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News for 15 March 2018

All the news for Thursday 15 March 2018


Rani Rampal to lead Indian women's hockey team at Commonwealth Games


Captain Rani Rampal and the Indian women's hockey team , Twitter (@HockeyIndia)

Ace striker Rani Rampal will captain an 18-strong Indian women's team, while experienced goalkeeper Savita will shoulder the duties of vice-captain at next month's Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Hockey India said on Wednesday.

The Indian team has been grouped in Pool A along with Malaysia, Wales, England and South Africa at the multi-sport event scheduled to begin on April 4. India will begin their campaign on April 5 against Wales.

27-year-old Savita, who is making a return to the team after having been rested for the recently concluded tour of South Korea, will be accompanied by Rajani Etimarpu in goal. The defence unit is packed with experience and grit as Deepika, Sunita Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur and Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam will look to keep out the opposition's attacks.

Monika, Namita Toppo, Nikki Pradhan, Neha Goyal and Lilima Minz will form the midfield while Rani, Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navjot Kaur, Navneet Kaur and Poonam Rani, who returned to the squad during South Korea tour, will form India's attack.

The Indian team is currently ranked No. 10 in the world and will face stiff competition from higher ranked teams such as World No. 2 England, World No. 4 New Zealand and World No. 5 hosts Australia. However, Chief Coach Harendra Singh is confident that the determined team can cause huge upsets on the back of winning the five-match series in South Korea.

"We have played with the same set of players for a long period so the players have formed a great understanding among themselves which was evident during our 2017 Asia Cup triumph," he said.

"The team also performed well in South Korea to beat a higher-ranked side and we will be looking to cause a few upsets and aim for the podium as the morale is high going into the prestigious Gold Coast 2018 XXI Commonwealth Games."

The Coach also welcomed the inclusion of the experienced goalkeeper Savita, who is currently in Oman undergoing a Goalkeeping coaching course. The Junior Men's World Cup-winning coach said, Savita is an integral part of the team and brings a lot of experience in goal for the team.

"She has played over 200 matches for her country and has performed in crucial matches of big tournaments. Therefore, it is good to have her back in the team as she helps the defensive and offensive players as well by imparting her expertise," he said.

The Indian Women's Hockey team had won the gold medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in England after defeating the hosts 3-2 after extra-time in the final match, and bagged the silver medal in the subsequent 2006 Commonwealth Games in Australia.

However, the team has only managed to finish 5th in the 2010 and 2014 editions of the quadrennial tournament. Skipper Rani is confident that her team can repeat the feat of 2002 and 2006 in Australia.

"We go into the tournament in good form after winning the series in South Korea and while we have only finished fifth in the two previous occasions, this time we will look to finish on the podium," the 23-year-old said. "We have a great set of players with a mixture of experience and youth. The team's hunger to win will certainly be a key factor in us performing well at the Games.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Savita (VC), Rajani Etimarpu

Defenders: Deepika, Sunita Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam.

Midfielders: Monika, Namita Toppo, Nikki Pradhan, Neha Goyal, Lilima Minz.

Forwards: Rani (C), Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navjot Kaur, Navneet Kaur, Poonam Rani.

Daily News & Analysis



Harendra confident that India will triumph; Rani Rampal to lead in CWG

Rani Rampal to helm the women’s team at the Commonwealth Games

Shreedutta Chidananda

After an impressive performance in South Korea, the Indian women’s hockey team will head to the Commonwealth Games confident of improving on its fifth-placed finish from the previous edition.

This month’s 3-1 series win in Korea followed the historic Asia Cup success late last year, leading chief coach Harendra Singh to state that his side was capable of claiming the top prize.

“Ten games separate us from the gold medal; I’m 100% confident my girls will do it,” he said at the SAI here on Wednesday, after India announced an 18-member squad.

“We’ve prepared ourselves well for each opponent. I always want to climb Mount Everest; I’m not interested in Kanchenjunga or K2.”

Rani Rampal will captain the team with goal-keeper Savita, who was rested for the Korea tour, to be her deputy.

Rani felt the team had learnt much from its disappointing show at the 2016 Olympics, where it finished last. “We learnt a lot about where we stand in world hockey,” she said.

“Our morale was low. But we regained our confidence in the Asia Cup. For now, we shouldn’t take pressure. You get very few opportunities to represent the country in such tournaments.”

The team: Goalkeepers: Savita, Rajani Etimarpu; Defenders: Deepika, Sunita Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Sushila Chanu.

Midfielders: Monika, Namita Toppo, Nikki Pradhan, Neha Goyal, Lilima Minz; Forwards: Rani Rampal (capt.), Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navjot Kaur, Navneet Kaur, and Poonam Rani.

The Hindu



Van Huizen to closely monitor injured players

By SAIFUL AFFENDY SAPRAN


National hockey squad coach, Stephen Van Huizen admits that he will need to reevaluate his players for selection to the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia next month. (File pix)

KUALA LUMPUR: National hockey squad coach, Stephen Van Huizen admits that he will need to reevaluate his players for selection to the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia next month.

This is because of the growing injury list in the national squad after competing in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh last week.

Among the players on the crocked list after the tournament are Nik Muhammad Aiman Nik Rozemi, Mohd Marhan Mohd Jalil and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Abdul Jalil.

Before this, Van Huizen was left without the services of captain, Muhammad Sukri Abdul Mutalib; Muhammad Ramdan Rosli; Mohamad Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin and Muhammad Amirol Aideed Mohd Arshad all due to injuries.

"Any decision on the players who will make up the national squad to Gold Coast will need to be based on the medical report.

"At present, we have a long list of players who down with injuries. This is why I need to consult with the team doctor as to who is fully fit and can be fielded.

"There are those who are currently in the recovery process but the question will be if they are really, completely ready for action,” he said.

Van Huizen explained that he will only be able to provide a better picture on which players will be representing the country in Gold Coast in a couple of days time, after each and every player that is injured has consulted their respective doctors and specialists.

"To be fair, I need to scrutinise the players situation within the next two to three days.

"If at all the doctor advices that they cannot play, then we will just have to abide by the doctor’s orders,” stressed Van Huizen.

