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All the news for Sunday 19 June 2016

Paumen stars as Netherlands triumph on Day 1



The Netherlands were the only team to record a victory on the opening day of the Women’s Hockey Champions Trophy 2016, with team captain Maartje Paumen proving herself to be the star of the show with four goals as her team claimed a 6-2 win over New Zealand at the Lee Valley Hockey Hockey & Tennis Centre in London.

The United States began their campaign with a 2-2 draw with Australia’s Hockeyroos, while a double from Helen Richardson-Walsh helped home favourites Great Britain secure a 2-2 tie with Argentina’s Las Leonas in front of a passionate, vocal crowd.

Day two of the Women’s Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 takes place on Sunday (19 June) with Pan American rivals USA and Argentina meeting at 1200 (UTC/GMT +1), the Netherlands taking on Great Britain at 1400 and Oceania giants Australia and New Zealand getting underway at 1600.

Match 1: United States 2, Australia 2

Australia (FIH Hero World Ranking: 3) and USA (WR: 7) played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the opening match of the Women’s Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 in London.

The Hockeyroos scored the first goal of the competition two minutes before the end of the first quarter in an evenly contested game, with Kathryn Slattery firing through the legs of USA keeper Jackie Briggs before Jill Witmer levelled with a brilliant volley after her initial effort hit the crossbar of the Australian goal. The Oceania champions moved ahead again three minutes after half time when Grace Stewart netted, but Caitlin van Sickle sealed a point for the Pan American champions with a fourth quarter strike.

“I was really pleased with the performance”, said Hockeyroos Head Coach Adam Commens after the match. “We played a couple of practice matches in the lead up and they were very inconsistent in the way that we played, there were patches of good stuff there, but I thought today was a much more consistent and comprehensive performance. We created a lot of chances.”

USA captain Lauren Crandall said: “I’m always happy to take one point, although you always want three but we’ll take one away from it and there are some good lessons moving forward. I think we came out a little slower than we wanted, but the important thing is that we built on every quarter and we showed a lot of resilience out there, which is something that we really pride ourselves on.”

Match 2: Argentina 2, Great Britain 2

Helen Richardson-Walsh scored twice as host nation Great Britain (FIH Hero World Ranking: 6) started their Women’s Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 campaign with a hard earned draw against reigning champions Argentina (WR: 2) in the second match of the day in London.

The home favourites were cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd that enjoyed every minute of the action at the Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, and their support was rewarded with a solid display as GB battled to a deserved draw against Las Leonas.

Argentina were the first team to make a mark on the scoreboard when Maria Granatto put her side ahead in the seventh minutes to quieten the home supporters, but they were soon back in full voice when Helen Richardson-Walsh netted her first. A brilliant penalty corner drag-flick from Carla Rebecchi found the top right corner to put Argentina back in front early in the fourth quarter, with Helen Richardson-Walsh completing the scoring six minutes from time by finishing off a fine pass from Sam Quek.

“Helen is a magician in the circle - I hate marking her in training, so I wouldn't like to do it in an international match”, said Great Britain captain Kate Richardson-Walsh after the game. “She's always in the right place at the right time, and she's got an eye for the goal, so whether she's playing in midfield or in the forward line as she was today, she's lethal.”

Match 3: Netherlands 6, New Zealand 2

Maartje Paumen extended her record as the all-time top scorer in Champions Trophy history with four goals as the Netherlands powered to a 6-2 victory over New Zealand’s Black Sticks to complete the action on day one.

Paumen netted penalty corners in the 11th, 24th, 49th and 58th minutes to give Oranje all three points and take her Champions Trophy goals tally to 32. It was also a good day for Kelly Jonker, who scored twice in the contest. Despite the scoreline, New Zealand were excellent at times, particularly either side of half time when goals from Charlotte Harrison and Stacey Michelsen cancelled out Paumen’s first two efforts to lock the score a 2-2 and had another effort ruled out by the video umpire.

“6-2 against New Zealand is a pretty good start to the tournament, so I am really happy”, said Netherlands captain Paumen. “New Zealand are really good, strong, fast players. They are a really good opponents and we had to bring out our best today to win this game.”

Double goal-scorer Kelly Jonker said: “It was amazing, I think we did really well in the first half although the third quarter was not so good but we picked it up. It is really good to score six goals in the first match so I think we can be really proud of ourselves.”

FIH site

Richardson-Walsh double secures point against Argentina


Helen Richardson-Walsh celebrates scoring. Credit Ravi Ghowry

A brace from Helen Richardson-Walsh handed Great Britain a draw in their opening Hockey Champions Trophy match with Argentina. Danny Kerry’s side twice came from behind having trailed to Maria Granatto’s goal and then Carla Rebecchi’s penalty corner, however thanks to Richardson-Walsh’s heroics it was all square at the final whistle.

The first quarter was a cagey affair but with seven minutes gone the hosts fell behind. Argentina made their way into the circle and despite an initial save from Maddie Hinch, the ball  dropped nicely for Granatto who slammed it home to make it 1-0. Las Leonas were enjoying a good spell of pressure and forced a series of penalty corners. Hinch saved well from Noel Barrionuevo and then Helen Richardson-Walsh cleared off the line brilliantly from the same player to keep the score 1-0 at the break.  

In the second quarter Danny Kerry’s side pressed further up the field and it almost paid immediate dividends. Lily Owsley robbed the defender just outside the circle and her cross was a whisker away from a diving Sophie Bray. Great Britain were firmly on the front foot, forcing Argentina into a number of errors but their dogged defence kept the home side at bay and it was still 1-0 at the half time interval. 

It wasn’t 1-0 for much longer, however. Great Britain levelled with their first attack of the second half. Helen Richardson-Walsh broke along the baseline and with the ball finding its way back to her from the goalkeeper she applied the finish from a narrow angle to make it 1-1. Great Britain were still forced to defend and Hinch did well to dash from her line to block from Maria Cavallero before then keeping out another Barrionuevo penalty corner. Bray was causing havoc and almost scored a wonderful goal after her mazy run left a trail of defenders in her wake, only for her shot to go agonizingly wide.

The final quarter started with more pressure from the hosts. Another turnover high up the field let in Georgie Twigg but her placed shot was brilliantly saved by Belen Succi. With 13 minutes to go Argentina took the lead once more. Rebecchi fired an unstoppable penalty corner into the top corner. Granatto almost made it 3-1 but Hinch denied her again. Great Britain were running out of time but with six minutes to go they got their equaliser. A glorious pass from Sam Quek found Helen Richardson-Walsh in the circle and she tipped the ball in to the delight of the home crowd. Despite both sides pushing hard for a winner, there was no way through and it was 2-2 at the final whistle.

In the first match of the tournament, USA and Australia also played out a 2-2 draw. Netherlands vs. New Zealand is currently in progress.

Sam Quek told Great Britain Hockey afterwards:

“Coming back from a goal behind twice shows really great character. We started a bit slowly in the first quarter, but then we really started to link up and play together. Once we got the nerves out of our system, we showed what we can do - we can tear sides apart.”

“We've got the nerves out of our system now, so we can hit the ground running. Each team here is going to be a tough test. The Netherlands are our big European rivals, and we're unbeaten in the last three matches against them, the highlight being last year in the European Final. I'm sure they're not really looking forward to playing us – many of this group are the reigning European champions, so we'll go into the game with lots of confidence. It's not every tournament that you get to play some of the top sides in the world, so this is a really good test and a good run-in to get us sharp for the Olympics.”

Kate Richardson-Walsh, Great Britain Captain:

“I'm disappointed with the start we made. We turned over a lot of possession early on and I think we can be a lot better with the ball. Once we grew into the game, I think we looked good. We showed a lot of grit and determination to keep coming back, but I think we need to start better and keep the momentum up.”

“When the pitch is wet, it plays a little bit slowly. They haven't necessarily got a lot of pace at the back, so we felt we could capitalise on  both of those to put them under pressure. We moved the ball around well which made it harder to press us.”

