News for 02 December 2014
All the news for Tuesday 2 December 2014
Final pool matches - where and how to watch the action
As the teams gear up for the final day of pool matches, we outline all the ways you can keep up with the action.
(Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek)
After two days of Champions Trophy action in Mendoza, the stage is set for a further day of pool action before the quarter-final placings are decided.
On Tuesday, China face New Zealand; the Netherlands will play Japan; Australia play Germany and, in the final match, England will face Argentina and their vociferous home crowds.
As the pools currently stand, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Australia and Argentina all have four points from their two matches, while the other nations have one point apiece, following Sunday's day of drawn matches. The next stage of competition will see cross-over quarter final matches, taking place on Thursday 4 December.
The line-up will be as follows:
Winner Pool A v 4th place Pool B
2nd place Pool B v 3rd place Pool A
2nd place Pool A v 3rd place Pool B
Winner Pool B v 4th place Pool A
With all the matches broadcast or streamed across the international zones, you can keep up with all the action via a number of platforms.
Broadcasters who will be showing matches live on television.
SKY - NZ - All New Zealand games
ABC - Australia - All AUS games
Astro-Arena - Malaysia - All matches
TEN Sports - India (Final only)
Supersport - Africa - All matches
Sport 1 - Germany - German pool matches and quarter/ final. Coverage from that point will then depend on the German team's progress in the competition.
NOS - Netherlands - All Netherlands matches and final (not always live)
BSKYB - UK - All matches
C7 - Argentina - All Argentina matches
Television coverage will vary from country to country, but for any games that are not shown live on television, there are many other ways you can stay in tune with the action on the pitch.
Website
Full coverage of the events will be available via www.fih.ch with live streaming of the matches available in most territories.
You Tube
The FIH You Tube channel will be active throughout the events, with match highlights and much more being posted as soon as they become available. To visit our You Tube channel, click the link below:
www.youtube.com/fihockey
Social media
FIH will provide comprehensive coverage of the event via our social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Facebook: facebook.com/fihockey
Instagram: instagram.com/fihockey
Twitter: twitter.com/fih_hockey #BestOfTheBest #CT2014
FIH site
'Argentina’s Luciana Aymar served hockey with grace and is the greatest'
England midfielder Helen Richardson-Walsh played alongside Argentina’s dynamic international. Ahead of England's clash with Argentina in the Champions Trophy on Tuesday, she describes how hockey will miss one of its greatest players
Stepping down: Luciana Aymar has enjoyed a successful career with Argentina hockey Photo: ADY KERRY
By Rod Gilmour
Why will Aymar be missed as a hockey player?
Aymar was undoubtedly a very special player, which to be honest I'm not sure we'll see the likes of for a long time, if ever again. She has served the game of hockey with grace for a very long time and it will be a shame to see her leave the playing stage. I feel very lucky to have played at the same time as her.
Is she the greatest women's player?
For me she is - someone like Alyson Annan was revolutionary with how she changed the game back in the late 90's, but for me Aymar's abilities on the ball, along with what she has brought to the game, particularly to Argentina's success, over such a long period of time makes her the greatest player of all time.
What were her qualities as a player?
Aymar had incredible ball skills, at times she was literally untouchable. With her long reach she could move the ball at great distances with lightning quick hands and at angles which made it difficult to read. Her pace allowed her to change a game in a split second, turning defence into attack with a blink of an eye and her incredible vision meant she knew just when to play someone else in. Her work rate and defensive work was often overlooked, but I'd love to see her pitch map because she'd always seem to be wherever the ball was.
Any personal memories as a player coming up against her? Any specific moves or goals?
I particularly remember playing against her in the 2010 World Cup hosted by Argentina. It was a memorable tournament for many reasons but to see Aymar being worshipped by the home fans was something else, while her goal celebrations in that tournament were pretty special!
Will Argentina find it hard to press for trophies without her?
That's a difficult one. Argentina now have a quality hockey playing pedigree and they continue to produce quality players who not only have great skills, but who also understand and read the game very well. I think they will always be a force to be reckoned with, but there is no doubt that on occasion they will miss Aymar - and her ability to make something happen out of nothing.
Finally to you, Helen. Can you regain your place back in international hockey next year?
After taking some time away from the game by withdrawing myself from selection for the Commonwealth Games, I am now back at Bisham Abbey going through the rehabilitation process to get back to full fitness. It's a slow process, a lot of hard work, which I need to get absolutely right; it's one I am still prepared to commit to though 100 per cent. I of course hope to get back to where I was, and I'm doing everything I can to get there. I have the belief and think I still have something to offer the team; my first goal however is to just get back onto the pitch, after which we'll see where I am.
The Telegraph
Black Sticks can top Champions Trophy group after draw with the Netherlands
BRENDON EGAN
MEMORABLE RESULT: Black Sticks captain Anita Punt was proud of her team-mates after a 1-1 draw with the world's No 1 ranked side, the Netherlands. WARWICK SMITH/ Fairfax NZ
The women's Black Sticks could end up topping their group at the Champions Trophy after securing a gritty 1-1 draw with world No 1 the Netherlands yesterday.
New Zealand are in a strong position after two games, sitting first equal in their pool with the Dutch.
If they can beat China in their final group match tomorrow [10am NZ time] and rack up the goals, they could finish top and face the fourth team from the other pool in the quarterfinals.
