News for 19 August 2015
All the news for Wednesday 19 August 2015
Euro Hockey Championships: Know the teams
By B.G.Joshi in London
Euro Hockey Championships, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, August 21-30, 2015
Men
Pool: A
1-Netherlands (NED)
World Ranking: 02.Coach: Max Caldas (Argentina), Captain: Robert van den Horst.
Appearances: 14; 3Gold(1983,87,2007);7Silver(1970,78,91,95,99,2005,11);3Bronze(1974,2009,13);once 4th(2003).
Records: (P-W-D-L-GF-GA):87-65-10-12-344-120
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2-England (ENG)
World Ranking: 05.Coach: Bob Crutchley, Captain: Barry Middleton.
Appearances: 14; 1Gold(2009);1Silver(1987);6 Bronze(1978,91,95,99,2003,11);twice 4th(1974,2013);twice 5th(1983,2007);twice 6th(1970,2005).
Records: (P-W-D-L-GF-GA):88-51-15-22-237-128
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3-Spain (ESP)
World Ranking: 11. Coach: Federic Soyez (France), Captain: Manel Terraza.
Appearances: 14; 2Gold(1974,2005);2Silver(2003,07);1 Bronze(1970);thrice 4th(1978,83,2009);thrice 5th(1991,99,2013);once 6th(2011);once 7th (1987);once 8th(1995).
Records: (P-W-D-L-GF-GA):87-49-12-26-245-137
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4-Russia (RUS)
World Ranking: 19. Coach: Mikhail Bukatin, Captain: Evgeny Mokrousov.
Appearances: 8(as Russia -3; as USSR-5);1Silver(1983-asUSSR);twice 4th(1987,91 as USSR);once 7th(2011);once 8th(1999);once 9th(1978 as USSR);once 12th (2003); once 14th (1970-as USSR).
Records: (P-W-D-L-GF-GA):19-4-0-15-31-86(as Russia), 35-17-7-11-70-51(as USSR),
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Pool: B
1-Germany (GER)
World Ranking: 03.Coach: Markus Weise, Captain: Martin Haner.
Appearances: 14; 8Gold(1970,78,91,95,99,2003,11,13);2Silver(1974,2009);3Bronze(1983,87,2005);once 4th(2007).
Records: (P-W-D-L-GF-GA):87-69-9-9-321-95.* includes West Germany (FRG) 1970-1990.
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2-Belgium (BEL)
World Ranking: 04.Coach: Jeroen Delmee(Netherlands), Captain: John John Dohmen.
Appearances: 13; 1Silver(2013);1Bronze(2007); four times 4th(1995,99,2005,11);twice 5th(1970,2009);once 6th(2005);once 8th(1983);once 9th(1991);twice 10th(1974,87).
Records: (P-W-D-L-GF-GA):80-35-13-32-183-195.
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3-Ireland (IRL)
World Ranking: 14. Coach: Craig Fulton (South Africa), Captain: David Hurte.
Appearances: 12; twice 5th(1995,2011);twice 6th(1987,2013);twice 7th(1991,2007); once8th(1978);twice 9th(1970,2003); once 10th(1983);twice 11th(1974,99).
Records: (P-W-D-L-GF-GA):77-31-11-35-142-152.
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4-France (FRA)
World Ranking: 17.Coach: Gael Foulard, Captain: Martin Genestet.
Appearances: 13;once 4th(1970); ; twice 5th(2003,05);five times 6th(1974,83,91,2007,09);once7th(1999); once8th(2011); once 11th(1987);once 12th(11995).
Records: (P-W-D-L-GF-GA):83-28-12-43-140-218.
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Women
Pool: A
1-Netherlands (NED)
World Ranking: 01. Coach: Sjoerd Marijne, Captain: Maartje Paumen
Appearances: 11; 8Gold(1984,87,95,99,2003,05,09,11);1Silver(2007);1Bronze(2013);once 4th(1991).
Records: (P-W-D-L-GF-GA):67-58-4-5-306-35
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2-Belgium (BEL)
World Ranking: 12.Coach: Kina Pascal, Captain: Lieselotte van Lindt.
