News for 07 May 2009
Thursday, 07 May 2009 03:33 | 
| 
All the news for Thursday 7 May 2009
Hockey-Asia to beam Asia Cup Matches Live in web
K. Arumugam
A Kuala Lumpur based new hockey website will beam steaming videos of forthcoming Asia Cup.
The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) and Hockey Asia recently signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate in a unique partnership designed to create income for the national governing body.
The MoU grants Hockey Asia the Internet rights of hockey matches held under the auspices of MHF, and in return the national body will receive a certain percentage in the collaboration involving a business model through pay-per-view broadcast over www.hockey-asia.com.
With Hockey Asia offering video streaming, online games, forum and latest updates around the continent, the idea is to attract a large market segment of hockey enthusiasts across the continent to watch the video streaming over and over again for a token fee, besides making it a one-stop centre for information.
In announcing this, MHF president, His Royal Highness Tengku Abdullah Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, said: “Hockey Asia’s investment is timely.”
In the signing ceremony, MHF was represented by its vice-president, Dato’ Dr S.S. Cheema and Hockey Asia by its co-CEOs, Jaap and Rita Suyk.
Hockey Asia offers the fans out there the chance to watch hockey matches involving their teams over and over again.
As per the MoU, Hockey Asia will offer a certain percentage of the total income out of all matches mentioned and the percentage is applicable for future pay on demand opportunities.
“We have invested a lot of money into this project and we hope to be able to help MHF create the awareness and capture the public’s imagination,” said Suyk.
“To illustrate Hockey Asia’s transparency, two official users of MHF will have direct access to the financial database. By this, MHF is guaranteed to have full access on future incomes from Hockey Asia.
“Once hockey-asia.com becomes big, we intend to invest part of the income back to hockey projects in Malaysia.”
Suyk who has more than three decades of experience behind him as a trainer, coach and umpire in the Netherlands, held various positions in hockey from 1975 to 2001 and had the distinction of working with both the men’s and women’s teams in the Netherlands hockey league.
He added besides serving as a one-stop centre for information pertaining to hockey in selected countries, namely Netherlands, Pakistan, India and Malaysia, hockey-asia.com is also interested in developing the game by carrying out professional development programs such as the training module modelled after the Dutch Hockey Education system, online-database for MHF, national selectors, coaches and players who are currently being developed.
“Hockey Asia has intentions of investing the income in accommodations, new hockey astroturf at schools and universities in case the schools/universities cooperate in the professional programs, either on a short-term and long-term basis.
Further details can be accessed www.hockey-asia.com
Stick2Hockey.com
It should be fun: Brasa
Mihir Vasavda
Mumbai: India's Asia Cup preparations didn't start the way they would have hoped for. The first practice match against Japan at Kuantan, Malaysia, was cut short to just 35 minutes due to repeated rain interruptions on Wednesday. The tie eventually had to be called off while both sides were locked 2-2.
Sandeep Singh and Prabhjyot Singh were the scorers for India.
This was India's first of the two practice matches before the continental tournament begins on May 9. They play South Korea on Thursday. "It's unfortunate because we were in a mood to play. And we were playing a good game as well," coach-in-charge Harendra Singh said. "But it is very humid in the afternoon here and rains in the evening."
The match had to be stopped thrice due to thunderstorms and was eventually called off since the turf was booked by other countries too. Thursday's second friendly would be played on a 20-minute-per-half format.
The Indian team officials and players met chief coach Jose Brasa for the first time on Wednesday.
The Spaniard reached Malaysia on Wednesday after his meeting with the Indian Olympic Association officials where he signed a two-year contract. "It was good to finally meet the players," Brasa told DNA from Kuantan. "My first impression of the team is that they are obviously a very enthusiastic bunch of players. They are a strong unit as everyone knows and it should be fun being with them," he said.
The chief coach, though, was quick to point out that certain things needed attention and he would look into those as soon as the Asia Cup is over. "I observed a few areas in our match against Japan that we need to work on. But it can happen after the tournament is over. Making changes in between will invite unnecessary trouble," Brasa said.
