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All the news for Friday 25 March 2016

Hockeyroos beat China

Kellie White scores first goal since injury return in 3-1 victory



Strikes from Kellie White, Laura Barden and Savannah Fitzpatrick led an inexperienced Hockeyroos team to a 3-1 win over China in their Test match in Perth on Thursday.

In a side with an average age of just 22, it was one of the Hockeyroos’ more experienced campaigners, Kellie White, still just 24, who opened the scoring with her first goal since returning earlier this year from knee surgery.

Wang Mengyu’s leveller shortly before three-quarter time might have derailed the Australian women but 21 year-old Laura Barden struck early in the fourth period to restore the advantage.

Soon after, Savannah Fitzpatrick, also 21, made sure of the result with her first senior international goal.

Hockeyroos Head Coach Adam Commens said, “It’s really pleasing to get the win, although it wasn’t a particularly polished performance. We scored some good goals from counter attacks but we gave China too many opportunities.

“It was a bit disjointed but that was a symptom of this group not having played together and having a mix of some of our Olympic squad and some younger players for the future. Overall, it’s been really worthwhile. We grew a lot over the practice matches this week into tonight’s Test.”

Commens handed debuts to Queenslander Jacqui Day and New South Wales goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram, while there were also celebrations for West Australian Ashleigh Nelson. The London Olympian and two-time Commonwealth Games winner made her 200th appearance for Australia.

He added, “It was pleasing to see the debutants both play well, as did Ash Nelson on her 200th game in front of her home crowd. It was nice to get the win for all three of them.”

The Hockeyroos leave on Sunday for the Hawke’s Bay Cup in New Zealand, an eight nation invitational event featuring fellow Olympic qualifiers New Zealand, China, Japan, Korea and India, as well as Canada and Ireland. The tournament runs 2-10 April 2016.

Test Match

HOCKEYROOS: 3 (1)
Kellie White 11 (FG)
Laura Barden 48 (FG)
Savannah Fitzpatrick 54 (FG)

CHINA: 1 (0)
Wang Mengyu 43 (FG)

Hockeyroos’ squad v China, Test match
Started
Edwina Bone (Evatt, ACT) 99/2
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA) 86/9
Kirstin Dwyer (Mackay, QLD) 98/2
Madison Fitzpatrick (Cabarita Beach, NSW) [QAS] 17/3
Kate Hanna (Constitution Hill, NSW) 9/0
Jodie Kenny (Wamuran, QLD) 164/93
Gabrielle Nance (Kingscliff, NSW) [SASI] 25/2
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 173/34
Audrey Smith (Wynnum, QLD) 3/0
Grace Stewart (Gerringong, NSW) 7/2
Kellie White (Crookwell, NSW) 93/30

Used Substitute
Laura Barden (Kew, VIC) 12/4
Jocelyn Bartram (Albury, NSW) 1/0
Jacqui Day (Mountain Creek, QLD) 1/0
Savannah Fitzpatrick (Cabarita Beach, NSW) [QAS] 6/1
Ashleigh Nelson (Wagin, WA) 200/68
Madi Ratcliffe (Warrnambool, VIC) 3/0
Renee Taylor (Everton Park, QLD) 12/0

Hockey Australia media release

Australia Tests: Malaysia the biggest winner

By Jugjet Singh

WORLD No 1 Australia whitewashed the Three-Test series with a 4-0 win yesterday, but Malaysia were the biggest winners in the Down Under Tour.

Australia won 7-1, 5-0 and finally the margin was reduced to 4-0 heading into the Azlan Shah Cup on April 6-16 in Ipoh.

Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, India, Japan and Canada will be in action in Ipoh, with four of the teams preparing for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) technical director, Terry Walsh, who watched the matches said: "Malaysia made some good chances in the final period of the match and have shown significant progress over the past 10 days.

"Overall Australia were clearly too strong but when confidence was there, we had some good moments. It was a very tiring series but very good lessons were learned.

"We turned in some good performances which is very encouraging for Malaysian hockey. The coaches and players have done well and we collectively realise that there is still work to be done."

The team will return today and have a short break before resuming camp for the Azlan Shah Cup.

"During the playing tour with New Zealand, South Korea and Australia we have clearly uncovered key performance areas for us to be focused upon as we progress towards qualifying for the World Cup, Tokyo Olympics and Asian Games."

