News for 04 December 2016
All the news for Sunday 4 December 2016
9th–16th standings confirmed at women’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2016
Positions 9-16th were confirmed at the women’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2016 in Santiago, Chile earlier today, with eight teams playing their final classification matches in what was an action packed day of hockey.
Japan defeated China in the 9/10th match, Chile won their 11/12th match against korea, the 13/14th match saw New Zealand beat South Africa and France won the 15/16th match against Zimbabwe.
As a result, the 9-16th standings are as follows: 9th Japan; 10th China; 11th Chile; 12th Korea; 13th New Zealand; 14th South Africa; 15th France; 16th Zimbabwe.
With these being these teams last matches, the focus now turns to the final day tomorrow when the women’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2016 champions will be crowned.
The final is the last match of the day, following the bronze medal match. Earlier on, the 5-8th classification matches will take place, all at the following times (local – CLST):
11:45: England v USA (7/8th)
14:00: Germany v Belgium (5/6th)
16:15: Spain v Australia (Bronze medal match)
18:30: Netherlands v Argentina (Gold medal match)
Here’s a summary of all today’s action:
China 0, Japan 2
Japan got off to the best of starts in their match against Asian rivals China as Maho Segawa opened the scoring after five minutes. Japan were on top for most of the opening half and managed to double their lead through Kanon Mori in the 21st minute after a scramble in the China D. China tried their best to get back into the match but Japan’s structure and attacking flair did not falter throughout. Despite finishing ninth, Japan will be happy with their performance at what was their debut women’s Hockey Junior World Cup. Speaking about today’s match, Japan captain Yu Asai said: “We stuck together and got through what was a hard match. It makes it extra special to beat a team from Asia, but also because China are a very good team. So it’s good to play well, stick it out and win against some quality opposition.”
Korea 2, Chile 2 (Chile win shootout 3-1)
Hosts Chile were adamant on giving the thousands of home fans who have cheered them on throughout this event one last opportunity to celebrate in the last match of the day. And that they did when they opened the scoring after only eight minutes through captain Denise Krimerman. It wasn’t long though before Korea drew level through a penalty corner thanks to Soyun Moon. After the half-time break Korea looked the most likely to score and found the back of the net after five minutes as Seoyeong Kim got on the end of a long ball into the D to put the Asian team ahead. With just under 10 minutes left to play Chile’s Sofia Machado Paonessa sneaked the ball under Korean goalkeeper Eunhee Lim to level the score once again. Neither team could find a way through so the match went to a shootout and it was there that the Chilean captain gave the home fans the fairytale ending as she scored the winning goal as they won 3-1.
New Zealand 8, South Africa 2
New Zealand and South Africa played out this highly entertaining game, although the African champions will be disappointed to have shipped so many goals in their final match at this event. New Zealand’s Deanna Ritchie scored two from penalty corners, whilst Megan Hull (PC), Tarryn Davey, Kayla Reed, Emily Wium, Alia Jaques (PC) and Catherine Tinning all got on the scoresheet for New Zealand. South Africa’s two goals game from Tarryn Glasby (PC) and Danielle Cairns. Speaking afterwards, New Zealand captain Tessa Jopp reflected on their tournament. She said: “It was a great way to end the tournament – finish on a high. Everyone played a really good game, for both teams, so it was good to get the win. Today we gave the easy ball, flowed with our passes and created spaces which made passing a lot easier for ourselves.” Speaking about the importance of this event she concluded: “It’s the pinnacle event for us. Some of us have been training for this event for two years so it’s a big platform and a stepping stone to the Blacksticks (New Zealand’s senior team).”
Zimbabwe 1 France 3
Zimbabwe left their best performance for last as they made France work for their victory as both teams battled to avoid finishing bottom of the pack. France went ahead as Victorine Vankemmel scored the first of her two goals after only 12 minutes. Zimbabwe did not let that dampen their spirits however and they stunned the French as Tyla Groenewald converted a scrappy penalty corner. With the scores tied 1-1 at half-time France came out fighting in the second half. Vankemmel scored her second of the match through a penalty corner in the 58th minute before Noa Roque made sure of their victory in the 61st minute through another penalty corner.
Tickets for the final day can be purchased by clicking here. Those who cannot attend can watch the livestream provided by the hosts by clicking here.
Fans can find scores, fixtures, photos, videos and more via the official event website on FIH.ch as well as through FIH Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using the hashtags #HJWC2016 and #RockTheJuniors.