Olympic Appearances: 7, once 4th(2013); ; once 5th(2011); once7th(1991); once8th(1984); once 9th(1987);twice 11th(1995,99).
Records: (P-W-D-L-GF-GA):45-12-8-25-51-138
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3-Spain (ESP)
World Ranking: 14.Coach: Adrian Lock (England), Captain: Rocio Ybarra.
Appearances: 11;2 Silver(1995,2003); four times 4th(2006,07,09,11); ; thrice 5th(1987,99,2013); once 6th(1991);once7th(1984).
Records: (P-W-D-L-GF-GA):67-35-6-26-128-93
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4-Poland (POL)
World Ranking: 24.Coach: Krzysztof Rachwalski, Captain: Marlena Rybacha.
Appearances: Debut,
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Pool: B
1-Germany (GER)
World Ranking: 05.Coach: Jamilon Mudlers, Captain: Luisa Steindor
Appearances: 11, 2Gold(2007,13);5Silver(1991,99,2005,09,11);3Bronze(1984,95,2003);once 4th(1987).
Records: (P-W-D-L-GF-GA):67-49-4-14-208-63.* includes West Germany (FRG) 1970-1990.
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2-England (ENG)
World Ranking: 07.Coach: Danny Kerry, Captain: Kate Walsh-Richardson.
Olympic Appearances: 11, 1Gold(1991);2Silver(1987,2013);5Bronze(1999,2005,07,09,11);thrice 4th(1984,95,2003).
Records: (P-W-D-L-GF-GA):67-42-8-17-186-63
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3-Italy (ITA)
World Ranking: 16.Coach: Fernando Ferrara (Argentina), Captain: Chiara Tiddi.
Appearances: 7, once 7th (2007);once 8th(2011);once 10th(1995);thrice 11th(1987,91,2003);once 12th(1984).
Records: (P-W-D-L-GF-GA):45-8-5-32-41-148
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4-Scotland (SCO)
World Ranking: 17.Coach: Gordon Shepherd, Captain: Leigh Fawcett.
Appearances: 9, once 5th(1991); five times 6th(1984,87,95,99,2013);thrice7th(2003,05,09).
Records: (P-W-D-L-GF-GA):57-25-7-25-101-105
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Fieldhockey.com
EuroHockey 2015 Preview: Learn more about Scotland's Pool B opponents
With Scotland Senior Women set to begin their EuroHockey Nations Championship campaign this weekend, Scottish Hockey gives consideration to the opposition they face in Women's Pool B; England, Germany and Italy.
England
What are Scotland up against?
Hosts England will be considered by many hockey observers to be among the contenders vying for the EuroHockey Nations Championship title.
A fervent home support may act as a real advantage to Head Coach Danny Kerry's side and they will be aiming to surpass their silver medal finish in Belgium two years ago to claim a gold medal and a second European title to match their 1991 success.
The real goal threat will come from forward Alex Danson, while the defence will be well marshalled by stalwart and captain Kate Richardson-Walsh.
Goalkeeper Maddie Hinch continues to collect rave reviews for her performances at international level so expect England to be difficult to score against.
Head to Head
Scotland and England have played out two very close contests in recent tournaments, including a 2-1 loss for the Scots two years ago in Boom (EuroHockey 2013) and the same result at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last summer.
Will it be third time lucky as Scotland look to get off to a great start on Saturday night?
Squad
Giselle Ansley, Georgie Twigg, Hollie Webb (Surbiton), Sophie Bray, Laura Unsworth (East Grinstead), Alex Danson, Susie Gilbert, Helen Richardson-Walsh, Kate Richardson-Walsh (Reading), Sabbie Heesh (Leicester), Joie Leigh (Clifton), Hannah Macleod (St Albans), Shona McCallin (Slough), Lily Owsley (University of Birmingham), Susannah Townsend (Canterbury), Nicola White, Maddie Hinch, Sam Quek (Holcombe).
