News for 16 July 2011
Saturday, 16 July 2011 09:47 | 
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All the news for Saturday 16 July 2011
England beat New Zealand’s Black Sticks
The full house at Chiswick on Friday was given a lot to cheer as the host nation England played entertaining fast hockey to beat New Zealand 3-1 in their last round robin match of the London Cup. Reading’s Richard Mantell fired home England’s first penalty corner goal of the tournament midway through the first half; and there was a special moment for Beeston’s Adam Dixon, whose diving finish earned him his first international goal in his 50th appearance for England.
New Zealand’s Nick Wilson bagged his third in three games to half the deficit but Wimbledon’s Rob Moore made sure of the victory three minutes from time, sending the capacity crowd home happy.
It was England’s first victory in the tournament and Jason Lee’s side will now take on archrivals Belgium tomorrow in the bronze medal match.
Afterwards, Lee said: “We did pretty well tonight. We were a bit low on confidence but it was a strong performance. We were addressing the appalling performance against Belgium and today shows that we’re a high quality team; it has just come a bit late in the tournament. It’s obviously good in terms of European [Championships] preparation.”
Putting behind them the disappointment of their first two matches, England played with a lot more purpose and resilience to record a strong victory. The first half began with England putting together a series of attacks and they finally earned their first penalty corner in the 17th minute. Reading’s Richard Mantell wasted no time in converting the corner to put reigning European Champions in the lead.
Playing his 50th match for England, Beeston mid-fielder Adam Dixon made it a memorable one as he then netted a diving effort from open play in the 29th minute to extend the lead further. The Black Sticks found it difficult to match England’s pace in the first half and the English front line pressed the New Zealand defence throughout.
Commonwealth bronze medallists New Zealand halved the deficit in the fifth minute of the second half when Nick Wilson scored through open play. It was his third goal in as many games at The London Cup. Refusing to allow the Kiwis back into the match England continued to attack and the pressure paid off when Rob Moore scored from open play three minutes before the final hooter to seal a well-deserved victory.
England were unlucky not to score more goals as New Zealand goalkeeper Stephen Graham came up with a series of excellent saves.
Talking about his goal, Adam Dixon said, “It’s a monkey out of my back. I can hardly remember when my last goal was. The ball came free, the goalkeeper came out and I just put it in with a diving effort.”
England will now look to avenge their opening day defeat when they play Belgium tomorrow at 3:00pm.
In the evening’s first match, between Belgium and Korea, it was the Koreans who sealed a place in Saturday’s London Cup Final with a confident 3-1 victory. The Koreans went into the break 1-0 up courtesy of Kyu Yeob Jang and two second half goals from Hyo Sik You and tournament leading scorer Nam Yong Lee secured the points. Belgium’s only goal came from Cedric Charlier as they were unable to overcome a strong Korean side, who fielded a kicking back for much of the second half having lost goalkpeer Myung Ho Lee to injury.
The result, coupled with New Zealand’s defeat to England, means Korea top the table, with the Black Sticks second on goals scored. England leapfrog the Belgians ahead of their clash on Saturday.
Seated tickets for Saturday have sold out; however, ground passes are available on the gate. The gates open at 1:00pm with England’s bronze medal match underway at 3:00pm and the Final at 5:30pm.
England 3 (2)
Richard Mantell 17 (PC)
Adam Dixon 29 (F)
Rob Moore 67 (F)
New Zealand 1 (0)
Nick Wilson 41 (F)
England Squad v New Zealand
Name (Club) Position
Started
James Fair (Cannock) Goalkeeper
Ben Hawes (Wimbledon) Defender
Iain Lewers (Loughborough Students) Defender
Richard Mantell (Reading) Defender
Richard Smith (Loughborough Students) Defender
Adam Dixon (Beeston) Defender/Midfielder
Barry Middleton (c) (Der Club an der Alster) Midfielder/Forward
Mark Pearn (East Grinstead) Forward
Nick Catlin (Loughborough Students) Forward
Simon Mantell (Reading) Forward
Jonty Clarke (Reading) Forward
Substitutes Used
Alastair Wilson (Beeston) Defender
Richard Alexander (Surbiton) Defender/Midfielder/Forward
Iain Mackay (Reading) Midfielder
Rob Moore (Wimbledon) Midfielder/Forward
James Tindall (Surbiton) Forward
Did Not Play
Nick Brothers (Reading) Goalkeeper
Glenn Kirkham (East Grinstead) Midfielder
The London Cup Standings
1. Korea (6 points)
2. New Zealand (6 points)
3. Belgium (3 points)
4. England (3 points)
England Hockey Board Media release
England 3 New Zealand 1: match report
By Emily Benammar
Celebration: England celebrate the opening goal against New Zealand Photo: PA
Adam Dixon celebrated his 50th England cap by scoring his first international goal in a 3-1 victory over New Zealand in the London Cup.
While the result would have no bearing on Saturday's classification matches, with England already guaranteed to play Belgium for the bronze medal, it was a much needed win for the hosts who had lost their first two fixtures in the four-nation round robin tournament in Chiswick.
Head coach Jason Lee, who earlier in the week described his side's first performance as "embarrassing in front of a home crowd", was more positive after this win.
“We played pretty well,” he said. “We're a bit low on confidence. It was nerve wrecking at some points but it's nice to address the balance after the appalling performance against Belgium.
“Today's performance shows we're a high quality team but it's come a bit too late. It's good in terms of European preparation though tinged with frustration and perhaps a bit of anger.”
After a relatively balanced opening period, penalty corner specialist Richard Mantell eventually broke the deadlock with a perfectly executed set piece 16 minutes in. With the New Zealand defence slow to come off their line, the Reading defender had plenty of space to place his shot from the top right side of the area.
A minute later England came agonisingly close to doubling their lead after an error from New Zealand's goalkeeper Stephen Graham gifted Richard Alexander with the chance to score but his effort was deflected wide.
The threats on their goal appeared to spark life into an unusually docile looking New Zealand, but try as they may, they could not find a way through England's defence and were instead forced to play the ball out to their own back-line.
With the crowd behind them, England's momentum continued to build, and with seven minutes left before the break, Dixon found the back of the net with an outstanding reverse flick from the right side.
While New Zealand pulled one back early in the second-half, England were totally in control and they were unfortunate not to have scored on at least four occasions.
Patience however paid off and their dominance was rewarded three minutes from time when Rob Moore netted from close range.
Delighted to have scored his first international goal, Dixon said: “It's a monkey off my back I can't even remember when my last goal was, the ball came free, the goalkeeper came out and I just put it in.”
While England meet Belgium in Saturday's bronze medal match, New Zealand will play Korea for the gold.
The Telegraph
Black Sticks Men suffer first defeat at 2011 London Cup
A revitalised England team were too strong for the Black Sticks Men at the London Cup in Chiswick this morning (NZ time) with English players Richard Mantell, Adam Dixon and Rob Moore helping the home side to a convincing 3-1 win over the Black Sticks, whose consolation came from Nick Wilson.
