News for 09 May 2009
Tuesday, 12 May 2009 05:57 | 
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All the news for Saturday 9 May 2009
Asia Air 8th Asian Cup
Pakistan 1 China 1
South Korea 1 Malaysia 1
Japan 5 Bangladesh 0
Pakistan 1 China 1 Final Score
China's Hu Hi Ren conveted their second penalty corner to take lead in the 61st minute. It was China's second penalty corner. When just 30 second left for the match, Akhtar Ali scored off a meelee to give much needed relief for the Pakistan to draw the Asia Cup opener 1-1
The match started on a brisk note with China showing agression. Pakistan was at odds in the beginning. China came close to scoring when its first and only penalty corner of the first half. However, reecalled star Waseem charged it out.
Stick2Hockey.com
India is favourite
S. Thyagarajan
CHENNAI: Floated as an idea in the fifties and crystallised in 1982 as the continental hockey championship, the Asia Cup has traversed a long, eventful path.
Listing its vicissitudes from the first edition at Karachi to the one that is all set to unfold on Saturday at Kuantan (Malaysia) will be voluminous. That the initiative came from Pakistan and from the influential FIH and AHF member, Brig. M.H. Atif, should be acknowledged.
The seeds sown at the Hockey Club of Pakistan in 1982 have germinated to emerge as the most sought after title in the continent. Now, it determines the qualifier for the World Cup.
As the defending champion, India’s stakes are relatively high. It may be argued that as host for the next World Cup, the importance this time is unsubstantial. To an extent this may be true.
But given the grey area of the World Cup moving out, then chances for the home team, if it does not win the Cup, may prove difficult. More importantly, as the coach Harendra Singh stressed, is the points in the kitty. India has to climb the ladder from the 10th place now.
Balanced squad
With a balanced and experienced squad waiting to come to grips with Pakistan on Sunday, India is viewed as the favourite.
Under the leadership of Sandeep Singh, whose contribution to the team in terms of goals speaks of his proficiency, the team is all geared up.
The induction of Raghunath to assist Sandeep in penalty corners and Rajpal Singh in attack have considerably enhanced team strength.
The return of Vikram Pillay in support of Gurbaj Singh and Prabodh Tirkey on the flanks lends the mid-field an extra bit of solidity.
Expectedly, the livewire in the frontline is Prabjhot Singh, whose lethal finishes should wrap up matches.
Catastrophic results
Consequent to the catastrophic results in the last few years, including the Olympics at Beijing, Pakistan (winner in 1982, 85, 89) looks to Sohail Abbas to arrest the decline.
Out of the reckoning for one reason or the other, Sohail has been recalled along with Wasseem and Rehan Butt to improve the fortunes of the team.
South Korea (winner in 1993, 97), the highest-ranked team in the competition, is bound to go all out to make its place certain for the next World Cup in New Delhi.
Japan is another contender not to be easily taken as the Malaysians will vouch after playing it in the Olympic qualifier last year. The fourth team in this pool is Bangladesh.
The Asia Cup was scheduled to be held at Dubai but was shifted to Malaysia on account of the difficulties expressed by UAE to go ahead with the event.
The withdrawal of Sri Lanka last week reduced the competition to seven teams, forcing the Tournament Committee to shuffle the pools.
The revised pools: Pool ‘A’: South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Bangladesh. Pool ‘B’: India, Pakistan, China.
Saturday’s matches: Pakistan vs. China (12.30 p.m. IST), South Korea vs. Malaysia (2.30 p.m.); Japan vs. Bangladesh (4.30 p.m.).
The Hindu
Pakistan eye China scalp
By Khalid Hussain
KARACHI: Seasoned goalkeeper Salman Akbar will be guarding the goalpost for Pakistan in their crucial Asia Cup game against China in Kuantan (Malaysia) on Saturday (today) well aware of the fact much of his team's fate will depend on how well he fares on his international comeback.
Salman, 27, last played for Pakistan in their match of the Beijing Olympics against Great Britain last August before being dropped because of poor form. He later switched to professional league in Europe, spending most of his time playing for a leading Dutch club there.
Not much has changed for Pakistan since flopping miserably in the Beijing Games where they finished eighth - their worst-ever showing in Olympic history. Last month, Pakistan once again displayed their fragility as they crashed to a poor fourth place finish in the five-nation Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh (Malaysia).
But Salman expects things to change for the Greenshirts, who will be taking a shot at the title in May 9-16 Asia Cup that gets underway on Malaysia's east coast this evening.
"Our team is certainly looking good," Salman told 'The News' on telephone from the resort town of Kuantan on Friday. "We've warmed up well and will go all out for a win against China tomorrow," he added.
Pakistan landed in Kuantan on May 5, playing and winning a practice game against hosts Malaysia 2-0 on the same day.
On Thursday, they thrashed Japan 6-3 in their second and final warm-up game to issue a clear warning to defending champions India and top seeds Korea that they will settle for nothing less than the title.
But much of Pakistan's title hopes will depend on how their comeback quartet including Salman will perform in the seven-nation contest that will serve as the qualifying rounds for nest year's World Cup in New Delhi.
Pakistan have recalled short corner specialist Sohail Abbas, midfielder Waseem Ahmed, striker Rehan Butt and Salman for the Asia Cup hoping that their return will boost the team's chances in the tournament they have not won since 1989.
Salman declared that he and fellow senior players will not disappoint hockey fans back home.
"We are all itching to take the field against China," he said. "Playing for your country is the ultimate honour and we are going to give our best in this tournament."
Pakistan have China and India in their group and will begin their title hunt with a game against the unpredictable Chinese side under floodlights this evening.
Coach Shahid Ali Khan rates China as a tough team but said that Pakistan have prepared a comprehensive game plan for their Asia Cup opener.
"It is no doubt a very important match for us," he said. "I mean, if we beat China tomorrow our place in the semifinals will virtually be guaranteed," he stressed.
China have proved to be Pakistan's nemesis in recent years, beating the Greenshirts in the Asia Games semifinals in Dohai in 2006 and also recording a surprise 4-0 win against the former world champions in a Test at home last summer.
Shahid, a former Olympian, said that the return of the senior players should boost his team's title chances.
"Its always good have to experienced players in the side and with Sohail, Waseem, Rehan and Sallu (Salman) back, we are certainly a much better side than the one that played in the Azlan Shah Cup."
Shahid said that the two practice games have helped the comeback stars to gel with the rest of the team and hoped that his charges will shine against China.
"We are all completely focused on the game against China. We need to be at our best against them because they have the ability to surprise any team."
Pakistan will be fielding their best line-up against China in spite of the fact that they have a tougher game against India on Sunday (tomorrow). "Back-to-back games can be tough but our boys are fit and they can play at full throttle in both the matches," said Shahid.
Meanwhile, India are sounding confident about a successful title defense in the tournament.
Winners in 2003 and 2007, India as the host nation have already secured their ticket, but coach Harendra Singh has made it clear that his boys will be gunning for the title in Kuantan.
"We are here to win and nothing else matters. As hosts we are assured of a place in the 2010 World Cup. But we want to show that we are the top team in Asia. We want to earn our place as champions. So there is no question of us taking it easy," he said in an interview.
India are flying high after having won the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup but are unlikely to have an easy ride to the May 16 finale.
South Korea, the reigning Asian Games champions and two-time former Asia Cup champions, have landed in Kuantan with a team that is a blend of youth and experience.
"It will not be easy but I feel confident with this group of players. They showed up well in training and we can beat any team on our day. But our aim is to first make the semifinals and go on from there," remarked their coach Lim Jung-woo.
"I would rate Malaysia in our group as one of the contenders while India and Pakistan in Group B will pose a major hurdle as well," he added.
India, Pakistan and China are in Group B of the Asia Cup while South Korea head Group A with Malaysia, Japan and Bangladesh.
The top two teams in the groups will qualify for the crossover semifinals. The champions gain an automatic berth to the 2010 World Cup Finals in New Delhi and the next four teams will go into qualifying tournaments, tentatively set to be held in November in three venues - Lille (France) and Auckland (New Zealand) and Dubai (UAE).
The News International
Pakistan takes on China in hockey opener
KUANTAN: Pakistan, once the powerhouse of world hockey, face a daunting task as they take on the super fit China in the inaugural match of the Asia Cup which explodes into action at a new venue of Wisma Belia on Saturday.
Pakistan will be relying heavily on its veteran quartet of custodian Salman Akbar, fullback Sohail Abbas, halfback Waseem Ahmed and forward Rehan Butt who are staging a comeback in the team after enjoying a rich experience in the Dutch league.
With the return of the vastly-experienced players and in the presence of talented forwards Tariq Aziz, Akhtar, Waqas Sharif and Waqas Akbar, Pakistan look the most formidable side to have entered the eight-nation tournament.
Pakistan, having struggled in the recent past, as they finished a disappointing eighth in the Beijing Olympics last August, needs to get into their grooves to regain lost glory in the field of hockey.
Pakistan, which finished a poor fourth in the five-nation contest in Ipoh last month, must come up with improved performance here to build momentum for the major events ahead.
The return of the seasoned campaigners boosts their chances and they are expected to rise to the occasion for the revival of national sport in the country.
Pakistan has been drawn in the tough Pool ‘B’ with archrivals and defending champions India, China and Bangladesh while the Pool ‘A’ comprises South Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka and hosts Malaysia.
Pakistan must win at least a couple of league matches in a bid to advance into the semi-finals that indeed is their first target and then they would be just two more wins away from the title.
The eight-time Olympic champions India, who were not even able to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games staged in Beijing, would also be aspiring to make amends by retaining the Asia Cup they won at home a couple of years ago.
The Indians are on a comeback trail after having finished runners-up in the four-nation Punjab Gold Cup and then the title win in the Azlan Shah after a lapse of 13 years. Their officials firmly believe that winning gold in the Asia Cup will complete the first phase of revival plans for Indian hockey.
Pakistans chief coach Shahid Ali Khan said his team was ready for the task ahead and all the players are fully fit and looking forward to their match against China.
‘We had too good warm-up wins under our belt which is a good start and the boys are eager to continue their winning ways,’ he commented.
The Pakistan team spent an hour-long relaxing time in the pool on Friday during the heavy rains which has dramatically changed the sweltering weather here to pleasant.
Dawn
Under-prepared but high on spirits, the Koreans are at Kuantan
K. Arumugam in Kuantan
With under a month preparation in the whole of year, the Koreans are here in Kuantan to make another attempt at the Asia Cup top honours.
Twice gold medalists and the 2007 finalists, Korea are keen to enter the Delhi World Cup directly, and if the Manager Dr. Seon-Jong Kim is to be believed, Koreans were in a camp less than a month prior to Kuantan trip, and has had no much opportunity to play hockey outside the peninsula.
“These players had a training in Seoul at the same Olympic hockey stadium”.
“We had 15 days domestic engagement, other than that nothing”, he said. He was referring to National Spring Competitions with he Kim Hae Hockey Council won this year. "There are many players from the Kim Hae Hockey Council team"
“We in fact would have loved to be part of the Punjab Gold Cup. It was a paid tour, and we were keen. Still we missed because we had problem in our Association. Then president, who is CEO of Philips Company in Korea, did not want to continue for the second term. There was a lot of uncertainty, and in that spell of we missed the Punjab invite. Would have been a nice preparation had we made it to Punjab, rued the Asst Professor with Gukje Digital University.
