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All the news for Friday 2 March 2012

Teams named for next FIH Road to London event

Six squads ready to battle for Olympic berth in Dublin


The team entries for the six competing teams at the Electric Ireland FIH Road to London tournament were announced today. Competing in the second men’s Olympic Qualification event, which begins next week, will be the national teams from Chile, Ireland, Korea, Malaysia, Russia and the Ukraine.

Korea enters the tournament as not only the highest-ranked team at the event, #6 in the FIH World Ranking, but also the highest ranked men’s team to go through the qualification tournament process for London.

Sure to be pressuring Korea for the berth in London are host Ireland (#16) and Malaysia, weighing in at #13. The duo enters the competition with high hopes. Malaysia most recently finished in fifth place at the Champions Challenge 1 last November in South Africa, while Ireland is hoping that home field advantage will prove to be the difference in the round robin event.

Already the Irish have the attention of the nation as they publically named their team for both the men’s and women’s qualification events today at a well-attended team announcement.

Speaking at the team announcement today men’s head coach Paul Revington emphasized the importance of playing host for the Irish squad saying, “It is a big honour to be hosting this 2012 Olympic Qualification Event and I know this Team will do their best to make Ireland and their fellow Irish Squad mates proud.”

Ranked #20 in the FIH World Ranking, Russia could also be a wild card in the event and is capable of playing to role of spoiler.

The Electric Ireland FIH Road to London tournament will be held from March 10-18 in Dublin. It will start with a six team round robin with the top two teams meeting in a final game to determine the Olympic berth and the remaining teams playing a final placement game for World Ranking points.

The winner of the event will be second squad to qualify to London through the Olympic Qualification tournament. The Indian men won the Hero FIH Road to London tournament at home in Delhi last week. The third, and final, men’s team for the 2012 Olympics will be determined in May at the qualification tournament in Japan.

To view the six team lists, click here

FIH site

National Men's & Women's Olympic Qualifying Squads Announced.

Irish hockey have today announced the two squads of eighteen who will represent both the National Men and National Women's hockey teams at their respective upcoming Olympic Qualifiers.

Firstly looking at the men's squad it shows one change from the European squad that competed in Germany last August, defender Joe Brennan is ruled out of selection due to injury which has given way for the 21 year old Stuart Loughrey. Ireland will compete against Korea, Malaysia, Russia, Chile and the Ukraine for the final spot at the London 2012 Olympics but in doing so will enjoy a home crowd as Ireland host this event the Electric Ireland FIH Road To London from the 10th - 18th March at the National Hockey Stadium in UCD.

Speaking at the team announcement today Coach Paul Revington said It is a big honour to be hosting this 2012 Olympic Qualification Event and I know this Team will do their best to make Ireland and their fellow Irish Squad mates proud.

The women's side sees two changes from the recent Europeans as Nicci Daly and Nikki Evans come in for Niamh Small and Julia O'Halloran to make up the eighteen. Ireland will travel to Belgium to compete in their tournament from the 17th - 25th March and will face Spain, Belgium, Mexico, Russia and France.

Commenting today Women's Coach Gene Muller said We have worked hard for this tournament and our team is ready. We will need to be at our very best to qualify for the Olympics. Our main threats are Spain and Belgium. Spain have been at every Olympic Games since 1992 and Belgium are a rising force in world hockey. There were some very difficult selection decisions, and we are leaving some quality players behind. Our team is sincerely grateful to our supporters and especially the Irish Sports Council, Sport Northern Ireland, The Irish Sports Institute, the Olympic Council of Ireland, the Sports institute of Northern Ireland, and of course Electric Ireland. Their support has put us in a position to qualify for London 2012.

High Performance Director Dave Passmore highlighted the diligent preparation both teams have undertaken in the lead up to these qualifiers Both squads, despite their different paths have prepared extensively and diligently for their forthcoming tournaments. Whilst both have demonstrated progress and some good results along the way each has a challenging task ahead with tough opposition to over come even to make the finals of these events. I am sure the Irish sporting public will get behind the teams, support which will be invaluable especially in Dublin.

Ireland Men's Squad - Electric Ireland FIH Road to London
10th - 18th March 2012, UCD, Dublin

Name Club Age Caps
David Ames Beeston 22 55
Chris Cargo Reading 26 37
Peter Caruth Annadale 23 48
Tim Cockram Lisnagarvey 28 129
Mitch Darling SCHC 23 75
David Fitzgerald Monkstown 25 5
Paul Gleghorne Instonians 24 47
Ronan Gormley Club De Campo 28 133
Conor Harte SCHC 23 79
David Harte SCHC 23 81
John Jackson Braxgata 26 81
John Jermyn Cork C of I 29 132
Stuart Loughrey Loughborough 21 11
Eugene Magee Dragons 25 131
Geoff McCabe R.S. Tenis 25 99
Andy McConnell Hurley 26 55
Ian Sloan Cookstown 18 10
Michael Watt R.S. Tenis 24 91

Note: John Jermyn subject to final fitness assessment (Ireland v Czech Rep Games)
All core / peripheral squad members are considered as non-travelling reserves.

