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All the news for Tuesday 8 June 2021

EuroHockey Championship 2021 Men - 8 June
Amsterdam, Netherlands

All times GMT +2)

4 Jun 2021     GER v WAL (Pool B)     8 - 1
4 Jun 2021     NED v FRA (Pool B)     3 - 0

5 Jun 2021     ENG v RUS (Pool A)   5 - 0
5 Jun 2021     BEL v ESP (Pool A)   4 - 2
5 Jun 2021     FRA v WAL (Pool B)   2 - 2

6 Jun 2021     GER v NED (Pool B)   2 - 2
6 Jun 2021     ESP v RUS (Pool A)   5 - 1
6 Jun 2021     ENG v BEL (Pool A)   2 - 1

8 Jun 2021 12:30     BEL v RUS (Pool A)
8 Jun 2021 14:45     FRA v GER (Pool B)
8 Jun 2021 17:00     ESP v ENG (Pool A
8 Jun 2021 20:00     NED v WAL (Pool B)

Pool Standings

Pool A

Pool B

FIH Match Centre

EuroHockey Championship 2021 Women - 8 June
Amsterdam, Netherlands

All times GMT +2)

5 Jun 2021     NED v IRL (Pool A)   4 - 0
5 Jun 2021     ESP v SCO (Pool A)   4 - 1

6 Jun 2021     ENG v ITA (Pool B)    4 - 0
6 Jun 2021     GER v BEL (Pool B)   1 - 1

7 Jun 2021     IRL v SCO (Pool A)   1 - 0
7 Jun 2021     BEL v ITA (Pool B)   4 - 0
7 Jun 2021     ENG v GER (Pool B)   0 - 2
7 Jun 2021     ESP v NED (Pool A   1 - 7

Pool Standings

Pool A

Pool B

FIH Match Centre

Defending champions Netherlands serve notice of intent with 7-1 beating of Spain at EuroHockey Championships

By Neil Shefferd


Defending champions The Netherlands issued a warning to their rivals by beating Spain 7-1 at the EuroHockey Championships ©Getty Images

Defending champions The Netherlands issued a warning to their rivals with a 7-1 thrashing of Spain as women’s pool action continued at the EuroHockey Championships.

Playing in Pool A, the hosts made it two wins from two with an emphatic victory, with the scoring started by Eva de Goede with a field goal on 14 minutes.

Frederique Matla scored her first of the game with another field goal five minutes later, before Lauren Stam made it 3-0 from a penalty corner.

Caia van Maasakker made it 4-0 from another penalty corner before Matla scored two goals in two minutes from field goals to make it 6-0.

Felice Albers rounded off the rout with five minutes remaining with another field goal before Laura Barrios netted a consolation for Spain a minute later to make the final score 7-1.

The other match in the pool was a significantly closer affair, with one goal separating Ireland and Scotland.

A penalty corner from Naomi Carroll in the 46th minute was enough to give Ireland a 1-0 win that leaves Scotland bottom of the pool.

The Netherlands lead the pool with six points, with Spain and Ireland following behind on three, and Scotland yet to get off the mark.

In Pool B, Belgium moved to the top of the table after a convincing 4-0 win over Italy.

Ambre Ballenghien gave the Belgians a 24th minute lead with a penalty corner before Abi Raye doubled their lead ten minutes later from a field goal.

Two penalty corners in the last ten minutes courtesy of France de Mot and a second from Ballenghien helped Belgium to a comfortable margin of victory.

In the other game in the pool, Germany beat England 2-0 thanks to an early penalty corner from Sonja Zimmermann and a field goal from Jette Fleschutz.

Belgium and Germany now both have four points, with Belgium top on goal difference, while England have three points and Italy are yet to get off the mark.

There were no men’s matches today although fixtures are scheduled in both pools tomorrow.

Inside the Games

England's Women Defeated By Germany At EuroHockey Championships



England’s women suffered their first defeat of the 2021 EuroHockey Championships after being beaten by a solid German team in Amsterdam.

After initially starting brightly, England struggled to assert dominance over their well drilled opponents in what was Hollie Pearne-Webb's 100th appearance for the country, with chances coming at a premium.

At the other end, Maddie Hinch produced several fine saves but could do nothing to keep out strikes from Sonja Zimmermann and Jette Fleschutz.

The result means England sit third in their group on three points, behind both Germany and Belgium who have four points. They will need to beat the Belgians in their final group game on Wednesday to qualify for the semi-finals.


The match marked Hollie Pearne-Webb's 100th appearance in an England shirt. Credit: World Sport Pics

England started the game full of confidence following their 4-0 win over Italy the previous day, Ellie Rayer racing into the circle in the first minute before Anna Toman’s corner slap shortly after was brilliantly cleared off the line.

But a green card for Fiona Crackles in the seventh minute turned the tide, with Zimmerman pouncing on a rebound after her initial corner was saved to give the Germans the lead.

