News for 06 May 2020
All the news for Wednesday 6 May 2020
Growing hockey: Our daily ambition - FIH
Across the international community, the past few months have been tough for individuals, families, institutions and businesses. Emotionally, socially, economically – these are unprecedented times, with an uncertain future to follow.
Which is why it is important that, as an international federation, we plan now for a strong and confident return to hockey action for all our global hockey community: players, coaches, officials, partners and fans alike, when it is safe to do so.
We know that only some things are in our ‘control’, but with so many uncertainties, the best way we feel we can move forwards as a global hockey family is to look at where we are, reflect on where we have come from, and look to build upon our plans for a sustainable structure that works for everyone.
If we are to look for the positives to take from the current situation, it is that working from home has given us a chance to step back from the day-to-day operations and take a long, meaningful look at our strategies and how we can adjust and innovate so that hockey is a sport with a sustainable future around the world.
One of the many things we have been working on is our exciting events calendar, and adapting it to the enforced changes imposed by the coronavirus, and subsequent rescheduling of the Tokyo Olympic Games to 2021. The prospect of the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Belgium in February next year is one that fills every hockey fan’s heart with glee. Fast, skilful action and the chance to see some of the world’s best indoor players in action is something that will set the sporting calendar alight and put hockey in the spotlight. Click here for more information.
We are regularly communicating with National Associations and Continental Federations to discuss organisational matters around the 2021 FIH Junior Hockey World Cup along with the hosts South Africa (women) and India (men), the 2022 FIH Hockey Women World Cup hosts Netherlands/Spain and the 2023 FIH Hockey Men's World Cup, India.
Qualification for the 2022/23 FIH Hockey World Cups has been the focus of much discussion between FIH officers and the Continental Federations. Final details will be released in June once the format has been approved by the Executive Board.
The future seasons of the FIH Hockey Pro League have also been the subject of much discussion between the FIH and the 11 participating nations. As reported on the FIH website, the Executive Board have approved the proposal that had been agreed between the participating National Associations and the FIH team, to extend the current season to June 2021, ensuring that all the competing nations can complete their fixture list.
Alongside planning for future events, FIH has also been working with partners and stakeholders to develop and implement innovative strategies and new technologies to further build the awareness of hockey, increase participation but all the while taking into consideration the post Covid19 challenges.
Along these lines, one exciting initiative that has emanated from the FIH Academy team has been the launch of online courses. At a time when it is difficult for athletes, coaches and umpires to get practical experience and practical learning opportunities, this is an exceptionally useful development tool. Most of the courses are instantly fully booked, demonstrating their relevance to our hockey workforce colleagues.
The courses have proved an instant success with 22 workshops and courses taking place throughout April, attracting more than 200 participants from 35 nations. For more information on the online courses, along with the many other work streams of the FIH Academy, click here.
We have also launched a new membership scheme – the FIH World Hockey Membership. This is part of the Hockey Invites initiative and aims to get more people to join our sport and take an active role. This paid-for membership scheme has a number of different categories: coaches, umpires and members, and each category has bespoke benefits, including discounts on the FIH Hockey Academy courses.
You can get more information on the FIH World Hockey Membership and ever evolving FIH Hockey Academy courses here.
With the Olympic Games moved to 2021, the next 18 months promise to be very busy. We are in constant discussions with our stakeholders to make sure that plans are in place to ensure that all events can take place as smoothly as possible. We are also working hard with both the International Olympic Committee and the Tokyo Olympic Games Organising Committee to support them when it comes to rescheduling.
Of course, the athletes and their welfare are at the heart of all we do, so the involvement of the Athletes Committee in any decision-making has been of the utmost importance.
While live hockey has not been a possibility, it has been great to see athletes from across the globe sharing their training tips on social media using the hashtag #StayHomeStayStrong. Following the removal of geo-blocking restrictions on our FIH.live OTT platform, we have also produced brand-new programmes that are now available for the global hockey family to enjoy. At the same time, our broadcast partners have made sure that hockey has remained on our screens by enabling replays of some great hockey matches on television screens and online across more than 200 countries. To both our partners from the world of broadcast and our other commercial partners, we are extremely grateful for the support they are showing through this difficult time.
