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News for 17 May 2019

All the news for Friday 17 May 2019


Defeat for Scotland in Glasgow as clinical Canada claim win



In a match that saw Becky Ward win 150 caps for Scotland it was Canada who clocked up a 3-0 win in Glasgow. The result puts Canada 2-0 in the five-game series with the two next meeting on Saturday at 3pm.

The game got off to a fast start and Canada looked sharp as Amanda Woodcroft set off on an impressive solo run right at the start of the match, and prompted some last gasp Scots defending to prevent an early Canada goal.

Shanlee Johnston then had a pop at goal for Canada but it was easily saved and cleared by Scotland.


Photo by Mark Pugh

Right as the opening quarter came to a close Canada had the ball in the back of the net but it was ruled out and remained goalless at the end of the first quarter.

Scotland’s first chance came from a penalty corner in the second quarter but an exchange between Kaz Cuthbert and McKenzie Bell didn’t come off, and the danger was cleared.

Louise Campbell was next to try and give Scotland the lead and she bravely drove into a challenge in the D and was unlucky not to score.

Canada took the lead just after half time through a powerful strike on the reverse by Brienne Stairs.

They nearly had a second from a penalty corner but a superb diving save by Lucy Camlin kept the ball out.

Scotland pressed in the final quarter in search of an equaliser but Canada was always dangerous on the break. A quality save by Jess Buchanan put an end to a slick counter attack. Moments later Canada doubled their lead when Kate Wright applied the finish high into the net to give Canada to 2-0 lead.

Then it was 3-0 in the blink of an eye, a similar strike to the second from a counter down the right was finished by Stephanie Norlander.

Scotland nearly responded instantly when Charlotte Watson dove to try and score but her effort went just wide.

Canada ran out winners but Scotland will be out to pull themselves back into the series when they meet again on Saturday.


Becky Ward was honoured by Coach Jen Wilson for achieving 150 Caps for Scotland 16th May 2019 at the National Hockey Centre, Glasgow Green Scotland v Canada

Scotland Performance Squad 3-3 France

A competitive contest between Scotland Performance Squad and Scotland ended in an exciting 3-3 draw in Glasgow. It’s the first of three contests between the two at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.

Scotland enjoyed the early pressure and was rewarded by an early goal. Heather McKewan struck from close range to make it 1-0.

McKewan followed up moments later with a second, this time a low shot against the backboard from the top of the D made it 2-0.

Lorna Cruickshanks and Cat Booth were dominating the contest for the Scots as they continued to press the French.


16th May 2019 at the National Hockey Centre, Glasgow Green. Development squad game Scotland v France – photo by Duncan Gray

Scotland continued to dominate in the second quarter though Guusje Van Bolhuis came close with a penalty corner. The French penalty corner routine was something different with the injector sizing the ball up like Jonny Wilkinson sets up a conversion in rugby. She crashed the ball to the top of the D where it’s smashed goal ward.

France then pulled it back to 2-1 from that same penalty corner routine – the ball blasted low into the goal – Victoria Arnoud with the strike from the powerful injection.

Then another penalty corner strike for France made the scores level. The same powerful injection and strike found its way into the net via multiple deflections to make it 2-2.

Scotland retook the lead in the three minutes after half time, after a string of penalty corners a penalty stroke was awarded and Heather McEwan made no mistake to score her third goal of the game to give Scotland a 3-2 lead going into the final quarter.

There was an equaliser for France with five minutes to play with the ball finding the net off a Scottish stick. It finished all-square with the next meeting tomorrow at 3pm.

Fixtures

    Wed 15 May | 7pm | Scotland 1-4 Canada
    Thurs 16 May | 7pm | Scotland 0-3 Canada & Scotland Performance Squad 3-3 France (5pm)
    Fri 17 May | 3pm | Scotland Performance Squad v France

    Sat 18 May | 3pm | Scotland v Canada 
    Sun 19 May | 12:30pm | Scotland v Canada & Scotland Performance Squad v France (10.00am)
    Tues 21 May | 7pm | Scotland v Canada

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Scotland men travel to Poland for two-match series



Scotland men will take on Poland in two-matches this weekend as the team prepares for the Hockey Series Finals in Le Touquet.

The matches will be played at the Olympic Preparation Centre in Walcz with the first game taking place on Friday 17th May at 5pm, followed by game two on Saturday 18th May at 5pm.

