News for 07 September 2011
Wednesday, 07 September 2011 09:06 | 
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All the news for Wednesday 7 September 2011
India thrash South Korea 5-3 in Asian Champions Trophy
ORDOS, (CHINA): A young Indian team showed fantastic temperament in vanquishing South Korea 5-3 thereby setting up a strong possibility of making it to the final of the Asian Champions Trophy being played.
India now are on top of the group with seven points from three matches followed by Pakistan and Korea.
Michael Nobbs's bravehearts played at blistering pace scoring the first four goals in less than half an hour's time.
India scored through Rupinder Singh (4th), Gurwinder Singh Chandi (5th), SV Sunil (7th), Rajpal Singh (24th) to make it four for the Indians. In the meantime, Lee Nam Yong (8th, 26th) struck twice to make it 4-2 during the first half.
It was Yuvraj Walmiki's strike in the 62nd minute that ensured that Indians will end up with full points although Nam Hyun Woo pulled one back two minutes from final hooter.
On a day when the FIH decided to take away the rights of hosting Champions Trophy from India, the victory would certainly act as a big morale booster.
Indian coach Michael Nobbs said,"It's a great win and coming from a young side augurs well for hockey in India."
India's blitzkrieg in the first seven minutes when they scored three goals broke the back of the Korean side. Their strategy went up in smoke as they desperately tried to recover from the damage done by the Indian forwards.
The Indian forwards stretched the Korean defence on both the flanks though the goals came mainly from the left. In the third minute, India earned their first penalty corner but the Korean goalkeeper Young Moon took it on the pads as the rebound hit a Korean defender's feet.
The second consecutive penalty corner resulted in a melee as Walmiki's flick towards goal hit the defender as the umpire pointed for a stroke. Rupinder's low flick beat Korean custodian Young as Indians opened their account.
Exactly a minute later, Gurwinder Singh Chandi raced away with the ball on the left flank, dribbled past three defenders and let loose a reverse shot that beat the Korean goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
In the 7th minute, Ignace Tirkey initiated a brilliant move down the left flank and essayed a brilliant through for Chandi who moved in cutting past two Korean defenders and passed it to an unmarked SV Sunil in the striking circle.
Sunil did well enough to smack it past a hapless Korean goalie as India increased their tally to 3-0.
Stunned by triple strike in three minutes, the Koreans got back into action and pulled one back in the 8th minute when Lee Nam Yong deflected in a cross.
After a frenetic five minutes of goal scoring, the Koreans tried slow the pace a bit in order to regroup.
Slowly their midfield exterted pressure but the Indian midfield and defence were playing well ahead of their markings. Korean through passes were being picked up in the midfield.
Indian goalkeeper Bharat Chetri also brought off some sharp saves off a few brilliant deflections from the Korean forwards.
Against the run of play, India had a counter-attack in the 24th minute which saw Chandi race in dribbling past a host of defenders to give it to Mujtaba who passed to Rajpal singh for the Indian captain to score his team's fourth goal.
In the 26th minute, Korea launched an attack and the resultant hit got deflected by Lee for his second goal of the match as Korea reduced the margin to 2-4.
India had a golden chance in the 30th minute to increase the lead but Korean custodian effected a goalline save off Rupinder Pal's shot from a penalty corner as India went into break with a lead of 4-2.
The second half saw both the teams playing with reduced pace. In the 43rd minute, India had their fourth penalty corner but Rupinder Pal's flick went out. Korea was reduced to 10 men for 10 minutes when Sae Lee Rom was shown his second yellow card of the match. India took advantage of the situation and attacked to earn couple of penalty corners in succession.
V Raghunath's flick of the fifth penalty corner hit the cross bar and came back into play. The sixth penalty corner was saved by the Korean goalkeeper as he charged out to clear it.
With 10 minutes remaining, India had their seventh penalty corner but Rupinder's weak flick was easily saved by Young Moon.
India conjured up one of their best moves in the 62nd minute when Sarvanjit Singh moved into the striking circle, tapped it for Chandi who after a deft tap gave it to an unmarked Walmiki who scored the fifth and final goal.
Such was India's dominance that Korea could only earn only one penalty corner in the 68th minute and they duly converted with a high flick. Korea have six points from three games with two wins and a defeat.
The Times of India
Japan shock Pakistan 3-1 in Asian Champions Trophy
ORDOS, (CHINA): Japan fought back in tremendous fashion from one goal down to stun title contenders Pakistan 3-1 in the first upset of the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament on Tuesday.
Japan were at the receiving end in the first session after Muhammad Rizwan had given Asian Games champions Pakistan the lead in the fifth minute.
However, they hung on and equalised at the stroke of half time through Koji Kayukawa and then slammed two more goals through Kenta Tanaka in the last 10 minutes to ran away winners.
It was the first defeat for Pakistan in three matches. They now have six points while Japan have four points from three matches.
Pakistan's defeat left the tournament wide open as, apart from hosts China, all the teams have a chance of making it to the final.
Pakistan took the lead in the fifth minute when Rizwan flicked in from close. It was one way traffic for 10 minutes from then on with Pakistan pressing for more goals.
Japan hung on and equalised in the 35th minute through a penalty corner when Koji Kayukawa deflected in from an indirect set piece.
After the break, Pakistan wasted countless chances but Japan came back powerfully in the last 10 minutes of the match, with some fine counter-attacking moves.
In the 62nd minute, Kenta Tanaka made a superb deflection off his stick into the Pakistan goal and again in the 64th minute, he was on target with another tap into the goal.
In the day's earlier match, Malaysia beat China 4-2. After Malaysia had taken a 2-0 lead, China fought back to make it 2-2 but the Asian Games silver medallists were too strong on the counters as they scored in the 53rd and 60th minutes to carve out a win and gain their first three points after two defeats.
The Times of India
Japan shock Pakistan, India beat South Korea
Pakistan’s defeat has left the tournament wide open.—AFP/File photo
ORDOS, (China): Japan fought back from one goal down to stun favourites Pakistan 3-1 in the first upset of the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament on Tuesday while India created the second upset when they beat a strong South Korea 5-3.
Japan were at the receiving end in the first session after Mohammad Rizwan flicked in from close to give Pakistan the lead in the fifth minute.
However, they restored parity through a penalty corner at the stroke of half time (35th min) through Koji Kayukawa who successfully deflected the ball from an indirect set piece.
This was followed by two more goals through Kenta Tanaka (62nd and 64th mins) in the last 10 minutes to take the match away from the Asian Games champions Pakistan.
It was the first defeat for Pakistan in three matches. They now have six points while Japan have four from the three matches that they have played.
Pakistan’s defeat has left the tournament wide open as, apart from hosts China, all the teams have a chance of making it to the final now.
In the day’s other exciting clash, a young Indian team showed fantastic temperament to outplay South Korea 5-3 and set up a strong possibility of making it to the final.
India now are on top of the group with seven points from three matches followed by Pakistan and Korea. India scored through Rupinder Singh (4th), Gurwinder Singh Chandi (5th), SV Sunil (7th), Rajpal Singh (24th) to make it four for the Indians.
In the meantime, Lee Nam Yong (8th, 26th) struck twice to make it 4-2 during the first half.
It was Yuvraj Walmiki’s strike in the 62nd minute that ensured that Indians will end up with full points although Nam Hyun Woo pulled one back two minutes from final hooter.
In another match, Malaysia beat China 4-2. After Malaysia had taken a 2-0 lead, China fought back to make it 2-2 but the Asian Games silver medalists scored in the 53rd and 60th minutes to carve out a win and gain their first three points after two defeats
Dawn
Pakistan beaten by Japan in Asian Hockey Champions Trophy
BEIJING: Pakistan lost 1-3 to Japan in the first Asian Hockey Champions trophy, Geo News reported. This is Pakistan’s first defeat in the tournament underway in China.
After the conclusion of the first half, the match was tied 1-1 but Japan outclassed Pakistan in the second half and scored two unanswered goals to seal the win.
Prior to this defeat, Pakistan had won its matches against Malaysia and China.
Pakistan will face South Korea in their next match.
The News International
Malaysia overcome China
Jugjet Singh
MALAYSIA finally found their winning touch when they beat hosts China in the Asian Champions Trophy in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, yesterday.
Now, they must continue with the momentum against India today and Japan in the final round robin match to finish among the top three in the inaugural tournament.
Malaysia, who lost 3-2 to Pakistan and 4-3 to South Korea in earlier matches, scored off Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (seventh minute), Amin Rahim (23rd), Izwan Firdaus (53rd) and Faizal Saari (60th).
The China goals were scored by Liu Yi Xian in the 29th and 35th minutes.
In the other matches yesterday, Japan shocked Pakistan 3-1 while India beat South Korea 5-3 to open up the tournament.
Malaysia team manager Stephen van Huizen said: "There are no two ways about it, we have to beat India tomorrow (today) to stay in the hunt to finish among the top four. Against China, the team played much better and now they must put the two defeats behind them and look forward."
