News for 09 February 2012
Thursday, 09 February 2012 09:05 | 
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All the news for Thursday 09 February 2012
Kookaburras and Netherlands victors on Day 1
Three penalty corner conversions by Mink van der Weerden led the Netherlands to a 7-4 triumph over Argentina in the opening match of the tri-nations Kookaburras Challenge on Wednesday night.
In the absence of normal penalty corner specialist Taeke Takema, van der Weerden was clinical from set pieces in the first international match to be played on Lemnos Field’s blue turf in the western suburbs of Perth.
The Poligras Olympia surface is identical to the one that will be used later in the year at the London Olympic Games and was recently laid to mimic the conditions that the teams will face later in the year.
It wasn’t all one way running for the Dutch side though, with the South Americans launching a second half fight back after falling behind 4-1 at the break, only to be overrun in the final ten minutes.
Valentin Verga opened the scoring for the Dutch in the eighth minute before Pedro Ibarra responded three minutes later. Rogier Hofman was proving to be a difficult match up for the Argentinians during the first half as his running through the midfield launched several counter attacks that went unrewarded.
Two goals to van der Weerden either side of Robert Kempermon’s 24th minute strike gave the Netherlands the ascendency at the break with the second of his goals coming on the stroke of half-time.
A second penalty corner conversion by Ibarra midway through the second half was soon followed by Rodrigo Vila’s cheeky flick over the approaching Jaap Stockman in the Netherlands goal to wrest control of the game from the Dutch.
And despite van der Weerden’s third goal on 59 minutes, Lucas Cammareri reduced the deficit to a single goal again just a minute later with a neat deflection from a wide ball in.
But this is where the comeback finished with Billy Bakker capping off a good performance with a reverse stick shot from the top of the circle before Roderick Weusthof rounded out the scoring with three minutes to go.
The ninth-ranked Argentinians showed that they won’t be here to make up the numbers in the series with the number three ranked Dutch and top ranking Kookaburras teams, with the latter defeating a strong Australia A outfit in the early match.
Matt Gohdes opened the scoring for the Kookaburras on five minutes with a sharp shot from the top of the circle, with Russell Ford doubling the lead with a deflection into the roof of the net two minutes later.
The Australia A team, boasting the likes of 2004 Olympic Gold Medallists Liam de Young, Bevan George and Rob Hammond, held possession for long periods of the game but it was the Kookaburras swift counter attacks and crisp passing that proved to be the difference between the two teams.
After Jacob Whetton, Hammond, Trent Mitton and Tom Wickham all had chances to pull a goal back for Australia A, it was Gohdes who doubled his account to make it 3-0 with three minutes to go.
Australia A finally got the goal they deserved through de Young a minute later but ran out of time to trouble the Kookaburras any further.
The series continues at Perth Hockey Stadium in Bentley on Friday night with Australia A taking on the Netherlands in the opener at 5pm, before the Kookaburras meet Argentina at 7pm. Tickets are still available from Ticketmaster.
Netherlands 7 (Valentin Verga 8m FG, Mink van der Weerden 18m PC, 35m PC, 59m PC, Robert Kempermon 24m FG, Billy Bakker 61m FG, Roderick Weusterhof 68m PC) defeated Argentina 4 (Pedro Ibarra 11m PC, 50m PC, Rodrigo Vila 57m FG, Lucas Cammareri 60m FG).
Kookaburras 3 (Matt Gohdes 5m FG, 68m FG, Russell Ford 7m FG) defeated Australia A 1 (Liam de Young 68m FG).
Hockey Australia media release
Kookaburras begin their Olympic Games Campaign
With the London 2012 Olympic Games only 6 months away, the Kookaburras have convened in Perth to begin their hectic playing schedule on 8 February 2012 when they compete in a Four Nations event against world number 3 Netherlands, world number 9, Argentina and Australia 'A'.
This will be the first hit-out for the newly formed 2012 National/Olympic Games Squad and the 2012 Development Squad who are still impressing the coaches for selection. Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth said "we are in heavy training at the moment and these matches will give the players a great chance to play against strong teams that we’ll be competing against in London”. Charlesworth believes that "with 28 players in the Olympic squad and 14 players in the development squad, this gives us a good opportunity to test the groups and assess their state of preparedness.”
Kookaburras regulars Simon Orchard, Joel Carroll and Graeme Begbie return from injury after missing the 2011 Champions Trophy and will have the opportunity to impress the coaching staff early in 2012. A number of experienced Olympic squad players are included in the Australia 'A' squad and will get the chance to impress when they are included in the Kookaburras squad for the second week of matches.
The matches will be played at two venues: Perth Hockey Stadium in Bentley and on the newly laid Olympic Games replica blue pitch at Lemnos Shenton Park. Playing on the blue pitch will ensure that the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos are adequately prepared for the conditions they'll face in London. Charlesworth said “it will be great to play serious matches against quality teams on a blue pitch. Every game we play will help us to further define our best team. We hope the conditions will give us a good insight into what to expect in London."
Kookaburras Squad for Week 1
Graeme Begbie (WA), Kiel Brown (WA), Nathan Burgers (QLD), Andrew Charter (ACT), Joel Carroll (NT), Chris Ciriello (VIC), Tim Deavin (TAS), Luke Doerner (TAS), Jamie Dwyer (QLD), Russell Ford (VIC), Matt Gohdes (QLD), Fergus Kavanagh (WA), Mark Knowles (QLD), Eddie Ockenden (TAS), Simon Orchard (NSW), Mark Paterson (NSW), Glenn Simpson (VIC), Glenn Turner (ACT).
Australia 'A' Squad for Week 1
Matthew Butturini (NSW), Jonathon Charlesworth (WA), Brent Dancer (WA), Liam De Young (QLD), Kieran Govers (NSW), Rob Hammond (QLD), Matthew Swann (QLD), Chris Bausor (WA), Tim Bates (QLD), Ian Burcher (WA), Tristian Clemons (WA), Bevan George (WA), Daniel Hotchkis (ACT), Trent Mitton (WA), Jacob Whetton (QLD), Tristian White (NSW), Tom Wickham (SA), Matthew Willis (NSW), Aran Zalewski (WA).
