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All the news for Friday 4 August 2017

One Reason to Attend: World Cup Qualifier Featuring Top World Ranked Teams



The field is set, teams have arrived and players are ready to put their skills to the test. The largest field hockey event since the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games kicks off tomorrow at the 2017 Pan American Cups (PAC) at Spooky Nook Sports in Lancaster, Pa.

Some of the best men’s and women’s talent in the Pan American region came to the Home of Hockey earlier this week to begin their preparation for the two-week tournament. With a men’s and women’s World Cup qualification on the line, it means nothing short of best performances expected by the fifteen participating national teams.

Both the Argentina men’s and women’s teams remain an intimidating force coming in to Lancaster, Pa. The top rated FIH Hero World Ranked men’s team has medaled in every Pan American Cup thus far, holding two bronze, one silver and one gold medal. They are also the reigning Pan American Games and Rio 2016 Olympic Games champions, and recently clinched a spot in the FIH Hockey World League Final in Bhubaneswar, India. The women’s team is just as successful, if not more, in the medal count having won gold in every edition of the PAC tournament.

The red, white and blue want to make a lasting statement on their home turf. For the U.S. Women’s National Team, that means dethroning Argentina’s streak. They have four silver medals in the PAC event, losing to Argentina each time. Stemming off momentum from a recent gold medal performance at the FIH Hockey World League Semifinal in Johannesburg, South Africa makes the USWNT a formidable foe themselves not just in pool play, but for the entire tournament as an early favorite to reach the medal round once again.

For the U.S. Men’s Natioal Team, reaching the medal round has been the goal since January with the installation of Rutger Wiese as head coach. The team came up short in the previous 2013 PAC in Brampton, Canada, falling to Trinidad and Tobago 3-1 to finish fourth. A medal would give the men’s squad their second PAC medal since 1995, as well as a massive statement on the international stage. They currently are the second highest ranked team in their pool behind Argentina.

Get your popcorn ready for some of the best teams the field hockey world has to offer. Watch the teams live in Lancaster, Pa. through the Support USA ticket package, while supplies last. Additional packages and single game tickets are also available by clicking here, and will be available for purchase at the door.

Games will also be streamed online on usafieldhockey.com. Click here for a full event program and broadcast details.

USFHA media release

EHL stars battle for Pan-Am glory in Lancaster


© Frank Uijlenbroek

A number of EHL-bound players will line start their bid to become Pan-American champions on Friday, August 4 as the first of 2017’s continential championships get under way.

Olympic champions Argentina go in as the top ranked side and won the last edition of this competition in 2013 with Mannheimer HC’s Gonzalo Peillat scoring four times in a 4-0 final win over Canada.

In the 2015 Pan-Am Games final, a 3-0 success against the same opposition was achieved, when Peillat’s his new club mate Lucas Vila was also on the mark along with Real Club de Polo’s Pedro Ibarra. Ibarra is included in the panel along with Matias Rey.

For Canada, Uhlenhorst Mülheim’s Keegan Pereira will be one of their leading lights as they look to win back the title they won in 2009. Another Mannheim-based player, Pat Harris, will be in the USA line-up while former Holcombe player Stephane Vehrle-Smith is back in the Brazil squad.

The tournament opens with Venezuela meeting Chile in Pool A before Canada take on Trinidad and Tobago in Pool B. Brazil face Mexico in the other Pool B before Argentina take on the US hosts in the last game of day one in Lancaster.

Both Argentina and Canada are already qualified for the 2018 World Cup. If any of the other sides wins the competition, they will earn a ticket to Bhubaneswar. Should Argentina or Canada win, the next World Cup place will go to New Zealand, the next placed unqualified team from the World League rankings.

Euro Hockey League media release

Hockey men face Canada in Pan Am opener

By Mark Pouchet

NATIONAL men's hockey team coach Glen “Fido” Francis says his team is focused on finishing in the top three at the Pan Am Cup to ensure they surpass Wales and earn qualification for the Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, Australia next year.

As they start their quest today against Canada at noon, that will be the main objective of Team TTO for the August 4-13 tournament in Lancaster, USA.

Team TTO is in Pool B with Canada, Mexico and Brazil. Pool A includes hosts USA, the top-ranked Argentina, Chile and Venezuela.

Team TTO tackled Chile twice in practice matches Monday and Wednesday, losing both 0-1, but they defeated Venezuela on Tuesday 3-1 to finalise their fine-tuning ahead of today's game.

Trinidad & Tobago Express

Men’s National Junior Squad & Sultan of Johor team announced

Holly MacNeil



Twenty-seven junior athletes have been selected to the 2017 National Junior Squad, with 18 of those athletes selected to represent Australia at the 2017 Sultan of Johor Cup which will be held in October.

The athletes chosen for the National Junior Squad were selected following thorough assessment over the course of 2016 and 2017 camps, along with the Under 18 and Under 21 Australian Championships.

The aim of the National Junior Squad is to develop athletes so that they are able to progress through the ranks to the National Development Squad, followed by the Hockey Australia High Performance Program.

The team selected to head over to Malaysia for the Sultan of Johor Cup has been chosen from the pool of the 27 athletes and will be looking to defend the 2016 title won by the Burras.