The Malaysian Tigers have been drawn in Group B together with Asian giants India, Pakistan, England and Wales.

Meanwhile Group A will be made up of defending champions and hosts Australia along with New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and Scotland.

New Straits Times



Sardar Singh missed the bus due to coach Sjoerd Marijne's liking for scoring midfielders

Sundeep Misra


Sardar Singh. Image courtesy: @TheHockeyIndia

In the end, the sweepstakes for the Commonwealth Games, or should we say for the duration of the year, were comfortably won by the youngsters. But it is bemusing that most media houses, websites and newspapers (TV doesn't care a damn) went with the leading headline that a certain ‘Sardar’ would be missing.

Him being dropped from the team made bigger news than the actual selection. Especially when you consider that both before and after the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia, his name wasn't even in contention for the Commonwealth Games. So, in a way, the Azlan Shah Cup was Sardar Singh’s last tournament. No? Well, according to a report in The Hindustan Times, coach Sjoerd Marijne says, “We had competition for midfield positions. Manpreet picks himself but Sardar was a contender for the other slot. The players finally picked are more diverse than Sardar, they can also score, all three of them (Chinglensana, Sumit and Vivek Sagar Prasad). They are also good defenders in the midfield and are fast as forwards. Besides, they also play vertical. That is why we did not pick Sardar. However, a squad of 24 players will be announced after the Commonwealth Games and Sardar will be in it.”

The big question here is what is the point in keeping Sardar in a list of 24 when he cannot play ‘vertical.’ But did Sardar ever play ‘vertical’? Or should he play ‘vertical’?

Worse, historically, we have never been good with handling players in the autumn of their careers. Take Dhanraj Pillay for example in his last Olympic Games at the  Athens Olympics in 2004. It was massive pressure that made coach Gerhard Rach bring on Pillay in India’s last match against South Korea when India was leading 5-2 for the 7th/8th classification match. Earlier, it was Mohammed Shahid or before that Prithipal Singh, highest scorer for India in the 1960, 64’ and 68’ Olympic Games. We leave it to the player to take a call.

In the 1968 Olympics, Prithipal Singh should have been the right choice for captain but the Indian Hockey Federation, who was always on a short fuse with Prithipal, decided that they will send two captains to the Olympic Games; Prithipal and Gurbux Singh. India ended up with a bronze as the team pulled in two different directions.

Hockey is a team sport, and unlike cricket, it is dictated on the field by the coach on whose ideas, design and tactics the team plays. In that respect, Sjoerd Marijne has every right to select his team. After all, it’s not the team captain but the coach who is accountable for a team’s success and failure. Within seconds, an opposition coach can see a weak area in your team and press, resulting in cards or PC’s or goals — it’s how you eventually counter the threat that makes you a great coach or not.

Different teams play with varying degrees of pace. Australia, Holland, England, Belgium can attack with increasing frequency. Germany can hold the ball for longer periods of time, till you drop dizzy from the rotations and Olympic Champions Argentina can kill the pace, make short passes and frustrate you. In the Olympic final, they led 3-1 and defended for almost two quarters before winning 4-2.

India, not at the Asia Cup in Dhaka, but at the HWL Finals decided to go for speed. They increased the work rate upfront and in the midfield. Marijne now wanted legs. Vision is always the coach’s domain. Creative players were, of course, needed but in a set up that played to pre-match designs, moving up fast became the need of the hour. Players like Sardar, actually he is the only one of his kind in the team who plays with a third eye and that makes him great, were suddenly dispensable. An Indian coach who didn’t want to be named said, “I can understand the need for speed. But when you meet opposition and they burst through faster than you and you get rattled, then you need a holding player, a free man, who can rotate the strike.”

Earlier, Sardar played as a central midfielder and then as a roving free man at the Dhaka Asia Cup. His moving up created two opportunities — either two or three players converged on him or they pushed back, giving him the space to hit those long slap shots that invariably found an Indian forward’s stick. By converging on him, space was equally created for other Indian players to feed off. Sardar’s dribbling skill usually fended off the opposition till the pass. Yes, he at times lost the pass creating a counter-attack. This eventually became his weakness in the new system that India was adopting.

Losing a pass in the midfield or in the opposition half was low risk but losing just ahead of India’s striking circle was high risk. Marijne didn’t want that. At the Azlan Shah, that is exactly what happened in the match against Ireland. India lost the ball or gave turn-overs more than 18 times. That resulted in pressure on the defence and the opposition countered getting penalty corners.

“We lost the ball too much,” said Marijne after the match. “Passes were wrong, trapping was poor, in all technically, we were not good today.” But to expect a single player to turn around the match or a tournament is equally not possible. If hockey is a team game, then players have to be at similar levels to achieve success. At the Azlan Shah, as Marijne said at a post-match press conference, “This team has hardly played with each other 3-4 times during training. Yet they are giving a tough competition to the others.” In other words, Sardar not making it to the CWG team had nothing to do with his Azlan Shah performance.

One of the world’s top coaches (he requested anonymity) watching the Azlan Shah said to justify Sardar’s potential, you need to give him freedom to play. As per his stats sheet, Sardar gave the ball away immediately to an Indian player, 72 percent of the time. Again, speed in releasing the ball was immediate and required according to team tactics. The only time Sardar probably took matters in his own hands was in the match against Malaysia when he took the ball from the Indian half into the midfield and while being tackled, shielded the ball and while falling passed it to Ramandeep who gave it to Sumit Kumar for an Indian goal.

There was a similar situation against Malaysia in the 6-2 victory at the Asia Cup in Dhaka. From the defensive zone, Sardar had the ball, passed it and then overlapped into the Malaysian striking circle to take a reverse hit while falling and scoring a spectacular goal. The joy of the Indian team was evident as they all fell over him.

But, yes, things have changed since then.

Marijne wants his midfielders to score – Manpreet, Chinglensana, Sumit and Vivek Prasad. According to hockey statistician, BG Joshi, Sardar has played 13 matches since Marijne took charge (Asia Cup and Azlan Shah) and scored once. Indian captain Manpreet Singh has played 21 matches (Asia Cup, HWL Finals and double-leg 4-Nation Tournament in New Zealand) but couldn’t score a goal. Chinglensana played 21 matches (same tournaments as Manpreet) and scored one goal.

