News for 20 August 2018
All the news for Monday 20 August 2018
2018 Asian Games - Day 1
Jakarta (INA)
Women's Results 19 August
Pool B THA 1 - 3 KAZ
Pool A JPN 11 - 0 TPE
Pool A MAS 8 - 0 HKG
Pool B IND 8 - 0 INA
Pool Standings
Pool A
| Played | Won | Draw | Lost | GD | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Japan |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 3 |
 Malaysia |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 3 |
 China |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
 Hong Kong China |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
 Chinese Taipei |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Pool B
| Played | Won | Draw | Lost | GD | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 India |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 3 |
 Kazakhstan |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
 Korea |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
 Thailand |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
 Indonesia |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
18th Asian Games Jakarta Palembang 2018 - Day 1 Review
8 Teams faced-off in a 29 goal inaugural thriller at the first day of the 18th Asian Games Jakarta Palembang 2018. India and Malaysia booked victories in Pool A while Japan and Kazakhstan bagged three points in Pool B.
Match 01 - Kazakhstan 3 - 1 Thailand
Kazakhstan registered a 3-1 win over Thailand in a Group B match at the women’s hockey event of the Asian Games at the GBK hockey stadium.
The Thai team dominated play in the first quarter and had six penalty corners. But couldn't make the most out thier chances. In the second quarter, Kazakhstan took the lead against the run of play. They earned their first penalty corner in the 20th minute and it was duly converted by Vera Domashnera. The Thais, SEA Games silver medalist, missed numerous chances in the first half.
Two minutes into the third quarter and Thailand fell further behind. Kazakhstan skipper Natalya Gataulina had her first direct flick from their second penalty corners saved by the Thai goalkeeper Siraya Yimkrajang. But Gataulina managed to slot home the rebound for the team’s second goal in the 32nd minute. Kazakhstan maintained their play and increased their lead in the 49th minute to 3-0. They again scored from the penalty corner and this time it was Natalya Sazontova who was on target.
Thailand coach Bae Young-Wook said that match was played under humid conditions and affected the players a little. “The conditions were hot as the game was played at 2.00pm. But we had plenty of chances to get the goals, however, our players missed some easy sitters. “We hope to improve in the coming matches,” he said. Thailand scored a consolation goal in the 56th minute through Natthakarn Aunjai off a field attempt.
Match 02 - Japan 11 - 0 Chinese Taipei
Japan started their women’s hockey campaign in earnest when the routed Chinese Taipei 11-0 in their opening Group A match at the GBK Hockey Stadium.
It was a classic performance by the Japanese as they had full control of the match,
Japan’s head coach Anthony Farry said that there are still some areas of concern in their defensive play. “It is always good to start with a win, but we need to improve in some areas. There was too much room in the defense and they caused some problems for us. We will improve as we go along”, he said.
Japan, ranked 14th in the world, had little trouble against the Chinese Taipei side which is in 53rd place in the FIH ranking.
It took the Japanese just two minutes to open the scoring with Hazuki Nagai making good their first penalty corner. Nagai went on to score two more goals in the 4th and 17th minutes from a penalty corner and field attempt. The onslaught continued with Motomi Kawamura scoring the third goal in the eighth minute and again in the 19th minute from field attempts.
The other first-half goal was scored by Yukari Mano in the 12th minute off a field attempt.
Japan started the third quarter with another early goal as Emi Nishikori scored with a direct flick from the penalty corner.
Nagai went on to score two more goals in the 42nd and 53rd minutes.
Motomi was also in the scoring act with two goals in the 51st and 52 minutes.
Nagai had five goals in the match while Motomi scored four.
Match 03 - Malaysia 8 - 0 Hong Kong China
Malaysia defeated Hong Kong 8-0 in the Women’s Pool A Hockey competition at the GBK Hockey Stadium.
It was a comprehensive win for the Malaysians to register the three points. In the last two meetings, Malaysia defeated Hong Kong 9-0 and 10-0 respectively.
It was the same result for the Malaysians this time around, however, credit to Hong Kong for defending well to deny their opponents the goal feast they could have registered, allowing Malaysia to score only once out of their 7 penalty corners.
“I am not too concerned about getting the goals as it was the three points that matter,” said Malaysian coach K. Dharmaraj. He added, “As for the penalty corners, two resulted in penalty strokes and we scored from one, so in terms of conversion rate it was not too bad”
Malaysia forced their first penalty corner but couldn’t make the most out of the opportunity. Their persistence, however, paid off with Nuraini Rashid converting a penalty stroke in the 13th minute. Malaysia doubled their advantage through a field goal via Nur Amirah Shafikah Zulkifli in the 16th minute. Two minutes after halftime Hanis Nadia Onn made it 3-0 for Malaysia. And the fourth goal was duly delivered by Nur Amirah in the 34th minute.
Nuraini converted another penalty strike a minute before the end of the second quarter to make it 5-0. Ace striker Fazila Sylvester Silin got into the scoring act, betting the sixth goal in the 50th minute. Nor Azlin Sumantri made it 8-0 in the 58th minute.
Match 04 - India 8 - 0 Indonesia
India put eight goals past Indonesia in their group A opener at the GBK Hockey Stadium.
It was a spectacular match as India are a world-class team while Indonesia were playing in front of their home crowd. The hosts were not overwhelmed by the occasion and showed that they were capable of playing good Hockey.
The fact that they prevented India from scoring in the third quarter showed that they were improving as the match progressed.
“We did not play up to expectation but managed to get the goals and the win. There are various areas we need to work on but overall we were not at our best,” said Indian coach Sjoerd Marijne.