Three more corners followed for the 2019 runners-up but they couldn’t add a second, the first two ending up wide of the target before Hinch stopped another effort from Zimmerman and the subsequent rebound.

Charlotte Stapenhorst thought she had doubled her team’s lead in the 20th minute with a stunning finish on the reverse but it was ruled out after a review after the ball was deemed to have hit the back of her stick in the build up.

After that, Mark Hager’s side managed to increase their percentage of but were unable to fashion any chances before the break, while in the dying moments of the half Hinch had to race off her line to close down Cecile Pieper.


Maddie Hinch was required to make a number of saves throughout the game. Credit: World Sport Pics

There was nothing the goalkeeper could do to keep out Fleschutz’s effort two minutes into the third quarter though, the German midfielder firing the ball into the top corner from the top of the circle.

The Germans only increased their pressure after that too, winning three quarters in succession shortly afterwards but were unable to add to their tally.

England finally managed to start dictating the play at the start of the final quarter, with Lily Owsley’s shot on the turn saved by Julia Sonntag before Susannah Townsend just failed to get enough of a deflection on Giselle Ansley’s corner.

But a yellow card for Fiona Crackles with six minutes remaining killed any momentum that was building and allowed Germany to see the game out with relative ease.

After the game, head coach Hager said: "I'm disappointed not only with result but also our ability to control tempo of the match. We've got lots of things to learn as we move our focus on to our game against Belgium on Wednesday."

England 0 (0)

Germany 2 (1)

Zimmerman (8’, PC); Fleschutz (32', FG)

Starting XI: Hinch (GK), Unsworth, Evans, Toman, Townsend, Rayer, Ansley, Pearne-Webb (C), Owsley, Balsdon, Petter

Subs (Used): Burge, Sanders, Neal, Hunter, Ledesma, Crackles

Subs (Unused): Heesh (GK)

England Hockey Board Media release

Germany make England pay for ill-discipline



England will need to beat Belgium in their final pool game to reach the semi-finals of the EuroHockey Championships after they slid to a 2-0 defeat to Germany in Amstelveen.

England women face must-win final group game after Germany defeat

England have won one and lost one of their Pool B games at the EuroHockey Championships


Nike Lorenz of Germany, Elena Rayer of England fight fo the ball during the European Hockey Championship match

England face a must-win game against Belgium on Wednesday after they were beaten by Germany in the Women's EuroHockey Championships in Amsterdam.

Goals from Sonja Zimmermann and Jette Fleschutz lifted Germany up to second in Pool B after Belgium beat Italy 4-0.

England are third with three points and risk missing the semi-finals.

"We've got lots of things to learn as we move our focus on to our game against Belgium," said England head coach Mark Hager.

The defeat spoiled what was Olympic gold medal winning defender Hollie Pearne-Webb's 100th appearance for England.

Meanwhile in the men's draw, England face Spain on Tuesday knowing a point will be enough to guarantee their place in the last four of the competition.

BBC Sport

Carroll’s strike puts Ireland back in frame for World Cup qualification



Naomi Carroll netted a 46th minute winner to put Ireland within one win of World Cup qualification as her single goal saw off Scotland on day two of the EuroHockey Championships in Amsterdam.

She batted home her 25th international strike but a first goal since June 3rd 2018 – also against Scotland – before her ACL injury left her on the Green Army sidelines until this year.

Carroll did not recall that previous strike but was suitably thrilled to be back in the mix on this stage and picking up all the points from a tricky battle in the seering heat.

“I thought we started really well, created chances,” was the Cratloe woman’s assessment of the game.  

“As long as they held us at 0-0, it does get tougher. You try to stay patient and hope that it will come. But there’s times in the past when it didn’t come. We stayed calm, persevered and got those three points that we were after today.”

The tie was a far cry from the opening group game against the world number ones the Netherlands, a tight physical contest between two closely matched sides.

Indeed, there were echoes of 2017 when the two sides played out a 0-0 draw at the same stage of the same competition in the same stadium.  

And this one was looking to follow a similar pattern of Irish upper-hand but no killer touch until Carroll’s fateful intervention.

And Nikki Evans said the side – with 10 players still in situ – learned enough from that day to see this one out.

“We have experience among the team and a lot of that side from 2017 was there today. He just encouraged us to keep playing, keep playing, keep pushing. We did that and I am really proud of the girls for digging in deep.”

She was celebrating her 200th cap, becoming just the sixth woman to do so after Nikki Symmons, Shirley McCay, Cliodhna Sargent, Chloe Watkins and Anna O’Flanagan.

And she was grateful that restrictions had been lifted enough for her to be able to share the moment with her parents in the stands.

“To get one cap for your country is a dream come true. To get 200 with some of my best friends, I am incredibly grateful for the memories and to have my parents here today was really special!  