Ireland Women's Squad - Athlon Car Lease FIH Road to London
17th - 25th March 2012, Beerschot, Brussels

Name Club Age Caps
Emma Gray Hermes 24 45
Pamela Smithwick Old Alex 25 12
Michelle Harvey Pegasus 22 81
Miriam Crowley Hermes 24 34
Cliodhna Sargent Cork Harlequins 24 109
Emma Smyth Railway Union 26 60
Emma Clarke St. Albans 26 120
Nikki Evans Railway Union 21 23
Alex Speers (Capt) Railway Union 24 115
Shirley McCay Old Alex 23 134
Lisa Jacob Hermes 24 101
Sinead McCarthy Hermes 29 45
Aine Connery Hermes 24 48
Nikki Symmons Loreto 29 169
Audrey O'Flynn Hermes 25 58
Chloe Watkins UCD 19 42
Lizzie Colvin Loreto 22 76
Nicci Daly Loreto 23 33

WORLD RANKINGS of Competing Teams (Men)
Korea 6; Malaysia 13; Ireland 16; Russia 20; Chile 26; Ukraine 29

WORLD RANKINGS of Competing Teams (Men)
Spain 11; Ireland 14; Belgium 16; Russia 21; France 25; Mexico 30

Irish Hockey Association media release

Rousing home support for Irish



Capitalising on the upcoming Olympic Qualifying Tournament which gets underway on March 10 in Belfield, over 325 boys from 24 clubs descended on the National Hockey Stadium last Sunday for a meet and greet with the Irish men’s hockey team.

The event was part of a day-long series of events organised by the Irish Hockey Association as they look to use the tournament as an opportunity to capture the imagination of the young hockey playing public.

Fiona Mills, the National Development Officer, explained to The Hook the nature of the initiative. “We engaged directly with clubs from all over the country with the Leinster based clubs generously hosting blitzes in their home grounds,” she said.

Following the blitzes around the province, clubs then centralised in Belfield to watch part of the Irish men’s training session and then meet the players and get signatures.

“The aim for the day was to raise the profile of the players themselves, the team and primarily the build-up to the tournament itself.

“Everything was done in conjunction with the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. All of the boys went home with a flyer, information about the tournament, the official tournament poster. It was all about making sure people were either coming back up in a couple of week’s time or checking it out online.”

Mills was delighted with the turnout, describing it as “phenomenal” as, with volunteers included, it saw 400 people engaged. It follows hot on the heels of a successful taster session in the Mardyke in Cork while the players have been out to schools around the country promoting the game.

Most recently Jason Lynch, Conor and David Harte were in Midleton College while Ronan Gormley was in King’s Hospital on Tuesday afternoon, conducting masterclasses and signing more autographs.

And its an experience the players are really enjoying too as John Jackson told The Hook at the event in Belfield: “If I had something like this when I was a youngster, it would have been fantastic and hopefully it will generate a bit of interest for the qualifiers and hockey in general.

“Signing all those signatures, it was like I was back at the school exam tables, getting a bit of cramp in my hand! But if it means these kids will pick up a hockey stick for the rest of their lives, then we’ll keep signing. That’s the most important thing.”

To that end, Mills hopes it can build on some recent inroads made in building the playing numbers in Ireland.

“The reality is it is all about pushing the number of boys playing the game up and up. We had an 8pc growth in boy’s club numbers in Munster and 13pc growth in Leinster so we’re just looking to build on that year on year.

“The players today were all U-12, all existing club members. It was a different slant from what we did in Cork. That was much more about introducing the sport to boys. What we wanted to do was to get our existing players engaged directly with the Irish team.

It also worked as a follow-up to an earlier initiative by the IHA to get youngsters looking forward to the competition.

“We interviewed eight of the players who put together video messages for clubs and schools which we then sent out. For example, the Corinthian boys came down and were all dying to meet Mitch Darling because he had his DVD played up there. They had already been up in the clubhouse and watched this message from Mitch. It was another layer onto that project.

“The fact so many of the players play abroad, the tournament is such a brilliant opportunity to get them to engage directly with our players in clubs and schools. The lads today were in their element, chatting away. It was brilliant and does so much for the men’s game.”

Hook Hockey

Prabhjot stars in Sher-E-Punjab’s big win in Bridgestone WSH

Match No2: Shers 5; Cheetahs 2

Jalandhar: The home crowd had plenty of reasons to celebrate as favourites Sher-E-Punjab launched their campaign in the Bridgestone World Series Hockey (WSH) in style, with a 5-2 win over Chennai Cheetahs. The scoreline didn’t really do justice to the close tussle which took place on the field, as expected, here at the Surjeet Singh Hockey Stadium.

For Sher-E-Punjab, the scorers were Mandeep Antil (7th minute), Harpreet Nagra (34th minute), Prabhjot Singh (49th & 70th minutes) and Gagan Ajit Singh (57th minute) while Pakistani star Imran Warsi struck a brace for the Cheetahs, both his goals coming off drag-flicks in the 24th and 63 minute respectively.

For the last 46 minutes, the Chennai Cheetahs forwards and midfield twisted and turned with the ball only to find themselves confronted by an impenetrable thicket of blue-shirted Sher-E-Punjab defenders. During that time the Shers extended their scoreline to 4-1 after taking an early lead with a suave Mandeep Antil goal that seemed to preface a night of dominance. Skipper Prabhjot Singh’s talent as a dribbler and a provocateur proved decisive in giving his side the handsome win.

Chennai had two clear chances to make a comeback in the first half but they conceded a penalty stroke with one minutes remaining for the interval. Sher-E-Punjab star Deepak Thakur was obstructed from taking a clear shot at the goal and the umpire had no hesitation to point towards the dreaded spot. Harpreet Nagra made his entry into the record book by converting the first penalty stroke of the Bridgestone WSH.