Meanwhile, Harendra, who is in charge of the team for the Asia Cup, said he was confident. "We scored from a penalty corner and a field goal today so that is a good sign. We need to keep our winning momentum going," he said.
DNA
Beng Hai: In Jiwa we trust
By Ajitpal Singh
JIWA Mohan is professed to be the saviour of Malaysia and his presence, according to national coach Tai Beng Hai, will give a huge boost to the team in the AirAsia Men's Asia Cup which starts in Kuantan on Saturday.
Beng Hai believes Jiwa's versatility and experience will make a difference to the team and also boost their chances of making a mark in the tournament.
"Jiwa is a natural leader. He can play a defensive role and also in midfield plus he's really good with penalty corner set-pieces. These are the characteristics of a complete hockey player," said Beng Hai when contacted in Kuantan yesterday. "He is also a good motivator and his presence on the pitch will boost the confidence of the younger players."
Jiwa, who quit the national team after last year's Azlan Shah Cup, accepted a call-up from the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) to play in the Asia Cup.
The 28-year-old is working as a mechanical engineer in Perth, Australia.
Early fears that Jiwa may not be fit enough for the Asia Cup were wiped away when he gave a promising show in a friendly against Pakistan, which Malaysia lost 2-0, on Tuesday.
"Overall, Jiwa did well in the match. I certify him as fit and ready for the Asia Cup. He will be in the team." said Beng Hai.
Despite his busy schedule in Australia, Jiwa still plays league hockey with Darwin district.
Last year, he represented Curtin Trinity Pirates Club in the Perth League and scored 12 goals in 12 matches.
Beng Hai, an interim national coach, will get a full time contract if he manages to guide the team to a top four finish in the Asia Cup.
The coach did well in his first task when the team finished second behind India in last month's Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh.
On the team's preparation, Beng Hai said the players are peaking nicely for the tournament.
"My initial target during preparation was to get them 100 per cent, both mentally and physically, ready and it has been achieved.
"As for now, I'm cutting down the training volume and concentrating more on tactical play."
Malaysia will open their Group A campaign against South Korea on Saturday, followed by Bangladesh (Monday) and Japan (Tuesday).
"We must treat the Koreans with caution as they are quick and fast. However, I have my plans for them," he added.
Defending champions India are in Group B with Pakistan and China.
FIXTURES -- Saturday: Group B: Pakistan v China (3pm); Group A: South Korea v Malaysia (5pm), Japan v Bangladesh (7pm).
Sunday -- Group B: India v Pakistan (5pm).
Monday -- Group A: Japan v South Korea (5pm); Bangladesh v Malaysia (7pm).
Tuesday -- Group B: China v India (3pm); Group A: South Korea v Bangladesh (5pm); Malaysia v Japan (7pm).
May 14 -- Classification match (3pm); Semi-finals (5pm and 7pm).
May 15 -- Classification match (5pm).
May 16 -- Third/Fourth placing (5pm); Final (7.30pm)
(All matches at Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium, Kuantan)
New Straits Times
Selection of Asia Cup squad not expected to throw up surprises
By S. RAMAGURU
KUALA LUMPUR: There is unlikely to be any major surprises when the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) name their final 18 for the Asia Cup in Kuantan today.
The core players from the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup are likely to be retained. One notable change though will be the inclusion of Jiwa Mohan, who has been recalled to the team after he retired last year.
He played in the friendly against Pakistan on Tuesday and looked to have done enough to convince the selectors of his abilities.
The coaches seemed happy with his display and said he would certainly be an asset to the team in the tournament, which begins on Saturday.
“The match against Pakistan gave us a good idea on our selection choices but the final list will only be released (today).
“At this stage, we have almost decided on the final 18. I think we have done all that is necessary to be prepared for the fight in Kuantan and the players know what is at stake,” said national interim coach Tai Beng Hai.
There are currently 28 players in the training squad.