A huge summer of competitive action awaits Scotland men when they take to the pitch at Hockey Series Finals where this June Scotland will face Ireland; Singapore and Egypt in the Pool stages.

Then in August Scotland will compete at the Belfius EuroHockey Championships against Germany; Ireland; and the Netherlands in the Pool.

Squad

Tim Atkins – Surbiton
Andy Bull – Royal Beerschot THC
Callum Duke – Hillhead
Murray Collins – Loughborough University
Andrew McConnell – Western Wildcats
David Forrester – C.A Montrouge
David Forsyth – Qui Vive
Ed Greaves – Loughborough University
Rob Harwood – Western Wildcats
Adam Le Page – Zwart-Wit
Lee Morton – Old Georgians’
Sam Lloyd – Loughborough University
Joe McConnell – Western Wildcats
Callum MacKenzie – Cardiff & Met
Aidan McQuade – Grove Menzieshill
Nick Parkes – Surbiton
Robbie Shepherdson – Grange
Kyle White – Hampstead and Westminster

Scottish Hockey Union media release



2019 FIH Pro League - Weekend fixtures

2019 FIH Pro League (Men)

18 May 2019 15:00 (GMT +1)     GBR v ARG (RR)     Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, London
19 May 2019 15:00 (GMT +1)     GBR v BEL (RR)     Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, London

2019 FIH Pro League (Women)

18 May 2019 13:00 (GMT +1)    GBR v ARG (RR)     Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, London
18 May 2019 19:00 (GMT -4)    USA v CHN (RR)     Spooky Nook Sports, Lancaster
19 May 2019 13:00 (GMT +1)     GBR v BEL (RR)     Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, London

Live streaming and full game replay on https://fih.live (Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)

FIH Match Centre



Maddie Hinch to return to central programme


Maddie Hinch of Great Britain

England and Great Britain Hockey are delighted to welcome goalkeeper Maddie Hinch back into the women’s central programme from early June.

Hinch - the FIH world goalkeeper of the year for the past three years - will be back in contention for Great Britain in the final FIH Pro League games of the year, as Mark Hager’s side take on the Netherlands and Australia in London, as well as the final double header against New Zealand at the Twickenham Stoop on Sunday 23 June.

Hinch has spent some extended time away since playing for England in last summer’s Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup in London. Following more than 10 years’ immersion with the central programme, Maddie has been playing for Stichtsche in the Dutch league, whose season concludes shortly.



Maddie said, "After ten months away from the international game, I am absolutely delighted to be back with the Great Britain Hockey programme. My time away has allowed me time to recharge, mentally and physically, and renew my ambitions in the game whilst continuing to play at the highest level of women’s club hockey over in the Netherlands.

"With that, I feel I’m in a great place to re-join the group and hope to be part of what is an incredibly important journey ahead.  Should I be selected, I’m very excited about playing in the FIH Pro League in London – and to try to help the team as we look to qualify for Tokyo 2020 and beyond.

"With a new global league, new coach and an Olympics next year, this is a very inspiring time for the sport and I’m looking forward to hopefully playing my part as much as I can."


Rio Olympics 2016

Women’s Head Coach Mark Hager said, "I’m delighted to welcome Maddie back, she is a world class goalkeeper and I’m looking forward to working with her, as opposed to having to try to work out how to score past her! Having recently met with Maddie, she clearly has huge desire to be back, and it would seem that an extended break has been a great step for not only Maddie, but also the programme and the opportunity it has provided our other goalkeepers.

"We fully recognise her qualities, but at the same time our goalkeepers have done very well since I came in, so she will have to earn her place in the team on merit, and hopefully give us some tough decisions to make.”

GB Hockey Performance Director Ed Barney added, "We strive to support all our athletes and staff to have an extended, fulfilled and ultimately enjoyable time with England and Great Britain Hockey. Whilst we will always make decisions that put the team first, it’s great that we have been able to support Maddie on an individual level, with some more bespoke and extended time away from the programme.

"Everyone is looking forward to having Maddie back in the programme, which will add to the professionalism and standards that the women’s programme live day-in, day-out. It will be great to see Maddie back out on the pitch if selected on 7 June against Germany."



Maddie will go onto a full time contract, funded by UK Sport and the National Lottery.

