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All the news for Wednesday 20 July 2016

Townsend believes Team GB unit can deliver in Rio



A video released by England Hockey in the build-up to Rio shows one of the Great Britain women’s team explaining how she remains at the top of the game. “I play on the edge, you need that fiery side.”

Team GB's Susannah Townsend is fast becoming one of Great Britain’s most effective midfielders. In the past she was known as a player who could be reckless – she admits she was often sent off, but now her energy and passion is firmly channelled into the game.

“I missed out on London 2012 and I have to admit I struggled emotionally. I told myself I never wanted to miss out on that opportunity again."

Despite a disappointing Hockey Champions Trophy (Great Britain finished fifth), Townsend is optimistic for her side’s chances in Rio.

She says the current squad is one that has been given time to evolve. “Since New Year we have had an intense training block, but this hasn't been any different to the last four years. The beauty of our programme is that we have had four years as a squad in the build up to an Olympics games, this means that time is on our side and nothing has had to be rushed. We have planned and prepared and are at a stage we want to be at prior to Rio.”

The stability in the Great Britain side is reflected in the fact that this will be coach Danny Kerry’s third Olympics in charge and the thoughtful and meticulously prepared coach has been signed up as women’s head coach until Tokyo 2020.

It is clearly an appointment that Townsend is delighted with. “Danny is a fantastic coach. As players we all look to develop every single day and Danny is meticulous in doing the same with his development. We are improving as players and our coaches are also improving as coaches. Stability at this time in preparation is a good thing and having this decision made early has benefited the squad as it avoids any speculation and also allows the coaches and players to focus on the task in hand, which is Rio.”

Talking to Townsend, you get the impression that this Great Britain side is a very tight knit unit. At the 2014 World Cup, England – who provide the majority of the Great Britain side – had an implosion. The sense among the players and staff is that this resulted in a very strong group of players emerging the other side of that painful period. Certainly Townsend feels she is part of a very tight knit group.

“After the New Year we had a physical training month, this was interspersed with hockey and physical training as well as team bonding exercises. This was a very tough month especially in the freezing cold, it is a month I will always remember though as tough times like that bring a team together!

“We also played six test matches in the freezing cold against Australia; this was invaluable. Playing against world class opposition and spending some quality time on and off the pitch as a squad proved to be a great experience for the team.

“We are a very close knit group. We spend every single day together and know each other inside out. I believe this sets us apart from many other teams. Our European success of course gave us belief and confidence but we had this before. We are very aware of what it takes to be successful and we live by those values each day. I can't give away our secrets on how we will be playing but it goes without saying that tactically we can set up in anyway but you can guarantee we will play with confidence, fight and determination.”

Watch the video here

FIH site

Stats Speak:  know the teams in the Rio Olympics (part-3)

By B.G.Joshi (Sehore-Bhopal, India)

Renowned hockey statistician B.G.Joshi have compiled stats and records on all the 24 competing teams  in Rio Olympics. Today he is providing stats and records of USA and China- two women teams.

5.0 United States of America(USA)
Pool: B
World Ranking:05
Title:Pan Am Games Champions(Toronto-2015)
Coach: Craig Parnham(England)
Captain: Lauren Crandall
How Qualified: Pan Am Games Champions(Toronto-2015)
Appearances: 5, 1 Bronze(1984),once 5th (1996),twice 8th(1988,2008),once twelfth(2012).
Records: P-W-D-L-GF-GA- 29-6-7-16-39-56
Head to head versus pool competitors in Olympics:

Biggest ever win: 4-1 vs. Canada in 1984
Worst defeat: 0-7 vs. South Africa  in 2012

6.0 China (CHN)
Pool: A
World Ranking:06
Title: Nil
Coach: Zongjiao Tou
Captain:Cui Qiuxia
How Qualified: 2nd in Valencia HWL(2015)
Appearances: 4,1 Silver(2008),once 4th(2004),twice 6th(2000,2012)
 Records: P-W-D-L-GF-GA- 26-12-4-10-40-28.
Head to head versus pool competitors in Olympics:

Biggest ever win: 6-1 vs. South Korea in 2008
Worst defeat: 1-5 vs. Australia in 2000

Fieldhockey.com

100 up for GB's Magnificent 7


Ashley Jackson celebrates HCT2016

When the names of Great Britain’s all-time greats are read out the name of Ashley Jackson is very much a part of that list. Since making his debut in November 2006 as a fresh-faced 19-year-old he has gone on to win a European gold medal, a World Young Player of the Year Award, broken the all time scoring record for his country and has carved a reputation as one of the most feared and admired players in the world. This past weekend, he notched another impressive milestone when he won Great Britain cap No100 in the win over the Netherlands.  

