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All the news for Tuesday 19 July 2011

Black Sticks Men lose practice game against Holland, 4-0

Despite having numerous chances to score throughout the game, the Black Sticks Men were beaten 4-0 by third-ranked Holland this afternoon in the first of two friendly matches at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen.

"We created some excellent opportunities in both halves and I'm disappointed not to have converted at least one of our six penalty corner attempts,” says Black Sticks Men’s coach Shane McLeod.

Following the London Cup final against Korea on Saturday evening, the Black Sticks were sluggish in the opening spell and were made to pay, conceding two goals in the first 20 minutes. Strike forward Rudolph Weusthof converted a reverse stick field goal and corner exponent Taeke Taekema scored on his fourth attempt.

The score line sprung the Black Sticks into action and created two clear field opportunities and a penalty corner which was well saved by the Dutch keeper.

The second half was more aggressive with the Black Sticks keen to get back into the game while Holland kept the pressure on and continued to attack. Both teams created opportunities, but it was Billy Bakker who stretched the lead to 3-0 when he scored off a penalty corner rebound.

In the second half, the Black Sticks had five penalty corner attempts and four opportunities on goal but they could not convert their chances.

With eight minutes remaining, strike forward Caspers made it 4-0 with a skillful reverse stick shot.

“Holland are a good team and we enjoy the opportunity to play them, we also enjoy it when we put them under pressure and consistent pressure was hard to find from us today,” says McLeod.

Black Sticks goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex was outstanding saving multiple penalty corner and field shots while Steve Edwards played with conviction in the midfield and Dean Couzins defended well at the back.

"Holland are a skillful team and we found it very difficult to win the ball from them. We must learn to treasure the ball and execute our basics so we don't make so many easy turnovers," says Black Sticks vice captain Dean Couzins.

The two teams match up again at 10pm tonight (NZ time).

Holland: 4
Black Sticks Men: 0

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Black Sticks men lose 4-0 to the Netherlands

The New Zealand men's hockey team have been beaten 4-0 by the Netherlands in the first of two friendly matches at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen.

The Netherlands took advantage of a slow start by the New Zealanders and were 2-0 ahead after 20 minutes.

New Zealand responded to force three good saves from the Dutch keeper.

The Netherlands went 3-0 up when they scored off a penalty corner early in the second half as both teams created opportunities.

New Zealand had five penalty corner attempts and four opportunities on goal in the second half, but could not convert their chances.

With eight minutes remaining, the Dutch made it 4-0 with a skillful reverse stick shot.

"We created some excellent opportunities in both halves and I'm disappointed not to have converted at least one of our six penalty corner attempts," NZ coach Shane McLeod said.

Stuff

4NC: July 18 - Women: Canada vs Chile

Women – Canada vs. Chile: 0-0

This game was the “final” of the first 4-Nations tournament in Vancouver, both team were unbeaten after victories over Trinidad & Tobago and Canada “A”.

Before the game, Stephanie JAMESON was honoured for her 150th International Cap, an impressive tally. By coincidence, her brother David was also supposed to celebrate his 150th Cap today, but the last minute change in schedule delayed this commemoration until tomorrow.

Chile started the match fast but Canada promptly took control of the game, with good pace and swift passes in midfield. Katie BAKER forced a penalty corner for the first serious chance of the match, but the direct shot was wide.

Chile was staying well regrouped in defense and weathered the storm calmly, then progressively pushed forward to threaten the Canadian circle. But play stabilized in midfield, with both teams working hard but unable to find the key to penetrate the opposing defence. Chile slightly dominated the end of first period, but the break was reached without any goal. 

Canada received a severe yellow card early in second period, and conceded a penalty-corner to follow, but it was well saved by Azelia LIU in goal. The Canadians held their ground firmly while short one player, then play was again confined in midfield for a long period, neither team managing to take the upper hand.

The game was intense and “spirited”, but messy at times, with passes going astray. The two best chances of the period came nearly back to back. First a golden opportunity for Chile, with an attacker receiving the ball in front of the empty net and the whole Canadian defense out of reach, but her shot was high over the crossbar. Then a quick counter-attack put a couple Canadian attackers in good position, but the shot was also off target.

Fatigue was stepping in after this high paced game, but Canada nevertheless managed an energetic push in the last five minutes of play, but to no avail, and the match ended on a tied 0-0 score, giving the victory in this first 4-Nation tournament to Chile on goal difference.

The second 4-Nation tournament starts on Wednesday, with Japan replacing Canada “A”. Games on Wednesday: Chile vs. Trinidad & Tobago (2:00pm) and Canada vs. Japan (4:00pm).

Canada Startine Line-up: Kate GILLIS, Samantha SMITH, Stephanie JAMESON, Thea CULLEY, Katie BAKER, Abigail RAYE, Diana ROEMER, Tyla FLEXMAN, Kristine WISHART, Jessalyn WALKEY, Azelia LIU (GK)

Substitutes: Danielle HENNIG, Poonam SANDHU, Hannah HAUGHN, Natalie SOURISSEAU

Field Hockey Canada media release

4NC: July 18 - Women: Canada A vs. T&T

Looking for their first three points of the tournament, Canada 'A' came out in full control in their final match of the first 4-Nations. Numerous opportunities were generated in the Trinidad & Tobago circle, however, Canada was unable to capitalize. Trinidad & Tobago's defense successfully packed the middle areas of the circle shutting down several of the attacks with low, indoor-style, flat stick tackles. Frustrated by the lack of result, Canada 'A' continued to press and counter-attack off Trinidad & Tobago turnovers. Finally, Canada was awarded a series of penalty corners that resulted in the game winning goal. The ball was pulled to the top of the circle and layed off to Ali LEE, who passed the ball to Marian DICKINSON. DICKINSON, with her second of the tournament, received and pushed the ball towards goal. The ball slid just under the goal keeper, bouncing it's way across the goal line. Trinidad & Tobago did have one fast break where and unmarked foward was found alone in the circle but she deflected the ball wide of the goal.

