News 09 January 2014
All the news for Thursday 9 January 2014
Hero HWL Final in New Delhi: Two days to go
All facts you need to know about the participating teams in Pool A
(Photo: TABREZAHMAD )
The Hero Hockey World League Final in New Delhi features eight of the finest men’s international teams in the world and is the culmination of a journey which began back in August 2012 when the first rounds of the Hockey World League were played.
In the first of two event previews, we take a look at the teams that will do battle in Pool A: Germany, England, New Zealand and India. Our preview for Pool B, which features Australia, The Netherlands, Belgium and Argentina, will be published on Thursday.
GERMANY
Current FIH World Ranking: 1
How they qualified: 1st place – Hockey World League Semi Final, Johor Bahru (MAS)
About the team: 2013 was yet another great year for Germany. Building on an incredible 2012 which saw the side become Olympic champions for the second time in succession, the team coached by Markus Weise powered to glory at the Tri-Finance EuroHockey Nations continental championships before taking a first place finish at the Hockey World League Semi Final in Johor Bahru. They will be hoping for even more success in 2014, and you wouldn’t bet against them achieving it. A first place finish in the Hero Hockey World League Final would being the perfect preparation for their World Cup title challenge. The Germany line-up is missing dazzling striker Christopher Zeller (exams), ace defender Max Müller (injury) and 2012 FIH Player of the Year Moritz Fürste (representing Germany in the EuroHockey Indoor Championships in Vienna, Austria), but the inclusion of world class talent such as Martin Häner, Tobias Hauke, Benjamin Wess and Florian Fuchs ensures that the Olympic champions will be among the front runners in New Delhi.
ENGLAND
Current FIH World Ranking: 4
How they qualified: 3rd place - Hockey World League Semi Final, Johor Bahru (MAS)
About the team: England come into the Hero Hockey World League Final boosted by the return of two hugely important players. Classy midfielder Ashley Jackson and powerful attacker Mark Gleghorne both re-join the squad following injuries which kept them out of England’s fourth place finish at the TriFinance EuroHockey Nations event in Boom, Belgium. The team finished third at the Hockey World League Semi Final in Johor Bahru, and produced enough evidence to ensure that they will be a team to be feared in New Delhi. England coach Bobby Crutchley has named a strong squad for the HWL Final, with experienced trio Simon Mantell, Adam Dixon and Nick Catlin being named alongside brilliant captain Barry Middleton, a player considered to be among the very best attackers in the game. Howeve,r the team will be without defender and penalty corner specialist Richard Smith, who looks likely to miss much of the 2014 calendar due to knee surgery.
NEW ZEALAND
Current FIH World Ranking: 7
How they qualified: 4th place - Rabobank Hockey World League Semi Final, Rotterdam (NED)
About the team: New Zealand, coached by ex-Belgium boss and former Australian international player Colin Batch, qualified for this event thanks to a fourth place finish at the Rabobank Hockey World League Semi Final in Rotterdam, Netherlands. A highlight of that event was an impressive 3-3 draw with host nation the Netherlands on the first weekend, although the side fell to a 4-1 defeat to the same opponents in the 3-4 placement game at the end of the tournament. The Black Sticks squad has been strengthened by the return of two of its most experienced campaigners, with ace striker Simon Child and solid midfielder Steve Edwards being included following their return to international hockey at the recent Oceania Cup continental championship. Both Child and Edwards took a break from the team immediately after the London 2012 Olympic Games, and will be keen to make a big impression at the HWL Final in New Delhi. Defender Kane Russell has been rewarded for his sublime form at the recent Hero Hockey Junior World Cup, with his seven tournament goals earning him a place in the Black Sticks squad for the HWL Final.
INDIA
Current FIH World Ranking: 10
How they qualified: Tournament hosts
About the team: India may have only managed a 6th place finish at the Rabobank Hockey World League Semi Final event in Rotterdam, but a strong showing at the Asia Cup continental championship provided plenty of evidence that they are really stepping up their game. A youthful India team battled to an impressive second place finish behind Korea at the Asia Cup, winning four of their five matches and giving a spirited showing against a Korea team packed with experience. The performances were extremely encouraging, and will give the team great confidence ahead of the challenge of facing the world’s best at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. The team selected for the Hero Hockey World League Final continues to look to the future, with only two players – goalkeeper Thirumala Potunuri (35 years) and brilliant captain Sardar Singh (27) – being older than 25. Recently appointed head coach and former Australia international striker Terry Walsh will be greatly looking forward to seeing how his team performs in this showpiece tournament.
