Pakistani hockey player Rehan Butt is pictured with his family as he arrives from the Asian Games to Allam Iqbal International Airport in Lahore late on November 27, 2010. Pakistan celebrated their first Asian Games hockey gold in 20 years beating Malaysia 2-0 in the final in Guangzhou, China. The Asian Games win -- their eighth -- is their first major achievement since winning the World Cup in Australia in 1994.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Hero's welcome
Pakistani hockey player Rehan Butt is pictured with his family as he arrives from the Asian Games to Allam Iqbal International Airport in Lahore late on November 27, 2010. Pakistan celebrated their first Asian Games hockey gold in 20 years beating Malaysia 2-0 in the final in Guangzhou, China. The Asian Games win -- their eighth -- is their first major achievement since winning the World Cup in Australia in 1994.
Loads of money in MHL
THE Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) Premier Division has attracted nine teams, and with an attractive budget of about RM3.5 million, the matches are expected to be explosive.
Scheduled to start on Dec 17, the Premier Division will see regulars Tenaga Nasional, Sapura, KL Hockey Club, Maybank, Universiti Kuala Lumpur and Nur Insafi in action.
They will be joined by last year's Division One champions Armed Forces-Airod and runners-up UiTM while Yayasan Negri Sembilan (YNS) received a wild-card as they have promised to hire a string of foreign players.
Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) secretary Maninderjit Singh said: "The MHF will support teams by providing jerseys, transport, accommodation and we have even increased the prize money by RM80,000 this year to make the MHL more exciting."
But even with MHF providing the basics, teams must be prepared to fork out about RM500,000 if they want to be among the top four in the Premier Division.
UniKL, who made their debut in the Premier Division last year and finished last, had spent a total of RM500,000.
"We spent half a million for both JHL and MHL matches, but then, we did not have any star players or hired any foreign coach or players," said UniKL team manager Amir Azhar Ibrahim.
"The rough estimate for a team to have the bulk of the national players as well as a good coaching outfit is about RM600,000 just to play in the Premier Division." Maninderjit concurred with the estimate.
"It all depends on what the team want to achieve in the Premier Division. If you are looking at the top of the table teams who hire the best in the country and those who have foreign players, it could easily come to RM600,000 or more," he said.
"This is because some of the teams retain and pay their players for the whole year. But for those who only seal deals for the duration the league is on, it could be very much less, but then, the results are also hard to come by."
"The MHF has allowed Yayasan Negri Sembilan into the Premier Division this year because they have promised to secure at least six top foreign players.
"We have been made to understand that YNS will hire at least six foreign players but have yet to receive the final team list from them," said Maninderjit.
"The MHF should have a clearer picture when we receive the full team list on Dec 4 (Saturday) when the competition committee meets."
Scheduled to start on Dec 17, the Premier Division will see regulars Tenaga Nasional, Sapura, KL Hockey Club, Maybank, Universiti Kuala Lumpur and Nur Insafi in action.
They will be joined by last year's Division One champions Armed Forces-Airod and runners-up UiTM while Yayasan Negri Sembilan (YNS) received a wild-card as they have promised to hire a string of foreign players.
Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) secretary Maninderjit Singh said: "The MHF will support teams by providing jerseys, transport, accommodation and we have even increased the prize money by RM80,000 this year to make the MHL more exciting."
But even with MHF providing the basics, teams must be prepared to fork out about RM500,000 if they want to be among the top four in the Premier Division.
UniKL, who made their debut in the Premier Division last year and finished last, had spent a total of RM500,000.
"We spent half a million for both JHL and MHL matches, but then, we did not have any star players or hired any foreign coach or players," said UniKL team manager Amir Azhar Ibrahim.
"The rough estimate for a team to have the bulk of the national players as well as a good coaching outfit is about RM600,000 just to play in the Premier Division." Maninderjit concurred with the estimate.
"It all depends on what the team want to achieve in the Premier Division. If you are looking at the top of the table teams who hire the best in the country and those who have foreign players, it could easily come to RM600,000 or more," he said.
"This is because some of the teams retain and pay their players for the whole year. But for those who only seal deals for the duration the league is on, it could be very much less, but then, the results are also hard to come by."
"The MHF has allowed Yayasan Negri Sembilan into the Premier Division this year because they have promised to secure at least six top foreign players.
"We have been made to understand that YNS will hire at least six foreign players but have yet to receive the final team list from them," said Maninderjit.
"The MHF should have a clearer picture when we receive the full team list on Dec 4 (Saturday) when the competition committee meets."
Monday, November 29, 2010
BJSS go for young blood
BUKIT Jalil Sports School will field a young Division One side for the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) in an effort to prepare a team for the Junior Hockey League (JHL) next year.
The MHL Division One tournament starts on Friday with seven teams battling for honours.
The top two qualify for the Premier Division quarter-finals, and also gain automatic entry into the higher division.
The seven aspirants this year are Ipoh City Council, Bandar Penawar Sports School, Bukit Jalil Sports School, Armed Forces Juniors, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Universiti Sains Malaysia and Malacca Municipal Council.
BJSS will also be fielding budding 16-year-old Thung Wei Chia from Kelantan.
"Basically, 18 of my 20 players will be eligible to compete in the JHL next season and that is our end target. The school will be exposing many new young players so that they will be better prepared for the junior league," said BJSS coach S. Prakash.
BJSS open accounts against Armed Forces Juniors on Friday. The League ends on Feb 25.
The Premier Division of the MHL will start on Dec 17.
"We have a relatively good side but most of them lack exposure and that is why we are eager to see them in action in the MHL.
"Also, our Chinese payer Wei Chia has proved to become a promising defender, and the MHL will better prepare him to play in the JHL, just like the others," added Prakash.
The current national senior and junior teams do not have a single Chinese player with the last to represent Malaysian was Chua Boon Huat.
Wei Chia is also the only Chinese player listed in the seven-team MHL Division One tournament.
The MHL Division One tournament starts on Friday with seven teams battling for honours.
The top two qualify for the Premier Division quarter-finals, and also gain automatic entry into the higher division.
The seven aspirants this year are Ipoh City Council, Bandar Penawar Sports School, Bukit Jalil Sports School, Armed Forces Juniors, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Universiti Sains Malaysia and Malacca Municipal Council.
BJSS will also be fielding budding 16-year-old Thung Wei Chia from Kelantan.
"Basically, 18 of my 20 players will be eligible to compete in the JHL next season and that is our end target. The school will be exposing many new young players so that they will be better prepared for the junior league," said BJSS coach S. Prakash.
BJSS open accounts against Armed Forces Juniors on Friday. The League ends on Feb 25.
The Premier Division of the MHL will start on Dec 17.
"We have a relatively good side but most of them lack exposure and that is why we are eager to see them in action in the MHL.
"Also, our Chinese payer Wei Chia has proved to become a promising defender, and the MHL will better prepare him to play in the JHL, just like the others," added Prakash.
The current national senior and junior teams do not have a single Chinese player with the last to represent Malaysian was Chua Boon Huat.
Wei Chia is also the only Chinese player listed in the seven-team MHL Division One tournament.
KL retain u-14 title
The Kuala Lumpur team celebrate after defending their title yesterday. — Picture by Asman IbrahimDEFENDING champions Kuala Lumpur subdued an aggressive Perak 2-1 to retain the MHF-NSC-Milo-MSSM Boys' National Under-14 hockey title at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hockey Stadium yesterday.
Both sides enjoyed their share of early play without any result until in a goalmouth melee when Perak's Mohd Alif Faizal's took advantage of the situation to score past a fumbling Kuala Lumpur goalkeeper Muhd Shafie Sharom.
After the breather, KL upped the tempo and harassed the Perak defence and it paid off when Nor Syafiq Sumantri beat Perak's replacement goalkeeper Mohd Amirul Abd Halim to equalise.
Stung by the goal, Perak went on the hunt for another goal but to no avail, and even missed two sitters.
KL, after soaking up all that their opponents could throw at them, produced some thrilling play resulting in Jagveen Singh getting the winning goal two minutes from time.
KL coach Saiful Munir Mansor was thrilled with his charges' performance and said they played according to instructions.
“When we were down by a goal, I was not so worried as it has become a norm that my boys play better under pressure and always come back from behind to win," said Saiful.
"It happened twice in this tournament, in the group match we came from behind to beat Malacca and in the semi-finals we also came from a goal down to beat Selangor in the extra time."
Earlier, Selangor took third spot when they slammed Terengganu 7-0.