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

Malaysia tighten defence but still lost 4-0 to Aussie

By S. Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia put up a barrier but still succumbed to a 4-0 defeat to world champions Australia in their third and final match at the Perth Hockey Stadium.

National coach Stephen van Huizen said they adopted a defensive strategy and the players were more focused and showed better form on Thursday.

“Despite the 4-0 scoreline, it can be seen as an improvement from the previous games. But there are still a lot of areas where we are lacking when compared Australia.

“Defensively we had improved as the players moved the ball well to keep the Australians at bay for long periods. Still it showed that we are not good at breaking them down,” he said.

Malaysia had lost the first and second matches 1-7 and 0-5. Their only win was against the Western Australian Sports Institute (WAIS) 3-1 last week.

The Oceania tour is part of the national team’s preparation for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup which will be held in Ipoh from April 6-16.

The hosts took the lead in the fourth minute through Aran Zalewski off a field attempt. This was followed by more field attempt goals from Jamie Dwyer (12th, 23rd) and Jake Whetton (42nd).

Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) technical director, Terry Walsh, said the national team made some good chances in the final period and have shown significant progress during the tour.

“Overall Australia were clearly too strong. But when confidence was there, we had some good moments,” said Walsh.

“It was a very tiring series but very good lessons.

“We turned in some good performances which is very encouraging. The coaches and players have done well and we collectively realise that there is still a lot of work to be done,” he added.

The team will return today and after a short break will resume training for their Sultan Azlan Shah Cup challenge.

The Star of Malaysia

It’s back! Euro Hockey League returns this weekend

2015 FIH Hockey Stars Van der Horst, Harte & Stagno all on show at KO16 event in Amsterdam


Photo: EHL / Frank Uijlenbroek

This Friday (25 March), one of the highlights of the European hockey calendar will get underway in the Netherlands, with Amsterdam’s historic Wagener Stadium playing host to Euro Hockey League’s (EHL) ever-entertaining KO16 weekender.

The four-day event, often referred to as the 'jewel in the crown' of the European Hockey Federation’s showpiece men’s club competition, features 16 teams from eight countries all vying for the four available tickets to EHL’s Final Four competition, which will take place at Barcelona’s Pau Negre Stadium in May.

EHL KO16 is an electrifying weekend of knockout action where every match is treated like a cup final. This is the 'win or go home' phase of the competition, keeping everyone edge of their seat from the first minute to the last.

Over the past nine years, the EHL has deservedly earned a reputation as being one of the most important hockey competitions in the world. As well as featuring many of the finest players on the planet, the competition has also been at the forefront of Hockey’s willingness to embrace change.

As well as exceptional broadcast coverage, the EHL has been an important testing ground for some of the sport’s most significant rule changes, the most notable being the 'self-pass', which has made the game even faster and more dynamic than ever.

The fan experience has always been a crucially important factor, with outstanding online coverage, live streaming and a commitment to making the time spent within the stadium as satisfying and entertaining as possible.

For instance, at this weekend’s event in Amsterdam, the public will have access to free and unlimited wifi within the stadium, giving fans to the ability to share videos, pictures and tweets with friends in any way they choose.

With its innovation and increased levels of professionalism, the Euro Hockey League is very much in line with FIH’s Hockey Revolution Strategy creating a powerful image for hockey as the sport aims to become a global game that inspires the next generation.

The upcoming KO16 event in Amsterdam will be extra special this year, as it features a trio who were recently honoured in FIH’s Hockey Stars of 2015. FIH Player of the Year Robert van der Horst (Netherlands) will be in action for Dutch giants and reigning champions Oranje Zwart, while FIH Goalkeeper of the Year David Harte (Ireland) will be a key player for another Dutch side, SV Kampong. FIH Umpire of the Year Nathan Stagno will also be taking to the field, ahead of his appearances at the FIH Champions Trophy in London and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games later this year.

In terms of the matches, there are many highlights on the agenda. On Friday, a meeting between two of Germany’s biggest clubs takes centre stage, with Rot Weiss Köln taking on Moritz Fürste’s UHC Hamburg, the EHL’s most decorated side with three titles to their name.