FIH site
Hockey World League trophy unveiled
NEW DELHI: The two-year-long journey of the new Hockey World League culminates with the eight-team World League Final which gets underway at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Friday.
The trophy to be awarded to the Hockey World League winner was unveiled here in the presence of all the captains of the participating teams.
The tournament is the first hockey event of 2014, a year that will also feature the World Cup and Champions Trophy.
"We have been very successful in presenting our newest event to global hockey. We are really pleased that the World League has successfully introduced new nations to international hockey," said international hockey federation (FIH) president Leandro Negre.
"I hope that the first event of 2014 turns out to be a massive success. After all, it is held in India, a country famed for its love of hockey."
At unveiling ceremony, Hockey India secretary general Narinder Batra said: "The year 2014 is significant for Indian hockey on global and Asian levels. Besides the World Cup, Champions Trophy and the Commonwealth Games, we will also feature in the Asian Games. Therefore, the tune for our national team will be set when the World League Final begins here. The entire country is waiting for Sardar Singh and his team to deliver, which I hope they will.
"India should now get behind their team and support them in a big way. Fan support can really make a big difference to the team's fortunes in a highly competitive tournament such as this."
The Hockey World League is composed of four rounds and is played over two years. The schedule alternately coincides with the build-up to the World Cup and Olympics, providing more than half of the entry tickets for both.
The Times of India
Ian Lewers ready to come under the spotlight in the Hero World League
By Graham Wilson
Ian Lewers will be closely watched in New Dehli Ian Lewers will be closely watched in New Dehli [GETTY]
IAIN LEWERS, the Olympic full-back who was out with a knee injury for a year after taking Great Britain to fourth place in London, puts on the England mantle against India on Friday at the start of the top-eight Hero World League in New Delhi knowing that there will be thousands of eyes bearing down on him with particular interest.
Besides Lewers being a key figure in England’s defence where he must also keep out Olympic champions Germany and New Zealand, with Australia, Argentina, Belgium and Netherlands in the other pool grouping, he will stay in Delhi afterwards and go straight into the Hockey India League to play for the Uttar Pradesh Wizards team, earning himself £20,000 in the process.
Along with Lewers in hockey’s equivalent of cricket’s IPL are the internationals, England and GB captain Barry Middleton, Lewer’s East Grinstead team-mate Ashley Jackson, Reading’s Simon Mantell and captain of English champions Beeston, Adam Dixon.
It will be the most money he has probably earned in such a short time playing the game that is still mostly considered an amateur sport in this country.
But India are up first and though it is Lewers’ first time in this hockey-mad country he is hoping the players have the experience needed to overcome this big first hurdle.
“It has been a bit of a surreal time,” said Lewers, “It has been such a roller-coaster ride with the Olympics, then having an issue with my knee and coming back for the European Championship for the first time after a year out.
Barry Middleton will also play in the Hockey India League [GETTY]
"Now we have this top eight-event, my being called into the India League where I will be playing with Dutch, Australian and Indian players.
"The sport has such a high profile here and the enthusiasm for the game is remarkable. You get stopped for photos and before you know it there are four or five other people around you wanting pictures as well. It can only increase as the tournament goes on.
"Obviously, we want to get past the quarter-finals here, into the semis. This event will give us good match time together, where we can get used to each other and build up our relationships and connections on the pitch.”
One thing looks certain, it is going to get a whole lot more surreal for Lewers.
Daily Express
We are geared up to play against India: England coach
NEW DELHI: England coach Bobby Crutchley said that his team was confident of doing well against India in their opening match of the Hero Hockey World League Finals on Friday.
"We are confident against our match against India and hoping to start the tournament with a win. It's always a pleasure to play against the Indian team in India," Crutchley said at the team training session at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
Speaking about the tournament, he said, "This tournament is definitely a preparation and a platform for the much awaited tournament which every player looks forward to. We will take many experiences from here which will be helpful for us in the World Cup.
"It's a rare occasion that top eight hockey teams get to play against each other which in a way gives immense opportunity to the players to gain and learn from each other."
The Times of India
Sardar wants good start to the action-packed year
The captains of all eight teams participating in the Hockey World League Finals, starting in New Delhi from January 10, at the unveiling of the trophy on Wednesday.
New Delhi - Aiming for a top-five finish in the Hero Hockey World League, India captain Sardar Singh today said his team is prepared for the tough challenge despite being young and inexperienced.