The Black Sticks coming off two successive wins and having already earned a spot in the final, used the game against England to rotate the extended squad in preparation for tomorrow’s final against Korea.
“I think we have played better games in the tournament, it wasn’t our best performance today. I guess we had the luxury of playing our extended squad and testing combinations, because we’re in the final. But we still have to make sure our game is sharper if we want to win the this tournament,” says Black Sticks Men’s coach Shane McLeod.
In front of a capacity crowd, England put the pressure on and in the first half opened with relentless pace, the ball rarely resting in the middle of the park but for fleeting moments, with few clear chances created at either end.
Watched by the Koreans and Belgians who played earlier, the frenetic speed continued until deadlock was broken when England won a penalty corner in the 17th minute. Corner specialist Richard Mantell flicked the ball powerfully down the centre of Stephen Graham’s goal to put the home side ahead.
A little over ten minutes later, the ball fell to England’s Adam Dixon in the circle, and celebrating his 50th cap, his day was made even better when he fired the ball home, doubling England’s lead. England were leading 2-0 at half time.
In the second half, a resurgent Black Sticks side took to the field. Just six minutes into the half, Hugo Inglis found space just outside the England circle. He fired the ball invitingly across the face of the goal and striker Nick Wilson dived on his chin to poke the ball home with flair.
Buoyed by the goal, the Black Sticks took the game by the throat and began stringing attacks on the England goal, stretching the game on the turnover.
But England created chances too, and continued to keep the pressure on. As the floodlights came on at the University of Westminster Sports Ground, the temperature dropped everywhere but on the pitch. Players involved in mini-duels; Middleton with Edwards, Alexander with Burrows.
New Zealand had several more attacks, but they struggled to convert. England too had several shots at goal but they were fired agonisingly wide.
England held tight on defence in the final minutes, closing any holes for Burrows, Jenness or Inglis might look to exploit.
With three minutes left, England broke down the left corner, the ball was passed on to Rob Moore who sublimely finished, stretching England’s lead to 3-1.
“The result means that we are redressing the balance of the appalling performance against Belgium. I think we played pretty well tonight, we were a bit low in confidence and our touch was a bit off. It was a bit nerve-wracking in some places, but we played well. It shows that we are a high quality team,” says England head coach Jason Lee.
England: 3
Black Sticks: 1 (Nick Wilson)
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Black Sticks lose to England in Four Nations
CONSOLATION: Nick Wilson netted the only Black Sticks goal in their 3-1 defeat to England. LAWRENCE SMITH/Fairfax Media
New Zealand have tuned up for tomorrow's final with a 3-1 loss to England at the London Cup four nations men's hockey tournament in Chiswick.
A revitalised England, coming off losses to Belgium and Korea, were too strong for the Black Sticks, with goals to Richard Mantell, Adam Dixon and Rob Moore helping the home side to a convincing victory despite a late consolation goal to New Zealand striker Nick Wilson.
The seventh-ranked Black Sticks had already booked a spot in the final - they will play Korea tomorrow morning (4.30am NZT) - after two wins to open the tournament.
They used the match against England, the world No 4, to rotate the extended squad.
"I think we have played better games in the tournament, it wasn't our best performance today," Black Sticks coach Shane McLeod said.
"I guess we had the luxury of playing our extended squad and testing combinations, because we're in the final. But we still have to make sure our game is sharper if we want to win the this tournament."
In front of a capacity crowd, England put the pressure on and in the first half opened with relentless pace, the ball rarely resting in the middle of the park but for fleeting moments, with few clear chances created at either end.
The frenetic speed continued until deadlock was broken when England won a penalty corner in the 17th minute. Corner specialist Mantell flicked the ball powerfully down the centre of Stephen Graham's goal to put the home side ahead.
A little over 10 minutes later, the ball fell to England's Dixon in the circle, and celebrating his 50th cap, his day was made even better when he fired the ball home, doubling England's lead at halftime.
In the second half, a resurgent Black Sticks side took to the field. Just six minutes into the half, Hugo Inglis found space just outside the England circle. He fired the ball invitingly across the face of the goal and Wilson dived on his chin to poke the ball home with flair.
Buoyed by the goal, the Black Sticks took the game by the throat and began stringing attacks on the England goal, stretching the game on the turnover.
But England created chances, too, and continued to keep the pressure on.
New Zealand had several more attacks, but they struggled to convert. England too had several shots at goal but they were fired agonisingly wide.
With three minutes left, England broke down the left corner, the ball was passed on to Rob who sublimely finished, putting the game safe.
Stuff
Korea through to London Cup Final
Nam Yong Lee is challenged by Loick Luypaert during Korea's match with Belgium at The London Cup, Chiswick
Korea have joined New Zealand in Saturday's London Cup Final after beating Belgium 3-1 on Friday night.
The first match of Friday evening's London Cup saw Korea take on Belgium in a frenetic game that ended with the Asian side finishing 3-1 winners and booking their place in Saturday’s showpiece final. The result was all the sweeter with the Korean ambassador in the crowd (below right).
The Koreans went into the break 1-0 up courtesy of Kyu Yeob Jang and two second half goals from Hyo Sik You and tournament leading scorer Nam Yong Lee secured the points. Belgium’s only goal came from Cedric Charlier as they were unable to overcome a strong Korean side, who fielded a kicking back for much of the second half having lost goalkpeer Myung Ho Lee to injury.
Belgium started with a good spell of possession, but a lively Korean press saw them playing largely in their own half.
The Korean Ambassador talks to EHB Chief Executive Sally Munday and England Hockey's Anne Panter at The London Cup, Chiswick
Korea were enjoying continued success down their left hand flank and Byung Jin Jeon found himself unmarked twice on the baseline. He found himself unable to make anything of the chances but the Korean attacks were gathering confidence and playing some excellent hockey.
Belgium’s Alexander De Saedeleer was then penalised for a push and Korea were awarded the first penalty corner of the game. John-John Dohmen was sent from the defensive line by the umpire for repeatedly breaking early. When the corner was eventually taken the ball was slipped left, following a dummy drag flick. The resulting shot was well saved but Korea’s Kyu Yeob Jang pounced on the rebound, reacting quickly to volley home and give Korea the lead their pressure deserved.
The Belgian team then came to life and a series of attacks saw them earn their own penalty corner. Tom Boon flicked powerfully towards the top right corner but the Korean goalkeeper Myung Ho Lee reacted well to palm the ball onto the crossbar and the ball bounced away to safety, leaving Belgium trailing at the break.
Belgium came out after the interval with renewed impetus and impressive stick skills from Thomas Briels on the baseline saw him turn his marker and juggle the ball down the baseline. But he was unable to find anyone with the subsequent pull back and Korea broke at pace with Jong Hyun Jang forcing his way into the circle before flicking the ball on his reverse past the advancing keeper, only to see it cleared away at the last moment.
Shortly after play was brought to a halt when the Korean goalkeeper had to receive treatment for a hip injury; something he had been having trouble with in recent weeks. He eventually returned to the field and Korea continued to look the more dangerous of the two sides.