There is also a potentially fascinating clash between Belgium’s KHC Dragons and Atlètic Terrassa of Spain, with the former being bolstered by the return of Red Lions star Thomas Briels and the latter having added to their ranks with Spanish internationals Roc Oliva and Pol Garcia-Cascon back at the club.

Saturday’s highlights include an all-Spanish meeting between Real Club de Polo de Barcelona and near neighbours Club Egara, which has the potential to be an absolute thriller.

Host club Amsterdam H&BC will also be in action, taking on Wimbledon of England, while Robert van der Horst’s Oranje Zwart take on Belgium’s Royal Leopold, a side that includes two former Oranje Zwart players in Spain star Gabriel Dabanch and Belgium international Elliot van Strydonck.

The KO8 quarter-final phase will be played on Sunday and Monday, with the surviving teams aiming to seal their place at the Final Four event in Barcelona.

You can keep track all the action from this weekend’s Euro Hockey League KO16 event in Amsterdam via the EHL’s website and digital channels on the links below.

Website: www.ehlhockey.tv
Live streaming: www.youtube.com/user/fihockey
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EuroHockeyLeague/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/EHLHockeyTV
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ehlhockeytv/
Hashtags: #EHL #EHLKO16

Note: Although the EHL website will also be live streaming every single match to a global audience, access will depend some on existing broadcast rights agreements within your territory. More information will be available on the Euro Hockey League website.

#lovehockey

FIH site

Ready to rock - how the EHL KO16 teams shape up

Euro Hockey League – KO16 day one preview



We look at the runners and riders and how they shape up for an electrifying weekend of knockout action where every match is treated like a cup final. This is the 'win or go home' phase of the competition, keeping everyone edge of their seat from the first minute to the last.

- WKS Grunwald Poznan vs KHC Leuven, 12.45pm (CET)

WKS Grunwald Poznan are one of just two fixtures in the Euro Hockey League - along with Dinamo Kazan - to take part in every season since the very first edition of the tournament way back in 2007/08.

The Polish champions have won all nine of their league games in the first half of their season and will hope to hit the ground running in what is their first outfield game of 2016. Waldemar Rataj is their key forward, scoring 15 times already this season with Karol Majchrzak weighing in with 12 so far. Corner specialist Tomasz Dutkiewisz is the sixth highest scorer in EHL history with 19 goals. They are bidding to become the first Polish side to reach the KO8.

KHC Leuven, meanwhile, are back in the EHL for the first time since 2010. They struggled in the first half of the Belgian league season, dropping to ninth place, but have shown fine form since the start of 2016 with three wins, including a big 5-3 win over Dragons. Pau Quemada was the hero back in 2009 when his side reached the FINAL4 and he, again, is a key figure.

He missed most of the first half of the season through injury but is back and scoring goals while Frenchman Guillaume Deront is also back after a lengthy spell out. They have never failed to reach the KO8 when they have been involved and will aim to continue that trend.

- Rot Weiss Köln vs UHC Hamburg, 3pm (CET)

A delicious German derby, these two sides showed exactly how good a contest they can provide last Sunday when they drew 3-3 in a dramatic league game with Niklas Bruns scoring the equaliser for UHC.

Rot-Weiss are taking part in their sixth EuroHockey League season in seven years and will be looking to build upon the career high fourth place finish that they achieved in the 2012-13 edition. They added the exceptional Christopher Rühr to their line-up to a highly decorated panel that also features Tom and Mats Grambusch and Timur Oruz.

While they are German champions, UHC have always saved their best form for the EHL, winning the the title three times. Led by the talismanic Moritz Fürste – the tournament MVP twice and 2012 world player of the year, they have quality in each line.

Florian Fuchs is their other forward totem while goalkeeper Nicolas Jacobi was one of the stars of last year’s KO16/FINAL4. Jonas Fürste, Ricardo Nevado and Alexander Perdoni have a wealth of experience on this stage, too.

- KHC Dragons vs Atlètic Terrassa, 5.15pm (CET)

KHC Dragons have earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most feared teams thanks to some absolutely sensational displays over the years.

Two bronze medals and a silver show their strong history in the competition and they won the Belgian title in devastating fashion, beating Royal Leopold 10-0 in their grand final.

