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All the news for Friday 1 December 2017

2017 Men's Asian Challenge - Day 5

TPE v HKG 5 - 0
BRU v MYA  0 - 3

Rank	Team	GP	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	P
1	Chinese Taipei	5	5	0	0	26	4	22	15
2	Myanmar	5	3	0	2	19	7	12	9
3	Hong Kong China	5	2	0	3	17	10	7	6
4	Brunei	5	0	0	5	0	41	-41	0

FIH Match Centre

International Olive Oil Hockey Tournament - Women

ESP v BEL 2 - 3

Rank	Team	GP	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	P
1	Belgium	2	2	0	0	7	4	3	6
2	Spain	2	1	0	1	6	5	1	3
3	Ireland	2	0	0	2	4	8	-4	0

FIH Match Centre

Odisha Men's Hockey World League Final Bhubaneswar 2017 - Day 1

16:45     Pool B     GER v ENG
19:30     Pool B     AUS v IND

FIH Match Centre

Bhubaneswar set to welcome world’s best

Odisha Men’s Hockey World League Final Bhubaneswar 2017 – Preview


Belgium were winners of the men's Hockey World League Semi-Final in Johannesburg and are expected to be one of the teams to watch in Bhubaneswar. Copyright: FIH / Getty Images

Less than one year before it has the privilege of hosting the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2018, the Indian city of Bhubaneswar welcomes the eight nations that will fight for the title at the Odisha Men’s Hockey World League Final, which gets underway on Friday 1st December. 

With Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and hosts India – nations all placed inside the top 10 of the FIH Hero World Rankings - in action at the impressive Kalinga Stadium, it is an event of the very highest calibre and the competition is guaranteed to be fiercely contested.

In addition to being crowned Hockey World League champions, the winners of the event in Bhubaneswar will also guarantee qualification for the Men’s Champions Trophy 2018, which will take place in the Netherlands in June/July. FIH Hero World Ranking points are also on offer, assigned to teams depending on their final position in the standings. A good performance in the Hockey World League could therefore prove crucial in terms of qualification for future FIH events. With so much up for grabs, competition will be intense as teams battle to become the world’s best at the Odisha Men’s Hockey World League Final.

The journey to Bhubaneswar began back in April 2016, when Singapore hosted the first of eight Round 1 events. Round 1 lead into three Round 2 competitions ahead of the sensational Semi-Final events, with India now ready to host the concluding chapter in what has been an epic showcase for the sport that has featured over 50 nations and 1,000 athletes playing more than 10,000 minutes of hockey and scoring in excess of 1,000 goals.

Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium has enjoyed plenty of exceptional hockey in recent years, with the venue playing host not only to the Hero Men’s Champions Trophy in 2014 but also being the stage in which the Kalinga Lancers have lit up the Hockey India League. Yet again, the stadium will welcome the world’s best, and all eight teams will be looking for a title success which could provide a crucial psychological advantage ahead of the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018.

The competition will feature two pools of four followed by quarter-finals, semi-finals and classification matches, with the round-robin pool phase taking place between Friday 1st and Tuesday 5th December 2017. In Pool A, Argentina (FIH Hero World Ranking: 1) take on Belgium (WR: 3), Netherlands (WR: 4) and Spain (WR: 9) with Australia (WR: 2), Germany (WR: 5), India (WR: 6) and England (WR: 7) competing in Pool B. Following the round-robin, the top four teams in each pool will move into the crossover quarter-final phase, with the pool winners meeting the fourth-placed team from the opposite pool. The #2 and #3 finishers will also face-off in the knock-out quarter-final. The winners of the quarter-final matches will move into the semi-finals and the 3v4 and 1v2 matches, with the losing teams playing for placement.

As reigning Olympic champions and the top ranked team in the world, Argentina will be seen as favourites to claim a first-place finish in Pool A. Los Leones followed their second-place finish at the Hero Hockey World League Semi-Final in London by claiming their second consecutive Pan American Cup title, defeating Canada 2-0 in the final. Thirty-five-year-old Paredes was named best player at the competition and also finished joint top scorer with seven goals alongside team-mate Gonzalo Peillat, a man widely regarded as the most dangerous penalty corner expert in the game.

Argentina’s opponents in Pool A are all more than capable of mixing it with the world’s best. Belgium and the Netherlands both claimed first place finishes in their respective Hockey World League Semi-Final competitions earlier this year, with the Netherlands defeating Argentina in London and Belgium overpowering Germany to win in Johannesburg. Belgium and the Netherlands also contested the final of the Rabo EuroHockey Championships earlier this year, with the Dutch taking the title in Amsterdam thanks to a 4-2 victory over the Red Lions. Spain’s fifth-place finish at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games provided evidence that the Red Sticks are once again a team to be feared, a point re-emphasised by their excellent fourth place finish at the Hockey World League Semi-Final in Johannesburg earlier this year.

As the reigning World, Champions Trophy, Oceania Cup, Hockey World League and Commonwealth Games title holders, few can dispute that Australia’s Kookaburras are one of the most formidable teams in the game and will be considered as favourites to top Pool B. That said, they are certain to face a stern challenge from a Germany side boosted by the return of star striker Florian Fuchs, who took an extended break from the game following the bronze medal success at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Fuelled by a passionate home crowd and fresh from their superb title success at the Asia Cup in October, India are also expected to be a serious threat in Pool B. The Asia Cup victory was the perfect start to the tenure of new Head Coach Sjoerd Marijne, who will be hoping his side can reproduce that excellent form in the Kalinga Stadium. With a third-place finish at June’s Hero Hockey World League Semi-Final in London and a bronze medal at August’s Rabo EuroHockey Championship in Amsterdam, England are another team that have every reason to feel optimistic about their chances of success in Bhubaneswar. Veteran attacking midfielder Barry Middleton is on the verge of becoming the first British player to play 400 internationals, ensuring that this event will be one that he personally will never forget. 

The event begins on Friday 1st December with all of the action taking place in Pool B. Germany face England at 1645 Indian Standard Time (UTC +5.30) before home favourites India taking on Australia at 1930.

We will be providing full coverage of the event via www.fih.ch including reports, news stories, event imagery, broadcast information and much more. There will also be comprehensive coverage of the event via our social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the #HWL2017 hashtag.

FIH site

Manpreet Singh: There is a mindset and belief and we are up for the challenge

s2h team



Bhubaneswar: India hockey skipper Manpreet Singh radiated confidence as his team practiced for the last time before the big encounter against Australia in their first match of the Hockey World League Finals on Friday. Incidentally, it will also be the skipper’s 200th international appearance.

“It has been a long journey. I am excited because I will be playing in front of the home crowd. The support will be there,” Manpreet said ahead of the tournament.

Describing his journey to be a memorable one, he said though many matches are special to him, a certain two will always remain itched in his memory.

“I have given my best in all the games I played and each one is special for me. However, the Incheon Asian Games final in which we won gold, and the recently concluded Asia Cup will be my two most special ones,” he said.

On the big opener against Australia, Chief Coach Sjoerd Marinje said the team is set for the challenge.

“We are looking forward. We have worked for a month. The intensity will be high. It will be a challenge to compete against the Number 2 of the World,” the coach said.

