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News for 22 January 2020

All the news for Wednesday 22 January 2020


2020 Test matches BLR v CAN (W)
Minsk (BLR), Senior Womens Indoor

20 Jan 2020     BLR v CAN     3 - 2
21 Jan 2020     BLR v CAN     3 - 1

FIH Match Centre



Kalindi’s added motivation



This weekend’s FIH Pro League openers against Belgium will be more than just about hockey for Hockeyroo Kalindi Commerford.

The 25 year old heralds from Milton, a town in the south coast region of New South Wales that has been significantly affected and impacted by the current bushfire crisis.

Thus the devastating aftermath the bushfires have left has been literally and emotionally closer to home for Commerford, who spent the majority of her summer break in Milton constantly waking to skies infiltrated by smoke from the fires.

Wondering how she could contribute in this time of crisis for many, Commerford has come up with her own initiative to support the recovery efforts and those in her community who have been directly affected.

She has pledged to donate $50 for every goal scored by both Australia and Belgium (Men’s & Women’s matches) across this weekend’s Pro League double headers to Treading Lightly Inc Milton Ulladulla Region Bushfire Appeal.

In addition, she will also commit $100 each time if/when she manages to score in the Hockeyroos’ two matches against Belgium.



Commerford is urging people to follow suit and donate an amount per goal because every bit counts.

“For me this weekend is about more than a game, its paying homage to all those affected by the fires, specifically my hometown on the south coast,” said Commerford.

“Having firsthand experience of this fire season I feel a need to give back to my community that has supported me in so many ways.

“Most of my summer was spent at home in Milton under a smoke covered sky. There was a real sense of unknown and at times fear.

“However, through this I think a sense of unity within has forged, with locals coming together to protect and support the lives and livelihoods of people in the area.

“I feel incredibly humbled to be able to make a pledge on an international stage in honour of all affected and those who risked their lives to salvage my home town.

“I think it’s important to keep the conversation going, especially during the rebuild phase to remind people affected they have not been forgotten.”

Electronic $ donations can be made to the following…



Hockey Australia media release



How Indian women’s hockey team got analytical coach Janneke Schopman on board

With players like Rani Rampal, Savita Punia, Deep Grace Ekka and others, they have the experience, but it is about outdoing teams at the big stage.

By Ashim Sunam


Indian women’s hockey team analytical coach Janneke Schopman (Photo | EPS)

BENGALURU: On November 1 and 2 last year, USA women’s hockey coach Janneke Schopman was in the away dugout when India pipped them to seal Olympics qualification in Bhubaneswar. And 74 days later, she was announced as the analytical coach of the Indian women’s team. It happened smoothly after a text from head coach Sjoerd Marijne, asking if she was interested.

“Hockey India and Sports Authority of India did a really great job of bringing her here so fast,” said Marijne, who did not have to push the Dutch woman.

“When Sjoerd sent me a text, I had to decide quickly. I spoke to my family and I thought this would be a great challenge,” said Schopman. Her contract runs till the end of Tokyo Olympics and she will travel with the team tonight to New Zealand for her first assignment, starting on Saturday.

With USA having featured in the Pro League last year, where India were absent, Schopman will have decent knowledge about top teams like Australia, the Netherlands, Germany among others, who USA faced then. India is not featuring in the 2020 edition as well.

She is no stranger to current crop of Indian players. It is understood that she came into the Olympic qualifiers well researched about India. With players like Rani Rampal, Savita Punia, Deep Grace Ekka and others, they have the experience, but it is about outdoing teams at the big stage.

“India is a dark horse. For me, I see India as a team with a lot of potential. You have a solid goalkeeper, a good penalty-corner attack and defence. Those are things that make a difference. We need to play our tactics right and use our individual strengths to our benefit,” said Schopman.

“It’s a disadvantage that we are not in the Pro League but it’s also an advantage because teams don’t see us so much and we can throw it all out there. India women has a lot of hidden potential.”

Schopman was a player of pedigree and knows what it takes to be a winner, having won an Olympic gold (2008) herself other than the World Cup (2006). Her 212 international caps reflect the wealth of experience, which Marijne will be keen to tap in the next few months.

“She has the knowledge on how it is to be in the Olympics. She is individually very strong with players. In India, players don’t come very easily to the chief coach. Because I was alone for a long time, they (players) do approach me. Some are still hesitating. But on her first day, they came to Janneke. She can be there between me and the team and help the players on an individual basis,” said Marijne.

