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All the news for Saturday 1 September 2018

2018 Asian Games - Day 13

Women's results 31 August

HKG - KAZ     2 - 0
KOR - CHN     1 - 2
JPN - IND     2 - 1

Final Placings

1. Japan
2. India
3. China
4. Korea
5. Malaysia
6. Thailand
7. Indonesia
8. Chinese Taipei
9. Hong Kong China
10. Kazakhstan

Men's Fixtures 1 September (GMT+9)

11/12 place HKG - KAZ    2 - 2 (2 - 3 SO)
15:00 5/6 place    KOR - BAN
17:30 Bronze medal     IND - PAK
20:00 Gold Medal    MAS - JPN

Final Placings

1/2 Malaysia/Japan
3/4 India/Pakistan
5/6 Korea/Bangladesh
7. Oman
8. Sri Lanka
9. Thailand
10. Indonesia
11. Kazakhstan
12. Hong Kong China

Asian Hockey Federation

Japan blossom as they beat India to take gold in Jakarta


Japan's Cherry Blossoms celebrate victory in Jakarta. Pic credit: Asia Hockey Federation

Japan have won their first ever gold medal in women's hockey at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta after out-playing India in the finals. Goals from Minami Shimizu and captain Kawamura Motomi were enough to secure a 2-1 victory over their high-ranked rivals. In the early bronze medal match, China beat Korea by a tight 2-1 scoreline.

The Asian Games is an Olympic qualifying event but, as host nation, Japan (FIH Hero World ranking:14) has an automatic place at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This means another Olympic qualification event will be held at the end of 2019 to decide who will be going to Tokyo in just under two years time. For further details on Olympic qualification click here.

The win is a fantastic result for Japan who came to the tournament on the back of some strong performances at the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018, but who were also the lowest ranked team going into the semi-finals of the Asian Games.

In the pool stages, both Japan and India (WR:9) had won all their matches, although India’s goal-scoring tally was a more impressive 38 goals for and only one against. Japan, by contrast, had scored 24 goals and conceded three.

As was to be expected, this match between two confident teams was a tightly contested affair with innovative attacking play and some stoic defending. Japan had the better of the first quarter, piling pressure on the India defence. This was rewarded when Shimizu deflected a penalty corner strike to give her side the lead in the 11th minute. India got back on equal terms after their own spell of pressure in the second quarter. As the first half counted down, the India attack upped the ante and Neha Goyal was able to take advantage of some space in the Japanese circle to fire home.

The winning goal came in the 43rd minute when Motomi was able to fire home a penalty corner. Although India continuously searched for an equaliser to keep their gold medal hopes alive, Anthony Farry’s team dug deep and defended the lead, taking the ball wide and working hard to maintain possession.

In the earlier bronze medal match, China (WR:11) took the lead against reigning champions Korea (WR:10) through Gu Bingeing in the 20th minute. The penalty corner was Gu’s 13th goal of the competition and meant she was the tournament’s top scorer.

The Chinese lead was doubled in the 58th minute when Song Xiaoming was able to finish a neat team move, slotting the ball into the Korea goal. Kim Ok Ju scored a late consolation goal in the final minute of play, but China head coach Jamilon Mülders will be pleased to have finished this event on a winning performance.

Final placings:
1. Japan
2. India
3. China
4. Korea
5. Malaysia
6. Thailand
7. Chinese Taipei
8. Indonesia
9. Hong Kong China
10. Kazakhstan

The men's final and bronze medal matches will take place on Saturday 1 September, when India meet Pakistan in the bronze medal match before Malaysia meet Japan in the final.

Follow all the action via www.asiahockey.org
Twitter: @asia_hockey
Facebook: Asian Hockey Federation

FIH site

India women claim silver in hockey after 1-2 loss to Japan

Neha Goyal’s field goal in the 25th minute was the lone strike for India

Uthra Ganesan


Silver medal winning Indian women's hockey team celebrates during the medal ceremony at the 18th Asian Games 2018, in Jakarta, Indonesia on Friday, Aug 31, 2018. Photo Credit: PTI

The faces said it all. The younger ones, playing their first Asian Games and winning a silver, were all smiles at their first ever continental medal. The senior pros, including captain Rani Rampal who was playing in her third Asiad, tried hard to control their tears. The 2-1 loss to Japan in the final on Friday was a cruel end to their dreams of booking an Olympic ticket.

The Indian women’s hockey team gave it its all but still came up short. It was an improvement on the third-place finish in the previous edition and came against an opponent which did not concede an inch and nipped every move by the Indians before it could develop into anything substantial.

Coach Sjoerd Marijne had said after the semifinal that it was all about the moment. The girls could not make it their own. After the final, he declared he was proud of his girls, but admitted they could not take the half-chances they got and made small errors that cost them big.

Tactically superior

India thrives on open play, pace and quick counters. Japan, tactically the superior team on the day, did not allow any of it. It held the structure all through, marked every zone by the book and its control on the ball was brilliant. Every mis-trap and mis-pass by India was punished.