“I was surprised to see them – I am not going to lie. I wasn’t sure of their whearabouts or what their plans were but I could spot them today from a mile away in the Monday morning crowd.  

“It is as much for my family and friends who have been there along the journey with me and I delighted to share it with them.”

The first half saw the Green Army make the most telling inroads but the crucial touch was just out of reach on a number of occasions.

Sarah Hawkshaw’s driving runs were a feature throughout while Carroll’s nimble feet were always a threat. Anna O’Flanagan was in the thick of things in the first minute from Carroll’s slip pass but Amy Gibson was out quickly to smother the chance.  

Evans was also denied an opening goal but she just could not get enough lift over Gibson when set through down the left.  

Scotland were sitting deep and playing a longer game, requiring Hannah Matthews to be on hand to pick off important late tackles. McKenzie Bell did almost prosper on the counter but for Duke covering back to block the chance.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern with Hawkshaw racing down the right but her cross only got half a touch in front of goal; a Mullan cross took a Scottish stick and rolled wide. Ireland’s first penalty corner was won by Michelle Carey but no shot of note materialised.

The third quarter brought the first corner chances, Lena Tice and Róisín Upton combining to clear Scotland’s first-up effort from Emily Dark before Ireland could not make full use of the three that came their way.

From the fourth set piece – Hawkshaw again to the fore in its creation – the goal finally came as Carroll snapped up the chance at the second attempt. Róisín Upton’s drag was blocked by the first runner but her Catholic Institute club mate on hand to swipe home a vital goal from mid-circle.

Evans came within millimetres of doubling the lead from a Watkins crash ball, meaning a tense finale. But the single goal was enough as Ireland withstood a late onslaught, including a corner with 36 seconds to go, to get over the line and three points on the board.

The outcome means a win over Spain on Wednesday (11.30am Irish time, live on RTE2) should put Ireland through to the semi-finals for the first time and guarantee a World Cup ticket.

“Coming into this, we kind of felt it was going to come down to the final pool game,” said midfielder Chloe Watkins.  

“The Spanish are the old enemy for us; they have been on a similar journey as ourselves over the years. They are an incredibly good team and it will be a really tough challenge.  

“Again, it will be very different today. They are very skillful and it will take a lot of hard work to break them down but I think if we just do our homework and focus, we’ve had good results against them in the past. But it will take a big effort no doubt.”

Women’s EuroHockey Championships Pool A

Ireland 1 (N Carroll) Scotland 0

Ireland: A McFerran, R Upton, N Evans, K Mullan, S McCay, L Tice, N Carroll, H McLoughlin, L Holden, S Hawkshaw, A O’Flanagan

Subs: M Carey, M Frazer, C Watkins, N Daly, H Matthews, S Hawkshaw, D Duke, L Murphy

Scotland: A Gibson, J Eadie, L Swanson, B Ward, A Costello, S Robertson, C Watson, S Jamieson, E Dark, K Holmes, R Condie

Subs: L Campbell, M Bell, B Shields, R Collins, F Burnet, F Semple, N Cochrane

Umpires: S Bockelmann (GER), I Makar (CRO)

Irish Hockey Association media release

Great effort by Scotland but narrow defeat to Ireland at EuroHockey Championships


Amy Costello in action for Scotland

Despite a great effort Scotland fell just short with a 1-0 defeat in a very close encounter against Ireland at the EuroHockey Championships in Amsterdam.

The 1,000th match of the EuroHockey Championships was decided by a scrappy penalty corner rebound in the final quarter to leave the Scots at the foot of Pool A.

The game got off to a flying start and a great sliding save by Amy Gibson in the opening minute denied Ireland an early lead.

Some good pressure followed from Scotland, and midway through the opening quarter Louise Campbell and McKenzie Bell set about asking questions of the Irish defence, however neither was able to get a clean shot away.

The Irish fashioned a great chance to take the lead at the end of the first quarter but Gibson was out against quickly to block and deny a goal.

Scotland survived a couple of chances for Ireland early in the second quarter as Ireland started strong, but the Scots battled back into the contest.

Bronwyn Shields went on an excellent mazy run into the Irish D but was eventually crowded out by a swarm of green shirts.

A very tight first half came to a close goalless but with some battling performances by both sides.

Charlotte Watson showed tremendous skill as she wriggled her way through the Ireland defence early in the second half, but the goalkeeper was on hand to boot the ball clear under pressure.

A push on Sarah Jamieson saw the Scots awarded a penalty corner but Emily Dark’s powerful effort was blocked by the defender on the post.

Then Fiona Semple and Watson linked up sweetly to allow Jamieson a shot on goal, but she was denied by a diving save low to the right.

Ireland took the lead in the final quarter from a rebound at a penalty corner. The ball was bouncing around in the D and was bundled home by Naomi Carroll for 1-0.

Some excellent play by Jamieson won Scotland a penalty corner, but Amy Costello’s effort was well defended.

