News for 20 June 2017
All the news for Tuesday 20 June 2017
Pakistan and Malaysia boost quarter-final hopes on Day 5
Malaysia celebrate scoring their only goal of the game against Korea at the Hero Hockey World League Semi-Final in London. Copyright: FIH / Getty Images
London, England: The fifth day of action at the Men’s Hero Hockey World League Semi-Final in London was a crucial one for Pakistan and Scotland, who both recorded important wins to boost their chances of reaching the event quarter-finals. Argentina and The Netherlands were also winners in the race to finish top of the Pools at the Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
The day’s play began in Pool B with Pakistan claiming an important victory against Scotland. Scotland’s Blue Sticks took a 13th minute lead thanks to Wei Adams, enhancing his team’s own ambitions of reaching the quarter-finals. However, goals from Muhammad Irfan Jr, Muhammad Arslan Qadir and Muhammad Aleem Bilal turned the match around and give Pakistan their first points of the tournament with a 3-1 triumph.
The result moved the Green Shirts into fourth place in the Pool B standings having completed all their matches in the group phase. Scotland sit below them in fifth, but a win against Canada in their final Pool match tomorrow would see them move ahead of Pakistan in the Pool B table thanks to a superior goal difference.
Canada were in action in the second Pool B match of the day, putting up a great fight against The Netherlands before eventually going down 3-1. Although Canada’s place in the quarter-finals is not yet guaranteed, it would take a monumental swing in terms of goal difference for them to miss out.
Mink van der Weerden scored the opener for The Netherlands at the end of the first quarter before Canada’s ever reliable captain Scott Tupper netted from a penalty stroke just before half time. Jorrit Croon and Mirco Pruijser scored in the third and fourth quarters respectively to put the Dutch level with India at the top of Pool B, although remain second thanks to India’s superior goal difference.
In Pool A, Korea received a blow to their chances of securing World Cup qualification by falling to a narrow 1-0 loss against Asian rivals Malaysia. A penalty corner rocket from Razie Rahim five minutes after half time proved to be enough for victory despite at one stage being reduced to nine players thanks to yellow cards to Razie and Faiz Jali. The result strengthens Malaysia’s quarter-final ambitions, with the team moving three points clear of a Korean side that need a win against unbeaten England in their final match to have any hope of a place in the last eight.
Also in Pool A, Olympic gold medallists Argentina produced a classy performance to comfortably defeat China 10-0 and move into first place in the table. Penalty corner start Gonzalo Peillat took his tournament tally to a staggering eleven goals in four matches with a hat-trick, while Lucas Vila (2), Matias Paredes, Leandro Tolini, Manuel Brunet, Agustin Bugallo and Juan Lopez also on target. The boost to their goal difference means that they are now likely to finish top of the standings, with England needing a big victory against Korea on Tuesday in order to swing things back in their favour. The manor of the defeat was bad news for China, with a heavy loss seeing them drop into fourth place in Pool A, below Malaysia – who they play on Tuesday - on goal-difference.
The final day of the Pool phase will take place on Tuesday (20 June), with two Pool B matches getting proceedings underway. Scotland play Canada at 1200 GMT before India and The Netherlands face off with the winner claiming that all-important first place finish ahead of the cross-over quarter-finals. In Pool A China play Malaysia at 1800 before home favourites England take on Korea at 2000.
The top four finishers in London will qualify for the eight nation Odisha Hockey World League Final in Bhubaneswar, India, although there is a small caveat to this. If India, the host nation of the Final, do not finish in the top four then only the top three teams in London will qualify. They will be joined by the top three finishers from the Semi-Final competition in Johannesburg, South Africa, plus the highest ranked fourth place finisher from the two Semi-Final events.
When it comes to qualification for the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018, there are five automatic berths available here in London, although this will increase depending on the outcomes of the upcoming Continental Championships, which are also World Cup qualification events.
FIH site
Pakistan beat Scotland 3-1
After three defeats, Pakistan won their last pool match, against Scotland.
The green shirts came from behind to win 3-1 at the Hockey World League Semifinal Round which is also 2018 World Cup qualifier, at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Now, Pakistan's entrance to the quarter finals depends upon the result of the Scotland/Canada match on Tuesday.
If Scotland win, they go through because of a better goal difference. In the event of a draw or Scotland's defeat, Pakistan would play the quarter finals.
Pakistan started extremely well. Within the first five minutes, two excellent chances came their way. Rizwan Jr and Umar Bhutta were the offenders. They remained the better side almost throughout the first quarter. However, against the run of play Scotland went ahead. Wel Adams flicked in after a good short passing move from right.
Green Shirts had an opportunity to bring it level in the 15th minute. But Aleem Bilal's PC attempt missed the target.
Scots were definitely the better side in the second quarter. They had at least three open play tries and one PC but the Pakistani defence stood well.
So at the half time Scotland led by one goal as they had done in their match against India.
Early minutes of the second half also saw Scotland in ascendancy. One attempt went above the bar and another was well saved by the custodian Amjad.
But in the 34h minute Pakistan equalised on a turn over. Irfan Junior received a superb ball in the circle. His first time hit found the target.