Now a gentleman who heads Korean Agricultural Foundation, a top govt post, has taken over the responsbility. Jeong-Song credits him with revamping the Korean hockey.
“The team is extremely fit, and are speedy”, he added, for which we can never have any other opinion, as Koreans forte have always been fitness.
Cho Mung Jua, a former player of repute, has been promoted from Asst. coach to chief now. “It is his maiden tour as the head coach, and he is a hard worker to the core” Seon-Jong said.
Cho Mung Jua, is a Asian Games gold medalist and a keen trainer as well. Refusing to predict the outcome of the tournament, the wily administrator – he is in position of Marketing and Finance respectively in the FIH and AHF – is just said: “India have to be bit generous. They are already in the world cup. If they win here, this slot will perhaps go to any other continent, what way we will benefit.
Does this mean you predict India to win the Gold?
“No guesses please. It can be India Vs Pakistan, or we against any other team, my point is jus to India in the Asian interest”, he reasoned.
Hockey is a gentle man’s game. The other day I saw Chelsea manager was in tears while his counter part was in joy. I don’t want that type of feelings here, hockey is not football of course”
“We don’t have many players back home. Hockey is still considered an English sport in our country, not at all popular never to come close like football, baseball or basketball. Therefore, getting a ticket for the Delhi World Cup is a priority”, he elaborated.
Seong-Jong, 43, is also a useful hockey commentator for MB channel and SBS Sports Channels in Korea. Besides teaching, I like commentary”, he said.
Stick2Hockey.com
Go For It!
By Poon Fook Loke (The writer played in the 1975 KL World Cup)
Having experienced the frustration of being mere spectators and being left in the cold in the 2006 World Cup in Moenchengladbach, Germany, I believe this Malaysian team are now ready to take on the challenge in the AirAsia men's Asia Cup.
In fact, judging from the quality of the players we have in the squad, it is not impossible to aim for the title if the players are hungry enough and excited by the fact that a title triumph means an automatic place in next year's World Cup.
I am not a fan of the English Premier League but many may recall that Sir Alex Ferguson bravely announced before the EPL kicked off this season that Manchester United would definitely win the championship again.
The reason he gave was that for the first time in pre-season training, he observed something that was never there before -- that every player was hungry for success.
United today are on top with four matches remaining and are also in the Champions League final.
What Tai Beng Hai's players have going for them is international maturity and their exposure stretches back to the past two Junior World Cups -- the last being in 2005 in Rotterdam.
It was in Rotterdam that the team stamped their mark. The most impressive match was when they came within a whisker of beating Argentina, the eventual champions, in the preliminary round.
It clearly reflected that the juniors, even then, had the potential to excel and the majority of them are now in this Asia Cup squad.
I cannot help but remind these former juniors that they used to run rings around Timo Wess from Germany and India's Sandeep Singh then. Today, Wess is the German national skipper while Sandeep is a top penalty corner specialist.
Their mental strength took them to a new level. Likewise, the Malaysians have matured and should be motivated to take on this new responsibility in the senior team.
Malaysia, as shown before, can play quality hockey but what is crucial to the campaign is maintaining consistency.
Lapses in concentration have cost Malaysia dearly in matches and I hope Beng Hai has rectified this weakness.
It is also appropriate to remind players that fitness is a personal responsibility and a critical factor in order to deliver a top class performance.
If you cheat in training, you inevitably pay the price. Those who have played in European leagues should know of this basic demand of fitness required by coaches, failing which you may have to sit out and wait for another opportunity.
Beng Hai, I am sure, has a game plan in place for all Malaysia's opponents as we have played them so often.
Playing on home ground means high expectations but if Malaysia play to their strengths, the results will follow.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
MHF finally decide on their final 18 for tournament
KUANTAN: The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) have finally decided on their final 18 for the Asia Cup, which starts here today.
The unlucky one to be omitted yesterday was midfielder Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim, who was injured earlier this year and did not play in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup last month.
Thus, the MHF only made three changes to the team that won the silver medal at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh.
The three who got in are Jiwa Mohan, Mohd Fairus Wanasir and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin. The three who were in the Ipoh squad but have been left out are S. Baljit Singh, Mohd Amerullah Abdul Aziz and Khairulnizam Ibrahim.
National interim coach Tai Beng Hai said that their decision was based on the players’ form in training over the last few days.
The Star of Malaysia
What must Malaysia do to do well at the Asia Cup?
By S. Ramaguru
KUANTAN: Consistency and clinical finishing are what Malaysia will have to produce if they plan to do well in the Asia Cup, which begins at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium here today.
The stakes are indeed high for the seven teams – defending champions India, Pakistan, Japan, China, Bangladesh, South Korea and Malaysia – because the winner of the Asia Cup will automatically qualify for next year’s World Cup in New Delhi.
And for the teams who do not win the title, they’ll need to finish in the top five to earn places in the World Cup qualifiers in November.
Thus, from the word go, Malaysia and the other six teams will have little room for mistakes.
What makes this tournament even more intriguing is that at least five teams – Malaysia, India, Japan and former champions Pakistan and South Korea – are capable of making the final.
For Malaysia, three teams stand in their way to a semi-final berth. Those three are their Group A rivals South Korea, Japan and Bangladesh.
Defending champions India, Pakistan and China are in Group B.
National interim coach Tai Beng Hai knows the score and feels that Malaysia have what it takes to get the job done.
Malaysia, who finished second in the recent Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, have made three changes to that team.
Back in the team are experienced midfielder Jiwa Mohan, who quit last year, and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin and goalkeeper Mohd Fairus Wanasir, who have both recovered from their injuries.
Judging from their performance in Ipoh, Malaysia’s problems are simply a lack of ideas up front, poor conversion rate of penalty corners, lapses in defence and an inability to hold on to their lead.
Beng Hai and his assistant Nor Saiful Zaini have done well to improve the players’ fitness level and the players are also showing greater confidence in their set-piece moves.
With Jiwa’s inclusion, the national team will now have another option in the penalty-corner set-pieces. Mohd Amin Rahim remains their main flicker while Engku Abdul Malek is an effective hitter.
Jiwa’s experience and versatility will be an added asset to the team.
But it is the forward line of Ismail Abu, Chua Boon Huat (pic), Tengku Ahmad and Azlan Misron who will carry the burden of getting the goals, if not the penalty corners.
The defence has done well but they have to stay focused for the whole duration of matches and not switch off towards the tail-end of games.
C. Baljit Singh has developed into a good defensive player and his run-outs while defending penalty corners are certainly a plus point.
“Our playing structure is fine and we also have good variations. If the players can execute their moves well I am confident we can beat all the teams here.
“But it is the players who have to carry out our instructions on the pitch and I hope they stick to the game plan,” said Beng Hai.
Malaysia open their campaign against South Korea today, followed by Bangladesh and Japan.
A winning start will be just the right tonic for Malaysia.
And it is not too tall an order considering that the Koreans only began their preparations a month go.
The Koreans always play a fast game and fight till the end. Their playing structure is simple and their counter attacks very effective.
Besides South Korea, India and Pakistan are the other real contenders for the title.
Pakistan have won the Asia Cup three times from 1982, 1985 and 1989 while the Koreans were champions in 1994 and 1999. The last two editions have been won by the Indians.
All said, the best of Asia will be on parade in Kuantan and the winner will get an early chance to seal their World Cup berth.
The Star of Malaysia
Koreans sound early warning to rivals at Asia Cup
KUANTAN: Reigning Asian Games gold medallists South Korea have sounded an early warning to their rivals that they plan to add the Asia Cup to their collection and secure the automatic berth to the 2010 World Cup.
The Koreans have won the Asia Cup twice – in Hiroshima (1994) and Kuala Lumpur (1999).
Coach Lim Jung-woo is confident that his young team will kick off their campaign by bagging all three points when they play Malaysia in the opening tie at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium here today.
The two teams are in Group A with Japan and Bangladesh.
“Our aim is to win the title. And I am sure we can walk away with all three points against Malaysia. Our initial target is the semi-final but there is no reason why we cannot go all the way,” he said after a training session yesterday.
Jung-woo was the coach when they captured the gold medal at the Doha Asian Games in 2006. He made his debut as national coach in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where the Koreans finished fourth.
The former national player said although they had left behind several top players, “those who are in Kuantan are very talented and will be able to handle the pressure”.
“We have a good mix and there are enough experienced players to guide the youngsters. Our preparation has been short but it will not affect us as the players are fit,” he said.
There are only five players in the team with more than 100 caps. They are You Hyo-sik (154 caps), skipper Cha Jong-bok (146), Lee Nam-yong (140), Yoon Sung-hoon (132) and Hong Eun-seong (116).
They have also included three players who will be making their international debuts. They are Park Hyung-bong, Kang Seong-hwan and Lee Suck-ho.
Jung-woo said the oldest player in their squad is 32-year-old Ro Jung-hwan.
After their opening tie against Malaysia, the Koreans will meet Japan on Monday followed by Bangladesh the next day.
But it will be their opening tie against Malaysia which will give a clear indication of the Koreans’ strength.
The Star of Malaysia
South Korea confident of taking title
By Ajitpal Singh
SOUTH Korea, the World No 5, feel are in Kuantan for a walk in the park.
Cho Myung Jun, the newly appointed head coach of South Korea, is confident that his team will win the Asia Cup despite the absence of several stars.
Surprisingly, Myung Jun considers Malaysia, not India or Pakistan, as their biggest threat in the tournament.
The Koreans face Malaysia in their opening Group A match at the Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium today.
"Malaysia are always strong at home. They seem to play at a different level in front of their fans and that is why I rate them higher than Pakistan and India," said Myung Jun, a former Olympian, in Kuantan yesterday.
"In 2007, we fought tooth-and-nail with Malaysia before winning 3-2 in the Champions Trophy in Kuala Lumpur.
"I reckon it will be a tough game tomorrow (today)."
Korea, who finished fourth in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, are without star penalty corner specialist Jang Jong Hyun, World All-Star player Seo Jong Hoo and Kang Sung Jung.
Though the trio are core players, Myung Jun feels that their absence will not weaken the team.
Jong Hyun is not available for the Asia Cup as he is playing in the Dutch League while the other two are recovering from injuries.
In the Korean team, only five players, including captain Cha Jong Bok, have more than 100 caps while the rest have fewer than 50 caps with three players making international debuts.
"We are testing players in the Asia Cup in preparation for the Champions Trophy (in Melbourne, November).
"They are as good as the experienced players. We are here to win," added Myung Jun.
The other teams in the group are Bangladesh and Japan while India, Pakistan and China make up Group B.
The winners of the Asia Cup will gain automatic qualification to next year's World Cup in New Delhi while the second to fourth placed teams will play in the Qualifiers later this year.
Meanwhile, Malaysia's interim coach Tai Beng Hai hopes his players will play to their level best to get a favourable result against the Koreans today.
"We are going all out to win the match. Of course, we need to start cautiously as the Koreans are a top-ranked team. They are fast and strong with their penalty corners.
"As long as my boys play to plan, a favourable result is possible," said Beng Hai, who took over the national team on Jan 4.
Beng Hai decided to pick Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, a forward instead of midfielder Razie Rahim, for the tournament.
"I named 19 players yesterday (Thursday) as the team doctors needed to check the fitness of both players.