National Junior Coach Ben Bishop said: “We’ve selected 27 athletes to the National Junior Squad based on outstanding performances over the course of the last 18 months. The squad will be continually developing as players progress to the next level and we look to bring new players into the squad.
 
“From this squad we have then selected 18 athletes who we believe will give us every chance of defending our 2016 Sultan of Johor title.”

2017 Men’s National Junior Squad
Athlete (Hometown/State)
Jacob Anderson (Stafford, QLD)
Hayden Beltz (Old Beach,TAS)
Ash Bingle (Sandringham, VIC)
Jonathon Bretherton (Brighton, VIC)
Lachlan Busiko (South Plympton, SA)
Oliver Crane (Casurarina, NSW/QLD)
Hayden Dillon (Orange, NSW)
Nathan Ephraums (Keysborough, VIC)
Isaac Farmillo (Tamworth, NSW)
Matthew Finn (Paddington,QLD)
Matthew Fisher (Mount Claremont WA)
Liam Flynn (Hillarys, WA)
Frazer Gerard (Cottesloe, WA)
Coby Green (Salter Point, WA)
Niranjan Gupte (Hawker, ACT)
Ehren Hazell (Tamworth, NSW)
Brayden King (Brentwood, WA)
Dylan Martin (Wagga Wagga, NSW)
George McGeoch (Cottesloe, WA)
Zach Meaden (Eltham, VIC)
Alec Rassmussen (Stirling, WA)
Joel Rintala (Carina, QLD)
Andrew Scanlon (Werribee, VIC)
Ben Staines (Goulburn, NSW/ACT)
Damon Steffens (Wheelers Hill, VIC)
Nathaneal Stewart (Narellan, NSW)
Blake Wotherspoon (Bulimba, QLD)

2017 Sultan of Johor Cup team
Athlete (Hometown, State)
Jacob Anderson (Stafford, QLD)
Jonathon Bretherton (Brighton, VIC)
Lachlan Busiko (South Plympton, SA)
Nathan Ephraums (Keysborough, VIC)
Isaac Farmillo (Tamworth, NSW)
Matthew Finn (Paddington, QLD)
Liam Flynn (Hillarys, WA)
Coby Green (Salter Point, WA)
Ehren Hazell (Tamworth, NSW)
Jake Harvie (Dardanup, WA)
George McGeoch (Cottesloe, WA)
Zach Meaden (Eltham, VIC)
Joel Rintala (Carina, QLD)
Andrew Scanlon (Werribee, VIC)
Ben Staines (Goulburn, NSW/ACT)
Damon Steffens (Wheelers Hill, VIC)
Nathaneal Stewart (Narellan, NSW)
Blake Wotherspoon (Bulimba, QLD)

Hockey Australia media release

Stephen van Huizen: Joel is fine for Sea Games

By Jugjet Singh



NATIONAL chief coach Stephen van Huizen will field his son Joel (pic) in the Sea Games, as he passed a medical test conducted on him recently.

Joel collapsed twice in the World League Round Two in Dhaka in March, and before that he also collapsed while playing for Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club in the Malaysia Hockey League.

After Dhaka, Joel was rested and not fielded for the Azlan Shah Cup as well as the World League Semifinals in London where Malaysia finished fourth and qualified for the World Cup in India next year.

"After the Dhaka incidents, I rested him for two other tournaments but kept him in the training squad. He will play in the Sea Games because the ISN (National Sports Institute) conducted tests on him and gave an all-clear.

"That was the first question NSC (National Sports Council) officials asked me when I presented the Sea Games list of 18 players to them.

"And when I showed them the medical report, they agreed to field Joel," said van Huizen.

In Dhaka, Joel became a centre of controversy when he suddenly collapsed while playing against Sri Lanka in the quarter-finals. And since he fell in an off-the-ball incident, the umpire flashed a red card to the nearest Sri Lankan because he thought the player had hit Joel on the head with his hockey stick.

The Sri Lankan protested but was sent off with 20 minutes remaining in the match.

Match officials and umpires manager Amarjit Singh (a Malaysian) viewed the incident on video after the match and were shocked to watch Joel collapse on his own and the Sri Lankan never touched him.

The red card was revoked, but the drama did not stop there.

In the semi-finals against Egypt, Joel again collapsed and was stretchered out -- but this time the umpires were wiser.

Technical Director terry Walsh had said in Dhaka then: "Numerous test have been conducted on this boy (Joel) but they stil can't find the reasons for his sudden black-outs."

And van Huizen is confident the problem will not affect Joel in the Sea Games.

"Well talking as a father, if Joel was in any danger, I will not field him. But since his tests with ISN did not indicate anything and they gave him a clean bill of health, there is no reason why he can't play in the Sea Games," said van Huizen.

MALAYSIA (men's field hockey): S. Kumar (gk), Hafizuddin Othman (gk), Razie Rahim, Sukri Mutalib, Izad Hakimi, Faiz Helmi, Azri Hassan, Marhan Jalil, Fitri Saari, Nabil Fiqri, Meor Azuan, Joel Samuel Van Huizen, Ramadan Rosli, Shahril Saabah, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, Rashid Baharom, Nik Aiman Rozemi, Faizal Saari.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

National hockey team to feature strong line-up for Games

by S. Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: The national hockey team have given their strongest indication of going for gold at next month’s SEA Games when they named three players who did not feature in June’s World Hockey League Semi-Finals.