Korea then received two green cards in quick succession for breaking down play with overzealous challenges as Belgium pressed hard, seeking a route back into the game. Kyu Yeob Jang and Jong Hyun Jang were the offenders.
The Belgium pressure began to tell and determined work from John-John Dohmen saw the ball played to the backline for a quick strike at goal. Myung Ho Lee saved well with his pads but was left prostrate by the effort and again the Korean physio was called into play. The Korean guardian was unable to return to the field and Korea employed a kicking back. The lack of goalkeeper did not prove an issue to the Korean attack who went on to score their second of the game through Hyo Sik You who converted a reverse stick cross with a fine diving tip in to make the score 2-1.
Both sides had goals disallowed in the second stanza but tournament leading scorer Nam Yong Lee sealed the victory with a venomous reverse strike that cannoned back off the Belgian goalkeeper, only for the ball to strike a defender and bounce back into the goal to ensure that Korea will play in Saturday’s final.
Korean coach Moon Ki Yoo was delighted with his team’s performance, despite losing his goalkeeper to injury: “ Prior to this tournament our goalkeeper had a lot of problems with his hip and missed a lot of training. As a result I was wary what his performance would be like but the team worked hard to make up for it and we are delighted to progress to the final on Saturday”.
Belgium 1
Cedric Charlier 59 (F)
Korea 3
Kyu Yeob Jang 23 (PC)
Hyo Sik You 52 (F)
Nam Yong Lee 64 (F)
England Hockey Board Media release
London Cup Final Preview
New Zealand will be up against the fast and skilful Koreans in the Final of the inaugural London Cup on Saturday evening at the University of Westminster Sports Ground in Chiswick.
New Zealand v Korea at The London Cup in ChiswickAsia’s number one team progressed to the finalon Friday with a confident victory over Belgiim and are now riding high on form. The team will look to avenge their opening day round robin defeat to the Black Sticks in what promises to be an exciting clash.
For the Kiwis, Nick Wilson has been in an impressive form during the tournament scoring a goal each of the three match New Zealand played so far. He has exhibited great stick work and got good support from the team mates Stephen Jenness & Simon Child, both of whom have netted a goal each from open play this week. His goal against England on Friday night was not enough to salavage something for the Black Sticks, but the Commonwealth bronze medallists had already progressed to the Final prior to the match.
Having admitted his side has had little time for preparation coming into The London Cup, Korean coach Moon Ki You was pleased on Friday as his side kept Belgium to one goal, even when they temporarily lost goalkeeper Myung Ho Lee to injury. Korea's defence showed improvement on Friday from earlier in the tournamet and they will be keen to avenge an opening day defeat to New Zealand. Certain to cause problems for the Kiwis is Nan Yong Lee. The Korean sits top of the goal scoring chats with four strikes; all from open play.
For Korea, the major worry ahead of the title clash is the fitness of first choice goalkeeper Myung Ho Lee, who aggravated an existing hip injury against Belgium and looks a doubtful starter for Saturday.
NEW ZEALAND
World Ranking: 7th
Goals scored in London Cup: 6
Goals conceded in London Cup: 5
Top Scorer: Nick Wilson (3)
SOUTH KOREA
World Ranking: 6th
Goals scored in London Cup: 8
Goals allowed in London Cup: 7
Top scorer: Nam Yong Lee (4)
The London Cup Final, featuring Korea and New Zealand, gets underway at 5:30pm. Gates open 1:00pm. Please note, there are no seated tickets available for Saturday's matches. Ground passes are still available at £20 for adults and £10 for Under 18s.
England Hockey Board Media release
England v Belgium Preview
Barry Middleton in action for England against Belgium at The London Cup, Chiswick
England will look to make amends for their opening day defeat when they take on Belgium in the bronze medal match of the London Cup on Saturday afternoon.
The European Champions improved on Friday to seal their first victory of the tournament and will look to turn on the heat on their old nemesis. Despite losing their opening two matches, England arrived at the conclusion of the pool phase having scored more goals than anyone else and with a squad containing the most goal scorers from any one country; seven.
Barry Middleton (above) has scored three goals in the opening three games while Richard Alexander, Jonty Clarke, Adam Dixon, Richard Mantell, Rob Moore and Mark Pearn have each scored once.
England opponents Belgium got off to a flying start in the tournament on Tuesday when they came from 2-0 behind to beat the hosts 4-2. Since then, defeats to New Zealand and Korea have set up the bronze medal clash but coach Colin Batch has expressed his satisfaction with where his side is in its preparations for the forthcoming European Championships.
The Belgians have made the best use of their penalty corners in Chiswick, firing home four goals from corners compared to England and New Zealand's one, and Korea's two. Tom Boon and Alexandre De Saedeleer are the men to watch out for having found the back of the goal twice each so far.
ENGLAND
World Ranking: 4th
Goals scored in London Cup: 9
Goals conceded in London Cup: 10
Top Scorer: Barry Middleton (3)
BELGIUM
World Ranking: 13th
Goals scored in London Cup: 7
Goals conceded in London Cup: 8
Top Scorers: Tom Boon and Alexandre De Saedeleer (2 each)
England v Belgium gets underway at 3:00pm at The University of Westminster Sports Ground in Chiswick. Gates open 1:00pm. Please note, there are no seated tickets available for Saturday's matches. Ground passes are still available at £20 for adults and £10 for Under 18s.
England Hockey Board Media release
Volunteers help make The London Cup what it is
If you’ve attended the London Cup over the last three days you won’t have got very far without coming across a London Cup volunteer.
There have been 58 volunteers helping out in Chiswick this week and there is no doubt that without them this competition would not have been possible; their support has been invaluable.
The volunteers have come from all over England to support us and they have been getting involved in everything from Managing the Funzone, Ticketing, Stewarding, and working as Team Liaisons and Media Officers. Many of them are seasoned veterans and have been volunteering for years.
The media team at The London Cup went out and about to get an insiders’ view of the roles involved.
“I’ve been doing some stewarding work over the three days and then this afternoon I’ve been Jasper who is one of our England Hockey mascots! The atmosphere is great and it’s brilliant to see some world class hockey as well.” Harry Strickland - Mascot Duty – Richmond Hockey Club
“My job is to co-ordinate and oversee the Kidzone. We’ve got lots of things going on with the inflatable hockey pitch and lots of little competitions and target games. A lot of the kids have never played hockey before and they seem to be having a great time; they are all getting excited about the Olympics next year. We’ve got Chloe Rogers and Georgie Twigg helping out and signing lots of Autographs at the moment.” Lewis Kelsey – FunZone Manager – Assistant Coach Liverpool Sefton Hockey Club
“Writing the match reports and helping to deal with members of the press has been a great experience and I’ve really enjoyed myself! Media interest in hockey has been growing since the European Championship win and that was clear by the number of journalists and photographers who attended the event. ” Jonathan Daly – Media Officer – Northern Hockey Club
A huge thank you must also go to the Ball Patrol girls and boys. A number of them were selected as part of the Great Britain Hockey search for Ball Patrol members at London 2012, and the remainder were kindly provided by Richmond Hockey Club, just down the road from the venue.