Ireland went down to ten players for the last three minutes when Kathryn Mullan was shown a yellow card. Scotland took off their goalkeeper to add an extra outfield player in a final push for an equaliser.

They got one last chance with a penalty corner in the final seconds; the slick routine set up Costello but the powerful effort thundered wide of the mark, allowing Ireland to hold on for the win.

Scotland Head Coach Jen Wilson said, “It was an incredible performance, we really took the game to Ireland and put them on the back foot at times. To put that kind of pressure on a team ranked so much higher than us, and a team that has a World Cup silver medal, shows how much progress we’ve made.

“I’m gutted we never got anything out of the game but there’s more to come from this team – this will be a great learning for us. Now we have the wonderful opportunity to play the Netherlands at their own ground, which will be another amazing experience for our players in their development.”

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Naomi Carroll keeps Ireland women alive


Naomi Carroll scored the winner PIC: Worldsportpics

A game which marked the 1,000th in EuroHockey Championship history also saw Naomi Carroll score her first Irish goal in 1,098 days as the Green Army kept a first semi-final berth firmly alive.

Carroll netted a 46th minute winner to put Ireland within one win of World Cup qualification as her single goal saw off Scotland in Amsterdam.

She batted home her 25th international strike but a first goal since June 3rd 2018 – also against Scotland – before her ACL injury left her on the Green Army sidelines until this year.

Carroll did not recall that previous strike but was suitably thrilled to be back in the mix on this stage and picking up all the points from a tricky battle in the seering heat.

“I thought we started really well, created chances,” was the Cratloe woman’s assessment of the game.

“As long as they held us at 0-0, it does get tougher. You try to stay patient and hope that it will come. But there’s times in the past when it didn’t come. We stayed calm, persevered and got those three points that we were after today.”

Meanwhile, Nikki Evans said the side – with 10 players still in situ – learned enough from that day to see this one out.

“We have experience among the team and a lot of that side from 2017 was there today. He just encouraged us to keep playing, keep playing, keep pushing. We did that and I am really proud of the girls for digging in deep.”

She was celebrating her 200th cap, becoming just the sixth woman to do so after Nikki Symmons, Shirley McCay – playing her eighth and final Euros – Cliodhna Sargent, Chloe Watkins and Anna O’Flanagan.

And she was grateful that restrictions had been lifted enough for her to be able to share the moment with her parents in the stands.

“To get one cap for your country is a dream come true. To get 200 with some of my best friends, I am incredibly grateful for the memories and to have my parents here today was really special!

“I was surprised to see them – I am not going to lie. I wasn’t sure of their whearabouts or what their plans were but I could spot them today from a mile away in the Monday morning crowd.”

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The Hockey Paper

Carroll gives Ireland win over Scotland to set up Spain showdown

Naomi Carroll's 46th-minute goal gave Ireland a huge 1-0 win over Scotland at the EuroHockey Championships in Amsterdam on Monday.

The victory set up a showdown with Spain on Wednesday where a victory would guarantee a World Cup place.

It was a memorable moment for Carroll, who had been absent from the international game for nearly two years because of a knee-ligament injury.

Ireland lost their opener against hosts the Netherlands 4-0 on Saturday.

Monday's game with Scotland proved to be a tight physical contest between two closely matched sides.

Ireland create early chances

Ireland's Anna O'Flanagan was in the thick of things in the first minute from Naomi Carroll's slip pass but Amy Gibson was out quickly to smother the chance.

Carroll's tenacity was a feature of the first half in tandem with Sarah Hawkshaw, their nippy runs testing the Scots frequently.

Nikki Evans also went close to an opening goal but she just could not get enough lift over Gibson when set through down the left.

It would have been the perfect way for Evans to celebrate her 200th cap, becoming just the sixth woman to do so after Nikki Symmons, Shirley McCay, Cliodhna Sargent, Chloe Watkins and Anna O'Flanagan.

Scotland were sitting deep and playing a longer game, requiring Hannah Matthews to be on hand to pick off important late tackles.

Carroll snaps up chance at second attempt

The second quarter followed a similar pattern with Hawkshaw racing down the right but her cross only got half a touch in front of goal - a Katie Mullan cross took a Scottish stick and rolled wide.

Ireland's first penalty corner was won by Michelle Carey but no shot of note materialised.

The third quarter brought the first corner chances, Lena Tice and Róisín Upton combining to clear Scotland's first-up effort from Emily Dark before Ireland could not make full use of the three that came their way.

From the fourth set piece - Hawkshaw again to the fore - the goal finally came as Carroll snapped up the chance at the second attempt. Upton's drag was blocked by the first runner but her Catholic Institute club mate on hand to swipe home a vital goal from mid-circle.

Evans came within millimetres of doubling the lead from a Chloe Watkins crash ball, meaning a tense finale. But the single goal was enough as Ireland withstood a late onslaught, including a corner with 36 seconds to go, to get over three points on the board.

