News for 03 May 2009
Sunday, 03 May 2009 09:33 | 
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All the news for Sunday 3 May 2009
Finalists on penalties
It will be an all-Edinburgh men’s Scottish Cup final in two weeks’ time, after Grange and Inverleith came out on top in penalty corner competitions at the end of both Saturday's semis at Peffermill.
The first game saw league champions Azzurri Kelburne miss out on an open goal in the final minute when the normally reliable Jonny Christie’s shot contrived to go over the bar to leave the full-time scores tied at 4-4.
The penalty competition that followed was a personal triumph for Grange keeper Colin Johnstone, who saved four attempts by Kelburne - including the sudden death effort by Alan Forsyth - to give Grange passage into the final by 3-2 on penalties.
Earlier, Kenny Bain had scored the only goal of the first half. Craig Harper equalised for Grange in the 50th minute, and they might have gone ahead but for Chris Nelson’s goal-line stop two minutes later.
Bain scored again for Kelburne with a typical rocket off the face of his stick at a penalty corner, but Duncan Batchelor pulled Grange back into the game with another equaliser eight minutes from time.
The other semi-final had everything - eight goals, five yellow cards and two halves. Inverleith totally dominated before the interval, Adam McKenzie’s penalty stroke conversion followed by two goals from Callum Milne, including a fantastic solo effort.
The Western Wildcats defence were still asleep three minutes into the second half, when a through ball was allowed to reach Ramsay Bell, who made it 4-0.
Then the Auchenhowie giant storred, with Scott McCartney and David Mitchell combining to let the former score, Douglas Simpson with a brilliant solo run along the byline and rounding the keeper, McCartney netting a penalty stroke and Andrew Sewnauth a penalty corner.
The comeback left Inverleith reeling, but they recovered their compsure to win the penalty competition 3-2, a miss by Western gifting the other cup final place to a second Edinburgh club.
All of which means that whoever wins the final will have to play the Wildcats for the right to represent Scotland in Europe next year.
There were no shocks, and little drama, in the women’s semi-finals. Bonagrass Grove defeated Porcelanosa Kelburne 3-1, thanks to goals by Nicky Kidd, Becky Merchant and Linsey Glass. The goal of the game, however, was Kelburne’s, as Amy Hislop’s fierce reverse stick shot clattered into the boards for a consolation goal.
In the other game, Milne Craig Western cruised into the final with a 3-0 victory over Giffnock - for whom Olympian Rhona Simpson made an appearance. Western’s goals all came in the first half, from Holly Cram, Morag McLelland and Claire Scott.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Wan Roslan aims for double delivery
By Ajitpal Singh
HE hopes to deliver his team a title while his wife is expected to deliver a baby at about the same time.
These are the two big moments that Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS) coach Wan Roslan Wan Abdul Rahman looks forward to.
Wan Roslan, who aims to guide his team to the Malaysian Hockey League (Under-19) overall title today, said though his wife is due to deliver their fourth child, she will be at the stadium to give morale support.
"She's due to deliver anytime and it's too risky to leave her at home in Bandar Penawar. That's why she will be at the stadium. I hope she will be fine during the final," said Wan Roslan.
The coach believes that he has done enough to prepare his players, both mentally and physically for the final.
"They are focused and it now boils down to how they commit themselves to the match. It is a very important match not only to the players and me but also the school. BPSS have never won a major league title and I hope to end the drought tomorrow (today)," said Wan Roslan yesterday.
BPSS' only silverware was the Division Two title of the National Junior League in 2005.
"All my players are in good condition. They also underwent two motivational sessions to beef up their mentally strength," he said.
Based on record, BJSS, who bagged their seventh straight league title recently, will start as favourites in the final at National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
However, BPSS are in confident mood, having beaten their rivals 4-1 in the league earlier.
Wan Roslan, who has been putting his players through penalty corner drills to polish up their set-pieces, said: "Penalty corners may prove decisive in this final which is expected to be tight. I worked out a number of variations and the players have responded well."
Meanwhile, BJSS coach S. Prakash said: "The players are building up well towards the final. We are an Under-17 team and of course, in terms of experience, our opponents look stronger.
"BPSS have four players in the national junior squad who will feature in the final. However, I have my plans and a right tactical game will win us the title."
BJSS received RM10,000 for winning the Division Two title. The prize money for the overall title is RM20,000. BJSS won the overall title in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008.
FIXTURES -- TODAY -- Final: Bukit Jalil Sports School v Bandar Penawar Sports School (National Stadium Pitch II, 5pm); Third-Fourth: Tenaga Nasional v Petaling Jaya City Council (National Stadium, Pitch II, 3pm).
New Straits Times
Muhd Noor eyes more goals in final
By Ajitpal Singh
MUHD Noor Faeez Ibrahim has earned the reputation of being the most feared penalty corner striker in this season's Malaysian Hockey League (Under-19).
And the 18-year-old defender for Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS ) with 13 goals already in his bag, wants to add more to his tally in the final today.
He is confident of doing it against Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) in the final in Bukit Jalil.
Muhd Noor has no fear of BJSS and the two goals he scored in BPSS' 4-1 win over their rivals in the league stage, says it all.
"I have been pushing myself to the limits in training to polish my penalty corners. I'm totally focused and prepared," said Muhd Noor after BPSS' training session at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
"I'm extra motivated as my parents will be at the stadium tomorrow (today). I will try hard to win BPSS their first major title."
"I'm also in the running for the top scorer's award and it will be important to score a couple of goals in the final."
Muhd Noor, who hails from Klang, said BJSS are a well-balanced team but lack the scoring touch up front.