For their sixth EHL attempt, players such as Florent van Aubel, sweeper Arthur van Doren and captain Felix Denayer are stand-out stars as is midfielder Shane O’Donoghue – the Irish man was a nominee for the EHL young player of the year award. They have added Alexander Hendrickx, one of Belgian hockey’s rising stars, and Thomas Briels to their squad. Will Dragons continue their upward trend and take EHL glory in 2015/16?

Standing in their way first of all are Atlètic Terrassa who are currently third in the Spanish league. Roc Oliva’s return to the club is a big boost as one of their stars comes home following a spell in the Netherlands with HGC and Amsterdam and goalkeeper Pol Garcia-Cascon is back from Royal Daring where he was an integral part of their run to the EHL FINAL4.

Roger Pallarols' team has recently seen the rise of Jan Malgosa, Marc Boltó and Albert Beltran from their junior squad but Inyaki Freixa has stepped away from the panel for the current season. They have not reached the KO8 since 2011 and will be looking to make amends.

- Racing Club de France vs SV Kampong, 7.30pm (CET)

Racing Club de France’s Simon Martin-Brisac said there is a mixture of excitement and trepidation ahead of their game against Dutch giants SV Kampong. It is Racing’s first KO16 game having won their first French title in 19 years last spring.

Last year, in their debut EHL season, they got off to a great start with victory over Ireland’s Monkstown but lost to Belgium’s Royal Daring in Round 1 to bow out of the competition. Simon Martin-Brisac, Jean-Laurent Kieffer, Corentin Saunier and Cristopher Peters-Deutz all offer a positive outlook but they will miss the injured David Bernstein and the unavailable Jean-David Koch and Max Riesser.

Kampong had a difficult start to the Dutch Hoofdklasse season with several injuries stalling their progress, leaving them stuck in seventh place for Christmas in the Hoofdklasse. Since then, many have come back into contention with world goalkeeper of the year David Harte crucially back in situ. Their attacking intent is one to watch with Constantijn Jonker, Quirijn Caspers and Robbert Kemperman all threats while Martijn Havenga is the drag-flicker in place of Loick Luypaert who is back with Braxgata this season.

Live streaming: http://www.ehlhockey.tv/live/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/EuroHockeyLeague/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/EHLHockeyTV

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ehlhockeytv/

Hashtags: #EHL #EHLKO16

Euro Hockey League media release

On-form Leuven back in full health



KHC Leuven coach Joeri Beunen says that his side’s improvement in form in the Belgian league will give his side a big chance of pushing for a FINAL4 place.

The club returns to the EHL for the first time in six seasons having previously reached the semi-finals in 2009 and the KO8 in 2010.

Then, as now, the key player is Pau Quemada but he spent much of the first half of the season injured. In his absence, the side dropped to ninth place.

Since the return after the winter break, however, they have beaten Beerschot, Pingouin and, most impressively, against Dragons 5-3 to rise to seventh place and Beunen is confident his side will take this form into their EHL KO16 game against WKS Grunwald Poznan.

“The way we are playing at the moment is promising and we hope, for sure, to reach the quarter-final. For the moment, everybody is 100%. We missed Pau and Guillaume Deront before Christmas and the fact they are back in the team makes a lot of difference – we have our captain and corner back as well as the power and spirit of Guillaume.

“In the second part of the season we have been playing better and better, especially against Dragons. It is a pity was cannot get into the topfour anymore but, on the other hand, it gave us more time to prepare fully for the EHL.”

Beunen admits he does not have a huge amount of up to date knowledge of Grunwald Poznan but he is confident of progression.

“Because the competition in Poland is not of the level of the Belgian league, I expect them to play very defensively and wait for our mistakes. I also think that the rhythm we play the game will be crucial.”

Euro Hockey League media release

EHL confirms broadcast schedule for KO16

Coverage in Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, South Africa and Australia as well as Live Streaming on www.ehlhockey.tv

The Euro Hockey League (EHL) has agreed a series of groundbreaking distribution deals for the KO16 and beyond to bring the world’s premier club hockey competition to an even wider audience than ever before.

This weekend sees 16 clubs from eight countries play 12 high octane matches across four days of action at the famous Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. As ever, the broadcast will be of the highest quality with a feed from seven HD cameras guaranteeing the sport is showcased in the best possible way.