Although Mohd Rashid Baharom, Joel van Huizen and Mohd Ramadan Rosli did not compete in the World Hockey League Semi-Finals in London, they have always been a part of the training squad.

They will replace Mohd Firhan Azhaari, Mohd Haziq Shamsul and Mohd Najmi Jazlan Farizal .

Firhan and Haziq have been left out of the SEA Games squad so that they will be fresh for the Asia Cup Challenge in October while Najmi is in the SEA Games indoor hockey team.

“We decided to rest a couple of players for the SEA Games and since Najmi is in the indoor team, we decided to take in another player (Joel),” said national coach Stephen van Huizen.

The national hockey team were given a boost yesterday when Tenaga Nasional gave each player RM2,000 for the fine performance in the World Hockey League Semi-Finals.

Malaysia finished fourth in London to qualify for the World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India, next year.

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin also called on the national team to step up efforts to reach the top 10 in the world.

“It was a commendable performance by the national hockey team and I believe that with a little more work they can be among the top 10 teams in the world.

“There are four gold medals at stake in hockey (one each in men and women’s field and indoor hockey) for the SEA Games. We hope to see them achieve the full target to help the Malaysian contingent with their overall title,” he said.

Khairy, who welcomed any efforts to help the national hockey team, also called on Tenaga Nasional to continue providing financial aid to the MHC through various programmes.

THE MEN’S TEAM

S. Kumar, Mohd Hafizuddin Othman, Mohd Razie Abd Rahim, Mohamad Sukri Abdul Mutalib, Mohamad Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin, Faiz Helmi Jali, Mohd Azri Hassan, Mohd Marhan Mohd Jalil, Mohd Fitri Saari, Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor, Meor Mohd Azuan Hasan, Joel van Huizen, Mohd Ramadan Rosli, Mohd Shahril Saabah, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, Mohd Rashid Baharom, Nik Mohd Aiman Nik Rozemi, Faizal Saari.

The Star of Malaysia

Tenaga’s long history in hockey compiled into book


Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) chief corporate officer Datuk Wira Roslan Ab Rahman (third from right) taking a closer look at the coffee-table book which showcases TNB’s involvement in Malaysian hockey from the 1970s. Khairy launched the book after receiving a sponsorship pledge from TNB for the 29th SEA Games and 9th Asean Para Games yesterday. With them are (from left) national hockey players S. Kumar and Shahril Saabah, Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja’afar and SEA Games organising committee (Masoc) chief executive officer Datuk Zolkples Embong. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS / The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional’s long-standing involvement in hockey has been compiled into a coffee-table book.

The book was launched by Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin after he had received a sponsorship pledge for the KL2017 from Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).

Khairy said that Tenaga has become the Official Energy Partner for KL2017 with its contribution of between RM3mil and RM7.5mil in cash and kind (generators and other equipment to be on standby).

Tenaga’s sponsorship pledge was presented by Datuk Wira Roslan Ab Rahman to Malaysian SEA Games Organising Committee (MASOC) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong.

The coffee-table book showcases those who have played for Tenaga Nasional (Kilat Club) from the 70s era until today.


Not forgotten: Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin (left) meeting with former national hockey players after the coffee-table book launch in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS / The Star

Khairy also called on the energy giants to continue with their involvement in hockey.

A host of former Tenaga players, including many who had donned national colours, attended the function and met Khairy.

Former national skipper Nor Saiful Zaini, who is also the sports officer at Tenaga Nasional, said the book was “to highlight the contribution of Tenaga to the sport of hockey and our continued efforts in promoting its development”.

The Minister also hailed the timely sponsorship pledge by Tenaga, which has helped them surpass their initial target of RM80mil.

“Forty companies have so far contributed to KL2017 with sponsorship amounting to more than RM100mil,” Khairy said.

The Star of Malaysia

Soon Kooi: My role in MHC had become redundant

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) coaching committee chairman Datuk Ow Soon Kooi has revealed that his health was not the only reason he tendered in his resignation.

Soon Kooi, who quit all his posts in the association, had called for a special press conference on Wednesday to clarify the matter following allegations raised by several quarters against him and the coaching committee.

“Basically, at that point of resignation, I felt that my role with the MHC had become redundant,” said Soon Kooi at the press conference, which were attended by several former internationals.

“The MHC president (Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal) felt that I was not capable of carrying out my services in the MHC and that I had failed as the coaching committee chairman.

“This severely damaged my reputation both as a former international and also as a corporate figure.

“I held this press conference to clarify the matter and it’s not a witch hunt or to create any disputes.

“I served for 26 months as the MHC vice-president and also as the coaching chairman. I took the challenge as the chairman of coaching committee because I love the sport.

“I served MHC to my true ability, but I am upset to learn since April 29 that my services had became redundant because of other MHC officials.

“There were matters which I had raised with the other officials but they were not well received. My committee has put in place the SOP on what our job scope is and also held several meetings over the last two years. To say otherwise is not true.