In the 42nd minute, Pakistan went into the lead for the first time in the tournament. Bhutta's brilliance earned them a PC. They went for an indirect drill. Abu Bakr's angular push from the top was tapped in by Arslan Qadir from a close range standing near the left pole.
One minute into the last quarter, Pakistan had their third PC. Aleem Bilal's strong angular push beat the goal keeper all ends up.
Pakistan slowed the tempo while Scots went on the offensive. A Scotland PC went into the goal but it was fouled for the height.
They had another PC in the last minute but good rush thwarted the danger for Pakistan.
SCORERS:
Pakistan: Irfan Jr, Arslan Qadir (PC) & Aleem Bilal (PC)
Scotland: Wel Adams
PHF Media release
Pakistan breath life, keep quarter chance alive
s2h team
Somewhat awoken Pakistan keep its Quarterfinal chances alive with a late win today. Pakistan has at last registered a victory, over Scotland 3-1 in its last pool match of the the Hockey World League Semfinals. Despite conceding an early Adams Wei goal, Pakistan converted two penalty corners ( one apiece from Qadir and Arslan Bilal, besides a field goal (Irfan Jr), to post their first win in four matches.
Pakistan, lost the opener to The Netherlands (4-0) and then to Canada (0-6) before facing the embarrassing 1-7 defeat at the hand of arch rivals India on Sunday. However, the lone win that it posted today, will be suffice to meet the first target of qualifying for the Quarters.
But, it will have wait for two more days to know its fate - to play quarters or 9th place.
Pakistan is now placed fourth in the points table, with three points. On the other hand, Scotland is yet to get a single point. With a match to go, it is placed at the bottom of the table.
Scotland has a match to be completed, that is against Canada, first match of Tuesday.
Whether Canada win or lose today's encounter against the Dutch, much at stake for Pakistan in tomorrow's tie between Canada and Scotland.
Canada would do a heaven for Pakistan if it would defeat or draw Scotland. This case, Pakistan will maintain its fourth place, Scotland will be pushed for 9th place contest.
If on the other hand, if Scotland will defeat Canada, the situation changes.
All three teams - Canada (hoping it loses today's match to the Dutch), Pakistan, Scotland -- will have three points each.
This case, Pakistan will lose out as it has a whopping -14 goal difference.
After three matches, Scotland has -8 goal diffence, having scored two goals and conceding 10. Whereas Pakistan has struck four goals but conceded 18 (-16 GD).
Pakistan therefore would expect Canada to beat Scotland on Tuesday!
Stick2Hockey.com
Scotland men fall short against Pakistan in London
(Photo: FiH/Getty)
Scotland men took the lead against Pakistan but ended up losing 3-1 after some clinical finishing by their opposition in London. The result leaves Scotland at the foot of Pool B at the World League Semi-Finals, but a win in the next game against Canada could still see the Scots through to the quarter finals.
Pakistan came flying out the traps towards the Scotland goal and the Blue Sticks did a good job of soaking up the early pressure. The only real opportunity created in these early stages of pressure prompted a routine save by Tommy Alexander at his near post.
Scotland began to play their way into the game and applied some pressure of their own. The Scots probed the defence but Callum Duke's pass for Alan Forsyth was cut out at the right of the D.
Then Pakistan broke and Ali Shan got ahead of Tim Atkins and sent a dangerous deflection goal ward, but it looped over the bar.
Scotland then took a well-earned lead. A great surging run by Lee Morton into the Pakistan D set-up the opportunity for Wei Adams who found the bottom right corner from the middle of the D. 1-0.
Pakistan battled to find an equaliser. Alexander was forced to produce a top save at the end of the first quarter, not for the first time in the tournament. It led to a penalty corner to Pakistan but the final effort fired just wide of the target.
Into the second quarter and Scotland went on the offensive. A penalty corner for Scotland saw Alan Forsyth smash it just past the post.
Pakistan then had the ball in the back of the Scotland net but it went to a video referral and resulted in a free hit out for Scotland. The ball hit a Pakistan foot in the process of scoring.
(Photo: FiH/Getty)
Scotland came incredibly close to scoring a second goal when Gavin Byers had a great chance to score. A superb reverse stick pass by Morton found Byers breaking into the D, but he put the ball over the bar and Pakistan survived.
The Scots continued to hunt for the second goal and a chance for Alan Forsyth was well saved by the keeper at the near post.
Into the second half and Scotland came so close to taking a two-goal lead when a great break forward by Bain saw his shot sail over the bar. Instantly, Pakistan tore forward, carved open the Scotland defence, and a superb finish was buried into the corner by Muhammad Irfan Jnr to make it 1-1.
A short while later Pakistan took the lead from a well-worked penalty corner routine. The ball was slid from the top of the D for Muhummad Arslan Qadir arriving from the right to score. Alexander had no chance in the goal for Scotland.
A penalty corner was awarded to Pakistan just after the restart for the final quarter and Aleem Muhammed Bilal buried it low against the backboard to make it 3-1 to Pakistan. A crushing blow for the Scots.
Scotland battled forward and some lovely skill by Morton prompted a foul and the award of a penalty corner for Scotland. Alan Forsyth battered the ball into the net but it was above the backboard, and although a video referral was called it was unclear as to whether the ball touched a stick on the way towards goal. The goal was not given and a free out was awarded to Pakistan.