RESULTS - Final: Kuala Lumpur 2 Perak 1; 3rd-4th: Selangor 7 Terengganu 0.
Roll of honour - Man of the Match: Jagveen Singh (Kuala Lumpur); Top scorer: Mohd Haikal Zamri -- 13 goals (Selangor); Best goalkeeper: Mohd Amirul Abd Halim (Perak); Player of the Tournament: Nazrulmubin Zebidi (Selangor); Fair play: Perak.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
BJSS planning for JHL assault
BUKIT Jalil Sports School will field a young side in the Division One of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL), with an eye to prepare a team for the Junior Hockey League (JHL) next year.
The MHL Division One tournament will start on Dec 3, with seven teams battling for honours. The top-two will qualify for the Premier Division quarter-finals, and also gain automatic entry into the higher division.
The seven aspirants this year are Ipoh City Council, Bandar Penawar Sports School, Bukit Jalil Sports School, Armed Forces Juniors, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Universiti Sains Malaysia and Malacca Municipal Council.
BJSS will also be fielding a budding 16-year-old Chinese player, Thung Wei Chia, from Kelantan.
“Basically, 18 out of my 20 players will be eligible to compete in the JHL next season and that is our end target. The school will be exposing many new young players, so that they will be better prepared for the junior league,” said BJSS coach S. Prakash.
BJSS will open accounts against Armed Forces Juniors on Dec 3, and the League will end on Feb 25.
The Premier Division of the MHL will start on Dec 17.
“We have a relatively good side, but most of the lack exposure and that is why we are eager to see them in action in the MHL. Also, our Chinese payer Thung has proved to become a promising defender in friendlies, and the MHL will better prepare him to play in the JHL, just like the others,” said Prakash.
The current national seniors and juniors teams do not have a single Chinese player, with the last to represent Malaysian was Chua Boon Huat.
Thung is also the only Chines listed in the seven-team MHL Division One tournament.
The MHL Division One tournament will start on Dec 3, with seven teams battling for honours. The top-two will qualify for the Premier Division quarter-finals, and also gain automatic entry into the higher division.
The seven aspirants this year are Ipoh City Council, Bandar Penawar Sports School, Bukit Jalil Sports School, Armed Forces Juniors, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Universiti Sains Malaysia and Malacca Municipal Council.
BJSS will also be fielding a budding 16-year-old Chinese player, Thung Wei Chia, from Kelantan.
“Basically, 18 out of my 20 players will be eligible to compete in the JHL next season and that is our end target. The school will be exposing many new young players, so that they will be better prepared for the junior league,” said BJSS coach S. Prakash.
BJSS will open accounts against Armed Forces Juniors on Dec 3, and the League will end on Feb 25.
The Premier Division of the MHL will start on Dec 17.
“We have a relatively good side, but most of the lack exposure and that is why we are eager to see them in action in the MHL. Also, our Chinese payer Thung has proved to become a promising defender in friendlies, and the MHL will better prepare him to play in the JHL, just like the others,” said Prakash.
The current national seniors and juniors teams do not have a single Chinese player, with the last to represent Malaysian was Chua Boon Huat.
Thung is also the only Chines listed in the seven-team MHL Division One tournament.
KL struggle to enter final
By K. Kandiah
DEFENDING champion Kuala Lumpur was almost out of the race as they struggled to beat Selangor 3-2 in a sudden- death extra time first semifinals of the MHF-NSC-Milo-MSSM Boys’ National Under-14 hockey tournament at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hockey Stadium in Minden yesterday.
Muhd Shahfirul Aqmal saved the day for Kuala Lumpur when he scored right at the stoppage time of the regular match to equalize 2-2 and again was on target six minutes into the sudden-death extra time for KL to march into the final.
Selangor drew first blood in the match when Ahmad Sarif Suhsdianto slammed into goal from the top of the `D’ in the 25th minute for them to lead 1-0 at the break but in the 47th minute Kuala Lumpur’s Danial Asyraf Ghani cancelled the deficit.
The Red Giants went into the lead again when Mohd Hafif Elkan converted a penalty corner only to see their opponents equalize through Muhd Shahfirul right at the hoot of regular time and six minutes into the sudden-death extra time Muhd Shahfirul fired the winning goal.
KL coach Saiful Munir Mansor said they have to be very cautious and be focused when facing Perak, though we beat them last year, it is not the same this year.
In the second semifinals, Perak defeated Terengganu 4-1 and earned the rights to play Kuala Lumpur in the final today. The 2009 runner-up opened accounts in the seventh minute when Mohd Alif Faizal converted a penalty corner and in the 22nd minute Mhd Husaini Husin beat goalkeeper Mohd Afif Amzar to increase the lead.
Ten minutes later M. Zainul Rusyaidi reduced the deficit for Terengganu. After the breather, Mohd Alif was on target again when he converted another penalty corner and Mohd Zulhamizan Abas rounded up the score to 4-1 when he also converted a penalty corner.
Perak coach Abdul Shukor Adam, who was pleased with his charges performance, said they respected Kuala Lumpur as they are the defending champions while Perak was still the underdog.
“However, we intend to take home the title which slipped us last year.
“Its been a long time since we won the title, and this year my boys are really serious in taking home the title.
“Though we respect Kuala Lumpur and we carry the underdog label, nothing is going to stop us from winning the title,” he told Timesport at the USM stadium yesterday.
Meanwhile, the irresponsible and unpleasant fans and parents of players marred the game, since the tournament began on Aug 20, their irresponsible name callings and unwarranted remarks angered many other fans and officials.
The fans, especially the parents should be more responsible or else their off-springs will be either like them or worst when they grow up, as normally the children will more or less follow their parents foot-steps. “Leadership through Example” this is what the parents should grill into their children and not the other way around.
RESULTS – Kuala Lumpur 3 Selangor 2; Perak 4 Terengganu 1
Today – 3rd-4th: Selangor v Terengganu (3.30pm)
Final: Kuala Lumpur v Perak (5.30pm)
DEFENDING champion Kuala Lumpur was almost out of the race as they struggled to beat Selangor 3-2 in a sudden- death extra time first semifinals of the MHF-NSC-Milo-MSSM Boys’ National Under-14 hockey tournament at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hockey Stadium in Minden yesterday.
Muhd Shahfirul Aqmal saved the day for Kuala Lumpur when he scored right at the stoppage time of the regular match to equalize 2-2 and again was on target six minutes into the sudden-death extra time for KL to march into the final.
Selangor drew first blood in the match when Ahmad Sarif Suhsdianto slammed into goal from the top of the `D’ in the 25th minute for them to lead 1-0 at the break but in the 47th minute Kuala Lumpur’s Danial Asyraf Ghani cancelled the deficit.
The Red Giants went into the lead again when Mohd Hafif Elkan converted a penalty corner only to see their opponents equalize through Muhd Shahfirul right at the hoot of regular time and six minutes into the sudden-death extra time Muhd Shahfirul fired the winning goal.
KL coach Saiful Munir Mansor said they have to be very cautious and be focused when facing Perak, though we beat them last year, it is not the same this year.
In the second semifinals, Perak defeated Terengganu 4-1 and earned the rights to play Kuala Lumpur in the final today. The 2009 runner-up opened accounts in the seventh minute when Mohd Alif Faizal converted a penalty corner and in the 22nd minute Mhd Husaini Husin beat goalkeeper Mohd Afif Amzar to increase the lead.
Ten minutes later M. Zainul Rusyaidi reduced the deficit for Terengganu. After the breather, Mohd Alif was on target again when he converted another penalty corner and Mohd Zulhamizan Abas rounded up the score to 4-1 when he also converted a penalty corner.
Perak coach Abdul Shukor Adam, who was pleased with his charges performance, said they respected Kuala Lumpur as they are the defending champions while Perak was still the underdog.
“However, we intend to take home the title which slipped us last year.
“Its been a long time since we won the title, and this year my boys are really serious in taking home the title.
“Though we respect Kuala Lumpur and we carry the underdog label, nothing is going to stop us from winning the title,” he told Timesport at the USM stadium yesterday.
Meanwhile, the irresponsible and unpleasant fans and parents of players marred the game, since the tournament began on Aug 20, their irresponsible name callings and unwarranted remarks angered many other fans and officials.
The fans, especially the parents should be more responsible or else their off-springs will be either like them or worst when they grow up, as normally the children will more or less follow their parents foot-steps. “Leadership through Example” this is what the parents should grill into their children and not the other way around.
