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News 13 November 2014

All the news for Thursday 13 November 2014


Charlesworth "World’s Best"

AIS awards inaugural World's Best accolade to Ric Charlesworth



Australian sporting legend Ric Charlesworth AM has been crowned the inaugural recipient of the AIS World’s Best Award for his outstanding contribution as an Olympic and Commonwealth Games hockey player, coach and leader.

Charlesworth represented Australia at four Olympic Games (1972, 1976, 1984 and 1988) and won the silver medal with the Montreal 1976 team.

He was chosen as captain of the Australian team which was prevented by boycott from attending the Moscow Olympics in 1980. At his final Games, in Seoul in 1988, he had the honour of carrying the Australian flag in the Opening Ceremony.

As a prolific coach he led the Australian Women’s Team to Olympic gold at the Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Games.

After the Beijing 2008 Games he was named as coach of the Australian men’s team. Charlesworth coached the men to World Cup and Commonwealth Games titles, an Olympic bronze medal and four Champions Trophy gold medals.

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor MP bestowed the honour on Charlesworth, on behalf of Minister for Sport Peter Dutton. As part of the award ceremony the main AIS theatrette in Canberra was renamed the Charlesworth Theatrette.

The ceremony was part of a three day high performance sport conference, World Class to World Best.

“There is no doubt Ric Charlesworth embodies the attributes of being world’s best,” Mr Taylor told the award ceremony. “Few people boast a CV as decorated and varied as Ric’s.

“A medical doctor, member of Federal Parliament, author, first class cricketer, member of five Olympic teams, World Cup winner, member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and coach of multiple Champions Trophy, World Cup, Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games medal and trophy winning teams” Mr Taylor said.

The Minister for Sport Peter Dutton said Ric Charlesworth had been a central figure in making and keeping Australian hockey teams the best in the world for decades.

“I congratulate Ric on receiving this prestigious honour and thank him for the remarkable contribution he has made to Australian sport.

“I am also pleased that Ric will continue to share his expertise through his on-going work in high performance sport including mentoring of future sports leaders and coaches.”

Charlesworth stepped down as the coach of the Australian men’s hockey team after leading them to World Champion status in June. The AIS is looking to include Charlesworth in their high performances plans for the 2016 Rio Olympics to help get the best out of all of the team sports.  

The AIS World’s Best Award will be presented to an individual from the fields of coaching, leadership, sports science, sports medicine or administration and will only be presented if there is a worthy recipient who has made an outstanding contribution to Australian performances over a long period of time, is recognised nationally and internationally for excellence and whose performance outcomes transcend their specific sport.

>> Read the Canberra Times' article, including quotes for Hockey Australia Chief Executive Cam Vale

Article courtesy of Australian Institute of Sport and Australian Olympic Committee

Hockey Australia media release



Testing competition awaits teams in Mendoza

With the Champions Trophy just three weeks away, coaches are fine-tuning their teams, while keeping one eye on Rio


(Photo: FIH)

Following the 2014 World Cup and with just under two years to the 2016 Olympics, now is the time many coaches will be making changes to their squad with an eye to the next few years. We hear from three teams that will have high hopes for success in both the women's Champions Trophy and Rio 2016.

Sjoerd Marijne is the new coach of the Netherlands women's team, and considering the success of the Dutch team in both the last two Olympic Games and the 2014 World Cup, making any changes to a successful squad will be a challenge.

"It is difficult coming into a winning team, but I will not be changing things much," says former U21 coach Marijne, "My style is similar to that of Max (Caldas) - the previous coach of the team – because we have both been educated by the KNHB."

Certainly the Dutch coach will not be letting his team become complacent. "I will be asking more from the girls than they are used to. The bar has to go higher and we must keep pushing it up and up." Marijne says that he will be continuing to seek out areas of improvement that will give his team the edge.

