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News for 16 March 2018

All the hews for Friday 16 March 2018


Men's Asian Games Qualifier 2018 - Day 8
Muscat (OMA)

Classification Matches

HKG v KAZ (5th - 8th Place)     3 - 4   
TPE v AFG (5th - 8th Place)     14 - 1
BAN v SRI (SF 1)     3 - 2
OMA v THA (SF 2)     8 - 0

Upcoming matches (GMT+4)

16 March 2018
18:00     HKG - AFG     7th/8th Place
20:15     KAZ - TPE     5th/6th Place

17 March 2018
18:00     SRI v THA (3rd/4th Place)   
20:15     BAN v OMA (Final)

FIH Match Centre



FIH reveals host, line-up and schedule for Rabobank Hockey Champions Trophy 2018



The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has revealed the Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy 2018 will be held at BH & BC (De Bredase Hockey and Bandy Club) in Breda, Netherlands between 23 June and 1 July.

Hosts and European champions Netherlands will take on 2016 Olympic gold medallists Argentina, reigning Hockey World Cup, World League and Champions Trophy title holders Australia, Rio Olympic silver medallists Belgium, Asian champions India and three-time Champions Trophy winners Pakistan.

In line with the event qualification criteria, hosts Netherlands, Olympic Champions - Argentina plus World Cup, World League and Champions Trophy winners Australia qualified for this event automatically whilst the latter three nations were invited by the FIH Executive Board.

Dutch bank Rabobank has been confirmed as the title sponsor for the event, continuing their longstanding and hugely successful association with the sport both in the Netherlands and on the international stage. As a result, the official event name is the ‘Men’s Rabobank Hockey Champions Trophy Breda 2018’.

The competition in Breda is notable for many reasons, not least for the fact that it will be the last ever men’s edition of an event with an illustrious history. This heritage is reflected in the opening match, which features one of the biggest rivalries in the sport.

Pakistan, the country that launched the Hockey Champions Trophy back in 1978, take on arch-rivals India at 14:00 on Saturday 23 June (all times local – CEST). It is a fixture that is sure to draw thousands of spectators to the venue as well as millions of fans tuning in from across the world, eagerly anticipating the latest episode of this long-running battle between two of the sport’s most successful nations.

That match is followed at 16:00 by another eye-catching fixture, with home favourites and European champions Netherlands taking on Olympic and Pan American champions Argentina.

A sensational opening day of action is rounded off by the meeting between Australia and Belgium, who meet at 18:00 in what is certain to be a hugely competitive fixture between two of the best attacking sides in the world.

Other schedule highlights include a showdown between European neighbours Netherlands and Belgium at 14:00 on Sunday 24 June, whilst a rerun of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games final between Argentina and Belgium on Tuesday 26 June at 18:00 is definitely a match not to be missed.

Argentina will be looking to reverse their loss to Australia in December’s Men’s Odisha Hockey World League Final on the last day of the round-robin at 14:00 on Saturday 30 June, with the champions of Europe and Asia, Netherlands and India, concluding this stage of the competition at 16:00.

Over nine days of action, which includes a rest day on Monday 25 June, all teams will be focused on reaching the final, which will be played at 16:00 on Sunday 1 July, with the other classification matches being played earlier in the day.

This will be one of the last opportunities for these teams to play against one another competitively before the end of year Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 (28 November – 16 December).

It was also confirmed that an important warm-up event for the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018 will take place alongside this competition. The ‘Rabobank 4-Nations Trophy Women’ will be held in the same venue, with reigning World Cup and World League champions Netherlands taking on China, Japan and Spain between 26-30 June. You can view the full schedule for that event here.

About the Hockey Champions Trophy

Qualification: From 2012 onwards, the Hockey Champions Trophy has been played every two years. The teams qualified for the Men’s Rabobank Champions Trophy 2018 will be as follows:

1. The Host – Netherlands
2. The 2016 Olympic champions – Argentina
3. The 2014 Hockey World Cup champions – Australia
4. The 2017 Hockey World League champions – Australia
5. The winners of the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 - Australia
6. One place to be nominated by the FIH Executive Board.

Note: If teams qualify under more than once under criteria 1 – 5, the additional teams will be invited by the FIH Executive Board.

- SCHEDULE

- TICKETS

#HCT2018

FIH site



2018 Men’s Champions Trophy Line-Up Confirmed

Ben Somerford



The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has revealed the line-up for the 2018 Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy in Breda, Netherlands from 23 June to 1 July.

Reigning Hockey World Cup, World League and Champions Trophy title holders Australia will take on hosts and European champions Netherlands, 2016 Olympic gold medallists Argentina, Rio Olympic silver medallists Belgium, Asian champions India and three-time Champions Trophy winners Pakistan.

In line with the event qualification criteria, hosts Netherlands, Olympic Champions - Argentina plus World Cup, World League and Champions Trophy winners Australia qualified for this event automatically whilst the latter three nations were invited by the FIH Executive Board.