Trinidad & Tobago continued to try and outlet the ball and upped their physicality in the second half. Whethering the storm but still unable to earn a second goal, Canada 'A' continued to maintain control of the game. Clearly frustrated by the scoreline, Canada's inexperience began to show in their impatience to posess the ball during attack. Regardless, it was the DICKINSON penalty corner goal that would give Canada 'A' their first 3 points of the tournament. This capped a great end for the young, spirited team that definitely added some great competition to the first 4-Nations tournament.

Following this tournament, one roster of 18 will be selected to represent Canada in the second 4-Nations tournament. Only one Team Canada will be participating and recent Champions Challenge participants, Japan, will take over the fourth spot for Canada 'A'. Games for Canada's women's team will resume on July 20th at 4:00pm (vs. Japan) and July 21st (vs. T&T).

Canada 'A' Starting Line-up: Bea FRANCISCO, Mary NIELSON, Katie COLLISON, Ali LEE, Rachel DONOHOE, Maddie SECCO, Emma PLASTERAS, Shannon ELMITT, Sara McMANUS, Alex McCAWLEY, Brienne STAIRS

Substitutes: Marian DICKINSON, Michelle WEBER, Amanda WOODCROFT, Kate THOMPSON, Kim SCRAPER 

Field Hockey Canada media release

Chile clobbers Calypso Stickwomen 11-0

Nigel Simon


Blair Wynne

This country’s senior women’s team suffered its worst loss in over a year,after it went under to Chile 11-0 in the second match at the Four-Nation Classic hosted by Field Hockey Canada. The series is being held to celebrate the 20th year anniversary at Wright Field, University of British Columba,Vancouver on Saturday. Christine Fingerhuth led the onslaught for the South Americans with a hat-trick, in the fourth, 41st and 46th minutes while Manuela Urroz (14th, 56th),Denise Infante (20th,22nd) and Daniela Caram (37th, 70th) added two goals each against T&T goalkeeper Petal Derry.

Camila Caram (49th) and Paula Infante (53rd) added the other for the Chileans who led 4-0 at the interval, against a T&T squad minus Blair Wynne, Michelle Leotaud and Kelli O’Brien,who were all rested. Also on Saturday, Thea Culley netted twice as Canada edged Canada A 3-2. Jesslyn Walkey added the other for Canada while Kim Scraper and Michelle Weber were the players on target for the women’s developmental team.

Today, both teams will face off again at 5pm and T&T coach, Anthony Marcano will be hoping for an improved performance from his players. On Friday, in its opener, the T&T women were hammered 6-0 by hosts Canada, a team it will face in pool play at the upcoming Pan American Games in Guadalajara.

Kate Gillis scored two for Canada while Nathalie Sourisseau, Culley, Jesslyn Walkey and Kristine Wishart added the others.

In another match on Friday, Chile defeated Canada women’s Development team 4-2. Canada blanks T&T men 2-0. The local men’s hockey squad also flicked off its campaign on a losing note, going under to hosts Canada 2-0 on Friday with Iain Smythe (29th) and Mark Pearson (50th), the scorers. The match was played at an unrelenting pace from the start, with action flowing back and forth and opportunities at both ends. Canada enjoyed more ball possession but T&T under the supervision of newly appointed coach, Holland’s Bas Bruin held strong in defense and played on the counter-attack that sometimes put the Canadian defenders in hot waters.

Canada was finally rewarded for their domination in the 29th minute, when Smythe was well positioned to slot the ball past goalkeeper Karlos Stephen after a penalty corner. T&T started the second period at full speed and pushed the Canadian defense on their heels, calling Canadian goalkeeper David Carter into action. However, the Calypso Stickmen had two narrow misses, and forced two successive penalty corners, but to no avail. Canada slowly regained control of play and created some impressive counter-attacks but could not get past T&T custodian Stephen.

Scott Tupper had a strong attempt on a penalty corner, which was also well saved by Stephen, who was eventually beaten for a second time in the match when Pearson scored. With rain starting, the pace abated somewhat and the score did not evolve more, despite a late series of penalty corners where Canada tried various options. Canada made it two wins from as many matches when it won by a similar 2-0 margin over Chile on Saturday with goals from Dave Jameson in the 53rd minute and Gabber Singh, two minutes later. Last night Chile faced T&T with both teams looking for their first points while the local men meet Canada from 9.30 pm tonight.

TOURNAMENT FIXTURES

Today:
Canada A vs T&T (women) - 5 pm
Canada vs Chile (women) - 7 pm
Canada vs T&T (men) - 9.30 pm

Tomorrow
Canada vs Chile (men) - 9 pm

Wednesday
Chile vs T&T (women) - 5 pm
Canada vs Japan (women) - 7 pm
Chile vs T&T (men) - 9.30 pm

Thursday
Japan vs Chile (women) - 7 pm
Canada vs T&T (women) - 9 pm

Friday
Canada vs T&T (men) - 9 pm

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

Sunday
Third place playoff (women) - 2pm am
Canada vs Chile (men) 4.30 pm
Women’s Final - 7 pm

The Trinidad Guardian

Golden Oldies Hockey Festival gets underway in Edinburgh

The 15th Air New Zealand Golden Oldies Hockey Festival got underway at Peffermill in Edinburgh this morning, with over sixty teams from fourteen different countries, including Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand and South Africa, taking part in the competition.

Scotland is represented by two teams, 'Furry Boots' and the 'Paisley Buddies', who will look after the home nation's interest in the competition.

