News for 18 December 2010
Saturday, 18 December 2010 06:05 | 
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All the news for Saturday 18 December 2010
SA Hockey Women thrash World Champs Argentina
Player of the match Tarryn Bright of Western Province prepares to inject a penalty corner in Investec South Africa's 4-0 defeat of world champions Argentina at the University of Free State hockey centre Friday. PHOTO: KENNETH JOOSTE
The Investec South Africa women's hockey team saved their best till last to record an amazing 4-0 victory over world champions Argentina in the fifth and final Test match at the University of Free State hockey centre in Bloemfontein Friday.
This was the SA women's hockey team's first ever victory over Argentina.
South Africa led 1-0 at half-time before blasting three past the hapless Argentine goalkeeper after the changeover.
Although the series was lost 4-1, it was the South Africans who had the last laugh with an historic first triumph over the South Americans who were rattled to the point where three were sent to the sin bin in the match.
The goals came from Investec South Africa's player of the match, Tarryn Bright of Western Province, who netted a fantastic field goal after great build-up, as well as the world's top goalscorer still playing today, Pietie Coetzee of Kaspersky Southern Gauteng, who scored from the penalty corner mark. This came before Free State striker Hettie Oosthuizen made her mark with a field goal in her second Test match. The final blow for the Argentineans came from Northern Gauteng Blues' captain Kim Hubach, who repeated the Coetzee medicine from a similar set-piece play.
One of South Africa's group of trainers, Border coach Greg Beling, said 42 hours' training during the national camp that began on December 5 had meant the girls in green and gold were a little flat physically in the first few Tests while the Argentines were still fresh and full of running.
However, after going into their fifth Test in six days, the world champs were feeling it, while the battle hardened SA team under captain Marsha Marescia of Kaspersky Southern Gauteng had come back recharged for the final encounter.
The South Africans had shrugged off a severe bout of gastric flu that had had a part in the 6-1 defeat to Argentina in the fourth Test on Thursday. That result was a blow to SA, who were unfortunate not to come away with at least a draw in the gripping third Test, which the world champs won by a slender 2-1 margin.
The first and second Tests were also competitive affairs with SA going down 2-0 on both occasions.
Head coach Giles Bonnet's national squad go into a punishing round of 19 Test matches against the world's fourth-ranked China as well as Belgium and Azerbaijan in late January and early February, with the internationals taking place in Johannesburg and also at the splendid UFS hockey centre in Bloemfontein.
SA Hockey Association media release
USA Takes Down Chile 3-2
Joe Wagstaffe
For the second time in three games the men’s senior national team from the United States walked off the pitch victorious. Playing against the men’s side from Chile, America held strong from a feisty Chilean team for a 3-2 victory on Thursday afternoon.
With both teams being familiar with each other, the game started out as expected with the action starting immediately. With the US focusing on holding their ground and playing aggressively and Chile having a quick pace of play, the early stages of the game were hotly contested. It would be America that would go ahead early, however, when Pat Harris sent a low drag flick to the back of the net on an earned penalty corner. Chile would answer with a goal of their own later in the half and with two relatively even sides battling it out, the score would be knotted at one goal apiece heading into the half.
As the second half opened the pace of play would continue to be high but just as was seen in the first half, the US would strike first in the second stanza. Andy Sheridan, who continued his strong play, sent a pass into the circle that Jon Ginolfi deflected into goal to give the United States a 2-1 lead. But with a penalty corner goal as an equalizer, it was not long before Chile once again had the score back to even.
As time wound down the men from the States turned up their play and for the second time in the game, Pat Harris flicked a penalty corner shot past the Chilean goalie for the 3-2 advantage. Knowing that Chile has the ability to score quickly the last ten minutes of the game saw the US men dig in and impose their will to finish off the game and seal the victory.
With an upcoming game on Saturday morning at 11:00am local time, the US once again meets Argentina in the third game of their four game series. Check back for updates and GO USA!
USFHA media release
TNB take Charity Shield
Tenaga Nasional Berhad defeated KL Hockey Club 2-0 to win the Charity Shield of the Malaysian Hockey League at the Tun Razak Stadium tonight. A goal in each half by Mohd Amin Rahim (32nd minute) and Faiz Helmi (69th minute) gave TNB the title, but more importantly the three points to kick start their campaign in style.
UNOFFICIAL MHL site
Back to drawing board for Dharma
The 0-2 defeat at the hands of Tenaga Nasional Berhad in the Charity Shield last night will be a bitter pill to swallow for KL Hockey Club coach K. Dharmaraj.
Losing the Shield is one thing, but losing the three points and a poor display by his charges is another as Dharma needs to take stock of the situation and make drastic changes over the next two weeks as the MHL takes a break.
The performance last night was not a true reflection of the ability of the players, as many were somewhat subdued, lacking cohesion, vision and above all the desire to perform. It was akin to them being on the pitch in person but not in mind.
The heavy pitch conditions, as Dharma told to the media, were of a disadvantage to KLHC as they have skillful players who needed a dryer pitch to make potent moves. But playing in these conditions is nothing new and the players need to improvise.
"At times the players took too much time to bring the ball under control and that allowed the opponents to close down on them and prevent us from exploiting the gaps," said Dharma.
"We had our chances but failed to take them and paid the price for it. It was not a performance reflective of our ability and we need to work on our defence.
"It was a bad start to the MHL but we aim to learn from this defeat and bounce back stronger. The players too are devastated and realise that dropping points at the early stage can affect their defence of the league title."
KLHC were slow in defence and players like Megat Azrafiq need to do more in training to shed their extra kilos so that he can be more flexible and faster on his feet. Moving Azlan Misron into the defence helped stablise the backline but that took the sting out of the attack where Chua Boon Huat and Ismail Abu were mere passengers, leaving it all to Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin.
But if there was a major failure, then it has to be the engine room, where Shahrun Nabil, Mohd Shukri Mutalib and Nabil Fiqri failed to stamp their class, allowing TNB's Tajol Rosli Mohamad to dominate with defence splitting passes.
For TNB, it was the performance of the pint sized Faiz Helmi that stole the show. The 19 year old, playing on the right was a class act as he was strong in defence and made penetrating runs when in attack.
Such was his confidence that he combined with Faizal Saari in the 69th minute to score the second goal, effectively killing offwhatever hopes KLHC had in trying to save the match.
TNB played as a team while KLHC relied too much on individual brilliance. And that was the difference between the two teams.
UNOFFICIAL MHL site
Cracking start for TNB
By Ajitpal Singh
Tenaga Nasional Berhad players celebrate after winning the Malaysian Hockey League Charity Shield match against KLHC at the Tun Razak Stadium yesterday. — Picture by Osman Adnan
TENAGA Nasional Berhad (TNB) retained their Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) Charity Shield title by defeating Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) 2-0 at the Tun Razak Stadium in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
It was a scrappy match as the heavy downpour since late afternoon made it difficult for both teams to produce a high quality performance on the soggy pitch.
TNB coach Nor Saiful Zaini hopes the victory would spur his players to regain the MHL title.
"It was a difficult match due to the rain but we won because my players kept their focus on their game," said Nor Saiful at the Tun Razak Stadium in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
"Although, we won today (yesterday), I am not too happy with my players' performance. But I am confident they will do better after a few matches."
