News for 06 May 2009
Wednesday, 06 May 2009 08:58 | 
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All the news for Wednesday 6 May 2009
Pakistan beat Malaysia in 1st warm up match
Lahore , May 05: Pakistan Hockey Team beat Malaysia by 2-0 in first warm up match at Kuantan , Malaysia on Tuesday. According to the information received from Malaysia , at the end of the first half the match was drawn by 0-0. In the second half the first goal was scored by Rehan Butt, while the second goal was scored by Muhammad Imran on penalty corner. Pakistan team will play its second warm up match against Japan on 7th May. 8th Asia Cup will begin from 9th May and Pakistan team will play its first match against China at 0530pm (PST).
Pakistan Hockey Federation media release
Malaysia go down to Pakistan in friendly
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian national hockey team were beaten 0-2 by Pakistan in a friendly match in Kuantan yesterday.
The match was played in three quarters of 20 minutes each and both the goals were scored by forward Rehan Butt and defender Muhammad Imran in the third quarter.
Former international Jiwa Mohan, who was recalled to beef up the national team’s midfield, featured in the match.
There are 28 players in the national training squad and the match was used to finalise the final 18-member team for the Asia Cup starting on Saturday.
The national team management are expected to name the team by today or tomorrow.
Malaysia will open their Group A campaign against South Korea on Saturday, followed by Japan (May 11) and Bangladesh (May 12).
Defending champions India are drawn in Group B with Pakistan and China.
The winners of the Asia Cup will gain an automatic berth to next year’s World Cup in New Delhi.
The Star of Malaysia
Beng Hai gets clearer picture after defeat
By T.N.ALAGESH
COACH Tai Beng Hai now has a clearer picture of his final 18-man squad for the Asia Cup after watching Malaysia lose 2-0 to Pakistan in their friendly match at Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium in Kuantan yesterday.
"All the players including those who skipped the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh last month due to injuries played against Pakistan.
"I believe the national selectors can now make their picks after this match.'
Beng Hai was quick to admit that his players did not execute their plans and penalty-corner variations well yesterday.
The coach said he was satisfied with the scoreline as he had managed to give all his 28 players a chance to play in the match.
"We did create several scoring chances especially the four penalty corners but decided to take the direct hit at the goal mouth instead of trying out variations."
The match also saw retired midfielder Jiwa Mohan making a comeback after he was recalled to join the national team to boost their chances in the Asia Cup.
Despite having just arrived in Kuantan yesterday afternoon, Jiwa started the match and his presence on the pitch was immediately felt when he fed a few long balls to the forwards led by Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin.
Beng Hai said it was too early to judge Jiwa as he was still tired after the long journey but is confident that the player will regain his form after a few training sessions with the team here.
New Straits Times
The Asia Cup semis at the very least
By T.N.Alagesh
TENGKU Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, the Malaysian Hockey Federation president, said he would be sad and upset if the national team failed to make it to the semi-finals of the 2009 Asia Cup which begins in Kuantan on Saturday.
Tengku Abdullah feels that if the team failed to achieve their target, it would ruin their hopes to put on a solid performance in front of the home crowd as well as improve on their world ranking.
He said the tournament was not only to contest against the best hockey teams in Asia but also acts as a platform for the national team to improve on their standing and their game.
"I have trust in the players and believe they will be able to execute the given task for this tournament, especially after all the hard work and time spent by the team led by coach Tai Beng Hai during training," he said after hosting a dinner for the national senior and junior hockey teams at Istana Abdul Aziz in Kuantan on Monday.
"I want the players to make the most of every scoring opportunity they get and also put on an impressive display during this Asia Cup outing."
Tengku Abdullah also stressed on concentration and that the players must not lose their focus, especially in the last 10 minutes of the match, which he believes is the critical time in deciding the outcome. Any lapse of concentration during this vital period could provide an opportunity for the opponents to score.
The MHF has set a top four target for Malaysia in the competition, which was won by India in 2007.
The champions will qualify automatically for next year's World Cup in New Delhi. The second-to-fifth placed teams in the Asia Cup will compete in the World Cup Qualifiers in October and November.
The groupings -- Group A: South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Bangladesh; Group B: India, Pakistan, China.
New Straits Times
FIH releases Men’s Champions Challenge II schedule
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has released the match schedule for the Men’s Champions Challenge II, to be played in Dublin, Ireland from 6-12 July 2009.
The Champions Challenge II is a new FIH World Level Event, featuring the best teams that didn’t qualify for the Champions Trophy or Champions Challenge I.
Eight teams are participating in the Champions Challenge II. Japan, Ireland, Poland an Chile will play in Pool A, while Pool B will be composed by Malaysia, France, Austria and Russia.
Preliminary round robin play is scheduled for Monday 6, Tuesday 7 and Thursday 9 July. After a rest day on Friday 10 July, crossed semi-finals will take place on Saturday 11 July. The final will be played on Sunday 12 July.
The Women’s Champions Challenge II will take place in Kazan, Russia from 21-27 June 2009.
Please click here for the match schedule of the Men’s Champions Challenge II.
WorldHockey
World hockey chief asks India to speed up work
NEW DELHI: International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Leandro Negre on Tuesday said he would like India's ad-hoc committee to move 'little faster' with the process of putting up a unified federation before next year's hockey World Cup.
Negre, in his first visit to India last month had said that the World Cup would be moved out of India if the ad-hoc committee could not meet the guidelines of forming Hockey India before the event slated for March 7-20.
The ad-hoc committee set-up by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is running the sport in the country after superseding the KPS. Gill-led Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) following a bribery scandal.
"This is my second visit to India. I had meeting with the ad-hoc committee and took stock of their preparation for the World Cup. Our immediate concern is that there should be a national federation in place before the World Cup. Things could have gone a little faster because there is little time left and they have to amalgamate both the men's and women's unit," Negre said on the sidelines of his visit at the National Stadium, which will host the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games.
Negre, a former Spanish international, was accompanied by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi, who is also the chairman of the ad-hoc committee, and India's newly-appointed Spanish coach Jose Brasa.
Negre said: "I am very happy with the progress of the work here at the stadium. They are coming up with a world class stadium and we are looking forward to have the World Cup here."
IOA president Kalmadi said "they would soon hold elections" for Hockey India.
Negre also said none of the countries have expressed any security apprehensions of playing in India, especially after Australia's pull-out from the Davis Cup tie in Chennai.
"No country has so far expressed any security fear and I am hopeful that there should not be any problem," he said.
The Times of India
Negre stresses on merger
Sports Reporter
NEW DELHI: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Tuesday again stressed on the merger of the men’s and women’s federations in India.
Talking to reporters about the formation of Hockey India, FIH president Leonardo Negre said “things are moving on. But it takes some time for the amalgamation of men and women bodies. I am confident that they would put in place a federation before the World Cup. That’s my immediate concern.”
Asked when the elections of the Indian Hockey Federation would be held to pave the way for the formation of Hockey India, the Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi said, “We shall do that soon.”
The Hindu
I’m not a magician: Brasa
Sports Reporter
NEW DELHI: Jose Brasa, the newly-appointed coach of the Indian hockey team, pleaded for some time before he could produce results in top-level competitions.
Quoting Ric Charlesworth that “to make a good team it takes years,” Brasa, who took up the India job despite receiving negative feedback from the Australian great, observed, “We do not have much time (for the Commonwealth Games and the World Cup).
“But we will try to do our best. I am not a magician. The results (in big competitions) will come afterwards, say in 2012 Olympics.”
No dictating terms
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) Master Coach said he would try to nurture every player instead of dictating terms.
“Players are very important. They should be taken care of… The best tactic for the team is the one which is best for all the 11 players. The job of the coach is to get the best out of the players available,” he said during an interaction with mediapersons at the National Stadium here on Tuesday.
The Spaniard has asked for a wide range of scientific support. This includes two useful systems — GPS and an automatic camera operated by remote control.
Brasa’s immediate plan is to watch the Indian team play in the Asia Cup, test the players, train them in a scientific manner and develop a plan for each player. His list of scientific back-up is a long one and his requirement of a 14-member support staff speaks a lot about it.
Assured of all help
The good news is that he has been assured of all help by the authorities concerned.
Justifying his interest to learn Hindi, Brasa said, “There should be good communication and friendship between the coach and the players.”
The other pertinent point Brasa made was on the Indian style of hockey.
“The best thing about Indian hockey is its attack and we must not stop that because that is the best weapon the team has. The Indian players are best in skill though there is a need to work on the defence.”
The 57-year-old, however, made it clear that he did not intend to hang on indefinitely.
“I have no desire to stay here forever. I am here to share my knowledge with everybody who wants to learn it. I will work with four coaches, so I want them to gain from it and take Indian hockey forward,” he said.
