News for 24 March 2009
Tuesday, 24 March 2009 04:01 | 
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All the news for Tuesday 24 March 2009
Malaysia confirmed as Asia Cup hosts
By Jugjet Singh
THE Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) yesterday confirmed that Malaysia will host the Eighth Asia Cup, which doubles up as a World Cup Qualifier, in Kuantan on May 9-16.
Ten teams are expected to contest the Asia Cup with only the champions advancing to the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi, and the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) will also not have to pay the US$20,000 (RM70,000) sanction fee to the AHF.
"When the AHF opened bids for the Asia Cup in July last year, we received entries from Dubai, Malaysia, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh," said AHF secretary general Tan Sri P. Alagendra yesterday.
"The AHF council decided on Dubai, and they paid us the hosting fee of US$20,000 one week after we informed that they will be the hosts.
"However, early this month, Dubai informed the AHF that they were unable to host the tournament due to domestic reasons, and so we approached Malaysia and it has been agreed that MHC will host the tournament," AHF will hold its council meeting on April 11 in Ipoh during the Azlan Shah Cup and it is likely that the fee paid by Dubai will be forfeited while Malaysia will not have to pay to become hosts.
The two pitches in Kuantan are good enough to host the tournament but the lightning will need to be upgraded.
South Korea, Pakistan, India, Japan and Malaysia will be the teams to watch in the Asia Cup.
Meanwhile, the AHF will host a round of golf at the Royal Perak Golf Club on April 7 in conjunction with Sultan Azlan Shah's Silver Jubilee celebrations.
New Straits Times
Kuantan to host Asia Cup as UAE withdraws
By S. RAMAGURU
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will have home ground advantage in the Asia Cup hockey tournament following the United Arab Emirates’ withdrawal as hosts.
The tournament will be held as scheduled from May 9-16 and the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) have chosen the Kuantan Hockey Stadium as the competition venue.
The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) secretary general, Tan Sri P. Alagendra, said yesterday that the UAE withdrew as hosts due to the global economic downturn.
“We are happy that the MHF responded positively at such a short notice to stage the tournament as scheduled because we cannot change the dates of competition,” he said.
The tournament offers the winners an automatic berth to the 2010 World Cup Finals. And the next four finishers will get to compete in qualifying tournaments in November.
Alagendra added that Dubai was chosen to host the tournament to give hockey in the Gulf region a boost after Qatar’s successful staging of the 2006 Asian Games in Doha.
“It is unfortunate that they (Dubai) are unable to host it. The Asia Cup is an important tournament for teams eyeing places in the World Cup Finals. Many of them are well into their preparations and we cannot postpone it at this stage,” he said.
The tournament is expected to feature 10 teams. Besides Malaysia, the others in the fray are India, Pakistan, South Korea, China, Japan, Bangladesh, Oman, Singapore and Sri Lanka.
The Star of Malaysia
Asia Cup in Malaysia
Hockey Correspondent
Chennai: It is now official. Malaysia will play host to the hockey Asia Cup from May 9 to 16.
Consequent to the withdrawal last week of Dubai as the host, the Asian Hockey Federation constituted a five-member committee to work on the modalities of conducting the event, which will determine the qualifier for the World Cup in New Delhi.
The working group with Tan Sri Alagendra as the convenor has decided in favour of Malaysia from May 9 to 16. The championship was proposed to be organised by United Arab Emirates HF at Dubai from May 8 to 15.
Talking to The Hindu from Kuala Lumpur, Mr. Alagendra confirmed the selection of Malaysia as the host.
Where it will be held remains a question mark. The expectation is that it may be in Kuala Lumpur, which hosted the Asia Cup last in 2003.
But Ipoh, which is the venue of the Sultan Azlan Shah Trophy from April 5 to 12 is not ruled out either. A final decision is expected in a day or two.
The Hindu
Ireland A V Germany U21
Weather Conditions called a halt to Ireland A's first match when the sides were level at one all.
Despite taking the lead in their first of three matches in Germany against the U21 side, as a result of a penalty flick awarded and consequently converted by Michelle Harvey, Ireland will have to wait until the morning to see how the rest of the game pans out.
With only ten seconds to go until half time the German's got a score on the board, before officials decided to call it a day due to unrelenting sleet.
Ireland are scheduled to play the second match tomorrow night (Tuesday 24th) however, they may finish the first half beforehand in the morning.
ADD ON
Ireland A finished off the second have of their first test against Germany A this morning, March 24th, the second half remained scoreless meaning the girls secured a draw in their first test against the Germans.
Irish Hockey Association media release
Haner in hunt
By Graham Wilson
SUCCESS means the same in any language for Martin Haner.
German international Haner came from Berlin to East Grinstead to polish up on his English and, having won the indoor title, he plays a decider at Surbiton on Sunday to see if they can win the England League for the first time.
Haner, who will play for EG in the Euro League in Hamburg in April, and then stay in Berlin, said: “It would be great to go back to Germany with two titles and play against the top players in Europe.”
Haner scored his 14th goal as EG beat Bowdon 6-0 to keep one point clear of Beeston, who in turn produced a fine 2-1 win over Surbiton. Beeston have a relatively easy clash at Hampstead.
Their wins earn a spot in next year’s Euro League while champions Reading fight it out against Cannock at Sonning. Southgate are down.
Daily Express
Title race down to the wire
East Grinstead took one step closer to being crowned champions of the Men’s Premier League after a comfortable home victory against Bowdon. Beeston are also still in the title race after they narrowly beat Surbiton to keep the pressure on East Grinstead.