TNB earned their first penalty corner of the match after 15 minutes but Amin Rahim's powerful trademark drag flick was brilliantly padded away by KLHC goalkeeper Kairulnizam Ibrahim.
Five minutes later, KLHC midfielder Shahrun Nabil Abdullah managed to dribble past several TNB defenders inside the semi-circle but his attempt was deflected off the stick of Amin.
KLHC, the last year's MHL champions, earned a penalty corner in the 30th minute but the attempt from Razie Abd Rahim sailed wide.
A foul in the semi-circle earned TNB their second penalty corner and Amin, this time, made no mistake by sounding the board with a low flick two minutes before halftime.
In the opening minutes of the second half, KLHC came charging into their opponents' half but were let down by poor passing.
In the 40th minute, KLHC forced a penalty corner but Razie again failed to convert by flicking the ball wide.
TNB forwards, led by Faizal Saari, were creating a lot of space for themselves in their opponents' half but couldn't find the opening.
However, they earned back-to-back penalty corners in the 49th minute but Amin failed to make it count.
KLHC pressed hard and had a couple of good chances to level proceedings but forwards Ismail Abu and Azlan Misron failed to capitalise on them..
In the 64th minute, KLHC's attempt from a penalty corner through Baljit Singh failed to beat goalkeeper S. Kumar.
TNB increased their lead through Faiz Helmi Jali, who latched onto a pass from Faizal, before sounding board past goalkeeper Khairulnizam in the 69th minute.
New Straits Times
Tenaga beat KLHC to retain Charity Shield
By AFTAR SINGH
Winners again: Tenaga players posing with the Charity Shield after they beat Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club at the Tun Razak Stadium last night.
KUALA LUMPUR: Defending overall champions Tenaga Nasional scored a goal in each half to beat fancied Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) 2-0 to retain the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) Charity Shield at the Tun Razak Stadium here last night.
National defender Mohd Amin Rahim converted a penalty corner in the 33rd minute and pint-sized 18-year-old Faiz Helmi Jali scored a field goal in the 69th minute.
In the season-opener last year, Tenaga defeated Sapura 4-3 in a penalty shootout after both teams failed to score in the regulation and extra time.
Tenaga coach Nor Saiful Zaini was delighted that his boys took their chances well to down KLHC.
“My boys did well playing in heavy conditions caused by rain since late afternoon. It was a good start for us, earning full points as well in our opening match (in the Premier League,” he said.
KLHC coach K. Dharmaraj was disappointed over the performance of the forwards.
“We also failed to make use of three penalty corners we earned the match. Our game was also affected by rain,” he said.
KLHC had seven internationals in their ranks but failed to make an impact in the match.
And Tenaga took the lead off their second penalty corner with Amin sounding the board with a low flick.
Tenaga, who are most successful team in the MHL with a total of 12 titles, earned two more penalty corners in the 49th and 50th minute but Amin, who is country’s top penalty corner flicker, failed to make them count.
KLHC pushed their forwards in search for the equalising goal but goalkeeper S. Kumar kept them at bay.
Tenaga sealed the match in the 69th minute when Faiz received a through pass from national forward Faizal Saari before slamming the ball past goalkeeper Khairulnizam Ibrahim.
The Star of Malaysia
YNS relying on foreigners for top four finish
KUALA LUMPUR: Yayasan Negri Sembilan (YNS), powered by 11 foreign players, will be a team to be reckoned with in the Premier Division of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).
YNS, who are making a return after a lapse of 15 years, have six Indian players, four Pakistanis and one Bangladeshi in their side.
The Indian players are Prabjoth Singh, Deepak Thakur, Vivek Gupta, Tarun Thammannah, S. Arvind and Muppidi Nagaraj.
YNS have a formidable forward line with three Pakistan players from the Guangzhou Asian Games gold medal-winning side – Muhammad Waqas, Muhammad Raashid and the vastly experience Shakeel Abbasi. The fourth Pakistani is defender and penalty corner drag flicker Mohamed Imran.
The Bangladeshi in the team is defender Mosiur Rahman, who featured in the Guangzhou Games last month.
YNS have hired Indian coach P. Madhu Karan and he will be assisted by Hasnizan Ah Sim.
Assistant team manager P. Tamil Selvan said that with the services of the 11 foreign players, YNS hoped to finish among top four in the nine-team league.
“The foreign players only arrived here two days ago but we are confident that they will combine well with the local players,” said Tamil, who is also the Negri HA secretary.
“The locals players will also get to learn from the experience of the foreigners in the team.”
YNS last featured in the MHL in 1995 and they won the overall title. They were the double champions, league and overall, in 1994.
YNS will open their campaign against Maybank at the Tun Razak Stadium today.
“The foreigners only had one day of training with the team but we believe that they can still help us get off to a winning start,” said Tamil.
“We spend a lot of money to bring them here and we definitely want to see good results.”
Besides the three Pakistanis forwards, YNS can also bring Indians Prabjoth and Deepak into their frontline.
Two other matches will be played at the Tun Razak Stadium today. Last season’s overall runners-up Sapura will take on Division One champions ATM Airod and UiTM will play against Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL).
The Star of Malaysia
ACCC: Roll of Possible Medalists Completed on Match Day Eight
The last round of matches in the one pool competition on Thursday produced a mixed bag of prolific goals, drama and pure tension as teams battled to pick the remaining slots in the medal hunt.
Twenty-two goals were scored on the day with Strathmore and Police Union scoring ten between them.
In the opening game for Match Day Eight, a nine-goal thriller was churned out by Strathmore and Niger Flickers. The Kenyans had to fight back from two goals down to pull off a win in the 68th minute.
Flickers allowed them little time to settle, scoring their first two goals in the 5th and 35th minutes. Strathmore took a cue and struck twice in the 36th and 44th minutes to draw even before pushing into the lead with a penalty corner in the 47th minute.
Flickers were only subdued for a while after which they recovered their lead with a field goal and a penalty stroke. Strathmore scored two more to put the game beyond the Nigerians while a third and fourth place match beckoned.
Egyptian club Police Union, were ruthless against Yobe, thumping them 5-2 in the second game for the day to cement their place in the battle for bronze.
Golden Sticks produced some drama as they huffed and puffed in a last-gasp attempt to secure a place in the medal zone. In a pacy duel with finalists Sharkia, the Ghanaian side had to rely on a player for goalkeeping services as Goalkeeper Jeffery Karikari was suspended for a cynical lunge at a Sharkia player who was clear on goal. Golden Sticks had registered only one goalkeeper for the match.
The resulting penalty stroke was converted by Mohamed Eddrees and Ahmed Solyman completed a 4-2 victory for Sharkia in the 66th minute.
The Classification matches will be honoured tomorrow with title holders Telkom Orange and Sharkia settling for fifth and sixth places while Reformers and Yobe Queens battle for third and fourth placements.
The fifth placed team in the men’s challenge Golden Sticks who finished fifth will play the sixth placed team, Niger Flickers in a classification match.
Police Union and Strathmore will play for the third and fourth places while Trustees and Sharkia play for the ultimate. Both matches will be played on Saturday, together with the women’s final between Extinguishers and Heartland.
Ghana Hockey media release
Extinguishers Unfazed by Heartland’s Title Haul
Ghana’s Extinguishers are losing no sleep over their final day face off with Nigerian club Heartland on Saturday.
Heartland come into this tie with an enviable record of four titles from previous championships but their fire fighting opponents seem to know just how to tame them.