Japan have been the revelation of the tournament as they held India 1-1 and then beat Pakistan yesterday.
Meanwhile, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed yesterday that it has yanked the Champions Trophy out of India because of internal conflicts involving two hockey bodies there.
"We regret that we have to move the Champions Trophy from India. It is difficult for the teams, the organisers and the fans but we feel this is the only way to maintain the integrity of our sport," said FIH president Leandro Negre.
It is believed the Champions Trophy will now be held in New Zealand on Dec 3-1 as the FIH has offered India to play in the Champions Challenge I in South Africa on Nov 26 - Dec 4.
Currently, the teams in Champions Challenge I are Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Poland and South Africa.
RESULTS: China 2 Malaysia 4, Japan 3 Pakistan 1, India 5 South Korea 3.
TODAY: Malaysia v India, China v Japan, South Korea v Pakistan.
New Straits Times
National hockey side down host China to keep top four hopes alive
By AFTAR SINGH
Impressive show: Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin opened the scoring for Malaysia in the 4-2 win over China Tuesday.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia bounced back from two defeats to beat host China 4-2 to stay in contention for a top-four finish in the inaugural Asian Champions Trophy at the Yijinhuoluo Hockey Stadium in Ordos, China, yesterday.
But the result of the day belonged to Japan, who came back from a goal down to stun Guangzhou Asian Games gold medallist Pakistan 3-1.
Against China, Malaysia got off to a blistering start when Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin beat three defenders to score from the top D in the seventh minute. Mohd Amin Rahim then doubled the lead off their second penalty corner attempt in the 23rd minute.
China, who also lost their first two matches to India and Pakistan, hit back with two penalty corner goals by Liu Yixian.
His first came in the 29th minute and the second six minutes later.
Malaysia, who finished runners-up to Pakistan in Guangzhou, then stepped up their game to score another two goals in the second half.
Forward Izwan Firdaus made it 3-2 with a field goal in the 53rd minute before Faizal Saari sealed victory with a penalty corner goal in the 60th minute.
Malaysia, who lost 2-3 to Pakistan and 3-4 to South Korea, must beat India today if they are to take a step closer to achieving their target.
But it won’t be easy though as India defeated South Korea 5-3 yesterday to top the standings with seven points from two wins and draw. India had earlier hammered China 5-0 and drew 1-1 with Japan.
Another defeat or a draw for Malaysia will surely end their hopes of qualifying for the third-placing playoff. Malaysia will wrap up the fixtures against Japan on Friday.
National team manager Stephen van Huizen was full of praise for his boys’ performance against China.
“We started off well by taking a 2-0 lead but allowed China two score two penalty corner goals. But at least we played much better in the second-half to score two goals,” said Stephen in a telephone interview.
“Midfielder Nabil Fiqri (Mohd Nor) is doubtful for tomorrow’s match (against India) after suffering a knock on his thigh today.
“It was a good win and we are still in contention for a top-four finish. Japan have four points after their surprise win over Pakistan today. So we have to collect full points against India to keep our hopes alive.
Malaysia last played against India at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh in May, losing 2-5.
But the story of the day is still Japan’s win over Pakistan, who shot off the blocks with a fifth-minute lead through Rizwan Muhammad.
But Japan, who finished fifth in Guangzhou, equalised in the 35th minute through Kayukawa Koji off a penalty corner.
Tanaka Kenta then turned hero for Japan by scoring a two-minute brace in the 62nd and 64th minutes.
The Star of Malaysia
Kelvinder out to reclaim his place in national team after missing Champs Trophy
By K. RAJAN
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian National midfielder Kelvinder Singh is hoping to reclaim his spot in the national team after missing out on the ongoing inaugural Asian Champions Trophy in Ordos, China.
The 26-year-old is among four senior players – including Roslan Jamaluddin, Hafifihazif Hanafi and Azlan Misron – who were left behind to recover from their injuries and get themselves back into shape for the more important Champions Challenge I and Olympic Qualifier.
Kelvinder suffered a knee injury in the World Cup qualifiers in Invercargill, New Zealand, in 2009 and spent most of last year recuperating and did not make the team for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
The Kuala Lumpur-born lad gave a positive display in the playing tour of Spain in July, scoring in all the four friendlies which Malaysia won.
He, however, failed to impress national coach Tai Beng Hai in the five-match series against Japan last month and was dropped from the squad to China.
Kelvinder admitted that he was disappointed to have been left to out for the Asian Champions Trophy assignment.
“I was hoping to continue from where I left off in Spain ... I was disappointed at being left out of the Asian Champions Trophy,” he said.
“I will now focus on regaining my spot in the national team. I’m working hard and I have been following the training programme that the coach had prepared for me.
“I’ve lost some weight. I’m working out in the gym and following the National Sports Institute (NSI) fitness programme as instructed by the coach. I’m 80% ready and I’ll be at my best in a few months’ time.”
The KL Hockey Club (KLHC) player believes that the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL), scheduled to start on Sept 17, offers him the best opportunity to further improve himself.
“KLHC will be defending the league and overall titles this season. It will be tough but I hope to play a major role for the team this season,” said Kelvinder, who looks slimmer and fitter.
“My personal target is to play better and score more goals for the team.
“I will also will try to steer clear of injuries.”
The Star of Malaysia
‘Pakistan face demanding task against India, South Korea’
KARACHI: Lauding national squad’s performance in the first two matches of the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy, former captain and Olympian Samiullah Khan said on Monday the greenshirts would face the real test in their coming games against arch-rivals India and South Korea.
In their opening match of the tournament underway in Ordos, China, Pakistan defeated Malaysia 3-2 and followed it with a big 4-1 win over China in the second match on Sunday.
Pakistan will play their third match of the contest against Japan on Tuesday.
“However, two tough matches — against India and South Korea — are coming up and Pakistan must win these games to claim the title,” Samiullah said in his comments on Monday.
Samiullah said Pakistan had a good opportunity in Ordos to try their bench strength with an eye on next year’s London Games.
“Pakistan must try out all their 16 players in the coming matches [of the Asian Champions Trophy] in order to test their talent and potential to get a clear picture for finalising the probables for the 2012 Olympics,” he stressed.
“The team should now focus on India and Korea and show their firepower against them. Naturally, winning against Malaysia and China gave the team precious points but winning against India and Korea will matter the most,” he pointed out.
He believed that winning against Japan will not be a problem for Pakistan, noting a big-margin victory against them will be a big psychological advantage for the greenshirts.
He emphasised that Pakistan, the Asian Games champions, must keep up their momentum and spirit against tough opponents to have realistic chance of returning home with the trophy.
Samiullah was of the opinion that Pakistan team still lacked in deep defence and mid-field.
He called upon the selection committee and the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to finalise the pool of players for the Olympic Games.
Meanwhile, another Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh was brimming with joy after Pakistan’s second consecutive win in the Asian event.
Shahnaz, however, remained concerned over Pakistan’s chances against India and South Korea.
“These [India and Korea] are tough teams and I think Pakistan’s real test will come when they face these opponents,” Shahnaz said, adding that China were an easy team for Pakistan to beat but stated that by overcoming Malaysia Mohammad Imran-led squad had proved themselves a good team, playing with unity.
Shahnaz insisted Pakistan required consistency.
“If Pakistan maintain consistency in their performance then they can overcome any hindrance that comes in their path,” Shahnaz said.
He thought the absence of penalty-corner specialist Sohail Abbas still haunted the team. “Had Sohail been there, I believe the team’s performance would have been better,” Shahnaz claimed.
Commenting on the weak areas of the team, Shahnaz said: “We need to improve in defence as this is a tough competition. Our team have the ability to win the [Asian Champions Trophy] title if they play to their full potential.
“If Pakistan improve their defence, we will see better results,” Shahnaz stated. “I am looking forward to a consistent performance from the team in the coming matches.
“I am eagerly waiting to witness the most thrilling match of the trophy that will be played between Pakistan and India on Sept 9,” Shahnaz said, hoping “Pakistan win this first edition of the Asian Champions Trophy as we have a unique record of winning almost all inaugural tournaments like Asian Games (1958), World Cup (1971), Champions Trophy (1978), Junior World Cup (1979) and the Asia Cup (1985).”
Dawn
Second defeat in a row ends Indian women's final hopes
ORDOS (China): India's hopes to make the final of the women Asian Champions Trophy evaporated after losing 0-5 to Japan, largely due to mid-field lapses on Tuesday.
India, who suffered their second consecutive defeat in the hockey event, have no points and now play their last match against China on Thursday.
The women couldn't take any inspiration from men's brilliant 5-3 win over the Koreans as they struggled to play as an unit, losing balls needlessly in the midfield and not coming together when it mattered most in the Japanese striking circle.