The Black Sticks produced a resilient defensive effort in the Argentine city of Mendoza against the reigning World Cup and Olympic champions.
With only three players missing from their successful World Cup squad, the Dutch were heavy favourites leading into the contest.
New Zealand skipper Anita Punt praised her team-mates after the game and said it was a memorable result.
"It was a really gutsy effort from the girls. It would have been nice to get the win, but we'll always take a draw against the Dutch.
"[The young players] stepped up really well, especially Michaela Curtis up front. She got in there and didn't take a backward step."
Canterbury striker Olivia Merry earned a draw for the Kiwis, scoring her second goal in as many games.
She netted 20 seconds into the final quarter, showing quick reflexes from a pass into the circle from provincial team-mate Pippa Hayward.
Merry sent the ball into the top right hand corner giving the Dutch goalkeeper little chance.
The Netherlands had the better scoring opportunities during the game, being awarded five penalty corners to New Zealand's one.
New Zealand defended stoically throughout the match with 20-year-old goalkeeper Georgia Barnett, in just her seventh test, making several saves.
Punt said it was an impressive showing from Barnett, who showed she belonged at the elite level.
"She did awesome. It's her first major international tournament. She did really great."
Netherlands' lone goal came from a penalty corner in the second quarter when Caia van Maasakker delivered a hard flick to the bottom left corner of the goal.
Black Sticks' coach Mark Hager would have been thrilled with his side's commitment on defence. The Netherlands scored 23 goals in seven games at June's World Cup, but struggled to take advantage of their attacking chances.
New Zealand were unlucky not to be handed a penalty stroke in the second quarter after a bad tackle on Curtis in the goal circle.
They were awarded a penalty corner, but Punt sent her attempt to the right of the goal.
In the other game in the group yesterday, China and Japan drew 1-1.
AT A GLANCE
New Zealand 1 (Olivia Merry 46) Netherlands 1 (Caia van Maasakker 28)
Stuff
Merry feels Xmas spirit
By David Leggat
The New Zealand Black Sticks' Olivia Merry. Photo / Greg Bowker
Olivia Merry puts her hockey goalscoring success in simple terms.
"Often it's just right time, right place," the Black Sticks attacker said after scoring her second goal in as many games to help New Zealand to a meritorious 1-1 draw with world champions the Netherlands at the Champions Trophy in Mendoza, Argentina yesterday.
"I'm pretty lucky we've got some good midfielders and that always helps when you're getting a lot of ball up front."
Merry's brilliant shot at the start of the final quarter earned New Zealand a valuable point and gives them a chance to finish pool A top and get a favourable quarter-final, when they face China in their final group game early tomorrow.
World No4 New Zealand produced a fine, gritty performance.
New Zealand owed a debt to goalkeeper Georgia Barnett for a string of fine saves. It was an encouraging result for a young squad rebuilding after the Commonwealth Games this year.
The New Zealand Herald
Let's take a closer took at the teams in Pool A
Australia won the last five CT occasions. (Photo: FIH / Grant Treeby)
Champions Trophy experts Australia are going for an incredible six titles in a row at the HERO Hockey Champions Trophy but their new look squad will need to gel quickly in their preliminary Pool A games when they meet an emerging Belgium, World Cup semi-finalists England and tournament founders Pakistan.
The Kookaburras come into the event as the number one ranked team in the world and will be determined to add this title to their ever-expanding silverware cabinet. That being said, they are certainly not expected to have it all their own way in Bhubaneswar. Following the Aussies stunning triumph at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup in The Hague in June, the team has undergone some significant changes.
Graham Reid, who replaced Ric Charlesworth as Head Coach earlier this year, is overseeing a rebuilding process as the team copes with a number of retirements as well as some injuries to key personnel. Veteran stars Liam de Young and Rob Hammond decided to hang up their sticks immediately after the World Cup success, although their absence did not stop Australia from winning the Gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Australia hand debuts to youngsters Tom Craig, Matthew Dawson and Flynn Ogilvie while coach Reid welcomes back prolific goal-scoring forward Russell Ford, who missed the World Cup and Commonwealth Games with a calf tear. Speaking about his debut tournament in charge, Reid said: "As I said when we announced the initial training group back in October, we are using the Champions Trophy as another opportunity to expose our younger players to the rigours of international competition.”
Belgium are competing in only their second Champions Trophy event, having made incredible strides over the past few years.
The team is now coached by former Dutch international defender Jeroen Delmee, a man who competed in 15 editions of the Champions Trophy and claimed six winners’ medals. Delmee replaced fellow Dutchman Marc Lammers and will be aiming to further improve a team that is one of the most feared attacking sides in the world.
Key man John-John Dohmen is confident his side can produce a strong performance: “Can we win the Champions Trophy? Yes of course. We always want to perform and to finish in the highest position possible. We will give everything to win the games.
“When I started playing 10 years ago we were really low in the world ranking. Now we are in the top four. It is because of hard work and players’ sacrifices. We all have the same ambition, to win medals.”
World number five England are another side on the rise following a fine run to fourth at the World Cup.
Although they were beaten to bronze by Argentina, England produced a number of outstanding performances to power through to the semi-finals – including a 3-2 victory over Champions Trophy Pool A rivals Belgium - before suffering successive defeats to the Netherlands (1-0) and Argentina (2-0).