With just under five mins to go Bain tried to find Alan Forsyth in the D, but the ball evaded him and Scotland’s hopes of a late resurgence waned in the searing heat of Lee Valley.
Scotland Head Coach Derek Forsyth said, “It’s very disappointing to have two good chances when we were 1-0 up and not take them. Taking these chances would have been a game changer and allowed us to pull ahead. It was also disappointing how we dealt with the corners that gave Pakistan two goals.
“There’s still an opportunity against Canada. We won’t dwell on the Pakistan result and we’ll prepare properly and look forward to the game against Canada and play for a fourth-place position.”
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Finally, Pakistan beat Scotland
LONDON-After facing three conductive defeats, Pakistan hockey team finally won its last pool match against Scotland by 3-1 at the Hockey World League Semifinal Round, which is also 2018 World Cup qualifier, at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Now, Pakistan's entrance to the quarterfinals depends upon the result of the Scotland-Canada match on Tuesday. If Scotland win, they go through because of a better goal difference. In the event of a draw or Scotland's defeat, Pakistan would play the quarterfinals.
Pakistan started extremely well. Within the first five minutes, two excellent chances came their way. Rizwan Junior and Umar Bhutta were the offenders. They remained the better side almost throughout the first quarter. However, against the run of play Scotland went ahead. Wel Adams flicked in after a good short passing move from right.
Green shirts had an opportunity to bring it level in the 15th minute. But Aleem Bilal's PC attempt missed the target. Scots were definitely the better side in the second quarter. They had at least three open play tries and one PC but the Pakistani defence stood well. So at the half time Scotland led by one goal as they had done in their match against India.
Early minutes of the second half also saw Scotland in ascendancy. One attempt went above the bar and another was well saved by the custodian Amjad. But in the 34h minute, Pakistan equalised on a turnover. Irfan Junior received a superb ball in the circle. His first time hit found the target.
In the 42nd minute, Pakistan went into the lead for the first time in the tournament. Bhutta's brilliance earned them a PC. They went for an indirect drill. Abu Bakr's angular push from the top was tapped in by Arslan Qadir from a close range standing near the left pole.
One minute into the last quarter, Pakistan had their third PC. Aleem Bilal's strong angular push beat the goal keeper all ends up. Pakistan slowed the tempo while Scots went on the offensive. A Scotland PC went into the goal but it was fouled for the height. They had another PC in the last minute but good rush thwarted the danger for Pakistan.
Canada falls to Netherlands 1-3: Scott Tupper scored the lone goal for Canada's men's field hockey team in a 3-1 loss to the Netherlands in the World League Semi-Final on Monday. The 30-year-old from Vancouver converted on a penalty stroke in the final minute of the first half after Brenden Bissett was taken down in the circle by the Dutch 'keeper. The goal sent the game into the second half tied 1-1, but the Dutch — fourth-place finishers at last summer's Rio Olympics — added a pair of second-half goals to clinch the victory.
The loss left the No 11-ranked Canadians in third in Pool B. They face 23rd-ranked Scotland in their final group game today (Tuesday) at 7am. A victory would clinch them third place in their pool, and set up a quarterfinal game against the second-place team in Pool A on Thursday.
"I think it's a testament to the growth of our team, that we now give ourselves a chance in these games against top five teams," said goalkeeper Antoni Kindler of Vancouver. "What it comes down to is just details. It's about development as a good team, to one that's better than good."
Canada opened the tournament with a 6-0 victory over Pakistan, then dropped a 3-0 decision to India. The top five finishers in the World League semifinal earn a spot in the 2018 World Cup. The Canadians are gunning for their first World Cup appearance since 2010, when they finished 11th. Canada was also 11th last summer in Rio, the team's first Olympic appearance since the 2008 Beijing Games.
The Nation
Malaysia hockey team edges South Korea 1-0
by Aftar Singh
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia edged South Korea 1-0 in London on Monday to stay on course for a place for next year's World Cup Finals in Bhubaneswar, India.
Defender Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim scored off a penalty corner in the 35th minute to give Malaysia their first win in the World Hockey League semi-finals.
Malaysia lost the first two matches as they were outplayed 5-2 by Argentina on last Friday and were trounced 7-3 by England last Saturday.
Malaysia will wrap up the group fixtures against China on Tuesday at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.
The Star of Malaysia
Confident India eye Netherlands scalp in HWL semis
LONDON: India's rampaging form would be put through a tough test when they take on world No.4 the Netherlands in their final Pool B match of the Hockey World League Semi-Final, here on Tuesday.
India, ranked sixth in the world, are presently atop in Pool B with three wins from as many games, while Netherlands are placed second with two wins from two games.
But going by performance so far in the tournament, India hold an edge over Netherlands as they have so far recorded convincing wins in the tournament.
India defeated Scotland 4-1, Canada 3-0 before demolishing arch-rivals Pakistan 7-1 in their first three games.
Netherlands, on the other hand, beat Pakistan 4-0 before getting the better of Scotland 3-0 in their first two games.
On form, India are expected to give Netherlands a run for their money tomorrow, provided they can keep their composure on the turf.
With their place already secured in the quarterfinals, India would be hoping to keep up the good work and keep a clean slate going into the business end of the tournament.