Four Nations Match Schedule (Western Standard Time)
|
Day |
Date |
Time |
Match |
|
Wednesday |
8 February 2012 |
3:45pm 5:45pm |
Australia A v Kookaburras Netherlands v Argentina |
|
Friday |
10 February 2012 |
5:00pm 7:00pm |
Australia A v Netherlands Kookaburras v Argentina |
|
Sunday |
12 February 2012 |
5:00pm 7:00pm |
Australia A v Argentina Kookaburras v Netherlands |
|
Tuesday |
14 February 2012 |
3:45pm 5:45pm |
Kookaburras v Australia A Netherlands v Argentina |
|
Thursday |
16 February 2012 |
3:45pm 5:45pm |
Australia A v Argentina Kookaburras v Netherlands |
|
Saturday |
18 February 2012 |
5:00pm 7:00pm |
Australia A v Argentina Kookaburras v Netherlands |
|
Sunday |
19 February 2012 |
5:00pm 7:00pm |
Australia A v Netherlands Kookaburras v Argentina |
Hockey Australia media release
Korea keep test series against Black Sticks alive
Korea have kept the five test series against the Black Sticks Men alive with a 4-2 victory tonight at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Pakuranga, Auckland.
After two Kiwi victories last weekend, the visitors came from two goals down tonight to collect the win and keep the series alive going into the final matches on Saturday and Sunday.
Black Sticks Men’s coach Shane McLeod said he was bitterly disappointed with the result and felt the team was complacent after going two goals up.
“I thought the error rate in defence was far too high. The Koreans set a game plan to counter attack and we played into their hands. Korea are a good side and they will punish you.”
McLeod said the loss would certainly focus the team for the final two matches in the series.
New Zealand came out firing and within three minutes were 1-0 up after Hugo Inglis finished off a strong attacking move from Ryan Archibald and Simon Child.
Inglis added a second 10 minutes later after a goalmouth scramble.
Korea were awarded a penalty corner after 22 minutes and Nam Yong Lee converted the opportunity to take the score to 2-1. Some strong goalkeeping from Stephen Graham denied the Koreans adding to that score in the first spell.
Three second half goals to Korea, including two penalty corner goals, sealed the victory. Lee lead the charge with a hat trick of goals.
Nick Wilson, in his 100th test for the Black Sticks, missed the opportunity to claw one back with just over five minutes to go with his shot going high over the net.
The two sides will meet again on Saturday and Sunday at 3pm at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium. Tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults - gate sales only, Eftpos is available.
Hawke’s Bay is the Principal Partner of the Black Sticks Men and Women.
RESULTS
Full time: 4-2 (Korea win)
Half time: 2-1(New Zealand lead)
New Zealand goalscorers: Hugo Inglis 2.
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Ireland 5-4 Belgium (Men)
Ireland won their opening encounter against Belgium in a thrilling 5-4 game earlier today in Valencia.
Ireland got off to a great start in the first minute when Ian Sloan scored from open play. Belgium equalised in the 19th minute when they pounced on a rebound from David Harte's pads to make it 1-1.
Ireland took a 2-1 lead in the 24th minute when Michael Watt enjoyed a similar goal to the Belgian's capitalising on a rebound from the keeper's pads. Just 3minutes later Belgium equalised off a scrambled attack scoring at close range. Ireland had an opportunity to take the lead before the break when they secured a penalty corner on the final hooter but the Belgians kept calm and cleared the shot well.
Half Time Score: Ireland 2-2 Belgium
The Belgians took the lead for the first time in the 38th minute when Reckinger scored a penalty corner drag flick. But it was an on form Ian Sloan who scored once again for Ireland to make it 3-3. Ireland took the lead once again when Chris Cargo made it 4-3 in the 51st minute when he followed up on a reverse stick shot to tap in at the back post. Belgium were unlucky not to equalise in the 54th minute when their penalty corner attempt was denied by the woodwork and despite further Belgian opportunities on the penalty corner front it was Timmy Cockram who gave Ireland a 5-3 lead in the 65th minute with his trademark dragflick.
Belgium got one back in the 69th minute but Ireland ran down the clock to ensure the win.
Ireland 5 (2) Ian Sloan x 2; Michael Watt; Timmy Cockram; Chris Cargo
Belgium 4 (2)
Starting XI: David Harte; John Jackson; Paul Gleghorne; Conor Harte; Stuart Loughrey; Eugene Magee; Ian Sloan; David Ames; Michael Watt; Timmy Cockram; Mitch Darling
Reserves: Chris Cargo; Bruce McCandless; Phelie Maguire; Gareth Watkins; Shane O'Donoghue (all used)
Irish Hockey Association media release
UP triumphs in style
WINNERS: Jubilant Uttar Pradesh team which won the the junior National (under-20) hockey championship in Hyderabad on Wednesday. PHOTO: G. RAMAKRISHNA
Uttar Pradesh recorded an emphatic 5-0 win over Mumbai in the final to clinch the inaugural edition of the junior National hockey championship (under-20) at Gachibowli Complex here on Wednesday.
It was Mumbai which dominated most of the first-half and could have scored at least three goals very early for such was the enterprise shown by Ganendrajit Ningombham, Anup Valmiki and Upendra Pillay upfront. But, to their dismay, Manpreet Singh near the ‘D' was not equal to the task of converting several goal-bound moves by the trio. And, even as the Mumbai forward-line faltered near the goalmouth repeatedly, it was Uttar Pradesh which shot into the lead in the 31st minute when Sunil Yadav converted a penalty-corner.
Gaining momentum
Gaining momentum the UP outfit soon dominated the second session earning four penalty-corners in quick succession.
In the 42nd minute Sunil Yadav scored his second goal, converting another penalty-corner.
Buoyed by this early success on resumption, UP sustained the pressure with a series of counter-attacks led by Abhimanyu Balmiki, captain Lalit Upadhyay and Imran Khan. UP made it 3-0 with Deepak Yadav showing fine sense of opportunism, capitalising on the rebound from the goalkeeper's feeble attempt to block a hit from Raju Pal in the 55nd minute. Soon, Raju Pal and Abhimanyiu Balmiki scored one goal apiece to complete the tally.
Earlier, Punjab defeated Karnataka 7-3 to settle for third place.
Imran Khan of UP was named ‘player of the final'.
V. Dinesh Reddy, DGP and president of Hyderabad Hockey Association, and Ashok Mathur, IHF secretary-general, gave away the prizes.
The Hindu
Sandeep Singh, the bankable man
Union Bank of India’s Sandeep Singh scored a hat-trick and guided his team to a 3-2 win against the experienced Western Railway (WR) in the Mumbai Hockey Championship here on Wednesday.
