesha Singh goal in the 58th minute for the win. The victory moves both teams onto 10 points and sets up a must-watch  second half of the week.
Full Time Auckland 3, John Turkington Forestry Central Mysticks 2

Tiger Turf North Harbour vs Canterbury

The top of the table match for the women’s side of the 2018 Ford NHL was always going to be a tight affair and it didn’t fail to disappoint. Both teams were pushing forward and trying to secure the win in regulation. At full time, both team remained scoreless, leaving the game to a shootout.

North Harbour ended up winning the shootout 4-3 when Courtney Winterbottom beat the keeper and sealed the win. This puts North Harbour at the top of the table.
Full Time Tiger Turf North Harbour 0, Canterbury 0 (Shootout 4:3)

At a Glance

Men

Canterbury 3 (Sam Lane 7’, Lawrence Darling 30’, Joshua Pollard 51’)
John Turkington Forestry Central Mavericks 4 (Dylan Thomas 19’, 45’, Jason Peel 43’, Hayden Phillips 53’). HT: 2-1

Bayleys Midlands 1 (Stirling Milicich 11’, Mark Weber 59’)
Southern 3 (Malachi Buschl 9’, Jack Gilbert 45’, 48’). HT: 1-1

Ricoh Capital Cobras 0
Auckland 2 (Arun Panchia 17’, Joe Crooks 35’) HT: 0-1

Women

Bayleys Midlands 5 (Alia Jaques 19’, 59’,  Georgia Morton 30’, Amy Robinson 41’, 59’) Southern 0. HT: 2-0.

Northland 2 (Tina Taseka 12’, Ella Gunson 60’) Ricoh Capital Women 2 (Maddi McLean 18’, Megan Hull 24’). HT: 1-2. Mark Cromie Holden Northland won shoot out 2:1

Auckland 3 (Deanna Ritchie 18’, Katie Doar 24’, Ghalesha Singh 58’)
John Turkington Forestry Central Mysticks 2 (Kaitlin Cotter 35’ 36’). HT: 2-0

Tiger Turf North Harbour 0
Canterbury 0
Tiger Turf North Harbour won shoot out 4:3

Men

Women

Finals to be livestreamed

The Women's K Cup and the Men's Challenge Shield Final, along with the respective bronze medal games will be livestreamed simultaneously on the Hockey New Zealand Facebook page and in full high definition on the Black Sticks Youtube channel.

Click here for the 2018 Ford NHL Women’s draw, results and standings.

Click here for the 2018 Ford NHL Men’s draw, results and standings.

The 2018 Ford National Hockey League is proudly supported by Ford, Educare, Vantage, Trillian Trust, NZCT, Wellington City Council and Wellington Hockey.

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Late concession dents Central women's final hopes at National Hockey League


Frances Davies scored a late goal to help Midlands to a shootout against Northland on Thursday. RAGHAVAN VENUGOPAL/PHOTOSPORT

A last-minute goal has dented the Central women's hopes of making the National Hockey League final, even though they went on to beat Canterbury in a shootout following the 2-2 draw.

With the game decided from the spot, they only picked up two points for the win instead of four, and have only moved up to fourth on the ladder instead of second.

North Harbour lead the way on 15 points, ahead of their clash with Capital later on Thursday evening. Behind them are Auckland, on 14, and Canterbury, on 12, who play each other on Saturday.

With Harbour facing winless Southern in their final match, they will now likely take on the winner of the Auckland-Canterbury game in Sunday's decider - assuming that game is decided in normal time.

Central will need a win over Northland and for the Auckland-Canterbury game to go to a shootout if they are to sneak in.

Fifth-placed Midlands lost to Northland in a shootout earlier on Thursday after scoring two late goals to rescue a 2-2 draw.

In Wednesday's games, North Harbour needed a shootout to get past Canterbury, taking it out 4-3 after neither team scored in normal time.

Northland also needed a shootout, beating Capital 2-1 after it finished 2-2 at the final whistle, while Midlands thumped Southern 5-0 and Auckland pipped Central 3-2.

Canterbury sit top of the men's standings after a shock loss to Central on Wednesday, ahead of a clash with fourth-placed North Harbour on Thursday evening.

