News for 15 July 2021
All the news fo rThursday 15 July 2021
2021 Test Matches ESP v NED (M) - 15 July
Madrid (ESP)
14 Jul 2021 ESP v NED 3 - 3
15 Jul 2021 ESP v NED 1 - 2
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2021 Test matches JPN v CAN (M)
City Okayama (JPN)
Times GMT +9
16 Jul 2021 10:00 JPN v CAN
17 Jul 2021 10:00 JPN v CAN
FIH Match Centre
Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 - Spotlight on the Netherlands
A true global hockey superpower is the subject of our latest Olympic spotlight, with the Netherlands men and women looking to add an Olympic gold medal to the European titles that they both claimed in June.
They may not be the reigning Olympic champions, but the Netherlands women are without question the team to beat at Tokyo 2020. Head coach Alyson Annan, the legendary former Australia international, double Olympic gold medallist and two-time FIH Player of the Year, has created a team very much in her own image: a perfect balance of outrageous talent, discipline and an unbreakable winning mentality. The team has been almost unstoppable in recent years, claiming the 2018 Women’s World Cup before becoming both FIH Hockey Pro League and European champions in 2019 and 2021. Can anyone stop the dazzling Dutch from reclaiming their Olympic crown?
Led by globally respected head coach Max Caldas, the former Argentina international who coached the Netherlands women to Olympic and World Cup glory, the Netherlands men are a phenomenally talented team capable of beating anyone on their day. Their sensational run to the final of the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 ended in defeat to Belgium but reconfirmed their status as one of the very best hockey teams on the planet. The Netherlands – who recently became European champions for a sixth time, defeating Germany in the competition final – reached Tokyo through the 2019 FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, battling powering to a 6-1 win over Pakistan in Match 2 after the first game in Amstelveen finished 4-4.
Ahead of their respective Olympic title challenges, we caught up with Lauren Stam and Jorrit Croon to talk about the Games as well as their recent successes at the Euros.
Lauren, Jorrit, thank you so much for talking to us! Before we start talking about Tokyo, we have to reflect on the Euros in Amstelveen. Lauren, it was a fantastic event, not only for the two Netherlands teams but also for the fact that we saw the return of the fans – it must have been a very special experience.
Lauren Stam: “Yes. For the first game I was looking around the stadium for like five minutes! It was amazing. I guess it was almost two years ago [since we had fans], so it was quite a new experience again. It was amazing. Also with Dutch fans, it was even better.”
How was it for you, Jorrit? Obviously going into Tokyo on the back of winning the Euros is a huge boost for the team, but the event was so much more than that.
Jorrit Croon: “It was such a great experience to play for a Dutch crowd again. Like Lauren said, the moment you experience the fans for the first time again, walking on the pitch with a stadium full of fans, it was a really nice experience. We played some Pro League games without the fans, and it was quite a boring setting without anyone cheering, so it was really good to have fans back, especially the Dutch fans who made a great atmosphere there in the Wagener Stadium”
Looking ahead to the Games now. Clearly both of your teams have big targets, and rightly so. Lauren, as reigning World, European and FIH Hockey Pro League champions, your team will be regarded as favourites, but that will mean little to you. It is clear to everyone that complacency isn’t in the DNA of this Netherlands team – neither the players nor head coach Alyson Annan would allow it. Is that a fair assessment?
Lauren Stam: “Yes, of course. We just have to be our best in every game, and work really hard, not expecting [anything]. We will take every game as it comes and go through the tournament like that.”
In Pool A, your team face reigning Olympic champions Great Britain as well as Germany, who you defeated in the recent EuroHockey final, India and South Africa. What are your thoughts about the pool?
Lauren Stam: “It is a tough pool, but the other pool is also tough. All of the opponents are great opponents. Of course, we are going for first place and to do our best in the pool. That is the goal in the first phase of the tournament.”
And Jorrit, the Netherlands men compete in Pool B against Belgium, Germany, Great Britain, Canada and South Africa. Your recent form suggests the team will feel confident about your chances of topping to pool in order to secure a good fixture in the quarter-finals.
Jorrit Croon: “I think in our pool and the other pool, all of the opponents are really good teams. Internationally, all the teams are really close and play at such a high level, like we saw at the last Euros. We drew with Germany and Belgium and then drew with Germany again [in the final], so I think that shows how close teams are. I think it will depend on the shape of the day, and maybe if some player will stand up [and perform]. It is all about the details, I think. We are going to try to manage that as good as possible. Of course, the confidence boost of the Euros will help us a lot. But when we are in Tokyo, the Euros won’t count anymore. We will have to prove again that we are in a good way, show a good game and the best of ourselves. I think it will be a really nice Olympics because of how close the teams are.”