“We are a young team and still learning. We have prepared well for the tournament. We have a tough challenge ahead of us. Hopefully the boys will be at their best. We are hoping for a 4th-5th place finish. But we will have to work really hard for it,” Sardar said at the trophy unveiling ceremony of the inaugural edition of the competition.
The participating teams are viewing this competition as a platform to assess their preparation for the FIH Hockey World Cup in Hague this May.
“We have an exciting year ahead. There couldn’t have been a better opportunity to test ourselves in a competition like this. We have high hopes from this year. Hopefully the team will also step up to the challenge,” he said.
Seven top nations, besides India, would be vying for the title in the tournament to be held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium from January 10.
India face England in their opening pool encounter on the opening day. The Indian side, which last played at the Asia Cup in September, will be competing in the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games besides the World Cup later this year.
“There are lot of important tournaments lined up for us. We would want to build some momentum in this tournament to have successful year,” he added.
All captains of the participating nations were present at the ceremony to unveil the trophy.
The Tribune
Aiming for top-4 finish, says Sardar Singh
NEW DELHI: India captain Sardar Singh on Wednesday said they are looking for a top-4 finish at the Hockey World League Final to be played at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here Jan 10-18.
The tournament will feature some of the best teams of the world including reigning Olympic champions Germany and World Champions Australia besides the Netherlands, England, Belgium, Argentina, New Zealand and hosts India.
It will be India's newly-appointed coach Terry Walsh's first assignment with the national team.
"We have the world's best coaches and hockey completely depends on the technique. We are having good training sessions and will try to give our best. We are aiming for a top-4 finish in the tournament," Sardar said after unveiling the event trophy here.
"This tournament will give us good experience and exposure as it is a new event. We are lucky that the final round is being held in India. We have a young team which is improving day-by-day. Our month long camp in Bhopal helped the players improve their performance a lot."
India have been placed with Australia, Netherlands and Germany in Group A and will face a tough opener Jan 10 against World No.4 England.
"We are playing England in the first match. We are totally focused on the match and will go all out against them. It is an important game and we will try our best to win. In today's hockey, you cannot take any team lightly," said Sardar, who has 174 caps.
The attacking midfielder said that this tournament will serve as a good preparation ground ahead of premier events. This year will see the World Cup in May-June followed by the Commonwealth Games in July-August and Asian Games in September-October.
"The next few tournaments including this are very important to us as the World Cup is coming soon. This tourney will help in selecting the team. All those players who give their best in this event will help their own chances of selection. Then we have the Commonwealth and Asian Games after the World Cup which are very important for the country," said the 27-year-old.
The Times of India
Sunil, Walmiki return to India squad for HWL Finals
NEW DELHI: Forwards S V Sunil and Yuvraj Valmiki made a comeback as India on Wednesday named a 18-member squad with three new faces in it for the Hero Hockey World League Finals starting January 10.
While Sunil came back into the team after recovering from the elbow injury he sustained before the Asia Cup in August, Walmiki made a return after the FIH Champions Trophy in 2012.
New faces in goalkeeper Harjot Singh, midfielder M B Aiyappa and striker Affan Yousuf were named by the selectors for the final round of this inaugural tournament to held at major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
Harjot, India's goalkeeper in the junior World Cup held in December here, replaced P T Rao for his maiden entry into the national squad.
Affan, who was vice-captain of the Sultan Johor Cup winning side, too got a maiden call-up for the senior line-up led by Sardar Singh.
Karnataka's Aiyappa will support his skipper in the midfield in company of Manpreet Singh, S K Uthappa and others.
Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh will be Sardar's deputy. The goal-scoring responsibility will be shouldered by the likes of Mandeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah among others while V R Raghunath maintains his position as the drag-flicker.
The Squad:
Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh (Vice-Captain), Harjot Singh. Defenders: Birendra Lakra, Rupinder Pal Singh, V R Raghunath, Kothajit Singh Khadangbam, Amit Rohidas.
Midfielders: Sardar Singh (Captain), S K Uthappa, Dharamvir Singh, Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam, M B Aiyappa.
Forwards: Nikkin Thimmaiah, S V Sunil, Mandeep Singh, Affan Yousuf, Yuvraj Walmiki.
The Times of India
Sunil and Walmiki make comebacks into Indian team
NEW DELHI: Strikers SV Sunil and Yuvraj Walmiki made a comeback into the national team on Wednesday as Hockey India named an 18-member squad for the Hockey World League Finals which will be held in the Capital from January 10.
The duo has not played at the highest level for about a year, but injuries to about half a dozen first-choice players, including Ramandeep Singh, ensured their return to the squad.