Two players who were injured and did not play in Ipoh – Razie Abdul Rahim and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil – are likely to make the final squad.
Their inclusion, though, would depend on their fitness as they have been out of action for the last four months.
“The injured players have to prove that they are match-fit. We want the best players because we want players who can multi-task,” said Beng Hai.
“We are not going to have an easy time against any of the teams and each match will be crucial in achieving our target.”
The MHF have set the team a top-four finish. But Beng Hai and his assistant, Nor Saiful Zaini, also have personal reasons for wanting the team to do well.
For them, a good showing would go a long way towards convincing the MHF to confirm them as coaches of the national team.
The Star of Malaysia
Sohail’s return boosts Pakistan title hopes
KUALA LUMPUR: The return of Sohail Abbas, one of the world’s best drag flickers, has boosted Pakistan’s confidence to lift the Asia Cup, which begins in Kuantan on Saturday.
Pakistan have also recalled three vastly experienced players – forward Rehan Butt, midfielder Waseem Ahmad and goalkeeper Salman Akhbar – for the bid to seek an automatic berth in the 2010 World Cup in India.
The winner of the Asia Cup will gain an automatic berth to the World Cup.
All four players did not feature for Pakistan in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh last month.
The Pakistanis finished a disappointing fourth in the five-nation Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
“This (Asia Cup) is a must-win tournament for us. We do not want to go through the qualifying phase if we can help it,” said Pakistan chief coach Shahid Ali Khan in Kuantan yesterday.
“The inclusion of the four players has strengthened the team considerably and gives us greater options.
“Our first step is to make sure we make the semi-finals first. I believe this team will do well.”
Pakistan will open their Group B campaign against China on Saturday and a win will virtually seal their semi-final place.
The following day they will meet arch-rivals India in the three-team group phase.
Pakistan beat Malaysia 2-0 in a practice match on Tuesday and will play another friendly against Japan today.
Pakistan have won the Asia Cup three times – in 1982, 1985 and 1989. They finished second to South Korea and India in 1999 and 2003 respectively.
In the last outing – in Chennai in 2007 – Pakistan finished sixth. It was their worst-ever showing in the series.
“We will not look back ... we must keep moving forward. This time the stakes are high. Every team will aim for a win and teams like South Korea, India and even Malaysia pose a big threat to us,” said Shahid.
“I want us to concentrate on our team and be ready for the first match. The target is to win the title. Nothing else matters.”
Their opening match against China will show if Pakistan have what it takes to win the title because it was the Chinese who beat them in the fifth-placing playoff in Chennai.
The Star of Malaysia
Muneer for Asia Cup
Chennai: International Grade 1 umpire Muhammad Munner of Chennai Port Trust has been posted as judge for the hockey Asia Cup to be hosted by the Malaysian Hockey Federation at Kuantan from May 9 to 16.
The appointment has been made by Mr. Madhvan Devdas, Secretary, Competitions Committee, Asian Hockey Federation.
The Hindu
England to field inexperienced defence against Germany
By Charles Randall
The search has been launched for defenders after the retirement of two Olympians as England take on gold medallists Germany twice in Nuremburg over the weekend.
With Jon Bleby and Ben Marsden calling time on their international careers and Olympics captain Ben Hawes injured, the England and Olympics coach Jason Lee has opted for a virtually untried defence alongside the Beijing pillars Alistair Wilson and Richard Mantell.
Richard Smith, Adam Dixon and Dan Fox are new faces with the almost untried Richard Springham, capped once. Richard Lane, excellent for Cannock this season, would have been another newcomer if he had not pulled out with a training injury. Up front Iain Mackay and Simon Egerton bring the number of potential new caps in the 18-strong squad to five, all now in the frame for Great Britain selection when the 2012 Olympic preparations start later this year.
England have been influenced by stickwork skills from indoor hockey.
The new players have all been capped at this format, and it will be interesting to discover how effectively indoor excellence can be converted to the more demanding outdoor game.