The team rectified their missed medal opportunity in The Hague by taking Bronze at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Coach Bobby Crutchley has named a strong squad for this tournament, with experienced players such as Ashley Jackson, Ali Brogdon, Adam Dixon and Nick Catlin being selected alongside brilliant captain Barry Middleton, a player considered to be among the very best attackers in the game.
The team come into the tournament on the back of a solid two month training block and in confident mood. Could this be the year that they claim their first Champions Trophy title?
Speaking about their chances, coach Bobby Crutchley is looking forward to finding out how far they can go.
“The Champions Trophy will provide us with the first real opportunity to assess where we are at as a squad following a significant block of training [September-November]. “We are looking forward to going to Bhubaneswar for the first time and it will be interesting to see the new system of four quarters over 60 minutes.”
Pakistan, as the lowest ranked side, are the outsiders in the group on paper but they always have the weapons to be a serious threat to all of the teams taking part. Their performances at the 2012 Champions Trophy in Melbourne (AUS) were absolutely superb, and eventually culminated in a place on the podium after defeating age-old rivals India 3-2 in the Bronze medal match.
2014 has been a tough year for the famous Greenshirts. The side failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in their illustrious history and were also denied an automatic qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro by India in the final of the 2014 Asian Games.
However, the quadruple World Champions and triple Olympic Gold medalists will be determined to end their year on a positive note at the HERO Hockey Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar.
Head Coach and former Pakistan international Shahnaz Sheikh has selected a team with a good balance of youth and experience, with five members of his squad having well in excess of 100 caps. Team captain Muhammad Imran (220+) and Muhammad Waqas (200+) have both reached the 200 cap milestone, with Shafqat Rasool (160+), Muhammad Irfan (140+) and Muhammad Rizwan Sr (100+) also being among the most experienced members of the squad.
The group contains four teenagers with 19-year-olds Muhammad Dilber and Muhammad Tousiq, 18-year-old Amad Shakeel Butt and 17-year-old Muhammad Yaqoob all gaining selection.
With all those elements in place, it looks set to be a fascinating voyage of discovery as all sides attempt to dethrone the Kookaburras.
#CT2014 #BestOfTheBest
FIH site
‘Big Dog’ comes hunting yet again
Y. B. Sarangi
Ciriello will be gunning for his fourth Champions Trophy gold
With his huge appetite for scoring goals, the well-built Chris Ciriello, nicknamed ‘Big Dog’ by Ric Charlesworth, is known as one of the most dangerous drag-flickers in contemporary hockey and is likely to give Australia’s opponents a tough time during the upcoming Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar.
Ciriello, whose grandfather Rudolph Pacheco played for India, will strengthen his emotional ties with the country if he wins another gold medal here. He was part of the Australian side that demolished India 8-0 for the 2010 Commonwealth Games title and now nurtures the ambition of claiming his fourth Champions Trophy gold.
All set to achieve a couple of personal milestones in Bhubaneswar, the 28-year-old was focussed on justifying his reputation in the prestigious event.
“I am quite happy about playing my 150th international match when we meet England in our first game. I am very excited. I am also close to 100 goals (95 goals at present) and I am looking forward to that as well,” Ciriello told The Hindu over phone. Since his debut for Australia at the elite level in 2008, Ciriello has contributed significantly in his country's triumphs in three Champions Trophies (2010, 2011, 2012), two Commonwealth Games (2010 and 2014), an Olympic bronze (2012) and a World Cup crown (2014). Ciriello, also known as the Italian Stallion, is one of the five most experienced players in the present Australian team and his familiarity with Bhubaneswar (as a Jaypee Punjab Warriors player) will also help his side.
“I have been here before for the Hockey India League (HIL)earlier this year and this is a nice city. I will use my experience as a defender. I will also try to score most of the goals.”
Ciriello, who has played in the four-quarter format during the HIL, said his team was getting used to the new format.
“We have been playing some four-quarter games. You get a break of two-and-a-half minutes and should get some rest to get back fresh (on the field).”
Trying variations
The Aussie, who scored hat-tricks in the finals of the Commonwealth Games and the World Cup this year, said he had been trying out some variations.
“I try different pushes and traps.
“The goalkeepers also prepare themselves well. Jaap Stockman (The Netherlands) is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and Juan Vivaldi (Argentina) is another one who is difficult to beat.”
The fans will be keen to watch Ciriello’s art of scoring goals.
The Hindu
Working on new strategies: Birendra Lakra
BHUBANESWAR: Indian hockey team defender Birendra Lakra on Monday said that they are working on new strategies which will help them perform well in the Champions Trophy starting December 6 at the Kalinga Stadium.
"Today, we worked on various variations and team combinations and we also implemented a few new strategies," the 24-year-old said.
"Our training session is going very good. We have adapted ourselves with the ground and the atmosphere here. The morning practice sessions are good for all us as we start the session with a fresh mind," Birendra, who has played in 87 international matches, added.
India will take on Olympic champions Germany Dec 6, followed by matches against Argentina (Dec 7) and The Netherlands (Dec 8).
Meanwhile, Odisha sports minister Sudam Marandi met the Sardar Singh-led Indian team and tried to motivate the players to do well in the eight-nation tournament.
"It is a delight to see these young men working religiously to make our country proud every minute. Watching this team practicing with so much zeal and enthusiasm is a motivation in itself and I am certain that they will all keep adding to the pride and laurels for India in the coming years. Wishing all the teams good luck and may the best team win," Marandi said.
