Johari apologises for JHL mess...

PIC: MHC president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah speaking to the media after the appointment of Johari Aziz (right) as the MHC secretary general in April 10 last year.

ENTRIES for the Junior Hockey League (JHL) closed yesterday, but there was nobody at the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) office in Bukit Jalil to accept the forms, as well as the entry fee.
    The MHC office was locked, and team managers who turned up to submit last-minute entries were fuming at the MHC administrative bungle.
   And MHC secretary Johari Aziz, when contacted said it was due to miscommunication among his staff.
   “I admit that the booboo was an oversight, due to miscommunication and I apologise to the team managers who turned up to submit their entries at our Bukit Jalil office.
    “However, we will rectify the situation and not penalise teams which submit entries at a later date. Monday, I will sort out the problem,” said Johari.
    Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak) team manager Joseph de Silva was one of those who knocked at the MHC office door yesterday with no reply forthcoming.
    “Olak just finished their selection on Friday, and after finalising the team, I went to the MHC office at 11am to submit the entries and also make the payment as it was the last day.
   “Imagine my shock, when the office was locked on a day when MHC had set as the closing date for entries,” said Joseph.
    For the record, Olak has never missed a single season playing in the JHL since its inception in 1995.
    “While waiting outside the office, I also met Datuk Taha team manager Roslan (Mohamed) who has also come to submit the entry, and he was also shocked on why the MHC office was closed on the last day of filing entries,” said Joseph.

Australian juniors impressive against Kiwis..

BURRAS 5 (2)
Jeremy Hayward 27,62 (PC,PC)
Flynn Ogilvie 35 (F)
Cameron Joyce 40 (PC)
Will Gilmour 66 (F)

NEW ZEALAND JUNIOR BLACK STICKS 2 (1)
Russell Kane 5,45 (PC,PC)

The Burras came from behind to record a second straight win over New Zealand’s Junior Black Sticks in Perth. 
A double from captain Jeremy Hayward (NT) and one each from Flynn Ogilvie (NSW), Cameron Joyce (SA) and Will Gilmour (VIC) saw the Burras come from behind to beat their Kiwi rivals.
Russell Kane’s penalty corner had given New Zealand an early lead but Jeremy Haward’s penalty corner seven minutes from the break levelled the score and Ogilvie’s goal on the stroke of half time sent the Aussie U21s ahead at half time. 
Cameron Joyce’s goal five minutes after the restart gave Australia a two goal cushion but Kane’s second for New Zealand gave the visitors hope of a comeback soon after. 
But as the game entered its final ten minutes the Burras stretched their lead to ensure victory. Hayward’s second made it 4-2 before Will Gilmour’s late strike signed off the Australians’ Junior World Cup preparations.
The Burras' preparations for the Junior World Cup have been aided by support from the Australian Junior Commonwealth Games Squad Program (AJCGS). The team departs Perth for Delhi on Sunday ahead of the start of the tournament next weekend. The Burras will face Argentina, France and Spain in their Pool in Delhi with all eyes on a top two finish and a place in the quarter finals. 
>> Visit the FIH's Junior World Cup web page here.

Burras U21 men’s squad v New Zealand
Started 
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD)
Edward Chittleborough (GK) (Blackwood, SA)
Matthew Dawson (Central Coast, NSW)
Justin Douglas (Townsville, QLD)
Casey Hammond (Melbourne, VIC)
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT)
Cameron Joyce (Port Pirie, SA)
Frank Main (Perth, WA)
Luke Noblett (Sydney, NSW)
Flynn Ogilvie (Woonona, NSW)
Kane Posselt (Atherton, QLD)
Used Substitute
Robert Bell (Brisbane, QLD)
Andrew Butturini (GK) (Burringbar, QLD)
Tyler Cowley (South Morang, VIC)
Aaron Kershaw (Goulburn, NSW)
Will Gilmour (Melbourne, VIC)
Jayshaan Randhawa (Eltham, VIC)
Dylan Wotherspoon (Mulwillumbah, QLD)