Ireland: A McFerran, R Upton, N Evans, K Mullan, S McCay, L Tice, N Carroll, H McLoughlin, L Holden, S Hawkshaw, A O'Flanagan

Subs: M Carey, M Frazer, C Watkins, N Daly, H Matthews, S Hawkshaw, D Duke, L Murphy

Scotland: A Gibson, J Eadie, L Swanson, B Ward, A Costello, S Robertson, C Watson, S Jamieson, E Dark, K Holmes, R Condie

Subs: L Campbell, M Bell, B Shields, R Collins, F Burnet, F Semple, N Cochrane

BBC Sport

Raoul Ehren, the coach of the Red Panthers, would have “liked to see more goals” against Italy



By winning 4-0 against Italy on Monday in Amsterdam, the same score as England against the Transalpines, the Red Panthers keep their fate in their hands with a view to qualifying for the last four of the Euro Hockey Championships

Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Spotlight on New Zealand



As part of our continuing build-up to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, today we cast New Zealand into the spotlight, a nation whose men’s and women’s teams will be fighting for the medals in Japan.

The Black Sticks women – lead by head coach Graham Shaw, the man who guided Ireland women to World Cup silver in 2018 – have been outstanding performers over the last decade, regularly getting themselves in contention for podium finishes. Fourth place finishes at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games split by a fifth-place finish at the 2014 Hockey World Cup has proven something of a frustration, but their gold medal success at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games showed that they are more than capable of winning titles. The team once again found themselves sitting top of the podium in 2019, defeating host nation Australia at the Oceania Cup to guarantee their participation in Tokyo 2020.

Coached by former Black Sticks midfielder Darren Smith, New Zealand men – who shocked the world by becoming Olympic champions at Montreal 1976, the first Games to be played on a synthetic field – are renowned for their tireless team work ethic but are also blessed with some exceptional individuals. Stephen Jenness and Hugo Inglis are all wonderful attacking talents, while veteran defender Shea McAleese and penalty corner expert Kane Russell are consistently excellent performers. New Zealand reached Tokyo with two victories over Korea in the 2019 FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, winning 3-2 and 3-0 in Stratford.

Ahead of their respective Olympic campaigns, we caught up with Black Sticks captains Stacey Michelsen and Blair Tarrant to get their thoughts about this hugely important competition. This interview was recorded prior to the confirmation of the recently concluded test series between New Zealand and Australia, and also the upcoming FIH Hockey Pro League matches, also against Australia, which take place later this month.  

Stacey Michelsen, Blair Tarrant, thank you so much for talking to us! It may have been delayed by a year, but the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is just around the corner. Despite all of the challenges, you and your fellow Black Sticks players must be incredibly excited.

Stacey Michelsen: “Yes, I’m very excited. Obviously over the last few weeks the excitement has started to build, seeing more planning and hearing about the Games coming up. I think that is certainly allowing people to be more optimistic and excited about the Games.”

Blair Tarrant: “Really excited, as Stacey said. Really keen to get back into international hockey and get overseas, to be honest. To get travelling and play at the Olympics, it should be cool.”

It was a while back now, but can you tell us what it meant to you both when you secured qualification for Tokyo? For you, Blair, it was the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier against the always tricky Korea.

Blair Tarrant: “It feels like a lifetime ago, but it was a really cool experience, and it was quite unique, having to play two matches back-to-back and win on aggregate. We did well, so it was enjoyable.”

And for you, Stacey, it was an Oceania Cup victory that secured that ticket to Tokyo.

Stacey Michelsen: “That was a really special tournament for us. We still reflect back on that tournament as one that we really did enjoy, so I think we’ll be hoping to have more moments like that in the future.”  

As always at an Olympics, every match is difficult! The focus will be all about getting out of those tough looking pools and into the quarter-finals. Stacey, your team take on Argentina, Australia, China, Spain and Japan, the hosts. It won’t be straight-forward.

Stacey Michelsen: “No, not at all. In either pool, they are both so tough. That is the amazing thing about an Olympic Games. You go there knowing that you are coming up against the best teams in the world. That certainly makes it nerve-wracking, but also very exciting. We are certainly trying to prepare for every one of those games.”

And Blair, your opponents are pretty similar, taking on Olympic champions Argentina, Australia, India, Spain and home favourites Japan. Any thoughts about those teams?

Blair Tarrant: “The main thought is probably that nothing is easy when you get to the Olympic Games. Our main thought is on the first match, so getting ready for India. It will be exciting playing them in those conditions, so India first up is our real focus.”

India are looking like potential medallists, so it will be a great first match for you guys.

Blair Tarrant: “Yes, and hopefully so are we, so it should be good!”

Those Oceania derby matches in Tokyo should be fun!