The Times of India
Sreejesh pitches in for team mate Lakra with Sports Minister
Tazeen Qureshy
Odisha sports minister Sudam Marndi meets India vice captain P.R. Sreejesh
Hockey is a team game and what goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh did today precisely describes the essence of the word.
The top notch goalie showed what comraderie is about.
The Indian team met the Odisha sports minister Sudam Marndi at the Kalinga Stadium today after their practice session and when the minister went to Sreejesh to shake hands with him, the minister was taken by surprise when the goalie confronted him with a strange request.
Sreejesh found the moment apt to request the minister to reward Birendra Lakra, the only player from Odisha in the national team.
Lakra, who was standing beside Sreejesh quietly, kept listening as Sreejesh told the Marndi to at least felicitate him since most of the state government have done so after the team’s good performance in the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games.
The minister, visibly embarrassed after such a request promised to sort out the matter fast while the sports secretary Saswat Mishra gave the details of the plans of the government.
After a photo session, the minister announced to the media that they will felicitate Lakra with prize money most likely during the Champions trophy itself. He also said that the government was looking to hand him over a job in the police department. undefined
“We had announced a cash prize for Lakra but it could not happen due to some mistake in the bank account number. Since the team is here, we will try to felicitate him during the Champions trophy itself. We have put a proposal in front of the government in which the sports persons from the state who bring laurels at international competition will get jobs in the police department. If the proposal is approved, the players will get jobs directly without having to go through any examinations.”
After the whole episode, Lakra too expressed satisfaction at the turn of events. “It would have been nice if the government would have taken care of these matters. We are players and we only think about our game. It was nice of the minister to announce the award, ” Lakra said.
Stick2Hockey.com
Pakistan hockey geared up for Champions Trophy showdown
By Nabil Tahir
Raring to go: The national hockey team, prepared to makes its way to India today, has been pooled with Belgium, England and Australia in the Champions Trophy. ATHAR KHAN/EXPRESS
KARACHI: After five gruelling months of training and preparations, the Pakistan hockey team is ready to face the top sides from around the world in the Champions Trophy, which will be taking place at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India from December 6.
According to head coach and team manager Shahnaz Sheikh, the team will depart today and cross the Wagah Border by bus to reach their destination where they will play a practice match against Argentina on December 3.
“I, along with my support staff, have worked extremely hard with the players for the past five months, trying to fix their techniques,” Sheikh told The Express Tribune. “We believe that this has led to improvements, as was evident at the Asian Games.”
He said that the players have responded beyond his expectations and his only hope was that they put their training to work against their opponents to avoid disappointing the nation.
“We are trying to arrange more practice matches before the Champions Trophy starts on December 6,” he said. “I am quite hopeful we will get at least two more warm-up games before the event officially kicks off.”
Sheikh further stated that if the team managed to fulfil its goal, it would be a great achievement considering Pakistan has not played any European or top international side for the past 12 months.
“Playing against Asian teams is one thing, while facing the heavyweights of international hockey from other continents is a whole different experience altogether,” he added.
Meanwhile, team captain Muhammad Imran said he was optimistic of their chances at the Champions Trophy since they had trained well.
“We will try our best to compete against the top teams from around the world and at least finish in the top four to make our way back among the best,” said Imran.
Pakistan will play their first match against Belgium on December 6 and their second against England the following day, while their last pool match will be against Australia on December 9.
Interestingly, all teams will play the quarter-finals, with the lowest side from one group facing the top one from the other and vice versa.
The Express Tribune
We are set for European challenge: Shahnaz
KARACHI: Pakistan hockey team manager-cum-chief coach Shahnaz Sheikh on Monday said his charges were ready for the European challange in the Champions Trophy despite lack of exposure against them in recent past.
“We have not played much hockey against European teams during the last one and a half years. However, the team’s [impressive] performance in the recently held Asian Games has raised their confidence level,” Shahnaz said in an exclusive interview on Monday on the eve of Pakistan squad’s departure to Bhubaneswar, India.
The eight-nation Champions Trophy tournament will be staged in Bhubaneswar from Dec 6 to 14.
“Our team underwent extensive training and planning and the boys are motivated to face the challenge in this elite event,” the former Olympic forward maintained.
Pakistan have been bracketed alongside Australia, Belgium and England in pool ‘A’ while pool ‘B’ comprises hosts India, Germany, Netherlands and Argentina.
The green-shirts open their Champions Trophy campaign with the Belgium clash on Dec 6 before taking on England the next day and play their last league match against a formidable Australia side on Dec 9.
Not playing much against European teams in the recent past might create some problems for Pakistan in Bhubaneswar, the chief coach underlined.
However, he said: “I have told my players to be fearless and play attacking hockey without caring about the results.
“I am confident that our team, which is a blend of youth and experience, will fight hard,” he hoped.
“Champions Trophy is the toughest event in world hockey, and so competing in it will be no easy task. Some good hockey backed by some luck, and Pakistan may reach the last-four stage. At the moment we are targeting the semi-finals,” the coach expressed.