Both the teams got on the field and straight away went on an attack mode. WR were the first to open their account through a goal scored by Suresh in the 13th minute. However, Sandeep took the pressure off his teammates in the 20th minute by scoring the equaliser.
“This was a very competitive and tough game. Our coach told us that once inside the D, we must attempt the shot on the goal,” said 19-year-old Sandeep.
Another outstanding player for the bankers was Joshua Vessonkar. His tackling created many opportunities for his team. It was in the second half that most of the goals were scored.
Sandeep scored the other two goals through penalty corners.
“Even when leading 3-1, we couldn’t afford to relax because we knew that WR is a very good team and any mistake from our side, would cost us this match,” said Sandeep, who is from Sonipat (Haryana).
While UBI held on to their lead in the dying minutes, they had a lot of support from the spectators’ stand with many hoping and praying for the referee to blow the final whistle. They suffered a few tense moments when WR’s Manish Shahi scored their second goal in the 53rd minute. However, it proved to be a case of too little, too late.
DNA
Union Bank of India, ONGC in semifinals
Sandeep Singh's hat-trick helped Union Bank of India get past Western railway 3-2 and enter the semifinals of the Mumbai Hockey Championship played at the MHA Stadium, Churchgate on Wednesday. In the second match, ONGC beat Central Railway 4-1 to reaxch the last-four alongside the bankmen.
The railmen had shot into the lead with Suresh's early strike in the 13th minute, but saw Singh level the scores seven minutes later with the first of his three penalty conversions. He went in the offensive early in the second half, and UBI were soon leading 3-1 from his twin-strikes within five minutes of each other. Manish Shahi reduced the margin in the 53rd, but Western Railway found the equaliser rather elusive and had to bow out of the tournament.
In another match, ONGC thumped Central Railway 4-1 on the back of a Pramod Kumar brace. It was the railmen who shot into the lead through Victo Singh's 7th minute goal. But Pramod was on target taking the oilmen level 1-1 at lemon break, before doubling the lead on resumption. Arun Rawat (57th) and Ajub Ekka (63rd) put it beyond the railmen to take their team into the semifinals.
Results: ONGC 4 (Pramod Kumar 2, Arun Rawat 1, Ajub Ekka 1) bt Central Railway 1 (Victo Singh 1); Union Bank of India 3 (Sandeep Singh 3) bt Western Railway 2 (Suresh 1, Manish Shahi 1).
Rawat floors Jet Airways
Mukesh Rawat was bang on target as Naval Boys' shot down Jet Airways 1-0 in a Second Division match of the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) league at the St Xavier’s ground, Parel on Wednesday.
Rawat netted the all-important winning goal in the 20th minute to give the sailors all three points.
Results: Division II: Sagar FC 2 (Sachin Dhanur, Prahlad Tandel) bt Super Soccer School ‘B’ 1 (Dhruv Sharma); Naval Boys' 1 (Mukesh Rawat) bt Jet Airways 0; Falcon Brothers (Mulund) 8 (Siddhart Dhamle 2, Ankut Singh 2, A Jousha, Sudershan Joshi, Siddhart Lawande, Nikhil Nandkar) bt Super Soccer School ‘A’ 0.
Indian Express
Sunil: a key forward and a special player
Principal Correspondent
One of the strengths of the Indian hockey team is its attack from the right and incisive striker S.V. Sunil is an important member of the swift forwardline.
The alarming speed with which he goes past rival defenders and the way he delivers his stinging shots make Sunil a special player. In India's quest for an Olympic berth, the lean forward from Coorg (Karnataka) is all set to play a crucial role.
After the Test series against South Africa, chief coach Michael Nobbs had underlined the value of Sunil. Nobbs had said that if the experienced Rajpal Singh had to find a place in the team, he had to replace Sunil and it was very hard considering the Karnataka player's present form.
A player who made his debut in the 2007 Asia Cup in Chennai (where India won the title), Sunil could not make a mark until recently. A major injury in his right knee just before the 2010 World Cup forced him to take a break of one year.
Impressive
After undergoing a surgery, he impressed everyone with his performance since returning to the international scene in the Azlan Shah Cup last year. “It was a very bad injury. I could not even climb the steps. Thanks to Dr. B.K. Nayak and physio Shrikant Iyengar, who helped me a lot in overcoming the injury,” said Sunil during an interaction, here on Wednesday.
“The Sports Authority of India also helped me by bearing Rs. 4 lakh spent on my surgery,” he added.
High point
The Champions Challenge in Johannesburg last year was a high point of Sunil's career. He scored four goals, the most by an Indian striker in the tournament, and created several opportunities. “Right now, I am going through my peak. However, I am working on improving my receiving skill and accuracy in scoring,” said the 24-year-old.
One of the assistant coaches in the National camp, Clarence Lobo, heaped praise on the shy forward. “He is fabulous with his raids and tires the opponent defenders out by applying constant pressure. Besides, his sharp one-touch game inside the circle is too good,” noted Lobo.
Right-out Sunil is humble enough to acknowledge the support of right-in Sarvanjit Singh and right-half Birendra Lakra on and off the pitch. “I take their advice when they make a point. I have got a good rapport with Sarvan.”
Now, Sunil hopes that he will be able to contribute a bit in India's campaign in the Olympic qualifier.
The Hindu
One-way ticket to the Olympic Qualifiers
Navneet Singh
Hockey fans gearing up to enjoy the Olympic Qualifiers from February 18-26 at the National Stadium should also prepare to enhance their own endurance.
The daylong schedule - from 10am to 10pm for the first five days - could be as energy sapping as the home team's efforts to win a ticket to the London Olympic Games.
The entry tickets are nominally priced at R500 and R300, respectively. But there is a catch! They are valid for just one entry. If, during the match, you feel like going out of the stadium for sometime, you will have to purchase a fresh ticket, as the earlier one would become invalid.
Hockey India (HI) secretary-general, Narinder Batra, expressed helplessness saying, "It is being done to check manipulation. We want to minimise the chances of one ticket being used by several persons. It will overcrowd the place. We want to ensure that genuine ticket holders are not deprived of action," he said.
On normal days, a full house can only be expected during the last match of the day scheduled at 8 pm, featuring India.
Walk a little extra
Apart from ticketing issues, lack of parking space inside the stadium could add to the spectators' woes, as they would have to walk that extra bit to reach the venue. There is a huge underground parking inside the stadium, but cannot be used due to security reasons.
The Sports Authority of India's (SAI) secretary, Gopal Krishan, said, "We haven't got the clearance from the Delhi Police to use the area."
