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All the news for Tuesday 6 December 2016

Excitement builds ahead of Uttar Pradesh Hockey Junior World Cup Lucknow 2016

Germany aiming to make it three titles in succession but face stiff competition



Following the conclusion of the women’s Hockey Junior Hockey World Cup in Santiago, the focus now switches to India in preparation for the Uttar Pradesh Hockey Junior World Cup Men Lucknow 2016, which gets underway this Thursday (8th December).

It is the second time that India has played host to the men’s Junior World Cup, having also done so in 2013 when a young Christopher Rühr inspired Germany to a second successive title at the event in New Delhi. Germany are bidding for their third successive men’s Junior World Cup title, but must fight off 15 of best junior nations on the planet if they are going to succeed as the next generation of global hockey stars look to make their mark. 

With four teams fighting it out for two available quarter-final places in each of the four pools at Lucknow’s superb Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium, every single match has meaning and one slip-up could prove costly. Here is a look at the teams competing in each pool.

Pool A: Australia, Argentina, Korea, Austria

Australia

1997 Junior World Cup winners Australia are one of the favourites to win the 2016 edition, and arrive in Lucknow full of confidence following their title success at the recent Sultan of Johor Cup 2016 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The champions of Oceania progressed through the event undefeated, with senior internationals Tom Craig and Blake Govers – an Olympian at Rio 2016 – both scoring six times for the ‘Burras’. Josh Beltz is another player with senior international experience, adding extra quality as the team chase their second Junior World Cup title.

Argentina


The Argentina squad that won the Junior World Cup in 2005 contained numerous players who went on to become Olympic gold medallists at Rio 2016, most notably team captain Pedro Ibarra and attacking star Lucas Vila. This new generation of Argentine talent will be aiming to replicate the achievements of the class of 2005, and their journey starts right here in Lucknow. Team captain Maico Casella and penalty corner expert Tomas Domene are both prolific scorers, netting a combined total of 34 goals during Argentina’s Junior Pan-Am Championship success in Toronto, Canada earlier this year.

Korea


A third place finish at the 2015 Junior Asian Cup in Kuantan, Malaysia was enough to secure Junior World Cup qualification, beating Japan to take the bronze medal. Seo Woohyeon and seventeen-year-old goalkeeper Kim Jaehan were both members of the Korea squad that competed in the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy in London earlier this year, experience which could prove vital to their title challenge.

Austria


Austria make their first ever appearance in a men’s Junior World Cup, and find themselves in a very tough group. However, under the guidance of hugely experienced Indian coach Cedric D’Sousa, you can be sure that the team will be well drilled and determined to cause some shock results. Oliver Binder, Franz Lindengrün, Pit Rudofsky and team captain Leon Thörnblom were members of the Austria senior side that claimed a first place finish at the Hockey World League Round 1 event in Antalya, Turkey in September.

Pool B: Netherlands, Belgium, Malaysia, Egypt

Netherlands

The Netherlands, winners of the European Junior Nations Championship 2014 in Waterloo, Belgium, are an ever-present nation in the men’s Junior World Cup, having participated in each edition since the inaugural competition in 1979. Despite medalling on four occasions, the Dutch are still awaiting their first men’s Junior World Cup title, something that they will be determined to rectify here in Lucknow. The team is packed with talent, with Rio Olympian and 2016 FIH Rising Star of the Year nominee Jorrit Croon, captain Lars Balk and Thierry Brinkman – who competed at the 2013 Junior World Cup in Delhi and is the son of double Olympic gold medallist Jacques Brinkman – all having the ability to change games in an instant. 


Belgium


Belgium secured their place in Lucknow with a fourth place finish at the European Junior Nations Championships 2014, which was played on home soil in Waterloo. They were denied the bronze medal by England, who claimed the win courtesy of a shoot-out. In October of this year, the young Red Lions team finished third behind India and Germany at a Four Nations Invitational event in Valencia, Spain, where attacker Gregory Stockbroekx finished as joint top scorer.

Malaysia


Malaysia - who accepted a late invitation to replace Pakistan - have produced some strong performances in previous editions of the Junior World Cup, having come close to a podium finish on three separate occasions. In 2013, the team were beaten to the bronze medal by the Netherlands. The majority of the team selected for this event competed in the recent Sultan of Johor Cup, where Malaysia finished in fifth place. The team ended the competition with two successive victories over New Zealand, and will be aiming to continue that winning streak here in Lucknow.

Egypt


Egypt come arrive in Lucknow as the junior continental champions of Africa thanks to their success at the Junior African Cup 2016 in Windhoek, Namibia. The team were defeated by fierce rivals South Africa in the pool phase of the competition, but gained revenge in the competition final when Mohamed Nasr’s 55th minute field goal gave the Egyptians a 3-2 victory. The team is captained by Abdelrahman Kasem, who is playing in his second Junior World Cup after competing at the 2013 event in Delhi as a 17-year-old.

Pool C: Germany, New Zealand, Spain, Japan

Germany


Six times champions Germany are attempting to win their third men’s Junior World Cup in a row, following their successes at 2013 and 2009. They arrive in Lucknow with a high quality group of players that includes senior Germany internationals Lukas Windfeder and team captain Constantin Staib as well as striker and 2016 FIH Rising Star of the Year Award nominee Timm Herzbruch, a bronze medallist with Germany at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The team is coached by Valentin Altenburg, the man who guided Germany’s men to the bronze medal in Rio.

New Zealand

New Zealand will be looking to bounce back from their recent last place finish at the six-nation Sultan of Johor Cup, where the team lost all six of their matches. Despite that disappointment, there is little doubt that the squad selected for Lucknow has plenty of quality. David Brydon, Sam Lane, Brad Read, Leo Mitai-Wells and Dominic Newman all represented the senior Black Sticks squad that competed in November’s Ford Trans-Tasman Trophy against Australia.

Spain


Spain are participating in their tenth Junior World Cup, having earned qualification with a fifth place finish at the 2014 European Junior Nations Championships in Waterloo, Belgium. Their best ever Junior World Cup display came in 2005, where the team took the bronze medal at the event in Rotterdam. A fourth place finish at the recent Four Nations Invitational competition against Germany, Belgium and India on home soil in Valencia was certainly not ideal preparation, but the team are widely expected to be back at their best in Lucknow.

Japan


Japan are making their third appearance at a Junior World Cup, following their 13th place finish in 2009 and 11th place finish in 1997. The team qualified by finishing fourth at the 2015 Junior Asia Cup in Kuantan, Malaysia. Four members of the squad selected for Lucknow – Kentaro Fukuda, Kota Watanabe, Shuhei Hatano and goalkeeper Takumi Chida – represented Japan seniors at the 2016 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy, also played in Kuantan.

Pool D: India, England, Canada, South Africa

India

As champions of Asia, host nation India will be rightly considered as one of the favourites for the title in Lucknow. The team is packed full of high quality individuals, including senior internationals Harmanpreet Singh (another nominee for the 2016 FIH Rising Star of the Year award), Mandeep Singh, goalkeeper Vikas Dahiya, captain Harjeet Singh and Ajit Panday. With over 60 senior international appearances, 21-year-old striker Mandeep is the most experienced player of the squad, having represented his country at numerous major events including the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 and the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016.

England

The European bronze medallists have named a strong side for Lucknow, featuring 14 of the athletes who came fourth behind Australia, Pakistan and Japan at the recent Sultan of Johor Cup, where Will Calnan and Jack Clee both scored three goal each. Jonty Griffiths, James Alberry, Chris Proctor and James Gall, the captain, are competing in their second successive Junior World Cup, having all been part of the squad that finished 14th three years ago in New Delhi.

