News for 27 January 2009

All the news for Tuesday 27 January 2009

USA curtail the Dutch


Monday marked the fifth and final contest between the USA and the 2008 Olympic champions Netherlands. The result Monday was a 3-1 victory for the Dutch. Lauren Crandall scored the U.S. goal off a penalty corner in the 31st minute.

USFHA



FIH releases Pools for Men’s Junior World Cup

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) released the Pools for the Men’s Junior World Cup 2009. The Men’s Junior World Cup will take place in Singapore (SIN) and Johor Bahru (MAS) from 7-21 June 2009.

The BDO women’s Junior World Cup is scheduled in Boston (USA) from 3-16 August 2009. The pools for this event will be released mid-February 2009

The Pools are as follows:

Pool A
Argentina
Belgium
Egypt
Pakistan
Russia

Pool B
Australia
Chile
Germany
Japan
South Africa

Pool C
England
Korea
Malaysia
Spain
USA

Pool D
India
Netherlands
New Zealand
Poland
Singapore

The match schedule will be available shortly.

WorldHockey



England in tough group

The FIH has today named the pools for the Men’s Junior World Cup which is due to take place  in Singapore (SIN) and Johor Bahru (MAS) from 7-21 June 2009.

The BDO women’s Junior World Cup is scheduled to take place in Boston (USA) from 3-16 August 2009. The pools for this event will be released mid-February 2009.

England will face Korea, Malaysia, Spain and the USA in Pool C and will be looking to improve upon their 9th placed finish from 2005.

Performance Manager Pete Nicholson said “This is a tough group, Malaysia as hosts always perform well on home soil and Korea and Spain who play quick attacking hockey will provide strong opposition. However when you look at all the groups there are no easy ones which demonstrates the strength of the game and should make for a fantastic tournament which will test our players to the full.”

The Pools are as follows:

Pool A

Argentina, Belgium, Egypt, Pakistan, Russia

Pool B

Australia, Chile, Germany,  Japan, South Africa

Pool C

England, Korea, Malaysia, Spain, USA

Pool D

India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore

The match schedule will be available shortly.

England Hockey Media release



India get tough draw for Men's Jr World Cup hockey

CHENNAI: India has been clubbed with Netherlands and New Zealand in Group-D in the Men's Junior World Cup hockey, scheduled to be held in Singapore and Johor Bahru in Malaysia from June 7-21.

Poland and Singapore are the other teams in Group-D, an International Hockey Federation (FIH) release said on Monday.

The 20 teams in the fray have been divided into four groups, with defending champions Argentina figuring in Group-A, the release said.

The draw for the BDO Women's Junior World Cup, which is scheduled in Boston, USA from August 3-16, would be released by the middle of next month, the release added.

Groupings:
Group-A: Argentina, Belgium, Egypt, Pakistan, Russia.
Group-B: Australia, Chile, Germany, Japan, South Africa.
Group-C: England, Korea, Malaysia, Spain, USA.
Group-D: India , Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore.

The Times of India



Indian juniors in Pool ‘D’

Chennai: India, the Asian champion, is placed in Pool ‘D’ along with the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland and Singapore for the junior World Cup hockey championship to be played at Singapore and Johor Bahru (Malaysia) from June 7 to 21.

The defending champion, Argentina, is in Pool ‘A’. This is the first time that 20 teams are taking part in the World Cup and also being placed in different countries.

The last event was held at Rotterdam in 2005.

The Pools:

‘A’: Argentina, Belgium, Egypt, Pakistan and Russia; ‘B’: Australia, Chile, Germany, Japan and South Africa. ‘C’: England, Korea, Malaysia, Spain and United States; ‘D’: India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland and Singapore.

The Hindu



Pakistan share Junior World Cup pool with title-holders Argentina

By our correspondent


KARACHI: Former champions Pakistan are comfortably placed in Pool A of the 20-nation Men’s Junior World Cup, according to the pool released by the International Hockey Federation on Monday.

Pakistan share Pool A with defending champions Argentina. Also bracketed with them are Belgium, Egypt and Russia. With Argentina being the only higher-ranked side in their pool, Pakistan junior team coach Qamar Ibrahim is confident of a forceful showing by his charges in the quadrennial spectacle to be played in Singapore and Johor Bahru (Malaysia) from 7-21 June 7-21.

“It’s a good draw for us,” Qamar told ‘The News’ on Monday. “Our target will be to beat Argentina because a win against the defending champions would be an early morale-booster for Pakistan,” added the ex-Olympian, who has been given the assignment to raise a strong team for the event.