Free tickets
HI would issue complimentary tickets to hockey Olympians and international players for the tournament. HI's chairman of the coaching and development committee, Ajitpal Singh, has been entrusted with the job.
The federation also plans to give 50 per cent discount to students. But each individual can avail only one ticket.
Hindustan Times
A train journey that changed Bharat's life
Navneet Singh
Eighteen years ago, a train journey from Siliguri to Patna that Bharat Chhetri reluctantly undertook, fashioned his destiny. That trip also gave India its current hockey skipper.
Way back in 1994, Bharat enjoyed football, often getting rebuked by parents for spending endless hours on the field at the cost of his studies. So, the next thing they did was to pack his bag and send him with a relative to Patna. "It broke my heart," recalls Bharat.
He cried, but his parents showed no mercy. "I thought my tears would make them reconsider their decision, but it didn't work."
Since his relative in Patna was associated with hockey, he unwillingly picked up the game, as it was the only outdoor activity in the neighbourhood. But, he was quick to earn a name on the hockey turf, scoring goals in local tournaments and putting to good use his football skills.
It was by chance that one day, he found himself standing under the bar. In 1995, during a local tournament, when the goalkeeper did not turn up, Bharat was asked to pad up. To everyone's surprise, he did a good job. The rest is history.
Today, he is considered the finest 'keeper in the country. Bharat credits it to his formative years. "Those years helped me build a strong foundation." The unbearable Patna heat and the years spent playing football in the high altitudes in Siliguri steeled him to withstand tough training sessions.
"Many a time," recalls Bharat, "I couldn't sleep due to the sweltering heat in Patna." It even forced him to run away from the city, but his parents sent him back, saying, "Bear it."
With no alternative left, he gave it his all to climb the ladder of success on the turf. In 1996, he joined the Army Boys Company in Danapur, and the following year he was picked up by the Centre for Excellence at Bangalore. Three years later, he joined the junior national camp.
Currently, the 30-year-old skipper is based in Bangalore, employed with a bank. Even now, he is 'denied' permission by the senior Chhetri to visit home.
"Do something for the country, then come home," is the reply the India skipper gets when he calls home.
Hindustan Times
Sahara renews its commitment towards Indian Hockey; announces 170 percent hike to the earlier sponsorship amount
New Delhi: Sahara India Pariwar, a major business conglomerate and the prime promoter & patron of sports in India, today renewed its support to Indian Hockey by announcing to sponsor the Men & Women National and Junior Hockey Teams for a period of 5 years. The sponsorship amount is 170 percent higher to the sponsorship amount given earlier by Sahara to the Hockey team.
Sahara India Pariwar, in the year 2003 with the intention of supporting the national sport came forward to support the team. Renewing its support Sahara India Pariwar, has assured their whole-hearted support for the development of the national game. This sponsorship is a part of Sahara’s program to promote sports at ground level. In addition to this, Sahara has adopted Indian Boxing, Wrestling, Archery, Shooting, Track & Field and Tennis covering support of a total of 95 sportsmen in these 6 games who are potential medal winners, until after London Olympics 2012 and is associated with other a sports at various levels.
Speaking on the occasion, ‘Saharasri’ Subrata Roy Sahara, Managing Worker & Chairman, Sahara India Pariwar, said, “It is our national game and we are proud to be associated with this game and are elated to continue our patronage and support for the game. We will achieve greater laurels and success in the sport of hockey in the coming years and Sahara India Pariwar is committed to the development of sport at all levels.”
Mr. Narendra Batra, General Secretary, Hockey India, said, “I take this opportunity to thank Sahara India Pariwar, specially ‘Saharasri’ Mr. Subrata Roy Sahara who is the greatest patron of sports, for coming forward and supporting the sport of Hockey. I am sure this association would encourage all the players to perform even better in the forthcoming International tournaments.
Sahara India Pariwar has been the official sponsor of the Indian Hockey Team (Senior and Junior Hockey Teams) since 2003. This support was extended to the Indian Hockey Team when the national game was in distress and facing apathy. Apart from being sponsor to the Indian Hockey Team, Sahara India Pariwar played host to Indian hockey team in Lucknow for their coaching camp for Champion’s Trophy – 2003. The organization arranged for the boarding, lodging, practice camps and traveling of the entire Indian Hockey Team. As a part of the Hockey World Cup preparation Sahara organised a physical conditioning team for the whole contingent in Germany.
Sahara India Pariwar also joined hands with Federation Internationale De Hockey (FIH) in 2004, the World’s apex Body for Hockey, and became the 4th Global Partner of the Federation for a period of 3 years. Sahara India Pariwar also felicitated the entire Indian Hockey Team, including both the players and the officials, on winning the Asia Cup – 2003 for the first time. Each member was awarded with a cash reward of Rs. 1, 51,000 in a glittering ceremony.
Sahara also rewarded all the players, coach and assistant coach of the Indian Hockey team with Rs. 2 lakhs each as a token of appreciation after India routed Pakistan in their World Cup match in 2010 and has provided for their insurance individually. In the genuine interest of National Hockey Players, Sahara India Pariwar paid Rs. 1 crore to Hockey India, for distribution to the players so that they can practice and play peacefully and happily for the Country in 2010 when the players were seriously concerned at their emoluments at a Camp hosted in Pune prior to the World Cup.
ABOUT SAHARA INDIA PARIWAR
Sahara India Pariwar is a major business conglomerate in India with operations in multiple sectors, including financial services, life insurance, mutual funds, housing finance, print and television news media, entertainment channels, cinema production, consumer merchandise retail, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, sports, and information technology.
Sahara India Pariwar media release
Sahara and Hockey finalize Sponsorship
s2h team
Sahara renews its commitment towards Indian Hockey; announces 170 percent hike to the earlier sponsorship amount
New Delhi, February 8, 2012: Sahara India Pariwar, a major business conglomerate and the prime promoter & patron of sports in India, today renewed its support to Indian Hockey by announcing to sponsor the Men & Women National and Junior Hockey Teams for a period of 5 years. The sponsorship amount is 170 percent higher to the sponsorship amount given earlier by Sahara to the Hockey team.
Sahara India Pariwar, in the year 2003 with the intention of supporting the national sport came forward to support the team. Renewing its support Sahara India Pariwar, has assured their whole-hearted support for the development of the national game. This sponsorship is a part of Sahara’s program to promote sports at ground level. In addition to this, Sahara has adopted Indian Boxing, Wrestling, Archery, Shooting, Track & Field and Tennis covering support of a total of 95 sportsmen in these 6 games who are potential medal winners, until after London Olympics 2012 and is associated with other a sports at various levels.