FIH Chief Executive Thierry Weil says: “These are difficult times for everyone and our primary concern at FIH is that everyone within the global hockey community stays safe and healthy at this time.
“When we eventually emerge on the other side of this huge challenge to humanity, the work of the FIH staff, combined with the support of our partners and stakeholders, will have ensured that we are all in the strongest possible position and ready to restart hockey when it is safe to do so.”
#HockeyAfterCovid19
FIH site
World champions Belgium return to hockey training
By The Hockey Paper 
After two months of inactivity, world and European champions Belgium returned to squad training on Monday.
The pitch was divided into four areas, with a maximum of three men’s players in each space who will train and stick in their partnerships should a player test positive for coronavirus.
Coach Shane Mcleod and an assistant oversaw proceedings from the video tower, with the pair the only staff able to pick up balls and cones, which would then be disinfected.
The Red Lions will also stay 10 metres from each other during exercises and sessions will not exceed one hour per day.
“It was really nice to be able to see my teammates again. Besides, there was no one on the road so the journey was pleasant,” joked star Victor Wegnez. “Even if we were only in a small group, that we couldn’t kiss, it was nice to see familiar faces again”.
Serge Pilet, secretary general of the Belgian Hockey Federation, said it was taking “drastic measures” to avoid contact.
“With progressive deconfinement, we felt it was time to resume training. If the tennis players can find their racket, as long as contact is avoided, it seemed possible to us to resume training. But we obviously remain very careful,” he told rtbf.
Belgian hockey also hopes to resume club life from May 18, in a small capacity and with no competitive games being played.
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The Hockey Paper
Bringing back fitness level biggest challenge for athletes post-lockdown, says Viren Rasquinha
File photo of former Indian hockey captain Viren Rasquinha. Image courtesy: Viren Rasquinha official Twitter account
Chennai: Former Indian hockey team captain Viren Rasquinha on Tuesday said that maintaining fitness levels would be the biggest challenge for athletes when they return to training after the coronavirus-forced lockdown ends.
"Bringing back the fitness level would be the biggest challenge for athletes when they get back into training after the lockdown ends. The long break could have an impact on muscle memory, which for instance could lead to things like incorrect passes," the former Olympian said.
Rasquinha also stressed on the importance of sports psychologists for athletes in the run-up to the Tokyo Olympics, which has been postponed to next year.
"This long break from a usual high-intensity training would put off athletes from their strength and mental conditioning. Some of them would need sports psychologists to get them back in shape," he said at a webinar presented by Sri Shakthi International School and Goalquiz.
"The athletes need to find a rapport with their psychologists at different times and appointing a foreign psychologist would never be more than a one-off meeting," he added.
Rasquinha, who is the CEO of Olympic Gold Quest, spoke about the Indian hockey team and said they struggled to perform in crucial matches. He also hoped India should target to reach the hockey semi-finals of the Tokyo Olympics.
He said finding events to compete and sponsors for athletes would be difficult post the lockdown as corporates and other investors would look to consolidate themselves in coping with the losses due to the shutdown of their businesses.
Firstpost
‘Having funding is not what makes teams win. It’s the character’
In his own words, Barry Middleton talks about his rise from club to international player
I never set out to achieve this and the other but I always believed in myself. I started at Doncaster as a six-year-old as my mum and dad coached there. I had friends who played hockey, and for me it was all about having time messing about with a ball. We had a great junior section at the club, with players who ran out and went on to play national league.
A few years later I was lucky in that I combined being a full-time student with hockey at Loughborough University. I made my international debut in 2003 and playing in Holland in 2006 may be the reason why I never got a full-time job. Holland at that moment was the place to go to be able to do that.
You go through phases in your career but being abroad kept hockey being fresh. It felt different with the people, the culture and the challenge.
I do remember we were struggling more then as a country. GB and England were going to tournaments with no real chance of competing, it was about getting our feet slowly back on the ground.
Out in Holland they were questioning whether I could give up playing for England and playing full-time. There was never a thought in my mind that was what I was going to do – as much as I love club hockey.
It’s been brilliant for me over the years, but when I look back it will always be about international hockey. That is the pinnacle of the sport and there was no way I could stop playing for England. The amount of pride you take in it is just too much.