"They build their game well but they tend to be wasteful in their opponents' penalty area. I noticed this when my team played them earlier." he added.
Muhd Noor is not the only prolific goal scorer in the team. Captain Amir Farid Ahmad Fuzi, a former national Under-16 trainee, has been on target 12 times this season and he will be a player to watch in the final.
New Straits Times
A battle of wits in Under-19 final
By AFTAR SINGH
KUALA LUMPUR: One team have promised to go on the attack right from the word go. The other prefer to adopt a cautious approach.
So, who will come out on top when the dust settles in today’s Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) Under-19 final between raging favourites Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) and first-time finalists Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS)?
An intriguing finale is in store judging by the teams’ tactical set-ups.
BPSS coach Wan Roslan Wan Abdul Rahman said he had told his boys play an attacking game.
“We need to score first to put pressure on our more experienced opponents. We will be banking on our forwards – Amir (Farid), Faez (Helmi), Mohd Shaiful (Nizam Aswan) and Mohd Firhan (Ashaari) – to deliver the goals,” said Wan Roslan yesterday.
“We can also count on Mohd Noor Faeez (Ibrahim), who is good with his penalty corner flicks.”
Wan Roslan said his boys were mentally and physically ready to end their hunt for the overall title.
“My players have promised to play their hearts out to end BJSS’ domination in the league,” he said.
“I am happy with their dedication and determination in training and I know that they can rise to occasion on Sunday.” He also said that the postponement of the final from Wednesday to today had given him more time to rectify their weaknesses in every department, especially at the back.
“My only concern is the defence ... we have let in some soft goals. I hope the defenders will play a tighted marking game,” said Wan Roslan.
The coach admitted that it would take some doing to overcome BJSS, who have won the league titles seven times in a row since 2003 and who will be gunning their fifth overall title.
BPSS, on the other hand, have only won the Division Two title in 2005 since making their debut in the junior league in 2002.
Underdogs they may be but BJSS coach S. Prakash holds BPSS in high esteem.
“This BPSS team are a bunch of fighters, not quitters,” said Prakash. “Although this is their first final, they have some outstanding players with good dribbling skills.
“They played exceptionally well against us in our last league game and even beat us 4-1. They are certainly capable of doing it again.
“We will play a cautious game and our defenders, especially, cannot afford to make any mistakes.”
Prakash, however, will experience to fall back on as six of his players had featured in last year’s final, where they beat Tenaga Nasional 4-3.
The six are Mohd Hazrul Faiz Ahmad Sobri (goalkeeper); Arief Iskandar Khamdan, Mohd Azri Hassan (midfielders); and Mohd Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin, Faridzul Afiq Mohd and Mohd Fahmi Faiz Mohd Isa (forwards).
The Star of Malaysia
Keeper Ahmad has a birthday wish — win title for BPSS
KUALA LUMPUR: Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS) goalkeeper Ahmad Shahir Mohd Nor turned 18 yesterday and the birthday boy has only one wish – to help his team win the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) Under-19 overall title today.
The Johor sports school will face last year’s double champions Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) in the final at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.
The Taiping-born lad, who has played for BPSS the last five years, said he would celebrate his birthday “only if my team win the overall title”.
“I have been playing for BPSS for the last five years but I have not won a single trophy in the junior league,” said Ahmad Shahir, who also featured for the National Under-16 team in 2006 and 2007.
“This final will be my lasting outing in the league and I definitely want to go out with a bang.”
Ahmad Shahir, who played a crucial role with BPSS beat BJSS 4-1 in their last Division Two match last month, believes his team have what it takes to stop the favourites in the final.
“I played well in that match and I even managed to stop top BJSS scorer Dangerous (Lee) from scoring off their penalty corner flicks,” said Ahmad Shahir, who has played in five of the 11 matches in Division Two. BPSS’ other goalkeeper is Ahmad Afifuddin Ahmad Marsuki.
“We were the only team to end BJSS’ unbeaten run in the league. I believe we can do it again in the final because no team is unbeatable.”
Ahmad Shahir said that he and his teammates were in high spirit and would definitely go all out to get the better of the high-riding BJSS team.
“We also want to beat them in the final to become the new force in the junior league,” he said.
BPSS coach Wan Roslan Wan Abdul Rahman has been impressed with Ahmad Shahir’s performances in the league.
“He played well against BJSS in the league. I have faith in him and I know that he will rise to occasion in the final,” said Wan Roslan.
The Star of Malaysia
Brasa would not tinker with Indian style of hockey
NEW DELHI: The Indian style of hockey is good enough to hold its own in this era of tactical power game and there is no need to shove anything alien down the throat of the players, says Spanish coach Jose Brasa.
Brasa's blue print for revival of the team's sagging fortune incorporates a modern and scientific approach but the Spaniard is clear that the Indian players, skill-wise, are second to none and there is no need to tinker with their traditional style of playing the game.
"Everybody is afraid of the Indian attacking way of playing hockey. I will keep it and sharpen it, adding more speed and cooperation and involving more players in every move," said the 55-year-old coach, who led the Spanish women team to gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
"About defending, we will see," he added. "I am absolutely sure that Indian players have enough skills to win medals and I like to win medals," he said.
"My agenda will be to train the team in a modern way by using as much technology as possible.
"Skill-wise, the Indian players are the best all around the world. Maybe, we have to increase the tactical cooperation and address some fitness issues. We will see after testing the physical condition of the players," Brasa said.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) master coach also dismissed apprehensions about possible ego clashes with coach-in-charge Harendra Singh, under whose guidance the Indian team recently won the Azlan Shah Cup after a 13-year gap.