“Helen is a magician in the circle - I hate marking her in training, so I wouldn't like to do it in an international match. She's always in the right place at the right time, and she's got an eye for the goal, so whether she's playing in midfield or in the forward line as she was today, she's lethal. It was an amazing pass from Sam Quek - it was one of those where everyone was shouting for her to play it wide, but it was a great ball, and she was alert to the opportunity which is the most important thing in these games.”

“This tournament is so tough with the top six teams in the world. Any points we can get we need to get on the board to start to build momentum. If you lose points early on in the tournament, it becomes quite tough later, so I'm pleased we got something.”

All teams in action at the Hockey Champions Trophy on Sunday 19 June with GB taking on Netherlands.

Great Britain 2 (0)
Helen Richardson-Walsh 31, 54 (FG, FG)

Argentina 2 (1)
Maria Granatto 7 (FG)
Carla Rebecchi 47 (PC)

Great Britain Hockey media release

Helen Richardson-Walsh keeps GB in the points

By Mike Haymonds

TWO GOALS from Helen Richardson-Walsh helped Great Britain to twice come from behind in a 2-2 draw with the holders Argentina at the Investec Champions Trophy in the Olympic Park.

It was the eighth draw between the sides in 35 meetings – GB have 11 wins and Argentina 16.

Argentina opened the scoring from their first penalty corner in the seventh minute when a save by GB goalkeeper Maddie Hinch fell for Maria Granatto to find the net. They could have gone two up from their third corner but, after Hinch had denied Noel Barrionuevo from open play, Helen Richardson - Walsh made a goalline clearance.

GB equalised with their first attack of the second half when Richardson-Walsh fired home from a narrow angle.

Hinch made further saves from Maria Cavallero and Granatto before a determined run by Sophie Bray ended with a shot narrowly wide.

Georgie Twigg was denied by keeper Belen Succi before Argentina regained the lead with a corner strike by their captain Carla Rebecchi.

With six minutes remaining a superb pass by Sam Quek found Richardson-Walsh  who deflected it home.

Coach Danny Kerry said: “It was too tentative and too many people were not on script.

“I don’t know if it was nerves but we showed good qualities despite that to find a way back. We are now into the tournament but we know we can play better.”

Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh said: “I’m disappointed with the start we made. We turned over a lot of possession early on and I think we can be a lot better with the ball. Once we grew into the game I think we looked good.

“We showed a lot of grit and determination to keep coming back but I think we need to start better and keep the momentum up.”

Today GB meet the world and Olympic champions The Netherlands who began their campaign with a 6-2 win against New Zealand.

The Express

Richardson-Walsh scores twice for a draw

Rejuvenated Helen Richardson-Walsh (34) scored twice as Great Britain started a taxing Champions Trophy week-end against the two best teams in the world - they play Holland today - with a 2-2 draw against Argentina in Queen Elizabeth Park.

The new World League champions led twice through Maria Granatto and the insatiable Carla Rebecchi.

Richardson, back to her best after tiresome injuries, first scored from close range, then latched onto a superb long through pass from Quek, to score a stunner.

Sunday Express

Australia and the USA tie 2 all at the Champions Trophy

Stewart and Slattery score for the Hockeyroos

By Holly MacNeil


Grace Stewart gets past US captain Lauren Crandall to score

The Hockeyroos and the USA have tied 2 - 2 in their first game at the Champions Trophy 2016 after an early lead by the Australians going into the first break.

Eight minutes into the game and the Hockeyroos scored the first chance to get on the scoreboard with a penalty corner attempt. After the injection by Kathryn Slattery and trap by captain Madonna Blyth the flick went flying and narrowly missed goal.

With just two minutes to go in the first quarter, Kathryn Slattery flew into the scoring circle and smacked the ball into the net to get a field goal for Australia, giving the Hockeyroos the lead going into the quarter time break.

Jill Witmer got the USA on the board only minutes into the second quarter after a deflection from a previous shot on goal. The Hockeyroos were fighting and within minutes had the ball back in their circle for a penalty corner shot but the opportunity just missed on conversion.

Right on the half time buzzer and the Hockeyroos were awarded two shots at penalty corners with the second only just outside of the net. At the half time break the score was tied at 1 all.

Three minutes into the third quarter and Georgie Parker ran the ball up to the Hockeyroos end of play. With the ball in the Australian circle Grace Stewart hit a deflection high into the net and over the goalkeepers head scoring a field goal for the Australians.

Two minutes into the final quarter and the score equalised with Caitlin Van Sickle of the USA getting a field goal in past Australian goalkeeper Ashlee Wells.

With a minute to go in the final quarter Australia were up for a triple chance at penalty corner, but the conversion didn’t come. With only seconds to go Australia were up for one more chance to take the game from the USA, however the game ended with a 2 - all tie between the sides.

Hockeyroos Head Coach Adam Commens said: “I was really pleased with the performance. We played a couple of practice matches in the lead up and they were very inconsistent in the way that we played, there were patches of good stuff there, but I thought today was a much more consistent and comprehensive performance. We created a lot of chances.

“Obviously leading into the Olympics the USA are a key opponent of ours and we have to be mindful of what we show at this tournament. We were still trying to win that’s for sure, but there are a couple of things that we have up our sleeve and I thought ultimately the way we executed our game plan was excellent.”

The Hockeyroos next play New Zealand on Sunday the 19 June at 4pm BST / 11pm AWST / 1am AEST (Monday 20).

Results today
AUS 2 – 2 USA
ARG – GBR
NED - NZL
                                                                                           
HOCKEYROOS 2 (1)
Kathryn Slattery 13 (FG)
Emily Stewart 33 (FG)

USA 2 (1)
Jill Witmer 20 (FG) 
Caitlin Van Sickle 47 (FG)

Hockeyroos’ squad v USA
Madonna Blyth (Brisbane, QLD) 331/70
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA) 97/9
Jodie Kenny (Wamuran, QLD) 175/96
Karri McMahon (Berri, SA) 99/9
Georgina Morgan (Armidale, NSW) 41/8
Georgie Parker (Berri, SA), 97/31
Brooke Peris (Darwin, NT) 90/13
Casey Sablowski (Albion Park, NSW) 247/44
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 152/61
Ashlee Wells (Morwell, VIC) 75/0
Mariah Williams (Parkes, NSW)45/5

Used Substitute
Edwina Bone (Evatt, ACT) 110/2
Kirsten Dwyer (Mackay, QLD) 103/2
Gabrielle Nance (Kingscliff, SA) 35/2
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 178/35
Kathryn Slattery (South Stirling, WA) 51/14
Grace Stewart (Gerringong, NSW) 17/8

Unused Substitute
Rachael Lynch (Warrandyte, VIC) 147/0

Hockeyroos’ Fixtures
Sunday 19 June: AUS v NZL | 4pm BST / 11pm AWST / 1am AEST (Monday 20)
Tuesday 21 June: AUS v ARG | 2.30pm BST / 9.30pm AWST / 11.30pm AEST
Thursday 23 June: AUS v NED | 6pm BST / 1am AWST (Friday 24) / 3am AEST (Friday 24)
Saturday 25 June: GBR v AUS | 4pm BST / 11pm AWST / 1am AEST (Sunday 26)
Sunday 26 June: Finals TBC

Hockey Australia media release

USWNT and Australia Play in a Thrilling 2-2 Draw



STRATFORD CITY, London – The U.S. Women’s National Team is familiar with the event’s location, which echo memories and headlines from the past. Back in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for the first time since the 2012 London Olympic Games, Team USA is on the road to redemption and upward trajectory since the event. At the opening day of the women’s Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 the red, white and blue’s pitch performance recorded a draw against 3rd World Ranked Australia with a score of 2 – 2.

Australia broke into their attacking end first, but a solid effort from Rachel Dawson (Berlin, N.J.) halted the early advance from the center of the defensive circle. Australia kept a steady presence in their offensive end for the initial portion of the first quarter as USA keeper Jackie Briggs (Robesonia, Pa.) had multiple saves that kept the score at a deadlock of zeroes.