India has a not so good record against the Kookaburras in the recent encounters having lost the match in the Champions Trophy, Azlan Shah and the Commonwealth Games.

“We can’t change the past, but we can learn from it. There is a mindset and belief and we are up for the challenge.”

Stick2Hockey.com

Usual suspects line up for year-ender

Uthra Ganesan


Limbering up: The Indian hockey team at a practise session ahead of the tournament. Photo Credit: Biswaranjan Rout

India will open their campaign in the elite HWL Final against world champions and title holders Australia in Pool B on Friday

The Hockey World League (HWL) began as an experiment to take the sport beyond its traditional strongholds in Asia and Europe. Five years later, as the last of the HWL Finals gets underway at the Kalinga Stadium here on Friday, the usual suspects line up for the last big tournament of the year with little more than ranking points and boasting rights at stake.

The previous edition saw India win bronze, its first world-level medal in 33 years. This time, the team is looking to go one better, starting with defending champion Australia in the opening game, to end a tumultuous year on a high at a tournament that marked its re-entry into the world elite.

The road would be tough. The top-eight teams in the world barring New Zealand are in action but the world order has changed. Olympic champion Argentina has maintained its stronghold on the top spot, Belgium has steadily climbed up the table and now boasts of being the European champion, and Germany is in the unfamiliar territory of not being one of the favourites.

The format means all eight teams advance to the quarterfinals and three wins thereafter would mean the title. India has had a new coach, younger legs coming in on the back of a triumphant Junior World Cup and lost some of the key members who made it possible two years ago.
Test for the coach

More than the end of a cycle, the event marks the beginning of a new one, one that includes the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the World Cup next year. Coach Sjoerd Marijne was realistic enough to not go overboard with the Asia Cup win and admitted this was the real test to see where India stood. More importantly, it would indicate the direction the team needs to take and help try out the combinations going ahead.

“We really want to raise the bar every time and that is what we want to do tomorrow. We now have an opportunity to do better than the Asia Cup, we know we can do better. We know we have to do better to perform here well,” Marijne said.

The good news is the return of Rupinderpal Singh and Birendra Lakra to shore up the defence but the latter remains untested in competition. On the flip side, the big loss would be that of goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and while they did fairly well in the continental meet, Akash Chikte and Suraj Karkera would be looking to prove themselves worthy successors here. The defence would be the key, admitted captain and midfield marshal Manpreet Singh, achieving a milestone of his own with his 200th international cap.

Not too long ago, it would have been easy to pick the winner in a game against Australia. Now, there are no guarantees. The reigning world champion is in a transition phase, coach Colin Batch admits they are no longer automatic favourites and captain Mark Knowles, past 33, remains its central figure. The loss of Craig brothers Tom and Ben – both to injuries – days before the tournament has given a chance to junior star Lachlan Sharp. The Kookaburras still remain dangerous, though, and the recent Oceania Cup win would only push them harder to retain the title.

The other game on the opening day would see Germany take on England with the former keen to avenge its defeat at the European Championships, its first out of medal bracket in a decade.

The Hindu

No ego trips for Heuvel

Former Dutch chief coach at home assisting Belgium and handling Bloemendaal

Uthra Ganesan


Michel van den Heuvel. 

Think of an Indian coach leading his team to a World Cup medal. Then think of the same coach assisting someone else. Now think of the coach simultaneously handling a club side in another country, with several players overlapping the national and club sides.

Sound complicated and impossible? Michel van den Heuvel has been doing this since 2015, when he was appointed assistant coach to the Belgian national side. Heuvel, who won the World Cup bronze in charge of the Netherlands in 2010, is also head coach at HC Bloemendaal, one of the most successful clubs in Dutch hockey history.

“The beauty is that I am working with two beautiful teams. I think Bloemendaal is one of the most beautiful teams in Holland and working with this Belgium side is really positive. For me, it (the designation) doesn’t matter. I like hockey and the job I do right now makes it possible for me to live in Holland with the family.

“Also very important is the respect I get from the coaching staff and the players, makes my role so satisfactory. Sports is all about helping players and the players are really awesome,” he says, speaking to The Hindu.

He might make it sound easy but it isn’t. There are times when he admits he feels conflicted, insisting though that never on field during a game.

“I can be professional enough to put emotions away when we play but it is also a positive part of bringing emotions into the team.

“The only difficulty is when you work with players you have a really strong bond that goes beyond professional relations. When we won the semifinal (at Rio Olympics) against Holland, that’s the tough part.”.

It becomes more difficult when the Dutch side has players from Bloemendaal. But he is clear where his loyalties lie during an international competition. “Belgium,” he asserts.

Heuvel also worked as Pakistan coach for less than two years, being booted out just before the London Olympics for alleged ‘breach of contract’.

His tenure with the Dutch side prior to that was also terminated midway with the team and the federation not agreeing to his methods.

“But if I do not agree with what they want to do, I cannot continue,” he shrugs.

Ask him if the ‘demotion’ bothers him and Heuvel laughs. “Maybe, when I was younger 10-15 years ago. But now I am just enjoying the work and if we are able to win, then we all win all together. Yes, if I was just there putting cones on the pitch, I wouldn’t do it. Everybody has his inputs and, yeah, that’s it,” he signs off.

The Hindu

India aim to shake off inconsistency under Sjoerd Marijne ahead of Australia clash

Sundeep Misra


File image of the India men's hockey team. Reuters

Even before taking the field for their first match against reigning champions Australia, Indian captain Manpreet Singh was flustered. It didn’t take much. An innocuous question from a local reporter tied Manpreet into knots where he was asked about the ‘injector’ (player who pushes the ball for the penalty corner) and why does the ‘injector’ push the ball slowly which results in slowing the pace down and thus the penalty corner is rendered virtually useless. Manpreet took a few seconds to understand and asked the reporter to repeat the question.

By then, the ‘injector’ word becomes a question mark and when a third person entered the fray, redefined the question and made Manpreet understand, the Indian captain laughed and then said, “But I don’t remember when the ‘injector’ had pushed the ball slowly.” It was a classic example of further complicating a highly technical sport.

With all its technicalities, skill, speed, a high sense of tactical nous and a chess-like spread with each coach playing general in order to flank and outflank the other, hockey is still a game where one team needs to score more than the other to win at the end of the day.

India coach Sjoerd Marijne hopes that his side brings simplicity to the pitch in their first match and, despite the fact that the opponent standing on the other side of the pitch is Australia, enjoy the moment and ‘play without fear’. Hockey statistician BG Joshi’s numbers tells us the following — Head-to-head: 120 matches; India win: 22; Australia win: 80 Draws: 18.

Yet there is optimism in the air. In Dhaka, during the Asia Cup, after the team had entered the Super 4, Marijne was asked his first impressions of the men’s team. After the standard ‘it’s an ongoing process’ answer, he said, “Mentally, we need to be more stubborn.” In that line was the story of the last few decades where they had won at the Asian level, did well on the European tours and then when confronted with consistent, superior teams, they cracked.

One remembers the Indian team that toured Holland, Germany, England before the 1992 Barcelona Olympics under Balkishen Singh. The team led by Pargat with players like Mukesh Kumar, Dhanraj Pillay, Sanjeev Kumar, Jagbir Singh, Atif Idris virtually destroyed teams before falling apart in Barcelona. Sydney Friskin, writing for the Times London, wrote ‘The Indians have shown us magic again. It’s a team that once again reminds us of how hockey should be played.’