Barring a few lapses early in their games, the Indians have been clinical so far in the tournament, controlling the proceedings in each and every match.
The performance of India's forward-line has been outstanding with the likes of Ramandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh and Talwinder Singh showcasing their brilliance with the stick by scoring some fantastic goals.
The mid-field, led by a talismanic Sardar Singh, and also featuring the likes of skipper Manpreet Singh, has been providing ample support to the strikers.
In the absence of key players like Rupinderpal Singh, India's young backline, led by Harmanpreet Singh, has displayed gritty performances and conceded just two goals.
India's reserve goalkeepers - Vikas Dahiya and Akash Chikta - too have been brilliant under the bar in the absence of regular skipper and one of the best custodians of the world, PR Sreejesh.
The Netherlands, who are taking on Canada later in the day, will nonetheless start favourites. The result of the match will decide the leader of Pool B.
Going by the performances so far, it would be hard to predict the winner tomorrow as there is hardly anything to separate the two sides.
The winner of tomorrow's match will play the fourth placed team in the quarterfinals.
The Times of India
In midst of sorrow, SV Sunil helped India beat Pakistan 7-1
BENGALURU: The Indian men's hockey team's 7-1 win over Pakistan in their third Hero Hockey World League Semi-final match in London on Sunday gave the country's sports fans plenty of reason to cheer, but for one key member of the squad it was a bittersweet occasion.
Just hours before the much-awaited clash, SV Sunil, the star forward who in March was named Asian Hockey Player of the Year and who recently won his 200th international cap, was given the saddening news that his brother-in-law Ganesh Acharya had passed away following a prolonged illness.
This was the second jolt for Sunil in recent times. During the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in April, his father had passed away. Then too, the 28-year-old fought back his emotions to take the hockey field and play for his country.
"God is testing me many ways. Last time my father, this time my brother-in-law. I don't know what to say. After the tournament, I will be back to hometown," said Sunil said after Sunday's win over Pakistan, in which he combined well with Satbir Singh to set up Talwinder Singh's goal that doubled India's lead in the first quarter.
The Coorg-born player made his International debut in 2007 during India's successful run at the Asia Cup in Chennai. He was also a key member of the Indian team that won silver at last year's FIH Champions Trophy in London. His other distinctions include a gold medal at 2014 Asian Games, bronze at the 2015 World League Final, and two Olympic appearances in 2012 and 2016.
The Times of India
India-Pak rivalry: Is the thrill gone?
India’s rise and Pakistan’s decline have led to growing divide between the archrivals
Indervir Grewal
India’s 7-1 win over Pakistan on Sunday was their biggest over their neighbours. PTI
An India-Pakistan hockey match brings out emotions like no other, both in the fans and the players. It is the most thrilling and anticipated rivalry in the sport.
That’s the reason the match between the South Asian archrivals at the Hockey World League Semifinal brought the spotlight back on the tournament in London.
However, the latest result came as a big disappointment. The one-sided 7-1 win for India underlined the growing divide between the two teams.
India moving up
India’s climb up the world scene in the last few years has been remarkable. The world No. 6 team has not only started challenging the top teams on occasions, it has also pulled away from the relatively weaker teams, consistently beating lower-ranked teams in the last few years. The ruthlessness has been on display in London — beating Scotland 4-1 and Canada 3-0.
However, when it came to facing Pakistan, the Indians have been guilty of letting their emotions get the better of them. That is why despite Pakistan being much below them in the world rankings, India have struggled to beat the men in green.
But the trend seems to be changing — India have won their last four clashes against Pakistan, including a 5-1 win. The latest win showcased India’s emotional, if not tactical, growth. India played according to their strategy, despite Pakistan’s aggressive start. India started cautiously. The first reason was that India didn’t want to concede early and play into their rivals’ hands — Pakistan defend their lead and hit on counterattacks.
Pakistan’s decline
The other reason was to let Pakistan tire themselves out. The Pakistan team at the Semifinal, is not among the fittest. In their earlier defeats, Pakistan fizzled out as the match progressed. The same was the case against India, who absorbed the initial pressure from Pakistan before starting to dominate the game. “I thought Pakistan were the better side in the first quarter and they created more opportunities but after we scored the first goal we started to play according to our plan,” said India coach Roelant Oltmans.
Is this result — the biggest win for India over Pakistan — the first step towards the end of the once fierce rivalry?
Pakistan hockey has been going through its worst crisis for many years now. With the clubs closing down and the departments terminating their teams, the future of the players has become uncertain. Pakistan last beat a full-strength Indian team back in 2014, in the semifinals of the Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar.
At that time, former Pakistan player and the then coach Shahnaz Sheikh had said that the Pakistan government needed to step in and revive the clubs and the department teams. He added that incentives, like free education, were needed to attract kids. Despite finishing second in Bhubaneswar, the situation in Pakistan didn’t improve. In contrast, Pakistan hockey has been in a freefall since. The former world and Olympics champs failed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup and last year’s Olympics. Even the junior Pakistan team missed last year’s World Cup in Lucknow, despite having qualified. In London, the senior team is at its lowest point — losing 4-0 to the Netherlands and 6-0 to No. 11 Canada.
FIH should do more
While India are rediscovering themselves, Pakistan are losing even their essence. It’s not just the results but the brand of unplanned and disorganised hockey Pakistan are showing in London that is more disheartening.