On the Asia Cup, Brasa said coach in-charge Harendra Singh would handle the team in Malaysia and would get any help he sought from him.
After leading the Spanish women’s hockey team to an Olympic gold medal in 1992, Brasa worked with the side till 1997 before switching to coach his club team — Clube de Campo — in Madrid for 12 years.
The Hindu
Coach Brasa sets his eye on Asiad gold
NEW DELHI: Entrusted with the task of reviving Indian hockey, newly-appointed coach of the men's hockey team Jose Brasa on Tuesday said his immediate target was to get the gold medal in next year's Guangzhou Asian Games.
"My realistic goal is the gold in Asiad because it will ensure India's place in 2012 London Olympics. Moreover, I love the colour yellow very much," Brasa said after reviewing the progress work of the National Stadium here along with FIH President Leandro Negre, Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi among others.
Brasa, under whose guidance Spain's women's team won the gold in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, however, seemed realistic about his new assignment and agreed with former Indian hockey's technical advisor Ric Charlesworth's view that a coach could not make or break a team's fortune in a day or two.
"I can't assure you results now, it will take time. Charlesworth was true that to make good team it needs four years. We (coaches) are not magicians. Results will come only after putting a lot of hard work," he stated.
Brasa, an International Hockey Federation's (FIH) master coach, is also prepared for the challenge and said his immediate task at hand is to study every single Indian player and take note of their positives and negatives.
"I am very happy to pass my knowledge. But first I shall watch, analyse and then test the players. I will test each player carefully and then develop specific plans for them," Brasa said.
The 55-year-old coach, who intends to incorporate a modern and scientific approach to revive Indian team's sagging fortune, said that Indian players, skill-wise, are second to none and the eight-time Olympic champions best weapon is their traditional style of playing the game.
"Indian players are best in the world in attacking hockey. We must not tinker with that and give them free will to play attacking game. Defence is a matter a concern but we will work upon it," said Brasa, who has been handed a two-year contract till the Asian Games in Guangzhou in November next year.
"A coach must take a route and understand what is best for the team and individual player. I will try to support and help the players because they are the key of any sport. What a coach can provide is only help without interfering in their game," he added.
Asked whether limited say in team selection and outside interference in his style of working is a matter of concern for him, he said, "I don't think so. We have been talking about that (his authority in team selection) and I am sure we will mutually work out the matter.
The Times of India
I expect Brasa to take the team to a higher level: Gill
CHENNAI: India hope new field hockey coach Jose Brasa will revive the eight-time Olympic champions' fortunes and plan to provide the Spaniard with Hindi lessons to ensure his words of wisdom are not lost in translation.
"I was very happy to meet Mr. Brasa and held detailed discussions about the work he will be doing," India's sports minister Manohar Singh Gill said in a statement.
The statement said Brasa expressed his desire to learn Hindi for better communication with the players and that his request had been approved by the sports minister.
Brasa signed up on Monday following a meeting with the ad-hoc committee that runs Indian hockey. His initial contract is until next year's Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.
"Spanish people are emotional, very much like Indians, and I am confident Mr. Brasa will have good relations with all our players and support staff.
"I expect him to take the team to a higher level and I have assured him that we will give him full support."
Brasa, who guided the Spanish women's team to success in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic games, is tasked with getting India back on track after they failed to qualify for the Summer Games for the first time in Beijing last year.
The Indian Olympic association suspended the national hockey federation last April.
Indian hockey has been beset by internal squabbles and Australian Ric Charlesworth quit as consultant last July after an unhappy 10 months.
However, the Indian team have raised hopes of a turnaround by winning the Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia last month after a barren 13 years.
The Times of India
Charlesworth denies disuading Brasa
Former Technical Advisor to Indian hockey Ric Charlesworth on Tuesday rubbished reports that he had tried to dissuade Spaniard Jose Brasa from accepting the Indian team’s chief coach’s job.
Charlesworth, who had a turbulent association with Indian hockey, admitted that Brasa did get in touch with him but he had never advised the Spaniard against travelling to India.
“The rumour is incorrect. Such reports, as always, are typical of some Indian media houses. Jose (Brasa) did contact me and I outlined some ideas as to how he should go about it...especially with his children, living circumstances, advice about the team and staff and such matters,” said Charlesworth.
“Of course, the fact that I have not yet been paid my dues was something he should know (it is public knowledge),” he added.
Charlesworth’s reaction came after some media reports quoted Brasa as saying that the Australian apparently tried to dissuade him from going to India narrating his own experience of dealing with the Union Sports Ministry and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
However, Charlesworth wished Brasa on his new assignment and hoped that the Spaniard could achieve greater heights with the Indian team and revive the eight-time Olympic champions’ sagging fortune.
“I hope Jose can help India do this. I wish him well. Given its resources India should dominate the world.”
What the Papers Say Today - Stick2Hockey.com
Brasa has no magic mantra, but vision
M.S.Unnikrishnan, Tribune News Service
New Delhi, May 5 Jose Manuel Brasa Jose Manuel Brasa does not have a magic mantra, but he has the vision to change the fortune of Indian hockey around. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) master coach from Spain has come here with the reputation of coaching his country’s women’s team to the gold at the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992.
“It does not matter whether you are coaching the women’s or men’s team. What matters is that the coach should be able to take the best out of the players”, Brasa said at an informal media interaction at the under-construction National Stadium here today.
Brasa, along with FIH president Leandre Negre and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi visited the National Stadium, which will be the venue for the 2010 World Cup hockey as well as the Commonwealth Games.
Negre, who was very impressed with the stadium, which was constructed for the inaugural Asian Games in 1951, observed that it will be one of the best hockey stadiums in the world. “We are very happy, it’s a wonderful stadium.” he said.
Negre, who was making his second visit to Delhi in the span of a month, reiterated his stated position that India should put its hockey house in order soon, by bringing the men’s and women’s hockey associations under a unified body, and then only the country would be allowed to host the World Cup. Presently, hockey is being run by the IOA Ad Hoc Committee, after KPS Gill was divested of the authority to run the Indian Hockey Federation.
Negre said the game would be served better only under a unified body, and not under the present ad hoc arrangement. He said he had been assured by Kalmadi that a unified hocky association would be formed “very soon”. Brasa said he was “very happy, really very happy” to take over the reigns as the chief national coach of the Indian hockey team. “I have found all the doors open. Everybody wants to help improve Indian hockey, particularly Kalmadi”, said the coach, flashing a big smile.
The Spanish coach said he would give thrust to the development of the players. He said he would have a definite say in the team selection, but would not go for wholesale changes. He also did not intend to change the style of Indian hockey. “Asian style is attacking hockey, while the Europeans play defesive hockey. India must not stop their attacking hockey. It’s their best weapon”, Brasa noted. He also praised the Indian players “as the best in the world, skill-wise”.
The Tribune
Technology with skills is Brasa’s mantra
Age Correspondent
New Delhi, May 5: Technology and modern hockey go hand in hand. Newly-appointed men’s hockey coach Jose Brasa plans to implement just that to revive India’s fortunes.
A touch of modern technology mixed with natural skills is how Brasa outlined his vision for Indian hockey.
Said Brasa here on Monday, "Training is a science. It isn’t like coffee for everybody. Each player has a different requirement.
"Say if I ask two players to run for 10 minutes, the final result will be very, very different. So each player will be tested and a proper plan will be put into place to achieve the best of results," he said.
For that, Brasa has asked for a GPS, a heart rate measurement device, photo-electrical cells, video cameras and video software analysis to start with. The equipment will be part of day-to-day training once the Indian team returns from the Asia Cup in Malaysia.
"We need new apparatus, new material to work in a scientific way. All these things will be managed by a remote control camera that we can use from the bench.
"India have the most skilled players in the world, and I would like to see them play on those lines. We must not stop that. The defence might need some changes according to the new training techniques," he said.
Though he boasts of an impressive CV, Brasa hasn’t coached a national team since 1997 and that is seen as a cause for concern.
Said the FIH’s master degree coach holder, "People might say that hockey has changed over the last 12 years, but I don’t think so. I have been involved with coaching (as part of the FIH team) in the last few years and nobody can take that away. I think it doesn’t matter if you are coaching women or men, a European team or an Asian team. A coach must know what is best for his players and should be able to deliver. I am here to do just that," said Brasa who led the Spanish women to gold in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.
He now heads to Malaysia to join the team for the Asia Cup. "Harendra is the main man and I will be there to help and guide whenever required. I will start my actual work from the next camp in June."
India hasn’t been an easy place to work for most foreign coaches and Brasa is well aware of the challenges involved. The 55-year old sought the advice of former technical advisor Ric Charlesworth, who had a torrid time dealing with the then-authorities. "I think I can manage," said Brasa. "I have found all the doors open so far and that is a positive sign."
