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News for 21 May 2017

All the news for Sunday 21 May 2017


Manpreet readies himself for the big challenge

The Punjab player says he is confident to lead Team India in the absence of regular captain Sreejesh in the three-nation and World League semi-finals to be held in Europe.

By SAJI CHACKO


Manpreet Singh.

Manpreet Singh is happy that he has been named as captain of the Indian team to take take part in the three nation invitation tournament and also the presitigious World League semi-final in England. The 24-year-old was given this responsibility after regular skipper  PR Sreejesh has been sidelined with a knee injury during last month’s Azlan Shah hockey tournament in Malaysia.

Manpreet, who plays for Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), said been named captain was a responsibility. “ I am happy that I was named captain for these two tournaments. But there is also a sense of responsibility that has thrust upon me. I feel that I have to be more conscious of what I do for the team,” said Manpreet.

The Jalandhar born Manpreet who was also voted Asia best junior player, felt that Sreejesh’s injury was unfortunate. “We all know how important he (Sreejesh) is to the Indian team’s fortunes. The injury he picked up at the Azlan Shah was very unfortunate. I wish he comes back  to team as early as possible,” said Manpreet.

When asked whether he was satisfied with the performance of the Indian team, Manpreet said it was improving. “Our performances have been improving. At the Azlan Shah tournament, it could have been better but then we ended up on the third place,” he added.

But Manpreet still cannot get over the loss to Belgium in the Rio Olympics. “I have not got over the disappointment over the loss to Belgium. After taking the lead we made some mistakes to lose the match—which I think cost us the medal.  The fact that we could defeat Argentina the winners and also played very well against Germany and the Netherlands. My reget will be the loss to Belgium,” he added.

Manpreet is one of the mentally toughest players in the world. Evidence of this came during last year’s Azlan Shah tournament when he played on despite the death of his father in the middle of the tournament.. “It was a very difficult time for me since I was very close to my dad and the fact that he used to be present watching my matches. But it was my mother who insisted that I did not pull out and I kept on playing for Team India,” he said.

Meanwhile, the three Nations Invitational Tournament will be played in Dusseldorf, Germany from June 1 followed by the Hockey World League Semi Final in London starting June 15.

The 18-member Indian team will play two matches each against hosts Germany and Belgium before arriving in London for the Hockey World League Semi Final where India are grouped with Canada, Netherlands, Pakistan and Scotland in Pool B.  The team led by Manpreet, with Chinglensana Singh Kangujam as his deputy, will see Pardeep Mor, Kothajit Singh join the defence line along with Surender Kumar, Rupinder Pal Singh and Harmanpreet Singh, Hockey India stated in a press release. Harmanpreet and Rupinder will continue to be the penalty corner specialists while Akash Chikte and Vikas Dahiya will carry the onus of goalkeepers for the team in the absence of Sreejesh.

The midfield will feature S K Uthappa, Satbir Singh, Harjeet Singh, Chinglensana Singh and the experienced Manpreet and Sardar Singh. Both Uthappa and Satbir were rested for the previous tournament in Malaysia where the team won a bronze medal.

Sunday Guardian Live



UWHA and Punjab Teams winners at CM Cup Hockey

In the 5th Chief Minister Women Gold Cup Hockey Tournament  at the National Hockey Stadium, Lahore

Punjab Colours and United Women Hockey Academy won their matches by huge margins while Punjab Colours had to bring out their best against the fighting Sindh team.

Punjab Colours downs Sindh 2-0

Punjab Colours were quickly in their strides.

Mariam Hanif put them ahead in the 10th minute through open play.

Just three minutes later, Muqaddas Khalid converted a PC to put Punjab two goals in front.

For a while it seemed that Punjab would run over Sindh.

But the Sindh girls recovered well from the initial set backs.

A good contest was witnessed. However the scoreline remained intact when the final whistle was blown.

The other two matches saw the two top contenders for the Cup notching big wins.

Punjab Whites outplayed KPK 8-0

Ishrat Abbas converted three penalty corners for her hat trick. The other five were shared by Faiqa Riaz 2, Humra Latif, Serish Waheed and Hina Pervaiz

United Women Hockey Academy had an even bigger 13-0 win over Baluchistan
Pakistan's celebrated international Maira Sabir led the way with four goals.

Bushra Fareed and Iqra Javed both had a brace while  Aqsa Javeed, Kalsoom Shahzadi,  Afshan Nazeer, Aqsa Ejaz and  Sidra Haqeem scored a goal each

PHF media release



Butali Warriors show varsity lads no mercy

By BRIAN YONGA


Butali Sugar Warriors players celebrate a goal against Wazalendo during their Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) men’s Premier League match at City Park Stadium, Nairobi on May 7, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Former champions  Butali Sugar Warriors underlined their intentions of reclaiming the title after a 7-0 drubbing of Kenyatta University (KU) Vultures on Saturday in a Kenya Hockey Union men's Premier League match at City Park Stadium.