Channeling energy into their offensive end, Michelle Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.) slipped the ball to Kelsey Kolojejchick (Larksville, Pa.) who rattled the outside of the goal board with a hard strike. Play moved from end line to end line until in the 13th minute, at close range near the stroke mark, Australia's Kathryn Slattery was able to hit the backboard. But with tenacity, the USA turned game flow to the opposite end of the pitch. In the 19th minute, USA nabbed an equalizer with a crowd-pleasing play that brought everyone to their feet. In front of the cage, Jill Witmer (Lancaster, Pa.) slammed a shot that ricocheted hard off the crossbar and fell directly back into Witmer's possession for her to redirect the action into the goal. The score changed USA 1, Australia 1.

The ball zoomed from end line to end line as both teams tried to maintain ball control. A breakaway opportunity from a flurry of quick passes at the top of USA's attack circle permitted Vittese the ability to fire off a backhanded shot, testing Australia's defense. Sprinting down to the other side of the pitch, USA’s defenders remained steadfast against Australia’s back-to-back penalty corners that closed out the first half.

"Australia came out strong at the start of the game and we were a bit apprehensive, a little nervy even," said Craig Parnham, U.S. Women's National Team Head Coach. "It's the first time we've been in this tournament for many years. In the second quarter we settled down pretty well. We showed a degree of resilience which was required today. We did well to manage a draw which was credit to our defensive quality."

To start the second half, in the 33rd minute, Australia’s Grace Stewart flung shot the ball high and hard into the net from a tight angle from the left side of the baseline to change the score USA 1, Australia 2. Australia's attacking tempo didn't falter. On a penalty corner opportunity, Australia ripped a drag flick from the top of the circle, but Briggs' quick reaction didn't allow goal entry. Building upon each quarter with mental resilience and tactical know how, USA's forward line continued to pound Australia's backfield with pressure when in the 47th minute Caitlin Van Sickle (Wilmington, Del.) bridged the goal gap by launching a straight shot outside of the Australian keeper's reach. Now with a even score of 2-2, tensions rose and intensity only heightened. USA defenders encountered immense pressure courtesy of Australia's sharp shooting skills; which they successfully endured. In the final minutes of the match, Australia earned four penalty corners but Briggs’ rapid reaction cleared goal attempts while Kolojejchick's stick denied another initial shot in the lineup. The final match report noted a final score of USA 2, Australia 2.

"Our ability to absorb pressure for an extended period of time which in today's instance really includes our phenomenal corner unit and defenders is a testament to our team's resilience," said Vittese. "I'm looking forward to the rest of the tournament and showing everyone what we're capable of. There were moments of it today, but we have a lot more to give."

Another exciting addition to today's match was the special career landmark achieved by Vittese, who earned her 150th cap.

The USA will play again Sunday, June 19 at 7:00 a.m. EST against Argentina.

USFHA media release

Black Sticks beaten in Champions Trophy opener


Photo: Planet Hockey

The Black Sticks Women have been beaten 6-2 by world number one Netherlands in a tough opening game at the Hockey Champions Trophy in London.

The Dutch built an early two goal lead before New Zealand responded with goals from Charlotte Harrison and Stacey Michelsen either side of halftime to equalise.

Netherlands ran away with the game in the final 20 minutes with four unanswered goals to secure top points on the table. Maartje Paumen poured on four goals, all from penalty corners.

The Black Sticks must now regroup ahead of their next game against trans-Tasman rivals Australia at 3:00am tomorrow morning, with live coverage on SKY Sport 1.

New Zealand started strongly but it was the Dutch who opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Paumen sent a penalty corner flick into the top of the net.

Ella Gunson was yellow carded in the 20th minute and Netherlands capitalised on the 10 player defence, forcing another corner for Paumen to fire home.

Just out from halftime the Black Sticks sparked to life with a great passage of play leading to Kirsten Pearce sending a ball into the circle for Harrison to deflect in on her reverse stick.

The score was levelled in the 36th minute from a penalty corner when the ball deflected up in the air for Michelsen to smash into the back of the goal.

The Black Sticks continued to create chances in the second half but the Dutch grabbed the momentum and put the pedal down with two more penalty corner goals from Paumen, and a Kelly Jonker double.

In other day one results in London, both the Australia vs USA and Argentina vs Great Britain matches ended in 2-2 draws.

BLACK STICKS 2: (Charlotte Harrison, Stacey Michelsen)
NETHERLANDS 6: (Maartje Paumen 4, Kelly Jonker 2)
Halftime: Netherlands 2-1

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Black Sticks women fall to Netherlands

By David Leggat


Black Sticks player Stacey Michelsen. Photo / John Stone.

New Zealand were taught a harsh lesson on the opening day of the Champions Trophy women's hockey tournament in London today, beaten 6-2 by world No 1 the Netherlands.

The Dutch capitalised on a stream of penalty corner opportunities, with star attacker Maartje Paumen scoring from four of them.

The world No 4 Black Sticks had fought back from 2-0 down to draw level in the 40th minute only to conceded three goals in a disappointing fourth quarter.

''They are the best team in the world at penalty corner attacks so it was about minimising them," captain for the day Stacey Michelsen said."We can't afford to give that many (nine) away."

The outcome of the game may have swung on a crucial umpiring decision to reverse the initial awarding of a goal to Charlotte Harrison just before the end of the third quarter, with the Dutch 3-2 up but New Zealand in their best patch of the match.

Harrison appeared to get the finest of touches to a Michelsen drive to score. However after checking a replay several times, the umpires ruled it out in what Michelsen admitted ''was a very hard one to tell".

The Dutch, who had won a warmup match between the teams 2-0 in Rotterdam earlier in the week, eased away in the final quarter to win well. They had roughly double the shots on goal of the Black Sticks and a two to one penalty corner advantage.

New Zealand were under pressure early and went behind in the 10th minute when Paumen capitalised from the first Dutch penalty corner. Paumen's drive deflected off goalkeeper Amelia Gibson's glove and she would have been disappointed not to have stopped it.

The Netherlands doubled the lead while Black Sticks midfielder Ella Gunson was serving a tough 10-minute punishment for a tackle, Paumen beating Gibson with a strong shot.

However New Zealand got back into the contest when Harrison was on hand to neatly deflect a Kirsten Pearce drive into the Dutch goal just before halftime.

Michelsen got New Zealand back to 2-2 six minutes after halftime with a clever overhead shot from close range, akin to a tennis smash. The third quarter was New Zealand's best and Olivia Merry and Liz Thompson both had chances.

Kelly Jonker's first goal had the Dutch 3-2 up going into the final quarter at which point the world No 1 raised their game to ease clear.

Jonker got her second and Paumen added two more goals, one with a fine reverse stick drive after her penalty corner shot rebounded back to her.

Merry, Harrison, Anita McLaren and Sophie Cocks all had good moments in attack while Thompson and Brooke Neal worked hard to keep the free-running Dutch attackers at bay.

The other two games on day one of the tournament were drawn 2-2, between Argentina and Britain, and Australia and the United States.

New Zealand play world No 3 Australia in their second game on Monday.

''We're really disappointed with that game and now we'll focus on how we can come up better against Australia," Michelsen said.

The New Zealand Herald

Black Sticks women hammered by the Netherlands in Champions Trophy hockey opener


Charlotte Harrison scored one of New Zealand's goals in a 6-2 defeat to the Netherlands. KERRY MARSHALL/GETTY IMAGES

The New Zealand women's hockey team has been thumped 6-2 by world No 1 the Netherlands in a tough opening game at the Champions Trophy in London, less than two months out from the Rio Olympics.

The Dutch built an early two-goal lead before New Zealand responded with goals from Charlotte Harrison and Stacey Michelsen either side of halftime to equalise.

The Netherlands, who also beat the Kiwis 2-0 in a wramup game last week, ran away with the game in the final 20 minutes, however, scoring four unanswered goals. Maartje Paumen poured on four goals, all from penalty corners.

The Black Sticks must now regroup ahead of their next game against trans-Tasman rivals Australia (3am Monday morning NZ time).

New Zealand started strongly but it was the Dutch who opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Paumen sent a penalty corner flick into the top of the net.

Ella Gunson was yellow carded in the 20th minute and Netherlands capitalised on the 10 player defence, forcing another corner for Paumen to fire home.