Thrice Extinguishers have played in the finals. Thrice they have been unlucky. But team manager of the side, Martha Solomon says, “Heartland are no exceptional side. They were helped by the walkover they had in their first match. We are playing in our motherland and it will be unpardonable to lose.”
The two teams played out a 2-2 draw in the open-pool stage earlier and have a good appreciation of each other’s abilities.
Martha Solomon told ghanahockey.org that the return of four key players will transform the play of the team and secure the trophy for them.
“Even without my key players I faced them squarely. So with the return of my players I have no fears. I’m counting on the home support and my rested players who are back and fit to win the cup,” intimated the Extinguishers team manager.
But it may not be as easy as Madam Solomon makes it sound since the feeling in the Heartland camp is mutual.
Coach of the 2008 Championship winning side, Jude Amanze Nzeh is positive they will win back the title on Saturday.
“The game will be tough because it’s the final. We’ve been in the finals since 2004. We’ve won the trophy four times. It’s unfortunate we lost to Telkom Orange last year. But we’re taking back the cup,” he said.
Nzeh further disclosed that he did not expect to play Extinguishers in the finals, insisting that after losing to Reformers he expected the other Ghanaian team to progress very far in the Championship.
The coach, who led Heartland to all four titles, nevertheless stated that they have just the right antidote to their opponent’s style of play.
“They play a fast game and I stopped them the first time. I have fashioned out a way to stop them from playing that kind of game.”
The ladies’ final match will be the prelude to the men’s final clash between defending champions Sharkia of Egypt and Ghana’s Trustees.
The final match day action will commence with the men’s third place game featuring Strathmore of Kenya and Police Union of Egypt at 1:00pm local time.
Ghana Hockey media release
Young Strathmore Side Bemoans their Drag Flick Jinx
Even before the Championship ends, Strathmore are scheming towards a triumphant return at the next edition of the African Cup for Club Championship.
With an average age of 21 years, the young university team from Kenya have struggled on their debut participation in the continental club event. But they are delighted at the wealth of experience and exposure that they have been afforded in Accra.
Strathmore have combined brain and brawn intensely at this competition but have often times disappointingly been left in the lurch against more experienced adversaries.
After one such disappointing defeat against Police Union at the National Hockey Stadium in Accra Strathmore Coach Meshack Senge poured out his distress to ghanahockey.org saying, “We play with a lot of discipline technically and tactically. So I thought we should have gotten something out of that.”
That has been the story of Strathmore’s campaign. After gaining a walkover in their first game of the Championship against absentee opponents Yobe Rollers, Strathmore suffered defeats against title contenders Sharkia and Trustees. They however, redeemed their campaign with a narrow win over Golden Sticks but slumped again when pitched against Police Union.
According to Senge, his charges have been undone by the penalty corners that they have conceded.
“Ninety per cent of the goals we’ve conceded have been from penalty corners and ninety per cent of those have been converted through drag flicks. So that’s where we really flack. Probably because back home in Kenya we don’t practice the drag flick so we don’t defend it well. If we can sort it out we are good to go.”
Having won this same tournament with Armed Forces of Kenya as player-coach in 1998, the exuberant young coach brings immense expertise to bear on his team and carries great expectations in that role.
Though he reckons these expectations will not be met momentarily, he is happy about the enviable qualities that abound in his team.
“The strengths of our team have been our agility and mobility. I’m happy the boys are improving. Our first time here is good for development, though we won’t win.”
Like his coach, captain Kenneth Nyongesa, is confident that Strathmore will be ready to lift the trophy next year.
‘When we come back the teams should expect a different Strathmore. This edition being our first we had some jitters,” they intimated.
Having already qualified as a result of winning the Kenyan league this season, Strathmore envisage an effective challenge on their second coming.
“We’ve had a very good exposure. When we go back home we need to learn from this experience and improve our game,” said the captain.
Both Coach and captain concur that the game against defending champions Sharkia has been the most arduous for them. The Kenyans lost 5-2.
Nyongesa said of the Egyptian giants, “they are an experienced side and they utilize the penalty corners. We play well and dominate games but we are unable to win because of inexperience.”
Ghana Hockey media release
Strathmore return with heads held high
BY FEVERPITCH REPORTER
Strathmore University may have lost to Egyptian champions, Police 2-3 in the Africa Cup Club Hockey Championship, but the team left the National Hockey Stadium shoulders high after stretching the experienced Pharaohs to the limit.
George Mutira scored a double; first from a penalty corner in the 15th minute and a followed it up with field goal five minutes later to give Strathmore a 2-1 lead.
But Police skipper, Sayeed Adnan, levelled things 2-2 before half-time before snatching the winner in the 38th minute, all from short corners.
Mohamed Amry had put the Egyptians in the lead after six minutes from a short corner. Strathmore, cheered by Telkom Orange players and the Ghanaian crowd, dominated the match but failed to capitalise on countless chances, including several short corners.
Unbeaten Trustees of Ghana top the round robin-competition with 14 points , Sharkia have 11, Police 10, Strathmore six, Golden Sticks four, Niger Flickers four, while Yobe have a point.
Meanwhile, Telkom Orange were set to battle Sharkia for the fifth/sixth places last evening, while Fire Extinguishers meet Heartland today in women’s grand finale.
Results: Yobe 0, Strathmore 5(w/o); Police 1, Trustees 2; Golden Sticks 2, Niger Flickers 1; Sharkia 5, Strathmore 5; Police 5, Niger Flickers 3; Yobe 1, Trustees 3; Yobe1, Niger Flickers 3; Police 3, Golden Sticks 1; Sharkia 3, Trustees 3; Sharkia 5, Niger Flickers 1; Strathmore 1, Trustees 2; Yobe 1, Golden Sticks 1; Niger Flickers 3, Trustees 3; Sharkia 1, Police 1; Golden Sticks 0, Strathmore 1; Sharkia 4, Yobe 2; Strathmore 2, Police 3; Trustees 4, Golden Sticks 2.
The Standard Online
FIH announces 2010 All Star teams
© FIH / Grant Treeby
The FIH can announce the All Star teams for 2010, which feature a total of 36 players and four coaches who have lit up the hockey world over the past 12 months with their achievements.
The impressive squads feature a number of legendary icons who have been named on the All Stars lists on many previous occasions, such as five time nominees Luciana Aymar (ARG), Jamie Dwyer (AUS) and Teun de Nooijer (NED). Between them, these three players have also collected a staggering 14 FIH Player of the Year titles over the past decade.
However, they are far from being the only high achievers in the All Star teams. Three players have notched up their fourth appearances on the lists, with Natascha Keller (GER), Fu Baorong (CHN) and Jong Ho Seo (KOR) all featuring in the 2010 squads. Madonna Blyth (AUS), Crista Cullen (ENG), Maartje Paumen (NED), Naomi van As (NED) and Marsha Marescia (RSA) have each been named in the women’s FIH All Stars team for a third time, with Barry Middleton (ENG), Eddie Ockenden (AUS), Matthias Witthaus (GER), Moritz Fürste (GER) and the now retired Netherlands goalkeeper Guus Vogels also achieved the same feat in the men’s All Star team.
Argentina penalty corner star Noel Barrionuevo makes the list for a second time, joined by her team-mate Carla Rebecchi, Casey Eastham (AUS), Helen Richardson (ENG), Ashley Jackson (ENG), Rehan Butt (PAK) and Max Müller (GER).
