The Fieldhockey.com Archives

All the news for Tuesday 12 July 2011

It's another half for Mark Pearn

By Graham Wilson


Mark Pearn is a player-coach at East Grinstead

MARK PEARN had a chat with the wife Holly and, after a six-year break from the ­international arena, decided to try for a third Olympics.

“If I’m honest, there were a few expletives from the wife but we talked it all over,” said Pearn. “If it had affected our two little girls we would not have contemplated my comeback.

“But we have great support, from both sets of parents plus Wellington College in Sandhurst where I work and I am loving it.” Pearn, who went to the Sydney and Athens Olympics is now 34 and proud to represent his country again on home soil at the London Cup, starting today at Chiswick.

Having chalked up his 150th cap on his recent return in Amsterdam, late fitness concerns over Harry Martin and Matt Daly have given him his chance again, with Richard Alexander also brought into the squad.

Pearn, player-coach at East Grinstead, said: “Life has moved on. I have come back a different person. The game has changed and I am sure people who come to watch us this week will be surprised at how good a game it is and how good we are.

“But just being in the Olympics is not enough for me. And this squad is definitely capable of winning London gold.” And, importantly, Pearn has the wife’s backing to do exactly that.

LONDON CUP (University of Westminster Sports Ground, Chiswick): Today: Korea v New Zealand 11.45am; England v Belgium 2pm. Tomorrow: Belgium v New Zealand 5.45pm; England v Korea 8pm. Friday: Belgium v Korea 5.45pm, England v New Zealand 8pm. Saturday: Bronze medal play-off 3pm, gold 5.30pm. Tickets at the ground.

Daily Express

Scotland U18's off to a flyer in Cernuso with win over Italy

Scotland started their bid for promotion with a convincing 3-0 win over hosts Italy in the opening pool match of the EuroHockey U18 Championship II in Cernusco.

In a fairly even opening 30 minutes the Scots youngsters had the best of the chances through CALA Edinburgh`s David Patterson and Tom Kemsley from AMN Hillhead.

Johnathon Roy finally broke the deadlock just before the interval, when he scored with a direct shot from close range after good build-up work from Greaves Clydesdale teammate Stewart Coghlan.

Not long after the break Coghlan himself put the Scots two up with a deflection from a penalty corner strike by Ben Peterson.  The result was sealed with a third goal from Corey Hastings, with the initial shot being saved by the Italian goalkeeper but the rebound was stroked home by the CALA striker.

Austria are Scotland`s next opponents tomorrow afternoon at 4.00pm BST. They beat Ukraine 5-2 in their opening encounter to top the pool on the number of goals scored.

More information, including fixtures, results, pool standings, photos and videos can be found on the EuroHockey U18 Championship II website.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Team Canada announces rosters for the 4 Nation Classic

“The 4 Nation Classic marks the first step in the final phase of our Pan Am Games preparation,” says Men’s Coach Robin D’Abreo. “It will be the first of 3 competition elements through the summer that will allow us to meet the following objectives:

• Reintegrate players on our squad who have been participating in overseas leagues
• Continue to further refine our tactical frame work
• Familiarize ourselves with some of our Pan Am opponents
• Consolidate the talent pool for the purpose of final selection to the Pan Am Games Team

Playing at home also allows for additional exposure to our fantastically dedicated supporters whose belief, strength, and encouragement continually spark our performances.”

TEAM CANADA | MEN

David Carter
Adam Froese
Richard Hildreth
David Jameson
Gordon Johnston
Antoni Kindler
Connor Meakin
Mark Pearson
Ken Pereira
Keegan Pereira
Rob Short
Sukhwinder Singh
Iain Smythe
Hudson Stewart
Devohn Texeira
Scott Tupper
Jesse Watson
Philip Wright

“The 4 Nation Classic is important as it allows the team to compete in a tournament setting,” says Women’s Coach Louis Mendonca.  “Tournaments usually bring match pressure at every game. Understanding, coping and competing under these conditions will help the team performance at the Pan Am Games and Olympic Qualifiers.

The 4 Nation Classic provides more international experience for our players and the opportunity to raise the profile of the program, which in turn will inspire more young women to take up the sport. Canada has typically been a road warrior; however, in the last few years FHC has a done great job to provide both the men’s and women’s teams competition at home. Not only has it helped our budget, it has been a huge boost for the athletes and staff to play in front of home fans and supporters."