I suppose the older you get the more you remember why you started playing hockey. For the current younger players, the talent coming through is impressive. The juniors are doing more together. The central programme is so different to when I started and the biggest thing now is that all the guys playing now see themselves as hockey players.
Fifteen years ago guys were teachers during the week and then getting time off for training camps. Now, we have a professional culture.
It doesn’t guarantee you anything, of course, with other countries going in the same way. The top 10 nations are all very strong so it’s how we go about matching them and breaking into the top three on a consistent basis.
But having so much time together it’s about keeping people fresh and pushing themselves, rather being the same thing day-to-day and doing what you’re told.
Having funding is not what makes teams win. It’s the character, the will to win and talent. Going through those tough times can be good for you as it shows how much you want it and you can come out the other side stronger.
It does feel like hockey is getting quicker each year. The self pass and the free hit has changed the game completely. It’s now about trying to extend your life span as a player and I truly believe that players now can go on at the top level until they are 35 or 36. But my time has come.
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The Hockey Paper
Former hockey head coach lists issues behind stunted growth of sport in Pakistan
Faizan Lakhani
Photo: AFP
Former hockey head coach Roelant Oltmans has revealed the problems that the sport faces which in turn, has stunted its growth.
During an Instagram live session with former captain Salman Akbar, the Dutchman said that everyone in Pakistan and in other Asian countries want overnight success but do not understand the grueling process behind it.
"Expectations are always high. There’s only one thing that counts to them and that’s winning a gold medal but people forget about the process that is required and it's a long process," Oltmans said.
"If you start something today, you’ll be able to achieve results in 2032 Olympics. Pakistani people need to understand that if we want to come back to the glorious past, then that it won’t come overnight. There must be long term planning."
Oltmans, who has also coached Indian side, said that Pakistan could learn a thing or two from its rivals and how they have improved their game over the years.
"It starts from the money that is involved that is huge. India is putting a lot money on hockey. They understand that if you want to achieve something then you’ll have to make sure you’re progressing," he said.
He also blamed the attitude of senior players with junior players as one of the hurdles for youngsters' growth and even narrated an instance.
"There is hierarchic system and one of the first things that I noticed that if a senior player is asking for a ball or is telling young players what to do, they immediately follow it. So, they aren’t working on their own development anymore, they’re just listening to what seniors are saying," he said.
"I saw that in a conditioning session, one senior was running on the top and junior wasn’t allowed to pass him. I remember Nadeem, the captain at that time, as soon he was asking for a ball – even if he was defended by five players – the player would pass the ball to him immediately."
He also mentioned that communicating with players was also a challenge for him due to the language barrier but he was not short of words in praising the group of youngsters that he worked with during his two tenures as coach.
According to Oltmans, Pakistani players are talented and have the potential but need the environment to thrive.
"If Pakistan wants to come back stronger in international hockey then they’ll have to see what happened over the years because potential is there. I have seen some good players, but there must be a sustainable program for a long period to make sure Pakistan is back at the top, if they want to," he said.
He also highlighted the challenges he faced from former Olympians who were in the selection committee with him. According to Oltmans, he was not comfortable with having selection trials at the time when players were supposed to be resting.
"I never take my decision on my own. I always discuss it with my staff and then we come to a group of players that we feel have the best chance to win." Oltmans said.
Geo Super
#ExtraTime with SA men's hockey coach Garreth Ewing
In this second instalment of Extra Time, SA men's hockey coach Garreth Ewing opens up about the challenges facing the sport and raves about the bright, young talent coming through.
Adrian Ephraim
SA men's hockey coach Garreth Ewing
Ewing has a rich history with the game of hockey, from a top player to taking up various technical roles within the national hockey set up. He spent 11 years as coach of the University of Johannesburg, leading them to 3 Premier League titles and one national title.
Ewing also led the South Gauteng men's team to two consecutive national finals in 2008 and 2009, before heading to the U.S. to coach at university.
Ewing’s journey through hockey has seen him reach the pinnacle of South African hockey - with an impressive CV. His path has taken him to fascinating places around the world and earned him a wealth of experience.
Listen to the interview here
Eye Witness News
Hockey India invites bids to host 2021 Nationals
Only the state associations can host senior and junior national championships and the deadline to express interest is May 11.