Japanese players were not very impressive but they capitalised on India's mistakes and took advantage of the loose balls and numerous errors in the defence.
India were the first to force a penalty corner but couldn't find the goal to put the Japanese under pressure. Japan, on the other hand scored in the 16th minute when captain Yukari Yamamoto fired in a field goal.
India tried to forge a few moves through the middle not taking the usual flank way but the Japanese defence held firm. India also held onto the ball too much, the forwards guilty of wayward passing and not giving the ball when teammates were in a better position. On a counter-attack, Japan got the second goal when Rika Komazawa fired in from the top of the circle.
At the break, Japan led 2-0.
After resumption, India seemed as if they would make a fight of it but yet again grouped into a bunch near the Japanese striking circle making it easy for the Japanese defenders to clear the ball away to the sides and launch counterattacks. Rika Komazawa got Japan's third goal in the 43rd minute when she deflected in a penalty corner.
By now Japan spread the field and played along the flanks to get their fourth goal in the 52nd minute, Izuki Tanaka scoring from the top of the circle. With a minute to go, Japan took advantage of the gaps in the Indian defence as Toshie Tsuki trapped neatly in the Indian striking circle, dodged an Indian defender to fire in a hard shot for the fifth goal.
Indian coach CR Kumar was very disappointed with the way the team played.
"I am disappointed with the way they responded to the challenge," said Kumar. "It's a big score line and we couldn't captalise on the chances that we got."
Kumar believes that the team has the talent but would need exposure trips to hone their skills.
India now play their last group match against hosts China on Thursday. In an earlier match, hosts China fought back from a 0-2 deficit to hold the strong Korean side 2-2.
The Times of India
FIH pulls CT out of Delhi
Special Correspondent
We feel that this is the only way to maintain the integrity of our sport: FIH President Leandro Negre. File photo
The FIH has pulled out the hockey Champions Trophy from New Delhi scheduled from December 3.
In an announcement on Tuesday, the FIH said that the decision stemmed from the “ongoing problems related to the governance of hockey in the country.”
The FIH is looking for an alternative venue. However, India has been invited to participate in the Champions Challenge to be held in South Africa in November.
“We regret that we have to move the Champions Trophy from India,” said FIH President Leandro Negre. “It is difficult for the teams, the organisers and the fans. But we feel that this is the only way to maintain the integrity of our sport.”
At issue is the governance structure of the sport in India. It is a fundamental and non-negotiable requirement of the Olympic Charter and the FIH Statutes that there be only one governing body for any one sport in any country with exclusive authority and responsibility to govern, organise national competitions and to enter national teams in international competitions.
Dr. Michael Green, two-time Olympian and Chairman of the FIH Athlete's Committee, added: “The first priority has to be the athletes, and while this was a tough decision for the FIH to make, I feel that they have ultimately made the choice that is best for the athletes involved.”
The FIH is in the final stages of reviewing bids from other nations that are willing and able within the scheduled timeframe to host an event of the magnitude of the Champions Trophy.
The FIH will continue to monitor the governance structure in India and hopes that a resolution can be found before it begins to affect future events set to be held in India.
The next event scheduled to be hosted in India is the Olympic qualification tournament in February.
The Hindu
Delhi can’t host Champions Trophy: FIH
MS Unnikrishnan
New Delhi: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has shifted the Champions Trophy out of Delhi in protest against the working merger of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) with Hockey India, forged at the behest of the Sports Ministry. As a consequence, the FIH has also barred India's participation in the Champions Trophy.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) acting president Prof Vijay Kumar Malhotra promptly held Sports Minister Ajay Maken responsible for the development.
In an e-mail communication to Maken, FIH president Leandro Negro informed that the FIH Executive Board made the decision to change the venue for the men's Champions Trophy in December, "which was scheduled to be held in Delhi".
"As a result of no longer being the host of that tournament, Hockey India is no longer entitled to enter the team in it," stated Negre. But the FIH, as a major "concession", has allowed HI to field the Indian team at that time in the Champions Challenge in South Africa, for which India have qualified.
Negre made this announcement in reply to the letter sent by the Ministry to the FIH on August 25, stating the reasons behind the working merger thrashed out between IHF and HI. Malhotra reacted sharply, stating that Maken was responsible for "this mess". "I don't know what his real agenda is, but he has landed the country in another unnecessary controversy. Thank God, the so-called Sports Development Bill has got scuttled. Otherwise, India would have faced problem from the IOC and the country's participation in the 2012 London Olympics and all other international competitions, including the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, would have been in jeopardy", Malhotra said.
The FIH's contention against the "joint board" for the administration of Indian hockey was on the basis that it recognised only one national body for the running of the game. Though the Indian Government was "fully committed to the (FIH) principle that there be only one recognised national sports federation for one sport", the FIH felt that the "settlement minutes" of the IHF-HI merger "violates that principle and so breaches not only the FIH Statutes, but also the Olympic Charter".
The FIH did not accept the Ministry's stand that "the settlement minutes are not intended to provide a permanent long-term structural framework". "But you offer no explanation as to how an acceptable solution, compliant with the FIH Statutes and the Olympic Charter, is supposed to emerge in the meantime, and we certainly see no basis to hope for such an outcome," Negre noted.
The FIH had allotted the Champions Trophy and the Olympic qualifiers, slated to be held in February next year, to HI as it recognised only Hockey India. But a Delhi High Court ruling had restored the status of IHF as the custodians of the game and the Government had to accept this fact.
But the FIH felt that "Hockey India, if it were to join such a joint body, as appears to be envisaged, would no longer satisfy the criteria for membership of the FIH, and so would stand to lose the recognition, which it at present enjoys, as the national federation controlling hockey in India".
FIH said in the present scenario, Hockey India "no longer have any right to enter teams, men or women, representing India in FIH-sanctioned competitions, and so India would not be represented in these competitions".
The Tribune
FIH: ‘Messy’ India will not host Champions Trophy
NEW DELHI: India has lost the right to host this year’s Champions Trophy because of an administrative mess which may cost the country future events as well, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) said yesterday.
The FIH rejected the Sports Ministry-brokered peace agreement between Hockey India (HI) and the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), saying there could not be more than one federation running the game.
“We regret that we have to move the Champions Trophy from India,” FIH president Leandro Negre said in a statement.
“It is difficult for the teams, the organisers and the fans. But we feel that this is the only way to maintain the integrity of our sport.”
The FIH was reviewing bids from other nations and a new venue for the elite Dec. 3-11 event would be named within a week, the statement said.
Losing the tournament also means India will have to play in November’s Champions Challenge in South Africa to qualify for the eight-team event.
“It is a fundamental and non-negotiable requirement of the Olympic Charter and the FIH statutes that there only be one governing body for any one sport in any country,” the governing body said.
The rumbling IHF-HI row has crippled the game in a country that won eight Olympic gold medals but is now considered an also-ran.
The IHF was disbanded in 2008 after its secretary was caught on camera taking a bribe to select a player before being revived by a court order last year.
FIH backs HI and rejected the Sports Ministry-conceived formula of allowing a joint executive committee, comprising members from both factions, to run the game.
“This is ridiculous,” IHF secretary Ashok Mathur told Reuters, reacting to FIH’s decision.
“FIH has no business withdrawing it (the tournament) from India when we have reached a settlement with honest intentions,” he said.
HI officials were not available for comments.
The Star of Malaysia
India stripped of Champions Trophy, angry reactions follow
In a huge blow to India, the International Hockey Federation today stripped the country from hosting this year's Champions Trophy, prompting angry reactions from the hockey fraternity which called the development "unfortunate and uncalled for".
The FIH announced that India will no longer host the 2011 Men's Champions Trophy due to ongoing problems with the governance of hockey in the country. A replacement host for the event is expected to be named within a week.
Soon after the surprise announcement, the hockey fraternity in India expressed dismay and described the development as a big setback and hamper the growth of the game.
The schedule and line-up of the 2011 Champions Trophy will be determined when the host is announced. However the event will take place during the same window of December 3-11.
With India no longer hosting the Champions Trophy, the country has been now invited to play in the Champions Challenge to be held in South Africa in November.
"We regret that we have to move the Champions Trophy from India. It is difficult for the teams, the organizers and the fans. But we feel that this is the only way to maintain the integrity of our sport," said FIH President Leandro Negre.
According to the IOC statutes which are followed by the FIH, there can only be one governing body for any one sport in any country with exclusive authority and responsibility to govern, organise national competitions and to enter national teams in international competitions.
In India, Hockey India (HI) and Indian Hockey federation (IHF) have been at loggerheads for quite some time to control the running of the game in the country.
Sports Minister Ajay Maken said that he would try to convince Negre when he meets him on September 13 and try to change the world body's decision.
"It is a big setback for the country. I will try to ensure that the major hockey tournaments allotted to India remain with us and also try to unite the two warring fractions -- Hockey India (HI) and Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) -- yet again in the larger interest of the game and the country," Maken said.