India opened the scoring in the 7th minute through Udita. And the second goal arrived in the 13th minute via Vandana Katariya, one of the three Top goal scorers in Donghae Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2018, earlier this year, alongside Navneet Kaur, who also got her name into the scoreboard with a brace in the 17th minute and then in the 50th minute, bagging India’s 5th and 7th goals. Gurjit Kaur scored from two penalty corners in the 16th and the 22nd minutes to make it 3-0 and 4-0, respectively. Vandana got her second and India’s sixth in the 27th minute. Gurjit completed her hat trick late in the game to make it 8 for the Asian number 1 side.
Asian Hockey Federation media release
Gurjit Kaur scores hat-trick as Indian women's hockey team thrashes Indonesia in opening tie
File image of Indian women's hockey team. Image courtesy: FIH
Jakarta: Drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur scored a hat-trick as the Indian women's hockey team thrashed lowly Indonesia 8-0 to begin their Asian Games campaign on a rousing note on Sunday.
The Indian side, ranked highest in the competition at ninth, completely dominated the Pool B match against the home team who does not even feature in the FIH rankings chart.
Gurjit found the target in the 16th, 22nd and 57th minutes while Vandana Katariya (13th and 27th) struck twice. Udita (6th), Lalremsiami (24th) and Navneet Kaur (50th) were the other Indian scorers.
India had as many as 31 shots at Indonesian goal while the hosts did not have any in the whole 60 minutes of four equal quarters.
The Indians got as many as 19 penalty corners but could convert only three, all through Gurjit.
The Indians were on an attacking mode from the start and got a penalty corner in the fifth minute but it was wasted.
The next minute, India took the lead with Udita scoring a fine field goal as she lobbed the ball into the net from close range off a rebound from Namita Toppo's shot.
In the 13th minute, Vandana made it 2-0 for India with a superb goal after a slick interchange of passes.
Just a minute into the second quarter, India took 3-0 lead with Gurjit finding the target with her drag-flick off a penalty corner. Four minutes later, Gurjit's another penalty corner was stopped by the Indonesian goalkeeper.
But in the 22nd minute, Gurjit's lethal drag-flick could not be denied as it sounded the boards to make it 4-0 for India.
The goal spree continued with Lalremsiami making it 5-0 two minutes later and in the 27th minute, India were 6-0 up as Vandana scored her second goal of the match through a penalty corner variation.
The Indians led 6-0 at half time but they could score only two goals in the last two quarters.
In the 42nd minute, an Indian attempt from a penalty corner was saved by the Indonesian goalkeeper who stretched herself to stop two rebounds that resulted from the shot.
From another penalty corner in the 49th minute, the ball was cleared from the goal-line by the Indonesian goalkeeper.
The Indians scored in the 50th minute with Navneet tapping in the ball from close range. Three minutes from the final hooter, Gurjit completed his hat-trick with a powerful flighted shot from a penalty corner which gave the Indonesian goalkeeper no chance.
India, who won a bronze in the 2014 Asian Games, will take on Kazakhstan in their next match.
Firstpost
Debutant Indonesia blocks Indian surge
s2h team
When the schedule was announced, it was expected that the top seed India will crush the lowest ranked Indonesia. However, solid and overcrowded defence of the debutante to Asian Games, Indonesia glorified themselves with a decent display that may act catalyst for its hockey program. FIH 64th ranked Indonesia kept the aggressive India in check especially in the second half, from scoring even out of easy ones.
It appeared India will have a walkover against the hosts today at Jakarta Asian Games, but it was not. Once India struck 6-0 goals till half time, at least another addition of same amount was expected. But Indonesian goalie and her defence made every save out of innumerable Indian attacks, yielding nothing.
The third quarter went goalless for India.
After Vandana struck India's six goal, it took another 23 minutes for India to have the other. It was struck when naveet Kaur deflected a cross from right corner.
India in fact was in full control of the field proceedings, and kept on attacking.
India got as many as 22 penalty corners, a record, which speaks of the world no. 9 ranked rival. However, the hosts' first charger in particular and the goalie in general would not blink.
Gurjit Kaur, yes, had struck a hat-trick, her third goal coming three minutes left for the hooter. What will bother coach Sojered Marinje is not the scoreline, the manner a novice errected a wall for his forwards. If Indonesia can do that, why not other teams too?. Gurjit Kaur, considered Indian trump took most of the PCs. Rani too tried at least four times, but her hit technique is now open, did not cut much ice even with the novice team. Many OPC effort were were cleared by the first rushers, once it was not stopped. Even defender Deep Grace Ekka was tested, but in vain.
Lalremsiami, and Naveet Kaur scored a goal apiece, Vandana twice and Gurjit accounted for three.
Stick2Hockey.com
India eye big win against Indonesia in men's hockey opener
Indian Hockey Team , Hockey India
An Olympic berth at stake, nothing less than a gold medal would satisfy the top-ranked Indian men's hockey team, which begins its Asian Games campaign against minnows Indonesia on Monday.
Eyes firmly set on securing a direct berth in 2020 Tokyo Olympics , defending champions India will start as overwhelming favourites against the host nation.
World no.5 India are unlikely to be challenged by any of their Pool A rivals - Korea (ranked 14), Japan (ranked 16), Sri Lanka (ranked 38), Hong Kong China (ranked 45) and Indonesia.
The Indians should have a smooth run till the semifinals, where they maybe taking on either arch-rivals Pakistan (ranked 13) or Malaysia (ranked 12).
Going by rankings, it should be a cakewalk for India in the continental event as they are the only side in the competition to be placed inside top 10 in the world.
Indonesia are no where in world hockey map and it is bound to be a lopsided contest on Monday.
India's medal-less show at Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April had the fans worried but the team bounced back strongly to reach the final of the concluding edition of the Champions Trophy under Harendra's guidance.
India bumped into world number one Australia in the title clash and lost only in the shoot off.Going by their form and performance against top teams of the world, India will be favourites to win their second consecutive Asian Games title, which they have never achieved in the history of the continental event.