Dawn
Sam Lane's star on rise after Junior Black Sticks callup
STU PIDDINGTON
ON THE RISE: Skilful striker Sam Lane is set to debut for the Junior Black Sticks in Australia after a standout year. STU PIDDINGTON/Fairfax NZ
The inclusion of Temuka's Sam Lane in the Junior Black Sticks makes the talented young sportsman a double international having also played tennis for New Zealand.
The 17-year-old striker will play against invited international sides at a tournament on the Gold Coast later this month.
In a coup for Hockey South Canterbury, Lane is one of three former local junior players included along with Lawrence Darling and Charlotte Arthur.
Lane was delighted by his inclusion having made the training squad last year but missing the team.
He first played hockey aged 3, following his two older sisters into the sport, then turning to rugby before switching back to hockey.
Lane's sporting prowess came to the fore at Waihi and then for South Canterbury, when they won the National Primary Schools' Hatch Cup tournament.
He was the team's vice-captain, while good friend Darling captained the side.
Lane was also a very talented tennis player at that time and made the New Zealand 12s team.
However, a wrist injury shortened his tennis career and he decided to focus on hockey.
While both sports require a swing, Lane said the injury didn't affect his hockey.
"They are different kinds of actions and it didn't restrict my hockey as much.
"The team game always appealed a bit more."
Both Lane and Darling went on to Christchurch's St Andrew's College and played in Canterbury age-group teams including this year's under- 18 side, which won the national tournament.
Lane also ended up second-top goal scorer at the tournament with six goals.
He enjoys being in several different teams and also plays premier hockey in Christchurch for Selwyn, as well as his school and representative commitments which also include the under-21 side.
"It's great you get to know all sorts of different people and have to adjust to different teams."
Fitness is also a big part of playing hockey, he said.
"The yo-yo tests give you a baseline score and speed is also quite crucial."
Lane comes from a talented sporting family with sisters Greer and Paige also handy hockey players.
Paige represented Southern Districts and was in the wider New Zealand under-21 squad.
Lane's all round ability was acknowledged on Sunday night when he was presented with St Andrew's sportsman of the year award at the school's annual prizegiving and was named as the head of the hostel for 2015.
Stuff
Indian Junior leave for Gold Coast
s2h Team
New Delhi: It was originally planned to be a Junior International tournament involving four countries including India and Australia, but ultimately turned out to be a 5-match test series, for which Indian colts team have set out to cross the Pacific today.
On the eve of departure, Coach Harendra Singh felt that he will not be surprised some players from the team soon graduating to senior grade.
only last month, their counterparts engaged the hugely talented Australia in a 5-match series it’s now the turn of the Junior Men Hockey Team to do the same. The team has left for Brisbane earlier today, to play a 5 match test series in Australia scheduled from 2 to 13 December 2014. The games will be played at the Gold Coast, Australia and is in preparation for the 8th Men’s Junior Asia Cup in 2015.
Speaking from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, Captain Harjeet Singh said, “We are confident of the matches we are due to play in Australia and will be looking at winning the series. Post continuing our dominance during the Sultan of Johor Cup in October this year, the team looks very confident to take on newer challenges. I am happy that we have players like Harmanpreet Singh, a very promising player who gives all of us the motivation to go for the kill”
Speaking on the present team and upcoming series Coach Harendra Singh said, “This is a very young and capable team and as a unit they can give a tough time to the opponents on any given day. The team during the Sultan of Johor Cup showcased that they are hungry to win and is open to take on newer challenges. I will not be surprised if I see couple of players from this team graduating very soon to the Indian Men Hockey team”
Stick2Hockey.com
Indian hockey colts leave for Australia tour
NEW DELHI: India's junior men's hockey team on Monday left for Brisbane to play a five-match Test series against hosts Australia to be held from December 2-13.
After their senior's historic series win Down Under in a similar five-Test series, the Indian colts will be closely followed in the upcoming tour.
All the matches, looked upon as a preparation for next year's eighth men's Junior Asia Cup, will be played at the Gold Coast, Australia.
Speaking on the present team and upcoming tour, coach Harendra Singh said: "This is a very young and capable team and as a unit they can give a tough time to the opponents on any given day.
"The team during the Sultan of Johor Cup showcased that they are hungry to win and is open to take on newer challenges. I will not be surprised if I see couple of players from this team graduating very soon to the senior team."
Captain of the junior team, Harjeet Singh is confident of his team's fine show at the upcoming tour.
"We are confident of the matches we are due to play in Australia and will be looking at winning the series. Post the Sultan of Johor Cup in October this year, the team looks very confident to take on newer challenges. I am happy that we have players like Harmanpreet Singh, a very promising player who gives all of us the motivation to go for the kill," he said.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Abhinav Kumar Pandey, Jugraj Singh.
Defenders: Varun Kumar, Harmanpreet Singh, Dipsan Turkey, Gurinder Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Anand Lakra.
Midfielders: Harjeet Singh (captain), Imran Khan (vice-captain), Santa Singh, Manpreet Singh, Sumit.
Forwards: Parvinder Singh, Simranjeet Singh, Sumit Toppo, Mandeep Singh, Arman Qureshi.
The Times of India
Clubhouse: The England Hockey League Inside Track
Chris Grassick of Surbiton v Southgate, Sept 20 2014. Credit Tim Reder
Surbiton put the pressure on East Grinstead closing the gap to a point at the top of the table with a professional 2-0 win over Reading. In the Investec Women's Premier Division, Leicester moved to within touching distance of the playoffs with a hard-earned victory over Buckingham. Chris Grassick and Lauren Turner tell us the news from inside their respective teams.