He also promised that he would ensure that India did not lose hosting rights of any other major hockey tournament in the future.
"My main aim is to see that the Olympic qualifiers should stay with India," he added.
Indian Olympic Association termed FIH's decision "uncalled for" and asked the world body to restore the high-profile tournament to the country.
"The decision is most unfortunate and uncalled for and we hope that FIH will rescind it and hold the tournament in New Delhi as per schedule," acting president V K Malhotra said.
"The huge success of World Cup and hockey competition in the Commonwealth Games is a clear testimony of the popularity of the game and it needs further push and encouragement. FIH should talk to IOA, which represents the IOC in the country. I hope FIH will keep New Delhi as venue for the Champions Trophy," Malhotra added.
Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation, the two group who are at loggerheads to control the game, and former players also criticised FIH's decision.
DNA
FIH withdraws Champions Trophy from India
LAUSANNE: India on Tuesday lost the hosting rights of this year's Champions Trophy hockey tournament, paying the price for an ongoing administrative row over the governance of the game in the country.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced that India will no longer host the 2011 Men's Champions Trophy due to ongoing problems with the governance of hockey in the country.
A replacement host for the event is expected to be named within a week.
The schedule and line-up of the 2011 Champions Trophy will be determined when the host is announced. However the event will take place during the same window of December 3-11.
With India no longer hosting the Champions Trophy, the country has been now invited to play in the Champions Challenge to be held in South Africa in November.
"We regret that we have to move the Champions Trophy from India," said FIH President Leandro Negre.
"It is difficult for the teams, the organizers and the fans. But we feel that this is the only way to maintain the integrity of our sport," he added.
According to the IOC statutes which are followed by the FIH, there can only be one governing body for any one sport in any country with exclusive authority and responsibility to govern, organise national competitions and to enter national teams in international competitions.
In India, Hockey India (HI) and Indian Hockey federation (IHF) have been at loggerheads for quite some time to control the running of the game in the country.
To put an end to the tussle, the Sport ministry had formulated a compromise settlement between the warring bodies to run the same smoothly in the country.
But FIH, which recognized Hockey India (HI) as India's governing body, raised objections on the temporary power-sharing formula and made it clear it was not acceptable to the governing body.
Stating that the agreement between HI and IHF was not in compliance with the Olympic Charter and the FIH Statutes, the world body also had threatened to withdraw all international tournaments, including the Champions Trophy and Olympic qualifiers for men and women in February next year.
Dr. Michael Green, two-time Olympian and Chairman of the FIH Athlete's Committee said: "The first priority has to be the athletes, and while this was a tough decision for the FIH to make, I feel that they have ultimately made the choice that is best for the athletes involved."
The FIH is in the final stages of reviewing bids from other nations that are willing and able within the scheduled timeframe to host an event of the magnitude of the Champions Trophy.
The FIH will continue to monitor the governance structure in India and hopes that a resolution can be found before it begins to affect future events set to be held in India.
The next event scheduled to be hosted in India is the Olympic Qualification Tournament in February.
The Times of India
Champions Trophy not to be held in India
The 2011 men's Champions Trophy will not be held in India as originally scheduled but will be shifted to another venue which will be announced within a week, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced on Tuesday. "The FIH announced today that India will no longer host the 2011
Men’s Champions Trophy due to ongoing problems with the governance of hockey in the country. A replacement host for the event is expected to be named within a week," FIH said in a press release.
"The schedule and line-up of the Champions Trophy will be determined when the host is announced. However, the event will take place during the same window of December 3-11.
"As a result of no longer hosting the Champions Trophy, India has been invited to play in the Champions Challenge to be held in South Africa in November."
As hosts, India were eligible to play in the elite tournament reserved for the top six national teams, but will now have to qualify for the event through the Champions Challenge.
With no immediate end in sight in the power struggle between Hockey India and the Indian Hockey Federation, the Olympic qualification tournament scheduled to be held in Delhi in February 2012 is also in jeopardy unless the two bodies merge to present a unified structure that the FIH has been insisting on.
Several attempts to merge the two units have failed with neither willing to concede authority and power. The FIH said it will continue to monitor the developments and decide on the future of several international tournaments that have been allotted to India.
"It is a fundamental and non-negotiable requirement of the Olympic Charter and the FIH Statutes that there be only one governing body for any one sport in any country with exclusive authority and responsibility to govern, organize national competitions and to enter national teams in international competitions," the release pointed out.
"We regret that we have to move the Champions Trophy from India," said FIH President Leandro Negre in the press release.
"It is difficult for the teams, the organizers and the fans. But we feel that this is the only way to maintain the integrity of our sport."
Michael Green, two-time Olympian and Chairman of the FIH Athlete’s Committee, added: "The first priority has to be the athletes, and while this was a tough decision for the FIH to make, I feel that they have ultimately made the choice that is best for the athletes involved."
The FIH is in the final stages of reviewing bids from other nations that are willing and able within the scheduled timeframe to host an event of the magnitude of the Champions Trophy, the release said.
Hindustan Times
FIH snatches away Champions Trophy from India
NEW DELHI: The Champions Trophy hockey tournament has been moved out of the country with the world body (FIH) saying it is unhappy with the sport being run by two bodies - Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation - in India.
"We regret that we have to move the Champions Trophy from India," FIH president Leandro Negre said in a release on Tuesday, adding the dates for the tournament would not change. "It is difficult for teams, organisers and the fans. But we feel that this is the only way to maintain the integrity of our sport."
The release added: "At issue is the governance structure of the sport of hockey in India. It is a fundamental and non-negotiable requirement of the Olympic Charter and the FIH Statutes that there should only be one governing body for any one sport in any country."
The dates (Dec 3-11) will be the same but the schedule and line-up of the Champions Trophy will be determined when the host is announced, the FIH said.
As such, India will lose their automatic berth in the eight-nation competition. To qualify for the tournament, they have now been asked to take part in the Champions Challenge in South Africa in November.
Interestingly, however, Negre did not commit himself anything further when contacted by TOI. He ducked questions about the new venue for the event, although the FIH website had changed the venue status of Champions Trophy from New Delhi to TBA (to be announced) and had officially asked New Zealand to be on standby at least two weeks ago.
Instead, the Spaniard restricted himself to just one statement: "I will speak to you only after I discuss the matter with the sports minister (Ajay Maken) next week."
This gives rise to the question: Has the event really been moved out of India? This was surely on the minds of those who have read between the lines of FIH's press statement.
Money on mind
The point is that if the decision to shift the tournament out of India has already been made, what role could Maken possibly play? Also, why didn't FIH announce the new venue immediately? Why did it choose to give itself a week before arriving at a consensus? Obviously, the nub of the argument lies elsewhere with the meeting next Tuesday being critical to FIH's subsequent steps.
While the talks will revolve around the contentious working relationship between HI and IHF, sources said that FIH top brass will be in the country to seek financial assurances from the government and voice their angst about the way things have progressed on the sponsors' front for the Champions Trophy.
Sources indicate that FIH, which struck gold during the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi, thanks to a hefty sponsorship, is still to get $500,000 from the deal. Apparently, the issue is stuck in the Reserve Bank of India chambers.
Besides this niggle, the absence of a title sponsor for the Champions Trophy and the delay in the payment of hosting fee of the Champions Trophy had them harbouring thoughts of moving the tournament away from India, informed sources said. Maken, who confirmed he would meet Negre next Tuesday, too hinted that 'financial' concerns could be behind the decision.
"The administrative concerns of FIH can be addressed but there might be some financial considerations behind this decision as well," he added. Meanwhile, officials said they would be keen to help FIH get the final installment of the money released from RBI if the world body requested them to do so.
'Arm-twisting tactics'
"But moving the tournament out of the country, citing the HI-IHF arrangement is nothing short of arm-twisting. We had explained to them last month that the arrangement is for a limited period of time. Also, this arrangement will be valid only after the government grants provisional recognition to HI as an NSF. That hasn't happened yet," sources told TOI.
The FIH decision was first conveyed to sports minister Ajay Maken on Monday. In a related correspondence, the federation also stated that Negre will land in New Delhi on September 13 for what are deemed to be crucial talks with Hockey India and the ministry.
The FIH had in July threatened to move the Champions Trophy and the Olympic qualifiers out of the country. "We told them HI would continue to fulfill all obligations to FIH, including fielding national teams. So where is the problem?" source asked.
At this point, another priority for the ministry would be to ensure that the Olympic qualifier slated in New Delhi in February goes ahead as per schedule.
"FIH had given five major tournaments to India and Champions Trophy was one of those. I will try to convince Negre not to take away the other four," Maken said.
The Times of India
International Hockey Federation strips India of right to host 2011 Men's Champions Trophy
By Telegraph staff
No worries: India being stripped of hosting the Champions Trophy will not affect England's campaign Photo: REUTERS
India have been stripped of their hosting rights for this year's men's Champions Trophy because of the country's ongoing governance problems in hockey, the International Hockey Federation (IHF) has announced.