Qamar pointed out that Argentina are currently one of the best junior teams on the international hockey circuit. “Argentina are a very good side. They will be our main targets in the pool,” he said.

But Qamar was quick to add that Pakistan will not take anything for granted in their mission to secure a quarter-final berth in the tournament. “Teams like Belgium and Egypt can be very dangerous on their day,” said Qamar. “We will not even take Russia for granted.”

Pakistan barely qualified for the Junior World Cup. They failed to reach the final of the Junior Asia Cup in India last year and only managed to make the cut for the Junior World Cup after the FIH decided to increase the number of competing teams to a record 20 for this year’s spectacle.

Australia head Pool B that also includes Germany and South Africa. England lead a tough Pool C that includes Spain, Korea and Malaysia. 2001 champions India share Pool D with the Netherlands and New Zealand.

The pools: Pool A — Argentina, Belgium, Egypt, Pakistan, Russia. Pool B — Australia, Chile, Germany, Japan, South Africa. Pool C — England, Korea, Malaysia, Spain, USA. Pool D — India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore.

The News International



Black Announces Retirement.

Munster born Mark Black has announced his retirement from the International Hockey Stage after amassing 113 caps and 3 goals while wearing green jersey. Black, who debuted for his country almost ten years ago on April 2nd 1999 against Switzerland, was just 19 years of age when he kick started what was to be a long career as a senior international player.

Black, 29 years, moved through the ranks competing at every under age Irish level, including the U21 team which competed in the A division in Madrid in 2000, where he played every single minute of the tournament at centre midfield in the searing heat, testament to the dedication and character that Black always displayed on the field. Commenting on his retirement it was obvious that this was a difficult choice for the midfielder to make "I have had to make the decision to pull out of the international hockey scene primairly due to work commitments,  I couldn't juggle both anymore so I have made the difficult decision to retire."

"I would also like to express my thanks in particular to David Passmore, Steven Hiles, Craig Fulton and Sinead Murphy. They have brought Irish Hockey on leaps and bounds and I would like to wish Paul Revington and all the lads the best of luck and hopefully they can take it to the next step of making the World Cup and Olympics" he continued.

David Passmore who coached Black both at club and international level over a six year period was keen to pay him tribute Mark will be a loss to the team.  Not only was Mark a consistent performer he has always been immensely committed and his experience would have proved vital at this time of transition, he was a role model to aspiring players both on and off the pitch.  I wish Mark all the best for his future.

Commenting on the news of his retirement was Manager Steven Hiles "Mark has worn the green shirt in the Irish midfield with distinction for a decade and has been a fantastic competitor and team mate to all who had the privilege to play with him. He will be remembered for his uncompromising approach and elite professional standards which he set at training and during matches. Nothing epitomised Mark's dedication more than returning from a potentially international career ending cruciate ligament injury in 2003 after which he returned to the squad to play on for several years after. Together with his brother Jason and his parents who have supported the team all over the world they will be sadly missed."

Mark, brother of ex international Jason who retired early last year, also helped distinguish himself and his brother when he reached his 100th cap against Argentina in Santiago giving them the honour of being the only brothers to have reached a century of international caps for Ireland.

Despite stepping off the International stage, Mark will continue to play for his club Cork Harlequins. The Irish Hockey Association would also like to take this opportunity to express their thanks to Mark for his commitment to Irish Hockey and would like to wish him well for the future.

Irish Hockey Association media release



SSGC beat PIA in National Hockey

From our correspondent


LAHORE: On the first day of the final round of the 56th National Hockey Championship, Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) defeated Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) by a 3-2 margin, here at the National Hockey Stadium on Monday.

In another match, Port Qasim thrashed Punjab by 4-1 while Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) had the better of Pakistan Navy by three goals to nil. Habib Bank meanwhile beat National Bank by a 2-1 scoreline.

In the Tray Championship that started simultaneously yesterday, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) beat Balochistan 3-1, Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) defeated Steel Mills 5-3 and Police beat Pakistan Television (PTV) 5-0.

Matches for Tuesday: Final round — SSGC v Navy, National Bank v Punjab, Pakistan Army v Port Qasim. Tray Championship — NWFP v Balochistan, Sindh v Police, KESC v Capital Territory.