Stacey Michelsen: “I do really love playing them. It is always a really good game. They are quite similar to the style that we like to play, and I think that always makes it really exciting, fast-paced hockey. We are so close; you can never pick it. It is certainly a tough one that we do always look forward to.”

Blair Tarrant: “Yep, it is pretty exciting. We played them in Rio and they got the better of us, so it would be pretty cool to get the better of them at the [Tokyo] Olympic Games, so we are excited.”

Finally, what are your ambitions for Tokyo? Taking it one game at a time and see where the journey leads you?

Blair Tarrant: “For sure one game at a time, but there is no point going to the Olympics unless you want to win a gold medal. So that is our goal, but yes, one game at a time.”

Stacey Michelsen: “I definitely agree with Blair. You do have to focus on each game, and as we have already said, each game is so difficult. But we are definitely going to the Olympics to win a gold medal. We are very much looking forward to getting back in and playing international hockey again – that’s obviously a huge, exciting factor. We are not shying away from the fact that our first game back could be an Olympic match, and I think we are very excited about that.”  

The hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will take place from Saturday 24 July to Friday 6 August 2021. Both the men’s and women’s competitions feature 12 teams, split into two pools of six ahead of quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches. For more information about the hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, visit https://tokyo2020.org/en/sports/hockey/.

Visit Watch.Hockey App to view the full interview.

#Tokyo2020
#StrongerTogether
#HockeyInvites

FIH site

Christian ready to make more Olympic memories



Christian Blasch is one of the most experienced umpires in the world. A veteran of four Olympic Games, starting with Athens 2004 and most recently taking control of the gold medal match between Argentina and Belgium at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

Blasch is headed to Japan in just over a month’s time for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and, while the German umpire is excited at the prospect, he is all too aware that this particular event will be unlike any other.

“I think overall it is a personal thing on how we prepare for the Olympics, but this year it is particularly challenging [for all umpires]. We all have had very few matches. In Germany we had our league finals in May and now the second league is cancelled so trying to get games to prepare for the Olympics is challenging.

‘Even mentally, it has been a long year already with the lockdown. Half a year has already gone and not long is left before we go to Japan.’

Blasch explains that one way the umpires are keeping abreast of the game is through regular online meet ups. The umpiring team that is heading to Japan, along with the umpire managers, meet up every two or three weeks to look at video footage that has been prepared and to discuss the finer points of the rule book.

‘As we are sitting across the entire continent it is difficult to find a time when we can meet up but that is what we do.’

When it comes to being an Olympic umpire, Blasch says it is the biggest achievement the officials can aim for. With four Olympic Games already under his belt, Blasch says he is feeling quite relaxed about the challenge that lies ahead. But, he adds, once at the Games, it doesn’t matter what match it is, there will be nerves kicking in. ‘Every time we enter the pitch we always have to be on our best game, and give out best performance. Every day is a new match, whatever level of experience you have.’

For Blasch, the first Olympics is always special. ‘You may not be as focused as you should be because it is just so big. But, for me, the experience that was the most memorable was umpiring the final at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, between Argentina and belgium. That was a personal goal, so it is a very special memory.

‘Of course, this year will be very different compared to previous Games, but every Olympic Games is very, very special.’

#Tokyo2020
#StrongerTogether
#HockeyInvites

FIH site

Players determined to make history, says India hockey goalkeeper Krishan

Indian men's hockey team goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak, who has played 50 matches for the national side, said that he is always in sync with the plans made by the defenders during every match.


Krishan B Pathak (Image: Hockey India). Image Credit: ANI

Indian men's hockey team goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak, who has played 50 matches for the national side, said that he is always in sync with the plans made by the defenders during every match. The 24-year-old also said the coordination between the defenders and the goalkeeper is very crucial for the defense line of the team.

"There might be only one goalkeeper on the pitch, but he is definitely not alone. I keep speaking to the defenders about their plans and ensure that I am in sync with them," said Krishan. "If I can coordinate well with the defenders, then we will definitely have a strong defence line and make sure that we don't concede any easy goal. We practice coordination during our training sessions as well," he added.

While speaking about the Indian team's preparations for the Olympics, Krishan said that the team is carrying out high-intensity practice sessions at the moment. "The Olympics is not very far away and therefore we are all putting in everything we have in every practice session. The coaches have devised high-intensity practice sessions for us, and we are enjoying each of those sessions," the goalkeeper said.

"We have been playing well as a group for a few years and we want to make sure that we play to our full potential at the quadrennial Games. It's going to be a big challenge for us, but we are definitely up for the challenge in Tokyo," he added. Krishan said the Indian team will be aiming for nothing short of a medal at the Olympics.

"We have played really well against the top teams in the last few years. We have shown our mettle in the FIH Hockey Pro League as well. All the players are very confident about their games and are very determined to make history for India," said Krishan. "We have progressed well as a team and the time has come for us to apply our skills to the best of our abilities and execute our plans properly. We are aiming for nothing short of a medal and we believe that we can win a medal at the Olympics this year," he signed off.