The competition in Breda is notable for many reasons, not least for the fact that it will be the last ever men’s edition of an event with an illustrious history. This heritage is reflected in the opening match, which features one of the biggest rivalries in the sport.

Over nine days of action, which includes a rest day on Monday 25 June, all teams will be focused on reaching the final, which will be played at 4pm local time Sunday 1 July, with the other classification matches being played earlier in the day.

Following confirmation of the schedule, fans can now buy tickets by clicking here.

This will be one of the last opportunities for these teams to play against one another competitively before the end of year Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 (28 November – 16 December).

Hockey Australia media release



Hockey Champions Trophy: Like CWG, India to open account against Pakistan

NEW DELHI: The Indian men's hockey team will open its campaign at this summer's FIH Hockey Champions Trophy against storied rivals Pakistan on June 23, followed by fixtures against Argentina (June 24), Australia (June 27), Belgium (June 28) and hosts Netherlands (June 30).

This edition of the Champions Trophy will be held at the De Bredase Hockey and Bandy Club in Breda, Netherlands from June 23 to July 1. The competition pits Asian champions India against European champions Netherlands, 2016 Olympic gold medallists Argentina, reigning Hockey World Cup, World League and Champions Trophy title holders Australia, Rio Olympic silver medallists Belgium and three-time Champions Trophy winners Pakistan.

Netherlands, Argentina and Australia qualified for Champions Trophy automatically while India, Pakistan and Belgium were invited by the FIH Executive Board. The nine-day event will culminate with the final on July 1, with the other classification matches being played earlier in the day.

At the last Champions Trophy held in London in 2016, the Indian men's hockey team claimed silver after losing 1-3 to Australia.

The team will next be seen in action at next month's Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia where it is grouped in Pool B with Pakistan, Malaysia, Wales and England. Manpreet Singh's India will open its CWG campaign on April 7 against Pakistan.

The Times of India



Hockeyroos & Kookaburras Commonwealth Games Teams Named

Ben Somerford



The Hockeyroos’ and Kookaburras’ 18-member teams aiming for gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast have today been announced.

The 2018 Commonwealth Games will run from April 4-15, with the Hockeyroos the first of the Australian sides in action on Thursday April 5 against Canada.

Emily Smith, who was appointed captain in September, will lead the Hockeyroos as they chase a fourth straight Commonwealth Games Gold medal.

Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin said reducing the squad down to 18 players in selection had been challenging due to the even nature of the emerging group.

“Selection for the Commonwealth Games has been extremely difficult. We have a very even group at the moment,” Gaudoin said.

“We’ve tried to develop a squad where any of our players could play in the Commonwealth Games team. It’s obviously difficult to finalise the top 18 as a result but we’ve come up with a group that we think is well balanced.”

Retiring veteran Mark Knowles will lead the world number one Kookaburras in their pursuit of a sixth consecutive Commonwealth Games Gold medal.

The Kookaburras won the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia last week and coach Colin Batch said competition for spots in the Commonwealth Games team had been strong.

“We’ve got a lot of depth in our squad at the moment so there’s some disappointed players as you would expect,” Batch said.

“We are pleased with the 18 that we’ve selected. They’ve deserved their selection and we look forward to the Commonwealth Games now.”

Since hockey was introduced into the Commonwealth Games in 1998, Australia have won nine of the 10 gold medals on offer.

The Kookaburras will head for Gold Coast on the back of their Azlan Shah Cup triumph, along with December’s World League Final victory – which saw the side re-claim their number one ranking - and October’s Oceania Cup success.

“We’re very mindful that we’ve got a proud record in the Commonwealth Games and we want to continue that,” Batch said.

“The Kookaburras have got some recent winning form but that doesn’t guarantee us anything in the Commonwealth Games.

“It’s going to be difficult. We can’t look too far beyond our first-round matches which starts with South Africa first up (Saturday April 7).”



The Hockeyroos have had an intense training block over the past month after back-to-back series wins over Spain and China earlier this year, having also won the Oceania Cup in October.

World number five Australia will face strong opposition to retain their Commonwealth Games crown, with both England (second) and New Zealand (fourth) currently ranked higher than the Hockeyroos.

“We’re aiming to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games,” Gaudoin said. “We’ve picked a team that we think can be very successful there.

“The Commonwealth Games history is fantastic for the Hockeyroos and, while we’re aware of it, we know we have to write our own history and that would be a significant success story for the Hockeyroos.

“I think we’re pretty close to being ready now. It’s been valuable having match practice early on this year in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games and also with the World Cup in July/August.”

Kookaburras captain Knowles will finish up his decorated playing career after the tournament in his home state and Batch said they hoped for a fitting farewell for the three-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist who could become the side’s second most capped player ever during the event.

“Mark has had a great career and it’s been well-documented over the past 15 years but more recently when he announced his retirement,” Batch said.

“We wish him well, of course, and it’d be terrific for him to win a gold medal in front of family and friends. It’s almost like playing in his own backyard, so it’d be great for us to do that for him.”