JWC: Australia hammer Kiwis 6-1

 http://www.hockey.org.au

BURRAS 6 (1)
Cameron Joyce 3,46 (PC,PC)
Kane Posselt 37 (F)
Tyler Cowley 43,63 (F,F)
Aaron Kershaw 56 (PC)

NEW ZEALAND 1 (0)
Nicholas Woods 58 (PC)

Australia’s under 21 men, the Burras, saw off New Zealand’s Junior Black Sticks with a 6-1 victory in the first of two matches in Perth on Thursday as both countries prepare for the Junior World Cup.
Despite the comprehensive score there was little in the half time tally to indicate the goal-fest second half to come. Cameron Joyce (SA) put the Burras ahead at the break through a penalty corner late in the first period before a quick-fire double in the opening ten minutes of the second half put the Burras well on track. Kane Posselt (QLD) and Tyler Cowley (VIC) both found the net from open play with Joyce adding his second – Australia’s fourth – soon after with a thunderous penalty corner.
Aaron Kershaw (NSW) netted the Burras' fifth goal from another penalty corner before New Zealand pulled a goal back. But there was still plenty in the Australian tank as Cowley rounded off the scoring for 6-1.
Afterwards, Junior Head Coach Paul Gaudoin said, “It was pleasing to score a few goals today but there’s lots of room for improvement. Our basic skills weren’t where they needed to be but overall the signs are promising. Tomorrow, we have another game and we’ll use that to work on improving things in our attacking and defensive thirds."
And speaking about the two week camp the squad is undertaking before departing for India on Sunday, Gaudoin added: “The boys are being worked very hard but we’ve also managed to give them a bit of down time to help with the team bonding. It’s important because they don’t normally train together and they’ve been brought here for this two weeks before the Junior World Cup. It’s been a balanced two weeks; we try to fit in as much as we can without overloading them.”
The two teams meet again on Friday afternoon (5:15pm AWST / 8:15pm AEDT) before departing next week to Delhi for the start of the Junior World Cup.
Burras U21 men’s squad for Junior World Cup
6-15 December 2013, New Delhi, India
Started
Simon Borger (Cairns, QLD)
Andrew Butturini (GK) (Burringbar, QLD)
Matthew Dawson (Central Coast, NSW)
Justin Douglas (Townsville, QLD)
Casey Hammond (Melbourne, VIC)
Aaron Kershaw (Goulburn, NSW)
Luke Noblett (Sydney, NSW)
Flynn Ogilvie (Woonona, NSW)
Kane Posselt (Atherton, QLD)
Jayshaan Randhawa (Eltham, VIC)
Dylan Wotherspoon (Mulwillumbah, QLD)

Used Substitute
Robert Bell (Brisbane, QLD)
Edward Chittleborough (GK) (Blackwood, SA)
Tyler Cowley (South Morang, VIC)
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT)
Cameron Joyce (Port Pirie, SA)
Frank Main (Perth, WA)
Aidan Rintala (Townsville, QLD)

Burras’ Fixtures, Junior World Cup
(all times are local in New Delhi, which is 5.5 hours behind AEDT / 2.5 hours behind AWST)
Friday 6 December – 14:00 – Burras v Argentina (Pool B)
Saturday 7 December – 14:00 – Burras v Spain (Pool B)
Monday 9 December – 16:00 – Burras v France (Pool B)
Thursday 12 December – tbc – Quarter  Final or 9-16 classification
Friday 13 December – tbc – Semi Final or 5-8 classification
Saturday 14 December – tbc – 9-16 classification
Sunday 15 December – tbc – Medal matches or 5-8 classification