"We are senior persons. We both want the best for the Indian hockey team, so I don't think there will be any problem," he said.
Brasa plans to bring a physical trainer with him next month and build a 14-member support staff, engaging the rest from inside India.
"I will bring with me a physical trainer in June. All the others will be chosen from India," he said.
The Times of India
"No scope for complacency"
Sandeep Singh spoke to Mobile ESPN’s Ashish Bhardwaj before India tour to Malaysia to defend their Asia Cup hockey title.
Drag-flicker Sandeep Singh will lead an 18-member Indian squad to defend their title in the eighth Asia Cup hockey tournament in Kuantan, Malaysia from May 9 to 16. Eight-time Olympic champions, India previously won the Asia Cup at Kuala Lumpur in 2003 and Chennai in 2007.
Ashish Bhardwaj: Coach Harendra Singh says you are a captain who leads from the front.
Sandeep Singh: It's nice to hear that. But whatever we have achieved so far is because we are presently working as a unit. Results are a reflection of team effort. The team is aware of its objectives and we are moving in the right direction. As a captain, I will always try and prove myself.
AB: Harendra also said that you are not a match winner but a tournament winner?
SS: No matter what is the strength of my opponent, I never take them lightly. I always try and give my 100 per cent. Every match is important for me and I try and score whenever there is an opportunity.
AB: Being hosts, India have automatically qualified for next year's World Cup. Do you fear any complacency during the Asia Cup?
SS: With our present form and positive thinking, no player in the team feels that we have already made the cut and therefore can afford to relax. We are taking Asia Cup just as seriously as we took Azlan Shah. We have to play our best hockey and win. There is no scope for complacency. It will be suicidal.
AB: How different will it be playing against Asian giants China, Korea and Japan after playing relatively weaker nations in Azlan Shah Cup?
SS: China, Japan and Korea always depend on their outstanding and natural speed. They are short in height so their centre of gravity is low. Even they are very good at man-to-man marking. So keeping all these in mind, we have prepared our tactics and hopefully, shall get good results.
AB: Sohail Abbas will be back in the Pakistan squad? Will this help?
SS: No doubt he is a legendary drag-flicker but he has been out of international hockey for the last three years. The pressures of playing in the Dutch League and representing your country are totally different. We will see his fitness and then only we can make a statement. But yes, Sohail Abbas will always be a marked man. Apart from that, we are also working hard on our defence and our goalkeepers Adrian D Souza and Baljeet Singh are ready to face any challenge from Sohail.
AB: What impression did Pakistan make at Azlan Shah?
SS: Like our team, Pakistan have got a mixture of experience and youth. Dilawar Hussain and Mohammad Saqlain tried their best with Shakeel Abbasi controlling the offence but as a team they were not able to click. Definitely they are fit and good and we need to be very careful against them.
AB: India won the Asia Cup in 2003 and 2007. Don't you think this time the Indian team is more balanced?
SS: Yes. In 2003, we won in Malaysia and in 2007, we were winners in Chennai and now we are ready for a hat-trick. Team is working very hard and boys are very confident. If our current performance and form hold good and God is kind, we shall retain the title of being Asia's best.
AB: Can you explain the role played by the senior players like Dilip Tirkey and Tushar Khandekar?
SS: As I said, our performance depends on how the seniors combine with the juniors. Tushar and Dilip have a lot to teach the younger players. The sooner they learn from their experience, the better for us.
AB: Harendra says he will be delighted working with a foreign coach. Spanish coach Jose Brasa will be at the Asia Cup. It will be his first assignment with the Indian seniors. Do you think it is start of a new era in Indian hockey?
SS: I can't comment on this. As players, we will try to give our best under any coach, foreign or Indian.
AB: How is it having Dhanraj Pillay on the team bench?
SS: Not only is he a former Olympian, he is legendary player too. Also he is a very good human being. His presence makes a lot of difference. His international exposure and experience of playing in foreign leagues is helpful for us. He tells us how to play against European, Asian, Latin American sides and especially against Pakistan. Definitely his tips make a difference.
AB: Are you satisfied with the current support staff? How important is it having them?
SS: To be among the top four teams of the world you need to have a good support staff. There is a need to find the positives and negatives of your opponents and for that video analysis team is required. It makes a huge difference. Srikanth, our physio, is a very hardworking person. He keeps us on our toes. That's very crucial in power hockey.
ESPNStar.com
Gill for better hockey coverage
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, May 2: Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. M.S.Gill has championed the cause of better coverage for Olympic sports, particularly hockey, by the Government media, as presently Doordarshan, All India Radio and Prasar Bharati are concentrating on cricket-centric coverage. Dr Gill recently wrote to Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Anand Sharma, bringing into his notice Doordarshan's failure to cover the Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament, which was won by India. Gill said there was a "heavy focus" on cricket, for commercial reasons. “Our national channels must keep in tune with our national sports policy in promoting all games, particularly hockey, for which Indians have such a strong sentiment”, Dr Gill noted.
The Tribune
Day Two results of Carmel Rink Hockey in Bandra
By Elaine D'Souza
Loretto Convent pipped St Joseph's 3-2 in an exciting encounter on day two of the floodlit Carmel Rink Hockey Tournament. Riding on a hat-trick for Central Railway were 3 of them Sarita, Usha and Sangita with 3 goals each and Partibha settling for 2 goals and KNK Nasik still awaiting the opportunity to open their account with the final score 11-0.
In another game of the day, Remix Versus MMK, the match ended up in a draw with both the sides scoring 1-1. The exciting match between Freunds and Companeros saw the end to draw of 8 all
RCF took on an early lead against Mumbai Police to a score 16- 2.