Staying with you, Jorrit. With head coach Max Caldas stepping away at the end of the Olympics – and a genuine Dutch legend in Jeroen Delmee taking over – I am sure Max would love to end on a high by taking that gold medal! What would it mean to you to if you did?
Jorrit Croon: “It is quite funny because Max has been my head coach for all of the time I have played for the national team. For me [personally], I really want to end the period of Max in a really good way. If it ends with a gold medal that would be fantastic. But we just want to show our best game and see where it ends. Hopefully with a gold medal, or another Olympic medal, that would be great. I have a very special connection with Max, because he let me play my first cap at the age of 17. He was confident enough in me to let me play at such a young age, so I definitely owe him something. I really want to pay him back, hopefully with a gold medal.”
And Lauren, the Dutch women have such an illustrious record at the Olympics. I’m sure you’d love to write your name in the history books with this group. What would it mean to you, to win an Olympic gold medal?
Lauren Stam: “It will be my first Olympics, so a gold medal would be amazing. Of course, a few of the girls already have one gold medal [from London 2012]. I’ve asked them many questions about what the Olympics are like, and what can I expect. But to win an Olympic gold medal, that would be amazing.”
The hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will take place from Saturday 24 July to Friday 6 August 2021. Both the men’s and women’s competitions feature 12 teams, split into two pools of six ahead of quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches. For more information about the hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, visit https://tokyo2020.org/en/sports/hockey/.
#Tokyo2020
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FIH site
High on Hopes
Recent record suggests men’s team could end India’s long wait for medal
Indervir Grewal
Tokyo Games will be Manpreet Singh’s third Olympics. file
The buzz is back. The hopes are high again. This time, though, the calls for a medal don’t sound completely irrational. The Indian men’s hockey team has built a solid reputation over the last few years, earning the right to be considered as a genuine medal contender.
Current ranking and recent record suggest that this team could end India’s four-decade long wait for an Olympics medal. India go into the Tokyo Olympics as the fourth-ranked team in the world. They also have a great recent record to justify the ranking. Since 2018, India have lost just six matches in regulation time in major international tournaments such as the World Cup, FIH Pro League, Champions Trophy, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. All six losses were by a margin of one goal. They also won 16 times, and played out eight draws in regulation time, with a 3-2 win-loss record in shootouts.
India’s record in the FIH Pro League has been particularly impressive. Their top-4 finish on debut was highlighted by victories over reigning world champions Belgium, Netherlands, Australia and defending Olympics champions Argentina.
‘Fighting spirit’
One of the major reasons for the Indian team’s newfound consistency is the stability in their defensive structure. In modern hockey, achieving such stability requires a team effort. The team is no longer divided into defenders and attackers. To be competitive, a team must defend with all 11 players. This collective effort decreases the chances of individual mistakes.
Even when outplayed by their opponents, India have been able to stay in the game by not conceding goals. The best example was the 2-2 draw against Argentina in April. India scored the equaliser with just six seconds left on the clock, and then won the shootout. Despite being dominated by Argentina for long periods, India managed to earn the bonus point. It was a team effort, which defender and drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh, who scored a brace in that game, later described as their “fighting spirit”.
This defensive unity has also translated into their attacking efficiency. India prefer a fast, counterattacking game. That style requires effective pressing, for which the whole team needs to work in unison. India have largely preferred a high press, winning the ball in the attacking half by harrying the opposition ball carrier. With the players’ improved fitness and understanding of the system, counterattacking has become their most effective weapon.
Middle of field
However, this system requires teams to be more efficient with their finishing. But India have been guilty of missing their chances when they have pegged the other team back. The other, and probably a more significant, problem for India has been their inability to dominate possession, especially in the midfield.
When it comes to building attacks, they look clueless at times. Not only do India struggle to dominate possession in the opposition’s half, they also have difficulty getting the ball out of their defensive third, especially through the central channels.
Most teams have their most experienced players in the central midfield. Strangely, the Indian team is an exception. Barring Manpreet Singh, India have some of the youngest and most inexperienced players operating in the central midfield. Even the forwardline chosen for Tokyo is missing a playmaker.
Knockout punch
Reaching the quarterfinals at the Olympics should not be an issue for India. Apart from Australia and Argentina, India’s other serious competitors for a place in the last-8 will be Spain and New Zealand. Though both teams are tough nuts to crack, India should secure a top-four finish in Pool A.
