News for 02 February 2015
All the news for Monday 2 February 2015
Win gives SA hockey women the edge
JONATHAN COOK at Hartleyvale
Outstanding SA goalkeeper Sanani Mangisa makes yet another save during the first half of the fifth Test against Belgium at Hartleyvale in Cape Town Sunday. SA won 1-0 to lead the series 2-1. Photo ACTION PIX
A wonderful goal by Lilian du Plessis in the 10th minute gave the Investec South Africa women’s hockey team a 1-0 win over Belgium in the fifth Test match at Hartleyvale in Cape own Sunday.
The result means SA take a 2-1 lead into the sixth and final Test, which takes place at 6.30pm at Hartleyvale Monday.
Du Plessis, on the left baseline, beat her marker in the most confined of spaces and flicked high into the net from a near-impossible angle for the most breathtaking of goals.
It was yet another nerve-jangling match that mirrored the earlier encounters. The first two Tests were drawn 1-1 and 3-3 before SA won the third international 3-2 only for Belgium to win the fourth clash by the same 3-2 margin.
Belgium stars Jill Boon and Anouk Raes celebrated their 200th Test caps and in the second minute Judith Vandermeiren cut inside from the right and the play led to keeper Sanani Mangisa making a great save.
A penalty corner ensued and Bernie Coston made a superb stop and cleared the danger after ace goalscorer Stephanie de Groof fired off a trademark low bullet. Taking on the defenders, Belgium had the early edge. Anne-Sophie Wayans cut in unchallenged from the right and Mangisa was on hand to make an intervention before pulling off a stunning reflex save moments later.
SA had their moments on attack but were not connecting enough passes together. Du Plessis’ goal in the 10th minute suggested the tide was turning but in the 12th Mangisa pulled off a magnificent stick save to her right from a De Groof rocket that left the PC goal-machine in utter amazement. A further Mangisa stop ensured SA went into the second chukka a goal to the good.
SA skipper for the day Jade Mayne was working tirelessly amongst the forwards and a Dirkie Chamberlain one-two saw final receiver Shelley Russell come agonisingly close to scoring, the awkward position of the ball denying South Africa’s attacking right midfielder.
In the 22nd centre midfielder Illse Davids broke through the middle and fed Sulette Damons out right, the SA striker’s full-blooded shot flashing past the far post. It was the Davids/Damons combination once again that saw the striker come so very close to adding a goal but it was not to be.
Looking at the bigger picture of putting together the ideal squad for the World League Semi-Finals in Valencia, Spain in June, SA brought on substitute keeper Hanli Hattingh for Mangisa after the half-time break.
In the 42nd minute Hattingh made two good saves, the second shot a delicate deflection effort from Boon. The SA defenders, well marshalled by Lisa Deetlefs and Nicolene Terblanche, continued to hold firm, while the forwards and midfielders also played a vital role in preventing a Belgium equaliser in the third chukka.
One minute into the fourth and final chukka of 15 minutes, Mayne’s grit won a PC but Belgium survived. SA camped in the Belgian defensive third for seven minutes, Mayne and Chamberlain - so strong on the ball when challenged - playing a prominent role, but the two-goal cushion didn’t come.
Belgium eventually broke out to win a PC and De Groof acted as a decoy, Anne-Sophie Scheemaekere taking the shot but Hattingh’s feet were well set to make a top save.
Both sides had their chances in a thrilling last five minutes and SA defender Christine Roos made two courageous blocks to prevent Belgian goalshots. At the other end a number of good opportunities came SA’s way but in the final analysis Du Plessis’ 10th minute winner in another exciting Test match was enough.
TEAMS
Investec SA: Sanani Mangisa (GK), Erin Hunter, Lisa Deetlefs, Nicole Walraven, Nicolene Terblanche, Shelley Russell, Bernie Coston, Jade Mayne (capt), Lilian du Plessis, Sulette Damons, Candice Manuel. Rolling subs: Hanli Hattingh (GK), Christine Roos, Illse Davids, Line Malan, Dirkie Chamberlain, Tanya Britz, Tiffany Jones.
Belgium: Aisling D’Hooghe (GK), Anne-Sophie Scheemaekere, Louise Cavenaile, Stephanie de Groof, Anouk Raes, Judith Vandermeiren, Lieselotte van Lindt (capt), Emilie Sinia, Barbara Nelen, Jill Boon, Joanne Peeters. Rolling subs: Megane Simons (GK), Emma Pervez, Caroline Struijk, Anne-Sophie Weyns, Stephanie van den Borre, Manon Simons, Caroline Wagemans.
Umpires: Lyndal Robertson, Andrea Nicholson.
REMAINING FIXTURE
Monday – Sixth Test: SA vs Belgium (6.30pm at Hartleyvale)
Tickets: R30. Gates open an hour before.
SA Hockey Association media release
Ireland 2-7 Belgium (Men) 
in their final game of their training camp in Cape Town Ireland went down to world number 5s Belgium by 7-2.
An even start to the game but when from the first PC to Belgium was stopped by an Irish foot on the line, the resultant penalty stroke was duly dispatched and the lead for Belgium. They had extended their lead a couple of minutes later when Briels had a tap in on the far post. Kyle Good fired wide from acute able before Belgium were three up with another far post goal from a sliding Briels for his second.
Early in the second quarter a costly turn over lead to a penalty corner for Belgium which was well saved but the rebound was fired home for 4-0. After good work by Jackson, Sothern got one back for Ireland. Ireland had a great chance to get right back into the game when they were awarded a penalty stroke but the Belgium keeper pulled off a great save from O Donoghue's effort.
A much brighter 3rd quarter for Ireland with Watt and Cargo going close but no goals.