The 30-year-old played a crucial part in the GB women’s team’s first ever gold medal at the Rio Olympics, preventing the Netherlands from scoring any of their four shootouts. Along with the rest of the team she was then made an MBE for services to hockey.

She was also pivotal in the Unibet EuroHockey Championships win at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in 2015, and to date she has 133 caps for Great Britain and England.



Her earliest possible appearance could be the home game against Germany on Friday 7 June, followed by a match against Australia two days later on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

She could then face old foes the Netherlands on Sat 15 June, followed by the ground-breaking New Zealand double header on Sunday 23 June at the 14,000-capacity Twickenham Stoop.

Great Britain Hockey media release



Maddie Hinch returns to Great Britain hockey to aim for Tokyo Olympics

By The Hockey Paper



Maddie Hinch will have to earn back her place ‘on merit’ after deciding to return to Great Britain colours.

Hinch, 30, took a break from the game following England’s quarter-final exit to Holland at last summer’s World Cup.

Hinch, the world goalkeeper of the year, said: “My time away has allowed me time to recharge, mentally and physically, and renew my ambitions in the game whilst continuing to play at the highest level of women’s club hockey over in the Netherlands.”

Hinch will return in early June and could play her first match against Germany on June 7 in the FIH Pro League.

Great Britain have used three goalkeepers this year and coach Mark Hager admitted on Thursday that he had some ‘tough decisions’ to make.

He said: “Having recently met with Maddie, she clearly has huge desire to be back, and it would seem that an extended break has been a great step for not only Maddie, but also the programme and the opportunity it has provided our other goalkeepers.

“We fully recognise her qualities, but at the same time our goalkeepers have done very well since I came in, so she will have to earn her place in the team on merit, and hopefully give us some tough decisions to make.”

Great Britain women currently sit seventh in the Pro League standings. It means their Olympic qualification will be far from easy, with a likely play-off set for the autumn.

But Hinch is eager to get going after her extended break from the international demands currently placed on players.

She said: “With a new global league, new coach and an Olympics next year, this is a very inspiring time for the sport and I’m looking forward to hopefully playing my part as much as I can.”

Meanwhile, Susannah Townsend will make her first appearance in six months this weekend in the double header against Argentina and Belgium. Townsend last played at the Champions Trophy in November.

The matches could also see 18-year-old Izzy Petter make her international debut.

For the men’s team, there could also be an international debut for 22-year-old Tom Sorsby who comes into an FIH Pro League squad for the first time. Liam Ansell and Rhys Smith have also been named in the squad as Luke Taylor misses out.

The Hockey Paper




Maddie Hinch returns to Great Britain set-up after 10-month absence


Hinch made her international debut in 2008

Three-time world goalkeeper of the year Maddie Hinch will return to the Great Britain programme next month.

The 30-year-old has not featured since last summer's World Cup in London, when England lost to champions the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.

Hinch, who has 133 caps for Great Britain and England, has been playing for Stichtsche in the Dutch league but could play against Germany on 7 June.

"Time away allowed time to recharge, mentally and physically," she said.

Hinch played a pivotal role in Great Britain's first women's Olympic gold in Rio three years ago, preventing the Netherlands from scoring any of their four attempts in the final shootout.

England play Belgium on Sunday but Hinch could feature against the Netherlands again on 15 June, plus in a double header against New Zealand at the Twickenham Stoop on 23 June.

"I feel I'm in a great place to rejoin the group and hope to be part of what is an incredibly important journey ahead. Should I be selected, I'm very excited about playing in the FIH Pro League in London - and to try to help the team as we look to qualify for Tokyo 2020 and beyond," she said.

Women's head coach Mark Hager said: "We fully recognise her qualities, but at the same time our goalkeepers have done very well since I came in, so she will have to earn her place in the team on merit, and hopefully give us some tough decisions to make."

BBC Sport



Pakistan hockey team's participation in 2020 Tokyo Olympics is in jeopardy


PHOTO COURTESY: ASIAN HOCKEY FEDERATION

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation is busy appointing new people on new posts or appointing old faces on new posts everyday, while country’s hockey team has now been kicked out of even the qualifiers of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The International Hockey Federation, in a recent unveiling, did not include Pakistan in the pre-qualifying round for the Olympics.