England Hockey Board Media release
Scotland Women internationals against South Africa cancelled
The scheduled internationals between Scotland Women and South Africa, due to take place at Forthbank Stadium, Stirling between 18-22 July have now been cancelled.
Unfortunately, there have been delays in the South African party gaining and recieving visas from the UK Embassy for the matches in Scotland, and therefore a decision was made between the two organisations to cancel the matches with a hearing not taking place until the start of next week.
Scotland and South Africa may investigate the possibility of rescheduling the matches and further details will be announced should the matches be played at a later date in Scotland.
Scotland Women are due to fly out to Poland in early August to compete at the European Championship II in Poznan.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Pakistan-Dutch hockey match ends in 2-2 draw
Staff Report
KARACHI: Hosts the Netherlands came from a goal down to hold Pakistan to a 2-2 draw in the first match of a two-test match series at Amstelveen, in the Netherlands on Friday.
Muhammad Rashid gave Pakistan 1-0 lead by scoring in the first session.
Penalty corner expert Sohail Abbas netted the other goal for his side.
Pakistan will play their last match of Europe tour when they take Holland in the second match.
It was good a comeback by Pakistan after they suffered 4-0 defeat against the Netherlands in a 4-nation event played earlier this month.
The Daily Times
Tsunami coming PHF’s way, warns Shahnaz Sheikh
By Mohammad Yaqoob
LAHORE: Legendary Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh has claimed that since the PHF officials are short-sighted and have no vision about the game, another tsunami may hit Pakistan hockey during the upcoming 2011 Champions Trophy and the 2012 Olympics.
“The current performance of the Pakistan team in the four-nation Rabo Cup in Holland proved that the team is mediocre and as the time is short for the Champions Trophy and the Olympics, it can’t be raised as a formidable outfit.” Shahnaz told Dawn.
Pakistan finished at the bottom in the Rabo Cup in which toughest teams of the world like Holland, Germany, England, besides Pakistan were playing.
“The performance in the Rabo Cup is the exact reflection how Pakistan team is placed in the world ranking,” Shahnaz remarked.
He claimed that as the PHF failed to take a decision about the senior players after the last Asian Games and now it had no time to make drastic changes for the forthcoming events. “Instead of removing the ageing players after the last World Cup the PHF bargained with them to continue until the Olympics,” he added.
The former Olympian said that the composition of the team had been affected largely due to the lop-sided equation of the ageing players and the juniors who were finding it hard to strike a blanace.
“Presently, the team consists of two types of players, the ageing ones and real junior players which is not a perfect blend. Therefore, the PHF officials should be realistic and have a broader canvas rather than focusing only on saving their skins in the mega events,” he said and asserted that the seniors did not have the stamina to play back-to-back matches.
“Even teams like Belgium, Ireland and France are giving tough opposition to Pakistan that gives a very clear indication about its real strength,” argued Shahnaz.
He commented that the government had pumped in Rs 300 million into the PHF accounts, but those funds were not utilised properly.
“In fact there is lot of ambiguity between the directions and the goals of the PHF. The decisions taken by the PHF in the past are needed to be given second thought,” he suggested.
On the role of coaching academies, the former Olympian suggested that the PHF should reduce them in number. “At the moment the PHF has more then a dozen of coaching academies. But these academies neither produce the required pool of players nor coaches, damaging those cities where local club network is very strong.
He also hit out at PHF president Qasim Zia and secretary Asif Bajwa and the Dutch coach of the Pakistan team, Michel van den Heuvel.
“Seventy-five per cent people of the present PHF have been involved for the last 11 years, but it has so far managed to win only seven medals including only one gold medal, which is nothing if compared to the previous achievements of Pakistan.
Dawn
PHF names probables for Egypt hockey series
LAHORE: Thirty probables, who will attend the training camp being held in Lahore from July 20 to prepare for the national junior hockey team for a series against Egypt, have been announced.
The five-match Test series will be held in Cairo from August 6 to 12.
The same team management has been retained under which Pakistan Under-18 team recently failed to defend the Under-18 Asia Cup title. Rana Mujahid will continue as manager-cum-chief coach while Danish Kaleem, Ahmed Alam and Anjum Saeed will assist him as coaches.
Probables:
Mazhar Abbas, Mohammad Safian, Wasim Abbas, Usman Tanvir, Hafiz Rizwan Ali, Asad Bashir, Arslan Qadir, Mohammad Irfan, Sultan Aamir, Mohammad Sohaib, Zohaib Ashraf, Mohammad Suleman, Bilal Qadir, Khurram Shahzad, Ali Shan, Hassan Mansoor, Rizwan Junior, Mohammad Dilber, Mohammad Adnan Anwar, Aleem Bilal, Khalid Bhatti, Mushtaq, Kashif Javed, Usman Rafique, Umar Bhutta, Ahmed Zubair, Mohammad Bilal Khan, Abdul Karim, Mohammad Umair, Abdul Zohaib Khan.
Dawn
Five-star Dutch run riot
THE Malaysian Juniors were hammered 5-1 by Netherlands Juniors in their Europe Tour match at the SCHC Utrecth Stadium on Thursday.
The Juniors earlier played three matches against the German Juniors where they lost 6-3, drew 1-1 and 4-4.
On Thursday, Nor Faeez Ibrahim scored off a penalty corner in the 35th minute.
The Dutch were leading 2-1 by then, but in the opening minute of the second half, the match blew up for Malaysia when they let in two field goals in 60 seconds. The fifth Dutch goal was scored in the 63rd minute.
Malaysia play the Dutch again today, before heading to England to play four Test matches against the English Juniors.
NST
Sapura can play with out without stars
By Jugjet Singh
PIC: ABDULLAH YUNUS (Second from left).
MALAYSIA Hockey League (MHL) outfit Sapura is not overly worried if national players are not allowed to play in this season’s league, and in fact, see it as a blessing.
The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) will hold a seminar on Sunday, where all interested parties will get a chance to put forward their views on whether national players should or should not play in the MHL this season.
The reason is that the MHF competitions committee could not decide when to hold the MHL, because the national team’s commitment calendar is packed to the brim.
And also, chief coach Tai Beng Hai is not keen on releasing his charges to club duty before the Olympic Qualifiers next year.
“As for Sapura, we have four national players, and if the MHF decide against fielding them, I do not see a major problem for us. In fact, I feel that instead of relying on the pool of 25 national players, clubs and also the country could benefit by giving others a chance to play a bigger role in the MHL,” said Sapura team manager Abdullah Yunus.
However, Sapura feel that the MHF should stick to dates committed earlier, as clubs need to approve their budget and also source for players in advance.
“The show must go on, with our without national players, as I feel the MHF should stick to their calendar which was drawn in the beginning of the year.
“If they keep changing, clubs face a problem with their budget and also the hiring of local as well as foreign players,” said Abdullah.