Dominick Male scored a goal in each half, with Martin Häner also on the score sheet with his 14th goal of the season to send East Grinstead to a 6-0 victory against Bowdon. East Grinstead just need to overcome Surbiton in their last match to take the trophy back to Saint Hill. Beeston will be hoping for a massive favour from Surbiton, who they beat on Saturday, to have any chance of stealing the title. With the scores tied at one a piece in their match, Surbiton’s Ben Hawes missed a stroke which proved to be costly as just one minute later, Beeston’s Wayne Rowland scored what turned out to be the winner. Reading’s 4-1 away victory means that they still have a slim chance of winning the league but will need results to go their way as well as improving their goal difference. This win for Reading also means that Southgate have been relegated after just one season in the top flight. Cannock’s Harry Jawanda scored a last minute equaliser against Hampstead & Westminster which means that they still have a chance of making the Euro Hockey League next season. To do this, they will need to win at Reading in the last game by two goals or more to leap frog their counterparts. Loughborough Students Richard Smith scored a goal in each half to send his side to a 4-0 victory over Havant, a result which also means the team from the south coast will take part in the relegation play-offs. In the Women’s Premier Division, Ipswich claimed a vital 2-0 victory over Poynton which means they will have a chance of survival in the relegation play-offs. This win also means that Chelmsford are now relegated as they lost out 3-1 to Clifton. Bowdon Hightown remain on for a clean sweep this season as they came from a goal down to defeat Slough with Tina Cullen scoring the winner with her 23rd goal of the season. The other two matches in the league ended in draws as Leicester’s Lucy Brown rescued a point against Trojans, with Olton & West Warwicks drawing against Canterbury in the race for second spot and a place in the European Cup Winners Cup.
In the Men’s Conference West, the University of Exeter became champions of the league with two goals in the last 11 minutes from Ian Haley and Ed Kelleher enough to beat second place Guildford 3-1. At the bottom of the table, Firebrands and Cardiff & UWIC both lost and conceded five goals which means that they are guaranteed to either be relegated or involved in the relegation play-offs depending on their results next week. Whitchurch’s John Collins scored a hat-trick which included a last minute winner in a 6-5 victory against Stourport which means they are now safe from relegation and the University of Birmingham came from behind to beat Bournville 3-1 which removes any fears they may have had about the drop. It is all to play for at the top of the Men’s Conference North in an interesting week of results which saw Durham University fall out of the title race as they conceded a last minute goal to be on the wrong end of a nine goal thriller at home to Leek. Leaders Brooklands MU’s Ollie Cooper scored a hat-trick to steer his side to a comfortable 5-1 victory against Formby and with Belper beating Barford Tigers 2-0, it is all to play for as Brooklands MU and Belper go head to head in the last match with just one point between the sides as they compete for the league title. Formby’s defeat means that they will need to pull off a minor mathematical miracle to avoid the relegation play-offs as they play bottom side Telford & Wrekin in the last game who lost 9-3 to Sheffield Hallam at the weekend. Sheffield University Bankers narrowly lost out to Doncaster and they will need to avoid defeat to guarantee safety in their final match against Durham University. In the Men’s Conference East, Oxted came closer to winner the league after boosting their goal difference in a 9-2 victory over City of Peterborough. This means that a draw should be enough to seal the title for Oxted as they travel to Sevenoaks in their last match. Canterbury kept the pressure on Oxted with a 4-1 home win against Bromley & Beckenham and they will need Oxted to lose to have any chance of winning the title. Old Loughtonians goalless draw against Indian Gymkhana means that both teams are now mathematically out of the title race. At the bottom end of the table, the relegation fight will go down to the wire as all three teams in the bottom three lost this weekend which means there is still only one point separating Ipswich, City of Peterborough and Chelmsford. Chelmsford travel to Ipswich in the last match, with City of Peterborough hosting third place Old Loughtonians.
With two out of the three league titles already confirmed in the Women’s Conferences, there was an interesting twist in the Women’s North Division as Durham University overtook Loughborough Students into first place. Loughborough Students conceded a late equaliser in their 3-3 draw at Belper which means that Durham University are in pole position going into the last match after they won 4-2 at Bradford Wakefield. Standing in their way of the title are local rivals Sunderland whose draw against Doncaster made them safe from relegation. Loughborough Students host Liverpool Sefton in the last match and will need Durham University to slip up against Sunderland to have any chance of winning the league. At the bottom of the table, Ben Rhydding secured a priceless 2-0 victory over Beeston which took them off the foot of the table at the expense of Whitley Bay & Tynemouth who conceded a late equaliser to draw at Liverpool Sefton. The two bottom sides go head to head in the last match with Ben Rhydding just needing a draw to have a chance of survival in the play-offs. In the Women’s Conference East, Staines won their second game in as many weeks as they moved out of the relegation play-off spot at the expense of Sevenoaks who drew at home to bottom club Maidstone. Staines travel to Horsham in their last match who could still slip into the relegation play-offs if they lose to Staines and Sevenoaks win at third place Barnes Hounslow Ealing. Reading kept up their undefeated season as they won at home to Southgate in the day they collected the league trophy and medals. Old Loughtonians won at home to Horsham to remain in second place. Harleston Magpies scored three second half goals to defeat St Albans 3-0 in the other match in Women’s Conference East. In the Women’s Conference West division, Rover Oxford beat St Austell 4-2 which means that the bottom two places are confirmed with St Austell being relegated and Rover Oxford going into the play-offs. The University of Birmingham remarkably reached a century of goals for the season as they beat Bournemouth 7-0 on the day that they also collected their league title. Second place Sutton Coldfield were held to a goalless draw by fourth place Exe whilst Cannock’s Lucia Gascoigne score four goals to help her team to an 8-5 win away at Firebrands. Aldridge beat Swansea in the other match in the league which means that they are guaranteed safety for another year.
