IndianHockey

WSH set new global benchmarks for hockey

WSH set new global benchmarks for hockey

“A SPORTING property can claim success if it delivers on three basic sets of parameters: It offers a conduit for finding and rewarding the talent that exists in a sport, the quality of competition on display has to be world class, it brings new audiences into the game.” That was Indian Premier League CEO Sundar Raman explaining where his primary responsibility as the IPL organiser lay.

Do a critical review of the recently concluded World Series Hockey, the joint initiative between the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and Nimbus Sport, and all the boxes will perforce be ticked in the affirmative. The reference to IPL is important because world cricket’s biggest annual jamboree was the first sports league to come out of India that had global ambitions in the way it was presented and delivered. The WSH represents Act II in India’s transition to a market that can deliver best in class in the sporting arena.

And with 31.136 million having tuned in (Tam Sports CS 4+ yrs, All India) to the tournament, WSH has clearly not only engaged die-hard hocky fans, but brought in new viewers to the sport. And this was the case in the stadia as well.

As Yannick Colaco, COO Nimbus Sport, pointed out to SportzPower in an accompanying interview, “Matches in Mumbai, Bhopal, Bengaluru and Pune were played to packed stadiums, with 3000 fans in the semi-final in Bangalore returning back from the stadium to watch at home as tickets were sold out.”

Vinit Karnik, national director - Entertainment, Sports & Live Events, GroupM ESP, who convinced his client Bridgestone to take up the title rights to the event, was equally effusive. “From a hockey point of view, it was a great beginning. It was a well mounted and executed league. Nimbus did a good job promoting the tournament. Interview with Nimbus Sport Chief Operating Officer Yannick Colaco

“Bridgestone as a title sponsor is extremely happy with the way the tournament shaped up and will continue to back this initiative by IHF-Nimbus.”

In the end, the WSH’s success delivered a slap in the face not so much to Hockey India, whose every reaction to the intiative was only directed at trying to ensure that an event mounted by a rival claimant to suzerainty over Indian hockey was stillborn, but to the International Hockey Federation (FIH), which should have stayed neutral in regards to what by any yardstick was a positive development for world hockey.

It will be interesting to see the stance FIH takes when WSH has its second season, as it is not just Indian hockey that has been reinvigorated by the tournament, but the kind of money the international stars have made will no doubt have got players from all over the world talking. As Colaco pointed out, “It was disappointing that some of the national players could not participate in WSH despite having signed contracts with us. While all those who missed out this year have confirmed that they want to play next year, their participation in WSH 2 will depend solely on their performance, form and the “hockey” value that they bring to the event. Similarly, we have received requests from top international players from Germany, Australia, Netherlands and Spain who all want to be part of WSH 2. Whether we offer them contracts or not will be again depend on the same parameters.”

Kingshuk Gupta, director, Sporting Ace, and owners of the WSH franchise Karnataka Lions, is however, not quite so blasé about the matter. Gupta sees the non-participation of national hockey players and the problems between HI and WSH as the biggest challenges that will confront WSH 2. Said Gupta, “Non-participation of Indian national hockey players and the problems between HI and WSH remain the big worries.Hopefully, after the Olympics, Indian players will join WSH.”

Gupta says he thoroughly enjoyed his first experience as a franchise owner. “It was wonderful. As I used to travel with the team for their matches, experiencing winning moments, being part of the unit, was all a unique experience. I got to learn a lot of things from the tour.”

Sabbas Joseph, director Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, the owners of the Delhi Wizards franchise made a more business oriented assessment: “It (WSH) was a very positive experience.The organizers and all others were committed, and wanted to promote the event. Excitement levels were high. As the series moved forward, there were viewership increased,and even the grounds were filled.”

Looking ahead to the next season, Gupta said, “Hopefully the Indian national hockey players will play for the coming series of WSH. The younger boys playing in WSH have shown potential and we have a lot of confidence in them. Hopefully they will continue with it in future and take hockey onto the next level.

“The crowds in Karnataka were great and very supportive. We hope the second edition will be even more successful.”

Joseph said he wanted the entertainment quotient of the event in the next edition to be upped a notch. Joseph averred, “We would try to bring more amount of entertainment, try to develop more interest and develop the talent at grass root level, which are really the sole motives for us as a corporate to be associated with the tournament.