"The duo have just recovered from injuries but I decided to name Tengku Ahmad as he was better in training," he said.
The Malaysian Hockey Federation has set a top four target for the team in the Asia Cup and if it is achieved, Beng Hai will be hired full time.
New Straits Times
Madzli out to prove his mettle as captain
IN his 11 years representing Malaysia, only once did Madzli Ikmar Mohd Nor taste victory against the South Koreans.
And this was achieved in the 2007 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, when Malaysia defeated the Koreans 1-0.
Now Madzli, named captain for the Asia Cup, hopes to lead Malaysia to a rare victory over the Koreans in their opening Group A match in Kuantan today.
"It is always tough against the Koreans as they are physically tougher and fast. A favourable result is possible if we remain focused in the match," said Madzli a veteran of 236 international caps.
"I also want to make an impression in the match as captain.
"My teammates also share the same sentiment and want to give their best.
"Malaysian hockey is at a low right now and a good result against a top-five ranked team like Korea will give self belief to the players and also regain the support of the fans. I hope the locals here (Kuantan) will come out and support us."
Madzli was retained as captain for the tournament after having led the team to a second place finish in the recent Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
"I rate Malaysia as having a 50-50 chance of winning tomorrow (today).
"I believe that the absence of several of their stars will affect their game." said the 30-year-old midfielder.
New Straits Times
India aim to revive fortune in Asia Cup
CHENNAI: India's attempts to revive their sagging hockey fortunes, after failing to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, commence in Kuantan (Malaysia) on Saturday when they take on Bangladesh in the eighth Asia Cup.
The seven-nation competition will be India's first meaningful international outing in 14 months after the disaster at the Olympic qualifiers in Santiago, Chile.
Though India were involved in a couple of Test series and a four-nation event at home besides the annual Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournament, the Asia Cup will be the first representative outing since March last year when they finished second behind Britain to miss the Olympic ticket.
As the defending champions, India would no doubt start favourites. However, in the context of developing a new-look team, it would seem that India are still to take the first step.
The Asia Cup squad includes nine players from the 2006 World Cup campaign that saw India finishing 11th among 12 teams, an equal number from the Olympic qualifying tournament side and as many as 11 from the contingent that won the Asia Cup in Chennai in 2007.
The other significant factor is the appointment of Spain's Jose Manuel Brasa as the national coach to take over from Harendra Singh, who was put in charge following the resignation of Joaquim Carvalho in the wake of the Santiago debacle.
Brasa, whose appointment was confirmed a couple of days back, will be in attendance at the Asia Cup. He said before leaving for Kuantan that he was going there to interact with the players and that Harendra would be in charge.
The 2007 Asia Cup witnessed the Indian team, led by Prabodh Tirkey but without the present captain and drag-flicker Sandeep Singh, peaking at the right moment to defeat 2006 World Cup semi-finalists Korea 7-2 in the final.
The Indians this time, too, appear strong enough to repeat the feat, though they need to be wary of the unpredictable Korea, sixth at the Beijing Games, and the ever-dangerous Pakistan who are in the process of rebuilding the squad following their poor showing at the Olympics last year while finishing eighth.
Among the other teams, China and Malaysia look the best and on their day both can be a handful. The Chinese are also in a rebuilding mode and were quite impressive at the 2008 Olympics with their speed and fitness levels though they finished 11th.
India will have to reckon with both Pakistan and China in the preliminary league with Bangladesh being the fourth team in the pool.
Two years ago, India scraped past China 1-0 on a 46th minute Dilip Tirkey goal. China eventually finished fifth, beating Pakistan 3-2 in the play-off while Japan, Malaysia and Korea, along with India, made it to the semi-finals.
Missing from the action this year are Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong-China, who merely made up the numbers in 2007.
The pools (top two to qualify for semi-finals):
Pool A: Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Bangladesh.
Pool B: India, Pakistan, China.
India's matches:
May 9: India vs. Bangladesh;
May 10: India vs. Pakistan ;
May 12: India vs. China ;
May 14: semi-finals; May 16: Final.
The Times of India
Confident India determined to defend Asia Cup hockey title
High on form and confidence after last month's Azlan Shah triumph, defending champion India will start as overwhelming favourites in the seven-nation Asia Cup hockey tournament that gets underway in Kuantan, Malaysia on Saturday.
However, India's road to the title won't be a cakewalk as the event will provide Asia's top hockey nations an opportunity to book their place in the 2010 World Cup to be held in New Delhi.
India, the winners of the title twice in 2003 and 2007, will face stiff competition from South Korea, Malaysia, three-time champions Pakistan, Japan and China, who will be vying for the lone place in the 2010 World Cup available from the tournament.
Although, the eight-time Olympic champions have secured their ticket to the World Cup as the host nation, coach-in-charge Harendra Singh has warned against complacency creeping in among the players and said he won't settle for anything less than gold.
"We are here to win and nothing else matters. As hosts we are assured of a place in the 2010 World Cup. But we want to show that we are the top team in Asia. We want to earn our place as champions. So there is no question of us taking it easy," he said.
Unlike Azlan Shah Cup, the Asia Cup field is more tough and will be a test of character for the Indians and Harendra asserted that consistency is one thing which he would be eyeing in the tournament.
"The field is tough and competition will be more. We have to play consistent hockey throughout the tournament and take one match at a time," he said.
The coach-in-charge said his boys would continue to play attacking hockey as the team boasts of one of the best forward line-ups in world hockey.
He also said that the team has worked upon the grey areas during the training camp in Bhopal, especially on their habit of conceding late goals.
"We have worked on our weaknesses during the training camp and we are confident of rectifying that during the Asia Cup.
According to the International Hockey Federation ranking, India are the third-highest ranked team in the tournament, behind South Korea and Pakistan and Harendra said the Asia Cup triumph will not only act as a motivation for the team, but will also help them climb the ladder in world rankings.
"If we win the Asia Cup we will move up in the world ranking and that will be our motivation."
India will open their campaign against minnows Bangladesh on Saturday and looking at their form and stature in world hockey, the Sandeep Singh-led side would surely eye a big win against their next-door neighbours to give a perfect start to their title defence journey.
Apart from Bangladesh, Pakistan and China are the other two teams in India's Pool B, while South Korea, Malaysia, Japan and Sri Lanka round off Pool B.
Rediff
Asia’s best clash for World Cup berth
Kuantan (Malaysia), May 8: Asia’s top seven hockey nations, led by defending champions India, begin their quest for a place in the 2010 World Cup as the Asia Cup starts on Malaysia’s east coast on Saturday.
The in-form Indian squad, winners of the 2003 and 2007 editions, vie with South Korea as early favourites for the title for the May 9-16 event. However, Malaysia, the former three-time champion, Pakistan, Japan and China are expected to put up a tough fight.
The winner of the tournament will gain an automatic entry to the 2010 World Cup to be held in New Delhi. On the other hand, other teams will have to ensure they finish in the top-five of the tournament to earn a chance for a World Cup berth through the qualifying stage in November.
India, being the host nation, have already secured their ticket, but coach Harendra Singh stressed that his team isn’t taking things lightly in the tournament. "We are here to win and nothing else matters. As hosts we are assured of a place in the 2010 World Cup. But we want to show that we are the top team in Asia. We want to earn our place as champions. So there is no question of us taking it easy," he said.
The Indians come back to Malaysia after their last month Sultan Azlan Shah Cup victory. According to the International Hockey Federation’s ranking, India are ranked third in the tournament behind South Korea and Pakistan.
Pakistan coach Shahid Ali Khan said his team is geared up for the tournament they last won in 1989. "We have recalled four players who were playing in the Netherlands, for this assignment. We want to win here to avoid going through the qualifying session in November," he said. "I believe that we have a much stronger team than the one that played in the Azlan Shah Cup last month," he added.
India, Pakistan and China are in Group B of the Asia Cup, while South Korea head Group A with Malaysia, Japan and Bangladesh.
South Korea, the reigning Asian Games champions and former two-time Asia Cup champions, have a mixed team of youngsters and experienced hands.
"It will not be easy but I feel confident with this group of players. They showed up well in training and we can beat any team on our day. But our aim is to first make the semifinals and go on from there," said Korean coach Lim Jung-woo.
"I would rate Malaysia in our group as one of the contenders while India and Pakistan in Group B will pose a major hurdle as well," he said.
The Asian Age
India hockey team all set for Asia Cup
After winning the Azlan Shah Cup, Indian hockey team is all set to create a hat-trick of Asia Cup titles, writes Sunil Taneja.
These guys don't have any central contract. The poor players don't get match-fees either. Even when they make the nation proud by winning some prestigious tournaments, they have to depend on a hunger-strike to get some reward from the government.
Well! I am not talking about the Zimbabwe cricket team or some sports club (if there is any) in Afghanistan. This is about the national game of the biggest democracy in the world.
This is about the same team which holds the record number of Olympic golds and couldn't qualify for Beijing. And the media called it a national-shame (and it was). But when the same team does well, we hardly care. When they won the Asia Cup 2007, the sports gods of the nation shook hands with the players and offered them tea and biscuits (as if they are the real gods and shaking hand with them is a greater privilege than winning the World Cup).
In 1996, an Indian cricketer, who is a famous TV personality now, was insulted by his skipper in England and took a flight back home. But our hockey stars including the skipper(s) have been feeling sidelined by everyone in the country, and they still love the game. They don't quit playing or return home. Rather, when they return home with the winner's trophy, hardly any camera flashes at the airport.
Our players won a prestigious South-Asian tournament after 15 years, which was a result of their consistent performance over the months, and their former boss merely called it "hardly a victory".
Compare it with 2003 Cricket World Cup where Indian team lost pathetically to Australia in the finals, and a few guys who didn't play even a single match in the whole event, became richer by millions.
The hockey players still don't complain. They have just conquered Malaysia, and are back to the beautiful country to create a hat-trick of conquering Asia. And they can do it. There might be ‘N' number of technical reasons to support this prediction, which many former players would have approved (or rejected) of but the biggest reason I feel is the desire to do something big for the country, for the game, and that too, without expecting much in return. Isn't it a great quality a sportsman has?
India should be proud of such a great bunch which plays for the motherland and not for the number of zeros in the savings account or the ego associated with the tag of being an international player. And here I find the trump card.
Padmashri Dilip Tirkey, for example, is one of the all time greats of the game, and he is one of the most humble guys you will ever meet. Another one is Prabodh Tirkey, the guy who lifted the previous Asia Cup as a captain. But when asked about the captaincy experience in the tournament, the skipper very innocently said, "Mujhe to zyada anubhav nahi hai kaptani ka, jo Dilip bhai ne kaha, humne wohi kiya" (I don't have much experience about captaincy, I just followed Dilip's words).
This is probably the secret of these players - the modesty.
The current squad for the Asia Cup has four former captains - Dilip, Prabodh, Sardar Singh and Tushar Khandekar, and Sandeep Singh is the current skipper. Leave aside the issue of leading the team, Sardar Singh, just a few days ago, said that he respected Sandeep both as a player and as a captain. Hence, it can be assumed that the veterans like Prabhjot Singh, Arjun Halappa must be concentrating only on their game.
Prabhjot Singh is the same guy who scored as many as 15 goals in the seven matches of previous Asia cup. The magical left-out from Masania, a small village near Batala, also scored a goal in the 2003 triumph against Pakistan.