European Championship History
Gold Medal - 1 (1991)
Silver Medal - 2 (1987, 2013)
Bronze Medal - 5 (1999, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011)
4th - 3 (1984, 1995, 2003)
Pool B Match
Scotland v England, 22 August, 18.15
Germany
What are Scotland up against?
The defending champions.
The 2013 and 2007 winners have recorded top 3 finishes in every EuroHockey Nations Championship bar one, demonstrating an enviable level of consistency in continental competitions.
Currently 5th position in the FIH World Rankings, only the Netherlands are ranked higher among the teams competing in London. Therefore they will be rightly considered one of the favourites to finish in the tournament's medal positions.
Die Danas coach Jamilon Mulders has prioritised full fitness as a pre-requisite for player selection; therefore captain Julia Muller and Lisa Marie Schutze miss out after recent injuries. Katharina Otte and Selin Oruz also return after missing out on FIH World League Semi-Final selection in June.
Head to Head
A narrow 1-0 defeat for Scotland in the first pool match of the EuroHockey Nations Championship two years ago.
The Scots also lost a three match series 3-0 against the Germans in October last year.
Nevertheless, a 4-3 win over Germany at the recent EuroMasters in Hamburg gives Scotland confidence going into their second pool match on Monday evening.
Squad
Yvonne Frank, Lisa Altenburg, Kristina Hillmann, Eileen Hoffmann, Marie Mävers, Janne Müller-Wieland, Katharina Otte, Charlotte Stapenhorst, Jana Teschke (UHC Hamburg),
Kristina Reynolds (Hamburger Polo Club), Lydia Haase, Nike Lorenz (Mannheimer HC)
Franzisca Hauke, Lea Stöckel (Rot-Weiss Köln), Hannah Krüger (Münchner SC), Selin Oruz, (Düsseldorfer HC), Anne Schröder (Club an der Alster), Luisa Steindor (Düsseldorfer HC)
Yvonne Frank, Lisa Altenburg, Kristina Hillmann, Eileen Hoffmann, Marie Mävers, Janne Müller-Wieland, Katharina Otte, Charlotte Stapenhorst, Jana Teschke (UHC Hamburg), Kristina Reynolds (Hamburger Polo Club), Lydia Haase, Nike Lorenz (Mannheimer HC) Franzisca Hauke, Lea Stöckel (Rot-Weiss Köln), Hannah Krüger (Münchner SC), Selin Oruz, (Düsseldorfer HC), Anne Schröder (Club an der Alster), Luisa Steindor (Düsseldorfer HC)
European Championship History
Gold Medal - 2 (2007, 2013)
Silver medal - 5 (1991, 1999, 2005, 2009, 2011)
Bronze Medal - 3 (1984, 1995, 2003)
4th - 1 (1987)
Pool B Match
Scotland v Germany, Monday 24 August, 17.15
Italy
What are Scotland up against?
Italy return to the EuroHockey Nations Championship after being promoted as winners of the Championship II division in 2013.
Ranked 16th in the world, the Italians recently finished last at the FIH World League Semi-Final in Antwerp earlier this summer after losses to both India and Belgium in the cross-over stage, which would suggest a par performance.
With a seventh place finish at the 2007 European Championships their best ever result, Head Coach Fernando Ferrera and his side will see survival in the competition as their priority and will most likely be among the sides competing in the 5th-8th place classification matches.
Head to Head
The Scots last played Italy in a three match series while preparing for the FIH World League 2 in 2013.
Two draws and a win gave the Scots a winning margin in the overall series.
However, the Italians did defeat Scotland during the FIH World League 1 competition in 2012, recording a 2-0 win in Prague.
Expect this to be the key match for Scotland during the pool stage.