And the Japanese defence was impeccable: India managed only two penalty corners throughout the game and unable to convert either. The defence was held together by Mayumi Ono, its central midfielder and the most experienced player from either side.

The Indians did have their chances, though. Deep Grace Ekka was relentless in her aerial passes and manned the defence almost single-handedly, denying the Japanese. Goalkeeper Savita Punia was alert enough and thwarted a couple of close chances. Vandana Katariya, Navneet Kaur, Navjot Kaur, Lalremsiami, Udita and Neha Goyal kept sneaking into Japan’s circle and Rani kept feeding them.

Inexperienced

But the lack of experience upfront hurt the team. None of the forwards, barring Vandana, have more than 45 caps. It showed every time they entered the circle — the momentary hesitation to take a shot at goal giving enough time for Japan to clear. “We created enough chances, not enough PCs and then got the big one in the last five seconds. You have to take your chances in the final; it is difficult if you don’t. But they have had a long summer and to still have this energy at this time, I am proud of my girls and they should be proud of themselves,” Marijne said.

While Japan would have qualified for the Olympics anyway by virtue of being the host, the gold here — its first in the Asian Games — has given it a slot on merit. For India, the road to Tokyo just got tougher but Marijne is not thinking too far ahead.

“Their bodies are done, a lot of girls were taped up and some were on the line, not sure whether they could even play or not. And yet none of them thought about it, which is a good, fighting mindset. They need a break for at least a month and then we will see,” he said.

In the playoff for bronze, China pipped Korea 2-1 to push the defending champion out of the podium.

The Hindu

Golden chance gone

No gold in hockey as Asia No. 1 women lose to Japan in final; direct berth to Tokyo missed

Vinayak Padmadeo



The Indian women’s team will have to wait another four years for a shot at the Asian Games gold — they were beaten 2-1 by Japan in this edition’s final. At the end when the hooter went, the Japanese team circled around its coaching staff and, beginning with chief coach Anthony James Farry, tossed all staff members up in the air to celebrate their maiden Asiad gold. The Indians were shocked, on their haunches, looking at each other, trying to hold back tears after missing a golden chance to earn a direct qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The Indian women’s team has won only one Asiad gold, way back in 1982, and this Rani Rampal-led side was dreaming of ending the long wait. But profligacy in front of the opposition goal cost India dear tonight.
The Japanese team had two penalty corner opportunities and converted both. The Indians, playing their first Asiad final in 20 years, created a solitary penalty corner chance, but Gurjit Kaur failed to convert it. India also missed a host of chances in front of the goal, including in the dying moments of the match when Vandana Kataria failed to connect with the ball when she had the goalkeeper at her mercy.

Though India were better and had more circle penetrations, it was Japan who took the lead from a penalty corner, through a fine deflection by Minami Shimizu. India were guilty of frequently giving away possession to the Japanese, who were content on hitting on the counter. But a fluid counterattack from the forwards got India back into the game when Navneet Kaur’s reverse hit was deflected in by Neha Goyal to make it 1-1. But India tailed off in the third quarter while Japan went ahead with another well taken penalty corner, Motomi Kawamura shocking goalkeeper Savita with a reverse hit.

Chances missed

“We shouldn’t have missed those chances,” Rani said. “There was no pressure as we knew we were much better than the Japanese team and they were committing errors, but we didn’t convert our chances and Japan took both the PC chances.”

India coach Sjoerd Marijne said: “At the end it was a fair result but I think we created enough chances but not enough PCs.”

The Tribune

Indian girls miss out crucial Gold

s2h Team



Vandana Katariya was a forlorn figure in the entire medals award ceremony that lasted almost an hour after the final match between Japan and India. She had her own reason. Just a mere sixteen seconds before the hooter, Rani Rampal created an opportunity for India to score the elusive equalizer that can take the Asian Games final to shoot out. Rani cleverly found a gap among almost half a dozen defenders inside the circle. Yet the veteran perfectly timed the ball in her through ball that crossed a maze of legs and rolled to the right of goalie who was already charging and in that process fell 5,6 yards away from cage. All Vandana, who was just crouch-standing facing the goalie, should do was to gently deflect the ball into the empty goal. But she harried, carried away at the heat of moment. Her push was just fraction of degree wrong-angled. The ball agonizingly rolled a couple of inches to the left post. It was misfortune that the ball moved the way it did. For Vandana, who scored one of the beautiful solo goals of the Jakarta Asian hockey meet --- it was against Korea -- its heart-breaking moment, and it was.

This is in a nutshell is the story of the Indian girls.

Jakarata was their moment. Never were they the highest ranked in the Asian hierarchy as they were now. Asian women's hockey, barring the inaugural one was a three-horse way between Korea, Japan and India. Later China joined. Most of the times, Korea and China were far above ranked India that medal prospects were not there. Here, the situation was different. India was top ranked, expected to clinch Gold and with that ticket to Tokyo.