England Hockey Media release
Sportscotland invests in hockey’s European dreams
With the European hockey championships only five months away, Scotland’s preparations were given a helping hand today with an increased investment totaling £876,900 from sportscotland.
The investment is designed to support the development of the sport right across the board from participation to excellence, for players, coaches and officials. Scotland has an excellent record in representation at the top level both on and off the pitch and the funding will ensure that Scotland continues to deliver.
Louise Martin CBE, Chair of sportscotland announced the funding: “Hockey is a sport with an encouraging level of youth participation. Over 30,000 young people, both boys and girls, play on a regular basis and it is really encouraging to see a number of those players making their mark at Scotland and GB level.
“Seven Scots were part of the British team at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival where the women’s team won the gold medal and the men took bronze while Aberdonian Alistair McGregor was in the named FIH World Team of the year. Scottish Hockey has put the pathways in place to ensure that our young athletes have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and I am delighted that our investment of £876,900 will play a part in creating the next generation of hockey heroes.”
Endorsing the investment Sports Minister Shona Robison said: “Hockey is growing in popularity all the time and this investment will make sure the sport continues to develop and strengthen our national team ahead of the European championships and in the long term with preparations for the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and 2014.
“It is particularly encouraging that hockey is a sport especially enjoyed by girls. This government is committed to encouraging more people, particularly girls, to lead active, healthy lives and this funding will ensure this excellent record continues.”
While Scotland’s women will compete against the top teams in Europe in August, the men’s team is preparing to fight for promotion back to the top flight. The funding announced today has an important role to play in supporting the preparations for both teams, including the appointment of the coaches who have been tasked with ensuring both the men and women are in the top eight teams in Europe. Keith Joss has been appointed as coach to the women’s team whilst former GB coach Jon Royce will head up the men’s European campaign.
In the longer term the focus will be on preparing successful men’s and women’s teams to compete at the Commonwealth Games in both 2010 and 2014 and an additional £50,000 has been awarded to support these preparations.
Welcoming the investment, Brent Deans, Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Hockey said: “We are very excited by the prospects of what this investment will deliver for hockey. We particularly thank sportscotland for the increased support of the performance programme, as we build towards success in 2014. We now accept the challenges of improving our sport in all aspects.”
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Pakistan hammer Ghana 7-0 in Cairo
By our correspondent
KARACHI: Pakistan recorded a 7-0 triumph over Ghana in their second match of the five-nation hockey tournament in Cairo on Monday.
Muhammad Zubair registered a hat-trick in 18th, 42nd and 64th minutes. Muhammad Wasif scored a goal in 5th minute off a penalty corner, Muhammad Atiq converted a short corner in the 8th minute, skipper Abdul Haseem Khan scored a goal in 41st minute and Muhammad Khalid converted a penalty stroke in the 67th minute to complete the rout.
Pakistan will play their third match of the event against hosts Egypt on Tuesday (today).
The News International
Hockey inquiry body meets today
From our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: The inquiry committee, which was constituted by the government to dig out the reason of Olympics hockey debacle, will meet at the National Hockey Stadium in Lahore today (Tuesday). Pakistan finished a poor 8th in the competition that was their worst ever performance in the event. The committee has summoned the former PHF secretary Khalid Mehmood, former head coach and manager of the team Khawaja Zakauddin and former coach Naveed Alam.
The News International
Shahdara Heroes triumphs
NEW DELHI: Shahdara Heroes defeated Rajput Club ‘A’ 2-1 to win the 16th B.K. Gautam memorial hockey tournament at the Ashok Nagar Stadium here on Monday.
Amit Kumar put Rajput ‘A’ ahead in the 13th minute before Shahdara Heroes equalised through Somveer in the 33rd minute and scored the match-winner in the 49th minute.
Sunil Kumar of Academy Club was declared the `player of the tournament.’
The Hindu
NSC provide funds to expand Under-16 squad
STATES were granted their wish yesterday, when the National Under-16 squad was expanded from 22 to 36 players by the National Sports Council (NSC).
National Under-16 coach K. Dharmaraj had selected 22 players after the age-group tournament ended last weekend in Seremban, but received the green-light from NSC to add another 14 players.
"The states had requested for a bigger squad, and the NSC agreed to provide more funding.
"This batch will be monitored closely so that they will be ready for the 2013 Junior World Cup," said K. Dharmaraj.
TRAINEES -- Goalkeepers: Hazrul Faez (Ter), Shahfiqzan Suhaimi (KL), Azrul Omar (Kel), Azhari Aris (Sel), Fareez Nari (Joh), Aminuddin Zainuddin (Pg).
DEFENDERS: Hairul Nizam (Sel), Shahzrul Imran (Pk), Mohamed NOr Aqmal (KL), Rasul Yusof (Ter), Mohamed Norazmirul (Pk), Firdaus Sidek (Pk), Ahmad Amirul (KL), Khairul Naim (Pg), T. Ganeisha (Negri), Hafidzi Zakaria (Pg).