Commonwealth Games Australia Chef de Mission Steve Moneghetti also congratulated the final players selected onto Team Australia.

"Congratulations to these outstanding 36 Australian athletes that have been announced onto the Team today, it’s great to include these hockey stars into the Team," Moneghetti said.

“With the inclusion of these athletes, we now have 473 Australian athletes onto the Team that will compete in 18 days’ time.

“Australia has a very proud and successful history in the hockey competition at Commonwealth Games and we would love nothing more than to see that success continue on the Gold Coast.”

The Kookaburras are in Pool A in the men’s draw alongside New Zealand (ninth), Canada (11th), South Africa (15th) and Scotland (23rd).

The Hockeyroos are in Pool B in the women’s draw alongside New Zealand (fourth), Scotland (18th), Canada (21st) and Ghana (30th).

The competition at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre will be action packed at every session and ticket sales have been very strong. The good news for fans, who get in quick, is that there are still tickets to see the world number one Kookaburras in three of their pool matches; vs Scotland (Tuesday 8 April), vs Canada (Thursday 10 April) and against New Zealand (Wednesday 11 April).

To see the Hockeyroos live, fans should snap up remaining preliminary tickets against Canada (Thursday 5 April), vs Ghana (Saturday 7 April), vs New Zealand (Monday 9 April) and vs Scotland (Tuesday 10 April). There are even some A category seats for the women’s semi-finals on the evening of Thursday 12 April. But they won’t last long!

Fans should go to gc2018.com/tickets to be part of the biggest event to happen in Australia in over a decade.

Kookaburras’ Commonwealth Games Team:
Athlete (Hometown, State)
*Competing at first Commonwealth Games
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD)
Andrew Charter (Canberra, ACT)
*Tom Craig (Lane Cove, NSW)
*Matthew Dawson (Killarney Vale, NSW)
*Jeremy Edwards (Hobart, TAS)
*Blake Govers (Wollongong, NSW)
*Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT)
*Jake Harvie (Dardanup, WA)
*Aaron Kleinschmidt (Melbourne, VIC)
Mark Knowles (c) (Rockhampton, QLD)
*Tyler Lovell (Perth, WA)
Trent Mitton (Perth, WA)
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS)
*Flynn Ogilvie (Wollongong, NSW)
*Lachlan Sharp (Lithgow, NSW)
Jacob Whetton (Brisbane, QLD)
*Dylan Wotherspoon (Murwillumbah, NSW) -Plays for QLD
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA)

Hockeyroos’ Commonwealth Games Team:
Athlete (Hometown, State)
*Competing at first Commonwealth Games
*Jocelyn Bartram (Albury, NSW)
Edwina Bone (Orange, NSW) -Plays for ACT
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA)
*Ashlea Fey (Sunshine Coast, QLD)
*Savannah Fitzpatrick (Cabarita Beach, NSW) -Plays for QLD
*Jordyn Holzberger (Ipswich, QLD)
Emily Hurtz (Sydney, NSW) -Plays for VIC
Jodie Kenny (Wamuran, QLD)
*Stephanie Kershaw (Townsville, QLD)
Rachael Lynch (Warrandyte, VIC)
Karri McMahon (Berri, SA)
*Gabrielle Nance (Kingscliff, NSW) -Plays for SA
*Kaitlin Nobbs (Newington, NSW)
Brooke Peris (Darwin, NT)
*Madi Ratcliffe (Warrnambool, VIC)
Emily Smith (c) (Crookwell, NSW)
*Grace Stewart (Gerringong, NSW)
*Renee Taylor (Everton Park, QLD)

Kookaburras Fixtures (all times AEST):
Saturday April 7 4:30pm – Australia v South Africa
Sunday April 8 9:30pm – Australia v Scotland
Tuesday April 10 4:30pm – Australia v Canada
Wednesday April 11 4:30pm – Australia v New Zealand
Friday April 13 – Semi-Finals
Saturday April 14 – Medal Matches

Hockeyroos Fixtures (all times AEST):
Thursday April 5 4:30pm – Australia v Canada
Saturday April 7 9:30pm – Australia v Ghana
Monday April 9 9:30pm – Australia v New Zealand
Tuesday April 10 9:30pm – Australia v Scotland
Thursday April 12 – Semi-Finals
Saturday April 14 – Medal Matches

Hockey Australia media release



Hockeyroo Slattery axed for Comm Games

Justin Chadwick


Hockeyroos star Kathryn Slattery has been axed for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Hockeyroos striker Kathryn Slattery has been axed for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, while Kookaburras captain Mark Knowles will be aiming to bow out on a golden note.

Slattery was the big-name casualty when the Australian men and women's 18-player squads were revealed for the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

New captain Emily Smith has the chance to lead the fifth-ranked Hockeyroos to a fourth-straight Commonwealth Games gold medal.

And the top-ranked Kookaburras, led by retiring veteran Knowles, are aiming for an unprecedented sixth-straight gold.