A big reason is that Pakistan are playing very few international matches due to the lack of funds and security concerns in the country.
Sheikh had added that Pakistan hockey needed sponsors. One way was for India and Pakistan to play more often, he had suggested. However, the situation has worsened since 2014, especially after the controversy involving the lewd celebrations from a few Pakistan players. And with the current relations between the neighbouring nations at its worst, a bilateral series seems unlikely.
Therefore, it is time that the world hockey federation (FIH), headed by Narinder Batra, stepped in to help Pakistan become a force in international hockey again. Asian hockey is going through a poor phase — India was the only team from the continent to qualify for the Rio Olympics.
Despite the two former greats having fallen down the rungs of world hockey, their rivalry still brings the spotlight back on Asia. Also, FIH must realise that an India-Pakistan match still gets the highest viewership all over the world, considering the high number of Indian and Pakistani expatriates.
The Tribune
Despite Sunday win, hockey still a poor cousin
Priyanka Dasgupta
Kolkata: On Sunday evening, once India lost to Pakistan in cricket, all social media users seemed to collectively flaunt the pride of the nation's 7-1 victory in hockey over Pakistan. The hysteria was partially triggered to hide the shame of having lost by 180 runs to the arch-rivals at the ICC Champions Trophy. But those associated with hockey in Kolkata insist this won't translate into a sustained interest for the sport.
Former hockey player Gopinath Ghosh, who is also an official of the Bengal Hockey Association, pointed out that from 1928 till 1956, when India was on top of the game in hockey, the players have never enjoyed the adulation cricketers have. "Media has played cricket as the religion of the country. Today, hockey matches aren't even covered the way Mohun Bagan-East Bengal matches are. The oldest hockey tournament of the world is organised by the Bengal Hockey Association — Beighton Cup — and it is hosted in Kolkata. Unfortunately, we don't even have a stadium with a proper astro-turf. That's why no international matches are held in Kolkata," Ghosh said.
Former hockey player Shanti Mullick, who is also an Arjuna awardee in football, recalled a time when Bengal used to excel in hockey. "Today, our players practice only on grass grounds while the astro-turf has been made compulsory elsewhere. How do we then expect them to shine at the national level," she asks, ruing nobody in Kolkata takes hockey as seriously as they should. "Clubs get grants from the government. But where is the infrastructure? Though I believe hockey will reclaim its past glory in Bengal, I don't see it happening any time soon," Mullick said.
Dr Md Khalid Hussain, who coaches 30 students of La Martiniere for Boys and 80 students of St James' School, said Kolkata is the only city to host a regular hockey league where at least 65 hockey teams play more than 450 matches. "But all the matches are played on grass grounds. Effectively, our boys are not getting trained properly. Sunday's big win won't change the situation of hockey in Kolkata unless we get sponsors for the game and proper infrastructure," Hussain said.
Ghosh concluded: "With due respect to Sachin Tendulkar, if the government can award the Bharat Ratna to him before Dhyan Chand, why blame the parents for sending kids to cricket camps?"
The Times of India
Grunwald win Polish title again to earn 11th season in EHL
WKS Grunwald Poznan will continue their perfect attendance record in the EHL as they qualified for the competition for the 11th consecutive year by winning the Polish national title once again on Sunday.
They won through their semi-final on Saturday with a comprehensive 7-0 win over LKS Gasawa with Artur Mikula firing home four times with Waldemar Rataj netting twice.
It set up a final date with AZS AWF Poznan who had beaten KS Pomorzanin Torun in their semi-final in a shoot-out.
In the title decider, most of the damage was done in the first 25 minutes. Mateusz Poltaszekwski broke the deadlock in the eighth minute before Rataj scored his third goal of the weekend.
Tomasz Dutkiewicz added a corner for a 3-0 lead before half-time. Pawel Bratkowski completed the 4-0 final scoreline in the closing minute to deliver another success for Grunwald.
They will contest ROUND1 of the EHL next October following the reduction of Poland's representation from two teams down to one.
Euro Hockey League media release
Police, Orange tighten grip on leagues’ top spot
By BRIAN YONGA
Polycarp Otieno of USIU-A (left) and Samuel Wokila of Kenya Police vie for the ball during their Kenya Hockey Union Premier League match at City Park Stadium Stadium on June 18, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Kenya Police and Telkom Orange consolidated their leads after the weekend round of Kenya Hockey Union men’s and women’s Premier League matches.
Police beat United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) men team 3-1 on Sunday evening to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
Goals from Samuel Wokila, Oliver Echenje and Amos Barkibir fired the law enforcers to their 11th win of the season. The students had restored parity through Richard Wandera but were undone by poor defending as Police regained the lead.
Police, who are looking to reclaim the title they won in 2013, lead the table with 34 points, eight ahead of the chasing pack. The team’s great form has stand-in coach Patrick Mugambi optimistic about their title ambitions.
“We only have two matches to go until the first leg and I must say that we have been the best team so far,” said Mugambi on Monday. “We are consistent, both in attack and defence, and I think we can consider ourselves title favourites.”
The only blot in Police’s impressive run this season was a 3-3 draw against Wazalendo two weeks ago.