As well as these more familiar names, a number of other gifted individuals have made the FIH All Star lists for the first time. Argentina’s Soledad Garcia earned her place in the women’s list thanks to outstanding performances as her team won the BDO FIH World Cup and Samsung FIH Champions Trophy. India’s Rani Rampal (Player of the Tournament – BDO FIH World Cup) and China’s Zhao Yudiao (FIH Young Player of the Year 2010) have also made the list, having proven themselves as two of the hottest young talents in the game. Kayla Sharland is another first time FIH All Star due to her stand-out displays for the young and gifted Black Sticks team, while goalkeeping duo Beth Storry (ENG) and Joyce Sombroek (NED) were both sensational throughout the BDO FIH World Cup for their respective nations.
Of the 18 strong men’s All Star list, seven players are there for the first time. James Fair makes it an impressive double for England goalkeepers, joining Beth Storry in the 2010 All Star teams, while Kookaburra’s striker Des Abbott also makes the list following a year in which he won the top prize at the Hero Honda FIH World Cup, ABN AMRO Champions Trophy and the Commonwealth Games. Spanish midfielder David Alegre has been an impressive performer for his country, being joined on the list by Argentina’s Lucas Vila, brilliant India defender Sardar Singh and Nick Wilson of New Zealand, a striker nominated by his peers for the FIH Young Player of the Year Award. The winner of that particular award was Germany midfielder Tobias Hauke, who also becomes an FIH All Star for the first time.
In terms of coaches, Argentina’s Carlos Retegui and Danny Kerry of England have been named on the women’s All Stars list while Kookaburra’s boss Ric Charlesworth and Markus Weise of Germany have made the men’s list. Retegui had a near flawless 12 months, guiding Las Leonas to success at the BDO FIH World Cup and Samsung FIH Champions Trophy, while Danny Kerry’s England team took great strides forward by winning a trio of Bronze medals at the Champions Trophy, World Cup and Commonwealth Games tournaments. Charlesworth’s inclusion is no surprise when you consider his staggering coaching achievements this year, overseeing Australian triumphs at the ABN AMRO FIH Champions Trophy, Hero Honda FIH World Cup and the Commonwealth Games. Markus Weise has also achieved great things in 2010, directing his exciting young Germany team to a Silver Medal at the Hero Honda FIH World Cup.
Each FIH All Star list was created using the recommendations and opinions of various hockey experts from across the globe including players, officials, coaches and journalists.
The following players were selected for the 2010 FIH All Star Teams.
FIH All Stars 2010 – Women:
Name, Nation & FIH All Star Record
Luciana Aymar (ARG) - 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
Soledad Garcia (ARG) - 2010
Noel Barrionuevo (ARG) - 2009 & 2010
Carla Rebecchi (ARG) - 2008 & 2010
Casey Eastham (AUS) 2009 & 2010
Madonna Blyth (AUS) - 2007, 2009 & 2010
Fu Baorong (CHN) - 2006, 2008, 2009 & 2010
Zhao Yudiao (CHN) - 2010
Helen Richardson (ENG) - 2009 & 2010
Rani Rampal (IND) - 2010
Beth Storry (ENG) - 2010
Crista Cullen (ENG) - 2006, 2007 & 2010
Natascha Keller (GER) - 2006, 2008, 2009 & 2010
Maartje Paumen (NED) - 2008, 2009 & 2010
Naomi van As (NED) - 2008, 2009 & 2010
Marsha Marescia (RSA) - 2007, 2009 & 2010
Joyce Sombroek (NED) - 2010
Kayla Sharland (NZL) – 2010
Carlos Retegui (ARG - Coach) - 2009 & 2010
Danny Kerry (ENG – Coach) – 2010
Click here for an overview of the Women’s FIH All Star Team 2010
FIH All Stars 2010 - Men:
Name, Nation & FIH All Star Record
Jamie Dwyer (AUS) - 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
Ashley Jackson (ENG) - 2009 & 2010
Rehan Butt (PAK) - 2008 & 2010
Barry Middleton (ENG) - 2008, 2009 & 2010
David Alegre (ESP) - 2010
Des Abbott (AUS) - 2010
Eddie Ockenden (AUS) - 2008, 2009 & 2010
Guus Vogels (NED) - 2007, 2008 & 2010
James Fair (ENG) - 2010
Jong Ho Seo (KOR) - 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
Lucas Vila (ARG) - 2010
Matthias Witthaus (GER) - 2007, 2008 & 2010
Max Müller (GER) - 2009 & 2010
Moritz Fürste (GER) - 2007, 2009 & 2010
Nick Wilson (NZL) - 2010
Sardar Singh (IND) - 2010
Teun de Nooijer (NED) - 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
Tobias Hauke (GER) - 2010
Ric Charlesworth (AUS - Coach) – 2009 & 2010
Markus Weise (GER - Coach) – 2008, 2009 & 2010
Click here for an overview of the Men’s FIH All Star Team 2010
The images for the FIH All Star teams were kindly supplied to the FIH by Stanislas Brochier, Grant Treeby, Frank Uijlenbroek and Ady Kerry.
FIH Media release
Record English Representation in World All Star Team
Exceptional performances from the men’s and women’s England Hockey teams in 2010 have resulted in six English athletes and a coach being named by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in its 2010 All Star teams.
The teams, which feature a total of 36 players and four coaches who have lit up the hockey world with their achievements over the past 12 months, have been compiled using the recommendations and opinions of hockey experts from across the globe including players, officials, coaches and journalists.
Helen Richardson and Crista Cullen roar England on during their win over China at the 2010 Samsung FIH Champions Trophy
Just over a year and half before they hope to represent Great Britain at the Olympic Games in London, the seven All Stars signify the largest English contingent in a single year since the FIH began its All Star listing five years ago.
Reading's Helen Richardson (pictured in middle of photo), the GB Hockey Athlete of the Year, Leicester's Crista Cullen (pictured on right of photo) and Reading goalkeeper Beth Storry have been recognised for an excellent year in which they helped England to first ever medals at the Champions Trophy in Nottingham and the World Cup in Argentina before winning their third bronze medals of the year at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/core/core_picker/loadimg.asp?id=4190
Danny Kerry, the England women's head coach, answers questions during a press conference
Their coach Danny Kerry, who has masterminded the team’s ascent to fifth in the world, was recognised as one of two outstanding coaches of women’s teams in 2010, alongside Argentina’s World Cup and Champions Trophy winning coach Carlos Retegui.
For Cullen, it is an exciting return to the All Stars after recognition in 2006 and 2007 while Richardson appears for the second consecutive year. For Storry (below), who was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the Champions Trophy and the World Cup, it caps a memorable year that has seen her rise to stake her claim as arguably the best goalkeeper in the world.
Beth Storry, England goalkeeper, makes a save from a penalty corner during the BDO FIH World Cup 2010 in Rosario, Argentina (c) Grant Treeby Images
The outstanding performances of England’s men were also recognised following fourth place at the World Cup – their best finish since 1986 – and a silver medal at the Champions Trophy. Following the team’s rise to fourth in the world rankings, Captain Barry Middleton, East Grinstead midfielder Ashley Jackson (below middle), the World Player of the Year for 2009, and Cannock goalkeeper James Fair have all been named in the men’s 2010 All Star team.