The team includes many members of the junior squad which represented India at the World Cup last month, and the talented striker Affan Yousuf, nephew of former international Sameer Dad.
Sardar Singh, a veteran of 174 matches, was retained as skipper while goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was named the vice-captain. India will start their campaign in the tournament with a match against England on Friday.
Indian squad:
Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh, Harjot Singh; Defenders: Birendra Lakra, Rupinder Pal Singh, VR Raghunath, Kothajit Singh Khadangbam, Amit Rohidas; Midfielders: Sardar Singh (captain), SK Uthappa, Dharamvir Singh, Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam, MB Aiyappa; Forwards: Nitin Thimmaiah, SV Sunil, Mandeep Singh, Affan Yousuf, Yuvraj Walmiki
The Times of India
Drag-flicker Rupinderpal wants to extend purple patch
Nitin Sharma
With 21 goals in the international circuit last year, defender Rupinder Pal Singh not only emerged as the top goal scorer for the Indian hockey team, but also cemented his position as the go-to drag-flicker of the Indian team. While the former Chandigarh Hockey and Football trainee emerged as the top scorer with six goals in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup last year, Rupinderpal also on target in the Asia Cup, getting half a dozen goals. With the Hockey World League Finals starting on January 10, Rupinderpal is hoping to carry forward his last year's form in the tournament and help India come up with a dominant display in the championship.
"I can say that last year was the best year of my career. Even though I took to drag-flicking eight years ago, I became serious towards it last year only. I perfected the art and concentrated more on converting the chances. The six goals I scored in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup boosted my confidence a lot and I also got six goals in Asia Cup, where we finished with a silver. I have been training with other drag-flickers in the team like Amit Rohildas and V Raghunath," said Rupinderpal, while talking with Sportline from New Delhi.
The 24-year-old player, who belongs to Faridkot in Punjab, made his debut for the Indian senior team in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup four years ago. Since then he has become a regular member of the Indian hockey team. Two years ago, in the Asian Champions Trophy, he scored four goals and he carried forward his purple patch into 2013 also.
The lanky player believes that the time he spent with new coach Terry Walsh will help him in his cause. "While most of the junior players went to play in Asian Champions Trophy last year, seniors like us participated in domestic tournaments. It was an important phase for us as we reflected back on our shortcomings. The training camp provided us with the opportunity to understand the tactics of the new coach. Walsh sir has been supportive of all of us and even though his style is different from Michael Nobbs, we hope to adjust to his style soon," Rupinderpal, who started playing hockey at Sher Shah Wali Academy in Faridkot and later shifted to CHFA in 2003, said.
Rupinder will soon be seen wearing the Delhi Wave Riders jersey in the Hockey India League. He was bought by the Delhi team for $ 56,000 last season and he proved he was worth every penny by finishing as the fourth highest goal scorer of the league with seven goals.
"The league gave me an opportunity to train with players like Nicolas Jacobi of Germany, Dean Couzins of New Zealand apart from playing under our captain Sardar Singh. The format of the league suited my game and it was a challenge to play against some of the best players in the world. Straight after the World League Finals, we will be playing in the Hockey India League. I am ready for the challenge," he said.
Indian Express
German skipper Korn unhappy with scheduling of Hockey World League
Rohan Puri
NEW DELHI: Just two days ahead of the final round of the Hockey World League, German captain Oliver Korn expressed his displeasure at the scheduling of the tournament.
"I am not sure if it is always good to play so many tournaments. The players need to get some rest as well. It gets a bit difficult for the top teams but you have to handle it as a player," said Korn on the sidelines of the unveiling of the Hero Hockey World League trophy on Wednesday.
Apart from the Hockey World League, 2014's hockey calendar also includes Hockey India League, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, men's World Cup and the Champions Trophy, with the World Cup just five months away.
"We qualified in the World League round three and are playing the final in January. That's not perfect for most of the teams. It will be difficult but the main focus will be on the World Cup," Korn said.
Germany will face New Zealand in their first match on Friday but the German captain feels his team's preparation for the Hockey World League is not up to the mark.
"The indoor season is on right now in Germany. We played indoor hockey the whole of December. It's not the best preparation for such a strong tournament. January-February is not the best time for us to play outdoor hockey but we want to play good hockey, we want to win. Let's see what comes out," he added.
Korn's Australian counterpart Mark Knowles had no such complaints: "We had a heavy six-week training programme in Perth. However, our biggest challenge is that we haven't played international matches since October and match fitness in big games is going to be an issue at the start of the tournament."