The team going to the Champions Trophy In Argentina remains largely unchanged from the all conquering World Cup squad, but three faces missing from Mendoza will be the influential Kim Lammers, who has retired; injury-hit Jacky Schoenaker; and Kelly Jonker, who didn't make the squad. Three new additions to the squad are the promising midfielder Laura Nunnink, Michelle van der Pols, who was part of the winning 2007 Champions Trophy squad and Valerie Magis – who has overcome the effects of severe diabetes to take her place in the national squad.

World number two team, the Hockeyroos, will be fielding three new players in Argentina. Kathryn Slattery, Audrey Smith and Amelia Spence have all been handed caps by coach Adam Commens, while Teneal Attard will be making a return after a long lay-off through injury. The 189-times capped midfielder will bring a wealth of experience to the squad as they seek to end Dutch domination of the women's game.

Adam Commens said: "It is important that we include new talent. We need to expand the pool of talent available as we look ahead to the Rio Games in 2016…but it is important that we are competitive at the Champions Trophy, hence the inclusion of the majority of our World Cup and Commonwealth Games squad."

The 2006 Champions Trophy winners Germany will be looking to make amends for an under-par performance at the World Cup. The team slipped to sixth in the world rankings after finishing eighth in The Hague.

Coach Jamilon Mulders knows that his squad is very much in the rebuilding stage, but a new funding stream from the national hockey association has enabled him to introduce new ideas, including a new, centralised strength and conditioning programme and a sports psychologist. The aim, says Mulders is a top five finish in Mendoza. 

FIH site



Future Black Sticks Women finish undefeated


Photo courtesy www.photosport.co.nz

The Future Black Sticks Women have closed out their six test series against the India Juniors undefeated after a 2-2 draw in today’s final game at TET Multisports Centre in Stratford.

New Zealand went ahead early through Felicity Reidy before the Indians wrestled back the momentum and went ahead by one goal.

Once again the Kiwis refused to let the game slip and delivered an equaliser in the third quarter thanks to a goal from Deanna Ritchie from a penalty corner.

The result draws a close to the series with the Future Black Sticks coming out on top with three wins and three draws.

Head coach Jude Menezes said the girls really stepped up against an improved Indian side and finished strongly.

“I’m really pleased with our effort today, we played like it was a final and managed to finish the series undefeated. Throughout the series the games have become much faster and our basics have really improved,” he said.

“We didn’t have a chance to spend much time together as a team before the series – in fact some of the girls only met on the bus ride down to Stratford. It’s hard to build cohesion as a team but I thought we did that really well in a short space of time.”

CLICK HERE for more on the series

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Black Sticks Women to visit Wellington schools tomorrow


Petrea Webster puts young fans through their paces

Members of the Black Sticks will meet their young fans this week when they visit three Wellington schools taking part in the ActivePost Small Sticks junior hockey programme.

The school visits are part of the build up to the Wellington International Hockey Week which starts this Saturday when the Black Sticks Women take on Australia at the National Hockey Stadium in Newtown. The Black Sticks Men and Women will play seven tests over seven days in the Capital.

Black Sticks Aniwaka Roberts, Sophie Cocks, Olivia Merry and Jordan Grant will all be visiting Rata Street School, with other players going to Worser Bay and Rangikura School (Porirua).

“We are really looking forward to meeting the kids at Rata Street. We have heard they are hockey mad – the questions they ask and the support they give us will give us a real boost before we play in the weekend!” said Roberts.             

The school visits are just one way young players can be involved in the International Hockey Week.

There’ll be a children’s hockey session before the game on Saturday, and Wellington Hockey has run a competition to select 10 ActivePost players to warm down with the Black Sticks after the game.  Two ActivePost flag bearers have also been chosen for each of next week’s test matches.

The ActivePost Small Sticks junior hockey programme is run by Hockey New Zealand and supported by New Zealand Post.  New Zealand Post Group Brand and Community Investment Manager, Nicola Airey, Is pleased there will be opportunities for young players to meet the Black Sticks and be involved at the games.

“The Black Sticks are role models for the ActivePost players and can show them what can be achieved if they keep playing,” said Nicola Airey. “I hope children of all ages and stages will take the opportunity to go along and watch these games and have some fun.”