When comparisons with IPL and cricket are thrown up, Gupta is quick to respond: “Cricket is a different game, no comparisons. I think there should be other games at second and third place like hockey and football which should be followed. Crowds are supportive. It’s just that the different sports communities should come back with something like WSH and IPL to build the particular sport.

WSH is very different and has given a new perspective to the way hockey is being played. It’s a great platform for the younger players to showcase their talent.

Added Joseph, “Audiences are experiencing a different sport and they are liking it.”

Asserts Colaco, “WSH 2 will be bigger, better and grander. Now that we’ve successfully established the platform, we will work tirelessly to accelerate the growth of the property and continue to set new global benchmarks for the sport of hockey.”

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

More short corners need of hour: Sandeep

More short corners need of hour: Sandeep

Shivani Naik : Mumbai, Fri May 11 2012: The Olympic hockey test event at the Riverside Arena in London last week was a reality check for the Indian team in more ways than one.

Apart from the unfamiliar blue turf and the superiority of the opposition, the players also found it hard to crack the defence and earn those precious penalty corners that they rely on.

“Especially against defences like Germany, it became very difficult to find penalty corner chances,” said Sandeep Singh, who was used sparingly in the last two games at the four-nation event, at the sidelines of a promotional event. “It’ll be challenging to create those chances, and against a side like defending Olympic champions Germany, we might get only one or two,” he added.

While the turf blues are expected to ease out as the Indian hockey team traverses across the globe — from Malaysia (Azlan Shah tournament) to Spain (6 Tests) and France (2 Tests) — before culminating at London and the team gets used to tougher opposition than what they came up against in the Olympic qualifiers in February, it’s the lack of PCs that remain a concern, even as silly mistakes and an indifferent defence have emerged as the immediate apprehensions.

What has offered some solace is that, once the Indians get a chance, they manage to to put one past the opposition more often than not. “Our conversion rate is over 65-70 per cent, which is very encouraging. Holland’s is 30-35 per cent,” Sandeep, who had hammered in 16 during the qualifiers against lesser teams, stated.

In London, the Indians earned four in their four games and converted three — all against Great Britain (4-2 in the league loss, and 2-1 in the bronze playoff), with Raghunath managing two and Sandeep one. The only other goal came via Shivendra Singh’s conversion — an early surprise lead against the Germans during the 2-1 loss. “Indians have always been known to not have that great a penalty corner record, but that will change this time,” Sandeep added.

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

Twenty games on blue turf sufficient before London Olympics: Khandker

Twenty games on blue turf sufficient before London Olympics: Khandker Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, May 10: INDIAN coach Michael Nobbs and Australian Ric Charlesworth might have criticised the ‘Blue Monster’ turf at London Test Event but Indian striker Tushar Khandker finds no evil in the blue-pink rectangle on which hockey matches would be played during Olympics.

The Indian forward felt that 15-20 games on blue turf would be enough for India to get used to it.

After SV Sunil, Khandker too gave the new turf a thumbs up. “It was a good experience. We played for the first time on the blue turf. Unfortunately we couldn’t win any game but we played really well. The way we performed in qualifiers, we played the same way at the London test event. The result was not in our favour but the performance was good,” said Khandker while talking exclusively to ‘The Hitavada’ from Bhopal.

Khandker said the team had no difficulty in sighting the yellow ball on blue turf but added that the turf was a bit slippery.

“Frankly speaking, there was no problem in sighting the ball as such but yes the new turf was a bit slippery. The turf was new and hence it was a bit slow and had a little bounce too. But that’s how any new turf behaves,” he said. The Indian forward admitted that there was an issue with the turf regarding the ball moving fast on one side and getting slow while moving on the opposite.

“That problem was there. I don’t know the technical part of how the turf was laid but yes the ball used to move fast at some area. We had to hit the ball with a bit of more power so that it reaches the player in proper time. That was the only problem.” India would be playing around 15 games on the blue turf before Olympic begins in July end and Khandker feels that it would be enough to prepare for the quadrennial event. India would be playing seven games at Sultan Azlan Shah Tournament then will travel to France for a six-match Test series and then will play two matches with Spain. All the matches would be played on blue turf.

