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All the news for Thursday 29 September 2011

Japan women claim Asian Under-18 Title

1-0 victory over China enough for Asia Cup success


Japan, winners of the 3rd U-18 Asia Cup for Women (Photo: FIH / Thai Hockey)

It was a week to remember for the girls of Japan at the 3rd Under-18 Asia Cup, which took place at the Queen Sirikit National Hockey Stadium in Thailand from 16th-25th September.  The Japanese youngsters became champions of the ten team tournament thanks to a 1-0 victory over the heavily-fancied China. 

A big crowd turned up to watch the climax of an outstanding week of hockey action in Bangkok, and were not disappointed as the two finest teams at the event went head to head in search of the Gold medal. Both sides had a number of fantastic chances to score, but were thwarted by superb defensive work and brilliant goalkeeping.  The only goal of the game arrived late in the second half, with Japan’s Minami Shimizu clinically executing a well-worked penalty corner routine. It was a fitting climax to what had been a high quality tournament which suggests that women’s hockey in Asia has a very bright future indeed.

The tournament Bronze medallists were India, who crushed Korea 3-0 in a match which took place ahead of the competition final. Incredibly, both India and Korea topped the Pool phase of the competition before being beaten in the Semi Finals by Japan and China respectively.

Away from the action on the field of play, the 59th Asian Hockey Federation Council Meeting was another important element of the proceedings in Bangkok. The conference took place on Saturday 24th September. 

Final Standings
1 Japan
2 China
3 India
4 South Korea
5 Malaysia
6 Singapore
7 Thailand
8 Sri Lanka
9 Kazakhstan
10 Chinese - Taipei

Individual Awards
Top Scorer:  Nam So Ri (Korea) / Meisham Kiran Devi (India)
Best Goalkeeper: Manlika Thonhongsa (Thailand)
Player of the tournament: Haduki Nagai (Japan)
Player of the final: Luo Tiantian (China)

Information and Image supplied by Thai Hockey

FIH site

Good start for Sultan of Johor Cup

By J.J. Shah


Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, Malaysian Hockey Federation president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman with the sponsors of the Sultan of Johor Cup at yesterday’s launch. — Picture by Zulkarnain Ahmad Tajuddin

THE state government's bid to turn Johor Baru into a sporting hub received a shot in the arm when the inaugural Sultan of Johor Cup was launched by Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar at the Johor International Convention Centre yesterday.

It will become the second annual international tournament in Johor Baru, joining the five-year-old Iskandar Johor Open Golf which draws big names from the European and Asian tours.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Ghani Othman listed cricket as the next international event that could be held in Johor Baru.

The Sultan of Johor Cup received a tremendous boost with a total of RM1.25 million in sponsorship at the launch.

In this year's tournament, Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, South Korea and hosts Malaysia will compete at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium on Nov 5-12. The tournament, held in conjunction with the Sultan of Johor's birthday celebrations, has been sanctioned by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and will feature on its hockey calendar.

"Due to time constraint, it is a six-nation tournament this year but we hope to bring European teams in the coming years and probably increase the total to eight or more teams," said Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.

Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar launched the tournament.

A total of RM1.25 million was raised from various sponsors with the Johor State Government contributing RM500,000 while other major sponsors include Johor Corporation, Danga Bay, Genting Berhad, Sapura Holdings, Sports Ministry, Century Logistics, Malaysian Pacific Corporation, SAJ Holdings Sdn Bhd, Central Malaysian Properties, BCB Berhad, UEM Land Holdings Berhad, Tenaga National and Titan Chemicals Corporation.

New Straits Times

Note the official website can be found at http://www.sultanjohorcup.com.my

Tall order

The Project 2013 squad have been given a target of a top two finish for the inaugural Sultan of Johor Cup that will be held from November 5-12 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium.

In revealing the target, MHF President Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said that the squad had undergone good preparation over the past two years and felt that the target was achievable.

" The squad has been together for the past two years and have benefitted from various international exposures," said Tengku Abdullah after the launch and sponsorship ceremony for the SOJC at the Persada International Convention Centre

"Infact several of the players from the team have already made it to the senior squad."

But while setting such a high target is indeed laudable, what Tengku Abdullah may not be aware is that the best players will not be playing for the squad in the SOJC.

This is because the national coach Tai Beng Hai is steadfastly refusing to allow Faisal Saari play in the tournament, citing the Champions Challenge as a reason.

And on top of that Beng Hai had in the joint meeting between NSC and MHF on Tuesday made it clear that he had no intention of allowing Firhan Ashaari to join the juniors for the tournament.

Which goes back towards questioning the rationale of holding the SOJC when it is clearly to prepare our juniors for the Junior Asia Cup next May in Malacca that serves as a qualifier for the 2013 Junior World Cup in India.

A case of penny wise and pound foolish is the best to describe the antics of the national coach.