However, beyond that stage, the difficulty level will increase significantly. At their first knockout hurdle, the quarterfinals, India could face Netherlands, Belgium, Germany or Great Britain. To get a medal, India will have to beat at least two top teams in the knockouts; three if they want a gold. Achieving repetitive knockout success at that level is unimaginably difficult. India can match any team in physical fitness. However, mentally, they have no experience of competing at that level. With the team having played very little competitive hockey in over a year, it is difficult to tell how their training will translate on the playing field. In this regard, the Europeans, who have played the most competitive matches, both at club and international levels, have a clear advantage.
In these unusual times, will India’s newfound “fighting spirit” help them climb on to the podium? We’ll know the answer in a few weeks.
Men’s Squad
PR Sreejesh (GK)
Rupinder Pal Singh
Harmanpreet Singh
Surender Kumar
Amit Rohidas
Birendra Lakra
Varun Kumar
Manpreet Singh (C)
Hardik Singh
Nilakanta Sharma
Sumit
Vivek Sagar Prasad
Dilpreet Singh
Gurjant Singh
Lalit Kumar Upadhyay
Mandeep Singh
Shamsher Singh
Simranjeet Singh
Women’s Squad
Savita (GK)
Deep Grace Ekka
Gurjit Kaur
Nikki Pradhan
Reena Khokhar
Udita
Monika
Namita Toppo
Navjot Kaur
Neha
Nisha
Salima Tete
Sushila Chanu
Rani (C)
Lalremsiami
Navneet Kaur
Sharmila Devi
Vandana Katariya
Hockey at Tokyo
Number of Gold medals
2 | 1 men | 1 women
Event Dates
July 24 to August 6
Indian angle
The Indian men lost to Belgium in the quarterfinals in Rio de Janeiro four years ago, and the women were knocked out in the group stage. Indian men last won gold at Moscow 1980, when the women finished fourth. This time around, hopes are high from the men
Men’s Schedule
Indian men are in Pool A
July 24: vs New Zealand
July 25: vs Australia
July 27: vs Spain
July 29: vs Argentina
July 30: vs Japan
WoMen’s Schedule
Indian women are in Pool A
July 24: vs Netherlands
July 26: vs Germany
July 28: vs Great Britain
July 30: vs Ireland
July 31: vs South Africa
Format
The twelve teams in both men’s and women’s categories are split into two groups of six. Each team will play five matches in a round-robin format.
After the round-robin stage, the top four teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals.
Favourites
MEN: Argentina won gold at Rio with a 4-2 win over Belgium, but since then they have fallen — the defending champs are No. 7 in the world. Australia are back at No. 1 while India are at No. 4. India have performed creditably in the recent past, including wins over Argentina. Belgium, Netherlands and Germany are strong, as always, while Great Britain will hope to get into the semifinals at least.
Women: Netherlands and Argentina are the top teams in the world while Germany, Australia, Great Britain and New Zealand are very strong as well. Great Britain had won gold in 2016 by beating Netherlands through a penalty shootout. Argentina won silver in 2012 and bronze in 2008. Australia were last on the podium in 2000, when they won gold. Netherlands are the current World Cup winners.
India’s Great past
Between 1928 and 1964, the Indian men’s team won the Olympics gold medal seven times in eight tournaments, including six times in a row. The team slipped after that, and since then India have won only two bronze medals and one gold, but that gold came in Moscow 1980, weakened by the US-led boycott.
The Tribune
Manpreet Singh on Indian men's hockey team's Tokyo Olympics preparations: We are ready
“We’ve worked on every single team and every single player, their strengths and weaknesses,” says the Indian skipper Manpreet Singh on India’s preparations.
Uthra Ganesan
“We know it will be very hot and humid in Tokyo during the Games, so we are training accordingly. We train during the afternoons when the conditions are a lot similar to what it will be like in Tokyo to adjust and get used to it,” says Manpreet Singh, the Indian skipper. - Biswaranjan Rout
He was marked out for greatness as a player and a leader even before he became a constant in the national side. Having led the Indian team at the Junior World Cup, Manpreet Singh has always had confidence in abundance but it has been tempered with a sense of responsibility as captain. The successor to Sardar Singh in the side had big boots to fill and Manpreet eased into the role, both as a player and as a captain, as if he always belonged there and the FIH Player of the Year award in 2020 only reaffirmed his status.
Ahead of his third Olympics, the Indian skipper shared his plans, disappointments and determination to succeed at Tokyo.
With preparations entering the final stretch now, how is the training at the moment?
Training at the moment is going very good. We are working on a lot of things right now — our attacks, penalty corners both in attack and defence, plus we are also working on a lot of key points that will be important factors in Tokyo outside the actual game. For example, the weather. We know it will be very hot and humid in Tokyo during the Games, so we are training accordingly. We train during the afternoons when the conditions are a lot similar to what it will be like in Tokyo to adjust and get used to it.