In 15 editions, the only time the Indians returned without a medal from the Asian Games was in Doha in 2006.
Harendra, who took over the reigns of the senior men's national team in May this year for a record fourth time, wants his wards to create a legacy by the end of 2018 and, according to him, the Asiad is the first step towards that target.
"We can't think of anything less than a gold. It is not acceptable. But we have to prove ourselves on the pitch in each and every match," Harendra had said.
"A gold here will make us the first team to qualify for the 2020 Olympics and we will get one year and 11 months to prepare ourselves."
Indian men will next take on Hong Kong China on August 20 followed by matches against Japan (August 24), Korea (August 26) and Sri Lanka (August 28).
Daily News & Analysis
Rehan, Saqlain team up to restore Pakistan hockey glory
Rehan Butt and Muhammed Saqlain combined to create many a magical moments for Pakistan hockey all through the 2000s.
Uthra Ganesan
Rehan Butt (right) and Muhammed Saqlain. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
As Imran Butt walked out for the training session, a familiar figure was busy writing on the coaching board at the other end of the turf of the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Sunday afternoon. In another corner was another known face, a little weather-beaten with age but with the same piercing eyes that could spot gaps no one else did.
Rehan Butt and Muhammed Saqlain combined to create many a magical moments for Pakistan hockey all through the 2000s. The speedy forward and the mercurial centre-half are now trying to develop the same in the current lot, assisting former India coach Roelant Oltmans as Pakistan struggles to regain lost glory. Interestingly, both were key members of the Pakistan side during Oltmans’ previous stint as its coach in 2003-04.
“The level has gone down,” Saqlain admitted to The Hindu. “A big reason was the federation’s decision to bar players over 30 from national and international competitions some years ago, which means none of these players have seen any of us in action. Training and videos are fine but nothing can substitute the experience of actually watching seniors play and learn from them,” he rued.
The other big reason, both Butt and Saqlain admit, is the floundering fitness standards of the team. “When we played, Pakistan was the fittest team in the continent. Now, India is miles ahead of us. We are trying, we have an Australian trainer now but there is a big gap. Without fitness, nothing can be taught or learnt, it is the most basic requirement,” they admitted.
From players to coaches, the two have increased respect for Oltmans. “He appreciates our feedback during matches on working the ball around or slowing the game. We are also in a better position to explain when communication between players or with the bench was breaking down,” Saqlain explained.
In between, Butt is keenly eyeing Imran’s routine under the bar. This is the first time the two brothers have been together in the national side, albeit as coach and player. This is also the first time ever for such a combination in Pakistan hockey. Both admit it added pressure to perform.
“Sometimes Rehan bhai is more strict with me than others to ensure no one can accuse him of being lenient with his brother,” Imran laughed but added it also increased pressure on himself. “If I make a mistake, it will reflect badly on him. I don’t want that ever,” the Pakistan goalkeeper and one of its key members said.
Rehan added that as coach, it was his duty to think for the team. “He is my brother at home, not here. Personal and professional cannot mix, we do that a lot and that is why there are so many disasters in our teams,” he shrugged.
India managed a 1-1 draw at the CWG against Pakistan but then won 4-0 at the Champions Trophy in its last two outings against the arch-rival. Saqlain predicted an intense contest this time around. “It would be one of the best games in recent times if we do face off,” he declared.
The Hindu
Focused Pakistan ready for Thailand challenge
By Nabil Tahir
EYES ON PRIZE: Pakistan, who were able to secure the silver medal at the 2014 Asian Games, are all set to take on five other nations in their pool B of the Asian Games, aiming for a gold in the hockey event. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI: As Pakistan hockey team begins their journey at the 18th edition of the Asian Games, captain Rizwan Senior is confident about winning their opening game against Thailand at GBK Hockey field in Jakatra on Monday.
The team, who was able to secure the silver medal at the 2014 Asian Games, is all set to take on the five nations in their pool B.
“We have been practicing in Pakistan since last three months and worked on our formation and also the execution. The head coach Roelant Oltmans has worked really hard with us and the result was seen in the practice match against Japan which we won 2-0,” captain Rizwan told The Express Tribune. “We have our target fixed, that is reaching the final and winning, but still we will be focusing on each game separately.”
He further added that the team is in much better form than before and we are executing our moves in a much-better manner. “The players are fully in sync and they know what will the other players do next,” he said.
The experienced player Umer Bhutta told The Express Tribune that Hockey has become so fast that if you miss a shot and the opponent team gets the ball, they’ll quickly attack. “You have to keep your eye on the ball, you cannot miss a pass or give a wrong pass, you should know where will you teammate move next you have to pass there or be at the right position to receive it,” he said.
“It is not about any individual doing well in the game now, every player has to be at their best if the team wants to win. We all have set our aim and will take this competition to the end with our presence in the game,” he added.
World’s 13th ranked team Pakistan will be facing 47th ranked Thailand in their opener on Monday, followed by 33rd ranked Oman’s match on Wednesday, 86th ranked Kazakhstan on Friday, then 12th ranked Malaysia on August 26, before playing last pool match against 31st ranked Bangladesh on August 28.
“We are not taking any team lightly, we know that this is a game where the lead changes in seconds so even the last 10 seconds of the game are crucial and this team has won matches in the last minutes in the past. So we will be doing our best till end and will not be at ease at any point against any team,” said head coach Oltmans.
Meanwhile, Pool A comprises of fifth ranked India, 14th ranked South Korea, 16th ranked Japan, 38th ranked Sri Lanka, 45th ranked Hong Kong and host debutant Indonesia.