It doesn’t need too much of intelligence to understand skills are a given for India. But what do you do with them is the reason why some teams win, and win consistently. There have been numerous times when India has dominated for lengthy periods but then off a counter-attack, the other team gets a penalty corner and suddenly like a tide turning, you are a goal down. “Those are the moments you train for,” says Marijne.

In Dhaka, India was a goal down to South Korea and for the first time in a couple of years, Korea played like the old teams under Kim Sang Ryul; they dominated, controlled the space between the defence and the midfield and systematically played India out of the match. But in the end, in the last few seconds, India scored. Marijne later said: “The ability to score in a last-minute situation is an encouragement.”

The coach explained the Indian team’s ability to not count the seconds but keep moving ahead, not forgetting that only a goal was needed to draw level. But to just focus on the coach and feel that the man will wave his magic wand and the team will deliver is also underestimating the will and ability of the team. Understandably, the team selected is not banking on experience to charge its youth-fuelled turbines. Sardar Singh is missing from the line-up and Marijne understands the questions that dropping a player who at 31 is not aged but experienced has its own pitfalls.

But there always comes a time to back the coach, and this is one of them. There is no doubt that failure at the Hockey World League (HWL) Final will put the spotlight on Marijne and he understands that part too. Mentorship is another area that Sardar could have contributed and questions do arise that a player of his calibre and control could have been dropped for the less demanding Asia Cup and not the high-intensity HWL.

Yet this is a team where players like Kothajit, Chinglensana and the fast-improving Sumit put in the hours for the forwards to flourish at the top end and also protect the defenders from being outflanked. These are the invisible players who lose out to the flourish of an Akashdeep, the speed of Sunil, robust poaching of Gurjant, the guile of Mandeep and the subtleness of a Lalit.

These players are the layer that give a defensive balance and at the same time initiate counter-attacks from deep lying positions. If India has been exposed, which they could be in the upcoming clash against Australia, it is that gaping space that sometimes opens up in front of the deep defenders; thus a freeman and maybe, Manpreet could float in and out of that space.

Manpreet is not too worried about the absence of a Sardar. “Personally if you see, other players are also doing well. Like Rupinder Pal Singh and Birendra Lakra, all of them are maintaining a good structure.

"Rupinder also has a very good experience. So, I don’t think we are having that much of problem in the Indian team,” added Manpreet. The same sentiments are echoed by Marijne too. “If there is a gap there is always someone else who fills in that gap. And that’s also what’s happening now. And it’s normal, it is in every team. You see it always.”

With the Olympic Champions Argentina in the fray, reigning champions Australia, an immensely strong Holland, a resurgent Spain, Olympic silver medallists Belgium, the structurally sound Germany and mercurial England, India have their task cut out. Eight teams play and also enter the quarter-finals. It’s a design that could be called flawed but also in a sport like hockey, down turns are as common as surges. So if a team is unlucky to lose three games in a row, it can win the HWL by playing three consecutive matches on a high.

In the last HWL in Raipur, India lost their first three matches and then won the bronze medal. Marijne’s argument on ‘mental toughness’ finds resonance here.

“It’s not so difficult,” says Marijne. “I don’t think you ever play matches to not win. You go for every match to win. End of three matches we will see where we are. And then you play the other ones, the other pool. So, that’s how we are doing. We want to play good matches. We want to perform better and better every match. That’s our focus. What the outcome would be, we are not busy with that.”

India has two full backs coming after long lay-offs; especially Lakra. Then you have Dipsan Tirkey and Varun Kumar playing what is their first big international tournament. Nerves are frayed, hands quiver and six counter-attacks in the space of three minutes makes you feel as if you have been through a shredder. It’s in the defence that India will face its big test. India need consistency, a wee bit of luck and the big moments in the match for it to fall on their side if they have ambitions to move up from the sixth spot in the FIH rankings.

Up front, SV Sunil, Akashdeep are the trump cards. Sunil brings in experience and he has constantly shaken up defenders. Akashdeep is the kind of a player who can change the flow of a match with a single tap, a killing pass or a dribble that shifts defences to one side. Gurjant is the pure striker, the poacher. But a lot rides on Mandeep Singh, who made his big tournament debut at the 2014 World Cup. Coming good is one aspect of a sportsperson, but not unleashing that potential is a sin. And then you have Lalit Upadhyay the classic forward — high ball speed, mixing a variety of skills, almost like watching a juggler.

It’s time for the forwards to come good in a big tournament. “If you see the youngsters who have come here, it’s the perfect blend of youth and experience. It’s a very good combination for us. So, we want to give our best against Australia and give 100 percent,” says Manpreet.

Marijne, in fact, shows a kid-like excitement, an eagerness to get things going. “We are looking forward to play this match,” he says.” We worked for a month on this. We know how difficult it will be, the intensity will be high. And we are looking to compete against the No 2 of the World. It’s a challenge and that’s how we see it.”

The captain plays his 200th match. “It was a long journey for me and I am very excited as the match is on my home ground,” says Manpreet. “And there would be a lot of support and we enjoy a lot whenever we play.”

In what could be a kind of warning to India, Australian captain Mark Knowles said: “We love playing the best teams that’s what our Kookabura mentality has been for a long period of time. A coach who is Australian trying to get back after a not good enough standard in Rio and that’s what we have been striving for this year. It doesn’t mean it will happen in one tournament but we know there are a Commonwealth Games and the next World Cup to go next year.”

For the captain and the coach, India’s first match will be all about organisation, structure and focus. However, for Marijne, the bigger issue is the inconsistency that has clung to Indian hockey like a dead spirit. Probably, it’s time to be rid of it.

Firstpost

Exciting, unpredictable ride on the cards

Tough to pick favourites among top-eight, India kick off campaign against Aussies today

Indervir Grewal


The Indian hockey team warms up during a training session on the eve of their match against Australia in the Hockey World League Final in Bhubaneswar, on Thursday. PTI

International hockey returns to Odisha. If the last tournament, the 2014 Champions Trophy, is any indication, the Hockey World League Final is likely to be an exciting and unpredictable tournament. In its small history, the HWL Final, which has never been organised outside India, has thrown up some strange results. In the first edition, in New Delhi, dark horses New Zealand reached the final. In 2015, India stunned Britain and Netherlands to win the bronze medal.

The tournament’s format — with all eight teams guaranteed a place in the quarterfinals — is the main reason for the unpredictability. Even if one has followed the prevalent trend and each team’s graph over the year, when it comes to predictions for the HWL Final, all bets are off.

Orange favourite

Going by the year’s form book, the Netherlands will be the team to beat. The Dutchmen won the HWL Semifinals gold in London after thrashing Olympics champions Argentina 6-1 in the final. They scored 28 goals in the tournament. They became the European champions after easing past Olympics silver-medallists Belgium (4-2) in the final.

However, the Dutchmen feel that the Final will be a “different tournament”. “All the top teams are here,” said forward Valentin Verga. But Verga’s hesitancy in accepting that they are the favourites also comes from the fact that the team is trying out new players. “We have five new players and new combinations,” said Verga.