Just out from halftime the Black Sticks sparked to life with a great passage of play leading to Kirsten Pearce sending a ball into the circle for Harrison to deflect in on her reverse stick.

The score was levelled in the 36th minute from a penalty corner when the ball deflected up in the air for Michelsen to smash into the back of the goal.

Then the Dutch grabbed momentum and put the pedal down with two more penalty corner goals from Paumen, and a Kelly Jonker double.

In other day one results in London, Australia and the United States drew 2-2, as did Argentina and Great Britain.

Result: Netherlands 6 (Maartje Paumen 4, Kelly Jonker 2) NZ 2 (Charlotte Harrison, Stacey Michelsen). Halftime: 2-1.

Stuff

Owsley "buzzing" for another home tournament


Lily Owsley the FIH Rising Star celebrates scoring for Great Britain.

The memories are still very fresh in the mind of Great Britain’s Lily Owsley. Last summer was a golden one for her and her team mates at the EuroHockey Championships and with another home tournament on the horizon today, Owsley’s excitement is clear:

“Everyone's absolutely buzzing. You can't really beat tournaments at home. I think it's shown before what a home advantage can do to a team like us. It is an interesting one, because it is the tournament before Rio, and it's really not that far away, but we;ll be fully focused on what we’re doing here and now.”

The first opponents are the formidable Las Leonas, of Argentina. The World No2 are a side Owsley and her team have tussled with on a number of occasions. Despite the retirement of the legendary Luciana Aymar, they are still a force to be reckoned with. Something the current FIH Rising Star is all too aware of:

“Argentina are immensely skilful and really quick. They are brilliant in 1v1 battles, so it's all about trying to not get into those situations with them offensively and defensively, because it suits their style of play.” she adds “They've got some class players. Noel Barrionuevo at the back is strong, can throw aerials; can feed in forwards and make their play. For me, I would say their best player is Delfina Merino. She has to have the quickest hands in the game. She's so skilful, but it's nothing we cannot cope with.”

Despite the stiff task in their opening game, Owsley and her teammates are relishing the task ahead:

“In terms of standard, it will be an amazing tournament. The top teams in the world, everyone's really excited and it's our time to get in their heads. If we can get the better of the people that we're going to come against in the group stage at Rio it’ll be a great advantage. Of course we’d love to win another medal at home, too.”

Great Britain Hockey media release

The Hockey Museum feted


Who's that speaking at the Worldwide Hockey reception held at the Hockey Museum marquee during the Women's Champions Trophy at Queen Elizabeth Park at Stratford, East London.?

Patrick Rowley paid tribute to Pablo Negre, father of the current FIH President Leandro. It was he who first approached the FIH (International Hockey Federation) to start thinking about collecting hockey's heritage.

Father and son would appreciate the support of England Hockey and the FIH in ensuring the huge success of the Hockey Museum has achieved in it's four and a half year existence.


Hockey Museum Chairman Mike Smith, FIH President Leandro Negre, Hockey Museum Trustees Dil Bahra and Patrick Rowley

The Hockey Museum media release

Hockey family come together for Harvey


Ball Deliverer cousins Millie and Harvey Rogers

Harvey Rogers tragically lost both his parents in the space of three years but Harvey has been supported by his second family, Truro Hockey Club.

Harvey lost his mother Anna in a fatal car accident in December 2013. Then three years later his dad Simon lost a battle with cancer back in February. Simon was the Truro ladies coach and Anna was an integral part of the Truro hockey club so in his honour the club held a testimonial game with the proceeds from the gate money to go to their son Harvey.

Natalie from Truro hockey explained; “The idea behind it was to raise some money for his first stick, membership to join the club and buy some kit. It went absolutely mad! We ended up raising over £4000 not just from Truro but from other clubs in Cornwall. It brought everyone in the area together.

“We are a very close hockey club and Anna and her family were a massive part of the club. It has been amazing to see everyone come together in which they all did their own fundraising activities which has just been fantastic to see.”

Harvey now resides with Simon's sister, Katie Rogers and his Uncle Perry and cousin Millie Rogers in Dursely, Gloucestershire. Harvey and Millie were ball carriers in today’s game where Great Britain drew 2-2 with Argentina; “It has been an amazing day. Now they want to be on the hockey pitch all the time!” said Aunty Katie.

“It’s been completely amazing; the kids have had the best time. All day he has been saying I want a new stick which he and Millie did get a brand new one which has now been signed by the Great Britain women’s team!”

“For Harvey at the age of 5 it is completely overwhelming but I think with years to come he will be able to look back and be grateful that his mum and dad were part of this amazing extended family, which is what it is.”

Truro hockey club said; “Simon and Anna were loved by all at Truro Hockey Club, and we will think of them every time we step out onto the pitch. They were not just known and respected by our club, but by the Cornish Hockey community.”

“We want Harvey, who is currently 5, to recognise the contribution and impact that his parents made to our club, its members and everyone that knew them. For this reason we want to raise money for Harvey, not for the simple value of the money, but so that when he is old enough, we can give him something that he can relate to, and understand where it has come from, and the incredible reasons why.”

Fundraising pages for Harvey:

https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/HarveysFund

#HockeyFamily

England Hockey Board Media release

FIH statement on men's Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 Final



Following the Final of the men's Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016, FIH would like to clarify the process of protest which took place following the end of the match.

After the shootout between Australia and India had concluded, India lodged an official protest regarding an unintentional foul by the India goalkeeper that led to a team referral by Australia and a retake of this shootout. India believed that the foul had taken place after the eight seconds of shoot-out time had expired.

After reviewing the incident on video with a timeline, it was concluded by the Technical Delegate that the infringement took place within the eight seconds allowed. As a result, the protest was rejected, therefore the result of the shootout stood. This was all in-line with FIH Tournament Regulations.

Immediately after this decision was made and subsequently accepted by India, Australia were presented with the Hockey Champions Trophy and gold medals, and India the silver medals, in an off-field presentation.

Speaking about the events that took place, FIH CEO Kelly Fairweather said: "First and foremost we would like to thank both Australia and India for graciously accepting the outcome of this decision. Their sportsmanship on the pitch was further evident off it during this official process. We would also like to apologise to all of the fans in the stadium and watching on TV around the world. Due to the timescale involved they were not able to witness the Trophy presentation following what was a thrilling Final. As a result we will be looking at ways to minimise such delays in the future."

Timeline of events:
Match ended: 21:57
Time of protest: 22:25
Protest decision given: 23.04
Decision accepted by India: 23.05

FIH site

London Tops Hockey Horror List

K. Arumugam

I have seen many horrors in international field hockey. If I start listing them, it will definitely have more numbers than number of hockey Olympians India produced! I have spent a quite few hours in the last two days to glimpse into them so as to arrive at the Top Three of what I title The Hockey’s Horror List. I was prompted to do this exercise after waiting almost an hour in the midnight / wee hours to watch the glimpses of last of the Champions Trophy being handed over to the legitimate winners. It did not happen till I go to bed

HORROR RANK 3: India - England World Cup, Pool match, Madrid 2006:

India struck a goal on the dying moments of half time. The scoreboard read 2-1. Umpire whistled for the goal, and retired to dug out. I happily went for washroom, savoured a Cup of Coffee. On return, on resumption of game, the team and I were horrified to see the score-board reverted to 1-1. Confusion reigned, our women team refused to play. Coach MK Kaushik was furious and was seen arguing. Game did not resume for another 20,25 minutes. Ultimately, nothing was done, India had to accept 1-1 scoreline.

HORROR RANK 2: India – England, Commonwealth Games Final, Manchester 2002:

Its again in women’s hockey. Indian girls beat South Africa 3-4 via golden goal in the quarterfinal, measured up higher ranked New Zealand in the semis. On the other side England, as a rare case, outplayed Australia in the semis. The finals between top ranked England and perennial underdogs India ends in an exciting 2-2. Golden goal rule was applied, meaning whichever team scored the first goal will be the winners. This rule doesn’t exist now. Manjinder Kaur created a PC situation, and with equal cleverness Pritam Siwach and Sanggai Ihembal Chanu earned a PC. Suman Lata took a hard hit, England goalie blocked, but the ball rolled below her and moving towards empty goal, leaving young Mamta Kharab (She is now Assistant Commissioner of Police with Haryan) to tap it for India’s golden goal, celebration started. England lodged a protest, which is normal and entitlement. But it took almost two hours to dispose and give the crown to Indian women.