TEAM CANADA | WOMEN

Abigail Raye
Azelia Liu
Danielle Hennig
Diana Roemer
Hannah Haughn
Jessalyn Walkey
Kate Gillis
Katie Baker
Kristine Wishart
Natalie Sourisseau
Poonam Sandhu
Samantha Smith
Stephanie Jameson
Thea Culley
Tyla Flexman

CANADA TEAM ‘A’ | WOMEN

Alex McCawley
Ali Lee
Amanda Woodcroft
Bea Francisco
Brienne Stairs
Emma Plasteras
Kate Thompson
Katie Collison
Kaitlyn Williams
Kim Scraper
Maddie Secco
Marian Dickinson
Mary Nielsen
Michelle Weber
Rachel Donohoe
Sara McManus
Shannon Elmitt

CANADA TEAM ‘A’ RESERVES

Cailie O’Hara
Elspeth Mc Gillivray
Priya Randhawa
Sofia Walia

Field Hockey Canada media release

Hockey squads off to Canada tourney

Nigel Simon

This senior country’s senior men and women’s hockey teeam will depart for Vancouver, Canada today to compete in a Four-Nation Classic as they continued perparations for the  Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico from October 19-28. In Canada, the local men’s team to be captained by reigning T&T Hockey Board “Player of the Year” Queen’s Park Darren Cowie, will do battle with Canada and Chile at Wrigght Field, University of British Columbia.

The “Calypso Stickmen” are coming off a recent four-match tour of the USA where they went  under in three of the matches and will be keen for a better showing in Canada. Against the USA, T&T suffered a 4-2, 3-2 and 3-2 losses in their first three matches after scoring first on each occassion. But the T&T squad ended its American tour on a high with a 4-2 triumph in California and will be looking to continue winning ways against the host and  South Americans. At the  Pan American Games, which  serves as a qualifier for next year’s London Olympics, Cowie and company will play Barbados, Canada and Chile in Group A while Argentina, Cuba and USA are in Group B. T&T women’s team is coming off a recent 3-0 sweep of neighbours Guyana (6-1, 7-0, and 4-0) on home soil but will face stiffer competition in Canada’s first and second teams as well as Chile and Japan. In Mexico, T&T women will compete in Group A alongside Argentina, Barbados and Canada while  Group B comprises Chile, Cuba, Mexico and USA.

T&T men’s team:

Darren Cowie (captain), Dwain Quan Chan, Atiba Whittington, Mickel Pierre, Akim Toussaint, Carlos Stephens, Aidan De Gannes, Christopher Scipio, Jovan Woodward, Marcus James, Shaquille Edwards, Evan-Piers Farrell, Kwandwane Browne, Isaac Marecheau, Dillet Gilkes, Triston Grant, Sheldon Mc Kellar (GK), Andrew Vieira. Technical staff:  Bas Deuin (coach), Glen “Fido” Francis (assistant coach), Nataki Akii-Bua (manager), Shurlan Bonas (massage therapist), Candice Thomas (physiotherapist)

T&T women’s team:

Avion Ashton, Renee Charles, Mindy Charles, Petal Derry (GK), Kristin Thompson, Stephanie Whiteman, Lindsay Williams, Blair Wynne, Fiona O’Brien, Brittney Hingh, Alanna Lewis, Dara Ransome, Jennifer Stephens (GK), Alicia Waithe, Charlene Williams, Curlyne Wynn, Kelli O’Brien, Michelle Leotaud. Technical staff: Anthony Marcano (coach), Natalie Nieves (assistant coach), Kemoy Clarke (manager), Abigail Agard (massage therapist).

Tournament fixtures:

July 15

Canada A vs Chile (women) - 2 pm
Canada vs T&T (women) - 4 pm
Canada vs T&T (men) - 6 pm

July 16

Chile vs T&T (women) - 2 pm
Canada A vs Canada (women) - 4 pm
Canada vs Chile (men) - 6  pm

July 17

T&T vs Chile (men) - 6 pm

July 18

Canada A vs T&& (women) - 2  pm
Canada vs Chile (women) - 4  pm
Canada vs T&T (men) - 6.30 pm

July 19

Canad vs Chile (men) - 6 pm

July 20

Chile vs T&T (women) - 2 pm
Canada vs Japan (women) - 4 pm
Chile vs T&T (men) - 6.30 pm