Canada

Canada got off to a poor start at the Junior Pan-Am Championship on home soil in Toronto earlier this year, losing to Mexico before winning four successive matches to seal a place in the competition final. Argentina proved to be just too strong for the Canadians in the gold medal match, but they had done enough to secure their Junior World Cup ticket. Team captain Brandon Pereira and Kabir Aujla both scored four times for Canada on the way to their silver medal in Toronto and will be looking to continue the fine form in Lucknow. 16-year-old Rowan Childs is the youngest player in the competition. 

South Africa

South Africa qualified for their fifth successive Junior World Cup with a silver medal at the Junior African Cup in Windhoek, Namibia, falling to a narrow 3-2 defeat at the hands of Egypt in the competition final of the continental championship. Ace striker Nqobile Ntuli, Tevin Kok, Charles Bowren and team captain Alex Stewart have all represented South Africa’s senior team, experience which could prove vital in their Junior World Cup campaign.

Tickets for the event are still on sale and can be purchased by clicking here. The full results, standings, images and more will be available on the official website on FIH.ch whilst further coverage will be provided via FIH Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using the hashtags #HJWC2016 and #RockTheJuniors.

FIH site

India suffer second consecutive loss in warm-up games

Hosts India lost their second and final practice game 1-3 to The Netherlands, at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium late on Monday evening. Lapses in defence allowed the visitors to win. Simranjeet Singh scored for India when they were trailing by 0-2.

“It was a good match but we conceded two easy goals in the dying minutes,” Hockey India’s chief coach Roelant Oltmans said after the 60-minute game. “We had more penalty corners (two) but couldn’t convert,” he said. “The second half was good,” he said. India lost their first practice match against Argentina 1-2.

A sudden dip in the daytime temperature in the last two days has cheered most of the foreign teams, including six-time champions Germany, ahead of the men’s Junior World Cup Hockey starting Thursday.

“The weather’s perfect for hockey,” German coach Valentin Altenburg told HT soon after his team’s training session at the Padma Shree Mohd Shahid Hockey Stadium here on Monday. The top European teams play their best hockey in the winter.

“Smog is not too much and even if it is high, we can’ do anything. My boys and I are enjoying this excellent weather,” said Altenburg, who wants his team to win the trophy for the third time in a row.

“In our country, the temperature is much below zero now,” he said.

The visitors find the temperature of 12 degrees Celsius quite comfortable.

They visited a shopping mall, sporting just shorts and t-shirts on Monday evening.

FOR A CHANGE

Spanish coach Roger Pallarols said his side was here to make a mark.

“In 2005, we finished third. We want to improve on that now,” Pallarols said soon after his side reached the state capital early Monday.

“The players are upbeat and eager to go back with a great experience in India,” he said. “Our pool is quite difficult. We play the defending champions Germany, Japan and New Zealand. They are tough teams, but our team is very technical and mentally strong,” he added.

Captain Enrique Gonzalez de Castejon said: “You live to play the junior World Cup just once in your life. You better make it count. It’s great to play hockey in front of big crowds in India and we are eager to begin our first game.”

Hindustan Times

Perez Albert (Gk), Gispert Pol, Torras Ignasi, De Abadal Pablo, Serrahima Marc, Gonzalez De Castejon Enrique (captain), Bordas I Fabregas Manuel, Puente Guillermo, Bolto Marc, Garcia Alcalde Lucas, Garcia Gerard, Piera Grau Llorenç, Salvador Oriol, Perellon Marc, Malgosa Joaquim, Parrilla Pol, Lara Rosell Jan, Carnicer Alberto, Fernandez Lluis, Tarres Fortuny Joan, Rodriguez Ignacio, Rafi Adrian.

Hindustan Times

Kiwi juniors set to fire at Junior World Cup


Photo: www.photosport.nz

The New Zealand Under 21 Men are all set for the Hockey Junior World Cup which gets underway this week in Lucknow, India.

Germany are bidding for their third successive title, but must fight off 15 of best junior nations on the planet if they are going to succeed as the next generation of global hockey stars look to make their mark from 8-18 December.

With four teams fighting it out for two available quarter-final places in each of the four pools at Lucknow’s Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium, every single match has meaning and one slip-up could prove costly.

The Kiwis have a talented side which is led by Black Sticks Nic Woods, Dominic Newman, Sam Lane, David Brydon, Brad Read and Leo Mitai-Wells.

New Zealand will be gunning for the title alongside Australia, Argentina, England, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, South Africa, Canada, Austria, Belgium, Egypt, Pakistan and Spain.

All New Zealand games will be broadcast LIVE on SKY Sport!

MATCH SCHEDULE (ALL IN NZ TIME)

Thursday December 8th
NZ Under 21s vs Japan, 7pm

Saturday December 10th
NZ Under 21s vs Germany, 1:30am

Monday December 12th
NZ Under 21s vs Spain, 2:30am

Thursday December 15th
Quarter Finals

Friday December 16th
Semi Finals

Sunday December 18th
Finals Day

NEW ZEALAND UNDER 21 MEN
JUNIOR WORLD CUP – LUCKNOW, INDIA

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Second-timers look to lead the way for Canada at Junior World Cup

Shaheed Devji


PHOTO: Balraj Panesar carries the ball at the 2016 Junior Men’s Pan American Championship in Toronto in May 2016 (By Yan Huckendubler)

When Canada hits the field at the 2016 Junior World Cup this Thursday in India (7:00pm local, 5:30am PT, 8:30am ET), it will do so as the youngest team in the tournament.

Nearly the entire Canadian roster is playing in its first Junior World Cup, and many players will be competing in their first international tournaments.

The relative inexperience of the majority of the team makes the presence of defender Brandon Pereira and midfielder Balraj Panesar all the more important for Canada.

Pereira and Panesar competed in the 2013 Junior World Cup and are set to compete in their second such tournament this year.

And with their experience from the the last tournament comes added responsibility in this year’s edition of Junior hockey’s biggest competition.

“Last time I was one of the younger kids,” says Pereira. “This time around I’ll try and be a good leader and bring my experience and hopefully my leadership will be shown throughout the tournament on and off the field.”

Pereira remembers being helped along in his first Junior World Cup and hopes to do the same for his teammates this year, whether that’s off the field where he can be a mentor, or on the field where he can lead the way through his experience playing at this level.


Brandon Pereira at the 2016 Junior Men's Pan American Championship in Toronto in May 2016 (Photo: Yan Huckendubler)

“The main thing is the speed of the game and how there is not really much time for you to make a decision because of how fast it is,” he says. “Even though we’ll be making mistakes, we can’t worry about those because of how fast the game is. We have to be going to the next play.”

Panesar has similar advice for his Canadian teammates.

“You can’t overthink it,” he says. “It is your first big tournament, but at the same time it should be the first tournament of many.”

Many of the players the Canadian roster in India will be eligible to compete in the next Junior World Cup, which means they will have an opportunity to develop as Juniors over the next four years.

But for Pereira and Panesar, it will likely be their last Junior tournament before they try and make the Senior National Team a permanent home. And to do that, they know making the biggest impact at the World Cup gives them the best chance.

And while having an impact India would help Pereira and Panesar in their personal pursuits, it would also go a long way in making Canada’s tournament a success.

“Obviously as one of the Senior guys on the Junior team, you try to help out some of the younger guys,” adds Panesar. “This is the last chance as a Junior so you hope to make the best of it before you move on to the senior level hopefully.”

Canada opens to the 2016 Junior World Cup on Thursday against host India at 7:00pm local time (5:30am PT/8:30am ET).

Field Hockey Canada media release

India colts enter big fight as favourites

Hosts looking to make amends for dismal 10th-place finish in last edition

Indervir Grewal

Chandigarh: As the countdown clock for the hockey Junior World Cup winds down, the excitement levels are reaching a crescendo. Unlike the senior World Cup, the junior event, apart from the excitement of watching an intense battle for the title, also brings along an opportunity to discover the future stars.