Hockey India on Tuesday invited state associations, institutional members and academies to express their interest in hosting the restructured annual national championships in the 2021 domestic season.
For the first time, departments and academies have been invited to host a national championship.
However, only the state associations can host senior and junior national championships and the deadline to express interest is May 11.
The institutional and departmental members can host inter-departmental national championships for both men and women at senior and junior levels. The deadline for them is June 5.
The academies can host only sub-junior and junior inter-academy national championships. The deadline for them also is June 5.
“The window to host the senior men and women category will be between 1 January 2021 to 30 April 2021 and the Junior/ Sub Junior Men and Women category National Championships will be 15 February to 30 April 2021.
“The suitable dates will be announced by Hockey India after deliberation with the host Member Unit,” the national hockey body said in a release.
Hockey India President Mohammed Mushtaque Ahmad said, “As the annual National Championships are restructured from next year onwards, we are hopeful there will be a lot of interest”.
Sportstar
South Hockey League opts for final placings as they stand
By The Hockey Paper
The South Hockey League has bucked the trend of other English regional leagues by concluding its season with positions as they stand before the coronavirus outbreak.
Rather than opting for a percentage points basis, the league has decided upon final placings by closing league positions as they lie at present.
One of the few divisions the decision seems to have affected is in Middx, Berks, Bucks & Oxon Regional 1, with Reading 2s adjudged champions.
Amersham & Chalfont 1s would have been promoted on a points percentage, with Reading promoted as things stand having played one extra game.
The majority of South League teams were left with at least one scheduled match un-played and often also at least one additional match un-rescheduled, according to the league.
A league statement said: “This necessarily extends to any previously scheduled play-offs which will not now take place and consequently no additional promotions will follow. This will disappoint some teams who looked for a chance to gain promotion.
“With no relegation from the National League, otherwise normal promotions and relegations will follow. Promotions will remain the same save for those that would have been enabled by play-offs. Relegations will be fewer but the rule requiring relegation of the bottom team in full divisions will be followed.”
London Wayfarers have been declared champions in Premier Division 1, with Surbiton 2s and Wimbledon 2s winners of Premier Division 2 West and East respectively.
Alex Idoine was the form player in the league after netting 50 goals for Indian Gymkhana 1, who finished third in the top flight.
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The Hockey Paper
Long Island Field Hockey Club Helping Grow the Game in Empire State
In 2019, the Long Island Field Hockey (LIFH) club was founded to provide athletes plentiful opportunities to play field hockey year-round. In just a few short months the club has reached several major steps in development, including participating in the 2020 Disney Field Hockey Showcase, a USA Field Hockey Sanctioned Event. This past summer the club hosted its first overnight Field Hockey Camp in Long Island, N.Y. in addition to establishing an indoor league at Stony Brook University. They also played a key role in making the first-ever Discover Field Hockey Clinic a reality when they partnered with USA Field Hockey last October.
“One of the new programs that USA Field Hockey has developed as part of the American Develop Model (ADM) is Discover Field Hockey,” said Jenna Ortega, USA Field Hockey’s Sport Development Manager. “The goal is to provide a fun, first experience of the sport at an accessible and affordable level.”
Designed to introduce the game to boys and girls ages 5 to 14, Discover Field Hockey’s initiative was the perfect ally to LIFH’s Courtney O’Brien, who hopes to help grow the game in the Empire State, specifically Nassau County.
“We were very excited with the success we experienced from hosting the first Discovery [Field Hockey] Clinic this past October," said O’Brien. “It was a perfect opportunity to gauge the interest from families in the area. We had over 70 athletes attend the clinic and some traveled from as far as Brooklyn to attend. With a considerably large enrollment, it created a platform to start building a local program. It also gave host site, Sacred Heart Academy, recognition for the high school program they are building, which in turn, sends a message to the community that this game is growing!”
The Discover Field Hockey Clinic was well received as O’Brien was swarmed with positive feedback and questions from eager parents of what was next for their kids to play. To her, it was a clear sign that a market for field hockey was waiting to be tapped into along the southern shore of Long Island.