“We want to see the game grow and also to see the national team achieve a high position. We have no other agenda. I want to use this forum to explain and also highlight the issues surrounding my departure.”

Soon Kooi added that if his role in the coaching committee was only to decide which coach should go for upgrading, then it was pointless for him to stay on.

“When I felt redundant and left out, I decided to tender my resignation,” said Soon Kooi.

The other coaching committee members – A. Ramakrishnan, K. Maheswari, Lum Sau Foong, Mohd Sayuti and Shahbuddin Royani – also quit following Soon Kooi’s resignation.

The Star of Malaysia

Tumilty anticipates tough task in Barcelona


Banbridge coach Mark Tumilty. Pic: Frank Uijlenbroek

Banbridge coach Mark Tumilty says it will be a “tough ask” to repeat their superb performances in ROUND1 of the EHL when they managed to win a group featuring Royal Leopold and Saint Germain.

The Irish club hosted the event in front of large local crowds but this time are on the road to Barcelona from October 6-8 in Pool C where they will meet Polish ever-present EHL side WKS Grunwald Poznan and a mighty Racing Club de Bruxelles.

Reacting to the draw, Tumilty told the EHL website: “It is a tough draw with Racing an excellent side with plenty of EHL experience. The Polish team will also provide a good test as they also have plenty of EHL experience. I look forward to seeing how our team has progressed from last year.

“It will be a very tough ask to repeat what we achieved last year on our own turf. However, I feel if we can play to our full potential we have an opportunity to progress.”

Indeed, it will be hard to match their run to the KO16, especially with the need for a new central defensive partnership. Matthew Bell – the star last year – is moving to Crefelder in Germany while Kyle Marshall is on the way to Beeston in England.

In addition, they are waiting on the fitness of Johnny McKee who picked up a nasty shoulder injury during the Hockey World League in Johannesburg against Spain this week.

“In addition, Jake Rowe is not available as he is going to America on a golf scholarship. We have added [Irish underage internationals] Alex Tinney and Zach McClelland to the squad over the summer.

“I am delighted that these guys wanted to join our club and I feel that both can develop their games playing with the current squad. I would still like to add another defender to the squad but have been unable to do so to date.”

The Hook

Hockey Bengaluru, ONGC enter semis at 91st All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament

Hockey Bengaluru and ONGC entered the semifinals of the 91st All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament in contrasting styles. In their last league match in Pool A, Hockey Bengaluru lost to Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu (HUT) 0-1, but managed to qualify for the knockout stage by finishing runner-up on better goal average.

Earlier, in a Pool “B” match, ONGC got the better of Central Secretariat Hockey Team 2-0 to go through to the semifinal behind Punjab National Bank (PNB), which on Wednesday itself sealed its place with an all-win record.

The impressive Bengaluru team ran into a determined HUT, whose players showed a lot of aggressive intent.

Faced with a near impossible task of beating the rival by a margin of six goals to secure a last four spot, the local outfit played free-flowing hockey and one such move resulted in a penalty stroke in the 35th minute which G Gnanavel converted.

HUT had revived slim chances of qualification for the semifinal by beating Punjab & Sind Bank 3-2 on Wednesday. The TN players carried the momentum into Thursday’s match but lack of goals hurt it in the end.

In the other encounter, ONGC bounced back from a 5-2 defeat at the hands of PNB to finish its round-robin engagements on a winning note.

ONGC went ahead through a penalty corner conversion by Machaiah in the 12th minute after an attacking move. There were no further goals in the first half as the teams battled hard to wrest control.

Central Secretariat conceded another goal, when Nilam Xess scored from a penalty corner in the 61st minute to wrap up the win.

In the semifinals to be played on August 5, after a day’s rest on Friday, Indian Railways will clash with ONGC while PNB comes up against Hockey Bengaluru.

Results:

Pool “A” Hockey Unit of TN 1 (G Gnanavel 35m) bt Hockey Bengaluru 0.

Pool “B”: ONGC 2 (Machaiah 12m, Nilam Xess 61) bt Central Secretariat Hockey Team 0.

Indian Express

Arun saves HUTN’s blushes

Bengaluru makes semifinals despite defeat

K. Keerthivasan


Saviour: HUTN goalkeeper M. Arun Prasadh pulls off one of his several saves in the match against Bengaluru HA. Photo Credit: M_VEDHAN

Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu (HUTN) scored a 1-0 victory over Bengaluru HA in a Pool A match of the 91st MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup all-India hockey tournament here on Thursday. Gnanavel's penalty stroke, with seconds remaining for half-time turned out to be the winner.

Earlier, ONGC defeated Central Secretariat 2-0, to finish second in Pool B behind Punjab National Bank.

Tough task

Possessing a goal difference of minus 5 (before the match) to Bengaluru's 0, HUTN needed to win by a six-goal margin. A tall order, indeed.

HUTN played deep, negating seven penalty corner strikes (out of eight) by V.R. Raghunath. The star of the day was HUTN goalkeeper Arun Prasadh, who saved at least half a dozen goals.

Bengaluru was on the offensive from the first minute, with Jenjen Singh providing the impetus. Bengaluru can consider itself unlucky as it completely dominated the proceedings, barring stray attacks by the host.