That is the case with the other teams as well. Teams are using this tournament as testing ground for young players. But Australia captain Mark Knowles emphasised that it did not reduce the importance of the tournament. “We don’t have any issue with motivating ourselves for the tournament. Next year is an important one,” said Knowles. “We would much rather play against top teams then beat teams 10-0.”

The next year is packed —there is the World Cup and the Champions Trophy, while India also have the Asian and Commonwealth Games.

India in final

The HWL Final is not only a place to test out youngsters. In the hosts’ case, it’s the perfect time and opportunity to bring back Rupinder Pal Singh and Birendra Lakra, both returning from injury layoffs.

But their inclusion also casts doubt on the stability of India’s defence, which includes youngsters Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar and Dipsan Tirkey. So the two seniors in charge of marshalling the defence are playing their first international tournament in months. “We wanted to give them extra games before the CWG (in April). We only have one more tournament (a friendly tour to New Zealand) before the CWG,” said David John, High Performance Director.

However, the fact that India have an untested defence has not reduced India’s odds of winning a medal, as is the common sentiment in Bhubaneswar. This year, the common prediction is that India will reach the final. Even if the prophecy, made without any rationale, is meant to be a joke most of the times, there are all chances of it coming true.

The recently-concluded Women’s HWL Final is a perfect example. Hosts New Zealand lost all their pool matches before stunning Argentina and reigning Olympics champions England to reach the final.

The cops have taken over

The sun is out and scorches the nape within a few minutes, but in the shade, it’s cool and comfortable. A day to go for the Hockey World League Final and the swipe of the paint brush has become swift, bundles of wires have been laid and re-laid, the DJ setup is almost complete, and the volunteers are pacing around, getting their final instructions. The small Kalinga stadium has been transformed into a perfect advertisement for the sponsors. And lastly, the police have arrived. At each entrance, the corridors, the spectator galleries, the police personnel are everywhere, in big bunches. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will be the chief guest on the opening day, so the security is high.

‘Important person’

Thursday also saw a big influx of police because of the DGP’s visit. The state’s top cop not only got his subordinate officers’ undivided attention but was also the focus of all cameras. The commotion created by the camerapersons while interviewing the DGP even distracted the Netherlands players who had a training session. Dutch player Valentin Verga even ran up to a Hockey India official to ask what the fuss was all about. “I wanted to know who the important person was,” said Verga. Looking at the DGP’s procession, the whole team got excited. “I always get excited when I come to India,” said Verga, smiling at the mention of the high number of police personnel in the stadium. Verga is not new to India — he was part of the Dutch team at the 2015 HWL Final in Raipur. “I love to play in India.”

Form guide

Argentina Rank 1

2nd in HWL Semifinals
1st in Pan American Cup

Australia Rank 2

3rd in HWL Semifinals
1st in Oceania Championships

Belgium Rank 3

1st in HWL Semifinals
2nd in European Championships

Netherlands Rank 4

1st in HWL Semifinals
1st in European Championships

Germany Rank 5

2nd in HWL Semifinals
4th in European Championships

India Rank 6

6th in HWL Semifinals
1st in Asia Cup

England Rank 7

3rd in HWL Semifinals
3rd in European Championships

Spain Rank 9

4th in HWL Semifinals
5th in European Championships

Former Champions

Netherlands 2014
Australia 2015

Oldest player: Juan Vivaldi (Argentina) 38 (223 caps)

Youngest player: Dipsan Tirkey (India) 19 (12 caps)

"Top 8-9 teams in the world are so close. We saw in Rio that the No. 7 team in the world beat No. 6. The margin of error today is very small... India are one of our biggest rivals. They are our Commonwealth rival and they are our world rival now."
Mark Knowles, Australia skipper

The Tribune

After success in Asia, Team India look to make a mark on world stage


Indian hockey team - File Photo, PTI

An Asian powerhouse for a while now, India will aim to make a mark at the global stage when they host the creme de la creme of international hockey for the third and final edition of the World League Final, starting in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

India will open their campaign in the elite HWL Final against world champions and title holders Australia in Pool B on Friday. Barring a few occasional losses, India have been ruling the roost in the continent, the most recent among the triumphs being the Asia Cup crown in Dhaka earlier this year. But once a giant of the game with as many eight Olympic gold medals, India would be striving to ensure that they are seen as more than a regional bigwig.

Against world no. 2 Australia, India have had limited success in recent times. India have lost to the Kookaburras in the Champions Trophy, Azlan Shah and Commonwealth Games in the last few years. And it would be a Herculean task to upstage the mighty Australians in the opening game of the eight-nation tournament featuring all the top teams of the world.

The HWL final, in fact, will be the first real test for India's new chief coach Sjoerd Marijne, who took over just two months ago from the legendary Roelant Oltmans. Marijne might have tasted success in his first assignment -- the Asia Cup -- but the HWL Final will be a completely different ballgame for him.

The Indian selectors, while sacking Oltmans, made it clear that success at Asia level won't be a benchmark and demanded results at the world stage. Since taking charge, Marijne hasn't made any major change to the playing style or strategy of the team.

Instead, the only new thing or idea he has brought into the side is letting the players decide the style of hockey they want to play. He has focussed on backroom preparation, a method which has put more responsibility on the shoulders of the players.

Marijne's style of working seems to be delivering at least going by the results of the Asia Cup, a title which India won after 10 years, beating Malaysia 2-1 in the final. With a series of big events lined up for next year -- the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and World Cup --, Marijne would be looking at the HWL Final as an opportunity to test the strengths and weaknesses of the side. This would be the hosts' chance to better their bronze medal finish at the last edition of the tournament in 2015 at Raipur.

The Indians will field a mix of youth and experience to be led by the dynamic Manpreet Singh, who has taken Sardar Singh's place in the midfield. In Harmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Dipsan Tirkey, Gurjant Singh and Varun Kumar, India have some bright youngsters who excelled at the big stage in the Junior World Cup last year.

For the experienced duo of Rupinder Pal Singh and Birendra Lakra, the event is an opportunity to return to the national team after being sidelined by injuries for a considerable amount of time. Amit Rohidas is another player who will be making a comeback, riding on his fantastic outing in the 2017 Hockey India League.

Meanwhile, Australia will also be under a new coach in Colin Batch, who did a splendid job with New Zealand in the last few years. The Australians, known for their aggressive style, will mean business from the word go and would like to add another feather to their glorious hockey history by defending the title here.

The HWL Final will be Australia's last tournament in 2017, ahead of a big year when the Kookaburras will compete in the Commonwealth Games at home and the World Cup. As the reigning World, Champions Trophy, Oceania Cup, Hockey World League and Commonwealth Games title champions , few can dispute Australia's dominance in the game.

But after enduring a torrid time at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, where a sixth-place finish was their worst since 1960 and the first time that they had failed to win a medal since 1988, Australia would be desperate to reclaim their top spot in international hockey.

India are placed in a tough Pool B which also features England and another European powerhouse Germany, while Pool A comprises Olympic champions Argentina, Netherlands, Belgium and Spain. Meanwhile, in the other game of the opening day, Germany will face England.