Lee Cousins, Festival Director and Scottish Hockey President, said, "It's great to see teams from all over the world come to Edinburgh for the Air New Zealand Golden Oldies Hockey Festival. I'm sure all sixty teams will have a fantastic time during their visit to Scotland. As well as the hockey, the teams also have a picnic day at Traquar House, a distillery visit, and a ghost tour to look forward to this week. I welcome all our participants and hope that they thoroughly enjoy their visit to Edinburgh."

Golden Oldies World Hockey Festivals were first launched in 1983 when the inaugural Festival was held in Auckland, New Zealand.

The philosophy of the Festivals has always been the same; to provide an opportunity to travel to different places for a fun week with like-minded enthusiasts. Its advent has changed people's lives and resulted in many of them travelling away from their home countries for the first time.

Please visit the Air New Zealand Golden Oldies Hockey Festival website for more information about the event.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

England U18s take EuroHockey Bronze

England secured third spot in Holland at the EuroHockey Youth Nations Championships with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Ireland on Sunday.
England Hockey U18 Girls narrowly missed out on a final spot after a 2-0 defeat by Holland in the semi-finals; Holland went on to beat Germany in the final 4-1 to retain their Gold medal.

It took England 34 minutes to breakthrough Ireland’s defence, but once ahead the girls didn’t look back and went into a three-goal lead just after half-time. Ireland got one back after 57 minutes, but England sealed their victory just a minute later with a goal from Sophie Crosley.

Bronze in Holland re-affirms the girls top three European ranking following the third place they won in Belgium last time the U18 Euro Hockey Youth Champs was held in 2009.

Final Standings

1. Netherlands (Champions)
2. Germany (Silver)
3. England (Bronze)
4. Ireland
5. France
6. Beglium
7. Scotland (relegated to Championship II in 2013)
8. Spain (relegated to Championship II in 2013)

To see all of the results and fixtures for the girls competition click here.

England Hockey U18 Boys faced rivals Ireland in their final game and came out 3-2 winners in a very closely fought match.  The team played the final minutes with 11 outfield players knowing that they had to beat the Irish if they were to remain in the First Division of the Euro Hockey Youth Nations Cup. The decision paid off, and with the last move of the Game Rob Farringdon slotted the ball home to secure victory for England.  

It has been a difficult week for the players with teammate Joe Sharp suffering an injury during England’s game against Belgium on Wednesday. But with news that Joe’s prognosis is good and 5th spot secured at the tournament the boys can be very proud of their efforts.

Final Standings

1. Belgium (Champions)
2. Spain (Silver)
3. Germany (Bronze)
4. Netherlands
5. England
6. France
7. Ireland (relegated to Championship II in 2013)
8. Russia (relegated to Championship II in 2013)

To see all of the results and fixtures for the boys competition click here.

England Hockey Board Media release

Finally, a win for Dharma's boys

By Jugjet Singh

MALAYSIAN Juniors finally won their first match in the tour of Europe when they beat England Juniors 3-2 on Tuesday.

The team, preparing for the Junior Asia Cup in Malacca next year which is a qualifier for the Junior World Cup, had lost 5-1 and 6-0 to the Netherlands last week.

And on Sunday, they drew their first test 2-2 with the English.

The first goal was scored by Syamim Yusof in the 25th minute. He received a pass from Amir Farid, controlled it well before ficking the ball to the roof of the goalmouth.

The English equalised in the 17th minute, but Amir Farid gave Malaysia the lead again in the 29th minute when he beat a defender and scord off a reverse stick attempt.

Mohamed Nor Faeez consolidated the lead with a 39th minute penalty corner attempt, while ENgland narrowed the gap with a 55th minute penalty corner goal.

Malaysia had only taken one goalkeeper for the tour, and according to team manager Mirnawan Nawawi, he played a big role in the win.

"We registered our first win of the tour after a brilliant display from goalkeepeer Hazrul Faiz Ahmad in denying the English, especially during penalty corner attempts," said Mirnawan.

However, Mirnawan lamented the fact that his charges seem to lose possession after taking the lead: "We need to arrest this situation, and be more consistent in the remaining two matches against England."

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

2011 Unity Games Day 1 - Greater Accra Men Start Strongly

The Hockey competition of the Unity Games pushed off on Sunday July 17 2011 with two matches at the National Hockey Stadium. The push off of the competition was preceded by an elaborate and informative pre-tournament briefing at the Conference Room of the National Hockey Stadium on Saturday. The briefing was conducted by Tournament Director Richard Bayitse, an International Hockey Federation (FIH) Listed Tournament Official and Umpires’ Manger Richmond Attipoe, FIH Umpire Grade 1.

The pitch battle got off to a flying start on Sunday morning when a star-studded Greater Accra Region hammered Western Region 4-0 in a near one-sided competition.

Western held their more fancied opponents at bay from the centre-pass and made them labour for every scoring opportunity. Though Greater Accra exhibited superior tactics, they could not get past Western goalie and national number 1 Danso Opoku Aikins who denied them on several occasions from both open play and penalty corners. Danso however buckled in the 18th minute when club and national team mate Alfred Ntiamoah rocked his backboard from a penalty corner for the opener. Reeling from the avalanche of raids on his goal, Danso’s defense succumbed and conceded a penalty stroke which was dispatched beautifully by Elikem Akaba in the 20th minute. Mathew Damale ghosted past the defense to plant the ball beyond the reach of Danso in the 31st minute to put the Accra men in a comfortable 3-0 lead at halftime.

Back from recess, the Westerners took the fight to Accra men and held them at bay for another 12 minutes before Elikem Akaba outsmarted the defense and the goalie for the 4th and final goal for Greater Accra. The remainder of the match was very well contested with Western tightening their defense marshaled around team captain Richard Doe.