“Inevitably, a strong high school or college program is built from having athletes experience the sport on a youth level,” continued O’Brien. “In Long Island, specifically Nassau County, there is clearly a need for youth league opportunities as there are currently less than 20 high school teams and over 40 schools in the county.”
Which is why LIFH, based out of Stony Brook, N.Y., has set its sights on expanding to Nassau County early in 2020. This includes offering year-round opportunities for athletes to be on a practice squad, play games and travel to tournaments. O’Brien added that she hopes with growing awareness of the game, it will encourage schools to start a field hockey team, or at the very least, incorporate into their respective gym class curriculum to introduce more kids to the game. In the meantime, the indoor league will allow athletes ages 7 to 18 to learn the basic fundamentals and concepts during training sessions and games.
“We understand there is a great need for affordable and accessible community sport offerings, particularly in field hockey, and Discover Field Hockey is our opportunity to provide just that to communities across the country,” continued Ortega. “We want to bridge that gap and develop those grassroots relationships because the grassroots contacts are the ones that can provide that fun first experience to boys and girls that will lead to a lifelong love of the game.”
To date, USA Field Hockey has partnered with local clubs and organizations and have run six total clinics, with more scheduled for 2020. A Discover Field Hockey registration is $30 and includes participation in the clinic, field hockey stick, take home field hockey stick for a parent, GO Ball, standard field hockey ball, shinguards, t-shirt, drawstring bag and an Introductory USA Field Hockey Membership. The first official Discover Field Hockey Clinic was held last October in Hempstead, N.Y.
USFHA media release
Hockey veteran Ashok Diwan says health much better
Set for return from USA
Sports minister Kiren Rijiju (L) felicitating former Hockey great Ashok Diwan. Image courtesy: Twitter @KirenRijiju
World Cup-winning former hockey goalkeeper Ashok Diwan, who was battling ill-health while being stranded in the USA, has told the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) that he is much better now and could be returning home soon.
Last month, Diwan had sought help to return from the USA, where he is stuck because of the travel restrictions in place owing to the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc around the globe.
The 65-year-old, who developed some medical complications, had approached IOA President Narinder Batra, requesting him to take his plea to the higher authorities. The Sports Ministry forwarded his request to the Ministry of External Affairs.
"...with your and God's blessings, my health is getting better. I have done my registration with the Indian Embassy for coming back home, waiting to hear some positive news from their side now," Diwan said in a message to Batra.
The 1975 World Cup-winning former player thanked Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and the Indian ambassador to the US — Taranjit Singh Sandhu — for their help.
"Hopefully, they will inform me soon. Many many thanks for all your help. I would also extend my gratitude to Ho'nble Sports Minister and External Minister, Sandhu ji (Indian Ambassador), Rajesh N. Naik sir (DCG, SFO), and Indian Media for all the support," he added.
Diwan, a member of the 1976 Olympic team, travelled to Sacramento in December last year to spend time with his son, who works there.
He was scheduled to head back to India on April 20 but could not due to the travel restrictions.
The Tribune
Mike Doig
Scottish Hockey is sad to hear that Mike Doig passed away on Monday, 27th April, aged 66, after a long illness.
Mike did a huge amount of work for schools’ hockey in the North District and at Peterhead Academy in the late 70’s and 80’s, also taking the Peterhead Academy teams on trips down south and abroad.
Mike coached the Academy team in winning the Scottish Under 18 cup and was chairman of the Scottish Youth Hockey board in 1994.
A lot of the players he coached played for Ellon, and other National League clubs in Aberdeen, while some played for Scottish schoolboys and now are playing for Scottish Vets
Mike also umpired a games for Ellon HC in the 90’s. Many players Mike coached have been sharing their memories of Mike.
Chris Millar, “It’s disappointing news, he gave up many hours to hockey including allowing us to play indoor every lunchtime.”
Ross Lee, “RIP Mr Doig – he introduced me to hockey and almost 30 years later I am still playing. He introduced this game to many and his dedication to teach will be remembered by all of them, a truly great loss.”
Scott Robertson, “He introduced me, my brother and cousin, and many of our friends to the sport of hockey at Peterhead Academy. Through hockey I have made many lifelong friendships – for that I will be forever thankful to Mr Doig.”
Scottish Hockey Union media release