DNA

India have their task cut out against Australia

Feroz Khan

BHUBANESWAR: Under a relatively new coach and a team whose average age is 23.5 years, Indian hockey team aims to build on recent continental success when they begin their Odisha Hockey World League Final campaign from Friday. They face defending champions Australia at the Kalinga Stadium in a Pool B match and will hope to start the tournament on a strong note.

This event serves as the precursor to a busy 2018 wherein Indian team will take part in the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the Hockey World Cup scheduled to be held at the same venue. So, it is a perfect opportunity for coach Sjoerd Marijne to fine tune his plans and get the strategy in place before the team embarks on bigger and difficult challenges.

Dutch Marijne replaced compatriot Roelant Oltmans two months back in a sudden but unsurprising move by Hockey India. And in his first major assignment, Marjine, who was the chief coach of the India women's team, guided his troops to title victory at the Men's Asia Cup in October - a trophy they won for the first time in 10 years.

A new coach brings in with him a slew of changes and so has been the case with Marjine. He wants the players to not hold the ball for more than two seconds, his training methods are unconventional and he demands more from his men. The squad was divided into two groups and faced each other in friendly game, replicating the match conditions. It was a high intensity session with focus on short, crisp passes with the head passing instructions.

Their recent success notwithstanding, India have been found wanting when it comes to major international events. Placed in a pool which includes the likes of current world champion Australia, Germany and England, the Indian team has their task cut out.

SV Sunil at 28 years and with 222 matches under his belt is the most experienced of the lot while Dipsan Tirkey, who made name at the junior world cup, is the youngest (19) in the 18-man squad.

Veteran midfielder Sardar Singh wasn't picked for the tournament and another experienced stalwart PR Sreejesh also misses out due to injury. In the absence of their combined experience, the team will bank on the exuberance of youth, led by captain Manpreet Singh and calming presence of returning Rupinder Pal Singh and Birendra Lakra.

While the start to Marjine's rein has been quite positive, India continue to be plagued by the inability to convert penalty corners. The recent example being their Asia Cup opener against host Bangladesh where they could only score twice from 13 penalty corners. India still cruised to a 7-0 win in that game but it goes without saying how much improvement is needed on that front especially in crunch games against world's top-seven teams. The return of Rupinder, after a six-month injury layoff, comes as a boost in that context.

They first face Australia - a team they are yet to beat in Hockey World League - they have lost thrice the world's no 2 team and will be eager to improve on the record before the tournament is shelved giving way to Hockey Pro League next year.

Australia are the current holders of the world title, Champions Trophy, Oceania Cup, Hockey World League and Commonwealth Games. And they will aim to extend their domination come December 1. They are expected to top their pool which also comprises Olympic bronze medallist Germany. But such has the tournament format that the outcome round-robin clashes would matter zilch as all eight teams from their respective pools will progress to the next stages even if after losing all their three matches.

India's best finish in the event came in 2014-15 when they defeated Netherlands to claim bronze and will look to better that performance or at least emulate it. In the tournament opener on Friday, Germany face England while later in the day, host India lock horns with Australia.

India squad: Harmanpreet Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, Kothajit Khadangbam, Manpreet Singh (captain), Gurjant Singh, Mandeep Singh, Dipsan Tirkey, Lalit Upadhyay, SK Uthappa, Sumit, Amit Rohidas, Varun Kumar, SV Sunil, Birendra Lakra, Akashdeep Singh, Chinglensana Singh, Akash Chitke (GK), Suraj Karkera (GK)

The Times of India

Australia look to bury ghosts of Rio under new coach, says veteran Mark Knowles


Australia will look to put the past behind them under new coach Colin Batch. Reuters

Bhubaneswar: Having endured a "disappointing" Rio Olympics, world champions Australia are currently on a rebuilding process under a new coach Colin Batch and the Hockey World League Finals is their first step towards reclaiming their numero uno position in world hockey.

Captain and the team's most experienced player, 33-year- old Mark Knowles, with 305 international caps, knows the pain of "underachieving" at last year's Olympics, a competition where they went as world No 1 side, only to finish a disappointing sixth.

"It was massive disappointment for us. We were in the No 1 team in the world and we really underachieved (in Olympics). There is a range of different thing(s) that every sporting team goes through. Winning and losing is one thing but there is so much to high-performance sports," said Knowles about their last Olympics' showing.

With one gold, three silver and as many as five bronze medals, Australia hold a good record in the quadrennial event.

"We didn't really play well in the key moments of the tournament (Olympics). We allowed some losses to get on top of us too much. The most important thing is we got to the quarter-finals and from there we didn't play really well. There were individual faults.

"It was a group where we weren't really good enough. In tournaments like Olympics and the World Cup those small moments can become very big and that's what happened to our group," said the veteran.

Knowles is aware of the close gap between teams in modern-day hockey and also relishes the mentorship role in the team.

"It's a developing and young group. I am the most senior player and that is something I enjoy. I love that responsibility. For me it's about passing on experience about playing on such an amazing stadium in front of a good crowd. I also know that as a player I have to play well," he said.

"Top 8-9 teams in the world are so close. We saw in Rio No 7 team in the world beat No 6. The margin of error today is very small," added Knowles.

Australia have been India's nemesis in the last few years, having beaten them on almost all occasions, but Knowles said the Kookaburras won't take the home team lightly.

"We normally play important matches at a very high level and India are one of our biggest rivals. They are our Commonwealth rival and they are our world rival now," he said.

Asked about their preparation and mental frame of mind before facing India, against whom they have registered convincing wins in the past couple of years, Knowles said: "No definitely not (take India lightly). The games we played against India were important games.

"We played them in last Commonwealth Games final, we played them in the World Cup, the Champions Trophy final. We played them numerous times and India are one of the teams against whom we played well.

"If you look at our records against a team like Holland in the last 10 years, it is very similar. As I said, we love playing the best teams and that's what Kookaburras' mentality has been like for long period of time. That's the same mentality under the new coach (Batch). That's what he is trying to get back after not so good performance in Rio," he added.

Firstpost

Indian hockey team one of our biggest rivals: Australia captain Mark Knowles

Feroz Khan

BHUBANESHWAR: Australia men's hockey captain Mark Knowles knows his team has a dominating record against India but that doesn't mean he is going to look at them any differently than he would have at some of their closest rivals at international stage.

Speaking ahead of the Odisha Hockey World League Final which starts from Friday, Knowles, 33, called India as one of Australia's biggest rivals and a team against which they have always enjoyed competing.

"The top 8-9 teams in the world are so close. In Rio, a no. 7 team beat no. 6. So, the margin of error every given day is small. India for us is one of our biggest rivals. They have been our Commonwealth rivals and now rivals at the world stage. Then you have the extra incentive of HIL (Hockey India League) and playing against some of our friends. It's exciting for Australia to play India," he said on Thursday.

Consider this: India lost two consecutive Commonwealth Games final against Australia (2010 & 2014), lost 0-4 at the 2014 World Cup and 1-3 at the Champions Trophy 2016. On the back of such record, does their approach change when facing India, Knowles replied in the negative, saying it's same as any other team and more so because their recent encounters have been at important tournaments. "The games we played have been important most of the times - CWG finals, World Cup, Champions Trophy. It's one of the teams we have played well against. You just want to play as well as you can. We love playing against the best teams and that's what our mentality is," he said.