In the final match of the day, CEPS Men of the Ghana Revenue Service labored to beat Volta Region 2-1 after a grueling 70 minute encounter that produced 3 yellow cards and 4 green cards. CEPS were the first to get on the score sheet in the 7th minute through team captain James (FM) Mason from open play. Volta responded in the 28th minute from a penalty corner when Papa Nii Sowah scorched the backboard with a sizzler to end the first half 1-1. CEPS kept their composure and won the contest in the 48th minute when good old John Bress finished off a good move from open play.

The competition enters its second day on Monday July 18 with two women’s and two men’s matches. In the women’s competition, favorites Fire Service pitch their strength against a young Greater Accra side while Prisons take on Northern Region. In the men’s competition, Armed Forces will seek to dispatch Brong Ahafo Region while Prisons will take on Northern Region.

Ghana Hockey Association media release

Unity Games Hockey News – Day 2 – Fire Women ‘Burn’ Greater Accra

A young and stubborn Greater Accra Region women’s team were ‘scorched’ by the blazing fire of a determined Ghana National Fire Service team at the National Hockey Stadium on day 2 of competition.

The young ladies of Greater Accra stretched their more experienced opponents giving them occasional scares and held their heads high at the end of the first half. The team talk during the recess seemed to have energized the Fire women who came into the second half on a blazing note. They didn’t have to wait long to break the deadlock as Ramatu Abass twisted and turned the defense of Greater Accra to score from open play 2 minutes into the half. With their resolve somehow broken, the young lads succumbed to a second goal from goal poacher Joamit Korwu in the 47th minute. Good old Bea Darko saw off the challenge of the young ladies with 2 well taken penalty corner goals in the 50th and 58th minutes. 

In the other women’s match, Ghana Prisons sentenced hockey minnows Northern Regions to a 17-0 term in a one-sided match. Prison started the route as early the 5th minute and concluded as late as the 67th minute. Georgina Sam recorded the first hat-trick of the women’s competition as she hauled in 3 goals within the first 22 minutes. Hagar Laryea followed with a near double hat trick of her own when she went on the rampage in a 17 minute spell scoring 5 times. Other scorers were Patricia Takyi (2), Gloria Anane (1), Deborah Agyeman (2), Felicia Mefetu (1), Esther Anane (1) and Pamela Condobrey (2).

The result coupled with the inability of the Upper East and Upper West Regions to raise teams for the Games bring into sharp focus the quantum of work the Ghana Hockey Association has to do in the Northern part of the country to bring the sport back to life in that enclave. Ghanahockey.org learnt from the Secretariat of the GHA that part of this effort was the strong push for Dr. A. B. Salifu in addition to his personal qualities and achievement to be a GHA Executive Board Member who will then lead in revival of the sport in the three Northern Regions. The Vice President of Ghana Hockey and Chairman of the Development and Coaching Committee of the Association Richard Akpokavie confirmed that the Association needs to aggressively compliment the efforts of various volunteers based in the 3 Northern Regions to accelerate the development of the sport. When ghanahockey.org asked of the plans of the GHA in this regard, we gathered that a similar programme focusing on youth development akin to the Futures Hockey Programme for Girls it is currently pursuing in 4 Regions is in the offing. The project which is a combination of training programmes, events and competitions is designed to identify girls who have talent and who can be developed to be future hockey players and leaders. It is designed to assist girls to develop their interest and overall ability in order to develop them to become future international athletes. According to Mr. Akpokavie, the GHA will in the case of the 3 Northern Regions focus on both boys and girls and will mobilize resources in conjunction with sponsors, the FIH and other stakeholders to procure the needed hockey equipment and to develop the capacity of the human resource to carry out the training and coaching functions.

In the men’s matches Ghana Armed Forces went on a 10-2 route when they took on Brong Ahafo Region. Scorers for Armed Forces were Benjamin Taylor (3), Patrick Taylor (4), Dominic Ackah (2) and Michael Tsegah (1). Brong Ahafo Region got their goals through Samuel Ankomah (1) and team captain Elijah Yeboah (1).

Significantly, David Nene Gablah and Joseph Kpakpo Blankson both of the Ghana Armed Forces served their first of four competitive match suspension imposed on them by the Ghana Hockey Association for misconduct. They will be eligible for selection if the Armed Forces team progresses to the grand final of the competition.

When ghanahockey.org caught up with David after the match, he expressed his sadness at not being eligible to play at this stage but was hopeful that his team mates will give the 2 of them an opportunity to feature in this important competition by qualifying to play in the grand final. He said the events of the past few months had thought him a very great lesson and has reformed him as a sportsman to a large extent. He was hopeful that after serving his suspension, he will be eligible for consideration for National team selection once more.

David and Joseph were hauled before the Disciplinary Committee of the GHA for an alleged misconduct during a competitive hockey match. The Committee heard the case and confirmed their guilt and therefore recommended the imposition of a 4 match suspension each for the 2 of them.

Day 3 promises to be exciting with CEPS taking on old rivals Police and Ashanti Region seeking to put one foot out towards a medal claim when they take on Central Region in the women's competition. Greater Accra men will then attempt to complete their dominance of their pool when they take on Police Service while Eastern Region men seek to stop CEPS in their tracks.

Ghana Hockey Association media release

Don't panic, Ashley Jackson is back at the Euro double

By Graham Wilson


Ashley Jackson is making a cautious return from eight months of injury frustration

THERE was no better sight at the London Cup in Chiswick than that of Ashley Jackson warming up with the England squad pounding in the shots against goalkeeper James Fair.