Slattery has been a regular in the Hockeyroos' side since making her debut at the end of 2014, scoring 36 goals in 85 appearances.

But the one-time Olympian was left out by coach Paul Gaudoin.

"It's a very strong striking group at the moment. We've got five or six in. We could have taken any of the eight really," Gaudoin said.

"She was disappointed. I expect that. I want her to be disappointed.

"She's got some things to work on - her basic skills, cutting back through the field a bit more.

"She's a very good goalscorer, we know that. But we want her to add more to her game.

"We want a versatile, flexible group going forward, not just for the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games this year, but also Tokyo (Olympics) as well. She's aware of that."

Knowles has already won three Commonwealth Games gold medals, and announced last month that the upcoming event on the Gold Coast would be his swan song.

"Fairytales - we would love it to happen that way," coach Colin Batch said.

"Mark is low key about it. He's been an outstanding player for the Kookaburras for the past 15 years.

"It would be terrific for him to win a gold medal in front of family and friends. It's almost like playing in his own backyard, so it'd be great for us to do that for him."

The Kookaburras won the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia last week, and they reclaimed their No.1 world ranking after winning December's World League Final

But while the Kookaburras enter the Commonwealth Games as hot favourites, the Hockeyroos face an uphill battle against England (ranked second) and New Zealand (fourth).

Since hockey was introduced into the Commonwealth Games in 1998, Australia have won nine of the 10 gold medals on offer.

KOOKABURRAS (*Commonwealth Games debutants)

Daniel Beale
Andrew Charter
*Tom Craig
*Matthew Dawson
*Jeremy Edwards
*Blake Govers
*Jeremy Hayward
*Jake Harvie
*Aaron Kleinschmidt
Mark Knowles (c)
*Tyler Lovell
Trent Mitton
Eddie Ockenden
*Flynn Ogilvie
*Lachlan Sharp
Jacob Whetton
*Dylan Wotherspoon
Aran Zalewski

HOCKEYROOS

*Jocelyn Bartram
Edwina Bone
Jane Claxton
*Ashlea Fey
*Savannah Fitzpatrick
*Jordyn Holzberger
Emily Hurtz
Jodie Kenny
*Stephanie Kershaw
Rachael Lynch
Karri McMahon
*Gabrielle Nance
*Kaitlin Nobbs
Brooke Peris
*Madi Ratcliffe
Emily Smith (c)
*Grace Stewart
*Renee Taylor

The Area News



England women announce Commonwealth Games squad


England women celebrate at the Euros

England women have announced 16 athletes that will compete at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.

The squad has been released with the team looking to go one step further than at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow where they won silver.

Two more athletes will be named in the squad after further fitness tests with these selections to be announced at a later date.

A medal at the games would see GB and England's women combined win a major medal for a 10th year in a row.

England face South Africa, Wales, India and Malaysia in pool B with the top two sides qualifying for the semi-finals with the women's final taking place on the 14 April.

The squad offers a blend of youth and experience with captain Alex Danson set to compete at her fourth Commonwealth Games while six players will compete at the tournament for the first time.

Grace Balsdon, Kathryn Lane, Hannah Martin, Ellie Rayer, Amy Tennant and Anna Toman will all make their Commonwealth Games debuts.

England squad:

Giselle Ansley (Surbiton)
Grace Balsdon (Canterbury)
Sophie Bray (Kampong)
Alex Danson (Clifton Robinson)
Sarah Haycroft (Surbiton)
Maddie Hinch (Stichtse)
Kathryn Lane (Leicester)
Hannah Martin (Surbiton)
Lily Owsley (Uni of Birmingham)
Hollie Pearne-Webb (Surbiton)
Ellie Rayer (East Grinstead)
Amy Tennant (East Grinstead)
Anna Toman (Wimbledon)
Susannah Townsend (Canterbury)
Laura Unsworth (East Grinstead)
Ellie Watton (Holcombe)

England Fixtures (UK Time)

Thu 5 April - South Africa 5.30am
Fri 6 April - Wales 10.30am
Sun 8 April - India 12.30am
Mon 9 April - Malaysia 10.30am
Thu 12 April - Women's Semi-Finals - 10.00am or 12.15pm
Sat 14 April - Women's Bronze Medal Match - 12.30am
Sat 14 April - Women's Final - 2.30am

England Hockey Board Media release



End of the road for Sardar Singh? Hockey India director David John hints so

Hockey India director David John refused to advise Sardar Singh when to retire from the game, but said that in games during the Azlan Shah hockey in Malaysia early this month, the ageing star sometimes lacked leg speed, which was a big problem.

Sharad Deep


Sardar Singh, ex-Indian hockey team captain, was left out of the 2018 Commonwealth Games squad.(Getty Images)

It seems all over for former Indian hockey team captain Sardar Singh as Hockey India’s high-performance director David John wants young legs with great speed to prepare for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“Our emphasis is on young legs having a good speed as we aren’t a strong nation in terms of physical strength like Australia and Germany. So our emphasis is on fast hockey and youngsters are better suited to this,” David said in an exclusive chat here on Thursday.