“Why leave the four matches we played at London Test event. I think 20-odd matches would be sufficient. Above all we would be playing against top countries. That would be of great help. It’s not that we will be playing against lowly-ranked team. “At Sultan Azlan Shah we would be playing Great Britain, Korea, Argentina, New Zealand and Pakistan. Then we will be going to play France and Spain. They all are top teams and it would be a good preparation for us. Twenty games against top teams would be good enough I think. Then we will be practising on the blue turf,” said Khandker.

The Indian forward doesn’t want to buy the theory that India should have played more games on the blue turf. “That’s not my concern. It’s not in my hand and I don’t have a choice. My job is to play for the country, give 100 per cent whatever the colour of the pitch,” asserted Khandker.

India failed to earn much short corners during the London Test event and the two time world cupper admitted that it was an area of concern.

“Yes, we forwards failed to earn much short corners for Sandeep (Singh) and Raghunath but in the coming tournaments we would work hard and try to give more opportunities to our drag flickers. We will work hard and wipe out this problem,” concluded Khandker.

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

New initiative to promote school hockey

New initiative to promote school hockey

On the lines of EPL and IPL, Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA) have come up with a new concept to promote hockey at school level.

Presently, the tournament, Super Hockey League, is being played on an experimental basis for two days (May 8 and 9) at Bandra’s St Stanislaus High School grounds with six U-14 teams split in to two groups participating in it.

The pool ‘A’ has teams from outside Mumbai - Pune Lions, Thane Strykers and Nashik Panthers - while pool ‘B’ comprises Mumbai sides - Mumbai Tigers, Mumbai Zions and Mumbai Wizards.

The concept is the brain child of MSSA secretary N Chandrashekhar and two other hockey enthusiasts. “The two-day event is just an experiment for the future league. It has gone well so far. We are planning to have a league at the all-India level to promote hockey in December,” said Chandrashekhar.

All the six teams have different owners. The concept is a bit different from the usual. The owner doesn’t have to shell out big sums of money. They only need to provide kit and take care of the welfare of the players. Also, the teams have been divided on a lottery system. “Since it is just a beginning, we decided to give the teams to hockey enthusiasts who could look after their respective teams. To have balanced teams we had organised a lottery system and that’s how the players were divided,” said Chandrashekhar. “The MSSA is fully supportive of it.”

Results: Pune Lions 1 drew Thane Strykers 1; Mumbai Tigers bt Mumbai Zions 1; Pune Lions 8 bt Nasik Panthers 1; Mumbai Tigers 0 drew Mumbai Wizards 0; Thane Strikers 3 bt Nasik Panthers 2

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

Malaysian Success Story: Part II Dharmaraj: “I hate to lose’

Malaysian Success Story: Part II
Dharmaraj: “I hate to lose’
Foresees big picture for Malaysia:

If self-belief is the secret mantra of success, this man has it enough.

Malaysian coach Dharmaraj believed in his team, and the team did not belie his hopes. Normally, a title victory in a Junior category tournament should not be so big but if it comes in two decades, there is something in it to sit up and take note of. This is the stage at which Malaysian hockey relishes right now.

But Dharamaraj, the successful coach, analyses past of Malaysia, and feels it is caught by the mental block, of not elevating themselves to top spot, ever willing to wallop in mediocrity. He opines that if Malaysia has to strike big, which it deserve, it has to aim big, dream big.

“I cannot get up in the morning, do hard work on the field knowing well my team is going to lose. The winning mentality had been conspicuous by its absence in us for long. This is how we national players in Malaysia are sadly saddled with in our entire international life. We played for so many years knowing we are not going to win”, Dharamraj dwelt deep into the life and times of his Malaysian career. .

“This has to go now,and forever”, he advocates a pro-active image for the country.

“For me, to achieve a pre-set target is not everything. That is only academic. For example, qualifying for the Delhi Jr. World Cup may be target for many, but to me its not. Its winning the title. Unless you win big, nobody is going to take you note of, the players’ toil will go unnoticed. Today my country sees in us a winning trait, it was achieved not because we qualified for the Jr. World Cup. Its because we won the title. This is what we should aim, do and execute if we want to get rid of mediocre past, and stride into the new era”, he says.

At the same time, Dharamaraj knows top notch victories in Asia, where India, Korea and Pakistan still are super powers is not easy, but surmountable.