Arun’s best moment came in the 36th minute when he thwarted a penalty stroke by Raghunath. A withering grounder by the drag-flick specialist saw Arun stretching out his right leg in time to put the ball away.

He produced a couple of similar saves: a dangerous cross from the right by Shankar Patil was sticked away. Then with nine minutes remaining, he saved a firm push by Vikas Sharma.

Friday is a rest day.

The results:

Pool A: HUTN 1 (Gnanavel 35) bt Bengaluru HA 0; Pool B: ONGC 2 (Machaiah 12, Nilam Xess 61) bt Central Secretariat 0.

Semifinal line-up (Saturday): Railways vs ONGC; Punjab National Bank vs Bengaluru HA.

Points table (after the league matches, (Team, played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points):

Pool A: Indian Railways 4, 4, 0, 0, 17, 5, 12; Bengaluru HA 4, 2, 0, 2, 9, 10, 6; HUTN 4, 2, 0, 2, 4, 8, 6; BPCL 4, 1, 0, 3, 7, 9, 3; PSB 4, 1, 0, 3, 4, 9, 3. Pool B: PNB 4, 4, 0, 0, 18, 5, 12; ONGC 4, 3, 0, 1, 16, 6, 9; Army XI 4, 1, 1, 2, 6, 13, 4; Hockey Odisha 4, 1, 1, 2, 10, 19, 4; Central Secretariat 4, 0, 0, 4, 4, 11, 0.

The Hindu

Jhajharia, Sardar named for Khel Ratna

Sardar Singh only the second hockey player to be nominated for the award

Uthra Ganesan



Former India captain Sardar Singh followed in the footsteps of legendary Dhanraj Pillay to become only the second hockey player to be recommended for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award even as javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia created history of his own, becoming the first paralympian to be considered for the honour by the selection committee here on Thursday.

Jhajharia was the first choice for the committee while Sardar was picked as its second recommendation after the members decided his achievements merited selection.

Bothered by off field issues for a while now and reduced efficacy on it, Sardar admitted the recommendation was a motivating and healing touch. “Whatever has happened recently, this award will push me further in my desire to improve my game and do even better,” Sardar told The Hindu.

“It is the highest sporting honour in the country, it definitely ranks up there with the best. But there is no way it means I am at the end of my career. In fact, there are still tournaments to win and take Indian hockey higher. There is the Asian Games title to defend, the Asia Cup coming up this year and then the World Cup. A long way to go still,” he said.

Increased responsibility

Jhajharia admitted that such awards only increased a sportsman’s responsibility. “My first Olympic gold was in 2004, that too with a world record, but the rules were different then. It’s come perhaps 12 years late but I am glad that the ministry has finally started treating Paralympians at par with the rest. Being the first is an honour but also a responsibility to not just keep getting better but also open up avenues for the youngsters,” Jhajharia said from his training base in Jaipur.

The 36-year old Padma Shri awardee won gold at the 2013 World Championships before setting a new record on way to glory at the Rio Games in the F46 category. The one player to miss out was women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj, whose name was discussed before being left out for missing the deadline for nominations.

17 athletes have been recommended for the Arjuna Award.

The Hindu

Battle-hardened Sardar keeps on fighting with Khel Ratna

NEW DELHI: From being one of India's best hockey players to facing a sexual harassment charge, Sardar Singh has experienced every emotional crest and trough in an eventful career spanning over a decade.

At the twilight of his career, the 31-year-old has been recommended for India's highest sporting honour -- the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna --, and he is hoping that it puts an end to the bad phase that he has been going through.

Sardar was on Thursday recommended alongside paralympian Devendra Jhajharia for the Khel Ratna by a selection committee headed by Justice (Retd) C K Thakkar.

"That is a forgettable episode of my life. I have seen many ups and downs in my life. But now I just hope it (Khel Ratna recommendation) will put to rest all the controversy. The Punjab Police has also given me a clean chit," Sardar told PTI referring to the charge levelled against him by an Indian-origin English hockey player.

"People who don't know me might have many apprehensions about me after reading about the controversy in the newspapers. But people who know me believe in my innocence and still respect me," Sardar said.

Sardar's image took a hit last year when allegations of sexual harassment were levelled against him. But the selection committee found it hard to ignore his sporting achievements.

"I know I could never do any bad things with anyone. I was literally shocked when I got to know about the charge but my mind was very clear. I knew that I did nothing so I couldn't afford to live in fear," Sardar said.

Sardar made his debut for India in the junior team during India's Tour to Poland in 2003-04. In 2006, he graduated to the senior side making his debut against Pakistan.

Known for his terrific fitness levels not only in India but worldwide, Sardar was included in the 18-man FIH All Star team in 2010 and 2011.

Sardar was also the youngest player to captain the Indian team when he led the side at the 2008 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. He received the Arjuna award in 2012 and Padma Shri award in 2015.

Sardar has already represented India in two Olympics and is eyeing a swansong when the mega-event is held in Tokyo in 2020.

However, he is pretty clear about what he wants from his career and is not keen to prolong his career beyond a point.