The national players will be involved with the Asian Champions Trophy on Sept 3-11 in China and the Champions Challenge I in Johannesburg from Nov 26-Dec 4. Their most important assignment is the Olympic Qualifiers early next year.
“The other problem is that going by the earlier date in September, there will be a five week break in the fixtures, and this is where clubs which sign foreign players will be in a limbo either to release them or take the expensive way out by paying their full salary.
“Also, with almost all the regular countries which clubs source their foreign players from also involved in their own programes at the end of the year, it would be difficult to sign quality players and we could end up with liabilities like some clubs experience last season,” said Abdullah.
Abdullah is open for any eventualities in the seminar on Sunday: “I will go with and open mind, and the majority’s decision should be abided.”
New Straits Times
Coach against MHL before Qualifier
By Jugjet Singh
NATIONAL chief coach Tai Beng Hai is all for domestic tournaments, but has put his foot down to organising the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) before the Olympic Qualifiers early next year.
The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) competitions committee could not come to a conclusion on when to hold the MHL this year, and have called all interested parties to submit their views in a seminar this Sunday.
Beng Hai, is of the view that the MHL will disrupt his plans to qualify for the London Olympics.
“I am a great supporter of domestic tournaments, but I strongly feel that if the MHL is held before the Olympic Qualifiers, which could be either in March or April, it would disrupt my plans to prepare a strong side for what could be the turning point, in either direction, for Malaysian hockey,” said Beng Hai.
To cite an example, the coach has declined invitation to the INSEP Hockey Challenge in France, where Malaysia are the defending champions, so that national players can play in the Razak Cup.
“We have been invited again for the INSEP tournament, but since it clashes with the Razak Cup (July 23-28) I decided against playing there because states needed their national players,” said Beng Hai.
The coach is worried that if the MHL is held at the end of the year, it would also disrupt his preparations for the Asian Champions Trophy (Sept 3-11 in China) and the Champions Challenge I (Johannesburg from Nov 26-Dec 4).
“Although the CCI is not as important as the Olympic Qualifiers, we still need to finish among the top-five there so that we are not relegated into CC II.
“I really hope that the management (MHF) will consider every avenue before making a decision on the MHL. I will abide by any decision taken, but personally speaking, I know from experience that playing with clubs and then attending national training has never worked with previous coaches.”
Beng Hai’s worries are justified, as in the past, when clubs release their players for national training, many just stayed away by giving excuses.
Then there are worries about injuries and fitness when players are released to clubs.
“We are closing the gap among our competitors, as we played in the final of the World Cup Qualifier and then the Asian Games final.
“Just give them a little more time, and I believe my players are close to winning the elusive gold.”
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Youth challenging established names
By Tai Beng Hai
(chief coach)
THE long term objective of bridging the gap between Malaysia and the top six or top 10 ranked hokey teams has always been the primary focus of the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF).
And obviously, in this Tour of Europe, the key objectives were to play Netherlands and Spain and see where we stand.
Besides exposing our players to the European style and the process of creating depth or a bigger pool of talent in the team, the Olympic Qualifiers is also ingrained in our pro grammes.
And I believe, we manage to achieve these during the Tour.
We (coaches and MHF) have been rebuilding the team since 2009 and there have been improvements. But we can’t just take Malaysia back to the top overnight.
Changing back, and improving our style and concept by playing to our strong points and not going against our culture has definitely benefited us as can be seen from the silver medal at the Asian Games. And to some extent, the final of the 2009 World Cup qualifier in Invercargill, New Zealand.
We are happy that the program has managed to gradually include some young players into the national team and is beginning to show positive results at this early stage.
Leaving behind four main players from the Asian Games was difficult because of various reasons but the need to strive for the long term objectives was the reason.
And for a start,, youngsters Faisal Saari, Marhan Jalil, Azammi Adabi and Azreen Rizal can be considered to have made the grade.
Now the other new batch of four players in the pool of 25, and five players under attachment from the 2013 Project Squad will hopefully see to the long term MHF strategic plan.
The thing we take away the most is the inclusion of younger players from 2013 is their willingness to fight and there is no fear in them to play against world No 3 Netherlands and No 4 Spain.
Muhammad Firhan, Muhammad Azri and Faiz Helmi gave a good show in this Tour. Their physical condition to compete at the senior level is the only setback. But I feel through more exposure and training they will definitely make it to the national team and this is what we are trying to achieve with this batch of players with time fast running out on us.
The MHF Council has given their consensus to the national team program with the inclusion of the attachment program as one of the ways to increase the depth of national team and strengthen the 2013 team indirectly by fast tracking the four players and five attachment players (25 trainees with 4 juniors included and 5 players under attachment to national team), it is a win-win situation for Malaysian hockey in the long run.
We will be approaching the four months timeline in our programme, and the review is up after the Razak Cup.
One of the objectives is to see players playing more competitively to fight for a place in the national team. Some establish players are already stagnant as the window to perform at the highest level is already closing up on them, so the younger talented players must create a healthy com petitive environment by striving to take this opportunity to make the grade.
On the European training Tour we are very satisfied that the general results was good in Spain even though we started poorly against Holland.
This tour was beneficial to expose our players to the European style of playing. We always find it difficult to play them because of their different approach and their long reach. In order to improve at a faster rate we need to play these European teams more often.
We came close in the first match (lost 2-0) and beating the Spanish 3-2 in the second match, it has obviously injected some believe into the players that they can achieve results against the top six in the world.
The primary objective is obviously the Olympic Qualifiers in early 2012 and the next important assignment is the Champions Challenge 1 in South Africa.
Both the tournaments can improve our ranking, and that is what we are working to achieve in the next few months.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Day 3 U18 Euro Nations
Ireland 0-8 Germany
Ireland dominate the early exchanges and win two corners the second of which Sloans flick is saved by the post man. Germany take lead in 10min from a clinical counter attack when Ireland had thrown numbers forward. Germany went 2-0 following another counter attack goal from a turnover. Germany were happy to concede possession to Ireland and feed off irish mistakes and counter attack. Germany to 3 up after Ireland turnover the ball deep in their own half and Germany clinical again in circle. Germany score their 4th on the stroke of half time from a well worked corner moving the ball from right to left. Half Time Germany 4-0 Ireland
Ireland started the second half tentatively and Germany went 5-0 on 40min following a fast break down the left and far post deflection. Another deflected goal after cross played diagonally into the circle for a high deflection above Irish Keeper Mark Ingram in 46min. In the 60th minute germany score another field goal to go 7 up and just before the final whistle scored their 8th.
Ireland now go into a Pool for 5th-8th position with Russia, England and France. They carry with them the 3 points won in their defeat of Russia on Wednesday. They will play France on Saturday at 11.05 and England on Sunday at 10.00 to determine their finishing position.
Ireland 1-0 Belgium
Ireland got the perfect start with Katie Mullan scoring from open play with only 1 minute on the clock. Belgium enjoyed some good possession and penetration but Ireland forwards always dangerous on the break. Jenna Holmes made two great saves mid way through the half as the pressure mounted on Ireland but the score remained 1-0 at half time.