How is the overall mood and excitement in the team, especially the youngsters?
The mood is positive and excitement levels are really high. Everyone is keen to just get it started and get going, especially the youngsters who will be going for the first time and are eager to give their best and feel the Olympic experience. The only mindset right now is to go out there and perform at our best.
At the same time, we also talk a lot about all the rules and protocols that need to be followed because these will not be like any other Olympics before. There are a lot of things to keep in mind and we try and make sure everyone knows them so that there are no let-ups or issues at the last moment or once we reach there.
Given all the restrictions, is there any pressure on being able to maintain focus in Tokyo?
To be honest, I don’t think we will have any problems at all! For more than a year now, we have been following almost all the same protocols during camps or even during the tours we had. Here in Bengaluru, we go from our rooms to the ground and back, rooms to the dining hall and back. We have not gone out anywhere or met anyone outside the SAI Centre for so long that we are now used to this. In fact, with their countries opening up so much and even masks not being mandatory and with all the freedom to move around, I feel Europeans might have a lot more problems adhering to the protocols.
India players celebrate after scoring against Poland during the Hockey World Series Finals league round at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in June 2019. Depsite the absence of competitive matches in the last six months owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indians had enough training for the Olympics in Bengaluru. - BISWARANJAN ROUT
There were a lot of hopes from the team in Rio but things didn’t go our way. This time again there is a lot of hope. What has changed in the last five years?
I will be very honest, I think the draw against Canada in the pool stage in Rio hurt us. I will not say we were complacent but they were ranked far below us and we should have won that game. Also, we let in a goal against Germany in the last few seconds in the pool stage to lose 2-1. All those things affected the draw when we faced off against Belgium in the quarterfinals. I know everyone says the last 5-10 minutes are important and trust me, we have worked really hard on that aspect in the last 4-5 years.
We have worked on how to manage the last 5-10 minutes because it’s the Olympics and nothing comes easy at the Olympics. We have personally experienced it and we know that it will be a mistake to underestimate any side; no team is there to simply participate or roll over for you because of the rankings.
In fact, rankings mean nothing on that stage, every team comes to give its best 100 percent in every game, to beat you. So we have to perform at our optimum in every game and also stick to the gameplan, not worry about micro situations and concentrate on our strengths, not others’ game.
We are also working on strengthening our defence because only a strong defence can lead to a strong attack — how to control the last quarter, how to hold the ball and, more importantly, where to hold the ball. I think the results are finally beginning to show now — in the Pro League games, we have scored both at the very beginning and at the very end.
Do such mistakes remain at the back of a player’s mind even after all these years?
They definitely do and they keep hurting. For players who were there, players like me, Sreejesh and others, all those experiences and memories are stuck with us and they continue to hurt. If we talk of Asian Games, we had prepared very well and we were full of confidence but that semifinal against Malaysia is still painful, the memories and feelings are still there. We are determined to not repeat those mistakes and keep faith in ourselves till the very end and know we can score at any time. We also know not to get desperate or lose the plan in the process.
Given the absence of competitive matches in the last almost six months, how does the team prepare for individual opponents and situations?
We were aware that things may not be in our control even when we came back from Argentina. We knew there were restrictions and travel wasn’t possible. Our coaches had prepared us for a situation where we may not get any matches before the Olympics. But it was not in our hands and there was no point worrying about it so we decided to change our mindset accordingly and do our best here. The intensity level of our training and even practice matches have been very high with full-out competition, maybe even higher than some competitive games we might have played.
As for analysis, we have managed to get footage of all the games and teams from any competition that has been played across the world including the European Championships. We saw all the games of all teams and noted every small detail — the players, both new and old ones, the strategies being used, how they were playing, what has changed from before — we worked on every single team and every single player, their strengths and weaknesses, where we need to cut them down, where we can hurt them, who are their key players. Every player has the complete data of every opponent. We are ready.
How has it been post-COVID in terms of recovery and fitness?
Not easy. Firstly, when you are alone in a hospital, the most important thing is to stay positive because there are a lot of negative thoughts and vibes around you. Once we came back, it took us at least 2-2-1/2 weeks to get back to around 80-90 percent of pre-COVID level fitness. No one knew what the side effects could be and no one wanted to take any risks, so we gradually eased into training. We could not rush back and personally it took me around three weeks to get back to 100 percent.
India put up a superb show, but lost 1-2 in a last minute thriller against Germany in a pool game at the Rio Olympics. “I know everyone says the last 5-10 minutes are important. We have worked really hard on that aspect in the last few years,” says Manpreet. - Getty Images
When I first returned to training, I saw my teammates training and they all seemed fitter and faster and I could not match up to them and I wondered how long it would take for me to get back to that level and whether I would be able to recover in time. But there was a lot of support from everyone — players, coaches and staff — and everyone motivated and cheered us and ensured we never felt low or had any doubts in our recovery. Their support actually made us get back to peak much faster than we had hoped.