Rani Rampal's team played some wonderful hockey here. As China's German coach Moulders opined often India was qualitatively the best team here. Yet, on Saturday, the team had to settle with silver.

It had dominated the play nearly 60 percent of the game. The difference between two teams were counters of Japan. They were a shade quicker on the ball than the Indians, which used to be other way till now.

As later Navjot Kaur would stress that India's strength was penalty corner defence, which failed today. Japan got two penalty corners, very less considering its the event final. They could score off from both. India in fact got the first of its two penalty corners, but failed. This made all the difference.

Stick2Hockey.com

Another heartbreak in hockey as women lose to Japan to win silver


Indian Women's Hockey Team , AFP

The Indian women's hockey team failed to break its 36-year-old gold jinx after losing to Japan 1-2 in a keenly contested summit clash to settle for the silver medal at the 18th Asian Games on Friday.

The loss will hurt the Indians badly as a gold here would have guaranteed a direct qualification in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Minami Shimizu and Motomori Kawamura scored for Japan through penalty corners in the 11th an 44th minute while Neha Goyal's field goal in the 25th minute was the lone strike for India, who were aiming to win their first Asiad gold since 1982.

The Indians had qualified for the final of the Asian Games after a gap of 20 years gap, having beaten China in the semifinals.

Ahead of the Olympics, Japanese hockey is on the right track with the women winning their maiden Asian Games title after finishing runners-up thrice.

For Indian hockey, there was more disappointment after the fancied men's team failed to defend its gold following their loss to Malaysia in the semifinals yesterday.

Coming into the match, the Indians were favourites to win the title as they are ranked five places above Japan at ninth in the world rankings.

In the first quarter, India made more forays into the opposition circle but lacked the finishing touch. Their first big opportunity came in fourth minute when Navneet Kaur could not do much with captain Rani Rampal's pass into the striking zone.

Japan had their opportunity too in the eighth minute but Indian goalkeeper Savita made a good save.

Navneet then helped India get their first penalty corner in the 10th minute but dragflicker Gurjit Kaur could not get it past the Japanese goalkeeper.

Another Japanese counter attack followed which resulted in their first penalty corner which was clinically converted by Shimizu in the 11th minute.

Down by a goal, India kept attacking but with little precision.

Sensing urgency, India pressed hard for the equaliser in the second quarter. They came close when Sunita Lakra provided a finely placed pass to Udita but she could not make it count.

India drew level in the 25th minute when Navneet Kaur's crisp reverse hit was neatly deflected in by a patiently waiting Neha.

India were the better team in the second quarter, creating more chances and had the ball a lot more than the Japanese.

In the 36th minute, a skilful one two from Vandana Katariya and Navjot Kaur almost got India the lead but Udita's shot was saved by the Japanese keeper.

Seconds later, another opportunity was missed when Vandana's attempt was parried away by the custodian.

The Japanese got their first major opportunity of the third quarter when they earned a penalty corner in the 44th minute and Motomi executed a delightful finish, taking the ball on the left and firing it in with a reverse hit.

The Indian fans, who turned up in sizeable number, were left shell shocked with the Japanese goal.

The Indian women, like their male counterparts in the semifinals yesterday, were guilty of holding on to the ball for far too long while the Japanese operated with quick passes.

With less than 10 minutes remaining on the clock, the Indian shirts were a constant in the opposition circle but they could not find the back of the net.

With a goal lead and end drawing closer, the Japanese expectedly slowed the game down when once they reached the Indian half.

India withdrew their goalkeeper Savita with two minutes remaining as India desperately pushed for an equaliser.

They even got two chances with 40 seconds left on the clock but failed to find the Japanese net.

Daily News & Analysis

Women’s hockey final: Japan shatter Indian dream


Japan’s Emi Nishikori (C) controls the ball past Indian players during the women’s hockey final. AFP

The Indian women hockey team’s dream of reclaiming the gold at the Asian Games after 36 years remained unfulfilled as it lost 1-2 to Japan to settle for the silver medal here on Friday.

It was yet another heartbreak for Indian hockey, a day after the fancied men’s team lost to Malaysia via penalty shoot-out in the semifinals.

Coming into the match, the Indians were favourites to the title as they are ranked five places above Japan at ninth in the world rankings.

But the Japanese matched India stick for stick and took the lead in the 11th minute when Minami Shimizu converted their first penalty corner.

India, however, did not give up and pressed hard for the equaliser which came in the 25th minute when Neha Goyal deflected in a Navneet Kaur reverse hit pass, as both the teams went into the breather locked at 1-1.

The Japanese, however, came out rejuvenated after the change of ends and restored their lead through another penalty corner conversion, by skipper Motomi Kawamura in the 44th minute.

In the final quarter, the Indians pressed hard in search of the equaliser but Japan defended in numbers to win the match and claim the gold medal.