The princes of hockey have already started descending on the City of Nawabs (Lucknow), each eager to prove that he is a worthy contender to become the future king of the sport. But perhaps no other country would be as eager to show their supremacy as India — they are not only hosting the event for the second time in a row but also are the favourites. With the favourites tag comes the pressure. And it could get pretty unnerving — India finished a dismal 10th in New Delhi three years ago.

“Obviously, there is the pressure of the World Cup, but we are embracing it,” said India’s drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh. “The pressure of being the host team is also there, but the senior team motivated us in Bengaluru (during the teams’ national camps).”

“We are not feeling any tension; on the contrary, we are enjoying ourselves. There is a lot of hard work going into our training and we are feeling confident. In fact, there is a lot of excitement, we can’t wait for the tournament to start. We have worked hard for this event for over two years and, finally, it is time to play. We want to show the world how good we are,” said Harmanpreet, who was also a part of the senior team that participated in the Rio Olympics.

Strong team

Given how dominant they have been in the last two years, the Indian team will the one to beat. Much like the team from the last edition, which had 12 players from Punjab, this one has 10 — all former trainees of Surjit Academy (Jalandhar) — and four from Haryana. The drag-flicking department is handled by defenders Harmanpreet and Varun Kumar. The third defender is the very disciplined and talented Dipsan Tirkey. The strongest feature of the team is its midfield, which is marshalled by captain Harjeet Singh, who will be playing his second junior World Cup. Another player for whom it will be the second World Cup is Mandeep Singh. Mandeep, who has played for the senior team, will spearhead the attack.

Quarters, the first goal

In the last edition, India failed to qualify for the quarterfinals after finishing third in their pool. Grouped with England, Canada and South Africa and with two teams from each group qualifying for the quarters, the hosts should make the knockouts without much trouble this time. If they qualify, India will face a team from Pool C, which comprises two-time defending champions Germany, New Zealand, Spain and Japan.

The Tribune

Veterans recall India's maiden Junior World Cup triumph

NEW DELHI: The team that won India its first and only junior hockey World Cup title so far can't wait for the tournament to be held for the first time in the country even as they took a trip down memory lane to recall their struggles to win the trophy in 2001.

Veteran forward Deepak Thakur, who was the top-scorer in that historic triumph, said it was an unbelievable feat for the team.

Thakur had scored 10 goals in the tournament while Devesh Chouhan was adjudged the best goalkeeper. India are among the top contenders in the tournament going to be held in Lucknow from December 8 to 18.

"When we think about the 2001 World Cup now, we just can't believe that how we managed to win. It was sheer individual brilliance and calibre of that team. We were superior in each department," he said.

"Apart from me we had players like Gagan Ajit, Prabhjot in attack, Ignace (Tirkey) and Jugraj (Singh) in defense, Prabodh (Tirkey), Bimal (Lakra), Arjun (Halappa), Viren (Rasquinha) were a part of the team and Devesh (Chouhan) was goalkeeper," Thakur told PTI Bhasha.

Former captain Rajpal Singh also said the 2001 team was very high on quality.

"You can imagine how powerful the team was that the 18th player of the team became the captain of the senior team in 2010 and that was me. Most of the players are still active at domestic level," he said.

He said players did not have facilities like today but there were no complaints as they had just one common goal and that was to win the title.

"I still remember that we had practised in the hot Hyderabad weather and then went to play in chilly winter in Hobart. Not only that but the food was so bad that we survived on Pizzas for the whole tournament," he added.

"But we had positivity in the team and from the first day only our motto was to win the title. Team was united as it was a matter of revival for our Hockey. That was a bad phase for Indian Hockey and only a major title could revive its fortunes," said the striker from Punjab.

"Now the players have all the facilities. Hockey has professional approach and conditioning are important aspect of preparation. Players don't have to travel for two three days in train," he said.

India could not emulate the success in last 15 years but the veterans feel that this time there is a realistic chance.

"I think they will easily reach till semifinal. Preparation is good and they had the exposure as well. I don't find any minus point and hope that they win the title this time in front of home crowd," said Thakur.

"There is a realistic chance of a podium finish this time. Format is also supportive as earlier we had league, super league, semifinal and final format. Now we have league, quarter final and final format. We have to see that how the team takes advantage of this," said Rajpal.

The Times of India

Black Sticks Women name 12 debutants to five-match series against Malaysia

Christopher Reive


Sam Harrison is the most capped player to be named in the Black Sticks Women's side to face Malaysia. www.photosport.nz

Some new faces will be given the chance to represent New Zealand this month when the Black Sticks Women's team host Malaysia for five matches in Taranaki.

Head coach Mark Hager named 12 debutants in his side for this month's test series, which was set to be played at the TET Multisports Centre in Stratford from 12-18 December.

"To be able to provide an opportunity for 12 debutants is exciting and builds on our philosophy post Rio of providing opportunity for the wider group," Hager said.

Following on from last week's 2-1 series win against Australia in the Trans-Tasman Trophy, Hager looked to continue to give some of the young talent coming through in the country some international experience.

Alongside the debutants, veterans Sam Harrison, Kirsten Pearce and Natasha Fitzsimons were named in the squad, providing a level of experience to an otherwise fresh squad.

Pearce was the only player named in the team who was a part of the squad for the Rio Olympics.

Hager said the time is right to continue the evolution of the Black Sticks group with the Tokyo Olympic Games looming in four years.

"The players selected for this series are with an eye to the future and maintaining competition for positions will continue to develop depth within our playing group.

"Malaysia will be a good challenge for this group as they have shown excellent progress over 2016."

The Black Sticks Women last played in Taranaki in 2015 when Stratford hosted the Oceania Cup, contested by New Zealand, Australia and Samoa, where Australia beat the New Zealand side in the final.

At a glance

Black Sticks Women's squad to play Malaysia.

Jess Anderson (Canterbury), Michaela Curtis (Central), Tarryn Davey (Midlands), Frances Davies (Midlands), Maddie Dowe (Auckland), Natasha Fitzsimons (Midlands), Erin Goad (North Harbour), Sam Harrison (Auckland), Megan Hull (Midlands), Alia Jaques (Midlands), Rachel McCann (Canterbury), Pippa Norman (Central), Kirsten Pearce (North Harbour), Felicity Reidy (Capital), Deanna Ritchie (Auckland), Brooke Roberts (North Harbour), Amy Robinson (Midlands), Phoebe Steele (Canterbury), Kim Tanner (Midlands), Catherine Tinning (Canterbury), Ginny Wilson (Southern).

Match Schedule

Monday 12 December, 6.30pm start.
Tuesday 13 December, 6.30pm start.
Thursday 15 December, 6.30pm start.
Saturday 17 December, 3.00pm start.
Sunday 18 December, 1.00pm start.

All games at TET Stadium, Stratford, Taranaki.

Stuff

Hager to lead Black Sticks Women to Tokyo


Photo: www.photosport.nz

Hockey New Zealand is thrilled to announce that Mark Hager has been re-signed as head coach of the Black Sticks Women.

The contract extension sees Hager confirm his place as head of the programme until after the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

High Performance Director Terry Evans said it was fantastic to secure the genuine world class coach, who has been in hot demand from other nations.

“We know Mark has fielded offers from other countries, so we’re pleased to be able to confirm that he will lead the Black Sticks Women through to Tokyo,” he said.

“Mark has been the key reason the programme has sustained success during his eight years as head coach of the Black Sticks Women, which is why he has been actively hunted by other countries.