Has marriage made any difference?
Not at all! In fact, I sometimes wonder if the marriage was a dream or something given that nothing has changed. I used to be in camps all the time earlier and with Illi (his wife) also back in Malaysia for now, everything is just like it was before marriage (laughs)!
What’s the plan in the coming weeks before the Olympics?
The only plan is to just get to our best. Every time we get together we talk about the fact that if anyone thinks he is lacking or lagging in any area or there is something to work on, this is the time. Anything that needs to be done, has to be done now because you don’t learn or work out niggles at the Olympics; you only perform. Every match will be important and time flies. We are working on our finishing — once we reach the opponent’s circle, we need at least one of the three — a PC, a goal or a good shot at goal. In defence also we are concentrating on three areas — structure, attacking and defending PCs. We are ready.
Sportstar
Rani Rampal on Indian women's hockey team's for Tokyo: We’ve improved a lot in last four years
Ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, the Indian women’s hockey team captain Rani Rampal spoke at length about her dreams and the aspirations of her side and the lessons learnt over the years.
Uthra Ganesan
“The mood in the team is good and we are ready to give our best,” says the Indian captain Rani Rampal. - BISWARANJAN ROUT
She is the golden girl of Indian women’s hockey, its most prominent ambassador and an idol for an entire generation of younger players. In the spotlight ever since she made her debut at the age of 15, Rani Rampal has come a long way from the shy, awkward girl with a natural talent to the confident leader and talisman of the national team, all by the age of 26. Ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, the ace Khel Ratna and Padma Shri awardee spoke at length about her dreams and the aspirations of her side and the lessons learnt over the years.
From Rio to Tokyo, what all and how much has changed?
Rio was our first experience of Olympics and we had no one to tell us what it is like. Yes, the results were not good but we definitely know now that it was a huge platform for us from where women’s hockey changed completely. It has grown a lot in the last four years and there is a lot of difference, both in the team and the teammates.
Where has the team improved the most in the last four years?
Fitness. We were fit back then also but it was fitness according to our standards. When we played there, we realised we were not as fit as the other teams, especially the ones in our pool like England or USA. When we reached there and saw their fitness levels, we realised we have to work a lot and in the last four years, the team has improved massively. Now our fitness is one of our strengths, where we can compete with any team. Also there is a lot more experience now. Pressure is there for everyone at all times when you play for the country but we now know how to handle it, take things one match at a time and not think too far ahead or even at a specific target to reach. Because then we don’t stay in the moment and lose focus in that game on that day. We need to let things happen at their pace.
Many players in the current side for Tokyo have been playing together for a long time. How much does that help in terms of combinations?
It helps a lot. There is a good understanding when you are playing together for a long time. You experience so much together, both good and bad, and you talk about it. When you implement plans on the field, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t and then you discuss why it worked or didn’t. Many players from the side at Rio are still playing so it helps a lot. They also now have the experience at that level — how to slow down if the game’s going at a very high tempo or to control things if we are leading or stay calm if we are trailing — these things come only with experience and understanding after playing together for many years. You know exactly how and where a player will run or be placed at a moment, how to pass to them — that co-ordination is essential to succeed. You have to be connected in the mind with your team as much as in body, otherwise all the running and hard work is useless.
Rani Rampal celebrates after the first goal against USA in the first leg of the women’s hockey Olympic qualifiers match at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in November 2019. India beat USA 5-1. “We have improved our fitness levels. Now our fitness is one of our strengths, where we can compete with any team,” says Rani. - BISWARANJAN ROUT
Anything specific the team has worked on in terms of on-field communication?
Over time, you understand the importance of eye contact because if you cannot understand a player without speaking, then you cannot co-ordinate even with all the shouting to give or receive a ball. Eye contact is important to understanding exactly when a player is ready to give or take, specially in one-on-one marking situations. We have the advantage of language because not everyone understands Hindi but general playing signs are same so the opposition players can still get an idea of what you might be thinking. But with pre-determined signs that only you know, the opponent cannot always keep looking at the ball and the stick and body language at the same time. But that is not easy. It takes years to develop that level of trust, co-ordination and spontaneous understanding, you have to talk a lot and that’s why having a stable core group is so important.
How much has the absence of competitive matches affected the team’s preparations and chances at Tokyo?