The Tribune

Coach Sjoerd Marijne says India women's team can be proud of their run despite missing out on gold


File image of Sjoerd Marijne. Facebook: Hockey India

Jakarta: Chief coach Sjoerd Marijne is satisfied with the performance of the Indian women's hockey team at the Asian Games but says losing the opportunity to directly qualify for the 2020 Olympics is a big disappointment.

"Of course it is the biggest disappointment. Now we might have to play another six matches to do that. Today it is a gold lost but the way team played throughout the tournament, it will be a silver won tomorrow," said Marijne after India lost 1-2 to Japan in the final.

India, however, improved their medal colour from the last edition four years ago, when they had secured bronze.

"I feel a draw would have been a fair score of this match. Japan played well. They converted all their penalty corners (two in total) and we didn't. They were better in the first quarter. We fought back well in the second half and we were really good in third quarter. The fourth quarter was even," said the Dutchman.

"Overall, the girls can be proud of their performance. They had not reach the final for 20 years. They can afford a few smiles even though they lost. We always believed that we can win and today the better team won."

India got two chances to equalise even in the last minute but Japan were solid in their defence.

"We were also in good with defence throughout the tournament. We played really well against Korea and China. Going forward, we need to work on PC conversion and executing our chances on the field," Marijne added.

Japan coach Anthony Farry praised the Indian team for its showing in the final.

"India were really good tonight. We got the result we wanted even though we did not play to our potential. But it does lessen the pain of the loss to Belgium in World Cup (one and a half months ago)," said the Australian.

Firstpost

Malaysia on the brink of making history

By Azidan Nahar dan Azlan Muhammad Zain


National coach Stephen Van Huizen and his boys are one match away from creating history at the Asian Games. Pic by NSTP/FATHIL ASRI

JAKARTA: National coach Stephen Van Huizen and his boys are one match away from creating history at the Asian Games.

They will face Japan, coached by Dutchman Siegfried Aikman, in the final in Jakarta on Saturday.

Malaysia have all to play for in the final as it will earn them the Olympic ticket to the 2020 Tokyo edition if they beat Japan.

However, if Japan win the gold, Asia’s Olympic slot will not go to the silver medallists. The ticket will then go to the Hockey World Series qualifiers.

World No 12 Malaysia and 16th-ranked Japan have never won the Asian Games gold with the former champions being Pakistan, India and South Korea.

Malaysia reached the final by edging World No 5 India 7-6 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation time while Japan defeated Pakistan 1-0.

Ironically, Japan were thrashed 8-0 by India while Malaysia were defeated 4-1 by Pakistan in their respective group matches.

Malaysia are favourites in the final but Van Huizen does not want his players to be overconfident.

“We must forget about India, and focus on Japan. We cannot assume that we would easily win the title after the victory over India.

“My boys need to be ready in all aspects. I want them to enjoy the final as Malaysia rarely play in gold medal matches.

“They need to be confident and determine throughout the match.”

Malaysia’s best result in the Asian Games was silver at the 2010 Guangzhou edition.

For the record, Malaysia and Japan have met 13 times at the Games with the former winning six times against two defeats.

Malaysia and Japan last met at the 2017 Azlan Shah Cup with the former winning 3-1 in a playoff match.

Japan’s last win over Malaysia was the 1-0 success at the 2013 Asian Champions Trophy in Kakamigahara.

New Straits Times

Speedy Tigers on guard

NATIONAL hockey coach Stephen van Huizen does not want his team to experience another heartbreak in the Asian Games final.

The men’s hockey team have set up a final date with Japan after stunning defending champions and world No. 5 India in a sudden-death penalty shootout 7-6, after the match ended 2-2 in regulation time on Thursday at the Gelora Bung Karno Hockey Stadium.

The team, nicknamed the Speedy Tigers, will win an automatic spot in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games if they beat Japan today.

Stephen, who had previously guided the team to the final for the first time at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, doesn’t want to lose again.

Then, the Malaysians sparked high hopes after knocking out favourites India 3-2 in the semis but left home in sheer disappointment after losing 0-2 to Pakistan in the final eight years ago.

Stephen wants his team to tread with caution.

“We can’t be thinking that we’re the champions after knocking out the defending champions,” said Stephen.

“When we entered the final the first time, everyone was celebrating because we created history. This is the second time we are in the final, so why are we celebrating?

“We’ve another big match to handle. We don’t know what type of problem we’ll face but I told the players to enjoy the moment.

“It’s not often that we reach the final, so we must recover from the victory against India and be ready for Japan in the final.

“Our boys have done well so far and the focus is on qualifying for the Olympics. I’m proud of them.”

Athough Japan have qualified for the Olympics by virtue of being the host, coach Siegfried Aikman said they would go all out against Malaysians to win the gold.

“We’ve come this far, so we want to win the final and show that we’ll be at the Olympics on merit,” said the 59-year-old Dutchman.

“The players desire an Asiad gold, and this is the chance of a lifetime. We respect Malaysia as they’re good at penalty corners and have an experienced goalkeeper in S. Kumar.