July 21

Japan vs Chile (women) - 4 pm
Canada vs T&T (women) - 6 pm

July 22

Canada vs T&T (men) - 6 pm

July 23

Japan vs T&T (women) - 11 am
Canada vs Chile (women) - 1 pm
Chile vs T&T (men) - 3.30 pm

July 24

Third place playoff (women) - 11 am
Canada vs Chile (men) 1.30 pm
Women’s Final - 4 pm

The Trinidad Guardian

Tam Wing holds up Defence Force

Defence Fence Force missed a chance to join Paragon in second spot on the T&T Hockey Board Men’s Championship Division table after squandering a 2-0 lead in a 3-3 draw with Notre Dame at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua, on Sunday. The “Teteron Boys” stormed into a 2-0 lead with goals from Nicholas Wren in the eighth minute and Neil Lashley in the 31st minute. However, a minute later Tobias Ottley netted to give the Dames some hope, trailing 2-1 at the half. Five minutes into the second-halff, national midfielder Aidan De Gannes drew the Dames level, but Lashley responded in the 42nd minute for Defence Force to lead 3-2 in the see-saw encounter.

The Dames got on even terms for the second time in the match through Dillon Tam Wing in the 51st minute and despite efforts by both teams to find the winner, the match ended 3-3. The drawn result left Big-Four winner Defence Force in fourth spot with 20 points, the same as Queen’s Park which also drew 3-3 with Corona Fatima on Saturday. At the top of the table is defending champions Petrotrin, while Paragon is second with 22 points, both from ten matches as well.

In the Women’s Championship Division, Paragon and Maritime Harvard Checkers battled to a 1-1 draw. National women’s team player Alanna Lewis opened the scoring for Paragon from a penalty corner after only six minutes, but Kecia Jones, a former national player got Checkers a share of the points with her 53rd minute field goal. With the drawm Checkers and Paragon remained third and fourth on the seven-team table with 16 and 15 points respectively. Malvern leads with 25 points from nine matches, three ahead of defending champion, Shandy Carib Magnolias.

T&THB Results Sunday Championship Men

Notre Dame 3 (Tobias Ottley 32nd, Aidan De Ganness 37th, Dillon Tam Wing 51st) vs Defence Force 3 (Neil Lashleyy 31st, 42nd, Nicholas Wren 8th)

Championship Women

Paragon 1 (Alanna Lewis 6th) vs Maritime Harvard Checkers 1 (Kecia  Jones 53rd)

The Trinidad Guardian

India to play 9-a-side hockey in Australia

V Narayan Swamy

BANGALORE: Nine players a side, two of them always in the attacking half. Penalty strokes to be one-on-one battles between goalkeeper and the attacker. More tolerance of foot contact outside the circle to reduce unnecessary stoppages in play.

Space and stamina will be the essence in this form of hockey that India will attempt for the first time in October this year. Invited by Hockey Australia for a four-nation event that will be played alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth, the Indians will relish the elbowroom as well as the shorter duration of the game. But what they may have to learn, in double quick time, are the tactics significant to nine-a-side hockey.

Hard running is one, frenetic pace, precise long passes and making do with lesser number of players are the others. While they seem to be par for the course, what may come as a surprise are the opportunities Indians may get to dribble and dodge. The space and India's known allergy towards the long pass too may spur the return of individual skills.

Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth, however, thought the pace of the game would increase. "These rules will increase the pace of the game and result in a more attacking style, which is obviously going to make for great viewing and undoubtedly help us gain a few new fans along the way," Charlesworth was quoted as saying in a hockey website.

The tournament, to be held from October 27 to 30, features Australia, India, New Zealand and Pakistan. Four women's teams from the Commonwealth, including India and Australia, too figure in a similar tournament to be run concurrently.

Teams have requested additional matches with Australia, which Hockey Australia said it would consider.

Chief hockey coach Michael Nobbs introduced the concept at the training camp here last week. "I'm still yet to understand the complete rules and we've played just once during the practice session last Friday," he said.

Nobbs said the nine-a-side version was experimental. "Ric Charlesworth has always said there might be too many players on the field. He modified the rules of original hockey to make it exciting. Hopefully we get more goals. I guess it will be fun too and we will be playing for the first time."

The Times of India

Nine-a-side to hit hockey

Innovation is a part and parcel of any sport and hockey -- which itself has embraced many changes over the years -- will, for the first time, experiment with a nine-a-side competition.

Designed and conceptualised by veteran player and super coach Ric Charlesworth, the new format with rules that have been modified for more attractive viewing will be played for the first time during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth from October 27-30.