The Express Tribune
Pakistan face Thailand in their opener today
Muhammad Ali
JAKARTA: Pakistan will face minnows Thailand in their opening match of the 18th Asian Games Hockey Tournament at Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex here on Monday (today). Captain Muhammad Rizwan Senior is confident about winning their opening game. “We have been practicing in Pakistan since last three months and worked on our formation and also the execution. Head coach Roelant Oltmans has worked really hard with us and the result was seen in the practice match against Japan which we won 2-0,” captain Rizwan said Sunday. “We have our target fixed, that is reaching the final and winning, but still we will be focusing on each game separately.” This edition has the highest ever number of participating teams in the history of hockey competitions at the Asian Games. 22 teams from 14 countries will go head to head in the men’s and women’s categories in 60 matches over a course of 14 days. The winners of the men and women’s categories will book their place in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
12 men’s teams have been split into two groups, based on FIH World Rankings. In Pool A, Asian champions India (5) lead the group along with South Korea (14), Japan (16), Sri Lanka (38), Hong Kong China (45) and hosts Indonesia. In Pool B, Malaysia (12), Pakistan (13), Bangladesh (31), Oman (33), Thailand (47), and Kazakhstan (86) will go head to head to secure top positions. In the women’s category, 10 teams will face-off to achieve Asian dominance and a place in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Pool A will see clashes between China, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong China, and Chinese Taipei, while India, Korea, Thailand, Kazakhstan and Indonesia will compete in Pool B.
After 25 men’s and 20 women’s matches, the classification stage will begin on August 29. The women’s final is scheduled to be played on August 31, while the men’s final will be played on September 1. This edition of the Asian Games will be the first Asiad to have video referral system for all matches of the mega event. The video referral system has become a permanent feature in the sport and has been an essential tool for technical officials to make crucial decisions, which has contributed towards sports fairness. World’s 13th ranked Pakistan after facing 47th ranked Thailand will take on 33rd ranked Oman on Wednesday, 86th ranked Kazakhstan on Friday, then 12th ranked Malaysia on August 26, before playing last pool match against 31st ranked Bangladesh on August 28.
Most successful hockey team: Pakistan’s medal tally in 15 hockey tournaments of the Asian Games is eight gold, three silver and three bronze medals- hockey was not included in the first two Asiads, in 1951 and 1954. From 1958 to 1990, Pakistan claimed seven gold and two silver medals in nine consecutive Asian Games, a remarkable sequence. This included four consecutive golds from 1970 to 1982. But in the next four Asian Games, Pakistan failed to reach even the final. In 1994, 1998 and 2006, Pakistan were third. In 2002 Pakistan failed to climb on to the podium, losing to Malaysia in the bronze medal play-off. In 2010, the Green Shirts regained the gold after 20 years. The first place also gave them an automatic qualification for the 2012 Olympics. At the last Asian Games, in 2014, Pakistan again managed to reach the final where they met India. Pakistan had defeated India in the pool match. The final was an exciting game between the two traditional rivals. It was 1-1 after the regular time. However, Pakistan went down in the shootout. Thus, they lost the chance to get an automatic qualification for the Olympics. Eventually, Pakistan failed to qualify for the Olympics – for the first time ever. This year again, along with the coveted gold there is the added incentive of direct 2020 Olympics qualification. Pakistan’s highest tally in a single tournament is 42 goals in 1990 – with five goals against. Pakistan’s biggest victory is 17-0 against Bangladesh in 1978 which is also the Asian Games record.
The Daily Times
Stephen eyes winning start for men’s hockey team
MALAYSIA’S men hockey team will enter unchartered waters when they take on Kazakhstan in the opening Group B match at Gelora Bung Karno hockey field today.
Kazakhstan are making their return to Asian Games after a 24-year hiatus.
Malaysia last faced Kazakhstan at the 1994 Hiroshima Games, and the team lost 1-3 in the group stages before beating them 5-0 in the fifth place playoff.
National coach Stephen van Huizen wants Malaysia to get off to a good start in their quest to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. The Asiad champions earn a direct spot to the Olympics.
Stephen admitted they did not have much knowledge on their opponents.
“I’ve been asking around about them. As we don’t know much, we’ll head into the first match concentrating on our own game and strengths,” said Stephen.
“We need to make quick adjustments in the first few minutes. They play a lot of indoor hockey so their basics will be good.
“They are physically built like the Europeans but our forwards are skilful and fast. We’ll focus on our game.”
As all teams are fighting for the Olympic spot, Stephen said it would be a folly to take any of their opponents for granted.
The title contenders are world No. 5 India, Pakistan (13), South Korea (14) and Japan (16).
“We are ranked 12th in the world but the ranking means nothing. I just want my players to enjoy the experience of playing in the Asiad despite challenges and distractions,” said the 60-year-old.
Meanwhile, the national women’s hockey team started their campaign on a positive note by thrashing Hong Kong 8-0 in their Group B match at the same venue.
Malaysia’s scorers were Nuraini Abdul Rashid (three goals), Nuramirah Shakirah Zulkifli (two), Hanis Nadiah Onn (1), Fazilla Sylvester Silin (1) and Norazlin Sumantri (1) yesterday.
Team coach K. Dharmaraj said the team could have done better.
“They were nervous in the first quarter. Fortunately, they gained momentum and fired six goals in the last two quarters,” said Dharmaraj.
The Star of Malaysia
Will it be Double Crown for India in marquee event?
By B.G.Joshi (Sehore-Bhopal, India)
The Gold medal in both categories of men and women is called the “Double Crown”. In the 110 years history of international hockey no nation has achieved this feat in Olympic Games Hockey. However in Asian Games South Korea have achieved this in Seoul (1986) and Hiroshima (1994).
In recent past India has won Asia Cup (2017) and Asian Champions Trophy (2016) Double Crown.
In Jakarta Indian have to do miracle again, as champions of 18th Asian Games will also get direct entry in Tokyo (2020) Olympics.