“We need a good game plan and can’t give our opponents too much space. We must dictate the tempo of the match. Malaysia are the overwhelming favourites but we won’t be pushovers.”

The Star of Malaysia

Skipper Sukri will be a stickler for discipline as Japan loom



DISCIPLINE will be the key as far as national hockey team skipper Sukri Mutalib (pic) is concerned as Malaysia look to land the elusive Asian Games gold medal and a berth in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The Malaysians take on surprise package Japan in the final at the Gelora Bung Karno Hockey Stadium tonight. A day ago, Malaysia stunned defending champions India 7-6 in a sudden-death penalty shootout while Japan edged Pakistan 1-0.

Sukri hopes Malaysia can keep their winning momentum going against Japan.

“It was a 50-50 game against India but we managed to keep pace with the speedy Indians. We believed in everyone. And the players were brave and disciplined,” said Sukri.

“We played our best game against India and we need to keep the same discipline to win again.”

Malaysia are fired up to make up for the disappointment of losing 2-0 to Pakistan in the gold-medal match at the 2010 Guangzhou Games.

That year, the team were slammed for losing focus as the players went to shave their heads on the eve of the final – fulfilling a vow they made if they reached the final.

Sukri, who is one of eight players from the 2010 Asiad silver-medal winning squad, admitted they got carried away after reaching the final eight years ago.

“We didn’t think we could go that far then. So, we got too excited when we reached the final. It was a mistake,” said the 32-year-old defender.

“This time, we’re more focused on winning the gold medal.”

The Star of Malaysia

Pakistan has never lost to India for Bronze

By B.G.Joshi (Sehore- Bhopal,   India)

Asian giants and traditional rivals India- Pakistan will face each other in bronze medal for the first time in Asian Games history. However Pakistan has never lost to India in Bronze medal matches.

Pakistan won on all  six occasion,4 times in Champions Trophy (2002, 2003, 2004, 2012), once in Olympic Qualifier(2004) and in Invitation tourney(2004).

Eight  times Olympic Champions India forced for Bronze medal first time in Mexico  Olympics(1968). Great Prithipal Singh and Balbir Singh (Railways) saved the honour against Germany (then West Germany) by scoring one apiece in 2-1 triumph.

For records India has won 22 bronze medal matches in 37encounters.

10 Players playing in Jakarta had scored 35 goals against arch rivals Pakistan, they are: Rupinderpal Singh (11 goals),Mandeep Singh; Harmanpreet Singh and SV Sunil(4 each); Akashdeep  Singh(3),Lalit Upadhyay; Chinglensana Singh; Dilpreet Singh and Manpreet Singh(2 each) and Amit Rohidas(1).

Looking to this fact an Indian victory on cards beating the jinx.

Here are statistical highlights of India-Pakistan in international hockey:

 Fieldhockey.com

Green-shirts must now focus on the bronze medal: PHF

Disappointed on Pakistan hockey team’s performance in the Asian Games, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Shahbaz Ahmed Sr said Green-shirts must now focus on bringing a bronze medal home in their third position match against India on Saturday.

Shahbaz said the team very disappointed for not being qualified for the final but they must now totally focus on beating India and bringing a bronze medal home.

“Winning and losing is part of the game but Pakistan team must forget about the past and think about winning the third position match,” he said in a video message received here.

Meanwhile, Pakistan hockey team manager Hasan Sardar has blamed bad umpiring a reason for green-shirts 0-1 loss against Japan in the Asian Games semi-final.

Sardar said the field and third umpire Javed Shiekh and and V Raghu Prasad both were Indians and were biased towards Pakistan. “All the referrals went against us and the Video Umpire supported the Japanese,” he said.

He said we were awarded a penalty stroke in the 44th minute, but Japanese appealed against this decision and to our amazement Video umpire upheld the Japanese protest. “We were deprived of a goal. We had protested against the Indian officials before and after the match but they ignored our protests,” he said.

The Nation

After Japan defeat, Pakistan set India date for bronze medal match


PHOTO: AFP

Pakistan would be disappointed to lose their semi-final match 1-0 against Japan on Thursday but hockey fans would have a smile on their faces as the Men in Green will now face India in the bronze medal match at the ongoing Asian Games.

Pakistan came into the semi-final on the back of five strong wins in their pool B matches where they scored frivolously against opponents like Thailand, Oman, Kazakhstan, Malaysia and Bangladesh.

In total, Pakistan scored 45 goals and conceded only one, against Malaysia, during their pool match.

However, on Thursday, Japan made sure they blocked all attempts made by Pakistan to complete their moves.

Field goals were met with rock-solid defence, penalty corners were defended with uncanny grit and in the meanwhile, Japan also created a chance for themselves to score a goal when they were awarded a penalty corner in the second quarter.

Malaysia beat India to qualify for Asian Games hockey final

Earlier in the other semi-final, Malaysia surprised India to win 7-6 on penalty shootout after the score was tied 2-2 on full-time.

The final of the event will now take place between Japan and Malaysia on September 1.