MIDFIELDERS: Taufik Hamid (KL), Aslam Hanafiah (KL), Faheed Saifullah (KL), Fitri Saari (Kel), Redhwan Jaafar Pg), Abu Bakar Said (Pg), Fitri Ismail (Pk)< Shahiram Zali (Ter), Christian Ak Michael Jieng (Sel).
FORWARDS: Firhan Ashari (Ter), Shahzril Irwan (Pk), Hanif Saidin (Pk), Asraf Bahari (Pg), Shahrul Dennis (Sel), Mohamed Dzahiruddin (Pk), Azrul Hasbullah (Pg), Harmesh Singh (Sel), Syafiq Nordin (Ter), Hafiz Zainol (Pah), Shahril Saabah (KL).
New Straits Times
MHF choose 36 for Under-16 training squad
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) have picked 36 players for their national Under-16 training squad.
The players were selected from the recently concluded national Under-16 championships in Seremban.
National Under-16 coach K. Dharmaraj said that the first training session would be held in the middle of next month.
“We will cut down the number of players in the team after a few training sessions,” he said.
The national Under-16 team have two assignments this year — a four-nation tournament in Germany in May and the Under-16 Asia Cup in Dhaka in October.
The tournament in Dhaka offers the champions a place in the Youth Olympics in Singapore next year.
The training squad
Goalkeepers: Mohd Hazrul Faez (Ter), Mohd Shahfiqzan Mohd Suhaimi (Kul), Mohd Azrul Omar (Kel), Mohd Azhari Aris (Sel), Ahmad Fareez Nari Musa (Joh), Muhd Aminuddin Zainuddin (Pen).
Defenders: Hairul Nizam Mizan (Sel), Shahzrul Imran Nazli, Mohd Norazmirul, Firdaus Sidek (Prk), Mohd Nor Aqmal Ghaffar (Kul), Mohd Rasul Md Yusof (Ter), Ahmad Amirul Alias (Kul), Mohd Khairul Naim, Mohd Hafidzi Zakaria (Pen), T. Ganeisha (Nse).
Midfielders: Mohd Taufik Abd Hamid, Mohd Aslam Hanafiah, Faheed Saifullah (Kul), Fitri Saari (Kel), Redhwan Jaafar, Abu Bakar Mat Said (Pen), Mohd Fitri Ismail (Prk), Muhd Shahiram Zali (Ter).
Forwards: Muhd Firhan Ashari, Mohamed Syafiq Nordin (Ter), Shahzril Irwan Nazli, Mohammad Hanif Saidin, Muhd Dzahiruddin (Prk), Asraf Bahari, Muhd Azrul Hasbullah (Pen), Shahrul Dennis Roslan, Harmesh Singh, Christnan Michael Jieng (Sel), Mohd Hafiz Zainol (Pah), Shahril Saabah (Kul).
The Star of Malaysia
Crucial week for Tenaga
KUALA LUMPUR: Former champions Tenaga Nasional’s title credentials come under close scrutiny this weekend as competition in the Under-19 categories of the Malaysia Hockey League resumes after an 18-day break.
Tenaga are in third place in Division Two with 12 points after five matches. Their only defeat was by defending champions Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS).
On Friday, Tenaga will be up against leaders Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS) followed by a home match against Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak) on Sunday.
Tenaga coach Nor Azlan Bakar said that it would be a crucial weekend for them in the chase for the title.
“First, we need to reel in BPSS. We have to win to avoid having to make up bigger ground. We are at the halfway mark of the league and we cannot afford to slip up even once. The players have to make every chance count,” he said.
BPSS coach Wan Mohamed Roslan said that every match was also crucial for them as well.
“We have to keep winning to seek our first title. It is going to get tougher.
“Tenaga know that only a win will keep them in the race for the title.
“A draw is not good for either team as BJSS hold the edge as they have a match in hand.”
BPSS have more than eight of their players involved in the national Under-16 tournament, which ended in Seremban on Saturday. Tenaga had only one player involved.
“We hope that they have recover fully from the tournament for this crucial match against Tenaga,” said Mohamed.
The Star of Malaysia
Proposal for morning matches in MHL under consideration
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) competitions committee have been asked to consider scheduling Malaysia Hockey League (Under-19) matches to be played in the morning.
The move is to help school-going players and also avoid unnecessary postponement of matches that are washed out.
Teams who travel for away matches on Sunday usually return home in the night or the next day after playing the evening matches. This causes the students to miss classes the next day.
There is also benefit in scheduling matches to be played in the morning. If matches cannot start or are disrupted by rain, there is still time complete them on the same day and avoid postponements.
Two matches have been postponed thus far because of rain and the MHF have yet to fix the dates for the matches between Bukit Jalil Sports School and Anderson and Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak) against JSC-Batu Pahat.
Bandar Penawar SS coach Wan Mohamed Roslan Wan Abdul Rahman said: “The students miss many lessons when their teams play on Sunday evenings. There are many schools teams in the league and having morning matches will be a good idea,” he said.
Adds BJSS coach S. Prakash: “We must look at the whole thing rationally and if it helps, why not?”
The MHF competitions committee chairman, Datuk Abdul Rahim Mohamed Ariff, said that they would look into the proposal and the possibility to implement it next month.
“We are always willing to make changes for the benefit of teams. The technical committee must look into it and study the impact on the teams. We will discuss it at our next meeting,” he said.