On his realistic goals, Brasa said "he could not promise gold in a day".
"Charlesworth (during his tenure in India) said that any team needs at least four years to come to the top and I agree with that. We need to start now. Results come from pure hard work, and it is my formula for success.
"It is a process that comes after months and months of hard work. I am here to share my knowledge and everyone and anyone’s welcome to receive it."
Brasa also said that he would like to have a say in the selection procedures.
FIH president satisfied
FIH president Leandro Negre expressed satisfaction over the progress of construction work on the National Stadium — venue for the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi. He though reiterated that India will not be allowed to host the mega event without a democratically elected unified body.
Negre also brushed aside security apprehensions surrounding the World Cup following Tennis Australia’s decision to pull out of the Davis Cup tie in Chennai.
"There is no such fear. We (FIH) haven’t received anything on that front from any country as of now," he said.
The Asian Age
Brasa dreams big for India
espnstar.com's Garima Verma caught up with new India hockey coach Jose Brasa what he has in mind to charge up the men in blue.
Unlike the over-eager authoritarian species of sports coaches, the newly-appointed chief coach Brasa has pointed out that he would like to take his time to bring about the changes needed to raise the level of the sport in the country.
And, Brasa, who took over as coach on Monday, has already identified what would be his first step in the direction. "Technical support is my first and foremost concern," the Spaniard told espnstar.com during his visit to the National Stadium in the Capital on Tuesday.
"Sports Ministry has already agreed to all the requirements for the same and we just want to start with that as soon as possible," he added.
Heart monitor, ball-throwing machine and GPS tracker for calculating the distance covered by the players' during a match are just some of the equipment that the International Hockey Federation (FIH) master coach wants to introduce here. Brasa would also require a 14-member support staff of assistant coaches, physios, doctor and video analyst for that.
While Brasa's other aim is at least a semi-final appearance in the World Cup next year, which is to be held in March in the Capital, and no less than a gold medal in the Asian Games, he made it clear that it would not mean forcing players to adopt his line of action. "Players are the most important ones. The best coach is the one who gets the best out of his players and for that he needs to adapt as per his players," he told the mediapersons, adding that the same applied for the Indian style of hockey too. "A particular style is not that important. What is needed is that players should be comfortable with whatever they do or plan to do. India's attacking style is their weapon in the tactics-dominated sport these days and I would like to keep it that way.
"In the process, there is a full chance of defenders getting exposed but we will find a way to tackle that as well."
Meanwhile, Brasa has chosen to adopt more of an observer role for India's Asia Cup campaign in Kuantan, Malaysia, where the side starts its title defence in Group B, placed with Pakistan and China.
Though, Brasa said that the discussions are going on regarding his role in the team selection, but for the Malaysia event all the duties of a chief coach would rest with Harendra Singh only.
"No doubt he will be the real coach of the team during the tournament. I will be more than happy to provide him with any help if required," said Brasa.
As he agreed with former coach Ric Charlesworth's estimation of India requiring a minimum of four years to become a true contender in the international arena, he pointed out that was a reason why he wanted his contract to run till 2012 London Olympics. "But all that is a thing of past and let's not go into that. What matters is that we have made a positive start with the ad-hoc committee and the Ministry agreeing to give all the support
"Indian players have enough skills to win medals and I just want to help them as much as I can with the technology," Brasa said. "We have to impart scientific training and it takes time. We have to work towards one goal. The results might not come very quickly but come.
"My aim is to put India on a right path which will help them reach great heights. I would like to train the coaches here who could then carry the process forward. I am here to share my hockey expertise."
Indian Olympic Association president, Suresh Kalmadi, meanwhile, assured that the every precaution would be taken to prevent Ric Charlesworth episode getting repeated with another foreign coach in Brasa.
Also, FIH president Leandro Negre expressed his satisfaction over the work progress at the National stadium, which is the venue for both men's hockey World Cup and Commonwealth Games 2010.
ESPNStar.com
England Names Six Debutants to Face World and Olympic Champions Germany
England Coach Jason Lee has named six uncapped players among his 18 man squad for two Test matches in Germany this weekend. Also in the squad are nine members of the Great Britain team that finished fifth at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Hoping to make their senior debuts against the reigning World and Olympic champions are Adam Dixon, Simon Egerton, Dan Fox, Richard Lane, Iain Mackay and Richard Smith, all of whom have played for the senior national indoor team in the past 16 months.
The youngest member of the squad is Loughborough Students’ Richard Smith, who played indoors for England at the EuroHockey Indoor Nations Challenge in Sheffield in January 2008 and at the International Indoor Tri-Nations in Eastleigh in December 2008.
Speaking about his potential debutants, Lee said: “The playing group hasn’t changed much over the past two years, so it will be great to see some new blood in the senior side. All of the new players have impressed us with their performances and attitude, particularly through the England indoor programme, GB Super League and for their clubs. It is a big challenge to step up to senior international hockey, especially against the Olympic Champions.”
England will face Germany in two Tests in Nuremburg on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May.
The squad is as follows:
Name - (Club) - Age - England Caps
Jonty Clarke - (Reading) 28 85
Matt Daly (Surbiton) 25 66
Adam Dixon (Beeston) 22 0
Simon Egerton (Bowdon) 24 0
James Fair (Cannock) 28 33
Dan Fox (Hampstead & Westminster) 26 0
Martin Jones (Cannock) 28 91
Glenn Kirkham (East Grinstead) 26 83
Richard Lane (Cannock) 25 0
Iain Mackay (Reading) 24 0
Richard Mantell (Reading) 27 57
Simon Mantell (HGC) 25 41
Barry Middleton (HGC) 25 100
Rob Moore (Surbiton) 28 86
Richard Smith (Loughborough Students) 21 0
Richard Springham (Reading) 23 1
James Tindall (Surbiton) 26 64
Alistair Wilson (Beeston) 25 46
Head Coach: Jason Lee
Team Manager: Peter Nicholson
Details of the fixtures are as follows:
Match 1 v Germany, Nuremburg, 1700hrs (local), 1600hrs (UK)
Match 2 v Germany, Nuremburg, 1400hrs (local), 1300hrs (UK
England Hockey Media release
Arthur McKay builds up Scottish Cups
The Scottish Cup finals got a boost yesterday as Scottish Hockey teamed up with building support services group Arthur McKay to deliver the men’s and women’s event 16th May at Peffermill in Edinburgh.
The sponsorship deal spawned from an established relationship between the two companies as Arthur McKay provides Scottish Hockey’s IT support. Scottish Hockey Chief Executive Brent Deans commented: “We’re delighted to have home grown company Arthur McKay signed on as sponsors for the Scottish Cup. This year several teams are still fighting for their chance to compete in Europe-so it will be intense.
The finals will host a cracking display as teams give their all for the prestigious Scottish Cup, backed by almost 50 years of tradition. There was quite a shake-up in this year’s men’s semis when Inverleith and Grange beat the league’s top two teams, Azzurri Kelburne and Western Wildcats, to go through on penalties.
Fourth in the league Grange beat league winners, and cup holders since 2006, Azzurri Kelburne 3-2 on penalties after a 4 all finish this past Saturday at Peffermill. And after eight goals and five yellow cards it was Inverleith who came out on top, also with a 3-2 penalty score line, over Western Wildcats.
It’s been 15 years since Grange won the cup and 34 years for Inverleith. Not only are teams playing for silverware but also the chance to represent Scotland in Europe next year. Whoever wins the cup will challenge, second in the league, Western Wildcats in a play off for a European Hockey League spot alongside Azzurri Kelburne.
And Kelburne’s female counterparts still have their chance at Europe despite being run out of the cup competition by table toppers Bonagrass Grove in the semis. Grove will challenge Milne Craig Western, who defeated Giffnock on Saturday, in the Scottish Cup final.
If league winners Bonagrass Grove win the cup, Porcelanosa Kelburne will slot in as the other women’s team to represent Scotland in Europe to mirror their second place finish in the league. However, if Grove lose out to Milne Craig Western then a play off will also take place for the women with Western battling Kelburne for the European spot.
Arthur McKay Director Stuart McKay said: “We’re really looking forward to attending the Scottish Cup and watching some of the best in Scotland. The teams have a lot to play for this year.
“With a company emphasis on teamwork, we’re keen to support Scottish sport. Total customer satisfaction is our constant objective and we are keen to grow relationships like we have done with Scottish Hockey.”
Brent Deans concluded: “Arthur McKay lives up to their word and delivers ‘on spec, on time, on budget’-an ethos we’ll use in partnership to roll out a great Scottish Cup event.”