The most awaited game for the evening between Mumbai Select and Central Railway seen some amazing action and had a few tense moments as CentraL Railway took a early lead of 4 -1. Mumbai Select with their sheer persistence brought up the score to 6-7 with Dhanraj Pillai scoring 5 goals for Mumbai Select and Hardeep Singh scoring 2 goals. Deepak Lakra and Avesh Ansari scored 3 goals each which was not enough to take them to a victorious win. The final being Mumbai Select 7 and Central Railway 6
Dhanraj Pillay, attracted most of the young boys and girls who had participated in the tournament in hot pursuit of gaining an iota of his talent. He maintained that Bandra definitely pulled a greater crowd than any he’d seen at the BHA, (Bombay Hockey Association) in town. It was an evening well enjoyed.
Stick2Hockey.com
PHF embroiled in visa scandal again
By Shazad Ali
KARACHI: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has been once again embroiled in a visa scandal when it was revealed that secretary Asif Bajwa misused his authority, seeking German visas for his family and an unknown individual for an official tour.
Investigations by Dawn.com showed that few months after taking over charge as secretary, Asif applied for visas at German consulate in Karachi for his wife Sana Asif and son Asad Ullah Bajwa along with three other persons. The visas were sought for four-nation Hamburg Masters hockey tournament from Oct 3 to 5 in 2008.
Through a letter on PHF letterhead dated Sept 17, 2008, Asif wrote to German consulate to seek visas for six persons including him. But interestingly, apart from himself, wife and son, he claimed three individuals –Shakeel Ahmed Awan, Malik Ahtisham Zahid, and Chaudhry Muhammad Ashraf, as his 'children.'
While Shakeel and Ashraf are Lahore-based journalists, identity of Ahtisham could not be established as a media person. The date of birth, Oct 7, 1988, on Ahtisham's passport gives credence to the theory the youngster, who was then 19-year-old, could not be a journalist.
Study of all the documents in possession of Dawn.com showed they were either ambiguous or contradictory. The three persons were mentioned as 'children', journalists and 'PHF officials' by Asif in different documents or communication which made the matter mysterious and intriguing.
'The Pakistan hockey team will participate in the four-nation Hamburg Masters hockey tournament being held from Oct 3 to 5, 2008. The undersigned (accompanied by wife and children) would accompany the team to observe the performance of the players. The passport details are as follows:
'Muhammad Asif Bajwa (passport No. AA-3599581) Mrs Sana Asif (wife) (passport No. KD-225601), Master Asad Ullah Bajwa (son) (passport No. AC-3598361), Shakeel Ahmed Awan (passport No. AF-1606081) , Malik Athisham (passport No. AZ-5173731), Chaudhry Muhammad Ashraf (passport No. CC-1843941). You are requested to issue visas on priority,' Asif wrote to German consulate.
While the secretary requested the German consulate to issue visas to his wife and 'children', he didn't mention the relation with the three other individuals in the passport details.
However, sources said German consulate refused to entertain the visa request since Deutscher Hockey-Bund (German Hockey Federation) had not approached the consulate to request for the visa of three individuals claimed as PHF officials by Asif.
'This morning PHF representative visited the German consulate in Karachi to deposit passport and visa applications of Mr Asif Bajwa, his wife and child and other PHF officials who are part of hockey contingent. The consulate declined to entertain the visa application, informing that Deutscher Hockey-Bund has not spoken about the officials' visa.
'You are requested to kindly speak to the consulate official in Karachi to entertain the visa applications of all PHF officials and also exempt Mr Asif Bajwa from personal appearance. As secretary of PHF, I have a very hectic schedule of engagements in Lahore . The visa applications of wife and child of Mr Asif Bajwa may also be accepted,' Asif wrote to director sports of Deutscher Hockey-Bund, Rainer Nittel, in an e-mail on Sept 19, 2008.
The three individuals were mentioned as journalists in the e-mail to the German hockey official, while in the text of the same e-mail they were mentioned as PHF officials. Nittel sent an e-mail to Asif the same day, confirming that visas would be issued in 10 to 12 days.
Nevertheless, Asif was issued visa after he appeared personally at German consulate in Karachi, while consulate officials asked PHF to apply for visa of Asif's wife, son and "children" from Islamabad as passports had been obtained from Punjab , while his wife’s passport didn’t have validity beyond six months. The squad, including team officials and the players were, however, issued visas by German consulate in Karachi .
Asif seems to be inspired by former PHF secretary Brig Musarrat Ullah Khan who had explicitly empowered his director administration Capt Mukhtar Ali to seek visas for unauthorized persons including brigadier's wife and children.
Although initially Musarrat made Capt Mukhtar scapegoat, saying he secured visas without his knowledge, later it was proved it was in fact Musarrat who was involved in seeking visas for unauthorized persons under the garb of "observers" and 'hockey lovers'.
It is believed that as many as 45 unauthorized people were sent abroad by PHF in the human trafficking case. The visas were sought for the Netherlands, Spain, Australia, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom.
While law enforcement agencies didn't take action, Musarrat was intensely grilled by Senate Standing Committee on Sports. He tendered his resignation to PHF president Tariq Kirmani after the then Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz ordered for his removal.
In Asif's case, visas were sought when Zafarullah Jamali was the PHF president. It was ironic while the money could have been spent on domestic hockey activity, PHF opted to send three journalists on insignificant three-day offshore tour. PHF is again planning to send a group of journalist for Asia Cup coverage late this month, sources said.
Was Asif and his family's presence to 'observe the performance of the team' imperative that too on PHF’s expense, is another point to ponder.