Malaysian Hockey blogspot

Injuries may derail Sapura’s bid to keep pace with leaders KLHC

By AFTAR SINGH

KUALA LUMPUR: Sapura’s bid to keep pace with leaders Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) in the Premier Division of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) suffered a jolt following injuries to three key players.

The trio – defender Reduan Ponirin and midfielders Robert Alcantra and Mohd Izzat Mohd Rahim – are doubtful starters for Sapura’s match against Nur Insafi at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.

“Reduan is still recovering from a groin injury while Robert slipped and injured his thigh. National trainee Izzat is down with a hamstring injury,” said coach I. Vicknes­waran.

“All three will undergo a medical test on Friday to know whether they will be fit to play against Nur Insafi.”

Double champions KLHC lead the nine-team league standings with 12 points while Sapura are three points behind.

To make matters worse, Sapura had suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to Nur Insafi in the first round match last season.

Vickneswaran is fully aware that his team will have to collect full points against Nur Insafi if they are to stay on track for the league title.

“It’s easier said than done. But with three players injured, and last year loss to Nur Insafi still fresh in our system, the pressure will be on us to get the better of them,” he said.

“Nur Insafi have six foreign players and are a strong team. They will definitely go all out to beat us like last year.

“We will play a cautious game and capitalise on our chances.”

Vickeswaran also said that he is unhappy with his team’s penalty corner conversion rate.

“We had a number of penalty corners but only scored from a few set pieces. This is one area we need to work on,” he said.

Sapura’s penalty corner flickers are former national skipper S. Kuhan, Jiwa Mohan and national player Azreen Rizal Nasir.

Sapura have two matches this week. On Sunday, they will take on debutants UiTM, who have just one point from three matches.

But Vickneswaran said they would not take any team for granted.

“We respect all the teams ... we will take every match seriously,” he said.

The Star of Malaysia

Simpson threat to Western revival

With Grove Menzieshill already with their noses in front in the Scottish women`s Subway national league after only three games, as last season it could be the battle for the runners-up spot and the other place in Europe that could hold the greatest fascination.

Having beaten both Giffnock and Milne Craig Western, both by 4-1, the champions should find little problem in seeing off Grange this weekend.   The gap between the sides seems substantial, Grove have scored fifteen goals so far this season, Grange have yet to break their duck in front of goal, but the latter did manage a 0-0 draw against the improving Western Wildcats in their opening fixture.

That illusive second spot is the target for Neil Menzies, coach of Milne Craig Western, as he leads his charges against Giffnock in the game of the day.

"A realistic aim for us is to finish second, to achieve that we need to keep on improving as well as being more efficient against the top teams.  Certainly a win against Giffnock on Saturday is essential in that regard," said Menzies.

Perhaps Grove last week was a bridge too far as yet for Menzies` young squad, but the former Scottish internationalist is far from downcast.  "The positives from that game come from the fact that we were more competitive than we were this time last year, and allied to that I thought that some of our younger players showed that they have improved significantly since last season."

Last year Giffnock completed the double over their close neighbours, the first game ended 4-2, the return was 3-2, most of the goals coming from Susan Bruce and the former Olympian Rhona Simpson, although Western gained some revenge by knocking Giffnock out of the Scottish Cup.

But Menzies has recognised the potential danger posed by Giffnock.  "Their main threat comes from the goal scoring potential of Rhona Simpson and the strength of Kaz Marshall.   Also they will be well organised and highly motivated, but may lack a little in terms of the depth of their squad."

Simpson scored four and Marshall two in Giffnock`s 6-1 victory over GHK a fortnight ago, but without the double Olympian last weekend, Giffnock drew a blank in a goalless draw with Kelburne.

"I think the game will be pretty close as Western are very different from last year, I think they will play as expected and it may come down to who makes the mistakes and who takes their chances," remarked the Giffnock player/coach.   "Western`s main threat is that they are a young team with players who want to do well, they are keen to improve and develop which will drive them forward.   But under pressure they may find it challenging and it will depend a lot how they cope with that pressure if we can apply that."

Giffnock look to have a full squad available with the return of the playmaker Simpson, but Western will be without the injured Bethan Mann and there is still doubt over the fitness of international striker Holly Cram.    (14.00hrs at Hutchesons` Grammar school)

On Sunday Western play their catch-up fixture against Edinburgh University who started their campaign with a 2-2 draw with CALA.  (15.30hrs at Titwood)

VWS Dundee Wanderers seem to have found their sea legs after a slow start and finished off Grange 6-0 last weekend, the goals coming from Heather Elder (3), Julie Bryce (2) and Amy Rowan from a penalty corner.

"As always we want to improve on last year, so we will be looking to be in contention to top the league, but our start was always going to be problematical as the league started before our students got back, but it`s now starting to come together," said Iain Strachan, Wanderers` coach.