Bhutta to lead Pakistan in JWC

KARACHI: Olympian Umar Bhutta has been retained as captain of the national junior team that will represent the country in the Junior Hockey World Cup to be played in India.
    Pakistan will send an 18-member squad for the event that will be contested by 16 teams from December 6 to 15 in New Delhi.
   The final squad was named following the trials in Lahore on Wednesday.
   Bhutta, who led the team at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia in September, has been retained as captain on the back of his experiences with the senior team.
   Mohammad Tauseeq, another member of the senior team, has been named vice-captain in place of Syed Kashif Shah. The squad includes two goal-keepers in Mazhar Abbas and Amin Yousaf.
   However, Mohammad Khalid’s inclusion in the touring squad is subject to his fitness which will be gauged during the practice games between the senior and junior teams on November 29 and 30.
   Khalid will be replaced by Kashif Javed if he fails the fitness test.
   “The squad has been named after thorough assessment,” head coach Manzoorul Hasan told The Express Tribune.
  “We have tried our best to select a balanced squad comprising the best available players.
   “Umar [Bhutta] is experienced and was the best option to lead team while Tauseeq has been promoted after his fine show with the Pakistan team at the Asian Champions Trophy.”
   The colts, tied in Pool A, will begin their World Cup campaign with a match against Egypt, while Germany and Belgium are the other teams in the group.

Squad

Umar Bhutta (captain), Mohammad Tauseeq (vice-captain), Mazhar Abbas, Amin Yousaf, Kashif Shah, Faisal Qadir, Rizwan Junior, Ammad Shakeel, Zohaib Ashraf, Mohammad Umair, Mohammad Dilber, Aleem Bilal, Arslan Qadir, Tassawur Abbas, Mohammad Irfan, Rizwan Ali, Mohammad Adnan, Mohammad Khalid/Kashif Javed.

The Express Tribune

Manpreet: We're ready for the Dutch...

Enthusiastic Manpreet Singh (pic) is back as the captain of the junior team, this time shouldering more responsibility in guiding the young brigade to the Junior World Cup.
    Even as Hockey India announced his name for the top job today in an impressive function, where the jerseys of players were given away, Manpreet was in his usual best, brimming with confidence, and interacting without tired or remorse.
    Addressing the media after team announcement, he oozes confidence when says his team is ready to face Holland in their first encounter in the World Cup.
   “Holland is an important team but we have accordingly trained ourselves. We have specific trainers in all areas and are ready to face them.”
   Having been part of all the major events of the past two years, Manpreet acquired adequate knowledge in understanding of the game, and is ready to part his knowledge to his teammates, who will all be facing a great test for their characters in ten days time, when the Delhi's Dhyan Chand stadium hosts the Junior World Cup.
   Obviously, Manpreet Singh will the focus of the nation, and he is all set to assimilate the experience he gained, in order to stand up to the task.
   With an experience of 85 international caps, Manpreet says he has learnt a lot from his seniors to guide the team.
   “I will be putting a lot of things into practice which I grasped from my seniors. There is no such senior-junior. We will be playing as one team.”
   Talking about his expectations from the World Cup, he adds, “Our aim is to take one match at a time and concentrate on it. This way, we will aim to move ahead.”
   Fitness-wise also he says, the team has been training well under trainer Mathew Eyles and there are no fitness issues.
   Though Manpreet is a man to watch, and at present seems to equip with everything that is required to put up a show, only time will tell how much of his enthusiasm and energy turn into a match winning trait.
Stick2Hockey.com