By their own standards, Australia had a forgetful Rio Olympics where they exited at the quarter-final stage, finishing sixth. It was the first time since 1980 that they failed to make it to the semi-finals. Changes were in order and Colin Batch was appointed as the new coach. The team is now plotting its return to the top of the pile, one step at a time.

"Under the new coach, we are trying to get us back after not good enough standards in Rio (2016). That's what we have been striving for this year. It doesn't mean that it will come in this one tournament but there's Commonwealth Games and World Cup next year - there's a lot of hockey coming up," he pointed out.

With all eight participating teams already qualified for the Men's Hockey World Cup, HWL offers little incentive for Australia but that doesn't mean it will see them less motivated to return home with the title. "Motivation has never been an issue for us. We always want to improve. Rio was a massive disappointment for us. As a team, we underachieved. We didn't play well in the key moments and we allowed some of the losses get to us. We didn't play well. In major tournaments, small moments can become very big," he observed.

Coach Batch observed that the quarter-finals will be the most important stage as a good performance in the round-robin stage would not affect who eventually makes the final. "It has been the format. It doesn't necessarily suit the top team. We have to play well for three games but the fourth game - which is the quarterfinal is the most important one," he said.

The Times of India

It won't be easy but we are ready: India hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne

Feroz Khan

BHUBANESHWAR: Coach Sjoerd Marijne succeeded Roelant Oltmans as the head coach of the Indian men's hockey team in September. Hockey India has a proven record of how ruthless it can be when it comes to putting the national coaches to accountability.

Ask Jose Brasa, Michael Nobbs, Terry Walsh, Paul Van Ass or the latest in the list Oltmans. The reason for the sack has been consistent - below par international performances. For Sjoerd, the fact that India have gone through five coaches in the past seven years must have been playing on his mind. Not to shy away from the challenges, the Dutch has begun on a strong footing. One month in charge, he already has won them a trophy - Men's Asia Cup 2017 in October, their first in 10 years.

His coaching methodology and unconventional tactics are being discussed effusively in hockey circles and a lot is being expected after a successful start to the tenure. Now, in Odisha Hockey World League Final that starts from Friday in Bhubaneswar, a tough challenge awaits the 43-year-old.

On the eve of India's opening clash against defending champion Australia, his outlook is a careful mixture of self-belief and caution. "We are looking forward to the opener. We have worked one month for this match. The intensity will be high and we are ready to face the world no. 2," he said while addressing the media on Thursday.

"Players were involved in domestic tournaments so it was important that they get rest. Not only the body but also the mind. We worked our fitness level. I am really happy with our preparations. We don't need more time for the tournament, we are ready."

While in his first assignment, Sjoerd came out with flying colours against Asian teams, what real change his tactics have brought in will soon be reflected in how India square off against European rivals. India are in Pool B alongside Australia, Germany and England.

"The team is realistic and so am I," he said when asked about the tougher challenge awaiting them. "We won the Asia Cup and we know we can do better. We need to do much better here (HWL). We are on the line, we want to raise the bar everytime."

When questioned about India's record against top European teams", Sjoerd said, "What happened in the past we can't change but we can change the future. We have to learn from past and get better. That's what we are going to do. It's about mindset and belief. You have to believe and the team is doing that. It won't be easy but we are ready for the challenge."

HWL Final will also be a chance for the Indian youngsters to get a taste of a major senior FIH tournament. Few of them already have the experience at the junior level - junior world cup 2016.

So how is Sjoerd helping calm the nerves?

"The final of the world cup was the most important moment of their life. They have the experienced there. They had the Asia Cup and played the finals. In one year, they already have the (required) experience. Of course, they will be nervous and that's normal. You have to embrace it than fight against it. It's about how you deal with it. Enjoying the moment is the key. Embrace the tension.

If there's any nervousness, the expressions of India captain Manpreet Singh are a stark contrast. While addressing the media sitting alongside the coach, he happily answered everything thrown at him - from the attitude of the young player to the more probing issue of conceding penalty corners.

"Anyone can commit mistake during a match," he replied when questioned what exactly is going wrong with the Indian team. Hockey is a fast game, it's not just us, players from other countries also commit mistakes. Making up for it as a team is more important. We are working towards it. We are also working on our defence and hope to concede less Penalty Corners and lesser shots on our goal."

And what about converting Penalty corners? "We have good dragflickers in Rupinder (Pal), Harmanpreet (Singh), Varun (Kumar). We can relax on that front...We need to avail as many chances as possible. We haven't been able to do so. The game is quite fast. We cannot underestimate other teams," he observed.

One of the players to watch out for will be defender Birendra Lakra who has finally gained fitness after nursing injury for one-and-a-half years. The team has high hopes from the returning 26-year-old. "Lakra performed really well at the camp and we hope he will replicate the same at the tournament," he said.

The Friday fixture brings a personal milestone for Manpreet as it will be his 200th match for India. "It's been a long journey. I am really excited to play in front of the home crowd," he said.

The round-robin stage will have no impact on who wins the tournament. So how the team has planned its peaking process so as not to lose steam by the time it reaches the stage which actually matters. "It's not so difficult. I don't think you ever play matches not to win. We go every match to win. We want to perform well in every game. We aren't thinking of the outcome. Even if you lose in the early stage, you always know you have the quarter-final," Sjoerd said.

The Times of India

Important to rise after a fall, says India coach Sjoerd Marijne

Arnab Lall Seal

BHUBANESWAR: "Why do we fall sir? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up." Alfred Pennyworth reminds Bruce Wayne of the rousing words spoken by the latter's father in 'Batman Begins'. India's chief hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne's words for his young team are similar.

"All the young players have potential and that's why they are with the team. Now it's normal for most of the youngsters to reach a high level and then fall. But what's important is how they cope with the fall and learn from it because with all the expectations, it's normal for them to fall at times," said Marijne, after the team underwent a rigorous training session ahead of the Hockey World League Final at Kalinga Stadium here on Wednesday.

Speaking about youngsters, India have a whole lot of them. Harmanpreet Singh, Dipsan Tirkey, Sumit Varun Kumar - just to name a few. Many among them played crucial roles in helping India win the Junior World Cup held in Lucknow last year. Many of them were also part of the senior team that won the Asia Cup title in Dhaka this year. Despite the victories, the young team has experienced some bad times, too. But Marijne, like his idol Michael Jordan, wants to inspire them to become better and not worry about their failures. "Thing about Jordan is he was always busy getting the best out of himself and make others better," said the Dutchman.

Asked if he is under pressure since the Indian team will be playing for the first time at home under him, Marijne said, "No pressure, nothing at all. Before the match I will prepare them to the best of my ability but I cannot control the outcome of the game. So when I walk out onto the field on Friday, I will just enjoy the crowd."

So what about the players? How does he teach them to control their nerves in big-match situations? "Distractions are always there like the referee, the pitch, the fans or something else. But I teach my players to always focus on the task at hand. If they can do that, they won't have to worry about anything else."

As they went about their preparations for Friday's opening clash against Australia, what was great to see was the fact that the players were spending a lot of time in trying to rectify their mistakes.

If the level of dedication is reflected in their performance, the Indian team can hope to better last edition's show of finishing third.