For many, Jackson shot to fame when he won the Player of the Tournament award at the European Championships in 2009. Those in Britain who had seen the youngster were already aware of his precocious talent, however incredible displays against such world powers as Germany and the Netherlands showed the rest of the globe that GB had a real star in their ranks. The World Young Player of the Year gong followed soon after and since then, Jackson has never looked back.

There is a sense that Jackson has been around forever, but at the relatively youthful 28 years old he has plenty of time to cement his legacy, starting this summer at his third Olympic Games. For a player who has been involved for the best part of a decade the motivation to keep going remains clear for the iconic No7:

“Maybe seven or eight years ago I would have said winning was most important without even questioning what else it may be. I still feel that way now but actually it’s important doing what I enjoy and loving what I do.” He adds “Also, the people that are around you are probably more important than anything else. You want to win for them because you know how much it really means to them. Being able to provide them with something so special is pretty much what keeps me going.”


Ashley Jackson 100 GB caps

Jackson’s 100th GB cap this past weekend was without doubt an outstanding achievement in any player’s roll of honour. Head Coach Bobby Crutchley paid tribute to his talismanic midfielder:

“Very few players get 100 Great Britain caps so it tells you something about Ashley Jackson as a player and person that he’s reached that total. He’s taken on the captaincy on the Germany trip and he really led by example. He’s a fantastic player and it’s great to see him achieve another milestone.”

Fittingly, another to pay tribute to Jackson’s excellent efforts is Captain Barry Middleton. A man with over 350 international appearances of his own who has seen Jackson blossom into the world class player he is today:

“It is a great achievement by Ash. He’s a special player, he’s always been someone who can make a difference in games and I’m so happy to have played with him in most of those 100 matches so far.”

An ever-growing list of achievements from Great Britain’s magnificent No7 continues. Can he add the ultimate hockey medal to it this summer and cement his place in British hockey history? We certainly hope so! 

Great Britain Hockey media release

Manipur hockey heroes rise despite obstacles in system

Manuja Veerappa

BENGALURU: Manipur has produced a number of hockey players of international repute with 1988 Seoul Olympian Thoiba Singh being the most famous. After a gap of 28 years, the northeastern state will see three from their region wearing the Indian colours in the hockey competitions at the Rio Olympic Games. While young Sushila Chanu+ will lead the women's campaign, the duo of Chinglensana Singh and Kothajit Singh have been picked in the men's team.

The selection of the three is a reflection of the talent the region possesses, which for years has struggled to come to the fore due to lack of government support.

As they prepare to head to their dream destination, Chinglensana and Kothajit hope that they would inspire players from the region to battle odds and pick up the stick. "Pursuing sport in Manipur is very difficult because facilities for the sport are very little. The government doesn't help much and it is left to the families to chip in. It's just your family that helps," pointed out midfielder Chinglensena. The players' accomplishment has brought much joy to the people there. Talking about the people's response back home, Chinglensana explained, "Not just at home but the entire village is brimming with joy. There have been many hockey players from my village, but I'm the first Olympian."

Life has been anything but a smooth ride for the 24-year-old. His parents separated when he was a child. He was left in the care of his uncles who found it difficult to make ends meet. Soon, he found a role model in former international player Brojen Singh. "I started playing hockey in 2002 and it was very difficult in the beginning. My uncle was not working. Brojen bhai gave me everything. He helped with equipment, kit, even gave me money. If I'm playing hockey today, it's only because of him," revealed the youngster from Bashikhong in Imphal East, whose name Chinglensena means 'hill, place and gold' in his native language (Chin hill, Len place, Sana gold.).

Kothajit, who is younger than his statemate, was a standby for the London Games, a scenario which pushed him towards becoming a better player. "I expected to be part of the team because I had worked hard. But I couldn't make it. I was still young. So I decided to prepare for the next Olympics and keep performing well," said the defender.

Recall his childhood days, Kothajit, a product of SAI, Lucknow, said it was his brothers who helped in nurturing his career. "There was a park close to where I lived. From the beginning, my brothers and I were interested in hockey. Financially, the situation in our household was difficult as my father was a manager in a store that sold coats and blazers, but nothing special. We were always aware that our elder brothers needed to find work quickly. Fortunately, they found employment and helped me shape my career."

According to the national coaches, Kothajit is among the fittest players in the squad. Kothajit believes it has been earned by sheer hard work. "I pay attention to gym work, eating and sleeping. Even on Sundays, I train in the gym. When I go back home to Imphal, I do a lot of running, endurance training. I was very skinny earlier, with not much energy. My fitness was zero. But I worked on it quickly. My fitness has improved over a period of 4-5 years. It's now in my head that I need to do everything quickly," he revealed. The shy duo, are looking to leave a success trail for the hockey players of Manipur to follow.