#HJWC2016 #RockTheJuniors
FIH site
FIH Hockey Academy 'Gender Amazing' in Chile
FIH Hockey Academy course participants in Santiago Photo: FIH Hockey Academy
Over the past few days the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey Academy has been delivering a series of courses at the women's Hockey Junior World Cup 2016 in Santiago, Chile, which have highlighted the progress of hockey's development in the Pan American region.
Working with the Pan American Hockey Federation, the Chilean Hockey Federation and in partnership with the World Academy of Sport and FIH Hockey Academy partner Coach Logic, 10 new Coach, Umpire, Technical and Event Manager educators have been certified. It is expected that 19 more will be certified as Level 2 coaches over the coming days whilst 22 umpires were involved in the Advanced Umpiring Course (part of the PAHF Umpire Seminar).
Participants from Chile, Argentina, Costa Rica, Peru and Uruguay have taken part in these courses so far. Whilst the geographic spread of participants is encouraging, the most important point is that half of the participants of the Coaching and Educator courses were women. Better still,14 of the 22 on the Umpiring Course were also female. This is particularly promising with FIH keen to get more women involved at all levels of the sport in a bid to enhance hockey's reputation as 'Gender Amazing'.
In addition to these activities, outside the programme there was a chance to deliver a Workshop to local Technical Officials by new FIH Technical Officials Educator Lorena Rinaldini.
Speaking of the success of these courses, FIH Hockey Academy Manager Andre Oliveira said: "It's fantastic to see both the interest shown in this course and also the attitude of all the participants. There is a real desire to develop hockey in the Pan American region and whilst Argentina have been dominant in this area for many years other nations recognise the importance of structured development strategies, of which are interlinked with the course and workshops we offer."
FIH President, Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra, added: "Yet again we are seeing gender balance in our sport at its best, on this occasion at our FIH Hockey Academy courses. It's very encouraging to see the interest in development amongst these Pan American nations, but more importantly the number of female participants which is crucial in our quest to see more females in key positions across all levels of our sport. I must congratulate both those in delivering these hugely successful courses and also to those who have been certified or completed these courses."
For more information about the FIH Hockey Academy, including upcoming courses, click here.
If you're at the event in Chile, say hello to the course participants who will be at the venue occassionaly in FIH Hockey Academy T-shirts.
#LoveHockey
FIH site
FIH announces men’s Hockey World League Semi-Final 2017 schedule for London
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced the schedule of the men’s Hockey World League Semi-Final 2017 in London, England earlier today.
The Hockey World Cup 2018 qualifier, taking place between 15 and 25 June at Lee Valley’s Hockey and Tennis Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, will feature 10 of the world’s best men’s hockey teams.
Six teams have already been confirmed so far for this showcase event, including hosts England, Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallists Argentina, reigning European champions Netherlands, Asian champions India, Korea and Pakistan. Another four teams will qualify from the Hockey World League Round 2 events taking place between January and April 2017.
In London, Sunday 18 June has been dubbed ‘Super Sunday’ and it is not difficult to see why. The first game of the day pairs Pakistan with India. With 11 Olympic titles between them this has historically been one of the fiercest rivalries in the game and it shows no sign of letting up.
India had the edge at the 2016 QNET Asian Champions Trophy so Pakistan will be out for revenge in what will be an action-packed encounter. Follow that up with hosts England going head to head with the Olympic Champions Argentina - it will be a day to remember.
There’s many more exciting matches throughout the week, with the full schedule published on the official event website here.
The weekends are already selling fast with semi-final and final tickets as well as ‘Super Sunday’ places being snapped up by eager sports fans. Special ticket offers are currently available and fans are being urged not to miss out on what will be one of the summer’s greatest sporting events. With tickets beginning at just £2.50 for children and £10 for adults, fans can take advantage of these exclusive offers by visiting the official ticket site by clicking here.
Hospitality packages are also available for those looking to entertain clients or enjoy a memorable day out with family and friends. VIP hospitality, including the best seats in the house, are included and can be purchased by clicking here.
Composed of four rounds and played over two years, the Hockey World League shines a spotlight on the sport around the world. Even the smallest hockey-playing nations have the opportunity to write their own chapter in hockey’s history books.
A lot is at stake for teams participating in these Hockey World League Semi-Finals. Whilst vital FIH Hero World Ranking points will be awarded depending on final standings, the top teams from each Semi-Final will qualify for the 2018 Hockey World Cups in India (men) and England (women) in addition to the Hockey World League Finals taking place in India (men) and New Zealand (women) later in 2017.