Here are statistical highlights of Asia Continent:
|
Year |
Tournaments |
Nation |
Captain-Women |
Captain-Men |
|
1986 |
Asian Games |
South Korea |
Hong Kim Sook |
Ji Jae Kwan |
|
1993 |
Asia Cup |
South Korea |
Lim Gae Sook |
Park Shin Heum |
|
1994 |
Asian Games |
South Korea |
Nu Young Mi |
Park Shin Heum |
|
2003-04 |
Asia Cup |
India |
Surajlata Devi |
Dhanraj Pillay |
|
2003 |
Afro Asian Games |
India |
Surajlata Devi |
Dilip Tirkey |
|
2016 |
Asian Champions Trophy |
India |
Vandana Kataria |
PR Sreejesh |
|
2017 |
Asia Cup |
India |
Rani Rampal |
Manpreet Singh |
Fieldhockey.com
Five teams battle for places in next round of Hockey Series
Vilnius in Lithuania is the next venue all set and raring to go as the Hockey Series continues to excite and inspire hockey people from around the world.
The Vilnius event is a five-nation round robin, taking place from 21 August to 26 August.
It will pit some of the up-and-coming hockey nations from Europe against each other in a fascinating contest to see who qualifies for one of three Hockey Series Finals, taking place next year.
From that event, teams have the chance to compete for Olympic qualification. This really is a chance for a developing nation to go on an exciting international hockey journey.
The teams competing in Lithuania are: Czech Republic (World Ranking:19), Wales (WR:26), Ukraine (WR:27), Turkey (WR:33) and the host nation who have a world ranking of 36.
Three teams will qualify for the next round so competition between the nations will be fierce, with every nation seeing this as a great opportunity to take the next step towards the top level of international hockey competition, as well as the chance to gain ranking points.
As the top ranked team, Czech Republic will be favourites to take top spot at this Hockey Series Open event and the experienced pair of Jindriska Reichlova and captain Tereza Mejzlikova will be looking to lead this exciting team to the next level. There are a number of debutants in the team, including talented teenagers Rozarie Steidlova in goal and Karolina Hanzlova.
Wales have a squad that contains a blend of experience and new talent, with a number of players making their first international appearances for the team. At the other end of the scale, captain Leah Wilkinson is likely to reach 150 caps at this tournament, and the evergreen midfielder will be hoping to celebrate the milestone with a tournament win.
Wales head coach Kevin Johnson said: "After a rigorous training phase in the last two months which have included match series against both South Africa and Poland, we are all looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead in Lithuania. I am particularly pleased to see a number of our younger players step up with the opportunities they have had in this phase and witness how quickly they have connected with both our established player group and the principles of play we are trying to deliver."
Ukraine's national indoor team have tasted high level international competition already in 2018 as the team finished fourth at the Indoor World Cup in Berlin. Many of that team will be playing in Vilnius and they will be keen to reach towards those levels in the outdoor game as well. With the multi-capped (209) Yulia Vorushylo at the helm, Ukraine will pose a threat to those ranked higher, as they have learnt what it takes to win on the big stage.
The final two participants are Turkey and Lithuania. Both these teams are more than capable of causing an upset, and with three qualification spots available, it would only take a good result against a higher ranked team for either side to find themselves catapulted into the big time.
Turkey comes into the tournament as the team with the least experience. Within the squad, only seven players have more than 20 caps, while 13 of the players are under 20, but Head Coach Mustafa Cakir will be looking for his team to play with no fear and high confidence against their more experienced rivals.
The host nation will have the benefit of home support and familiarity, both of which are key components to success. Captain Dovile Kukliene will be marshalling the talents of players such as Dovite Juraite and Viktorija Bogdanova, both of who showed much potential in the junior squads.
Like so many of the players appearing at this event, the Ukraine players are itching to prove themselves ready to play hockey on the international scene.
The Hockey Series Open provides opportunities for the lower ranked or unranked nations to push ahead with their development by giving them the opportunity to take their place on the global hockey stage.
Fans can watch all the action from the Hockey Series Open on FIH Youtube.
You can also view more content on the Hockey Series channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Further Info:
Hockey Series and Olympic Games Qualification Process
Hockey Series Q&A
#HockeySeries2018
FIH site
Janssen fires Kampong into ABN AMRO Cup final to face Den Bosch
©: Frank Uijlenbroek/ World Sport Pics
SV Kampong will play Den Bosch in the final of the ABN AMRO Cup in Rotterdam later today following their Saturday semi-final wins in the traditional season curtain-raiser.
For Kampong, they beat the host club courtesy of a 56th minute goal from Jip Janssen from a penalty corner, recording a 1-0 win.
Den Bosch’s impressive competition continued as they backed up Thursday’s group stage win over Oranje-Rood with a shoot-out success against AH&BC Amsterdam.
Normal time ended in a spectacular 4-4 draw before Den Bosch prevailed 9-8 overall after the shoot-out.
It means Kampong face Den Bosch in the trophy decider at 3pm (CET) in Rotterdam with Amsterdam and Rotterdam contesting the third place playoff.
In other eye-catching results, Oranje-Rood beat Bloemendaal 7-1 to earn a spot in the fifth place playoff where they will face Tilburg, winners over Pinoke.
Euro Hockey League media release
Kampong win ABN AMRO Cup with big win over Den Bosch
SV Kampong won the ABN AMRO Cup on Sunday with a big 5-0 win over Den Bosch in the final, played at HC Rotterdam, raising the curtain on their season in style.
Captain Sander de Wijn started the scoring getting the goal off the back of a Robbert Kemperman backhand. De Wijn then found Boet Phijffer with a good pass to set up the second goal.
Bjorn Kellerman extended the lead out to three before Martijn Havenga’s corner and another Phijffer goal completed the 5-0 success.