The tournament is the last outdoor event involving the world's top-eight nations – including England – before next summer's Olympics in London.
A statement released by the FIH today said that the final line-up and schedule would be announced once the new hosts have been chosen in the next week, but the event will still take place between December 3 and 11.
"We regret that we have to move the Champions Trophy from India," said Leandro Negre, president of world governing body. "It is difficult for the teams, the organisers and the fans but we feel that this is the only way to maintain the integrity of our sport."
There is an ongoing power struggle between Hockey India and the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) as to who controls the sport in the country and several attempts to merge the two bodies have failed.
Hockey India was formed in 2008 following allegations of mismanagement by the IHF, but the IHF's status was restored by an Indian court last year and although the current situation is supported by the country's government it is not by the FIH.
Dr. Michael Green, two-time Olympian and Chairman of the FIH Athlete’s Committee added: “The first priority has to be the athletes, and while this was a tough decision for the FIH to make, I feel that they have ultimately made the choice that is best for the athletes involved.”
As they no longer qualify for the elite-level event, India, who are scheduled to host one of the Olympic qualifiers in February, have been invited to play in the Champions Challenge in South Africa in November.
The Telegraph
A sense of disappointment all around
Principal Correspondent
Union Sports Minister Ajay Maken on Tuesday expressed his disappointment over the withdrawal of the Champions Trophy from India by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and said he would try to convince FIH President Leandro Negre not to take away other major international events allotted to India.
Maken, who is scheduled to meet Negre on September 13, said he would make an effort to make the FIH understand the ground realities in India and reverse its decision.
“The letter (from Negre) says the FIH executive board decided to remove the Champions Trophy. I will find out whether there is any chance (to retain the event),” Maken told newspersons here.
The Minister was more concerned about the future of the Olympic qualifiers allotted to India next year. “We are keen that the Olympic qualifiers are played in India. The Champions Trophy is a big event, I wish it were held here,” he added.
Talking about the major objection raised by the FIH regarding the ‘settlement' between Hockey India (HI) and the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), Maken said, “We thought that would bring unity between the two warring factions.”
Challenge
According to the Minister, the present challenge was two-fold — to get the major international tournaments back to India by keeping the FIH in the loop and unite the two hockey bodies in the country. He said “inflated egos” of the officials of the two bodies must take a back seat for the betterment of the sport. “The Government can only be a facilitator.”
Sports Ministry officials will meet representatives of the HI, IHF and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on September 12 and Maken was optimistic that he would see some positive development before he met Negre the next day.
“If there is any administrative reason, we will look into it. But if there are any commercial or financial reasons, they (FIH) have to,” Maken said.
HI taken aback
HI, on its part, was taken aback by the FIH decision to withdraw the Champions Trophy from India. “It is shocking. The agreement has not even been implemented. We are waiting for the FIH president's meeting with the Sports Minister,” said HI Secretary Narinder Batra.
Meanwhile, the Ministry, in a letter to the FIH, said the ‘settlement' between HI and IHF was only an internal arrangement and temporary in nature. “It will not in any way affect the obligations of Hockey India to the FIH, including fielding National teams, holding FIH recognised events and correspondence with the FIH.”
Maintaining that the Government was fully committed to the principle that there should be only one recognised National Sports Federation for one sport, the letter said, “We are committed… to ushering in a permanent solution which will be within the parameters of the Olympic Charter, FIH Rules and our own guidelines and regulations.”
Pending dues
However, it is learnt that the FIH in its letter has also pointed out that it is yet to get its dues of “$500,000, pursuant to contract for the men's World Cup held in Delhi in March 2010.” The letter says the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has refused to release the money and has sought a written explanation for the reasons regarding this.
The IOA expressed its surprise over the FIH decision. “The decision is most unfortunate and uncalled for and we hope that FIH will rescind it and hold the tournament in New Delhi as per schedule,” the IOA said in a statement.
IOA acting President Prof. Vijay Kumar Malhotra said if the FIH did not change its stand, the decision would do incalculable harm to the game not only in India but all over the world.” Malhotra said the FIH's decision had puzzled him because “We had assured FIH of all cooperation.”
Prof. Malhotra held Maken responsible for this mess. “I don't know what his real agenda is, but he has landed the country in another unnecessary controversy. Thank God, the so-called sports development bill got scuttled, otherwise India would have faced problems from the IOC and its participation in the London Olympics and all other international competitions including Asian Games & Commonwealth Games.”
Malhotra said he was more than willing to talk to the FIH to make IOA's position clear. “FIH should talk to IOA, which represents the IOC in the country. I hope FIH will keep New Delhi as venue for the Champion's Trophy,” he added.
The Hindu
Shifting CT: India pays for its collective sin
K Arumugam
Every National Sports Federation in India is headed by at least a Minister or a leading public figure. We are not happy about that but at least they are sensitive to public mood and opinion. However, in the last 50-year hockey, hockey never had even had such minimal respectability. It had always been headed by a retired or serving bureaucrat or provincial Police Chief. Therefore, perhaps, hockey sport was never had leadership which can steer it to success by vision or mission.
That the sport is run by petty persons has been a bane, and its results are now showing up.
The FIH has today announced officially shifting of men’s Champions Trophy, which it generously gifted last year, to some other bidder, and everyone know that is New Zealand.
It is better to see for ourselves what has led to this development rather than finding fault with the donor.
It is pity that India is itself to blame for the whole unavoidable shifting -- the shame that goes with it for a country which still claims hockey is its national game.
India’s all problem started when India failed to get a Olympic place with a poor performance in 2006 Asian Games. However, the FIH, like anybody who knows hockey, long before felt that India hockey is slipping along the road and the sport will soon fade into oblivion. They came out with a solution.
They introduced what is called Promoting Indian Hockey Project. They brought money from International Olympic Committee, convinced Ric Charlesworth to work in India. These were really big steps for a global organization to think of re-invigorating a particular country. The FIH headed by Els van Breda Vriesman had that vision. They expected India will fare badly on the turf and wanted to help. Remember they put in place Promoting Indian Hockey Project well before we came fifth in the 2006 Asiad and two years before we failed to qualify for the Olympics. They had foreseen such things, but India right through cold-shouldered their warm hand.
Then IHF Chief KPS Gill did not respect the agreement he himself signed with the FIH with respect to this project. Ric Charleworth was treated badly in India both by KPS Gill and his confident Joaquim Carvalho, who arrogated himself as the better stuff than the Australian legend. Ric was not allowed to interact with the national team, and shortly he left for his own good.
After India failed to qualify for the 2008 Olympics for the first time in its 80-year history, public opinion saw dissolution of KPS Gill’s IHF, but emergence of another set of coterie in the name of Ad-hoc Committee and then all of a sudden a new organization called Hockey India, did not bring any fresh air to the administration.
A business scion wanted to become the president of IHF, he had the numbers, but an inexplicable collusion between Indian Olympic Association and the FIH frustrated him. Had only election held in time for the IHF, that is within six months of dissolution of IHF, today we will not be in a position in which we are.
Of course the FIH cannot say its hands are clean with respect to formation of third organization beyond Indian Hockey Federation and Indian Women Hockey Federation. Its stubborn, biased and unilateral support to the new body, and selective amnesia on IHF and IWHF, added another dimension in the courts of law and in the another arbitrator, the Ministry of Sports.
So, in a nutshell, India could not show to the world who rule its hockey. Is it not ridiculous?
Meanwhile a television company, Neo Sports, came into the picture. The same IHF which in its 14-years of misrule hardly bothered about Nationals, started organizing not only the Nationals, but also long forgotten Federation Cup etc, just to show it is alive and kicking. Neo Sports announced World Series Hockey under the patronage of IHF. It contracted players world over, paid them installments of money, and it obviously cut the FIH’s prestige. Now the warfront changed. The TV Company threatened to take FIH to international courts which none in the 120-year history of FIH ventured into.
Government’s effort to strike a balance between IHF and HI seemed to be the last nail in the coffin. A month ago, IHF and HI signed a informal merger, very ambiguous and impractical one, which gave much to IHF while undermined the authority of HI.
Had only the IHF and HI has been headed by people of stature, people of vision, things would not have slipped to this nasty level. Every unit in India, at city level or village level is a divided house now. I saw for myself in Puducherry, a tiny unit, at least six groups claiming they are true guardians of hockey.
I wrote once, I don’t hesitate to do it once more. Both HI and IHF cannot on their own even gift an Indian team a pair of shoes. They have nothing to offer. They only cycle and recycle governments’ funds. They don’t own stadium, they don’t run camps, they don’t purchase air-tickets for Indian tours, and that’s why you have parasites, sick-minded goons, silly-minded low level govt or bank employees run hockey now. I don’t know what credentials Mr. Shetty has so as to head the IHF. He is basically organizer of bhajans and kirtans. On the other side, we never know who is this Aleyamma who head HI.