Nationwide, a growing number of children are taking part in ActivePost Small Sticks. By the end of 2014, 65,000 children will have gone through the programme in the past three years.  

About ActivePost Small Sticks

ActivePost Small Sticks is game-based and structured in four levels – Fun Sticks, Mini Sticks, Kiwi Sticks and Kwik Sticks.  Fun Sticks teaches children aged 4-6 the fundamental skills needed for any sport - ball skills, co-ordination, body position, player and space awareness.  Children then progress through the remaining stages which finish with Kwik Sticks - where 12 and 13 year olds can participate in full 11-a-side hockey matches.

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Indian junior hockey team plays out 3-3 draw with NZ

STRATFORD (New Zealand): The Indian junior women's team played out a high-scoring 3-3 draw with New Zealand in the fifth game of the six-match Test series here on Wednesday.

After leading 3-1 at the halfway stage, India conceded twice in the second half at the TET Multisport Centre.

The Indians showcased exceptional form throughout the match, save the last six minutes of the game.

It was only in the last six minutes when New Zealand fought back and put in two goals.

With three wins and two draws in the series, New Zealand have already claimed the series in their favour.

India will now be taking on the hosts in the final game, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday.

The Times of India



Gribble named HIL lead umpires manager

NEW DELHI: Hockey India League (HIL) on Wednesday appointed Craig Gribble as lead umpires manager for the third edition of the tournament to be held in January-February 2015.

This will be the second time that Gribble will take up the role in the tournament.

"We welcome back Craig Gribble. We are happy that he has agreed to be associated with HIL yet again this year and his presence will add the much required boost to the umpire's line-up," HIL chief executive officer Elena Norman.

Excited at being associated with HIL once again, Gribble said: "I am extremely delighted to be connected to HIL yet again. My first year with the tournament was an excellent experience where I got an opportunity to work with the appointed umpires and officiating board and I am even more excited for my second term with them."

The 48-year-old is presently working as technical manager for Hockey New Zealand. He has been working as an international umpires manager since 2007 after retiring from international umpiring in 2006. He stood in a total of 48 Test matches from 1997 to 2006.

The Times of India



Indian Oil book semifinal berth

Defending champs Indian Oil produced a remarkable comeback to beat Army X1 5-2 in a Pool-A league match of the 49th Bombay Gold Cup Hockey Championship played at the MHAL Stadium, Churchgate on Wednesday.

Indian Oil, who thumped Maharashtra State Police 12-2 on Tuesday, became the first team to book their place in the last four.

Penalty corner specialist Gurjinder Singh scored twice with firm drag-flicks while Prabhjot Singh, Roshan Minz and Dharamveer Singh chipped in with one apiece. The Army team scored through Bachatar Singh and Siraju.

Army XI goalkeeper Najumudeen, although conceding five goals, was outstanding making more than a half dozen saves throughout the match to keep the margin of defeat down.

Earlier in the afternoon, Indian Navy rallied from a 0-2 deficit to hold ONGC (Oil & Natural Gas Corporation) to a 2-2 draw in a Pool-C league encounter.

In the third match played under floodlights, BPCL (Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited) beat Punjab National Bank 3-0 in a Pool-B match.

Results: ONGC 2 (Gagan 14, M Singh 47) drew with Indian Navy 2 (P Singh 53, M Khan 66), Indian Oil 5 (G Singh 42, 68, P Singh 49, R Minz 66, D Singh 70) bt Army XI 2 (B Singh 25, Siraju 69), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited 2 (T Khandekar 19, SV Sunil 38) bt Punjab National Bank 0

DNA



Denayer nicks draw for Dragons against Racing



In undoubtedly the tie of round 12 of the Belgian Audi Hockey League, played on Tuesday afternoon, Dragons and Racing played out a thrilling 3-3 duel, a result that sees both stay in mid-table as the season enters the second half.