Rotterdam won the third place playoff in front of their home crowd when they won an epic 6-5 against AH&BC Amsterdam, coming from 5-3 behind to win it.
Jeroen Hertzberger opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Mirco Pruijser equalized and then put Amsterdam in front 2-1. Glenn Turner leveled only for Boris Burkhardt to put the visitors 3-2 ahead at half-time.
Justin Reid-Ross put daylight between the sides from a corner before Hertzberger reduced the gap once more. Valentin Verga’s goal for 5-3 looked to have made the game safe, holding that advantage until seven minutes from the end.
But a corner and a stroke from Hertzberger made it 5-5 with two minutes to go and Thijs van Dam snatched the winner in the final minute for a dramatic win.
Euro Hockey League media release
CTM Premier Hockey League final four decided as group stage ends
Photo: Sean Burke
30 games of hockey over 6 days produced 108 goals and now leave us with just four women’s sides and four men’s sides in the 2018 CTM Premier Hockey League. The weekend of four fixtures for most sides has taken its toll and the teams will be excited for a week off before taking on next week’s final weekend.
The early story on the day was the Wineland Wings and the Madikwe Rangers playing off for a place in the Quarter Finals, with the Namaqualand Daisies waiting to capitalise. The pressure and fatigue took its toll on the players and ultimately the quality but the Wings, knowing a victory gave them a chance, took the lead through Candice Manuel, reminding SA Hockey fans of her quality in front of goal. Young Stephanie Botha extended the lead in the third quarter to 2-0 giving the Wings a real chance of progress. The Rangers needed someone to take the game into their own hands and they are fortunate to possess a player with the quality of Kristen Paton.
The South African World Cup squad member pulled a goal back in the third quarter from a penalty corner before saving the best for last in levelling the game in the last minute. For the Wings it was the dreaded shootout that already meant they were eliminated from the tournament. To add insult to injury it was the Rangers that won the shootout and the three points and gave the Wings their 8th straight shootout defeat.
That result meant that the final game had something to play for still. The Daisies would qualify for the semi-finals with a 6-goal win, while the Rafter would become the first team in PHL history to complete a perfect group stage. Unfortunately for the Daisies in a very slow match, the Rafters possessed the quality when Donna Small went on a slalom run that set up Lerato Mahlangu, the poacher finished superbly. As much as both teams tried, the legs were gone, and no further goals were found.
In the other women’s game both the Blyde River Bunters and the St. Lucia Lakers had qualified already but a game that will be repeated next week in the semi-finals was lit up by two moments of quality from Carmen Smith. Her two penalty corners for the Bunters were hit with such velocity that the rebound went almost back into her own half. Neither goal left much opportunity for Moya Smith in the goals and probably showed teams the best way to beat the Lakers is by using your penalty corner opportunities.
Next week Saturday the Orange River Rafters reward for topping the table is a semi-final encounter with the Madikwe Rangers while the Blyde River Bunters will take on the St. Lucia Lakers again.
In the Men’s tournament there were two main questions still to be answered. Could the Mambas get a bonus point and qualify ahead of the defending champion the Cavemen and could the Addo Elephants become the first men’s side to win 5 out of 5 in the group stages of PHL.
The Mambas answered the first question emphatically with a no. They never really looked like they would score three and struggled to keep up with the combination play of the Dragons front line. The Dragons underlined their title credentials with goals in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters through Mbuso Mgobozi, Richard Pautz and Amkelwe Letuka. Courtney Halle got a late goal back for the Mambas before the coaches added some excitement as both pulled their keepers for the last four minutes. It created a comical moment for the Dragons as kicking back Cameron Ryan inadvertently set up an easy finish for Mambas striker Luthando Jonas. Fortunately for Ryan the goal did not cost the Dragons the victory in the end as they saw out a 3-2 win.
The final question was answered by Siya Nolutshungu as his performance in goals denied the Elephants a fifth win in as many games. Brandon James, who has had a fine weekend, gave the Gazelles the lead with a clinical finish before Michael Abrahams and Gerald Mpopo both finished different opportunities in the same convincing manner. Ignatius Malgraff got the very late consolation goal for the Elephants who will now face the Gazelles in the semi-final next weekend, while the Cavemen will play the Dragons.
CTM PHL Day 6
Sunday 19 August
08:00 – Women – Top T Madikwe Rangers (3) *2-2 (1) Ceramic Industries Wineland Wings
10:00 – Men – Kilimanjaro Addo Elephants 1-3 Garden Route Gazelles
12:00 – Women – Tivoli Taps Blyde River Bunters 2-0 Private Property St. Lucia Lakers
14:00 – Men – Elf Laminates Mapungubwe Mambas 2-3 Pro Grip Drakensberg Dragons
16:00 – Women – Italtile Orange River Rafters 1-0 Old Mutual iWyze Namaqualand Daisies
Pool Standings
Men
| Rank | Team | Played | Wins | Win Draws | Loss Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pro Grip Drakensberg Dragons | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 17 | 8 | 9 | 13 |
| 2 | Kilimanjaro Addo Elephants | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 10 | 1 | 12 |
| 3 | Garden Route Gazelles | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 16 | 12 | 4 | 10 |
| 4 | Origins Maropeng Cavemen | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 15 | -5 | 7 |
| 5 | Old Mutual IWYZE Golden Gate Gladiators | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 14 | -4 | 4 |
| 6 | Elf Laminates Mapungubwe Mambas | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 13 | -5 | 3 |
Women
| Rank | Team | Played | Wins | Win Draws | Loss Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Italtile Orange River Rafters | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 15 |
| 2 | Tivoli Taps Blyde River Bunters | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 12 |
| 3 | Private Property St Lucia Lakers | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 9 |
| 4 | Top T Madikwe Rangers | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 8 | -1 | 7 |
| 5 | Old Mutual IWYZE Namaqualand Daisies | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 10 | -7 | 3 |
| 6 | Ceramic Industries Wineland Wings | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 9 | -3 | 2 |
CTM PHL 2018 Semi-Finals – Saturday 25 August (Provisional Times)
10:00 - Women – Tivoli Taps Blyde River Bunters vs. Private Property St. Lucia Lakers
14:00 - Women – Top T Madikwe Rangers vs. Italtile Orange River Rafters
12:00 - Men – Origins Maropeng Cavemen vs. Pro Grip Drakensberg Dragons
16:00 - Men – Kilimanjaro Addo Elephants vs. Garden Route Gazelles
SA Hockey Association media release
Hockey star making his mark
UP-Tuks hockey star Jared Cass, 19, has been included in the South African squad of 25 players from which the team for the World Cup will be chosen.Picture: African News Agency (ANA)
IT IS hard to believe that the University of Pretoria’s Jared Cass only turned 19 last week when looking at his achievements on the hockey field.