The point is, hockey is run by people of mediocre order. So, they don’t have it in them to run it the way it should be. They even don’t know the extent harm they been inflicting on hockey by their incompetency and lack of vision.
So. We never qualified for the Champions Trophy on merit after 1995. Yes we had participated many times because either we hosted it or some country backed out. We continue to remain so. Never again blame nobody else except yourself for what is happening now.
Stick2Hockey.com
Losing tournaments have been a routine shame for India.
K Arumugam
Indian hockey is replete with instances of losing allotted international tournaments for one reason or other. This has been sad part of Indian hockey. That’s why till the ball is set in motion there exists a shred of uncertainly on the tournament allotted to India will take place or not. It recently happened with respect to 2010 World Cup too.
Even on good old times, India had to forgo hosting tournaments as big as World Cup for stupid and silly reasons. And, in he Asian context the same fate hung for the Asia Cup.
By and large the shifting of Champions Trophy 2011 is not an isolated incident.
Not many would know the 1975 World Cup that India lifted ultimately was originally allotted to Bombay. There were two different sets of Bombay Hockey Association officials before and after allotment, whose internecine feud took away the World Cup to KL. Rane Frank, then president of FIH, had to say what Nobbs recently said: “There is too much politics in India”.
The 1999 Asia Cup had been shifted in the last minute to Kuala Lumpur as India could not hold on to the terms and conditions of the Asian Hockey Federation; also due to expected denial of visa to Pakistan team due to Kargil war.
The same happened two years later. India could not honour the commitment to host the men’s and women’s Champions Challenge due to war like situation in India, read parliament attack. The army build up on both sides of border did this tournament in.
The same parliament attack scenario also led to the early return of USA women’s team which was supposed to play a 3-match test series.
Previously, the late approval or disapproval from the government, and with that the uncertainty of funds, used to be the main reason, besides infights.
Many of these shiftings could have been avoided had the administration been alert. India-England cricket test series went on despite Mumbai terror attack, for instance.
Due to merger of men and women federations, and alleged delay in national stadium construction and failure of Hockey India to conduct elections and other issues cropped up time to time after 2010 World Cup was allotted to India. Even a month before the actual start, doubt have been raised quite often.
So, whatever, India’s image is now sullied beyond repair. Indian hockey has lot great many chances to come back. This is also one.
Stick2Hockey.com
Nation's shame: What now, Mr Ajay Maken?
By Mihir Vasavda
When an ambitious Ajay Maken took over the reins from MS Gill, little did he know about the baggage of controversies that would be following him.
After the much-debated sports development bill — that won the Union sports minister more enemies than friends — was rejected by the cabinet last week, Tuesday’s decision by the international hockey federation (FIH) to take away this year’s Champions Trophy, from New Delhi, puts Maken and his ministry in a fix.
A lot of questions will now dog the minister, foremost being the future of the merger between Hockey India (HI) and Indian Hockey Federation (IHF). Incidentally, it was the sports ministry that initiated the ‘peace process’ between the warring factions. The FIH has outrightly rejected the proposal, saying it cannot accept the inclusion of IHF in the new set-up as it had been derecognised back in 2000.
Now, if the ministry does not budge, then the FIH has said it will take away the Olympic qualifiers — supposed to be held in the Capital in February next year — as well. The FIH can also bar India from participating in international events.
The officials swung into damage-control mode on Tuesday. “Who else can be blamed, but the ministry?” questioned acting Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president VK Malhotra. “They (FIH) had warned us that any kind of government intervention would lead to sanctions. I had assured (FIH chief Leandro) Negre that the federation’s sovereignty will be maintained. But our minister (Maken) has his own set of ideas,” Malhotra added.
The ministry maintains that it had kept FIH in the loop. The decision has shocked them too. “The Supreme Court had ordered us to resolve the hockey crisis. We were just following those orders. We hope they tell us what exactly they want,” said a ministry official.
Ministry officials are set to meet Negre on September 13 in New Delhi and a day before that, he will hold talks with the officials from HI and IHF. “We will see what the FIH wants us to do and if their demands are feasible, we will incorporate them,” the official added.
The ministry, though, is confident of coming out with a solution and ensure that the Olympic qualifiers stay in India.
But the damage has already been done. Coach Michael Nobbs said that the Indian team was hoping to use the Champions Trophy as a key preparatory tournament before the Olympic qualifiers.
For the record, India have not qualified for the Champions Trophy on merit since 1995. Arjun Halappa, India’s seniormost player, said this will have a huge impact on the team’s preparations before the Olympic qualifiers. “You need to play high-pressure matches. It is really sad that we won’t be a part of the Champions Trophy now,” he rued.
DNA
Nobbs upset with withdrawl of Champions Trophy from India
ORDOS, (CHINA): Highly disappointed with India losing the right to host of this year's Champions Trophy hockey tournament, national team coach Michael Nobbs said it would rob the fans off an opportunity to witness the game.
"I think it's very disappointing," said Nobbs, who came to know about the development minutes before the India-South Korea match of the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament.
"I am saying from the point of hockey. The boys will suffer as they won't get to play the best teams before the Olympic Qualifying.
"The hockey loving fans in India will not get to see the Champions Trophy and overall, the game will suffer," he added.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) tournament was to be held in New Delhi from December 3-11 but it was announced on Tuesday that India will no longer host the 2011 Men's Champions Trophy due to ongoing problems with the governance of hockey in the country.
There was hope that the FIH would let India host the tournament even though they were not agreeing with the way hockey was being administered in India.
Nobbs didn't want to say too much about the federations running the sport.
"I am only the coach of the Indian team," said Nobbs. "But if I feel the sport will suffer, I do believe both the federations should probably think on the same lines."
With the Champions Trophy withdrawn from the country, India will now go to South Africa to play the Champions Challenge in November.
According to the ICC statutes, which are followed by the FIH, there can only be one governing body for any one sport in any country with exclusive authority and responsibility to govern, organise national competitions and to enter national teams in international competitions.
The Times of India
HI and IHF fume over losing Champions Trophy hosting rights
NEW DELHI: Hockey India (HI) was on Tuesday left astounded by FIH's decision to snatch away the hosting rights of the Champions Trophy while the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) accused the world governing body of 'blackmailing' and interference.
FIH on Tuesday announced that it was taking away the hosting rights of the prestigious tournament, which was to be held later this year, because of the issues concerning game's governance in India.
Hockey India secretary general Narinder Batra said since FIH president Leandro Negre was scheduled to meet the Indian sports minister Ajay Maken next week, the decision has left them shocked.
"We are shocked and disappointed. We did not have any hint of this happening. They did not even spoke to us before taking such a big decision," Batra said.
"If their decision is based on the power-sharing formula between HI and IHF, then it's really not appropriate. The agreement has not been implemented yet neither we have got a letter in this regard from the ministry. Then what was the hurry," Batra said.
India Hockey Federation secretary general Ashok Mathur said they do not understand why FIH came up with a decision like this.
"It's absolutely blackmailing. They knew about the initiative of the sports ministry beforehand then this sudden decision is beyond understanding," Mathur said.
"FIH has always interfered in India's matters but this time they have crossed the limit. If it (governance) was the issue then why India was allowed to host the World Cup. The situation was the same at that time also."
Mathur said it was in FIH's interest to let India host the World Cup.
"They made a lot of money out of this. Despite this, they are treating India like this. It's a big loss for Indian hockey. If they had any objection to our agreement then why did they asked us not to resort to legal action? Even Negre had even welcomed this agreement, then what has happened now?," a peeved Mathur said.
"The initiative was taken by the sports ministry. How we could say no to the government."
The Times of India
Time to bury egos and form one hockey body: Rasquinha
MUMBAI: Former India captain Viren Rasquinha on Tuesday gave a clarion call for all concerned in running the sport to bury their egos and stop politicking for the future of national game.
Reacting to the decision of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to take away the hosting rights of the December 3-11 men's Champions Trophy from the country due to the administrative row over the governance of the game, Rasquinha said he was more worried about what could happen in future vis-a-vis Olympic qualifiers awarded to the country.
"I am not too worried about the Champions Trophy (being taken away), but am more concerned about what could happen to the hosting rights for the Olympic qualifiers (scheduled in February, 2012) awarded to India, if the present impasse continued," the former midfielder said.
"Home advantage is a huge one and we should not regret later that it was taken away," said the former international, pointing out that India could then be in severe danger of missing the Olympic berth for the second Games running.
"The FIH is doing everything possible for India to qualify (for next year's London Games). We should not let go of this opportunity and regret later.
Rasquinha felt that it was time for all concerned to sink their differences and egos for the future of the game.
"We need one federation to govern the game in the country for the standards to improve and for sponsors to show interest in the game. Its time for everyone concerned to let go of their egos and bury politics. The sport should take priority over everything else," he said.