The best stats belong to Vivek Sagar Prasad as he played 8 matches in the four-nation tournament in New Zealand and scored three goals. But the key question is that at the Azlan Shah, India played world champions Australia, Olympic champions Argentina, reigning Azlan Shah champions England and hosts Malaysia. At the 4-nation, the only team above the pecking order was Belgium, of course, the Olympic silver-medallist.

The quality at the Azlan Shah was far superior. If failure or success at Azlan Shah was the deciding factor for CWG, Hockey India has done well by picking those who did well in other tournaments. The ones who did well in Malaysia were Suraj Karkera and Ramandeep Singh. But it’s surprising that, probably, the most improved forward at the moment, Ramandeep gets dropped. India had 30 penalty corners in the tournament with four direct flicks to show for goals. But with Harmanpreet Singh and Rupinderpal Singh in the team that bit of stats shouldn’t worry the management. But if one of the stalwarts was there at the Azlan to fire in PCs, like Gonzalo Peillat did with 8 goals for Argentina, that fifth place could have been a final also.

Chairman of the Hockey India Selection Committee Harbinder Singh said it’s the coach’s prerogative to select the team. “Hockey has become a very fast sport today and looking at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the team has been selected,” said the three-time Olympic medallist. "We believe the younger players will raise their levels and be more proficient by the time the team settles down to a combination for the Olympic Games."

Speaking on the overall team selection, Moscow Olympic gold medallist and also assistant coach to Terry Walsh when India won the 2014 Asian Games under Sardar, MK Kaushik said, “The team that Hockey India has selected, I believe their decision is fine because it is important to perform in every tournament and CWG is an important tournament. I think the selection is fine by the foreign coaches and the selection committee.”

On Sardar being dropped because he didn’t fit in anymore, Kaushik, replied, “Sardar Singh is a world-class player and I think he should be in the probable list as the World Cup and the Asian Games are also important. Looking at his fitness, he can have a future in the game.” On being asked whether it was the end of the road for the former Indian captain, Kaushik said, “No, no one should think like that. He is a big fighter and has been performing well for India since a long time. I am sure he will regain his place once again.”

V Bhaskaran, captain of the 80’ Moscow Gold medal team, wasn’t too enchanted by method of selection. In fact, on a few details, he was downright scathing. “It saddens me that they are playing Sardar in a team (Azlan Shah Cup) he has no job playing, first of all. Will you send Lionel Messi to captain a team of youngsters? Will the Barcelona team allow Messi to skipper the development team? It’s disgusting that we allow this to happen in the name of development. This CWG team may end up winning gold. But this is no way to treat Sardar.”

Bhaskaran said that comparing Sardar to players who have played one tournament is a joke. “In four months, these guys (coaches) know about Indian hockey? These youngsters haven’t even played domestic hockey for a year. Also, why wasn't Sreejesh played at the Azlan Shah? After his injury, he has only played one tournament so why didn’t you test him at the Azlan Shah when the Australians and Argentines were playing their best goalkeepers?” the former captain asked.

Bhaskaran also questioned the expectation that Sardar alone could take the team to the Azlan Shah final? “Where was the supporting cast for Sardar? I completely disagree with the way things are being done. That man has lost his confidence. You want to drop him, say thank you and move on. Why humiliate him?”

“Sardar is a player who loves to play with the ball and he wants the opposition to mark him. In Rio, you played him as inside forward, then a free man and now a midfielder. Make up your mind.”

Yet, in sport, nothing comes on a platter. With Tiger Woods making a tremendous comeback and the golfing world all excited again, Wayne Gretzky, probably the greatest ice-hockey player, said about Tiger, in a recent NYT interview, “The good Lord blessed us with talent, but to be greatest, you have to outwork everyone too.”

Maybe, in Indian hockey, coaches are susceptible to the “Rosenthal Effect.” Simply put, if a coach believes an athlete is great, he or she will be raising their levels at the end of the season. And, if a coach doesn’t believe an athlete is good, he or she will be worse off at the end of the season.

Time for Sardar to outwork everyone.

Firstpost



We need to work more on dragflick deception: Chris Ciriello

Manuja Veerappa

BENGALURU: In the previous two editions of the Commonwealth Games, Australian drag-flick ace Chris Ciriello was among the men who stood between India and the elusive gold medal. This time around, the recently retired defender will be in the Indian corner when they begin their quest for a podium finish in Gold Coast next month.

The 33-year-old, who has been roped in as the analytical coach of the senior men’s team, isn’t promising miracles. Instead, he is looking to chisel the rough edges in the senior players’ game and inculcate self-belief and enhance the skill sets of the juniors. The drag-flick battery of Rupinderpal Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas along with the injectors - Manpreet Singh, Kothajit Singh and Chinglensana Singh - will hugely benefit from the expertise of the Australian who is of an Italian and Indian descent.

While adding finishing touches to the Indian team’s preparations, Ciriello, whose contract runs until 2020, spoke about the art of drag flick, its importance and more….

Excerpts

On getting the drag-flick right:

It is about having the right routine, consistency and the ability to perform under pressure. It is okay to flick when you are one or two goals up but when you are a goal down with five minutes to go, then you need to make sure that you execute. It is not only about the drag-flickers alone. The ball must be injected well. Among the Indians, it must be up by another 5 to 10 km. The trap has to be 100 percent clean and there are other variations, movements we are working on. There are 33 different types of skill between pick-up and release, so there is lot to work on. We will work through this and keep improving.

Assessment of Indian drag flickers:

There are always things which one can improve. Bobby (Rupinder Pal Singh) and Harmanpreet have good speed. We will work on some more deceptions. During flicking we will have different targets that they will have to hit. They will have to perform under pressure, so when they come to big events the focus is only on the ball.