The Star of Malaysia
Malaysia confirmed as Asia Cup hosts
By Jugjet Singh
THE Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) yesterday confirmed that Malaysia will host the Eighth Asia Cup, which doubles up as a World Cup Qualifier, in Kuantan on May 9-16.
Ten teams are expected to contest the Asia Cup with only the champions advancing to the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi, and the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) will also not have to pay the US$20,000 (RM70,000) sanction fee to the AHF.
"When the AHF opened bids for the Asia Cup in July last year, we received entries from Dubai, Malaysia, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh," said AHF secretary general Tan Sri P. Alagendra yesterday.
"The AHF council decided on Dubai, and they paid us the hosting fee of US$20,000 one week after we informed that they will be the hosts.
"However, early this month, Dubai informed the AHF that they were unable to host the tournament due to domestic reasons, and so we approached Malaysia and it has been agreed that MHC will host the tournament," AHF will hold its council meeting on April 11 in Ipoh during the Azlan Shah Cup and it is likely that the fee paid by Dubai will be forfeited while Malaysia will not have to pay to become hosts.
The two pitches in Kuantan are good enough to host the tournament but the lightning will need to be upgraded.
South Korea, Pakistan, India, Japan and Malaysia will be the teams to watch in the Asia Cup.
Meanwhile, the AHF will host a round of golf at the Royal Perak Golf Club on April 7 in conjunction with Sultan Azlan Shah's Silver Jubilee celebrations.
New Straits Times
Kuantan to host Asia Cup as UAE withdraws
By S. RAMAGURU
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will have home ground advantage in the Asia Cup hockey tournament following the United Arab Emirates’ withdrawal as hosts.
The tournament will be held as scheduled from May 9-16 and the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) have chosen the Kuantan Hockey Stadium as the competition venue.
The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) secretary general, Tan Sri P. Alagendra, said yesterday that the UAE withdrew as hosts due to the global economic downturn.
“We are happy that the MHF responded positively at such a short notice to stage the tournament as scheduled because we cannot change the dates of competition,” he said.
The tournament offers the winners an automatic berth to the 2010 World Cup Finals. And the next four finishers will get to compete in qualifying tournaments in November.
Alagendra added that Dubai was chosen to host the tournament to give hockey in the Gulf region a boost after Qatar’s successful staging of the 2006 Asian Games in Doha.
“It is unfortunate that they (Dubai) are unable to host it. The Asia Cup is an important tournament for teams eyeing places in the World Cup Finals. Many of them are well into their preparations and we cannot postpone it at this stage,” he said.
The tournament is expected to feature 10 teams. Besides Malaysia, the others in the fray are India, Pakistan, South Korea, China, Japan, Bangladesh, Oman, Singapore and Sri Lanka.
The Star of Malaysia
Asia Cup in Malaysia
Hockey Correspondent
Chennai: It is now official. Malaysia will play host to the hockey Asia Cup from May 9 to 16.
Consequent to the withdrawal last week of Dubai as the host, the Asian Hockey Federation constituted a five-member committee to work on the modalities of conducting the event, which will determine the qualifier for the World Cup in New Delhi.
The working group with Tan Sri Alagendra as the convenor has decided in favour of Malaysia from May 9 to 16. The championship was proposed to be organised by United Arab Emirates HF at Dubai from May 8 to 15.
Talking to The Hindu from Kuala Lumpur, Mr. Alagendra confirmed the selection of Malaysia as the host.
Where it will be held remains a question mark. The expectation is that it may be in Kuala Lumpur, which hosted the Asia Cup last in 2003.
But Ipoh, which is the venue of the Sultan Azlan Shah Trophy from April 5 to 12 is not ruled out either. A final decision is expected in a day or two.
The Hindu
Ireland A V Germany U21
Weather Conditions called a halt to Ireland A's first match when the sides were level at one all.
Despite taking the lead in their first of three matches in Germany against the U21 side, as a result of a penalty flick awarded and consequently converted by Michelle Harvey, Ireland will have to wait until the morning to see how the rest of the game pans out.
With only ten seconds to go until half time the German's got a score on the board, before officials decided to call it a day due to unrelenting sleet.
Ireland are scheduled to play the second match tomorrow night (Tuesday 24th) however, they may finish the first half beforehand in the morning.
ADD ON
Ireland A finished off the second have of their first test against Germany A this morning, March 24th, the second half remained scoreless meaning the girls secured a draw in their first test against the Germans.
Irish Hockey Association media release
Haner in hunt
By Graham Wilson
SUCCESS means the same in any language for Martin Haner.
German international Haner came from Berlin to East Grinstead to polish up on his English and, having won the indoor title, he plays a decider at Surbiton on Sunday to see if they can win the England League for the first time.
Haner, who will play for EG in the Euro League in Hamburg in April, and then stay in Berlin, said: “It would be great to go back to Germany with two titles and play against the top players in Europe.”
Haner scored his 14th goal as EG beat Bowdon 6-0 to keep one point clear of Beeston, who in turn produced a fine 2-1 win over Surbiton. Beeston have a relatively easy clash at Hampstead.
Their wins earn a spot in next year’s Euro League while champions Reading fight it out against Cannock at Sonning. Southgate are down.
Daily Express
Title race down to the wire
East Grinstead took one step closer to being crowned champions of the Men’s Premier League after a comfortable home victory against Bowdon. Beeston are also still in the title race after they narrowly beat Surbiton to keep the pressure on East Grinstead.