Dawn
Finalists on penalties
It will be an all-Edinburgh men’s Scottish Cup final in two weeks’ time, after Grange and Inverleith came out on top in penalty corner competitions at the end of both Saturday's semis at Peffermill.
The first game saw league champions Azzurri Kelburne miss out on an open goal in the final minute when the normally reliable Jonny Christie’s shot contrived to go over the bar to leave the full-time scores tied at 4-4.
The penalty competition that followed was a personal triumph for Grange keeper Colin Johnstone, who saved four attempts by Kelburne - including the sudden death effort by Alan Forsyth - to give Grange passage into the final by 3-2 on penalties.
Earlier, Kenny Bain had scored the only goal of the first half. Craig Harper equalised for Grange in the 50th minute, and they might have gone ahead but for Chris Nelson’s goal-line stop two minutes later.
Bain scored again for Kelburne with a typical rocket off the face of his stick at a penalty corner, but Duncan Batchelor pulled Grange back into the game with another equaliser eight minutes from time.
The other semi-final had everything - eight goals, five yellow cards and two halves. Inverleith totally dominated before the interval, Adam McKenzie’s penalty stroke conversion followed by two goals from Callum Milne, including a fantastic solo effort.
The Western Wildcats defence were still asleep three minutes into the second half, when a through ball was allowed to reach Ramsay Bell, who made it 4-0.
Then the Auchenhowie giant storred, with Scott McCartney and David Mitchell combining to let the former score, Douglas Simpson with a brilliant solo run along the byline and rounding the keeper, McCartney netting a penalty stroke and Andrew Sewnauth a penalty corner.
The comeback left Inverleith reeling, but they recovered their compsure to win the penalty competition 3-2, a miss by Western gifting the other cup final place to a second Edinburgh club.
All of which means that whoever wins the final will have to play the Wildcats for the right to represent Scotland in Europe next year.
There were no shocks, and little drama, in the women’s semi-finals. Bonagrass Grove defeated Porcelanosa Kelburne 3-1, thanks to goals by Nicky Kidd, Becky Merchant and Linsey Glass. The goal of the game, however, was Kelburne’s, as Amy Hislop’s fierce reverse stick shot clattered into the boards for a consolation goal.
In the other game, Milne Craig Western cruised into the final with a 3-0 victory over Giffnock - for whom Olympian Rhona Simpson made an appearance. Western’s goals all came in the first half, from Holly Cram, Morag McLelland and Claire Scott.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Wan Roslan aims for double delivery
By Ajitpal Singh
HE hopes to deliver his team a title while his wife is expected to deliver a baby at about the same time.
These are the two big moments that Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS) coach Wan Roslan Wan Abdul Rahman looks forward to.
Wan Roslan, who aims to guide his team to the Malaysian Hockey League (Under-19) overall title today, said though his wife is due to deliver their fourth child, she will be at the stadium to give morale support.
"She's due to deliver anytime and it's too risky to leave her at home in Bandar Penawar. That's why she will be at the stadium. I hope she will be fine during the final," said Wan Roslan.
The coach believes that he has done enough to prepare his players, both mentally and physically for the final.
"They are focused and it now boils down to how they commit themselves to the match. It is a very important match not only to the players and me but also the school. BPSS have never won a major league title and I hope to end the drought tomorrow (today)," said Wan Roslan yesterday.
BPSS' only silverware was the Division Two title of the National Junior League in 2005.
"All my players are in good condition. They also underwent two motivational sessions to beef up their mentally strength," he said.
Based on record, BJSS, who bagged their seventh straight league title recently, will start as favourites in the final at National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
However, BPSS are in confident mood, having beaten their rivals 4-1 in the league earlier.
Wan Roslan, who has been putting his players through penalty corner drills to polish up their set-pieces, said: "Penalty corners may prove decisive in this final which is expected to be tight. I worked out a number of variations and the players have responded well."
Meanwhile, BJSS coach S. Prakash said: "The players are building up well towards the final. We are an Under-17 team and of course, in terms of experience, our opponents look stronger.
"BPSS have four players in the national junior squad who will feature in the final. However, I have my plans and a right tactical game will win us the title."
BJSS received RM10,000 for winning the Division Two title. The prize money for the overall title is RM20,000. BJSS won the overall title in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008.
FIXTURES -- TODAY -- Final: Bukit Jalil Sports School v Bandar Penawar Sports School (National Stadium Pitch II, 5pm); Third-Fourth: Tenaga Nasional v Petaling Jaya City Council (National Stadium, Pitch II, 3pm).
New Straits Times
Muhd Noor eyes more goals in final
By Ajitpal Singh
MUHD Noor Faeez Ibrahim has earned the reputation of being the most feared penalty corner striker in this season's Malaysian Hockey League (Under-19).
And the 18-year-old defender for Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS ) with 13 goals already in his bag, wants to add more to his tally in the final today.
He is confident of doing it against Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) in the final in Bukit Jalil.
Muhd Noor has no fear of BJSS and the two goals he scored in BPSS' 4-1 win over their rivals in the league stage, says it all.
"I have been pushing myself to the limits in training to polish my penalty corners. I'm totally focused and prepared," said Muhd Noor after BPSS' training session at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
"I'm extra motivated as my parents will be at the stadium tomorrow (today). I will try hard to win BPSS their first major title."
"I'm also in the running for the top scorer's award and it will be important to score a couple of goals in the final."
Muhd Noor, who hails from Klang, said BJSS are a well-balanced team but lack the scoring touch up front.