With the Hockey World League already underway, you can follow all the action from Round 2 over the coming months from locations around the world. Each event will have its own event page on FIH.ch but you can also keep up to date with all the latest information from the Hockey World League by following FIH on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
FIH site
India, Pakistan in same pool of HWL Semi-Final 2017
LONDON: Asian champions India has been clubbed alongside arch-rivals Pakistan in the same pool in the men's Hockey World League (HWL) Semi-Final 2017 to be held here.
The HWL Semi-Final, a qualifying event for the 2018 World Cup, will be held from June 15 to 25 June at Lee Valley's Hockey and Tennis Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and will feature 10 of the world's best men's hockey teams.
Six teams have already been confirmed so far for this showcase event, including hosts England, Rio Olympic champions Argentina, reigning European champions Netherlands, India, Korea and Pakistan.
Another four teams will qualify from the Hockey World League Round 2 events taking place between January and April next year.
In the HWL Semi-Final, June 18 has been dubbed 'Super Sunday' as the first game of the day features India playing against Pakistan. With 11 Olympic titles between them this has historically been one of the fiercest rivalries in the game and it shows no sign of letting up.
India had the edge at the 2016 Asian Champions Trophy and Pakistan will be out for revenge in what will be an action-packed encounter.
Following that up will be hosts England taking on Olympic Champions Argentina.
Besides Pakistan, the other confirmed team in India's pool - Pool B - is Netherlands.
A lot is at stake for teams participating in these Hockey World League Semi-Finals. Whilst vital FIH Hero World Ranking points will be awarded depending on final standings, the top teams from each Semi-Final will qualify for the 2018 Hockey World Cups in India (men) and England (women) in addition to the Hockey World League Finals taking place in India (men) and New Zealand (women) later in 2017.
The Times of India
2 halves, not 4 quarters: Junior hockey WC to have old format
Rutvick Mehta
Hockey fans that are used to witnessing the sport in its action-packed new format of four quarters each will have to adjust watching it in the slower old format of two halves each during upcoming the FIH Junior World Cup.
The event, scheduled to begin in Lucknow from December 8, will be played in hockey's traditional two-session format of 35 minutes each instead of the current international format of four quarters of 15 minutes each.
The reason? The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is using the new format as trial only in senior international games and major events organised by FIH.
"The new regulations are still in its trial period," newly-elected FIH president Narinder Batra said on Saturday. "Thus, according to the FIH protocol, we cannot implement the new format across all levels of the sport. The trial period of the new regulations will end in 2017, after which we will review the pros and cons of it and take a call on whether to implement it across all levels."
The FIH kick-started the new format from September 2014 with the objective of making the game shorter, quicker and attracting more eyeballs. It also gave players more breathers in the game, television spectators more opportunities to catch replays and FIH more scope for advertising revenue. The new rules have since been used in all major FIH events such as the Champions Trophy, Hockey World League. Even the 2016 Rio Olympics had the sport in four quarters.
Asked if having the Junior World Cup in the old format will have an impact on its popularity and revenue scope from advertisements, Batra said: "Not really. In fact, it would have been a problem for the players had it been in the new format, since the junior boys around the world have been playing only in the old format, even in their respective national championships. It would have been difficult for them to suddenly adjust to the new format."
DNA
Smith wants to develop hockey team
PRAVIN NARAIN
THE Fijian National men's hockey coach Hector Smith says development is their main priority as they have introduced few new players in the team.
The Fiji men's and women's team are playing against the visiting Australia Country club at the National Hockey Centre in Suva.
Smith said it was a good competition to judge the players.
Results: Australia Country 4-1 Fiji Warriors (men), Australia Country 3-0 Fiji Women's (women), Fiji Presidents Selection 1-5 Australia (men), Fiji Women 0-5 Australia Country
The Fiji times
Gladiators, Warriors title battle rained off
By BRIAN YONGA
Godffrey Wakachunga of Butali Sugar Warriors drives the ball during their Kenya Hockey Union men's Premier League play-off final match against Strathmore University at City Park Stadium on December 3, 2016. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
The Kenya Hockey Union men’s Premier League men’s play-off final between champions Butali Sugar Warriors and Strathmore University Gladiators will be completed on Sunday after rains caused an abandonment on Saturday.
The teams were levelled at 1-1 with 18 minutes to play before the rains poured making the surface at City Park Stadium unplayable.
Frank Wanagwe had given Butali the lead in the seventh minute before Constant Wakhura levelled for the students in the 55th minute.
Earlier, Kenya Police finished in third place after they edged Greensharks 4-3 in the third place play-off.
Both teams lost last weekend’s semi-finals to Greensharks and Butali Sugar Warriors respectively.