If India have forwards like Prabhjot and Rajpal, they have solid defense as well with the skipper himself all set to be a barrier, and in the able company of the great wall of Indian hockey -- Dilip Tirkey.
Besides, there are need some variety -- V. Raghunath will be more than happy to oblige. India's midfield gain its strength from the passionate Sardar, Prabodh, Vikram Pilley and when the opponents will advance, all eyes will be on the sober Baljit Singh or the stylist Adrian D'Souza -- two very hard-working goalies.
The guys look all set for this mega event and bring home the Asia Cup yet again.
And it is time to wish them luck as they really deserve it.
Whether we have voted in the Parliamentary elections or not, but we will be the real ‘pappus' if we still keep ignoring our national game and its treasures.
The people will certainly not see any beautiful bollywood celebrity or the charmingly dressed cheer-leaders in the Asia cup matches, but one thing will be surely visible - a lot of blood and sweat, which would be not for the dollars but for the country.
ESPNStar.com
England Hockey Announces Men's Junior World Cup Squad
England has announced its 18-athlete squad to play at the 2009 Men’s Junior World Cup in Singapore and Malaysia in June 2009. The young side, which has an average age of just under 19, will also play Germany’s U21 men in three fixtures this week as their preparation for the competition in the Far East continues.
Rewarding a number of the players that helped England qualify for the Junior World Cup (JWC), Head Coach David Ralph has included nine members of the England U21 side that finished fifth at the EuroHockey Junior Nations Championships last July, while eleven members of the talented young side also played in the Great Britain Youth team that won bronze at the 2009 Australian Youth Olympic Festival in January.
Loughborough Students is the best represented club with eight of the 18 athletes coming from the Premier Division club while their 20-year-old midfielder Nick Catlin is the only player to have played senior international hockey having made two appearances for Great Britain as part of the men’s training squad prior to the Beijing Olympic Games.
Furthering hockey’s family-friendly image, 21-year-old goalkeeper Ian Scanlon is joined in the squad by his younger brother Martin, 19.
Speaking openly about the challenges his side will face, Head Coach David Ralph says, “The 2009 Junior World Cup will provide some major challenges for the squad. Not only do we face some of the top 20 junior teams in the World but the physical demands of the tournament will be tough as well. A gruelling schedule means we face nine games in 14 days and the environmental conditions will be unlike any that the players have experienced previously.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the players to experience a major global tournament in conditions similar to those frequently experienced by the senior teams.”
Talking about his team’s prospects in Singapore and Malaysia, Ralph is cautiously optimistic: “While we are a very young squad and we face some tough challenges but we are also very excited by this prospect and confident that we have some exciting talent within the squad to compete at this level.”
The England U21 squad for the 2009 Junior World Cup is as follows:
Name (Club)
Ben Arnold (Beeston)
James Bailey (Old Loughtonians)
David Beckett (Loughborough Students)
Nick Catlin (Loughborough Students)
David Condon (Loughborough Students)
Richie Dawson-Smith (Bowdon)
Marc Edwards (Loughborough Students)
Simon Faulkner (Loughborough Students)
Chris Gregg (Loughborough Students)
Chris Griffiths (Stourport)
Ed Kelleher (Reading)
Johnny Kinder (Fareham)
Sam Middleton (Bournville)
Ian Scanlon (Hampstead & Westminster)
Martin Scanlon (Loughborough Students)
Ben Tibble (Surbiton)
Henry Weir (Loughborough Students)
Tom Woods (University of Exeter)
England U21 Fixtures v Germany, 7-10 May 2009
Date – Opposition – Time - Location
Thursday 7 May 2009 - v Germany U21 Men - 1800hrs - Bisham Abbey, England
Saturday 9 May 2009 - v Germany U21 Men - 1600hrs - Bisham Abbey, England
Sunday 10 May 2009 - v Germany U21 Men - 1100hrs - Bisham Abbey, England
England U21 Junior World Cup Fixtures – 7-21 June 2009 – Round One*
Date – Opposition – Time - Location
Sunday 7 June 2009 - v Malaysia - 1930hrs (local) - Johore, Malaysia
Tuesday 9 June 2009 – v Spain - 1930hrs (local) - Johore, Malaysia
Thursday 11 June 2009 – v USA - 1730hrs (local) - Johore, Malaysia
Friday 12 June 2009 – v Korea - 1700hrs (local) - Johore, Malaysia
*England’s results in round one will determine whether they progress to a medal pool or non-medal pool for round two from Sunday 14 June.
England Hockey Media release
U18s pound the pitch and pavement
Scotland’s U18 women pound the pitch and pavement this weekend in Glasgow as they take on Ireland in two training matches before running the women’s Ignis Asset Management 10K.
“Ireland is strong competition for us to host matches against in order to make our final selection down to 20. The last time we played them in a test series it was close,” said coach Rhona Simpson.
The squad take the pitch Friday 8th May at 19:00 and Saturday 9th May at 14:30, both at Bellahouston. Playing Ireland almost a year ago, alongside the Senior Celtic Cup in Cork, Scotland won 1-0, drew 0-0 and was ahead 1-0 in the final match before it was called off due to bad weather.
No doubt players will be giving their all this weekend to make the final cut. Not only is it on the pitch where Scotland’s athletes are being tested, Simpson is ensuring a fit squad by incorporating team fitness regimes like charity 10K runs.
“It’s part of their training and understanding of what is expected of them at top level. Players need to push themselves and challenge their fitness on and off the pitch. They’ve been doing 40 minute runs in training so it should be routine,” added Simpson.
The run is a different opportunity to improve fitness in a team setting but provides a fundraising platform. The girls not only have the option to raise money for various charities of their choice but also funding for their squad. The women’s Ignis Asset Management 10K starts near Nithsdale Road at 10am on Sunday and leads the team right back where they started: Bellahouston.
Squad details:
McAdam, Elizabeth, Watsonians
Johnstone, Jennifer, GHK
Liu, Amy, Bellahouston School of Sport
Wilson, Alex, Cala Edinburgh
Elder, Heather, Haddington HC
Thompson, Anna, Cala Edinburgh
Black, Caitlin, Hillhead HC
Gardner, Katie, Glasgow Western
Collins, Robyn, Glasgow Western
Pike, Nicole
Fleming, Louise, Giffnock HC
Bruce, Fiona, Glasgow Western
Malcolm, Rachel, Glasgow Western
Lowrey, Nicola, Glasgow Western
Howie, Alison, Glasgow Western
McInally, Stephanie, Hillhead HC
Hall, Kerry, Cala Edinburgh
Johnstone, Daniele, Cala Edinburgh
Sprott, Blair, Cala Edinburgh
Wilson, Kirsty, Glasgow Western
Marshall, Becky, Glasgow Western
Stafford, Heather,
Moffett, Ruth, Glasgow Western
Murray, Rebecca, Granite City Wanderers
Scottish Hockey Union media release
'IOA can't hold merger talks'
NEW DELHI/BANGALORE: With the September deadline to Hockey India - by merging the men’s and women’s federations - hanging over its head, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) needs to act fast to convince the International Hockey Federation (FIH) that all is well with the game in the country.
The IOA officials are not willing to reveal much about the merger, but sources in the adhoc committee said that elections for Hockey India is the next step for IOA, something which has made some member associations cry foul.
Karnataka State Hockey Association secretary K Krishnamurthy claimed that the merger should be effected after elections to the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF).
"We came to know that the IOA has called the IWHF officials for a meeting to discuss the merger of the IHF and IWHF. The merger can only be performed by the elected representatives of the two bodies and not the IOA," Krishnamurthy told TOI.
"There is definitely a need to merge the two federations, but that is something only the stakeholders can initiate. The IOA is exceeding its brief by wanting to conduct a dialogue with the IWHF on the matter of merger," he added.
"Election to the IHF is of paramount importance now... but the first corrective step would be to conduct elections. It is imperative that the country’s hockey is run by the IHF and not the IOA," he said.
The adhoc committee members were not available for comment.
The Times of India
National camp probables reduced to 27
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) selection committee has reduced the national camp probables for the Junior World Cup to 27. The selection committee, under chief selector Hassan Sardar, met at Nasir Bunda Hockey Stadium here on Friday. Selectors Khalid Bashir, Mohammad Shafique and Farhat Khan also participated in the short-listing process. Former Olympian Shehnaz Sheikh and former Pakistan captain Shahbaz Ahmed Senior visited the camp to watch the ongoing training. Besides selecting 20 players out of 36, the committee also considered 7 players who are currently engaged with the senior team that is taking part in the 8th Asia Cup in Malaysia.
Short-listed players are:
Goalkeepers: Imran Butt, Imran Shah. Full-backs: Aamir Shahzad, Kashif Ali, Wasif Siddique, and Khalid Bhatti. Half-backs: Muhammad Atique, Usman Tariq, Mohsin Bilal, Mohammad Rashid, Sabtain Raza, Zeeshan Ali, and Zaheer Ahmed. Forwards: Muhammad Toufique, Umar Bhutta, Inayatullah, Muhamad Zubair, Muhammad Rizwan, Azlan Khan and Haseem Akhtar. The players who will return to the junior side are: Muhammad Irfan, Shafqat Rasool, Haseem Khan, Fareed Ahmed, Waqas Sharif, Abbas Haider and Waqas Akbar.
The Daily Times
PHF shortlists 20 players for Hockey Junior World Cup
By Imran Ali Teepu
ISLAMABAD: With only slim chances of placing well in the upcoming junior hockey World Cup, Pakistan Hockey Federation on Friday short listed 20 players for the mega event.
Announcing names of junior players, Hasan Sardar, chief selector of the PHF, informed media: ‘We have selected 19 top performers for the second round of the training camp and final squad will be announced on May 22.’
The second phase of trails will start in Lahore from May 19.
The next month’s Junior World Cup will be co-hosted by Singapore and Malaysia and is slated to be held from June 7-21.
Pakistan is placed in group A in the event along with Argentina, Russia, Egypt and Belgium.
Pakistani team will play its first match against Russia on June 7.
Six junior players, he said, were currently attached with the senior team to play the upcoming Asia Cup.
The former Olympian said: ‘Six players will join the training camp after conclusion of the Asia Cup.’
Shafqat Rasool, Haseem Khan, Fareed Ahmed, Waqas Sahrif, Abbas Haider and Mohammad Irfan are currently assigned with the national team.
Hasan accepted that they were facing difficulty in getting new talent.
‘Unfortunately the stuff is not there but the federation is consistently working on grooming the young talent and setting the hockey academies is part of the junior development programme’ he said.
Meanwhile, Khwaja Junaid, chief coach, added: ‘We will play two warm up matches in Malaysia days before the start of the tournament.’
‘Our focus is to win and to put up a strong show in the upcoming event’ he concluded.
Players:
(Goal Keepers) Imran Butt, Imran Shah, (Full Backs) Amir Shehzad, Kashif Ali, Wasif Sddiqui, Khalid Bhatti, Mohammad Attique, Usman Tariq, (Half Backs) Mohsin Bilal, Sibain Raza, Zeeshan Ali, Zeeshan Ahmed, Mohammad Rashid, (Forwards) Mohammad Toufeeq, Umar Bhutta, Hasan Akhtar, Inayat ullah, Mohammad Zubair, Azlan Khan, Mohammad Rizwan.
dar watches a practice session of the junior hockey team.
