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News for 20 February 2020

All the news for Thursday 20 February 2020


2020 FIH Pro League (Men) - This weekend

21 Feb 2020 19:00 (GMT +5:30)     IND v AUS (RR)     Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar
22 Feb 2020 19:00 (GMT +5:30)     IND v AUS (RR)     Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar

Live streaming and full game replay on https://fih.live (May be Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)

Pool Standings

Rank Team Played Wins SO Win Draws SO Loss Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Belgium 6 4 1 0 0 1 19 11 8 14
2 Netherlands 6 2 2 0 1 1 17 17 0 11
3 India 4 2 1 0 0 1 12 9 3 8
4 Spain 8 2 0 0 1 5 19 27 -8 7
5 Australia 4 1 1 0 1 1 13 11 2 6
6 Germany 2 1 1 0 0 0 7 3 4 5
7 Argentina 4 1 0 0 2 1 12 9 3 5
8 Great Britain 4 1 0 0 2 1 9 10 -1 5
9 New Zealand 6 1 1 0 0 4 8 19 -11 5

FIH Match Centre



Comeback man Chinglensana prepared for Australia challenge in FIH Pro League

India will take on Australia on 21 and 22 February in the FIH Hockey Pro League at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Team Sportstar


Chinglensana Singh Kangujam made a comeback into the Indian team during the FIH Hockey Pro League 2020 matches against The Netherlands in January 2020.   -  Hockey India

Chinglensana Singh Kangujam has been influential in the midfield ever since his return to the Indian squad for the FIH Hockey Pro League 2020 matches. The Indian team is currently placed third in the table with eight points from four matches.

The Arjuna Awardee sustained a long-term injury to his right ankle in early 2019, which saw him miss all the competitions held last year.

"After having participated in the Hockey India Senior National Championship in 2019, I started feeling minor pain in my right ankle, but when I finally went for some scans, I was told I had fractured it. The initial few weeks were obviously very tough for me because there were thoughts in my head which said I may not be able to play for India again. But the support that I received from my family, teammates and coaches was exceptional," said Chinglensana.

"I was in rehab, and would watch my teammates play on the pitch, and I would feel very sad because playing hockey is something that I have loved all my life. However, slowly I recovered from the injury, and my initial target was to return for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in November 2019 to help my team, but there were a few setbacks along the way," he added.

The 28-year-old finally made a comeback into the team during the FIH Hockey Pro League 2020 matches against The Netherlands in January 2020.

Chinglensana said he enjoyed the responsibility of grooming the younger players, and wanted to help the team in bagging a podium finish at the Tokyo Olympics. "Having made a comeback to the team now at the FIH Hockey Pro League 2020, I am really delighted because I can help the team from within, and can also guide the younger players. We have some fantastic young talent who are ready to take on the world, and with Vivek winning the FIH Rising Star of the Year Award, and the likes of Raj Kumar Pal and Hardik Singh also trying to make a case for themselves, it gives me immense satisfaction to be able to help them with little tips and knowledge about the game," said the midfielder from Manipur.

India will take on Australia on 21 and 22 February at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

"They like to play a very aggressive brand of hockey, but we are very well prepared to tackle that, and we all believe that if we play according to our plans, we will definitely end up winning both the matches," Chinglensana said.

Sportstar



Chinglensana Singh says India can easily beat Australia if team plays according to plans


India are currently No 3 in FIH Pro League standings. Image: @SVSunil24

Bhubaneswar: Mid-fielder Chinglensana Singh Kangujam believes India can easily beat world no. 2 Australia in the upcoming FIH Pro League encounter if the hosts perfectly execute their plans on the field.

India will take on Australia in their next two-leg FIH Pro League match against Australia at the Kalinga Stadium on Friday and Saturday.

While India had defeated Netherlands in their maiden FIH Pro League encounter, they won one match and lost one against world champions Belgium in their next outings.

"I think our performances against Netherlands and Belgium have been quite satisfying for everyone. We have played according to the strategies that our chief coach (Graham Reid) and the support staff have made, and I think the execution on the field was there for everyone to see," he said.

"Now we are completely focused on Australia, who are a good side. They like to play a very aggressive brand of hockey, but we are very well prepared to tackle that, and we all believe that if we play according to our plans, we will definitely end up winning both the matches."