A brace from Seth Oburu set the lakeside club on the path to an emphatic win. Frank Wanangwe, Arif Shah, Vincent Odhaimbo, Tony Nyukuri and Constant Wakhura were also on target in the huge win.

The result saw Butali maintain their unbeaten start to the season and moved them to 18 points after their sixth straight win. It marked a good weekend for Butali, who secured a  3-0 win against United States International University Africa USIU-A at the same venue on Saturday.

The Godfrey Wakachungwa coached side are now up to second place in the table.

“Another three points in the bag and we close in on the teams on top of us. We dominated and should have won by a bigger margin,” the coach told Nation Sport.

Against UISU-A, Butali, who played without the services of instrumental duo of Zack Aura and Emmanuel Simiyu, dominated the match from first whistle and their efforts paid off a few seconds to the end of the first quarter when Seth Oburu sounded the board in  the 15th minute through a superb field goal.

Aura is away for three months due to work commitment, while Simiyu is facing disciplinary issue from KHU having destroyed union property after he was carded.

The 2015 champions pressed for more goals in the second quarter but were unable to breach the students defence.

Butali picked from where they left, with Derrick Kuloba sounding the boards in the 34th minute through a fantastic field goal  to lead 2-0 with the students failing to threaten.

Constant Wakhura would then seal the win for the Western-based outfit in the 55 minute through penalty stroke.

Champions Strathmore University Gladiators were held to a 0-0 draw by Chase Sailors in another men's top flight encounter at City Park on Saturday.

In the ladies category, USIU-A scored in the second half through Rachael Wangui’s penalty stroke to beat Vikings 1-0.

In the men’s National League, Multimedia university  surrendered  an early lead to play to a 3-3 all draw against Jomo Kenyatta University of agriculture and Technology.

MMU goals came through Desdan Ombiva (8th) Bringson Kadama (24th) and Moses Ndemba (50th) as they threatened to run away with the game.

But Terrence Kedia scored a brace in the 33rd and 43rd as Pavis Barasa sounded the board in the 14th minute for never-give-up JKUAT to ensure the spoils were shared.

Daily Nation



Time to set things right

by Aftar Singh


The one to beat: SSTMI Thunderbolt striker Mohd Akhimullah Anuar Esook is the top scorer in the MJHL Division One.

KUALA LUMPUR: Pahang Hockey Academy (AHP)-MSP-Thunderbolt have never beaten Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) Thunderbolt since featuring in Division One of the Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL) since 2015.

Last year, the Pahang team lost three times to SSTMI – 2-1 in the league and 2-0 and 3-2 in the semi-finals for the overall Cup.

In this year’s league match, the Pahang team lost 2-1 at the SSTMI pitch in Johor last month.

So, can AHP-MSP end their losing streak against SSTMI when the two teams meet in today’s final for the overall title at the Tun Razak Cup today?

SSTMI have been the most impressive team in the Under-19 league, having won a total of 12 titles – six league and six overall – under coach Wan Roslan Wan Abdul Rahman.

But AHP-MSP coach Mohd Sufian Mohamed believes this is their best chance to end SSTMI’s domination in the league.

“We have lost to SSTMI too many times ... the time has come for us to turn the tables on them,” said Sufian.

“My players are fired up to play their first-ever final ... they are ready.

“We arrived two days early in Kuala Lumpur to work on our strategy and penalty corner set pieces.

“My defenders need to be on their toes as SSTMI have a good strike force. Their striker, Mohd Akhimullah (Anuar Esook) is the top scorer in the league with 16 goals,” added Sufian, who is hoping to create MJHL history.

Having captained Telekom Pahang to the overall title 15 years ago, he now wants to lift the Cup as a coach.

SSTMI coach Wan Roslan, meanwhile, said that his reputation as the most successful coach would be sullied “if we fail to win the overall title”.

“We failed to retain the league title this season, so I want my players to go all out and win the overall title.

“It would be really nice to win our 13th title in the league.

“We have never lost to Pahang Hockey Academy before, so the pressure will be on us to win the title,” said Wan Roslan.

The Star of Malaysia



England Hockey Award Winners 2017


EH Awards Winners 2017 GB

On the evening of the 20th of May, the hockey family came together from all corner of the country to celebrate an incredible year of hockey at the England Hockey Awards Dinner 2017.

Each nominee has achieved something special in this last year and we couldn’t be prouder of the nominees and the hockey community creating a nation where hockey matters.