RESULTS – Kuala Lumpur 3 Selangor 2; Perak 4 Terengganu 1
Today – 3rd-4th: Selangor v Terengganu (3.30pm)
Final: Kuala Lumpur v Perak (5.30pm)
Van Huizen: I love journalists
Malaysia goalkeeper S. Kumar blows out the candles on his birthday cake upon his arrival with the Malaysian hockey team at KLIA on Friday. — Picture by Osman AdnanNATIONAL hockey coach Stephen van Huizen (with garland) has denied he was rude to a Malaysian journalist following the 2-0 defeat to Pakistan in the Asian Games final on Thursday.
Stephen said he had responded to a question before the press conference started and was told by a media officer to wait for Pakistan.
“I was asked as to what the team’s next target was to which I replied the Olympic Qualifier,” said Stephen yesterday.
The next question posed was when would the Qualifier be held to which Stephen said he replied ‘You should know’ before the media officer told him to not proceed.
“I honestly didn’t know the date of the Qualifier nor the venue. I was not being rude.
“I have always worked closely with journalists and have always taken the time to answer their questions, even when I have been criticised.
“That was the case in the Commonwealth Games but I still worked with the media. I did say that I hoped that the silver in Guangzhou would appease the press after the team did badly in the Commonwealth Games and I meant it sincerely.
“We have a major task ahead of us as qualifying for the London Olympics is going to be a tough task but I look forward to working closely with journalists.”
Friday, November 26, 2010
Van Huizen needs coaching, first
By Ajitpal Singh
'Van Huizen was rude to selected reporters and even had lambasted one during the press conference, in front of the international media and other team personnel, after the final.'
THE national hockey team played one bad game in the entire tournament and it cost them an automatic spot to the 2012 London Olympics.
And now, national coach Stephen van Huizen will need to go back to the drawing board to prepare the team for the Olympic qualifiers, which is scheduled next year.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) decided that only the Asian Games gold medallist gets a direct ticket to the Olympics, while the second to sixth placed teams play in three other qualifiers, which offers a spot each.
However, Malaysia could have avoided it if they were more adventurous with their game against Pakistan in the Asian Games final on Thursday.
The team were cautious in their approach and held back play, allowing the South Asian giants to easily win their first Asian Games gold medal since the 1990 Beijing edition.
A goal in each half from penalty corner specialist Sohail Abbas and Rehan Butt ended Malaysia’s dream of Olympic qualification.
Credit, however, should be given to the team for reaching the final after being deemed no-hopers. Many had written them off after finishing eight in last month’s Commonwealth Games.
The team played well as a unit but they had their limitations. The truth is Malaysia lacked the imagination and flair, probably, because, they did not have players in their team who could to turn on the heat
The talking point here is that we have these players in our own leagues but they were left behind for various reasons including indiscipline.
National coach Stephen van Huizen and Co must seriously look into the team’s limitations before starting afresh for next year’s competitions.
“Pakistan deserved to win as they played better than us. It’s an honour to be part of the team that made it to the first Asian Games final, but now we need to go back to the drawing board and see how we could qualify for the Olympics,” said van Huizen at the Aoti Stadium on Thursday.
“Although, we lost, we got several chances in the match. It went well in the semi-final and the previous match against China. Though I am disappointed with the result, I feel very proud for my boys.
On Malaysia’s preparation for next year’s Olympic qualifiers, van Huizen said he will need to speak to the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) on next year’s programme.
“Of course, the Asian Games was an easier route to qualify for the Olympics. It is not going to be easy now. The players will be released for the Malaysian Hockey League until prior notice,” said van Huizen.
Overall, the national hockey team defied the odds by doing well in Asian Games.
However, MHF should educate their national coaches to be etiquette during interviews and press conferences.
Van Huizen was rude to selected reporters and even had lambasted one during the press conference, in front of the international media and other team personnel, after the final.
It was true that the local media was critical on the team after their failure in the Commonwealth Games but as a professional coach, van Huizen should have conducted himself like a true gentleman.
'Van Huizen was rude to selected reporters and even had lambasted one during the press conference, in front of the international media and other team personnel, after the final.'
THE national hockey team played one bad game in the entire tournament and it cost them an automatic spot to the 2012 London Olympics.
And now, national coach Stephen van Huizen will need to go back to the drawing board to prepare the team for the Olympic qualifiers, which is scheduled next year.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) decided that only the Asian Games gold medallist gets a direct ticket to the Olympics, while the second to sixth placed teams play in three other qualifiers, which offers a spot each.
However, Malaysia could have avoided it if they were more adventurous with their game against Pakistan in the Asian Games final on Thursday.
The team were cautious in their approach and held back play, allowing the South Asian giants to easily win their first Asian Games gold medal since the 1990 Beijing edition.
A goal in each half from penalty corner specialist Sohail Abbas and Rehan Butt ended Malaysia’s dream of Olympic qualification.
Credit, however, should be given to the team for reaching the final after being deemed no-hopers. Many had written them off after finishing eight in last month’s Commonwealth Games.
The team played well as a unit but they had their limitations. The truth is Malaysia lacked the imagination and flair, probably, because, they did not have players in their team who could to turn on the heat
The talking point here is that we have these players in our own leagues but they were left behind for various reasons including indiscipline.
National coach Stephen van Huizen and Co must seriously look into the team’s limitations before starting afresh for next year’s competitions.
“Pakistan deserved to win as they played better than us. It’s an honour to be part of the team that made it to the first Asian Games final, but now we need to go back to the drawing board and see how we could qualify for the Olympics,” said van Huizen at the Aoti Stadium on Thursday.
“Although, we lost, we got several chances in the match. It went well in the semi-final and the previous match against China. Though I am disappointed with the result, I feel very proud for my boys.
On Malaysia’s preparation for next year’s Olympic qualifiers, van Huizen said he will need to speak to the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) on next year’s programme.
“Of course, the Asian Games was an easier route to qualify for the Olympics. It is not going to be easy now. The players will be released for the Malaysian Hockey League until prior notice,” said van Huizen.
Overall, the national hockey team defied the odds by doing well in Asian Games.
However, MHF should educate their national coaches to be etiquette during interviews and press conferences.
Van Huizen was rude to selected reporters and even had lambasted one during the press conference, in front of the international media and other team personnel, after the final.
It was true that the local media was critical on the team after their failure in the Commonwealth Games but as a professional coach, van Huizen should have conducted himself like a true gentleman.
Ashpal Kaur breaks new ground
Ashpal Kaur Bhogal has become the first Sikh-Briton female player to be selected in any of the England Woman's Hockey international programs.
Leeds Met Carnegie hockey Coach, Regional Performance coach and former elite player, Bobby Singh Bhogal has been single handily coaching Ashpal Kaur Bhogal, who is also his daughter, since the age of six.
Ashpal says she has "realized a dream in being selected for the England Under 16 squad to travel to Holland for the Four Nations tournament [in April]."
Ashpal, 15, is a Leeds based schoolgirl and currently a pupil at Boston Spa School Leeds. She made it through several months of rigorous assessment to earn her place in the 18-strong party. She has moved through the England Hockey's new single system process and has excelled at every age group.
Ashpal, who started playing senior Ladies hockey with Pudsey Leeds at age 9, now represents Harrogate Hockey Club Woman's 1st team and has been playing there since aged 13. She managed to retain her place in the national side after the provisional 30-strong squad was whittled down to 18 over the course of a three-month period.
Along with her 17 team-mates, Ashpal took part in a holding camp at Lilleshall at the end of March before flying out to the Netherlands on April 1. England faced Germany, Spain and hosts Holland during the five-day competition.
Coach Bobby Singh said "What she has done is inspirational and I cannot yet convey in words how proud our family is of Ashpal. To get to this point we started the journey 10 years ago and through sheer hard work, dedication, focus and commitment we are here today. Was it worth it? You bet!"
He added: "A significant part of our program was carried out using our exceptional facilities here at Leeds Met".
Ashpal's family members were originally refugees from Idi Amin's repression in Ugan. It is a family steeped in the game of hockey. She has been coached by her uncle Satvinderpal Singh Bhogal and, of course, her father - both elite players.
Bobby was an England representative at the European Indoor Hockey Championships in Prague in 2000. Today, Ashpal's father works as a hockey coach at the Carnegie Faculty of Sport and Education at Leeds Metropolitan University.
[Courtesy: Carnegie Sport and Fabian Hamilton, MP's blog]
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Silver, after seven bronze
Ace drag flicker Sohail Abbas and veteran Rehan Butt helped Pakistan regain Asian Games field hockey gold after 20 years with a 2-0 victory over Malaysia in the final on Thursday.