Central couldn't back up from their 4-3 win, however, losing by the same scoreline to Midlands in the only men's game played on Thursday afternoon.

Auckland moved level on points with the leaders after a 2-0 win over Capital, but sat in second by virtue of their inferior goal difference, though they are now guaranteed a place in Saturday's semifinals.

National Hockey League

Women

Thursday's games

​Central 2 (Sulette Damons 2', Hope Ralph 14') Canterbury 2 (Emily Wium 12', Sian Fremaux 60').
Central win shootout 2-0.

Auckland 4 (Belinda Smith 6', Deanna Ritchie 29', 34', Phoebe Steel 57') Southern 1 (Tessa Jopp 31').

Northland 2 (Alana Laybourn 6', Anna Alexander 15') Midlands 2 (Georgia Morton 51', Frances Davies 55').
Northland win shootout 3-2.

North Harbour v Capital

Standings (games played): North Harbour 15 (5), Auckland 14 (6), Canterbury 13 (6), Central 12 (6), Midlands 11 (6), Northland 10 (6), Capital 8 (5), Southern 0 (6)

Men

Thursday's games

​Midlands 4 (Mark Weber 3', 10', Maks Wyndham-Smith 11', Tim Neild 37') Central 3 (Dylan Thomas 19', 47', Hayden Phillips 52').

North Harbour v Canterbury

Standings (games played): Canterbury 14 (5), Auckland 14 (6), Capital 13 (5), North Harbour 11 (5), Central 9 (6), Midlands 8 (6), Southern 4 (5)

Stuff

11 reasons to get excited about the FIH Pro League



With exactly four months until the new FIH Pro League begins, here’s 11 reasons to get excited about this ‘game-changing’ new competition:

1. World class hockey on 24/7
For the first time, fans around the world can witness top hockey nations battle it out for the first six months of every year, whether live in stadiums or through a global network of TV partners! All 152 matches will be broadcasted and easily accessible through a variety of platforms – giving unprecedented coverage of the sport!



2. Every game matters
The event comprises of more than 152 matches (144 in the League / 8 in the Grand Final). Each win or defeat has an impact. No team can take any match lightly - even one upset could hamper their chances of making it to the Grand Final or affect their FIH Hero World Ranking points at the end of the season.



3. Olympic qualifiers
The top four teams in the FIH Pro League will earn a ticket to the FIH’s Olympic Qualification Events, scheduled to take place October and November 2019. The level of competitiveness in the FIH Pro League could give these teams an edge however their opponents, from the Hockey Series Finals and through the FIH Hero World Rankings, who will be looking to test themselves against the best teams in the world. The Olympic Qualification Events will certainly be fast paced, action-packed matches – with a winner-takes all outcome the fuel for the drama.



4. All Hockey heroes in one place
The event will be dazzled by the presence of the most exciting hockey stars on the planet. Reigning FIH Hockey Stars Player and Rising Star of the Year winner Arthur Van Doren from Belgium, Pakistan captain Muhammad Rizwan Sr. and Australia’s Eddie Ockenden are just some of the superstars bound to thrill fans, whilst Netherlands dynamo Lidewij Welten, FIH Hockey Stars Female Player of the Year 2017, Argentina’s Delfina Marino, and New Zealand’s Stacey Michelson are just a few of the icons destined to sprinkle some magic over the women’s League.



5. Relive the rivalries
The FIH Pro league is the only sporting event where some of the biggest national rivals will meet home and away across the world. In the men’s competition, Germany and Netherlands always play out explosive encounters, whilst the Trans-Tasman rivalry between Australia and New Zealand women always provides plenty of drama. A rerun of the Rio 2016 Olympic finals between Argentina and Belgium men and Great Britain and Netherlands women are also bound to reopen some wounds. Rivalries – it’s what the FIH Pro League was made for!



6. Packed stadiums
Expect each match to be a sell-out! Fans don’t often get an opportunity to cheer for their home nation in a world level competition, but the FIH Pro League makes this possible. This will be a golden opportunity for all the hockey fans to come out in large numbers to back their favourite team and be a part of the wonderful journey to the Grand Final and Tokyo 2020 qualification.