Devdiscourse

India men's hockey team strong medal contender at Games, says ex-player Tushar Khandekar

The Indian team has been in impressive form during its tours of Australia and Europe in the past few months.


India men's hockey team. Image: Twitter/@TheHockeyIndia

New Delhi: The Indian men's hockey team would be a strong medal contender in the Olympic Games thanks to the self-belief it has acquired over the past decade by raising its game against top teams, feels former forward Tushar Khandekar.

The Olympics is scheduled to open on 23 July in Tokyo.

"I feel the way the team (Indian Men's Team) is doing right now; they are a strong contender to finish on the podium," Tushar said on 'Hockey Te Charcha', a podcast series initiated by Hockey India ahead of the Games.

He said players understand what small mistakes can do in big-ticket events such as the Olympics. The Indian team has been in impressive form during its tours of Australia and Europe in the past few months.

"We have learnt from each of the Olympic Games. While we didn't qualify in 2008, we finished 12th in London and 8th in Rio. We learnt from the mistakes we made in 2012," he said.

"...players part of the London Olympics like Sreejesh, Manpreet, Sunil, Danish Mujtaba, Raghunath (and others) who also got to play in Rio had told themselves the team won't make the same mistakes they made in London.

"Likewise, I am sure players who were part of the Rio Olympics will caution the team of the errors they need to avoid making in Tokyo."

Khandekar, who was part of India's support staff between 2014 to 2016 as the assistant coach, believes the current squad has raised the level in every aspect.

"I feel the current team has raised the level and they have developed a great sense of self belief that they can do well against top teams of the world.

"After a slump in 2008-09, it has taken us 10-11 years to climb to this level we are at now," stated the former India forward who made his International debut in 2003.

Firstpost

South African hockey team crowdfunding their way to Tokyo Olympics

"Hockey in our market is seen as a Cinderella sport. It doesn’t get the plaudits cricket and rugby get. It has to work that much harder for every cent," says Mike Sharman, co-founder of matchkit

By Swaroop Swaminathan

CHENNAI: On November 9, South Africa’s men’s hockey coach, Garreth Ewing, took to Twitter to shine a light on the underfunded hockey programme in their country. “Our hardworking luggage has finally given up,” he posted. “The @SA_Hockey_Men are in need of three large suitcases for the storage and transport of equipment. If you’re able to help, please DM me.” He had posted a picture — a big suitcase that’s clearly past its expiry date — with the tweet.

Since then, the SA men’s hockey programme have scored a major victory in the form of partnering with matchkit, a fintech solutions company that has helped the side crowdfund their way to the Olympics. Even if the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), their National Olympic Committee (NOC) will foot their flight charges to Tokyo, that’s where the funding stops. That is clearly not a helpful solution for a team that aspires to surprise quite a few sides in Tokyo.

Ewing picks up the story from how the situation was in November to now. “It’s (men’s hockey) a very amateur programme in SA,” he tells The New Indian Express. “We have zero budget, players are always under constant pressure financially and we try our best to make sure they don’t pay anything out of their pockets. About six months ago, I posted a note on social media, saying we are looking for opportunities (for sponsors to get in touch with us). That’s when Mike (Sharman, co-founder of matchkit) sent me a message.”

That message quickly grew into a meeting over coffee where both parties agreed to give it a try. “All of our players, myself and my support staff were given digital profiles on matchkit. That’s enabled us to drive this crowdfund over the last four-five months. That money will go towards our preparation for the Games.”

Since SASCOC doesn’t give them money to fund training camps or buy basic training equipment like balls, you can argue that without matchkit, the team will have been undercooked. “For example, our next two week camp in South Africa is from the money we have raised on the platform,” Ewing explains. “It’s helped us buy 100 new balls. Not just that, it will help pay for the travelling costs of all players. As far as Tokyo is concerned, it could allow us to take a few extra support staff as well as reserve players.” In fact, it’s so underfunded they need money to even conduct Covid tests for the players.

How does it work? Ewing sends a link of the fundraising page on matchkit. It’s aptly titled ‘SA Hockey’s Tokyo Olympic dream’. The short accompanying note says: “We as the South African Men’s Hockey team need to raise between R3.5m to R5m (approximately 1.8 to 2.69 cr) to get to the Tokyo Olympics. Please consider making a donation (via PayPal) below. All members of the SA men’s side have similar pages. Money raised will sit in a central account, which will 100% be used towards preparing for Tokyo.

Sharman explains a bit about the platform including why he co-founded the platform (South African World Cup winning rugby player Bryan Habana is another founder). “We created matchkit at the start of lockdown last year to help athletes better commercialise their careers. Events were being placed on hold... that’s were athletes make money in terms of appearance fees, endorsements and so on. We knew lockdown wouldn’t just be a matter of few weeks.