For Chennai there were no such clear-cut openings in the second half despite their strategy to deploy five players in the rival D. Star striker Gagan Ajit Singh celebrated his daughter’s fourth birthday with a cracker – it was trademark Gagan scorcher from top of the D, which went racing past the hapless Cheetah goalkeeper Jasbir Singh. Interestingly, the moment the ball reached Gagan, the spectators started applauding in anticipation of a thundering shot for goal No.4.

The Cheetah, instead, were reduced to individual efforts that came to nothing. Brent Livermore and his boys had run out of time.

Goalscorers: Sher-E-Punjab: Mandeep Antil (7th minute), Harpreet Nagra (34th minute), Prabhjot Singh (49th & 70th minutes) and Gagan Ajit Singh (57th minute); Chennai Cheetahs: Imran Warsi (24th & 63rd minutes)

World Series Hockey website

Gupreet stars for Pune Strykers in a rousing start in Bridgestone WSH

Match No 3: Pune Strykers 7 beat Mumbai Marines 5

Mumbai: Pune Strykers, true to their name, struck the death knell for Mumbai Marines in the last quarter, firing three goal to pip their much fancied rivals 7-5 in the opener, which was played in an electrifying atmosphere. The match was anticipated by most of the fans as a renewal of the arch-rivalry between the two cities. Though it was Strykers which finished on top over Marines in the test of nerves, the real winner was the thousands of fans at the spanking-new MHA Mahindra Stadium, and the game of hockey, which was played at an exceptionally fast pace but in a fun-filled atmosphere.

The hero for the Styrkers was penalty-corner specialist, Gurpreet Singh, who bewitched the Marines goalkeeper four times with his classy drag-flick, including three crucial goal out of four which swung the match completely in their favour in a span of 19 minutes – three minutes before the hooter went off. The PC specialists who honed his skills with the Namdharis, now leads the goal tally in the Bridgestone World Series Hockey tournament. Marines’ Joga Singh, who slammed three superb goals was unlucky to end up on the losing side.

The match swung like a pendulum from quarter to quarter. The Strykers had the upper hand in the first quarter after Mario Nicolas Almada put them in the lead with a fine field goal. Then, Gurpreet got into the act with his wristy flick, but only for a brief period. Marines woke up to the rude jolt and responded strongly with four goals to lead 4-3 at half-time. The match was just entering its most exciting phase, and the climax unfolded with Marines adding just one more goal to their tally while Strykers stunned the home crowd with a drammatic outbursts which lasted for 10 minutes and produced three goals.

Goalscorers: Pune Strykers: Gurpreet Singh (4), Mario Almada (1), Lungile Tsolekile (1), Roshan Minz (1). Mumbai Marines: Joga Singh (3), Aljub Ekka (1) and Troy Sutherland (1).

Schedule for March 2: Delhi Wizards vs Karnataka Lions at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, N Delhi; 7pm; Mumbai Marines vs Bhopal Badshahs at MHA Mahindra Stadium, Mumbai at 9pm,

World Series Hockey website

Punjab thump Chennai

Deepankar Sharda

Jalandhar: A pleasant day turned for the better under lights as local team Sher-E-Punjab spanked Chennai Cheetahs 5-2 in their World Series Hockey match here tonight. All roads lead to Jalandhar, home of late Olympian Surjeet Singh, as the action rolled on for the second consecutive day in the Series.

But even the presence of players like Deepak Thakur, Prabhjot Singh, Harpal Singh, Gagan Ajit Singh and Vikram Pillay failed to pull spectators for the match at Olympian Surjeet Hockey Stadium here. The Punjab outfit thrashed Cheenai Cheetahs in what was a rather one-sided affair.

The visiting team started off well but Adam Sinclair missed the first chance to score after goalkeeper Dinesh Ekka managed to divert the ball outside the goal area in the fifth minute. Taking full advantage, the Punjab outfit hit back with a counter attack and rolling substitute Mandeep Antil helped the team take the lead in the 7th minute.

After the first quarter, the home team again had ample chances to double the lead but they failed to do the same after their drag flickers miss three penalty corners in a row. On other hand, the visiting side scored the equaliser through Imran Warsi who converted the first penalty corner awarded to team (1-1).

Right after 10 minutes the home team managed to take the lead again, after stopper of Chennai Cheetahs gifted a penalty stroke followed by a stick check by Gaurav. Harpreet Nagra slotte dhome with ease and made it 2-1 in the 34th minute.

In the third quarter, the visiting side tried hard to come back but failed after Mark Harris missed a one-on-one opportunity. Soon after this, Prabhjot Singh took the ball from left flank and successfully won a penalty corner in the 44th minute but Harpal Singh again failed to convert.

But Prabhjot got a chance after making his signature run and took the score to 3-1 in the 49th minute. After the captain took the team close to a winning position, his former Indian counterpart, Gagan Ajit Singh added to Chennai’s misery as he scored a brilliant fourth goal in the 57th minute.

In the last quarter Imran Warsi again struck to make it 4-2, after converting the third penalty corner in the 63rd minute but captain Prabhjot Singh wrapped up the match after scoring his second and the team’s fifth goal in the 70th minute.

The Tribune

12 goals, 18 PCs in a match as Mario Almada mesmerizes Mumbai

K Arumugam

If commercial hockey is more goals, more action, more thrill, its better to videograph the match between Pune Strykers and Mumbai Marines. The first match the city of Mumbai witnessed could not have been a better advertisement for the WSH Organizers who faced only hurdles in the run up.

The match had all the ingredient of modern hockey in one go. It was speedy, goals came in regular intervals, not much known players churned up Champagnee stuff, good crowd and what not.