Ashley Jackson celebrates after scoring for England against Australia at the 2010 FIH Hero Honda World Cup in Delhi, India (c) Grant Treeby Images
Middleton’s appearance for a third consecutive year illustrates the high regard in which the 26-year-old from Doncaster is held across world hockey. For Jackson, 2010 marks a second consecutive year as an All Star while it is Fair’s (below) first appearance.
David Faulkner, Performance Director, said it was “deserved recognition for the year that both the senior men’s and women’s teams have had.”
Goalkeeper James Fair makes a save during the Men's Champions Trophy while Glenn Kirkham watches on at the penalty corner (c) hockeyimages.co.uk
England’s men are currently preparing for a first ever appearance at the FIH Indoor World Cup, which takes place in Poznan, Poland, from 8-13 February 2011. Jackson and Middleton are currently playing for East Grinstead in the super sixes National Indoor Hockey Championships where they are competing for a place at the 2011 super sixes Finals at Wembley Arena on Sunday 30 January. Beth Storry is also playing in the super sixes National Indoor Hockey Championships and is hoping to reach the Finals at Wembley Arena for the first time with Reading.
The following players were selected for the 2010 FIH All Star Teams.
FIH All Stars 2010 – Women:
Name, Nation & FIH All Star Record
Luciana Aymar (ARG) - 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
Soledad Garcia (ARG) - 2010
Noel Barrionuevo (ARG) - 2009 & 2010
Carla Rebecchi (ARG) - 2008 & 2010
Casey Eastham (AUS) 2009 & 2010
Madonna Blyth (AUS) - 2007, 2009 & 2010
Fu Baorong (CHN) - 2006, 2008, 2009 & 2010
Zhao Yudiao (CHN) - 2010
Helen Richardson (ENG) - 2009 & 2010
Rani Rampal (IND) - 2010
Beth Storry (ENG) - 2010
Crista Cullen (ENG) - 2006, 2007 & 2010
Natascha Keller (GER) - 2006, 2008, 2009 & 2010
Maartje Paumen (NED) - 2008, 2009 & 2010
Naomi van As (NED) - 2008, 2009 & 2010
Marsha Marescia (RSA) - 2007, 2009 & 2010
Joyce Sombroek (NED) - 2010
Kayla Sharland (NZL) – 2010
Carlos Retegui (ARG - Coach) - 2009 & 2010
Danny Kerry (ENG – Coach) – 2010
English All Stars caps and goals records
Crista Cullen: England 82 caps (21 goals); Great Britain 54 caps (14 goals)
Helen Richardson: England 135 (19); Great Britain 63 (3)
Beth Storry: England 58 (0); Great Britain 23 (0)
Barry Middleton celebrates after scoring for England at the Hero Honda FIH Men's World Cup in Delhi, India (c) Grant Treeby Images
FIH All Stars 2010 - Men:
Name, Nation & FIH All Star Record
Jamie Dwyer (AUS) - 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
Ashley Jackson (ENG) - 2009 & 2010
Rehan Butt (PAK) - 2008 & 2010
Barry Middleton (ENG) (pictured right) - 2008, 2009 & 2010
David Alegre (ESP) - 2010
Des Abbott (AUS) - 2010
Eddie Ockenden (AUS) - 2008, 2009 & 2010
Guus Vogels (NED) - 2007, 2008 & 2010
James Fair (ENG) - 2010
Jong Ho Seo (KOR) - 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
Lucas Villa (ARG) - 2010
Matthias Witthaus (GER) - 2007, 2008 & 2010
Max Müller (GER) - 2009 & 2010
Moritz Fürste (GER) - 2007, 2009 & 2010
Nick Wilson (NZL) - 2010
Sardar Singh (IND) - 2010
Teun de Nooijer (NED) - 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
Tobias Hauke (GER) - 2010
Ric Charlesworth (AUS - Coach) – 2009 & 2010
Markus Weise (GER - Coach) – 2008, 2009 & 2010
English All Stars caps and goals records
James Fair: England 75 caps (0 goals); Great Britain 16 caps (0 goals)
Ashley Jackson: England 64 (44); Great Britain 41 (13)
Barry Middleton: England 143 (34); Great Britain 80 (28)
England Hockey Board Media release
Intl. Hockey Federation names Rehan Butt as Hockey All-Star Teams
KARACHI: International Hockey Federation has announced the names of the World Hockey All-Star Teams 2010 here.
Pakistan’s only Rehan Butt was also fortunate enough to be named among the other top class men and women players for the All-Star teams.
Rehan Butt has represented Pakistan in more than 300 matches. He also played a vital role in clinching gold medal in the Asian Games.
Talking to Geo News from Kuala Lumpur, Rehan Butt expressed pleasure to be named in international hockey federation. He further said that he would continue to achieve success for Pakistan.
It is pertinent to mention here that Rehan Butt was also named All-Star Teams in 2008.
The News International
Match Schedule released for FIH Indoor World Cup 2011
© FIH / Dr Wolfgang Sternberger
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is pleased to release the match schedule for the FIH Indoor World Cup. The double event – which takes place once every four years – will be played in the Polish city of Poznan from the 8th to the 13th February 2011.
A total of 76 matches will take place over an intense six day period, with two pitches in operation at the same time. Day 1 (Tuesday 8th February) will feature 12 contests, with six men’s and six women’s matches taking to the field. The opening matches of the tournament will feature the men of Russia and USA (Pool B) taking to the field on Pitch 1 at 12.30 (GMT +1), while the women’s international teams from the Czech Republic and Austria (Pool A) will do battle on Pitch 2 at the same time. The home crowd will be treated to a fantastic ending to their day on Pitch 1, with Poland women taking on Australia (Pool B) at 17.30 before the men also take on the Aussies (Pool A) at 18.45.
Days 2 and 3 (9th & 10th February) will both consist of eighteen matches, with Day 4 (11th February) witnessing 12 crucial matches to determine which teams will secure places in the Semi Finals and the classification matches. The Tournament finals and the Bronze Medal matches will be played on Sunday 13th February 2011. To download the complete Schedule in PDF format, please click here.
For the first time in the short history of the FIH Indoor World Cup, all five continents will be represented at the third Edition of the tournament. The national indoor teams of Iran (men) and Kazakhstan (women) are history makers by representing Asia in an Indoor World Cup for the first time, with the respective men's and women's teams from Uruguay and Argentina being the first ever participants from South America, showing the increasing popularity of the indoor game outside of its European heartland. There are also Indoor World Cup debuts for Namibia (men & women) and England (men).
The FIH Indoor World Cup will take place at the Poznan International Fair Exhibition Hall in February 2011, a year which marks the 85th anniversary of the foundation of the Polish Hockey Association.
The FIH has launched a special microsite for the tournament, which bring you all official information both in the build up and throughout the event itself. To find out more, please visit www.poznan2011.sportcentric.com .
FIH Media release
Match Schedule confirmed for EHL KO16 Bloemendaal
The Euro Hockey League and the European Hockey Federation have released the match schedule for KO16 Bloemendaal, the event which sees 16 of Europe’s finest club teams reduced down to the four Semi Finalists over four days of intense knock-out action.
Last week’s dramatic draw resulted in some absolutely cracking fixtures, including the fourth consecutive meeting between double EHL champions UHC Hamburg (GER - 2008/2010) and 2009 winners HC Bloemendaal (NED), who will be hosting the KO16 event over the Easter weekend from Friday 22nd to Monday 25th April 2011.