Tickets for the Scottish Cup finals on the 16th May are £5 at the gate while senior citizens and U16s get in free. Play starts at 10:00 Saturday at Peffermill Playing Fields in Edinburgh with the ceremony concluding at approximately 18:00.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
U21 Women's Junior World Cup Team Announced
The South African Hockey Association today announced the National Under 21 Women’s team to participate in the BDO Junior Women’s World Cup Tournament.
The tournament takes place in Boston , Massachusetts, USA from the 3rd to 16th August 2009.
TEAM:
Julia Cass (SG), Louise Coertzen (SG), Sulette Damons (NW), Celia Evans (NW), Sarah Harley (SG), Hanli Hattingh (WP), Loreen Irvine (NW), Camille Jasson (SG), Nicole Kemp (EP), Kelly Madsen (Kzn Coastals), Candice Manuel (WP), Ncedisa Magwentshu (SG), Jade Mayne (WP), Catherine McNulty (SG), Mapule Mokoena (SG), Kerry Pearton (Kzn Coastals), Philippa Rabey (WP), Nicolene Terblanche (Nor.).
NON TRAVELLING RESERVES:
Shelly Freyer (Kzn Coastals), Faye Irvine (NW), Michaela Paterson (WP), Sammy Prost (Nor), Cherie Smith (FS), Chanelle van Niekerk (EP).
MANAGEMENT:
Manager : Mrs. Bernie Thomas
Coach : Mr. Fabian Gregory
Asst. Coach : Mr. Greg Hesom
Video / Stats : Mr. Patrick Tshutshani
Physiotherapist : Miss: Fazlien Jacobs
SA Hockey Association media release
Hockey Union league resumes
By ERIC ODANGA
The Kenya Hockey Union league resumes this weekend after a two-week break.
During the recess, the Union’s competitions committee met with various club officials to thrash out glaring problems that affected the competition.
When the league was suspended after one month, the KHU had given clubs time to sort out their transfer of players and pay affiliation fee.
“Times are hard and clubs asked for more time to consult with their sponsors,” explained Nashon Randiek, the KHU competitions committee chairman.
Three teams will enter the fray for the first time. These are Mombasa Institute, Mombasa Sports Club and Western Jaguars.
Kimathi Institute University, which played at the annual Wazalendo tournament, will play in the men’s national league.
Fixtures:
May 10: Vikings v Blue Eaglets (10 am), Green Sharks v Wazalendo (12 pm), Park Road v KCA University (2 pm); May 16: Mombasa Sports Club v Parklands Sports Club (4 pm in Mombasa), Mombasa Institute v Barbarians (3 pm in Mombasa), Western Jaguars v University of Nairobi (3 pm, Kakamega), Mvita XI v Nairobi Simba Union (4 pm in Mombasa), Strathmore University v Park Road (2 pm), Wazalendo v Karate Axiom (4 pm,) – all matches at City Park Stadium; May 17: Mombasa Sports Club v Barbarians (9 am at MSC), Mombasa Institute v Parklands Sports Club (9 am in Mombasa), Kimathi Institute University v National Youth Service (11 am at City Park), Vikings v Sliders (1 pm, City Park).
Daily Nation
Carmel Rink Hockey, Day Five Results
By Elaine Dsouza
If Sunday was the day for Mumbai Select to dazzle under the floodlights at the Mount Carmel Rink Hockey tournament, Tuesday too saw Mumbai Select outplay Mumbai State Police in the first half to a draw which suprised everyone eventually in the second half to a score of 7-7 in the men’s national league on the fifth day her at Mount Carmel quadrangle.
Air India dominated the play right from the word go and didn’t allow RCF any opportunity to open the account for their team and winning the match 8-6. Girish Pimpale scored six goals to deny any hope for RCF.
Competing for the MTNL Cup in the National League were Indian Oil , it was Kamlesh Parihar who found the back of the net before Mumbai Police scored a stellar of a goal . A perfect flick from Indian Oil earned applauds from the crowd. However, it was too much of an ask as Mumbai Police tried to defend really well. The final score being 7-3.
Earlier, in the U-12 St Stanislaus defeated M.N. School 5-3 and Durello Convent gave no opportunity for St.Theresa's S'cruz to score by winning the match 6-0. In the women's league match between Western Railway and Conroy XI, Conroy XI defeated Western Railway to reach a score of 4 - 3.
The fun and frolic at the Carmel Rink Hockey just keeps getting better everyday.
Stick2Hockey.com
Bombay Gold Cup Review
by Deepak Seth
I got a remendous opportunity to witness the Bombay Gold Cup recently. Allowing this resident Californian to witness hockey at the local level, that translates into the fare dished out at the current edition of the Mumbai Gold Cup.
I was lucky enough to observe many of the matches & would religiously make the trek to the BHA ground to be amongst the few spectators watching the competition. AND HERE ARE SOME OF MY OBSERVATIONS. As is my habit I will start with the positives & then dwell on the innumerable negatives,
POSITIVES
1.I saw an incredible captain, in Dhananjay Mahadik, not only, because his was an all round brilliant performance worthy of a captain, the defensive stops & policing of important players, his superb PC conversions as drag flicker for his team, his outstanding passing, confirming without doubt that he is decidedly the best pure passer in India, (something that our country desperately needs), not only because he won the “player of the tournament award”, an affirmation by others of this writer’s impression., if there were an award for an assist leader, he would have won it handily.
MORE IMPORTANT THAN ALL THIS WAS HIS BARKING OUT INSTRUCTIONS TO HIS TEAM FROM ANYWHERE ON THE FIELD & HIS TEAM RESPONDING TO THEM.. It was fascinating to watch this performance from a true leader, who showed an incredible vision of the game & how his team should take advantage of the situation as it was evolving currently on the pitch. His continuous cajoling of his team to play faster, his calling of plays, his encouragement to younger colleagues to press, press & press, & as a result engineer a turnover of the ball for his team, WAS A TREAT TO WATCH, CULMINATING IN HIS BEING INSTRUMENTAL IN HIS TEAM WINNING THE CHAMPIONSHIP.
Yet it is indeed a crying shame that this youngster is not our national team captain, let aside not even being on our national team, Even no less a person than Dhanraj Pillay has acknowledged his exploits for his Army team of no star studded members, yet propelling it to win championships despite having competitors with veritable India teams in them, like Air India, Indian Oil, PSB & BPCL. He does video capture & analysis, does all the brain work, for his team, leads by example. He has been recognized by independent German writers as the most impressive player for his 1st Division playing German Club T G Frankenthal. He is currently the only Indian player playing in Germany, yet our own sports writers & selectors are blind to his extraordinary skills, both on & off the pitch.
2. the umpiring was top class, each & every one of them. Great control, good decisions very few challenges by players, some of which were entirely genuine, where an adequate explanation for the reason for the call or non call would have been sufficient.
3. My next image is of the Army Team, disciplined, fit, plays modern hockey, half backs going up in support of their forwards, fast, with of course a tremendous captain, I did not see any hard hits from their full backs, restarts were quick, modern & efficient, as was their PC Battery, I am beginning to see elements of modern hockey slowly creeping in to their culture, a direct benefit of the voracious appetite of their captain to imbibe knowledge from all over the world. IT IS FITTING THAT THEY WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP, THEY WERE THE BEST TEAM ON VIEW!
4. A little player by the name of Mangesh from Southern railway, all of 20 yrs old, who has incredible off the ball running skills, good ball control & dribbling skills, was a thorn in side of all the teams, including the above mentioned Army team, in fact he single handedly won 2 PCs for his team against them. He is completely tireless, a ball of energy & plays the lone striker role superbly. To me he is a dream player for a team who need to play counterattack, or take time off the clock particularly when leading. WHERE ARE THE SCOUTS & THE SELECTORS , THE VISIONARIES & HOW MANY SUCH TALENTED GEMS ARE WE MISSING FROM LITTLE TEAMS ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY. Is he on our < 21 team No Sir! He probably does not have the right connections, or no scouts have looked at him. Yet in my book he would be a very useful player, & his stamina is incredible.
5.the superlative trapping of the Indian Oil team, the fact that they come together 10 days before a tournament aka Australia. Hcky Team, yet continue to practice in their respective cities, yet put up a tremendous show.
6.The defensive grit of the PSB team reminding us of the teams of yester years from Punjab, like Punjab Police & BSF. It is again a tragedy that we cannot find any defensive minded players from this great state, though scouting for a speedy sardar would be crucial.
7.the play of old war horses Dhanraj Pillay & Sabu Varkey, an essential & much needed guidance for the youngsters,
8.PC striking rate of Gursewak Singh was fantastic, even against the Army. It astonishes me that India cannot give this guy a looksee, after all his proven, past, exploits for Western Railway.