7. Amazing venues
Over 20 world class venues across 11 nations will be home to the top hockey stars for the first half of 2019. All the venues adhere to strict FIH guidelines designed to offer a unique, ‘Big, Bold, Packed and Loud’ fan experience which will provide the perfect platform for athletes to perform.



8. ‘Equally Amazing’
Equality in gender balance, equality in prize money, equality in home advantage! Even all the FIH National Associations not taking part will receive an equal share of any of the League's profits. That’s the mantra of the much-awaited FIH Pro League. Providing equal opportunities across this competition to make the event a level playing field for all the participating teams.  



9. Grand Final
The top four teams from both the men’s and women’s Leagues will advance to the Grand Final which will be held in the Netherlands in 2019. Played over the last weekend of June, expect passion to reach fever point as the teams up the ante in a bid to clinch the first ever FIH Pro League title and register their name forever in hockey’s history books.



10. Fan engagement
The event offers non-stop magic for fans. While their favourite stars will constantly be in action, supporters will now have more opportunities to interact with their heroes! See them live in the stadiums, interact with them after every game, let social media take you behind the scenes. More hockey action = more opportunities to meet, see and learn from hockey’s greatest.



http://www.fih.ch/media/13164208/image-11-last-one.jpg
Hello! Hola! Hallo! Ni Hao! These are just some of the ways the hockey fans will be welcomed to the amazing FIH Pro League venues across the world. This competition provides a unique opportunity to bring the global hockey community together. Athletes, coaches, fans and media will all have the opportunity to experience different cultures and heritage across the planet as they travel overseas and welcome the top teams to their homeland. And for those tuning in from non-participating nations – they will not miss out as the FIH, teams and broadcasters take them behind the scenes at every single game throughout the season.



The FIH Pro-League kickstarts exactly four months from now and the teams have already started planning their strategies for the event. Now, it’s time for you, the fans to make yourself available when your home nation plays.

For further information about the FIH Pro League, visit the Q&A section on the FIH website by clicking here.

For the full FIH Pro League schedule, here.

FIH site

Indian men's hockey coach Harendra Singh asks players to identify mistakes from Asian Games loss to Malaysia


Malaysian players celebrating their victory over India in the Asian Games 2018 men's hockey semi-final clash. AP

Bhubaneshwar: The Asian Games debacle still fresh on their minds, the Indian men's hockey team chief coach Harendra Singh on Wednesday tasked his players to show him five instances of poor performance during the continental multi-sporting event in Indonesia.

India lost to Malaysia in the semifinals via penalty shoot-off and eventually settled for a bronze after beating arch-rivals Pakistan in the third place play-off.

"It is important for every player to be accountable and also be able to criticise their own mistake. As a team activity, I have asked all players to mention five instances where they thought their own individual performance was poor during the Asian Games," Harendra said after the team's training session in Bhubaneshwar.

India conceded a late goal after leading 2-1 and the match then went to the shoot-off. "We were blanked out those last two-and-a-half minutes, no doubt. But, there is no need to change our whole approach to the game as the team did well throughout. We paid the prize for under performing but there were also a lot of positives in the entire tournament and it's important to revisit India's performance at the Champions Trophy where they did well against higher ranked teams," he said.

The team is undergoing a camp at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneshwar ahead of the Asian Champions Trophy to be held in Muscat, Oman from 18 to 28 October. The team, after reporting for the month-long national camp, was put through the routine yo-yo test that helps analyse the fitness levels of the players.

"The weather conditions here are quite challenging. It's humid and can be exhausting and a player can get tired much faster than usual which is why we are paying more attention to recovery sessions post training. But working hard in this condition will help us in Muscat during Asian Champions Trophy where the weather will be similar to this," Harendra said.

"With all top teams in Asia who were part of the Asian Games coming to Muscat next month, we need to focus on defending our title because only a win can help us forget about the semifinal loss in the Asian Games," he said.

The core group will continue the training camp till 14 October when they will leave for Muscat.