Pune Strykers, trained by Gundeep Kumar and Mervyn Fernandes, struck a brace within 8 minutes.

It was followed by the second quarter which saw three goals in three minutes by Meredith trained host team. Devinder Walmiki was a thorn in the flesh sending crosses from right wing. At half time, Mumbai led 4-3.

Third quarter only firmed up the Mumbai's ascendency, though each team scored a piece.

The fourth quarter changed the complexion of the match. Mario Almada, Damandeep Singh, Vikas Pillay entertained the goody crowd to great extent. 11 minutes before the hooter, Gurpreet converted team's 12th penalty corner and three minutes later another one to take the match away from the Marines.

Even as the hooter came up, the Marines got a penalty corner, though not converted.

It was veteran Mario Almada who was a treat to watch, as was Gurpreet of Haryana, who did the impossible out of Almada's great set ups.

Almada, who struck the golden goal against India in the Azlan Shah Cup final three summers ago, and was part of Orissa Steelers who won the title in Chandigarh in 2007, was a man possessed, weaving past the Marines, earning penalty corners and almost part of anything the Pune team did on Thursday

Gurpreet Singh, another from Namdhari stable came up with trumps, all four goals. He was adjudged Man of the Match and got Rs.10 k from the organizers and Rs.5 from Seagram's Blue Marines.

In the end, its great start for WSH in Mumbai.

Stick2Hockey.com

Strykers sink Marines in thriller

Satya Siddharth Rath

MUMBAI: The pace was relentless, the moves innovative, and the contest absorbing. One couldn't have asked a better advertisement for the game, as far as Thursday night's World Series Hockey clash between Mumbai Marines and Pune Strykers was concerned.

The Strykers went away 7-5 winners to open their campaign on a positive note, much to the disappointment of the nearly 2000-strong crowd which cheered their hearts out for home team Marines, but there was no doubt that the game was the biggest gainer of the night, considering the controversies the event has endured over the past few months.

Marines midfielder Viren Rasquinha had said the other day that there was very little to differentiate between the two teams, and one realised the worth of his words during this clash. It was a see-saw match from the start, with the lead changing hands at frequent intervals.

The first quarter belonged to the Strykers. They were fast off the blocks as the home side took time to settle down. The Pune side took the lead as early as the fourth minute, when their Argentine import Mario Almada provided the perfect finishing touch to a move from the left flank. The early goal spurred them on as the attacks became relentless. The hard work paid off as Strykers earned their first penalty corner four minutes later, and Gurpreet Singh banged in a low flick to the left of Marines custodian Adrian D'Souza.

The two-minute interval between the first and second quarters seemed to have woken up the Mumbai side, as they looked a different outfit altogether after the break.

Their Australian forward Troy Sutherland launched the hosts' fightback with an opportunistic goal just a minute into the second quarter. Pune again took the lead in the 22nd minute, Lungile Tsolekile deflecting Gurpreet's flick off what was their fifth penalty corner.

Mumbai hit back through two goals in two minutes from Joga Singh to get back on level terms. And just before the stroke of half-time, they scored again through Aijub Ekka to take the lead for the first time in the match. Joga scored another goal in the 37th minute, his third of the match, as Mumbai led 5-3. But Gurpreet struck three times in quick succession, all off penalty corners, to end the hosts' challenge.

In an earlier match played at Jalandhar, Sher-E-Punjab launched their campaign with a 5-2 win over Chennai Cheetahs. For Sher-E-Punjab, the scorers were Mandeep Antil (7th minute), Harpreet Nagra (34th), Prabhjot Singh (49th & 70th) and Gagan Ajit Singh (57th), while Pakistani star Imran Warsi struck a brace for the Cheetahs, both his goals coming off drag-flicks in the 24th and 63rd minutes, respectively.

Results
Pune Strykers bt Mumbai Marines 7-5; Sher-E-Punjab bt Chennai Cheetahs 5-2.

The Times of India

Pune Strkyers too good for Mumbai Marines

By Mihir Vasavda

Since the day the team compositions were announced and analysed, experts predicted Pune Strykers to end up being the whipping boys of the inaugural WSH.

The squad did not feature any big name and to add to the woes, their two most recognisable names, Gurwinder Singh Chandi and Diwakar Ram, pulled out — the former succumbing to Hockey India’s diktat while the latter suffered a wrist injury. But Gundeep Singh’s men proved reputation counts for nothing, opening their campaign with a 7-5 win over Mumbai Marines in a thrilling encounter at the Mumbai Hockey Association Stadium here on Thursday.

Not many expected such a scoreline, least of all Mumbai coach Andrew Meredith. The Australian was convinced before the match that his side would come on top despite a 0-5 thrashing against the same opposition in a practice match earlier this week. However, Mumbai looked completely off colour on the night, which is a shame for a team touted to be the title contenders. Their defence, despite boasting the likes of former India captain Prabodh Tirkey, was caught napping on several occasions while captain and goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza proved the selectors right for not picking him in the Indian squad.

Take no credit away from Pune, though. They began on a positive note, taking the game to their opposition and were up by two goals inside 10 minutes.

Earlier in Jalandhar, Sher-E-Punjab beat Chennai Cheetahs 5-2. While Prabhjot Singh hit the backboard twice Mandeep Antil, Harpreet Nagra and Gagan Ajit Singh scored one each for the Shers.

DNA

Son Karan saves father Baskaran in WSH -- and how

K Arumugam

Laxman Karan was the hero of the World Series opener.