In the final quarter another Belgium PC resulted in a second stroke converted for 5-1. Ireland scored their second this time Sothern drag was saved but Cargo was in hand to tap in the rebound. Caruth had a chance to make it three but his slap shot went narrowly wide. In the final minutes Belgium scored twice with the final score Belgium 7-2 Ireland.
After the training camp Irish coach Fulton said "It has been the most progressive time we have in the last 9 months.The platform of how we want to play has been achieved. It's been a fantastic training camp with many positives on and off the field for all players and staff "
Ireland return home tomorrow and will have their final preparation, for World League 2, when they play France on 10th/12th & 13th February at Three Rock Rovers.
IRELAND 2 (Chris Cargo & Alan Sothern)
BELGIUM 7
IRELAND: David Fitzgerald (GK), Mark Ingram (GK), Jonathan Bell, Ronan Gormley, John Jackson, Alan Sothern, Stephen Dowds, Eugene Magee,Kirk Shimmins, Bruce McCandless, Michael Darling, Paul Gleghorne, Shane O Donoghue ,Neal Glassey, Michael Robson, Jonny Bruton, Michael Watt, Drew Carlisle. Christopher Cargo, Peter Caruth, Kyle Good
Irish Hockey Association media release
Arena Leipzig: Germany’s spiritual home of Indoor Hockey
State-of-the-art venue set to host Indoor World Cup for a second time
The Arena Leipzig. (Photo: sportforum-leipzig.com)
With the start of the Indoor Hockey World Cup just days away, we take a look at the venue that will play host to this incredible event – the Arena Leipzig.
It is not for nothing that the Arena Leipzig has been dubbed the home of indoor hockey in Germany. Just one year after its completion, the stunning venue – which has a main stadium capable of hosting audiences in excess of 20,000 people - played host to the inaugural Indoor Hockey World Cup in 2003, where Germany’s men and women dominated proceedings to take both world titles on offer. Burkhard Jung, Mayor of the city of Leipzig, remembers the occasion with great affection.
“Our memories of the 2003 tournament, at which for five days the world’s top- level hockey players battled it out for the title cheered on by incredible crowds, are very fond ones. From a German perspective, the triumph of both the men’s and women’s national teams was of course a fantastic result.”
The state-of-the-art venue boasts a daylight simulating lighting system and is also a renowned concert hall for major international bands and musicians. This combination ensures that it is not only a sensational arena for major international sporting events but it is also extremely well practiced when it comes to putting on a show.
With that in mind, it is hardly surprising that major international hockey returned to the Arena Leipzig in 2012, when a wonderfully successful EuroHockey Indoor Nations Championships cemented its status as the spiritual home of indoor hockey in Germany. Yet again, both Germany’s men and women took top honours, making the Arena Leipzig something of a lucky omen for the national teams.
“The Arena Leipzig is an excellent venue for indoor hockey”, said Stephan Abel, President of the Deutscher Hockey-Bund. “In fact, it may well be the best venue in the world for this exciting, fast-paced sport. Those who experienced the 2003 Indoor Hockey World Cup and the 2012 European Championship here know that visitors to the 2015 event are in for a real treat. We at the DHB are very proud to have been selected for the second time by the International Hockey Federation to host this most important indoor hockey event.”
So, with four gold medals in the bag in the Arena Leipzig, will Germany’s men and women take their stadium tally to six by claiming double gold at the Indoor Hockey World Cup 2015? The home fans will certainly hope so, but you can be sure that the 22 other competing nations will do everything they can to upset the odds.
Remember, we will be providing full coverage of the event via the tournament microsites (men & women) as well as via our social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Be sure to keep track of the action!
FIH site
IWC2015: A “By The Numbers” Preview
FIH brings you the stats ahead of the 4th Indoor Hockey World Cup
(Photo: FIH / Frank Uijlenbroek)
With the start of the 4th Indoor Hockey World Cup in Leipzig, Germany drawing ever closer, we take a look at some facts and figures regarding the competing teams as well as highlighting a few impressive historical statistics from the first three editions.
1: Germany’s men and women are both number 1 in the FIH Indoor World Rankings and enter the event as reigning World Champions. The home favourites were also winners of the EuroHockey Indoor Nations Championship in 2012, an event that also took place at the Arena Leipzig.
4: Goalkeepers Shankar Premakanthan (Canada) and Roman Rogov (Russia) will be competing in their fourth Indoor World Cup, being veterans of the inaugural tournament in Leipzig in 2003. Rogov’s compatriot Evgeny Mokrousov is also competing in his fourth IWC. Poland’s Rafal Grotowski played in the first three IWCs and will be back in Leipzig but this time as Assistant Coach. On the women’s side, Belarus captain Volha Shyntar will be competing in her fourth IWC, while Marieke Dijkstra of the Netherlands returns to Leipzig in the role of Head Coach for the Dutch team having been featured on the field during the first three IWCs.
8: Russia’s Dmitry Azarov holds the record for most goals in a men’s Indoor World Cup match, having netted eight times in a 12-6 triumph over Switzerland at the 2007 tournament in Vienna. Remarkably, all of Azarov’s goals came from open play and helped him take the tournament top scorer title with 18 goals.
16: Two 16-year-olds will be competing at the Indoor World Cup in Leipzig. Anna Kolarova (DOB: 8 October 1998) of the Czech Republic is the youngest women’s player in the rosters, while Canada’s Lyle Fernandez (DOB: 25 May 1988) takes the honour in the men’s event.