“I think we are the team to beat this season and we hope to end the first leg on a high,” Mugambi added.
Police play Parkroad Badgers and Butali Sugar Warriors in their last two first leg matches.
Greensharks reclaimed second spot after a claiming a 2-1 win away to Western Jaguars to keep their title ambitions intact. Sharks are on 26 points, one ahead of 2015 winners Butali, who were not in action this weekend.
Wazalendo and Sikh Union Nairobi round off the otherwise unchanged top five places in the top-flight league.
At the wrong end of the table, Parklands were the biggest climbers of the weekend as they moved out of the relegation zone to settle in 12th place after a 1-0 win over Nakuru.
Jaguars dropped to second-last. They are on seven points, three ahead of bottom-placed TUK. In the women’s top flight, champions Telkom Orange re-established their six-point lead after an 11-0 thumping of Multimedia University.
The win took the 19-time champions to 27 points from nine matches and they are yet to concede a goal this season. Orange forward Audrey Omaido scored a brace in the match to move top of the scoring charts with 14 goals.
USIU Spartans remain second on 21 points as Amira moved into third with 17 points after their weekend exploits in Mombasa.
Strathmore University Scorpions and JKUAT lie in fourth and fifth places, respectively.
Daily Nation
Long awaited Ugandan hockey league finally starts
The long awaited League finally kicked off at the weekend
By Kasozi Balikuddembe
The new Ugandan Hockey executive since the start of their term has served the sport a raw deal, with no genuine activities, development programs hitting a stalemate and generally a delayed National Hockey League.
Perhaps they didn’t learn from the shortcomings of their predecessors headed by Dunstan Nsubuga
However, the long awaited League finally kicked off at the weekend! And no doubt the excitement remains evident.
Rockets saw a brutal start to their campaign, losing 5-0 to an Andrew Lubega inspired side Simba on Sunday at the national hockey field in Lugogo.
It was a result that now leaves Simba smiling at the end, knowledgeable of how important early wins mean in the chase for the National title. Wananchi last season capitalised on winning their opening games as their opponents struggled and when they finally gained ground, it was too late to stop Wananchi.
Andrew Lubega struck twice as Simba dictated the proceedings of the game. Bishop Otim, Malik Ahmed and coach player Javier Fransco would not be left out of the “party” as they got themselves on the score sheet with one goal apiece.
Elsewhere, debutantes Rhinos found the going hard in the somewhat unforgiving league as Ciddy Alum’s brace helped Weatherhead sink the “newcomers”
Meanwhile, earlier Saturday, Wananchi came up big against Kampala condemning them to an 11-0 defeat, a typical Wanachi victory! Doreen Mbabazi grabbed a hat trick, Doreen Asiimwe and Maggy Amia registered 2 goals apiece with single goals from Peace Mahoma, Teddy Aciro Norah Alum and Teopista Anyango completing a heroic result.
Fresh from winning their maiden Weatherhead Open, Wetherhead failed to build on the“assumed” confidence they had gained, losing 2-1 to Kampala. It was a revenge of sorts for Kampala having lost 4-2 on penalties against the same side in the Weatherhead Open. Goals from Benjamin Mkapa and Timothy Ntumba ensured Kampala claimed all the points despite a Vincent Kasasa effort for Weatherhead.
With the national league back, the hockey executive is further charged to get to work on the so many projects enshrined in their manifestos as it is evident the sport is very far from the “take off” despite being around for some good time.
National Hockey League
Results
Men
Simba 5 Rockets 0
Kampala 2 Weatherhead 1
Women
Kampala 0 Wananchi 11
Weatherhead 3 Rhinos 0
New Vision
OPRO announced as official mouth guard of Scottish Hockey
Scottish Hockey is delighted to announce OPRO, the world’s most technically advanced mouthguard company, as the Official Mouthguard of Scottish Hockey. Scottish Hockey joins OPRO’s proud family of leading hockey associations, which include GB Hockey, England Hockey, Hockey Wales and Hockey Ireland.
The long-term deal will see custom-fit mouthguards produced for senior Scotland international players, and will be made available to junior programme members.
Scotland’s senior women will wear their new OPRO mouthguards while competing at the upcoming World League Semi-Finals in Brussels, for a place in the Hockey World Cup.
Andy Tennant, Head of Performance for Scottish Hockey, said, “We are delighted to be developing a partnership with OPRO who are a clear brand leader in their field – with the ultimate benefit to our international athletes, who will have the best possible protection.
“Our men’s and women’s teams who are competing in World League semi-finals will be the first to be supported, however the partnership will filter down so that our emerging young international athletes will also have the opportunity to benefit from this exciting new partnership.”
Founder of the OPROGROUP, Dr Anthony Lovat BDS commented, “At OPRO we are passionate about sport and supporting players by providing them with the highest levels of quality protection - allowing them to get on with their game. We are delighted to be working with Scottish Hockey at this exciting time and wish the teams the very best of luck in their World League games”
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Heart of Hockey: Women’s National Team launches awareness campaign and fundraising initiative
Shaheed Devji
It has often been said that home is where the heart is. For most elite athletes and Canada’s women’s field hockey team specifically, that rings especially true.
No one reaches the pinnacle of field hockey, being able to wear the red-and-white and don the maple leaf, without the support of a network that starts right at home.