During the recent senior men’s provincial tournament the Tuks sportsman received the player of the tournament award, as well as the defender of the tournament award.
He has also been included in the South African squad of 25 players from which the team for the World Cup will be chosen.
Guy Elliott, the UP-Tuks men’s coach, thinks Cass might be the youngest player to receive the top accolades at a senior tournament.
“I must say I am not really surprised. I have been following Jared’s progress from when he started playing men’s hockey in Durban while he was still at school. He is exceptional.
“He understands the game and can anticipate what is going to happen, which enables him to be proactive.
“The reason I enjoy coaching Jared is the way he continually questions why he is doing certain things. He is never just going to do what he is told because it is important to him to have a better understanding of the game. Naturally, it helps that his primary skills are excellent.
“I have no doubt he is destined to become one of South Africa’s top players if he can keep his feet on the ground, which I am sure he will as he is a humble guy.”
As a youngster, Cass participated in quite a few sports, but he fell in love with hockey the first moment he got a hockey stick to the ball.
“I can’t explain it. I just love the game. I guess I am naturally inclined to team sports as it is never just about an individual.
“There is no bigger award than when a team succeeds,” he said.
As to his chances of making the South African team, Cass said: “I am going to follow my coach’s advice and not allow myself to feel pressured. I will just do what I always do, and that is to play to the best of my ability.”
The 22-year-old Peabo Lembethe is the other Tuks player who is in the South African squad of 25 players, and he considers it a tremendous honour.
“To play for the South African senior team has been my goal for a long time; now I am at least one step closer to realising my dream. The hard work is finally paying dividends.”
Elliott said he was glad the selectors had taken note of Lembethe’s work rate.
“As a midfielder, he has all the attributes to be the best. He is an undercover ‘workhorse’.”
Independent Online
Hockey New Zealand proposes to scrap Central and Northland hockey regions
Kirsty Lawrence
Central's Mac Wilcox, centre, fights for possession with Northland's Nathan Fouhy during the Men's National Hockey League match. Both of these teams could be scrapped from regional tournaments. PHOTOSPORT
Central and Northland could be cut from regional hockey tournaments because Hockey New Zealand wants to focus on six centres.
Hockey NZ has been reviewing systems, structures and programmes.
Under a proposal recently released, eight regions would become six, with Central and Northland missing out.
A Hockey NZ document describing the proposal said the aim was to have regional performance centres, linked with associations, which would be joint-funded by the regions, Hockey NZ and High Performance Sport New Zealand.
Age-group tournaments from under-13s to under-17s would be based on associations, such as Manawatū. But under-19s, under-21s and National Hockey League tournaments would all be centred on the six high-performance centre regions.
Sport Manawatū chief executive Trevor Shailer said he had written a letter in support of Central Hockey.
He said there was a significant amount of young talent in Manawatū and having a performance hub there would be a good thing.
"It's difficult to know what the rationale is. I haven't seen any clear evidence as to why they should be getting rid of this region.
"Hopefully, we have made a good enough case for them to reconsider, because I think it will have an impact for sport in the region."
Shailer hoped there would be an opportunity as a region to be engaged in the discussion.
Hockey NZ went to all the regions for feedback and Central Hockey community manager Kathy Norman said Central had submitted its response.
The nine associations that come under Central have also submitted responses to the proposal.
"A lot of people are passionate about seeing hockey progress," she said.
Norman said she could understand Hockey NZ wanting to make more use of High Performance Sport New Zealand's facilities.
But Central had argued that even though it didn't have a physical hub, there was a more virtual hub.
Norman said it was too soon to say what would happen if Central was cut, and the region was committed to developing players.
"We've got a lot of passionate players and supporters and we would like that to continue."
Hockey NZ spokesman Paul Scoringe said the governing body was in an extensive feedback process with all associations and declined to comment until they had finished that process.
Stuff
Independent person to probe complaints over Black Sticks team environment
OLIVIA CALDWELL
Mark Hager's mistakenly sent email has been a catalyst for present and past players to speak up about the Black Sticks women's culture. CHRISTOPHER LEE/GETTY IMAGES
New Zealand Hockey and the Hockey Players Association will appoint an independent reviewer to consider criticism over the Black Sticks women's team environment.
The two parties met on Monday, following a number of past and present players some complaints about the team culture. Past and present national players had contacted the players' association, with some being critical of how the team was being run.
Both parties issued a joint statement following a "positive and constructive meeting" which discussed feedback from past and present players.
The Black Sticks women's team environment could face a shake up after feedback from both past and present players. KERRY MARSHALL/GETTY IMAGES
"We have agreed a plan to address the feedback, which involves an independent person to look into the feedback and gather more information if appropriate," the statement said.
The independent reviewer has not yet been appointed, but would be confirmed in the coming days, the statement said.
"There is absolutely no question that athlete welfare is paramount. At the same time, we must consider and protect the rights of employees."