On Friday 22nd April, England’s Beeston HC will take on HC Dinamo Kazan of Russia at 09.30 hours, before Spanish giants Club de Campo do battle with Ireland’s Pembroke Wanderers at 12.00. It will be a match enjoyed by Ireland international Ronan Gormley, the former Pembroke defender who is proving to be an outstanding acquisition for the Madrid-based team.
At 14.30, former EHL finalists HGC (NED) will take on the second of the Irish qualifiers from Round 1, with Glenanne hoping to shock their illustrious opponents and reach the Quarter Finals. The final game of the day sees high flying Germans Mannheimer facing off against Atletic Terrassa, which will surely be a game to savour as Germany based Matthias Witthaus does battle against his former club.
Saturday’s (23rd April 2010) opening match will be a head to head between two of England’s finest, with Ashley Jackson’s East Grinstead taking on Richard Mantell’s Reading HC at 09.30. The draw ensures that England is guaranteed to have at least one representative in the Quarter Finals. The 12.00 match is likely to be an absolute thriller between two attack minded teams, as Oranje Zwart of the Netherlands take to the field against 2010 EHL Semi Finalists RC de Polo de Barcelona (ESP).
Day two will be rounded off by two spectacular fixtures, with the much discussed meeting between HC Bloemendaal (NED) and UHC Hamburg (GER) taking place at 14.30 before Belgian champions KHC Dragons take on Rot-Weiss Köln, the Champions of Germany.
Sunday and Monday (24-25th April 2010) will feature the Quarter Finals, with two huge matches taking place on each day with the winners securing their place at EHL Final Four, which takes place in June 2011 at an as yet unconfirmed venue. The full Quarter Final Draw can be found below.
Tickets for the event will go on sale in the New Year. Full details will be released by the Euro Hockey League as soon as they are available.
KO16 Bloemendaal – Match Schedule
Friday 22 April 2011
09.30: Beeston HC (ENG) v Dinamo Kazan (RUS)
12.00: Club de Campo (ESP) v Pembroke Wanderers (IRL)
14.30: HGC (NED) v Glenanne (IRL)
17.00: Mannheimer HC (GER) v Atlètic Terrassa (ESP)
Saturday 23 April 2011
09.30: East Grinstead HC (ENG) v Reading HC (ENG)
12.00: Oranje Zwart (NED) v RC Polo de Barcelona (ESP)
14.30: HC Bloemendaal (NED) v UHC Hamburg (GER)
17.00: KHC Dragons (BEL) v Rot-Weiss Köln (GER)
Sunday 24 April 2011
12.00: Mannheimer HC/Atlètic Terrassa HC v Club de Campo/Pembroke Wanderers
14.30: Beeston HC/Dinamo Kazan v HGC/Glenanne
Monday 25 April 2011
12.00: KHC Dragons/Rot-Weiss Köln v East Grinstead HC/Reading HC
14.30: HC Bloemendaal/UHC Hamburg v Oranje Zwart/RC Polo de Barcelona
Note: Match times and schedule subject to change due to the requirements of television or other factors as determined by EHL. All times are Central European Time (GMT +1).
Euro Hockey League media release
Investigations completed, says Malay Mail
Police recorded statements yesterday from all the senior students who allegedly assaulted five juniors at the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) here earlier this week.
"Besides the senior students involved, we also recorded statements from several witnesses who were at the scene during the alleged assault," said Cheras deputy police chief, Supt Abdul Rahim Hamzah Othman.
"Our investigation papers will be forwarded to the deputy public prosecutor (DPP) on Monday for further action."
When asked whether statements were also recorded from BJSS officials and a coach said to have instigated the assault, Abdul Rahim declined comment.
On Tuesday, 10 senior students were said to have assaulted the five juniors with hockey sticks and a rubber hose in a dorm room, resulting in the younger players sustaining bruises.
The victims — Athitsha Tamilchelvam, Zizi Azwan Harun Basri, Muhd Fitri Jasni, Hashim Harun and Ahmad Ashraf Alias, all aged 15 — were later taken by their parents to Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM) for treatment.
The parents then lodged reports with the Sungai Besi police station.
The assault allegedly took place twice after the five juniors returned from training at the National Sports Council (NSC) field on Tuesday.
The boys' parents claimed the seniors were instigated by a BJSS coach who was unhappy with the younger players training outside of BJSS.
When approached by The Malay Mail on Tuesday, the coach who allegedly sparked off the assault, said: "It's just a fight between school kids."
BJSS principal Marina Chin had declined to disclose what action had been taken by the school against the alleged culprits.
Malaysian Hockey blogspot
Malaysia gain promotion to Champions Challenge I
Either the Malaysian Hockey Federation are totally unaware or their dissemination of information needs to be improved.
In fact, the Chairman of the National Team Management Committee has misled the President of MHF as at a Press Conference on Monday, he informed the President that Malaysia is playing the Champions Challenge in France in July next year.
But a check with the FIH website has revealed something else. With the promotion of Pakistan and South Korea into the Champions Trophy, Malaysia has gained as they will now play in the Champions Challenge I instead of Champions Challenge II as they were initially supposed to play in.
Also gaining automatic promotion was Japan. The Champions Challenge I is scheduled to be held a week before the Champions Trophy.
The 2011 Champions Trophy will be held in India in either November or December.
Malaysian Hockey blogspot
India to host enlarged Champions Trophy
NEW DELHI: South Korea and Pakistan were on Friday handed wildcard entries for field hockey's Champions Trophy in India next year that will feature eight teams instead of six.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) said the two Asian nations will join world champions Australia, England, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and hosts India in the annual tournament.
South Korea are ranked sixth in the world, while Pakistan were rewarded for winning the Asian Games gold medal in Guangzhou, China last month, which earned them a direct entry to the 2012 London Olympics.
The dates and host city for the tournament, to be held in November-December next year, will be announced later, the world governing body said in a statement.
The Champions Trophy has been a six-nation event since its inception in 1978 but the FIH decided to add two more teams from next year.
The women's Champions Trophy will also feature eight teams with China and New Zealand joining Argentina, Germany, England, Australia, South Korea and host nation Netherlands, the FIH said.
The Times of India
FIH accommodates Pak in 2011 Champions Trophy
With hosts India getting an automatic entry in the 2011 men’s Champions Trophy, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has expanded the field from six to eight to accommodate Pakistan.
The Indian men’s and women’s teams will be figuring in two world-level tournaments in 2011, according a FIH release.
The elite tournament traditionally reserved for the top six ranked teams, is to be held in India at an as yet unspecified venue in November-December.
The field includes world champions Australia, Olympic champions Germany, England, the Netherlands, Spain and Korea besides India and Pakistan.
The Indian women’s team will be figuring in the Champions Challenge-I tournament, a qualifying event for the 2012 Champions Trophy. The tournament will be played in Dublin between June 18-26 with India up against Azerbaijan, Japan, Scotland, South Africa, Spain and the United States.
The Times of India
Multiple venues, eight teams to boost Champions Trophy hockey
V Narayan Swamy
BANGALORE: Eight teams in next year's Champions Trophy hockey tournament in India and multiple venues are the latest among International Hockey Federation's (FIH) experiments to get the game's popularity up by a few notches.