The event will kick-off on June 15 in France and has low-ranked teams such as Ireland, Egypt, Scotland, Singapore, France, South Korea, Ukraine and Chilli even, but not Pakistan.

According to sources, Pakistan in being reprimanded for not participating in the Pro Hockey League.

The PHF, which is already facing a financial crisis, also has to pay nearly Rs45 million as a penalty for pulling out of the League’s matches.

The Express Tribune



Pakistan’s Tokyo Olympics dream in disarray after FIH leave them out of pre-qualifying meet

FIH has taken the decision as Pakistan did not send a team for FIH Pro-Hockey League says PHF secretary-general Asif Bajwa.



The Pakistan hockey team’s chances of playing in next year’s Olympic Games appeared to have ended after the International Hockey Federation (FIH) did not include it in the pre-qualifying tournament scheduled for next month.

The new secretary-general of Pakistan Hockey Federation, Asif Bajwa, said that the development was a big setback for Pakistan.

“The FIH has taken this decision since we did not send our team for the FIH Pro-Hockey League in February-April,” he said.

Bajwa, who has taken over from legendary player Shahbaz Ahmed, said he would write to the FIH to reconsider its decision and make a spot for Pakistan to at least try to qualify for the Olympics.

“I will also be meeting with important government officials soon to discuss the future of hockey in Pakistan and the funding issue.”

The FIH has already fined PHF around 170,000 Euros for not sending the team to the Pro-Hockey League in Argentina, Australia and New Zealand, which, it says, damaged the sport’s growth globally.

Shortage of funds had led to the PHF not sending its team for the Olympics qualifying process.

The former world, Olympic and Asian Games champions have struggled in recent years due to administrative mismanagement, wrong selection policies and failure by the PHF to get sponsorship and funds.

Bajwa said that there was just 7 lakh and 65,000 rupees in PHF accounts.

In the ongoing inaugural FIH Pro-League which began in January, nine teams are competing in a round-robin tournament with home and away matches till June. The top four teams will earn a ticket to the FIH’s Olympic Qualification events.

Scroll.in



The final showdown: Maties vs NWU


Varsity Hockey match at NWU Astro in Potchefstroom on May 10, 2019

It’s the beautiful poise and well-oiled Maroon Platoon of Maties versus the explosive pace and skill of NWU. Who will emerge the victors as we crown a new South African Varsity Hockey champion on Monday?

Until Maties faced NWU they were in cruise control this season. It was one-way traffic as the Cape side broke the speed limit flying through their fixtures. Whizzing past their opponents as if ignoring traffic signs it was a smooth ride. That was until they hit a speed bump in the form of NWU.

Neutrals couldn’t have asked for a more fascinating final. The juggernauts of Stellenbosch up against the one team to have beaten them in regular time.

In an almost mirrored season, NWU were slow out of the blocks but since toppling Maties they have kept two clean sheets in three matches, conceding just four and scoring 13.

NWU will probably count on Carli Pretorius, who has scored six goals while Maties could turn to Lee-Ann Louwrens, who has scored four, but they have counted for eight as they have all been field goals.

Interestingly, seven Maties players will have the opportunity to atone for losing in the 2017 final; namely Kirsten Block, Stephanie Botha, Lenta Cullinan, Lida Kotze, this year’s captain Paige Phillips, Aimee-Leigh Pote and Sandisiwe Tabata

Should the final be settled by a showdown, Maties lost in their only showdown experience, against Wits. NWU on the other hand, haven’t experienced one. You decide who has the advantage there.

On paper it’s all Maties. They’ve scored eight more than NWU this season and conceded four less. History doesn’t favour the ladies from Potch either – in their six encounters in Varsity Hockey history, Maties have won four; NWU just two. They met in the 2013 final where Maties triumphed 1-0 over NWU. Maties have also never lost to NWU at home.

But we all know that Varsity Hockey isn’t played on paper and that history is constantly being rewritten.

Catch the action live on SuperSport 10 at 18:45 on Monday 20 May.

Teams
Maties: 2. Jamie Southgate, 3. Kirsten Block, 4. Stephanie Botha, 5. Lee-Ann Louwrens, 6. Tammy Minnaar, 7. Lida Kotze, 8. Paige Phillips (capt), 9. Aimee-Leigh Pote, 10. Lenta Cullinan, 11. Monique Bartsch, 12. Zola Nompuku, 13. Simone van der Colff, 14. Rebecca Kaps, 17. Awande Mkhwanazi, 18. Ammaarah Hendricks, 20. Francisca Darkoh, 23. Angela Welman, 24. Lara Stevens.