Squad
Chiara Tiddi, Aldana Lovagnini, Giuliana Ruggieri, Elisabetta Pacella. (Libertas San Saba) Martina Lecchini, Marcela Casale, Martina Chirico (Cus Pisa) Florencia Nogueir (Hockey Cernusco) Dalila Mirabella, Mercedes Socino, Eleonora Di Mauro (HCU Catania) Celina Traverso, Macarena Ronsisvalli (Sg Amsicora) Valentina Braconi, Natalia Leonor Schinoni (Pol. Ferrini) Eugenia Garraffo (H.F. Lorenzoni) Constanza Aguirre (Hockey Femminile Roma) Maria Galli (KHC Dragons)
European Championship History
7th - 1 (2007)
8th - 1 (2011)
9th - 1 (1995)
11th - 3 (1987, 1991, 2003)
Did not compete - 2 (1999, 2005)
Pool B Match
Scotland v Italy, Wednesday 26 August, 17.15
For more information about the EuroHockey Nations Championship, please visit the EuroHockey 2015 website.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
O'Donoghue and Ireland buzzing for Euros
“There is still a buzz around the squad and the hockey community back home,” Shane O’Donoghue says of Ireland’s mood ahead of the European championships campaign.
It comes off the back of a fine World League semi-final campaign, one which saw the green machine beat higher-ranked Pakistan and Malaysia to move within reach of a potential first ever Olympic qualification since 1908.
O’Donoghue – who played last season with Dragons in Belgium – is one of the key cogs in the engine room, a goal-scoring midfielder with a powerful corner flick on top.
He showed plenty of that potential two years ago as a 20-year-old in Boom in a topsy-turvy tournament for the Irish with some serious high points but almost ended in disaster.
A last-ditch fightback against the Czech Republic preserved their status in the top tier for a third successive continental championship.
“Yeah, the last Europeans was a bit of a roller coaster. We faced the Dutch and narrowly lost out 2-1 and then we came back from 2-0 down against England in which we drew 2-2 O’Donoghue scored twice which resulted in us narrowly missing our chance to play in the semi finals which would have been our first time.
“We played some good hockey and in some ways exceeded our expectations at the time but we grinded out a big game against the Czech Republic.”
This year, Ireland start with a key game against France on Saturday morning to start their campaign before facing the big dogs – Germany on Sunday and Belgium on Tuesday.
To prepare for the competition, Ireland initially took time out after a big preparation for the World League, dating back to round two which took place in March.
Since returning to action, Ireland have had an intensive four-week block to build for London. It included a couple of high octane against the Netherlands, running them close in the second game, 2-3.
“To play games against the likes of the Dutch for us as a squad and where we want to go is fantastic. The Dutch are a very strong outfit but it was our first outing together with some new faces in the squad and we improved a lot from game one to game 2.
“For us, it was to get back to the level in which we finished at World League 3 and to focus purely on us and make improvements form both games.
“It was important that after world league we took some time away from hockey as, since World league 2 in March, we have had various international games and training camps both at home and abroad.
“We have had some high intensity training camps the past couple of weeks and obviously the games against Holland last weeks so preparation has been short but very positive.”
Euro Hockey League media release
Hoare ready for "special atmosphere" in London
Having played regularly around Europe , England’s Michael Hoare is looking forward to “a special atmosphere in front of a home crowd” when his side lines out against Russia on Friday night in Pool A of the European Championships.
Speaking in the build-up to the competition, Hoare says it will be “a great experience to be part of” as he gets to savour a bit tournament fervour in front of a majority of fans behind his side.
His side are in a group with the Russians as well as top seeds the Netherlands and the ever-dangerous Spain in the eight-team competition which is being hosted at London's Olympic Park.
“It's a real team effort from England hockey to host a major championships and the staff in the background are doing a fantastic job to showcase some of the world’s best hockey teams.
“Having played a lot in Germany, Belgium and Netherlands in the last three years, I can't wait to get started.”
The Liverpuddlian has been establishing himself in the English and GB set-up since making his debut in 2012, earning a place in the 2014 World Cup squad where England finished fourth.
He will play in his second European championships following selection last week but he says that, especially with the Rio Olympics on the horizon, the width of England’s panel is broadening.
“Competition in both the England and GB squads are good at the moment and only going to get stronger with players coming back from longer injury layoffs too.
“I think it's really exciting to have competition for places and a wider number of players gaining more playing experience both for the next year building up to Rio and the future.”