"They build their game well but they tend to be wasteful in their opponents' penalty area. I noticed this when my team played them earlier." he added.
Muhd Noor is not the only prolific goal scorer in the team. Captain Amir Farid Ahmad Fuzi, a former national Under-16 trainee, has been on target 12 times this season and he will be a player to watch in the final.
New Straits Times
A battle of wits in Under-19 final
By AFTAR SINGH
KUALA LUMPUR: One team have promised to go on the attack right from the word go. The other prefer to adopt a cautious approach.
So, who will come out on top when the dust settles in today’s Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) Under-19 final between raging favourites Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) and first-time finalists Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS)?
An intriguing finale is in store judging by the teams’ tactical set-ups.
BPSS coach Wan Roslan Wan Abdul Rahman said he had told his boys play an attacking game.
“We need to score first to put pressure on our more experienced opponents. We will be banking on our forwards – Amir (Farid), Faez (Helmi), Mohd Shaiful (Nizam Aswan) and Mohd Firhan (Ashaari) – to deliver the goals,” said Wan Roslan yesterday.
“We can also count on Mohd Noor Faeez (Ibrahim), who is good with his penalty corner flicks.”
Wan Roslan said his boys were mentally and physically ready to end their hunt for the overall title.
“My players have promised to play their hearts out to end BJSS’ domination in the league,” he said.
“I am happy with their dedication and determination in training and I know that they can rise to occasion on Sunday.” He also said that the postponement of the final from Wednesday to today had given him more time to rectify their weaknesses in every department, especially at the back.
“My only concern is the defence ... we have let in some soft goals. I hope the defenders will play a tighted marking game,” said Wan Roslan.
The coach admitted that it would take some doing to overcome BJSS, who have won the league titles seven times in a row since 2003 and who will be gunning their fifth overall title.
BPSS, on the other hand, have only won the Division Two title in 2005 since making their debut in the junior league in 2002.
Underdogs they may be but BJSS coach S. Prakash holds BPSS in high esteem.
“This BPSS team are a bunch of fighters, not quitters,” said Prakash. “Although this is their first final, they have some outstanding players with good dribbling skills.
“They played exceptionally well against us in our last league game and even beat us 4-1. They are certainly capable of doing it again.
“We will play a cautious game and our defenders, especially, cannot afford to make any mistakes.”
Prakash, however, will experience to fall back on as six of his players had featured in last year’s final, where they beat Tenaga Nasional 4-3.
The six are Mohd Hazrul Faiz Ahmad Sobri (goalkeeper); Arief Iskandar Khamdan, Mohd Azri Hassan (midfielders); and Mohd Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin, Faridzul Afiq Mohd and Mohd Fahmi Faiz Mohd Isa (forwards).
The Star of Malaysia
Keeper Ahmad has a birthday wish — win title for BPSS
KUALA LUMPUR: Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS) goalkeeper Ahmad Shahir Mohd Nor turned 18 yesterday and the birthday boy has only one wish – to help his team win the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) Under-19 overall title today.
The Johor sports school will face last year’s double champions Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) in the final at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.
The Taiping-born lad, who has played for BPSS the last five years, said he would celebrate his birthday “only if my team win the overall title”.
“I have been playing for BPSS for the last five years but I have not won a single trophy in the junior league,” said Ahmad Shahir, who also featured for the National Under-16 team in 2006 and 2007.
“This final will be my lasting outing in the league and I definitely want to go out with a bang.”
Ahmad Shahir, who played a crucial role with BPSS beat BJSS 4-1 in their last Division Two match last month, believes his team have what it takes to stop the favourites in the final.
“I played well in that match and I even managed to stop top BJSS scorer Dangerous (Lee) from scoring off their penalty corner flicks,” said Ahmad Shahir, who has played in five of the 11 matches in Division Two. BPSS’ other goalkeeper is Ahmad Afifuddin Ahmad Marsuki.
“We were the only team to end BJSS’ unbeaten run in the league. I believe we can do it again in the final because no team is unbeatable.”
Ahmad Shahir said that he and his teammates were in high spirit and would definitely go all out to get the better of the high-riding BJSS team.
“We also want to beat them in the final to become the new force in the junior league,” he said.
BPSS coach Wan Roslan Wan Abdul Rahman has been impressed with Ahmad Shahir’s performances in the league.
“He played well against BJSS in the league. I have faith in him and I know that he will rise to occasion in the final,” said Wan Roslan.
The Star of Malaysia
Brasa would not tinker with Indian style of hockey
NEW DELHI: The Indian style of hockey is good enough to hold its own in this era of tactical power game and there is no need to shove anything alien down the throat of the players, says Spanish coach Jose Brasa.
Brasa's blue print for revival of the team's sagging fortune incorporates a modern and scientific approach but the Spaniard is clear that the Indian players, skill-wise, are second to none and there is no need to tinker with their traditional style of playing the game.
"Everybody is afraid of the Indian attacking way of playing hockey. I will keep it and sharpen it, adding more speed and cooperation and involving more players in every move," said the 55-year-old coach, who led the Spanish women team to gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
"About defending, we will see," he added. "I am absolutely sure that Indian players have enough skills to win medals and I like to win medals," he said.
"My agenda will be to train the team in a modern way by using as much technology as possible.
"Skill-wise, the Indian players are the best all around the world. Maybe, we have to increase the tactical cooperation and address some fitness issues. We will see after testing the physical condition of the players," Brasa said.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) master coach also dismissed apprehensions about possible ego clashes with coach-in-charge Harendra Singh, under whose guidance the Indian team recently won the Azlan Shah Cup after a 13-year gap.