Dominick Male scored a goal in each half, with Martin Häner also on the score sheet with his 14th goal of the season to send East Grinstead to a 6-0 victory against Bowdon. East Grinstead just need to overcome Surbiton in their last match to take the trophy back to Saint Hill. Beeston will be hoping for a massive favour from Surbiton, who they beat on Saturday, to have any chance of stealing the title. With the scores tied at one a piece in their match, Surbiton’s Ben Hawes missed a stroke which proved to be costly as just one minute later, Beeston’s Wayne Rowland scored what turned out to be the winner. Reading’s 4-1 away victory means that they still have a slim chance of winning the league but will need results to go their way as well as improving their goal difference. This win for Reading also means that Southgate have been relegated after just one season in the top flight. Cannock’s Harry Jawanda scored a last minute equaliser against Hampstead & Westminster which means that they still have a chance of making the Euro Hockey League next season. To do this, they will need to win at Reading in the last game by two goals or more to leap frog their counterparts. Loughborough Students Richard Smith scored a goal in each half to send his side to a 4-0 victory over Havant, a result which also means the team from the south coast will take part in the relegation play-offs. In the Women’s Premier Division, Ipswich claimed a vital 2-0 victory over Poynton which means they will have a chance of survival in the relegation play-offs. This win also means that Chelmsford are now relegated as they lost out 3-1 to Clifton. Bowdon Hightown remain on for a clean sweep this season as they came from a goal down to defeat Slough with Tina Cullen scoring the winner with her 23rd goal of the season. The other two matches in the league ended in draws as Leicester’s Lucy Brown rescued a point against Trojans, with Olton & West Warwicks drawing against Canterbury in the race for second spot and a place in the European Cup Winners Cup.
In the Men’s Conference West, the University of Exeter became champions of the league with two goals in the last 11 minutes from Ian Haley and Ed Kelleher enough to beat second place Guildford 3-1. At the bottom of the table, Firebrands and Cardiff & UWIC both lost and conceded five goals which means that they are guaranteed to either be relegated or involved in the relegation play-offs depending on their results next week. Whitchurch’s John Collins scored a hat-trick which included a last minute winner in a 6-5 victory against Stourport which means they are now safe from relegation and the University of Birmingham came from behind to beat Bournville 3-1 which removes any fears they may have had about the drop. It is all to play for at the top of the Men’s Conference North in an interesting week of results which saw Durham University fall out of the title race as they conceded a last minute goal to be on the wrong end of a nine goal thriller at home to Leek. Leaders Brooklands MU’s Ollie Cooper scored a hat-trick to steer his side to a comfortable 5-1 victory against Formby and with Belper beating Barford Tigers 2-0, it is all to play for as Brooklands MU and Belper go head to head in the last match with just one point between the sides as they compete for the league title. Formby’s defeat means that they will need to pull off a minor mathematical miracle to avoid the relegation play-offs as they play bottom side Telford & Wrekin in the last game who lost 9-3 to Sheffield Hallam at the weekend. Sheffield University Bankers narrowly lost out to Doncaster and they will need to avoid defeat to guarantee safety in their final match against Durham University. In the Men’s Conference East, Oxted came closer to winner the league after boosting their goal difference in a 9-2 victory over City of Peterborough. This means that a draw should be enough to seal the title for Oxted as they travel to Sevenoaks in their last match. Canterbury kept the pressure on Oxted with a 4-1 home win against Bromley & Beckenham and they will need Oxted to lose to have any chance of winning the title. Old Loughtonians goalless draw against Indian Gymkhana means that both teams are now mathematically out of the title race. At the bottom end of the table, the relegation fight will go down to the wire as all three teams in the bottom three lost this weekend which means there is still only one point separating Ipswich, City of Peterborough and Chelmsford. Chelmsford travel to Ipswich in the last match, with City of Peterborough hosting third place Old Loughtonians.
With two out of the three league titles already confirmed in the Women’s Conferences, there was an interesting twist in the Women’s North Division as Durham University overtook Loughborough Students into first place. Loughborough Students conceded a late equaliser in their 3-3 draw at Belper which means that Durham University are in pole position going into the last match after they won 4-2 at Bradford Wakefield. Standing in their way of the title are local rivals Sunderland whose draw against Doncaster made them safe from relegation. Loughborough Students host Liverpool Sefton in the last match and will need Durham University to slip up against Sunderland to have any chance of winning the league. At the bottom of the table, Ben Rhydding secured a priceless 2-0 victory over Beeston which took them off the foot of the table at the expense of Whitley Bay & Tynemouth who conceded a late equaliser to draw at Liverpool Sefton. The two bottom sides go head to head in the last match with Ben Rhydding just needing a draw to have a chance of survival in the play-offs. In the Women’s Conference East, Staines won their second game in as many weeks as they moved out of the relegation play-off spot at the expense of Sevenoaks who drew at home to bottom club Maidstone. Staines travel to Horsham in their last match who could still slip into the relegation play-offs if they lose to Staines and Sevenoaks win at third place Barnes Hounslow Ealing. Reading kept up their undefeated season as they won at home to Southgate in the day they collected the league trophy and medals. Old Loughtonians won at home to Horsham to remain in second place. Harleston Magpies scored three second half goals to defeat St Albans 3-0 in the other match in Women’s Conference East. In the Women’s Conference West division, Rover Oxford beat St Austell 4-2 which means that the bottom two places are confirmed with St Austell being relegated and Rover Oxford going into the play-offs. The University of Birmingham remarkably reached a century of goals for the season as they beat Bournemouth 7-0 on the day that they also collected their league title. Second place Sutton Coldfield were held to a goalless draw by fourth place Exe whilst Cannock’s Lucia Gascoigne score four goals to help her team to an 8-5 win away at Firebrands. Aldridge beat Swansea in the other match in the league which means that they are guaranteed safety for another year.