He could still only sit and watch the four nations inaugural tournament but Ashley Jackson, the 2009 young world player of the Year, is making a cautious return from eight months of injury frustration and hopes to help England win back-to-back European titles in Germany next month.

The other man that stood out from the rest was Korean star-of-the-show Nam Yong Lee, who hit two hat-tricks on his way to winning the player of the tournament award as Korea beat New Zealand 4-3 in the final.

England made up for what coach Jason Lee said was an “embarrassing” first match against Belgium, taking them apart in a second-half onslaught to win the third-place play-off 5-2.

Jackson is easing himself back in this week in a set of friendlies against the Koreans at Bisham.

“I certainly will not be doing what the Korean does just yet,” said Jackson. “We know him well, he is a great player. But I don’t want to be twisting and turning like he does. I will do just 10 minutes here and there and we will see how we go.”

Jackson is recovering from a painful pelvic injury that he played through last year and that finally laid him low in December. “The only way out was to rest,” said Jackson.

“I played through the whole of 2010 with it and it hurt. To be honest after the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games in Delhi it was good to have a break, though I did miss the world indoor championship. The pain from the injury just flattens you.”

Coach Lee will be glad of his return. Jackson works wonders with his captain Barry Middleton and is an important penalty corner option for England.

Lee certainly delivered on his promise to play attacking hockey. England lost 4-2 to Belgium in the first pool game, then 5-4 to Korea and beat New Zealand 3-1. Lee said that he was using a psychologist to examine why England seemed to perform so poorly on home ground.

But Jackson said: “I don’t think competing at home bothers us at all. If it did, I dread to think about next year at the London Olympics.

“The squad have not had a week off since May. They are very tired and we are trying new things so things just go wrong sometimes. It was just very scrappy.

“But there is no reason why we cannot get back-to-back European titles. For me, I am just looking forward to everything again.”

Daily Express

First Asian hockey Champions Trophy from September 3

By Our Sports Reporter

LAHORE: Pakistan will face Malaysia in the opener of the first men’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy to be held in China from Sept 3 to 11.

Secretary Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Asif Bajwa said besides Malaysia and Pakistan, India, China, Japan and South Korea are the other teams scheduled to participate in the continental contest.

Meanwhile, the organisers also announced the schedule of the Asian Champions Trophy.

Matches schedule:
Sept 3: South Korea v Japan, India v China, Pakistan v Malaysia.
Sept 4: Japan v India, South Korea v Malaysia, Pakistan v China.
Sept 6: China v Malaysia, Pakistan v Japan, India v South Korea.
Sept 7: Malaysia v India, China v Japan, Pakistan v South Korea.
Sept 9: Pakistan v India, South Korea v China, Malaysia v Japan.
Sept 11: Final, classification matches 5th v 6th, 3rd v 4th.

Dawn

Epic battles in Genghis Khan's backyard

By Jugjet Singh

THE inaugural Asian Champions Trophy will provide Malaysia with strong sparring partners from Sept 3-11 at the Mongolian city or Ordos.

The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) mooted the tournament to give their member countries another chance, outside the Asian Games, to improve the standard of the sport in this region.

Asian Games champions Pakistan, newly crowned London Cup holders South Korea, India, China and Japan have confirmed for the tournament.

“It is another avenue for Asian teams to play in a highly competitive environment, and more importantly, it will give my players a chance to prepare early for the Champions Challenge I,” said chief coach Tai Beng Hai.

The Champions Challenge I will be held on Nov 26-Dec 4 in Johannesburg and Malaysia will be up against Canada, Argentina and Japan in Group B. Group A comprises New Zealand, South Africa, Belgium and Poland.

Malaysia finished second in the Asian Games, when they lost 2-0 to Pakistan in the final, and will now have to go through a qualifier early next year for the London Olympics.

“The Asian Champions Trophy and Champions Challenge will provide us with the matches needed to try and qualify for the Olympics,” said Beng Hai.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Juniors were held to a 2-2 draw by England in their Tour of Europe on Sunday.

Malaysia led the English twice, but let in a last minute goal to share points.

Syamin Yusof scored off a field attempt in the 20th minute, while the second goal was scored by Noor Faeez Ibrahim off a 45th minute penalty corner.

“We took the lead twice, but caved in, in the 69th minute as we failed to defend the slim lead. However, It was a better performance than against Netherlands (where Malaysia lost 5-1 and 6-0),” said Juniors team manager Mirnawan Nawawi.

For the record, England Juniors played Netherlands Juniors two weeks ago in a three-Test series and the Dutch won twice 3-1 and 2-1 before they drew 2-2.

New Straits Times

Pakistan to participate in India hockey event

KARACHI: Pakistan’s hockey federation said Monday it would take part in a four-nation event in India, if the government clears it to do so, in the latest move to normalise sporting ties between the arch-rivals.

“We have confirmed participation in the four-nation hockey event in India and have applied for government clearance which we hope will come,” Pakistan Hockey Federation secretary Asif Bajwa told AFP.

The event, which runs in two legs in Chandigarh and Jalandhar, will be played from September 19-26. Hosts India have invited Pakistan, New Zealand and Argentina to participate.

India stalled bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan after gunmen killed 166 people in Mumbai in November 2008.

Pakistan was replaced by New Zealand in a four-nation hockey event in 2009, but was well received by Indian crowds in the World Cup in New Delhi last year.

Bajwa said an opening is required to resume bilateral sporting ties.

“We hope hockey gives that opening which is requisite to revive sporting ties between Pakistan and India, and we feel that the situation as far as sporting ties are concerned is improving,” said Bajwa, also a former Olympian.

Bajwa said plans to revive a hockey series between the two countries were also in the pipeline.

“We had fruitful talks with our Indian counterparts and… we hope that our talks to revive Indo-Pak hockey series will also be materialised,” said Bajwa.