"We are senior persons. We both want the best for the Indian hockey team, so I don't think there will be any problem," he said.
Brasa plans to bring a physical trainer with him next month and build a 14-member support staff, engaging the rest from inside India.
"I will bring with me a physical trainer in June. All the others will be chosen from India," he said.
The Times of India
"No scope for complacency"
Sandeep Singh spoke to Mobile ESPN’s Ashish Bhardwaj before India tour to Malaysia to defend their Asia Cup hockey title.
Drag-flicker Sandeep Singh will lead an 18-member Indian squad to defend their title in the eighth Asia Cup hockey tournament in Kuantan, Malaysia from May 9 to 16. Eight-time Olympic champions, India previously won the Asia Cup at Kuala Lumpur in 2003 and Chennai in 2007.
Ashish Bhardwaj: Coach Harendra Singh says you are a captain who leads from the front.
Sandeep Singh: It's nice to hear that. But whatever we have achieved so far is because we are presently working as a unit. Results are a reflection of team effort. The team is aware of its objectives and we are moving in the right direction. As a captain, I will always try and prove myself.
AB: Harendra also said that you are not a match winner but a tournament winner?
SS: No matter what is the strength of my opponent, I never take them lightly. I always try and give my 100 per cent. Every match is important for me and I try and score whenever there is an opportunity.
AB: Being hosts, India have automatically qualified for next year's World Cup. Do you fear any complacency during the Asia Cup?
SS: With our present form and positive thinking, no player in the team feels that we have already made the cut and therefore can afford to relax. We are taking Asia Cup just as seriously as we took Azlan Shah. We have to play our best hockey and win. There is no scope for complacency. It will be suicidal.
AB: How different will it be playing against Asian giants China, Korea and Japan after playing relatively weaker nations in Azlan Shah Cup?
SS: China, Japan and Korea always depend on their outstanding and natural speed. They are short in height so their centre of gravity is low. Even they are very good at man-to-man marking. So keeping all these in mind, we have prepared our tactics and hopefully, shall get good results.
AB: Sohail Abbas will be back in the Pakistan squad? Will this help?
SS: No doubt he is a legendary drag-flicker but he has been out of international hockey for the last three years. The pressures of playing in the Dutch League and representing your country are totally different. We will see his fitness and then only we can make a statement. But yes, Sohail Abbas will always be a marked man. Apart from that, we are also working hard on our defence and our goalkeepers Adrian D Souza and Baljeet Singh are ready to face any challenge from Sohail.
AB: What impression did Pakistan make at Azlan Shah?
SS: Like our team, Pakistan have got a mixture of experience and youth. Dilawar Hussain and Mohammad Saqlain tried their best with Shakeel Abbasi controlling the offence but as a team they were not able to click. Definitely they are fit and good and we need to be very careful against them.
AB: India won the Asia Cup in 2003 and 2007. Don't you think this time the Indian team is more balanced?
SS: Yes. In 2003, we won in Malaysia and in 2007, we were winners in Chennai and now we are ready for a hat-trick. Team is working very hard and boys are very confident. If our current performance and form hold good and God is kind, we shall retain the title of being Asia's best.
AB: Can you explain the role played by the senior players like Dilip Tirkey and Tushar Khandekar?
SS: As I said, our performance depends on how the seniors combine with the juniors. Tushar and Dilip have a lot to teach the younger players. The sooner they learn from their experience, the better for us.
AB: Harendra says he will be delighted working with a foreign coach. Spanish coach Jose Brasa will be at the Asia Cup. It will be his first assignment with the Indian seniors. Do you think it is start of a new era in Indian hockey?
SS: I can't comment on this. As players, we will try to give our best under any coach, foreign or Indian.
AB: How is it having Dhanraj Pillay on the team bench?
SS: Not only is he a former Olympian, he is legendary player too. Also he is a very good human being. His presence makes a lot of difference. His international exposure and experience of playing in foreign leagues is helpful for us. He tells us how to play against European, Asian, Latin American sides and especially against Pakistan. Definitely his tips make a difference.
AB: Are you satisfied with the current support staff? How important is it having them?
SS: To be among the top four teams of the world you need to have a good support staff. There is a need to find the positives and negatives of your opponents and for that video analysis team is required. It makes a huge difference. Srikanth, our physio, is a very hardworking person. He keeps us on our toes. That's very crucial in power hockey.
ESPNStar.com
Gill for better hockey coverage
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, May 2: Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. M.S.Gill has championed the cause of better coverage for Olympic sports, particularly hockey, by the Government media, as presently Doordarshan, All India Radio and Prasar Bharati are concentrating on cricket-centric coverage. Dr Gill recently wrote to Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Anand Sharma, bringing into his notice Doordarshan's failure to cover the Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament, which was won by India. Gill said there was a "heavy focus" on cricket, for commercial reasons. “Our national channels must keep in tune with our national sports policy in promoting all games, particularly hockey, for which Indians have such a strong sentiment”, Dr Gill noted.
The Tribune
Day Two results of Carmel Rink Hockey in Bandra
By Elaine D'Souza
Loretto Convent pipped St Joseph's 3-2 in an exciting encounter on day two of the floodlit Carmel Rink Hockey Tournament. Riding on a hat-trick for Central Railway were 3 of them Sarita, Usha and Sangita with 3 goals each and Partibha settling for 2 goals and KNK Nasik still awaiting the opportunity to open their account with the final score 11-0.
In another game of the day, Remix Versus MMK, the match ended up in a draw with both the sides scoring 1-1. The exciting match between Freunds and Companeros saw the end to draw of 8 all
RCF took on an early lead against Mumbai Police to a score 16- 2.