NWU: 1. Caitlin Grant, 2. Mishka Ellis, 5. Jessica de Bruyn-Smith, 6. Kirsty Adams, 7. Miecke Flemming, 10. Meeghan Klomp, 11. Kelsey Minnaar, 12. Charné Maddocks (capt), 13. Carli Pretorius, 14. Clarise Smit, 15. Courtney du Preez, 16. Candice Silent, 18. Sherine Ledwaba, 19. Sare Laubscher, 20. Anneke Beukman, 22. Jacolene McLaren, 23. Kutlwano Moshugi, 24. Christa Ramasimang.

ALL-TIME STATS
MATIES VS NWU VARSITY HOCKEY HEAD TO HEAD

DATE               STAGE             RESULT         

10/5/19           RR                   NWU 2 Maties 1       
15/5/17           SF                    NWU 2 Maties 3       
8/5/17             RR                   Maties 0 NWU 0         Maties won penalty shootout 3-2
4/5/15             RR                   NWU 0 Maties 1       
20/5/13           Final                NWU 0 Maties 1       
20/4/13           RR                   NWU 2 Maties 0       

Key: RR – round robin; SF – semifinal

Varsity Sports media release



Black Stick Stephen Jenness and league legend Johnny Lomax nab top honours at the Hutt Valley Sports Awards

Nicholas Boyack


Black Sticks player Stephen Jenness, left, was the supreme winner at Hutt Valley Sports Awards. JAN KRUGER/GETTY IMAGES

Wainuiomata was the big winner at this year's Hutt Valley Sports Awards.

Field hockey player Stephen Jenness became the first ever two-time supreme award winner, having also won in 2014.

A member of the Black Sticks that won silver at the Commonwealth Games, Jenness was unable to attend the evening awards as he lives Belgium, where he plays professionally.

https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/v/5/n/b/x/image.related.StuffLandscapeSixteenByNine.1240x700.1v4v4t.png/1558065397466.jpg
Hutt Valley Sports Awards chairman Ken Laban and rugby league legend Johnny Lomax. ANDREW TURNER

He sent a video message saying he was "proud to have come from the Hutt" and thanking his club side, the Hutt Hockey Club.

While Jenness was the big winner, it was rugby league legend Johnny Lomax that stole the limelight.


League legend Johnny Lomax has been inducted as a Hutt Valley Sporting Legend. ANDREW TURNER

Lomax, who rose to fame as a member of the Wainuiomata Lions side that won two national club rugby league titles in the 1990s, was inducted as a Hutt Valley Legend.

Former All Black Piri Weepu, a ball boy for the Lions during their glory years, introduced Lomax.

He told the crowd of 1300, he grew up wanting to play league for New Zealand and the "mighty" Wainuiomata Lions just like Lomax.

Speaker of the House, and Wainuiomata resident, Trevor Mallard wrote the citation for Lomax noting he represented everything that was "good" about Wainuiomata and its sportspeople.


Johnny Lomax puts in a high tackle for Wainuiomata in the 1990 Lion Red Cup. SUPPLIED

"He is well known as a hard, uncompromising prop with the ball-handling skills that inside backs would be proud of."

He praised Lomax as a pioneer in moving from New Zealand and forging a successful league career in Australia.

It was his career in New Zealand, however, that impressed Mallard the most.

"He was easily the best player in the team and helped change the attitude of those who ran the game in this country.

He made it obvious there was significant talent south of the Bombay Hills. What made it particularly special was that Johnny's brothers Arnold, David and Tony were all part of those teams."

Lomax, who now lives in Australia and is a prominent unionist, downplayed his achievements noting he was lucky to have played in a team that overflowed with talent.