21: France’s Frederic Soyez netted 21 goals at the 2003 Indoor World Cup in Leipzig, the highest ever tally by an individual at a men’s IWC. Soyez netted 13 field goals, four penalty corners and four penalty strokes at the event, including a six-goal haul in his team’s 8-6 victory over Switzerland to take the bronze medal. Dmitry Azarov (RUS – 18) finished top scorer at Vienna 2007, with Robert Tigges (NED – 16) proving himself as the most lethal finisher at Poznan 2011.
24: Germany icon Natascha Keller holds the record for scoring more goals than any other individual, man or woman, at an Indoor World Cup thanks to her staggering tally of 24 at Leipzig 2003. Keller netted 17 field goals and seven penalty corners, including eight in one match against Trinidad & Tobago. Fellow German Julia Mueller (18) finished top scorer at Vienna 2007, with Netherlands’ Belle van Meer (11) topping the scorer’s chart at Poznan 2011.
27.6: Belarus and South Africa are the joint oldest women’s teams competing at the Indoor World Cup 2015 with an average age of 27.6, while Austria’s average age of 22.8 makes them the youngest.
29.5: The average age of the Canadian men’s team is 29.5, making them the oldest competing in the men’s Indoor Hockey World Cup 2015. Austria, like their female counterparts, are the youngest, with an average age of 23.4.
37: Kazakhstan’s Gulnara Imangaliyeva (DOB: 30 November 1977) is the oldest player competing in the women’s tournament, being 37 the event begins on Wednesday 4th February.
41: Canadian legend Ken Pereira is the oldest player competing in the Indoor World Cup, being 41 (DOB: 12 July 1973) when the event begins on Wednesday 4th February.
321: The inaugural women’s Indoor World Cup in 2003 featured 321 goals and remains the highest scoring women’s IWC to date, averaging over 8.45 goals per game. 287 goals were scored in the 2007 event in Vienna (7.55 goals per game) with 213 goals registered at the Poznan 2011 tournament (5.60 goals per game).
372: As with the women, the men’s Indoor World Cup of 2003 remains the highest scoring IWC to date, with 372 goals and an average over 9.79 goals per game. 328 goals were scored in the 2007 event in Vienna (8.63 goals per game) with 288 goals registered at Poznan 2011 (7.58 goals per game).
1809: The total number of goals scored in all three previous Indoor World Cups is 1809, with the men racking up 988 and the women netting 821. The men are likely to burst through the 1000 goal marker on the opening day of the tournament, while the women could easily surpass the same target at some stage during this event.
Remember, we will be providing full coverage of the event via the tournament microsites (men & women) as well as via our social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Be sure to keep track of the action!
Indoor World Cup Medalists
Men
Leipzig 2003: GOLD: Germany. SILVER: Poland. BRONZE: France
Vienna 2007: GOLD: Germany. SILVER: Poland. BRONZE: Spain
Poznan 2011: GOLD: Germany. SILVER: Poland. BRONZE: Austria
Women
Leipzig 2003: GOLD: Germany. SILVER: Netherlands. BRONZE: France
Vienna 2007: GOLD: Netherlands. SILVER: Spain. BRONZE: Germany
Poznan 2011: GOLD: Germany. SILVER: Netherlands. BRONZE: Ukraine
FIH site
Tension mounts
Australian indoor women experience World Cup arena for first time
With the Australian women’s indoor hockey team in Europe preparing for the forthcoming Indoor World Cup in Leipzig (4-8 February), Team Manager Karen Seaman is providing a series of short updates exclusively for the Hockey Australia website.
The newest diary entry is nearest the top.
During the tournament we’ll have reports and photos from every match (men’s and women’s). For the details of the squad and the tournament fixture card visit our Australian Indoor team page.
Australia women’s indoor squad 2014/15
Tegan Boucher (VIC)
Kary Chau (VIC)
Clare Commerford (QLD)
Holly Evans (SA)
Ash Fey (QLD)
Kyah Gray (NSW)
Emma McLeish (NSW)
Kizzia Plumb (ACT)
Makaela Potts (NSW)
Emily Riordan (TAS)
Aleisha Smith (NSW)
Shelley Watson (ACT)
1st February: The Indoor World Cup is only FOUR days away! It’s a very exciting time for all involved in the lead up to the first match. Although we only had a one-hour training session scheduled at the Arena, the day was packed full with game analysis and player feedback meetings prior to the training session. The training session gave the players a feel for the court, the boards and the size of the stadium.
It was exciting for the players to walk onto court one of the Arena for the first time. Although the stands were empty today, you could feel the anticipation and excitement grow knowing that they will soon be playing in front of a large crowd. Possibly the largest they have ever played in front of. All are looking forward to playing their first match on day one of the World Cup – 4th February, 11.15am local time v Ukraine (9:15pm AEDT / 6:15pm AWST).
The FIH has launched its tournament website for the Indoor World Cup. Follow all the action here.
31st January: Today we travelled to a small town outside of Leipzig to train and play a match at the Osternienburger Hockey Club. The girls were met by a camera crew as they exited the vans and entered the club. Although a small hall it was filled to capacity with local supporters and the girls were happy to sign autographs and have photos taken with the children following the match.
Today’s match was three 15-minute sessions. Final score was 10-1 in the favour of the Australian women.
Australia v Osternienburger Hockey Club
AUS 10-1 OHC
AUS Scorers: Shelley Watson (FG, FG), Tegan Boucher (FG, FG), Kary Chau (FG, FG), Ashlea Fey (PC), Makaela Potts (FG, FG), Kizziah Plumb (FG)
30th January: Our travel day from Mannheim to Leipzig required an early start. Although some of the girls are not fond of early rises all were excited of the thought that we would be arriving at the Pentahotel Leipzig, which would be our home for the duration of the World Cup. Our liaison officer Hans Sanri was on hand to meet and greet us and speed the check-in process up by having already collected room keys. The girls settled into their rooms and familiarised themselves with the motel and surrounds.