Chris Grassick, Surbiton.
On the game against Reading:
"We spoke last week about starting well and keeping it close for 35-40 minutes and then stepping it up after that. We have some great attacking players so we were able to do that. We didn’t play our best but it was a good performance.
We’ve had a lot of really hard games this year and Reading have a lot of good players. We had to perform and get the win and luckily we did that today. We fought really hard second half and were able to get the goals we needed."
On taking advantage of other results:
"We don’t look at them to be honest. We see the results but it’s not a big thing. If you keep looking every week instead of thinking about your own performance that’s when you can cause yourself problems. We try to improve each week and fingers crossed we can peak at the right time. There are more supposed surprise results as the league goes on. If you don’t turn up and play at 100% or close to it you can easily lose a game."
On Surbiton’s aims for the season:
"We want to get better every match, aim for the playoffs. We want to finish top of the league and go from there. We’ve seen other teams play in Europe and we want to be there playing the best players and we want to make sure we get our chance next year. Everyone is playing their part and we’re playing pretty well right now. We have to keep it going."
Leicester celebrate against Buckingham
Lauren Turner, Leicester.
On the win over Buckingham:
"It was a bit of a scrappy game. We played really well against Birmingham last week which was a big test for us. We knew it’d bring us closer to the top four. This week we had the same mindset but the performance wasn’t at the level we’d like but it was good to get the three points."
On Leicester’s fighting spirit:
"At least we know how to grind a result out. We had results at the start of the season like the Birmingham game, Holcombe losing in the last minute a late goal to Canterbury, we’ve dropped points in those close games previously this could be an important step for us, getting that win and the three points when we weren’t at our best.
We had a good win before the break, but we picked up where we left off and the team is in a good place. We had a lot of new faces but we’re really gelling as a team right now. People are getting a good understanding."
On the team effort from the Pukkas:
"Rachel Mack’s been really good, Liz George and Katie Long have chipped in with goals and our youngsters like Emily Kilner have stepped up, too. It’s fantastic to see how well everyone is playing at the same time. Hopefully we can take that forward after Christmas."
On her return to Leicester:
"It’s been great to come back. It took me some time to settle back in as it’s totally different to Holland. I’m really happy to be back. Leicester is like one big family and it’s a great team to be part of."
On the Pukkas’ aims for the season:
"At the start of the year we were aiming for top four. We reassessed a little after the start we had but I think it’s still a realistic aim and within our grasp. We’re going to find it hard after Christmas. We have a couple of players who will be out due to pregnancy, which is great news for them, but for a team it’s a bit of a blow!"
England Hockey Board Media release
Money can buy success
By Jugjet Singh 
THT's Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (right) attempts to get past Sapura's Megat Azrafiq in their MHL match on Sunday. THT won 9-2. Pic by Aswadi Alias.
TERENGGANU Hockey Team (THT) spent millions to buy the best local talent, as well as five South Koreans, to land their first Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) Premier Division League title after two seasons.
Kuala Lumpur HC, the other rich kid on the block, were denied their ninth League title and their four consecutive double streak was finally broken.
There are only six teams in the Premier Division, but one could safely say that at least a total of RM8 million was spent this season.
THT coach Sarjit Singh said even though they finished fifth in their debut season, the plan was to win a double this year.
“We have achieved one goal and now we are looking to nail the double as well. THT have spent much to form this side and we need to deliver the silverware now.
“My contract is for two years with THT with an option to renew. And I can safely say that we will be much better next season as we have many plans, including developing local juniors for the long run,” said Sarjit.
The giant-killers of this season title goes to UniKL as they hammered KLHC 5-1 on Sunday.
UniKL deserve the accolades and they almost lost the services of their best penalty corner flicker Nor Aqmal who suffered a deep gash near his left eye which needed 10 stitches and spent the night in hospital.
UniKL had lost 4-0 to KLHC in Round One, so the reversal of fortunes was not expected.
However, KLHC coach K. Dharmaraj doused some of their fire when he said that he had given more time to his reserves to prepare for the knockout stage.
“Once we lost to THT (5-1) in Kuala Terengganu and had to chase nine goals, I decided that it would be useless to make a dash for goals against UniKL so in went reserve goalkeeper (Hakim Adnan) for his first match of the season.
“I also gave time to all my bench warmers. For me it’s simple, if I can’t win the title, it is useless to push the players to the limit as we will finish second anyway.
“This way, the team avoided unnecessary cards and injuries and I tested some fringe players and one can see from the result how they played,” said Dharmaraj.
THT and KLHC are now the seeded teams, and a draw will be held today to pair the other four teams. The top-two teams receive a bye and about 10 days of rest, while the other four teams play to decide who moves into the semi-finals.
New Straits Times
KLHC are not giving up hope for TNB Cup
By S. Ramaguru
KLHC's Matthew Mallinson (in yellow) dribbles past UniKL's Mohd Nor Aqmal at the National Hockey Stadium, Bukit Jalil. KLHC lost 5-1. -M. AZHAR/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: A four-match unbeaten run in the Premier Division has given Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) a massive boost of confidence ahead of their semi-final playoffs in the Malaysia Hockey League.