He struck the first goal of the epoch-making World Series Hockey, with a straight drive off the first penalty corner the Bhopal Badshahs got.

And at the closing moments in the fourth quarter – which produced four goals in seven minutes – he posted the last goal. This was a fantastic field effort, a powerful forehand from top of the circle.

Laxman Karan is the only son of Bhopal Badshahs coach. Its coach is none other than well known Olympian Vasudevan Baskaran.

Laxman Karan, now working with Central Exercise, started his hockey career belatedly after trying his hands at cricket and tennis.

He was part of the Tamil Nadu team that played the Junior Nationals when St. Joseph group of Colleges sponsored in six years ago.

Then he graduated the state team, played in many tournaments.

He was also part of the Tamil Nadu team that won the Silver at the Bhopal Nationals.

Karan, slim and tall, is the only son of Baskaran.

By scoring a brace of goals, which is also equivalent to the margin, Karan not only helped his father in realizing an exciting victory, but also saved the blues. For, the coach on the other side was Harendra Singh, who was understudy of Baskaran in many tournaments like 2006 World Cup.

After Laxman Karan opened the scoring, it was Chandigarh team that went on attacking mode as Baljinder Singh posted a brace.

South African import then knelt down before sending a scoop to equalize, but the lead barely survived for a minute as a counter attack again gave the Chandigarh team an edge.

Then came the edge the coach's son provided.

Stick2Hockey.com

Madhya Pradesh bans WSH cheerleaders

Ramendra Singh,

BHOPAL: Where there are cheerleaders, there are prudes. The latest to join the 'anti-culture' bandwagon is the Madhya Pradesh government, which has banned cheerleaders from the ongoing World Series Hockey (WSH) matches to be played here. The state sports department is convinced the practice of hiring women to cheer on teams and titillate audiences "goes against our sanskriti (culture)".

The sports department has set an explicit pre-condition for WSH organizers: no cheerleaders will be allowed for any of the matches at the Aishbagh Stadium here from March 9. Bhopal is to host eight league games.

State director of sports Shailendra Shrivastava confirmed to TOI that his department has made it clear to organisers that cheerleaders are forbidden. "We received a letter from the WSH organisers seeking permission to allow cheerleaders to perform during the matches. The sports department has categorically stated that the stadium will be available only for holding staging the matches and nothing else" Shrivastva said.

He added: "The concept of cheerleaders is against the state's culture."

Bhopal has a history of right wing vigilantes coming out against events like the Valentine's Day too.

The Times of India

Defying authorities for the love of the game

Special Correspondent


Honouring a commitment: Delhi Wizards' Pakistani player Shakeel Abbasi has defied authorities back home in order to play in the WSH. Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

Shaqeel Abbasi loves scoring goals. “I love hockey,” the Pakistan forward says. To play the game he loves, Abbasi took a significant decision to defy the authorities back home and report at the Major Dhyan Chand National here on Thursday.

Here to play for Delhi Wizards in the World Series Hockey, Abbasi lost no time in familiarising himself with his team. He knows some of them. They too! “I am here to play hockey for Delhi. I am sure the crowd would encourage and appreciate,” said the Pakistan forward as he took a break to interact with the media.

It was not just the lure of money. It was the desire to play in India that forced Abbasi to ignore the national camp at home at the risk of being banned.

“I know that threat is there. There could be problems for us. But when we had signed up (for the WSH) there were no legal issues. The PHF (Pakistan Hockey Federation) has been nice to us. We hope the FIH (International Hockey Federation) encourages such events.”

Abbasi, who has led Pakistan, reiterated the “commitment” part. “I had accepted the advance payment and was committed to the WSH. By not coming I would have fallen in their esteem.

“Money was a factor, but it is also true that we don't have any events in Pakistan (to clash with WSH). This is a good event and we can use it for Olympics preparation.” Abbasi pleaded that the authorities keep the interests of the game in mind.

“Hockey should be spared all the legal wrangles. Such events are important for the betterment of not just Pakistan and India but world hockey too. Such events bring money, fame and dignity to a hockey player.”
At home in India

On the tournament, Abbasi noted, “It will bring players of many nationalities together. Money is not everything. Sport creates bonding among players. We have always loved playing in India. We feel at home in India. The crowds like the Asian style. India-Pakistan matches are pressure matches, but they also help a player grow in confidence. It will be nice to have the (top) Indian players in the WSH. They will bring in spectators and more quality to the competition.”

Missing from the Delhi practice were Gurbaj Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh, while Ignace Tirkey, S.K. Uthappa and Sandeep Singh did not turn up for Karnataka Lions.

Delhi plays Karnataka Lions at the National Stadium on Friday (7 p.m.) with the venue far from ready. The organisers could not even provide the players' list on the eve of the tournament and there was no information on the sale of tickets. “We should get the tickets tonight,” said an official. Tickets, hopefully, and spectators too!

The Hindu

Pakistan stars hope to revive Indian ties

NEW DELHI: Pakistani stars playing in World Series Hockey said on Thursday their participation could help revive sporting links between the two countries.

Five current and former Pakistan internationals, including ex-captain Zeeshan Ashraf, are in India for the lucrative but unsanctioned World Series Hockey (WSH) tournament which opened on Wednesday.

"We are thrilled to be in India," said Zeeshan, who is joined in the tournament by team-mates Adnan Maqsood, Rehan Butt, Shakeel Abbassi and Waseem Ahmed.

"This is a great platform to forge friendship between India and Pakistan. I hope it will mark the start of sporting ties between the two countries."