We were fortunate to be able to attend as VIPs a Champions League handball match at the Arena Leipzig. This was the first glimpse of the playing arena that the World Cup will be held in. The girls enjoyed watching a very physical match, which saw the local Leipzig team win a game that they were not expected to win and enjoy the atmosphere of the excited supporters cheering on their home team.
Hockey Australia media release
Canadian men hoping balance means best ever finish at World Cup
Going to the World Cup is a big deal, but for the Canadian Men’s Indoor National Team, it’s becoming old hat.
Along with the host Germans, the Canadians are one of only two teams that will be competing in the 2015 Indoor World Cup and have been to all four Indoor World Cups since the tournament first was played in 2003 (also in Leipzig).
Having finished sixth (in 2003), seventh (in 2007), and tenth (in 2011), the results have varied, but what has been a constant has been a complement of players who have been there to experience it all along the way.
Goalkeeper Shankar Premakanthan (Ottawa, ON) will be playing in his fourth Indoor World Cup.
Others, including Canada’s indoor cap leader, Jeewanjot Singh Bath are going to their third.
This is all to say that many on the Canadian team know what to expect on the world’s biggest stage.
“It takes us a long way,” says the 32 year-old Brampton, Ontario native. “In tough situations like a World Cup, which is a short tournament, if you have experienced guys they can bring the guys together and gel at the right time and just perform.”
What experienced guys also do is act as a guiding light for the younger players on the team.
This year, Canada has four players – Gutej Dhaliwal (Ottawa, ON), Lyle Fernandes (Mississauga, ON), Pardeep Kooonar (Ottawa, ON), and Sean Baretto (Markam, ON) – who will be paying in their first Indoor World Cup.
“It’s a really good thing,” adds Bath. “It just shows that Canada has the athletes to perform.”
“Guys my age might not be there in the next few years. guys like Devohn (Noronha-Texeira), Gurtej, and Lyle, are going to get some experience and they’re going to be the leaders in the next go around.”
Along the way, while the team has been preparing for the World Cup, those guys have already been soaking in all the experience that is around them.
It helps with the nerves, but it doesn’t get rid of them.
“Of course I’m nervous and there’s a lot of butterflies that come with it,” says Fernandes. “But I’m excited because I think the group of guys we have right now is a very experienced team and I have the support I need to do it and play well.”
Fernandes and the other first-timers know that they’ll have a role to play in their first World Cup, but that that role will expand in years to come if they approach the first the right way.
“It’s all about relying on your teammates, you can’t do it yourself,” he adds. “It’s important that us young guys on the team can learn from the veterans now and keep Canadian hockey strong for the years to come.”
But before they deal with the future has in store, the Canadians, – who are ranked seventh heading into the tournament – are hoping for their best finish ever at a World Cup.
“We’ve done all we can,” says Louis Mendonca, who is headed to his third Indoor World Cup as a head coach. “The guys have worked really really hard in terms of training at home, both physiologically and technically.”
After encouraging results in test matches versus Argentina, Moscow’s Dynamo Ektrostaal, and a second place finish at the 2015 Mason Cup in Denmark, the balance of young and old, experienced and motivated, puts Canada in a good position to achieve their goal.
“We’ve worked to the plan, now it’s going to come to down psychologically in terms of how we’re going to perform on the world stage.”
Field Hockey Canada media release
HTHC win back German indoor title
Picture: Florian Luft/hockey.de
Harvestehuder THC won back the German indoor title as they got the better of Rot-Weiss Köln 10-7 in the final this afternoon.
Speaking about the success, coach Christoph Bechmann said the second half was where the tie was won. “In the second half, we reduced the errors and also had more quality on the bench."
HTHC captain added Benjamin Stanzl added that his side showed their different qualities over the course of the weekend after Saturday’s 4-3 semi-final win over Club an der Alster, saying “yesterday, we were defensively very strong; today was all about the offence."
It was Harvestehuder’s fourth national title, adding to successes in 1994, 1996 and 2013 and continues their incredible run of silverware.
They fell behind inside a minute to Florian Scholten’s opening goal and Tom Grambusch made it 2-0 soon after. But the lead was swapped when HTHC scored three times in quick succession via Johan Björkman and Stanzl.
Tobias Hauke extended the lead out to 5-3 before Mats Grambusch and Benjamin Wess levelled things up at five goals each. Player of the match Michael Korper nudged HTHC back in front at 6-5 at half-time.
And they went on to outscore Rot-Weiss by four goals to two in the second half with Daniel von Drachenfels, Hauke, Korper and Finn Köhler building a comfortable lead with 11 minutes to go and they held on comfortably for the win.
Euro Hockey League media release
T&T hockey women hit by withdrawals
Nigel Simon
T&T’s senior women’s hockey team to the FIH World Hockey League Round Two qualifiers set for Montevideo, Uruguay from February 14 to 22 has been depleted by no fewer than nine key players withdrawing from the Anthony Marcano-coached squad.
This has been attributed mainly to work and school commitments by coach Anthony Marcano who says he will use the oppurtunity to groom some Under-21 players.
The players who were forced to withdraw from the training squad which is preparing to face Azerbaijan, Dominican Republic, France, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, and Uruguay in a eigh-team tournament which will divided into two groups of four.
Among the players who will not be making the journey to Uruguay are the experienced quintet of Sekayi Liburd, Avion Ashton, Kristin Thompson, Yesenia Luces and Jenielle Carrington.