India's work ethic in the mid-field has proved to be the difference in their initial four matches of the FIH Hockey Pro League which sees them sit on the third spot in the table with eight points from four matches.

The return of experienced Chinglensana has certainly helped the team. Before this FIH Pro League matches, he last represented India in December 2018.

The Arjuna Awardee sustained a long-term injury to his right ankle in early 2019, which saw him miss all the competitions held last year. After participating in Hockey India Senior National Championship in 2019, he started feeling pain in his right ankle, but when he finally went for scans, he was told he had a fracture.

"The initial few weeks were obviously very tough for me because there were thoughts in my head which said I may not be able to play for India again. But the support that I received from my family, teammates and coaches was exceptional," Chinglensana said.

"I was in rehab, and would watch my teammates play on the pitch, and I would feel very sad because playing hockey is something that I have loved all my life. However, slowly I recovered from the injury, and my initial target was to return for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in November 2019 to help my team, but there were a few setbacks along the way," he added.

The 28-year-old from Manipur finally made a comeback into the team during the FIH Hockey Pro League matches against The Netherlands last month, and calls it "one of the best moments of my life."

Having earned more than 200 international caps for the country, Chinglensana says he enjoys the responsibility of grooming younger players, and wants to help the team in bagging a podium finish at the Tokyo Olympics.

"Having made a comeback to the team now at the FIH Hockey Pro League 2020, I am really delighted because I can help the team from within, and can also guide the younger players," he said.

"We have some fantastic young talent who are ready to take on the world, and with Vivek (Sagar Prasad) winning the FIH Rising Star of the Year Award, and the likes of Raj Kumar Pal and Hardik Singh also trying to make a case for themselves, it gives me immense satisfaction to be able to help them with little tips and knowledge about the game.

Firstpost



Azlan Shah Cup will go on despite Covid-19 outbreak

By Jugjet Singh

THE Azlan Shah Cup show will go on though many international sporting events around the world have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 virus.

The tournament will be held as usual at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh on April 11-18.

The six competing teams are Australia (World No 2), Canada (10th), Japan (15th), South Korea (16th), Pakistan (17th) and hosts Malaysia (11th).

Regulars New Zealand will not come this time while India will be busy playing in the Pro-League as well as preparing for the Olympics.

Malaysia have targeted to reach the Azlan Shah Cup final, a KPI set by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation for national coach Roelant Oltmans.

New Straits Times



Top national hockey keeper calls it a day


S. Kumar (third from right) announcing his retirement from international hockey at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today. - NSTP/Kongster

KUALA LUMPUR: Legendary Malaysian goalkeeper S. Kumar retired from international hockey today.

And immediately after his announcement, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation appointed Kumar to join their coaching staff.

"My biggest disappointment is not playing in the Olympics," said Kumar, 40, who hails from Tampin, Negri Sembilan.

Kumar, however said he hopes to make the Olympics with a Malaysian team as a coach in the near future.

New Straits Times



UniKL survive tough semi-final test

By Jugjet Singh


Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) survived a Maybank onslaught to scrape into the final of the TNB Cup with a 2-1 score in the semi-final today.

KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) survived a Maybank onslaught to scrape into the final of the TNB Cup with a 2-1 score in the semi-final today.

They will play Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) for the trophy on Saturday.

THT beat Tenaga Nasional 4-3 in the other semi-final with a hat-trick from South Korean Jang Jong Hyun in the seventh, 27th and 28th minutes and Luqman Nul Hakim (37th).

The Tenaga goals were scored by Azrai Aizad (33rd), Syed Syafiq Cholan (35th) and Aminuddin Zain (41st).

Razie Rahim was UniKL's hero with a penalty corner goal in the 33rd minute, and in the 35th he tucked home a penalty stroke.

Maybank fought back with a goal from Adam Aiman Mamat in the 54th but the clock ran out in their search for an equaliser.

UniKL coach Arul Selvaraj was a relieved man, and “ordered” his players to enjoy the second semi-final (Terengganu HT vs Tenaga Nasional) with their families and friends.

“I must give credit to Maybank who, I believe, played their best match of the season and pushed my players to the limit. I thank Maybank for preparing my team for the final with a super game.

“And now, my players can take a well deserved rest to watch the second semi-final with their family and girlfriends to release their match tension. That is an order!” quipped Arul.