This weekend CALA Edinburgh come to Tayside on Saturday on the back of one point in three games so far.   "CALA have not had the best of starts but are always a tough side and a handful, they will be looking for their first win, so we will have to be on our toes.  I think we carry too big a threat to lose, but the challenge of turning potential into points is always there," said Strachan.    Wanderers are currently second to Grove in the table, and should remain there on Saturday evening.    (15.00hrs at Riverside)

Glynhill Kelburne`s confrontation with Western Wildcats could be an interesting affair - the clash between a side that seems to be struggling to find some solid form against the Wildcats who have shown steady improvement by clawing four points from their opening three fixtures and only losing by the odd goal in five to Dundee Wanderers.    (15.00hrs at Bellahouston)

GHK won their opening fixture 2-1 against Kelburne, but have since succumbed to Giffnock and the Wildcats in succeeding weeks.  Fiona Donald`s squad have the chance to resume their winning ways against an Edinburgh University side that drew 2-2 with CALA in their opening fixture.

The men`s league programme goes into a week`s cold storage on account of the under 16 and under 18 inter-districts tournament to be held in Edinburgh over the weekend

Scottish Hockey Union media release

U18 & U16 Boys in Inter-District action this weekend

The U18 and U16 boys inter-district events take place in Edinburgh this weekend, providing a chance for district squad players to showcase their talents in front of Scotland's youth international coaches and managers.

On Saturday 1 October, the teams will play at the National Hockey Academy at Peffermill Playing Fields in Edinburgh, before moving to the Edinburgh Academy Playing Fields at East Fettes Avenue to complete the second half of the event on Sunday 2 October.

The match schedule and draw can be viewed on the youth competitions page, where there is also information about accessing the venue at Edinburgh Academy.

The U18 & U16 inter-district events will provide Scotland international coaches and managers with the opportunity to run their eyes over a number of Scotland's up and coming hockey talents, with the view to identifying a number of individual players to be selected for the national performance programmes.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Alan Giles Announces Retirement

Irish International Hockey Player, Alan Giles, has today announced his decision to step down off the international platform. Giles, now 30 made his debut against France just over two years ago and went on to secure another 26 senior caps representing his country.

Despite a relatively short period at senior level, Alan made a big impact on his team and country something which Coach Paul Revington was keen to recognise Alan has made a significant impact on our Ireland Squad in the 2 and a half years I have been coaching in Ireland - on and off the playing field. He contributed significantly to Ireland wins at the Celtic Cup in 2009 and 2010; Euro Nations Trophy in 2009 and then at the Champions Challenge II in 2011. Alan also set a great example to the squad in regard to the value of perseverance and ability to evolve with the game, having played for Ireland U21 in 2001 at the Junior World Cup in Hobart and then making his Ireland senior debut in 2009 at age 28. We have appreciated Alan's contribution to our Ireland Team and wish him well in the years ahead.

Making the decision to retire has obviously not been an easy one for Giles who said The decision to hang up my stick and retire from the Irish Team was an extremely difficult one. I have enjoyed every minute over the past few years and it is not something I found very easy to let go of. The experiences and memories I have playing at this elite level has engraved something very special deep inside of me that will stay with me forever.

Representing my country is something I am very proud of and it has been a real privilege to be part of such a talented team that has already changed the mould of Irish Hockey and will continue to do so in the future. I wish the squad the very best of luck in the upcoming tournaments and their journey towards the Olympics. I look forward to supporting them all in London 2012.

Manager Peter Jackson was also keen to pay tribute to the midfielder On a personal level I would like to thank Alan for his commitment, maturity and sensibility he brought to the squad and tournaments. Attributes which earned peer and management respect alike, as well as those within the greater hockey community.

Giles will continue to play club hockey with Pembroke Wanderers and all in Irish Hockey would like to wish him well and thank him for his contribution at an International level.

Irish Hockey Association media release

'Hurt' Mukesh to assist Michael Nobbs

M Ratnakar

HYDERABAD: After getting severe flak from all quarters for insulting three-time Olympian Mukesh Kumar, Hockey India has came up with a comprise formula - the appointment of the former India star as assistant coach for the senior team.

Six days since walking out of the Indian camp after he was denied the post of chief coach of junior team, Mukesh gave his nod to work under chief coach Michael Nobbs.

Mukesh arrived in Bangalore on September 22 after he was told to take over the reins of the junior team. But on his arrival he realised that Harendra Singh was named the coach and he had to work under him. Irked by the sudden turn of events Mukesh returned to Hyderabad.

However, on Wednesday, HI secretary-general Narinder Batra called him up and asked him to assist Nobbs. After Mukesh accepted the offer, Batra spoke to Nobbs who readily accepted the proposal.