Once you instill confidence in the boys, transformation will be terrific. I openly said my target is title, not just qualification. My boys delivered. Now perhaps you cannot stop them, they are already role models, known faces in the country”, elated coach elaborates.

Those close to him concur that big dream should befit ruthless training, control the minds and body of the players, strict screening of talent etc.

“There were so many obstacles. I was pulled down by many, a section of officials, coaches etc. Many of them could even stop some players training. At the same time, I believed in my work, and kept working on the talent. I gave enough chances to prove every players who came to me. But once I felt a particular player does not suit my plan, I did not mind chasing them away”.

“Yes, I may have left out about 30 players by now, and its no longer a worry because I gave them enough chances to improve, too”.

“At the same time, not many coaches would have dared to persist, groom and focus on talent like Mohd Syamim Mohd Yusof, who went on to score the winner against India in the semis. Suffice to say, my patience paid off”, Dharmaraj introspects.

Dharam took over Project 2013 squad midway through 2009. It was a good concept which after the Jr. Asia Cup success, is fast becoming an object of envy for those who eye true development of sport.

However, there are always wheels within wheels. Support, both moral and physical, came in fits and starts. Some section pushed them to corner, not willing to accord the kind of support the concept legitimately deserved.

Now those hurdles are thing of past. However, what hurts me even now is, attitude of people not to take us seriously, and even come out with comments when we showed results on the turf.

When the colts did reasonably won or drew many matches in Spain and Poland, those were dismissed as winning clubs, without ever knowing those were the national junior sides preparing for the European Cup.

Even when the team won the senior cadre SEA Games, it did not elicit any open appreciation.

“We were in the finals of the AHF Cup in Burma after defeating India in our league. We lost to Pakistan in the final. Yet, what we heard was top officials telling, India did not send first team like that”.

“We discussed all these in the team meetings, and motivated the boys. They were mentally hardened to deliver”.

Dharma feels Malaysia should aim qualification of Olympics, and it should be by becoming Asian Champions.

“If we have to realize our potential, it should be in our own territory first. Why to fall back to Qualifier cesspool when we can take the first route, of winning Asian Games?”.

“Even today, Malaysia’s focus should be 2016 Asian Games, win it, and thus qualify for the Rio De Jeneiro Olympics”.

Former Malaysian star, stylist Mirnawan Nawami, now sports a new role as manager, echoes.

“Yes. Motivating the players is vital. Its mind that delivers. Once you inspire these young minds they turn out unstoppable, invincible. I told the boys before the all important final, give your best. The injury if you get today while tackling and giving your best, will heal. But if we lost without offering good fight, or giving our best the sadness will live your life time”.

Its not only the question of motivating the players, but also entire team that stands by, namely the other coaches and pros.

Simply put it, Malaysians try to match hardwork and vision to inspiration, and Dharmaraj is lucky to have a bunch of hardened support in Azlan Baker, Gopinathan (another international of fame), Natarajan (former international goalie), Dr. Saju Joseph, an all rounder who can handle general training, video analyst, in addition to his professional field of bio-mechanics. Saju, in fact was part of many Indian teams, especially juniors, for almost a decade. He was there when India won its first Asia Cup in 2004, and now with another winning team, Malaysia.

“Availing services of professionals are must. Its easy to correct and improvise techniques of players with their inputs, its quicker and lethal’ says Dharma, whose winning mantra is trust people, and a right support staff is as vital as right players.

Composure will be the key for India in the semifinal face off

Composure will be the key for India in the semifinal face off

India has a mountain to climb when it faces off inform Malaysia in the first semifinals of the seventh Asia Cup underway in Malacca, Malaysia.

Despite having some wonderful talents in its arsenal, India has somewhat been sedate at times, less opportunistic in the circle, and seems to be brittle too. India was lucky to draw Pakistan – their second goal that sealed the fate of the match was freak one, tripping between the legs of the goalie, and got unsighted before just crossing the dreaded white line in the cage — and then China encounter was a touch and go affair.

Malaysia on the other hand is consistent, though it must be conceded that after securing the semis berth, it struggled against Japan.

What would help Malaysia is the home crowd and the confidence of the team. There is crowd here, there is an atmosphere here. Each goal the home team tried, struck, missed reverberate with wide reaction, and the crowd is vocal, enthusiastic and has that great potential to turn even a mundane into something vibrant. Malaysia is a vibrant side, though young the boys have been together for quite some years, and are battled hardened.