He refused to advise Sardar when to retire from the game, but said that in games during the Azlan Shah hockey in Malaysia early this month, the ageing star sometimes lacked leg speed, which remained a big problem.

“He (Sardar) still holds good skills and commands the ball well, but in the last 12-18 months the game has become more faster. Sardar wasn’t matching to it. Much would depend on how we pick our core group of 24 and also a development group of 24 after the national championship here,” said David.

“It would be Sardar’s call to take a decision about his retirement. He is very sensible and very competitive. He has played hockey up to a very high level and still wants to play at the top, which is quite difficult for him now,” he said, adding, “We have good young players in the midfield, and we would like to pick those youngsters, who could serve the game till 2020.”

Commenting on Manpreet Singh-led Indian team for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, starting April 4 at Gold Cost in Australia, David claimed that this was the best team he picked for the mega event.

“This is the best combination we picked this year. Selection was purely based on their forms on previous three tournaments. They are a confident lot, and I find them the best combination we could have this moment,” he said, adding, “Everyone is fit, healthy raring to go.”

He, however, accepted that upcoming Asian Games was on top of the agenda of the Hockey India as a podium finish would give the side direct entry to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. “We have 8-9 big tournaments this year, but Asian Games is top of our priorities. If we qualify for the Tokyo Games, we will have two years time to prepare and try out all our combinations to pick the best side.”

He also admitted that there were all possibilities of a change in the core group of 24 for the future events like Asian Games, Olympic qualifiers and the World Cup. “Players would keep on rotating from core group to development group so a healthy competition of performance would always be there between the players. There were a few good youngsters at the Azlan Shah tourney, and I would certainly like to give them a chance to play in big events in future.”

David, who is here to spot young talents at the ongoing senior nationals, also hoped a good show from the Indian women’s team at the Gold Cost Games. “We are a very good women’s side in the event. They have been doing well in the recent past. There would be just three higher ranked teams like New Zealand, Australia and England, and if we make the cut for a berth in the semi-final, the pressure would be on other teams,” said David, who would be accompanying the women’s team as manager at Gold Cost.

“Gurjit Kaur is one of the best drag-flicker in the world, and I am sure she would put her best foot forward at the Games,” added David, who termed the presence of team’s analytical coach and former Australian drag-flicker Chris Ciriello good for the Indian hockey.

“I knew Chris was going to retire soon so I purposely asked him join the Indian team. We needed such an experienced man in our coaching group and Chris’ impact is already reflecting with the team’s showing now days,” said David, who also advocated that he would love to see junior men’s camp happening in Lucknow, where facilities have been far better than other places in the country.

Hindustan Times



18-year-old Dilpreet’s ‘big moment’ arrives

Indervir Grewal


Dilpreet Singh (right) with his idol Akashdeep Singh at the national camp in Bengaluru.

Dilpreet Singh’s life seems to be moving in fast-forward mode. Less than five months after making his India U-21 debut, the Punjab striker has been named in the Commonwealth Games squad. “This is a big moment for me,” said an overwhelmed Dilpreet, who had made his junior India debut in October, just shy of his 18th birthday.

Dilpreet ended up as the top-scorer at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia, his nine goals in six matches — including a hat-trick and three braces — helping India win the bronze medal.

The performance earned him a spot in the senior India camp, and an impressed team management — also trying out different combinations at the start of a busy year — gave Dilpreet his senior India break in the four-nation tournament in New Zealand.

‘Striker who scores easily’

“He played more matches well in New Zealand, and when you can score against Belgium (world No. 3), you can do it against every country,” India coach Sjoerd Marijne said about Dilpreet.

“He is a striker who scores easily and has good basic skills. Besides, he has a good overview about what is necessary to play give and go (hockey),” the Dutchman added.

When reminded of his rapid progress, Dilpreet laughed hesitantly. However, the last few months had been tough, he said. “It is a big change, moving from the junior to the senior level — speed of the game, fitness level, tactics,” said Dilpreet, who started playing hockey at the age of seven on a grass field at his village, Butala, in Amritsar district.

“I was nervous at the beginning but the seniors helped me a lot,” said the former trainee of Surjit Academy in Jalandhar.

The opportunity to play with the seniors also gave Dilpreet the chance to rub shoulders with his idol — Akashdeep Singh, also a former trainee of the Surjit Academy. “I got to train with him, play practice matches alongside him. He keeps helping and guiding me. It has been a great learning experience,” said Dilpreet.

“I am eager to play alongside Akashdeep at the CWG,” he added.

Dilpreet’s coach at the Jalandhar-based academy, Avtar Singh, said that the teenager had potential to surpass Akashdeep. “They have a similar style. He also has a good all-round game like Akash. But Dilpreet is a better finisher,” said Avtar.

However, Avtar added that Dilpreet needed to keep his focus. “He had a bit of an attitude problem when he came to us. But he improved over his stay with us,” added Avtar.