In the first ten minutes of the second half Ireland defended two penalty corners very well. Belgium continued to press hard for equaliser for the remainder of the half but excellent defending with some super saves from Irish keeper Holmes secured Ireland victory in a game they only need to draw to progress to the semi- final.
Ireland are now in the semis and will play Germany at 13.05 tomorrow Saturday in the 1st semi-final with England taking on hosts Holland in the other semi.
Irish Hockey Association media release
Waste of time for Ministry in merger efforts
K. Arumugam
The fittest survives. There is no question of two fittest in any environment. The new sports minister of India, however genuine he is, seemed to have forgotten this crucial portion of the evolutionary theory.
Ajay Maken, the minister, has been trying to pacify and bring about a merger sort of thing between the out-lived Indian Hockey Federation and the surrogate Hockey India.
He may be right in his attitude and approach.
Today, he was about to announce the ‘merger’ plan, the press has also been invited for the ‘grand’ achievement.
But things got struck. A talk between the member of the IHF who participated in the talk and a former IHF bigwig, that took place moments before what seemed to be the official announcement of merger, spoilt the show.
This site has been maintaining a studied silence on the issue of merger. We have not confused our readers, nor created a hype. It was not without reason.
All the three parties directly involved in the hockey meddle – IHF, HI and mysteriously the FIH – have played their negative role to perfection – still they are doing it. It suited them all. Hockey India, a paper organization to seize power, the FIH to walk away without making public of World Cup balance sheet, and the IHF which is extinct and outlived, all have vested interests.
When everyone involved is so self-centered, self-serving and wanted to perpetuate their acts for future needs, no question of hockey being at their heart.
Why on hell the FIH has to bother about Indian hockey when the whole world is at its feet unless and until it serves some purpose?
Why on earth one Narindra batra has to bother about Indian hockey when he enjoys good life with cricket being a treasurer of a State cricket body?
Why on earth, of all the persons KPS Gill, who liquated Indian hockey and brought to the pass that we did not even qualify for the Olympics has to bother anything beyond ego?
I am really surprised about Indian media which goes moon after each merger talk. It’s the media that built up a non-existing merger.
It followed the positive attitude exuded by one or two officials who regularly attend the meetings, which reflected their persona rather than what transpired inside the boardroom.
In short, when all the parties involved in the merger has so much ego and things to gain, the question of merger is no there.
Indian hockey lives by the doles of government of India. It is not sustaining because of HI, IHF or even the great FIH.
None of them cannot even give a pair of shoes to the Indian players.
Indian players are fed by the government; stay in government quarters, practice on the turf provided by the government, the same govt foot the bill of foreign tours.
Still, the Govt bends backwards to bring a reconciliation. Its hockey that suffers for want of reconciliation, so all other three contributors to the hockey mess, remain adamant. For them self-service comes before hockey.
Government has got all the powers thanks to Rahul Mehra’s PIL, creators of Hockey India are behind bars, the IHF is bankrupt.
Its therefore right time for the ministry to realize its true potential -- and stand counted. It thought of making a Federation of its own a month before, and if my information is correct they are ready with the constitution also.
It has to come out with that now.
Its futile to flog the two dead horses. Even if they succeed that won’t guarantee any good for hockey. People in HI and IHF are former colleagues, none can say a section of them is saint now.
Stick2Hockey.com
IHF, HI to bury their differences
Special Correspondent
A solution appeared in sight on Thursday as the two rival bodies — Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and Hockey India (HI) — agreed in principle to bury their differences at the end of a series of meetings.
A final draft was prepared for the merger of the IHF and HI with both agreeing to a new name for the sake of Indian hockey.
The meeting, at the Shastri Bhawan, was held in the presence of two senior officials from the Union Sports Ministry, which had taken the initiative to solve the problem that has hampered the smooth conduct of the game for some time.
The IHF officials sought a day's time to take the final decision on the draft that suggested an expanded body of the two executive committees. “We are positive and want to get over it as early as possible,' said IHF president R.K. Shetty.
“We have moved ahead in the right direction and a solution is round the corner,” confirmed HI secretary N.K. Batra.
The contractual obligations of the two bodies would be allowed to progress and officials from the two bodies confessed that it would help in better administration of hockey in the country. A contentious issue was the eligibility of the players already signed up for the World League, floated by the IHF and Nimbus, to represent thecountry. HI will need to sort this out with the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
HI was agreeable to fix a cut-off date for those who had already committed, it is learnt. It will need the approval of the FIH also since the international body had said that only tournaments conducted by its affiliated units would be recognised and players competing in unauthorised competitions faced bans.
“Hockey is bigger than Shetty and Batra,' said the IHF president. “We have to assess the comfort level of working together and take the process forward. We have to forget our egos and some compromise has to be made,” he added.
“Let us run hockey together” is the motto that the meeting adopted. A new name for the unified body would mean a lot to the hockey fraternity. The focus is on the efficient organisation of the proposed international tournaments to be hosted by India in the next couple of years — Champions Trophy, Olympics qualifiers, junior World Cup and the World League finals.
According to a Sports Ministry official, most issues were likely to be thrashed out by this weekend.
The Hindu
Hockey factions agree to disagree
Uthra G Chaturvedi
In the end, it all boiled down to a clash of personalities. And a deal that was all but signed and sealed did not materialise as the middle ground the two factions seemed to have found on Thursday, was abandoned late on Friday.
Amidst high drama, the coming together of Hockey India (HI) and the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) to form a joint body failed even as the sports ministry was waiting to make a formal announcement. In fact, minutes before the two sides walked out, ministry officials had said that Sports Minister Ajay Maken would be making a formal announcement.
A fresh set of demands from the IHF at the last minute stalled a process that seemed heading to a positive conclusion as late as Friday evening. “Differences in power sharing and the World Series of Hockey (WSH) turned out to be major issues. Our members wanted more power in the unified body which they didn’t agree to,” IHF secretary Ashok Mathur said.
IHF had wanted to share the posts of secretary and treasurer for the remaining period till 2014 when fresh elections to the unified body would be held but HI stuck to having their secretary and treasurer till then. They also wanted recognition for WSH and removal of April 1 2011 as the cut-off date for signing players.
With IHF president RK Shetty unable to attend, it was represented by Mathur in the almost four-hour long meeting attended by joint secretary Injeti Srinivas, with KPS Gill and Shetty on call. “The discussions were on for a month or so but today they came up with new demands which were not acceptable. If you ask me I would say they (IHF) is responsible (for the failed talks),” a disappointed HI secretary Narinder Batra said.
HI, however, insisted the current model of the WSH designed by Nimbus was not acceptable and that the cut-off date was set by the FIH. “Till date we have not even been shown any documents about the league. How can we accept it,” asked Batra. “How can the FIH have a cut-off date? Even if they did, it was up to us to convince them, not the HI,” claimed Shetty.