Sardar made it clear that although he aspires for 2020 Tokyo Games, he will take a call on his career at the end of 2018, a year which will feature two major sporting events in the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games.

"My target is still 2020. But I know I am at the end of my career and will see how it goes after 2018. I am still one of the fittest players in the Indian team but I will assess my body after 2018," Sardar said.

"I'm not someone who will hang on to a place. Whenever I'm not satisfied with my game and fitness, I will call it a day and make way for a junior," he added.

"But I still have motivation and the Khel Ratna recommendation will only give a fillip to that."

Although it is still early days to think about his course of action post retirement, Sardar has planned his future.

"When I quit hockey I will open an academy in Haryana. I will request the Haryana government to help me in my endeavour. Whatever I have learnt in all these years, I want to impart that education to budding hockey players," said Sardar, who

"I also intend to attend FIH coaching classes to be eligible for a coaching degree."

The Times of India

Nothing can take my focus away from hockey: Sardar Singh

Rutvick Mehta


Sardar Singh

However, with the country's highest sporting honour - the Khel Ratna award - attached next to his name, the focus is back on Sardar Singh – the hockey player.

Sardar Singh's recommendation for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award couldn't have come at a better time for him, with the Indian hockey star being under the cloud of allegations of sexual harassment over the past several months. However, with the country's highest sporting honour attached next to his name, the focus is back on Sardar Singh – the hockey player.

"I had just come back from lunch and was resting when I got a call from someone informing about it," Sardar told DNA on Thursday from the national camp in Bengaluru.

"At first, I couldn't believe the news. But after it sunk in, I became a bit emotional. It's a proud moment for me," he added.

The award has only reiterated Sardar's belief that his focus should always be on the game, off-field controversies like the sexual harassment case against him by an Indian-origin British hockey player notwithstanding.

"Bolne waale toh bolte rahenge (people will keep talking). You will find a lot of distractions, but I've maintained all along that nothing can take my focus away from hockey. All these things that happen outside the hockey field, I can't control them. I want to worry about those things that are under my control, and hockey is one of them," Sardar said.

"I have faced several ups and downs in my life. If you don't encounter bad times, you will not learn anything. That's how I look at it. I have always turned to my family and friends during the bad times. I have very limited friends, but each one of them is positive. So, when you only keep positive people around you, you will also think positively," he added.

And with that positivity, the 31-year-old is upbeat about playing on at the top level for a few more years, his aim being the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

"I can go on till 34-35," Sardar said.

"If you see the recent matches, I have been improving every game. And I've been passing every fitness test in the camp as well. That proves that I can play for long. It all depends on how your body responds to the grind. As of now, my body is keeping with it. Your longevity in the sport is all dependent on you, and your fitness," he added.

The award has only added more fuel to the fire within Sardar, who has had to battle perceptions lately from some quarters that he is past his sell-by date.

"When you get awards like these, the hunger to play for your country and do well for your team only increases.

"We have some major tournaments left this year, like Asia Cup and FIH Hockey World League Finals. And, 2018 is a very important year for us. We have two years' time to prepare ourselves for the 2020 Olympics. We have the 2018 FIH World Cup too in India. So, all these things keep me motivated to keep pushing myself to play longer for the country," he said.

Looking back at a topsy-turvy international career of more than a decade, the famed midfielder said he has gotten more than he could've asked for, and doesn't want to believe that the top sporting award has come a bit too late in the day for him.

"Hockey has given me a lot. If I leave hockey today, I will be left with nothing. When I started my career, I didn't even have a bicycle with me. I didn't have a house.

"When Hockey India recommended my name (for the Khel Ratna), I told myself, 'If I get it, good. If I don't, no problem'. I'm not one of those who plays for awards. Yes, these awards do motivate you and ensure that your mindset remains positive. But my target is to play hockey, and play really good hockey," Sardar said.

DNA

15th Anniversary of Manchester CWG Gold: Once our Lioness roared and scared the world

K. Arumugam



Indian women are being battered nowadays by almost all rivals in the FIH events, but it was not the case ten years ago. India was on par with England, The States, New Zealand to quote a few. Indian ladies had never lost to the African Champions South Africa till 2004. England (GB) now holds the Olympic Gold while The States won the recent Johannesburg HWL SFs. But there was time when our tiny-framed lioness roared and scarred the world's super powers.

So disgusting it was last year that New Zealand whipped India for 8-2 victory in a test that was webcast. This was a new low.

India defeated South Africa twice at their home to win the FIH medal when Champions Challenge was introduced, and two years later another grand double (league and final) against the African Champions led by inimitable penalty corner striker Piete Coetzee was witnessed in Hyderabad Afro-Asian Games.

India lost by the narrowest of margins against reigning World Champions (Germany) and Olympic Champions (The Netherlands) in the 2006 World Cup.

It was therefore in the fitness of things that our ladies led by Manipur’s Surajlata Devi, won the Manchester Commonwealth Games, beating all top ranked teams including England and New Zealand. Can the present generation believe?

Today marks the 15th Anniversary of that Manchester Gold, which created a buzz for Indian women hockey much akin to Mithali Rai’s women cricket team of today’s.