Bilateral series in cricket, the most popular sport in the sub-continent, have been stalled since a terrorist attack on Mumbai in November 2008, which India blamed on militants based in Pakistan.

Pakistan last toured India for a cricket series in 2007, while India featured in the Asia Cup played across the border in early 2008.

And no Pakistani has featured in the cash-rich Indian Premier League since the first edition in 2008.

The Pakistanis have risked their careers to play in the WSH because it is not supported by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), which has threatened to bar players from world events.

The world governing body opposes the WSH, which with prize money of $3 million is one of the richest events in the sport, since it is backed by the rebel Indian Hockey Federation instead of the officially recognised Hockey India.

The Indian national squad, which qualified for the London Olympics last week, has chosen to stay away from the tournament fearing possible action by authorities.

The tournament has also failed to attract top world stars, with former Australian captain Brent Livermore the best-known foreigner apart from the Pakistanis taking part.

The Times of India

WSH gets two more sponsors

Vodafone and Seagram's Imperial Blue have signed up as official sponsors of the Bridgestone World Series Hockey tournament.

“We will work closely with all our partners to create a win-win partnership,'' said Nimbus Sport COO Yannick Colaco.

The Hindu

A flurry of goals in the Nehru-SAIL Champion Colleges Cup on Day 3



Day three of the Nehru –SAIL Champion Colleges saw a flurry of goals with colleges from Sonipet, Jamia, Khalsa college from Ludhina emerged winners.

The first match was deceptive in the sense the half time score of 3-1 in favour of CRA College Sonepat appeared delusive as its rival Porwal Cxollege of Nagpur caved in the second half.

It was ironic the losing team from Nagpur scored the first goal and then conceded 8 more, to move away from medal rounds. Nagpur college lost a match yesterday too.

The equation was different in the second match. The losing team, Pachiappa Collges, Madras, struck its lone goal in the second half, which is also the last goal of the match which witnessed five goals. Municipal College, Rourkela, pumped in first four goals to move up in the points table in pool A.

Local outfit Jamia Milia Islamia had no difficulty in disposing off St. Xaviers’ college Kolkata in pool D. Its second loss for the Kolkata out fit. Neeraj from Jamia featured dominantly in his teams comprehensive 5-0 win, though at half time the winners led by an single goal.

Now on the fourth and last encounter of the day, Annamalai University from Chidambaran in Tamil Nadu despite holding 1-2 half time came down heavily after change over. GHG Khals College, Gurusar Sadhar, Ludhiana, pumped in two more in the second half to walk away with a 4-2 win.

There are only two matches for tomorrow (Thursday, the 2nd March 2012.

Match Results in a nutshell

Match No. 5: CRA Collge, Sonepat, defeat SK Porwal Collges, Nagpur 9-2

Match No. 6: Municipal College , Rourkela defeat Pachiappa Collge, Madras 4-1

Match No. 7: Jamia Milia Islamia, Delhi defeat Zt. Xavier Collge,Kolkata 5-0

Match No.8: CHG Khalsa Collge, Gursar Sadhar, Ludhiana defeat Annamalai University 4-2.

Tomorrow's Fixture, 2nd March:

Match No. 9: 01.00 PM, J.N P.G. College, Bhopal V/s CRA College, Sonepat (Haryana)

Match No. 10: 03.00 PM Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi V/s Al-Ameen College, Bangalore

Stick2Hockey.com

New Black Sticks line up to face Argentina in home series

Black Sticks Women’s coach Mark Hager has selected a new line up for the Argentina home test series, giving the wider national squad players the chance to prove themselves prior to Olympic selection in June.

Australian based Melody Cooper, young goalkeeper Amelia Gibson, North Harbour’s Petrea Webster, Northland’s Ella Gunson, Canterbury’s Bridget Blackwood, Auckland’s Julia King and Midlands’ Kate Mahon, who returns from long term injury, have all been selected in the 20 player squad.

“Like all our international games in the next five months we will be using this series as preparation for the Olympics. To put our players up against world number two Argentina will give us another opportunity to see which players have what it takes to be named in the Olympic team and which combinations are working well,” says Hager.

Luciana Aymar – the only player in history to have received the International Hockey Federation (FIH) World Player of the Year Award seven times – is in the Argentinean side travelling to New Zealand. Known as Las Leonas, the team remains relatively unchanged following their gold medal performance at last month’s FIH Champions Trophy in Rosario.

“We have mainly made changes to our defensive line up. It is not just the wider squad we will be watching, all players have to step up from Champions Trophy and perform better. We will review performances from this series and based on that, announce teams for our international series next month,” says Hager.

The four test series which starts on Monday 12 March will be held in Auckland, with alternate games being held at North Harbour Hockey Stadium in Albany and Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Pakuranga.

The Black Sticks have been training on the new blue turf at Westlake Girls High School. The surface is the same as the turf being used at the London Olympics, with the turf’s colour being changed from green to blue to help create a better quality television broadcast.

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Usual suspects headed for title clash

By Jugjet Singh


UniKL fans have always made their presence felt at all their team’s matches. Their support has been a crucial element in the team’s success for the last three seasons.

SSTMI Thunderbolts and UniKL Young Guns are on a collision course in the Milo Cup Junior Hockey League for the third straight season after both overcame gritty opposition on Wednesday.

Thunderbolts beat MBI Anderson 5-2, while UniKL Young Guns outplayed Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) 3-1 in the first leg, and both sides look good to seal their spots in the final today.