Speaking on the occasion, ‘Saharasri’ Subrata Roy Sahara, Managing Worker & Chairman, Sahara India Pariwar, said, “It is our national game and we are proud to be associated with this game and are elated to continue our patronage and support for the game. We will achieve greater laurels and success in the sport of hockey in the coming years and Sahara India Pariwar is committed to the development of sport at all levels.”
Mr. Narendra Batra, General Secretary, Hockey India, said, “I take this opportunity to thank Sahara India Pariwar, specially ‘Saharasri’ Mr. Subrata Roy Sahara who is the greatest patron of sports, for coming forward and supporting the sport of Hockey. I am sure this association would encourage all the players to perform even better in the forthcoming International tournaments.
Sahara India Pariwar has been the official sponsor of the Indian Hockey Team (Senior and Junior Hockey Teams) since 2003. This support was extended to the Indian Hockey Team when the national game was in distress and facing apathy. Apart from being sponsor to the Indian Hockey Team, Sahara India Pariwar played host to Indian hockey team in Lucknow for their coaching camp for Champion’s Trophy – 2003. The organization arranged for the boarding, lodging, practice camps and traveling of the entire Indian Hockey Team. As a part of the Hockey World Cup preparation Sahara organised a physical conditioning team for the whole contingent in Germany.
Sahara India Pariwar also joined hands with Federation Internationale De Hockey (FIH) in 2004, the World’s apex Body for Hockey, and became the 4th Global Partner of the Federation for a period of 3 years. Sahara India Pariwar also felicitated the entire Indian Hockey Team, including both the players and the officials, on winning the Asia Cup – 2003 for the first time. Each member was awarded with a cash reward of Rs. 1, 51,000 in a glittering ceremony.
Sahara also rewarded all the players, coach and assistant coach of the Indian Hockey team with Rs. 2 lakhs each as a token of appreciation after India routed Pakistan in their World Cup match in 2010 and has provided for their insurance individually. In the genuine interest of National Hockey Players, Sahara India Pariwar paid Rs. 1 crore to Hockey India, for distribution to the players so that they can practice and play peacefully and happily for the Country in 2010 when the players were seriously concerned at their emoluments at a Camp hosted in Pune prior to the World Cup.
Stick2Hockey.com
Sahara signs Rs 50-crore sponsorship deal with Hockey India
NEW DELHI: Cricket's loss is hockey's gain, it seems. Two days after snapping ties with BCCI, Sahara India Pariwar on Wednesday signed a new five-year sponsorship deal with Hockey India, giving a major boost to the national game ahead of the all-important Olympic qualifiers which will be held in the Capital later this month.
The company said it would sponsor the men's and women's national teams as well as junior ones for a period of five years. The sponsorship amount over the period is 170 per cent higher than the amount given by Sahara to the team in the previous deal.
Though they did not divulge the sponsorship amount, sources said Sahara would be paying over Rs 50 crore over the next five years.
Sahara was sponsoring hockey since 2003 before their contract expired in July last year. They renewed it for six months through an interim arrangement with Hockey India.
Sahara had started off by sponsoring the men's team for Rs 2.5 crore in 2003 and extending it to Rs 3 crore after taking into the fold the women's as well as junior teams.
"It's our national game and we are proud to be associated with it and are elated to continue our patronage and support of the game. We will achieve greater laurels and success in the sport of hockey in the coming years and Sahara India Pariwar is committed to the development of the sport at all levels," Sahara chairman Subrata Roy said in a statement on Wednesday.
The corporate giants, meanwhile, maintained that apart from the sponsorship money, it would continue to help players in different ways. "We will continue to encourage players by helping them, whenever required, in their endeavour," Sahara's corporate communication chief Abhijit Sarkar said.
The company said that the sponsorship was part of it's plans to promote sports at the ground level. "In addition to this, Sahara has adopted Indian boxing, wrestling, archery, shooting, track and field as well as tennis, supporting a total of 95 sportsmen in the six disciplines who are potential medal winners, until after the 2012 London Olympics," it said in a statement.
The Times of India
When hockey got its due
The setting was ideal and the mood was just perfect, as any hockey lover would have wanted, when the DNA Trophy Inter-school hockey tournament kick started at the Police Ground in Shivajinagar on Tuesday.
Those who feel cricket is the most popular sport in the country should have been there at the venue, as not just the players, but their parents along with school staff gathered at the ground for the matches.
An icing on the cake was former Indian women’s team skipper, Arnavaz Damania’s presence, as she came call the tournament open.
“This is the 4th year that I have come for this tournament and I should thank DNA for giving this opportunity,” said Arnavaz, while the players got down to business.
Apart from Arnavaz, chairman of Guardian Holidays, Manish Sabade also made his presence felt. He praised the efforts taken by DNA to revamp the tournament.
“I would urge other media houses to take up this issue and keep our national game alive,” said Manish Sabade, chairman of Guardian Holidays.
In all, 24 teams were seen in action on the opening day.
DNA
WAPDA end PIA’s unbeaten run
Staff Report
KARACHI: Former champions Pakistan WAPDA ended unbeaten record of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) by inflicting a 4-2 defeat on them on the last day of league rounds of the 59th National Hockey Championship at Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium here on Wednesday. Forward Mohammad Salman Hussain excelled in WAPDA’s triumph with a double strike in 35th and 61st minutes. Olympian Rehan Butt and Mohsin Bilal netted the other two goals. Full-back Kashif Ali and Mohammad Irfan blasted goals by converting penalty corners for the losers. The match was locked 1-1 at lemon break. After Thursday’s (today) rest day, PIA will take on Pakistan Army in the first semifinal on Friday and WAPDA will lock horns with Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) in the second pre-final.
In other last day’s league matches, Pakistan Navy beat Pakistan Air Force (PAF) 2-0. Forward Mohammad Umar and captain Mohammad Rashid scored the goals. Star-studded National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), who were dethroned after 2-1 defeat, ended their league outing by thrashing Habib Bank Limited (HBL) 7-2. Olympian forward Akhtar Ali and international Muhammad Ateeq, Yasir Shabbir struck twice each. Umer Bhutta scored the other goal for the winners. Adeel Hussain and Shahbaz Ali were the scorers for HBL. Port Qasim Authority (PQA) defeated PHF Academy 4-1. This was youngsters ninth consecutive defeat. Ali Azlan Khan, Haseem Khan, Imran Khan and Abu Bakar netted one goal apiece for the winners. Mohammad Asif Iqbal scored for the losers.