Dawn
Asia Air 8th Asian Cup
Pakistan 1 China 1
South Korea 1 Malaysia 1
Japan 5 Bangladesh 0
Pakistan 1 China 1 Final Score
China's Hu Hi Ren conveted their second penalty corner to take lead in the 61st minute. It was China's second penalty corner. When just 30 second left for the match, Akhtar Ali scored off a meelee to give much needed relief for the Pakistan to draw the Asia Cup opener 1-1
The match started on a brisk note with China showing agression. Pakistan was at odds in the beginning. China came close to scoring when its first and only penalty corner of the first half. However, reecalled star Waseem charged it out.
Stick2Hockey.com
India is favourite
S. Thyagarajan
CHENNAI: Floated as an idea in the fifties and crystallised in 1982 as the continental hockey championship, the Asia Cup has traversed a long, eventful path.
Listing its vicissitudes from the first edition at Karachi to the one that is all set to unfold on Saturday at Kuantan (Malaysia) will be voluminous. That the initiative came from Pakistan and from the influential FIH and AHF member, Brig. M.H. Atif, should be acknowledged.
The seeds sown at the Hockey Club of Pakistan in 1982 have germinated to emerge as the most sought after title in the continent. Now, it determines the qualifier for the World Cup.
As the defending champion, India’s stakes are relatively high. It may be argued that as host for the next World Cup, the importance this time is unsubstantial. To an extent this may be true.
But given the grey area of the World Cup moving out, then chances for the home team, if it does not win the Cup, may prove difficult. More importantly, as the coach Harendra Singh stressed, is the points in the kitty. India has to climb the ladder from the 10th place now.
Balanced squad
With a balanced and experienced squad waiting to come to grips with Pakistan on Sunday, India is viewed as the favourite.
Under the leadership of Sandeep Singh, whose contribution to the team in terms of goals speaks of his proficiency, the team is all geared up.
The induction of Raghunath to assist Sandeep in penalty corners and Rajpal Singh in attack have considerably enhanced team strength.
The return of Vikram Pillay in support of Gurbaj Singh and Prabodh Tirkey on the flanks lends the mid-field an extra bit of solidity.
Expectedly, the livewire in the frontline is Prabjhot Singh, whose lethal finishes should wrap up matches.
Catastrophic results
Consequent to the catastrophic results in the last few years, including the Olympics at Beijing, Pakistan (winner in 1982, 85, 89) looks to Sohail Abbas to arrest the decline.
Out of the reckoning for one reason or the other, Sohail has been recalled along with Wasseem and Rehan Butt to improve the fortunes of the team.
South Korea (winner in 1993, 97), the highest-ranked team in the competition, is bound to go all out to make its place certain for the next World Cup in New Delhi.
Japan is another contender not to be easily taken as the Malaysians will vouch after playing it in the Olympic qualifier last year. The fourth team in this pool is Bangladesh.
The Asia Cup was scheduled to be held at Dubai but was shifted to Malaysia on account of the difficulties expressed by UAE to go ahead with the event.
The withdrawal of Sri Lanka last week reduced the competition to seven teams, forcing the Tournament Committee to shuffle the pools.
The revised pools: Pool ‘A’: South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Bangladesh. Pool ‘B’: India, Pakistan, China.
Saturday’s matches: Pakistan vs. China (12.30 p.m. IST), South Korea vs. Malaysia (2.30 p.m.); Japan vs. Bangladesh (4.30 p.m.).
The Hindu
Pakistan eye China scalp
By Khalid Hussain
KARACHI: Seasoned goalkeeper Salman Akbar will be guarding the goalpost for Pakistan in their crucial Asia Cup game against China in Kuantan (Malaysia) on Saturday (today) well aware of the fact much of his team's fate will depend on how well he fares on his international comeback.
Salman, 27, last played for Pakistan in their match of the Beijing Olympics against Great Britain last August before being dropped because of poor form. He later switched to professional league in Europe, spending most of his time playing for a leading Dutch club there.
Not much has changed for Pakistan since flopping miserably in the Beijing Games where they finished eighth - their worst-ever showing in Olympic history. Last month, Pakistan once again displayed their fragility as they crashed to a poor fourth place finish in the five-nation Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh (Malaysia).
But Salman expects things to change for the Greenshirts, who will be taking a shot at the title in May 9-16 Asia Cup that gets underway on Malaysia's east coast this evening.
"Our team is certainly looking good," Salman told 'The News' on telephone from the resort town of Kuantan on Friday. "We've warmed up well and will go all out for a win against China tomorrow," he added.
Pakistan landed in Kuantan on May 5, playing and winning a practice game against hosts Malaysia 2-0 on the same day.
On Thursday, they thrashed Japan 6-3 in their second and final warm-up game to issue a clear warning to defending champions India and top seeds Korea that they will settle for nothing less than the title.
But much of Pakistan's title hopes will depend on how their comeback quartet including Salman will perform in the seven-nation contest that will serve as the qualifying rounds for nest year's World Cup in New Delhi.
Pakistan have recalled short corner specialist Sohail Abbas, midfielder Waseem Ahmed, striker Rehan Butt and Salman for the Asia Cup hoping that their return will boost the team's chances in the tournament they have not won since 1989.
Salman declared that he and fellow senior players will not disappoint hockey fans back home.
"We are all itching to take the field against China," he said. "Playing for your country is the ultimate honour and we are going to give our best in this tournament."
Pakistan have China and India in their group and will begin their title hunt with a game against the unpredictable Chinese side under floodlights this evening.
Coach Shahid Ali Khan rates China as a tough team but said that Pakistan have prepared a comprehensive game plan for their Asia Cup opener.
"It is no doubt a very important match for us," he said. "I mean, if we beat China tomorrow our place in the semifinals will virtually be guaranteed," he stressed.
China have proved to be Pakistan's nemesis in recent years, beating the Greenshirts in the Asia Games semifinals in Dohai in 2006 and also recording a surprise 4-0 win against the former world champions in a Test at home last summer.
Shahid, a former Olympian, said that the return of the senior players should boost his team's title chances.
"Its always good have to experienced players in the side and with Sohail, Waseem, Rehan and Sallu (Salman) back, we are certainly a much better side than the one that played in the Azlan Shah Cup."
Shahid said that the two practice games have helped the comeback stars to gel with the rest of the team and hoped that his charges will shine against China.
"We are all completely focused on the game against China. We need to be at our best against them because they have the ability to surprise any team."
Pakistan will be fielding their best line-up against China in spite of the fact that they have a tougher game against India on Sunday (tomorrow). "Back-to-back games can be tough but our boys are fit and they can play at full throttle in both the matches," said Shahid.
Meanwhile, India are sounding confident about a successful title defense in the tournament.
Winners in 2003 and 2007, India as the host nation have already secured their ticket, but coach Harendra Singh has made it clear that his boys will be gunning for the title in Kuantan.
"We are here to win and nothing else matters. As hosts we are assured of a place in the 2010 World Cup. But we want to show that we are the top team in Asia. We want to earn our place as champions. So there is no question of us taking it easy," he said in an interview.
India are flying high after having won the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup but are unlikely to have an easy ride to the May 16 finale.
South Korea, the reigning Asian Games champions and two-time former Asia Cup champions, have landed in Kuantan with a team that is a blend of youth and experience.
"It will not be easy but I feel confident with this group of players. They showed up well in training and we can beat any team on our day. But our aim is to first make the semifinals and go on from there," remarked their coach Lim Jung-woo.
"I would rate Malaysia in our group as one of the contenders while India and Pakistan in Group B will pose a major hurdle as well," he added.
India, Pakistan and China are in Group B of the Asia Cup while South Korea head Group A with Malaysia, Japan and Bangladesh.
The top two teams in the groups will qualify for the crossover semifinals. The champions gain an automatic berth to the 2010 World Cup Finals in New Delhi and the next four teams will go into qualifying tournaments, tentatively set to be held in November in three venues - Lille (France) and Auckland (New Zealand) and Dubai (UAE).
The News International
Pakistan takes on China in hockey opener
KUANTAN: Pakistan, once the powerhouse of world hockey, face a daunting task as they take on the super fit China in the inaugural match of the Asia Cup which explodes into action at a new venue of Wisma Belia on Saturday.
Pakistan will be relying heavily on its veteran quartet of custodian Salman Akbar, fullback Sohail Abbas, halfback Waseem Ahmed and forward Rehan Butt who are staging a comeback in the team after enjoying a rich experience in the Dutch league.
With the return of the vastly-experienced players and in the presence of talented forwards Tariq Aziz, Akhtar, Waqas Sharif and Waqas Akbar, Pakistan look the most formidable side to have entered the eight-nation tournament.
Pakistan, having struggled in the recent past, as they finished a disappointing eighth in the Beijing Olympics last August, needs to get into their grooves to regain lost glory in the field of hockey.
Pakistan, which finished a poor fourth in the five-nation contest in Ipoh last month, must come up with improved performance here to build momentum for the major events ahead.
The return of the seasoned campaigners boosts their chances and they are expected to rise to the occasion for the revival of national sport in the country.
Pakistan has been drawn in the tough Pool ‘B’ with archrivals and defending champions India, China and Bangladesh while the Pool ‘A’ comprises South Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka and hosts Malaysia.
Pakistan must win at least a couple of league matches in a bid to advance into the semi-finals that indeed is their first target and then they would be just two more wins away from the title.
The eight-time Olympic champions India, who were not even able to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games staged in Beijing, would also be aspiring to make amends by retaining the Asia Cup they won at home a couple of years ago.
The Indians are on a comeback trail after having finished runners-up in the four-nation Punjab Gold Cup and then the title win in the Azlan Shah after a lapse of 13 years. Their officials firmly believe that winning gold in the Asia Cup will complete the first phase of revival plans for Indian hockey.
Pakistans chief coach Shahid Ali Khan said his team was ready for the task ahead and all the players are fully fit and looking forward to their match against China.
‘We had too good warm-up wins under our belt which is a good start and the boys are eager to continue their winning ways,’ he commented.
The Pakistan team spent an hour-long relaxing time in the pool on Friday during the heavy rains which has dramatically changed the sweltering weather here to pleasant.
Dawn
Under-prepared but high on spirits, the Koreans are at Kuantan
K. Arumugam in Kuantan
With under a month preparation in the whole of year, the Koreans are here in Kuantan to make another attempt at the Asia Cup top honours.
Twice gold medalists and the 2007 finalists, Korea are keen to enter the Delhi World Cup directly, and if the Manager Dr. Seon-Jong Kim is to be believed, Koreans were in a camp less than a month prior to Kuantan trip, and has had no much opportunity to play hockey outside the peninsula.
“These players had a training in Seoul at the same Olympic hockey stadium”.
“We had 15 days domestic engagement, other than that nothing”, he said. He was referring to National Spring Competitions with he Kim Hae Hockey Council won this year. "There are many players from the Kim Hae Hockey Council team"
“We in fact would have loved to be part of the Punjab Gold Cup. It was a paid tour, and we were keen. Still we missed because we had problem in our Association. Then president, who is CEO of Philips Company in Korea, did not want to continue for the second term. There was a lot of uncertainty, and in that spell of we missed the Punjab invite. Would have been a nice preparation had we made it to Punjab, rued the Asst Professor with Gukje Digital University.