The hamstring injury suffered by Ashley Jackson in his Dutch club season has weakened England's chances of scoring at penalty corners, a strong point for Germany if Martin Haner is selected to play against some familiar faces after his success in helping East Grinstead lift their first National League title this season.
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 play Germany in Nuremburg at 4pm on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday.
England: J Fair (Cannock, gk); R Springham (Reading), A Wilson (Beeston), R Mantell (Reading), R Smith (Loughborough Students), A Dixon (Beeston), D Fox (Hampstead & Westminster), G Kirkham (E Grinstead), I Mackay (Reading), B Middleton (Hague), R Alexander (Surbiton), R Moore (Surbiton), M Daly (Surbiton), S Mantell (Hague), J Tindall (Surbiton), J Clarke (Reading), S Egerton (Bowdon), M Jones (Cannock).
The Telegraph
Alexander Replaces Lane in England Men's Squad For Germany
After picking up an injury in training ahead of England’s matches against Germany this weekend Richard Lane has been withdrawn from the squad. He has been replaced by Surbiton’s Richard Alexander.
England Hockey Media release
Malaysia and Japan joint favourites in Champs Challenge II
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Japan will start as favourites in the newly-introduced Champions Challenge II hockey tournament, which will be held in Dublin from July 6-12.
The winner of this tournament will be promoted to the Champions Challenge the following year and will also earn points in the FIH rankings list.
The Champions Challenge II is a new FIH world-level event featuring teams who failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy or Champions Challenge I.
Top seeds Japan are in Group A with hosts Ireland, Poland and Chile.
Malaysia head Group B with Austria, France and Russia. All the teams are currently ranked lower than the Malaysians.
The preliminary round-robin matches are scheduled for July 6-9 while the crossover semi-finals and final will be on July 11 and 12.
Malaysia and Japan will also be competing in this month’s Asia Cup in Kuantan.
Only the winner of the Asia Cup will gain an automatic berth to the 2010 World Cup in India. The other four teams from the Asia Cup will have to go through the qualifiers.
The Star of Malaysia
Bombay Gold Cup Review Part II
Deepak Sheth
Part of Two of Review of Bombay Gold Cup by Deepak Sheth
NEGATIVES
1.There were hardly any spectators in the stadium, which is a crying shame. It certainly did not do justice to the tremendous effort & skill that was on display, in all aspects of the conduct of the tournament, from the players to officials to announcers to ceremonies to the officiating. India hockey fans, for a game that is played even now with such tremendous skill, where thrills abound at a breathtaking pace, where a group of diehard players ,officials & count on your fingers, fans, brave innumerable odds, including the suffocating & senseless pressure of cricket mania, to plod on, to work & take part in the game they love & are not afraid to stand up for it , you are worthy of being disappointed.
2.Lack of old players, SCOUTS & SELECTORS, so how will you find the Mangeshs’ of Indian hockey, if you do not see any games.
3. No TV cameras, do not tell me DDR that even Coorg, Chota Nagpur & Punjab have no interest in hockey. I do not believe you.
4.Very little combo play from any team in fact I did not see any team put together a string of 3 consecutive passes amongst their team members. Every time there was a combo play it created danger for their opponent. IN fact Western Railway took the lead from such a play but lost their game 1-9.
5.Too many hard hits down the center of the pitch that were difficult to control.
6.Too little communication on the pitch except Mahadik & Mangesh.
7.Tactically most teams were poor & rolling substitutions were inadequately utilized, to give players a much needed rest.
8.Changing direction of play depending on the traffic clogging the field, trying to find the open man in order to create a numerical advantage, was deficient.
9.Too many touches on the ball allowing the opponents to recover, too many mistraps, except for Indian Oil.
In conclusion the wheels of Indian hockey towards modernity are turning but slowly, youngsters like Mahadik will be the catalysts & show tremendous promise, THERE IS NO DEARTH OF HOCKEY TALENT BUT I SUSPECT TEACHING IS AT A PREMIUM & SUPPORT OF PLAYERS FROM YESTERYEARS IS POOR
Stick2Hockey.com
Hockey-Asia to beam Asia Cup Matches Live in web
K. Arumugam
A Kuala Lumpur based new hockey website will beam steaming videos of forthcoming Asia Cup.