The importance of understanding a goalkeeper:

That is where all the homework is done by a drag-flicker. Before a World Cup, I remember, I sat in front of the computer for almost four hours, looking at where the defender ran, where the goalkeeper stands etc. Before the game, one must do his homework. We have a killer battery between the guys.

The Times of India



33 types of skill between pick-up and release: Chris Ciriello

India’s analytical coach Chris Ciriello dwells on the art and science of drag-flicks

Shreedutta Chidananda


Exchanging notes: Chris Ciriello, right, interacting with India’s drag-flick specialists Rupinder Pal Singh and Harmanpreet Singh during a training session in Bengaluru.   | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar

The Indian men’s hockey team returned from the 2014 Commonwealth Games with a silver medal, after a 4-0 defeat at Australia’s hands in the final at Glasgow.

The star of the show was Chris Ciriello, one of the finest drag-flickers of his generation, who smashed in three penalty corners to seal India’s fate.

Four years on, Ciriello — whose mother hails from Kolkata — finds himself in the Indian camp as the team prepares for the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

The 32-year-old, who was appointed the analytical coach earlier this year, has been working with the team’s drag-flickers at the SAI here.

Lot of potential

“There is a lot of potential,” he says.

“It is about having the right routine, and also being able to perform under pressure.

“It is OK to flick when you are one or two goals up but when you are one goal down with five minutes to go or when you are in the final is when you need to execute.”

“There is no one player who is bigger or better than the whole team,” he says. “If you are the flicker you are not there only to flick. Out of the 60 minutes, you might play 40 and you might just get one PC or none.”

A penalty corner routine has many pieces that must all fall in place. Ciriello admits he has a lot to work on.

“It is not only about the drag flickers. The ball must be injected well. Ours must be quicker by another 5 to 10 kmph. The trap has to be 100% clean.

“There are 33 different types of skill between the pick-up and the release.”

India’s drag-flickers — Rupinder Pal Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas and Varun Kumar — all have different styles and methods. Ciriello intends to work with them on their deceptions, speed and accuracy.

The team also has to defend penalty corners better, he believes, with the men on the post and the first runner needing much improvement.

Do the homework

It is important, Ciriello adds, to have done some homework ahead of a match.

“I will sit with them and we will go through all of it. We need a good push and a good trap. If we don’t have that, it does not matter how good the drag-flicker may be.”

The Hindu



Indian hockey team analytical coach Chris Ciriello says inculcating winning habit in side one of his main goals

Bengaluru: Indian hockey team's analytical coach Chris Ciriello on Wednesday said apart from improving dragflicking abilities, his task is also to inculcate a winning habit among players.

"This is a very good opportunity. I know India and understand its culture. I think we will get to taste lot of wins, but want to make sure these guys have an understanding of winning. This is one of my main focus area as analytical coach," he told PTI.

Team India captain Manpreet Singh also lauded Ciriello's induction as analytical coach. "I am excited about Chris. He is a typical Aussie, who puts lot of weight behind winning.

"I know him from past few months. I am amazed about his enthusiasm to inculcate the habit of winning among players. Most of the players are already learning finer aspects of winning, and I am no exception," he added.

Ciriello had shot into limelight with his superb hat-tricks in The Hague World Cup and Glasgow Commonwealth Games finals in 2014.

He had also bagged two Champions Trophy gold medals in 2010 and 2012 and World Cup crown in 2014. He was also a part of Australia's bronze medal-winning side in 2012 London Olympics.

Apart from providing inputs to head coach Sjoerd Marijne, Ciriello will work with Indian dragflickers ahead of the big-ticket events.

"Dragflicking is not only about flicking. There is much to it. 33 percent is all about executing a good push. Another 33 percent is about perfect trapping and 34 percent is about flicking. So, I am working on imparting these three skills to dragflickers," he said.

"You don't get goals, if one of these skills goes awry," he said.

Replying to a query on PR Sreejesh's comeback, Ciriello said the goalkeeper brings in good culture and calmness, besides he also is very expressive in his thoughts.

"Sreejesh also is one among the core players who has played over 100 games and many youngsters bank on his experience and assistance to improve their game," he said.

Before taking up the India assignment, Ciriello coached a top tier group of young female athletes at the prestigious Southern River Hockey Club, based in the south of Perth, Western Australia.

Firstpost



Pakistan hockey players have spark and will to go top: Oltmans

Anwar Zuberi

KARACHI: The reputed Int­er­national Hockey Federation (FIH) Master Coach Roelant Oltmans has said that the Pakistani players are eager to listen and practice the finer points of the game and to bring the country back among the top nations of the game.

“After taking up the present assignment a couple of days back, I’ve found an electrifying spark among the players who are adamant to revive the glorious past of Pakistan hockey,” he told Dawn on Wednesday.

The 63-year-old Dutch coach, who is here on his second stint – March 1, 2018 to Sept 1, 2020 – said though he has sight set on the team reaching the podium in the Asian Games and the World Cup, it would be no less a miracle if the team clicks well in the Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast, Australia next month.

“We’ve to accept the ground realities that Pakistan is presently 13th in the world rankings and I have no magical spoon to feed them any winning formula overnight that could win them laurels,” he said while referring to Commonwealth Games.

Oltmans said Pakistan players were brilliant individually but lacked impact as a team. “I’m working to improve their fitness level, skills, mental sharpness and other grey areas,” he said.

Recalling his previous assignment with the Pakistan hockey team which was from Dec 1, 2003 to Jan 1, 2005, Oltmans said the greenshirts finished fifth at the Athens Olympics and secured a bronze in the 2004 Champions Trophy at Lahore. “Then the standard of hockey was good in Pakistan,” he recalled.

The Dutch expert disclosed that he was in coaching profession for almost four decades and a master coach since 1994. Besides Pakistan, he has an impressive list of successful results as a coach for Holland and India during his illustrious career.

It was under his coaching that Holland men’s team won the gold medals at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Champions Trophies in 1996 at Chennai, 1998 at Lahore and 2006 at Terrassa, the 1990 Women’s World Cup at Utrecht besides the European Championship (men’s) in 2007 and other honours.