Alan Sothern opened up the scoring for Racing only for Max Peeters to equalise for the hosting Dragons at the Mansion. Chris Cargo put Racing back in front but Arthur van Doren quickly made it 2-2.

Irish striker Sothern got his second to put the Brussels’ side ahead for a third time but Dragons captain Felix Denayer snatched the leveller late on, scoring while they had substituted their goalkeeper in favour of an extra outfield player.

It leaves Dragons in fifth place, one point off the top four, while Racing are in seventh, six points back.

Geoffrey Cosyns scored four times for Daring to underpin an 8-1 win over Wellington to keep the Molenbeek club in third place.

KHC Leuven lead the way with an eighth victory, beating Beerschot 5-1 while the second placed WatDucks were 9-3 victors over Braxgata with two goals each from Nicolas Vandiest, Gilles Jacob, John John Dohmen and Gauthier Boocard.

Euro Hockey League media release



KLHC continue winning ways

DEFENDING champions Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) turned on the power in the third quarter to beat Sapura 4-0 to claim their fourth consecutive win in the Premier Division of the Malaysia Hockey League yesterday.

KLHC have maximum points from four matches and are three ahead of second placed Terengganu Hockey Team.

Defender Razie Rahim was on a roll as he gave KLHC the lead off their third penalty corner in the 34th minute. It was his fifth goal in four matches.

Rashid Baharom (35th), Akhtar Ali (39th) and Ahmad Kazamirul Nasruddin (41st) scored the other goals for KLHC.

KLHC coach K Dharmaraj, who was elated with the win, said: “We have two more matches this weekend and that is why we did not press early. But scoring four goals in seven minutes is definitely a bonus against a good side like Sapura.”

New Straits Times



Hockey trials begin at HCP

Anwar Zuberi


Karachi: Players in action on the opening day of the trials to select national hockey squad for the South Korean and Indian tour at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium on Wednesday.—Fahim Siddiqi / White Star

KARACHI: Two-day trials to select 18-member Pakistan hockey team for the South Korean tour and Champions Trophy commenced at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium on Wednesday.

Five sessions of 15 minutes each followed by shootouts were held on the opening day. Thirty-five of the 40 probables are taking part in the trials.

The national selection committee headed by former Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqui was in attendance. Other members of the committee are Chaudhry Arshad, Ayaz Mahmood, Khalid Bashir and Mussadiq Hussain.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Rana Mujahid has specially come from Lahore for the occasion.

“The team will be picked purely on merit and from the available pool of players who are in the camp,” chief selector Islahuddin told reporters at the end of opening day of the trials. The trials resume on Thursday at 3pm.

Dawn



Selectors likely to induct new faces for FIH Champions Trophy

KARACHI: Pakistan hockey selectors are likely to induct new faces in the national squad as the trials for the FIH Champions Trophy commenced at Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium here on Wednesday.

With three senior players - forwards Shakeel Abbasi and Abdul Haseem Khan and half back Fareed Ahmed - have been rested for the global event and Muhammad Rizwan Sr and Rashid Mahmood did not report for the trials a space has been created for new players.

“Yes we will be considering suitable and good replacements for them in the team who won the silver medal in Asian Games in Incheon,” chief selector Islahuddin Siddiqui told reporters at Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium at the end of first day’s trials on Wednesday.

The selection committee, which also included Arshad Chaudhry, Ayaz Mahmood, Khalid Bashir, Mussidique Hussain along with PHF secretary general Rana Mujahid Ali, watched the players in action in five quarters.

Islahuddin said a strong team would be selected for a short tour to South Korea and Champions Trophy.

“Absence of five top players had created a great opportunity for the back-up players to show potential and skill,” he maintained.

It is pertinent to mention that all 35 players attending the final phase of the training camp featured in one and half hour trials.

The Daily Times



Pakistan hockey skipper Imran wants payment of outstanding dues to players



KARACHI: Pakistan hockey captain Muhammad Imran questioned Wednesday for how long natioonal players would suffer financially while representing the country at international level.