"We are conscious of the need to respect the privacy and confidentiality of all involved and will not be making any further public comment for now."
The meeting was not a direct result of, but was related to coach Mark Hager's email blunder at the Women's Hockey World Cup last month.
Players have since come forward to discuss the team's culture after Hager sent an email, in error, to his whole team in which he criticised certain players' work ethic and fitness levels.
"... is struggling to run, ... struggles to do repeated efforts, ... struggles to push through pain and heat," the email read, with Hager apparently hitting reply all instead of replying to one person.
The email was sent after a loss during the recent World Cup, in which the Black Sticks failed to reach the quarterfinals.
NZHPA executive manager Glen Sulzberger confirmed after the meeting on Monday that Hager's email was on the agenda for discussion, but he would not expand further. No players were present at the meeting, but HNZ chief executive Ian Francis was.
Sulzberger said the email incident had encouraged a number of players to come forward to speak about the team environment, although he would not confirm how many, or if they were current or former players.
One player who has spoken out publicly is former Black Sticks goalkeeper Amelia Gibson.
She told 1 News she was mistreated as a player in the national women's hockey side and in 2017 called time on her seven-year international career because of it, while raising her concerns with Hockey NZ.
Hager took over the coaching reins in 2009 when the team was ranked a lowly ninth place and were fresh out of an unsuccessful Olympics campaign. He guided them to a Commonwealth Games gold medal earlier this year.
Not all feedback was negative, said Sulzberger, and it was now up to HNZ to make the changes needed.
Stuff
Kenya retain hockey crowns
By BRIAN YONGA IN MUSANZE, RWANDA
Kenya successfully retained the girls’ and boys’ hockey titles as the 17th edition of the Brookside East Africa Secondary School Games concluded here on Sunday.
Saint Anthony’s Boys Kitale and Trans Nzoia Mixed were crowned winners in the boys’ and girls’ discipline which were played in a round robin format.
The Kenyan duo of Musingu and Tigoi Girls took silver in their respective genders, while Ugandan side Kakungulu Memorial went home with the bronze medals in both girls’ and boys’ events, their best showing since the inception of the games in 2002.
St Anthony’s cemented their place as the most successful boys’ team in the region after claiming a sixth title.
And the team’s coach Kelvin Lugalia was ecstatic after their latest success, tipping his side to continue shining in the future.
“These boys deserve to be showered with praises. Completing the double is no mean feat because this is usually one of the most competitive games at the regionals and this year proved to be no different,” Lugalia said.
“Uganda is slowly catching up with us and we have got to ensure that we work extra hard to keep ahead,” he added.
The Kitale-based school reclaimed the title they had last won during the 2015 showpiece held in Huye, Rwanda after topping the table with 13 points from five matches. They won four out of five matches, and drew once.
Musingu took silver after winning four of their round robin matches, having lost their opener to St Anthony’s. They were also the highest scorers with 13 goals and conceded twice.
Kakungulu Memorial from Uganda took bronze as Kenya’s third side Upper Hill finished in fourth place for the third year in a row.
They finished fourth with four points after managing a win, a draw and three losses.
In the girls’ contest, Trans Nzoia Mixed crowned their successful year with the regional crown to complete the double having won the national crown in Embu in April.
Having finished second in their 2015 debut, Trans Nzoia returned to the regional scene stronger to win the title with an unbeaten run. They garnered 13 points following four wins and a draw, two more than national finalists Tigoi, who once again played second fiddle.
Kakungulu finished third with 10 points, denying Kenya their traditional 1-2-3 places.
Daily Nation
East Africa Secondary Schools: St Anthony’s and Trans Nzoia crowned hocky champs
By Elizabeth Mburugu
St Anthony's John Benahiah (white) with Sir Samuel UG Kizito Rwotber at Nyakarambi. [Elizabeth Mburugu, Standard]
Kenya extended their regional hockey dominance as St Anthony’s Kitale and Trans Nzoia Mixed were crowned the 2018 Brookside East Africa Secondary Schools boys and girls champions.
Musingu and Tigoi took silver while Kakungulu Memorial, who staged their best performance since the inception of the games took both the girls and boys bronze medal.
The Kenyan boys and girls withstood stiff competition from Uganda’s Kakungulu Memorial to bag gold and silver in the boys and girls contest forcing the Ugandan’s who were looking to win the country a maiden hockey trophy to settle for bronze.
With the victory St Anthony’s affirmed their place as the most successful hockey boys team in the region having bagged their sixth regional gong.
St Anthony’s coach Kelvin Lugalia was over the moon saying he had accomplished his main objective. “No words can describe this feeling, for many years I tried to complete a double, but always fell short either at the national games or in East Africa. Credit goes to the boys who worked very hard and ensured that we won both the national and East Africa titles because it is not an easy feat,” Lugalia said.
St Anthony’s reclaimed the title they had last won in 2015 games held in Huye, Rwanda after topping the table with 13 points from five matches. Musingu took silver after winning four of their round robin matches having lost their opener to St Anthony’s.
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Kakungulu Memorial from Uganda took bronze as the jinx of fourth place finish that has haunted Upper Hill since Eldoret 2016 had followed them to Musanze. They finished fourth with four points from a win, a draw and three losses. They also finished fourth last year in Gulu, Uganda.
In the girls contest, Trans Nzoia Mixed crowned their successful year with the girls’ trophy adding it to the national they had won in Embu. Having finished second in their 2015 debut, Trans Nzoia returned to the regional scene stronger to win the title on an unbeaten run. They garnered 13 points from four wins and a draw, two more than national finalists Tigoi who were once again to play second fiddle. Kakangulu finished third with 10 points crashing Kenya’s hopes of a 1-2-3 finish. Former East Africa champions Kerugoya finished fourth.
The Standard Online