Those networks, like our country, come from far and wide.
From parents driving kids kilometres upon kilometres to attend practices and tryouts; to teachers and coaches serving as mentors encouraging athletes to work harder and push further; to alumni sharing their experiences and time as role models.
Home truly is at the heart of hockey in Canada.
About The Campaign
With that in mind, and with Canada’s set to celebrate its 150th anniversary, Canada’s women’s field hockey team has launched a fundraising campaign aimed at celebrating and profiling the communities from which they come and the people therein.
Without support from their home communities – from the beginning of their journeys until today – there is no doubt the individual athletes that make up Canada’s Women’s National Program would not be where they are today.
As a way of saying thanks, over the coming months Field Hockey Canada and Canada’s women will be telling the stories of their hockey beginnings, profiling their communities, and the mentors they have had along the way.
The “Heart of Hockey” campaign aims to bring awareness to the grassroots of hockey in Canada, where kids have long been and continue to be developed into elite athletes and great people and ambassadors for our country.
Seeking Additional Support
In addition to the awareness campaign, the Canadian women are seeking support.
Earlier this year, Canada’s Women’s National Program lost a substantial amount of discretionary funding to the tune of approximately $300,000. This is and was a large part of the program’s annual operating budget and has left the program and team in a position of need.
In order to continue to train full-time and travel to compete, the funding gap must to be closed. Currently, the women are facing the prospect of having to pay out of pocket to sustain the program.
As a part of their fundraising activities, Field Hockey Canada and the Canadian women are looking to Canada’s “Heart of Hockey,” the communities across the country which have tirelessly and graciously supported them on their journeys to representing Canada, to once again give if they can.
A donation of any amount will go directly to the Women’s National Program and will offset training facility costs, coach salaries, and will enable the team to travel to compete and continue to chase the dream of representing Canada at the Olympics.
How To Donate
Donations of more than $5 are tax deductible and can be made here.
The Women’s National Team is also hosting a fundraising event at Mahoney and Son’s in Vancouver on July 15th. Tickets are $40, include dinner and proceeds go directly to the Women’s National Team. There will be door prizes and a silent auction. Click here to buy tickets.
We are truly grateful for your continued support.
Field Hockey Canada media release
Sardar Singh called for questioning by U.K. police
Believed to be in connection with 2016 sexual assault case; Hockey India fumes at timing of police action in middle of Hockey World League
Uthra Ganesan
Sardar Singh
A day after the Indian hockey team thrashed arch-rivals Pakistan 7-1 in the Hockey World League Semifinals, there was trouble for former captain Sardar Singh who was called for questioning by Yorkshire police in connection with a year old sexual assault case.
With the Indian team in London for the tournament, the team management, it is believed, is quite upset about the fact that Sardar was called for questioning in the middle of the competition without any prior information. Last year, Sardar was accused by British-Indian hockey player Ashpal Bhogal, insisting to be his ex-fiance, of rape and assault both in India and UK.
“The team is in London, he has been called to Leeds for questioning. We do not even know whether it is a new case or the same old one. If it was the old one, it makes no sense for the police to wait for more than 10 days since we came here. Sardar is not here discreetly or fraudulently, he is playing in a major competition with the team and travelled with everyone. The cities are almost 200 miles away, which means a travel of at least 10-12 hours, and there is a crucial match against Holland on Tuesday,” a member from the team management told The Hindu.
In fact, officials claim that it is nothing more than pressure tactics to harass Sardar mentally before an important game. “We were informed by the police just before the game against Pakistan. It came directly from the authorities and no Indian diplomatic representative was even aware of it. Everyone knows how important these matches are. We did not inform Sardar about it to make sure he played freely but this is sheer harassment and nothing else,” said an official.
Last January, Bhogal claimed to have been in a relationship with Sardar for the past four years and alleged he tortured her “mentally, physically and emotionally”, even forcing her to undergo an abortion the previous year. She claimed they got engaged in 2014 with the assent of both families, but Sardar had refused to marry her.
The questioning continued for almost four hours, beginning around 1.30 pm local time and going on till around 5.15 pm before Sardar was allowed to leave for London. The authorities refused to clarify on the future course of action or whether any charges would be pressed, only saying that they would need more time to investigate.
Sources confirmed that the latest round of questioning was held after a fresh case was filed against Sardar by the girl, claiming sexual abuse in 2013 in London.
However, he would be free to continue playing in the tournament for now.
The Hindu
Sardar Singh questioned by UK police
India hockey player Sardar Singh was today called for questioning by the police reportedly in connection with a year-old sexual assault case, barely hours after his side thrashed Pakistan 7-1 in the Hockey World League Semifinals in London. The team management in London was told that Sardar should come to Leeds for questioning by the Yorkshire police.
Sardar, a former captain, was last year accused by a British-Indian hockey player, who had claimed to be his fiancee, of rape and assault both in India and UK.
Former Hockey India chief and current FIH president Narinder Batra slammed the move by the UK authorities.
“As an FIH chief, I have no comments. But as an Indian and former Hockey India president, I am saying this in my personal capacity that I condemn the move. How can you call an international athlete in the middle of a tournament without any prior information,” Batra said. “The team management was told about that just before the Pakistan match.”