Without further ado, here are the winners:

Outstanding Achievement - GB Women's Gold Medal Team
Celix Men’s Senior Performance Player of the Year – Dan Fox
Investec Senior Women’s Player of the Year – Sophie Bray
Men’s Junior Performance Player of the Year – James Gall
Investec Women’s Junior Performance Play of the Year – Ellie Rayer
Coach of the Year – Danny Kerry
Perkins Slade Men’s Team of the Year – Wimbledon 1st IX
Investec Women’s Team of the Year – Camberley and Farnborough 1st IX

Hockey Maker of the Year – Angela Mance

Angela is always the first to volunteer at any event.  She is an experienced Hockey Maker, always enthusiastic and smiling, she puts other volunteers and players needs ahead of her own to ensure the event is a success.  Angela acts as a role model to younger and new volunteers and her commitment and dedication has inspired other Hockey Makers to volunteer more and go the extra mile.  Her motivation is engaging, she is constantly using her initiative to make a real contribution and she never fails to make people smile. 

Coaching Impact - James Cunliffe

James Cunliffe turned around the failing men’s section with his no-nonsense attitude and revolutionary training.  Constantly engaging players with real game situations whilst providing players with the opportunity to self-discover and improve individual skill whilst enhancing team cohesion.  James’ coaching impact has seen training numbers at an all-time high, an increase number of players and a turnaround in form.  James has also been pivotal in developing the junior section, also allowing other coaches to gain experience.  He has also worked with Everton in the Community to provide more opportunities to play hockey and has recently started Walking Hockey in Liverpool. 

Innovation – Bromsgrove Hockey & Walking Hockey

Bromsgrove HC have this year introduced walking hockey and turned this concept into a viable new sport.  The first night saw an amazing 40 people attend, from which walking hockey has evolved to cater for all demands.  By constantly evolving the concept, this allows for the variation of age, playing experience, mobility and health status to ensure no member of the community is excluded.  Walking hockey currently supports the Macmillan Cancer Support group, children with mobility problems & children with autism.  The interest from the USA, Canada, Dubai, New Zealand and Australia means that Bromsgrove HC and England are now recognised as a World leader.

Rising Star – Tom Ling from Norwich Hockey Club

Tom is involved in a number of club aspects; administration, umpiring and social aspects and is a valued member of the entire club.  He has proved to be a great ambassador to the junior section encouraging and helping young umpires through the ranks.  Tom has also taken on a key role in the club as Umpire Liaison Officer, confirming pool umpires, umpiring appointments across the club and organising 16+ umpires in a weekend has shown Tom’s ability to engage with people.  Tom also organises midweek social events on a regular basis throughout the season, he also ensures all members are kept up to date of news, organises fund raisers and social events, and encourages the use of social media.

Umpire of the Year – Joy Elliot-Bowman

Joy has been a member of the MHUA for 2 years as well as umpire co-ordinator at her own club PHC Chiswick.  Joy organised umpire coaching sessions based at the Middlesex HA triangular tournament, including accommodating a variety of standards of umpiring.  Her sensitivity, awareness and ability to cope, manage feedback and response was outstanding.  Joy has also worked with the SCHUA to recruit and promote young umpires, proudly producing 2 candidates to the national programme.  At her club Joy has introduced and is running the umpire development and co-ordination programme, she also attends junior sessions armed with a box of whistles to encourage the youngest club members to start to enjoy umpiring

Unsung Hero – Frances Loffler-Thompson

Fran Loffler-Thompson has had a lifelong passion for hockey, celebrating 40 years at Fylde HC where Fran has held a wide range of voluntary roles within the club.  Currently holding the role of Ladies Club Captain Fran also finds time to umpire and coach, delivering hockey in underprivileged local primary schools.  Fran also holds the role of Vice-President of the Central Lancashire Women’s Hockey Association.  Fran’s support of the club has ensured that the club has found success, even turning around failing junior sections to ensure the long term sustainability.  She is currently influential in the clubs transition from Springfield’s to Fylde HC with the sole purpose of advancing and developing the club.  She is the heart of the club and, who have benefitted enormously from Fran’s efforts.

Lifetime Achievement – Alan Walker

The Late Lieutenant Commander Alan Walker dedicated his life to the sport of hockey.  From his first exposure to the sport in 1960 when he joined the Royal Navy he went on to make 100 appearances for the RN between 1968 and 1985.  Alan has been a player, coach, video analyst, international team manager, chairman of the national coaching committee, patron of the Hockey Museum and forerunner of club development and hockey provision.  Alan was truly Mr Hockey, especially in the Royal Navy, an absolute gentleman who always had time for everybody and couldn’t do enough for his friends and co-workers; he will be sadly missed by all.

Notts Sport Club of the Year – Caradon Hockey Club

Since the merger of two clubs in 2007, Caradon HC have gone from strength to strength growing by 208 members this season to make them the biggest club in Cornwall.  With success across all senior teams on the pitch, a strong social environment and a strong Back to Hockey initiative, the club has seen an influx of numbers which has had a positive impact on the number of teams. The club has also provided numerous coaching, umpiring and volunteering opportunities with 10 members of the under 16 squad volunteering regularly. Caradon have built strong relationships with local education establishments, companies and CSPs to ensure the ongoing provision of hockey.

Well done to all nominees, hockey in England couldn't happen with out you. Bring on 2018!

England Hockey Board Media release

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