Another former India skipper and midfielder Somaya Maneypande, however, hit out at the decision of the FIH saying it did not appear to be a "rational" one.
"The fault lies with the FIH, if at all. It was wrong on their part to award the Champions Trophy first and then take it away just because people like Suresh Kalmadi and others are no longer in control (of things)," said the three-time Olympian and member of the 1980 gold medal winning team at the Moscow Games.
"FIH cannot dictate terms to the Indian government. They cannot say who should be conducting the event as long as it is run efficiently and they get their royalty fees or whatever it is," he fumed.
Somaya also said that the Indian public would be deprived of watching top class hockey action because of the FIH's decision.
"The Indian crowd were thrilled at watching top class hockey during the World Cup (in March 2010) and the Commonwealth Games (in October 2010). They would now be deprived of that," he rued.
Both these events were hosted by the country at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.
The Times of India
FIH applying pressure tactics, says Harendra
Sudhanshu Bisen
NAGPUR: The FIH decision has shocked the country's hockey fraternity. Former national coach Harendra Singh said the international body is applying pressure tactics to ensure that the government comes up with a solution regarding the game's governance before the Olympic qualifiers.
"I am sure these are pressure tactics. The FIH wants to send a clear message that India should hurry up and end the prolonged debate. Otherwise, we might also end up losing the Olympic qualifiers too," said Harendra, while talking to TOI.
"It's high time that the concerned authorities sat down to sort out the issue. Else, we will lose the vital home advantage going into the qualifiers," he added.
However, Harendra also felt that the FIH should have waited till the verdict. "I don't think that there was a need to take such a drastic step. If they really want Indian hockey to do well and their intentions are right, then they (FIH) should have waited till the verdict. The matter is sub-judice," said the former chief coach.
Harendra also blamed the sports ministry for hurrying up the merger talks between IHF and HI. "I think FIH was dealing with HI and Government of India should have not done the merger in a hurry. They should have waited till the Champions Trophy and the Olympic qualifiers."
The Times of India
IOA terms FIH decision to strip India of CT "uncalled for"
NEW DELHI: Indian Olympic Association on Tuesday termed International Hockey Federation's decision to strip India of this year's Champions Trophy hockey event as "uncalled for" and asked the world body to restore the high-profile tournament to the country.
Expressing surprise at the FIH decision to shift the December 3-11 tournament from India, IOA acting president Vijay Kumar Malhotra said that such a step would harm the game not only in the country but all over the world.
"The decision is most unfortunate and uncalled for and we hope that FIH will rescind it and hold the tournament in New Delhi as per schedule," Malhotra said in a statement.
"Hockey is India's national game and a huge number of hockey fans are keenly awaiting to watch Champions Trophy at the Dhyan Chand stadium.
"The huge success of World Cup and hockey competition in the Commonwealth Games is a clear testimony of the popularity of the game and it needs further push and encouragement. FIH should talk to IOA, which represents the IOC in the country. I hope FIH will keep New Delhi as venue for the Champions Trophy," Malhotra added.
The IOA chief held sports minister Ajay Maken responsible for the "mess" in hockey in the country and said he has been cautioning him against dabbling in National Sports Federations.
"I don't know what is his real agenda. But he has landed the country in another unnecessary controversy. Thank God, the Sports Development Bill got scuttled, otherwise India would have faced problem from IOC and its participation in London Olympics and all other international competitions including Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
"The FIH decision is the first warning signal. But we are puzzled by the decision as we had assured FIH of all cooperation," he said.
The main reason for FIH's decision to strip the country of the tournament was the running of affairs of the game by two bodies - Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation - under an agreement brokered by sports ministry, but Malhotra said the IOA had never recognised it.
"I had assured FIH chief Leandro Negre that IOA is strongly against any government intervention in the sports bodies and it does not recognise the so called arrangement worked out by the sports ministry between Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation," he said.
"IOA had told FIH to keep dealing with HI just like we do. So where is the problem, We don't understand FIH's posturing. We have made our stand very clear (to FIH)," Malhotra said.
The Times of India
FIH did not even speak to us before taking decision: HI, IHF and IOA
NEW DELHI: The Indian sports bodies slammed the International Hockey Federation's (FIH) decision to shift the men's Champion's Trophy out of India.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) called the decision 'unfortunate and uncalled for' and the two factions - Hockey India (HI) and Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) - were 'shocked and dismayed'.
HI secretary general Narinder Batra said since Negre was scheduled to meet the sports minister Ajay Maken next week, the decision has left them shocked.
"We are shocked and disappointed. We did not have any hint of this happening. They did not even spoke to us before taking such a big decision," Batra said. Maken had said that the three bodies - IOA, HI and IHF - will come together on Monday to sort out the differences.
"If their decision is based on the power-sharing formula between HI and IHF, then it's really not appropriate. The agreement has not been implemented yet neither have we got a letter in this regard from the ministry. What was the hurry?" Batra said.
IHF secretary general Ashok Mathur said they do not understand why FIH came up with a decision like this. "It's nothing but blackmail. They knew about the initiative of the sports ministry beforehand then this sudden decision is beyond my understanding," Mathur said.
The IHF official said it was in FIH's interest to let India host the World Cup. "They made a lot of money out of this. Despite this, they are treating India like this. It's a big loss for Indian hockey. If they had any objection to our agreement then why did they ask us not to resort to legal action? Even Negre had welcomed this agreement, so what has happened now?" Mathur added.
"We hope that FIH will rescind it (this decision) and hold the tournament in New Delhi as per schedule," IOA acting president Vijay Kumar Malhotra said on Tuesday. Malhotra said FIH's decision could do incalculable harm to the game in India.
The Times of India
Will ensure major hockey tourneys remain with India: Maken
NEW DELHI: Describing the FIH's decision to shift the Champions Trophy out of India as a "big setback", sports minister Ajay Maken on Tuesday said that he would try his best to bring the high-profile event back to the country.
Maken said he would try to convince the FIH president Leandro Negre when he meets him on September 13 and try to change the world body's decision.
"It is a big set back for the country. I will try to ensure that the major hockey tournaments alloted to India remain with us and also try to unite the two warring fractions - Hockey India (HI) and Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) - yet again in the larger interest of the game and the country," Maken said.
He also promised that he would ensure that India did not lose hosting rights of any other major hockey tournament in the future.
"My main aim is to see that the Olympic qualifiers should stay with India," he added.
India is entrusted with the rights to host five international tournaments, including the Olympic qualifiers for both men and women in February next year.
The International Hockey Federation on Tuesday announced that India will no longer host the 2011 Men's Champions Trophy due to ongoing problems with the governance of hockey in the country.
Maken said that his ministry officials would hold a meeting with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), HI and IHF on September 12, a day before he will meet Negre.
Informing that he would like all the three bodies to talk at the same wavelength in front of the FIH chief, the minister said, "I would like the IOA, HI and IHF to say the same things in front of Negre when I meet him on September 13 and present a better and stronger picture of hockey in the country."
The sports minister agreed that it would be a good wake up call for the two warring fractions - HI and IHF - whose "inflated egos" are hampering the growth of hockey in India.
"Despite my best personal efforts to unite the two bodies it did not help because of inflated egos of the people of the two fractions. These needs to be sorted out at the earliest. But the problem is that the sports ministry can only act as a facilitator," explained Maken.
Asked if he suspected a conspiracy by FIH in taking away the prestigious event from India, Maken said that the sports ministry has sent a letter to the international body in this regard.
"HI is what we recognise as the official body for hockey in India as far as dealings with the international federation is concerned. We didn't bid for the Champions Trophy but it was really nice on the part of the FIH to give it to us. Now the FIH executive board has decided to take it away from India," said Maken.
"Besides the administrative reasons, there might be some commercial and financial constraints also," he added.
Meanwhile, the sources in the ministry said another key reason for India losing Champions Trophy is that the amount of approximately $500,000, which is owed to FIH in connection with the World Cup in 2010, has not been paid.
The release of this money is apparently being refused by the Reserve Bank of India.
The Times of India
Eight in a row for Kelburne?
Glynhill Kelburne are on the quest for an eighth consecutive title as the Subway national league campaign starts this weekend, a point made forcefully by their manager Harry Coles, but is there a side out there to put pressure on the long term champions? Grange are the most likely, they came second last season but were nine points adrift at the death, while the chasing pack were well short of the mark.
The Paisley outfit will certainly be weaker this season with the departure of midfielders Iain Scholefield and Gordon McIntrye to foreign parts, but are unlikely to falter at the first hurdle against VWS Dundee Wanderers at Bellahouston. The Taysiders lost both encounters last year and could struggle with the loss of playmaker Allan Law to Greaves Clydesdale.