Manpreet to lead India at World Cup

NEW DELHI: Talented midfielder Manpreet Singh, a veteran of 85 international matches, was on Wednesday named the captain as India picked an 18-member squad for the junior hockey World Cup to be held in the Capital next month. Defender Amit Rohidas will be Manpreet's deputy. India will open their campaign against the Netherlands on December 6, followed by matches against Canada (December 7) and South Korea (December 10).
     "Playing a World Cup at home will be a memorable occasion for the players. We have prepared well and are looking forward to taking on the world's best," team's coach Gregg Clarke said.
   "We will go step by step. The immediate target is to do well against Holland. I have learnt a lot of things playing with the senior team and will try to apply those things," skipper Manpreet said.
   The tournament schedule is set with four pools of four teams of which two from each pool will advance to the quarterfinals. India are placed in Pool C with the Netherlands, S Korea and Canada. Pool A will feature Germany, Pakistan, Belgium and Egypt. Australia, Spain, Argentina and France are competing in Pool B while England, New Zealand, South Africa and Malaysia will clash in Pool D. All the matches will be telecast live on Ten Sports, Hockey India said adding that the tickets for the event can be purchased from www.ticketgenie .in.
   India, who won a silver in 1997 World Cup and followed it up with their only gold medal in the event in 2001, failed to repeat the feat in subsequent events. In 2005 they were fourth and in 2009 they finished a lowly ninth.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Sushant Tirkey, Harjot Singh; Defenders: Gurjinder Singh, Amit Rohidas, Surender Kumar, Sukhmanjit Singh, Pardeep Mor, Kothajit Singh; Midfielders: Manpreet Singh (captain), Satbir Singh, Harjit Singh, Imran Khan, Prabhdeep Singh; Forwards: Malak Singh, Mandeep Singh, Talwinder Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh; Standbys: Jagdeep Dayal (goalkeeper), Lalit Upadhyay and Gurmail Singh (midfielder), Affan Yousuf (forward).

The Times of India

Goalkeeper Mohd Fadzil Hadi dies...

 FADZIL ... ( front row 1st from left). Picture taken before the Malaysia v West Germany match of the 1982 Junior World Cup at the Tun Razak Stadium. Malaysia lost 4-2.West Germany went on to become the champions.


FORMER Malaysian hockey goalkeeper Mohd Fadzil Hadi, 52, died at the Selayang hospital yesterday.
    Fadzil is best remembered for helping Malaysia finish fourth in the 1982 Junior World Cup at the Tun Razak Stadium.
   Fadzil started his hockey career while with Tunku Besar Secondary School (TBS) in Tampin, Negri Sembilan, where he was coached by the late S. Sivapathasundram.
   He was the first choice keeper in the TBS Under-18 team, and after the Junior World Cup, went on to represent Police, Negri Sembilan and United Asian Bank in the Malaysia Hockey League.
   Sarjit Singh, the 1982 Junior World Cup skipper, paid tribute to the bubbly goalkeeper.
   "He was the live-wire of the team and even in the worst of situations, he could always crack a joke or make a gesture which would lighten up the team's mood.
   "Fadzil was a personal friend, and he always gave his best when between the posts. My condolences to his family," said Sarjit.
   Sarjit added that on his day, Fadzil was the hardest man to beat.
    "I remember him as a really happy man off the pitch, but very serious and stubborn when padded-up. And on his day, he was almost impossible to beat even in one-on-one situations.
     "And remember, back then, goalkeepers were not padded like they are today, and one had to be brave to face the ball at high speed in thin paddings," said Sarjit.
   And when he went for national seniors training under coach Datuk Sri Shanmuganathan in 1987-1988, former international M.A. Sambu remembers him for his "tomato" look.
   "He was a little on the heavy side, but he really had determination in training and was never one to give up. I became friends with him when he joined the national seniors training under Sri Shan and back then, fitness training was a 'killer'.
   "But Fadzil always managed to make us smile after a long hard day in training, and was a gem of a guy," said Sambu.
   Media Prima chairman Datuk Johan Jaaffar said on Twitter: "Ebullient, exuberant, funny - to the family, a jester - formerly one of Malaysia's best hockey goalkeepers."
  
  