“Many players have sacrificed their international league contracts to play for Pakistan,” he told reporters here at Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium after opening day’s trials for the FIH Champions Trophy and South Korea tour.

He said he quit the league contract halfway in Hong Kong to come to appear in the national trials and lead the team in next month’s Champions Trophy in India.

“I may be losing Rs.1.5 million for leaving three contracts for the sake of the country,” he added. “We are waiting our payments of the central contracts for the past one year. We have families and need money to support them,” the double Olympian full-back said.

“If situation doesn’t improve we may stop playing for the country and the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) will be looking for us,” he lamented.

Like Imran, Umar Bhutta and some senior and junior players also returned from overseas to appear in the Champions Trophy trials.

The cash starved PHF is anxiously waiting for their special grant from the federal government to run its affairs.

PHF secretary general Rana Mujahid Ali said the PHF was anxiously looking towards government funding to raise the funds for the upcoming Champions Trophy.

“Besides other affairs, we have to pay players’ long standing dues and award them cash incentives if we want our national sport to keep going,” he added.

Mujahid said the PHF badly needed funding for the national senior and junior teams and domestic circuit.

He said a request for a grant of Rs.500 million was submitted to the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and other sports authorities for the release of funds.

He said the Pakistan team badly needed international exposure to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro.

The Daily Times



Captain Imran slams govt for not supporting hockey



KARACHI: Pakistan hockey captain Mohammad Imran has slammed the government for not paying heed to the uplift of national game by injecting funds that can improve the financial status of the players’ cadre.

“I had to cut short professional league in Hong Kong on a call from the nation that cost me a loss of Rs1.5 to Rs2 million,” he told reporters at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium on Wednesday.

Imran, under whose captaincy Pakistan clinched a silver medal at the Incheon Asian Games, called upon the government to bail out the cash-strapped PHF for revival of game in the country and for securing better results in international events.

He said Pakistan hockey team is due to call on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad on the eve of their departure to South Korea on Nov 19.

He also advised the PHF to launch professional hockey league in the country on the pattern of India Hockey League.

To a question, he said the absence of three senior players — Haseem Khan, Farid Ahmed and Shakeel Abbasi — will be felt on the upcoming trips of South Korea and India.

The three are playing professional leagues in Holland and have taken leave from the PHF.

Dawn



Financial help for hockey uplift sought

Anwar Zuberi


Karachi: Members of the Pakistan hockey team and PHF officials pose for a photoghraph at a reception on Wednesday.—Fahim Siddiqi / White Star

KARACHI: Speakers at a function demanded of the government to release sufficient funds for the national game in order to revive the glorious past.

“It is time that the prime minister should approve the summary prepared by the Inter-provincial Coordination (IPC) following thorough scrutiny to set the ball rolling,” they said while speaking at a dinner-reception held to fete Pakistan hockey team for winning silver at the Incheon Asian Games.

Secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Rana Mujahid also presented cheques of Rs200,000 each to 16 members and six officials courtesy Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif amidst applause.

Reception held for Asiad silver medallists

He thanked the chief minister who had come to the rescue of the PHF a year back after its funds have dried. “The situation is again appalling now,” he remarked.

Despite meagre resources, the PHF had announced cash incentive of Rs30,000 for players and Rs50,000 for officials after green-shirts won silver in South Korea.

He was optimistic that prime minister is likely to approve a summary of Rs500 million for sports and the PHF will get its due share when the national hockey team call on him in Islamabad on Nov 19.

Raising morale of the players he said the PHF has categorised the list and players are on top of it followed by team management, selection committee and the PHF.

Rana Mujahid sounded confident that prime minister is likely to issue necessary instructions for reviving sports in financial institutions and departments that ceased to exists since long.

Praising the team he said: “You played up to our expectations and the Asian Games silver medal is first step in right direction.”

The secretary briefly touched the chaos that prevailed when the incumbent PHF headed by Akhtar Rasool took over the reign and effectively solved it by inducting Islahuddin as chief selector and Shahnaz as manager-cum-chief coach.