The News International



Final round commences

Staff Report


LAHORE: The final round of 56th National Hockey Championship commenced at the National Hockey Stadium here on Monday and four matches were decided on the opening day. Sui Southern Gas Corporation (SSGC) stunned defending champions Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) 3-2, Port Qasim Authority (PAA) beat Punjab 4-1, Pakistan WAPDA defeated Pakistan Navy 3-0 while Habib Bank Limited (HBL) downed National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) 2-1.

In the Tray Championship, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) and Pakistan Police scored victories against their respective rivals. PAF beat Balochistan 3-1, KESC beat Steel Mills 5-3 and Police routed PTV 5-0.

National Championship matches for today:

SSGC vs Navy

NBP vs Punjab

Army vs Port Qasim

Tray Championship matches:

NWFP vs Balochistan

Sindh vs Police

KESC vs Capital Territories.

The Daily Times



PHF executive secretary sacked

Staff Report


LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Monday sacked Prof Mohammad Safdar from the post of PHF executive secretary, ending his decades long association with the national federation.

PHF general secretary Mohammad Asif Bajwa told reporters that Safdar was removed according to the PHF policy.

Safdar was a powerful man and remained at the helm of affairs no matter how many changes took place in PHF in the past two decades.

“We will be making more changes in the coming days and a few more employees will be sacked,” he said. However, Bajwa acknowledged the contributions and services of Safdar towards Pakistan hockey.

The Daily Times



High performance hockey coaching course begins


LAHORE: A FIH high performance hockey coaching course commenced at the National Stadium here on Monday.

FIH coach Tayyab Ikram and Dutch hockey consultant Wouter Tazelar delivered lectures on important aspects of the modern day hockey.

“The main focus of the lectures was on Pakistan team’s performance at the Beijing Olympics. The weak areas of the team were also highlighted and the participants were informed about the mistakes of the players,” a Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) spokesman said.

"Seven coaches reported on the opening day while head coach of Pakistan team Ayaz Mehmood, Kamran Ashraf and junior team coach Qamar Ibrahim did not attend the course. The trio are likely join the course soon,” added the spokesman. staff report

The Daily Times



Rs.50 penalty for Green card, 500 for red card

K. Arumugam


In order to bring better discipline on field, the organizers of the ongoing girls tournament in Lucknow have come out with penalty scheme.

As per this, a green card will cost Rs. 50, Yellow Card Rs.100 and Red Card Rs.500. This money will be deducted from the usual allowance the players and team are entitled to.

Interestingly, the tournament is being organized by a State Government, Uttar Pradesh.

The Sports Department of the State has been organizing three tournaments for girls – Under-14, Under 18 and open and has introduced the scheme this year.

The present number for senior is underway at the KD Singh Babu stadium which sports natural grass.

Simultaneously, another age group tournament for girls is also held at the Sports Hostel grounds.

For the senior tournament, about 14 teams are in the fray, including three from the State,. Pepsu, Railway teams are others in the competition.

The winner carries Rs. 1 lakh prize money.

Accordingly to former Olympian RP Singh, who heads the State’s sports wing, this scheme will bring better discipline, and teams will be careful not to commit avoidable fouls.

Stick2Hockey.com



Banaswadi posts win

BANGALORE: Banaswadi Kodava Sangha edged past Viveknagar Kodava Sangha 3-2 in the inter-Kodava Sangha hockey tournament at the KSHA stadium here on Monday.

B. Milan (2) and B. Ponnanna scored for the winner while P. Pradhan and B. Chengappa struck for Viveknagar.

In the other matches, Lopamundira KS snatched a 2-1 win over Brahmagiri KS while Vijaynagar KS and Koramangala KS scored over Sanjaynagar KS and K.R. Puram KS via the tie breaker.

The Hindu



PWHA names squad for Gold Cup

Staff Report


LAHORE: The Punjab Women’s Hockey Association (PWHA) on Monday announced a 19-member Punjab team for the forthcoming Benazir Bhutto Gold Cup Women’s Hockey Tournament starting from February 10 here at the National Hockey Stadium.

Squad:

Imrana Sattar, Sehrish Ghuman, Munaza Irum, Zakia Nawaz, Amna Mehr, Asma Ashraf, Saman, Nazia Rehmat, Sidra Younis, Ayesha Rafiq, Sumera Sajid, Ishrat Abbas, Nafeesa Anwar, Anazza Bashir, Rabia Sarwar, Bushra Nazir, Taskeen Kausar, Aliya Bashir and Fatima Shams. Stand-byes: Huma Mukhtar, Rabia Allahbasaya, Tahira Parveen, Ishrat begum, Asfa Zafar, Uzma Mubarik and Rizwana Yasmin.

The Daily Times