England Hockey Media release
Sportscotland invests in hockey’s European dreams
With the European hockey championships only five months away, Scotland’s preparations were given a helping hand today with an increased investment totaling £876,900 from sportscotland.
The investment is designed to support the development of the sport right across the board from participation to excellence, for players, coaches and officials. Scotland has an excellent record in representation at the top level both on and off the pitch and the funding will ensure that Scotland continues to deliver.
Louise Martin CBE, Chair of sportscotland announced the funding: “Hockey is a sport with an encouraging level of youth participation. Over 30,000 young people, both boys and girls, play on a regular basis and it is really encouraging to see a number of those players making their mark at Scotland and GB level.
“Seven Scots were part of the British team at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival where the women’s team won the gold medal and the men took bronze while Aberdonian Alistair McGregor was in the named FIH World Team of the year. Scottish Hockey has put the pathways in place to ensure that our young athletes have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and I am delighted that our investment of £876,900 will play a part in creating the next generation of hockey heroes.”
Endorsing the investment Sports Minister Shona Robison said: “Hockey is growing in popularity all the time and this investment will make sure the sport continues to develop and strengthen our national team ahead of the European championships and in the long term with preparations for the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and 2014.
“It is particularly encouraging that hockey is a sport especially enjoyed by girls. This government is committed to encouraging more people, particularly girls, to lead active, healthy lives and this funding will ensure this excellent record continues.”
While Scotland’s women will compete against the top teams in Europe in August, the men’s team is preparing to fight for promotion back to the top flight. The funding announced today has an important role to play in supporting the preparations for both teams, including the appointment of the coaches who have been tasked with ensuring both the men and women are in the top eight teams in Europe. Keith Joss has been appointed as coach to the women’s team whilst former GB coach Jon Royce will head up the men’s European campaign.
In the longer term the focus will be on preparing successful men’s and women’s teams to compete at the Commonwealth Games in both 2010 and 2014 and an additional £50,000 has been awarded to support these preparations.
Welcoming the investment, Brent Deans, Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Hockey said: “We are very excited by the prospects of what this investment will deliver for hockey. We particularly thank sportscotland for the increased support of the performance programme, as we build towards success in 2014. We now accept the challenges of improving our sport in all aspects.”
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Pakistan hammer Ghana 7-0 in Cairo
By our correspondent
KARACHI: Pakistan recorded a 7-0 triumph over Ghana in their second match of the five-nation hockey tournament in Cairo on Monday.
Muhammad Zubair registered a hat-trick in 18th, 42nd and 64th minutes. Muhammad Wasif scored a goal in 5th minute off a penalty corner, Muhammad Atiq converted a short corner in the 8th minute, skipper Abdul Haseem Khan scored a goal in 41st minute and Muhammad Khalid converted a penalty stroke in the 67th minute to complete the rout.
Pakistan will play their third match of the event against hosts Egypt on Tuesday (today).
The News International
Hockey inquiry body meets today
From our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: The inquiry committee, which was constituted by the government to dig out the reason of Olympics hockey debacle, will meet at the National Hockey Stadium in Lahore today (Tuesday). Pakistan finished a poor 8th in the competition that was their worst ever performance in the event. The committee has summoned the former PHF secretary Khalid Mehmood, former head coach and manager of the team Khawaja Zakauddin and former coach Naveed Alam.
The News International
Shahdara Heroes triumphs
NEW DELHI: Shahdara Heroes defeated Rajput Club ‘A’ 2-1 to win the 16th B.K. Gautam memorial hockey tournament at the Ashok Nagar Stadium here on Monday.
Amit Kumar put Rajput ‘A’ ahead in the 13th minute before Shahdara Heroes equalised through Somveer in the 33rd minute and scored the match-winner in the 49th minute.
Sunil Kumar of Academy Club was declared the `player of the tournament.’
The Hindu
NSC provide funds to expand Under-16 squad
STATES were granted their wish yesterday, when the National Under-16 squad was expanded from 22 to 36 players by the National Sports Council (NSC).
National Under-16 coach K. Dharmaraj had selected 22 players after the age-group tournament ended last weekend in Seremban, but received the green-light from NSC to add another 14 players.
"The states had requested for a bigger squad, and the NSC agreed to provide more funding.
"This batch will be monitored closely so that they will be ready for the 2013 Junior World Cup," said K. Dharmaraj.
TRAINEES -- Goalkeepers: Hazrul Faez (Ter), Shahfiqzan Suhaimi (KL), Azrul Omar (Kel), Azhari Aris (Sel), Fareez Nari (Joh), Aminuddin Zainuddin (Pg).
DEFENDERS: Hairul Nizam (Sel), Shahzrul Imran (Pk), Mohamed NOr Aqmal (KL), Rasul Yusof (Ter), Mohamed Norazmirul (Pk), Firdaus Sidek (Pk), Ahmad Amirul (KL), Khairul Naim (Pg), T. Ganeisha (Negri), Hafidzi Zakaria (Pg).