The Express Tribune

Former hockey Olympians slam Pakistan’s performance in Asiad

KARACHI: Former Pakistan hockey players Sami­ullah Khan and Mudassar Asghar on Friday slammed the national side’s performance after they lost 1-0 to Japan in the Asian Games semi-final against Japan on Thursday. The Olympians also urged the government to start an accountability process against those who are responsible. The loss to Japan not only takes away the hope of Pakistan bringing an Asiad gold medal home but also ends the team’s chance of directly qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. “It is not a joke that you lost a match which could have been won quite easily to confirm a place in the final. I will suggest the government to take strict action against those who are responsible,” Samiullah said.

Known as Flying Horse, Samiullah said the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) was responsible for the ousting of the national team from the gold medal race.

Meanwhile, Col. Mudassar, a former PHF secretary said the federation had fielded totally demotivated troops in the Asian Games and it seemed there was no any sound planning for the event. “Look, just few days before the departure for the Asian Games, the hockey players have revolted for not getting their daily allowances. They were openly asking for their dues in media. But instead of giving them their dues on time to mentally prepare them for the big gala, the PHF sent its development squad to Canada for no purpose. Though Shahbaz was a good player but as administrator he has proved as a total failure,” added Mudassar.

While commenting on the match, Samiullah said that Japan deserved to win as they kept upper hand with a slim 1-0 lead throughout the game. He further said though Japan displayed a fast game, Pakistan should have played a slow game to break the rhythm of the rivals. But Pakistan also tried to play fast game and made unforced errors. Samiullah claimed that had India and Pakistan won their respective semi-final, India would have won the final, too. He claimed India had better chances than Pakistan. The two teams will clash for the bronze medal match.

The Daily Times

Asian Games loss is big setback, road to Olympics is lot tougher now: Harendra Singh


Indian men's hockey team coach Harendra Singh - File Photo, PTI

Chief coach Harendra Singh slammed the Indian hockey team for making silly mistakes in the Asian Games semifinal against Malaysia and said the 6-7 loss has made Olympic qualification a lot tougher.

Defending champions India were beaten in sudden death after both teams were locked 2-2 in regulation time. A gold medal would have secured India's qualification for the Tokyo Olympics.

"Malaysia are the deserving winners. We committed too many unforced errors and paid the price. We did not keep things simple. We tried to show our Indian skills and by doing that we lost the momentum. It is a big setback for Indian hockey. The road to Olympics is a lot bumpier now. We missed the easiest chance to qualify," said Harendra.

It was only Malaysia who had stunned India in the semifinals of the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou. Asked why Malaysia continues to trouble India, the coach said: "They were only looking to score on the counter and both their goals came from the counter. We had a plan to shift and pass but we tried to hold the ball and made parallel passes. That cost us the game. Also, we committed too many unforced errors. It is unpardonable."

Harendra, however, said India were not at all fault in the shoot-out. "Shoot out is anybody's game. If we would have won, we should not have celebrated. In shoot-out, turning around is a problem. If your centre of gravity is low then it is easier (to turn around), if it is high then it becomes a problem," he said.

India had pumped in a record 76 goals in the group stage. Did it make them complacent? "I don't think so, we took them as serious practice matches. We never take any team lightly. But this loss is a setback for Indian hockey. Coaches will come and go."

India still have to fight it out for the bronze play-off. "The boys will have to pick themselves up. There is still a medal at stake," Harendra said.

Daily News & Analysis

Mullan set for Alster debut in German league


Irish captain Katie Mullan. Pic: Frank Uijlenbroek/World Sport Pics

While the domestic league is almost a month away, five of Ireland’s World Cup silver medalists start their new club seasons this weekend much earlier than usual.

The top four clubs in Germany all include an Irish player with Katie Mullan confirming this week she will join reigning champions Club an der Alster.

The Green Army captain will start competitive life with Alster with an away date a derby date against UHC Hamburg, a repeat of last year’s grand final, with Nikki Evans in the opposing line-up.

For Mullan, it ends a lengthy spell at UCD where she ended up with a masters in biomedical engineering and so is the perfect time for her to make the move.

Post World Cup, she did recognise the double-edge sword for Irish hockey with a number of top stars leaving the national league when the players profile has never been higher. It means a potentially new audience for the game will not get to see the full range of stars.

But, particularly for Mullan, there can scarcely be a better time to take on a professional contract with her studies just behind her and Tokyo 2020 qualification coming quickly into view.

Looking forward to the challenge, she said: “The Germans play a slightly different style that will be great for me to experience; they have excellent technical skills which are currently a big focus of mine.

“It is a great opportunity for me to play alongside and hopefully learn from some world class players! I want to enjoy the life experience too and sure I have nothing to lose.”

At Alster, she joins a group that won the national title for the first time last season and has a series of top German stars as well as Olympic gold medalist Susannah Townsend.

Elsewhere in the league, Megan Frazer has returned to Mannheimer HC. She had initially taken on a course in University of Ulster and player-coach with the Elks but she has agreed to defer that place for a year. Deirdre Duke makes her debut for Dusseldorfer HC.