As regards India, Oltmans served as High Performance Director from Jan 2013 to 2015 and was made Chief Coach from 2015 to Sept 2017. He guided hosts India to lift the men’s junior World Cup, second time in history, at Lucknow.

Before taking up major assignments in his career, Oltmans said he had coached a number of clubs at home that excelled in domestic competitions. “I’d played hockey but could not make it to the Dutch national team as there were many good players then,” he said in response to a question.

He replied in “affirmative” when asked was he satisfied with the team selection for the Commonwealth Games. “I was consulted by the PHF secretary, chief selector and team manager and gave my input,” he said.

Asked what weaknesses he observed in the Pakistan team at Muscat where he had gone to discuss matters related to his assignment with the PHF officials, Oltmans said he noticed that the greenshirts played in bits and pieces instead of maintaining tempo.

Citing example of their match against Oman he said Pakistan built up 3-0 lead in the first 10 minutes of the match “but to my utter surprise squandered it and ended in a four-all stalemate.”

Terming 2018 as an important year for hockey, he rated the Asian Games and World Cup as most important assignments and described next month’s Commonwealth Games as part of learning process.

He bluntly said “no” when asked if he had any reservations before coming to Pakistan. “I’m very comfortable here and have many fond memories of the last visit including kite flying and making friends,” he said.

Oltmans expressed optimism that the people of Pakistan will be happy that he has joined their national team again and working to steer it to the top of the ladder again in global competitions in the days to come.

The Dutch expert said hockey has changed drastically from the 1976 Montreal Olympics when the FIH introduced astro turf.

“I hope that when I complete my present assignment, possibly on a winning note, the game in Pakistan have been revived and the youngsters, specially in the under-18 and under-21 age categories, will carry forward the legacy,” he concluded.

Dawn



Townsend in Training: Mind Games


England star Susannah Townsend's first blog as her team prepare for the Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup 2018

England and Great Britain's Susannah Townsend has been through some highs and lows in recent months. The joy of winning gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics was quickly superseded by the pain and frustration of a career-threatening injury. But now she is back and looking forward to a year of hockey that includes the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and the Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup London 2018. Susannah will be blogging fortnightly between now and the World Cup and invites you to join her on her journey.

It has been a bit of a journey for me since stepping off the pitch in Rio with an Olympic gold medal around my neck. Since I picked up a hockey stick at the age of 13 my dream was to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games so it was, and always will be, a surreal feeling knowing that particular dream has been achieved.

"We train for years to compete consistently at the highest level and we are constantly setting goals which we put all our efforts in to achieving. It’s what you do when you achieve them which has been the burning question in my head."
Susannah Townsend, England

However it left me feeling a little bit empty and I found myself asking the question of what next? In my mind all I knew was that I wanted to achieve it all again but it left me with a feeling that nothing will ever be enough. I suppose this is what makes a successful athlete as it leaves you wanting more and pushing yourself to get there.

We train for years to compete consistently at the highest level and we are constantly setting goals which we put all our efforts in to achieving. It’s what you do when you achieve them which has been the burning question in my head.

The answer I have come to is I and we want to achieve it all over again and that is what is now keeping me going every day.

After the highs of winning Olympic gold, I was on the operating table a month later undergoing knee surgery on my cartilage. That gave me some reflection time. To be specific, nine months of reflection time.

As strange as this may sound it gave me a chance to fill the void that I felt after returning from Rio. The one thing I was certain of during this time was that I wanted to be back playing the sport I loved. I simply missed running around a hockey pitch with my friends every day.

As much as I wouldn’t wish rehab on anyone I do think thing it teaches you a lot about yourself. I was someone that struggled to spend any time alone, I avoided any difficult conversation and I was a classic ‘yes’ girl.

I had to learn how to enjoy my own company and work on myself instead of constantly trying to please other people and rely on others to get me up for something.

This time in my life was invaluable and, as hard as it was, I see now as some of the most rewarding moments in my life. With the threat of not playing hockey again I realised how much I love what I do and that all the hard work is worth it. Yes, it is about winning medals and being successful but if you don’t enjoy the journey then I simply wouldn’t be doing it.

I am hoping 2018 is far more successful personally for me than 2017 and I am looking forward to what will be a very exciting year for hockey. With England we narrowly missed out on a gold medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 so we will be looking to do one better this time at Gold Coast.

With a home World Cup on the horizon this summer in London, it is where we all want to be. Not many athletes get to experience a home event and I certainly am working towards being on that selection email.

I am excited for what is to come. I am stronger and faster than I was before Rio and I would like to think I use my brain a little bit better. Which Helen Richardson-Walsh will be pleased to witness as I was a bit of a one-trick pony before.

I put a lot of emphasis on training my brain and psychologically preparing for how it feels to step out onto the pitch. I see this as something that will put me in a great position if selected this summer.

You can guarantee that I will be doing it with a smile on my face and the occasional on-pitch joke with Laura Unsworth, and a few reverse stick crosses to my room-mate Sophie Bray.

#HWC2018

FIH site



Argentina, Paraguay, Mexico and Canada through to the semi-finals (MEN)

Brazil suffers narrow loss in shoot-out


BRA vs. PAR. Photo: Mariano Avila

Argentina and Dominican Republic graced the field to open Day 3 with the first quarter final match of the Youth Olympic Games Qualifier 2018.  The South American team started the scoring as early as the 1st minute. Dominican Republic got off a few shots at goal, but failed to hit the target. Facundo Sarto scored 3 goals to assist Argentina in their 11-0 victory.

Brazil and Paraguay went up next for an exciting battle. Gabriel Martins scored in the 5th minute to give Brazil the lead. Santiago Chamorro responded a minute later with 2 goals to put Paraguay in front. Moments before the end of second half, Vinicius Vaz scored the equalizer to send the game into a shootout where Paraguay won with 3 goals to 2.

Mexico secured a spot in the semi-finals when they defeated Jamaica 7-1 in the penultimate quarterfinal game. Luis Villegas scored a hattrick to increase his goal tally and put him at the top with 8 goals, just above Argentina’s Pedro Inaudi. Shemar Gordon scored Jamaica’s single goal in the 12th minute.