India has been FIH's favourite stopover of late and it was no surprise when the president of the world body Leandro Negre told TOI that the eight-team format was created to accommodate the sub-continental giants.
India get an automatic entry as hosts for the 2011 edition while Pakistan (Asiad winners) and South Korea (ranked sixth in the world) find their way in as wild card entries. "Let us admit, without India hockey's future is bleak," Negre had told TOI some time back. "We need their presence to cater to a wider audience across the world. We are looking at maximising revenues from television and live audience. We need to have Pakistan too in the picture as the Asian style of hockey will be on display."
While eight teams instead of the customary six is as an expected move - the FIH had done it twice before in 1987 (Amstelveen) and 2007 ( Kuala Lumpur) - Negre's idea of choosing multiple venues comes as a whiff of fresh air.
"The eight teams will be divided into two groups of four. Two cities in Punjab, one of them may be Chandigarh, will host each of the groups. The top two from each group will be clubbed together for a final round-robin league in New Delhi. We aren't looking at increasing the number of days or matches at this point in time. On the other hand, a round-robin league of eight teams would mean 28 matches in the first phase, which is 10 more than what the six-team format offers," he said.
Hockey India officials said clarity would emerge after a meeting next year with FIH.
The Times of India
Brasa was an asset to the team: Sardara
Player rubbishes former captain Rajpal’s remarks on the Spaniard
Mohit Khanna
Fissures in the Indian hockey team have started to emerge. In the latest incident, key center-half Sardara Singh fired a fresh salvo at former captain Rajpal Singh for not taking the onus of the defeats in recently-concluded Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games. He expressed disappointment over Rajpal’s criticism of former hockey coach Jose Brasa and holding him accountable for the debacle.
Sardara, who was visiting the Jarkhar stadium on the opening day of the Games said Jose Brasa had been a catalyst for the Indian Hockey team. It was due to the Spaniard that the team could taste whatever success it did in the recently-concluded tournaments.
“The problem is not with the coaching. It is within us. We lose the crucial games. We did well through out the tournament during the Commonwealth and Asian Games in China, but we put up a poor show during the final stages when it mattered the most," said Sardara.
He said it was Brasa who taught the skills of European hockey to Indian players that paid dividends. He said, “It is unfortunate that Brasa is being blamed for the debacle. He would have been an asset if he would have continued to serve the Indian hockey team."
It has also come to light that both players, in a cautious attempt, tried to fend off the situation of encountering each other. According to the ogranisers of the Games, Rajpal Singh and Sardara Singh were scheduled to take the Game torch to the Jarkhar stadium. But Rajpal pulled out his name at the last moment and did not turn up at the stadium.
The Tribune
Zeeshan wants more exposure against big teams; Bajwa assures
By Muhammad Asif Khan
Karachi: Upon the inclusion of the Pakistan Hockey team in the upcoming Champions Trophy, National Hockey captain Zeeshan Ashraf and Secretary, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Asif Bajwa termed it a milestone in the rival of Hockey in the country.
Earlier the International Hockey Federation (FIH) expanded the field from six to eight to accommodate Pakistan, which will take part in the event after 2007. The elite tournament traditionally reserved for the top six ranked teams, is to be held in India in November-December next year.
While welcoming the inclusion, skipper Zeeshan Ashraf hoped that the team would carry forward its recent performance to the mega event in India. For better preparation, he however urged the PHF to provide them with ample opportunities to play against tough opponents. “We have almost a year in hand and I am hopeful that we will not repeat our recent performances in India during the upcoming Champions Trophy. I believe the more we play against tougher oppositions, the more it will benefit us in the mega event”, said Zeeshan Ashraf while talking to this correspondent for News One TV.
Meanwhile, PHF Secretary Asif Bajwa expressed his gratitude to the FIH and stated that the efforts of the incumbent PHF management are bearing fruits. The secretary also assured that the national team would get substantial number of matches against strong teams. “This is indeed a big achievement, I am thankful to the FIH for recognising the progress of our hockey team. Yes, I agree with Zeeshan Ashraf, and let me tell you that the PHF has chalked out a plan, according to which the national team will get 35 to 40 matches against European teams before the Olympics Games. The PHF doing its best to regain the lost glory of the Pakistan Hockey”, said Asif Bajwa while talking to this correspondent for News One TV.
On a question, Asif Bajwa clarified that the statement made by the chief selector, Hanif Khan regarding senior players was not the official version of the PHF. “Hanif Khan made a remark in his personal capacity, however, the policy of the PHF is crystal clear, and the only criterion for representing the national side is based on the fitness and form of an individual”, said Bajwa who assumed charge as PHF secretary in July 2008.
Chief Selector Hanif Khan, in an interview, stated that it was the right time for senior players to take retirement from international hockey for the best interests of the country. The former Olympian believes that senior players like Zeeshan Ashraf, Rehan Butt, Waseem Ahmed, Shakeel Abbasi and Salman Akber had rendered many services for the national side, and now it is time for junior players to take charge.
Submitted to Fieldhockey.com by the author
HI to dissolve selection committee, Dilip Tirkey appointed govt observer
Sandeep Narayan
Before Pargat Singh holds the all-important meeting of the Hockey Developmental Com-mittee on December 22, heads will have already start to roll in Hockey India as the former India captain and his team have planned to overhaul the entire selection committee and bring in some younger, fresher faces.
“We need some younger faces in the selection committee and have planned to dissolve the entire selection committee in the December 22 meeting,” a Hockey India official told Mirror.
“Many members of the current selection committee are still living in the stone age.
“They have absolutely no knowlege of the latest technological and scientific changes in the sport. Also in the past their egos have always clashed with the chief coach and they would always try and undermine the coach,” the official added.
In another move the Ministry of Sports has appointed former India captain Dilip Tirkey and Olympian Harbinder Singh as the new government observers, replacing the long-serving Ajit Pal Singh and Zafar Iqbal. In a letter from the Sports Ministry, a copy of which is with Mirror, Director (Sports) Deepika Kach-hal mentions that Tirkey and Harbinder will assume charge from January 1 of next year.
Tirkey’s new role
“We have always wanted Dilip to return to hockey as an administrator so this is a welcome move,” the official added. The member also said that one of the suggestions that would be put forth during the meeting is to ask some of the members of the new technical commitee to double up as selectors.
Some of the possible names include former India goalkeeper AB Subbaiah, left-winger Thoiba Singh and mid-fielder Mukesh Kumar.
“These players have retired in the last decade but are more than aware of the modern style of hockey. “They also know the players better and can identify the emerging talent.
This selection committee will be focused not just on selecting the current team but more on building a team for the future.”
Mumbai Mirror
‘OGQ should be a people's movement'
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
Viren Rasquinha's presentation of Olympic Gold Quest's mission at the C.K. Nayudu Hall, Cricket Club of India, on Wednesday was straight forward and to the point.
The 15 minute audio-visual ended with the objective of making a dream come true of winning three gold medals at the London Olympics 2012, ten gold medals at Rio in 2016 and 20 gold medals in 2020.
Rasquinha is the Chief Operation Officer of the OGG and he has been a ‘livewire', as described by Niraj Bajaj. An Olympian, former India captain and with 180 appearances for India in field hockey, the Kojak-like Rasquinha implored Gagan Narang and Mary Kom to go for gold at London.