Western Wildcats will have much the same pack as last year, except Gavin Sommerville replaces Kris Kane in goal and former internationalist Vishal Marwaha has taken over as coach, but they have a tricky assignment away to Grove Menzieshill in their first outing. The Wildcats proved their credentials by taking the Scottish Cup last season but their league form was inconsistent, hence they finished a disappointing fourth in the league. Their form against the Taysiders was symptomatic of the problem, the Wildcats won the first meeting 5-2, Scott McCartney scoring a hat-trick, but then lost the replay 4-2 at Auchenhowie.
"It is never an easy game playing Menzieshill in Dundee, last season they showed that they can compete with the top teams with some good results in both league and cup. We are expecting a tough game, and I believe we are more than capable of winning, but we are going to have to play somewhere near our best to take full points," said Marwaha.
Inverleith under the new coaching regime of Stephen McCurry and Bill Robson, have a spring in their step after taking the Cookstown tournament in Ireland last weekend against quality opposition. "Winning in Ireland was a massive bonus because our objective for the weekend was to make sure we are ready for our first league game against CALA Edinburgh," said McCurry.
With such a sizeable squad of players to pick from, Inverleith could have the necessary strength in depth to sustain a very real challenge to Kelburne, especially as defender Andrew Sinclair has fully recovered from a broken ankle sustain during the last indoor season, and he was named player of the tournament in Cookstown. Another player in form is internationalist Adam McKenzie, his penalty corner routine was in good working order with strikes in every game in Ireland.
McCurry has given his charges the target of a top three place in the league for this season, so an opening victory against CALA has to be part of that script.
Although newly promoted to the top flight this season, CALA have already sent out the warning signals last year by knocking out both Grange and Dundee Wanderers out of the Scottish Cup. But CALA will be without some key players for the Inverleith encounter, Ramsay Bell and Michael Witchell are out due to work commitments, injury has ruled out former Wanderers midfielder Steven Glass while strikers David Guy and David Patterson are considered doubtful.
Nonetheless, coach Neil Allan remains confident. "I believe we can beat Inverleith and get the season off to a flying start, but it will be difficult against a team with so many options. We have our own threats as an attacking team, and Scott Sutherland and David Patterson, if he plays, can be lethal at penalty corners."
Greaves Clydesdale flattered to deceive a little last season, they finished fifth in the table, but captain Ross Macpherson bemoaned the unnecessary loss of points, today they open their new water-based pitch at Titwood with AMN Hillhead as the visitors. There is a lot of raw talent in the Titwood outfit, but that will only be converted into results if coach Gordon Shepherd can instil a modicum of composure into the youngsters. Clydesdale`s cause has been boosted with the signing of former internationalist Allan Law from Wanderers, he will bring additional options to the midfield.
Hillhead are in the process of re-structuring with some players now out of the country, but they did come away with the CALA Edinburgh pre-season tournament last weekend.
"The games between the clubs last season were close, and I don`t expect anything different this weekend," said Keith Joss, Hillhead`s coach. "So the final result will probably come down to which team scores when they have the chance - I can`t imagine a nil-nil draw."
Potential title challengers Grange will have to wait a week before entering the hostilities, their game with Edinburgh University will be played later in the season.
It is a similar picture in the women`s league, is there a side capable of preventing Grove Menzieshill capturing their eighth title in nine years? Giffnock, who finished third in the table last season, have the first opportunity as they host the champions for the opening encounter.
Was it pessimism or realism that was behind the opinion expressed by Rhona Simpson, Giffnock`s player/coach. "I think this season will be pretty open for second place, but I believe Grove will be too strong for most opposition this year with the number of international players they have.
"I think it will be a tall order for us to beat Grove on Saturday due to our limited preparation time, while the majority of the Grove players have come back from an international tournament and I would suspect they will be a bit sharper than us."
Grove captain Linda Clement was also a bit muted on the subject. "We will certainly push for the title again, but as yet we don`t know the strength of the other sides. Certainly, Giffnock away is not an easy start by any means, I don`t suppose either side will really know what to expect, so it is difficult to predict what Saturday will bring."
The Taysiders did the double last season, winning the opening fixture 3-1 and the return match 5-1, Ali Bell, Louise Carroll from the set piece and Nikki Kidd dong the damage in these games. One crumb of comfort for Giffnock is that Kidd has left Dundee for the German Bundesliga while Nicki Cochrane takes over from Anna Schwartz in goal.
The other challengers to Grove`s hegemony will certainly not want to falter at the opening hurdle, Dundee Wanderers and Kelburne should see off Western Wildcats and newly promoted GHK respectively, but Milne Craig Western could have a tricky assignment away to CALA Edinburgh. Western slumped to fourth in the table last season, their poorest performance for decades, but there were a lot youngsters in their ranks who will have a year`s more experience in the top flight under their belt. Western will be without international striker Sam Judge, she is due to turn out as player/coach at Edinburgh University.
CALA won their own pre-season tournament in some style last weekend, winning all three games without conceding a single goal, it will be interesting to see if they can transfer this sort of form into the league.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Umpiring in a unique setting
Two umpires travel to China and share their impressions
By Annabelle Willox (WAL) & Wendy Stewart (CAN)
The 7th National Intercity Games of the People’s Republic of China saw ten Chinese provinces compete in a two-pool tournament over nine days. This year the games were held in Dalian in the Liaoning province, Northeast China, although the hockey tournament was held about an hour south of Dalian at the picturesque seaport of Xigang.
We attended the Games as Neutral Umpires. This role allowed us to offer additional guidance and leadership both on and off the field to the Chinese officials. We encouraged many discussions about communication and styles of umpiring, use of management tools, positioning, best situations to apply advantage, etc. Most evenings we met as a group to watch the pertinent video footage of the day and openly exchange our views, which proved to be a very good learning opportunity for all involved.
Facilities
The facilities for the tournament were excellent: two water based pitches, a gym, sports hall, hotel, small shop, and physiotherapy clinic were all on site. This meant that the tournament was able to run very smoothly, with only the weather on the last day causing any problems – and even then, the slight downpour only effected the first two games of the day, with the 3rd/4th place play off and final being able to be rescheduled to the main pitch in good time.
Language
With only two non-Chinese umpires at the tournament, one could be forgiven for assuming that language and communication might have been an issue. This was, however, not the case. The local tournament organisers provided us with an official translator, and many of the umpires and technical officials were keen to practice their English in preparation for other tournaments. In addition to this, we both made a sterling effort to learn Chinese – at least enough to communicate on the pitch – and Annabelle has even promised to take lessons on her return to Australia (evening classes start in early October).
Games
The games were of a high standard, with the pace of every game being consistently and constantly high. One particularly interesting tournament rule, however, was that any game that reached 10-0 would stop at that point: an unusual rule, and one that rarely need be applied(!) We both thoroughly enjoyed the games we umpired with our Chinese colleagues, emphasising in our pre match chat that our teamwork, communication and cooperation would be essential for success. We were lucky enough to umpire a semi-final each, and were rewarded for our hard work with doing the exciting final together.
Overall
The experience was a challenging and very rewarding one, and we were both very proud to have met some great umpires, officials and friends from China – and hope to see them all again at a tournament somewhere in the world. We would both also like to thank everyone involved in the tournament, it was great to work with them, especially the Chinese Hockey Association for all of their support, kind hospitality and the opportunity that they gave to us to take part in this prestigious and excellent event.
FIH site
PHA help raise awareness of Prader-Willi Syndrome
Polish Hockey Association holding event for children who suffer from complex genetic disorder
On 17 September 2011, the Polish Hockey Association (PHA) is running a special hockey event for children who suffer from Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS).
A feature of this complex genetic disorder is the affect it has on the experience of feeling hunger, with sufferers often feeling constantly hungry no matter how much they consume. Many children with the syndrome suffer from obesity, high blood pressure and heart problems. PWS affects approximately one in 10,000 to one in 25,000 newborns babies around the world.
The initiative to organize this family event was taken by the Polish Hockey Association, the Academy of Physical Education and Sylwia, a company owned by a former coach of the Polish National Men team whose son suffers from PWS. The event will take place in Poznan at the Academy of Physical Education Stadium, which was the venue of the EuroHockey Nations Championship II for Women.
PWS specialists have long highlighted the importance of sport in supporting therapy for the condition. The aim of the event is to help educate society about the syndrome, as well as showing that sick children can achieve great results by combining therapy with playing hockey.
The event will feature Polish national team members teaching children the basics of hockey, and will also feature a number of quizzes and much more. One of the stand-out elements of the event will be an exhibition hockey match between a collection of stars from other sports against local journalists and representatives. Both teams will be supported by the current men’s and women’s national team players as well as former greats of the Poland team, many of whom have competed at Olympic level.
In an effort to promote the event, the PHA has organized an advertising campaign which saw posters being placed in significant positions all around the city. The promotional campaign will also feature young hockey players cycling around the city complete with mini-banners ahead of the event.
For more information about Prader-Willi Syndrome, please click here.
Information supplied by Polish Hockey Association.
FIH site