In addition, the youthful, but talented sixtuplet of Stephanie Whiteman, Elise Olton, Arielle Cowie, Dana-Lee De Gannes, Teresa Lezam and Kwylan Jaggassar are also out.
The quartet of De Gannes, Liburd, Thompson and Elise were all part of the team which topped the round one qualifiers in Jamaica beating Puerto Rico (5-1), Dominican Republic (3-1), Jamaica (2-0) and Barbados, also 2-0.
However, despite those major absences, Marcano said he was happy to still have the services of some experienced players in Krizia Layne, Oire Trotman, Aime Olton, Kayla Brathwaite, Blair Wynne and Patricia Wright-Aleixis who will all carry the workload.
“It will be a tough ask of the girls, but they are all committed and working tirelessly, added Marcano who is expected to name his final team in the coming week.
Cindy Martin-Martin, the T&T Hockey Board national team’s administrator was also full of praise for the national women’s team who right in the smack of T&T Carnival season will be heading off to represent our country and keep the flag flying high.
She added, “Any Trinbagoian knows when it comes to Carnival how everything else takes a backseat, but hats of to my hockey women they have been training hard for yet another international tournament.
Reflecting of last year, Martin-Fautsin said, “2014 was a hectic year for the senior women team, comprising of both senior and junior players who stepped up and competed in three major tournaments in a five-months span.
This included, the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland in August, World League Round One qualifiers in Jamaica in September which they won and the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Veracruz, Mexico last November.
Looking ahead to Uruguay, Martin-Fuastin stated that with some key players being unavailable a number of junior players would have the chance to make their international debut.
“This is due to the fact that 2014 was demanding and with the commitment of work and university not all the players are available at this time.
She was still high in praise for the work of Marcano and his technical staff whom she described as being very efficient in keeping the women engrossed in their training and fitness regime to compete at a higher level of competition.
“Our Under-21 squad begin training soon for competition in Pan American Juniors 2016 so it's a great time to expose these young women to international competition with the support of the seniors backing them.
“My appreciation goes out to the women for their selfless work and dedication in this time where it's becoming more and more difficult to keep women in sports in this country, “ ended Martin-Faustin.
The Trinidad Guardian
Good day for Delhi Waveriders
Lloyd Norris (right), who was adjudged the man of the match, fights for possession of the ball with an opposition player. Photo: R.V. Moorthy
Delhi Waveriders brought its goodly supporters the much-needed warmth on a chilly Sunday evening at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium with a 3-1 victory over Dabang Mumbai here.
Yuvraj Walmiki, man of the match Lloyd Norris and Danish Mujtaba created unstinted pressure with their pacy forays as Waveriders came into their own.
Walmiki sounded an early threat when he hit over from close and a quick penalty corner for Waveriders showed the team in good control before Norris slammed the ball in with an angular shot.
In the second quarter, a drag flick by Rupinder Pal Singh sneaked in through a crafty deflection by Simon Child. A 2-0 half time scoreline in favour of Waveriders aptly indicated the trend. Mumbai returned with a resolve, pressing from the flanks. Glenn Turner worked tirelessly for Mumbai, earning the first two penalty corners, the second a goalline save leaving the visiting team frustrated. But the experienced Arjun Halappa was well-placed in front of the goal to tap in a deflection from the goalkeeper to reduce the margin.
A fierce reverse-flick by Akashdeep Singh sealed Mumbai’s fate in the final quarter, giving the host, without Sardar Singh in this match, a deserving victory even as Mumbai earned a few opportunities.
After four matches, Waveriders’ tally stands at ten points with Mumbai at six.
The result: Delhi Waveriders 3 (Lloyd Norris, Simon Child, Akashdeep Singh) bt Dabang Mumbai 1 (Arjun Halappa).
The Hindu
Delhi Waveriders beat Dabang Mumbai, register first win
NEW DELHI: Title holders Delhi Waveriders registered their first victory of the season, following a 3-1 win over debutants Dabang Mumbai in a league match of the third edition of the Hero Hockey India League on Sunday.
The Waveriders scored a goal each in the first, second and fourth quarter through Lloyd Norris Jones (10th minute), Simon Child (19th) and Akashdeep Singh (52nd) to record their maiden win in the ongoing edition of the six-team franchise-based event.
Dabang Mumbai's lone goal came in the third quarter from the stick of veteran Arjun Halappa in the 36th minute at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
Both the Waveriders and Dabang Mumbai were slow to get off the blocks. The Delhi outfit in particular looked little out of sorts initially in the absence of its inspirational skipper Sardar Singh, who sat out of today's encounter due to a one-game suspension for inappropriate physical contact with a rival player during his side's last match.
But despite Sardar's absence, the Mumbai outfit did very little to take advantage of the fact at least in the first two quarters.
The Waveriders got the first scoring opportunity early in the match but Andrew Hayward's try was kept out by a Mumbai defender.
But it did not take long for the hosts to surge ahead as in the 10th minute Lloyd Norris Jones scored with a fierce hit from top of the circle after receiving a defence splitting pass from Yuvraj Walmiki.
Norris Jones was once again at the thick of action three minutes later but his reverse hit just went wide of the Mumbai goal.
Minutes later Dabang Mumbai secured their first penalty corner but the opportunity went abegging as the Waveriders ended the first quarter with a slender one goal lead.
The Waveriders continued their attacking play in the second quarter and in the process doubled their lead in the 19th minute when Child neatly deflected in a Rupinderpal Singh flick from their second penalty corner.
Stunned by two goals, Dabang Mumbai pressed forward and created some good moves but they lacked finishing as the Waveriders enjoyed a 2-0 lead at halftime.