New Indian Express



Janneke Schopman on Tokyo 2020: India is a dark horse in hockey

Schopman, who joined the national camp at the SAI late last week, is convinced of the potential of this Indian team, currently ranked ninth in the world.

Shreedutta Chidananda


Janneke Schopman (left) oversees training with Sjoerd Marijne at the SAI complex in Bengaluru on Tuesday.   -  K. MURALI KUMAR

Back in November, Janneke Schopman was in the American dugout in Bhubaneswar when her side lost to India in the FIH Women's Olympic Qualifiers in heartbreaking fashion. Now, two months later, she is an integral part of India's preparations for the Tokyo Games.

When Schopman and the U.S. women's hockey team parted ways, in the aftermath of the qualifiers, India's Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne sent his old acquaintance a text, asking if she was interested in working alongside him as India's Analytical Coach. The 42-year-old former Dutch international, an Olympic gold-medallist from the 2008 Games, had no hesitation accepting.

Schopman, who joined the national camp at the SAI late last week, is convinced of the potential of this Indian team, currently ranked ninth in the world. "India is a dark horse [to medal at the Olympics]," she said here on Tuesday. "In the last Olympics, they didn't have the best result. But they learnt from that experience four years ago. India is a team with a lot of potential. You have a solid goalkeeper (Savita Punia), a good penalty corner attack and defence. You also have some key individual players. And the rest of the team is very unorthodox."

India's absence from the FIH Pro League has an upside, Schopman believes. "India does something different from most countries. And that is hard for other countries to play against. It's a disadvantage that we are not in the FIH Pro League but it's also an advantage because teams don't see us so much. We have something hidden that we can use," she said.

As a player, Schopman won gold (2008) and silver (2004) medals at the Olympics, to go with a World Cup and a European title. She was also the USA's assistant coach at the 2016 Olympics. In Marijne's eyes, that experience is invaluable. "She has that knowledge. I don't. Besides, she is individually very strong with the players. In India, players don't come very easy to the chief coach. But on her first day, they came to Janneke. She also knows a lot about all the other countries because the US played in the Pro League," he said.

Having a colleague to discuss in-game tactics with, in his native tongue, was a great asset, Marijne felt. "Someone who speaks the same language when I have the head-set on is of great help. Because we have to communicate direct and fast. You want to talk to someone about the techniques. That's what I kind of missed," he said.

Schopman is aware that India is culturally different from the U.S., but she is not worried about adapting. "I went to the U.S. from Holland and I had to adapt a little to their culture," she said. "Of course there are differences but the sport and the love for the sport is what we all share. That's the common denominator."

Sportstar



Gurjant Singh hopes to be third time lucky

Form and injuries meant the transition from junior to senior has been bumpy for Gurjant Singh with just 41 games in four years.

Uthra Ganesan


Gurjant Singh's journey has been more about misses than hits. (File Photo)   -  The Hindu Archives

When Gurjant Singh struck in 13 seconds for the fastest ever international goal by India in the FIH Pro League opener against Netherlands, it was not just a stroke of luck.

Those who had seen him four years ago at the triumphant Junior World Cup would vouch for the 24-year old’s poaching abilities inside the circle, making him the hero of the semifinals and final back then.

Since then, however, Gurjant’s journey has been more about misses than hits. Form and injuries meant the transition from junior to senior has been bumpy with just 41 games in four years, marked with frustration even as some of his teammates went on to become permanent members of the national side.

"It has been difficult. Sitting home and watching games is the toughest thing to do for a player. It becomes more frustrating when you are out due to freak injuries. But the biggest motivation comes from staying positive, knowing the only thing in your control is hard work,” Gurjant admitted to Sportstar after India’s maiden outing in the Pro League in Bhubaneswar.

“For me, the big advantage was that, despite being in and out of the team, I was always part of the core group and training with the national side. While you get the best facilities and competition, there is also hope that you are not forgotten by the federation and there is still hope of a comeback when you stay with the team and constantly interact with the players,” he added.

For the team, his biggest strength is one-touch shots at goal without indulging in showboating, a rarity among Indian strikers. The Pro League was Gurjant’s comeback after almost a year. It was deja vu for Gurjant, who has begun the last three years on a positive note, only to fall aside before big tournaments.