Batra had earlier issued a hard-hitting statement on his Facebook page. “England is a country which is a safe heaven for all fraudsters who have run away from India and agree to invest in England,” he had stated on the social networking site. “I would love to see the reaction of England and world media if in India, the England players are called to police stations.”
The post was later deleted.
FIH also issued a statement: “These comments were the personal thoughts of Batra. FIH would like to apologise for any offence that these comments may have caused. The matter will be reviewed internally.”
The Tribune
Sardar Singh rape case: Rape and sexual harassment accusations changed Indian hockey star as a person
Sundeep Misra
File photo of Sardar Singh. AFP
Just after the Punjab Warriors had crashed out of the 2017 Hockey India League, Sardar Singh called up and said he had some spare time to sit down to talk about his autobiography that we are working on. I had waited for almost a week but his busy schedule, his training and the stress of keeping his place in the national team had made him anxious. He was still playing good hockey. In fact, at the 2016 Asian Champions Trophy, he was voted the player of the final.
He spoke about the Warriors form and how, despite everybody’s best efforts, things were just not happening for the team on the pitch. Any player who wants to be noticed and play in front of the fans would want to be part of the HIL finals. Sardar is no different. It bothered him no end. For the first half an hour of our meeting, he only spoke about where he had failed the team and how things could have been different. It was obvious the HIL was very important to him. And not playing the final a big loss.
At the moment in London, a news break says Sardar, who is playing the Hockey World League Semi-Final at the Olympic Park has been picked up by the Yorkshire Police for questioning pertaining to a case filed last year. It’s a stunning bit of news. In fact, one of the reasons that Sardar didn’t play the 2016 Champions Trophy in London where India reached the final was that Hockey India didn’t want any controversy. It was last year that Sardar was accused by a British-Indian hockey player of rape and assault. The player also says that she was engaged to Sardar and that both sets of families were present at the event.
There is no denying that Sardar knew her. In fact, they were quite a pair during the 2012 London Olympics. Ashpal was seen at the Westfield Shopping Mall on the days when India wasn’t playing. So when I asked Sardar about the case, he said, “I didn’t do those things that I am being accused about. Yes, I did know her and have met her in London and during the 2014 World Cup in Holland. But I haven’t been brought up to mistreat women.”
I could sense he was disturbed. I also know the complainant, but only as Sardar’s friend. It was in the Netherlands when she spoke about marrying Sardar and clearly to the neutral observer she was besotted with Sardar, the hockey star. For her to be in awe of him was natural.
A year into the case and I have seen Sardar’s personality transform. He lost the captaincy for the Rio Olympics and that broke him. He was clearly looking forward to being the Olympic team’s captain. Being accused of rape and sexual harassment had changed him as a person.
Sardar was never voluble. He would laugh at jokes and eagerly discuss new BMW and Mercedes models and how he always desired the Mercedes SUV. But that was the Sardar in him; Benz was always the first choice.
But the man sitting opposite me at the Hyatt in Chandigarh was different. There were long silences. And then he spoke about religion. Sardar is a Namdhari, an austere sect within Sikhism. “I think after I have stopped playing, I will go back to my Guru and seek his blessings. I will stop wearing a cap and wear the turban that is prevalent amongst us.”
I was taken aback a bit. Admittedly, Sardar has never shown a side which starts the day on the hockey pitch and ends the evening in a night club. But for a man who liked wearing good and expensive clothes and driving a Range Rover, this side of his personality was surprising.
The Namdharis are distinguished by their white, “round” turbans. And to imagine Sardar in one was a little difficult. And then he spoke about disillusionment, disenchantment and a need to look within himself on what he wanted from the ‘real’ world. He still loves hockey and makes no bones about the fact that it’s because of the game that he and his family could do something more with their life.
He was sad about what his family had to undergo as a result of the rape allegations. “But hockey gives them a lot of joy,” he said. “They see me playing and they are proud. I am trying to remain as fit as possible and do yoga so that the body is healthy even when I don’t train.”
At the time of writing on Monday, Sardar is with the team manager Jugraj Singh at the Leeds Police Station in Yorkshire. He is being questioned by the police and phone calls from reporters have elucidated no response. Jugraj, the former Indian hockey star and now the team manager, has accompanied him and on the phone confirmed that he was at the Leeds Police Station. “We are here and Sardar is being asked a few questions,” said Jugraj.
Upon being asked whether Sardar will be detained or not, Jugraj said he was confident about coming back with Sardar in the evening as they had a match against the Netherlands on Tuesday.
On Sunday, after the 7-1 victory over Pakistan, as the players jogged around the stadium, shaking hands and clicking selfies, an elderly Sikh gentleman with a young boy, presumably his grandson stopped Sardar and said in a clipped British accent, “We have come a long way to watch India and especially you.” And then slipped into Punjabi and said, “Ik selfie la lo munde nal (Do take a selfie with the lad).”
It will be good if the case is decided one way or the other. The complainant has already said in her tweets that she doesn’t have much faith in the Indian judicial system. She once tweeted that “India is the worst place and hardest to get justice even when you have substantial evidence.” It’s the United Kingdom where the story began and maybe where eventually it might run out as well.
Sundeep Misra is writing Sardar Singh's autobiography forthcoming from Penguin Random House in 2018
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