The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) and Hockey Asia recently signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate in a unique partnership designed to create income for the national governing body.
The MoU grants Hockey Asia the Internet rights of hockey matches held under the auspices of MHF, and in return the national body will receive a certain percentage in the collaboration involving a business model through pay-per-view broadcast over www.hockey-asia.com.
With Hockey Asia offering video streaming, online games, forum and latest updates around the continent, the idea is to attract a large market segment of hockey enthusiasts across the continent to watch the video streaming over and over again for a token fee, besides making it a one-stop centre for information.
In announcing this, MHF president, His Royal Highness Tengku Abdullah Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, said: “Hockey Asia’s investment is timely.”
In the signing ceremony, MHF was represented by its vice-president, Dato’ Dr S.S. Cheema and Hockey Asia by its co-CEOs, Jaap and Rita Suyk.
Hockey Asia offers the fans out there the chance to watch hockey matches involving their teams over and over again.
As per the MoU, Hockey Asia will offer a certain percentage of the total income out of all matches mentioned and the percentage is applicable for future pay on demand opportunities.
“We have invested a lot of money into this project and we hope to be able to help MHF create the awareness and capture the public’s imagination,” said Suyk.
“To illustrate Hockey Asia’s transparency, two official users of MHF will have direct access to the financial database. By this, MHF is guaranteed to have full access on future incomes from Hockey Asia.
“Once hockey-asia.com becomes big, we intend to invest part of the income back to hockey projects in Malaysia.”
Suyk who has more than three decades of experience behind him as a trainer, coach and umpire in the Netherlands, held various positions in hockey from 1975 to 2001 and had the distinction of working with both the men’s and women’s teams in the Netherlands hockey league.
He added besides serving as a one-stop centre for information pertaining to hockey in selected countries, namely Netherlands, Pakistan, India and Malaysia, hockey-asia.com is also interested in developing the game by carrying out professional development programs such as the training module modelled after the Dutch Hockey Education system, online-database for MHF, national selectors, coaches and players who are currently being developed.
“Hockey Asia has intentions of investing the income in accommodations, new hockey astroturf at schools and universities in case the schools/universities cooperate in the professional programs, either on a short-term and long-term basis.
Further details can be accessed www.hockey-asia.com
Stick2Hockey.com
It should be fun: Brasa
Mihir Vasavda
Mumbai: India's Asia Cup preparations didn't start the way they would have hoped for. The first practice match against Japan at Kuantan, Malaysia, was cut short to just 35 minutes due to repeated rain interruptions on Wednesday. The tie eventually had to be called off while both sides were locked 2-2.
Sandeep Singh and Prabhjyot Singh were the scorers for India.
This was India's first of the two practice matches before the continental tournament begins on May 9. They play South Korea on Thursday. "It's unfortunate because we were in a mood to play. And we were playing a good game as well," coach-in-charge Harendra Singh said. "But it is very humid in the afternoon here and rains in the evening."
The match had to be stopped thrice due to thunderstorms and was eventually called off since the turf was booked by other countries too. Thursday's second friendly would be played on a 20-minute-per-half format.
The Indian team officials and players met chief coach Jose Brasa for the first time on Wednesday.
The Spaniard reached Malaysia on Wednesday after his meeting with the Indian Olympic Association officials where he signed a two-year contract. "It was good to finally meet the players," Brasa told DNA from Kuantan. "My first impression of the team is that they are obviously a very enthusiastic bunch of players. They are a strong unit as everyone knows and it should be fun being with them," he said.
The chief coach, though, was quick to point out that certain things needed attention and he would look into those as soon as the Asia Cup is over. "I observed a few areas in our match against Japan that we need to work on. But it can happen after the tournament is over. Making changes in between will invite unnecessary trouble," Brasa said.