Speaking on the occasion, chief coach recalled how he re-built the team in a short span of 110 days after taking charge on May 5. Before he took over, the team had a barren run for 11 months, he said.

Shahnaz added he infused a new spirit among players and hoped the success will continue.

“Hat’s off to you,” he told players while acknowledging their performance.

Chief selector Islahuddin Siddiqui, former Olympian Hasan Sardar and team captain Mohammad Imran also spoke on the occasion.

The ceremony hosted by National Bank of Pakistan was attended by former Olympians, internationals, officials and media people.

Dawn



Irish Senior Cup this weekend.

It’s a Hockey Double this weekend with both Irish Senior Cup and the Irish Hockey Challenge taking place around the country. The Irish cups are played in an open draw format and on Monday 17th November at 10.30am the following draws will take place Irish Senior Cup ¼ finals (women); Round 2 IJC (m&w); Irish Hockey Challenge Round 2 (men)

IRISH SENIOR CUP:

MEN ROUND 3 FULL SCHEDULE (SATURDAY NOV 15th)

15:00 Banbridge   vs  Three Rock Rovers  (Havelock Park)
14:15 Pembroke Wanderers   vs  Monkstown  (Serpentine Avenue)
14:00 Railway Union   vs  Glenanne  (Park Avenue)
14:45 Lisnagarvey   vs  Corinthian  (Comber Road -Round 2)

WOMEN ROUND 2 FULL SCHEDULE (SATURDAY NOV 15th)

14:30 Belfast Harlequins   vs  Ballymoney  (Deramore Park)
12:45 Corinthian   vs  Glenanne  (St Colombas College)
14:30 Greenfields   vs  Cork Harlequins  (Dangan)
14:30 Lisnagarvey   vs  Cork Church of Ireland (Comber)
14:30 Lurgan   vs  Ulster Elks (Lurgan JHS)
15:00 Old Alex   vs  Hermes Hockey Club  (Alex College)
12:30 Pembroke Wanderers   vs  Pegasus  (Serpentine Avenue)
13:00 UCD   vs  Railway Union  (UCD)

IRISH HOCKEY CHALLENGE:

MEN ROUND 1 FULL SCHEDULE (SATURDAY NOV 15th)

14:30 Armagh   vs  St James Gate  (Ardmore)
13.00  Ballymena   vs  Parkview  (Ballymena Showgrounds)
13.30  Bray   vs  Middleton  (Bray)
15:30 Dublin University   vs  Cliftonville (Santry Avenue)
12:45 Galway   vs  Portrane  (Dangan)

WOMEN ROUND 1 FULL SCHEDULE (SATURDAY NOV 15th)

14:00 Portlaoise   vs  Clonmel  (Portlaoise)

Irish Hockey Association media release



Investec Women's Cup quarter final draw


Investec Women's Cup Final - Surbiton Team Photo

Following Sunday’s matches in the last sixteen the quarter final draw for the Women’s Cup has been made.

Unlike the previous round where there were three all-Investec Premier Division ties, the draw has kept the four remaining top flight clubs apart. Holders and current Investec league leaders Surbiton reward for a great win at Holcombe is a home tie and they play host to Conference West team Oxford Hawks.

The other three Premier Division teams are all drawn away although in the case of Bowdon Hightown this is only a short trip to Cheshire rivals Brooklands Poynton. Bowdon secured a great win at in-form Leicester in the last round but Brooklands, who are currently top of Investec Conference North, will relish the chance to test themselves against their local rivals.

Having seen off University of Birmingham last time out Clifton also do not have too far to travel with a trip up the M5 to Investec West Conference Gloucester City.