Firstpost

New SA women's hockey coach to be a volunteer

Ockert de Villiers


The South African women's hockey team celebrate with their medals after winning the African Cup of Nations final on Sunday. Photo: @Quanita_Bobs on twitter

JOHANNESBURG – Highlighting the financial strain the South African Hockey Association is taking, the federation is looking for a new national women’s team head coach who will offer his or her services for free.

SAHA on Tuesday advertised the head coach position left vacant after Sheldon Rostron decided not to reapply for a position he had held since 2015.

The federation appoints coaches on a four-year World Cup cycle with the South African team finishing in 14th place at this year’s edition in London.

SAHA chief executive Marissa Langeni said the head coach job has been a volunteer position for some time.

“The last time we employed a full-time coach was in 2009 before we started a restructuring process,” she said. “We moved the coaches from a full-time paid position to a project basis. If the budget for that particular event allowed for it, we would then pay them an allowance.

“It has become so tricky now that we rather refer to it as a voluntary position so the people know up front what the scenario is.”

Langeni said only a few hockey nations could afford to employ full-time coaches.

She highlighted that the majority of the sponsorship funding would be used for the operational requirements of the teams.

“If they need to get to a camp or if they need to get to an event, the bulk of the sponsorship funding is used for things like flights, accommodation, meals, etc,” Langeni said. “Often we are left without anything in the kitty to pay for anyone once those expenses have been paid.”

Rostron will now turn his focus to his new role in the sports department of the North-West University.

He has been involved with the national team in different roles since 2010, from goalkeeper coach to stand-in assistant coach and team manager under former mentor Giles Bonnet.

Rostron made history last year by coaching both the men’s and women’s sides to African titles at the same tournament.

The new coach will have to prepare the national women’s team for the Hockey Series Finals where they will be looking to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The advertised position requires applicants with a coaching qualification endorsed by a national hockey federation or the international governing body and senior national or international coaching experience.

The deadline for application submissions is October 4, 2018.

Independent Online

SA Hockey causes stir with 'volunteer' coaching ad


Sheldon Rostron (Supplied)

Cape Town - The position of head coach of the South African national women's hockey team has been advertised as a "voluntary position".

It is a stark reminder of just one of several battles the country's minority sports face.

Last week, it was announced that women's coach Sheldon Rostron stepped down as coach of the women's side.

While the thought of a national coach not earning a cent might come as a surprise to sports fans around South Africa, it has been that way since 2010.

"In 2009 when SA Hockey went through an organisational change, we converted full-time positions to volunteer positions," SA Hockey CEO Marissa Langeni told Sport24 on Thursday.

"We get a ton of applications and when people realise that it's not a full-time position or that there is no salary, they obviously can't stand for the job. We thought this would make the process a lot easier and save a lot of time."

It is the first time that the post has been clearly advertised as a 'volunteer' post.

"It is exactly the same for the men's side," Langeni added.

"Every coach we have is a full-time employee somewhere else."

It is the same with the national players. Most are students or full-time employees elsewhere, and they do not earn a cent from playing for their country.

"The only time when players earn money in this country is when they play in the Premier Hockey League, which is funded by the Department of Sport," Langeni explained.

"SA Hockey is an amateur organisation."

Langeni has been involved with SA Hockey's struggles over the years and was helpless when both the men's and women's national sides were told that they could not go to the 2016 Rio Olympics, despite having qualified as continental champions.

As with most things, money is the biggest issue the sport faces, but Langeni remains hopeful that things will change and that, one day, her organisation will be able to pay a national coach.

"We would hope so," she said.

"But because of the economic changes that we find ourselves in currently, that is not a situation we have right now."

As of the July 2018 field hockey rankings, both SA's men's and women's sides were ranked 15th in the world.

Sport24

Hockeyroos Confirm Assistant Coach Appointments

Ben Somerford

Hockey Australia today announces the appointments of Katie Allen and Steph Andrews as the new Hockeyroos assistant coaches.

Allen and Andrews, who both bring international coaching experience, will work under head coach Paul Gaudoin for the Hockeyroos who are currently ranked third in the world.

HA High Performance Director Toni Cumpston said: “We’re delighted to formally welcome Steph and Katie to the Hockeyroos coaching team.