“Retaining Mark signals a strong belief in the programme, and the potential within the programme going forward to the future. I think the athletes will take be encouraged to know Mark had options elsewhere but has chosen to remain with the Black Sticks.”

Hager has been head coach of the Black Sticks Women since early 2009 and has progressed his side from a world ranking of 12th to their current spot at fifth.

Over the years he has guided the women to victory at the 2009 Champions Challenge, silver at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, bronze at the 2011 Champions Trophy, bronze at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, runners up at December’s World League Final and this year gold medal finishes at the Hawke’s Bay Cup and International Hockey Open in Darwin.

In August the Black Sticks finished fourth at the Rio Olympic Games, narrowly missing out on a medal at the sport’s pinnacle event.

Inducted to the Hockey Australia Hall of Fame in 2008, Hager played at two Olympics and captained Australia to a bronze medal in 1996.

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Hager signs on for four more years

By Dale Budge


Head Coach Mark Hager looks on during training. Photo / Getty Images

Black Sticks women's coach Mark Hager has signed a contract extension that will see him lead the side through to a third Olympic Games in 2020.

Hager first took over the reins of the women's side in 2009 and has seen them earn back-to-back fourth placings at the previous two Olympic campaigns.

The Hockey Australia Hall of Fame inductee says it wasn't a difficult decision to extend his stay in New Zealand.

"My family is very happy in New Zealand," Hager tells herald.co.nz. "They love it here so we were very keen to stay.

"A lot of me sees so much unfinished business with the Olympics. To come fourth twice is pretty gut-wrenching so I would like an opportunity to rectify that and try and win a medal in four years' time."

While the hurt of missing out on an Olympic medal is driving Hager to continue there are some players that will step away from the international scene.

"I am still having a chat to players about next year and their commitment," Hager says. "I think we have a very good core group.

"At this stage there are five that I know about from our group of 25 that might not be back. Obviously Kayla Whitelock is one of those and Emily Naylor, who have retired.

"I think this group has some huge potential. We have got some really good youth coming through."

High Performance Director Terry Evans said it was fantastic to secure the genuine world class coach, who has been in hot demand from other nations.

"We know Mark has fielded offers from other countries, so we're pleased to be able to confirm that he will lead the Black Sticks Women through to Tokyo," he said.

"Mark has been the key reason the programme has sustained success during his eight years as head coach of the Black Sticks Women, which is why he has been actively hunted by other countries.

"Retaining Mark signals a strong belief in the programme, and the potential within the programme going forward to the future. I think the athletes will take be encouraged to know Mark had options elsewhere but has chosen to remain with the Black Sticks."

Since taking over as coach Hager has progressed his side from a world ranking of 12th to their current spot at fifth.

Over the years he has guided the women to victory at the 2009 Champions Challenge, silver at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, bronze at the 2011 Champions Trophy, bronze at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, runners up at December's World League Final and this year gold medal finishes at the Hawke's Bay Cup and International Hockey Open in Darwin.

The New Zealand Herald

Batch resigns as Black Sticks Men’s coach


Photo: www.photosport.nz

Hockey New Zealand has confirmed that Colin Batch will step down as head coach of the Black Sticks Men, effective immediately.

“We wish Colin all the best and thank him for his dedication to the Black Sticks Men’s programme during his four years in New Zealand,” Hockey New Zealand High Performance Director Terry Evans said.

“We know this decision hasn’t been an easy one for Colin, and that having been away from his family in Australia for eight years has been the main reason for returning back home.

“Colin has developed an international programme that will lead to success into the future, making the role of head coach of the Black Sticks Men one that we know will be sought after by coaches locally and around the world.”

Batch, a former Australian international, led the Black Sticks Men for the past four years leading on from the London 2012 Olympics.

Prior to that he was head coach of the Belgium Men for two years, and was assistant coach of the Australian Men for eight years which included two successful Olympic campaigns. He also played 175 internationals for Australia.

Batch oversaw a major culture shift during his time as Black Sticks Men’s coach and achieved a silver medal finish at the 2014 World League Final, fourth at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and gold at the 2015 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

This year his side secured bronze medals at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and Six Nations in Valencia.

Hockey New Zealand will be recruiting for a new head coach shortly with the role hoped to be filled as soon as possible.

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Colin Batch steps down as Black Sticks' men's hockey coach


Colin Batch has quit as coach of the men's Black Sticks.

Colin Batch has resigned as head coach of the Black Sticks men, just two months after signing a four year coaching extension.

Departing Wellington Phoenix football coach Ernie Merrick, a good friend of Batch's, let the cat out of the bag at his final press conference on Tuesday.

"It's coincidental isn't it that two or three of these positions change," Merrick said.

"I got a text from a friend of mine Colin Batch who is the Black Sticks' national coach? And he's resigned as well."

Hockey New Zealand high performance director Terry Evans confirmed Batch's departure.

It is understood he is leaving to take up a coaching position with Australian Hockey.

"We wish Colin all the best and thank him for his dedication to the Black Sticks men's programme during his four years in New Zealand," Evans said.

"We know this decision hasn't been an easy one for Colin, and that having been away from his family in Australia for eight years has been the main reason for returning back home.

"Colin has developed an international programme that will lead to success into the future, making the role of head coach of the Black Sticks Men one that we know will be sought after by coaches locally and around the world."

Batch, a former Australian international, led the Black Sticks' men for the past four years leading on from the London 2012 Olympics.

He was on the verge of guiding New Zealand to the semifinals at the Rio Olympics, but they conceded three goals in the final four minutes to lose 3-2 to Germany in their quarterfinal.

Before that Batch was head coach of the Belgium men for two years, and was assistant coach of the Australian men for eight years which included two successful Olympic campaigns. He also played 175 internationals for Australia.

Batch oversaw a major culture shift during his time as Black Sticks men's coach and achieved a silver medal finish at the 2014 World League Final, fourth at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and gold at the 2015 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

This year, his side secured bronze medals at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and Six Nations in Valencia.

Hockey New Zealand will soon start their search for a new head coach.

Meanwhile, Mark Hager has been re-signed as head coach of the Black Sticks' women.

The contract extension sees Hager confirm his place as head of the programme until after the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Evans said it was fantastic to secure Hager, who has been in hot demand from other nations.

"We know Mark has fielded offers from other countries, so we're pleased to be able to confirm that he will lead the Black Sticks women through to Tokyo," he said.

"Mark has been the key reason the programme has sustained success during his eight years as head coach of the Black Sticks women, which is why he has been actively hunted by other countries."

Hager has been head coach of the Black Sticks women since early 2009 and has progressed his side from a world ranking of 12th to their current spot at fifth.

Over the years he has guided the women to victory at the 2009 Champions Challenge, silver at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, bronze at the 2011 Champions Trophy, bronze at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, runner-up at December's World League Final and this year, gold medal finishes at the Hawke's Bay Cup and International Hockey Open in Darwin.

In August the Black Sticks finished fourth at the Rio Olympics, missing out on a medal at the sport's pinnacle event.

Stuff

Batch & Gaudoin named as new Australian Head Coaches

Holly MacNeil



Hockey Australia today confirmed the new head coaches for the Australian national hockey teams, the Kookaburras and the Hockeyroos, as Colin Batch and Paul Gaudoin respectively.

Gaudoin, who has served as the interim head coach of the Kookaburras since October, will move across to become the national coach of the women’s high performance program as of January 2017, replacing Adam Commens who left Hockey Australia following the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Batch joins Hockey Australia from his position as the head coach of the New Zealand Black Sticks men, a role he has held since 2012. He will also make the move in January 2017 when he will become the head coach of the men’s high performance program. Batch takes the place of Graham Reid who left the post of Kookaburras head coach at the beginning of October following two years in the position and eight years at Hockey Australia.