The quotes by leading writers of the time, given in the coming paras, gives a a glimpse into what was the victory and its significance.

As always the team picked up SAI Patiala’s coach Gurdial Singh Bhangu was under-rated before the start. But insider know well that with the return of trio stars Manjinder Kaur, Pritam Thakran and Sita Gussain, who were unnecessarily trapped in an ego-ridden 'Misconduct' trail by the then IWHF Secretary Amrit Bose, and thus missed an Olympic Qualifier a year ago, are capable of wonders.

GS Bhangu, who succeeded Ajay Kumar Bansal as national coach, was a father figure who motivated the girls with the dream. He knew well four years ago his girls came close to winning a medal in Kuala Lumpur CWG, but just missed out. He was out to a sweet revenge. Vidhya Stokes, then heading the IWHF, played a motherly role in bringing back the stars for the Manchester mega event.



Mamta Kharb struck golden goal in both semifinal and final to become super star while it was Suman Bala and Jothi Sunita Kullu who otherwise made the Gold possible with timely goals. India struck nine goals off penalty corners and it was fitting that the golden goal in the final came off from a penalty corner.

Earlier, Australian coach of England, Tricia Herberle, saw off Australia in the semifinal 2-1, which paved way for India to avoid the twice winners Aussie in the final.

Sita Gussain in the pivot, Tingu in the goalie, Jothi at the frontline gave extraordinary display throughout the week to surprise India with the gold. Each match is not desbribed here for the fear of repetition in the previous years!

This success led to genesis of Chak De India film, whose script writer Jaideep Sahni, a follower of this site, often said so emphatically. That MR Negi stole the limelight and walked away with undeserving credit for the film, is another story, unresolved mystery of our times.

CWG 2002 Results:
India defeat Canada 1-0
India lose to New Zealand 1-3
India drew England 1-1
QF: India defeat South Africa 4-3 (Golden goal)
SF: India defeat New Zealand 2-1
Final: India defeat England 3-2 (Golden goal)

TOP QUOTES FROM LEADING WRITERS (2002)

Claire Middleton: The Telegraph, August 4, 2002: The game featured remarkable skillm a stirring comeback and fairy-tale ending for India, all of which was hijacked by an umpire who crumbled under the pressure of officiating in a major international final....…. India, with their deft skills and fabulous tackling, held firm and Mamata Kharab, a young women with a golden touch, prodded in what turned out to be – about an hour later – the golden goal.



S.Thyagarajan, Chairman Hockey Commission, AIPS, in Sportstar, Aug 17, 2002: The Indian proved how erroneous has been the assumption and projection of their capability.....English journalists who saw the Indian play in France (World Cup Qualifier), Manchester 4-Nation and even at Cannock (Vs USA test Series) are unanimous that its is unimaginable that India is not counted as among the top 16 for the World Cup…the girls have sweated it out notwithstanding the shortcoming, including step-motherly treatment from the media......

Sharda Ugra in India Today, August 19, 2002: The squad that averages 5 ft and 50-55 kg against the world norm of 5 ft and 5 inch and 60 kg, did not win gold on oriental skill or fitness alone, but because of the size of the fight they packed into their small frames.

Kamesh Srinivasan in the The Hindu August 5, 2002: By winning the tournament in which six of the team which have qualified for the World Cup were in competition, the Indian girls showed that it was the World Cup that will miss them, rather than the other way round.

Uma Bharti, Union Sports Minister: ......Minutes later when I got the call that India had indeed won the gold I screamed and ran in even as people on the streets watched me in amusement.

Neeru Bhatia in The Week Magazine, August 18 2002: They played fantastic hockey in Manchester where the world’s top teams were in action While they played excellently in te semifinal against the Kiwis and in the final against the Britons, it was the match against South Africa that had turned the tide for India.

Manish Kumar in the Indian Express August 11, 2002: They burst into the horizon, a golden shower that caught the public imagination for its sheer freshness. And showed us all that you don’t have to be stars to enjoy the game…the trick, as these 16 girls and their colleagues have perfected, is to take the rough with the smooth, throw in a large help of good humour and believe in each other. That’s what they did; that’s what they got them the gold….

2002 COMMONWEALTH GAMES HOCKEY FINALIST
Indian Goldies: Helen Marry, Tingonleima Chau, Suman Bala, Kanri Baa, Amandeep Kaur, Sumrai Tete, Sita Gussain, Surajlata Devi, Masira Surin, Sanggai Ihembal Chanu, Jothi Sunita Kullu, Pakpi Devi, Saba Anjum, Mamta Kharab, Pritamrani Siwach. Chief Coach Gurdial Singh Bhangu, Coach: GS Gill, Manager: Rupa Saini.

England, Silver: Anna Bellet, Jennie Bimson, Sarah Blanks, Met Clewlow, Jo Ellis, Helen Grant, Frances Houslop, Leisa King, Mandy Nicholson, Helen Richardson, Hillary Rose, Jane Smith, Rachel Walker, Kate Walsh, Lucila Wright. Chief Coach: Tricia Herberle, Manager: Chris Pickett.