The Euros concludes a busy summer which saw GB land third place in Antwerp in the World League semi-final, an outcome that brought with it that ticket to the 2016 Games.
With the proximity of that tournament to the Euros, Hoare is hopeful his side has got the balance right in preparations.
”It has been a long block of training and matches since the end of the club season. Olympic qualification takes a lot out of you both mentally and physically, as it's such high pressure on one tournament.
“We have had a little bit of downtime since then here and there but generally it has been switching our focus from one thing to the next. I can't wait for the Europeans this month but I will definitely need a good rest in September before getting going for another exciting year for club and country.”
Speaking of club, Hoare plays his club hockey across London city with Wimbledon, the recently crowned national champions, earning a first ever entry to the Euro Hockey League.
“Winning the Championships last year with Wimbledon was amazing and the club is so proud to be representing England in the EHL for the first time.
“The English league is stronger again this year with quite a few teams bringing in new players to strengthen their squads. We are looking forward to the challenge of trying to defend our title and put in a good performance in the EHL next Easter.”
It all makes for busy times for the 29-year-old but he is relishing the challenges ahead.
Euro Hockey League media release
Raipur, India confirmed host of the 2015 Men’s Hockey World League Final
The Raipur International Hockey Stadium will host the HWL Men's Final
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced that the 2015 men’s Hockey World League Final will be hosted by the Indian city of Raipur, Chhattisgarh between 27 November and 6 December 2015.
The event will be held in the 3,000 capacity Raipur International Hockey Stadium which was opened as a dedicated hockey facility in August 2014.
The event will feature eight national hockey teams who qualified through the Hockey World League Semi-Finals in Buenos Aires and Antwerp. They include Australia, ranked number one in the FIH World Rankings, Netherlands (2), Germany (3), Belgium (4), Great Britain (5), Argentina (6), hosts India (8) and Canada (13).
This will be the first international hockey event to be staged not only in the newly built Raipur International Hockey Stadium, but also in the city of Raipur, the capital of India’s Chhattisgarh state.
“The Hockey World League Final is going to be an extremely exciting event, with all eight teams having qualified for the 2016 Olympics. This will be one of the last opportunities to test themselves against one another in international competition before they head out to Rio for the Games later next year,” said Leandro Negre, FIH President.
He continued: “India has a strong connection with the sport of hockey and we are delighted to be taking this showcase competition to a city that has shown a great desire to host international hockey tournaments. We have no doubt that the local organisers and the people of Raipur will put on a fantastic event for athletes, spectators and TV viewers around the world.”
Speaking about this announcement, Dr Raman Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh, said: "It is a proud moment for the State of Chhattisgarh. When we started work on the stadium the aim was to make a world class stadium which meets international standards and I’m happy that we have successfully achieved that. Chhattisgarh is known for its love for hockey and this stadium is a step towards giving those requisite facilities to the aspiring players who want to make their mark on the international platform. I welcome hockey fans from across the world and invite them to come and experience the exhilarating hockey set to be witnessed here in November and December.”
Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra, President of Hockey India, added further support to the host confirmation. He said: "It’s great news for the Indian hockey fraternity as Raipur will host an international level tournament for the first time. This will be a huge motivation not only for Hockey India but also for the officials at the Raipur stadium. Yet again this proves our capabilities to host tournaments of this stature, effortlessly and perfectly. This will provide a huge opportunity for the people of Chhattisgarh to watch incredible hockey skills as teams compete to grab the tournament title. Tournaments like these will inspire the young generation to take up hockey as a career, which we hope will enhance our talent pool in the future.”
This is the second edition of the Hockey World League. The inaugural Hockey World League men’s Final was held in New Delhi, India and was won by the Netherlands.
For more information about the upcoming Hockey World League Finals visit: http://bit.ly/1HaCSSr
FIH site
Chhattisgarh to host men's Hockey World League Final
NEW DELHI: Chhattisgarh will host the men's Hockey World League Final from November 27 to December 6 in its capital city of Raipur, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced on Tuesday.
"...the 2015 men's Hockey World League Final will be hosted by the Indian city of Raipur, Chhattisgarh between 27 November and 6 December 2015," the FIH said in a statement.