Aside from leading the daily training environment in Perth, both national coaches will be taking a renewed approach to ensuring the broader national network of coaches and athletes are engaged with the Australian teams through the national hockey network.

Batch and Gaudoin were chosen by a selection panel following a thorough recruitment process which saw many high quality national and international candidates apply for the much-coveted positions. The two selection panels included a combination of Hockey Australia Chief Executive Cam Vale, former President David Hatt, interim President Mel Woosnam, AIS Director Matt Favier, former Kookaburras and Hockeyroos head coach Ric Charlesworth, and Hockey Australia High Performance Director Toni Cumpston.

Hockey Australia Chief Executive Cam Vale said: “Paul and Colin both excelled throughout the recruitment process in what was a very competitive process with applicants from around the world. The board at Hockey Australia truly believes that they are the candidates who will take our national teams to the next level as we look to the new four-year cycle.

“Both candidates have a wealth of experience; Paul, most recently within the Kookaburras family, and Colin further afield having been the head coach of the Belgium Red Lions and the New Zealand Black Sticks men, as well as serving as an assistant coach to the Kookaburras for eight years. Both have shown themselves to be the best people for the jobs.

“I would like to thank Jason Duff for his commitment to the Hockeyroos during his time as interim head coach of the team since Rio, and before that as the senior assistant coach with the program. Jason has done a tremendous job in leading the Hockeyroos over the last few months through the trans-Tasman Trophy and International Festival of Hockey.

“Paul Gaudoin has also been a huge asset to the Kookaburras stepping in to become interim head coach and leading the team to victory at the trans-Tasman and International Festival of Hockey. It’s a credit to both Jason and Paul that they have acted so professionally in those roles during a difficult period of change.”

Gaudoin and Batch will both take up their roles in Hockey Australia’s high performance program as of the new year, with the teams to recommence training as of March.

In a world first for hockey, Gaudoin and Batch will take part in a live fans Q&A tomorrow (Wednesday 7 December) from 5.30pm AEDT, giving fans and the media a first opportunity to put their questions to the new coaches.

Facebook Live Q&A Schedule:
5:30pm AEDT: Q&A with Colin Batch via Facebook.com/TheKookaburras
6:00pm AEDT: Q&A with Paul Gaudoin via Facebook.com/TheHockeyroos

About Paul Gaudoin, Head Coach, Hockeyroos
Age: 41 Hometown: Perth, WA
Former Kookaburra Paul Gaudoin played 234 games for Australia across his eleven-year career from 1994 until 2004, during which time he was the captain of the Kookaburras from 2001 until his retirement. Gaudoin was a key member of the 1996 and 2000 Olympic team where the Kookaburras won bronze medals. During his time as a player Gaudoin won Commonwealth gold in 1998 and competed at three World Cups, winning a bronze (1994) and a silver medal (2002). He also represented Australia at seven Champions Trophy tournaments.

Gaudoin began his coaching career in 2008, becoming a coach to the Kookaburras in 2010 where he worked his way up from an assistant coach to senior assistant coach, including periods where he acted as interim head coach for the team. During his time as interim head coach, Gaudoin co-coached the Kookaburras to victory at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and led them to victory at the 2015 Oceania Cup.

About Colin Batch, Head Coach, Kookaburras
Age: 58 Hometown: Melbourne, VIC
Colin Batch comes to the Kookaburras with a wealth of international coaching experience having formerly been the head coach of the Belgium Red Lions (2010-2012) and the New Zealand Black Sticks men (2012-2016); along with being a former assistant coach of the Kookaburras from 2001 -2008 during which time the team won gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics and bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Batch was himself a Kookaburra from 1979 until 1990, during which time he was the vice-captain in 1987 and 1988. Batch played 175 games for the team and was a member of the gold medal winning team at the 1986 World Cup and twice a bronze medallist at the World Cups of 1982 and 1990. As well as taking part in the 4th place finishing teams at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games, he competed at ten Champions Trophy tournaments.

World Rankings

Men’s

Australia
Argentina
Netherlands
Germany
Belgium

Women’s

Netherlands
England
Argentina
Australia
New Zealand

2017 FIH Major Events Schedule
Kookaburras
World League Semi-Finals: Johannesburg, South Africa (9 – 23 July)
World League Final: India (2 – 10 December)

Hockeyroos
World League Semi-Finals: Brussels, Belgium (21 June – 2 July)
World League Final: Auckland, New Zealand (18 – 26 November)

Hockey Australia media release

Bann and Town through in Irish Senior Cup



Banbridge and Monkstown advanced to the last eight of the Irish Senior Cup – the world’s oldest club hockey cup competition – last weekend with hard-fought wins over Three Rock Rovers and Lisnagarvey, respectively.

For Town, they scored twice in the first three minutes against Lisnagarvey en route to a 3-2 win in a repeat of last year’s final.

Gareth Watkins and Sam Hyland got Town off to a brilliant start before Garvey fought back via strikes from Neal Glassey and Ryan Getty. But a penalty stroke just before the break proved the defining moment, Stephen Cole converting for a half-time lead and some fine goalkeeping from Max Maguire meant it stayed that way to the final whistle.

At Havelock Park, Banbridge proved too strong for Three Rock Rovers, eventually breaking down the Dublin side’s dogged defence with goals from Dane Ward, Matthew Bell and High McShane in a 3-1 success.

Harry Morris put Rovers 1-0 up in the 20th minute, turning away from his reverse to score on his open side. Ward equalised by the break for 1-1 with a cool finish from mid-circle after an even opening period.

But Bann turned the screw in the second half with Owen Magee in fabulous form. Matthew Bell roofed a drag-flick off the underside of the bar for the lead before Bann spurned a series of chances, keeping Rovers – on the counter – in the hunt.

That was until seven minutes from the end when Peter Brown got to the baseline and picked out Hugh McShane, pictured, to finish.

Bann will play high-flying Cork C of I in the next round while Monkstown go to Instonians for their quarter-final game. UCD play Cookstown and surprise packages Corinthian and Mossley are in the other last eight games.

Euro Hockey League media release

Goals galore as Scottish Women’s Indoor hockey gets underway

Bromac Kelburne have put in their bid for a promotion place with three consecutive victories in the opening day of the women`s second division indoor hockey programme.

The Paisley side opened with a convincing 4-0 win over Milne Craig Clydesdale Western`s second string, Emma Barlow was the catalyst with a hat-trick, Imogen Davies added the other goal.

Molly Godfrey gave Kelburne an early lead in the second encounter with Watsonians, but within a couple of minutes Robyn Coates had levelled. Midway through the half Stephanie McInally put the Buddies into a 2-1 lead, and that was the score at the interval.

Davies made it 3-1 midway through the second half, and although Emily Powell scored for the Edinburgh side with three minutes left the strike remained little more than a consolation as Kelburne finished 3-2 winners.

Kelburne completed their hat-trick of victories with a 6-2 win over Dundee Wanderers` reserve side.

Hillhead are level with Kelburne at the top of the division after recording three wins on the day. The Glasgow side opened with a narrow 2-1 win over Western`s reserve side. Amber McFarlane opened in only four minutes, Western levelled, but the same player scored the winner for Hillhead from a penalty corner.

Hillhead went on to beat Wanderers` second squad 6-1 and then Aberdeen 6-2 to end the day with the full nine points.

Wanderers` second string had the biggest win of the day with a 10-0 victory over Aberdeen. In the win Sam Sangster scored four while Ashleigh Bunce and Jenny Gerrard both came away with a brace.