Now a gentleman who heads Korean Agricultural Foundation, a top govt post, has taken over the responsbility. Jeong-Song credits him with revamping the Korean hockey.
“The team is extremely fit, and are speedy”, he added, for which we can never have any other opinion, as Koreans forte have always been fitness.
Cho Mung Jua, a former player of repute, has been promoted from Asst. coach to chief now. “It is his maiden tour as the head coach, and he is a hard worker to the core” Seon-Jong said.
Cho Mung Jua, is a Asian Games gold medalist and a keen trainer as well. Refusing to predict the outcome of the tournament, the wily administrator – he is in position of Marketing and Finance respectively in the FIH and AHF – is just said: “India have to be bit generous. They are already in the world cup. If they win here, this slot will perhaps go to any other continent, what way we will benefit.
Does this mean you predict India to win the Gold?
“No guesses please. It can be India Vs Pakistan, or we against any other team, my point is jus to India in the Asian interest”, he reasoned.
Hockey is a gentle man’s game. The other day I saw Chelsea manager was in tears while his counter part was in joy. I don’t want that type of feelings here, hockey is not football of course”
“We don’t have many players back home. Hockey is still considered an English sport in our country, not at all popular never to come close like football, baseball or basketball. Therefore, getting a ticket for the Delhi World Cup is a priority”, he elaborated.
Seong-Jong, 43, is also a useful hockey commentator for MB channel and SBS Sports Channels in Korea. Besides teaching, I like commentary”, he said.
Stick2Hockey.com
Go For It!
By Poon Fook Loke (The writer played in the 1975 KL World Cup)
Having experienced the frustration of being mere spectators and being left in the cold in the 2006 World Cup in Moenchengladbach, Germany, I believe this Malaysian team are now ready to take on the challenge in the AirAsia men's Asia Cup.
In fact, judging from the quality of the players we have in the squad, it is not impossible to aim for the title if the players are hungry enough and excited by the fact that a title triumph means an automatic place in next year's World Cup.
I am not a fan of the English Premier League but many may recall that Sir Alex Ferguson bravely announced before the EPL kicked off this season that Manchester United would definitely win the championship again.
The reason he gave was that for the first time in pre-season training, he observed something that was never there before -- that every player was hungry for success.
United today are on top with four matches remaining and are also in the Champions League final.
What Tai Beng Hai's players have going for them is international maturity and their exposure stretches back to the past two Junior World Cups -- the last being in 2005 in Rotterdam.
It was in Rotterdam that the team stamped their mark. The most impressive match was when they came within a whisker of beating Argentina, the eventual champions, in the preliminary round.
It clearly reflected that the juniors, even then, had the potential to excel and the majority of them are now in this Asia Cup squad.
I cannot help but remind these former juniors that they used to run rings around Timo Wess from Germany and India's Sandeep Singh then. Today, Wess is the German national skipper while Sandeep is a top penalty corner specialist.
Their mental strength took them to a new level. Likewise, the Malaysians have matured and should be motivated to take on this new responsibility in the senior team.
Malaysia, as shown before, can play quality hockey but what is crucial to the campaign is maintaining consistency.
Lapses in concentration have cost Malaysia dearly in matches and I hope Beng Hai has rectified this weakness.
It is also appropriate to remind players that fitness is a personal responsibility and a critical factor in order to deliver a top class performance.
If you cheat in training, you inevitably pay the price. Those who have played in European leagues should know of this basic demand of fitness required by coaches, failing which you may have to sit out and wait for another opportunity.
Beng Hai, I am sure, has a game plan in place for all Malaysia's opponents as we have played them so often.
Playing on home ground means high expectations but if Malaysia play to their strengths, the results will follow.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
MHF finally decide on their final 18 for tournament
KUANTAN: The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) have finally decided on their final 18 for the Asia Cup, which starts here today.
The unlucky one to be omitted yesterday was midfielder Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim, who was injured earlier this year and did not play in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup last month.
Thus, the MHF only made three changes to the team that won the silver medal at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh.
The three who got in are Jiwa Mohan, Mohd Fairus Wanasir and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin. The three who were in the Ipoh squad but have been left out are S. Baljit Singh, Mohd Amerullah Abdul Aziz and Khairulnizam Ibrahim.
National interim coach Tai Beng Hai said that their decision was based on the players’ form in training over the last few days.
The Star of Malaysia
What must Malaysia do to do well at the Asia Cup?
By S. Ramaguru
KUANTAN: Consistency and clinical finishing are what Malaysia will have to produce if they plan to do well in the Asia Cup, which begins at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium here today.
The stakes are indeed high for the seven teams – defending champions India, Pakistan, Japan, China, Bangladesh, South Korea and Malaysia – because the winner of the Asia Cup will automatically qualify for next year’s World Cup in New Delhi.
And for the teams who do not win the title, they’ll need to finish in the top five to earn places in the World Cup qualifiers in November.
Thus, from the word go, Malaysia and the other six teams will have little room for mistakes.
What makes this tournament even more intriguing is that at least five teams – Malaysia, India, Japan and former champions Pakistan and South Korea – are capable of making the final.
For Malaysia, three teams stand in their way to a semi-final berth. Those three are their Group A rivals South Korea, Japan and Bangladesh.
Defending champions India, Pakistan and China are in Group B.
National interim coach Tai Beng Hai knows the score and feels that Malaysia have what it takes to get the job done.
Malaysia, who finished second in the recent Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, have made three changes to that team.
Back in the team are experienced midfielder Jiwa Mohan, who quit last year, and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin and goalkeeper Mohd Fairus Wanasir, who have both recovered from their injuries.
Judging from their performance in Ipoh, Malaysia’s problems are simply a lack of ideas up front, poor conversion rate of penalty corners, lapses in defence and an inability to hold on to their lead.
Beng Hai and his assistant Nor Saiful Zaini have done well to improve the players’ fitness level and the players are also showing greater confidence in their set-piece moves.
With Jiwa’s inclusion, the national team will now have another option in the penalty-corner set-pieces. Mohd Amin Rahim remains their main flicker while Engku Abdul Malek is an effective hitter.
Jiwa’s experience and versatility will be an added asset to the team.
But it is the forward line of Ismail Abu, Chua Boon Huat (pic), Tengku Ahmad and Azlan Misron who will carry the burden of getting the goals, if not the penalty corners.
The defence has done well but they have to stay focused for the whole duration of matches and not switch off towards the tail-end of games.
C. Baljit Singh has developed into a good defensive player and his run-outs while defending penalty corners are certainly a plus point.
“Our playing structure is fine and we also have good variations. If the players can execute their moves well I am confident we can beat all the teams here.
“But it is the players who have to carry out our instructions on the pitch and I hope they stick to the game plan,” said Beng Hai.
Malaysia open their campaign against South Korea today, followed by Bangladesh and Japan.
A winning start will be just the right tonic for Malaysia.
And it is not too tall an order considering that the Koreans only began their preparations a month go.
The Koreans always play a fast game and fight till the end. Their playing structure is simple and their counter attacks very effective.
Besides South Korea, India and Pakistan are the other real contenders for the title.
Pakistan have won the Asia Cup three times from 1982, 1985 and 1989 while the Koreans were champions in 1994 and 1999. The last two editions have been won by the Indians.
All said, the best of Asia will be on parade in Kuantan and the winner will get an early chance to seal their World Cup berth.
The Star of Malaysia
Koreans sound early warning to rivals at Asia Cup
KUANTAN: Reigning Asian Games gold medallists South Korea have sounded an early warning to their rivals that they plan to add the Asia Cup to their collection and secure the automatic berth to the 2010 World Cup.
The Koreans have won the Asia Cup twice – in Hiroshima (1994) and Kuala Lumpur (1999).
Coach Lim Jung-woo is confident that his young team will kick off their campaign by bagging all three points when they play Malaysia in the opening tie at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium here today.
The two teams are in Group A with Japan and Bangladesh.
“Our aim is to win the title. And I am sure we can walk away with all three points against Malaysia. Our initial target is the semi-final but there is no reason why we cannot go all the way,” he said after a training session yesterday.
Jung-woo was the coach when they captured the gold medal at the Doha Asian Games in 2006. He made his debut as national coach in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where the Koreans finished fourth.
The former national player said although they had left behind several top players, “those who are in Kuantan are very talented and will be able to handle the pressure”.
“We have a good mix and there are enough experienced players to guide the youngsters. Our preparation has been short but it will not affect us as the players are fit,” he said.
There are only five players in the team with more than 100 caps. They are You Hyo-sik (154 caps), skipper Cha Jong-bok (146), Lee Nam-yong (140), Yoon Sung-hoon (132) and Hong Eun-seong (116).
They have also included three players who will be making their international debuts. They are Park Hyung-bong, Kang Seong-hwan and Lee Suck-ho.
Jung-woo said the oldest player in their squad is 32-year-old Ro Jung-hwan.
After their opening tie against Malaysia, the Koreans will meet Japan on Monday followed by Bangladesh the next day.
But it will be their opening tie against Malaysia which will give a clear indication of the Koreans’ strength.
The Star of Malaysia
South Korea confident of taking title
By Ajitpal Singh
SOUTH Korea, the World No 5, feel are in Kuantan for a walk in the park.
Cho Myung Jun, the newly appointed head coach of South Korea, is confident that his team will win the Asia Cup despite the absence of several stars.
Surprisingly, Myung Jun considers Malaysia, not India or Pakistan, as their biggest threat in the tournament.
The Koreans face Malaysia in their opening Group A match at the Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium today.
"Malaysia are always strong at home. They seem to play at a different level in front of their fans and that is why I rate them higher than Pakistan and India," said Myung Jun, a former Olympian, in Kuantan yesterday.
"In 2007, we fought tooth-and-nail with Malaysia before winning 3-2 in the Champions Trophy in Kuala Lumpur.
"I reckon it will be a tough game tomorrow (today)."
Korea, who finished fourth in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, are without star penalty corner specialist Jang Jong Hyun, World All-Star player Seo Jong Hoo and Kang Sung Jung.
Though the trio are core players, Myung Jun feels that their absence will not weaken the team.
Jong Hyun is not available for the Asia Cup as he is playing in the Dutch League while the other two are recovering from injuries.
In the Korean team, only five players, including captain Cha Jong Bok, have more than 100 caps while the rest have fewer than 50 caps with three players making international debuts.
"We are testing players in the Asia Cup in preparation for the Champions Trophy (in Melbourne, November).
"They are as good as the experienced players. We are here to win," added Myung Jun.
The other teams in the group are Bangladesh and Japan while India, Pakistan and China make up Group B.
The winners of the Asia Cup will gain automatic qualification to next year's World Cup in New Delhi while the second to fourth placed teams will play in the Qualifiers later this year.
Meanwhile, Malaysia's interim coach Tai Beng Hai hopes his players will play to their level best to get a favourable result against the Koreans today.
"We are going all out to win the match. Of course, we need to start cautiously as the Koreans are a top-ranked team. They are fast and strong with their penalty corners.
"As long as my boys play to plan, a favourable result is possible," said Beng Hai, who took over the national team on Jan 4.
Beng Hai decided to pick Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, a forward instead of midfielder Razie Rahim, for the tournament.
"I named 19 players yesterday (Thursday) as the team doctors needed to check the fitness of both players.