Abbas netted a powerful push off 26th-minute short corner while Butt was brilliantly set up by Shafqat Rasool from the right side to place the ball off the second attempt in the 38th.
“With so many bad things happening in Pakistan, like terrorism and floods I think today we have given our countrymen something to smile,” Abbas, 35, said.
Malaysian players had shaved their heads to ward off evil spirits in their first Asian Games final. But their penalty corner specialist Amin Rahim could not find the target off the three short corners.
Pakistan’s last Asian Games gold came in 1990 at Beijing, and the win here was Pakistan’s first major title since winning the World Cup in 1994.
“It’s simply out of this world for me and I have no words to describe how much happy all of us are,” said jubilant Pakistan captain Zeeshan Ashraf, 33, who stood firm in the defense.
The victory also secured Pakistan a spot at the 2012 London Olympics and Ashraf said that was the other target which was achieved by senior players.
“I think it’s now the right time that more juniors should come into the team,” he said. “Twenty years is a long gap and it would be jubilation everywhere in Pakistan.”
Abbas said he had no intentions to quit and if he stayed fit he would be in London in two years.
“Age is no barrier for a hockey player, fitness is what that counts and who knows if I stay fit I will be there,” he said.
Pakistan goalkeeper Salman Akbar threw his helmet and hockey stick in the air soon after the final hooter was blown as Pakistan players rushed and hugged each other.
They even raised their coach Michel van den Heuvel and manager former Olympian Khawaja Junaid on their shoulders and chanted slogans “Pakistan Zindabad (long live)” in unison.
They carried national flags in their hands and also approached a handful of fans at the Aoti Hockey Stadium stand to thank them for their support.
Malaysia’s striker Faizal Saari was disappointed with his team’s loss, but said it was good to have its first silver in 12 Asian Games after winning six bronze medals.
“We played disappointing game today and of course expectations were high back home after we defeated India in the semifinal,” he said.
Earlier, India clinched the bronze, defeating South Korea 1-0 on Tushar Khandker’s field goal in the 39th minute.
Abbas netted a powerful push off 26th-minute short corner while Butt was brilliantly set up by Shafqat Rasool from the right side to place the ball off the second attempt in the 38th.
“With so many bad things happening in Pakistan, like terrorism and floods I think today we have given our countrymen something to smile,” Abbas, 35, said.
Malaysian players had shaved their heads to ward off evil spirits in their first Asian Games final. But their penalty corner specialist Amin Rahim could not find the target off the three short corners.
Pakistan’s last Asian Games gold came in 1990 at Beijing, and the win here was Pakistan’s first major title since winning the World Cup in 1994.
“It’s simply out of this world for me and I have no words to describe how much happy all of us are,” said jubilant Pakistan captain Zeeshan Ashraf, 33, who stood firm in the defense.
The victory also secured Pakistan a spot at the 2012 London Olympics and Ashraf said that was the other target which was achieved by senior players.
“I think it’s now the right time that more juniors should come into the team,” he said. “Twenty years is a long gap and it would be jubilation everywhere in Pakistan.”
Abbas said he had no intentions to quit and if he stayed fit he would be in London in two years.
“Age is no barrier for a hockey player, fitness is what that counts and who knows if I stay fit I will be there,” he said.
Pakistan goalkeeper Salman Akbar threw his helmet and hockey stick in the air soon after the final hooter was blown as Pakistan players rushed and hugged each other.
They even raised their coach Michel van den Heuvel and manager former Olympian Khawaja Junaid on their shoulders and chanted slogans “Pakistan Zindabad (long live)” in unison.
They carried national flags in their hands and also approached a handful of fans at the Aoti Hockey Stadium stand to thank them for their support.
Malaysia’s striker Faizal Saari was disappointed with his team’s loss, but said it was good to have its first silver in 12 Asian Games after winning six bronze medals.
“We played disappointing game today and of course expectations were high back home after we defeated India in the semifinal,” he said.
Earlier, India clinched the bronze, defeating South Korea 1-0 on Tushar Khandker’s field goal in the 39th minute.
Silver for Malaysia
Men's Final: Pakistan 2 (Sohail Abbas 26, Rehan Butt 38) Malaysia 0 H-t: 1-0
Bronze medal match: India 1 (Tushar Khandekar 39) South Korea 0
Bronze medal match: India 1 (Tushar Khandekar 39) South Korea 0
Golden boy for S. Kumar
By S.S. DhaliwalA month ago his father passed away while Kumar was in between the posts for Malaysia against Scotland at the Commonwealth Games.
This time around while Kumar was on the pitch, doing his nation proud by keeping at bay the Induan attack in the semis of the Asian Games, his wife went into labour and delivered their baby boy.
Indeed Kumar has put nation over self during times his family needed him. A true example of a sportsman, the best we have known in recent times.
Congrats Kumar and to the team we salute you , let's win this for the 1 Nalaysia spirit
Malaysian Hockey blogspot
India snatch bronze from Korea
FORMER champions India returned to the Asian Games men’s hockey podium after missing out four years ago when they defeated favourites South Korea 1-0 in the bronze medal play-off on Thursday.
Tushar Khandekar netted the winner four minutes into the second session as India dominated the lacklustre Koreans through the 70-minute encounter at the Aoti Hockey Centre.
India had not won an Asiad hockey medal for the first time at the 2006 Doha Games and paid the price when they failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics two years ago.
The eight-time Olympic champions had bagged Asian Games titles in 1966 and 1998.
India’s Spanish coach Jose Brasa, who contract is up for renewel after this match, said the bronze medal was not a just reward for his team.
“I think we were the best side in the competition, winning five of our six matches,” said Brasa. “I can’t say I am happy, but at least the boys will not return home empty-handed.” India, who won all their four league matches, were knocked out by a Malaysian golden goal in the semi-final.
South Korea, winners at the last two editions in Busan and Doha, were denied a hat-trick when they lost to Pakistan in a penalty shoot-out in the other semi-final.
The last time the Koreans finished fourth was in Beijing in 1990.
Tushar Khandekar netted the winner four minutes into the second session as India dominated the lacklustre Koreans through the 70-minute encounter at the Aoti Hockey Centre.
India had not won an Asiad hockey medal for the first time at the 2006 Doha Games and paid the price when they failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics two years ago.
The eight-time Olympic champions had bagged Asian Games titles in 1966 and 1998.
India’s Spanish coach Jose Brasa, who contract is up for renewel after this match, said the bronze medal was not a just reward for his team.
“I think we were the best side in the competition, winning five of our six matches,” said Brasa. “I can’t say I am happy, but at least the boys will not return home empty-handed.” India, who won all their four league matches, were knocked out by a Malaysian golden goal in the semi-final.
South Korea, winners at the last two editions in Busan and Doha, were denied a hat-trick when they lost to Pakistan in a penalty shoot-out in the other semi-final.
The last time the Koreans finished fourth was in Beijing in 1990.
Rahim's super show
DESPAIR AND DELIGHT: India's Dhananjay Mahadik (right) is dejected as the Malaysians celebrate after the 'golden goal' took their team to the final. Malaysia scripted a new page in the hockey history of the Asian Games on Tuesday. With a display that underlined the essence of fortitude, it sunk India's hopes of taking the only qualifying spot available for the London Olympics in 2012 with a 4-3 verdict that surfaced off a ‘golden goal'.
It is a pity that India should end the game at the altar of defeat. Actually, the team produced a few incandescent spells, recovered from a goal deficit, scored two brilliant field goals and led until the clock showed three minutes to the end.
In came the lethal striker, Rahim Amin, to demolish India. He pumped in a perfect grounder for the equaliser, pushed the match to extra-time, and produced another impeccable shot to send the Malaysian supporters and players into a delirium of delight.
This is Malaysia's first entry into the final where it will take on Pakistan on Thursday. Pakistan edged out the defending champion South Korea in the penalty shoot-out.
The impromptu scenes of joy by the Malaysians were well deserved for the outfit had taken on the might of the Koreans, Chinese and now the Indians to march into the final.
It was Malaysia that struck first from Tenku Abdul Jalil from a solo effort making capital out of poor defensive work. But the Indians rallied well, thanks to some fluent runs by Tushar Khandekar and Rajpal Singh utilising the wing crosses from Gurbaj Singh. Sandeep Singh produced a superbly driven penalty corner for the equaliser before half-time.
From then on, India had everything rolling for it. When Tushar Khandekar scored off a cross from Shivendra minutes resumption, it looked as though India was on the right lane, synthesising the attack and the defenders. As always, Halappa from the midfield contributed his share as did Sardar Singh at the back.