Grove seconds started with a 2-1 win over Watsonians, Rachel Flack opened for the Taysiders in the first minute but Emily Powell replied just on the interval. The winning strike came midway through the second half from former Scotland captain Linda Clement. The Taysiders later drew 2-2 with Aberdeen.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Tom Wilson Memorial Hockey Tournament


Tom Wilson takes on Barry Middleton

Old Loughtonians Hockey Club will be hosting a tournament on Sunday 11 December in memory of Thomas Wilson, aged 22, who tragically died in a training ground accident playing hockey in December last year.

Teams from OLHC, Lambert Smith Hampton, Havering, Nottingham Trent University, Belper and Beeston will be represented. Some of the Hockey Olympians from Rio 2016 will be in attendance including Barry Middleton, the men’s captain and most capped player in the history of his country.

The event will also mark the launch of the Tom Wilson Memorial Fund Charitable Trust. Tom had signed up to be an organ donor, an action that turned an end into a beginning. His selfless act turned the gift of life into a gift of hope for others. Lisa, Tom’s Mother, and sister Pippa, take great comfort from knowing Tom has given other people a second chance in life.

In fact, through organ donation, many lives can be saved. Lisa and Pippa have been contacted by the parents of one of his recipients- a little girl. Days away from losing her life, she received a lobe of his liver and is recovering well. This is the only organ in the body that continues to grow. Hopefully, this little girl will now be able to live her life to the full.


Tom Wilson in action for Loughts against Havering

Donations to Tom’s fund will be used to promote organ & tissue donor awareness. Major organs can save lives; long bones could help someone who has experienced sporting injuries or skin grafts for someone with horrific burns. The charity will distribute funds to the ‘Donor Family Network’ and contribute to sporting brain injury research, together with England Hockey charities.

Lisa & Pippa Wilson would like to invite members of the Hockey family who have supported them throughout this very difficult year, which also saw the loss of a wonderful husband and father Graham Wilson (Hockey Writer and Journalist) to a tree planting ceremony by the pitch at 1pm.

Any players wishing to join in this event, to celebrate playing the game Tom loved, are asked to contact OLHC. Games start at 11am this Sunday.

There are more details on how to give to the Tom Wilson memorial fund on the Old Loughtonians website.

A signed Great Britain shirt is up for auction as part of the fund raising effort. Bids can be submitted here.

England Hockey Board Media release

Strathmore dream big after conquest

By BRIAN YONGA


Strathmore University captain Francis Kariuki is lifted shoulder high by his teammates after their win over Butali Sugar Warriors in the KHU men's Premier League play-off final at the City Park Stadium on December 4, 2016. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | 

Strathmore University Gladiators’ coach Meshack Senge believes his charges can dominate the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Men’s Premier League in years to come if this season’s performance is anything to go by.

The university side upset two-time champions Butali Sugar Warriors 3-0 on post-match penalties to claim their third title on Sunday bringing an interesting 2016 season to close at the City Park Stadium.

The Gladiators eliminated 2013 Champions Kenya Police in the semi-final also on penalty shout out, before dethroning Butali. Police finished third while Greensharks settled for fourth place after losing 3-4 to the law enforcers in third place playoff.

“We totally deserved to win the title. We beat the two best teams in the country and our hard work and team spirit carried all through, “Senge said.

“It will be hard to repeat the accolades next year because Butali and Police will be baying for blood but if we keep our consistency, we can defend the title.”

KHU used the pool system this year in order to have the season end by December. The home and away format will revert next season with teams expected to play more matches. Strathmore scooped a double after defender Paul Omoreiba was voted the men’s player of the year in the Premier league.

The defender struck the equaliser against Butali to send the contest to penalties.

Bay Club and Western Jaguars were relegated to the second tier men’s league after finishing bottom of their respective pools.

They will pave way for National League champions Technical University of Kenya (TUK) while runners up Wazalendo Youth have declined the promotion to the top tier. TUK, who had an impressive run this season, won the most promising team award for their excellent performance.


Women's Premier League Champions Telkom Orange pose with their trophy at the City Park Stadium on December 4, 2016. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |NATION MEDIA GROUP

In the women's Premier League Telkom Orange won a record 19th league title with Strathmore Scorpions finishing second while newcomers Amira Sailors finished third.

Last year's first runners up Sliders, failed to shine finishing a distant fifth behind United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) Spartans who finished fourth. The women's league was also tightly contested and Orange, who were used to winning comfortably in previous seasons, securing the title in their final match.

They finished two points clear of Scorpions. Scorpions captain Yvonne Karanja won the player of the year award with Spartans’ midfielder Rhoda Kuiria voted the most improved player with Kevin Omondi winning the men’s award. Willis Okeyo (nine goals) of Kenya Police and Orange’s Jackline Mwangi (15 goals) walked away with golden sticks award for men and women.

Focus now shifts to the Africa Cup of Club Championships to be staged at the City Park Stadium from January 7-15, 2017. Kenya will represented by Telkom Orange, Sliders, Butali and Police.

Daily Nation

Standing Ovation

Time to cheer premier league hockey champs Telkom Orange and Strathmore

By Elizabeth Mburugu


Captain Orange Telecom Tracy Karanja (centre) lead her team mates to receive the 2016 Champion's Ladie's KPL Hockey Trophy at City Park Stadium onSunday, Dec 4, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Crowning of champions in their respective leagues marked the end of this year's Kenya Hockey Union 2016 season on Sunday afternoon at City Park.

Strathmore University's Gladiators were crowned men’s Premier League champions after edging out last season’s winners, Butali Sugar Warriors, 3-0 in a penalty shootout. The match ended 1-1 after regular time.

It was business unusual as Strathmore, who had last won the crown in 2009, ended the dominance of Butali and Kenya Police.

The students defeated both teams in their campaign. The Gladiators first eliminated Kenya Police in the semi-finals, before walking away winners against Butali in the final.

In both matches, they won through post-match penalties. Police finished third, while Greensharks were fourth after losing 3-4 to the law enforcers in third-place playoffs.

Bay Club and Western Jaguars were relegated to the lower division. Theirs had been a rough ride.

They will pave way for National League champions Technical University of Kenya (TUK), while runner-up Wazalendo Youth have declined promotion to the top tier.

TUK also won the most promising team award for their excellent performance.

In the women’s Premier League, Telkom Orange retained their title, while Strathmore Scorpions finished second. Newcomers Amira Sailors finished third. Sliders, who finished second in last year's campaign, finished fifth, behind United States International University of Africa (USIU-A).

The women’s league was also a tightly fought affair and unlike with past seasons, where Telkom Orange had it easy, things were different this time. They were made to fight for the title.

Debutants Amira also added more spice in the women’s league.

Multimedia University (MMU), who finished third in the national league, were voted the most disciplined team. MMU’s Moses Ademba was named the most improved player, same as Kevin Omondi of Police (men’s premier) and Rhoda Nyambura of USIU-A women’s league.

Willis Okeyo of Police (nine goals), Jackline Mwangi of Orange (15) and James Mwangi of Wazalendo Youth (nine) won the top scorers prizes.

Ademba bagged a double after he won men’s player of the year award, while Scorpions' captain Yvonne Karanja took the women’s honours.

Focus now shifts to next year's Africa Cup of Club Championships to be held in Nairobi. All eyes will be on Butali and Kenya Police, who will be challenging for the men’s trophy, while defending champions Telkom Orange and Sliders will compete in the women’s category.

The Standard Online

Nauck named offensive player of year, van de Kerkhof coach of year


Greta Nauck is the ECAC offensive player of the year and Rolf van de Kerkhof is the coach of the year.: Photo by Mark Campbell

The honors keep rolling in for the University of Delaware's national championship field hockey team as the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) has named Blue Hens sophomore Greta Nauck its Division I offensive player of the year and Rolf van de Kerkhof its coach of the year.