The event will be held in the Raipur International Hockey Stadium, which was opened as a dedicated hockey facility in August last year.
The event will feature eight national hockey teams who qualified through the Hockey World League Semi-Finals in Buenos Aires and Antwerp.
They include Australia, ranked number one in the FIH World Rankings, Netherlands (2), Germany (3), Belgium (4), Great Britain (5), Argentina (6), hosts India (8) and Canada (13).
This will be the first international hockey event to be staged not only in the newly-built Raipur International Hockey Stadium, but also in the city.
"The Hockey World League Final is going to be an extremely exciting event, with all eight teams having qualified for the 2016 Olympics. This will be one of the last opportunities to test themselves against one another in international competition before they head out to Rio for the Games later next year," FIH president said Leandro Negre.
"India has a strong connection with the sport of hockey and we are delighted to be taking this showcase competition to a city that has shown a great desire to host international hockey tournaments. We have no doubt that the local organisers and the people of Raipur will put on a fantastic event for athletes, spectators and TV viewers around the world," he added.
Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh welcomed the FIH's decision.
"It is a proud moment for the State of Chhattisgarh. When we started work on the stadium the aim was to make a world class stadium which meets international standards and I'm happy that we have successfully achieved that. I welcome hockey fans from across the world and invite them to come and experience the exhilarating hockey set to be witnessed here in November and December."
Hockey India president Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra also backed the move.
"It's great news for the Indian hockey fraternity as Raipur will host an international level tournament for the first time. This will be a huge motivation not only for Hockey India but also for the officials at the Raipur stadium. Yet again this proves our capabilities to host tournaments of this stature, effortlessly and perfectly.
"This will provide a huge opportunity for the people of Chhattisgarh to watch incredible hockey skills as teams compete to grab the tournament title. Tournaments like these will inspire the young generation to take up hockey as a career, which we hope will enhance our talent pool in the future."
This is the second edition of the Hockey World League. The inaugural Hockey World League men's Final was held in New Delhi and was won by the Netherlands.
The Times of India
Memorable year for Canadian men to be capped off with visit to India for World League Final
Canada to compete with seven of the world’s top eight nations November 27-December 6
Shaheed Devji, fieldhockey.ca
Photo: Yan Huckendubler
If earning 2016 Olympic qualification wasn’t enough to make 2015 a success season, at the end of year the Canadian Men’s Field Hockey Team will have another accolade on which it can hang its hat: a visit to the World League Final in Rajpur, India from November 27 to December 6.
The tournament comprises of the top finishers from the two World League Semifinals played this summer and – in addition to Canada, which is ranked thirteenth – comprises of seven of the world’s top eight ranked teams.
“To be able to play with the top eight sides in the world for a number of reasons,” says Canadian head coach Anthony Farry. “Number one, we don’t get to play this level of competition all the time, so that’s going to be a real boon for us. And just the significance of ticking boxes as you go along, saying some things are going okay.”
That things are going okay is an understatement.
For the first time since 2008, Canada is headed to the Olympic Summer Games after a stellar performance at the World League Semifinal in Argentina this past June, during which they beat Spain and New Zealand – both of which are placed higher in the International Hockey Federation World Rankings.
That performance secured their berth to the Rio Games as well as the India's World League Final and the tail end of this year.
“It’s a real credit to the guys because it’s been a lot of hard work to get to this area,” adds Farry. “We’ve placed a lot of time and finances into it as well. It’s been significant. For a country that doesn’t have the infrastructure and financial backing as maybe some other countries in the top eight do, it’s quite significant for us.”
The World League Final takes place in Rajpur, India at the newly constructed Rajpur International Hockey Stadium. Joining Canada at the tournament is Australia, ranked number one in the FIH World Rankings, Netherlands (2), Germany (3), Belgium (4), Great Britain (5), Argentina (6), and hosts India (8).
It will be the first time Canada has competed in a tournament of this stature outside of the Olympics and World Cup, for which qualification has typically been achieve through the Pan Am Games and Pan Am Cups.