MIDFIELDERS: Taufik Hamid (KL), Aslam Hanafiah (KL), Faheed Saifullah (KL), Fitri Saari (Kel), Redhwan Jaafar Pg), Abu Bakar Said (Pg), Fitri Ismail (Pk)< Shahiram Zali (Ter), Christian Ak Michael Jieng (Sel).
FORWARDS: Firhan Ashari (Ter), Shahzril Irwan (Pk), Hanif Saidin (Pk), Asraf Bahari (Pg), Shahrul Dennis (Sel), Mohamed Dzahiruddin (Pk), Azrul Hasbullah (Pg), Harmesh Singh (Sel), Syafiq Nordin (Ter), Hafiz Zainol (Pah), Shahril Saabah (KL).
New Straits Times
MHF choose 36 for Under-16 training squad
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) have picked 36 players for their national Under-16 training squad.
The players were selected from the recently concluded national Under-16 championships in Seremban.
National Under-16 coach K. Dharmaraj said that the first training session would be held in the middle of next month.
“We will cut down the number of players in the team after a few training sessions,” he said.
The national Under-16 team have two assignments this year — a four-nation tournament in Germany in May and the Under-16 Asia Cup in Dhaka in October.
The tournament in Dhaka offers the champions a place in the Youth Olympics in Singapore next year.
The training squad
Goalkeepers: Mohd Hazrul Faez (Ter), Mohd Shahfiqzan Mohd Suhaimi (Kul), Mohd Azrul Omar (Kel), Mohd Azhari Aris (Sel), Ahmad Fareez Nari Musa (Joh), Muhd Aminuddin Zainuddin (Pen).
Defenders: Hairul Nizam Mizan (Sel), Shahzrul Imran Nazli, Mohd Norazmirul, Firdaus Sidek (Prk), Mohd Nor Aqmal Ghaffar (Kul), Mohd Rasul Md Yusof (Ter), Ahmad Amirul Alias (Kul), Mohd Khairul Naim, Mohd Hafidzi Zakaria (Pen), T. Ganeisha (Nse).
Midfielders: Mohd Taufik Abd Hamid, Mohd Aslam Hanafiah, Faheed Saifullah (Kul), Fitri Saari (Kel), Redhwan Jaafar, Abu Bakar Mat Said (Pen), Mohd Fitri Ismail (Prk), Muhd Shahiram Zali (Ter).
Forwards: Muhd Firhan Ashari, Mohamed Syafiq Nordin (Ter), Shahzril Irwan Nazli, Mohammad Hanif Saidin, Muhd Dzahiruddin (Prk), Asraf Bahari, Muhd Azrul Hasbullah (Pen), Shahrul Dennis Roslan, Harmesh Singh, Christnan Michael Jieng (Sel), Mohd Hafiz Zainol (Pah), Shahril Saabah (Kul).
The Star of Malaysia
Crucial week for Tenaga
KUALA LUMPUR: Former champions Tenaga Nasional’s title credentials come under close scrutiny this weekend as competition in the Under-19 categories of the Malaysia Hockey League resumes after an 18-day break.
Tenaga are in third place in Division Two with 12 points after five matches. Their only defeat was by defending champions Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS).
On Friday, Tenaga will be up against leaders Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS) followed by a home match against Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak) on Sunday.
Tenaga coach Nor Azlan Bakar said that it would be a crucial weekend for them in the chase for the title.
“First, we need to reel in BPSS. We have to win to avoid having to make up bigger ground. We are at the halfway mark of the league and we cannot afford to slip up even once. The players have to make every chance count,” he said.
BPSS coach Wan Mohamed Roslan said that every match was also crucial for them as well.
“We have to keep winning to seek our first title. It is going to get tougher.
“Tenaga know that only a win will keep them in the race for the title.
“A draw is not good for either team as BJSS hold the edge as they have a match in hand.”
BPSS have more than eight of their players involved in the national Under-16 tournament, which ended in Seremban on Saturday. Tenaga had only one player involved.
“We hope that they have recover fully from the tournament for this crucial match against Tenaga,” said Mohamed.
The Star of Malaysia
Proposal for morning matches in MHL under consideration
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) competitions committee have been asked to consider scheduling Malaysia Hockey League (Under-19) matches to be played in the morning.
The move is to help school-going players and also avoid unnecessary postponement of matches that are washed out.
Teams who travel for away matches on Sunday usually return home in the night or the next day after playing the evening matches. This causes the students to miss classes the next day.
There is also benefit in scheduling matches to be played in the morning. If matches cannot start or are disrupted by rain, there is still time complete them on the same day and avoid postponements.
Two matches have been postponed thus far because of rain and the MHF have yet to fix the dates for the matches between Bukit Jalil Sports School and Anderson and Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak) against JSC-Batu Pahat.
Bandar Penawar SS coach Wan Mohamed Roslan Wan Abdul Rahman said: “The students miss many lessons when their teams play on Sunday evenings. There are many schools teams in the league and having morning matches will be a good idea,” he said.
Adds BJSS coach S. Prakash: “We must look at the whole thing rationally and if it helps, why not?”
The MHF competitions committee chairman, Datuk Abdul Rahim Mohamed Ariff, said that they would look into the proposal and the possibility to implement it next month.
“We are always willing to make changes for the benefit of teams. The technical committee must look into it and study the impact on the teams. We will discuss it at our next meeting,” he said.
The Star of Malaysia