After the change of ends, Dabang Mumbai showed greater urgency and managed to earn a penalty corner soon but Harmanpreet Singh's low flick was cleared off the goal line by Surender Kumar.
But minutes later, Halappa pulled one back for the visitors when he scored from a rebound after the ball fell on his path after ricocheting from Waveriders goalkeeper Erasmus Pieterse's feet.
Thereafter, Dabang Mumbai created some bright moves with Glen Turner and Halappa at the forefront but they failed to convert the chances into goals.
Just at the start of the fourth and final quarter, both the teams got a penalty corner each but failed to capitalise.
Eight minutes from the final hooter, the Waveriders hit the Mumbai side hard when Akashdeep scored a fine field goal from top of the circle.
Dabang Mumbai managed to secure another penalty corner minutes later but they lacked in conversion as the Waveriders defence did enough to hold on to their two-goal advantage and register their first win of the season.
By virtue of this win, the Waveriders have moved up to the third position in the standings with 10 points from four games, while Dabang Mumbai continues to languish at the bottom with six points from four outings.
But Dabang Mumbai have a chance to avenge their defeat three days later when they take on the Waveriders in the return leg on February 5 at Mumbai.
The Times of India
Punjab Warriors beat Kalinga Lancers 2-1
BHUBANESWAR: Jaypee Punjab Warriors got the better of Kalinga Lancers 2-1 in a Hero Hockey India League match on Sunday. It was in the 24th minute that gritty Gurjinder Singh gave Kalinga Lancers a much awaited lead with a brilliant drag-flick.
The third quarter proved to be a life line for the Punjab Warriors as the Warriors dug deep into their stamina reserves and suddenly came back into life when the Jaypee Punjab Warrior's star player Sandeep Singh converted a penalty corner to make it 1-1.
In the fourth quarter, the tables turned round in favor of Jaypee Punjab Warriors as Affan Yousuf stroked in a winning goal from a field work in the 50th minute awarding the team a 2-1 win against Kalinga Lancers.
The Times of India
NBP stun PIA to lift COAS title
Kashif Abbasi 
RAWALPINDI: Chief Of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif presents the trophy to National Bank of Pakistan players after the final of of inaugural COAS Challenge Hockey Cup at the Army Hockey Stadium on Sunday.—INP
RAWALPINDI: Quick-fire goals helped National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) clinch the inaugural Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Challenge Hockey Cup when they defeated Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) 2-0 at the Army Hockey Stadium here on Sunday.
With Chief of the Army Staff General Raheel Sharif in attendance as the chief guest, goals in by Tousiq Ahmed and Shan Ali settled the contest in the first quarter and sealed the title for the bankers.
PIA went into the game as hot favourites having seven national team players in their ranks but NBP’s aggressive approach paid dividends in the seventh minute when Tousiq converted a penalty corner and six minutes later, Shan doubled their advantage with a field goal.
The bankers’ quick start deflated PIA who tried to hit back but failed to convert their only penalty corner of the first quarter — the first of seven they would get during the game.
NBP were keen on protecting their lead and thwarted three penalty corners earned by PIA in the second quarter while keeping them at bay with another two in the penultimate 15 minutes.
Those misses saw PIA lose hope of coming back into the game and NBP held on bravely to close out the game for their celebrations to begin.
The Army chief distributed prizes and medals amongst the players and vowed full support for the game.
“High time we restore our lost glory in sports specially our national game… will support endeavour to revive our identity as a sporting nation,” DG ISPR, in his tweet, quoted Army Chief as saying while watching the final.
NBP’s victory saw them being presented a glittering trophy along with a cheque of Rs1 million while PIA were given Rs700,000. Third-placed Army received Rs500,000.
Army’s Rizwan Senior was named Best Player while his team-mate Mohammad Imran took the Best Scorer award with nine goals.
According to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), the Army chief appreciated the PHF president Akhtar Rasool Chaudhry and secretary General Rana Mujahid Ali for making all out efforts to revive Pakistan’s lost glory in the sport.
Dawn
NBP defeat PIA to clinch COAS Hockey trophy
Mohsin Ali
RAWALPINDI - National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) taught a hockey lesson to star-studied Pakistan International Airline (PIA) hockey team to lift the 1st Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Challenge Hockey Cup 2015.
The bankers played well against airliners and thrashed them 2-0 in the final played here at the Army Hockey Stadium on Sunday.
PIA team was favorite to lift the title as they had six international players in their ranks, but surprisingly, it was NBP which started the first quarter on a very high note.
Big match pressure was clearly witnessed on PIA players’ faces, as they were finding it really difficult to stop the bankers to move on.
In the seventh minute, the bankers were awarded a plenty corner, but Imran stopped it.
Then Ali Shan came from behind to score the opening goal on the rebound to give NBP much-deserving lead.
NBP strikers continued pressing harder and harder and their efforts once again paid great dividend as they were awarded another plenty corner in the 13th minute.
PIA goalkeeper Imran Butt stopped the bullet shot, and this time he managed to stop rebounds thrice, but on the fourth attempt, NBP skipper Tauseeq Ahmed finally put the ball into the net to give the bankers 2-0 lead.
In the very next minute, PIA were awarded plenty corner, but they failed to take advantage.
The first quarter ended with NBP in driving seat leading the proceedings 2-0.
The second quarter once started with NBP in complete dominance.
Imran’s extraordinary goalkeeping kept airliners in the hunt, otherwise, it could have been all over for them in the early minutes of the second quarter.
Imran’s solo efforts denied bankers from scoring any further goal in the second quarter.
The third quarter was once again dominated by the bankers, who were dictating the terms, playing flawless hockey, short passes and possession was mainly with them.