"The duo have just recovered from injuries but I decided to name Tengku Ahmad as he was better in training," he said.
The Malaysian Hockey Federation has set a top four target for the team in the Asia Cup and if it is achieved, Beng Hai will be hired full time.
New Straits Times
Madzli out to prove his mettle as captain
IN his 11 years representing Malaysia, only once did Madzli Ikmar Mohd Nor taste victory against the South Koreans.
And this was achieved in the 2007 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, when Malaysia defeated the Koreans 1-0.
Now Madzli, named captain for the Asia Cup, hopes to lead Malaysia to a rare victory over the Koreans in their opening Group A match in Kuantan today.
"It is always tough against the Koreans as they are physically tougher and fast. A favourable result is possible if we remain focused in the match," said Madzli a veteran of 236 international caps.
"I also want to make an impression in the match as captain.
"My teammates also share the same sentiment and want to give their best.
"Malaysian hockey is at a low right now and a good result against a top-five ranked team like Korea will give self belief to the players and also regain the support of the fans. I hope the locals here (Kuantan) will come out and support us."
Madzli was retained as captain for the tournament after having led the team to a second place finish in the recent Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
"I rate Malaysia as having a 50-50 chance of winning tomorrow (today).
"I believe that the absence of several of their stars will affect their game." said the 30-year-old midfielder.
New Straits Times
India aim to revive fortune in Asia Cup
CHENNAI: India's attempts to revive their sagging hockey fortunes, after failing to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, commence in Kuantan (Malaysia) on Saturday when they take on Bangladesh in the eighth Asia Cup.
The seven-nation competition will be India's first meaningful international outing in 14 months after the disaster at the Olympic qualifiers in Santiago, Chile.
Though India were involved in a couple of Test series and a four-nation event at home besides the annual Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournament, the Asia Cup will be the first representative outing since March last year when they finished second behind Britain to miss the Olympic ticket.
As the defending champions, India would no doubt start favourites. However, in the context of developing a new-look team, it would seem that India are still to take the first step.
The Asia Cup squad includes nine players from the 2006 World Cup campaign that saw India finishing 11th among 12 teams, an equal number from the Olympic qualifying tournament side and as many as 11 from the contingent that won the Asia Cup in Chennai in 2007.
The other significant factor is the appointment of Spain's Jose Manuel Brasa as the national coach to take over from Harendra Singh, who was put in charge following the resignation of Joaquim Carvalho in the wake of the Santiago debacle.
Brasa, whose appointment was confirmed a couple of days back, will be in attendance at the Asia Cup. He said before leaving for Kuantan that he was going there to interact with the players and that Harendra would be in charge.
The 2007 Asia Cup witnessed the Indian team, led by Prabodh Tirkey but without the present captain and drag-flicker Sandeep Singh, peaking at the right moment to defeat 2006 World Cup semi-finalists Korea 7-2 in the final.
The Indians this time, too, appear strong enough to repeat the feat, though they need to be wary of the unpredictable Korea, sixth at the Beijing Games, and the ever-dangerous Pakistan who are in the process of rebuilding the squad following their poor showing at the Olympics last year while finishing eighth.
Among the other teams, China and Malaysia look the best and on their day both can be a handful. The Chinese are also in a rebuilding mode and were quite impressive at the 2008 Olympics with their speed and fitness levels though they finished 11th.
India will have to reckon with both Pakistan and China in the preliminary league with Bangladesh being the fourth team in the pool.
Two years ago, India scraped past China 1-0 on a 46th minute Dilip Tirkey goal. China eventually finished fifth, beating Pakistan 3-2 in the play-off while Japan, Malaysia and Korea, along with India, made it to the semi-finals.
Missing from the action this year are Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong-China, who merely made up the numbers in 2007.
The pools (top two to qualify for semi-finals):
Pool A: Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Bangladesh.
Pool B: India, Pakistan, China.
India's matches:
May 9: India vs. Bangladesh;
May 10: India vs. Pakistan ;
May 12: India vs. China ;
May 14: semi-finals; May 16: Final.
The Times of India
Confident India determined to defend Asia Cup hockey title
High on form and confidence after last month's Azlan Shah triumph, defending champion India will start as overwhelming favourites in the seven-nation Asia Cup hockey tournament that gets underway in Kuantan, Malaysia on Saturday.
However, India's road to the title won't be a cakewalk as the event will provide Asia's top hockey nations an opportunity to book their place in the 2010 World Cup to be held in New Delhi.
India, the winners of the title twice in 2003 and 2007, will face stiff competition from South Korea, Malaysia, three-time champions Pakistan, Japan and China, who will be vying for the lone place in the 2010 World Cup available from the tournament.
Although, the eight-time Olympic champions have secured their ticket to the World Cup as the host nation, coach-in-charge Harendra Singh has warned against complacency creeping in among the players and said he won't settle for anything less than gold.
"We are here to win and nothing else matters. As hosts we are assured of a place in the 2010 World Cup. But we want to show that we are the top team in Asia. We want to earn our place as champions. So there is no question of us taking it easy," he said.
Unlike Azlan Shah Cup, the Asia Cup field is more tough and will be a test of character for the Indians and Harendra asserted that consistency is one thing which he would be eyeing in the tournament.
"The field is tough and competition will be more. We have to play consistent hockey throughout the tournament and take one match at a time," he said.
The coach-in-charge said his boys would continue to play attacking hockey as the team boasts of one of the best forward line-ups in world hockey.
He also said that the team has worked upon the grey areas during the training camp in Bhopal, especially on their habit of conceding late goals.
"We have worked on our weaknesses during the training camp and we are confident of rectifying that during the Asia Cup.
According to the International Hockey Federation ranking, India are the third-highest ranked team in the tournament, behind South Korea and Pakistan and Harendra said the Asia Cup triumph will not only act as a motivation for the team, but will also help them climb the ladder in world rankings.
"If we win the Asia Cup we will move up in the world ranking and that will be our motivation."
India will open their campaign against minnows Bangladesh on Saturday and looking at their form and stature in world hockey, the Sandeep Singh-led side would surely eye a big win against their next-door neighbours to give a perfect start to their title defence journey.
Apart from Bangladesh, Pakistan and China are the other two teams in India's Pool B, while South Korea, Malaysia, Japan and Sri Lanka round off Pool B.
Rediff
Asia’s best clash for World Cup berth
Kuantan (Malaysia), May 8: Asia’s top seven hockey nations, led by defending champions India, begin their quest for a place in the 2010 World Cup as the Asia Cup starts on Malaysia’s east coast on Saturday.
The in-form Indian squad, winners of the 2003 and 2007 editions, vie with South Korea as early favourites for the title for the May 9-16 event. However, Malaysia, the former three-time champion, Pakistan, Japan and China are expected to put up a tough fight.
The winner of the tournament will gain an automatic entry to the 2010 World Cup to be held in New Delhi. On the other hand, other teams will have to ensure they finish in the top-five of the tournament to earn a chance for a World Cup berth through the qualifying stage in November.
India, being the host nation, have already secured their ticket, but coach Harendra Singh stressed that his team isn’t taking things lightly in the tournament. "We are here to win and nothing else matters. As hosts we are assured of a place in the 2010 World Cup. But we want to show that we are the top team in Asia. We want to earn our place as champions. So there is no question of us taking it easy," he said.
The Indians come back to Malaysia after their last month Sultan Azlan Shah Cup victory. According to the International Hockey Federation’s ranking, India are ranked third in the tournament behind South Korea and Pakistan.
Pakistan coach Shahid Ali Khan said his team is geared up for the tournament they last won in 1989. "We have recalled four players who were playing in the Netherlands, for this assignment. We want to win here to avoid going through the qualifying session in November," he said. "I believe that we have a much stronger team than the one that played in the Azlan Shah Cup last month," he added.
India, Pakistan and China are in Group B of the Asia Cup, while South Korea head Group A with Malaysia, Japan and Bangladesh.
South Korea, the reigning Asian Games champions and former two-time Asia Cup champions, have a mixed team of youngsters and experienced hands.
"It will not be easy but I feel confident with this group of players. They showed up well in training and we can beat any team on our day. But our aim is to first make the semifinals and go on from there," said Korean coach Lim Jung-woo.
"I would rate Malaysia in our group as one of the contenders while India and Pakistan in Group B will pose a major hurdle as well," he said.
The Asian Age
India hockey team all set for Asia Cup
After winning the Azlan Shah Cup, Indian hockey team is all set to create a hat-trick of Asia Cup titles, writes Sunil Taneja.
These guys don't have any central contract. The poor players don't get match-fees either. Even when they make the nation proud by winning some prestigious tournaments, they have to depend on a hunger-strike to get some reward from the government.
Well! I am not talking about the Zimbabwe cricket team or some sports club (if there is any) in Afghanistan. This is about the national game of the biggest democracy in the world.
This is about the same team which holds the record number of Olympic golds and couldn't qualify for Beijing. And the media called it a national-shame (and it was). But when the same team does well, we hardly care. When they won the Asia Cup 2007, the sports gods of the nation shook hands with the players and offered them tea and biscuits (as if they are the real gods and shaking hand with them is a greater privilege than winning the World Cup).
In 1996, an Indian cricketer, who is a famous TV personality now, was insulted by his skipper in England and took a flight back home. But our hockey stars including the skipper(s) have been feeling sidelined by everyone in the country, and they still love the game. They don't quit playing or return home. Rather, when they return home with the winner's trophy, hardly any camera flashes at the airport.
Our players won a prestigious South-Asian tournament after 15 years, which was a result of their consistent performance over the months, and their former boss merely called it "hardly a victory".
Compare it with 2003 Cricket World Cup where Indian team lost pathetically to Australia in the finals, and a few guys who didn't play even a single match in the whole event, became richer by millions.
The hockey players still don't complain. They have just conquered Malaysia, and are back to the beautiful country to create a hat-trick of conquering Asia. And they can do it. There might be ‘N' number of technical reasons to support this prediction, which many former players would have approved (or rejected) of but the biggest reason I feel is the desire to do something big for the country, for the game, and that too, without expecting much in return. Isn't it a great quality a sportsman has?
India should be proud of such a great bunch which plays for the motherland and not for the number of zeros in the savings account or the ego associated with the tag of being an international player. And here I find the trump card.
Padmashri Dilip Tirkey, for example, is one of the all time greats of the game, and he is one of the most humble guys you will ever meet. Another one is Prabodh Tirkey, the guy who lifted the previous Asia Cup as a captain. But when asked about the captaincy experience in the tournament, the skipper very innocently said, "Mujhe to zyada anubhav nahi hai kaptani ka, jo Dilip bhai ne kaha, humne wohi kiya" (I don't have much experience about captaincy, I just followed Dilip's words).
This is probably the secret of these players - the modesty.
The current squad for the Asia Cup has four former captains - Dilip, Prabodh, Sardar Singh and Tushar Khandekar, and Sandeep Singh is the current skipper. Leave aside the issue of leading the team, Sardar Singh, just a few days ago, said that he respected Sandeep both as a player and as a captain. Hence, it can be assumed that the veterans like Prabhjot Singh, Arjun Halappa must be concentrating only on their game.
Prabhjot Singh is the same guy who scored as many as 15 goals in the seven matches of previous Asia cup. The magical left-out from Masania, a small village near Batala, also scored a goal in the 2003 triumph against Pakistan.