The Times of India
Rusty Germans don't see themselves as favourites
NEW DELHI: They are being seen as top contenders for the title, but Olympic champion Germany's captain Oliver Korn said his side is not the favourite in the upcoming Hero Hockey World League Finals due to a lack of match practice in outdoor conditions.
"We don't see ourselves as favourites here. We have a really good side and we are expecting a tough competition here. I think all teams are equally good. If you look at Australia, Netherlands and others all are very balanced sides," said Korn at the trophy-unveiling function here.
"We have been playing indoor hockey back home. It's been two months we haven't played outdoors. It will take time for us to settle. That is one of the reasons why I feel we are not the favourites," the 29-year-old attacking midfielder said.
"But the training and practice have gone well for our side. The key would be to start well and then set goals match-by-match."
Germany are without their key players like Max Muller, Christopher Zeller and Moritz Furste, but have good bench strength to go on to win the tournament.
"It is an important tournament for us. Though the World Cup is still far off (May 31) this tournament will set the track for the quadrennial event in The Netherlands," he said.
Germany, winners of the Hockey World League Semi Final event in Johor Bahru, Malaysia last year, begin their title challenge on January 10 when they take on Pool A rivals New Zealand.
Australia skipper Mark Knowles feels all the teams would be taking some time to settle into the groove as they are coming from breaks.
"I think all the teams would be a bit jittery initially as all were enjoying an international break. The real test would be from the quarterfinal onwards. Out first target would be to seal the knockout berth and then push from there," Knowles said.
The Ric Charlesworth-coached side is also missing players due to injuries and has left out a few due to its rotation policy.
"The tournament is crucial in the lead up to the World Cup. This year we have the Commonwealth Games as well. It's an important year which we would like to begin on a positive note," he added.
The Times of India
PHF awaits government bailout
LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is faced with acute financial crisis since the federation is not even able to pay monthly salaries to staff members for the month of December last year.
With financial position of the PHF not very stable, it is believed that an urgent government grant is the only solution to the crisis.
Sources told Dawn that despite the fact that the federation received government funds in September 2012, PHF’s kitty is once again empty with the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia just around the corner.
As for government grant, it is important to note that the inter-provincial minister Riaz Pirzada has already said that the government would audit accounts of the federation, before releasing any fresh grant.
On the other hand, the PHF is in a fix as the government is yet to announce audit of the PHF making things more difficult for the hockey federation in terms of making preparation plan for the Azlan Shah Cup and finalising other programmes.
However, sources said that funds had been arranged to pay salaries to lower staff.
The tussle between the Pakistan Olympic Association (Arif Hasan) and the government has already ruined sports in the country also taking a heaving toll on Pakistan’s participation in international events.
Though the PHF has been following instructions of the government and not the POA, it is not getting support of the government.
Obeying government instructions, the PHF lost an opportunity of sending entries for the Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow in July-August since the government did not allow the federation to send entries through the Arif-led body.
Dawn
MHC set Asiad gold target for senior team
By Aftar Singh
Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah (centre) poses with the Junior World Cup players during a hi-tea session organised by Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL).
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) have raised the bar for the national senior team after the successful outing of the National Juniors at the Junior World Cup in New Delhi last month.
The Juniors finished a remarkable fourth among 16 teams who featured in New Delhi, surpassing the top-six target set by MHC.
The target set by MHC for the national senior team this year is to win the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, from Sept 19-Oct 4, to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
The Asiad gold medallist will gain an automatic berth at the Olympics.
Malaysia have not qualified for the Olympics since Sydney in 2000. In the 2010 Asiad in Guangzhou, Malaysia lost to Pakistan in the final.
Besides the Asian Games, the national senior team will also feature in four other tournaments this year – the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh from March 13-23, FIH Champions Challenge 1 in Kuantan from April 26-May 4, World Cup in The Hague from May 31-June 15 and the Glasgow Commonwealth Games from July 23-Aug 3.
MHC president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said that he has set a higher KPI (Key Performance Index) for the national senior team after the good performance by the juniors in New Delhi.
“We definitely want to see the national senior team performing well in tournaments, including qualifying for the 2016 Olympics,” said Tengku Abdullah.
Asked about Malaysia’s target for the World Cup, he said that it would be a top 10 finish “as the competition level is higher there”.
“Some of the juniors have been called up for national senior training and the national coaches will have a bigger pool of players to choose from for the five tournaments this year,” he said.
“The national senior team have also a panel of six national coaches, led by Paul Revington, and they should strive to do better in tournaments.
Tengku Abdullah also warned the Junior World Cuppers not to become prima donnas after their success in New Delhi.