The pair led the Hens to the first national championship in program history as UD finished the year with a 19-game winning streak and an overall mark of 23-2.

Nauck, the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) player of the year, is the program’s first ECAC player of the year. Earlier she collected UD field hockey’s first Longstreth/National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division I Mid-Atlantic Region player of the year award.

“Congratulations to Greta and our entire national champion team,” said Van de Kerkhof. “Although I know Greta doesn't like to be in the spotlight as she is a true team player, she is excited to be the recipient of this ECAC honor and would like to thank the Eastern College Athletic Conference."

Nauck finished the season first nationally with 3.04 points per game and 1.32 goals per game on a school record 76 points and 33 goals. In just two seasons for UD, the midfielder is seventh in program history with 103 career points on 44 goals and 15 assists.

Nauck tallied the game-winning goal in 10 of UD’s 23 victories and came through in the clutch in two huge NCAA tournament wins. First, she posted the overtime game-winner in a 3-2 victory at No. 1 Duke University in the second round of the tournament before registering the game-winning goal with under six minutes to play for the 3-2 win over the University of North Carolina in the title game.

"I believe Greta is very deserving of this award as the nation’s leading scorer while helping the Blue Hens win their first national championship,” Van de Kerkhof said. “Her offensive qualities are a great combination of her skill set, vision, calmness and desire. She has grown immensely during the season, which has allowed her to become a true leader for our team when in need. Aside from congratulating Greta, I would like to thank her for the fine job she has done for herself and our University of Delaware field hockey program this past season."

Van de Kerkhof, also the program’s first-ever ECAC coach of the year recipient, was also named the CAA coach of the year last month.

“Thank you Eastern College Athletic Conference for recognizing me as your 2016 Division I field hockey coach of the year,” Van de Kerkhof said. “I have been fortunate and blessed to coach a self-driven players group and work with a great coaching staff, allowing our program to enjoy an amazing season with the best possible ending, that of winning the national championship. Although I may be the recipient of this prestigious honor, I want to make sure that everybody understands that it is me thanking and sharing this award with my entire team and staff as we coached the Blue Hens together to a journey full of amazing experiences and memories."

In his sixth season at the helm of the Blue Hens, Van de Kerkhof has guided UD to four straight CAA titles and an overall mark of 86-45 (.656). His squad finished the year ranked in the top four nationally in winning percentage, scoring average, goals per game, points per game, scoring margin and assists per game. Van de Kerkhof was the first male to serve as the head coach of a NCAA field hockey championship game at the Division I, II or III level.

University of Delaware media release

Why we need to save hockey, Pakistan’s dying national sport

Irfan Waheed

On December 4, 1994, Pakistan reached the pinnacle of the hockey world after winning the world cup for the fourth time.

The national team was a force to reckon with and had booked a place in the annals of hockey history. Qualifying rounds were for lesser mortals and news of such lowly contests weren’t considered worthy of being printed. Even if such news made it to the papers, it was probably buried deep in the sports section.

But 10 years on, news of qualifying encounters could no longer be relegated to such ignominy. For the first time in its history, Pakistan failed to qualify for the tournament it had dominated in the past.

In 2015, much to the dismay of its thinning hockey fan base, Pakistan suffered an embarrassing loss at the hands of minnows Ireland. The defeat ensured another first: Pakistan failed to qualify for Olympics hockey.


The squad that won the 1978 World Cup.

Cricket fans can recall that the Irish had performed a similar feat against Pakistan. But they were relieved that drubbing was in the main event and the cricket team has never failed to qualify for an international event.

Another notable event is the Hockey Champions trophy, an international tournament which was conceived by the Pakistan Hockey Federation in 1978. Incidentally, the last time Pakistan won the trophy was also in 1994. Since 1998, Pakistan has made it to the final only once, when it lost to 2-0 to Germany in 2014.

The Pakistan-India semi-final in that tournament is a rare, memorable moment in recent Pakistan hockey history. Perhaps the challenge of playing against the Indian team in India allowed the Pakistanis to play out of their skins.


Pakistani team at the 1956 Olympics. Some players played barefoot.

Pakistan's nosedive seems to have begun at the turn of the millennium, but this rapid descent did not catch people's attention until 2010 when Pakistan finished last in that year’s world cup.

Since then, Pakistan has hit the trough and stayed there, unwilling to resurrect itself. The fact that they were eliminated from the World Cup and Olympics are a clear testament to their lack of effort.

A closer look at the last decade is warranted to determine some of the causes which may have contributed to the downturn in Pakistan's fortunes in hockey.

The 1998 Champions trophy held in Lahore was the last competitive international hockey tournament hosted by Pakistan. The consequences of this 18-year hockey drought cannot be overestimated.

Cricket has also experienced a similar drought, but unlike hockey, remedial steps have been taken to soften the blow. Amongst these steps is the establishment of a home away from home in the UAE.


Pakistan wins the 1994 world cup.

The state-of-the art cricket complex in Dubai boasts facilities that put Pakistan's test centres to shame. Additionally, the Cricket Board has been proactive in its approach and has ensured that opportunities for its players to gain international exposure should not be allowed to pass.

No such initiatives were taken for hockey. Public support and interest started drying up as an inevitable result of this, which in turn, affected the number of talented youth showing interest in the sport.

The financial aspect of things cannot be ignored either: hockey was never a lucrative game in Pakistan and the apathy towards the sport has made it even less so.

Earlier this year, rumours were circulating that a franchise-based hockey league was being introduced, but it appears that the league will not take off due to financial constraints.

It is unfortunate that there’s hardly any institutional support for Pakistan’s national sport. If it stays this way, the coming generation will wonder why hockey is our national sport.

Dawn

EduSports introduces high quality after-school hockey coaching across India

NEW DELHI: EduSports (SportzVillage Enterprise), India's No 1 school sports organization, has announced its partnership with the One Million Hockey Legs to offer high quality after-school coaching for hockey across India. Under this partnership, One Million Hockey Legs will provide technical support to EduSports to run after-school high-performance Hockey Academies across India.

One Million Hockey Legs will support EduSports in designing technical content and curriculum; including age appropriate lesson plans, tools and resources for the grassroots. The partnership will also help in building capacity of the EduSports and partner school coaches through training and certification in Hockey.

One Million Hockey Legs is a Dutch-Indian project initiated by the governments of both countries by signing a Memorandum of Understanding concerning sports development. One Million Hockey Legs works in close cooperation with local organizations, association and NGO's like the national, state and local hockey associations and academies. The partnership will help in identification and certification of EduSports hockey coaches and also provide technical support to EduSports to run Hockey Academies across India.

Speaking about their partnership, Parminder Gill, co-founder and Business Head at EduSports said, "We are delighted to be partnered with One Million Hockey Legs. With this association, we would be able to offer kids a unique opportunity to experience high quality hockey and hopefully a life-long love for our national sport."

Commenting on the partnership Floris Jan Bovelander, a former field hockey player who was a member of the Dutch squad that won gold at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, added: "Indian hockey is on revival. The national teams are doing well, the president of Hockey India is elected President of the International Hockey Federation and we as One Million Hockey Legs are excited to see the enthusiasm of the children at schools. Really happy to boost this further together with EduSports at their schools."

EduSports has been instrumental in making a fundamental change to the education system by getting schools to adopt a curriculum-based, age-appropriate and structured Physical Education (PE) and sports program. Working with over 650 schools and covering over 5 lakh children, EduSports brings an inclusive and positive sporting experience to every child across the country. With their strong understanding of sports and PE, they are constantly innovating to enhance the sports experience for children and are making sports affordable, accessible and scalable across the country. The partnership with One Million Hockey Legs is a step further in that direction that will lay the groundwork to develop hockey at a grass-root level.