We did think it was perhaps a disadvantage initially that we did not play enough matches. We have not not played after the Germany and Argentina tours and those came after a year but then we sat down with the coaches and the staff and decided it was not in our control, so no use fretting about it. We changed our mindset, accepted that the travel ban was the reason and decided to stay competitive among ourselves. We have worked to make each other better by training at match-level intensity, having sessions in heat and humidity as per Japan conditions.
We are doing the best we can and credit goes to the coaches for planned training sessions not just for the day but weeks in advance. Deciding how much load to give per week, varying between training and competition level loads and how to cope with it. We also do breathing and mindfulness exercises to stay in the moment.
What about assessing the opposition? The Europeans are playing constantly so how has the team prepared for them?
Last year, before the Olympics were postponed, we had trained according to every opponent and planned everything in detail but not now. However, the European Championships and all the other games are available on various FIH platforms so it’s not like we do not have any idea about them. The players watch them and the coaches record the games, especially the ones in our pool, and plan accordingly. We watch and discuss an opponent, then train accordingly in different aspects — attack, defence, PCs etc. For example, if we are training for PCs one day, then we decide that the attacking team is Holland and we are defending and then train accordingly.
Ever since she made her debut at the age of 15, Rani Rampal has come a long way from the shy, awkward girl with a natural talent to the confident leader and talisman of the national team, all by the age of 26. - SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR
How has the recovery been from COVID and how much did it personally affect your training?
It was difficult because a 14-day quarantine for any athlete is very hard. Especially in a sport like ours where you feel lagging a lot if you miss even a single training session. Also, you cannot return to high-intensity training immediately after recovery because the doctors do not advice it. On top of it, the first month was made more difficult because everyone had different quarantine periods returning to the camp so the entire squad was not available to train together which makes it difficult to make plans. The first two weeks was light training and it took time to get back into rhythm but all credit to (scientific advisor) Wayne Lombard for the programmes he designed for every one of us.
So what’s the plan for the next few weeks till the Games begin?
At the moment the main concern is to stay fully fit and ready for the Games. We train hard and at high intensity because we have to get used to that level but we are also conscious that recovery is equally important to avoid too much fatigue or peaking too early. The mood in the team is good, we do breathing exercises thrice a week and we are ready to give our best. We do not want to go there and then think we could have done better or we did not prepare enough.
Sportstar
Playing in Tokyo Olympics will take Indian women's hockey forward: Rani Rampal
The Indian women’s hockey team will be making its second straight Olympic appearance at the Tokyo 2020.
By Aarish Ansari
Playing in Tokyo Olympics will take Indian women's hockey forward: Rani Rampal Picture by Hockey India
At the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, Rani Rampal wants to set an example for women across India.
The 26-year-old women’s hockey team captain from Haryana also believes a good performance at Tokyo 2020 can help women’s hockey in India take a big step forward.
“We all want to do well at Tokyo 2020 and inspire more girls to pick up the hockey stick or any kind of sports because that is very important,” Rani Rampal said in the new Olympics.com video series called Jee Jaan Se: India’s Olympics Hope.
Since making her debut for the Indian women’s hockey team in 2009 as a 14-year-old, Rani Rampal is an icon of the sport. And she is well aware of the responsibilities in Tokyo.
“I want to score goals for India and bring medals for the nation because people look up to me and have high hopes,” Rani said.
The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardee played an instrumental role in helping the Indian women’s hockey team qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics - their first appearance at the quadrennial event in 36 years.
"I felt something changed in women’s hockey after that moment… Now we can start thinking of even winning a medal at the next Olympics. It was very important to qualify and break that barrier,” the forward said.
At Rio 2016, Rani Rampal made an immediate impact, scoring two goals against Japan in India’s opening match. India, however, could not go past the group stage.
But Rani Rampal wants to return with a medal from Tokyo.
“It’s an achievement that stays with you forever. That you are an Olympic medallist and you represented your country at the event are special feelings,” Rani Rampal said.
“There’s always going to be some pressure… but being a captain, I always look forward,” she added.
Rani Rampal and Co. begin their Tokyo 2020 campaign on July 24 against the Netherlands.
Olympic Channel
'Indian Hockey Team's Biggest Asset Is Fitness', Says Dhanraj Pillay
According to former Indian hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay, the current hockey team's biggest asset is their fitness as they approach the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
By Prithvi Virmani
Image Credits: PTI/ @dhanrajpillay1 - Twitter
With the 2020 Tokyo Olympics just nine days away and the athletes ready to fly to Japan, Indian hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay said that the current Indian hockey team's biggest asset is their fitness. He also counselled the team to not get ahead of themselves by thinking of a podium finish but to instead take it one match at a time.