However, UniKL are in a tricky situation as their centre-half Aslam Hanafiah will have to sit out the match after picking up eight demerit points, while BJSS will miss Shahiran Zali for the same reason.

“Aslam is our link between defence and attack, so his absence will be greatly felt.

“But having said that, there is only a slim chance of UniKL squandering a two-goal lead, and we will go all out to avoid that,” said UniKL manager Amir Azhar.

In the first leg, BJSS took the lead but their game fell apart soon after which allowed UniKL to walk away with the advantage.

Both UniKL and Thunderbolts have been alternating winning the title since 2010, but have yet to land the double.

In 2010, UniKL won the Overall title while Thunderbolts took the League title.

In 2011, Thunderbolts took the Overall, while UniKL the League title.

This year, Thunderbolts have clinched the League title, and the Milo Cup will be a toss between both of them again.

Thunderbolts coach Wan Roslan was more focused on preparing for the final  than the return leg.

“We have done enough to virtually seal a spot in the final spot, but hope to score a few more early goals to douse any Anderson fightback,” said Wan Roslan.

“Having said that, the second leg will also be treated as our final drill to prepare for our first JHL double.” 

That is not empty talk as the coach has two players fighting for the top scorer award. Shahril Saabah has scored 15 goals — eight off penalty corners and seven from field attempts.

And Wan Roslan can also rely on Sufi Ismat, who has a total of 14 with 11 field attempts and three penalty corner attempts.

TODAY — S-finals, 2nd leg (1st leg scores in parentheses): UniKL (3) v Bukit Jalil SS (1) (5pm), MBI Anderson (2) v SSTMI Thunderbolts (7.30pm) (5).

All matches at Pitch II of the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

New Straits Times

Thunderbolt forwards Shahril and Sufi locked in battle to be top scorer

By AFTAR SINGH


Ahead by a whisker: SSTMI-Thunderbolt’s Muhammad Shahril Saabah (front) leads the scoring charts with 15 goals, one more than team-mate Mohd Sufi Ismat. –M. AZHAR ARIF/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Mohd Shahril Saabah and Mohd Sufi Ismat are team-mates at loggerheads, battling it out for the top scorer’s award in the Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL).

The Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI)-Thunderbolt forwards are going great guns with just one goal separating them.

Shahril, the Project 2013 squad trainee, is the top scorer with 15 goals while Sufi of Terengganu has 14.

The 17-year-old Sufi, who will be sitting for his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations in November, said he is ready to put friendship aside to grab the honours.

“I have never won any award despite playing for the sports school in the junior league for the last five years,” said Sufi.

“Although Shahril is ahead by a goal, I’m confident I can net more goals in the semi-final second-leg against MBI-Anderson and in the final,” said Sufi, who scored a hat-trick to steer his team to a 5-2 victory over MBI-Anderson in the first-leg on Wednesday.

Sufi, a Project 2017 trainee, is clearly unimpressed with his scoring rate.

“I would be the leading scorer if not for the number of chances I missed in earlier matches,” said Sufi, who was named the best player in the Under-18 National Schools championships (MSSM) in Johor Baru last year.

Shahril, who turns 18 on March 28, said he was disappointed at not winning the top scorer award last year despite finding the net 15 times – eight penalty corners and seven field goals.

“The pressure is on me to bag the award this time as I want to be picked for May’s Junior Asia Cup in Malacca, which is a qualifying tournament for the Junior World Cup in New Delhi in 2013,” said Shahril.

“I’m angry with myself for failing to score for the first time in the semi-final first-leg against MBI-Anderson.

“I intend to make amends in the return-leg to make sure I win the award ahead of my good friend and team-mate Sufi,” said Shahril.

The Star of Malaysia

BJSS banking on good weather to overcome UniKL

KUALA LUMPUR: Former champions Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) are hoping for good weather when they take on Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) in the Milo Cup semi-final, second-leg at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.

BJSS team manager Jusvinder Pal Singh blamed the rain for hampering their performance in the 3-1 first-leg loss on Wednesday.

“My players found it difficult to play in the rain. The pitch was slippery and my players were falling all over. I hope the weather will be kind to us in the return match,” said Jusvinder.

The weather aside, BJSS will also have to overturn the deficit without the services of midfielder Mohd Shahiram Zali, who received a yellow card in the first-leg and will have to serve out a one-match ban.

Jusvinder, however, is not too worried as he feels they have reliable back-ups.

“We will play an attacking game to get the goals to qualify for the final. Nothing is impossible. I hope my boys will rise to the occasion,” he said.

“We are also banking on Mohd Azrul (Hasbullah), who has been scoring regularly, to deliver the goals.”

UniKL are also planning on an all-out offensive game.

Team manager Amir Azhar Ibrahim said they would not take it easy despite the two-goal cushion.

“The sports school gave us a tough fight in the first-leg and they will definitely be going all out against us,” said Amir.

“We want to score first and put more pressure on the sports school. I am confident we can reach the final.”

The Star of Malaysia

It’s not quite over yet

Bukit Jalil still pose a threat even though they have two goals to chase

by Vijhay Vick


LETS GET THEM: Misron (Andersson) nearly scores against UniKL in the first-leg semifinal on Wednesday — Pic: Ashraf Shamsul Azlan

UNIKL are in a precarious position in the Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL) Cup.

Though they lead 3-1 from the first-leg semifinal against Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), the schoolboys are still capable of staging a comeback.

UniKL manager Amir Azhar Ibrahim admits his side cannot take their foot of the pedal as they seek to deny Thunderbolts a double.