The night also had a touch of sadness with the death of Hutt Valley softball stalwart Dave Sorenson and rugby and cricket identity, Roy Hewson.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS

* Sportswoman of the Year: Jackie Patea-Fereti
* Sportsman of the Year: Stephen Jenness
* Team of  the Year: Lochiel Marching
* Coach of the Year: Benson Taylor Wolf
* Administrator/Volunteer of the Year: Karen Wallace
* Young Sportsman of the Year: Sage Shaw-Tait
* Young Volunteer of the Year: Jonathan Bailey
* Disabled Special Athlete of the Year: Peter Horne
* Young Sportswoman of the Year: Maya Hahn
* Official of the Year: Gareth Fowler
* Supreme winner: Stephen Jenness

Stuff



Malaysian King recognised for contributions to hockey in M'sia, international stage



KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Mustain Billah was presented with the inaugural President's Award by International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra during a ceremony held at Istana Negara on Wednesday (May 15).

The award was in recognition of His Majesty's involvement in hockey in Malaysia and internationally.

His Majesty was gratified to receive the accolade from the governing body of international hockey.

A former president of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) and subsequently the president of the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), he was elected into the FIH Executive Board with the highest number of votes in 2012.

He has contributed extensively to the development of hockey in the country and within Asia, with a steadfast focus on junior development and events.

The Star of Malaysia



Helpful meeting for PAHF President in Cuba


PAHF President Alberrto "Coco" Budeisky in Cuba   

La Habana. - «THIS has been a productive meeting. Talking with the top Cuban sports leaders has been very fruitful, "Alberto" Coco "Budeisky, president of the Pan American Hockey Federation, told JIT today.

The Argentinean spoke for an hour with the head of the Inder, Osvaldo Vento Montiller, and the Cuban Olympic Committee Roberto León Richards.

"It has been an honor to exchange with them, updated our sport and common interests to carry forward beneficial projects," he said at the Coliseum of the capital's Sports City.

"You have a first world court that only needs artificial lights to develop international events here," he said, referring to the one located at the Antonio Maceo National Hockey School, located in Santiago de Las Vegas, at Boyeros district.

"In addition, the opening of the Ciego de Ávila is near, which will give greater strength to the sport in the country," he said.

«Cubans have the DNA and not only for our sport. You also have a sports organization that support the development of athletes, "he said.

For his part, Vento Montiller, who has just returned from Lima, host of the Pan American Games in July and August, commented to the visitor about his tour of the facilities of the event and especially the stadium where hockey will be played.

"The pitch is identical to the one in Santiago de Las Vegas. Our teams have been prepared to play a good role in Lima, "he said.

He also updated the meeting he held in Lima with Neven Ilic, head of Panam Sports; and with the highest authorities of the Peruvian Sports Institute (IPD), led by Sebastián Suito López, who was accompanied by the president of the Organizing Committee of Lima 2019, Carlos Neuhaus.

"The possibility of holding preparation camps in Cuba was one of the topics we discussed. Hockey could be included in that program, "said the minister.

He also invited him to participate in the VIII International Convention of Physical Activity and Sports (AFIDE 2019), which will be held at the Palacio de Convenciones from 11th to 15th of November.

León Richards confirmed to the visitor the interest of working together in pursuit of the sporting progress of the region and especially of hockey.

Participated in the meeting Martha Lidia Ruiz, Director of International Relations of the Inder; Alex Hernández Gómez, President of the Cuban Federation; and Dauly Noriega, National Commissioner.

Budeisky concludes his visit this Sunday.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release



EB members Marijke Fleuren and Tayyab Ikram re-appointed as IOC Commission members



The International Olympic Committee (IOC) yesterday announced the composition of its commissions for 2019. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) was delighted to learn that EB members Marijke Fleuren and Tayyab Ikram have been re-appointed as IOC Commission members.

The President of the European Hockey Federation will continue her mission within the IOC Women in Sport Commission while the CEO of the Asian Hockey Federation has been promoted to the IOC Olympic Solidarity Commission.

Reacting to her re-appointment, Marijke Fleuren said: “It is a great honour for me to be reappointed again in the ‘Women in Sport’ Commission. It is a privilege to be part of a body that really works very hard and at the same time gives such energy! Within FIH, we will also start with a ‘Women in Sport’ committee. To continue and extend our #EquallyAmazing strategy!”.

Tayyab Ikram stated: “It is a great honour for me to serve in one of the major IOC Commissions, which has a huge value for sport and athletes. It is an important responsibility. This Commission does a lot for the welfare of athletes and the development of sport in all countries. My goal will be to help my sport of hockey but also all athletes, no matter which sport they belong to.”