The Daily Times
PHF Academy is a hoax: Samiullah
Former hockey players Shahnaz Shaikh (L) and Samiullah (R). —AFP/File Photo
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Academy is hoax, a disgruntled Samiullah has said.
“Millions of rupees invested in PHF Academy for years and yet it has failed to win even a single match in ongoing National Hockey Championship,” the former Olympian said in an interview with PPI.
“It is far from the nursery for junior players as had been claimed by the PHF. It will not provide any players to the senior side as is evident in the National Championship. There is a big gap.”
He added that it was time the federation admitted its shortcomings and worked on the betterment of the sport rather than making false claims.
“The national academy team should have enough potential to at least pull few victories in national championship. But they lost all of its nine matches in the tournament, which shows that the federation has failed in its expensive project. It needs to stop pretending,” he said.
On the issue of the legal battle between the federation and 13 former Olympians, he said the federation had now become sluggish in its claims.
Samiullah is also among those who were sent notices by the federation for allegedly defaming the federation with claims of human-trafficking.
“They have done nothing even after many weeks have passed since we responded to their notices. At least officials of the federation would now be a little more cautious” he added.
Dawn
The last phrase of the article was deleted by Fieldhockey.com due to ongoing legal action in Pakistan.
UniKL run riot after slow start
By Jugjet Singh
UNIKL Young Guns made a grand comeback from last week's insipid performance to hammer MBI-Anderson 7-1 in a Division One Milo-Junior Hockey League match at the Azlan Shah Stadium yesterday.
And their nemesis, SSTMI Thunderbolts followed suit with a 4-2 win over USM-MSSSPP at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Stadium.
However, UniKL struggled in the early stages of the match but showed great determination after they scored the first goal in the 19th minute off Zulhannan Mazlan. The other goals were scored by Nor Azrul Abdul Rahman (32nd), Hafiz Zainol (38th), Nor Aqmal (44th), Zulhannan (56th), Haniff Mohd Saidin (68th) and Hafify Mohd Rodzi (69th).
The MBI-Anderson goal was scored by Azril Misron in the 65th minute.
But despite the win, UniKL could well rue the yellow cards flashed to Nor Aqmal and Haniff that might come back to haunt them in the crucial tie against SSTMI Thunderbolts on Feb 19 that could well decide the title.
In Division Two, Group A, Kedah HA Juniors put themselves in contention for a top two finish when they beat MSSPP-USM Juniors 4-1 in Alor Star.
The win gives them 11 points and are currently in third spot behind Sapura, who have booked their place in the semis, while Politeknik KPT are in second with 15 points after their 3-0 win over NS Project in Seremban.
And it was also a good day for the other Kedah team, KHA-MSN Kedah who beat hosts Anderson Juniors 4-0 at the Azlan Shah Stadium.
KHA Juniors opened scoring in the 10th minute through Arief Daniel Fadzli and in the 43rd minute were 2-0 up when Abdul Rashid Azizan scored.
MSSSPP-USM Juniors reduced the deficit in the 50th minute via Aliff Abdul Rashid who converted a penalty corner, but that was temporary respite as Abdul Rashid struck twice in the 54th and 70th minutes to ensure a 4-1 win for the Kedah youngsters.
In Group B, Malacca High School shot to the top of the standings when they edged Datuk Taha 3-2 while early pacesetters Olak suffered a severe blow when they lost 4-2 to Batu Pahat Municipal Council.
RESULTS -- Division One: UniKL Young Guns 7 MBI Anderson 1, USM Juniors 1 SSTMI Thunderbolts 4.
Division Two -- Group A: Kedah HA Juniors 4 MSSPP-USM Juniors 1, Negri HA 0 Politeknik PKT 3, Anderson Juniors 0 Kedah HA 4.
Group B: Olak PKT 2 Batu Pahat 4, Malacca High School 3 Datuk Taha 2.
New Straits Times
UniKL skipper Taufik suspended for hitting player with his stick
By AFTAR SINGH
Out of control: MBI-Anderson’s Muhammad Akmal Mohd Tajuddin (right) losing his balance after colliding with UniKL’s Mohd Khairul Naim Johari during their Malaysian Junior Hockey League match at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh yesterday. — SAIFUL BAHRI / The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) skipper Mohd Taufik Hamid was handed a three-match suspension yesterday by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) technical committee for hitting Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) Ashraf Alias on the face with his stick in the Division One of the Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL) match last Saturday.
Taufik, who was red carded for intentionally hitting the player, did not play against MBI-Anderson at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh yesterday.
Taufik will also see no action in two matches against BJSS Juniors tomorrow and MSSPP-USM on Feb 17. He will return to play against defending overall champions Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI)-Thunderbolt in the last league match on Feb 19.
Despite Taufik’s absence, reigning league champions UniKL bounced back from the insipid performance last weekend to trounce MBI-Anderson 7-1 for their fifth consecutive win.
In Penang, SSTMI-Thunderbolt also register their fifth straight win. However, they had to come back from 1-2 down to beat MSSPP-USM 4-2.
UniKL and SSTMI-Thunderbolt are tied on 15 points with the latter leading the standings on a better goal difference.
Yesterday, UniKL began aggressively but had to wait until the 19th minute to take the lead through Zulhannan Mazlan from a field goal.
The other goals were scored by Nor Azrul Rahman (32nd), Mohd Hafiz Zainol (38th), Nor Azqmal (44th), Zulhannan (56th), Mohd Haniff Mohd Saidin (68th) and Mohd Hafify Mohd Rodzi (69th).
MBI-Anderson’s consolation goal was scored by Azril Misron in the 65th minute.
UniKL team manager Amir Azhar Ibrahim praised his players for chalking up an impressive win in the absence of captain and striker Taufik.
“My boys played really hard and I am happy with the score line. Surprisingly MBI-Anderson played an open game and it allowed us to create chances.
“However, I am still not too satisfied with our penalty corner conversion rates. We earned six corners but only managed to score two,” said Amir.
Amir said that he was hoping that Taufik would only be suspended for two matches but he got three.
“Anyway he will return to play the crucial match against SSTMI-Thunderbolt on Feb 19, which will decide who win the league title,” said Amir.