9.THERE WAS NO DEARTH OF GOAL SCORING THROUGHOUT THE TOURNAMENT.
s2h Editor's Note: Thank you Deepak for this passionate analysis
Stick2Hockey.com
Pakistan beat Malaysia in 1st warm up match
Lahore , May 05: Pakistan Hockey Team beat Malaysia by 2-0 in first warm up match at Kuantan , Malaysia on Tuesday. According to the information received from Malaysia , at the end of the first half the match was drawn by 0-0. In the second half the first goal was scored by Rehan Butt, while the second goal was scored by Muhammad Imran on penalty corner. Pakistan team will play its second warm up match against Japan on 7th May. 8th Asia Cup will begin from 9th May and Pakistan team will play its first match against China at 0530pm (PST).
Pakistan Hockey Federation media release
Malaysia go down to Pakistan in friendly
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian national hockey team were beaten 0-2 by Pakistan in a friendly match in Kuantan yesterday.
The match was played in three quarters of 20 minutes each and both the goals were scored by forward Rehan Butt and defender Muhammad Imran in the third quarter.
Former international Jiwa Mohan, who was recalled to beef up the national team’s midfield, featured in the match.
There are 28 players in the national training squad and the match was used to finalise the final 18-member team for the Asia Cup starting on Saturday.
The national team management are expected to name the team by today or tomorrow.
Malaysia will open their Group A campaign against South Korea on Saturday, followed by Japan (May 11) and Bangladesh (May 12).
Defending champions India are drawn in Group B with Pakistan and China.
The winners of the Asia Cup will gain an automatic berth to next year’s World Cup in New Delhi.
The Star of Malaysia
Beng Hai gets clearer picture after defeat
By T.N.ALAGESH
COACH Tai Beng Hai now has a clearer picture of his final 18-man squad for the Asia Cup after watching Malaysia lose 2-0 to Pakistan in their friendly match at Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium in Kuantan yesterday.
"All the players including those who skipped the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh last month due to injuries played against Pakistan.
"I believe the national selectors can now make their picks after this match.'
Beng Hai was quick to admit that his players did not execute their plans and penalty-corner variations well yesterday.
The coach said he was satisfied with the scoreline as he had managed to give all his 28 players a chance to play in the match.
"We did create several scoring chances especially the four penalty corners but decided to take the direct hit at the goal mouth instead of trying out variations."
The match also saw retired midfielder Jiwa Mohan making a comeback after he was recalled to join the national team to boost their chances in the Asia Cup.
Despite having just arrived in Kuantan yesterday afternoon, Jiwa started the match and his presence on the pitch was immediately felt when he fed a few long balls to the forwards led by Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin.
Beng Hai said it was too early to judge Jiwa as he was still tired after the long journey but is confident that the player will regain his form after a few training sessions with the team here.
New Straits Times
The Asia Cup semis at the very least
By T.N.Alagesh
TENGKU Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, the Malaysian Hockey Federation president, said he would be sad and upset if the national team failed to make it to the semi-finals of the 2009 Asia Cup which begins in Kuantan on Saturday.
Tengku Abdullah feels that if the team failed to achieve their target, it would ruin their hopes to put on a solid performance in front of the home crowd as well as improve on their world ranking.
He said the tournament was not only to contest against the best hockey teams in Asia but also acts as a platform for the national team to improve on their standing and their game.
"I have trust in the players and believe they will be able to execute the given task for this tournament, especially after all the hard work and time spent by the team led by coach Tai Beng Hai during training," he said after hosting a dinner for the national senior and junior hockey teams at Istana Abdul Aziz in Kuantan on Monday.
"I want the players to make the most of every scoring opportunity they get and also put on an impressive display during this Asia Cup outing."
Tengku Abdullah also stressed on concentration and that the players must not lose their focus, especially in the last 10 minutes of the match, which he believes is the critical time in deciding the outcome. Any lapse of concentration during this vital period could provide an opportunity for the opponents to score.
The MHF has set a top four target for Malaysia in the competition, which was won by India in 2007.
The champions will qualify automatically for next year's World Cup in New Delhi. The second-to-fifth placed teams in the Asia Cup will compete in the World Cup Qualifiers in October and November.
The groupings -- Group A: South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Bangladesh; Group B: India, Pakistan, China.
New Straits Times
FIH releases Men’s Champions Challenge II schedule
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has released the match schedule for the Men’s Champions Challenge II, to be played in Dublin, Ireland from 6-12 July 2009.
The Champions Challenge II is a new FIH World Level Event, featuring the best teams that didn’t qualify for the Champions Trophy or Champions Challenge I.
Eight teams are participating in the Champions Challenge II. Japan, Ireland, Poland an Chile will play in Pool A, while Pool B will be composed by Malaysia, France, Austria and Russia.
Preliminary round robin play is scheduled for Monday 6, Tuesday 7 and Thursday 9 July. After a rest day on Friday 10 July, crossed semi-finals will take place on Saturday 11 July. The final will be played on Sunday 12 July.
The Women’s Champions Challenge II will take place in Kazan, Russia from 21-27 June 2009.
Please click here for the match schedule of the Men’s Champions Challenge II.
WorldHockey
World hockey chief asks India to speed up work
NEW DELHI: International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Leandro Negre on Tuesday said he would like India's ad-hoc committee to move 'little faster' with the process of putting up a unified federation before next year's hockey World Cup.
Negre, in his first visit to India last month had said that the World Cup would be moved out of India if the ad-hoc committee could not meet the guidelines of forming Hockey India before the event slated for March 7-20.
The ad-hoc committee set-up by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is running the sport in the country after superseding the KPS. Gill-led Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) following a bribery scandal.
"This is my second visit to India. I had meeting with the ad-hoc committee and took stock of their preparation for the World Cup. Our immediate concern is that there should be a national federation in place before the World Cup. Things could have gone a little faster because there is little time left and they have to amalgamate both the men's and women's unit," Negre said on the sidelines of his visit at the National Stadium, which will host the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games.
Negre, a former Spanish international, was accompanied by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi, who is also the chairman of the ad-hoc committee, and India's newly-appointed Spanish coach Jose Brasa.
Negre said: "I am very happy with the progress of the work here at the stadium. They are coming up with a world class stadium and we are looking forward to have the World Cup here."
IOA president Kalmadi said "they would soon hold elections" for Hockey India.
Negre also said none of the countries have expressed any security apprehensions of playing in India, especially after Australia's pull-out from the Davis Cup tie in Chennai.
"No country has so far expressed any security fear and I am hopeful that there should not be any problem," he said.
The Times of India
Negre stresses on merger
Sports Reporter
NEW DELHI: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Tuesday again stressed on the merger of the men’s and women’s federations in India.
Talking to reporters about the formation of Hockey India, FIH president Leonardo Negre said “things are moving on. But it takes some time for the amalgamation of men and women bodies. I am confident that they would put in place a federation before the World Cup. That’s my immediate concern.”
Asked when the elections of the Indian Hockey Federation would be held to pave the way for the formation of Hockey India, the Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi said, “We shall do that soon.”
The Hindu
I’m not a magician: Brasa
Sports Reporter
NEW DELHI: Jose Brasa, the newly-appointed coach of the Indian hockey team, pleaded for some time before he could produce results in top-level competitions.
Quoting Ric Charlesworth that “to make a good team it takes years,” Brasa, who took up the India job despite receiving negative feedback from the Australian great, observed, “We do not have much time (for the Commonwealth Games and the World Cup).
“But we will try to do our best. I am not a magician. The results (in big competitions) will come afterwards, say in 2012 Olympics.”
No dictating terms
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) Master Coach said he would try to nurture every player instead of dictating terms.
“Players are very important. They should be taken care of… The best tactic for the team is the one which is best for all the 11 players. The job of the coach is to get the best out of the players available,” he said during an interaction with mediapersons at the National Stadium here on Tuesday.
The Spaniard has asked for a wide range of scientific support. This includes two useful systems — GPS and an automatic camera operated by remote control.
Brasa’s immediate plan is to watch the Indian team play in the Asia Cup, test the players, train them in a scientific manner and develop a plan for each player. His list of scientific back-up is a long one and his requirement of a 14-member support staff speaks a lot about it.
Assured of all help
The good news is that he has been assured of all help by the authorities concerned.
Justifying his interest to learn Hindi, Brasa said, “There should be good communication and friendship between the coach and the players.”
The other pertinent point Brasa made was on the Indian style of hockey.
“The best thing about Indian hockey is its attack and we must not stop that because that is the best weapon the team has. The Indian players are best in skill though there is a need to work on the defence.”
The 57-year-old, however, made it clear that he did not intend to hang on indefinitely.
“I have no desire to stay here forever. I am here to share my knowledge with everybody who wants to learn it. I will work with four coaches, so I want them to gain from it and take Indian hockey forward,” he said.
On the Asia Cup, Brasa said coach in-charge Harendra Singh would handle the team in Malaysia and would get any help he sought from him.