"I am very confident they will do it this time. They have been doing well in the last five years. Fitness is their biggest asset. In those days, we didn't have the kind of support system they have now. This team has done wonders, won the hearts of millions of fans with their recent performances particularly the Champions Trophy (in 2016 and 2017) and the World League Finals (2015 and 2017) results. I know they can do it this time," Pillay said in a Flashback Series organised by Hockey India.
On July 12, Pillay had even sent a personalised letter to skippers Manpreet Singh and Rani Rampal wishing both of the teams good luck. "Since I am also in Bangalore, I would have loved to meet them in person but due to protocols, I did not. I sent them a letter wishing them the very best and I wanted to convey to them that they should be careful of their diet when they are in the Olympic Village. I also wanted to convey to them that they should enjoy the best part of their athletic life being calm and relaxed," said Pillay.
"To both men and women's team, I want to say, don't think about the podium finish. Go match-by-match and stick together as one until the last day, the last day, the last match of the tournament," he added.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has already confirmed that boxer Mary Kom and men's hockey team captain Manpreet would be the flagbearers for the Indian contingent. Wrestler Bajrang Punia will be the flagbearer at the closing ceremony. The Indian contingent will depart for Tokyo on July 17.
The Hockey squads going for 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Men's squad:
Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh;
Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, Surender Kumar, Amit Rohidas, Birendra Lakra;
Midfielders: Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Nilakanta Sharma, Sumit;
Forwards: Shamsher Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Gurjant Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Mandeep Singh.
Women's squad:
Goalkeepers: Savita;
Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Nikki Pradhan, Gurjit Kaur, Udita;
Midfielders: Nisha, Neha, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Monika, Navjot Kaur, Salima Tete;
Forwards: Rani, Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Vandana Katariya, Sharmila Devi
Republic World
Tirkey has inspired many to look at hockey as engine of change: Rohidas
Indian men's hockey team defender Amit Rohidas said on Tuesday that it has taken him 12 years to fulfil his dream of being a part of the Olympic squad.
The 28-year-old defender, who has played 97 matches for the national side, added that he is thankful to every coach who has helped him become a better player.
"It has taken me 12 years to reach here. I am extremely delighted to be part of the Olympic squad, one of my biggest dreams has been fulfilled now. I am thankful to every coach who helped me to groom as a hockey player. My sole focus is to have a successful campaign at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics and the recent successful tours have definitely been a boost for the team's confidence," said Rohidas.
Being born in the same village in Sundargarh, Odisha as a three-time Olympian and former India captain Dilip Tirkey, Rohidas said, "He (Dilip Tirkey) has inspired many from my village to look at hockey as an engine of change. From where I belong, hockey is not only a sporting discipline but a vehicle for socio-economic growth. I have become the first non-tribal hockey Olympian from the state of Odisha."
Having honed his skills at Panposh Sports Hostel, Rourkela, Rohidas made his India debut at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2013 in Malaysia. He was part of the team that won silver at the 2013 Asia Cup and was also named vice-captain of the junior national team for the 2013 FIH junior men's hockey World Cup held in New Delhi.
"I started playing in my village, and later I joined the Panposh Sports Hostel in Rourkela to hone my hockey skills. I played there as a forward initially but my coach advised me to switch to a defender position. My first big break came in 2009, when I was selected for the U-18 Asia Cup, and bagged the 'Best Player of the Tournament' award for my seven goals. Then, I featured in the silver medal-winning Indian team of Sultan of Johor Cup in 2013.
"I was then finally promoted to the senior team. Soon after, I was named as Manpreet Singh's deputy for the FIH Junior World Cup held in Delhi, where we couldn't do well, and I felt like everything was over for me," he said.
However, the 28-year-old player had to wait till 2017, to cement his place in the senior national team. After having impressed with his defensive duties in the 2017 Hockey India League, Rohidas finally made his comeback to the national side on the Belgium tour and since then he has been an integral part of the team.
Business Standard
Tokyo Olympics hockey: Mist fans, heat, match schedule and Oi legacy
All you need to know about the two competition pitches, how players will deal with heat, how the scheduling is organised and Olympic Covid protocols
QUIZ: Hockey at the Olympics
Hockey was first included to the Olympics at the 1908 London edition. How well do you know the sport's history at the Games?
FIH postpones inaugural World Hockey5s to 2022 due to COVID-19
The 'FIH Hockey5s Lausanne 2021' event was initially planned to be held in September this year but now has been deferred to next year.
Lausanne: The international federation on Wednesday postponed this year's inaugural FIH World Hockey 5s event to 2022 because of the "uncertainties" surrounding the global evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 'FIH Hockey5s Lausanne 2021' event was initially planned to be held in September this year but now has been deferred to next year.