HORROR RANK 3: India – Australia, Men’s Champions Trophy Final, London, 2016:

India was in the final thanks to two wins and a draw in the final, and then favourable results emanating from matches involving others. Lucky finals one can say, but India grabbed the chances with both hands. It played a measured, methodical and purposeful hockey compared to instinctive and impulsive hockey. Hither to defeat or draw less Australia was contained, and the regulation time ends in 0-0 draw. Now, as per the new regulations, shoot out comes into play. Missing and scoring happened for both sides. However, after Australia won 3-1, the presentation ceremony did not take place. India lodged a protest as per existing rules. It was within rules. But what happened thereafter is horrific. Its almost more than an hour decision was not forthcoming.

What happened instead select players were given their Individual awards. The spectators, who still waited, to witness medal presentation were asked to leave. Stadium was vacated, lights put down. Both teams were taken to indoors where presentation took place!

Champions Trophy is the most valued FIH tournament after Olympics and World Cup, and has history of four decades. It was sponsored by a MNC. Now be said, a political leader or dignitary from Sponsor is invited to give away the Cup. What would have happened?

The FIH will take so much time to dispose of a technical protest?

Say for instance David Cameron, Prime Minister of England, is invited to present the Trophy or MD of Barclays.

Am sure both will ask what is hockey, that is a different matter. Even Gandhi asked the same in the 30s.

Will their protocol allow such a long time waiting the FIH took in the matter.

Will any reputed dignitary present the Trophy inside a closed room?

Ok, what a commercial television channel will do? After showing all the matches Live, it robs viewers and thus its own advertisers, of their right to enjoy winners' joyous Cup moments.

Over all, the FIH has crossed its own negative benchmark standards at London.

Some even suggest the whole process was done so as to prevent any blacklash from hugely Indian supporting crowd.

If it is true, then the organizers have erred in anticipating and making adequate security arrangement.

Over all, its poor handling of things by the FIH that stands out.

It cannot resolve a technical protest in reasonable time. Its seems their referral system and Technical Director and others handling things are either incompetent or rank amateurs.

You cannot allow incompetent people to take hockey to ransom.

It doesn’t behove FIH of its status of a global body, which dreams revolutionizing its sport.

The FIH need to put in place process and systems to avoid horrors of this nature.

Stick2Hockey.com

FIH must learn from bizarre situation

Y. B. Sarangi

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) officials taking the winner’s trophy back into their custody after the completion of the Champions Trophy final between India and Australia in London on Friday night was one of the most bizarre situations one could witness in a sporting arena.

The fiasco invited sharp criticisms. “19th century processes and bureaucracy of @FIH_Hockey holding back the sport. Can't believe they could not present the trophy,” tweeted international Viren Rasquinha.

“@FIH_Hockey your processes are absolutely ridiculous. It's shocking that you can't make a decision asap. This is #HCT2016 for heavens sake,” he added.

The FIH took a few more hours to reject India’s protest and declare the result. “The FIH would like to express appreciation to the teams, media and fans for their patience and understanding of the need to follow due process in line with the competition regulations. The FIH would particularly like to thank the Indian team for graciously accepting the outcome, and congratulate Australia on claiming their 14th Champions Trophy title,” it said in a statement.

But the international federation could not explain the comical handling of the affairs.

“The FIH must perfect the organisational aspect of holding events. Umpiring has to be top class. Had it been an Olympic qualifying event, then it would have created a huge uproar,” said 1980 Olympics gold medallist M.K. Kaushik. “Later it was a case of poor management. They could not take a decision then and there even though some top professionals were handling the tournament.”

Kaushik said the FIH must avoid such mistakes in a showpiece event like the Olympics. “It is not good publicity for the sport, which is struggling to get sponsors. In such situations, the players miss the emotions of receiving the honour in front of the spectators,” he said.

It is high time the FIH learnt its lessons.

The Hindu

‘We lost the match, but won hearts... be proud boys’

Captain Sreejesh tells his teammates after India lose final to Australia to win historic silver in Champions Trophy


PR Sreeejsh takes a photograph with his teammates after the presentation ceremony. FIH

The Indian hockey team settled for the silver medal in its best ever Champions Trophy performance after the spirited side went down 3-1 to world champions Australia in a controversy-marred summit clash penalty-shootout here.

Only Harmanpreet Singh was able to score in the shootout, while SK Uthappa, SV Sunil and Surender Kumar all hit wide. Aran Zalewski, Daniel Beale and Simon Orchard scored for Australia, while Trent Mitton’s try was blocked by goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.

India thus improved on their bronze medal show in the 1982 edition.

There was plenty of drama in the shootout as Beale’s shot was re-taken after he failed to score and sought a video review. The video umpire asked the shot to be taken again, leaving Indian coach Roelant Oltmans fuming on the sidelines.

At the end of the match, India protested against the second attempt awarded to Beale, delaying the final announcement on the result of the match.

After discussing the appeal for more than an hour, the jury declared that the re-take of the shot was justified.

The presentation ceremony was later held indoors.

Fancied Australia, looking for their 14th Champions Trophy title, faced a stiff fight from the Indians. Despite playing their first final, India raised the level to come within striking distance of the title. Australia wasted a penalty stroke in the second quarter and India failed to capitalise on their superiority in numbers when Australia were down to nine men for a short while in the third quarter.

Bone of contention

Daniel Beale failed to score Austialia’s second attempt in the shootout. But after he sought a review, the video umpire said that there was an unintentional obstruction by PR Sreejesh and asked the shot to be taken again. Beale scored. Indian coach Roelant Oltmans was left fuming on the sidelines. At the end of the match, India submitted a formal protest. India complained that Beale’s attempt was allowed to go on for more than 14 seconds and the obstruction that was cited took place after the eight-second limit. The score was 1-0 in Australia’s favour. After over an hour of the match’s conclusion, the jury eventually discovered that the ball had rolled under the Indian goalkeeper’s right pad in the seventh second.

The Tribune

Harmanpreet — one for the future

Uthra Ganesan


Harmanpreet Singh. Getty Images

Back in October 2014, when he first came into the spotlight after being the top-scorer in India’s triumph at the Sultan Of Johor Cup in Malaysia, the one thing that stood out about Harmanpreet Singh had been his discipline.

Then 18-year old, the shy defender was hailed as much for his calm mind as the ability to read and learn the game on the move. Two years hence, the boy from Amritsar has repeatedly shown that it was no fluke, evident from his being named the Best Junior Player at the Champions Trophy.

“I have always been told that a calm mind wins more matches than a fiery temper. Aggression on field must ensure victory for the team, not a penalty,” he had said back then and even with the senior team in London, he showed the same maturity. Everyone from the opposition to the commentators praised his composure and his clean tackling.

As a defender, Harmanpreet’s game is a delight to watch. He is adept at stealing the ball cleanly from the opponent, hardly ever pushes or pays rough and is keenly aware of both the ball and the advancing striker. He not only learns from the team’s training sessions but also the opposition during games. Both coach Roelant Oltmans and junior India coach Harendra Singh have been full of praise for the youngster’s learning skills.

As a drag-flicker, Harmanpreet provides the much-needed backup to the battery of V.R. Raghunath and Rupinderpal Singh. His shots have speed, accuracy and variation. Interestingly, Rupinder was the man he grew up idolising before coming in for the senior pro at London as Oltmans tested new players.

Rupinder himself is full of praise for the youngster. “Players like Harmanpreet have shown their mettle with a good show. The coach’s idea of a rotation policy was to give them a chance to test their abilities both mentally and physically and I feel they have done well for themselves,” Rupinder said and his views were echoed by captain Sardar Singh.
HI announces cash award

Hockey India on Saturday announced a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh each for the players and Oltmans and Rs. 1 lakh each for the other coaches and rest of the support staff. An additional prize of Rs. 1 lakh was also announced for Harmanpreet for being adjudged the best junior player of the tournament.