“We finished fourth in New Delhi but we must go all out to do much better or win the 2016 Junior World Cup,” he said after handing over incentives to the Junior World Cup players at Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL).
UniKL organised the hi-tea as an appreciation for the 18 players (seven UniKL players, five former UniKL players and six others) who featured in the Junior World Cup.
The current UniKL players are Mohd Rashid Baharom, Azri Hassan, Meor Mohd Azuan Hasan, Mohd Haziq Samsul, Hazif Zainol, G. Kavin Karthik and Mohd Nor Aqmal Abdul Ghaffar. The former players are Faiz Helmi Jali, Joel Samuel van Huizen, Zulhairi Hashim, Mohd Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin and Mohd Syamim Yusof. They each received RM4,000 from UniKL.
The six non-UniKL players who featured in New Delhi were awarded RM1,000 each. They are Mohd Fitri Saari, Mohd Shahril Saabah, Mohd Firhan Ashaari, Mohd Hazrul Amhad Sobri, Mohd Hafizuddin Othman and Shazril Nazli Irwan.
The Star of Malaysia
Anderson aim to avoid complacency at MJHL
By Aftar Singh
Mohd Najme Ahmad Hayazi (right) in a file photo. He will be part of the Anderson-Perak SEDC team when the Malaysian Junior Hockey League begins on Thursday.
KUALA LUMPUR: Anderson-Perak SEDC have only one objective when the MHC-Milo-NSC Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL) begins on Thursday – to play consistently throughout the tournament.
The Ipoh team were served a bitter lesson last season when they stunned double champions Tengku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI)-Thunderbolts 1-0 in the league but ended up losing to SSTMI Juniors 2-0 instead.
That defeat still rankles coach Mohd Nizam Mohd Badrul who wants his players to not take any opponent for granted.
“It was a bitter lesson for us and we never really recovered from that,” said Nizam.
“I want my team to play a consistent game. We will take it one match at a time.
“I will only be able to judge my team after the first match. We lack match practice and that is one factor that worries me,” said Nizam.
Anderson open their campaign against Malacca High School on Saturday and play former champions Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) on Sunday.
“These are tough matches and I hope we can have a good start to boost the team morale and confidence.
“Our target is to make the top four in the league,” said Nizam.
Included in Anderson’s team are four national Under-16 players who featured in the four-nation invitational tournament in Mannheim, Germany, last year.
They are Mohd Badrul Amin Salleh, Mohd Najme Ahmad Hayazi, Mohd Nor Adha Mohd Fadzil and Mohd Nur Azlan Azman.
Anderson are optimistic that this will be the season to show their mettle as the players have been playing together for the past three years.
The Star of Malaysia
New Format for Premier Hockey in Hong Kong
By Bill Cox
HKFC will be under pressure to retain the top position of the HKHA Premier Division standings ... Goalie for HKFC, Vincent Cheung, made an important save from a strike by the third-placed Punjab’s Mudassar Ali Khan in their 5-all closing match before the New Year break. Cheung may need to improve on his performance in HKFC’s derby match against an improving fourth-placed Valley team this coming Sunday Jan 12, 2014. HKFC will then face second-placed Khalsa the following weekend to determine who will take bragging rights at the half-way mark of the season, when the competition will split into two groups. (Bill Cox/Epoch Times)
Matches in the Hong Kong Hockey Association Men’s Premier Division restart this coming weekend Sunday Jan 12, following the new year break, whereas the women’s matches do not start until the following weekend on Saturday Jan 18.
New Format for Divisions
A shortage of suitable pitches, due to the King’s Park resurfacing, has resulted in a new format for the men’s divisions. After teams have played each other once the divisions split into two groups (top-6 and bottom-6 teams) to reduce the number of second half matches to five per team.
This is an interesting format as it puts pressure on the middle order teams to compete well to stay in the top half of the table and at the same time also encourages all teams to play hard in the second round of matches against similar standard opposition. It is also good for the lower group as they will play teams more similar in standard to themselves. These teams also have the opportunity to fight for the top position in their group and to try hard to stay out of the lower positions in order to avoid relegation.
In the Men’s Premier Division, with two matches of the first round still to be completed, the groupings are almost finalised: HKFC-A, Khalsa-A, Punjab-A, Valley-A, Shaheen-A and SSSC-A all look likely to make the top group—although if HKFC-B win their next two matches they could displace SSSC-A from the top half of the division.
Recent Results
KCC-A played Shaheen-A at HV1 on Jan 7, which resulted in a 3-1 win for Shaheen that keeps them on track to stay in the top half of the division.