“The experience and knowledge both ladies bring to our Hockeyroos program will add considerably to the team already in place and will ensure the ongoing development and growth of our athletes on their journey towards the Tokyo Olympics.”

Allen brings extensive playing experience as a Hockeyroos team member for the side which won gold medals at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, 1998 Commonwealth Games and 1994 and 1998 World Cups.

She is a former FIH Player of the Year nominee who moved into coaching, working as the head coach of Women’s Hockey for the Victorian Institute of Sport from 2009 to 2016.

Allen led Victoria to the 2012 Australian Hockey League title and also worked within Australia’s National Junior teams, helping the side to bronze at the 2016 Junior World Cup.

Andrews has held numerous coaching roles, most recently working with Canada as the senior assistant coach, including at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

She was the head coach of Canada’s National Junior Teams from 2015, establishing a successful development program.

Andrews has also held previous coaching roles within Hockey Australia and was head coach of the ACT Academy of Sport in Hockey from 2013 to 2015.

Gaudoin said: “Katie and Steph’s appointments come at an exciting time for our program, with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics less than two years away.

“We’re also buoyed by recent positive progress, reaching the World Cup semi-finals earlier this year and know the pair will add experience, knowledge and expertise to our program.

“Katie’s CV as a player is exceptional but she is a well-respected coach who we’re delighted to have on board. Steph has developed her coaching skills during her time in Canada and is a hands-on coach who brings great knowledge to our set-up.”

Allen will commence in October and Andrews will commence immediately within the Perth-based Hockeyroos program.

Hockey Australia media release

Nominees for FIH Athletes' Committee revealed


Argentina's Carla Rebecchi and Great Britain's Kate Richardson-Walsh are both nominees for the FIH Athletes' Committee Photo: FIH/Getty Images

The nominees for the upcoming International Hockey Federation (FIH) Athletes' Committee have been revealed, with a number of high profile candidates up for election, with voting now underway here*.

Olympians, World Cup winners, continental champions and a variety of other candidates with a range of skills and experience are amongst those who have been nominated for the various positions within the organisation.

The nominees for this year's elections are listed below. To find out more about each of the candidates - click here.

REGULAR MEMBERS

    Carla Rebecchi (Argentina)
    Jacqueline Mwangi (Kenya)
    Janne Müller-Wieland (Germany)
    Kate Richardson-Walsh (England)
    Mark Knowles (Australia)
    Rani Rampal (India)
    Rogier Hofman (Netherlands)
    Scott Tuper (Canada)
    Simon Mantell (England)
    Sreejesh Parattu Raveendran (India)
    Willemijn Bos (Netherlands)

LIAISON MEMBERS

    Andrew Charter (Australia)
    Camila Caram (Chile)
    David Harte (Ireland)
    Johan Bjorkman (Sweden)
    Kate Wright (Canada)
    Katie Mullan (Ireland)
    Mark Camilleri (Malta)
    Nicolas Dumont (France)

The structure of the FIH Athletes' Committee has changed for the next four year cycle to give athletes a stronger voice and representation within the FIH.

Eight Regular Members and two new Liaison Members will comprise the new FIH Athletes' Committee, with a 50/50 gender split and representation from all five continents required to support FIH's 'Equally Amazing' values.

Regular Members must have played at an FIH competition within four years of voting commencing. Four Members will be elected by their fellow athletes, with another four elected by the FIH Executive Board.

For the first time, the FIH Athletes Committee' will be supported by two Liaison Members. Liaisons are athletes who have played at an FIH competition within the last 12 months and are part of their current national squad. They will be required to provide limited support due to their playing commitments.

In order to allow more athletes and more National Associations to vote in this year’s elections, a new online voting system is being used. This is open to athletes who competed in the last edition of the World League and/or Indoor World Cup.

No National Association will be able to have more than one representative on the Athletes' Committee, so should a National Association have more than one athlete voted in through the elections, the athlete with the highest percentage of the vote will be successful.

The successful candidates will be announced following FIH Executive Board confirmation at the upcoming FIH Congress in New Delhi, India between 31 October and 3 November.

For more information about the FIH Athletes' Committee, click here.

*Voting is only open to athletes who competed in the last edition of the World League and/or Indoor World Cup.

FIH site