I don’t think any other Asian junior team would have traveled and gained experience as much as the Malaysians. Both at home and away. India too spend quite a lot of energy and money on the juniors but all the good works fall flat when the team is selected.

That’s why we have an experienced outfit in Malaysia and the reverse with respect to the India which somehow seeks to make a hat-trick.

It is not to say India does not have in it what it takes to make a match of it today.

If somehow the Malaysia does not score in the first phase, say within 20 minutes or so, and if the Indian defence would be able to contain their really good forwards, which is certainly a task in itself to Amit Rohidas and company, Malaysia in this situation has to show enormous composure to come out of the crowd pressure. At this stage either you outgun or lose steam.

Its here India has the advantage. It can play a wait and watch game. There is no pressure on them as they are surely Thursday’s underdogs.

Encounters of these two countries have of late been very much explosive, as we have seen in the Johor Cup’s last league match.

India, despite taking the first goal, did not show enough sportsmanship, even a scorer showing off to the crowd in bad taste, and then when confronted with a few umpiring decisions which they thought were not correct, lost the cool. And with that the match.

India need to show its magnanimity and sporting values especially when confronts the hosts on the turf.

Mukesh Kumar’s team in Johor Cup did not rise to the standard expected, it was somewhat indisciplined, lost out on mental inability and arrogance. It went perhaps went overboard after defeating Pakistan comprehensively before engaging the hosts.

The Indian team here in Malacca certainly scores better on these counts. There is no crowding of the umpires, less individualistic, but is short of experience. For most Indians here its their maiden international tournament.

Most of them are of course standbys when the Sultan of Johor Cup was selected.

It shows. Forwards panic and fumble at the open cage, and then the penalty corner is again an Achilles heel.

Simply put it, India needs to play a patient game, wait for their chances, leaving their rivals to act.

If India can maintain its mental composure, they can make a match of it. Else, Malaysia are the clean favourites

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

Indian Express: Jadhav’s heroics in vain

Jadhav’s heroics in vain

Western Railway defeated Union Bank of India by nine runs in a Group ‘B’ match of the Police Commissioner’s Twenty20 D/N Cup played at the Police Gymkhana ground, Marine Drive.

Western bowled well to defend their total of 162/8 from their 20 overs by restricting Union Bank of India (UBI) to 153 for eight from their quota of overs.

Batting first, Western lost an early wicket, but thereafter managed to make steady progress as their No.3 Vinayak Bohir made a timely half-century (51) to lift Western’s innings and set UBI a challenging target to win.

In reply, Union Bank had things under control with their one-drop batsman Sanket Jadhav on top of the bowling and striking the ball well to gave the innings the much need momentum. However, Jadhav, who scored an unbeaten 69, received little support from the other batsmen and as a result UBI fell short by nine runs.

Income Tax were beaten quite comfortably by Mumbai Port Trust in an earlier match. Rohit Pawar scored an unbeaten 53, and with support from Sanjeev Shrivastav’s 37 saw his team home with eight balls to spare. Income Tax only scored 129 in their 20 overs, and Port Trust cruised to victory losing just five wickets.

Brief Scores: Group B: Western Railway 162 for 8 in 20 overs (Vinayak Bohir 51) bt Union Bank of India 153 for 8 in 20 overs (Sanket Jadhav 69 n.o.); Group A: Income Tax 129 all out in 18.5 overs (Ajitesh Argal 32) lost to Mumbai Port Trust 130 for 5 in 18.4 overs (Rohit Pawar 53 n.o., Sanjeev Shrivastav 37).

Five star win for Karnatak SA

Karnatak Sporting Association (KSA) were in cracking form as they handed Intelenet SC a crushing 5-0 defeat in a Super Division match of the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) league at the St Xavier’s ground, Parel on Tuesday.

Dominating the proceedings from the outset, KSA raced to a 2-0 first half lead and later added three in the second session to complete the opponents’ demolition. Melwyn Pereira, Wilfred Pereira, Gilroy Aranha, Saad Ansari and Nigerian Uchenna Arihi, all contributed a goal each towards the victory.

Earlier, G M Franco East Indians received a walkover after Mumbai United did not turn up for their match.

Results: Super Div: KSA 5 (Melwyn Pereira, Wilfred Pereira, Gilroy Aranha, Saad Ansari, Uchenna Arihi) bt Intelenet SC 0.