Even Dilpreet admitted he had worked on his attitude, especially learning to not argue with the umpires.

“It is common for players with such talent,” said Avtar. “But I hope he doesn’t let his quick rise affect his attitude and his game because he is a star for the future,” he added.

The Tribune



Former India coach Roelant Oltmans eyes revival of Pakistan hockey


Roelant Oltmans - File Photo, AFP

Pakistan's new head coach, Roelant Oltmans believes that the experience he gained by working with the Indian hockey team will help him reverse the fortunes of Pakistan hockey in the next two years.

The Dutch coach said that since joining the Pakistan camp in Karachi he could safely say that Pakistani players had the enthusiasm and talent to learn and get back to the top.

"I have gained a lot after working in Indian hockey since 2013. I have a better insight into how the mind of Asian players works. About their skills and ability to learn quickly the finer points of the game. I think I am in a very good position now to deliver for Pakistan hockey," he said.

Oltmans who worked for a short period with Pakistan in 2003-04, said his second tenure with Pakistan hockey would be more productive. "I have always seen working with Pakistan or Indian hockey as a challenge. Because these countries have ruled the hockey world and they have the ability to dominate again despite the changes in the way hockey is played now," he said.

Oltmans was initially appointed High-Performance Manager by Hockey India in 2013 but took over as head coach after the ouster of Dutchman, Paul Van Ass in controversial circumstances in 2015. Hockey India got impatient with Oltmans after he failed to produce desired results with the team, recently.

Oltmans, who has been appointed head coach until September 2020, said next month's Commonwealth Games in Australia would be a tough learning curve for the young Pakistan team. "It will be a miracle if they can finish among the top three. But I have targetted the Asian Games and World Cup and I want to see Pakistan finish on the podium. My eventual target is the next Olympics," he said.

The senior pro made it clear he enjoyed his long stint with Indian hockey and was happy to see money and sponsorship coming into the sport in India which had turned hockey into a professional sport.

"India winning the Junior World Cup was a very satisfying result for me. Oltmans said Pakistan players were brilliant individually but lacked impact as a team. I'm working to improve their fitness level, skills, mental sharpness and other grey areas," he said.

Oltmans who has been in the coaching profession since 1994 having guided his home country, Holland to several titles including the 1996 Olympics Games in Atlanta and the women's World Cup in 2007, said he had no issues coming to Pakistan. "I am happy being here because Pakistan has a rich hockey legacy and I know even the players want back the glory days. They were no security concerns for me," he said.

Muhammad Rizwan Sr. has been named as captain of the 18-member Pakistan squad for the Commonwealth Games.

Daily News & Analysis



Kumar to know fate over doping violation in three weeks



KUALA LUMPUR: Suspended Malaysian hockey goalkeeper S. Kumar will know his fate over his doping violation next month.

Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said the International Hockey Federation (FIH) promised a verdict on Kumar by April 5.

Subahan is hopeful of a favourable outcome as the national team are desperate to have the 38-year-old for the Jakarta Asian Games from Sept 18-Oct 2.

“The FIH have informed us that they are evaluating Kumar’s appeal,” he said.

“We want the case to be solved quickly so that Kumar can move on. Kumar’s return will be a major boost ahead of the Asian Games.”

Kumar is provisionally suspended for two years after testing positive for sibutramine during a group match against Oman in the Asia Cup hockey tournament in Dhaka, Bangladesh, last October.

Sibutramine is an appetite suppressant, which has been banned by the World Anti Doping Agency. It’s a substance commonly found in slimming products.

Kumar helped Malaysia finish fourth in the World Hockey League Semi-Finals in London last October, which assured the team a berth in the World Cup in India in November. He was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

Meanwhile, the MHC said the target for Stephen Van Huizen’s team at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games from April 4-15 was to beat higher-ranked teams.

The world No. 12 Malaysia will head to Australia as the sixth-best ranked Commonwealth nation behind Australia (No. 1), India (No. 6), England (No. 7), New Zealand (No. 9) and Canada (No. 11).

Subahan said their ultimate goal was to nick the Asian Games gold in August in Indonesia.

“India and Pakistan (No. 13) are standing in our way for the Asiad gold.”

The team’s preparation for the Asiad received a boost yesterday when the National Sports Institute (NSI) provided them with cutting-edge technology.

The NSI presented two sport analysis softwares – the “Catapult Sport System” and the “Sportscode Performance Analysis V11”.

The Catapult Sport System is a GPS athlete tracking solution that combines sports specific GPS engine, accelerometers and heart rate with fitness, rehabilitation and tactical tools. It would be able to identify intensity efforts that characterise team sports.

The Sportscode Performance Analysis V11 offers sport professionals a chance to evaluate behaviours, both their own and their competitors’, by providing them with quality information to make better decisions on the field.