Meanwhile, Harendra, who is in charge of the team for the Asia Cup, said he was confident. "We scored from a penalty corner and a field goal today so that is a good sign. We need to keep our winning momentum going," he said.
DNA
Beng Hai: In Jiwa we trust
By Ajitpal Singh
JIWA Mohan is professed to be the saviour of Malaysia and his presence, according to national coach Tai Beng Hai, will give a huge boost to the team in the AirAsia Men's Asia Cup which starts in Kuantan on Saturday.
Beng Hai believes Jiwa's versatility and experience will make a difference to the team and also boost their chances of making a mark in the tournament.
"Jiwa is a natural leader. He can play a defensive role and also in midfield plus he's really good with penalty corner set-pieces. These are the characteristics of a complete hockey player," said Beng Hai when contacted in Kuantan yesterday. "He is also a good motivator and his presence on the pitch will boost the confidence of the younger players."
Jiwa, who quit the national team after last year's Azlan Shah Cup, accepted a call-up from the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) to play in the Asia Cup.
The 28-year-old is working as a mechanical engineer in Perth, Australia.
Early fears that Jiwa may not be fit enough for the Asia Cup were wiped away when he gave a promising show in a friendly against Pakistan, which Malaysia lost 2-0, on Tuesday.
"Overall, Jiwa did well in the match. I certify him as fit and ready for the Asia Cup. He will be in the team." said Beng Hai.
Despite his busy schedule in Australia, Jiwa still plays league hockey with Darwin district.
Last year, he represented Curtin Trinity Pirates Club in the Perth League and scored 12 goals in 12 matches.
Beng Hai, an interim national coach, will get a full time contract if he manages to guide the team to a top four finish in the Asia Cup.
The coach did well in his first task when the team finished second behind India in last month's Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh.
On the team's preparation, Beng Hai said the players are peaking nicely for the tournament.
"My initial target during preparation was to get them 100 per cent, both mentally and physically, ready and it has been achieved.
"As for now, I'm cutting down the training volume and concentrating more on tactical play."
Malaysia will open their Group A campaign against South Korea on Saturday, followed by Bangladesh (Monday) and Japan (Tuesday).
"We must treat the Koreans with caution as they are quick and fast. However, I have my plans for them," he added.
Defending champions India are in Group B with Pakistan and China.
FIXTURES -- Saturday: Group B: Pakistan v China (3pm); Group A: South Korea v Malaysia (5pm), Japan v Bangladesh (7pm).
Sunday -- Group B: India v Pakistan (5pm).
Monday -- Group A: Japan v South Korea (5pm); Bangladesh v Malaysia (7pm).
Tuesday -- Group B: China v India (3pm); Group A: South Korea v Bangladesh (5pm); Malaysia v Japan (7pm).
May 14 -- Classification match (3pm); Semi-finals (5pm and 7pm).
May 15 -- Classification match (5pm).
May 16 -- Third/Fourth placing (5pm); Final (7.30pm)
(All matches at Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium, Kuantan)
New Straits Times
Selection of Asia Cup squad not expected to throw up surprises
By S. RAMAGURU
KUALA LUMPUR: There is unlikely to be any major surprises when the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) name their final 18 for the Asia Cup in Kuantan today.
The core players from the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup are likely to be retained. One notable change though will be the inclusion of Jiwa Mohan, who has been recalled to the team after he retired last year.
He played in the friendly against Pakistan on Tuesday and looked to have done enough to convince the selectors of his abilities.
The coaches seemed happy with his display and said he would certainly be an asset to the team in the tournament, which begins on Saturday.
“The match against Pakistan gave us a good idea on our selection choices but the final list will only be released (today).
“At this stage, we have almost decided on the final 18. I think we have done all that is necessary to be prepared for the fight in Kuantan and the players know what is at stake,” said national interim coach Tai Beng Hai.
There are currently 28 players in the training squad.
Two players who were injured and did not play in Ipoh – Razie Abdul Rahim and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil – are likely to make the final squad.