Next Matches
The star matches to be played this coming Sunday Jan 12, are expected to be the derby match at HKFC between HKFC-A and Valley-A, and the 14.30 match at HV1 between Punjab-A and SSSC-A.
Valley-A sitting fourth in the standings and only 4-points adrift of the leaders have strengthened their squad and are expected to give Club-A a hard match. Meanwhile, Punjab-A, playing without their star Olympians, may also find a fired up SSSC-A good opposition.
Mini Hockey Tournament
The HKHA organised the inaugural “Hong Kong International 6-a-side Mini Hockey Tournament” over the Christmas/New Year break with 38 teams taking part.
Covering U8, U10, U12 and U15 age groups, teams competed from Shanghai and Guangdong, China and Taiwan, as well as teams from the many local clubs.
This tournament is expected to be an annual event with the hope of attracting sides from local regional countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
The Epoch Times
USA Field Hockey Sanctions World Renowned California Cup
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Field Hockey proudly announces the sanctioning of the distinguished California Cup International Field Hockey Tournament. CalCup is held annually over the Memorial Day holiday (weekend preceding the last Monday in May) at Moorpark College, Cali. CalCup’s longevity extends as far back as 1972 with its creator and hockey enthusiast Tom Harris. Forty-two years later, the tournament has grown from six men’s teams to 150 teams in 14 divisions with competition lasting for four days. Because of the elite level of play, CalCup draws clubs and teams from a multitude of countries including Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Holland, Spain, Taiwan and India.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to sanction and endorse such a world-renowned event such as CalCup,” said Steve Locke USA Field Hockey’s Executive Director. “The tournament’s magnitude of international competition is as impressive as Tom’s commitment and success in continually growing the level of competition at CalCup.”
Many current and former International players from many of these countries play for various clubs that participate in the Men & Women Super Divisions with a cash prize of $5,000 for each champion. The tournament also features youth divisions from Under-8 to Under-19. Division details can be viewed here. As well, FIH level umpires from different countries as far as Germany and Australia are invited to officiate. In all, more than 2,000 athletes; young and old alike, participate in the tournament.
“We are ecstatic to join forces with USA Field Hockey to present this year’s CalCup as a sanctioned event,” said Harris. “The added insurance coverage, online roster verification system and opportunity to gain club ranking points will improve our participants overall experience, and allow us to focus on the big picture of growing the sport.”
For more event details, please visit usafieldhockey.com and the tournament’s official website www.calcup.com
USA Field Hockey launched an event sanctioning program last year to enhance local events put on by organizations around the country. Tournament organizing committees receive a valuable and money-saving insurance protection package when sanctioning an event with USA Field Hockey. In addition, member clubs are welcome to utilize USA Field Hockey’s online roster verification system. The system automatically verifies memberships of coaches and athletes, saving event directors and club coaches time and allowing for a seamless check-in process. Participating clubs in specific sanctioned events will also benefit by gaining ranking points depending on their finish.
To learn more about USA Field Hockey’s event sanctioning program or to apply for your next event to be sanctioned, visit usafieldhockey.com.
USFHA media release
Bharat Ratna for Dhyan Chand demand grows louder
Young hockey players demanding the Bharat Ratna for Dhyan Chand in New Delhi on Wednesday. Manas Ranjan
New Delhi - Demanding the Bharat Ratna for hockey legend Dhyan Chand, former players and several fans today marched upto the Prime Minister's Office to submit a memorandum requesting that the process be expedited.
Dhyan Chand's son and former hockey player Ashok Kumar led the rally which featured several yesteryear stars such as Zafar Iqbal, Dinesh Chopra, Rajesh Chauhan and former coach Harendra Singh.
The clamour for Dhyan Chand to be conferred with the highest civillian honour has grown considerably after retired cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar became the first sportsperson to be bestowed the honour.
“We appeal and urge to confer Bharat Ratna on Dhyan Chand,” the memorandum read. Dhyan Chand's name has already been recommended by the Sports Ministry for the honour.
The Tribune
Ex-players march to PMO, demand Bharat Ratna for Dhyan Chand
NEW DELHI: Demanding that late hockey legend Dhyan Chand be conferred with the Bharat Ratna, former players and several fans of the game today marched up to the Prime Minister's Office to submit a memorandum requesting that the process be expedited.
Dhyan Chand's son and former hockey player Ashok Kumar led the rally which featured several yesteryear stars such as Zafar Iqbal, Dinesh Chopra, Rajesh Chauhan and former coach Harendra Singh.