In 2019, the lanky forward from Amritsar – he will turn 25 on the 26th this month – suffered a nasal fracture during a practice game before the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, flying back to recuperate. He then came in as substitute for the injured Sumit in the FIH Series Final against South Africa last year and traveled for the Olympics test event but lost his place.

A year before, he was part of the Commonwealth Games side in 2018 before watching the Asian Games and World Cup on television. Unsurprisingly, therefore, he is cautious about celebrating.

“In an Olympic year, with just six months to go, the biggest challenge will be to ensure there are no injuries while also keeping performance levels high. I have missed some very big competitions, only hoping now to be third time lucky,” he smiled.

Sportstar



Hockey or Hindi, ‘Siami’ dribbles past all odds

“As a striker, my job is not only to score goals, but to contribute to the team in various ways: Lalremsiami

By Madhumita Ganguly


Lalremsiami File picture

Lalremsiami, India women’s hockey team striker, had a bittersweet 2019.

While on one hand the team booked its ticket for Tokyo after defeating the USA 6-5 on aggregate in the Olympic qualifiers — the first time ever that the women’s team had made the cut in successive Olympic Games — on the other, she lost her father while the team was playing in the FIH Women’s Series Finals in Hiroshima.

Curtailing her first instinct to immediately fly home to Mizoram, Lalremsiami stayed back and continued playing, as she felt that was what her father would have expected of her. The Indians went on to win the tournament, getting the better of hosts Japan 3-1 in the final.

Defeating Chile in the semi-final had ensured for India a berth in the FIH Olympic qualifiers. Lalremsiami had played in the match, which was just a day after her father’s demise.

That basically sums up the 19-year-old, who hails from Kolasib, 85km north of Aizawl, and is the first sportsperson from Mizoram to have won a medal at the Asian Games (silver in Jakarta, 2018).

And now Lalremsiami — Siami to her teammates — and the team are looking ahead to the Olympics.

So how does she rate their chances in Tokyo?

Lalremsiami, who has been nominated for the FIH Rising Player of the Year award, is very optimistic of India’s chances.

“We are all fighting fit and mentally ready,” Lalremsiami told The Telegraph from Bangalore where the team is undergoing a camp. “What will help matters further are the preparatory matches we will play in New Zealand soon. The trip will help us gauge how we perform under pressure and maintain consistency.”

The team leaves for New Zealand on Wednesday, plays a match against the New Zealand Development Squad on Saturday, followed by games against the New Zealand women’s team, ranked No. 6 in the world, on January 27 and 29. They will then play No. 5-ranked Great Britain on February 4 and conclude the tour with another match against the New Zealand women on February 5.

So what prompted her to take to hockey, coming from an essentially football-centric place? “Yes, true, the place where I come from does not have too many people playing hockey… It’s more about football there. But I used to play hockey near my house and was noticed by a school coach and then started playing for the school team. That was how it all began,” she said.

At the age of 11, she joined the state government-run academy in Thenzawl and then in 2016 joined the National Hockey Academy in New Delhi. There has been no looking back since.

Though still a teenager, Lalremsiami has a mature head on her shoulders. “As a striker, my job is not only to score goals, but to contribute to the team in various ways. Hockey is a team game and it is the everyone’s hard work which makes us successful,” she says.

The talented forward owes a lot to captain Rani Rampal for where she is today. “Rani didi has helped me immensely, both on and off the field. We are both strikers. Hence her experience and skill has taught me a lot. Off the field too, she has taught me how to deal with everyday activities, has explained a lot of things to me and, most importantly, helped me pick up Hindi. The language was my prime obstacle when I landed in Delhi. Didi is my guide, adviser and idol,” she concluded.

The Telegraph, India



Becky Mill retires from international hockey



After 139 caps and 12 years playing for Scotland Becky Mill (Merchant) has announced her retirement from international hockey.

Mill said, “It feels like the time is right to retire. I’ve had twelve years in the squad and it’s time for the youngsters to lead the way. The last few years have been really challenging coming back from two big injuries, and it has given me a lot of time to think about my future. Last year I wasn’t sure if I would get back to hockey following an ankle operation, but I’m now back playing again, and loving it, but I know this is the right time for me to move away from international hockey and onto new challenges.”