Malcolm saves the day

Malcolm Patel’s heroics under the bar, especially in the crucial tie-breaker, helped his team overcome Warriors SC 4-2 and advance to the semi-finals of the MHA organized S D Biwandiwalla Cup Memorial hockey tournament at the MHA Stadium, Churchgate on Tuesday. There was not much to separate the two teams in this engrossing quarter-final contest, which ended goalless. And it was Catholic Gymkhana’s goalkeeper who proved to be the difference between the two teams in the end. However, in the ensuing penalty strokes duel, Catholic Gym held their nerves and successfully converted their first four attempts. In contrast, Warriors could only convert two of their attempts as goalkeeper Patel stopped the other two, to seal Catholic Gym’s passage to the last four on a day he will always remember.

Results: 2nd round: Catholic Gymkhana 4 (Gavin Vandrine, Sandeep Patelia, Arthur Castelino, Sheldon Fernandes) bt Warriors SC 2 (Joginder Singh, Roxy Rodrigues) via the tie-breaker.

Carmel rink hockey from May 9

The Carmel Sports Committee in collaboration with Kripa Foundation will be organising the annual Mt Carmel Invitation Floodlit Rink Hockey Tournament at the Mt Carmel Church compound from May 9-12.

The five-a-side tournament will feature a men’s and women’s section and will feature some of the best teams in the city like Western Railway, Mumbai Customs and Union Bank of India playing alongside top club teams like Companeroes, Bombay Republicans, Rebels Sports Club and Sea View. Both sections will be played on a ‘knockout’ format with the finals to be held on May 12. Each match will be played over a short 20 minute duration for women and 30 minute duration for men.

Participating teams: Women: Rhema SC, Khalsa College, F-United, Marcelinians, Sea View SC, Western Railway; Men: Western Railway, Khalsa College, Sea View Brothers, Catholic Gymkhana, Companeroes, Freunds, Boscoites, Hockey Santacruz, Mumbai Customs, Union Bank, SAISA, Rebels, Abhi Foundation, Rhema, Bombay Republicans, Wenden Carters.

Mixed day for Pune, Thane

Both Pune Lions and Thane Strikers had a mixed day out in the Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) under-14 hockey tournament at St Stanislaus School in Bandra on Tuesday. For starters, they could not be separated when they met each other in the competition, with the match finishing in a 1-1 draw. Anand Pawar scored for the Lions while Pradeep Vahle found the back of the wooden cage for Thane

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

Times of India: Nobbs keen to launch a national talent spotting program

Nobbs keen to launch a national talent spotting program

PTI

MALACCA (Malaysia): India hockey team coach Michael Nobbs said that he plans to visit every nook and corner of India to spot talented youngsters, who can be groomed to play for the country.

Stating that it was necessary to launch a nationwide campaign to look out for the talent pool, Nobbs said, “Since I took over I have been busy with the national team preparation. Once the Olympics is over, I will focus on real talent resources of the country.

“But for that we need to go to those places where talent is being nurtured by various parties.”

Nobbs, who has directly flown down here from London after the Olympic Test event was over, to watch the junior Indian players, said that he would need the help of coaches like Baljit Singh Saini and Md. Riaz to find out the real talent.

“With the assistance of young and upcoming coaches like Baljit Singh Saini and Md. Riaz and others, I plan to visit every hockey academy and centre in India to see the guys there. If there is good talent, which I hope there is, we will invite the players to come for focussed training.

“This could take almost a year, but it is worth it,” said Nobbs.

Citing that the reason for Indian hockey lagging behind in the world despite having a number of talented players is the fact that they are not spotted at the young age, Nobbs said “spotting talent early is prerequisite in creating a strong foundation”.

“We need to focus on future. We need to develop three good teams in each category. Sitting in a centralised place, watching and grooming only a particular set of players won’t serve our long-term interests,” insisted Nobbs.

“First and foremost step is to know the extent of player resources in the country, and their talent level.

“Authorities in India are favourable to this type of survey and talent hunting, and with young coaches at our disposal, the task should not be a problem,” he added

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

Deccan Herald: Sanwar, Jaspreet star as IAF win big

Sanwar, Jaspreet star as IAF win big

Sanwar Ali and Jaspreet struck a brace each as Indian Air Force (IAF) crushed Fortis 6-1 in the Ozone Group - KSHA National Hockey League championship at the KSHA stadium on Tuesday.