Four teams -- hosts Australia, neighbours New Zealand, India and Pakistan -- will compete in the men’s section while the participating list for the women’s event is yet to be finalised.

The salient features of this format, approved by the world body International Hockey Federation (FIH), are that each side must have two of its nine players in the attacking half always. Unlike the two 35-minute halves in regular hockey, the match will consist of two 15-minute halves with an half-time interval of five minutes.

Unlimited substitutions are allowed at any time through an interchange area, ensuring that the game is fast and flowing, while the maximum numbers of players a team can choose from is 16. The rules for penalty corners -- one of the important scoring avenues for teams -- have been modified and one-on-one face-offs will take place between a player and the opposing goalkeeper to decide a drawn encounter.

“This is one of the exhibitions we will be putting on during the CHOGM in Perth,” said India’s hockey coach Michael Nobbs. “Ric has modified the rules of original hockey to make it more exciting. Ric has said many times that there might be too many players on the field.

“We probably need to get rid of the penalty corners at some point in time as well. We all need to score goals but currently, penalty corners dominate the balance of a match. I am really happy to see some rule changes and hopefully it brings in more goals.”

Nobbs, who tried out the new format with the national campers on Friday, said the boys enjoyed playing it but found it a bit tough to understand the rules. “They are playing for the first time, so it’s going to be tough. Forget them, even I had a difficult time trying to get to terms with it. Hopefully, we should be good in about four-five weeks,” said the Australian.

Nobbs also said the game has not been tested domestically in his home country. The selectors of Hockey India, it was confirmed, will be arriving at the SAI campus on Wednesday to conduct a two-day selection trial to narrow down the probables to 48. “We are yet to decide on the schedule. Most of the players pick themselves, it’s just a few that will be up for discussion,” said one of the coaches.

The seminar on the do’s and don’ts of drug use by Dr CD Tripathi, chairman of the Therapeutic Use Exemptions panel, will be held on Tuesday. The seminar, originally scheduled to be held on Monday, was put off following the ‘surprise check’ visit by NADA officials.

Deccan Herald

Nobbs wants 50 probables, HI 60

BANGALORE: Hockey India has planned a three-day selection trials from Wednesday to prune its army of probables. The selectors are apparently aiming for 60 and chief coach Michael Nobbs looking at 50.

Former India captain and government observer Dilip Tirkey has already arrived at the Sports Authority of India, South Centre, while selectors Col Balbir Singh and BP Govinda are expected on Tuesday. Camp co-ordinator AB Subbaiah, the other member of the selection panel, and Nobbs too will be involved in whittling down the numbers.

Meanwhile, exercise physiologist David John arrived at the South Centre here on Monday . John, a crucial member of the support staff who Nobbs had specifically asked for, is expected to swing into action from Tuesday.

The Times of India

Raid at Sports Authority of India’s Bangalore centre

Two days after conducting a raid at the National Institute of Sport in Patiala, the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) carried out a similar surprise inspection of the Sports Authority of India (South Centre) here on Monday.

A four-member team — comprising two officials from Delhi and two empanelled Doping Control Officers from Bangalore — led by V. Jayaraman, Senior Project Manager, NADA, arrived on the premises at 8 a.m. and searched inmates rooms and collected samples at random.

“We have come for a suprise check,” Jayaraman said. “This includes inspecting some of the rooms at random and selecting athletes for on-the-spot collection,” he said.

The team searched 51 rooms across four hostels, recovering “some items”.

“We formed two teams. We got…I don't know, maybe food supplements, I don't remember…,” he said.

“What we found was suspect and we have taken them from the rooms.” Most of the rooms inspected had multiple occupants, he revealed, with one even housing coaches.

The search of the rooms lasted a few hours while the process of collecting samples was still in progress when Jayaraman addressed the press in the evening.

He estimated that 25 samples, from athletes across disciplines (including members of the National hockey team camped there), would be taken by the end of the day. Results of the tests would arrive from the National Dope Testing Laboratory in seven working days' time, he said.

The Sports Authority of India's Bangalore campus is home to several National camps — including athletics, weightlifting, and hockey.

Director G. Kishore said the visiting NADA team had been extended complete support.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, an anti-doping seminar, led by Dr. C.D. Tripathi of NADA's Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee (TUEC), will be conducted for all athletes and coaches residing on the campus.