Batra also said that irrespective of the talks, HI has decided to co-opt Shetty and former IHF chief KPS Gill in their executive board. Sources said the main reason for the failure was Gill’s insistence on the changed draft and that he was the one who re-drafted the entire proposal on Friday. “His ego has taken a toll on the sport,” a source said.
Ministry cautious
On their part, ministry officials claimed this was not the end. “In any case, we have claims from both parties for national recognition and we are going through them. We are still hopeful that within a few days there will be another set of meetings to work things out. Otherwise we will take a decision and file our reply in the Supreme Court. This thing will be sorted out either way sooner than later,” said a senior ministry official.
Indian Express
Hockey merger fails, ministry to decide now
Firoz Mirza
After two days of hectic debate, the talks to form a unified body to run hockey in the country met a dead-end on Friday. Ashok Mathur, the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) secretary-general, said it was unfortunate that the outcome of the talks came to naught for no apparent reason.
Narinder Batra, the Hockey India (HI) secretary-general, blamed the IHF for the stalemate, saying they came up with fresh demands, which were not acceptable. The talks, which began on Thursday, continued on Friday for more than three hours, but both parties failed to find a solution for merger.
"We just demanded a fair arrangement on power sharing. We proposed a divided tenure of secretary-general and treasurer, which was rejected. They also kept alienating themselves from our World Series Hockey, which in future, could pose troubles for the players. Besides, Batra also wanted us to withdraw cases filed against the FIH (international hockey federation) and IOA, which was not acceptable," said Mathur.
Batra said the recommendations made by the sports ministry for a unified body were "fair" but the IHF came up with new demands. He said that irrespective of failed talks, HI has decided to co-opt IHF president, RK Shetty, and former IHF chief, KPS Gill, in their executive board.
IHF’s new demand
"We have made up our mind to co-opt Shetty as senior vice-president and Gill as life-time chief patron of HI in our next AGM," he added.
IHF sources said they had proposed that each group should hold the posts for two years, whereby HI secretary continues till August 2012 and then IHF representative takes over till 2014, when the elections to form a unified body would be held. "Batra rejected the proposal outright because he did not want to forgo the post of secretary-general."
The source added that, "HI proposed two posts for secretary and treasurer (one each from the two bodies). We rejected this because we feared that Batra wield all powers and our representative would just be a glorified clerk in the set-up," said the sources.
A final bone of contention was the suggestion that the unified body should have a new constitution. "As we were forming a new body, we proposed that it should have a new constitution. How can the body have either the HI or IHF constitution?" said IHF president Shetty.
With the talks failing, the sports ministry now looks set to approach the Supreme Court and apprise it on the developments. "We heard both the parties in pursuance of the directives issued by the apex court. The talks were inconclusive, so now the government will take a decision," said Injeti Srinivas, joint secretary sports ministry.
Hindustan Times
Hockey India-Indian Hockey Federation talks fail, merger stalled
In a major setback, the much-anticipated merger process between Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation fell apart today, thereby plunging the fate of the national game into deep uncertainty.
The talks between the two parties failed following a series of meetings, spanned over the last two days, in the presence of sports ministry officials.
Incidentally, the merger talks seemed to be heading towards a positive conclusion since the start of the meeting yesterday, but eventually hit a roadblock with the IHF coming up with some new demands in the last minute.
"There was no consensus. Merger was not a subject at any point of time, it was a settlement which has failed," IHF secretary Ashok Mathur told reporters outside the sports ministry office here.
"Power sharing and World Series Hockey turned out to be the major road-blocking issues. We wanted some more clarifications on World Series Hockey and power sharing. Our members wanted more power in the unified body which they disagreed," he added.
Mathur, however, lauded the government's initiative but said any settlement should be based on equitable basis.
"The government tried its best. I don't think the government will take any more initiative in future, but hockey will continue."
When reminded that the International Hockey Federation (FIH) does not recognise IHF, he promptly replied, "We are not answerable to FIH and the matter is sub-judice."
DNA
HI-IHF talks fail, merger process stalled
NEW DELHI: It's back to square one for Indian hockey as merger talks between Hockey India (HI) and Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), the two warring bodies claiming to be the custodian of the game, failed on Friday.
There was high hopes of some conciliation but talks were derailed after last-minute difference cropped up during a meeting in the Capital. The developments on Friday were dramatic. The meeting, which was mediated by the sports ministry, was heading in the right direction till the last minute.
In fact, the ministry had even informed the media that it was going to make an important announcement, indicating that the matter was going to the resolved. But minutes later, the representatives of the two groups came out of Shastri Bhawan and immediately began blaming each other for the failed talks.
"There were two issues — one over power sharing and the other over holding of the World Series Hockey League," said Ashok Mathur, secretary of IHF. "One gentleman wants to remain in his position for ever. The settlement should be on equal basis." It is believed that IHF's Hockey League has not gone down well with HI, which is likely to float its own league in 2013.
HI's secretary Narinder Batra said that his side almost agreed to all demands put forth by IHF. "But they came up with some fresh demands. The sports ministry and the HI tried their best for a solution. But unfortunately some people don't want a settlement and were trying to create an unfortunate situation," Batra said.
When asked whether IHF was to be blamed for the debacle, he said "Yes, IHF is responsible." In a clear reference to KPS Gill, the former IHF president, he added: "It's a big setback. People should leave their ego and come for a settlement."
Batra said HI has no problem in inducting Gill as the life patron and RK Shetty, IHF president, as a senior vice-president or senior vice-chairman. "We are in fact planning to do it in our next executive committee meeting," he said, adding that "It's unfortunate that such a thing happened as we had also agreed to change the name of the body."
The Times of India
Chairman's post bone of contention
Did Indian Hockey Federation come up with a demand of a new post — that of a chairman — to rival the position of the president of the proposed unified hockey body? According to sources, both Hockey India and IHF had agreed that the new federation to be created out of the two existing entities would be headed by Airtel supremo Sunil Mittal.
However, on Friday, IHF said it wanted its president RK Shetty to be made the chairman of the new body until the new president was elected. However, HI sources had a different version saying IHF wanted a position which rivalled that of the president. IHF also wanted the general secretary's post to be swapped after two years till elections in 2014, with Ashok Mathur to step in for Narinder Batra. This was unacceptable to HI.
The Times of India
Michael Nobbs to leave for Australia
BANGALORE: Chief coach Michael Nobbs will leave for Perth on Saturday night to procure his Indian work permit before returning to India for the second phase of the camp in August.
Nobbs, who is on a tourist visa to the country, said he had to get his work permit as soon as possible. "Only then can I get started. I need to pack a few things too. When I came for the interview to Delhi a couple of weeks ago, I didn't have the time to pack everything I wanted," he said.
SS Grewal will be in charge of the camp in Nobbs' absence.
Meanwhile, the three-day selection trials ended on Friday with the selectors witnessing the players over six sessions. Trials were disrupted in the morning on Friday owing to water shortage, forcing one session to be postponed to the afternoon. The final list of 48 probables will be announced by Hockey India on Saturday.