Stick2Hockey.com

2002 Commonwealth Games Goldies: Where are they nowadays?

K. Arumugam



Tingonleima Chanu: First goalkeeper at Manchester. Works in the Indian Railways, posted in Mumbai, was one of the coaches with National women’s teams. She is originally from Manipur.

Helen Marry: Second goalie of the CWG team, went on to play World Cup and Asian Games, won Arjuna award, works in Indian Railways, posted in Bengaluru.

Suman Bala: Wonderful defender and penalty corner expert. Hailed from Shahbad nursery of coach Baldev Singh, settled in the UK.

Kanti Baa: Lean but a great defender. Works in Indian Railways, posted in Ranchi

Amandeep Kaur: Another defender in the golden team, Works in the Indian Railways.

Sumrai Tete: Went on the lead India at the next Commonwealth Games, where India lost the final by a narrowest of margins to the host Australia. Greatest left-half our times.

Sita Gussain: Lives in New Delhi. Permanent centre-half of national team for 12 years, Works in Indian Railways. Arjuna award winner.

Surajlata Devi: She made her international debut at the age of 13, and went on to play for India next one decade. She was the proud captain of the Manchester CWG. Works in Indian Railways, Mumbai.

Masira Surin: Another midfielder, smiling assassin, married men’s hockey super star Ignaus Tirkey, a Padamshree awardee.

Sanggai Ihembal Chanu: There is nothing like Sanggai on the field, a treat to watch. Works in Indian Railways.

Manjinder Kaur: The lanky inside-forward was always a match winner, works in the Indian Railways, posted in Jalandhar, Punjab.

Jothi Sunita Kullu: the architect of Manchester Gold is a Gazelle on the turf, a connoisseur’s delight. She was wronged when the umpire blew away her stroke even before it was taken, but she went on to earn penalty corners later in the same match which turned the tide against SA in the Quarterfinal. Works in Indian Railways, formerly with RCF, Kapurthala.

Pakpi Devi: She did not play for India after the CWG due to medical problems. Works in Indian Railways.

Saba Anjum: Youngest of the CWG Indian team, only player not to get employment, got enormous motivation when conferred with Padamshree four years ago.

Mamta Kharab: Darling of the masses, walked away with the all fame due to her two golden goals. She is Deputy Superintendent of Police with Haryana Govt, posted in Gurgaon nowadays.

Pritamrani Siwach: The dashing forward got Arjuna, runs a famous girls academy in Sonipat, Haryana, Works in Indian Railways. Star of her own right. She was mother of a child when won the CWG gold.

Coach Gurdial Singh Bhangu: Got Dronacharya award a year before the Manchester magic. Was chief coach of NIS Patiala, lives in Canada nowadays.

Asst. Coach: GS Gill: The talented coach who produced many stars for India is no more, met with a road accident. He was a SAI coach.

Manager: Dr. Rupa Saini: The educationist is a former World Cup captain, lives in Punjab, active in social media.

Stick2Hockey.com

SA women's hockey captain Sulette Damons takes on the #HotSeat

In celebration of August being Women's Month, East Coast Breakfast has decided to have a 'Ladies Only' #HotSeat month.

By Sky Tshabalala


Sulette Damons - #HotSeat Image: Instagram / Sulette Damons

Fresh from the very successful World Hockey League Semi Finals held in Johannesburg, Sulette Damons was brave enough to take on the much-feared #HotSeat on East Coast Breakfast.

Born in Graaf Reinett, Sulette made her debut in 2010 for the SA hockey team - and the rest is history.

She represented South Africa at the 2012 Olympic Games in London and was later named a co-captain of the side.

She is a teacher by profession but has made it very clear that if she had to chose between the two, teaching would have to settle for second place.

The SA women's hockey team recently qualified for the World Cup to be held in London next year and knowing the #HotSeat, this could either be a curse or a blessing.

East Coast Radio

Team India hockey player found dead on rail tracks, her family fears foul play

Her family said Jyoti had called them in the evening and told them that her bus has broken down. She added that she will reach home soon, the family said.


Jyoti Gupta, a forward hockey player, had represented the country in the Asian Games and participated in many state and national level tournaments.

A 20-year-old international hockey player from Haryana allegedly committed suicide on Wednesday night by coming in front of a train at Rewari Railway Station.

The deceased, Jyoti Gupta, was a resident of Sonepat district. Her body was found from the tracks by locals, who informed the cops.

Gupta, a forward hockey player, had represented the country in the Asian Games and participated in many state and national level tournaments. Her coach informed that she was to leave for Bengaluru for a training camp next week.

Meanwhile, the police said Jyoti had left home on Wednesday telling her parents that she was going to the Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, to get the spelling of her name corrected in her certificate.

Her family said Jyoti had called them in the evening and told them that her bus has broken down. She added that she will reach home soon, the family said.

However, following this, she reportedly stopped answering their calls.

Late night, the police found Jyoti’s body at Rewari Railway Station along with her mobile phone that was ringing. The cops answered the calls and spoke to her parents and could thus identify her.

The police said the driver of a Jaipur-bound train in his statement said that Jyoti died as she came in front of his train.

However, Jyoti’s family refuses to believe that she could commit suicide.

Rewari GRP SHO said no case has been registered and the body has been handed over to the family.

Hindustan Times