The Times of India

India head coach Sjoerd Marijne urges players to believe in themselves


India head coach Sjoerd Marijne during a press conference on Thursday. PTI

Bhubaneswar: India may have a negative head-to-head record in international tournaments against all their opponents of the Hockey World League Final, but chief coach Sjoerd Marijne does not want to dwell in the past and has asked his players to "believe in yourself".

Marijne, who took over the team just two months back after the sacking of legendary Roelant Oltmans, though knows it easier said than done.

"What happened in the past we can't change but what will happen in the future we can change. We have to learn things from the past to get better in the future and that's our goal.

"It's about the mindset and belief. You have to believe that you can win and the team is doing that. We will have to show that on the pitch. It will not be easy but we are up for the challenge," said the Dutchman when asked about India's disappointing international record against other seven participating teams of the HWL Final.

India will have to fight it out against top teams like Australia, Netherlands, Germany, England, Belgium, Argentina and Spain in the HWL final, beginning on Friday. The hosts have inferior international record against all these teams.

But for Marijne, who guided India to the Asia Cup title in his first assignment as coach, it is important to be realistic and be battle ready.

"The team is realistic and I am also a very realistic person. That's really good that we are in one line. That means that we really want to raise the bar every time and that is what we want to do tomorrow (against Australia). We won the Asia Cup but we now have an opportunity to do better than the Asia Cup. We know we have to do better to perform well here," the coach said.

India will open their campaign against the title holders and world no.2 Australia in Pool B on Friday and the coach said his boys are up for the challenge.

"We are really looking forward to play the first match. We worked for a month for this match. The intensity will be high. We are looking forward to compete against the no.2 in the world. It's a challenge and that's how we see it.

"What was really important for us was to make our structure perfect. We don't need more time for this tournament, we are ready," he Marijne.

India will be fielding a mix of youth and experience for the HWL Final, including as many as four players from last year's Junior World Cup-winning squad.

Marijne said that the youngsters already have enough experience to perform at the highest level. His only advise to them is to "embrace nervousness instead of fight against it".

"The final of the Junior World Cup that was the most important thing in their (juniors) life. So they had the experience there. They have played in the Holland tour (earlier this year). They had the Asia Cup experience where they also played in the final. In one year they have experienced a lot of things.

"Of course in the beginning they will be nervous but it's normal and that's what I am teaching them. You have to embrace that (nervousness) than fight against it. It's about how you deal with things individually," he said.

India captain Manpreet Singh will be playing his landmark 200th international match tomorrow at the age of only 25 and he was excited to achieve the feat on his home turf.

"It was a long journey for me. I am completing my 200th international match tomorrow and I am very excited that it is happening in front of the home crowd," he said.

Firstpost

Roper and Pinner confident of World League success for England


England men national anthem HWL SF 2017

Fresh from winning bronze at this summer’s EuroHockey Championships, England captains George Pinner and Phil Roper believe they can go even further at the upcoming Odisha Hockey World League Final.

That medal was the second major accolade of the year for many of the squad who had also won the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup with Great Britain back in May.

The team will face Germany, world number two outfit Australia and hosts India as they bid to equal or better the bronze medal they won in 2012/13, the only time they participated in the tournament as England.

Despite being in a very tough group, Wimbledon forward Roper believes the side are more than capable of overcoming anyone on their day and will be pushing for a medal.

“It is a really exciting time at the moment. We have finished a tough training block and we are ready to put it into practice against the best in the world,” he said.

“We have been put through our paces, wearing warm weather gear - so more than we need - so we can prepare ourselves and give ourselves the best chance in India.

“We have trained really hard, worked on our game, worked on our techniques and our tactical stuff after that European bronze success.

“But that is not really enough. We want to push on and have success against the best.

While the heat and humidity of Bhubaneshwar could not be further away from the current British climate, many of the players will know what to expect having taken part in the 2014 Champions Trophy in the East Indian city.

Pinner admitted that he is thoroughly relishing the chance to play the hosts in their own backyard again and believes the partisan home crowd could enhance, not hinder, England’s chance of winning a medal.

“I have enjoyed India when we have been out there. They have really passionate fans and playing India will be an awesome experience, especially for some of our guys who have not been there before.

“We were well looked after at our hotel and it is sunny which is a bit better than what we have got at home.

“I remember Bhubaneshwar from a few years ago -  the India games were crazy, it was packed. My parents were in the stadium for that game and the atmosphere was unreal, so I can’t wait for that game.

“Big stadiums, big noise – that is what you want as a player.”

Squad: George Pinner (C), Phil Roper (C), David Ames, Liam Ansell, David Condon, Brendan Creed, Adam Dixon, James Gall, Harry Gibson, Mark Gleghorne, David Goodfield, Chris Griffiths, Harry Martin, Barry Middleton, Liam Sanford, Luke Taylor, Sam Ward, Henry Weir

Fixtures (all games on BT Sport):
Fri 1 December – Germany 11.15am (GMT)
Sat 2 December – India 2pm (GMT)
Mon 4 December – Australia 12.00pm (GMT)
Wed 6/Thu 7 December – Quarter-Final
Fri 8/Sat 9 December – Semi Final
Sun 10 December - Final

England Hockey Board Media release

Dixon asks England to be wary of Rohidas, Dipsan

BHUBANESWAR: England midfielder Adam Dixon has asked his teams attackers to be wary of young Indian defenders Dipsan Tirkey and Amit Rohidas when the two sides face-off in a Hockey World League clash on Sunday.

The 28-year-old Dixon played alongside the two Odisha defenders at Kalinga Lancers, who won the Hockey India League (HIL) title in 2017.

"I've played with Dipsan and Amit in Kalinga Lancers team and I am definitely telling my team to watch out for these two guys. They are extremely good at the backline," Dixon said in a release on Wednesday.

Rohidas rode on his superlative performances in the HIL to make a comeback in the national side, while Dipsan impressed one and all at the Junior World Cup 2016 as he partnered Harmanpreet Singh at the heart of the Indian defence.

Vice-captain Dipsan played a major role in India's Junior World Cup-winning run in Lucknow.

"I worked with them closely during our Hockey India League days and they contributed tremendously to our title (HIL) win. I am waiting eagerly to play against them in the tournament," said Briton Dixon, who has 205 international caps to his name.

The Times of India

Hockey World League Final 2017 ready reckoner: All you should know

Feroz Khan

BHUBANESHWAR: The Hockey World League Final, in its final edition, kick-starts in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha at the Kalinga Stadium from December 1. The tournament came in to existence after the London Olympics 2012 when the International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced HWL will serve as qualifier for the Summer Games and World Cup - both men and women.

Bhubaneshwar has emerged as the hub of Indian hockey in recent years and HWL 2017 will be its second major international hockey tournament in three years. The venue will also host the FIH World Cup 2018 and so HWL provides a perfect opportunity for it to fine tune its preparation ahead of the marquee event next year.

Here's everything that you should know about the Hockey World League Final 2017

What?

The event was conceptualised to promote the game among non-hockey playing nations. The tournament was open to all the FIH members, comprising four rounds - Round 1 and 2 then two Semi-finals followed by the Finals. India has served as host for all the three editions of the Hockey World League Final since its inception. The current iteration of the event will probably be its third and final before FIH replaces it with another league next year which will then become a qualifier for Olympics and World Cup for both men's and women's category.