The most awaited game for the evening between Mumbai Select and Central Railway seen some amazing action and had a few tense moments as CentraL Railway took a early lead of 4 -1. Mumbai Select with their sheer persistence brought up the score to 6-7 with Dhanraj Pillai scoring 5 goals for Mumbai Select and Hardeep Singh scoring 2 goals. Deepak Lakra and Avesh Ansari scored 3 goals each which was not enough to take them to a victorious win. The final being Mumbai Select 7 and Central Railway 6
Dhanraj Pillay, attracted most of the young boys and girls who had participated in the tournament in hot pursuit of gaining an iota of his talent. He maintained that Bandra definitely pulled a greater crowd than any he’d seen at the BHA, (Bombay Hockey Association) in town. It was an evening well enjoyed.
Stick2Hockey.com
PHF embroiled in visa scandal again
By Shazad Ali
KARACHI: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has been once again embroiled in a visa scandal when it was revealed that secretary Asif Bajwa misused his authority, seeking German visas for his family and an unknown individual for an official tour.
Investigations by Dawn.com showed that few months after taking over charge as secretary, Asif applied for visas at German consulate in Karachi for his wife Sana Asif and son Asad Ullah Bajwa along with three other persons. The visas were sought for four-nation Hamburg Masters hockey tournament from Oct 3 to 5 in 2008.
Through a letter on PHF letterhead dated Sept 17, 2008, Asif wrote to German consulate to seek visas for six persons including him. But interestingly, apart from himself, wife and son, he claimed three individuals –Shakeel Ahmed Awan, Malik Ahtisham Zahid, and Chaudhry Muhammad Ashraf, as his 'children.'
While Shakeel and Ashraf are Lahore-based journalists, identity of Ahtisham could not be established as a media person. The date of birth, Oct 7, 1988, on Ahtisham's passport gives credence to the theory the youngster, who was then 19-year-old, could not be a journalist.
Study of all the documents in possession of Dawn.com showed they were either ambiguous or contradictory. The three persons were mentioned as 'children', journalists and 'PHF officials' by Asif in different documents or communication which made the matter mysterious and intriguing.
'The Pakistan hockey team will participate in the four-nation Hamburg Masters hockey tournament being held from Oct 3 to 5, 2008. The undersigned (accompanied by wife and children) would accompany the team to observe the performance of the players. The passport details are as follows:
'Muhammad Asif Bajwa (passport No. AA-3599581) Mrs Sana Asif (wife) (passport No. KD-225601), Master Asad Ullah Bajwa (son) (passport No. AC-3598361), Shakeel Ahmed Awan (passport No. AF-1606081) , Malik Athisham (passport No. AZ-5173731), Chaudhry Muhammad Ashraf (passport No. CC-1843941). You are requested to issue visas on priority,' Asif wrote to German consulate.
While the secretary requested the German consulate to issue visas to his wife and 'children', he didn't mention the relation with the three other individuals in the passport details.
However, sources said German consulate refused to entertain the visa request since Deutscher Hockey-Bund (German Hockey Federation) had not approached the consulate to request for the visa of three individuals claimed as PHF officials by Asif.
'This morning PHF representative visited the German consulate in Karachi to deposit passport and visa applications of Mr Asif Bajwa, his wife and child and other PHF officials who are part of hockey contingent. The consulate declined to entertain the visa application, informing that Deutscher Hockey-Bund has not spoken about the officials' visa.
'You are requested to kindly speak to the consulate official in Karachi to entertain the visa applications of all PHF officials and also exempt Mr Asif Bajwa from personal appearance. As secretary of PHF, I have a very hectic schedule of engagements in Lahore . The visa applications of wife and child of Mr Asif Bajwa may also be accepted,' Asif wrote to director sports of Deutscher Hockey-Bund, Rainer Nittel, in an e-mail on Sept 19, 2008.
The three individuals were mentioned as journalists in the e-mail to the German hockey official, while in the text of the same e-mail they were mentioned as PHF officials. Nittel sent an e-mail to Asif the same day, confirming that visas would be issued in 10 to 12 days.
Nevertheless, Asif was issued visa after he appeared personally at German consulate in Karachi, while consulate officials asked PHF to apply for visa of Asif's wife, son and "children" from Islamabad as passports had been obtained from Punjab , while his wife’s passport didn’t have validity beyond six months. The squad, including team officials and the players were, however, issued visas by German consulate in Karachi .
Asif seems to be inspired by former PHF secretary Brig Musarrat Ullah Khan who had explicitly empowered his director administration Capt Mukhtar Ali to seek visas for unauthorized persons including brigadier's wife and children.
Although initially Musarrat made Capt Mukhtar scapegoat, saying he secured visas without his knowledge, later it was proved it was in fact Musarrat who was involved in seeking visas for unauthorized persons under the garb of "observers" and 'hockey lovers'.
It is believed that as many as 45 unauthorized people were sent abroad by PHF in the human trafficking case. The visas were sought for the Netherlands, Spain, Australia, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom.
While law enforcement agencies didn't take action, Musarrat was intensely grilled by Senate Standing Committee on Sports. He tendered his resignation to PHF president Tariq Kirmani after the then Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz ordered for his removal.
In Asif's case, visas were sought when Zafarullah Jamali was the PHF president. It was ironic while the money could have been spent on domestic hockey activity, PHF opted to send three journalists on insignificant three-day offshore tour. PHF is again planning to send a group of journalist for Asia Cup coverage late this month, sources said.
Was Asif and his family's presence to 'observe the performance of the team' imperative that too on PHF’s expense, is another point to ponder.
Dawn