It’s a Scotland career that saw Becky represent her country at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and at three European A divisions in 2009, 2013, and 2015. She was also a gold medallist with GB at the Youth Olympics in 2007.

Becky’s Scotland debut was also in 2007 when she wore the blue shirt against Ireland in a test series to mark the opening of the Forthbank pitch. She recalled, “The first game of the series was actually frozen off but I made my debut in the second game. Cat Forrest got her 50th cap that game and I remember being absolutely blown away that someone could play so many games for their country. It was special.”

Mill went onto play 139 times for Scotland earning her 50th cap at Champions Challenge in Dublin in 2012, and then reaching 100 caps in a EuroHockey Championship match against Italy in 2015, a contest in which she found the net in a 3-1 win.


Photo by John Preece

In 2010 Becky was selected to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, and experience that lives long in her memory – particularly playing against India on home soil on the opening day. The Scots earned a 1-1 draw that day and went on to finish seventh in the tournament, beating Wales in a shootout in the playoff.

Becky played as a defender for the majority of her career however did have an impressive couple of years as a striker. Between July 2015 and July 2016 Mill played in 23 matches and scored 9 goals – an impressive scoring ratio for international hockey and against teams like Germany; England; Ireland; Italy; Spain; Japan and South Africa.

Mill said, “I can’t remember my first goal for Scotland but my favourite goal was away against Germany in 2015. I’d played as a defender my whole career up until that game and played my first match as a forward”

“I was really nervous going into the game but I managed to score probably the best goal of my career with my first touch of the game. I always loved scoring goals at training, Jen Wilson was assistant at that time and I think she spotted something in me and I ended up playing as an attacker. It was a challenge but I loved it.”

Captaining Scotland for the first time was also a special moment for Mill. The proud honour was earned in a match against South Africa in Cape Town in 2016; a game in which she scored. Mill would go on to wear the armband at major tournaments such as World League 2 in Valencia and the World League semi-final in Brussels.

Becky’s last cap in a Scotland shirt came against Ireland in 2018 at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.


Photo by Mark Pugh

Mill added, “Playing for Scotland for the last 12 years has been an incredible journey. It has taught me a huge amount about myself and has shaped who I am today. I am incredibly grateful for every opportunity that I’ve been given.

“I’d like to thank sportscotland and the Institute of Sport – I’m hugely grateful for what they’ve done for me. There’s no way I’d have been an international player all that time without their support. In particular Carrie McCrea-Routray; Sean Tough; Catherine Smaill and Susie Elms to name just a few. In last few years in particular where I have had two major injuries they’ve been a huge support and help.

“I must also thank Fettes College where I and have worked for the last seven years. They have always been so supportive and have always allowed me time off, which meant I could combine being an international hockey player and a teacher.

“Thank you to my teammates – old and current. I have learnt so much, shared so many experiences and I am grateful to have made so many lifelong friends. I’d also like to thank everyone at Scottish Hockey over the years for all their support in particular my coaches Gordon Shepherd and Jen Wilson.

“Lastly my family and my husband; Rich who have always supported me through the highs and lows been with me the whole way.”

Scotland Women’s Head Coach Jen Wilson said, “Becky has made an incredible contribution to Scottish Hockey for over a decade. Her relentless commitment and passion for the game has never wavered whether travelling through a high or low of international hockey.

“She has been an outstanding defender for the majority of her career and also scored some unforgettable goals in a short spell as a striker. Her goal against Germany in 2015 will sit in my memory for a very long time as one of the most exceptional finishes by an international player. She has been a wonderful ambassador to the sport and her leadership both on and off the field will be missed.”

Scottish Hockey Union media release



GB women using hockey to drive equality in sport


GB Women v Bel 2019 FIHPL

As a professional athlete, Emily Defroand knows she is in the best position to help drive gender equality in sport.

And know she has the perfect opportunity to do that having been selected alongside five fellow Great Britain Hockey players to ‘unlock the future of women’s sport’ as part of the Women’s Sport Trust’s (WST) new #UNLOCKED initiative.

Last week 40 athletes were unveiled by WST having been chosen to front the campaign, with Defroand joined by Hollie Pearne-Webb, Tess Howard, Sarah Robertson, Maddie Hinch & Hannah Martin.

As a huge advocate of pushing female athletes to the forefront of everyone’s attention, Defroand is now excited to join stars from a range of other sports to really make a difference.