The last match in the quarterfinal featured Canada and Guatemala. Amraaz Dhillion scored a hattrick while Rowan Childs and Shazab Butt scored 2 goals each to produce a 7-0 win over Guatemala.

Canada will face-off with Mexico in the semi-finals on Friday while Argentina will play Paraguay.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release



Top 4 women test semi-final opponents

Jamaica and Guatemala draw on Day 3


MEX vs. URU. Photo: Mariano Avila

The women’s section of the Youth Olympic Games Qualifier 2018 was opened by Argentina and Paraguay. Three goals from Gianella Palet helped to set Argentina on their way to a 9-0 victory. Based on the points standing in the round robin, both teams will play each other again in the semi-finals on Friday afternoon.

The game between Jamaica and Guatemala ended in a draw giving both teams their first point of the tournament. Imauny Linton scored for Jamaica in the 7th minute and Xiomara Flores equalized in the 16th. There were many opportunities for both teams to increase the goal tally, but they failed to capitalize.

Mexico played Uruguay to close day 3 of the competition. Despite both teams knowing that they will play each other again in the semi-finals, they played hard and tested each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Karen Gonzalez put Mexico ahead in the 3rd minute and Lucía Santucci scored the equalizer a minute later. Santucci struck the backboard again in the 8th minute to put Uruguay in the lead before half time. Uruguay ended the game with 4 goals, courtesy of second half scoring from Emilia Arias and Lucia Dieste.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release



Non-availability of int’l players delays PHL

Shahbaz says league to be conducted in December or January

Mohsin Ali

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Olympian Shahbaz Senior confirmed that the proposed Pakistan Hockey League (PHL) has to be delayed till December or January next year due to tight FIH schedule and non-availability of international players .

In an interview with The Nation, Shahbaz said: “We all know that international hockey schedule is too tight while world cup is round the corner, so in the present circumstances, we don’t want to conduct the Pakistan Hockey League, as top players would be busy in national duty or training for the mega event. For us, the ideal time for the PHL would be December or January next year.

Commenting on the appointment of Dutch coach Roelant Oltmans, Shahbaz said: “Oltmans was appointed to achieve long-term goals. We wanted to hire Oltmans till World Cup this year, but he informed that in such short span of time, he can’t change fortunes of the green shirts, so we hire him till 2020 Olympics. He has promised to take Pakistan hockey team to at least finals of the coming Asian Games, while he will gradually help in getting better results. We have given him complete authority, as he is responsible to all the outcomes.”

Shahbaz said Oltmans would not only help in establishing academies in all four cities, but also groom national coaches, who in longer run will help Pakistan hockey a great deal. “We are going to invest heavily on youth, as too much precious time has already been wasted. Oltmans, align with young coaches M Saqlian and Rehan Butt, will also hunt fresh talent, as his guidance will help both coaches and also national team.

About Pakistan hockey team chances in the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, the PHF secretary said: “We have selected the best available squad and named Rizwan Senior as captain, as his experience, leadership qualities and attitude on and off the pitch are also excellent. We have given chance to youth and experienced players and we are quite hopeful about finishing on podium.”

He said Oltmans had played instrumental role in helping Pakistan win the Asian Games in 2010, while he was coaching Indian team for last three years. “Frankly speaking, he costs us lesser than what he was getting from India and almost close to what he was taking from Pakistan in 2010. He is a proven stuff and will surely help greens shirts excel at higher level. Our aim is to provide equal and fair opportunities to genuine talent, as only genuine players can help Pakistan hockey regain lost glory.

“I have time and again offered former greats to come up with positive suggestions and we will implement them in true letter and spirit. Brig Khalid Sajjad Khokhar has been working very honestly and putting extra efforts to raise the standard of the national game. We are losing to minnows in international events and are sitting at number 13 in FIH rankings. So now we want to implement all our plans and want to work sincerely for the betterment of hockey. Our players are capable of defeating any given side but the need of the hour is to work on positive lines.

“I once again request to all the seniors to come and help the federation to work for the national cause. Minus-one formula is not going to help neither hockey nor them, so let us work together for the sake of national game. They must set aside personal ego and differences and strengthen our hands to streamline hockey affairs and take Pakistan hockey back to old glory days, though it is a difficult task but not impossible,” Shahbaz concluded.

The Nation



Rotterdam sign up Algera for the 2018/19 season



Tristan Algera (26) will rejoin HC Rotterdam from HGC after five years in the Hague having made the move back in 2013.

The ace drag-flicker was added to the Dutch men’s training group at the start of the season and was part of their line-up for the Hockey World League Semi-Final in London and the final in India and has recently returned from a trip to Perth with the Oranje. Algera was previously part of Rotterdam’s youth academy and was a regional representative player.

“We are extremely pleased that Tristan has expressed confidence in HC Rotterdam and we will see him playing in the green and white next season,” said Rotterdam board member Mark van Rijn. “It's nice that we can welcome him back and his arrival also fits in with our efforts to have a first team recognisable to the club.”

“I am extremely happy to be able to come back next season to HC Rotterdam,” Algera said. “It was with a heavy heart that I decided to move to HGC. I did have a very good time in Wassenaar but this opportunity to be able to play at HC Rotterdam can't pass me by.”

Euro Hockey League media release



Surbiton host East Grinstead in Investec Premier Division


Surbiton's Emily Atkinson battles against Slough's Lou Bevan. Credit Andy Smith

Leaders Surbiton play host to rivals East Grinstead in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday as the battle for play-off places intensifies.

Surbiton currently lead East Grinstead by three points but could fall behind them this weekend if they lose on Saturday and the team from Sussex also pick up points against Canterbury on Sunday.

“Our performance against Slough last week was really positive,” said Surbiton’s 1st XI Manager Tony Jones. “We had pretty much a full strength team out, and we will be the same this weekend.

“The prospect of both East Grinstead and ourselves being at full strength is a mouth-watering one, and that’s exactly what we want at this stage of the season. We’ve already qualified for the play-offs, but we want to keep our form going.”