The Times of India

PHF declines FIH's invitation to watch Olympics hockey event

LAHORE: The top officials of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) "graciously" declined the invitation of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to watch the Rio Olympics hockey event next month.

“FIH sent an official invitation to PHF President Brig (retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar and myself to watch the hockey competition of the Rio Olympics as their guests”, PHF Secretary Shahbaz Ahmad Senior said while talking to APP here on Tuesday.

He said the reason behind refusing the invitation was the non-participation of the Pakistan team which failed to qualify for the Olympics. Ahmad added that there was no valid justification for them to fly to Rio and watch the Olympics hockey competition.

“It is quite unfortunate that our team could not qualify for the Olympics first time in our hockey history and without our team's participation it is not appropriate to attend such a grand event”, said the former Pakistan hockey captain and a celebrated forward player.

The PHF secretary, however, praised the kind gesture.

The former Olympian said it is a painful moment for Pakistan hockey that the national team is not among the teams featuring in the Olympics and described it a worst hockey scenario.

“Keeping in view, our current low world ranking and failure to qualify for the Olympus we have re-launched sincere efforts to lift the game out of its present gloom,” he said, adding: “By taking drastic measures we will ensure that our team put up a dazzling show in the next Asian Games to qualify for 2020 Tokyo Olympics.”

Shahbaz further added that the PHF is laying special emphasis on the grooming of the national junior team to strengthen the base of the game and to prepare a side which is capable of qualifying for the Junior Hockey World Cup.

Dawn

St Anne’s hockey captain - self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie

Nicole John

STANDING head and shoulders above most of her opponents, South African private school St Anne’s captain, Julia Saulez, is easily recognisable on the turf.

Her love for the game first started in Grade 1, fast-forward a handful of years and she now has full colours for both Inland team and plays golf off a 14 handicap.

“I love the fact that it is a team sport and you make amazing friends while playing it,” said Julia.

She is as focused in the classroom with her hard work earning her full colours for academics.

The matric pupil is hoping to do a mathematical science degree at Stellenbosch next year. “Maths is by far my favourite subject. I am hoping to balance my degree with hockey next year.”

Talent runs in the Saulez genes, with both of her parents being sporty.

“My dad played cricket, tennis, rugby and golf at a high level and my mom played lots of sport at school, one being hockey.

“I have one brother and he is currently pursuing a career in golf,” she said.

“I did the highest bridge bungee jump in the world, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I can’t wait to go sky diving. I love doing anything that gets your heart rate racing,” said the self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie.

After the mid-year break, shaking off the winter blues, Julia and her team will take on the crème de la crème of teams in the upcoming Spar KZN School Girl’s Hockey Challenge.

Playing in attack, the captain is hoping to lead by example.

“We are hoping to make the finals. Training has been going well. We have a very united team, and love playing together.”

News24

Bovelander touch to grassroots coaching

Sunil Subbaiah

BENGALURU: Jude Felix Hockey Academy (JFHA) has entered into a technical alliance with the Dutch-based Bovelander Hockey Academy (BHA), founded by legendary penalty corner expert, Olympian and World Cup winner Floris Jan Bovelander, to develop grassroots coaching structure.

Two experts from BHA, Damien van der Peet and Ewout Pahud de Mortanges, will hold a five-day high performance clinic at the St Mary's Orphanage auditorium from July 20-24 in a bid to enhance the knowledge and skills of domestic coaches. As many as 50 coaches from across the country, including a woman, will take part.

JFHA secretary P Shanmugam said: "Coaches will learn about how to create a structure for successful coaching based on a strong talent development programme. The clinic includes theory as well as practical sessions," he added.

This will be the first such clinic in the state after Australia legend Ric Charlesworth held a course at the Sports Authority of India here in 2008. This is also the first time that the Netherlands-based outfit is hosting such an event in Karnataka.

Bovelander, who was part of many exploits of the Dutch team in the 1980s and 90s, is also the member of the executive board of One Million Hockey Legs (OMHL), whose aim is to increase the number of children and adults playing hockey in India to one million by 2018.

Earlier this year, OMHL, in association with JFHA, had launched a hockey academy at Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu. The academy, with 40 children, is funded by OMHL while JFHA provides coaching and technical guidance.

The Times of India

Hockey legend Mohammad Shahid passes away

Ashok Kumar


A file photo of Mohammad Shahid.

Fifty-six-year-old hockey legend Mohammad Shahid passed away at Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon on Wednesday morning after a brief illness.