Fighting the issue tooth and nail, Malaysia exerted pressure and restored parity when Aslan Misron deflected a penalty corner push by Rahim Amin.
India surged ahead again with Rajpal Singh jabbing a rebound from goalkeeper Kumar from a penalty corner hit by Mahadik. The team had just then substituted Sandeep Singh who was not on the field for two penalty corners.
Needlessly inviting stress by allowing the ball to be rolled around, India conceded a penalty corner, three minutes before the end.
Rahim breathed life back into the Malaysian squad with a thundering penalty corner drive and came off with a spectacular penalty corner ‘golden goal' to become part of the moment that will be etched for years in Malaysia's hockey folklore.
A sombre looking chief coach, Jose Brasa, admitted that the team played very well but made mistakes at crucial stages. The players, naturally, were dejected and left the field without even moving in to the mixed zone to face the TV cameras, which they were doing with great relish till Monday.
Korea loses
Korea's search for a third gold medal in a row ended on an agonising note when Pakistan dethroned the defending champion in the sudden death. The man who shattered the dream for Korea was the veteran goalkeeper Salman Akbar.
When he blocked a flick from Yeo Woon Koon in the sudden death, the moment signalled victory for Pakistan which has not won a gold medal since 1990 at Beijing.
The teams were 1-1 at the end of the regulation time and no goal was added in the extra-time.
It was a tension packed match. Both the teams stretched the note of caution beyond an agreeable limit .The consequence was the lack of fizz in the contest. However, none can deny that Pakistan was a shade better.
Zubair Muhammad led the attack with confidence with support from Shafqat Rasool. But credit should also go to the defenders, Zeeshan Ashraff and Imran Muhammad, apart from the goalkeeper who was confidence personified in the tie breaker, and, understandably, ended as the hero of the Pakistani supporters.
The Koreans were unusually slow. The penalty corners were badly handled. In fact, a corner flunked by poor stoppage gave Pakistan a chance to counter attack. Zubair launched the move and Waqas hit the target.
Korea scored early in the second half through Kang Moonkyu who deflected a cross from Jong Janghyun.
The contest moved into extra time amidst all round excitement and then to sudden death during which Salman Akbar rose to the occasion.
The Hindu
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Amin Rahim's super show
By Ajitpal Singh
MALAYSIA were three minutes away from defeat but Amin Rahim’s penalty corner strike levelled proceedings before he scored again with his trademark drag flick in sudden-death extra time to clinch a 4-3 win over India to qualify for their first ever Asian Games final at the Aoti Stadium yesterday.
And awaiting them in the gold medal match tomorrow is Pakistan, who upset favourites South Korea 4-3 on penalty strokes after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time.
For the record, Malaysia have never reached the final of the Asian Games since making their first appearance in 1958 but finished third on seven occasions.
It is expected to be an explosive final as the winner will gain direct entry into the 2012 London Olympics.
Prior to the Asian Games, critics were unkind to national coach Stephen van Huizen and his players after doing badly in last month’s New Delhi Commonwealth. But now they have silenced their critics with an exceptional performance in Guangzhou.
“I am delighted for being a hero for my team. I was under pressure after making a mistake, which resulted in India scoring at the start of the second half but I am really glad for making up for my blunder with two goals,” said Amin at the Aoti Stadium yesterday.
Malaysia captain Madzli Ikmar Mohd Nor said everyone in the team played their roles well to earn victory yesterday.
“We were patience and played a tactical game to win. It was a tough match as India were also looking at qualifying for the Olympics through the Asian Games.
“I can’t describe my happiness right now as being in the final is like a dream for us. It all boiled down to hard work and determination today (yesterday),” said Madzli Ikmar, who has been Malaysian captain since last year.
Malaysia were 3-2 down when Amin sounded the board with a low drag flick three minutes before the full time whistle.
And five minutes into extra time, Amin turned hero with his trademark flick, off a penalty corner, which sailed past India’s goalkeeper Bharat Kumar Chetri’s left before sounding the board.
Malaysia drew first blood in the match through Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Jalil’s solo effort after 32 minutes but India’s Sandeep Singh levelled proceedings off a penalty corner set-piece three minutes later.
Tushar Khandker took advantage of a defensive mix-up from Amin to put India in the lead off a field attempt in the 37th minute.
However, the young Malaysian team pressed hard upfront and their persistence paid off through Azlan Misron, off a penalty corner set-piece, after 49 minutes.
Azlan pushed the ball into an empty India goalmouth, after Amin had dummied India’s penalty corner defensive line up by passing to the goal scorer instead of making a direct attempt.
But five minutes later, captain Rajpal Singh put India in the lead after Malaysia goalkeeper S. Kumar failed to clear the ball cleanly off a penalty corner attempt from Dhananjay Mahadik.
The match was heading to India’s way before Malaysia earned a penalty corner three minutes from time, in which 30-year-old Amin scored from it.
But suspense crept into the match after India was awarded a penalty corner two minutes from time. Dhananjay lined-up for it and his attempt forced a melee before an India stick managed to squeeze the ball past keeper Kumar but a defender managed to clear it away in the nick of time.
And Amin’s golden goal, in sudden death extra time, sealed victory for Malaysia.
MALAYSIA were three minutes away from defeat but Amin Rahim’s penalty corner strike levelled proceedings before he scored again with his trademark drag flick in sudden-death extra time to clinch a 4-3 win over India to qualify for their first ever Asian Games final at the Aoti Stadium yesterday.
And awaiting them in the gold medal match tomorrow is Pakistan, who upset favourites South Korea 4-3 on penalty strokes after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time.
For the record, Malaysia have never reached the final of the Asian Games since making their first appearance in 1958 but finished third on seven occasions.
It is expected to be an explosive final as the winner will gain direct entry into the 2012 London Olympics.
Prior to the Asian Games, critics were unkind to national coach Stephen van Huizen and his players after doing badly in last month’s New Delhi Commonwealth. But now they have silenced their critics with an exceptional performance in Guangzhou.
“I am delighted for being a hero for my team. I was under pressure after making a mistake, which resulted in India scoring at the start of the second half but I am really glad for making up for my blunder with two goals,” said Amin at the Aoti Stadium yesterday.
Malaysia captain Madzli Ikmar Mohd Nor said everyone in the team played their roles well to earn victory yesterday.
“We were patience and played a tactical game to win. It was a tough match as India were also looking at qualifying for the Olympics through the Asian Games.
“I can’t describe my happiness right now as being in the final is like a dream for us. It all boiled down to hard work and determination today (yesterday),” said Madzli Ikmar, who has been Malaysian captain since last year.
Malaysia were 3-2 down when Amin sounded the board with a low drag flick three minutes before the full time whistle.
And five minutes into extra time, Amin turned hero with his trademark flick, off a penalty corner, which sailed past India’s goalkeeper Bharat Kumar Chetri’s left before sounding the board.
Malaysia drew first blood in the match through Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Jalil’s solo effort after 32 minutes but India’s Sandeep Singh levelled proceedings off a penalty corner set-piece three minutes later.
Tushar Khandker took advantage of a defensive mix-up from Amin to put India in the lead off a field attempt in the 37th minute.
However, the young Malaysian team pressed hard upfront and their persistence paid off through Azlan Misron, off a penalty corner set-piece, after 49 minutes.
Azlan pushed the ball into an empty India goalmouth, after Amin had dummied India’s penalty corner defensive line up by passing to the goal scorer instead of making a direct attempt.
But five minutes later, captain Rajpal Singh put India in the lead after Malaysia goalkeeper S. Kumar failed to clear the ball cleanly off a penalty corner attempt from Dhananjay Mahadik.
The match was heading to India’s way before Malaysia earned a penalty corner three minutes from time, in which 30-year-old Amin scored from it.
But suspense crept into the match after India was awarded a penalty corner two minutes from time. Dhananjay lined-up for it and his attempt forced a melee before an India stick managed to squeeze the ball past keeper Kumar but a defender managed to clear it away in the nick of time.
And Amin’s golden goal, in sudden death extra time, sealed victory for Malaysia.