“It is a proud moment for all of us. The way the team played against Australia is commendable. I believe we are on the right track for road to RIO,” said HI president Narinder Batra.

The Hindu

First time in history India-Australia Hockey match score 0-0

By B.G.Joshi (India, in London)

First time in history India-Australia Hockey match had ended goalless draw in 116 matches played since 1935.It happened in London Champions trophy final on June 18, 2016. India has appeared on 96 occasions in title match. Mighty Australian has faced India on 13 times in final and became triumphant on 12 times. Here are details:

Fieldhockey.com

Second-place finish, first-class gains for India hockey team

Youngsters flourish, experienced players shine as Indian hockey team, minus key personnel, win Champions Trophy silver medal.

by Mihir Vasavda


India lost the shootout 1-3 after holding world champions Australia goalless in 60 minutes of regulation time. (Source: AP)

Like every other team at the Champions Trophy, India too travelled to London without some of their key players. Champions Trophy was a testing ground for teams before Rio Olympics. India generally do not experiment during tournaments. But of late, they have started to. Perhaps, it’s a sign of an increasing player pool and also the confidence coach Roelant Oltmans has on his bench strength.

The players repaid his trust with some remarkable individual performances. Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, as is the case very often now, was responsible more than anyone to ensure India reached the final. Manpreet Singh proved once again why he is looked upon as the next leader, admirably holding the midfield. Mandeep Singh, Devinder Walmiki, Nikkin Thimmaiah and Akashdeep Singh, among others, who played with such pace, movement and discipline up front that you generally do not associate with Indian players. Such was the overall performance in winning the silver medal that the absence of Sardar, drag-flicker Rupinderpal Singh, (inconsistent) striker Ramandeep Singh, among others, was hardly felt. It will give Oltmans a headache before selecting his final squad for the Olympics, but one he won’t mind.

The Indian Express takes a look at young players who had a breakthrough tournament and some veterans who redefined their style to make a more meaningful contribution:

Harmanpreet Singh (Defender):

It’s only his second major tournament but such is his confidence that it seems he’s been in the team forever. While his drag-flicking is suspect against top defences, Harmanpreet more than makes up for it with some slick defending and a surprisingly calm head on his young shoulders. The 20-year-old has played back-to-back tournaments and has stood out in both.

At the Azlan Shah Cup a couple of months ago, he was included in place of VR Raghunath. At Champions Trophy, Oltmans tried him in place of Rupinderpal. And in these two outings, he has shown he is as good as the two veterans, if not better, in the drag-flicking department.

Purely as a defender, he might even be better. Oltmans has a tough choice to make in this department – whether he drops one of the two experienced players or goes with three drag-flickers remains to be seen.

Surender Singh (Defender):

When his name popped up during the Hockey India League auctions a couple of years ago, it hardly generated any excitement. But Delhi coach Cedric D’Souza took a leap of faith and, to the surprise of many, included him in the squad.

A year later, he was one of the stand-out players for Delhi and it turned out to be a defining season for him after he was included in the Azlan Shah-bound squad.

The 22-year-old from Haryana plays in a position in between the deep defender and right half, and has received unequivocal praise from former players and coaches his fearless tackling and positioning.

“He doesn’t mind putting his body on the line and makes a lot of last-ditch tackles. His positioning sense is good, which is very important for a defender,” says former India captain Viren Rasquinha. “He needs to get a little bit fitter and quicker, though. His movements are not the fastest.”

SV Sunil (forward):

There’s a noticeable change in Sunil’s game. Those long runs on the wings at blinding pace no longer end with a hopeful cross in the box which no Indian player is able to meet.

Instead, Sunil is now willing to move up, hold the ball till his teammates join him and also pass it backwards at times. It’s a factor that has made him more dangerous and the opposition defences more watchful. He also is getting into the box more frequently and is back to scoring goals. It really gives India an edge on the right flank, where it has been found lacking since Gurbaj Singh’s omission. “He is relishing the responsibility of being the vice-captain. It has brought a semblance of maturity to his game,” observes former India goalkeeper and selector AB Subaiah.

Mandeep Singh (forward):

He has been frustratingly inconsistent since bursting onto the scene during the inaugural Hockey India League. Over the last one week in London, however, Mandeep reminded us what he is capable of. With three goals in the tournament, Mandeep ended as the joint second-highest goalscorer of the tournament. His performance comes at a crucial juncture as his place in the team was in serious doubt following a string of disappointing outings. However, here he looked strong on the ball and added pace and sharpness to the attack, which has been missing for quite some time. His performance is certain to put pressure on Ramandeep, a striker liked by Oltmans but who is inconsistent and unreliable in front of the goal.

Devinder Walmiki (midfielder):

A midfielder who scores occasional goals is a player every coach would want in his side. Off the field, he is so shy and quiet that it’s often easy to miss him. On it, though, he makes his presence felt in a way few Indian players in this squad do. He works tirelessly, linking up between the midfield and defence. After making his debut last year in the World League Semifinals in Belgium, Walmiki has been a regular in the squad until he injured his shoulder during the Hockey India League earlier this year. This was his first tournament since then and he looked fully fit. The goal against Belgium was a glimpse into his abilities.

The grey areas

While there were plenty of positives India can take from the tournament, some serious areas of concern continue to remain. With less than 50 days for the Olympics, Otlmans has his task cut out:

* The inability to beat higher-ranked teams like Belgium, Germany and Britain remains a concern.

* Penalty corner and field goal conversion is abysmal.
* Defence is still very suspect. Although India did not allow Australia to score a goal in regulation time, they opened up defence on numerous occasions and earned penalty corners at will.

* India have found it tough to create goal-scoring chances despite having more share of possession, as was evident against Australia in the final.

* While the discipline on field has improved, it still is a concern. Cards to players at crucial junctures has been a disadvantage.

Indian Express

Silver medal has given us self-belief: Sreejesh

Prasanth Menon

KOCHI: For once, PR Sreejesh came second best in a penalty shootout. The goalkeeper had made it a habit of dishing out superlative performances under the bar in shootouts and has been the cornerstone of Indian hockey team's recent success. But on a cold Friday evening at the Lee Valley Hockey Centre in London, the lad from Kochi couldn't really pull it off against the mighty Aussies in a controversial penalty shootout which India lost 1-3.

However, leading India in a tournament for the first time, the 28-year-old is proud of what his team has achieved - a first-ever silver medal in Champions Trophy. Moments before he boarded the flight to Spain - where the Indian team will be playing in a six-nation tournament next - Sreejesh spoke to TOI from London on the significance of India's Champions Trophy silver medal, the disappointment of losing in shootout and team's Rio hopes.

Excerpts:

This was the first time that you captained India in a tournament and the team won its first-ever CT silver medal. Your thoughts...

To be frank, a bit disappointed. We played brilliantly in the final, got under the skin of Aussies. But a goal eluded us in normal time and in the shootout things didn't go our way. But I am very happy at what we have accomplished. This silver medal was important for this young team. It is a huge confidence-booster as we head to the Olympics.

You are known as India's saviour in shootouts. What happened against Australia, did law of averages catch up with you?

(Laughs) I was confident going into the penalty shootout and was hoping to pull off at least two saves. But the shootout is not just about goalkeepers. Your fellow players have to score too. Our players did exceedingly well in regulation time. But couldn't deliver in the shootout and I felt that extra bit of pressure in goal. In shootouts, luck plays an important factor. On Friday, the rub of the green didn't go our way.

What about the controversy regarding Daniel Beale's penalty in shootout?

When Beale came in and tried to take a shot on goal, I tried to close my legs and block his shot, which I did. In that process, the ball rolled under my pad for a fraction of a second before it bounced back into play. I made it difficult for him to score on the second attempt as I cut down the angle and saw his shot going wide. The umpire had ruled the penalty take was 'over' but then the Aussie asked for a referral as he felt there was an infringement. The TV umpire ruled that mine was unintentional obstruction and ordered for a retake of the penalty. We lodged a protest against the TV umpire's decision because we felt that the attempt was allowed to go on for more than 14 seconds and the obstruction that was referred to the TV umpire took place outside the eight-second limit for such an attempt. But after reviewing the incident, the tournament jury stuck with the match officials' decision and Australia were declared winners. These things happen in hockey and you have to take it on your chin.