PIA did got two plenty corners, but same story of not taking advantage was repeated.
The fourth quarter was also a one-sided affair as PIA players had very much assumed it's a lost battle.
NBP strikers pressed hard and were awarded a plenty corner, but they were once again denied by agility of Imran.
Overall, PIA were awarded seven plenty corners as compare to only four to the bankers.
When the fourth quarter ended, wild celebrations broke out in the NBP camp, and players rushed to the playing area.
The stadium was half empty and majority of the stands gave deserted look despite being the holiday and Army school kids were also invited.
Army officials’ families and PHF officials were also present on the occasion.
Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif graced the occasion as chief guest, while PHF president Chaudhry Akhtar Rasool, secretary Rana Mujahid and other Olympians were also present on the occasion.
The chief guest distributed prizes among the teams.
NBP was awarded Rs 1 million cheque and trophy, PIA was handed over Rs 700,000 cheque, while Army was given Rs 500,000 cheque for the third place.
Rizwan Senior of Army was named player of the tournament, M Imran from Army was the highest goal-scorer of the tournament with nine goals in the event, while Imran Butt of PIA was declared the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
Speaking on the occasion, the COAS assured complete support to revive Pakistan's identity as sporting nation and said lost glory in sports, especially in hockey would be brought back.
Only government channel was allowed entry to cover the event while all the other sports journalists despite having accreditation cards were denied entry.
Even Rawalpindi-Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA) members, who covered the entire event till the final, were not allowed to enter the ground.
When RISJA president Mohsin Ali tried to contact Army Sports Directorate and other concerned persons, their mobiles were switched off and some of them didn't bother to attend the phone.
After several attempts, the RISJA president was finally given entry from GHQ cricket ground gate, but other RISJA members were stopped at the gate.
RISJA president’s cell phones were kept by the security at the gate.
At one end, ISPR claims to help the PHF in reviving hockey and other sports as well, but on the other hand, genuine sports journalists of twin cities were denied to cover the high-profile event without any reason.
Despite assurances given to RISJA of providing their members smooth access, they failed to materialize their promise.
The RISJA president has requested COAS General Raheel Sharif and DG ISPR to look into this matter.
Justice should be done, as it was all about sports promotion and sports journalists could have highlighted the event in the best possible fashion, had they were given entry.
If such behavior continues with sports journalists in future, they will be left with no other option but to completely boycott all sports events of Army Sports Directorate.
The Nation
COAS Cup: NBP win final to claim Rs1 million prize money
KARACHI: NBP stunned PIA 2-0 in the final of the first Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Challenge Hockey Cup to lift the trophy at the Army Hockey Stadium in Rawalpindi yesterday.
NBP were quickly out of the blocks and brilliantly converted a penalty corner in the 12th minute as Muhammad Tousiq Arshad struck home.
It was more of the same in the second quarter as the bankers stuck to their attack-minded approach, and it paid off in the seventh minute of the second quarter as Shan Ali scored in the 22nd minute to double their lead before half time.
PIA came back in the final two quarters but were unable to find a way through a resolute NBP defence.
After the match, NBP captain Arshad praised the team for following the coaches’ strategy. “We played according to the guidelines of our coaches,” he said. “The younger players also responded well to the strategy, which helped us build a strong defense and a potent attack.”
Talking about the significant prize money of Rs2.2 million — the highest in the history of domestic hockey in Pakistan — Arshad said that the tournament was one of the best he had seen and provided a good opportunity to the players to showcase their skills.
Meanwhile, COAS General Raheel Shareef distributed the prize money of Rs1 million to winning side NBP, Rs700,000 to runners-up PIA, and Rs500,000 to third-placed Army, along with gold, silver and bronze medals respectively to the players. “Army will do it’s best to promote the national game, starting with the addition of this tournament in the annual Pakistan Hockey Federation calendar,” promised Shareef at the ceremony.
Olympian Muhammad Rizwan Senior was declared the player of the tournament, Imran Butt of PIA was named the best goal-keeper and Muhammad Imran of Army was the top scorer with nine goals.
The Express Tribune
NBP outclass PIA to claim 1st COAS Challenge Hockey Cup
By Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD: National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) outclassed Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) 2-0 to win the inaugural Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Challenge Hockey Cup at the Army Hockey Stadium in Rawlpindi on Sunday. COAS General Raheel Sharif was the chief guest at the final. Also present on the occasion were Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Chaudhry Akhtar Rasool and Secretary General Rana Mujahid Ali. The winners, NBP, dominated their opponents for the better part of an epic battle. They got off to a flying start at the outset when Ali Shan scored the first goal on a penalty corner rebound in the third minute. Ten minutes later captain Tauseeq Ahmed converted another penalty corner, giving a 2-0 lead to his team that lasted till the end.
PIA strived hard to equalise but their attacks were not good enough to tame NBP, who moved into the second session with a clear lead. The final session saw an exchange of attacks but both the teams remained unable to score any goal. Overall PIA got 11 penalty corners as compared to NBP’s four, however the former were unable to avail any opportunity.
The Chief of Army Staff distributed trophies and cash awards among NBP, PIA and Pakistan Army players. NBP earned cash prize of Rs 10,00,000/- PIA grabbed Rs.700,000/- as runners-up while Army pocketed Rs.500,000/- for finishing third. Muhammad Imran of Army was awarded top scorer award as he scored nine goals in the event. Best goalkeeper award was given to Imran Butt of PIA, while Rizwan Senior of Army bagged the best player award of the tournament.