After leading the Spanish women’s hockey team to an Olympic gold medal in 1992, Brasa worked with the side till 1997 before switching to coach his club team — Clube de Campo — in Madrid for 12 years.
The Hindu
Coach Brasa sets his eye on Asiad gold
NEW DELHI: Entrusted with the task of reviving Indian hockey, newly-appointed coach of the men's hockey team Jose Brasa on Tuesday said his immediate target was to get the gold medal in next year's Guangzhou Asian Games.
"My realistic goal is the gold in Asiad because it will ensure India's place in 2012 London Olympics. Moreover, I love the colour yellow very much," Brasa said after reviewing the progress work of the National Stadium here along with FIH President Leandro Negre, Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi among others.
Brasa, under whose guidance Spain's women's team won the gold in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, however, seemed realistic about his new assignment and agreed with former Indian hockey's technical advisor Ric Charlesworth's view that a coach could not make or break a team's fortune in a day or two.
"I can't assure you results now, it will take time. Charlesworth was true that to make good team it needs four years. We (coaches) are not magicians. Results will come only after putting a lot of hard work," he stated.
Brasa, an International Hockey Federation's (FIH) master coach, is also prepared for the challenge and said his immediate task at hand is to study every single Indian player and take note of their positives and negatives.
"I am very happy to pass my knowledge. But first I shall watch, analyse and then test the players. I will test each player carefully and then develop specific plans for them," Brasa said.
The 55-year-old coach, who intends to incorporate a modern and scientific approach to revive Indian team's sagging fortune, said that Indian players, skill-wise, are second to none and the eight-time Olympic champions best weapon is their traditional style of playing the game.
"Indian players are best in the world in attacking hockey. We must not tinker with that and give them free will to play attacking game. Defence is a matter a concern but we will work upon it," said Brasa, who has been handed a two-year contract till the Asian Games in Guangzhou in November next year.
"A coach must take a route and understand what is best for the team and individual player. I will try to support and help the players because they are the key of any sport. What a coach can provide is only help without interfering in their game," he added.
Asked whether limited say in team selection and outside interference in his style of working is a matter of concern for him, he said, "I don't think so. We have been talking about that (his authority in team selection) and I am sure we will mutually work out the matter.
The Times of India
I expect Brasa to take the team to a higher level: Gill
CHENNAI: India hope new field hockey coach Jose Brasa will revive the eight-time Olympic champions' fortunes and plan to provide the Spaniard with Hindi lessons to ensure his words of wisdom are not lost in translation.
"I was very happy to meet Mr. Brasa and held detailed discussions about the work he will be doing," India's sports minister Manohar Singh Gill said in a statement.
The statement said Brasa expressed his desire to learn Hindi for better communication with the players and that his request had been approved by the sports minister.
Brasa signed up on Monday following a meeting with the ad-hoc committee that runs Indian hockey. His initial contract is until next year's Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.
"Spanish people are emotional, very much like Indians, and I am confident Mr. Brasa will have good relations with all our players and support staff.
"I expect him to take the team to a higher level and I have assured him that we will give him full support."
Brasa, who guided the Spanish women's team to success in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic games, is tasked with getting India back on track after they failed to qualify for the Summer Games for the first time in Beijing last year.
The Indian Olympic association suspended the national hockey federation last April.
Indian hockey has been beset by internal squabbles and Australian Ric Charlesworth quit as consultant last July after an unhappy 10 months.
However, the Indian team have raised hopes of a turnaround by winning the Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia last month after a barren 13 years.
The Times of India
Charlesworth denies disuading Brasa
Former Technical Advisor to Indian hockey Ric Charlesworth on Tuesday rubbished reports that he had tried to dissuade Spaniard Jose Brasa from accepting the Indian team’s chief coach’s job.
Charlesworth, who had a turbulent association with Indian hockey, admitted that Brasa did get in touch with him but he had never advised the Spaniard against travelling to India.
“The rumour is incorrect. Such reports, as always, are typical of some Indian media houses. Jose (Brasa) did contact me and I outlined some ideas as to how he should go about it...especially with his children, living circumstances, advice about the team and staff and such matters,” said Charlesworth.
“Of course, the fact that I have not yet been paid my dues was something he should know (it is public knowledge),” he added.
Charlesworth’s reaction came after some media reports quoted Brasa as saying that the Australian apparently tried to dissuade him from going to India narrating his own experience of dealing with the Union Sports Ministry and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
However, Charlesworth wished Brasa on his new assignment and hoped that the Spaniard could achieve greater heights with the Indian team and revive the eight-time Olympic champions’ sagging fortune.
“I hope Jose can help India do this. I wish him well. Given its resources India should dominate the world.”
What the Papers Say Today - Stick2Hockey.com
Brasa has no magic mantra, but vision
M.S.Unnikrishnan, Tribune News Service
New Delhi, May 5 Jose Manuel Brasa Jose Manuel Brasa does not have a magic mantra, but he has the vision to change the fortune of Indian hockey around. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) master coach from Spain has come here with the reputation of coaching his country’s women’s team to the gold at the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992.
“It does not matter whether you are coaching the women’s or men’s team. What matters is that the coach should be able to take the best out of the players”, Brasa said at an informal media interaction at the under-construction National Stadium here today.
Brasa, along with FIH president Leandre Negre and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi visited the National Stadium, which will be the venue for the 2010 World Cup hockey as well as the Commonwealth Games.
Negre, who was very impressed with the stadium, which was constructed for the inaugural Asian Games in 1951, observed that it will be one of the best hockey stadiums in the world. “We are very happy, it’s a wonderful stadium.” he said.
Negre, who was making his second visit to Delhi in the span of a month, reiterated his stated position that India should put its hockey house in order soon, by bringing the men’s and women’s hockey associations under a unified body, and then only the country would be allowed to host the World Cup. Presently, hockey is being run by the IOA Ad Hoc Committee, after KPS Gill was divested of the authority to run the Indian Hockey Federation.
Negre said the game would be served better only under a unified body, and not under the present ad hoc arrangement. He said he had been assured by Kalmadi that a unified hocky association would be formed “very soon”. Brasa said he was “very happy, really very happy” to take over the reigns as the chief national coach of the Indian hockey team. “I have found all the doors open. Everybody wants to help improve Indian hockey, particularly Kalmadi”, said the coach, flashing a big smile.
The Spanish coach said he would give thrust to the development of the players. He said he would have a definite say in the team selection, but would not go for wholesale changes. He also did not intend to change the style of Indian hockey. “Asian style is attacking hockey, while the Europeans play defesive hockey. India must not stop their attacking hockey. It’s their best weapon”, Brasa noted. He also praised the Indian players “as the best in the world, skill-wise”.
The Tribune
Technology with skills is Brasa’s mantra
Age Correspondent
New Delhi, May 5: Technology and modern hockey go hand in hand. Newly-appointed men’s hockey coach Jose Brasa plans to implement just that to revive India’s fortunes.
A touch of modern technology mixed with natural skills is how Brasa outlined his vision for Indian hockey.
Said Brasa here on Monday, "Training is a science. It isn’t like coffee for everybody. Each player has a different requirement.
"Say if I ask two players to run for 10 minutes, the final result will be very, very different. So each player will be tested and a proper plan will be put into place to achieve the best of results," he said.
For that, Brasa has asked for a GPS, a heart rate measurement device, photo-electrical cells, video cameras and video software analysis to start with. The equipment will be part of day-to-day training once the Indian team returns from the Asia Cup in Malaysia.
"We need new apparatus, new material to work in a scientific way. All these things will be managed by a remote control camera that we can use from the bench.
"India have the most skilled players in the world, and I would like to see them play on those lines. We must not stop that. The defence might need some changes according to the new training techniques," he said.
Though he boasts of an impressive CV, Brasa hasn’t coached a national team since 1997 and that is seen as a cause for concern.
Said the FIH’s master degree coach holder, "People might say that hockey has changed over the last 12 years, but I don’t think so. I have been involved with coaching (as part of the FIH team) in the last few years and nobody can take that away. I think it doesn’t matter if you are coaching women or men, a European team or an Asian team. A coach must know what is best for his players and should be able to deliver. I am here to do just that," said Brasa who led the Spanish women to gold in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.
He now heads to Malaysia to join the team for the Asia Cup. "Harendra is the main man and I will be there to help and guide whenever required. I will start my actual work from the next camp in June."
India hasn’t been an easy place to work for most foreign coaches and Brasa is well aware of the challenges involved. The 55-year old sought the advice of former technical advisor Ric Charlesworth, who had a torrid time dealing with the then-authorities. "I think I can manage," said Brasa. "I have found all the doors open so far and that is a positive sign."