SSTMI-Thunderbolt opened scoring in the eighth minute via Mohd Shafiq Nordin. But the hosts were unperturbed and soon led 2-1, thanks to goals by Mohd Rahimi Iskandar Baharom who scored in the 17th minute and Mohd Faisal Ramli, who converted a penalty stroke in the 19th minute.
However, Amir Zulkarnain Ahmad Robangi equalised for SSTMI in the 45th minute. And two late goals from Mohd Sufi Ismat Rohulamin (60th) and Mohd Khairol Shafik Kassim (61st) gave the Johor side a 4-2 win.
The Star of Malaysia
No place for individual play
Olak players too selfish and that cost them match
by Vijhay Vick
POWERING THROUGH: Olak’s Ahmad Fazira Zakariai (right) getting past two MSS Johor players during the game
KUALA LUMPUR: You will get nowhere with just individual showboating in a team sport.
That would have been the message Olak coach S. Sivabalan would have driven home after their Division Two match against MSS Johor at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
Individual and selfish play by several Olak boys may have cost the team the game.
“We didn’t play as a team in the first half. Despite improvement in the second half it was difficult as we had to chase the game,” said Sivabalan.
Azrul Amri Ahsan and Mohamad Firdaus Khamis were guilty of not only slowing down play but also losing the ball as these Olak players were often surrounded by the Johor boys.
Despite the 4-2 win for Johor, the match was largely disappointing. The stadium was also gloomy with close to zero attendance.
“There is not much difference in quality between both teams. We made some silly mistakes and we paid for them.”
The goals in the first half came via penalty corners as field play was pathetic. Both teams cancelled each other out as they took turns to dominate the match.
Olak’s first goal came from their fourth penalty corner which Mohd Rusdi Abu Roslan perfectly executed in the 18th minute.
Herwan Syah Osman had earlier put Johor in the lead in the fifth minute and Mohd Amirul Syafiq restored their lead in the 23rd minute. Both goals were penalty corner efforts.
Both teams started the second half just the way the first that begun. The game got interesting in the last 15 minutes as three field goals were scored, perhaps because the teams were opening up to attack.
Johor’s Mohd Adib Afham Yaacob netted a brace in the 56th and 65th minutes while Muhamad Haikal Zamri scored in the 63rd minute.
Malay Mail
Dundee - Edinburgh final guaranteed
The Dundee derby, so often the fixture of the indoor season in the past, kicks off the semi-finals of the Scottish indoor knock-out cup at the Bells Sports Centre in Perth this weekend.
Wanderers were late entrants to this competition by sneaking into fourth place in the league at the expense of Glynhill Kelburne and Western Wildcats last weekend - all finished on 16 points but Wanderers had the advantage of a better goal difference. Four times Scottish indoor champions between 1999 and 2003 have since fallen from grace, but there were perhaps signs of revival this season.
Nonetheless, it would be a major surprise if they got one over on their great rivals Grove Menzieshill in the opening semi-final, if league form is anything to go by. Menzieshill won the first encounter 3-1 but gave Wanderers a massive 12-1 defeat in the return fixture, Chris Wilson scored five while Ross McPherson got a double.
Although Menzieshill have already taken the league title this season, Wanderers can expect no quarter from coach Bruce Cuthill. "I will be out to win the cup, every game that we take part in is taken seriously. But winning the cup will be difficult, you have to be ready for all the games and you can`t afford any slip ups."
Cuthill further added: "If we meet Inverleith in the final, they will be out for revenge and that should make for an interesting game. But the way it is set up, then any one of the four teams could win. But it would be nice to get the league and cup double though."
If Cuthill achieves his ambition, he will have to do it without international keeper Andy Ross and defender Andrew Thornton who returns to his coaching duties in the United States.
The Edinburgh derby between Inverleith and Grange is a difficult one to call, certainly Inverleith completed the league double over their rivals, but both games ended only with a single goal victory.
Stuart Neave, Inverleith`s coach, will want to finish his final competitive games before next weekend`s European baptism with a piece of silverware under his belt. "Grange have run us close in both league games this season, so it should be good," he said. But he will have to do it without key players, Chris Grassick`s injury will probably keep him out for the rest of the season, and goalkeeper Allan Dick is also not available. The latter is perhaps not such a loss as Neave commented on how well Graham Stuart has been playing recently between the posts.
In contrast, David Knipe, Grange`s coach, hopes to have a full squad out for the Inverleith clash. "It will be a difficult task to win the cup, we haven`t managed to beat either Inverleith or Menzieshill this season, and our games with Wanderers are always very tight, but it is always a huge benefit for us to be playing the top sides so that we continue to learn and progress."
Realistically, Menzieshill and Inverleith are favourites to make the final, but the cup always has the knack of throwing up a rogue result from time to time.
In the outdoor Arthur McKay Scottish Cup Highland and Granite City Wanderers play their delayed tie for the right to play first division Inverleith at home in the quarter finals.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Double up for Grove
Newly crowned Scottish Subway indoor national league champions Grove Menzieshill are now on the hunt for the double by also winning the knock-out cup at the Bells Sports centre in Perth this weekend.
"We will have a similar approach to the cup as we did to the league, that is taking one game at a time and playing to our own strengths," said Kat Cameron, Grove`s captain.
This could be ominous news for the other contenders, especially CALA Edinburgh who are their semi-final opposition. However, the Taysiders were perhaps not at their best against the Capital side last weekend, only winning 6-3, courtesy of a hat-trick from Jaime Lyon, two by Ali Bell with Leigh Fawcett getting the final goal.
Cameron remarked: "It would be a great achievement to do the double, but like the league I`m sure it will be extremely competitive and a close contest."
To make matters worse for the other contenders, Grove will have almost a full squad out, only defender Louise Carroll is missing. CALA have done well to take fourth place in the league from under the noses of Kelburne, but despite the goal scoring threat of Amy Brodie, the Edinburgh side could find Grove with too much firepower.
The other semi-final between VWS Dundee Wanderers and Milne Craig Western looks an intriguing affair. The Dundonians took their eye off the ball in the latter stages of the league campaign, distracted perhaps by the injury to international goalkeeper Carmin Dow, and surrendered the crown to city rivals Grove. Wanderers` two year reign as champions finally ended when they went down 7-2 to semi-final opponents Western.
As always Western`s coach Neil Menzies believes his squad have the potential to beat both the Dundee outfits and lift the trophy. "As ever we will be looking to win, while that may be a tall order, it is challenges like this that drive our players.