Thunderbolts have won the league and are virtually through to the final after defeating Anderson 5-2 in the first leg on Wednesday.

“We would have liked to have a bigger margin but it wasn’t easy chasing the game from a goal down. It was good to have pulle d back on level terms before the break.

“It was a game of two halves with BJSS coming out strong but I’m glad my boys managed to get their act together in the second,” said Amir.

Amir now wants the University side to pick up from where they left off and get a couple of goals before looking forward to last year’s MJHL Cup final rematch.

Then, Thunderbolts took the Cup title on penalty strokes while UniKL won the league.

“We must get a grip of the match from the very beginning.

If they score first, that will signal they’re back in the game. That will become a very dangerous situation for us,” he added.

Should UniKL win again they will continue their proud record of not having lost a single MJHL match in a regular time, be it in the League or Cup, since their debut in 2010. That year they won the double.

Malay Mail

Alumna Sarah Forbes to be inducted into New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame



The New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame will be inducting six new members into the hall during this year’s induction ceremony being held at the Fredericton Inn on June 9. The inductees were announced today by the sports hall of fame’s board of governor’s chairperson John Estabrooks.

This year’s six inductees include Sarah Forbes, of Fredericton, who began her field hockey career at Fredericton High School. She was a member of the gold medal winning Team New Brunswick at the 1989 Canadian Summer Games. During her 16 years on the national team, she competed in 11 international competitions, including three Commonwealth Games and two Pan-American Games, resulting in one silver and three bronze medals. While playing field hockey for York University, Forbes was named all-star, most valuable player and all Canadian. Forbes now resides in Ontario and coaches the women’s field hockey team at the University of Guelph.

“We are proud to be announcing the election of these six distinguished athletes,” says Jamie Wolverton, Executive Director of the sports hall of fame. “We hope to see a great turnout for this year’s event and look forward to honouring all of these inductees.”

Tickets for the 2012 Induction Ceremony can be purchased at the office of the sports hall of fame located at 503 Queen Street in Fredericton, NB or by calling (506-453-3747).

These six deserving inductees bring the total number of sports hall of fame honoured members to 225.

The New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit organization located in the Garrison District of downtown Fredericton. It honours achievement in competitive sport and functions as a seasonal museum. It has more than 200 original portraits, an interactive virtual sports system and hosts numerous exhibits.

Check out their new website! www.nbsportshalloffame.com

Field Hockey Canada media release

USA Field Hockey launches youth development program

Ashley Meunier

COLORADO SPRINGS, C.O. – USA Field Hockey announced today an ambitious youth development program focused on inspiring boys and girls ages 7-11 to participate in field hockey nationwide. Fundamental Field Hockey, sponsored by Harrow Sports, will launch 250 programs, distribute 6,000 sticks and encourage 15,000 children to play field hockey across the country in 2012.

“Fundamental Field Hockey is a program that will allow kids their first chance to play field hockey in a fun setting,” said Liz Tchou, Youth Development Manager. “Our development goals will revolve around keeping youth in the pipeline by providing them with an avenue to continue to play and most importantly, have fun. I hope that once these kids pick up a stick, they won’t be able to put it down.”

Fundamental Field Hockey coincides with USA Field Hockey’s long-term strategic plan and commitment to enhance sport development by increasing playing opportunities for boys and girls. The program will emphasize fun, hence the program’s name FUNdamental Field Hockey and is focused on playing small sided games on any flat surface with a small or large group of children. The program will provide the necessary tools to young athletes to be introduced to the game and further provide them with channels to remain involved in the sport at all levels.

USA Field Hockey will encourage recreational organizations and schools across the country to apply to be part of Fundamental Field Hockey. To be eligible for the program, the organization must be a recognized recreational center or educational institution, like a YMCA or elementary school, demonstrate a commitment to expose 7-11 year old boys and girls to the sport and be located within 50 miles of a new or existing USA Field Hockey Member Club.



The application process for Fundamental Field Hockey will open on March15 and will be available on usafieldhockey.com.

“We want the next generation of kids to have the option to play field hockey, alongside other sports like basketball, soccer and lacrosse. Fundamental Field Hockey is going to make that happen and it will be a changing moment for our sport,” said Tchou.

Up to 250 successful applicant organizations will be selected to receive a “Field Hockey in a Box” equipment pack, which will include sticks, balls, cones, a carrying bag and a coaching resource book.  Programs will receive support from the USA Field Hockey Youth Development staff as well as their local USA Field Hockey Member Club.

Harrow Sports will provide the 250 programs with sticks, balls and cones free of charge.

“Harrow Field Hockey exists to support the developing field hockey player from their first practice as a child, to reaching their goals at the collegiate and international level,” said Alli Tanner, Brand Manager, Harrow Sports, Inc. “We are thrilled to be involved as the equipment supplier for Fundamental Field Hockey and look forward to seeing our sport reap the rewards as it grows across the country.”

By launching Fundamental Field Hockey in areas where clubs exist, athletes will be able to continue participating in the sport at a recreational or elite level.

“Our hope is that once these athletes finish Fundamental Field Hockey, they will sign up to play regularly with a local club,” said Tchou. “Emphasizing sustainability will be key for these athletes and for the growth of the sport.” 

USA Field Hockey is currently seeking a Youth Development Coordinator to join the Youth Development Team in implementing Fundamental Field Hockey and developing strategies that will increase the number of boys and girls involved in the sport of field hockey. Interested candidates should apply here.

For more information about the program, please contact the Youth Development Team at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

USFHA media release