The Hindu

Sukhbir: Punjab Gold Cup from September 22

Decks have been cleared to host the Four-Nation Punjab Gold Cup Hockey Tournament from September 22 to October 2 and all the six floodlit hockey stadiums would be ready by August 30.

Punjab deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal today reviewed the progress of construction work of the entire stadium in a high level meeting in which representatives from Sports Department, GMADA and GLADA, Improvement Trust Jalandhar participated.

Badal said it was a matter of great pride for Punjab as state was hosting this tournament for which consent of participation had already been received from other three countries — Pakistan, New Zealand and Argentina.

Badal said these world class stadiums with astroturf, and floodlights installed by GE International, would be the best stadiums in the country.

It was informed in the meeting that the hockey stadiums in Government Barjindra College Faridkot, Olympian Prithipal Singh Hockey Stadium PAU Ludhiana, Hockey Stadium GNDU, Amritsar, Hockey Stadium Rajindra College Bathinda, Sports Complex Mohali would be ready by August 30 and remaining multipurpose stadiums in Bathinda, Sangrur, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Mansa, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar and Ludhiana would be ready by September 30.

The Tribune

Punjab Gold Cup hockey from September 22 to October 2

CHANDIGARH: The second edition of the four-nation Punjab Gold Cup hockey tournament will be held from September 22 to October 2.

After reviewing the progress of construction work of stadia on Monday, deputy chief minister of Punjab Sukhvir Singh Badal said that all the six floodlit hockey stadiums in the state would be ready by August 30 before the commencement of the event.

Apart from hosts India, arch-rivals Pakistan, New Zealand and Argentina are the other three participating teams who have already sent their confirmation, he said.

The hockey venues in Government Barjindra College stadium, Faridkot; Olympian Prithipal Singh stadium in PAU Ludhiana; GNDU stadium, Amritsar; stadium in Rajindra College, Bathinda; and Sports Complex, Mohali would be ready by August 30, while the remaining multipurpose stadiums in Bathinda, Sangrur, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Mansa, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar and Ludhiana would be in proper shape by September 30.

Stressing upon the need for providing proper facilities to the spectators, Badal said all stadiums should have proper canopies, fiber glass or steel seats, big screens on all the four sides of grounds, proper parking, toilet facilities and fire fighting arrangements.

Underlining the need for creating an unified maintenance authority for all these stadiums, Badal asked secretary sports PS Aujla to put the proposal for creating a statutory self financing body.

The Times of India

Hockey Australia benefits from Women in Sport Media Grants

Hockey Australia is one of 15 national sporting organisations to benefit from the Australian Sports Commission’s $1.45 million funding to boost the media coverage of women’s sport.

The Australian Government’s Women in Sport Media Grants were announced yesterday by Minister for Sport, Mark Arbib and Minister for the Status of Women, Kate Ellis.

All interested sporting national bodies were required to submit an application for how the initiative could help increase the exposure and reach of women’s sport in the media.

As a result Hockey Australia has received $100,000 to help promote women’s sport over a 12 month period.

The grant will assist in a number of areas including online broadcast of all Hockeyroos matches over the next 12 months (match filming will be provided to TV stations for news highlights), an increase in media coverage of international events which occur overseas and an increase in social media content. 

When announcing the grants Senator Arbib commended sports for their vision and initiative in working to increase and enhance the coverage of women’s sport in Australia.

“Women’s sport deserves greater prominence in the Australian media. These grants will help sports develop quality content for broadcasters and attract greater coverage of a range of women’s sports,” Senator Arbib said.

Hockey Australia Chief Executive Mark Anderson said the grant would greatly assist Hockey Australia current efforts to increase the profile of the Hockeyroos in the Australian sporting landscape.

“Increasing the media profile of our teams is one of the major priorities of our organisation. We have great ambassadors for our sport in the Hockeyroos who over a long period have achieved some fantastic results, but for a number of reasons we have been unable to sustain major media coverage. This grant will go a long way in ensuring we do everything possible to make it as easy and appealing for the media to give coverage to the Hockeyroos in what will be an exciting 12 month lead up to the 2012 London Olympics.” said Anderson.

“The Hockeyroos will be competing in some significant events in the coming months, including the Oceania Cup and the International Super Series. This funding will help create awareness of these events and the teams results,” said Anderson.   

Hockey Australia Game Development Manager Grant Weir said an increase in coverage from the media will not only assist in gaining sponsorship, but will also encourage more participation rates around the country.