Maybank goalkeeper Aidil Md Shah, a national junior at 21, played the match of his life as he stopped at least four attempts to keep them in their hunt to find an equaliser and take the match into the shootout right until the final hooter.

“We are just one step away from winning the treble, and I believe the final will be of the same standard and we will be looking for a clean sweep,” said Arul whose side have won the Charity Shield and League title.

New Straits Times



UniKL bank on defender to enter TNB Cup final

By T. AVINESHWARAN


On the double: Mohd Razie scored both goals for UniKL.

KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Kuala Kumpur (UniKL), as expected, swept into the final of the TNB Cup but only after fending off a tough fight by Maybank in the semi-final at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

UniKL won 2-1 and will meet Terengganu, 4-3 winners over Tenaga Nasional in the final but the league champion’s coach A. Arulselvaraj had only respect for the Tigers after his team’s win.

“The first two quarters was our best in the league in terms of fight and energy. They really pushed us,” he said.

Maybank showed from the start of the match that they were no pushovers but a brilliant double from Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim were enough to put them down.

The 32-year-old, who made his Malaysia Hockey League debut in 2006 with Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC), has his eyes on the double after UniKL won the league last Sunday, and his two goals in the 33rd and 35th minutes showed his desire to win for his club.

Razie, who joined UniKL last year, admitted that Maybank made them work for the win, especially in the fourth quarter.

“I am happy to get the win. Maybank gave us a strong fight until the very last minute of the game, “ he said.

“I am satisfied to see that each and every one of us had a higher desire than Maybank to win the match.

“Now that we are in the final, I hope we can go for the double. It will be wonderful to achieve it in my first outing with UniKL.

“I do not know if I will play for them next year, so I want to win it this year.”

Asked if that was an indication that he would leave the team, Razie said: “It is not like that. We have our contract, we do not know if people need me or not. When they need me, I will give my all.”

In the first two quarters, UniKL had a flurry of chances and four penalty corners, but all their attempts were thwarted by the impressive saves made by Maybank’s goalkeeper Mohd Zaimi Mat Deris.

In the second quarter, he made two double saves to deny Roel Bovendeert and Mohd Hafiz Zainol, and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Ahmad Jalil and Kieran Govers in the 18th and 25th minute respectively.

However, Zaimi was finally beaten in the third quarter when Razie intelligently thumped in a low flick off a penalty corner in the 33rd minute.

Two minutes, national vice-captain Razie doubled the lead when he buried a penalty stroke, taking his tally this season to 14.

Maybank reduced the deficit in the 54th minute when Adam Aiman Mamat scored off a penalty corner, and Maybank had a flurry of chances to equalise after that but UniKL’s defence, led by Razie and Timothy Deavin, stayed resolute to take the team to their third TNB Cup final in a row.

“It was a good game by Maybank and they deserved more for the way they pushed us,” acknowledged Arulselvaraj.

“It was a good warm-up for the final. I told the boys in the fourth quarter, to run down the clock, and just see us to the final whistle.”

In the other semi-final, Terengganu got their goals through Jang Jong-hyun (7th, 27th, 28th), Luqman Nul Hakim Ahmad Shukran (37th) while Mohd Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal (33rd), Syed Mohamed Syafiq Syed Cholan (35th) and Mohd Aminuddin Mohd Zain (41st) scored for Tenaga.

The Star of Malaysia



Hockey hooks into health and well-being in PNG



Hockey in the Pacific Island nation of Papua New Guinea (PNG) continues to grow as the wider hockey community shows its support through much needed equipment donations.

With its men’s and women’s teams currently ranked 56th and 53rd respectively in the FIH World Rankings, Papua New Guinea has been making big strides forwards in recent years at international level. In 2017, both the men’s and women’s teams experienced top class international hockey when they competed against the Oceania giants of the sport, Australia and New Zealand in the Oceania Cup.

Now, the PNG Hockey Federation, supported by the Oceania Hockey Federation (OHF), is working hard to make the sport accessible to all. The OHF is also looking to make hockey delivery in PNG sustainable and locally driven.

As part of the initiative, OHF President Clare Prideaux and OHF Continental Development Officer, Gill Gemming spent two days delivering coach and umpire workshops that included sessions with local kids.