In the Netherlands, Anna O’Flanagan has joined newly promoted Pinoke from Bloemendaal and she will make her first appearance for the Amsterdam club at Oranje-Rood.

In Belgium, reserve goalkeeper Emma Buckley is keen to use her move to Racing Club de Bruxelles to boost her chances of becoming a more central figure.

Lena Tice is another player overseas, taking in the New Zealand Hockey League but that will finish in late September, allowing her to form part of UCD’s line-up.

The Hook

Chong hopes to help Northerns win South African Under-21 Tournament

Two of the things the Tuks hockey player, Mark Chong, loves most is hockey and animals.

As a player, he is already rated as one of the real up and coming talents of South African hockey. Chong is in the South African under-21 squad. Those who have seen him play are of the opinion that he will definitely get to play during the World Under-21 Tournament as he is just such a life wire with a stick in hand.

Playing link he seemingly always has a plan up his sleeve to challenge the opposition’s tactical savviness.

From Sunday his challenge is going to be to see how he can help the Northerns under-21 side win the national tournament hosted by Pretoria Girls High School.

It is going to be the fifth big tournament since May Chong will be playing. The 19-year old represented Tuks during the Varsity and USSA Tournaments. Played for the Northerns during the national senior tournament and was also in action during the PHL Tournament.

Apparently, if you are as passionate as Chong about hockey, there is never a stage where you feel enough is enough. Wanting to take a break and forget about hockey for a few weeks.

“I love hockey as you tend to get addicted to the fast pace at which the game is played. And then there is the challenge of trying to manipulate the other team. Playing link means I am mostly in the thick of things. The most important thing to do is to continually recycle the ball to try and create scoring opportunities for my teammates.”

Chong has no hesitation in singling Australia’s Jame Dwyer out as a player he admires.

“His work rate is unbelievable as his skills and vision. It is all qualities I am aspiring towards.”

Helping and caring for animals is Chong’s other true passion. At the moment he is studying BA General, but he hopes to be able to switch later on to study to become a vet.

The coaches at TuksHockey are certainly doing something right as the Northerns under-21 side, is apart from one player, an all Tuks side. Guy Elliott who coached Tuks to victory during the Varsity Tournament is the head coach. He will be assisted by Gilbert de Villiers.

Elliott admits to his side being quite formidable but years of coaching made him a realist.

“There are never any givens in sport meaning a good side does not always equate to winning. It is going to be up to the players as to how much they want to be the victors.”

Tuks is also well presented in the Northerns under-21 women’s side with 14 players having been selected.

Supersport

Butali, Telkom look to extend leads

By AYUMBA AYODI


Florence Karanja (left) of United States International University-Africa (USIU-A) charges past Telkom's Maureen Okumu during their Women's Hockey Premier League duel at City Park on August 4, 2018. Telkom won 1-0. 

Butali Sugar Warriors and Telkom Kenya have an opportunity to stretch their respective hockey Premier Leagues leads with crucial outings this weekend at City Park Stadium, Nairobi.

The Warriors, who opened up a three-point lead last weekend when they downed Kenya College of Accountancy University (KCA-U) 5-1, take on Wazalendo at 6pm Saturday before wrapping up their city tour against Nakuru on Sunday at 3pm in the men's Premier League.

Telkom resume their women's Premier League title chase after a three-week break against Amira Sailors at 11am on Sunday, as Vikings have a date with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Sunday's first game at 9am.

Also in the men's Premier League, Greensharks hope to uphold their winning form when they meet KCA-U on Saturday at 4pm, before their clash with Nairobi Simba at 3pm on Sunday.

The Warriors’ victory against KCA-U last Sunday saw them improve their tally to 33 points, three better than defending champions Kenya Police, who will once again be out of action for the second weekend running.

Greensharks piled pressure on Police, when they subdued Strathmore University’s Gladiators 3-1 last weekend to consolidate their third place in the league to 23 points.

Victory for Butali Sugar will see them widen their gap at the top to six points, hence exerting pressure on Police, who have 30 points albeit with two matches at hand after this weekend.

After collecting six points and 10 goals in their last two matches, Butali Sugar’s coach Dennis Owoka said his charges are out to uphold the momentum.

“We can never dare to slacken at this time. We have always struggled against Wazalendo hence we must bring out our “A” game,” said Owoka, who will have defender Robert Amadi, attacking midfielder Derrick Kuloba and striker Seth Oburu back for the Wazalendo duel.

Defensive midfielder Nickson Amadi, who is serving a three-match suspension, will be back for Sunday's clash against Nakuru.

During the first leg, Butali Sugar struggled to edge out Wazalendo 2-1, but beat Nakuru 3-0 away.

Greensharks coach Nixon Nyaganga said his team still have a chance to win the league after their inspiring victory against three-time champions Strathmore Gladiators.