“We are very proud of the fact that unlike many other major sports, we have an almost even split of male and female participants, with 51% of players around the country being female. This makes us quite unique. The Hockeyroos are already great role models, and if more people can get to know them through a greater media presence, this will help increase participation numbers as people realise just how great a sport hockey is,” said Weir.

Successful recipients:

National Sporting Organisations Funding

Netball Australia $260,000

Cricket Australia $200,000

Cycling Australia $147,000

Football Federation of Australia $100,000

Hockey Australia $100,000

Rowing Australia $100,000

Surfing Australia $100,000

Swimming Australia $100,000

Ski and Snowboard Australia $80,000

Basketball Australia $70,000

Tennis Australia $50,000

Athletics Australia $50,000

Equestrian Australia $35,000

Australian Water Polo $30,000

Australian International Shooting $28,000

Hockey Australia media release

MHF turn towards the Dutch to seek hockey improvements

By S. RAMAGURU


Faisal Saari: Had a stint in the Australian hockey league last month.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) will look to the Dutch to improve the hockey structure in the country and also the national team.

For starters, the MHF are hoping that the Dutch hockey authorities will allow at least four to six national players to compete in their national league to gain experience. And on the coaching side they would also like to secure attachments for the local coaches with their clubs.

The MHF president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah earlier this month met with the chief executive officer of Dutch hockey Johan Walkkie in Amsterdam to discuss these issue and seek their help in developing hockey in Malaysia.

MHF secretary Maninderjit Singh who was in Amsterdam as well said the idea to get the Dutch help was mooted by the president and that was the reason for the meeting on the sidelines of the FIH executive meeting.

The Malaysians officials were in Amsterdam for the meeting to make a bid for the FIH Congress to be held in Malaysia next year. They were successful in their bid and the FIH’s Congress will be held in Kuala Lumpur from Oct 31-Nov 4. This is the first time the FIH congress will be held in Asia since 1975.

Maninderjit said that the meeting with the Dutch was to seek help not only in regarding the national team and the coaches but also to try and remodel the Malaysian structure at the grassroot level.

“For a country with a population of just over 6.4 million they have almost 250,000 hockey players. They have a vast club structure and almost each club own a turf.

“We hope to conduct a study tour to Holland sometime soon and get more details on their structure. It is not about copying it but to learn and utilise their winning strategies,” said Maninderjit.

“The president has got an understanding on the players’ attachment and the Dutch will get back to us on the plan later. They are willing to support us and also offer help in other areas as well,” he said.

But these initiatives will only take off after the London Olympics next year.

The Dutch league will start in September and there is no way for our players to be involved this year as our national team have their plate full at the moment. The Malaysians will also seek special help in other areas of coaching from time to time and bring in specialised coaches to train the national players.

“Presently we are looking at the Australian league to expose our players. We had two players playing there last month in their league. They are Faisal Saari and Mohamed Shukri Mutalib. We will continue to use the Australian league as well.

“The Dutch league is popular with foreign players and many clubs have either Australia, Indian and Pakistani players in their ranks. It is highly competitive league,” he added.

The Star of Malaysia

Home boys to carry Johor's challenge

THE Johor Hockey Association's (JHA) policy of luring players from other states is no longer in practice.

It prefers to focus on talent from within the state to see it through, win or lose.

That is why the Johor Razak Cup squad to the competition in Malacca on July 23-28, will be a homegrown team with no imports.

JHA deputy president Manjit Singh Abdullah yesterday confirmed that the Johor squad to the Razak Cup final round in Malacca will not have too many internationals and that no recruitment from other states would be made either.

"We believe we have the homegrown talent to carry the team's challenge and we will depend on them," said Manjit.

Johor's policy of recruitment, which saw them winning the Razak Cup in 2006 and 2008, had ex-internationals the Raj brothers, Keevan and Logan, and Chairil Anwar to bolster the team.

Johor came through the south zone qualifier last month to book their ticket to the final round and coach Gurmit Singh has been handed a team comprising youth and experience.

"The composition of the team is fine with me. What we need is match practice and when the team assemble on Wednesday for centralised training in Kuala Lumpur, we will arrange for a few friendly matches.

"Whether I have current or ex-internationals in the team. it doesn't really matter.

"For me, big names are useful but team discipline is more important," said Gurmit.

Johor, according to Gurmit, are looking at a top four finish in the championship.

New Straits Times