The march started from the Barakhamba Road and went up till PMO where noted hockey historian K Arumugam and Kumar submitted the memorandum.
The clamour for Dhyan Chand to be conferred with the highest civilian honour has grown considerably after retired cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar became the first sportsperson to be bestowed the honour.
"We, a volunteer based NGO, Hockey Citizen Group, appeal and urge to confer top civilian award Bharat Ratna to hockey legend Dhyan Chand. Government of India has already declared his birthday as Annual Sports Day when the sporting excellence award such as Arjuna and Dronacharya are given away by the President of India," the memorandum submitted to the PM read.
"Dhyan Chand's contribution in building our nationhood does not just lie solely on the three Olympic Gold medals India obtained in pre-colonial India due to his great game, but the idea and the impetus his game and persona gave to the Indian Olympic Movement itself, is more important," it added.
Dhyan Chand's name has already been recommended by the Sports Ministry for the honour.
"We, the public of India, therefore urge your goodness to expedite conferment of Bharat Ratna posthumously to Dhyan Chand so that his role in nation building gets its due recognition, and the same is presented on this year's Republic Day," the memorandum said.
The Times of India
Olympians demand Bharat Ratna for Dhyan Chand
NEW DELHI: It was an unusually quiet Wednesday afternoon at the Jantar Mantar. Around 20 policemen stood alert at a barricade and a handful of men, wielding hockey sticks, looked on from a distance.
In the next few minutes, the men were joined by close to 50 children, men in tracksuits and some elderly men in formal suits. The protestors, all carrying hockey sticks and wearing headbands, marched past the policemen who stepped back when they heard what the protesters were asking for. 'Don't delay or deny, Bharat Ratna for Dhyan Chand', read the banners.
The legend's son, former India star Ashok Kumar, led the rally along with Olympians Brig HJS Chimni, Zafar Iqbal, Harinder Singh and Rajesh Chauhan.
The Times of India
Hockey NZ appoints high performance director
Photo: www.photosport
Hockey New Zealand chief executive Malcolm Harris has announced today that Terry Evans has been appointed as the organisation’s high performance director.
Evans has an extensive background in high performance hockey in various roles. He has resigned from Hockey Australian Capital Territory (ACT) where he has been chief executive for seven years to take up this position.
Prior to that he has worked as a professional high performance coach with Hockey Australia, managing high performance and development programs, working with the national men’s and women’s programs and establishing underpinning programs within state sport organisations.
“To have someone of Terry’s calibre and track record joining us is fantastic. I know that he will be a real asset to our team and help us improve our national high performance system so we can win more regularly against the world’s best,” said Harris.
Evans role includes overseeing the national senior, national junior and regional talent programme. A key part of this will be improving depth and capability of players and coaches in regions throughout the country and ensuring the system is sustainable.
Hockey New Zealand’s aim is to have both national teams, the Black Sticks Men and Women, consistently winning medals at major world events.
In the last Olympic cycle, the national team’s rankings improved from 11th to 3rd for the Women, and 7th to 6th for the Men. Both teams won medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the women won bronze at the 2011 Champion’s Trophy, and came fourth at the 2012 London Olympics.
The challenge now is to consolidate the current position as a top six nation, then become a top four nation.
“I was a high performance coach when I first became involved professionally in sport and now after seven years as Hockey ACT Chief Executive I am really looking forward to working more closely with the coaches and athletes again,” says Evans.
Having watched the Black Sticks progress closely over the years, Evans has been impressed with the direction they are moving in and believes they can be a real contender against the top nations in the future.
“Hockey is a truly global sport – it’s played at a high level right across the world, so to see the Black Sticks starting to perform so well at that level, for a small hockey community that’s really encouraging and speaks volumes for the way the sport conducts itself in New Zealand,” says Evans.
“I have seen a shift over recent years, there appears to be a belief within the teams and within Hockey New Zealand that they can achieve. They are already close to some of those top nations.
“My focus will not just be about supporting the national teams and coaches, but also ensuring we have the underpinning programmes in place and that the system is sustainable so that no matter where you live, or whether you are a coach or player, you have the chance to progress and potentially be part of the national programme,” says Evans.
Evans and his family will be moving to Auckland later this month and will be starting on 3 February.
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Ireland Senior Men's Coach position advertised
The Irish Hockey Association is seeking to appoint a senior men’s full time national coach to lead the Irish Men Hockey’s Team towards achieving its strategic objectives. Full details are available by clicking here
rish Hockey Association media release