Dawn

PHF applies for NOC

Pakistan to participate in four-nation hockey event in India

Staff Report

LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) said Monday the national senior team would take part in a four-nation event in India, if the government clears it to do so, in the latest move to normalise sporting ties between the arch-rivals. “We have confirmed participation in the four-nation hockey event in India and have applied for government clearance which we hope will come,” PHF secretary general Mohammad Asif Bajwa told reporters. The event, which runs in two legs in Chandigarh and Jalandhar, will be played from September 19-26. Hosts India have invited Pakistan, New Zealand and Argentina to participate.

India stalled bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan after terrorists killed 166 people in Mumbai in November 2008. New Delhi and Washington blamed the attack on Pakistani militants and Islamabad acknowledged that the plot was hatched at least partly in Pakistan. Pakistan were replaced by New Zealand in a four-nation hockey event in 2009, but was well received by Indian crowds in the World Cup in New Delhi last year. Asif said an opening was required to resume bilateral sporting ties. “We hope hockey gives that opening which is requisite to revive sporting ties between Pakistan and India, and we feel that the situation as far as sporting ties are concerned is improving,” said Asif, also a former Olympian.

Asif said plans to revive a hockey series between the two countries were also in the pipeline. “We had fruitful talks with our Indian counterparts and we hope that our talks to revive Indo-Pak hockey series will also be materialised,” he said. India and Pakistan were field hockey superpowers, sharing 11 Olympic titles before European nations took over when artificial turf replaced natural grass as playing surface in mid-1970s. Pakistan’s cricket team is also slated to visit India next year under the International Cricket Council’s Future Tour Programme, although it depends on clearance from both governments. The Prime Ministers of both countries vowed to resume sporting ties when they met at the India-Pakistan cricket World Cup semi-final in March this year.

The Daily Times

Pakistan to take part in four-nation hockey tourney in India

LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has confirmed that the national team will take part in a four-nation hockey tournament to be held in India in September.

"The tournament is scheduled from September 19 to 26, immediately after the Asian Champions Trophy in China," PHF secretary Asif Bajwa said.

"Basically all our attention is geared towards next year's Olympics in London and we are trying to give our team maximum exposure at the international level," he added.

Bajwa said that the appearance in the tournament, which will also feature the hosts, Argentina and New Zealand, was part of preparations for the Champions Trophy to be held in India in December, in which Pakistan has got a wildcard entry.

Last year also, Pakistan went to New Delhi twice to take part in the World Cup and Commonwealth Games but in both the tournaments they failed to make a mark, finishing at the bottom in the World Cup, while at sixth position in the Commonwealth Games.

Bajwa said that the PHF would soon be scrutinising the performance of the team on the recent European tour and would make decisions accordingly.

He admitted that clearance would be sought from the government for the four-nation tournament in India but didn't foresee any problem.

"Last year also we got permission and clearance for the World Cup and Commonwealth Games," he pointed out.

Meanwhile, the schedule for the first Asian Hockey Championships has also been announced, which will be played in Shanghai (China) from September 3-11.

And Bajwa said that the tournament, which will see the top six teams from Asia participating in it, will give the Pakistani team a chance to evaluate its performance.

"Playing against India, Korea, Malaysia, China and Japan will give our team good exposure and also allow the management to try out new players," he said.

Pakistan will play Malaysia on September 3, China on 4, Japan on 6, Korea on 7 and India on 9.

The Times of India

Foreign consultants to aid hockey campers

BANGALORE: The Indian hockey team will train under foreign experts to fine-tune its skills as it prepares for the qualifiers and beyond. The experts, who are likely to be finalized by chief coach Michael Nobbs, will also train the coaches during their brief stint at the camps.

The team is looking for specialists in goalkeeping, drag-flicking and penalty corners, deep defence, midfield and shooting. All these experts will be hired as consultants for 15-20 days whenever the need arises. Sports Authority of India has already approved the move, Hockey India director of coaching and camp in charge SS Grewal said.

The Indian coaches currently attached to the camp too will come under the specialists' fold so that they pick up the nuances of the game.

"Take for example, Jugraj Singh, who is here as the penalty corner coach. He has been a great drag-flicker and constantly learning as a coach. Expert guidance will only make him a better coach," Grewal said.

Nobbs endorsed the move and said that for starters, India needed a sports psychologist as soon as possible. "We need to work on that area soon," he told TOI from Perth.

The 48 probables, chosen after trials last week, have been divided into two groups and will concentrate on speed endurance, agility and other aspects of physical fitness for the next two weeks. Exercise physiologist David John has busy days ahead as he conducts tests on the players, analyses their videos every evening and gets down to rectifying their errors, whether they be in running, positioning or footwork.

"It will be all about physical fitness now because we won't get much time in the coming months. We have tournaments to prepare for," Grewal said.

The number to train under the chief coach may be reduced to around 25-30 by the next camp. "We will choose the best 25-30 from the 48 and put them directly under Nobbs. He is looking at a smaller number so that he can get to see all of them in action in the tournaments ahead of the Olympic qualifiers," Grewal said.

"We have selected around 18 more for the development team and the remainder from the 48 will join them. Ideally, they should be training in Bangalore along with the senior team. We are trying to get the clearance for that," Grewal said.

The 18-member team for the Asian Champions Trophy will be finalized by the third week of August. The team leaves on August 28 for the tournament which begins at Ordos, China from September 3.

The Times of India

SAI to rope in foreign experts for hockey

With qualifying for the London Olympics being a top priority for Indian hockey, the sports ministry’s ambitious ‘Operation Excellence London 2012’ (Opex) seems to be heading in the right direction.