So that meant that India's first ever silver-medal had to be presented to you and your team members indoors.

Yeah, it was a bit disappointing. But then, history won't show whether you were presented the silver medal on the field or off it. History will always reflect India as silver medal winners in Champions Trophy in 2016.

It's not often that we see the Indian team dominate possession against the mighty Aussies and hold them goalless. What changed in 24 hours after going down tamely against them in the league stage?

After the loss against Australia in the league stage, we did a bit of soul searching and had an extended team meeting. And we were more determined to do better when we stepped on to the field on Friday evening. We already knew we were a part of history. However, we wanted to translate that already assured silver medal into gold. Unfortunately, we couldn't. But credit to the team and support staff for the tremendous show.

What are the positives to come out of this tournament?

There was a general feeling that India can give more fancied opponents a tough fight only at full strength. In this tournament, we had rested quite a few senior players including our captain Sardar Singh. The youngsters who came in played remarkably well. Though I was named captain, on the field the captain's armband was worn by a field player. We rotated the on-field captain in the tourney and whoever wore the armband took the responsibility and marshalled the troops admirably. This tournament has given tremendous exposure and self-belief to the players, especially the younger ones and I think we are moving in the right direction.

But the Indian team has been guilty of conceding quite a few penalty corners?

Yes, that's an area we need to work on. In one or two matches we were guilty of committing unnecessary fouls in the dying moments of the game. We have to address that too. There is still tremendous scope for improvement, which I am sure we will do.

For someone who has always been on top of the game, you were criticized for your performance against Belgium. How did you cope with that?

Everyone can have an off day and I wasn't at my best against Belgium. Had we won that game, our entry to the final would have been a lot smoother. In the team meeting, I took responsibility for the defeat. But that was one game. Overall, I think I did well.

Former Indian players have appreciated Indian team's progress in the recent past but reckon that dreaming of a medal in Rio seems far-fetched. Realistically, how good are India's chances in Olympics?

The former players are giving you a reality check. Look, now we are the seventh-ranked team in the world. If we put up a show according to where we stand in rankings, it wouldn't yield us a medal in Rio. So we have to raise our bar. And this team is certainly capable of doing that. The seniors, including Sardar, would be back with us in Rio. Nothing is impossible in the modern game. If we can play consistently well, we may be able to step on to the podium in Rio.

The Times of India

India will carry confidence into Olympic Games: Oltmans

LONDON: India hockey coach Roelant Oltmans is delighted at his team's outstanding performance at the Champions Trophy and said it will boost their confidence to produce a better show at the Rio Olympics.

India settled for a silver medal in its best ever Champions Trophy performance after the spirited side went down 1-3 to world champions Australia in a summit clash penalty shootout last night.

Oltmans praised his team for putting up a fine show after making their first appearance in the final of the showpiece event in the annual calendar. India had held Australia goalless in regulation period.

"I'm delighted with my team. By all yardsticks, their performance the final was outstanding," said Oltmans.

"I am proud of what we've been doing as a team. Our performance is getting better with every tournament. Any coach would be absolutely pleased with this Indian show.

"We'll use the confidence gained here at the Champions Trophy to give a better display in the Olympic Games at Rio de Janeiro," Oltmans said.

Oltmans said the way India performed in the title contest has boosted his faith of a fine show in the Olympics.

"Look at the way the boys raised their game to play a competitive final. It was just a day after we lost 2-4 to Australia in the league match," said Oltmans.

"When you play the final you want to win it. We even had our chances," he said.

"I'm happy with the silver medal. We can live with that, but last night I was not pleased with the manner in which the shootout was conducted."

India lodged an appeal against the decision to allow Australia to re-take the second shootout, on which no goal was scored. It held up the medal presentation ceremony and the jury had to deliberate for an hour and a half before Australia were declared winners for a record 14th time.

For India, this was their first silver medal. India's only previous medal in the Champions Trophy was a bronze way back in 1981 at Amsterdam.

India's good show also erased the unhappy London memories from the disastrous 2012 Olympics, where they finished at the bottom of the 12-team competition and failed to win a single game.

The Indian team is now heading for the Spanish city of Valencia for a six-nation tournament.

Sixteen members of the Champions Trophy squad will go to Valencia, where they will be joined by another four coming from home.

The Indian squad for the Olympics will be announced after the Valencia tournament.

Oltmans believes India's show is what lighted up the Champions Trophy this time.

"The highlight of the Champions Trophy was the way our boys performed on the international stage," said Oltmans.

The Times of India

At 200 caps, Mark Pearson’s past makes the present even sweeter

Shaheed Devji



When Mark Pearson steps on to the field on Sunday in Spain and joins an exclusive club of Canadian field hockey players to have played 200 international matches for his country, the veteran midfielder from Tsawwassen, British Columbia will do so while on the precipice of another milestone.

It’s one that he has been chasing for the better part of a decade.

Pearson is currently in Europe finishing up a tour during which the Canadian Men’s National Team has faced Olympic-bound Ireland and Spain.

The trip is part of the final stages of Canada’s preparation for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil, where Pearson is hoping to once again become an Olympian.

“The biggest thing is on the horizon in a couple months and that’s what I’m focused on right now,” says the 28 year-old who was introduced to field hockey by his mother and father, who came to Canada from Ireland and England respectively.

What Pearson is referring is the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

After competing in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, comparing Olympic Games can’t be easy. But for Pearson this time around is much different.

“Competing in an Olympics was certainly a highlight, but being injured during the qualification process obviously hurt,” he “And that was a big goal of mine to be a part of a team that did qualify.”

A wrist injury kept him out of the Olympic qualification stage in 2007 – in fact he was off the field for nearly ten months. All the while, Pearson watched while his mates gave their all en route qualifying for the biggest stage in their sport.

But there was a silver lining. One, more than eight years and two Olympic cycles later, Pearson is able to see clearly.

“When you’re 20 and 21 and you’re watching the guys qualify for the Olympics and really just not being able to hold a stick, it was tough,” he recalls. “It made me appreciate the sport and made me realize how much I wanted to be out there.”

It also made him realize that he wanted to be a part of the qualification process for an Olympic Games as much as he wanted to once again compete in the Olympics.

Canada did not qualify for the 2012 Olympic in London, so the wait has been long.

But last year at the World League Semifinal in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was right in the thick of things as Canada qualified for the Olympic Games with an upset victory over the higher ranked New Zealand Blacksticks in the tournament quarterfinal.

“To achieve that last year in Argentina was something I’ll never forget,” he says. “Competing now in an Olympics I was there for the qualification for is huge. That was always the pre-eminent goal that I had since 2008.”

It’s those moments that Pearson looks back on as among the fondest of his career.

“Team success is always the priority,” he says. “To be honest, there’s really no better feeling than achieving success with a group and being able to savor a beer after knowing you’ve accomplished your goal.”

As a young player, who competed in an Olympics early and followed that up with qualification and competition in the 2010 World Cup, success is something that Pearson got used to.

“I was there thinking this is great, every year or two we’re going to have some major successes,” he recalls. “But sport doesn’t work like that and it took us a while to get back to a place where we could just really achieve our goals.”

And now, as he prepares to return to the Olympic Games as one of the leaders of the team (Canada’s official Olympic roster will be named on July 5), Pearson credits previous leaders for his current success.

Veterans Rob Short, Canada’s team captain at the 2008 Olympics and Canada’s second-most capped men’s field hockey player, and his brother Peter Short – also an Olympian – are also from Twawwassen and helped shaped Pearson as a player and a person.

“Him and his brother were big impacts on me,” he says. “Guys that stood by me at times and weren’t afraid to tell when I had to shape up my act sometimes.”

Pearson also names Paul Wetlaufer and Steven Davis as players who have had positives impacts on his career. And he also recognizes the growth he has made through some internal analysis.