Shahid, who was considered one of India's best to have played the game, was suffering from a serious liver disease. He was admitted to the hospital in June and was in coma for the past few days, hospital sources said.

Shahid, former Indian hockey team captain, was known for his running ability, dribbling of the ball and push — which was as fast as a hard hit.

Born in Uttar Pradesh, he was part of the Indian team that won gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. He was later awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri.

He also represented the country in 1982 and 1986 Asian Games.

The Hindu

Indian hockey wizard Mohammed Shahid dies aged 56

Jamie Alter

NEW DELHI: Mohammed Shahid+ , one of the greatest names in Indian hockey and part of the team that won gold at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, has died at a Gurgaon hospital owing to a severe liver condition and kidney failure. He was 56.

On June 29, Shahid+ , whose abilities as a forward during the 1980s marked him out as an exceptional talent, had been admitted to SSL Hospital at Banaras Hindu University with severe stomach pain. With his health deteriorating, he was flown to New Delhi and admitted at Gurgaon Medanta Mendicity hospital. Three weeks later, on July 20 he passed away.

He is survived by his wife Parveen Shahid and twin children Mohammad Saif and Heena Shahid.

Born on April 14, 1960 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Shahid burst onto the international hockey scene at the age of 19 in 1979 against France at the Junior World Cup. But it was during a four-nation tournament in Malaysia that he won rave reviews from his captain Vasudev Baskaran - who would lead India at the 1980 Olympics - while leaving the opposing Pakistan players stunned by his mastery.

Shahid's style of play was based on speed and an ability to dribble the ball with rare wizardry, and it was this aspect of his game which won him fans across the country during the 1980s and revived Indian hockey when interest had started to wane against cricket's immense popularity following the 1983 World Cup win.

Fellow hockey great Zafar Iqbal, with whom Shahid formed a terrific pair on the hockey field during that decade - in particular at the 1982 and 1986 Asian Games - was distraught at the news. "I am deeply saddened, I have lost one of my closest comrades. We played together for seven years. His contributions to the game are immeasurable," Zafar, who had visited the ailing Shahid in the hospital, told TOI Sports.

On hearing of the tragic news, India's goalkeeper and captain for the Rio Olympics PR Sreejesh, who had visited the ailing Shahid last week, was left stunned. "I am speechless. When we visited him, the situation was very critical. It's a great loss for Indian hokey. Shahid was a living legend who brought hockey to a different level," he told TOI Sports from Bangalore, where the Indian team is engaged in a 20-day pre-Olympics camp.

Shahid's former Olympic team-mate MM Somaya remembered a rare player whose partnership on the field with Zafar weaved a majestic tapestry in Indian hockey's history. "I have been struggling to digest the news of Shahid. Millions who followed him in the 80s have a special spot for him," Somaya, who played three Olympics with Shahid, said. "Shahid and Zafar were a treat to watch. They were skillful and fast down the left. Zafar's breakneck pace and Shahid's dribble and guile gave Indian fans of that era a treasure trove of memories."

Shahid - who also captained India during the 1985-86 season - received the Arjuna Award in 1981 and was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1986. Since retiring from hockey, the somewhat reclusive Shahid had worked with the Indian railways and was based in his hometown of Varanasi.

The Times of India

RIP Shahid bhai, the greatest there ever was

Rajesh Kalra

I am in shock. Mohammed Shahid, not perhaps, but easily the best ball player ever, today passed away at a hospital in Gurgaon, having been shifted there from his home town Varanasi three weeks ago. He was only 56 and has represented India in three successive Olympics - 1980, 84 and 88.

At his peak, and it lasted almost a decade, Shahid+ had no peers in the hockey world. The magician, as he was known in the hockey fraternity worldwide, is to hockey what Tendulkar/Lara/Sehwag/Bradman are to cricket or Maradona/Messi/Pele to football. You could leave everything and go watch him play. It was supernatural, mesmerising. Even as he left the defenders bemused and befuddled, the spectators too would watch, in disbelief.

Let me share some anecdotes with you. I used to play hockey for my college team when he was at his peak. One of the things we used to do to improve our concentration was to bounce the ball on the blade of our stick. Several others in the national team then could bounce the ball on the reverse of the blade that was curved, and the ball would always be in their control.

But how was Shahid different? He would talk to you, look here and there and rotate the stick with the ball bobbing up and down his stick, as if tied to a string.