When

From December 1, 2017 to December 10, 2017

Where?

Kalinga Hockey Stadium is nestled inside the multi-purpose Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar which has facilities for hockey, athletics, football, hockey, tennis, swimming, basketball among others. It is also the home ground of current Hockey India League Champions Kalinga Lancers. It was also the host of the 2014 Men's Champions Trophy. As per the official records, the stadium has the capacity of 5,000 spectators.

Mascot - Olly

Olly is the permanent mascot for all sports events held in Odisha. The mascot represents the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles who arrive at the Gahirmatha beach in Odisha every season making it the world's biggest nesting zone of these animals.

What tournament holds for the participants

The winner of the HWL Final will have a direct entry into the final ever Men's Champions Trophy next year. So far, three teams have a confirmed spot including Argentina, Netherlands (host) and Australia. The eight teams participating in this event have already secured their berths for next year's world cup. So, the result won't have any bearing on it. The teams will get a chance to get a feel of the atmosphere and give a chance to youngsters to prove their mettle before returning next year. For India, it will be a chance to test their young guns and prepare themselves for the upcoming challenges next year. Under the tutelage of Sjoerd Marijn who recently replaced Roelant Oltmans as the head coach, the team has begun well, winning the title at the 2017 Men's Hockey Asia Cup in October.

Format

The eight participating teams have been divided into two pools - A and B - four in each. Each team will play three matches in the round-robin phase from December 1st-December 5th. The teams then move into the crossover quarter-final stage where the respective pool winners will face the fourth-placed team from the opposition pool. The second and third finishers from each pool also square-off in knockout quarter-final. The winners from this stage enter the semi-finals while the losing teams play in losing quarter-finalist matches for placement.

In effect, this means that a team can go on to win the tournament even if it loses all its round-robin matches and then goes on to win its next three (QF, SF and Final).

Teams

Pool A - Argentina, Belgium, Netherlands, and Spain
Pool B - Australia, Germany, India and England

Past winners

2012-13: Netherlands took gold, New Zealand silver while England won bronze.
2014-15: Australia won gold, Belgium took silver title while India won bronze.

The Times of India
   

PAHF announces 2017 Pan American Elite Teams

Kwan Browne, Scott Tupper and Lucas Vila selected a record fifth time


Scott Tupper (Canada) and Denise Krimerman (Chile). Photo: Yan huckendubler

The Pan American Hockey Federation is pleased to announce the 2017 Pan American Elite Teams.

Since 2007, Pan American Elite Teams have been named every two years to recognize the top players in Pan American competitions. For the first time this year, separate Indoor Elite teams will be named and will be announced in a few days.

Hockey specialists present at the 2017 Pan American Cups in Lancaster, USA, were consulted for the selection of this year’s Elite Teams.

The 2017 Men's Pan American Elite Team is led by Canadian defender Scott TUPPER, who is selected a remarkable fifth time to the PAHF Elite Team, a record he shares with Argentinian Lucas VILA and Trinidadian veteran Kwandwane BROWNE. Browne was on the first PAHF Elite Team back in 2009 and only missed making the 2015 Elite squad due to injury. At the other end of the spectrum, seven players make their first appearance on the Elite roster, including Argentinian Olympic Gold Medalists Pedro IBARRA and Agustin MAZZILLI.

Pan American Cup finalists Argentina and Canada have the strongest representation with five and four players respectively, including Canadian David CARTER with the nod for the goal-keeping position for the third time (following 2009 and 2015). The achievements of the USA and Trinidad & Tobago, semi-finalists in Lancaster, are rewarded with the nomination of two and three players respectively.

Altogether, the 2017 Men’s Pan American Elite Team is made up of players from six different countries: Argentina (5), Canada (4), Trinidad & Tobago (3), USA (2), Brazil (1) and Chile (1). The average age is 28.4 years old.

The 2017 Women's Pan American Elite Team is headed by young Chilean sensation Denise KRIMERMAN, who was instrumental in leading her team to a Pan American Cup Silver Medal. She is closely followed in the voting by Americans Kathleen SHARKEY and Melissa GONZALEZ, and Argentinian stalwarts Florencia HABIF and Delfina MERINO.

Chilean Camilla CARAM is the only player appearing for the fourth time on the Elite roster, with impressive Canadian striker Brienne STAIRS making her third Elite appearance and Chilean Claudia SCHÜLER voted for the third time as goal-keeper (following 2009 and 2013). 

Pan American Cup finalists Argentina and Chile dominated the voting, with four players selected each, while semi-finalists USA and Canada are recognized with the selection of three players each.

Altogether, six countries are represented on the 2017 Women’s Pan American Elite Team: Argentina (4), Chile (4), USA (3), Canada (3), Uruguay (1) and Mexico (1). The average age is 25.9 years old.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release

Hockey Club & Volunteer Among Good Sports Winners

Ben Somerford

Tasmania’s OHA Hockey Club and Cairns Hockey Association player and volunteer Karen Cockrem have claimed major awards at the Good Sports Awards earlier this week.

The Good Sports Awards recognise and celebrate the passionate clubs and people who inspire healthy and strong sporting communities across Australia.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Good Sports program is Australia’s largest preventative health program, which works with more than 8,000 clubs to create safer and healthier environments.

OHA Hockey Club was named the winner of the Good Sports Healthy Minds Club of the Year award.  

Cockrem was named the winner of this year’s Good Sports Club Champion Award by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.

OHA Hockey Club was chosen as the Good Sports Healthy Minds Club of the Year award winner for inspiring positive change through the promotion of mental health awareness to strengthen their club community. The club receives $1,000 for its achievement.

OHA Hockey Club joined up to the Good Sports Healthy Minds program after the tragic loss of one of its young members to suicide in 2016.

OHA Hockey Club members and their families have since been participating in information sessions about mental health.

The club said members have been confiding in each other about their experiences with mental health and has seen proactive referrals to management when teammates display signs of potential mental health issues.

The club is aiming to publish Healthy Minds packs next year to educate coaches about mental health and proactive wellbeing activities.

Cockrem was chosen as the Good Sports Club Champion Award winner for constantly striving to make a positive difference within the Cairns Hockey Association and her wider community. She receives a Flight Centre voucher for her achievement.

Karen is extremely committed to Cairns Hockey Association, volunteering more than 20 hours of her time to the Association each week.

Since Cairns Hockey Association joined the Good Sports program, Karen has taken the lead in implementing the club’s healthy eating policy and menu. Karen introduced ‘Kazza's Kitchen’ to show how satisfying healthy eating choices are and also ensures members and guests understand the importance of drinking lots of water.

Good Sports Manager Lynn Gunning praised all of the award winners and finalists for their remarkable efforts in building strong and vibrant clubs. 

“A huge congratulation to this year’s Good Sports Awards winners. They are inspirational and have shown leadership through their commitment to promote healthy behaviors in their communities,” Ms Gunning said.

“Sporting clubs are the lifeblood of communities and play a vital role in shaping people’s attitudes, role modeling healthy behaviours and reinforcing positive lifestyle choices.”

Hockey Australia media release