“Hockey in our market is seen as a Cinderella sport. It doesn’t get the plaudits cricket and rugby get. It has to work that much harder for every cent. It’s a good sport to invest in. It’s an affluent sport but at the same time in SA, in the past it may have been a dominant sport around white males. Nowadays, it is truly integrated and diverse.”

In effect, Sharman says matchkit (which has also tied up with the US Swimming team to provide similar support) is a ‘digital CV’.

It’s also doubling up as a useful tool to help 18 men prepare for their dream of playing in the sport’s ultimate theatre: the Olympics. In 2016, they missed out even though they had qualified. SASCOC did not send them. Five years later, SASCOC has green lit their participation and the team are going the extra mile to be prepared.

New Indian Express

Heath Ogilvie signs off from international Indoor scene



The transition of Australia’s next crop of men’s Indoor hockey stars has continued with Heath Ogilvie announcing his retirement from the international arena.

The 30 year old, who represented Australia at the past two FIH Men’s Indoor World Cups and was part of the squad for next year’s edition in Belgium, has made the difficult decision to step away from the national setup and international competition.

Heralding from Wollongong in New South Wales, and playing his Hockey locally at Moorebank-Liverpool HC and for the University of Wollongong, Ogilvie first made his debut for the Australian Indoor team in 2015.

He competed alongside his two brothers, Kurt and current Kookaburra Flynn at the 2015 Indoor World Cup before captaining the team to an impressive fourth place finish in 2018.

“Some of the highlights during my time representing Australia would be playing alongside my two brothers at the Indoor World Cup, as well as what we were able to achieve in 2018,” said Ogilvie.

“Reaching the Semi Finals and going down 2-1 to Austria far outweighed external expectation. I put the result down to the hard work we put into the lead up to the World Cup and there was just a good feeling within the group as to what we could achieve.”

“Captaining that 2018 team and the feeling of playing with some of my best mates in that arena atmosphere that only Germany can produce was something I will never forget and certainly will miss being part of. I will also cherish the opportunity I had to represent my country in front of family and friends as something special to me."



In signing off, Ogilvie also passed on his best wishes to the Australian group that will compete on the world stage in Belgium next year.

“Ahead of the next Indoor World Cup, I wish Steve, Liam, Ben, Leigh and the guys who are selected the best of luck in Belgium,” said Ogilvie.

Australian Indoor Men’s Coach Steve Willer paid tribute to Ogilvie as a outstanding Indoor hockey player, leader and role model.

“Heath has always given everything on and off the court for his country and in his passion for Indoor Hockey,” said Willer.

“He has made significant contributions to the Australian Men’s Indoor Hockey Team and all of its players since he joined the team.

“I have no doubt that for many players and coaches, Heath will continue to be someone they learn from as he continues to participate in the Australian Indoor Hockey Festival.

“His experience and personal character will be deeply missed from our next Indoor Hockey World Cup campaign.

“I thank Heath for your outstanding contribution to Australian Indoor Hockey and we wish him all the best for the future and the birth of his first child.”

Ogilvie plans to continue to put his hand up for selection in the New South Wales team for the National Indoor Hockey Carnival.

Hockey Australia media release

Vaccinated Vets taste Mediterranean hockey at Guildford


180 veteran hockey players were at Guildford HC PICS: Nigel Farnfield

There was a taste of Mediterranean Masters hockey for the first of two post lockdown Guildford 50+ Veterans summer tournaments, which took place at the end of May.

The themed Tournoi Sur Mer at Guildford HC hosted over 180 veterans – 95 per cent of whom were double-vaccinated – representing 12 teams (All Stars, Bagpussies, Epsom, Exiles, Fleet, GHC, Haslemere, H&W Shovellers, Old Georgians’ Phoenix, Satellites, Windsor, and Vansittarts).

Some players had travelled from afar (well, Wales and Yorkshire) and a high standard of hockey resulted in two very competitive leagues culminating in Satellites and Hampstead narrowly beating Old Georgians and Haslemere respectively in the semi-finals.

In the final, Hampstead’s Shovellers proved too strong for the exhausted Satellites in a closely fought contest.

Hosts Guildford were leading until a little ‘vocal enthusiasm’ in their last game, while the Umpires’ Fair Play Award went to AllStars.



The weather remained kind in the 60+ tournament the following day, and as well as 10 men’s sides, there were three ladies vets sides (Blubirds, Gladrags and Pam’s People). The Trojans side emerged the winners.

Throughout the weekend alternative activities were organised – volleyball, cake eating, sun bathing and Covid compliant musical chairs.

A Guildford spokesperson said: “As the teams sat under umbrellas enjoying Dave Hall’s hospitality, the chat was of cancelled foreign tournaments and of just how fortunate those of us with functioning knees, hips and ligaments are to be able to still run around on a hockey pitch. We look forward to the next one on June 26.”

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