Mukesh, who would be concentrating on the forward line, said he was very happy with the new job offer. "After all that happened last week this is a welcome relief. I am very happy with the offer and I don't want to dwell in the past. Whatever happened hurt me a lot and I don't want to think about it again. My state body (Hockey Andhra Pradesh) was more upset with the treatment meted out to me. In fact they convinced me to take up this job," Mukesh said.

"During the interview in February, I made it clear that I am open to working as an assistant coach under a foreigner. Working with Nobbs will surely be a great experience and I can learn a lot from him."

The Times of India

Mukesh Kumar to assist chief coach Nobbs


Triple Olympian Mukesh Kumar. The Hindu

Three—time Olympian Mukesh Kumar, who created a stir by walking out of a national camp recently after being denied charge of the junior side, has been appointed as coach of the senior men’s hockey team, and will work under chief coach Michael Nobbs of Australia.

Confirming Mukesh’s appointment, Hockey India secretary general Narinder Batra said that the veteran Olympian and Padma Shri will resume his duties in the new role from Thursday.

“Mukesh has been appointed as a coach of the senior men’s team. He will be a part of the coach’s set—up engaged with the team under chief coach Nobbs,” Batra told PTI.

Asked about the tenure of his contract, Batra said, “It has not yet been finalised. It depends on the chief coach’s wish, because as per Nobbs’ contract, he also has to train our Indian coaches.”

Mukesh, 41, created a controversy earlier this month when he left the national camp in Sports Authority of India, Bangalore a few hours after his arrival in protest after being denied the chief coach’s post of the junior team.

Mukesh, who agreed to be part of the Indian set—up on conditions that he would either assist a foreign coach or assume complete charge of the junior team, was shocked when he learnt that he will have to work under former senior national coach Harendra Singh.

Mukesh was delighted with the development, saying it was his long—cherished dream to work with the senior team.

“I always wanted to work under a foreign coach as his assistant. I was offered the coach’s post of the women’s team, but I refused because I wanted to be a part of the men’s set— up,” he said.

Mukesh represented India in three consecutive Olympics starting from 1992 Barcelona Games, where it finished seventh.

He made 307 international appearance for India and scored 80 goals.

The Hindu

Indian Navy get past ONGC


Players in action during the Gurmit Hockey tournament in Chandigarh on Wednesday. Tribune photo: Vinay Malik

Chandigarh - In an thrilling match Indian Navy defeated ONGC in a penalty shoot out while IOC defeated Namdhari XI to move into the next round of the 41st SN Vohra All India Gurmit Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament being held at the hockey stadium sector 42 here today.

In the first match, Indian Navy defeated ONGC 5-4, after a 3-3 draw in the stipulated time of 70 minutes.

ONGC took the lead through Aijub Ekka in the 4th minute while they extended their lead in the 11th and 14th minute.

But the Navymen came back in the match after Surinder reduced the margin to 1-3 in the 26th minute of the game. Sajit Lakra scored the second goal for the team in the 28th minute while Surinder again struck the board in the 63rd minute to level the scores.

Indian Navy won the match in the tie-breaker after converting all the spot shots into goals. In the second match of the day, IOC defeated Namdhari XI by 5-2. Gagandeep drew first blood in the 14th minute for IOC while Deepak doubled the score in the 29th minute. Didar took the score to 3-0 in the 37th minute. Deepak(48th ) and Vikram(55th) score a goal each to seal the team’s win. For Namdhari XI, Gurpeet (46th & 68th) scored twice to reduce the margin.

The Tribune

Field Hockey Canada launches 2020 Strategy

Field Hockey Canada (FHC) is implementing its 2020 Strategy, with the support of Sport Canada, Own the Podium and the field hockey community.

“We are looking at sport development across the entire spectrum - from grass roots to high performance in order to thrive on the world stage” says Mary Cicinelli, FHC President.   “We are building a leadership team to activate our plan to develop and strengthen field hockey across the country, and position our National Teams for podium contention in 2012 and beyond.”

FHC’s 2020 Strategy is focused on the growth of field hockey in Canada, and positively impacting the entire field hockey community.  Key aspects of the Strategy include the Long Term Field Hockey Development (LTHD) Pathway; enhanced training, development and competition opportunities for athletes, coaches and officials; an increase in quality Canadian field hockey facilities, and strong support for Provincial Associations and clubs. 

The High Performance aspect of Strategy 2020 is focused on Olympic podium contention for 2012 and beyond.  Sport Canada and Own the Podium have provided significant financial support, enabling the addition of key leadership and coaching positions, sport science support and increased development opportunities for the National Junior and Senior Programs. 

FHC is working towards a fundamental transformation of field hockey, and we are excited about what this means for the game in Canada.  We need the support of the entire field hockey community to achieve these results, including athletes, coaches, parents, and volunteers.

Field Hockey Canada media release