The Times of India
Baljit left out of probables for Asian Champions Trophy
BANGALORE: Goalkeeper Baljit Singh, who made a comeback to the Indian hockey camp after two years in wilderness, could not make the core group and was left out of the 48-strong list of probables for the first Asian Champions Trophy in September.
The three-day trials to prune the list of probables for the event concluded at the Sports Authority of India Centre on Friday.
Baljit's selection for the camp had created quite a buzz about the 29-year-old goalkeeper, who was sidelined after a golf ball hit his right eye during practice in 2009.
There was fear of him losing vision but corrective surgeries later, he was back on the field even though he admitted that the layoff nearly destroyed his composure.
But he could not make the cut for the probables' list. The rest of the group has no surprises to offer with familiar faces getting the selectors' nod.
Hockey India Selectors Col. Balbir Singh, BP Govinda, Thoiba Singh and AB Subbaiah, besides Government Observer Dilip Tirkey witnessed the trials.
The Asian Champions Trophy is scheduled to be played at Ordos, China from September 3 to 12 where the first six of the 2010 Guangzhou Asiad shall participate.
The teams are Pakistan, Malaysia, India, South Korea, Japan and China.
The selection committee shortlisted the 91 campers to the core group of 48 probables for future tournaments.
The coaching camp had commenced on July 1 and will conclude on July 31, Hockey India said in a statement.
The second phase of the camp will also be held at Bengaluru from August 8 till departure to China on August 28 with 18 players.
The Probables:
Goalkeepers: Bharat Chetri, Adrian D'Souza, PR Sreejesh, Kamaldeep Singh.
Defenders: Rupinder Pal Singh, Sandeep Singh, William Xalxo, VR Raghunath, Harpreet Singh, Gurjinder Singh, Diwakar Ram.
Midfielders: Sardar Singh, Gurbaj Singh, Vikram Pillay, Arjun Halappa, Vikas Sharma, Vikram Kanth, Bharat Chikara, Danish Mujtaba, Prabodh Tirkey, Vikas Pillay, Birender Lakra Jr., Ravi Pal, Ignace Tirkey, Manjit Kullu, Kothajit, Manpreet Singh, Ajitesh Roy.
Forwards: Rajpal Singh, SV Sunil, Tushar Khandker, Amar Aiyamma, Mandip Antil, Shivendra Singh, Bikas Toppo, Sarvanjit Singh, Roshan Minz, Nithin Thimmaiah, Prabhdeep Singh, Banmali Xess, Akashdeep Singh, Gurvinder Singh Chandi, Pradhan Somanna, Prabhjot Singh, Yuvraj Valmiki, Dharamvir Singh, Chinglinsana, Ramandeep Singh.
The Times of India
Focused on Olympic qualification
Dilip Tirkey. Photo: K. Murali Kumar, The Hindu
Talent notwithstanding, young Indian players are often ill-equipped to make a quick step-up to the senior ranks, feels former India hockey captain Dilip Tirkey.
“Our main problem when we pick players after a junior tournament and directly draft them into the senior team has been their inability to perform for two or three years,” he said here on Friday.
“This is because our domestic competitions are not of the same standard as those abroad. They're unable to adjust.”
A Government-appointed observer on the Hockey India selection committee, Tirkey was speaking on the final day of trials at the National camp at the SAI here. The existing 88-member group is to be trimmed to 48, with the overspill to enter a development squad.
“Our plan is to have them play at least 40 to 50 top-class matches (including international competitions) with the development team before drafting them into the senior team. There should be no excuses. We only want performance in the senior team.”
A few players were impressive, he admitted. “Two-three players have looked good. I can't reveal names, but players in deep-defence, fullback and even in midfield have looked good. They have a future, but they'll need time. They'll be kept in the development team for two to three years.”
Of immediate interest was Olympic qualification, he said. “We're focused on getting experienced players, like Prabhjot (Singh), Ignace (Tirkey), William (Xalxo), Prabodh (Tirkey) etc., fit for the qualifiers.”
Asked if the presence of a few senior players, who at times might have appeared past their best, was necessary, Tirkey replied: “Absolutely. Experienced players are needed. I've seen, with youngsters, in the past that they're good domestically but unable to perform in international matches. It's very rare (that they do).”
It was his opinion that “experienced players” needed to be retained, he clarified, and he had told the same to the selectors.
The Hindu
Seniors are crucial to team: Tirkey
MANUJA VEERAPPA
A man of few words, but tall deeds, former India hockey skipper Dilip Tirkey may have hung up his boots, but his passion for the sport remains undiminished.
From being one of the most dependable defenders of all time, the 33-year-old is now a national selector and government observer.
Even as he gets down to picking the best on whom India's Olympic dreams rest, Tirkey firmly believes senior players, despite their ageing limbs and waning form are essential for the team.
“We definitely need the seniors. The younger lot are good but they do well on the domestic circuit and struggle at the international level.
The squad need two-three years to settle down,“ said Tirkey.
Having quit two years ago after a then world record 412 international caps, Tirkey still has the team's best interests at heart. “We need the experienced players to play an active role in shaping the squad. Most important is the fitness and if the experienced players are agile enough we will have them in the squad,“ he said.
With one day left for the pruning of the 90-member campers into a 48-member core group, Tirkey, on the concluding day of the threeday trials at the SAI South Centre here, said, “The main focus is on forming a competitive team.
“For that, we need to have experienced players like Prabhjot (Singh), Ignace (Tirkey) and Prabodh (Tirkey) to be fit. We are also particular about putting together a development team.“
Post-retirement. Tirkey has been a busy man, and even as he gets ready for the release of his debut Oriya movie Toro Moro Katha Heba Chup Chap, he's planning a coaching academy in Bhubaneswar.
“(Former India defender) Lazarus Barla and I are in the process of setting up and academy. We are seeking government help. It will be a residential one which will cater to the under-15 age group and gradually move up to under-21. We hope to start by the end of this year,” said the Padmashree awardee.
“Life had become very boring. Earlier, practice used to keep me occupied all the time. As a player, you always keep thinking about your fitness and you had to stick to it. But now, I miss the routine. I am slowly getting used to it. However, I just can’t leave the game,” he said.
The Asian Age
ESPN Rise Games opening ceremonies
Ashley Meunier
ORLANDO, FL - The ESPN Rise Games and Disney's Junior Field Hockey Showcase kicks off tomorrow, Saturday, June 16, in Champions Stadium at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Gates open at 7pm and the celebration will begin at 8pm. The ceremony will feature live music, unique Disney entertainment and a showstopping firework display honoring the opening of the 2011 Games.
The ESPN Rise Games are a weeklong, multi-sport event that features the premier high school talent in the country in basketball, football, lacrosse and soccer, alongside youth athletes aspiring to their level of greatness in football, baseball, basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, and track & field. This national festival of youth and high school sports challenges each competitor to RISE to the challenge in 2011.
Competition for field hockey participants will begin on Sunday, July 17 and concluded on Tuesday, July 19 with an awards ceremony for first through fourth place finishes. For more information on the ESPN Rise Games and the Disney Junior Field Hockey Showcase, click here.
USFHA media release