On his realistic goals, Brasa said "he could not promise gold in a day".
"Charlesworth (during his tenure in India) said that any team needs at least four years to come to the top and I agree with that. We need to start now. Results come from pure hard work, and it is my formula for success.
"It is a process that comes after months and months of hard work. I am here to share my knowledge and everyone and anyone’s welcome to receive it."
Brasa also said that he would like to have a say in the selection procedures.
FIH president satisfied
FIH president Leandro Negre expressed satisfaction over the progress of construction work on the National Stadium — venue for the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi. He though reiterated that India will not be allowed to host the mega event without a democratically elected unified body.
Negre also brushed aside security apprehensions surrounding the World Cup following Tennis Australia’s decision to pull out of the Davis Cup tie in Chennai.
"There is no such fear. We (FIH) haven’t received anything on that front from any country as of now," he said.
The Asian Age
Brasa dreams big for India
espnstar.com's Garima Verma caught up with new India hockey coach Jose Brasa what he has in mind to charge up the men in blue.
Unlike the over-eager authoritarian species of sports coaches, the newly-appointed chief coach Brasa has pointed out that he would like to take his time to bring about the changes needed to raise the level of the sport in the country.
And, Brasa, who took over as coach on Monday, has already identified what would be his first step in the direction. "Technical support is my first and foremost concern," the Spaniard told espnstar.com during his visit to the National Stadium in the Capital on Tuesday.
"Sports Ministry has already agreed to all the requirements for the same and we just want to start with that as soon as possible," he added.
Heart monitor, ball-throwing machine and GPS tracker for calculating the distance covered by the players' during a match are just some of the equipment that the International Hockey Federation (FIH) master coach wants to introduce here. Brasa would also require a 14-member support staff of assistant coaches, physios, doctor and video analyst for that.
While Brasa's other aim is at least a semi-final appearance in the World Cup next year, which is to be held in March in the Capital, and no less than a gold medal in the Asian Games, he made it clear that it would not mean forcing players to adopt his line of action. "Players are the most important ones. The best coach is the one who gets the best out of his players and for that he needs to adapt as per his players," he told the mediapersons, adding that the same applied for the Indian style of hockey too. "A particular style is not that important. What is needed is that players should be comfortable with whatever they do or plan to do. India's attacking style is their weapon in the tactics-dominated sport these days and I would like to keep it that way.
"In the process, there is a full chance of defenders getting exposed but we will find a way to tackle that as well."
Meanwhile, Brasa has chosen to adopt more of an observer role for India's Asia Cup campaign in Kuantan, Malaysia, where the side starts its title defence in Group B, placed with Pakistan and China.
Though, Brasa said that the discussions are going on regarding his role in the team selection, but for the Malaysia event all the duties of a chief coach would rest with Harendra Singh only.
"No doubt he will be the real coach of the team during the tournament. I will be more than happy to provide him with any help if required," said Brasa.
As he agreed with former coach Ric Charlesworth's estimation of India requiring a minimum of four years to become a true contender in the international arena, he pointed out that was a reason why he wanted his contract to run till 2012 London Olympics. "But all that is a thing of past and let's not go into that. What matters is that we have made a positive start with the ad-hoc committee and the Ministry agreeing to give all the support
"Indian players have enough skills to win medals and I just want to help them as much as I can with the technology," Brasa said. "We have to impart scientific training and it takes time. We have to work towards one goal. The results might not come very quickly but come.
"My aim is to put India on a right path which will help them reach great heights. I would like to train the coaches here who could then carry the process forward. I am here to share my hockey expertise."
Indian Olympic Association president, Suresh Kalmadi, meanwhile, assured that the every precaution would be taken to prevent Ric Charlesworth episode getting repeated with another foreign coach in Brasa.
Also, FIH president Leandro Negre expressed his satisfaction over the work progress at the National stadium, which is the venue for both men's hockey World Cup and Commonwealth Games 2010.
ESPNStar.com
England Names Six Debutants to Face World and Olympic Champions Germany
England Coach Jason Lee has named six uncapped players among his 18 man squad for two Test matches in Germany this weekend. Also in the squad are nine members of the Great Britain team that finished fifth at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Hoping to make their senior debuts against the reigning World and Olympic champions are Adam Dixon, Simon Egerton, Dan Fox, Richard Lane, Iain Mackay and Richard Smith, all of whom have played for the senior national indoor team in the past 16 months.
The youngest member of the squad is Loughborough Students’ Richard Smith, who played indoors for England at the EuroHockey Indoor Nations Challenge in Sheffield in January 2008 and at the International Indoor Tri-Nations in Eastleigh in December 2008.
Speaking about his potential debutants, Lee said: “The playing group hasn’t changed much over the past two years, so it will be great to see some new blood in the senior side. All of the new players have impressed us with their performances and attitude, particularly through the England indoor programme, GB Super League and for their clubs. It is a big challenge to step up to senior international hockey, especially against the Olympic Champions.”
England will face Germany in two Tests in Nuremburg on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May.
The squad is as follows:
Name - (Club) - Age - England Caps
Jonty Clarke - (Reading) 28 85
Matt Daly (Surbiton) 25 66
Adam Dixon (Beeston) 22 0
Simon Egerton (Bowdon) 24 0
James Fair (Cannock) 28 33
Dan Fox (Hampstead & Westminster) 26 0
Martin Jones (Cannock) 28 91
Glenn Kirkham (East Grinstead) 26 83
Richard Lane (Cannock) 25 0
Iain Mackay (Reading) 24 0
Richard Mantell (Reading) 27 57
Simon Mantell (HGC) 25 41
Barry Middleton (HGC) 25 100
Rob Moore (Surbiton) 28 86
Richard Smith (Loughborough Students) 21 0
Richard Springham (Reading) 23 1
James Tindall (Surbiton) 26 64
Alistair Wilson (Beeston) 25 46
Head Coach: Jason Lee
Team Manager: Peter Nicholson
Details of the fixtures are as follows:
Match 1 v Germany, Nuremburg, 1700hrs (local), 1600hrs (UK)
Match 2 v Germany, Nuremburg, 1400hrs (local), 1300hrs (UK
England Hockey Media release
Arthur McKay builds up Scottish Cups
The Scottish Cup finals got a boost yesterday as Scottish Hockey teamed up with building support services group Arthur McKay to deliver the men’s and women’s event 16th May at Peffermill in Edinburgh.
The sponsorship deal spawned from an established relationship between the two companies as Arthur McKay provides Scottish Hockey’s IT support. Scottish Hockey Chief Executive Brent Deans commented: “We’re delighted to have home grown company Arthur McKay signed on as sponsors for the Scottish Cup. This year several teams are still fighting for their chance to compete in Europe-so it will be intense.
The finals will host a cracking display as teams give their all for the prestigious Scottish Cup, backed by almost 50 years of tradition. There was quite a shake-up in this year’s men’s semis when Inverleith and Grange beat the league’s top two teams, Azzurri Kelburne and Western Wildcats, to go through on penalties.
Fourth in the league Grange beat league winners, and cup holders since 2006, Azzurri Kelburne 3-2 on penalties after a 4 all finish this past Saturday at Peffermill. And after eight goals and five yellow cards it was Inverleith who came out on top, also with a 3-2 penalty score line, over Western Wildcats.
It’s been 15 years since Grange won the cup and 34 years for Inverleith. Not only are teams playing for silverware but also the chance to represent Scotland in Europe next year. Whoever wins the cup will challenge, second in the league, Western Wildcats in a play off for a European Hockey League spot alongside Azzurri Kelburne.
And Kelburne’s female counterparts still have their chance at Europe despite being run out of the cup competition by table toppers Bonagrass Grove in the semis. Grove will challenge Milne Craig Western, who defeated Giffnock on Saturday, in the Scottish Cup final.
If league winners Bonagrass Grove win the cup, Porcelanosa Kelburne will slot in as the other women’s team to represent Scotland in Europe to mirror their second place finish in the league. However, if Grove lose out to Milne Craig Western then a play off will also take place for the women with Western battling Kelburne for the European spot.
Arthur McKay Director Stuart McKay said: “We’re really looking forward to attending the Scottish Cup and watching some of the best in Scotland. The teams have a lot to play for this year.
“With a company emphasis on teamwork, we’re keen to support Scottish sport. Total customer satisfaction is our constant objective and we are keen to grow relationships like we have done with Scottish Hockey.”
Brent Deans concluded: “Arthur McKay lives up to their word and delivers ‘on spec, on time, on budget’-an ethos we’ll use in partnership to roll out a great Scottish Cup event.”