“Going overseas for a few years was huge for me because I realized I do have a lot of work left to do on my game,” he says of his time spent playing in club hockey Germany and Belgium in recent years. “And I did put the work in and I think that the results are showing now.”

“I’ve loved every minute of it and I’ve still got goals left to accomplish.”

Field Hockey Canada media release

Disappointing outing for national hockey team in Japan

by S. Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia turned in a disappointing show in their six-match tour of Japan but their coach is not pressing the panic buttons yet.

The players drew two  (1-1, 1-1) and lost the other four (4-3, 5-1, 3-1, 2-1) against the Japanese national side.

National coach Stephen van Huizen said although the results were disappointing there were a lot of positives from the tour.

“We certainly could have done better and should have won one or two matches. But we took a young team as six core players were unavailable,” said Van Huizen.

“The objective was to learn and gain exposure. More importantly the fringe players had a lot more time on the field. This is a good opportunity for them to gain experience.

“We cannot take anything from the Japanese but to be fair our players also improved with each game.

“We are heading in the right direction despite the poor results,” he said.

The six core players who failed to make the trip are Mohamed Faiz Jali, Fitri Saari, S. Kumar, Mohamed Shahril Saabah, Mohamed Razie Rahim and Nabil Fiqri Mohamed Nor.

Van Huizen also included two players from the development squad.

The Star of Malaysia

GB hockey team manager Andy Halliday forced to miss Rio Olympics due to Jean Charles de Menezes shooting

Rod Gilmour


Andy Halliday will not be travelling to Brazil

Great Britain's men’s hockey squad will travel to the Rio Olympics next month without Andy Halliday, their “highly valued” team manager, The Sunday Telegraph can reveal.

Halliday was formerly a specialist firearms officer in the Metropolitan Police and a member of the team who entered Stockwell Tube station in London 2005, playing a peripheral role in the incident where a Brazilian national, Jean Charles de Menezes, was fatally wounded.

The British Olympic Association and Great Britain Hockey have held talks over sensitivities of the incident 11 years ago since last year and, following advice, it was agreed that Halliday would not travel to Brazil with the 16-strong men’s team, which is announced on June 28.

De Menezes was shot several times on July 22, 2005, the day after a failed terrorist bombing attempt in London.

That attack came just two weeks after four suicide bombers killed 52 people in bus and tube attacks, and De Menezes was suspected of being involved in the subsequent failed attacks.

Sally Munday, Great Britain Hockey’s chief operating officer, told The Sunday Telegraph: “I would like to place on record our thanks to Andy for the dignity and professionalism which he has shown throughout this process. Andy is a highly valued member of our team, although he won’t be travelling to the Olympics with the team, he will continue to play a very valuable role in their preparations.”

Following retirement after 30 years with the Metropolitan Police, Halliday was first appointed as team manager in 2010, at a time when England travelled to the World Cup in India amid security concerns.

Halliday has since proved a popular and integral part of the coaching set-up with the players – he is also England’s indoor coach – with his duties including managing the rolling substitutions and pre-planning for international events.


Jean Charles de Menezes memorial at Stockwell Credit: REUTERS

He said: “Whilst I am obviously disappointed not to be going to the Olympic Games, I have known of this decision since last November and respect the process that has been followed and the decision itself. The performance interests of the team continue to be of paramount importance and I am focused purely on helping the team prepare for Rio 2016.”

The BOA confirmed in a statement that Halliday “was not nominated to us as part of the staff.”

On Friday, Great Britain men finished fourth at the Champions Trophy after defeat to Germany in the bronze medal match at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Halliday was in the stands throughout GB’s campaign, while Jon Bleby, the assistant coach and former international, took up pitchside duties alongside coach Bobby Crutchley.

The Telegraph

Weatherhead too strong for Deliverance

Weatherhead are targeting to dethrone Wananchi who lifted the trophy last year.

By Johnson Were


A young inexperienced Deliverance Church side (blue) could not hold out their superior opponents WeatherHead Gazelles on Saturday. (Credit: Johnson Were)

Joan Andika, Ann Nakafeero and Dorcus Kagabane scored a goal to give Weatherhead Gazelles a 3-0 win over an inexperienced Deliverance Church side on Saturday in the Ugandan Women’s national hockey league at Lugogo hockey ground.

Weatherhead are targeting to dethrone Wananchi who lifted the trophy last year and a win at the weekend presented a huge boost to their ambitions.

Deliverance Church coach William Okecha said his side were beaten of lack of experience, adding that he is just grooming the team.

"We were an inexperienced side and they were better on us, but that is for today. We are building a strong side that will be a threat next year.”

Meanwhile, in the men's category, defending champions Wananchi continued their winning form with a 5-0 whipping of Weatherhead at Lugogo.

National league action continues Sunday  and next weekend with the Weatherhead Open tournament at the same venue.

Ugandan National Hockey League

Women

Weatherhead Gazelle 3 Deliverance Church 0

Men

Wananchi 5 Weatherhead 0

New Vision

Deserted KHA Complex gets new lease of life

Anwar Zuberi



KARACHI: Work on laying the Astro Turf that was removed from the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium, at the Karachi Hockey Association (KHA) Complex in Gulshan Iqbal, is in full swing and expected to be completed by Aug-Sept, a visit to the site reveals.

The two stake holders – Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and provincial ministry for sports – have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) pertaining to utilisation of the used synthetic turf at the KHA Complex on the instruction of the Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan, officials said.

Spread over approximately eight-and-a-half acres, the amenity plot ST 17, Block 5, Scheme 24, Gulshan Iqbal, was allotted by Karachi Development Authority (KDA) to the former secretary of the KHA, the late Itteqa Hasan Zaidi, in 1989 for the promotion of game in the city besides few others amenity plots to the district hockey associations in the city.

Unfortunately, the premises remained unutilised for some two decades until the incumbent body took over the reins of the KHA in 2009.

“After becoming the legitimate body we acquired duplicate copies of documents of the land from the KDA to get the ball rolling,” former Karachi and Sindh captain and the KHA secretary Farooq Khan told Dawn on Saturday.

“Besides developing a portion for playing, we’ve constructed 12-room hostel, toilets, boundary wall around the complex by generating funds through allowing marriage ceremonies on some portion of the land which has been disbanded now,” he added.

He added that the entire old structure will be erased and new will be constructed to give it a fascinating look.

Disclosing salient features of the under-construction project, the KHA official said more than fifty per cent work of the first phase has been completed.

The first phase envisages laying of the turf and construction of seating area with a capacity of approximately two thousand people besides facelift of the surroundings, he added.

A multi-purpose hall and swimming pool will be added in the second phase under the next fiscal year, he said, adding that the provincial government has also allocated Rs3 million for the KHA in the next budget.

He said level of the ground has been elevated five feet from the road as a precautionary measure in the monsoon.

The KHA secretary said Sindh Chief Secretary Siddique Memon visited the KHA Complex recently to personally inspect the pace of work.

He applauded the untiring efforts of the former provincial secretary for sports Laeeq Ahmed, the incumbent secretary Mohammad Rashid, chief engineer Aslam Meher and executive engineer Najmuddin Shaikh for playing a positive role in the project.

Expressing optimism about the project, he said that once complete the KHA Complex would cater to a number of players residing in the neighbourhood and help revive the game in the metropolis.

Dawn

Reaction to Pat Rowley's Queen's Honours award

There has been a fantastic reaction to  Patrick Rowley' s award of a British Empire Medal in the  Queens of England's Birthday Honours from around the world. With two Champions Trophy events going on, Patrick does not have time to acknowledge all of them. He would like through Fieldhockey.com to thank everyone who has taken the trouble to write and congratulate him. He says "Hockey is a great family and he is so lucky to be a part of it".

He was particularly flattered to receive a jointly signed letter from Leandro Negre, the FIH President, and Kelly Fairweather, the retiring FIH CEO.

Patrick has been advised that he may receive his award at the Tower of London in August. With the Tower's history, he may go there with some trepidation.

He has also been invited to attend a Queen's party at Buckingham Palace next year.

Fieldhockey.com