Notably, 58 participants, inclusive of men and women, from various PNG regions gained their FIH L1 Coaching Certificate and FIH L1 Foundation Umpire as a part of OHF facilitated sessions, while Gemming continued her outstanding work in the region coordinating sessions to build the capability of local teachers, coaches, umpires and officials.

PNG Hockey President Kaluwin Potuan said: “I am so pleased that people from all regions were able to attend these sessions – this is the best way for us to build local capability and grow the game in regional areas of PNG”.

Hockey Australia has also recognised the work being done in PNG and, in support of the movement, the national governing body has donated 40 Hookin2Hockey packs to PNG Hockey.

“We are really pleased that we are able to provide assistance and support in this way to Hockey in Papua New Guinea,” said Hockey Australia CEO Matt Favier.

“Part of our responsibility and duty is to grow the game not only domestically but to our Oceania neighbours, including PNG, so it is great to know the provision of these Hookin2Hockey packs has made a positive impact.”

“As a broader commitment, Hockey Australia will endeavour to continue providing gear in addition to the 200 packs being donated across 2019/20.”

It is not purely about hockey development on the island, OHF also aims to promote physical activity, inclusive participation and health using hockey as a medium.

OHF is working with Hockey Australia (including Masters), Papua New Guinea Hockey Federation, Aspire to be Deadly (Cairns Hockey Association), Family Planning (and their ‘in country’ service providers) and Flinders University to develop a collaborative approach that aims to better support the PNG community to ‘Hookin4Health’ and to ‘live well; learn well; lead well’.

With a focus on sustainable development programmes, the long-term aim is for locally designed hockey-based programmes to be delivered by hockey ambassadors from the local community. Hockey will provide a way of introducing young people, particularly females, to an integrated education and health service. There will also be a focus on supporting disabled people through hockey.

Highlighting the fun and inclusivity of hockey, during Prideaux and Gemming’s visit, PNG Hockey Federation also hosted an inclusive and Hockey 5s competition on their impressive water based synthetic pitch in Port Moresby that catered for more than 100 able bodied and disabled women, men and children.

FIH site



A Big Game Changer For Hockey



Last year Polytan Asia Pacific started a big movement in global hockey! Big Stadium Hockey introduced the world to the first-ever environmentally-sustainable, mobile hockey pitch, which enabled the sport to reach people and places unlike ever before.

The Twickenham Stoop in the UK – a 15,000 seat rugby stadium – was the first large-scale venue to host a Big Stadium Hockey match.  Kirsten Pearce, NZ Black Sticks striker, was full of praise for the concept – “It was insane and amazing. It brought our sport to where it should be in front of big crowds and big audiences.” More Big Stadium Hockey matches followed at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre in Marlow, UK and Energia Park in Dublin.

Working in conjunction with Polypipe – a plastic piping systems manufacturer, Polytan installed a permavoid system before placing the mobile hockey pitch over the top of the existing rugby field. The permavoid system prevented the natural grass from getting damaged and provided a supportive drainage system.

“The first Big Stadium Hockey event at The Stoop provided an atmosphere not seen at a hockey event in a long time. Big Stadium Hockey enables the match to be played in a bigger stadium with more fans, more noise and a better atmosphere. We were excited to be involved in that historic event,” – Paul Kamphuis, Big Stadium Hockey Lead and Polytan Asia Pacific General Manager.

To further support Polytan Asia Pacific’s commitment to improving sustainability in manufacturing and sport, the Big Stadium Hockey playing surface was the newly developed Poligras Tokyo GT. Developed in conjunction with APT Asia Pacific for Tokyo 2020, Poligras Tokyo GT is the first environmentally-friendly hockey surface which is made of 60% renewable resources, requires up to 65% less water than other hockey pitches, and saves around 28 tonnes of CO₂ per pitch.

Polytan Asia Pacific thanks all their partners including FIH, England Hockey, Polypipe, STRI Group, Harlequins and Sport England for helping bring Big Stadium Hockey to life.

For more information on Big Stadium Hockey, Poligras Tokyo GT or your next sporting facility project please contact:

Polytan NZ General Manager, Cody Linton
T: +64 4 802 3960
M: +64 21 831 061
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
W: www.polytan.co.nz, www.bigstadiumhockey.com

Hockey New Zealand Media release

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