Third-placed Holcombe could also draw level with Surbiton if they beat Canterbury on Saturday, but the top of the table is very close and fourth-placed University of Birmingham could go back to the top of the table if they win both their matches this weekend against Leicester on Saturday and Slough on Sunday.

Bottom of the table Leicester have another crucial double-header weekend. Following their match with the University of Birmingham they entertain ninth-placed Clifton Robinsons on Sunday, knowing that a win would lift them off the bottom.

Buckingham’s hopes of scraping into the play-offs also hang on a double-header weekend, with a trip to Clifton Robinsons on Saturday followed by a home game against Bowdon Hightown on Sunday.

And on Saturday Bowdon go to Slough in a match the hosts need to win to boost their battle to avoid the drop.

In the Investec Women’s Conference East, Hampstead & Westminster could clinch the title this weekend as they go to St Albans on Saturday and host Sevenoaks on Sunday. Elsewhere second-placed Wimbledon take on Cambridge City and Bedford this weekend.

The battle for the Investec Women’s Conference West title continues to be close, with just three points separating the top four teams.

Current leaders Stourport are at home against Isca on Saturday, and then entertain Team Bath Buccaneers on Sunday, while second-placed Trojans go to Cannock on Saturday.

Third-placed Reading play Oxford Hawks and Cannock this weekend, while fourth-placed Swansea City’s opposition is Olton & West Warwicks and Gloucester City.

Liverpool Sefton’s battle to avoid the drop in the Investec Women’s Conference North doesn’t get any easier – they play host to champions Beeston, who have won all 16 matches so far.

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

FIXTURES

Saturday, March 17 2018

Investec Premier Division
Leicester v Univ of Birmingham 12:00
Slough v Bowdon 12:30
Clifton Robinsons v Buckingham 13:00
Surbiton v East Grinstead 14:00
Holcombe v Canterbury 16:00

Investec Conference East
St Albans v Hampstead & Westminster 13:00
Chelmsford v Barnes 14:00
Harleston Magpies v Bedford 14:00
Wimbledon v Cambridge City 14:00
Southgate v Sevenoaks 15:30

Investec Conference North
Brooklands-Poynton v Ben Rhydding 12:00
Univ of Durham v Fylde 12:00
Liverpool Sefton v Beeston 12:30
Loughborough Students v Wakefield 12:30
Sutton Coldfield v Timperley 12:30

Investec Conference West
Oxford Hawks v Reading 12:00
Swansea City v Olton & West Warwicks 12:00
Cannock v Trojans 12:30
Team Bath Buccaneers v Gloucester City 13:00
Stourport v Isca 14:30

Sunday, March 18 2018

Investec Premier Division
Univ of Birmingham v Slough 12:45
Buckingham v Bowdon Hightown 13:00
Leicester v Clifton Robinsons 13:00
Canterbury v East Grinstead 14:00

Investec Conference East
Southgate v Harleston Magpies 12:30
Hampstead & Westminster v Sevenoaks 13:30
Cambridge City v Barnes 14:30
Bedford v Wimbledon 15:00
St Albans v Chelmsford 15:30

Investec Conference North
Loughborough Students v Liverpool Sefton 12:30
Fylde v Ben Rhydding 13:30
Sutton Coldfield v Univ of Durham 13:30
Wakefield v Brooklands-Poynton 15:30

Investec Conference West
Cannock v Reading 12:30
Gloucester City v Swansea City 12:30
Stourport v Team Bath Buccaneers 14:15
Olton & West Warwicks v Oxford Hawks 14:30

England Hockey Board Media release



Seventh Annual 2018 Junior Premier Indoor League Champions Crowned

Content Provided by Junior Premier Hockey



The 7th annual Junior Premier Indoor League (JPIL) ended on Saturday, February 17 with the crowning of the U-16 and U-19 Champions at the 422 Sportsplex in Pottstown, Pa. The U-14 Championship was held on Saturday, February 10 at the Camp Hill Sports Center in Camp Hill, Pa. The competition was close in every divisions’ finals with no clear winners in each of the first halves.

After six league dates of competitive indoor hockey on a consistent and regular basis, all participating clubs were  ready to face competition at the National Indoor Tournament (NIT), presented by YOLO Sports, and be successful. Huge improvements were seen by all participating clubs and 95% of teams that participated in JPIL qualified and competed at various NIT. It is very commendable and is attributed to the commitment made by the players, coaches and parents alike.

In the U-14 Division, both Freedom HKY (Edgewater, Md.) and Shore Byrds FHC (Delmar, Del.) went undefeated in pool play, so it was no surprise to see them competing in the championship game. With the first half ending at 0-1, Freedom HKY took the lead with a goal from Daniela Mendez-Trandler (Reisterstown, Md.), her eighth of the season. Shore Byrds, led by Maci Bradford (Delmar, Del.) with two goals of her own, scored four goals in the second half to take control of the game. Freedom HKY scored one more by Cameron Medinger (Reisterstown, Md.) in the last minute of play, but it was not enough as Shore Byrds finished with a 4-2 victory. Shore Byrds were crowned 2018 U-14 JPIL Champions with added bonuses of Player of the Tournament, Josie Hollaman (Delmar, Del.), and Top Goal Scorer, Maci Bradford.

The U-16 and U-19 Championship weekend began with only one team undefeated across both divisions: Xcalibur FHC in the U16’s. With no clear favorite in each division otherwise, everyone was vying for the 2018 JPIL Championship title.

The U-16’s were the first semifinals of the day with Xcalibur FHC (Blandon, Pa.) facing off a resilient FSC (Mechanicsburg, Pa.) and UPRISE FHC (Moorestown, N.J.) taking on Shore Byrds FHC (Delmar, Del.). URPISE was the first team to tally any goals with Alayna Burns (Medford, N.J.) and Elise Pettisani (Medford, N.J.) both finding the net in the first half making the game 2-0 at the halftime buzzer. Things were much closer on the other court as both Xcalibur and FSC held each other scoreless at halftime. Things quickly heated up in the second halves as UPRISE extended their lead to 3-0 with a goal from Julia Gatelein (Haddon Heights, N.J.) in the 25th minute of play. Shore Byrds fought hard in an attempt to tie the game with goals from Morgan Bradford (Delmar, Del.) and Julianna Holland (Pocomoke, Md.) but fell short to end the game at 3-2 for UPRISE.