Their inclusion, though, would depend on their fitness as they have been out of action for the last four months.
“The injured players have to prove that they are match-fit. We want the best players because we want players who can multi-task,” said Beng Hai.
“We are not going to have an easy time against any of the teams and each match will be crucial in achieving our target.”
The MHF have set the team a top-four finish. But Beng Hai and his assistant, Nor Saiful Zaini, also have personal reasons for wanting the team to do well.
For them, a good showing would go a long way towards convincing the MHF to confirm them as coaches of the national team.
The Star of Malaysia
Sohail’s return boosts Pakistan title hopes
KUALA LUMPUR: The return of Sohail Abbas, one of the world’s best drag flickers, has boosted Pakistan’s confidence to lift the Asia Cup, which begins in Kuantan on Saturday.
Pakistan have also recalled three vastly experienced players – forward Rehan Butt, midfielder Waseem Ahmad and goalkeeper Salman Akhbar – for the bid to seek an automatic berth in the 2010 World Cup in India.
The winner of the Asia Cup will gain an automatic berth to the World Cup.
All four players did not feature for Pakistan in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh last month.
The Pakistanis finished a disappointing fourth in the five-nation Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
“This (Asia Cup) is a must-win tournament for us. We do not want to go through the qualifying phase if we can help it,” said Pakistan chief coach Shahid Ali Khan in Kuantan yesterday.
“The inclusion of the four players has strengthened the team considerably and gives us greater options.
“Our first step is to make sure we make the semi-finals first. I believe this team will do well.”
Pakistan will open their Group B campaign against China on Saturday and a win will virtually seal their semi-final place.
The following day they will meet arch-rivals India in the three-team group phase.
Pakistan beat Malaysia 2-0 in a practice match on Tuesday and will play another friendly against Japan today.
Pakistan have won the Asia Cup three times – in 1982, 1985 and 1989. They finished second to South Korea and India in 1999 and 2003 respectively.
In the last outing – in Chennai in 2007 – Pakistan finished sixth. It was their worst-ever showing in the series.
“We will not look back ... we must keep moving forward. This time the stakes are high. Every team will aim for a win and teams like South Korea, India and even Malaysia pose a big threat to us,” said Shahid.
“I want us to concentrate on our team and be ready for the first match. The target is to win the title. Nothing else matters.”
Their opening match against China will show if Pakistan have what it takes to win the title because it was the Chinese who beat them in the fifth-placing playoff in Chennai.
The Star of Malaysia
Muneer for Asia Cup
Chennai: International Grade 1 umpire Muhammad Munner of Chennai Port Trust has been posted as judge for the hockey Asia Cup to be hosted by the Malaysian Hockey Federation at Kuantan from May 9 to 16.
The appointment has been made by Mr. Madhvan Devdas, Secretary, Competitions Committee, Asian Hockey Federation.
The Hindu
England to field inexperienced defence against Germany
By Charles Randall
The search has been launched for defenders after the retirement of two Olympians as England take on gold medallists Germany twice in Nuremburg over the weekend.
With Jon Bleby and Ben Marsden calling time on their international careers and Olympics captain Ben Hawes injured, the England and Olympics coach Jason Lee has opted for a virtually untried defence alongside the Beijing pillars Alistair Wilson and Richard Mantell.
Richard Smith, Adam Dixon and Dan Fox are new faces with the almost untried Richard Springham, capped once. Richard Lane, excellent for Cannock this season, would have been another newcomer if he had not pulled out with a training injury. Up front Iain Mackay and Simon Egerton bring the number of potential new caps in the 18-strong squad to five, all now in the frame for Great Britain selection when the 2012 Olympic preparations start later this year.
England have been influenced by stickwork skills from indoor hockey.
The new players have all been capped at this format, and it will be interesting to discover how effectively indoor excellence can be converted to the more demanding outdoor game.