"Our concentration and fitness levels have improved this time around and thanks to the boys for the good display and results," said Nyaganga after they win against Strathmore.

“But Simba and KCA provide a different battle front altogether.”

Greensharks beat KCA-U 2-1, while drew Simba 2-2 in the first leg.

“You don’t change a winning outfit hence I shall field the same side that defeated Strathmore,” said Nyaganga.

“We can only make changes against Simba basing on the outcome against KCA.”

FIXTURES (All matches at City Park unless stated)

Saturday

National league men: JKUAT v UON (12pm)
Super League-men: TUK v Impala (2pm)
Premier League-men: Western Jaguars v Parklands (3pm)- Kakamega; KCA-U v. Greensharks (4pm); Butali v Wazalendo (6pm)

Sunday

Premier League women: Vikings v. JKUAT (9am); Amira Sailors v. Telkom (11am).
Super League-men: TUK v MMU (1pm)
Premier League-men: Butali v Nakuru (3pm); Greensharks v Sikh Union (5pm)

Daily Nation

Scottish Women’s National League 1 gets underway



The 2018-2019 National League 1 season gets underway this weekend with four games in the women`s competition as the opener.

Edinburgh University may not be on duty on the first day of the women`s National League 1 programme this weekend, but the champions may have more than a passing interest on how potential challengers Grove Menzieshill and Milne Craig Clydesdale Western fare.

Western finished runners-up to the students last season and start their present campaign with a tricky outing to Wildcats` den at Auchenhowie. Last season`s equivalent encounter finished with a 4-0 victory for the Titwood-based outfit, but both sides were without their international players on Commonwealth Games duty – that may have warped the outcome.

It could be challenging affair if Kaz Cuthbert`s comments are anything to go by. Wildcats` player/coach said: “Our first game is against Clydesdale, we have nothing to fear and we will go out and challenge ourselves to play our game.”

Although Wildcats would have been disappointed to miss out on a top four place at the end of last season, Cuthbert remains enthusiastic about her side`s prospects.

“We are continuing to build with the strong squad we have had over the past few seasons. The girls’ are developing their experience and confidence which is great to see.”

Cuthbert admitted to a couple of new faces in the squad, but principally the addition of Scotland international Kate Holmes who has moved to Glasgow for her studies. “She will be another driving force to help lead the girls,” remarked Cuthbert.

Grove Menzieshill also have a tricky venture against Tayside rivals Dundee Wanderers, a repeat of last season`s opening fixture. Wanderers finished last year in a mid-table position, but they did manage to share a 3-3 draw in the Tayside derby.

A hat-trick by youngster Emily Dark gave Wanderers a 3-2 lead after Sarah Jamieson and Leigh Fawcett have given Grove Menzieshill a two-goal lead inside nine minutes. However, a late penalty corner strike by Katie Robertson saved Grove Menzieshill in the end.

The shock troops of last season was undoubtedly Watsonians, they shot from the relegation zone to fourth place during second half of last season. After losing 2-1 to Edinburgh University in February, they went on a seven match winning spree, and that included the scalps of both Western and Grove Menzieshill.

Watsonians will hope to continue where they left off at home to Hillhead this weekend. The Edinburgh side were 5-2 winners last season, Nikki Stobie scored twice while the others came from Emily Newlands, Georgia Jones and Ellie Wilson.

The final fixture on the card brings together GHK and Grange, both sides finished in the bottom reaches of last season`s National League 1 division, but survived the relegation play-offs. This again could be a close encounter, GHK won the clash towards the end of last season, but only by 3-2.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

FIH Executive Board members appointed to IOC commissions


FIH Executive Board members Marijke Fleuren and Tayyab Ikram have been appointed to IOC Commissions

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently announced the composition of its Commissions for 2018. For the fourth consecutive year, FIH Executive Board members Marijke Fleuren and Tayyab Ikram will give hockey a voice in two commissions, which provide assistance to the IOC.

Fleuren, also European Hockey Federation President, has been nominated to the Women in Sport Commission. This appointment reflects FIH's passion about advancing gender equality on and off the field, an area in which hockey has been making great strides for many years. Read more here.

Ikram, also CEO of the Asian Hockey Federation, has been appointed to the Sport and Active Society Commission. This is another area where hockey excels as a 'sport for all' - played from juniors to Masters, by families and people from all walks of life, a truly inclusive sport. A good example is this year’s hockey mass activation on the occasion of Olympic Day on 23 June. Read more here.

IOC President Thomas Bach has significantly increased the number of women appointed to a commission over the last few years. Women will now occupy 30 more commission positions than last year, reflecting the IOC’s commitment to improve gender equality throughout all levels of sport. In total, 42.7 percent of the positions across the 26 IOC commissions will now be held by women – a historic high. This represents an increase of 16.8 per cent in female participation compared to 2017 and an improvement of 98 per cent since 2013.

The changes also include increases in the number of members from Africa and Oceania.

A list of all the IOC commissions can be found here.

Please click here for the full story on the IOC website.

FIH site