Twitter spreads the good news
shiva_tina: RT @PKamalanathan: Malaysia beat India 4 - 3 in Asian Games Hockey Semi-Finals & will now meet Pakistan in the Finals. Well Done MALAYSIA.Twitter - 8 minutes ago
azmi_777: Good job RT @Khairykj: RT @PKamalanathan: Malaysia beat India 4 - 3 in Asian Games Hockey Semi-Finals & will ...TMI.me: when you have too much to say... - tmi.meTwitter - 8 minutes ago
qazisaleem: Malaysia beat India in Asian Games Hockey Semi-final. So Pakistan to face Malaysia in the Final :DTwitter - 8 minutes ago
MFitriMArif: RT @Khairykj: RT @PKamalanathan: Malaysia beat India 4 - 3 in Asian Games Hockey Semi-Finals & will now meet Pakistan in the Finals. Wel ...Twitter - 13 minutes ago
9W2MUC: Malaysia beat India 4 - 3 in Asian Games Hockey Semi-FinalsTwitter - 15 minutes ago
honour789: Malaysia beat India 4 - 3 in Asian Games Hockey Semi-Finals. Congratz!Twitter - 25 minutes ago
livingkoshary: RT @mrrafie Malaysia beat India 4 - 3 in Asian Games Hockey Semi-Finals & will now meet Pakistan in the Finals. MALAYSIA BOLEH
stephendoss: RT @VenkatesRao: RT @PKamalanathan: Malaysia beat India 4 - 3 in Asian Games Hockey Semi-Finals & will ...TMI.me: when you have too much to say... - tmi.meTwitter - 29 minutes ago
khaleeqshah: RT @Khairykj: RT @PKamalanathan: Malaysia beat India 4 - 3 in Asian Games Hockey Semi-Finals & will now meet Pakistan in the Finals.Twitter - 29 minutes ago
ric_wee: Malaysia Beat India in Asian Games Semi-Final. We meet Pakistan in the FinalsTwitter - 30 minutes ago
Pakistan edge Korea on strokes
Goalkeeper Salman Akbar made two crucial saves in a sudden-death penalty shootout as Pakistan knocked out defending champion South Korea 4-3 in the Asian Games men's field hockey semifinals.
The six-foot Akbar denied Jang Jong-hyun and Yeo Woon-kon from the spot after experienced Sohail Abbas had missed one for Pakistan. Haseem Khan converted from the spot to book Pakistan's first berth in an Asian Games final in 20 years.
The score was locked 1-1 at the end of regulation, and neither team produced a winner in extra time. It was at 3-3 after first round of penalty strokes.
"It was the most nerve-racking international match I have ever played," Akbar, veteran of 300 internationals, said.
"I visualized pictures of my mother and father before preparing myself in today's shootout.
"It was just because of their prayers that I managed to stop the last two." In regulation time both teams tried to take their chances through counterattacks instead of challenging the rival defenders.
"A semifinal is a big occasion and naturally nobody wanted to take chances," Pakistan striker Rehan Butt, who did not feature in the shootout, said. "I was in tears during the shootout and was just praying to the god for victory."
In regulation time, striker Mohammad Waqas had given Pakistan a 1-0 halftime lead when he fired in an angular drive in the 22nd minute from the top of the circle.
Kang Moon-kyu equalized in the 39th minute with a deft touch in a rare South Korean attempt at goal. Just before South Korea's equalizer came in, Abbas failed to convert off three successive short corners. Mohammad Shafqat's attempt in the 53rd went wide.
South Korea also had its opportunities in the extra time, but Jang missed the 75th minute short corner.
"No matter against whom we play, now we have just gold in our minds," Butt said.
The six-foot Akbar denied Jang Jong-hyun and Yeo Woon-kon from the spot after experienced Sohail Abbas had missed one for Pakistan. Haseem Khan converted from the spot to book Pakistan's first berth in an Asian Games final in 20 years.
The score was locked 1-1 at the end of regulation, and neither team produced a winner in extra time. It was at 3-3 after first round of penalty strokes.
"It was the most nerve-racking international match I have ever played," Akbar, veteran of 300 internationals, said.
"I visualized pictures of my mother and father before preparing myself in today's shootout.
"It was just because of their prayers that I managed to stop the last two." In regulation time both teams tried to take their chances through counterattacks instead of challenging the rival defenders.
"A semifinal is a big occasion and naturally nobody wanted to take chances," Pakistan striker Rehan Butt, who did not feature in the shootout, said. "I was in tears during the shootout and was just praying to the god for victory."
In regulation time, striker Mohammad Waqas had given Pakistan a 1-0 halftime lead when he fired in an angular drive in the 22nd minute from the top of the circle.
Kang Moon-kyu equalized in the 39th minute with a deft touch in a rare South Korean attempt at goal. Just before South Korea's equalizer came in, Abbas failed to convert off three successive short corners. Mohammad Shafqat's attempt in the 53rd went wide.
South Korea also had its opportunities in the extra time, but Jang missed the 75th minute short corner.
"No matter against whom we play, now we have just gold in our minds," Butt said.
Malaysia beat India 4-3 in semi-finals!
Zeenews Bureau
Guangzhou: Malaysia’s Amin Rahim ended India’s Asiad gold campaign with a goal in the fag end of extra time, bringing an end to the most entertaining match of the tournament.
The final score was 4-3 in Malaysia’s favour as the Indian outfit had to suffer the heartbreak despite giving it their all in the field.
However, despite the loss, India will fight it out with S Korea for a bronze medal.
Malaysia refused to die out of the semi-final of the Asian Games and equalised, taking the score to 3-3 in the dying phases of the second half and gave the most gripping match of the tournament.
Indian skipper Rajpal Singh had come good just when it was needed the most and he flicked one into the opponent’s net to take 3-2 lead in the action packed tie that had gotten the crowd worked up in Guangzhou.
The second half had started with India taking the honours in the first minutes as the lead went to Rajpal and Co. 2-1. The opponents however came back strongly and again equalised 2-2 with 21 minutes remaining before the whistle.
The first half yielded two goals with the first one just three minutes to go before the buzzer as Malaysia made the first breakthrough in the Indian defence.
However, it was a great comeback by the tournament’s highest scorer Sandeep Singh as he equalized in the last minute to finish the first quarter 1-1.
India had started the tie, looking to carve out a dream India-Pakistan final for the gold but the chances could not be converted for the maximum early-on due to solid Malaysian defence.
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Your comment(s) on this article
No matter atleast we won against our enemy Pakistan. - Arsad Reyaz - Patna
koi naa ......pakistan ko hara liya naaaaaa.. - rajesh - bikaner
we have won against pakistan that is enough instead of going for the gold and dear pakistanis pray that we dnt make it to d finals or else it would have been another crushing defeat for u ,,.. - ANUP CHANDRAN - CHENNAI
india plz gold lana h or har team ko harana h - akshay - delhi
ha ha i am so happy bcoz india lost the game.& hope pakistan will get gold medal - lalpari - india
Guangzhou: Malaysia’s Amin Rahim ended India’s Asiad gold campaign with a goal in the fag end of extra time, bringing an end to the most entertaining match of the tournament.
The final score was 4-3 in Malaysia’s favour as the Indian outfit had to suffer the heartbreak despite giving it their all in the field.
However, despite the loss, India will fight it out with S Korea for a bronze medal.
Malaysia refused to die out of the semi-final of the Asian Games and equalised, taking the score to 3-3 in the dying phases of the second half and gave the most gripping match of the tournament.
Indian skipper Rajpal Singh had come good just when it was needed the most and he flicked one into the opponent’s net to take 3-2 lead in the action packed tie that had gotten the crowd worked up in Guangzhou.
The second half had started with India taking the honours in the first minutes as the lead went to Rajpal and Co. 2-1. The opponents however came back strongly and again equalised 2-2 with 21 minutes remaining before the whistle.
The first half yielded two goals with the first one just three minutes to go before the buzzer as Malaysia made the first breakthrough in the Indian defence.
However, it was a great comeback by the tournament’s highest scorer Sandeep Singh as he equalized in the last minute to finish the first quarter 1-1.
India had started the tie, looking to carve out a dream India-Pakistan final for the gold but the chances could not be converted for the maximum early-on due to solid Malaysian defence.
Post Comment
Your comment(s) on this article
No matter atleast we won against our enemy Pakistan. - Arsad Reyaz - Patna
koi naa ......pakistan ko hara liya naaaaaa.. - rajesh - bikaner
we have won against pakistan that is enough instead of going for the gold and dear pakistanis pray that we dnt make it to d finals or else it would have been another crushing defeat for u ,,.. - ANUP CHANDRAN - CHENNAI
india plz gold lana h or har team ko harana h - akshay - delhi
ha ha i am so happy bcoz india lost the game.& hope pakistan will get gold medal - lalpari - india
By S. Thyagarajan
A formidable challenge awaits India from the in-form Malaysia in the semifinal of the Asian Games men's hockey competition on Tuesday. Neither team was in the penultimate round in the last edition at Doha; but much water has flowed down the river since then.