This was IAF ’s second win and they now have six points from nine matches. Fortis remain static on seven points from 10 games, crashing to their seventh defeat.

Sanwar’s goals came in the 3rd and 16th minutes while Jaspreet struck in the 24th and 34th minutes, Topno M (41st) and Lovepreet Singh (62nd) struck the other two goals. Vikramjith Singh hit Fortis’ only goal in the 64th minute.

SAI held

In the day’s second game, Sports Authority of India (SAI) drew Army Red 2-2. SAI have eight points from 9 matches while Army Red are on 13 from 9 games with one match each to go.

Meanwhile, heavy downpour led to the postponement of league leaders’ ONGC’s crucial match against Air India to Wednesday.

ONGC, with 21 points from eight games, have the opportunity to be crowned champions if they can seal victory against Air India (18 points from eight matches) and beat IAF in their last match on Thursday.

Second placed IOCL and third placed BPCL, both in contention, with 19 points each will clash in Wednesday’s last game.

Results: IAF: 6 (Sanwar Ali 3rd, 16th, Jaspreet 24th, 34th, Topno M 41st, Lovepreet Singh 62nd) bt Fortis: 1 (Vikramjith Singh 64th); SAI: 2 (Darshan 6th, Nikin Thimmaiah 61st) drew Army Red: 2 (Dhananjay Mahadik 15th, 40th).

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

Sachin Tendulkar, Dhanraj Pillay and another Sachin, an incident in the life Malaysian goalkeeper.

Sachin Tendulkar, Dhanraj Pillay and another Sachin, an incident in the life Malaysian goalkeeper.

When Indian hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay phoned him and enquired whether his son Sachin is interested in meeting real Sachin, Natarajan would not believe his ears.

The former Malaysian goalkeeper, who played along side the Indian hockey legend in the Malaysian Hockey League, took his son to the Malaysian Cricket Association Stadium where Indian cricket team was practicing.

It happened four years ago, when four, five top cricket teams of the world assembled for a tournament in the most unlikely of place, Malaysia. Still, Natarajan, now goalkeeper coach of the Malaysian team in the Junior Asia Cup, vividly remembers the day his son Sachin was on cloud nine.

“Pillay’s only instruction to me was to get my phone to Sachin when he comes for practice, but I found that practically impossible as security would not allow me to even 100m close to Sachin”.

As Natarajan was in this difficulty, came RP Singh, up and coming cricketer then to pick up a ball, and exactly that time Natarajan told him Pillay is on the phone and wants to talk.

“I can’t believe this cricketer paid so much reverence to Pillay, at once I felt my son’s dream of meeting Sachin will materialize. In the next minute, RP Singh handed over the phone to Sachin, who spoke to Dhanraj almost 10,15 minutes non stop. Then he called me. Once Sachin called us, everything seemed to fall in line, security would allow us, things flow easily.”

“Me and my son almost spent half an hour with Sachin. Though am not a cricket fan my son, who was named after the cricketer due to my wife’s passion of this cricketing personality, was jumping in joy.”

“Sachin was a such a simple person it is difficult to think anybody else of his stature would. He offered us tea, spent much time. And when he asked what more he needs, I told him that one legend put me through another legend and I need a photo with him with his son, which he obliged, and got a photographer do that.”

“We in the family hold the photo dear to us, not only to remember Sachin but also to think how much care Pillay took on my son’s interest, and also how much influential Dhanraj Pillay is with other sporting legends.”

“Once we were with Sachin for such a time, it took the entire Indian media by surprise, they surrounded us to know how we know Sachin, and what we discussed, like things”.

“Days later one Hindi paper in India published a story on us under the title, Sachin meets Sachin.

Times of India: South Africa men’s hockey team qualifies for London Olympics

South Africa men’s hockey team qualifies for London Olympics

KAKAMIGAHARA (Japan): South Africa grabbed the last ticket to the London Olympics men’s hockey when they defeated hosts Japan 2-1 in the final qualifying tournament on Sunday.

It will be South Africa’s third straight appearance in the Olympics and fourth overall after finishing in 10th place in 2004 and 12th in 2008.