More significantly, he appealed to Indians to join the OGQ movement. “If one million Indians can declare a mandate and contribute a minimum sum of Rs. 100 per month, it can support 2000 athletes in their quest for gold and also the Power Your Champion programme,” he said, adding that the mandate form can be accessed at www.olympicgoldquest.in.
As of now OGQ has supported 22 athletes and the list includes Saina Nehwal, Gagan Narang, Mary Kom, Tejaswini Sawant and P.T. Usha School of Athletics.
OGQ added two more to the list recently, namely Gayathri Govindaraj and Annu Raj Singh. At the felicitation function of Narang and Mary Kom, OGQ also introduced Rakesh Manpat, a possible future champion in the 10m air rifle event.
Well, the OGQ campaign has truly got off the ground. Founded by the shining lights of Indian sports, green maize maestro, Geet Sethi and badminton legend, Prakash Padukone, OGQ's main objective is to complement the endeavour of the sports federations and the government.
The likes of Sethi (49) and Padukone (54), have lit the flame to create awareness among Indians that playing games is a lovely and healthy activity and exhorted them to support the country's young sports persons in pursuit of glory with the ultimate aim of winning gold medals at the summer Olympics.
From a small two-man team, the OGQ has expanded into a compact team comprising Bajaj, Leander Paes, Viswanathan Anand and Rasquinha, all champions and stars in their own right.
They have acknowledged the spirit behind the endeavour, played proactive roles in the pursuit of identifying and fostering Indians gifted with talent and showing them the way to excel and make them ambitious to win gold medals at the Olympics in the sport of shooting, athletics, boxing, wrestling, archery and badminton.
Right from the start, OGQ has received wholehearted support from Shitin Desai, Executive Vice-President, DSP Merill Lynch, R. Ramaraj, Co-founder SIFY Limited, Venture Partner, Sequoia Capital India, Rakesh Khanna, Founding Partner, AMBIT RSM and Neeraj Bharadwaj, Managing Director, Accel Partners.
“This is the best team to work on a platform that seeks to encourage Indian sports persons to go for gold at the Olympics. We are not working for profit. We want to make OGQ a people's movement. We want Indian sports persons to excel and we want to give them all support. I met Sachin Tendulkar at Mukesh Ambani's house recently. He said he likes to play table tennis and would like to play with me. But most importantly he said he's fully aware of the activities of OGQ and he's appreciated that,” said Bajaj, 56, a former national champion, captain of the Indian table tennis team, Arjuna Award winner and at present, CMD, Mukand Limited.
Perhaps the best thing to have happened to Indian sports, OGQ allocates a cerqtain amount of money for the sport it has chosen to support and individuals. “We cover the expenses of sportspersons from airfare, accommodation, providing support staff and whatever a particular sportsperson needs. It's the sportspersons who decide where the money has to be spent, not the OGQ. All they have to do is give us a call and tell us about their needs. We did that for Saina (Nehwal), her coach and trainer and also a couple of more youngsters for the Hong Kong Open,” said Padukone.
Narang summed it up all saying: “I don't have to worry about air tickets, equipment and other nneds. OGQ provides me everything.”
The Hindu
Browne, Toussaint on target in UK Indoor Hockey
Nigel Simon
National players Kwandwane Browne and Akim Toussaint were both among the goals for Canterbury when the English Hockey League 2010-11 Super Sixes National Indoor Hockey Championships flicked off on the weekend. In the Men’s Premier Division, Canterbury had one win, two drawn results and a loss at the Centre For Sport, University of West England, Bristol to lie joint fourth on the nine-team table with five points from four matches, the same as Reading. First up for Canterbury on Saturday was a clash with Old Loughtonians which they lost 7-9 despite two goals from Browne, both from penalty corners, in the 11th and 41st minutes.
Browne also scored on Saturday’s as his team rebounded to beat Beeston 7-3 for its first win. On Sunday, Browne carried his tally to five goals when he netted twice, in the 21st and 34 minutes as Canterbury 7-7 versus Sorbiton. This was followed by a 10-10 deadlock with Bowdon with Browne scoring two more goals, in the 13th and 20th minute both from penalty-corners while Toussaint also added a double, in the 16th and 36th minutes from field goals. East Grinstead started where they left off last season by winning all four of their matches over the weekend with a goal difference way above any other team with plus 19 and maximum 12 points, four ahead of Old Loughtonians, who are also undefeated after week one with two wins and two draws.
Third placed Beeston managed two wins, a draw and a defeat for seven points. St Albans lead Loughborough Students only by goal difference as the teams sit sixth and seventh respectively on four points followed by newly promoted Bowdon, which scored the third highest amount of goals in week one. After reaching last season’s Championship Final, Surbiton surprisingly lie bottom of the table with just one point. The league is now on a Christmas break and will resume on January 15. When the outdoor season resumes, Browne and his team will have a lot of work to do to avoid relegationas it sits at the bottom of the Premier Division with five points from nine matches while leader East Grindstead has 25 points.
Cannock, sits just above Canterbury with six points with Brooklands on eight and Loughborough Students, on eight completing the bottom three. Evan-Piers Farell, who has represented T&T in the past but carries a French passport is also a member of the Canterbury club while the other local plying his trade in England in Terrance Baptiste who plays for Indian Gymkhan in the Men’s Conference East Championship. Gymkhana currently lies fourth on the table with 16 points, seven behind leaders Southgate while Holcombe has 18 and Old Loughtonians 17.
The Trinidad Guardian
Karampur reach hockey final
Karampur team defeated Atgawa by 4-0 while Vivek Academy defeated Lucknow team by 5-0 in their respective semi-final matches of the Eldeco Jaman Lal Sharma memorial state hockey tournament being organised at KD Singh ‘Babu’ Stadium, Lucknow.
Indian Express
600 special players compete for place in floor hockey team
More than 600 participants competed in the week-long national floor hockey tournament for intellectually challenged persons, to get a place in the 16-member national team that would represent India at the World Special Games-2013 that will be held in Korea.
The matches held at Bishop Cotton School Shimla, under the aegis of Special Olympics India’s Himachal Chapter concluded today. Twenty six teams of male and female players participated from across 21 states.
The names of the 16 chosen players would be announced on Saturday, said Chairperson of Special Olympics Bharat Himachal Pradesh, Mallika Nadda. These players would be trained at special camps over the next three years.
Nadda said that participation and training of intellectually challenged persons in competitive sports has slowly started to raise hopes for rehabilitation of challenged persons.
“In Himachal, intellectually challenged cricketer Deepak Sharma (gold medalist), handball player Rajender Kumar (bronze medalist) and skiing champion Megha (gold medalist), were the first ones to excel in sports at the international level. Deepak Sharma is now working at a clerical post in Himachal Pradesh Secretariat, Rajender Kumar and Megha are coaching other intellectually challenged players under Chetna NGO,” said Nadda.
At least seven special athletes from Himachal have already been selected for competing in the upcoming Summer Olympics scheduled at Athens from June 25, 2011. Chosen players include Pawan (handball), Sushil (athletics), Ranjana and Naveen (bocce), Aman and Prabha (roller skating) and Pankaj (badminton).
Nadda said that encouraged by the performance of the special players, parents of many intellectually challenged children had been encouraged to get their children registered for special sports events. Over seven lakh special players are already registered with Special Olympics Bharat for playing 22 games.
Indian Express