Police striker Calvins Kanu scored twice including the winning goal in the 61st minute. Willis Okeyo was also on target twice in the thrilling contest.
Sharks had raced to a 2-0 lead after 16 minutes courtesy of a brace from striker Kevin Simiyu.
The goals stunned the law enforcers who pulled a goal back in the 29th minute as Kanu slid the ball past Sharks keeper Elly Tangaza after a Willis Okeyo short corner.
Police, the 2013 champions, continued to press in search of an equaliser but Sharks hang on to take a 2-1 lead at the break.
Police dominated proceedings as the second half got underway and were levelled in the 42nd minute after Okeyo finished off Oliver Echenje’s penalty corner.
However, their joy was short lived as Sharks regained the lead.
Daily Nation
Dhyan Chand Death Anniversary: Need to protect his legacy from vested interests
K. Arumugam
Yesterday, 3 December, was 37th death anniversary of India’s one and only Dhyan Chand. Not many people do remember this day is not the news or regret -- if it all it has been so for long -- but a strong motivated lobby with matching marketing skills is sought to belittle the legacy, is.
This writer was perplexed when Siddharth Saxena (July 31, Times of India) observed the following two stunners in his full page hockey based article in the run up to Rio Olympics.
1.Major (Dhyan Chand) is spoken of in near mythical tones in hockey and national building terms partly because of his exploits at Berlin 1936 at the height of Hitler’s Nazism and largely due to the British imperialist perpetuation of a legend….
2.Dhyan Chand’s legend was fuelled by the British….
Siddharth Saxena’s prowess in hockey history is unknown to this writer. This was his lone hockey piece published in long time. Hopefully, when he gets another opportunity we will be further educated on this!
Being a chronicler of hockey for over four decades, this writer could sense someone strong enough in PR skills and money power work overtime to sell their idea that there is someone in India who deserves Bharat Ratna more than Dhyan Chand does.
Everyone has every right to say, lobby and root for. There is nothing wrong in this.
But what worries many is the attempts that seemed to have been taken to sully the image of Dhyan Chand so that their choice stands counted for Bharat Ratna as if it will be awarded to a hockey player tomorrow!
That a hockey player will get a Bharat Ratna to immortalize nation's hockey legacy is a fallacy.
Unfortunately, this presupposes government of the day or past is nostalgic about hockey which is definitely doubtful.
A book published on foreign soils comes to the mind in this context. The book too does the same.
It finds hole in Dhyan Chand’s feat and history. Instead of choosing to highlight its chosen hero and his life, it obviously spends more energy and time on showing how wrong, incorrect and inappropriate are the nation’s praise of Dhyan Chand, and then goes on to find fault with newspapers, televisions, Govt of India, for their bias.
Dhyan Chand’s life and times have never been researched by any institution and documented scientifically.
This vacuum is exploited now.
Defaming a person who is not alive to defend is morally incorrect.
This writer, with all humility, have to submit here that he has opened many areas hitherto untouched in Dhyan Chand’s life like locating for the first time letters related to Australian efforts to procure Dhyan Chand’s coaching services for the 1956 Olympics etc.
Therefore, on his 37th death anniversary today, I feel there is an urgent need to protect the legacy of Dhyan Chand than anytime in the past.
People who can afford to live in any country to suit the season spend hugely to defame a player who was lying the lawns of Delhi's AIIMS hospital unattended before dying unsung.
But the irony is only truth will prevail in the end.
Stick2Hockey.com
IOC and FIH Presidents discuss future collaboration
FIH President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra, IOC President Thomas Bach and former FIH President Leandro Negre
President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, met new International Hockey Federation (FIH) President, Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra, at a personal meeting held at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland yesterday (1 December 2016).
The IOC President congratulated Dr Batra on his election as both expressed a keen interest to continue the close and constructive collaboration between the IOC and FIH.
A hot topic of conversation was FIH’s 10-year Hockey Revolution strategy and the Federation’s desire to further align with Olympic Agenda 2020. In particular, issues relating to the promotion of gender equality, protection of clean athletes and good governance were amongst those discussed.
All of these topics featured on the agenda of last month’s Hockey Revolution Part 2 Conference, including the 45th FIH Congress, in Dubai, where Dr Batra was elected with a clear majority of votes.
India’s Dr Batra succeeds Leandro Negre from Spain who also attended the meeting and received a warm farewell from the IOC President.
The FIH delegation was complemented by Executive Board member Tayyab Ikram and CEO Kelly Fairweather.
FIH site