Thornton McDade put South Africa one up when he slipped behind Japanese goalkeeper Shunsuke Nagaoka to score in the 44th minute and Lloyd Norris-Jones added another in the 54th.

Japan, seeking to win a berth at the Olympics for the first time in 44 years, pulled one back in the 64th minute through Kenji Kitazato, but it was too late to overcome the deficit.

South Africa join Argentina, Australia, Belgium, hosts Britain, Germany, India, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Korea and Spain at the Olympics.

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

Indian Express: Oz hockey player hit in face, dies during match

Oz hockey player hit in face, dies during match

An elite field hockey player died after being hit in the head by a ball in a weekend club match in Australia, Hockey Australia said today.

Elizabeth Watkins, 24, was fatally injured while playing for her North Coast Raiders club in a Western Australian State League game in Perth yesterday.

Watkins, a former state junior representative, collapsed unconscious when the ball deflected off a stick and hit her on the head, match officials said.

Watkins died in an ambulance on the way to hospital after attempts were made to revive her at the ground, officials said.

Hockey Australia chief executive Mark Anderson expressed his organisation’s support and sympathies to the Watkins family.

“(Field) Hockey is a sport that is known for its strong sense of community. I know that members of our two national teams and players involved at all levels of our sport are saddened by this tragic event,” Anderson said in a statement.

“The Kookaburras (men’s national team) wore black arm bands in the final of the London International Invitational Hockey Tournament overnight out of respect for Lizzie and her family,” he said.

Australia’s five-time world player of the year Jamie Dwyer said via Twitter he was devastated by the news, which was “such a sad day in the hockey world.”

(Source: http)

Hindustan Times: India lose bronze medal match 1-2 to Britain

Indian men’s hockey team ended its London tour without a win as they lost the bronze medal match 1-2 to Great Britain in the four-nation test event ahead of the upcoming London Olympics, in London on Sunday.

It was India, who scored the first goal through in the minute but the hosts rallied to beat the visitors.

V Raghunath had put ahead in the first half through a brilliant field goal but James Tindall brought his side back in the match before the teams took a break.

Rob Moore scored the goal for his side in the second half.

India had earlier lost 0-3 to Australia, 2-4 to hosts Great Britain and then 1-2 against reigning Olympic champions Germany.

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

Indian coach expect more from forwards

After India played a dull game against China, which ended 2-1 in favour of India, Indian coach Baljit Singh Saini felt his forwards need to perform better and avail the chances. “We wanted at least five goal margin victory today. Then only we can be in a position to top the pool, as Pakistan is playing after us, and they will have mathmatics correct as to what to do with the minnow side like Sri Lanka”.

Now that we struck only twice, they need to score 12 goals to overtake us in the pool.

:Forwards need to understand the importance of playing better int he circle, I expeect more from them, he said with a tinge of sadness in his face.

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

Hindustan Times: NRI gives Rs. 4 crore to promote Surjit Hockey

Canada based sports promoter Gurprit Singh Johal today handed over a cheque of Rs. 4 crore to Priyank Bharati, deputy commissioner who is also the president of Olympian Surjit Singh Memorial Hockey Society for the promotion of hockey in the state. Johal said that considering the contribution of the society in successfully organising international level hockey competition every year in memory of Olympian Surjit Singh, he decided to assist the society with this money back up.

He said that he would persuade his other NRI colleagues also to generously contribute to the society which had been doing a lot for the promotion of national game.

Bharati while expressing his gratitude for the gesture shown by Johal, said that the amount contributed by him would definitely strengthen the game and motivate other NRIs as well to assist the society financially.

He also appreciated the efforts and contribution made by the NRIs especially, the US based Indian industrialist Ranjit Singh Tut, Bobbu Sohi of Canada, Navdeep Badesa, Ravinder Pawar of UK, Kam Gill, Amarjit Singh Dhillon, PS Bhatia, and Charanjit Singh all from the US for the promotion of the game and development of the society.

Iqbal Singh, secretary of the society said that the society would appeal to the state government to honour NRI sports promoters on the National Sports Day by conferring them upon with Punjab Sports Awards.

On this occasion, Jasbir Singh, GS Grewal, Ram Partap, Amrik Singh (UK), Surinder Singh Bhapa and NK Aggarwal were also present

(Source: stick2hockey.com)