Qualification for the World League Final is earned through the World League Tournament, where the world lower, mid, and top ranked teams are grouped together in a series of tournaments.
“No disrespect to the teams involved in the Pan Ams,” says Farry. “But you need to get through a lot of really good teams to achieve what we achieved.
“You expect it and that’s what you want and that’s what you fight for but when it does happen it’s a little bit surreal.”
This is the second playing of the World League Final, with the Netherlands having won the first.
Field Hockey Canada media release
Nehru-Dhyan Chand Cup: Saket posts fluent 5- 0 victory
Defending champions Govt Boys Senior Secondary School, J Block, Saket lived upto its image by defeating its opening match rival Govt Boys Senior Secondary School, Ghittori today in the first day of the 3rd Nehru-Dhyan Chand Cup at historic Shivaji Stadium here in New Delhi.
The 12-team competition witnessed two matches, involving NGO One Thousand Hockey Legs supported teams.
In the first match Govt Boys Senior Secondary School, Mahrauli struggled hard to defeat fighting Sarvodaya Bal Vidhyalaya Ashok Vihar 2-1.
Saket, the winner of the last edition after decimating SBV Ashok Nagar, found new team Ghittorni an easy meat and savoured every goal.
Sensational player Dilip of Saket struck two goals while captain Nakul, defender Rahul Mandal and left winger Buvan Tiwari posted a goal apiece.
Nakul, as a pivot, played a great role in shaping the victory and was declared Man of the Match (pic) In the first match, Mahrauli struggled before notching up three full points. Ashok Vihar school put up a good fight and did not yield till the 45th minute.
Abhinandan posted the first goal and then defender Baljeet Singh added one. However, in the closing stages Ashok Vihar pulled one.
Rupinder Singh of Mahrauli was declared Man of the Match and was given a synthetic hockey stick
Stick2Hockey.com
South Africa legend Marsha Cox retires
South Africa captain calls time on her international career
Photo: africancelebs.com
After 14 years on the world stage, South Africa Hockey captain Marsha Cox has announced her retirement from international hockey.
With over 330 caps in total, she is one of the world’s most capped hockey players (men and women). Marsha made her debut aged 18 in 2001. Since then she has gone on to represent her country at three Olympic Games (Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012) and three Hockey World Cups (Perth 2002, Madrid 2006 and Rosario 2010).
Other career highlights include appearances at four Commonwealth Games, including Glasgow last year where she led her team to a fourth place finish.
Her on field performances have also seen her nominated for the International Hockey Federation (FIH) World XI three times, in 2007, 2009 and 2010.
Speaking of her retirement on the South African Hockey Association website, she said: “In order for me to open the next door of opportunity in my life, I need to close this one as a South African Women’s Hockey player. After 14 years of great experiences, challenges and unforgettable memories I am ready for the next round of opportunities that lie ahead of me.”
She continued: “Playing my debut in 2001 at the age of 18 was a dream come true and every minute on the field in green and gold was an extension of that dream. I have had amazing experiences, which taught me lessons that go beyond the hockey field and its surroundings.
“It is difficult to make this decision, however, I feel blessed to make it with a happy heart as I look back at the last 14 years with a deep gratitude. This is just the end of my journey as a player but I look forward to staying involved as a player’s representative and also other levels of involvement in the game.”
The full statement can be read here: http://bit.ly/1EzeFnL
Fellow South African and FIH CEO Kelly Fairweather, added words of support following her retirement. He said: “Marsha will forever be a South African hockey legend, but her success extends much beyond her homeland. Throughout her career she has been a true role model, an inspiration to thousands around the world. Her athleticism, skill and sportsmanship set an example to others.”
He continued: “While her international playing career comes to an end, she remains active in the world of hockey. As a key member of the FIH Athletes’ Commission, her experience will prove vital as the role of the Commission evolves over the coming years. On behalf of the FIH and all of our National Associations, I would like to thank Marsha for everything she has done for the sport hockey.”