"We showed last week that we are capable of defeating Wanderers, and although we lost twice to Grove in the league, both games were close. From our prospective it comes down to finishing, this is an area where we have blown hot and cold, and an area we have to be at our best."
Missing from the Western ranks will be Elie Cockburn, she moves down south to take up an new job as a vet.
This weekend also sees the restart of the outdoor Subway national league with Grove hoping to extend their lead at the top of the division by beating CALA Edinburgh on Sunday. The champion`s confidence should be well founded, earlier in the season Grove scored seven without reply, Giffnock should take the chance of leapfrogging Western into second spot if they can see off GHK, a side they have already beaten 6-1 with four goals coming from former Olympian Rhona Simpson. Finally Western Wildcats can pull themselves closer to safety at the bottom part of the table by defeating second bottom side Grange.
Edinburgh University should progress into the quarter-finals of the Arthur McKay Scottish Cup with a home win over Giffnock`s second string, setting up a mouth-watering tie with Milne Craig Western in March.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
The Agony & the Ecstasy
Epic events have a different meaning in different sports
By Steve Jaspan
Two unrelated sports events in different sports and on different Continents made me ponder about the essence of modern sport.
Firstly on Saturday, 28 January 2012 I watched a live women’s hockey international between South Africa and Ireland at the Randburg Stadium in Johannesburg, with the local girls edging out the Irish 1- 0 (another goal from World Record Holder, Pietie Coetzee’s prolific stick!)
To be honest it was not a great match and the South African Team looked a bit jaded. But is that any wonder as they have a frenetic programme of approximately 20 matches in a month preparing for their Olympic Qualifier in New Delhi? To someone from Mars this would appear strange as they had already technically qualified for the London Olympics by winning the Africa Olympic Qualifier in Bulawayo in October last year, but that does not fulfil the criteria of South Africa’s Olympic Body – SASCOC. So in search of the ultimate hockey dream in a sport where remuneration is minimal, sacrifices are massive and the cost of following the Olympic dream for National Associations and players is immense, the South African teams are putting their bodies through hell! But it is not only their bodies but their studies, careers, personal relationships and more. The same applies to the men’s team who make the long pilgrimage to Japan in May for identical reasons to their female counterparts. The trip to Japan is likely to cost at least $200000,00 and the preparation for the crucial “gunfight at OK Corral” will massively add to the housekeeping bills!
Contrast this with that magnificent duel of modern day gladiators in the Australian Men’s Open final on Sunday 29 January 2012 where Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal put their bodies on the line and duelled for 5 hours and 53 minutes in one of the most – enthralling tennis matches of modern times. The skill, determination, fitness, courage and desire to win of these magnificent athletes was amazing to behold. Their sportsmanship was also magnificent!
These characteristics are also embodied in Olympic Hockey players and I know that not only the South African teams but all the aspirant Olympic competitors share this!
The difference is Novak Djokovic takes away $2.4 million for his agony and ecstasy in front of a combined live and TV audience of millions. For most hockey players the years, months and hours of toil and sacrifice has a purer motive - the dream of playing in an Olympics with no monetary rewards.
Which true lover of sport would want to deny them this dream?
FIH site
Noel Rasquinha no more
Special Correspondent
Dr. Noel Rasquinha (47), former Karnataka State junior and senior National hockey player, passed away on Wednesday morning after a brief illness.
A noted midfielder during his playing days, Rasquinha was in the reckoning for the National colours, but due to his medical profession, he could not seriously pursue his hockey career.
The Hindu
A Bird's Eye view in London
Webcam gives hockey fans a chance to keep an eye on London
A view of the Olympic Hockey pitch in London on February 7, 2011 (Photo: LOCOC)
LONDON – The London Olympic Organizing Committee today unveiled a web camera aimed at the hockey stadium where fans can watch the progress of construction on the stadium.
To get a sneak peek at what awaits athletes and fans for the London Games, you can click here.
Currently, the much talked about pink and blue pitch has been changed to white – courtesy of Mother Nature – something which is sure to change in time for the July 29th start to the hockey competition!
FIH site
ESPN3 to broadcast Disney Showcase matches live
Ashley Meunier
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – The sixth annual Disney Field Hockey Showcase will commence tomorrow at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. A tournament that originated six years ago with just 56 teams, has once again expanded and will feature 176 Under-16 and Under-19 club teams. The 4-day event, that will run through Sunday, February 12, is one of the most attended USA Field Hockey events for college coaches. Over 100 Division I, Division II and Division III recruiting college coaches will arrive in the “sunshine state” this evening and will be evaluating players throughout the weekend for a possible spot on their college roster.
“We are looking forward to another exciting year here at Disney,” said Karen Collins, Director or Events and Logistics. “The atmosphere is always great. The intensity will be high and the weather will hopefully cooperate. We wish all the teams the best of luck this weekend as they showcase their talent in front of 100+ college coaches.”
USA Field Hockey is excited to announce that ESPN3 will broadcast a total of ten matches live on Thursday, February 9 and Friday, February 10. In addition, championship highlights will be distributed to ESPNHS and ESPN Wide World of Sports YouTube channel. The matches will feature live commentary by Chris Clements, USA Field Hockey Men’s National Team Head Coach. Matches can be view live on the website www.espn3.com. If you do not have ESPN3, contact your local network provider.
Matches that are being broadcast live will be archived on ESPN3 and available for viewing under the “replay” tab.
The following matches will be featured on ESPN3, Thursday, February 9:
· 9:00am: Stealth Stars v. The Gaels
· 10:00am: Doral Thunder v. G-Force Titanz
· 1:00pm: The Green Turtles v. South Jersey Edge
· 2:00pm: Mid Maine Majestix v. Spirit USA South
· 3:00pm: NE Hockeymates v. Strong I Ripples
The following matches will be featured on ESPN3, Friday, February 10:
· 9:00am: New Heights White v. Rascals FH
· 10:00am: ADK v. Windy City Inferno
· 2:30pm: Sutter’s Brigade v. Windy City Flame
· 3:30pm: Pinnacle v. Total Dutch Orange
· 4:30pm: Key State Black v. Thrashers Orange
USA Field Hockey would like to make all athletes, umpires, coaches and spectators aware that on Saturday, February 11, the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will be hosting a special event. Teams and guests traveling to and from the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Saturday should expect traffic delays. All teams are encouraged to arrive at the complex at least 2 hours prior to their scheduled game time.
Visit www.usafieldhockey.com for all Disney Showcase news, results and an up-to-date schedule of games.
USFHA media release