If India have forwards like Prabhjot and Rajpal, they have solid defense as well with the skipper himself all set to be a barrier, and in the able company of the great wall of Indian hockey -- Dilip Tirkey.
Besides, there are need some variety -- V. Raghunath will be more than happy to oblige. India's midfield gain its strength from the passionate Sardar, Prabodh, Vikram Pilley and when the opponents will advance, all eyes will be on the sober Baljit Singh or the stylist Adrian D'Souza -- two very hard-working goalies.
The guys look all set for this mega event and bring home the Asia Cup yet again.
And it is time to wish them luck as they really deserve it.
Whether we have voted in the Parliamentary elections or not, but we will be the real ‘pappus' if we still keep ignoring our national game and its treasures.
The people will certainly not see any beautiful bollywood celebrity or the charmingly dressed cheer-leaders in the Asia cup matches, but one thing will be surely visible - a lot of blood and sweat, which would be not for the dollars but for the country.
ESPNStar.com
England Hockey Announces Men's Junior World Cup Squad
England has announced its 18-athlete squad to play at the 2009 Men’s Junior World Cup in Singapore and Malaysia in June 2009. The young side, which has an average age of just under 19, will also play Germany’s U21 men in three fixtures this week as their preparation for the competition in the Far East continues.
Rewarding a number of the players that helped England qualify for the Junior World Cup (JWC), Head Coach David Ralph has included nine members of the England U21 side that finished fifth at the EuroHockey Junior Nations Championships last July, while eleven members of the talented young side also played in the Great Britain Youth team that won bronze at the 2009 Australian Youth Olympic Festival in January.
Loughborough Students is the best represented club with eight of the 18 athletes coming from the Premier Division club while their 20-year-old midfielder Nick Catlin is the only player to have played senior international hockey having made two appearances for Great Britain as part of the men’s training squad prior to the Beijing Olympic Games.
Furthering hockey’s family-friendly image, 21-year-old goalkeeper Ian Scanlon is joined in the squad by his younger brother Martin, 19.
Speaking openly about the challenges his side will face, Head Coach David Ralph says, “The 2009 Junior World Cup will provide some major challenges for the squad. Not only do we face some of the top 20 junior teams in the World but the physical demands of the tournament will be tough as well. A gruelling schedule means we face nine games in 14 days and the environmental conditions will be unlike any that the players have experienced previously.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the players to experience a major global tournament in conditions similar to those frequently experienced by the senior teams.”
Talking about his team’s prospects in Singapore and Malaysia, Ralph is cautiously optimistic: “While we are a very young squad and we face some tough challenges but we are also very excited by this prospect and confident that we have some exciting talent within the squad to compete at this level.”
The England U21 squad for the 2009 Junior World Cup is as follows:
Name (Club)
Ben Arnold (Beeston)
James Bailey (Old Loughtonians)
David Beckett (Loughborough Students)
Nick Catlin (Loughborough Students)
David Condon (Loughborough Students)
Richie Dawson-Smith (Bowdon)
Marc Edwards (Loughborough Students)
Simon Faulkner (Loughborough Students)
Chris Gregg (Loughborough Students)
Chris Griffiths (Stourport)
Ed Kelleher (Reading)
Johnny Kinder (Fareham)
Sam Middleton (Bournville)
Ian Scanlon (Hampstead & Westminster)
Martin Scanlon (Loughborough Students)
Ben Tibble (Surbiton)
Henry Weir (Loughborough Students)
Tom Woods (University of Exeter)
England U21 Fixtures v Germany, 7-10 May 2009
Date – Opposition – Time - Location
Thursday 7 May 2009 - v Germany U21 Men - 1800hrs - Bisham Abbey, England
Saturday 9 May 2009 - v Germany U21 Men - 1600hrs - Bisham Abbey, England
Sunday 10 May 2009 - v Germany U21 Men - 1100hrs - Bisham Abbey, England
England U21 Junior World Cup Fixtures – 7-21 June 2009 – Round One*
Date – Opposition – Time - Location
Sunday 7 June 2009 - v Malaysia - 1930hrs (local) - Johore, Malaysia
Tuesday 9 June 2009 – v Spain - 1930hrs (local) - Johore, Malaysia
Thursday 11 June 2009 – v USA - 1730hrs (local) - Johore, Malaysia
Friday 12 June 2009 – v Korea - 1700hrs (local) - Johore, Malaysia
*England’s results in round one will determine whether they progress to a medal pool or non-medal pool for round two from Sunday 14 June.
England Hockey Media release
U18s pound the pitch and pavement
Scotland’s U18 women pound the pitch and pavement this weekend in Glasgow as they take on Ireland in two training matches before running the women’s Ignis Asset Management 10K.
“Ireland is strong competition for us to host matches against in order to make our final selection down to 20. The last time we played them in a test series it was close,” said coach Rhona Simpson.
The squad take the pitch Friday 8th May at 19:00 and Saturday 9th May at 14:30, both at Bellahouston. Playing Ireland almost a year ago, alongside the Senior Celtic Cup in Cork, Scotland won 1-0, drew 0-0 and was ahead 1-0 in the final match before it was called off due to bad weather.
No doubt players will be giving their all this weekend to make the final cut. Not only is it on the pitch where Scotland’s athletes are being tested, Simpson is ensuring a fit squad by incorporating team fitness regimes like charity 10K runs.
“It’s part of their training and understanding of what is expected of them at top level. Players need to push themselves and challenge their fitness on and off the pitch. They’ve been doing 40 minute runs in training so it should be routine,” added Simpson.
The run is a different opportunity to improve fitness in a team setting but provides a fundraising platform. The girls not only have the option to raise money for various charities of their choice but also funding for their squad. The women’s Ignis Asset Management 10K starts near Nithsdale Road at 10am on Sunday and leads the team right back where they started: Bellahouston.
Squad details:
McAdam, Elizabeth, Watsonians
Johnstone, Jennifer, GHK
Liu, Amy, Bellahouston School of Sport
Wilson, Alex, Cala Edinburgh
Elder, Heather, Haddington HC
Thompson, Anna, Cala Edinburgh
Black, Caitlin, Hillhead HC
Gardner, Katie, Glasgow Western
Collins, Robyn, Glasgow Western
Pike, Nicole
Fleming, Louise, Giffnock HC
Bruce, Fiona, Glasgow Western
Malcolm, Rachel, Glasgow Western
Lowrey, Nicola, Glasgow Western
Howie, Alison, Glasgow Western
McInally, Stephanie, Hillhead HC
Hall, Kerry, Cala Edinburgh
Johnstone, Daniele, Cala Edinburgh
Sprott, Blair, Cala Edinburgh
Wilson, Kirsty, Glasgow Western
Marshall, Becky, Glasgow Western
Stafford, Heather,
Moffett, Ruth, Glasgow Western
Murray, Rebecca, Granite City Wanderers
Scottish Hockey Union media release
'IOA can't hold merger talks'
NEW DELHI/BANGALORE: With the September deadline to Hockey India - by merging the men’s and women’s federations - hanging over its head, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) needs to act fast to convince the International Hockey Federation (FIH) that all is well with the game in the country.
The IOA officials are not willing to reveal much about the merger, but sources in the adhoc committee said that elections for Hockey India is the next step for IOA, something which has made some member associations cry foul.
Karnataka State Hockey Association secretary K Krishnamurthy claimed that the merger should be effected after elections to the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF).
"We came to know that the IOA has called the IWHF officials for a meeting to discuss the merger of the IHF and IWHF. The merger can only be performed by the elected representatives of the two bodies and not the IOA," Krishnamurthy told TOI.
"There is definitely a need to merge the two federations, but that is something only the stakeholders can initiate. The IOA is exceeding its brief by wanting to conduct a dialogue with the IWHF on the matter of merger," he added.
"Election to the IHF is of paramount importance now... but the first corrective step would be to conduct elections. It is imperative that the country’s hockey is run by the IHF and not the IOA," he said.
The adhoc committee members were not available for comment.
The Times of India
National camp probables reduced to 27
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) selection committee has reduced the national camp probables for the Junior World Cup to 27. The selection committee, under chief selector Hassan Sardar, met at Nasir Bunda Hockey Stadium here on Friday. Selectors Khalid Bashir, Mohammad Shafique and Farhat Khan also participated in the short-listing process. Former Olympian Shehnaz Sheikh and former Pakistan captain Shahbaz Ahmed Senior visited the camp to watch the ongoing training. Besides selecting 20 players out of 36, the committee also considered 7 players who are currently engaged with the senior team that is taking part in the 8th Asia Cup in Malaysia.
Short-listed players are:
Goalkeepers: Imran Butt, Imran Shah. Full-backs: Aamir Shahzad, Kashif Ali, Wasif Siddique, and Khalid Bhatti. Half-backs: Muhammad Atique, Usman Tariq, Mohsin Bilal, Mohammad Rashid, Sabtain Raza, Zeeshan Ali, and Zaheer Ahmed. Forwards: Muhammad Toufique, Umar Bhutta, Inayatullah, Muhamad Zubair, Muhammad Rizwan, Azlan Khan and Haseem Akhtar. The players who will return to the junior side are: Muhammad Irfan, Shafqat Rasool, Haseem Khan, Fareed Ahmed, Waqas Sharif, Abbas Haider and Waqas Akbar.
The Daily Times
PHF shortlists 20 players for Hockey Junior World Cup
By Imran Ali Teepu
ISLAMABAD: With only slim chances of placing well in the upcoming junior hockey World Cup, Pakistan Hockey Federation on Friday short listed 20 players for the mega event.
Announcing names of junior players, Hasan Sardar, chief selector of the PHF, informed media: ‘We have selected 19 top performers for the second round of the training camp and final squad will be announced on May 22.’
The second phase of trails will start in Lahore from May 19.
The next month’s Junior World Cup will be co-hosted by Singapore and Malaysia and is slated to be held from June 7-21.
Pakistan is placed in group A in the event along with Argentina, Russia, Egypt and Belgium.
Pakistani team will play its first match against Russia on June 7.
Six junior players, he said, were currently attached with the senior team to play the upcoming Asia Cup.
The former Olympian said: ‘Six players will join the training camp after conclusion of the Asia Cup.’
Shafqat Rasool, Haseem Khan, Fareed Ahmed, Waqas Sahrif, Abbas Haider and Mohammad Irfan are currently assigned with the national team.
Hasan accepted that they were facing difficulty in getting new talent.
‘Unfortunately the stuff is not there but the federation is consistently working on grooming the young talent and setting the hockey academies is part of the junior development programme’ he said.
Meanwhile, Khwaja Junaid, chief coach, added: ‘We will play two warm up matches in Malaysia days before the start of the tournament.’
‘Our focus is to win and to put up a strong show in the upcoming event’ he concluded.
Players:
(Goal Keepers) Imran Butt, Imran Shah, (Full Backs) Amir Shehzad, Kashif Ali, Wasif Sddiqui, Khalid Bhatti, Mohammad Attique, Usman Tariq, (Half Backs) Mohsin Bilal, Sibain Raza, Zeeshan Ali, Zeeshan Ahmed, Mohammad Rashid, (Forwards) Mohammad Toufeeq, Umar Bhutta, Hasan Akhtar, Inayat ullah, Mohammad Zubair, Azlan Khan, Mohammad Rizwan.
dar watches a practice session of the junior hockey team.
Dawn