Tickets for the Scottish Cup finals on the 16th May are £5 at the gate while senior citizens and U16s get in free. Play starts at 10:00 Saturday at Peffermill Playing Fields in Edinburgh with the ceremony concluding at approximately 18:00.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
U21 Women's Junior World Cup Team Announced
The South African Hockey Association today announced the National Under 21 Women’s team to participate in the BDO Junior Women’s World Cup Tournament.
The tournament takes place in Boston , Massachusetts, USA from the 3rd to 16th August 2009.
TEAM:
Julia Cass (SG), Louise Coertzen (SG), Sulette Damons (NW), Celia Evans (NW), Sarah Harley (SG), Hanli Hattingh (WP), Loreen Irvine (NW), Camille Jasson (SG), Nicole Kemp (EP), Kelly Madsen (Kzn Coastals), Candice Manuel (WP), Ncedisa Magwentshu (SG), Jade Mayne (WP), Catherine McNulty (SG), Mapule Mokoena (SG), Kerry Pearton (Kzn Coastals), Philippa Rabey (WP), Nicolene Terblanche (Nor.).
NON TRAVELLING RESERVES:
Shelly Freyer (Kzn Coastals), Faye Irvine (NW), Michaela Paterson (WP), Sammy Prost (Nor), Cherie Smith (FS), Chanelle van Niekerk (EP).
MANAGEMENT:
Manager : Mrs. Bernie Thomas
Coach : Mr. Fabian Gregory
Asst. Coach : Mr. Greg Hesom
Video / Stats : Mr. Patrick Tshutshani
Physiotherapist : Miss: Fazlien Jacobs
SA Hockey Association media release
Hockey Union league resumes
By ERIC ODANGA
The Kenya Hockey Union league resumes this weekend after a two-week break.
During the recess, the Union’s competitions committee met with various club officials to thrash out glaring problems that affected the competition.
When the league was suspended after one month, the KHU had given clubs time to sort out their transfer of players and pay affiliation fee.
“Times are hard and clubs asked for more time to consult with their sponsors,” explained Nashon Randiek, the KHU competitions committee chairman.
Three teams will enter the fray for the first time. These are Mombasa Institute, Mombasa Sports Club and Western Jaguars.
Kimathi Institute University, which played at the annual Wazalendo tournament, will play in the men’s national league.
Fixtures:
May 10: Vikings v Blue Eaglets (10 am), Green Sharks v Wazalendo (12 pm), Park Road v KCA University (2 pm); May 16: Mombasa Sports Club v Parklands Sports Club (4 pm in Mombasa), Mombasa Institute v Barbarians (3 pm in Mombasa), Western Jaguars v University of Nairobi (3 pm, Kakamega), Mvita XI v Nairobi Simba Union (4 pm in Mombasa), Strathmore University v Park Road (2 pm), Wazalendo v Karate Axiom (4 pm,) – all matches at City Park Stadium; May 17: Mombasa Sports Club v Barbarians (9 am at MSC), Mombasa Institute v Parklands Sports Club (9 am in Mombasa), Kimathi Institute University v National Youth Service (11 am at City Park), Vikings v Sliders (1 pm, City Park).
Daily Nation
Carmel Rink Hockey, Day Five Results
By Elaine Dsouza
If Sunday was the day for Mumbai Select to dazzle under the floodlights at the Mount Carmel Rink Hockey tournament, Tuesday too saw Mumbai Select outplay Mumbai State Police in the first half to a draw which suprised everyone eventually in the second half to a score of 7-7 in the men’s national league on the fifth day her at Mount Carmel quadrangle.
Air India dominated the play right from the word go and didn’t allow RCF any opportunity to open the account for their team and winning the match 8-6. Girish Pimpale scored six goals to deny any hope for RCF.
Competing for the MTNL Cup in the National League were Indian Oil , it was Kamlesh Parihar who found the back of the net before Mumbai Police scored a stellar of a goal . A perfect flick from Indian Oil earned applauds from the crowd. However, it was too much of an ask as Mumbai Police tried to defend really well. The final score being 7-3.
Earlier, in the U-12 St Stanislaus defeated M.N. School 5-3 and Durello Convent gave no opportunity for St.Theresa's S'cruz to score by winning the match 6-0. In the women's league match between Western Railway and Conroy XI, Conroy XI defeated Western Railway to reach a score of 4 - 3.
The fun and frolic at the Carmel Rink Hockey just keeps getting better everyday.
Stick2Hockey.com
Bombay Gold Cup Review
by Deepak Seth
I got a remendous opportunity to witness the Bombay Gold Cup recently. Allowing this resident Californian to witness hockey at the local level, that translates into the fare dished out at the current edition of the Mumbai Gold Cup.
I was lucky enough to observe many of the matches & would religiously make the trek to the BHA ground to be amongst the few spectators watching the competition. AND HERE ARE SOME OF MY OBSERVATIONS. As is my habit I will start with the positives & then dwell on the innumerable negatives,
POSITIVES
1.I saw an incredible captain, in Dhananjay Mahadik, not only, because his was an all round brilliant performance worthy of a captain, the defensive stops & policing of important players, his superb PC conversions as drag flicker for his team, his outstanding passing, confirming without doubt that he is decidedly the best pure passer in India, (something that our country desperately needs), not only because he won the “player of the tournament award”, an affirmation by others of this writer’s impression., if there were an award for an assist leader, he would have won it handily.
MORE IMPORTANT THAN ALL THIS WAS HIS BARKING OUT INSTRUCTIONS TO HIS TEAM FROM ANYWHERE ON THE FIELD & HIS TEAM RESPONDING TO THEM.. It was fascinating to watch this performance from a true leader, who showed an incredible vision of the game & how his team should take advantage of the situation as it was evolving currently on the pitch. His continuous cajoling of his team to play faster, his calling of plays, his encouragement to younger colleagues to press, press & press, & as a result engineer a turnover of the ball for his team, WAS A TREAT TO WATCH, CULMINATING IN HIS BEING INSTRUMENTAL IN HIS TEAM WINNING THE CHAMPIONSHIP.
Yet it is indeed a crying shame that this youngster is not our national team captain, let aside not even being on our national team, Even no less a person than Dhanraj Pillay has acknowledged his exploits for his Army team of no star studded members, yet propelling it to win championships despite having competitors with veritable India teams in them, like Air India, Indian Oil, PSB & BPCL. He does video capture & analysis, does all the brain work, for his team, leads by example. He has been recognized by independent German writers as the most impressive player for his 1st Division playing German Club T G Frankenthal. He is currently the only Indian player playing in Germany, yet our own sports writers & selectors are blind to his extraordinary skills, both on & off the pitch.
2. the umpiring was top class, each & every one of them. Great control, good decisions very few challenges by players, some of which were entirely genuine, where an adequate explanation for the reason for the call or non call would have been sufficient.
3. My next image is of the Army Team, disciplined, fit, plays modern hockey, half backs going up in support of their forwards, fast, with of course a tremendous captain, I did not see any hard hits from their full backs, restarts were quick, modern & efficient, as was their PC Battery, I am beginning to see elements of modern hockey slowly creeping in to their culture, a direct benefit of the voracious appetite of their captain to imbibe knowledge from all over the world. IT IS FITTING THAT THEY WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP, THEY WERE THE BEST TEAM ON VIEW!
4. A little player by the name of Mangesh from Southern railway, all of 20 yrs old, who has incredible off the ball running skills, good ball control & dribbling skills, was a thorn in side of all the teams, including the above mentioned Army team, in fact he single handedly won 2 PCs for his team against them. He is completely tireless, a ball of energy & plays the lone striker role superbly. To me he is a dream player for a team who need to play counterattack, or take time off the clock particularly when leading. WHERE ARE THE SCOUTS & THE SELECTORS , THE VISIONARIES & HOW MANY SUCH TALENTED GEMS ARE WE MISSING FROM LITTLE TEAMS ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY. Is he on our < 21 team No Sir! He probably does not have the right connections, or no scouts have looked at him. Yet in my book he would be a very useful player, & his stamina is incredible.
5.the superlative trapping of the Indian Oil team, the fact that they come together 10 days before a tournament aka Australia. Hcky Team, yet continue to practice in their respective cities, yet put up a tremendous show.
6.The defensive grit of the PSB team reminding us of the teams of yester years from Punjab, like Punjab Police & BSF. It is again a tragedy that we cannot find any defensive minded players from this great state, though scouting for a speedy sardar would be crucial.
7.the play of old war horses Dhanraj Pillay & Sabu Varkey, an essential & much needed guidance for the youngsters,
8.PC striking rate of Gursewak Singh was fantastic, even against the Army. It astonishes me that India cannot give this guy a looksee, after all his proven, past, exploits for Western Railway.
9.THERE WAS NO DEARTH OF GOAL SCORING THROUGHOUT THE TOURNAMENT.
s2h Editor's Note: Thank you Deepak for this passionate analysis
Stick2Hockey.com