Things were no different on the other court as Xcalibur and FSC vied for the other spot in the final. Aubrey Semler (Orefield, Pa.) scored on a penalty corner for Xcalibur to tally the first goal of the game in the 27th minute. FSC responded with a field goal from Allison Gallant (Doylestown, Pa.) just three minutes later to tie the game 1-1. Xcalibur did not let up and scored two quick goals in the 35th minute from Julia Lamb (Phoenixville, Pa.) and Carlie Servis (Morgantown, Pa.) respectively. Servis found the net again just a minute later and Reagan Underwood (Sinking Spring, Pa.) sealed the victory on a penalty stroke, bringing the final score to 5-1.

The final was now set with undefeated Xcalibur and UPRISE taking the court. UPRISE was first to score with a quick field goal from Burns, her 17th of the season. Xcalibur equalized in the 7th minute from Servis, and added another from Emma O’Neill (Hummelstown, Pa.) in the same minute to make the score 2-1.  UPRISE's Amanda Middleman (Berlin, N.J.) tied the game shortly after with another field goal, making the score 2-2. Xcalibur would not let the half end that way as O’Neill scored another in the 19th minute while Semler tallied another off a penalty corner at the end of the half to make the score 4-2 going into the break. Xcalibur continued capitalizing on scoring opportunities in the second half with Semlet, Underwood and Jacey Wittel (Stroudsburg, Pa.) each recoding one to their name. Xcalibur claimed the title of 2018 U-16 JPIL repeat champions with a 7-2 win.

The U19’s semifinals were just as exciting with H2O (Middletown, Del.) taking on FSC (Mechanicsburg, Pa.) in one match-up and the Viper Field Hockey (Limerick, Pa.) took on Xcalibur FHC (Blandon, Pa.) in the other. H2O was the only team in the U-19 semifinals with zero losses in pool play and one draw, which came at the hands their semifinal opponent FSC. With bragging rights and a spot in the championship game on the line, this game was bound to not disappoint. FSC opened the scoring with four unanswered goals making it 4-0 shortly before halftime. However, Rachel Borzymowski (Fallstown, Md.) of H2O had something to say about that as she netted two successive field goals in the 19th minute to bring H2O back into the fight just before the half. Clinging to the hope Borzymowski had sparked, H2O came out after in the second half and quickly scored another from Annie Keele (Bel Air, Md.) to bring the score to 4-3. FSC’s early goal scorers upped their game, as Alivia Klopp (Bernville, Pa.), Brianna O’Donnell (Collegeville, Pa.) and Cailtyn Amsden (Perkasie, Pa.) each scored a second time to widen the gap to 7-3.  H2O’s Sydney Beck (Bel Air, Md.) tried to rally her team with a penalty corner goal, making it 7-4. FSC’s Olivia Fitzgerald (Doylestown, Pa.) would not be left out of the two-goal party and scored her second of the game on a penalty stroke with no time left to end the game at 8-4 for FSC.

The final was set for the U-19’s with FSC facing Xcalibur, with the latter aiming to take home both the U-16 and U-19 trophies this year.



Xcalibur came out strong and held FSC scoreless at the half while tallying three of their own from Olivia Trace (Reading, Pa.), Ellie McIntyre (Easton, Pa.) and Shannon Lackey (Fleetwood, Pa.) to make the score 3-0. FSC rallied in the second half and scored twice off of field goals from Klopp and Sydney Borneman (Perkasie, Pa.) to narrow the gap to 3-2. Tensions were high, and play was frantic as FSC attempted to tie the score and send the game into overtime but could not muster it. Annie Walsh (Easton, Pa.) of Xcalibur sealed the game for her team with a penalty corner in the dying seconds of play to claim dual 2018 U-19 and U-16 JPIL Championships.

Special Recognition was given to the following individuals who were each presented with a $150.00 Gift Certificate thanks to the generosity of Award Sponsor, Dita USA.

U-14 Most Valuable Player: Jose Hollaman, Shore Byrds FHC
U-14 Most League Goals: Maci Bradford, Shore Byrds FHC
U-16 Most Valuable Player: Reagan Underwood, Xcalibur FHC
U-16 Most League Goals: Sophia Gladieux, Xcalibur FHC
U-19 Most Valuable Player: Katelyn Crist, Xcalibur FHC
U-19 Most League Goals: Rachel Fleig, The Gaels FHC

With the National Indoor Tournament (NIT) , presented by YOLO Sportswear, format of two periods of 20 minutes the same as JPIL, all participants were well prepared and ready to compete at this final competition of the indoor season. The NIT results reflect the hard work and preparation put in by all the participating clubs.

The present and continued success of this league is not possible without the support of others who we would like to recognize.

First off, Director of Umpiring, Wendy Stewart along with umpires managers, Dean Wenrich and Fran Corl, and all the dedicated umpires. The JPH appreciate the commitment and support for this event and hope all will continue to make themselves available.

Next, Technical Director, Lurah Hess and her technical officials, including the parents who provided technical assistance as judges by keeping the games running on time with accurate results reporting. JPH thanks you all!

JPH also wants to give recognition to the university coaches who took the time to be present and hope that all were pleased with the level of competition.

Last, but not least, many thanks to Award and Ball Sponsor, Dita USA, for seeing the need and value for league play in the development of our youth and the sport of indoor by supporting this event. Please reciprocate appreciation for their support of Junior Premier Hockey by visiting the Dita booth at all the National Events or visiting online, ditausa.com.

On behalf of the JPH Directors, Rachael Bloemker and Nigel Traverso, we thank you for your hard work, commitment, support and cooperation in making this seventh year another successful one.

Congratulations to our 2018 Champions, Shore Byrds (U-14), Xcalibur FHC (U-16) and Xcalibur FHC (U-19) and to all the vlubs for your participation!

JPH is looking for a Title Sponsor for this event to cover the period from 2018-2020. If you or anyone you know who may be interested, please contact them directly.

USFHA media release

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