Broadcasters from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, South Africa and Australia have all agreed to show matches from the tournament while EverSport will provide a streaming service to more territories than ever before.

EHL chairman Hans-Erik Tuijt said these deals are an exciting development for the competition and for hockey around the world.

“The EHL, as always, provides a unique and innovative platform for broadcasting the best club hockey to an even wider audience,” he said. “These agreements in Europe and beyond show the massive global interest in the competition.”

Specifically, the Netherlands’ largest free-to-air broadcaster NOS will broadcast at least two games live with potential for a third game dependent on Dutch participation with a full crew live on site.

This builds on the superb coverage NOS has produced in recent years at the European Championships and at the 2014 World Cup in the Hague.

Belgium’s Playsports will cover each match with a Belgian club involved from the KO16 right through to the FINAL4 in Barcelona. Playsports is the biggest pay-television platform in Belgium with 90% coverage in the country.

Their commitment to hockey is part of an ongoing campaign to follow the country’s bid for a first Olympic medal in a team sport with the progress of their clubs in the EHL a natural fit in that potential story.

In Germany, Sport1 will transmit the big showdown between Rot-Weiss Köln and UHC Hamburg on Friday at 3pm (CET) on both their pay platform and through their online channel.

Esport3 will follow the fortunes of the Spanish representatives on their free to air channel with the showdown of Club Egara and Real Club de Polo de Barcelona on Saturday at 12.45pm (CET) a particular highlight of their schedule.

Outside of Europe, South Africa’s SuperSport will broadcast all of the games with a particular focus on games with players hailing from the country like AH&BC Amsterdam’s Justin Reid-Ross, Harvestehuder THC’s Nick Spooner and Racing Club de France’s Brynn Cleak.

Australia’s beIN Sports will also broadcast the games.

These agreements represent the first time the EHL has agreed contracts with broadcasters outside of Europe, showing the global appeal of watching the world’s best players representing their club and community in the world’s premier club competition.

The Euro Hockey League will continue to live stream every minute of every game, making the game available for viewers from outside the countries above to keep up to date with all the action.

Indeed, the EHL and EverSport have announced an exclusive one-year deal this week to expand the reach of the European League matches to many more regions internationally, such as the Americas and Asia, through the EverSport streaming platform, syndication network and via their smart embed player.

EverSport's stream will be available everywhere globally except for the UK, Belgium, Holland and Germany.

“We are excited to bring the EHL matches to new territories, such as the US, South and Central Americas and Asia, so fans around the world can watch this exciting sport,” said Wayne Sieve, CEO of EverSport.

EverSport is an innovative media company that provides a best-in-breed streaming platform proven to grow rights holders' audience and revenues more effectively than any other platform by harnessing the power of syndication, marketing and social media.

Euro Hockey League media release

Opportunity for Black Sticks' wider squad to impress in tests against Canada

ANDREW VOERMAN


Midfielder Anita Punt will return to the Black Sticks on Sunday after missing their recent tour of Argentina. DEREK FLYNN/FAIRFAX NZ

In an Olympic year, the international hockey calendar is a difficult beast to wrangle with.

While Rio in August is where everyone wants to succeed the most, there is plenty that comes before, meaning teams have to be careful not to get too far ahead of themselves.

All of those prior engagements will play their part in making the Olympics campaign a successful one, even a seemingly minor two-test series tucked away on a holiday weekend.

The Black Sticks women are in Hamilton to play Canada at the Gallagher Hockey Centre on Easter Sunday and Monday, leading into the Hawke's Bay Cup which begins next Saturday in Hastings.

Coach Mark Hager has named 23 players to feature across the two games, including six who won't be part of the 18-strong squad that continues on to Hastings.

For those players - defenders Natasha Fitzsimons and Kathryn Henry, midfielders Shiloh Gloyn, Ella Gunson and Jordan Grant, and goalkeeper Amelia Gibson - these tests are thus especially important.

"We saw this as a real good opportunity to give those players a chance," said Hager.

"Particularly the ones who didn't go to Argentina (Fitzsimons and Grant) - this is an opportunity for them to play both these games."

Hager said he was still "way off" knowing who will make up the squad of 16 he has to name for the Olympics.