The hamstring injury suffered by Ashley Jackson in his Dutch club season has weakened England's chances of scoring at penalty corners, a strong point for Germany if Martin Haner is selected to play against some familiar faces after his success in helping East Grinstead lift their first National League title this season.
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 play Germany in Nuremburg at 4pm on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday.
England: J Fair (Cannock, gk); R Springham (Reading), A Wilson (Beeston), R Mantell (Reading), R Smith (Loughborough Students), A Dixon (Beeston), D Fox (Hampstead & Westminster), G Kirkham (E Grinstead), I Mackay (Reading), B Middleton (Hague), R Alexander (Surbiton), R Moore (Surbiton), M Daly (Surbiton), S Mantell (Hague), J Tindall (Surbiton), J Clarke (Reading), S Egerton (Bowdon), M Jones (Cannock).
The Telegraph
Alexander Replaces Lane in England Men's Squad For Germany
After picking up an injury in training ahead of England’s matches against Germany this weekend Richard Lane has been withdrawn from the squad. He has been replaced by Surbiton’s Richard Alexander.
England Hockey Media release
Malaysia and Japan joint favourites in Champs Challenge II
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Japan will start as favourites in the newly-introduced Champions Challenge II hockey tournament, which will be held in Dublin from July 6-12.
The winner of this tournament will be promoted to the Champions Challenge the following year and will also earn points in the FIH rankings list.
The Champions Challenge II is a new FIH world-level event featuring teams who failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy or Champions Challenge I.
Top seeds Japan are in Group A with hosts Ireland, Poland and Chile.
Malaysia head Group B with Austria, France and Russia. All the teams are currently ranked lower than the Malaysians.
The preliminary round-robin matches are scheduled for July 6-9 while the crossover semi-finals and final will be on July 11 and 12.
Malaysia and Japan will also be competing in this month’s Asia Cup in Kuantan.
Only the winner of the Asia Cup will gain an automatic berth to the 2010 World Cup in India. The other four teams from the Asia Cup will have to go through the qualifiers.
The Star of Malaysia
Bombay Gold Cup Review Part II
Deepak Sheth
Part of Two of Review of Bombay Gold Cup by Deepak Sheth
NEGATIVES
1.There were hardly any spectators in the stadium, which is a crying shame. It certainly did not do justice to the tremendous effort & skill that was on display, in all aspects of the conduct of the tournament, from the players to officials to announcers to ceremonies to the officiating. India hockey fans, for a game that is played even now with such tremendous skill, where thrills abound at a breathtaking pace, where a group of diehard players ,officials & count on your fingers, fans, brave innumerable odds, including the suffocating & senseless pressure of cricket mania, to plod on, to work & take part in the game they love & are not afraid to stand up for it , you are worthy of being disappointed.
2.Lack of old players, SCOUTS & SELECTORS, so how will you find the Mangeshs’ of Indian hockey, if you do not see any games.
3. No TV cameras, do not tell me DDR that even Coorg, Chota Nagpur & Punjab have no interest in hockey. I do not believe you.
4.Very little combo play from any team in fact I did not see any team put together a string of 3 consecutive passes amongst their team members. Every time there was a combo play it created danger for their opponent. IN fact Western Railway took the lead from such a play but lost their game 1-9.
5.Too many hard hits down the center of the pitch that were difficult to control.
6.Too little communication on the pitch except Mahadik & Mangesh.
7.Tactically most teams were poor & rolling substitutions were inadequately utilized, to give players a much needed rest.
8.Changing direction of play depending on the traffic clogging the field, trying to find the open man in order to create a numerical advantage, was deficient.
9.Too many touches on the ball allowing the opponents to recover, too many mistraps, except for Indian Oil.
In conclusion the wheels of Indian hockey towards modernity are turning but slowly, youngsters like Mahadik will be the catalysts & show tremendous promise, THERE IS NO DEARTH OF HOCKEY TALENT BUT I SUSPECT TEACHING IS AT A PREMIUM & SUPPORT OF PLAYERS FROM YESTERYEARS IS POOR
Stick2Hockey.com