Their run began with a 3-3- draw against Sapura on Nov 21. They followed it up with a 2-0 win over Tenaga Nasional and another draw – 0-0 – with Maybank. Then, on Sunday, they ended their Premier Division campaign on a high with a 5-1 thumping of defending champions Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC).
UniKL ended up fourth in the six-team standings.
Champions Terengganu and runners-up KLHC are already through to the semi-finals.
The next four teams – third-placed Tenaga, UniKL (fourth), Sapura (fifth) and Maybank (sixth) – will compete in the playoffs this weekend to join Terengganu and KLHC in the semi-finals. The draw for the semi-final playoffs will be made today.
UniKL coach A. Aruselvaraj admitted that the good run, especially the drubbing of KLHC, had given the younger players in the team greater confidence ahead of the semi-final playoffs.
“The 5-1 win over KLHC was an unexpected result ... although we braced ourselves for a tough fight and to go for a win.
“I’m sure the players will have greater belief in their abilities.
“I hope they will take that new-found confidence into the semi-finals this week,” he said.
UniKL’s major setback has been their poor finishing. They have the lowest scoring rate of 14 goals in the 10 matches played.
Defensively, they aren’t in great shape either. They have shipped in 26 goals. Only Sapura (35) and Maybank (30) have a worse defensive record.
UniKL’s top scorer is German Phillip Stahr, with five goals. Mohd Noor Akmal Ghaffar is their penalty corner flicker and he has scored three goals.
Arulselvaraj, however, is not overly concerned about their poor scoring rate.
“We had a lot of chances in the 10 matches we played but were not able to convert many of them. Our penalty corner setpieces were also not effective. But we’ve shown improvement as the season went on ... we hope to continue improving in the knockout stages. We are generally slow starters. So, hopefully, the worse is over. We want to make the semi-finals at least,” said Arulselvaraj.
The Star of Malaysia
Orange live dream: Telkom target league title after winning Africa Cup of Clubs
By Elizabeth Mburugu
Early preparations spurred Orange Telkom to a successful title defence in the just-concluded African hockey Cup of Clubs championships in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
The seven-time champions began their drills shortly after defending their crown early in the year in Kampala, Uganda.
In an interview after being crowned champions in Kampala, Orange head coach Jos Openda had told Feverpitch that there was no time to party and no holiday.
Their efforts paid off as they won their seventh African crown without losing a match. In addition, Cynthia Akinyi won the goalkeeper of the tournament award. Akinyi, who took over from veteran Josephine Ataro, has successfully taken over the role, having earlier won the same award in the International Hockey Federation World League Round One tourney held in Nairobi in September.
Orange began their campaign on a high note with a 7-0 victory against Shams of Egypt. Their second match saw them trounce hosts Bulawayo Athletics Club (BAC) 3-0. They humbled Twende of Tanzania 9-0 and their toughest test at group stage came in Nigerian giants Heartlands who they beat 4-1 in their third pool A match.
They finished on top of pool A, securing a semis slot with arch-rivals Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) where they fought tooth and nail triumphing 2-1 to secure a finals berth. They were crowned champions after routing BAC of Zimbabwe 7-0 in the finals.
BAC had beaten previous tournament silver medalists Strathmore University Scorpions 2-1 in the semis.
Coach Openda said that they will get back to work and strategize on how to defend the title.
"We have achieved our purpose. We will now have the trophy in our cabinet for good. However, it doesn't end there because there will be a new trophy up for grabs in the next event and we want to be the first team to feel it," he said.
Orange will now focus on the league play-offs where they are eyeing their 17th title. Orange will take on Sliders in the women's semi-finals match while Strathmore will lock horns with United States International University of Africa.
The Standard Online
Police face Butali in hockey league play-off at City Park
By REBECCA GICHANA
Kenya Police Odero Ochieng(l) and Nigeria Union Bank player Menyei Okwudili fight for ball in the African Cup Club Championship in Lugongo Kampala. Kenya Police 2-0. ON 11/01/14 PHOTO:JENIPHER WACHIE
Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) men's champions Kenya Police will clash with Butali Sugar Warriors in the national league play-offs finals set for next weekend.
Butali booked their final berth following a 4-0 win over Wazalendo in the first semi-final match played at the City Park Hockey Stadium while Kenya Police beat rivals Nairobi Simba 4-1 in floodlit second semis.
Dennis Omwoka put Kisumu-based Butali Warriors ahead in the first half before Swedish import Stoech Joerem, Emmanuel Simiyu and Frank Wanangwe scored Butali's other goals.
Butali coach Cliff Okello was impressed by the result but he remained cautious ahead of the finals.
"We are taking one game at a time," said the tactician, who is hoping to dethrone the policemen.
Police, who are seeking their fourth title in 12 years, must be the luckiest Premier League team this season.
Having struggled for the better part of the year, the officers sealed their play-off place last weekend with a 5-0 win over Western Jaguars.
Willis Okeyo scored the opener in the 16th minute before Brian Saina netted Police's second to neutralise the opposition.
This was a second win for Police over Simba, whom they also denied the Angelo De Souza Memorial trophy following a 6-0 win last month in Mombasa.
In other results, Parklands forced a 2-1 win over Technical University of Kenya (TUK) while Kenyatta University knocked out Park Road 3-0 in a one-sided semi-final match in the second division category.
Next week will also see the return to action of the women's competition pitting Sliders against newly crowned Africa Cup of Clubs champions Telkom Orange.