It will be impudent to relate the track record of Malaysia in its matches against India. True, it serves a statistical perspective but nothing beyond.
That India has won all its 10 matches played in the Asian Games is an interesting piece of information as also the overall record of 95 matches and 68 victories, 16 drawn games and 11 defeats. Even the fact that Malaysia was beaten 3-2 in the recent Commonwealth Games is just a figure.
The Malaysians in Guangzhou are keen to come out with a new script, if not a chapter. And they have worked hard for that under Stephen van Huizen, a sincere coach without any pretensions. The results accomplished by the Malaysians must be recognised and applauded too. They had shared points with the powerhouse in Asia — South Korea, the holder of the gold — and overpowered a strong Chinese squad on ome turf to snatch a place in the last four.
This time the players have amalgamated the essence of aggression, speed and perfect finish as symbolised by the goals by Hanifi, Rahim Amin and Azlan Misron.
All these are elaborated only to project the intensity of the challenge to be expected. True, India finished without dropping a point in a comparatively easy pool, despite being stretched a bit by Japan in the last pool match.
Worrisome factor
Thus far, the team has relied on the penalty corner strikes of Sandeep Singh, the effective role of Sardar in the back zone, and the constructive work of mid-fielder Arjun Halappa. After a poor start, Gurbaj Singh has regained his touch but the worrisome factor is Prabbodh Tirkey's inconsistency in the mid-field.
What coach Brasa needs is to ensure the team elevates itself to a different plane to smother the challenge. Team work is the sine qua non for this. The attack requires greater sharpness than what has been so far.
A lot rests on the skipper Rajpal Singh, Tushar Khandekar and Shivendra Singh, apart from Dharamvir Singh and Sarvanjit, to put a greater punch in the attack and finish. Only this can deter the Malaysian defenders, and the usually energetic goalkeeper Kumar.
Absorbing fare
The other semifinal between South Korea and Pakistan is likely to produce an absorbing fare. Though Korea enjoys the statistical advantage of having won 26 of the 49 meetings losing only 13, the teams have shared three victories each in the Asian Games in which they met last in 1998. Any prediction for Tuesday is hazardous.
Notwithstanding Shakeel Abbassi's scoring skills, the team looks unsettled. The Dutch coach van Heuvel has not succeeded so far in fashioning a winning unit. How far Sohail's magic can carry forward the team is to be watched with interest.
One admirable facet of Korea's approach is the ability to raise the pace and precision to a different level in a trice. With sharp-shooters like Jang Jong and Nam Hyunwoo and strikers Seo Jongho in good form, Pakistan can ill-afford to let its guard down.
The Hindu
A formidable challenge awaits India from the in-form Malaysia in the semifinal of the Asian Games men's hockey competition on Tuesday. Neither team was in the penultimate round in the last edition at Doha; but much water has flowed down the river since then.
It will be impudent to relate the track record of Malaysia in its matches against India. True, it serves a statistical perspective but nothing beyond.
That India has won all its 10 matches played in the Asian Games is an interesting piece of information as also the overall record of 95 matches and 68 victories, 16 drawn games and 11 defeats. Even the fact that Malaysia was beaten 3-2 in the recent Commonwealth Games is just a figure.
The Malaysians in Guangzhou are keen to come out with a new script, if not a chapter. And they have worked hard for that under Stephen van Huizen, a sincere coach without any pretensions. The results accomplished by the Malaysians must be recognised and applauded too. They had shared points with the powerhouse in Asia — South Korea, the holder of the gold — and overpowered a strong Chinese squad on ome turf to snatch a place in the last four.
This time the players have amalgamated the essence of aggression, speed and perfect finish as symbolised by the goals by Hanifi, Rahim Amin and Azlan Misron.
All these are elaborated only to project the intensity of the challenge to be expected. True, India finished without dropping a point in a comparatively easy pool, despite being stretched a bit by Japan in the last pool match.
Worrisome factor
Thus far, the team has relied on the penalty corner strikes of Sandeep Singh, the effective role of Sardar in the back zone, and the constructive work of mid-fielder Arjun Halappa. After a poor start, Gurbaj Singh has regained his touch but the worrisome factor is Prabbodh Tirkey's inconsistency in the mid-field.
What coach Brasa needs is to ensure the team elevates itself to a different plane to smother the challenge. Team work is the sine qua non for this. The attack requires greater sharpness than what has been so far.
A lot rests on the skipper Rajpal Singh, Tushar Khandekar and Shivendra Singh, apart from Dharamvir Singh and Sarvanjit, to put a greater punch in the attack and finish. Only this can deter the Malaysian defenders, and the usually energetic goalkeeper Kumar.
Absorbing fare
The other semifinal between South Korea and Pakistan is likely to produce an absorbing fare. Though Korea enjoys the statistical advantage of having won 26 of the 49 meetings losing only 13, the teams have shared three victories each in the Asian Games in which they met last in 1998. Any prediction for Tuesday is hazardous.
Notwithstanding Shakeel Abbassi's scoring skills, the team looks unsettled. The Dutch coach van Heuvel has not succeeded so far in fashioning a winning unit. How far Sohail's magic can carry forward the team is to be watched with interest.
One admirable facet of Korea's approach is the ability to raise the pace and precision to a different level in a trice. With sharp-shooters like Jang Jong and Nam Hyunwoo and strikers Seo Jongho in good form, Pakistan can ill-afford to let its guard down.
The Hindu
Malaysia in historic final
Malaysia-Pakistan Asian Games men's hockey final!
And the Malaysian team beat the damned gloomy statistics!
India-Malaysia by B.G.Joshi (India)
And the Malaysian team beat the damned gloomy statistics!
India-Malaysia by B.G.Joshi (India)
| IND vs. MAS | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA |
| Total | 95 | 68 | 16 | 11 | 268 | 108 |
| In AG | 10 | 10 | - | - | 33 | 5 |
| Last Played | CWG Hockey –Delhi won 3-2. | |||||
Head to head: in Asian Games
KOR-PAK: MP 6, KOR wins 3, PAK wins 3,
GF (Kor)7, GF(Pak)28
| Year | Match | Score |
| 1958 | League | 0-8 |
| 1982 | Pool | 0-10 |
| 1986 | Final | 2-1 |
| 1990 | League | 0-5 |
| 1994 | SF | 2-2,tb 4-1 |
| 1998 | SF | 3-2 |
| Not played in 1962 to 1978, 2002 and 2006 |
|
|
IND-MAS: MP 10, IND wins all,
GF (Ind) 33, GF (Mas) 5
| Year | Match | Score |
| 1958 | League | 6-0 |
| 1962 | Pool | 3-0 |
| 1966 | Pool | 1-0 |
| 1970 | Pool | 2-0 |
| 1974 | League | 2-0 |
| 1978 | Pool | 5-3 |
| 1982 | Pool | 5-1 |
| 1986 | Bronze | 4-1 |
| 1990 | League | 1-0 |
| 2006 | 5th place | 4-0 |
| Not played in 1994 to 2002 |
|
|
Compiled by B.G.Joshi
Hockey Statistician www.sportstar.com
www.bharatiyahockey.org.
www.naidunia.com(Hindi newspaper from Indore)
Pakistan-Korea by Akbar Wahidi of Pakistan
| PAK vs.KOR | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA |
| Total | 49 | 26 | 10 | 13 | 150 | 79 |
| In AG | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 28 | 7 |
| Last Played | Azlan Shah Cup –Ipoh, Lost 2-4. | |||||
Monday, November 22, 2010
5-0 warm-up against Thailand
THE Malaysian women’s hockey team wasted a handful of chances but still beat Thailand 5-0 in their final round-robbin match yesterday.
Malaysia finished fifth in the seven-team tournament, and will play Thailand again in the fifth-sixth classification match on Wednesday.
So, the match yesterday was a good warm-up for the Malaysian ladies in their quest to finish fifth.
The Malaysian goals were scored by Noor Ruhaini (24th), Nor Bokhari (32nd, 70th), Norfaraha Hashim (33rd) and Norazlin Sumantri (37th).
RESULTS: Malaysia 5 Thailand 0, South Korea 2 (Kim Jong-eun 41, 65) Japan 0, China x India x.
Malaysia finished fifth in the seven-team tournament, and will play Thailand again in the fifth-sixth classification match on Wednesday.
So, the match yesterday was a good warm-up for the Malaysian ladies in their quest to finish fifth.