Perak boys dethrone KL

PERAK overcame the odds to beat six-time champions Kuala Lumpur 2-0 in the final of the Boys' MHC-Milo-NSC 
National Under-14 in Kuala Terengganu yesterday.
    It was the third title for Perak, who were also champions in 2005 and 2006.
    And it was the second time Perak beat KL in the tournament, as they also won 4-2 in the Group stages.
   Aliff Ikhemal did the damage with a field goal in the second minute, and tournament top scorer Arif Sabron 
cdemented the win in the 60th minute by scoring his 16th goal in eight matches.
    Perak coach Ezral Ariff said: "Credit to my boys for playing well in the final. Goalkeeper Mohamed Izhar deserves 
special mention, as he was in top form to deny the KL strikers."
    In the bronze match, hosts Terengganu beat Malacca 3-2. The Terengganu goals were scored by  Shahrin 
Izzuddin (17th) and Wan Rifqi (54th and 67th).
    And the Malacca goals came from Aliff Najmi (33rd) and Izzat Rais (51st).
   And in the Girls' final, Selangor cameback twice from a goal down to beat Penang 5-3. The Selangor scorers were 
Nurul Aida Abdul Razak (13th), Nurul Hidayah (20th), P. Revathi (22nd), Azieah Azman (39th) and Ellya Amanina 
Ellias (49th)
   While Penang got their goals off and own goal  in the 11th minute, Nurul Hidayah (13th) and Mimie Zulakha Zaini 
(58th).
    RESULTS: Boys' final: Perak 2 Kuala Lumpur 0; Third-Fourth: Terengganu 3 Malacca 2.
    Girls' final: Selangor 5 Penang 3; Third-Fourth: Kuala Lumpur 3 Malacca 0.

ROLL OF HONOUR

BOYS
Best player of the tournament: Mohamed Akhimullah (Terengganu)
Top scorer: Arif Sabron (Perak - 16 goals)
Best goalkeeper: Tyrendrraj Azwind (Negri Sembilan)
Man of the match in final: Pavandip Singh (KL)
Fairplay: Malacca

GIRLS
Best player of the tournament: Nazatul Huzra (KL)
Top scorer: Arinah Azyyati (KL) and Ellya Amanina Ellias (Sel) 11 goals
Best goalkeeper: Aina Nadiah Fadzil (KL)
Man of the match in the final: P. Revathi (Sel)
Fairplay: Pahang

RM500,000 Felda boost for National Juniors

THE National Juniors received a major sponsorship boost in the run-up to the World Cup, as Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) pumped in RM500,000 for their campaign in New Delhi from Dec 6-15.
     The juniors will carry the Felda logo on their jerseys for the duration of the tournament, starting with New Zealand on Dec 6. The other teams in Malaysia’s Group are South Africa and England.
    From the list of 18 selected for the World Cup, Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin and Hafiz Zainol were born and raised in Felda settlements in Perak (Trolak) and Pahang (Jengka) respectively.
    “We are going to New Delhi with a mission, and not punching bags. I believe the boys can reach the top-six target set for them,” said Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah at the mock cheque presentation in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
    Felda sponsorship will consists of players’ kit, energy supplements and other nutrition during training and the Junior World Cup.
    Felda Director-General Datuk Faizoull Ahmad presented the mock cheque for RM500,000 to Tengku Abdullah.
    “Felda is proud to sponsor the National Juniors. The amount may not be much but it is our social responsibility to see that our national players are well prepared for the Junior World Cup. We are here to leave no stone unturned,” said Faizoull.
    “It is our hope that the team performs well in the World Cup against some of the best teams in the world and the players make the nation proud as well. The Junior World Cup is a prestigious event and Felda is very supportive of the development of our hockey teams at local the international level,” added Faizoull.
    MHC also presented cash incentives of RM4,000 each, to all the players and coaches for finishing second in the Sultan of Johor Cup.
     “I have a very close relation ship with Felda, particularly the settlements in Pahang, as I grew up visiting and watching the settlers grow in strength.
    “On behalf of MHC, I would like to thank Felda for their continuous support to the development of hockey in the country.
   “This sponsorship epitomises their commitment, belief and confidence in the National Juniors,” said Tengku Abdullah.     

Kuala Lumpur beat Sabah for semis...