“I want to help make sport accessible for everyone, no matter what age you are, your gender, ethnicity, disability etc.,” the midfielder said.

“No matter what background you have, my huge passion is for everyone to be able to have the chance to enjoy and participate in sport.

“I’m hoping through being part of this programme alongside some other incredible athletes we can all have a unique opportunity to make a difference; that’s something I’m really passionate about.”

When it comes to gender equality, hockey is one of the leading sports with a 50/50 split in terms of participation in the UK while nearly all of the major tournaments are run concurrently, with the men and women in action on the same day.

This is especially the case in the FIH Pro League and now Emily is keen to share this with the other athletes and encourage all sports to adopt a similar approach in order to create female role models that the next generation can aspire to.

The 25-year-old said: “I think that’s the beauty of hockey. We’ve got numerous campaigns that celebrate the diversity of our sport, such as Vitality Back to Hockey and Walking Hockey. We’ve also got EuroHockey’s #EquallyAmazing campaign too and disability in hockey becoming more celebrated through Flyerz Hockey.

“Events such as the games at the Twickenham Stoop and the FIH Pro League are a great example of the gender equality in our sport. At nearly all the major events, such as the EuroHockey Championships, the women are provided with the same media coverage and exposure as the men and I think that’s a huge thing to celebrate within the world of hockey.

“I’m just very passionate about making a difference. Growing up I’ve had some incredible female role models to look up to and to aspire to both inside hockey and outside hockey, within sport and outside of sport.

“We’re very fortunate in our current position as centralised hockey positions - this wasn’t necessarily the situation 10 years ago and hockey is more in the limelight than ever before in terms of the FIH Pro League.

“It’s for us to take that opportunity to celebrate hockey, celebrate women’s sport & ultimately make a difference so in 10 years’ time there is as much female coverage as there is men.”

Great Britain Hockey media release



High Court directs Centre, Hockey India to allow participation of Odisha's men's, women's teams in national championships

Cuttack: The Orissa High Court on Tuesday directed the Centre and Hockey India to allow Hockey Odisha to participate in the upcoming senior national championships for men and women.

While the men's championship will be held in Jhansi from 25 January, the women's event will be held in Kollam from 30 January, Hockey Odisha general secretary Pratap Satapathy said.
High Court directs Centre, Hockey India to allow participation of Odishas mens, womens teams in national championships

Hockey India, the apex body of the game, last week had debarred as many as 10 states, including Odisha, from participating in the national championships on the ground that they had not updated the details of the team members online a month before the beginning of the events.

Hockey Odisha had sought some more time from Hockey India to furnish the details, Satapathy said.

But when the apex body did not pay heed to the request, Hockey Odisha approached the high court, stating that it was practically not possible to select the team before one month of the championships.

Justice KR Mohapatra in an interim direction asked the Centre and Hockey India to allow the teams from Odisha to participate in the championships, said Hockey Odisha counsel Dayananda Mohapatra.

Firstpost



Test for Tenaga’s top scorer

 By T. AVINESHWARAN


Hell-bent: Tenaga’s Akhimullah Anuar Esook (left) is looking to add to his goal tally against Terengganu today.

PETALING JAYA: The clash between Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) leaders Tenaga Nasional and Terengganu at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil will be a test of character for striker Mohd Akhimullah Anuar Esook.

Akhimullah, Tenaga’s top scorer, fired blanks against Maybank on Jan 15 but bounced back with two against Hockey Academy of Kuala Lumpur (Hockademy) two days later to make it a total of five so far in the league.One would think that he has found his mojo again, but the 19-year national player wants the game against Terengganu today to determine whether he has regained his goalscoring touch or not.

“A striker needs to be consistent. You cannot be scoring in one, and then misfire in another. I’m working hard to ensure that my conversion rate gets better, ” said Akhimullah, who made his debut for the country last year.

“Our preparation in the last three days have been about tempo and consistency. In some matches, I have missed several good chances, so that must now stop.

“Terengganu are one of the best teams in the league, and we cannot take them lightly. We must be focused and hardworking.”

In the last season, he scored only 10 goals and was criticised by many for being naive, but this season, Akhimullah is hell-bent on changing that script.

From a junior to being one of the vital cogs in the team, he is aware of the pressure placed upon him and would do whatever it takes to repay the faith of the Tenaga coaching staff.