Strathmore University, who finished fourth in the just-concluded Africa Cup Club championship in Zimbabwe, will lock horns with United States International University-Africa (USIU-A). Winners will join Orange Telkom at the Africa club championships.
The Standard Online
Defiant Warriors hunt for second title against Police in tough final
By BRIAN YONGA
Manpreet Raj of Nairobi Simba Union and Oliver Echenje of Kenya Police run for the ball during their KHU men’s Premier League match at City Park Stadium on November 30, 2014. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU NATION MEDIA GROUP
After more than six months of action and over 50 matches played in the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) league, champions Kenya Police and Butali Sugar Warriors are now a match away from clinching the title.
Police won their maiden title in 2011, missed out in 2012 and reclaimed it last year while Warriors (formerly Kisumu Simba) have won the title once in 2008.
Arguably the best teams in the country this season, the two clubs proved it at the weekend after breezing past their opponents in the semifinals to set up a mouthwatering final set for Sunday.
Warriors beat Wazalendo 4-0 while Police saw off rivals Nairobi Simba 4-2 in the last four encounters. Butali Sugar’s march to the final has been one full of confusion and controversy, and at some point their participation in the league was in jeopardy after a standoff with KHU.
STANDOFF RESOLVED
The stand-off was resolved and Warriors returned to play catch-up with the big boys, with pool matches almost over. They played six games in three weeks, winning four and drawing two to top Pool A with 14 points.
The Kisumu-based team overcame fatigue to reach the play-offs.
“We had not played competitively for many months, but when we got going, it was as if we had not been away. We gelled well and showed our quality on the pitch,” Warriors coach Cliffe Okello said.
With a squad boasting of internationals Frank Wanangwe, Emmanuel Simiyu and Kenneth Nyongesa, Warriors will be seeking a second title against a resilient Kenya Police.
After a lackluster start to the season, Police improved with each game and look set to retain the trophy.
On Sunday, Police surprisingly outclassed Nairobi Simba, leading 4-0 after 47 minutes in what was their best performance of the season.
Head coach Kenneth Kaunda wants his charges to keep the momentum and finish the job on Sunday: “We will only count the season a success if we win on Sunday,” he said.
Daily Nation
2014 National Hockey Festival attendees cram everything from memories to medals into suitcases
Palm Springs, Calif. – With glowing tans and smiles, 9,000 hockey heads packed their shorts, sticks and shin guards into crammed suitcases. The 2014 National Hockey Festival drew athletes, coaches and umpires from all regions of the country and globe to share more than just a meal of turkey but also in competition. Even more fun was had at this year’s event with a few special notes including Netherlands native and USWNT Assistant Coach Janneke Schopman celebrated her first Thanksgiving in the United States at this Festival. Also during Festival, an evening exhibition match took place against the USMNT athletes and college coaches. Although Team USA left victorious, a crowd of 800-plus consumed premier hockey and enjoyed meeting the athletes at the end of the game. Another exciting feature of the tournament took place during our medal ceremony where the USMNT and USWNT athletes as well as Schopman made guest appearances and honored our 2014 Festival champions with their awards.
USA Field Hockey extends our congratulations to the 2014 National Hockey Festival Champions:
Under-19
A: FC United Red 2
B: WC Eagles Blue
C: IFHCK Warriors Select
D: Nook Hockey
E: Xcalibur Gryphons
F: High Voltage
G: High Styx Stampede
H: ADK Capitals
I: Carolina All Stars
J: South Jersey Edge Pink
K: Truth North Academy
L: Hudson Valley
M: PA Mavericks Black
N: NOVA Elite
O: Total Dutch
P: Boston Field Hockey Club
Q: Rob Short Academy
R: Alley Cats
Under-16
S: WC Eagles
T: Northeast Elite
U: Princeton Field Hockey Club
V: Windy City Flame
W: Aim
X: Jersey Intensity Blue
Y: New Heights Black
Z: South Jersey Edge
YY: Mystx Force
ZZ: Spirit of USA
Under-14
AA: WC Eagles
BB: Alley Cats
CC: Xcalibur Braveheart
DD: Mystx Burn
EE: Total Dutch Grey
FF: Jersey Intensity
Mixed Adult
True North Platinum
Rockin Red Eagles
Sun Devils
Women’s Open
Red Rose
Detroit Club
Oh Yeah!
USFHA media release
Hockey leads the way when it comes to equality
A comprehensive player survey shows hockey as an inclusive, open sport.
(Photo: Treebyimages)
Hockey is bucking the trend when it comes to participation in sports. While many sports suffer from gender inequalities, a recent survey of elite hockey players from 17 hockey-playing nations has revealed that most of the people playing the game see it as a sport that is equal when it comes to participation, spectator interest and coverage.
Three quarters of those asked said that hockey was a sport for both men and women, while a significant number – 34 per cent – went one further by declaring that the sport was "extremely open, inclusive and friendly."
Certainly, this year's Hockey World Cup, held in The Hague, was a model example of a sport where both genders were given equal airtime, support and opportunity. And the interest and intrigue in the two current international events taking place, the men's and women's Champions Trophy, is equal for both genders.
Chief executive of FIH, Kelly Fairweather, said: "We are extremely proud that the world's best hockey players recognise that the sport has equal opportunities for men and women… There are very few sports that can boast our record on gender equality."
FIH site