Speaking on the occasion, General Raheel Sharif assured his complete cooperation in the revival of Pakistan hockey. “Every endeavour for the revival of sports in the country will be supported.” The Army chief appreciated the PHF President Akhtar Rasool and Secretary General Rana Mujahid for going all out to revive Pakistan’s past glory in world hockey. He vowed to support hockey which he said was a national duty to look after the national game. “Our players brought laurels for the country winning a silver medal in the FIH Champions Trophy which was not a small performance. They deserved to be looked after well,” he concluded.
The Daily Times
Army chief hopes to bring back hockey’s lost glory
RAWALPINDI - Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has said that he would support any endeavour to restore Pakistan’s glory in sports, particularly in hockey, in a bid to revive Pakistan’s identity as a sporting nation.
General Sharif attended the final match of the first Chief of Army Staff Hockey Cup in Rawalpindi and gave away trophy, medals and cash prizes to the winning teams of the tournament. National Bank of Pakistan won the cup by defeating PIA. The army chief's statement comes at a time when the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has been struggling to cope with the shortage of funds that may hold back their participation in Sultan Azlan Shah and Olympics. They have reportedly not received any grants from the prime minister during the last 20 months.
The team’s recent loss to Germany in the final of the Champions Trophy in India has further deprived the team of a golden opportunity to win the prestigious event after 20 years. The hockey team has earned a number of milestones in the past being the only hockey-playing nation that has won the hockey World Cup title four times. It has also won hockey gold medal at the Asian Games for a record eight times.
The Daily Times
NHS Pitch 2 in shabby condition due to SBP negligence
LAHORE - The depleted pitch 2 of the National Hockey Stadium (NHS) has proved all the tall claims of Sports Board Punjab (SBP) of spending million of rupees on youth’s sports false as the shabby turf has not only injured many of the youngsters but also destroyed their careers.
The sources said that the players had no option but to practice at the tattered turf which was very dangerous for their game and career. On the other hand, the SBP officials, who have been taking less interest in such matters of great importance, have been waiting for the gift of turf from Holland hockey club which they announced to donate it to the SBP, and are also busy in misusing the grants being allocated to the SBP in this regard, they added.
The Punjab CM should look into this matter and take stern action against those to be found guilty and also order to lay the turf as soon as possible to fulfill his promise of strengthening the youth and providing them all the necessary facilities so that they earn good name for the country, they stated.
Meanwhile, it is likely the SBP may change its ‘temporary’ PRO for issuing false press releases and misbehaving with the journalists. But due to having political backing, he is likely to be accommodated as PA to SBP DG, the sources stated.
The Nation
Politeknik fall behind in Junior hockey league after draw
By S. Ramaguru
Politeknik Malaysia's Sazli Husaini Sobirin dribble past two KLHC players during the Malaysia Junior Hockey League match at KLHA Stadium on Sunday. The match ended in a draw. - SHAARI CHEMAT / THESTAR
KUALA LUMPUR: Politeknik Malaysia failed to keep pace with the Division One table toppers after being held to a 0-0 draw by KLSS-KLHC in a MHC-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League match at the KL Hockey Stadium in Jalan Pantai.
The draw gives Politeknik four points and the Division Two champions are now in seventh position in the nine-team table. Politeknik’s hopes to make the top four are fast diminishing.
Team manager Mohamed Rafi Solaiman lamented his players’ profligacy in front of goal.
“We dominated the match and yet we failed to score any goals. This draw is indeed a setback for us. Our hope is that the players will improve in the coming matches,” he said.
Politeknik have played the two top sides in the table and found themselves wanting. They were defeated 3-0 by leaders Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and 6-0 by SSTMI-Thunderbolt. Their only win was the 2-1 triumph over bottom side SSTMI Juniors.
Rafi said they could have done better if they had utilised the chances that came their way in all the four matches.
“We have been let down by our poor finishing. We need to step up our training sessions and ensure the players perform better and with greater confidence,” he added.
Meanwhile, former double champions Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak-PKT Tigers) finally clinched their first win in four matches.
They defeated SSTMI Juniors 3-1 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Olak started off well with Agveen Singh scoring after only five minutes. Pavendip Singh (eighth) and Mohamad Hafiz Abdul Aziz (14th) contributed the other goals. Umar Hakkim Robangi netted SSTMI Juniors’ consolation goal in the 58th minute.
Olak head coach S. Sivabalan was relieved to get the three points on board.
“The players have been playing well, but mistakes cost us dearly in the other matches. Our finishing was also poor.
“I think this win will give the players the added confidence and, hopefully, we can carry the form into the coming weeks,” he said.
The Star of Malaysia
Subahan looks set to become new MHC president
By S. Ramaguru
Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal (right) has been nominated to contest for the Malaysian Hockey Confederation presidency at its AGM on Feb 13. - Filepic
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal is set to be the new president of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) on Monday.
To date, Subahan is the only person nominated for the presidency. Incumbent Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah is not seeking re-election to the post at the AGM on Feb 13. Nominations for the president, deputy president and seven vice-presidents close at noon the same day.
But there is still a snag for Subahan to take charge. He needs at least three nominations to contest for the post. Only the Selangor HA have nominated him so far.
For the deputy president’s post, Datuk Nur Azmie Ahamd has been nominated by Selangor and Negri Sembilan. He is an incumbent vice-president.
Perak’s Raja Puan Seri Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah is the incumbent deputy president, but she has yet to send in her nomination.
All the candidates need to file their nominations on Monday. And they have until Feb 9 to decide if they want to contest in the elections.
Meanwhile, the Kuala Lumpur HA will table a motion on Feb 13 barring all the elected MHC office bearers from holding positions at state level.
Said KLHA secretary V. Rajamanickam: “Wearing too many hats will affect an official’s performance. I believe these officials must choose which association to serve.”
The Star of Malaysia