"We've got this competition coming up, we've got a four nations (tournament) in Darwin in May-June, then we head off to Champions Trophy in June as well, and that's where, post-Champions Trophy, we'll be naming the side," he said.

"We've still got a fair few tournaments to go yet, and it's a good competitive group and one that we've got a lot of depth in with people fighting for positions."

The Black Sticks' last engagement was a six-test series in Argentina, which they won on goal difference after managing two wins, two losses and two draws.

Hager said it had been a good trip for his side, which he hoped would pay dividends this weekend and at the eight-team Hawke's Bay Cup.

"Both Argentina and us were probably in the same phase of our training and preparation for Rio, so it was a good contest and they challenged us, we challenged them," he said.

"The unknown now is how we can go in the next tournament. Hopefully we can maintain some of that, but in the end, you don't win Olympic gold medals now. It's about preparation and getting things right and challenging players along the way, and that's what these tournaments are all about."

The games on Sunday and Monday both start at 3pm.

Stuff

PHF names 20 probables for Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Thursday named 20 probables for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup to be played in Ipoh, Malaysia next month. "After playing a three-match series against Pakistan juniors, two players - from the list of 20 probables - will be dropped to finalise an 18-member squad for the Malaysian tournament," said a spokesman for the PHF. The PHF official added that in order to give more exposure and tough competitions to the Pakistan senior and junior teams, the PHF would hold the three match series between the two teams in different parts of Punjab. "After the series, the team will be finalised on April 1," he said.

The 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Cup will be held from April 7-17. It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan participated in every edition of this event since its inception except for 2014 and 2015 editions. "And playing in this prestigious event will provide more exposure and experience to our players," the PHF official said. He termed it vital for providing international exposure to national players.

"Due to lack of funds, the PHF was not able to send its team to Malaysia for the last two years. Now the situation is improving. And we will try to send our players to foreign tours to improve their hockey."

The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup began in 1983 as a biennial contest. The tournament became an annual event after 1998, following its growth and popularity. The tournament is named after the ninth Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) of Malaysia, Sultan Azlan Shah, an avid fan of field hockey.

Probables: Imran Butt, Mazhar Abbas, Syed Kashif Shah, Muhammad Aleem Bilal, Muhammad Irfan (captain), Muhammad Rizwan Junior, Muhammad Toseeq Arshad, Fareed Ahmad, Rashid Mahmood, Tasawar Abbas, Ammad Shakeel Butt, Muhammad Umar Bhutta, Muhammad Irfan Junior, Muhammad Arslan Qadir, Ali Shan, Muhammad Rizwan Senior, Ijaz Ahmad, Rizwan Ali, Kashif Javaid and Abdul Karim Khan.

Stand-byes: Amjad Ali, Asad Aziz, Taimoor Malik, M. Faisal Qadir, Fiaz Yaqoob and Niwaz Ashfaq.

The Daily Times

PHF announces squad for junior series

LAHORE: Awais-ur-Rehman, the hero of Pakistan’s victory in the last South Asian Games hockey final, has been overlooked as the national selection committee announced a 20-member senior squad to play a three-match series against national junior team, before embarking for the Azlan Shah Cup tournament to be held next month in Ipoh, Malaysia.

From the 20 member squad, two players will be axed at the conclusion of the series against the junior side as 18-member squad will go to Ipoh.

The series is starting from the opener in Sargodha on March 29, second in Khushab on March 30 and the last one in Lahore on March 31.

Squad:

Imran Butt, Mazhar Abbas, Kashif Shah, Aleem Bilal, M. Irfan (captain), Rizwan Junior, Toseeq Arshad, Fareed Ahmad, Rashid Mahmood, Tasawar Abbas, Ammad Shakeel Butt, Umar Bhutta, Irfan Junior, Arslan Qadir, Ali Shan, Rizwan Senior, Ijaz Ahmad, Rizwan Ali, Kashif Javaid, Abdul Karim Khan.

Standbys:

Amjad Ali, Asad Aziz, Taimoor Malik, M. Faisal Qadir, Fiaz Yaqoob and Niwaz Ashfaq.

Dawn

Ireland U18 vs. Scotland in Belfast

This weekend, the boys and girls U18 squads take on Scotland in a three match series in UUJ.