PERAK boys qualified for the semi-finals from Group A of  the MHC-Milo-NSC Under-14 Hockey  tournament in  Kuala  Terengganu even though they were held to a 1-1 draw by  Penang.
    And the Silver State, who finished second in Group A, will  meet Group B champions Terengganu in the last four today.
    Defending champions Kuala Lumpur also made the cut  when they beat Sabah x-x to top Group A, and will play Group  B runners-up Malacca in the semi-finals.
    “This has been an energy-sapping tournament as my  players had little rest between matches and with the semi- finals tomorrow (today) followed by the finals and bronze  matches the next day, I am only afraid on how fast my players  can recover after holding Penang in a gruelling match,” said  Perak team manager Shahri Mohamed Zain.
    Perak also made the semi-finals last year, but were  knocked out: “I believe we have the players this year to play  in the final and better our record,” said Shahri.
    Perak’s only other blemish in the tournament so far was a  3-1 defeat to Sabah.
     RESULTS: Boys’ Group A -- Perlis 6 Sarawak 1, Perak 1  Penang 1,  Kuala Lumpur 3 Sabah 1.
    Group B: Malacca 3 Pahang 2, Negri 0 Selangor 2.
     Girls’ Group A: Terengganu 0 Kuala Lumpur 4, Malacca 1   Terengganu 0.
   Group B: Kelantan 4 Johor 3, Kedah 1 Penang 2, Selangor  0 Negri 4.
    TODAY: Boys’ semi-finals: Kuala Lumpur v Malacca;  Terengganu v Perak.
     Girls’ semi-finals: Kuala Lumpur v Selangor; Malacca v  Penang.

Sabah boys shock Perak 3-1

DEFENDING champions Kuala Lumpur will face a do-or-die mission to qualify for the semi-finals when they face Sabah in the Boys’ Group A of the MHC-Milo-NSC Under-14 Hockey tournament in  Kuala Terengganu.
    Even though KL beat Sarawak 3-0 yesterday, Sabah opened the Group A standings by beating Perak 3-1.
    For the record, Perak had beaten KL 4-2 earlier in the tournament.
    “As you can see, we lost to Perak, while Sabah beat Perak. So we can’t take our last pool match for granted, and my boys will have to bring out their best to play in the semi-finals and defend out title,” said KL team manager Ali Sulaiman.
     Ali said he was not making excuses, but they lost the Perak match to weather, and a water-logged pitch.
    “We were unlucky that it rained heavily during the match, and when we played, the pitch was water-logged and my players could not move the ball well while the Perak boys looked like they were more comfortable playing on a heavy pitch.
    “Against Sabah, hopefully it does not rain again, and my players also need to make sure they dont miss sitters like in previous matches,” said Ali.
    In the Boys’ Group B, its also still an open affair with hosts Terengganu, Malacca, Johor, Selangor and Pahang still in the hunt for the two knock-out slots.
    RESULTS: Boys’ Group A: Perak 1 Sabah 3, Kuala Lumpur 3 Sarawak 0, Kedah 1 Penang 0.
   Group B: Negri x Kelantan x, Johor 2 Pahang 7, Terengganu 2  Selangor 2.
    Girls’ Group A: Terengganu 0 Malacca 1.
    Group B: Negri 6 Kelantan 0, Johor 0 Penang 6, Kedah 2  Selangor 5.
    TODAY: Boys’ Group A -- Perlis v Sarawak, Perak v Penang, Kuala Lumpur v Sabah.
    Group B: Malacca v Pahang, Negri v Selangor, Johor v Kelantan.
     Girls’ Group A: Terengganu v Kuala Lumpur, Malacca v Sarawak.
   Group B: Kelantan v Johor, Kedah v Penang, Selangor v Negri.

Hope in Under-14...