A long-time representative of hockey within the Olympic movement, the President of the Fiji Hockey Association Dr. Robin E. Mitchell was also re-appointed. His IOC roles include Executive Board member, Co-Chair of the Medical and Scientific Commission, Interim Chair of the Olympic Solidarity Commission, Member of the Tokyo 2020 Coordination Commission and of the Members Election Commission. He is also the Acting President of ANOC.



Furthermore, former German national hockey team Moritz Fürste, who won Olympic gold in 2008 and 2012, has been appointed as a member of the Sport and Active Society Commission of the IOC. The World Player of the Year in 2012 said: “I´m very happy and motivated to start working within the IOC as I am personally a believer and I still think only sport and music can reach all the people over the world in the same emotional way. Those core elements need to be in the middle of the communication again.”



Commenting on these appointments and re-appointments of members of the global hockey family, FIH President Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra stated: “In my personal name and on behalf of FIH, I would like to extend my congratulations to all of them and wish them all the very best in their IOC missions. They shall play an important role for the development of hockey in particular and sport in general.”

The composition of the IOC Commissions is marked by further growth in the female membership and a significant increase in young change-makers’ participation.

With 45.4 per cent of the positions across its 27 commissions now occupied by women – a historic high – the IOC continues its advance towards gender equality. Since 2013, as a result of Olympic Agenda 2020, female participation in the IOC commissions has more than doubled. In addition, three more IOC commissions are now chaired by women. Furthermore, IOC President Thomas Bach has increased the positions held by Young Change-Makers across the IOC commissions, from 7 in 2018 to 16 in 2019.

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

FIH site



Review of a Hockey NOVEL

By Ijaz Chaudhry

When one thinks of sports books, it is the biographies, coverage of some event, record books, coaching manuals, etc. Sports Novels (fiction) are uncommon.

American sports such as baseball, ice hockey, American football, basketball lead in this genre.  Cricket novels have been penned down since Victorian days.

However, in hockey they are almost unheard of.  I have vague memories of a book titled ‘Hockey Term at Trebizon Boarding School’ a novel written for school girls.

But recently, I read a wonderful hockey novel ‘No Number Nine’ penned down by the British author F.J.Campbell.

It is the story of an English girl, Pip Mitchell. Born in a hockey environment; both her parents professional hockey coaches, Pip herself played for England under 16s. Her only sibling Holly, a hockey Olympian, meant everything to her. Holly had married an Australian hockey Olympian Troy Costa who she met at a tournament.   He had moved to England, getting a player / coach job.

The story takes a turn when Holly died after being hit by a ball during a match. Pip, now haunted by sister’s memories, lands a job of an au pair in Germany. To erase memories of her late sister, she wanted to be away from the hockey environment at least for some time. To her ultimate surprise, the two boys, she had to look after, regularly played hockey at the club owned by their rich family. All sorts of characters at the club house in the small German town bring a lot of spice. There is also mention of Pakistani and Indian players who play for the club.

Some big stars including Pakistan’s Sohail Abbas, ‘he’s a killer drag flick that’ll take your head off’ and renowned coaches of international hockey of the era are mentioned as well as the actual venues of mega events such as the Champions Trophy editions of that period i.e. 1995- 2000. The Sydney Olympics bring a climax. 

She also meets Troy after a long time. Here, one comes to know why the book is named, ‘No Number Nine’.  Nine was the Great Britain shirt number of Pip’s late sister. Before their match against Australia, in an emotional televised ceremony, the Great Britain team announces to retire the Number Nine shirt. 

The book keeps you engaged through out with twists and dramas.  Scribe’s wife has very little interest in sports but is an avid fiction reader.  She remarked ‘a remarkable story told beautifully’.

Book is not only a gift for hockey lovers and sports biffs but also for those who are always looking for good fiction. It provides an excellent script for a movie. 

FJ.Campbell is a hockey player who writes fiction. Her other published novel, ‘The Islanders’ is about young adults at a boarding school.  ‘Enjoy the Silence’ and ‘The Wanderers’ will be coming soon.

No Number Nine is available in paperback or Kindle from Amazon.com here

Or Amazon.co.uk here

Ijaz Chaudhry writes on hockey & other sports. For more about him and his work, visit: www.sportscorrespondent.info

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