The final tie sees Buckingham take on Loughborough Students

Ties are to be played on Sunday 15 February 2015

Brooklands Poynton v Bowdon Hightown
Gloucester City v Clifton
Loughborough Students v Buckingham
Surbiton v Oxford Hawks

England Hockey Board Media release



ZOAT Tournament a Great Success

By Bill Cox,


Dutch All Stars goalkeeper denies the Hong Kong Premier division team attackers a scoring opportunity, during their match at the Hong Kong Football Club on Saturday Nov 8, 2014. (Bill Cox/Epoch Times)

HONG KONG—Dutch hockey players from around the Asia Pacific region converged on Hong Kong last weekend (Nov. 8 & 9) for their annual ZOAT Hockey tournament. This tournament is held successively in five different countries in the Asia Pacific region and this year it was Hong Kong’s turn to host the event.

The main venue this year was at the Hong Kong Football Club where a large tent village had been created on the sports practice area next to the artificial hockey pitch, but the tournament as well using the Football Club facilities also extended to Valley pitches 1 and 2. A total of 23 teams (men’s and Ladies) from Hong Kong, Shanghai, Bangkok, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia played round-robin matches on Saturday Nov 8 and the morning of Sunday Nov. 9 leading to knock out matches to chose the winning teams.

There was strong competition and a high level of play as might be expected from players from a top international hockey nation. Singapore played Hong Kong in the finals of both the men and women’s tournaments and Singapore showed strong capability winning both titles.

On the Saturday evening a Dutch All Stars Team played a strong representative Hong Kong premier team with the Dutch All Stars winning the fast, skilful encounter 2-0. The Dutch goalkeeper from the Taai Elephants team made many athletic saves to keep the Hong Kong players from scoring whilst at the other end the Dutch forwards forced home 2-goals.

The Epoch Times



Hockey boys rise to shine

Sunil Subbaiah

Bengaluru: Jude Felix Hockey Academy boys representing Maria Niketan may have missed the JFHA inter-school hockey title by a whisker but the talented players won many hearts with their best-ever performance on the junior circuit.

The JFHA boys, whose best performance was a fifth-place finish in the 2013 edition of the tournament, put up a good fight in their first appearance in the final league match but lost 0-4 against a well-equipped Kendriya Vidyalaya Hyderabad on Sunday.

Among the lot, two boys who did their school proud were 16-year-old Selvaraj Govindraj and Teja Joseph. Govindraj, who was the livewire of the team, top-scoring with nine goals including seven penalty corners (one-on-one affair between a goalkeeper and an attacker), was adjudged the most promising player of the tournament. Goalkeeper Teja, who was equally brilliant under the cage, coming up with crucial saves that helped the team make it to the league decider, was declared the best goalkeeper.

Interestingly for the duo, hockey was an alien sport when they joined the school in 2008. "I had no idea about hockey but thanks to Jude Felix sir, we learnt to play the game. Because of the them (JFHA) I am getting opportunities to play in tournaments," said Govindraj.

Govindraj said he was determined to do well this time. "I always dreamt of winning a special award. This time I performed well and it was indeed a proud moment for me to receive the special award from India international Nithin Thimmaiah. My parents, who knew nothing about hockey, are now following my progress," said Govindraj.

Teja, who took up hockey a year ago, six years after joining school, is now making rapid progress. "I came to know about hockey when I joined the school in 2008. I was playing football all these years and because of my goalkeeping skills I was roped into the hockey team last year. Jude sir asked me If I am interested in hockey and I agreed," said Teja, whose father Joseph and mother Jyoti are daily wage workers in Basavanapura near KR Puram.

Teja, a fan of former India goalkeeper Bharath Chetri, said: "Chetri sir gave me the special award this time. I am a big fan of Chetri sir. He was also a football goalkeeper before he picked up hockey."

Besides hockey, Govindraj and Teja are doing well in academics too. They are the top-ranked students in their class.

Former international P Shanmugam, who trains the boys, praised his wards. "Teja is a brilliant goalkeeper with quick footwork. He has made good progress after he began playing the game last year. He is a good footballer as well. He has won several awards in the past," said Shanmugam, who mentored Karnataka juniors to victory in the Nationals in 2005 and 2010.

On Govindraj, Shanmugam said: "He has showed great improvement from what he was last year. He played well against boys who are physically stronger than him. We need to develop him physically to make him faster and stronger."

The Times of India

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