I can also remember how he would come home and on a patch of mosaic flooring that was just one square yard, ask me to touch the ball as he dribbled. In one square yard, you can actually move your stick like a broom and be sure of disrupting his dribble, but even there he wouldn't allow me to touch the ball. I used to be so overawed by the speed at which he did this that once, when I was narrating this to some players in the Indian team, India's awesome defender of that time, Manohar Topno, told me: "Yeh paanch paanch international players ka ek saath bhoot bana deta hai maidan mein! (He can make a monkey out of five international players together on the field!)"

Shahid's team-mates' respect for him was complete and unconditional. They knew if the ball is with him, he would at least get you a penalty corner. In modern hockey where earning a penalty corner is a task in itself, he would have proven to be a world beater.

Of course, the team then was awesome too. His combination on the left with another great forward, Zafar Iqbal, was a treat to watch. And this combination was famous.

During our Times of India Sports Awards jury meeting last year, at one point when Zafar and Sourav Ganguly, both parts of the jury, had a slight disagreement, Sourav, almost like a fan, said: Zafar Bhai, I used to stay up nights to watch you and Shahid bhai play. I would like to let you know here that I had requested Shahid to be part of the jury as well, but he had declined politely.

Then, there was another right-in, Mervyn Fernandes. In fact, Shahid, Mervyn and the never-to-be-wrong-footed half back, MM Somaya played together in three Olympics.

I still remember Somaya once telling me how Shahid was different from any other player. If a diagonal ball came to a player in the left position, he would have to turn to the ball, stop it, then move on. The best at the time would do it rather quickly. But for Shahid, it was different. You could actually hit the ball diagonally, in front of him. He would keep running, receive he ball on reverse stick, control it as he moved on without slowing down. Those extra seconds gained were the difference between the defence regrouping or being left flat-footed. One often heard of team managements holding separate session only to discuss ways and means to contain him. It was a given that it would be impossible for one player to stop him, which meant two players were given the task, leaving our team with at least one player who couldn't be marked.

The respect straddled across teams and continents. Even the Pakistanis, who had the redoubtable Hassan Sardar in their forward line at the time, were enamoured of him, though several Indian players at the time used to say how Hassan Sardar was extremely jealous of Shahid, as he had ensured Sardar was not considered the best ball player of his time. I can only empathise with Hassan, because there could be other great ball players, which Hassan was, but there couldn't be another Shahid.

His passion for hockey was complete. Even after he retired from active hockey, he chose to stay on In Varanasi and not shift to Delhi, for he would never want to go begging for awards or a position. More than once when I asked him why can't he coach the team, he would say "Rajesh bhai, the federation has to ask me. If I go asking, they will treat me like a beggar. I am happy in Varanasi." He was very self respecting and took pride in his achievements, which were awesome, to say the least.

He would practice for hours and people used to joke that he is bent over the ball for his dribbling so often that even his normal walk it looks as if he is dribbling. During his early playing days, he was a teetotaller, but during the later part, I believe he, under the influence of some in the team who shall go unnamed, took to alcohol, and could never get out of it.

Shahid cannot be termed as once-in-a-generation player, because the truth is players like him cannot be born again. RIP, mere dost.

The Times of India

Indian hockey legend Mohammad Shahid passes away at 56

Shahid was part of Indian Hockey squad for 1980 Moscow Olympics


Mohammad Shahid

Indian hockey legend Mohammad Shahid, who was being treated in a private hospital in Gurgaon, passed away today due to multiple organ failure.

"Yes, he is no more. He suffered multiple organ failure this morning. It's a sad news," a source told PTI.

The 56-year-old legend was admitted to Medanta - the Medicity - earlier this month after a bout of jaundice and dengue made his condition worse. He was airlifted from Varanasi.

Known for his dribbling skills, Shahid was considered one of India's greatest hockey players. He was a member of the V Baskaran-led Indian team that won a gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

He was also a part of the national team that won a silver medal at the Delhi Asian Games in 1982 and bronze in the Seoul Asiad in 1986.

DNA

PHF Condoles Mohammad Shahid's Death

President Pakistan Hockey Federation, Brig (Rtd) Khalid Khokhar and Secretary Shahbaz Ahmad have expressed great grief over passing away of former Indian hockey captain Mohammad Shahid, who breathed his last in Gurgaon, India today.

He is considered one of India's best to have played the game and was known for his speed and dribbling skills. He was a member of the Indian team that won the gold medal at the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow. He was awarded Arjuna Award in 1980–1981 and Padma Shri in 1986.  He also won silver at the 1982 Asian Games and bronze at the 1986 Asian Games. Mohammad Shahid captained India in 1985-86.

Shahbaz Ahmad recalls,”Shahid had such an art which I saw in very few players.  We played together in the Asian All -Star team in the first Intercontinental tournament.”

PHF Media release