“I have my weaknesses, but that does not mean that I will not change. In training, I am working hard to rectify them. Game-by-game, I am looking to improve.

“The seniors in the team like Kumar (S. Kumar, goalkeeper), midfielder Faiz (Helmi Jali) and Syafiq (Syed Mohamad Syafiq Syed Cholan, defender) are always there to guide me.

“My aim right is now to plunder goals every game and help the team achieve their target of winning a double.”

Meanwhile, coach Nor Saiful Zaini hoped his team would stay cautious against Terengganu, known for their good counter-attacking hockey. Their opponents also have experienced players, who can cause damage on their good day.

“They have the Saari brothers (Faizal and Fitri), and the energetic Korean duo (Jang Jong-hyun and Jung Man-jae). Terengganu can punish with their counters, and they have drag flickers like Jong-hyun and Faizal, ” said Saiful.

“We have to be focused on them. We cannot play to their tempo and strength.

“For me, if my players are strong enough to play this game, mentally and physically, then there will be a positive result.”

Tenaga are top of the league with 12 points after winning four of their matches, while Terengganu are third with nine points. However, Terengganu are the best attacking side in the league as they have scored 20 goals in four games.

The Star of Malaysia



UniKL stay cautious despite taking on bottom-placed Nur Insafi


Experienced: Kieran Govers (right) is among the top foreign players to play for UniKL this season.

PETALING JAYA: Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL)’s captain Mohd Sukri Mutalib wants his team to avoid coming off as a snob when they take on Nur Insafi – the whipping boys in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

There is a good chance for the defending champions to extend their winning streak at the Sungai Petani Hockey Stadium today as Nur Insafi have yet to collect a single point but conceded a whopping 27 goals in four matches.

Sukri is being cautious as they have yet to play at the pitch in Sungai Petani and does not want to take their opponents lightly.

“We have never played in Sungai Petani, so we do not know how the pitch is going to be, ” said the 33-year-old.

“Before the game, we will have a quick session to get used to the field. We have to adapt. One has to understand that Nur Insafi have played in this league for a long time. They will remain a threat if we underestimate them. Our boys have to be focused from start to finish.”

Coached by Arul Selvaraj, UniKL are currently second in the league with 12 points, similar to table-toppers Tenaga Nasional, only to be separated by goal difference.

Powered by experienced national players like Sukri, Mohd Razie Abd Rahim, Mohd Marhan Jalil, and top quality foreigners David Harte, Roel Bovendeert, Timothy Deavin and Kieran Govers, the club are looking to win the league and also the TNB Cup.

They have indeed started well with four convincing wins, and for Sukri, those wins have given the players extra zing in their game.

“It is an additional motivation for all the players. Even though some of the foreign players arrived late, the other boys stepped up, ” said Sukri.

“We are improving game-by-game, and that is what we want. We must maintain this attitude and discipline. Whether I am in the national team or club, I’ve always preached about consistency.”

The absence of Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil, who is out for the season with a broken jaw has been felt, but Sukri said it should not be seen in a negative aspect.

“Tengku’s absence is felt but in any team sport, we cannot rely on one player. Injuries and suspensions are norm, ” he said.

“This situation opens up an opportunity for younger players to step up. I don’t see this negatively.

“I hope the player replacing him will do his best and prove that he has what it takes to be with the team.”

The Star of Malaysia



USA Field Hockey Statement on the Passing of Olympian Larry Amar



“It is with a heavy heart that we share news of the passing of a great friend and athlete, and a man who truly dedicated himself to the sport of field hockey,” said Simon Hoskins, USA Field Hockey’s Executive Director. “Larry Amar was loved and respected, a colleague with an infectiously positive attitude who was always eager to share his enthusiasm for field hockey with both the athletes and community. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends. We will miss him dearly but will strive to honor his legacy in all that we do.”

Amar joined the U.S. Women's National Team staff in February 2019 as the assistant coach and recently transitioned to the position of U.S. National Teams Manager. He previously held the position of assistant coach at Kent State University from 2009-18.

He represented the United States in more than 200 international matches as a member of the U.S Men’s National Team (1987-99), including competing in the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, where he served as captain. He was named the USA Field Hockey Athlete of the Year in both 1994 and 1995.

Amar is survived by his wife, Abbey, and two children.

USFHA media release

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