After hiring chief coach Michael Nobbs from Australia and support staff, the Sports Authority of India has now approved the proposal to rope in foreign experts, albeit on a need-touse basis. The experts are being brought in with the intention of guiding the players as well as the coaches. The specialists, who will be hired as consultants for a period of 15-20 days, will be finalised by Nobbs.

Apart from a much needed sports psychologist, specialists in drag-flicks, goalkeeping, penalty corners, midfield play, shooting and deep defence will be used on a routine basis.

Speaking about the new concept, S.S Grewal, director of coaching, Hockey India, said, “Take for example, Jugraj Singh, who is the penalty-corner coach. He has been a great drag-flicker and is constantly learning as a coach. Expert guidance will only make him a better coach.“

A sports psychologist is one of the top specialists on Nobbs' wish list. With Nobbs back home in Australia to process his work permit, the 48 probables, under the guidance of Grewal have been divided into two groups and over the next two weeks, the focus will be on speed endurance, agility and general physical fitness.

The Asian Age

Subbiah is trying to finish my career, alleges goalie Baljit

NEW DELHI: Out-of-favour India goalkeeper Baljit Singh on Monday accused national selector A B Subbiah for trying to destroy his international career by indulging in "dirty politics", thus keeping him out of the list of probables for the Asian Champions Trophy in September.

Baljit, who made a remarkable comeback after spending two years in the wilderness following a fatal eye injury in 2009 alleged that former India international Subbiah had been constantly lobbying to get him out of the scheme of things using "poor vision" as an alibi although most of the other coaches were happy with his performance.

"These sort of things are not new in Indian sports. I am sad because they cited my vision and not performance to keep me out of the camp. I am sad because they misguided me," he said.

Baljit said Subbiah repeatedly tried to humiliate him before the trials started.

"On the first day of the camp, one of the selectors told me that Subbiah was playing dirty games against me but I didn't pay much heed," he revealed.

Incidentally alongside camp, the trials were also being held in order to prune the initial group of 80 to 48.

"And then just a day before the trials started, Subbiah came to me and said that I had to undergo a mandatory fitness test. But when I later asked other players they said none of them went through any tests," a fuming Baljit recollected the horror story.

"Then on the in the first day of trials Subbiah came to me and said that the peripheral vision in my right eye was not good. He was one who first told me that they now plan to involve me in coaching but I refused because I wanted to play for the country," Baljit, who had been adjudged the Best Goalkeeper at the National Games in Ranchi said.

Baljit alleged that Subbiah had vested interests in keeping him out of the national camp.

"Although I am aware as to where in his interest lies in keeping me out but I won't divulge those to the media right now. He got a medical report where the doctor wrote due to my vision, I will have problems in goalkeeping, which was never the case.

"During the camp, I saved the most number of goals in my right side and was having no problems," he claimed.

He said that newly-appointed foreign coach Michael Nobbs had no issues with his vision and the Australian just acted on the advise of his bosses in Hockey India.

"During players' introduction on the first day, Nobbs said he had no problems with my vision and if I can perform, I will be selected.

"But after Subbiah told me to give it up, when I asked Nobbs whether I should give the trials or not he asked me to appear in the trials but said I won't be picked up. Then after the first day of trials I had not put on my pads and was only sitting there. At that time nobody came to me and asked why wasn't I practising," Baljit said.

Deeply hurt and humiliated by the treatment meted out to him, a braveheart Baljit now wants to prove his critics wrong.

He said despite falling out of favour, he will continue to play in the domestic circuit for his state and department ( Indian Oil Corporation).

"The way they closed the door was not right, it hurts. They selected me on the basis of my performance on the domestic circuit. Barring Rajpal Singh and Gurvinder Singh Chandi, they did not ask anyone to submit medical certificate before the camp.

"If they had any problems with my vision, they should have said that before summoning me for the camp. There was no need to create such a drama," said Baljit, who was India's numero uno goalkeeper before his unfortunate injury.

The Times of India

What next after the merger flop show?

S. Thyagarajan

The efforts at unifying the two hockey factions have flopped. This is not surprising. What surprised many was the optimism generated on this count. Why the Sports Ministry is attempting the impossible is intriguing.

What next? Posing a question is easy. Not the answer. Everyone involved in the exercise remains clueless. Both the factions stand faulted on one count or the other. Hockey India hangs by the two letters of recognition, One by IOA and the other from the FIH. The Indian Hockey Federation survives on the vindication of its plea of being unjustly disaffiliated by the IOA in 2008.

Deserves approbation

The Sports Ministry deserves approbation for dealing with a complex issue with patience, perseverance and pragmatism. Understandably, it is acting on the advice of the court. Sadly, however, a genuine endeavour has failed, causing ripples of disappointment. The distress among the players, who really make the sport, is apparent.

Caught between the twin power centres their condition is pathetic. True, they get their training, coaching, and competitions. But all these come out of the munificence of the ministry. A web-caster has wondered, perhaps realistically, on whether the HI or IHF can afford a pair of shoes to the players.

The divergence relates to power sharing and the conduct of the World Hockey Series. At no point HI is expected to acceding to a two-year term for two as secretary. The WHS is linked to the FIH. The eligibility codes are strict to conform to the contention of the IHF. To untie this knot can be time consuming.

There is some degree of disenchantment within the FIH over the happenings. Apprehensions are said to have been expressed during the last executive board meeting held in Amsterdam during the women's Champions Trophy. Questions over the accounts from the 2010 World Cup are reported to have annoyed the executive board.

Will India be isolated by the FIH? Not immediately, especially after FIH has pledged important competitions in New Delhi, including the men's Champions Trophy. If India fails to make the Olympic grade again, then the FIH may recast its priorities.

The Asian Hockey Federation is also monitoring the developments with curiosity. There is a feeling gaining ground that India tends to overlook the AHF on some issues. India went unrepresented in the last council meeting at Ipoh in May.