Marsha is currently living in the Netherlands with her husband where she is playing in the Dutch Premier League. Hockey fans can continue to follow her via Twitter and Facebook:
Twitter: @MarshaM8
Facebook: MarshaMarescia08
USFHA media release
A Different Kind of Preseason
By U.S Women's National Team athlete Rachel Dawson
Last week, I was transplanted back to the days of preseason yore, to the distinctively thick fervor of early August; the air buzzing with the vigor of cicadas, the humidity of passion and the burgeoning possibility of fall.
Months ago, in what I now consider a moment of insanity, I’d signed my name to a line - I was going to Baptiste Yoga Level 1 Teacher Training. They call it Yoga Bootcamp. Imagine a self-inflicted grown-up preseason for aspiring yogi’s.
As the day of departure neared, I wondered if I had lost my mind. I wondered if I was ready, if I’d done enough to prepare. Had I trained hard enough, and purposefully enough to survive?
It was all new and in the newness, I sensed some transformative adventure on the horizon. The unknown exhilarated me. The only thing I knew was that it would be intense in all dimensions, physically, mentally and emotionally; a preseason into a new season of my life.
I stood in my bedroom before an empty suitcase, clothes messily amassed like the pile of thoughts in my head. Simultaneously impaired and invigorated, I wondered how does one pack for the unknown? And then I realized, there’s no packing, no planning for the unknown. That’s what makes the preseason experience so powerful – no matter how many preseason’s you’ve endured, each one has a personality of its own, each experience is distinct, uniquely shaped by the place and people involved.
Living in a dorm with 20 others, sleeping on a semi-deflated air mattress, sharing stories, sweat, laughter, triumphs, doubts, meals and a drying rack made me nostalgic for many hockey preseason's past. Each morning I rose with the sun amongst strangers who quickly became friends to travel through physically, mentally and emotionally draining sessions. At night, we laid our heads to rest wondering how we would rise and do it all over again in the morning. And yet, somehow when we woke, we put one foot in front of the other. You find joy in simple, shared moments, strength in your unshakeable resolve to show up for one another.
And as you put one foot in front of the other, something breaks and a new power emerges. All of a sudden you are no longer asking "Am I ready?" You are professing, "We are ready."
And then, the season begins.
USFHA media release
Rana Mujahid to appear before POA apex committee today
Mohsin Ali
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Rana Mujahid will today (Wednesday) appear before Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) apex committee headed by former IGP Shaukat Javed.
The sources revealed that Mujahid had tendered a written request in which he had distant himself from any role in formulation of parallel POAs.
It is pertinent to mention here that the POA imposed 10-year ban on Mujahid for his role in not only establishing a parallel POA, but also expressing himself a contender for secretary slot.
The sources added that in his letter to POA president Lt Gen (R) Syed Arif Hasan, Mujahid had pleaded his innocence and denied any role or part in the POA parallel set up.
“The POA case was referred to apex committee, which after complete study invited Mujahid for personal hearing.
The first personal hearing will take place today (Wednesday) and it can be first and last as well, as there is nothing much in the case,” the sources said.
“There is absolutely no chance of any further hearing as the case is crystal clear and there are enough evidences to prove Mujahid as guilty.
The apex committee will complete its findings and forward them.
The POA will then call its general council meeting to decide on the findings,” they added.
The sources said: “There is not even an outside chance Rana could escape punishment, as the general council members have already very strong reservations against him and hold him responsible for the entire situation.
He is bound to face severe action and off course in case he gets away from the IPC probe committee and PHF own fact finding committees report, even then the POA will take up the case with PHF, if he is found guilty in apex committee report.”
When this scribe contacted Rana Mujahid to seek his point of view, he confirmed that he would meet apex committee today (Wednesday) at 11am.
“I did nothing wrong.
Our president has already apologized on POA demand and I think now matter is over.
We haven't murdered anybody rather we followed government directives in true letter and spirit, which were conveyed to us at that time.
The government, PSB and IPC were backing Gen Sahi-led POA, despite not at fault, we had apologized.
I hope the POA will consider our case accordingly and justice will prevail,” Mujahid concluded.
The Nation