The Malaysian goals were scored by Noor Ruhaini (24th), Nor Bokhari (32nd, 70th), Norfaraha Hashim (33rd) and Norazlin Sumantri (37th).
RESULTS: Malaysia 5 Thailand 0, South Korea 2 (Kim Jong-eun 41, 65) Japan 0, China x India x.
Banking on penalty corners
RIVALS are banking on their powerful penalty corner flickers to deliver when the Asian Games men’s field hockey semi-finals are played on Tuesday.
The strongly-built drag flickers, who take set-piece shots at the goal with lightening speed, have not disappointed so far in the 10-nation competition at the Aoti Hockey Centre.
Six of the top eight scorers in the preliminary league are penalty corner exponents with India’s Sandeep Singh leading the charge with 10 goals.
Veteran Sohail Abbas of Pakistan has six, while China’s Liu Yixian, the South Korean duo of Jang Jong-Hyun and Nam Hyun-Woo and Muhammad Imran of Pakistan have five each.
The two exceptions are Malaysian striker Azlan Misron, who has scored six goals and Korean forward Seo Jong-Ho, who has five.
“Penalty corners are the most important aspect of modern hockey,” said the 35-year-old Abbas, whose Pakistan clash with defending champions South Korea in the first semi-final.
“If the strikers don’t score themselves, they try to make sure the team earns penalty corners. It’s all part of the game.” Abbas, who was recalled for the Asiad after being left out of last month’s Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, is the world’s leading scorer with 316 goals.
But the Koreans, seeking a hat-trick of titles after winning in 2002 and 2006, say Abbas’ mighty presence does not worry them.
“Sohail is a wonderful striker, but our own Jang and Nam are equally good,” said Korean striker Seo Jong-Ho. “We also have a lot of faith in our goalkeeper.” Nam added South Korea was fortunate to have two solid penalty corner hitters in their team.
“It helps us to plan better,” he said. “We like to keep the other side guessing whether Jang or I will take the hit.” India, the only team with an all-win record in the league who meet Malaysia in the other semi-final, owe their success to Sandeep’s precise drag-flicks.
“Our penalty corner strategy has worked out well so far, but we must try something different in the semi-final because the other side would have studied videos of our matches,” Sandeep said.
India have been tested just once in four games when they beat Pakistan 3-2, where Sandeep scored twice and Abbas’ lone penalty corner shot was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Bharat Chetri.
But Indian captain Rajpal Singh said it would be dangerous to depend entirely on Sandeep’s prowess to see them past Malaysia.
“They are a good team and we must take all the chances that come our way,” he said. “Winning all league matches won’t count if we lose the semi-final.” Malaysia will rely on strikers Misron and Hafifihafiz Hanafi as they attempt to make their first Asian Games final after going unbeaten in the league with three wins and a draw.
The competition assumes significance since the winner of Thursday’s gold medal clash will get a direct entry into the 2010 London Olymics.
The strongly-built drag flickers, who take set-piece shots at the goal with lightening speed, have not disappointed so far in the 10-nation competition at the Aoti Hockey Centre.
Six of the top eight scorers in the preliminary league are penalty corner exponents with India’s Sandeep Singh leading the charge with 10 goals.
Veteran Sohail Abbas of Pakistan has six, while China’s Liu Yixian, the South Korean duo of Jang Jong-Hyun and Nam Hyun-Woo and Muhammad Imran of Pakistan have five each.
The two exceptions are Malaysian striker Azlan Misron, who has scored six goals and Korean forward Seo Jong-Ho, who has five.
“Penalty corners are the most important aspect of modern hockey,” said the 35-year-old Abbas, whose Pakistan clash with defending champions South Korea in the first semi-final.
“If the strikers don’t score themselves, they try to make sure the team earns penalty corners. It’s all part of the game.” Abbas, who was recalled for the Asiad after being left out of last month’s Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, is the world’s leading scorer with 316 goals.
But the Koreans, seeking a hat-trick of titles after winning in 2002 and 2006, say Abbas’ mighty presence does not worry them.
“Sohail is a wonderful striker, but our own Jang and Nam are equally good,” said Korean striker Seo Jong-Ho. “We also have a lot of faith in our goalkeeper.” Nam added South Korea was fortunate to have two solid penalty corner hitters in their team.
“It helps us to plan better,” he said. “We like to keep the other side guessing whether Jang or I will take the hit.” India, the only team with an all-win record in the league who meet Malaysia in the other semi-final, owe their success to Sandeep’s precise drag-flicks.
“Our penalty corner strategy has worked out well so far, but we must try something different in the semi-final because the other side would have studied videos of our matches,” Sandeep said.
India have been tested just once in four games when they beat Pakistan 3-2, where Sandeep scored twice and Abbas’ lone penalty corner shot was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Bharat Chetri.
But Indian captain Rajpal Singh said it would be dangerous to depend entirely on Sandeep’s prowess to see them past Malaysia.
“They are a good team and we must take all the chances that come our way,” he said. “Winning all league matches won’t count if we lose the semi-final.” Malaysia will rely on strikers Misron and Hafifihafiz Hanafi as they attempt to make their first Asian Games final after going unbeaten in the league with three wins and a draw.
The competition assumes significance since the winner of Thursday’s gold medal clash will get a direct entry into the 2010 London Olymics.
Kumar holds key to final door
By Ajitpal Singh
IT could turn out to be a battle between goalkeeper S.Kumar and drag flicker Sandeep Singh when Malaysia face India in an explosive semi-final match at the Aoti Hockey Stadium today.
Kumar, who has played exceptionally well so far, will need to stop on-form Sandeep Singh from scoring if India are awarded penalty corners.
Sandeep, known for his powerful drag flicks, is the most feared player in the Asian Games. The defender has scored 10 times, all from penalty corners, so far.
“It is going to be a touch-and-go match. Sandeep has been doing great so far but I am prepared to stop him from scoring,” said Kumar at the Aoti Hockey Stadium yesterday.
Malaysia, who hoped for redemption in the Asian Games after the miserably performance in Delhi, defied the odds by drawing 2-2 with defending champions South Korea and edging China 4-2 to book their semi-final spot.
Strikers Azlan Misron, Hafifihafiz Hafifi and penalty corner specialist Amin Rahim have been exceptional for Malaysia, scoring 13 goals between them.
However, if Malaysia want to make their first ever Asian Games final, they need to learn from their defeat to India at the Commonwealth Games. In Delhi, Malaysia dominated and led twice against India but eventually lost 3-2.
For the record, India tend to be fragile against their rivals away from home.
In this year’s Azlan Shah Cup, Malaysia humiliated India 5-2, their biggest victory over their South Asian rivals in two decades.
National coach Stephen van Huizen said his team must tighten its defense and avoid giving away penalty corners against India.
“Our defensive line-up tends to lose concentration. We cannot afford it against India as they are the favourites. We must play tight because India have very good forwards and penalty corner set pieces,” he added.
Pakistan face Korea in the other semi-finals today.
IT could turn out to be a battle between goalkeeper S.Kumar and drag flicker Sandeep Singh when Malaysia face India in an explosive semi-final match at the Aoti Hockey Stadium today.
Kumar, who has played exceptionally well so far, will need to stop on-form Sandeep Singh from scoring if India are awarded penalty corners.
Sandeep, known for his powerful drag flicks, is the most feared player in the Asian Games. The defender has scored 10 times, all from penalty corners, so far.
“It is going to be a touch-and-go match. Sandeep has been doing great so far but I am prepared to stop him from scoring,” said Kumar at the Aoti Hockey Stadium yesterday.
Malaysia, who hoped for redemption in the Asian Games after the miserably performance in Delhi, defied the odds by drawing 2-2 with defending champions South Korea and edging China 4-2 to book their semi-final spot.
Strikers Azlan Misron, Hafifihafiz Hafifi and penalty corner specialist Amin Rahim have been exceptional for Malaysia, scoring 13 goals between them.
However, if Malaysia want to make their first ever Asian Games final, they need to learn from their defeat to India at the Commonwealth Games. In Delhi, Malaysia dominated and led twice against India but eventually lost 3-2.
For the record, India tend to be fragile against their rivals away from home.
In this year’s Azlan Shah Cup, Malaysia humiliated India 5-2, their biggest victory over their South Asian rivals in two decades.
National coach Stephen van Huizen said his team must tighten its defense and avoid giving away penalty corners against India.
“Our defensive line-up tends to lose concentration. We cannot afford it against India as they are the favourites. We must play tight because India have very good forwards and penalty corner set pieces,” he added.
Pakistan face Korea in the other semi-finals today.
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