The Star of Malaysia



South Africa under 21 Invitational Ladies named for IPT


Coach Robin van Ginkel will be looking to add more gold to his trophy cupboard with the Invitational U21 side at the IPT

In September 2017 South African Hockey released the 42-player greater squad on the back of the Under-21 Interprovincial tournament held in Potchefstroom. The rationale for the larger squad was shared by SA U21 convenor of selections Marcelle Keet as follows:

“This is the squad leading up to the 2019 Junior World Cup Hockey tournament. The coaching staff will have opportunities to work with varied groups of players, including but not limited to upcoming HP camps, the Premier Hockey League and the Senior Woman's IPT.  The 2018 u21 IPT taking place later this year will give us an additional opportunity to review and grow the squad. Given the fact that the Africa Junior World Cup Qualifier, as well as the Junior World Cup dates, are yet to be announced we have taken a progressive approach to looking at age groups that will help us meet both these tournament requirements from age criteria.  We have focussed on two specific age groups and these being the age groups 1998/99 and 2000, as well as players born in the years 1996/97.”

The full squad of ladies participated in the 2017 PHL in Randburg either via the Namaqualand Daisies or drafted into the other participating teams. The second opportunity now lies ahead as the invitational squad is released of the ladies that will play in the Senior Women’s IPT in Kwazulu Natal in April this year. This offers coach Robin van Ginkel a great opportunity to test out further combinations and ultimately help the selection panel make decisions about the final squad later this year.

“We have selected an exciting young, fresh and talented IPT team from a competitive squad. We had a very successful PHL and we are going to IPT not just to compete but to be a competitive force the dedicated, passionate and enthusiastic coach, Robin can Ginkel!. We are really excited for IPT and the next step of our U21 journey.” Shared Keet further.

Ongeziwe Mali will bring a new-found experience to the squad having spent some time in camp with the South African Women’s Hockey team preparing for the Commonwealth Games, while the remainder of the team features the most exciting names in South African Women’s hockey including Kirsty Adams, Simone Gouws, Sandisiwe Tabata and many more!

The team is as follows:

South African U21 Invitation Squad

Name, Province

1, Mishka Ellis (GK), Boland
2, Moya Smith (GK), Boland
3, Sare Laubsher, Free State
4, Edith Molikoe, Eastern Province
5, Ongeziwe Mali, Eastern Province
6, Kirsty Adams, Boland
7, Bianca Wood, Border
8, Simoné Gouws, Free State
9, Monique Baartsch, Boland
10, Mia Barnard, Free State
11, Hannah Pearce, Southern Gauteng
12, Sandisiwe Tabata, Western Province
13, Tegan Fourie, KZN Raiders
14, Casey-Jean Botha, Free State
15, Courtney Du Preez, North West
16, Charne Maddocks, North West
17, Stephanie Botha, Western Province
18, Nomnikelo Veto, Southern Gauteng

SA Hockey Association media release



Double-headers make for crucial weekend


Beeston’s Mark Gleghorne celebrating a goal. Credit: David Kissman.

New Premier Division leaders Beeston face a crucial double-header weekend as they take on play-off rivals Hampstead & Westminster and Reading in the Men’s Hockey League.

Having taken over at the top of the table following last weekend’s win over Sevenoaks, Beeston are two points clear and have a game in hand over second-placed Surbiton.

On Sunday they face an in-form Reading outfit which beat both Surbiton and East Grinstead last weekend, while Saturday’s match at Hampstead and Westminster is also a tough clash.

“It’s the business end of the season for everyone - we’ve said all season that it’s going to come down to the wire, and it looks like that’s the way it’s going to be!” said Beeston chairman and 1st XI manager Graham Griffiths.

“At the moment we’re like a three-legged giraffe; we’re wobbling all over the place but we can see where we’re going and we’re nearly there!

“We’ve got players out with injury, our internationals are getting ready for the Commonwealth Games, and we’re just taking things one day at a time.

“We always just tick along one day at a time – there’s no point looking long term when you have so many students in the team. They have some incredible talent, but you never know who’s going to be available and who’s not.”

Elsewhere, Surbiton will be aiming to get back to winning ways with a home match against East Grinstead moved to Friday evening with an 8pm push back, while Reading also have a double header weekend which starts with a match against Brooklands MU on Saturday.

It is a double-header weekend for most teams following the postponements a fortnight ago. Following their clash with Beeston on Saturday, Hampstead & Westminster go to Sevenoaks on Sunday.

And East Grinstead travel to Canterbury on Sunday hoping for a six-point haul from the weekend following Saturday’s match.

Sevenoaks host Wimbledon on Saturday, while Kent rivals Holcombe and Canterbury do battle that evening. Wimbledon will then take on Brooklands MU on Sunday.

The top two play each other in the Men’s Conference North, with leaders the University of Nottingham hosting the University of Durham on Sunday. Nottingham will have played their game in hand 24 hours earlier at home against Preston.

And at the other end of the table Cannock are at home against relegation rivals Leeds.

It is a similar situation in the Men’s Conference West, with leaders the University of Exeter hosting second-placed Cardiff & Met on Sunday in a game that will have a huge bearing on the title race. Both are also in action on Saturday, with Exeter hosting Olton & West Warwicks while Cardiff & Met go to Fareham.