The Times of India

US Junior Premier Indoor League Celebrates its Sixth Consecutive Year This December

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Junior Premier Hockey (JPH) Organizers are pleased to announce that the Junior Premier Indoor League (JPIL) is set to kick off December 17, 2016 for the sixth consecutive year.

Seven new clubs accepted their invitations and will be participating for the first time in the various divisions, helping to maintain the high level of competition that is expected at this premier event.

All three Divisions U-14, U-16 and U-19, will compete during six weekend dates, utilizing three different venues throughout the course of the winter months from December through February.

With the FIH agreeing to revert back to the 6 vs 6 model in 2016, and USA Field Hockey continuing to use this format as well as playing two, 20 minute games at the National Indoor Tournament (NIT) just as they have been doing since the inception of this league, JPH continues to lead the way and run all its events in accordance with the international standards.

Participation in the Junior Premier Indoor League provides athletes and coaches with a high level of competition on a regular basis, preparing all for success at the National Indoor Tournament Qualifiers (NITQ), National Indoor Tournament and for a few, international competition.

“It is great to see that after 6 years the Junior Premier Indoor League has expanded so much,” said Simon Hoskins, USA Field Hockey's Executive Director. “The JPIL is an excellent platform for young athletes to develop their indoor hockey skills and compete throughout the winter in a high level competition."

This JPIL is an invitation only event. All clubs in each division were identified and invited to participate based on performance at the 2016 NIT or based on performance at the 2016 JPIL in accordance with our invitation criteria.

We are now pleased to announce that the following clubs have accepted our invitation and will be participating in the 2017 JPIL:

U-14 Division:

Central Penn FH (Dilsburg, Pa.), FC United (Daren, Conn.), Freedom HKY (Annapolis, Md.), FSC (Mechanicsville, Pa.), H2O (Phoenix, Md.), High Styx FH (Bernville, Pa.), Mid-Jersey Knights FHC (Highland Park, N.J.), Oranje-Gottaloveit (Millsboro, Del.), Philly Hockey Club (Philadelphia, Pa.), Potomac FH (Broadlands, Va.), Shore Byrds (Delmar, Del.), SPark (Severna Park, Md.), Strong Island FH (Farmingville, N.Y.), The Gaels FHC (Severna Park, Md.), UPRISE FHC, (Moorestown, N.J.), X-Calibur FHC (Elverson, Pa.)

U-16 Division:

FC United (Daren, Conn.), Freedom HKY (Annapolis, Md.), FSC (Mechanicsville, PA), H2O (Phoenix, Md.), High Styx FH (Bernville, Pa.), Jersey Intensity FH (Monmouth Beach, N.J.), Princeton FHC (Princeton, N.J.), Shore Byrds (Delmar, Del.), SPark (Severna Park, Md.), The Gaels FHC (Severna Park, Md.), Total Dutch FH (Somerset, N.J.), X-Calibur FHC (Elverson, Pa.)

U-19 Division:

Freedom HKY (Annapolis, Md.), FSC (Mechanicsville, Pa.), H2O (Phoenix, Md.), High Styx FH (Bernville, Pa.), Hudson Valley (Putnam Valley, N.Y.), Jersey Intensity FH (Monmouth Beach, N.J.), Oranje-Gottaloveit (Millsboro, Del.), Philly Hockey Club (Philadelphia, Pa.), Princeton FHC (Princeton, N.J.), SPark (Severna Park, Md.), The Gaels FHC (Severna Park, Md.), X-Calibur FHC (Elverson, Pa.)
Complete details of the schedule, results, venues, directions and other information can be found on our website at JuniorPremierHockey.com.

Clubs interested in participating in any of our Junior Premier Hockey Leagues (JPIL/JPOL) should visit our website for details, or contact Rachael Bloemker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Nigel Traverso at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Those of you interested in being a sponsor or supporter of this event or any of our other JPH events, can contact us directly or visit our website, JuniorPremierHockey.com/sponsors for additional details. Your support is greatly needed and appreciated!

We thank you for your consideration and continued support and may the best clubs win!

Good luck to all participants!

USFHA media release

Hockey star Thando Zono publishes book

Gillian McAinsh


The Pursuit of Excellence

Hockey has taken her from Grahamstown’s Kwathatha eJoza township to America and Australia and now Thando Zono has written and published a book on how she did it.

And although Zono, 26, can no longer play hockey due to a knee injury, she is still actively involved in coaching the sport.

She describes herself as a motivational speaker and with this in mind has written the non-fiction book, The Pursuit of Excellence: Learning to Be Nothing Short Of Extraordinary.

“This is a true-life account of my journey in hockey that brought me from a small town in the Eastern Cape to landing a full athletic scholarship at a Division One US university, and the lessons learned to get to that level and excel in it,” Zono said in an e-mail interview.

“The reason for the book was to encourage literacy among young people, show them that anything is possible and no matter the adversity, they should go after their goals relentlessly.”

The former national hockey player attended Rhodes University and while still studying there accepted a full athletic scholarship to the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass).

A member of the South African hockey squad from the age of 15, Zono started playing the fast team sport when she was nine.

“I got involved in the sport because it was offered at my school and I was running away from something [I explain it in my book],” the former Victoria Primary and Victoria Girls High pupil said. When she finished at UMass she was named First Team All American, graduated and then moved to Perth, Australia, where she played club hockey full-time.

“Soon after I got into motivational speaking after having extensive knee reconstructive surgeries and could no longer play, but I wanted to have a positive impact on athletes and students and share my story with them.” She hopes to return home early next year to visit her mother Boniwe, who works in human resources at the Makana municipality.

Herald Live

Pauline Stott collects MBE


Pauline Stott

Pauline Stott, double Olympian and captain of Great Britain’s Millennium squad at the Sydney 2000 Games, has been no stranger to picking up gongs on the hockey pitch over many years, however a very different medal ceremony awaits Kilgraston School’s Director of Sport as she lines up to collect an MBE for Services to Hockey and Promotion of Sport in Scotland as announced in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Pauline’s stellar hockey journey, which took off in Harris Academy’s 1st XI in the 1970s, was inspired by Sean Kerly and his GB team mates striking Olympic gold in Seoul 1988, the same year as her debut for Scotland’s senior women. For the next 12 years it was a story of ‘have stick, will travel’, amassing over 200 combined appearances on her way round the globe wearing the colours of Scotland and Great Britain.

GB recognition came along in 1991 on the tour to New Zealand and by 1996 the exciting and explosive midfielder - then playing in the colours of Scottish champions Edinburgh Ladies - was a first-pick for the Atlanta Games.  Fast forward to the Millennium Games and Pauline was the only Scot – then and now - to captain a GB women’s Olympic squad.

Sydney heralded the zenith of international appearances as the focus switched to raising two daughters with husband David.  The hockey connection remains strong with Katie having made her mark in Scotland’s youth squads while 14-year old Ellie is exhibiting similar potential.


Pauline Stott playing

Returning to her Dundee roots Pauline’s enthusiasm for her chosen sport still burns brightly.  Her influence and experience has been invaluable in Grove Menzieshill’s successful national and European club campaigns.

Generous with her ‘free!’ time Pauline is a title-winning coach with Midland youth squads and a Director of HPC (Scotland).  She also mentors and supports youth athletes, delivering talks to a range of school pupils as a link in the ‘Champions in Schools’ programme.

Regarding her MBE she said “I’m delighted and honoured beyond words.  You play, coach and encourage as much as possible but never expect to get such a high accolade for doing so.  I have been very humbled by the response from so many friends and hockey colleagues all around Scotland.  It’s really an award for hockey, Scotland and women in sport, so looking forward to receiving it.”

Scottish Hockey Union media releas