Friday 25th March
14.00 Ireland v Scotland (U18 Boys)
16.00 Ireland v Scotland (U18 Girls)

Saturday 26th March
14.00 Ireland v Scotland (U18 Boys)
16.00 Ireland v Scotland (U18 Girls)

Sunday 27th March
09.15 Ireland v Scotland (U18 Boys)
11.15 Ireland v Scotland (U18 Girls)

The boy and girls U16 squads have travelled to Glasgow to take on the Scottish U16 sides.

Friday 25th March
14.00 Scotland v Ireland (U16 Boys)
16.00 Scotland v Ireland (U16 Girls)

Saturday 26th March
13.00 Scotland v Ireland (U16 Boys)
15.00 Scotland v Ireland (U16 Girls)

Sunday 27th March
10.00 Scotland v Ireland (U16 Boys)
10.00 Scotland v Ireland (U16 Girls)

Irish Hockey Association media release

Scotland U18 squads start European preparations against Ireland

Scotland U18 Boys and Girls will feature in three international matches against Ireland in Belfast this weekend.

Taking place from 25-27 March, the series marks the beginning of both squads' preparations for the EuroHockey U18 Nations Championship II in Glasgow this forthcoming July.

Match Schedule:

25 March

1400 Men v Ireland
1600 Women v Ireland

26 March

1400 Men v Ireland
1600 Women v Ireland

27 March

0915 Men v Ireland
1100 Women v Ireland

Scotland U18 Boys

Scotland U18 Girls

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Scotland U16 & Development squads for Ireland series and HDM tournament

Scotland U16 and U16 Development squads begin their international programme with matches scheduled for the Easter weekend.

Scotland U16 Boys and Girls will feature in matches against Ireland from 25-27 March at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.

Match Schedule:

25 March

1400 Boys v Ireland
1600 Girls v Ireland

26 March

1300 Boys v Ireland
1500 Girls v Ireland

27 March

1000 Boys v Ireland
1000 Girls v Ireland

Meanwhile, the two U16 development squads travel to the Netherlands to play in the annual HDM tournament.

Full information and schedule can be found on the tournament website.

Scotland U16 Boys

Scotland U16 Girls

Scotland U16 Boys Development

Scotland U16 Girls Development

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Proud day for dad Gurdip Singh

By Jugjet Singh

It was a proud moment for siblings Pavandip Singh and Kirandeep Kaur Gurdip Singh when they were selected for the National Under-16 Boys' and Girls' camps to be held in Ipoh alongside the Azlan Shah Cup on April 6-16.

Pavandip, 16, and Kirandeep, 13, turned up for Kuala Lumpur in the recently concluded National Under-16 and impressed the selectors, among which was former national skipper Nor Saiful Zaini.

"There were a number of players who showed promise in the Under-16 tournament and we have selected 30 boys (out of which five are goalkeepers) and 30 girls (four goalkeepers) to attend a training camp in Ipoh alongside the Azlan Shah Cup.

"This is the first batch that will be groomed for the next Junior World Cup qualifier as well as the World Cup," said Nor Saiful.

However, the players must keep improving, as those who lag will be dropped and added with fresh talent alonmg the way, added Nor Saiful.

BOYS' -- Kamarulzaman Kamaruddin (Johor), Haridzmi Abdullah (Johor), Krishanraj Singh (Johor), Syed Lokman (Johor, GK), Pavandip Singh s/o Gurdip Singh (KL), Zulfitri Zin (Kelantan), Noor Firdaus (Kelantan), Amirul Syukri (Malacca), Muhibuddin Moharam (Malacca), Hafiz Zauri (Pahang), Arif Syafie (Pahang), Syamin Naim (Pahang), Hamiz Ahir (Pahang, GK), Faiz Danial (Penang), Solehuddin Yuzaidi (Penang), Rami Latif (Penang, GK), Amirul Hamizan (Penang), Hafizal Halmi (Perak), Danial Ahmad (Perak, GK), Akram Hakkam (Perak), Hasdar Haruna (Sabah), Clement Tsai (Sabah), Saifuddin Azli (Sabah), Granson Noel (Sabah), Faiz Aiman (Sabah), Halif Fadzly (Selangor), Helmi Fazli (Selangor, GK), Zafri Afiq (Selangor), Akhimullah Anuar (Terengganu), Syarman Mat Tee (Terengganu).