"Whilst it is of course disappointing to have to delay this event by one year, especially considering the role it is meant to play for the exposure of Hockey5s globally, we came to the conclusion that it was the best decision in order, precisely, to preserve the full promotion potential of this event," FIH CEO Thierry Weil said in a statement.
"I'd like to extend sincere thanks to all stakeholders who have considerably helped us so far, and in particular the City of Lausanne, the canton of Vaud, the Fond du Sport Vaudois, the Swiss Hockey Association, our partners and all teams who had confirmed their participation. I look forward to pursuing our preparations together and invite all hockey fans to join us next year!"
Next year's event, which will be staged on the Place de la Navigation — an iconic location near the Lac Leman bordering the Olympic Capital — will provide an exciting mix of intense competition, music entertainment and additional activities, such as an initiation to hockey for the public.
Access will be free of charge and the tournaments — men's and women's — will be broadcasted live across the world on the Watch.Hockey platform.
Firstpost
Junior Green Army enjoy competitive series at Egara
Ireland’s Under-23 selection played out a series of competitive games at Club Egara, Spain last week in a Five Nations tournament that featured the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the host nation.
Against the Dutch, the tie was scoreless at half-time before the decorated opponents ended up winning 2-0 while Erin Getty had to depart early with a nasty head injury.
Game two was more open against Spain who took a 2-0 lead before Ellen Curran’s neat finish on the backhand got Ireland back in range. Spain did move further clear but some sharp reactions from Katie Fearon to her own rebound saw the game close out 4-2 in the host’s favour.
Against Belgium, it proved a frustrating 1-0 final score as Ireland held sway for much of the tie but could not find the killer touch.
Ireland did finish with a draw against Germany in a hugely impressive performance though they were left to rue two late goals which denied them victory. Abbie Russell’s super corner deflection made it 1-0 early in the game and that lead was doubled in the second half when Siofra O’Brien got an outstanding touch to Laura Foley’s cross.
But Germany fought back when they swapped out their goalkeeper in the closing minutes and took advantage of a couple of Irish sin-binnings to deny the Junior Green Army victory, settling for a 2-2 draw.
Nonetheless, coach Dave Passmore was upbeat about the performances from the campaign.
“Overall it was a great week against some of the world’s top teams at this level,” he said. “While we played some really good hockey and had periods of dominance in all games except the first. That said it was obvious most of the other players had not had the season-long Covid break we had and we were punished for lapses in concentration and defensive decision making.
“It was pleasing not to concede any open play goals against Holland, Germany and Belgium but it was evident we are behind in developing a depth of drag flickers.
“Our performance against Germany was probably the best I have ever seen for an Irish underage team but we will learn a lot from the last nine minutes when two goals up and they took their keeper off; getting two cards during that period being a costly.
“The players have been fabulous and committed to what this program is about while building a strong bond and team ethos. We look forward now to taking on the Wales senior team this weekend, a team that has grown in strength in recent years and is preparing for their Europeans in August.
“Hopefully Erin Getty will be fit to return after her serious facial cut. She has returned to our squad fitter and stronger than I’ve ever seen.”
Next on the agenda for Ireland is a trio of games next weekend at Jordanstown against the Welsh senior team with the squad shuffled once again to maximise development benefits.
This week’s fixture schedule (all at Jordanstown):
Friday, July 16: Ireland Development squad v Wales, 7pm
Saturday, July 17: Ireland Development squad v Wales, 4pm
Sunday, July 18: Ireland Development squad v Wales, 9.30am
Ireland development squad for Wales series: Roisin Begley (Catholic Institute/Munster), Nadia Benallal (Beeston/Leinster), Niamh Carey (UCD/Leinster), Ellen Curran (UCD/Leinster), Sophia Cole (UCD/Leinster), Amy Elliott (UCD/Leinster), Katie Fearon (Railway Union/Leinster), Laura Foley (Co-captain, Catholic Institute/Munster), Erin Getty (Queens/Ulster), Christina Hamill (Loreto/Leinster), Hannah Humphries (GK, Catholic Institute/Munster), Anna Horan (Catholic Institute/Munster), Jane Kilpatrick (Loughborough Students/Ulster), Orla Macken (Co-captain, Pembroke/Leinster), KJ Marshall (UCD/Leinster), Ellie McLoughlin (GK, Muckross/Leinster), Lisa Mulcahy (Loreto/Leinster), Siofra O’Brien (Loreto/Leinster), Sara Patton (Railway Union/Leinster), Caoimhe Perdue (UCC/Munster), Yasmin Pratt (Loreto/Leinster), Ellen Reid (Banbridge/Ulster), Jess McMaster (Queens/Ulster), Siofra Murdoch (Monkstown/Leinster)
Irish Hockey Association media release