In the Men’s Conference East, leaders Oxted will be aiming to wrap up the title when they play at Chichester on Sunday. Two of their nearest rivals, Teddington and Southgate, meet at Trent Park that day hoping Oxted will drop points to keep their title hopes alive.

And in a crucial clash for both teams’ hopes of avoiding the relegation play-offs, Old Georgians play Old Loughtonians.

* With an almost full set of matches in both Divisions needing to be rearranged after the bad weather on 3 March, England Hockey is very grateful for the support from clubs and officials to assist with this, particularly Colin Barthorpe, Umpire Coordinator for the NPUA.

FIXTURES

Thursday, March 15 2018

Men’s Conference East
Southgate v Old Loughtonians 20:30

Friday, March 16 2018

Men’s Premier Division
Surbiton v East Grinstead 20:00

Saturday, March 17 2018

Men’s Premier Division
Sevenoaks v Wimbledon 13:30
Hampstead & Westminster v Beeston 15:00
Holcombe v Canterbury 18:00
Reading v Brooklands MU 18:00

Men’s Conference East
Chichester v Old Georgians 12:00
Cambridge City v Richmond 16:30

Men’s Conference North
Sheffield Hallam v Deeside Ramblers 13:30
Cannock v Leeds 14:30
Loughborough Students v Doncaster 14:30
Univ of Nottingham v Preston 14:30

Men’s Conference West
Univ of Exeter v Olton & West Warwicks 12:00
Fareham v Cardiff & Met 13:30
Havant v Isca 15:30
Univ of Birmingham v Cheltenham 17:00

Sunday, March 18 2018

Men’s Premier Division
Wimbledon v Brooklands MU TBC
Canterbury v East Grinstead 14:00
Sevenoaks v Hampstead & Westminster 14:00
Reading v Beeston 14:30

Men’s Conference East
Chichester v Oxted 12:30
Richmond v Brighton & Hove 13:30
Old Georgians v Old Loughtonians 14:00
West Herts v Cambridge City 14:00
Southgate v Teddington 14:30

Men’s Conference North
Univ of Nottingham v Univ of Durham 12:30
Deeside Ramblers v Preston 13:30
Bowdon v Loughborough Students 14:30
Cannock v Sheffield Hallam 14:30
Leeds v Doncaster 14:30

Men’s Conference West
Univ of Exeter v Cardiff & Met 12:30
Olton & West Warwicks v Isca 12:45
Clifton Robinsons v Cheltenham 13:00
Team Bath Buccaneers v Univ of Birmingham 13:00
Havant v Fareham 14:00

England Hockey Board Media release



Seven-a-side tourney flicks off hockey season

Nigel Simon

The T&T Hockey Board (T&THB) Outdoor season will finally flick off on Sunday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo with the opening day tournament from 8 am.

This will come as a big relief to local players after the 2017 season was cancelled due to the unavailability of the National Hockey Centre in Tacarigua, mainly due to an unsuitable player surface.

Speaking last month, T&THB Honourary Secretary, Reyah Richardson noted that with the late start to the 2018 season the T&THB was ideally hopeful of completing two rounds of hockey in each of the men and women Championship Division, Trinity Division, Under-19 Division and the Mixed Veterans’

When action gets going with a seven-a-side half-field format, Queen’s Park Cricket Club men and Paragon women will be going after their fourth and third straight Opening Day Tournament titles respectively.

Ten teams are expected to compete in the men and six in the women’s competition on Sunday with the help of sponsors, the Sport Company of T&T (SporTT), Blue Waters, Pro Sport Caribbean, and Subway.

The participating teams include QPCC, Fatima, Carib, Paragon, Notre Dame, Malvern, Petrotrin, Shape, Police and Defence Force (men), and among the women Shandy Carib Magnolias, Paragon, Harvard Checkers, Ventures, Police, Notre Dame and Malvern.

During the regular season, teams will compete in the Open Men and Women Divisions as well as the Under-19s, Trinity (Second Division) and Mixed Veterans.

15 Primary Schools in hockey fray today

Today, primary schools players will take centre stage when the T&T Hockey Board Primary Schools One Day Tournament comes off at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 8am (Friday March 16) until 2pm.

The seven-a-side side tournament will feature a total of 15 teams in the boys and girls categories.

However, defending boys’ champions, St Joseph Boys’ R.C, will not be making an appearance in this year’s competition leaving Sujo’s, last year’s runners up, Dunross Preparatory and Diego Martin Government to vie for the coveted title.

Dunross and Diego Martin faced each other in the third and fourth place play-off match last year which ended in a draw (0-0) before going into penalty shoot outs where Dunross defeated Diego Martin 2 -0.

In the girls’ competition, defending champions, Mucurapo Girls’ RC will be confident about retaining their title for a fourth consecutive year. Sponsors for this tournament are the Sport Company of T&T (SporTT), Blue Waters, Pro Sport Caribbean, and Subway.

The Trinidad Guardian

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