GIRLS' -- Nur Iwana Jamaluddin (Perak), Nutafwani shukri (Perak),(Selangor), Nur Sofia Annan (Selangor, GK), Nur Izzatul (Selangor), Nur Insyirah (Selangor), Ellya Amanina (Selangor), Dayang Nuramirah (Selangor), Siti Rozailah Syuhada (Sabah, GK), Nurain Moun (Sabah), Iren Hussin (Sabah), Nor Asfarina Isahyifiqa (Sabah), Ennah Marin (Sabah), Nurul Faezah (Malacca), Nurul Farawahida (Malacca), Siti Zulaika (Pahang), Farah Hanim (Penang), Putri Nur Batrisyia (Penang), Siti Nuraisyah (Penang, GK),Nur Maizatul (Penang), Siti Nur Arfah (Penang), Siti Zalia (Kuala Lumpur), Kirandeep Kaur d/o Gurdip Singh (Kuala Lumpur), Siti Nur Amira (Kuala Lumpur), Nur Aishah (Kuala Lumpur), Hasya Syahida (Kuala Lumpur), Nurfatin Dizana (N Sembilan), Hairryna Aleeza (N Sembilan), Nur Amirah Shakirah (Kedah), Nur Afiqah Syahzani (Kedah).

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

BT Sport to show more international hockey

BT Sport confirmed as host broadcaster for the 2016 Men’s and Women’s Hockey Champions Trophies


FIH CEO Kelly Fairweather (red tie) along with BT Sport COO Jamie Hindhaugh, England Hockey CEO Sally Munday and Team GB hockey players Photo: BT Sport

BT Sport will be the host broadcaster of the Hockey Champions Trophies in the UK as part of a new deal agreed with the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

The prestigious Hockey Champions Trophy tournaments come to London in June and will see the best men’s and women’s national hockey teams in the world go head to head before the Rio Olympics.

The Trophies feature only top-flight, premier international teams. The six team round-robin events include sides who earned their place based on performance at the previous Champions Trophy and Champions Challenge.

This year’s line-up will include Australia, Belgium, India, Germany, Korea, as well as Great Britain in the men’s competition. The women’s contest will feature Australia, Argentina, The Netherlands, New Zealand, USA and Great Britain.

BT Sport will broadcast 18 men’s Hockey Champions Trophy matches from Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre between 10-17 June and 18 women’s Hockey Champions Trophy matches between 18-26 June; a total of 36 hours of coverage for each competition.

Kelly Fairweather, FIH CEO, said: “We’re delighted to be given the opportunity to further strengthen our positive relationship with BT Sport as they look to make their channel the home of hockey in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Our partnership extends beyond these territories however as they get set to become host broadcaster for the upcoming Hockey Champions Trophies in London - the last stop before the Rio Olympic Games.”

“BT Sport’s innovative approach to broadcasting is set to revolutionise the way sports fans watch hockey. Their ambition to grow the sport by providing world class production is very much in line with the Hockey Revolution – our ten-year strategy aimed at making hockey a global game that inspires the next generation. We look forward to working together with the common goal of engaging with and inspiring millions more sports fans around the world as a direct result of an improved viewing experience.”

England Hockey Chief Executive Sally Munday commented: "The announcement is another positive step for hockey and provides a great platform to showcase our entertaining, action-packed sport at the start of an Olympic summer. The Hockey Champions Trophies will help engender support for the Great Britain teams and inspire the public to play hockey. We're looking forward to building hockey's relationship with BT Sport and welcoming fans to Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre for our exciting programme of international events."

Simon Green, Head of BT Sport, said: “We’re really excited to be part of this impressive event, ahead of the Olympics, that demonstrates all the excitement of hockey. Hockey continues to grow and we think this is just the beginning. We hope to further boost the popularity of hockey by showing this prestigious tournament on BT Sport and to help further increase the number of armchair supporters as well as spectators at matches.”

BT Sport will also show the Hockey Junior World Cups. Held every four years, the events are a fabulous spectacle of new talent. They are the platform for young players to show their raw skills on the international hockey scene.

BT Sport will screen the Junior World Cup for women between 23 November and 4 December in Chile and the men’s Junior World Cup in India taking place from 1-11 December.

FIH site