Silver lining

The silver lining amidst the dark clouds is the appointment of the coach for a term of five years. The international community sees this as a positive step. Michael Nobbs sounds pragmatic saying that he is unaffected by the uncertainties.

How this three-year crisis will resolve itself to facilitating the birth of a robust unit to govern hockey in the country keeps everyone in a fix.

The Hindu

2011-12 Junior National Squads selected

Christine Battcock

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - The past week, July 12-15, was a competitive training and selection opportunity for the athletes who attended Junior National Camp. The 2011-2012 Junior National Squads were selected from this event. 

Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia hosted the top 102 female field hockey athletes in the country. The athletes trained in their respective age groups: U17, U19 and U21.  Each group had two daily on field training sessions and a game session in the evening.  The athletes were able to take reprieve from the heat during a tactical session and film breakdown with their coaches. 

As most elite field hockey players can attest to, it is hot in Virginia Beach in the summertime!  This past week was no different and the entire camp as well as staff did a great job playing at a high level and executing the very best hockey. 

The members from each squad will be invited to a training weekend at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA in early 2012 and from there the touring teams will be selected. 

Potential tours for 2012 include the top Junior National Team athletes to play with the Women’s National Team Developmental Squad versus an international side who would visit Chula Vista in the first quarter of 2012.  The U19 team will reciprocate Canada’s visit from earlier this year and visit our neighbors to the North to compete in a four game test series.  The U17’s will look to head South and compete against continental foe, Argentina.  Dates for these events are to be determined.**

Congratulations to all of the athletes who attended Junior National Camp and those that were selected to the Junior National Squads.  To view a list of the selected athletes, click here.

USFHA media release

FHBC Searching for HP Program Manager

The position of the High Performance Program Manager is designed to plan and implement program delivery intent on improving the skill, fitness and knowledge base of both male and female performance athletes throughout the province of British Columbia. The High Performance Program Manager will be directly responsible for the delivery of the Field Hockey BC Regional and Provincial High Performance Program and be responsible for the mentorship and direction of all high performance managers within the Regional and Provincial programs managed by the Society. The High Performance Program Manager reports directly to the Executive Director.

Athlete Development:

• Plan, coordinate and implement a High Performance Program for male and female athletes in 3 geographic regions; the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and the Interior
• Plan, coordinate and implement the Team BC Provincial Program for Junior and Senior Representative teams to National Championships and/or other targeted invitational tournaments and events
• Plan, Coordinate and implement a Provincial and Regional Development Program for Under 13 male and female athletes aspiring to   further their participation within the FHBC High Performance Program
• Ensure that all programs meet the requirements of the Canadian Field Hockey Long-Term Hockey Development Model
• Act as a liaison between Field Hockey BC and the Field Hockey Canada High Performance Round-Table Committee to ensure that the Field Hockey BC Regional and Provincial athlete program is aligned with the Junior and Senior National Team Program
• With support from the FHBC Technical Head Coach and the Regional High Performance Head Coaches (Vancouver and Victoria), conduct formal evaluations with all targeted athletes ranked 1A and 1 (approximately 80 athletes) twice yearly and conduct informal evaluations with targeted athletes ranked 2 and 3 (approximately 120 athletes) twice yearly
• In partnership with the Regional High Performance Head Coaches (Vancouver and Victoria), oversee the Sport Science and Medical Service Plan for all Field Hockey BC high performance athlete programs Mentorship and Appointment
• Ensure that all athlete programs have the necessary volunteer staff
• Work with the FHBC Technical Head Coach and the Regional High Performance Head Coaches (Vancouver and Victoria) in the appointment of Coaching staff to each High Performance Program
• Appoint volunteer managers to each High Performance Program team (as appropriate)
• Mentor managers in their supporting role within each appropriate program
• Work with the FHBC Technical Head Coach and the Regional High Performance Head Coaches (Vancouver and Victoria) in the appointment of Selectors to each High Performance Program
• Mentor selectors in their supporting role within each program

Administration:

• Ensure that the review process for all Field Hockey BC High Performance programs is complete and all records are filed appropriately
• Liaise with Field Hockey BC service partners to ensure that all reporting requirements are completed and submitted within the appropriate timeline
• Compile budgetary submissions for all High Performance Athlete Programs in line with program implementation and with the Society’s fiscal responsibilities
• Oversee the administrative requirements for the annual purchase and selection of high performance program Apparel
• Provide direct assistance to the High Performance Directors and their respective Sub-Committee membership to ensure there is appropriate oversight for all high performance programming
• Attend Field Hockey BC Board Meetings at the request of the Men’s or Women’s High Performance Director
• Formally report to the Executive Director and the Men’s and Women’s High Performance Directors on a six monthly basis

Terms

The High Performance Program Manager will be based at the FHBC office in Vancouver and the position is offered as a full-time contract (37.5 hours per week). The initial contract will be for a period of 12 months with an option to extend for a further 2 years and the annual gross salary range is $42,000-$55,000. Salary compensation (within the range specified) will reflect the relative experience of the successful applicant.

Application

Previous experience in strategic planning and performance program implementation, as well as, an in-depth understanding of the Canadian ‘Long-Term Athlete Development Model’ is essential for application. Field Hockey specific experience is desirable but not essential for application. A passion for sport and sports development is essential. Previous applicants need not apply.

Deadline for applications: August 11, 2011
Interviews: August 16-17, 2011
Job to commence from: September 1, 2011

Please send your resume and covering letter by the deadline date above to:

Mark Saunders
Executive Director, Field Hockey BC
202-210 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Y 3W2
Tel: 604.737.3045
Fax: 604.873.6488
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Field Hockey Canada media release