MALAYSIAN Hockey Confederation (MHC) coaching di rector Tai Beng Hai is impressed with the standard of play in  the ongoing MHC-Milo-NSC Under-14 Hockey tournament in  Kuala Terengganu.
    He sees a number of talent which could be groomed into  better players.
    “In the beginning there was too much of rain and the pitch  was heavy so I could not really see individual talent in the  state sides, but the last two days the pitch condition is much  better and I did spot a number of players who are future  potentials,” said Beng Hai who is in Kuala Terengganu.
    He is also impressed with the way the Pahang boys are  playing in the tournament.
    “MHC president Tengku Abdullah (Sultan Ahmad Shah)  started an academy in Temerloh and Pahang has improved  tremendously in a year.
     “They beat Terengganu (a junior powerhouse) 3-1 in their  first match, and were sound in their structure, but lacked  strength and also the tactical aspect.
    “But I believe this age group tournament has teams which  are better prepared and also more talented. I will select a  pool of players from here to attend selected camps,” said  Beng Hai.
    Yesterday, Perlis shocked Penang 3-0 for their second win  of the tournament in the Boys’ Group A, and now have seven  points and are among the potential semi-finalists from the  group.
     Syukur Abu Bakar was the hat-trick hero as he scored field  goals in the 21st, 41st and 53rd minutes to beat Penang.
   And in the Boys Group B, Malacca edged Selangor 1-0 with  the winner coming from Mohamed Nur Asyraf in the 21st  minute off a penalty corner attempt.
    RESULTS --- Boys’ Group A: Penang 0 Perlis 3, Kuala  Lumpur 1 Kedah 0.
    Group B: Selangor 0 Malacca 1, Kelantan 2 Negri 0.
    Girls’ Group A: Kuala Lumpur 12 Pahang 0.
   TODAY: Boys’ Group A: Perak v Sabah, Kuala Lumpur v  Sarawak, Kedah v Penang.
   Group B: Negri v Kelantan, Johor v Pahang, Terengganu v  Selangor.
    Girls’ Group A: Terengganu v Malacca.
    Group B: Negri v Kelantan, Johor v Penang, Kedah v  Selangor.

Another hockey distinction for Tampin..

 PIC: Joel van Huizen

Pic: Kavin Kartik (right)

TAMPIN lad G. Kavin Kartik, 21, will have the distinction of being only the second Malaysian to play in two Junior World Cups, when coach K. Dharmaraj named his final 18 for the New Delhi tournament from Dec 6-15.
    The first was defender M. Devendran who played in the 1985 Vancouver and 1989 Ipoh Junior World Cups.
    And history ran three-deep in the Van Huizen family when Joel Samuel was also selected to play for the country for the first time.
    Joel’s grandfather Lawrence and father Stephen had also represented the nation in various tournaments, including the Olympics.
    “Kavin will be a valuable asset as he played in the 2009 World Cup, and knows how to handle match pressure in a major junior event.
    “As for Joel, he has never played in any tournament for the country, but he has worked hard during the recent tours and friendlies to warrant a call-up,” said juniors coach K. Dharmaraj.
    The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) has revised the top-four, to a top-six target for the juniors, which is within their grasp, provided they do not bungle in the group stage.
    Malaysia are in Group D with New Zealand, England and South Africa.
    “I’m taking the target as a challenge for me and my players, however, right now, I am in full planning to win our first match against New Zealand (Dec 6) as a win would almost assure us a place in the quarter-finals, as we would have two more matched against South Africa (Dec 8) and England (Dec 9) to collect at least three points or more for the knock-out stage,” said Dharmaraj.
    For the record, New Zealand finished fourth in the 2009 Junior World Cup in Johor Baru, while Malaysia ended 12th in the 20-team tournament when they were beaten 3-2 by Belgium in the classification match.
    The pillars of the squad would be skipper Fitri Saari, Firhan Ashaari, Faiz Helmi Jali, Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin, Meor Azuan and Rashid Baharom as they have had the experience of playing at the senior level.
    The team will leave for New Delhi on Dec 1 and will play a friendly against Germany on Dec 3 as the final tune-up.
     MALAYSIA -- Hazrul Faiz Ahmad Sobri (goalkeeper), Hafizuddin Othman (goalkeeper), Firhan Ashaari, Fitri Saari (captain), Rashid Baharom, G. Kavin Kartik, Syamim Yusof, Shazril Irwan Nazli, Meor Azuan, Haziq Samsul, Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin,  Azri Hassan, Zulhairi Hashim, Faiz Helmi Jali,  Shahril Saabah, Joel Samuel van Huizen, Nor Aqmal Abdul Ghaffar, Hafiz Zainol.

National Under-14: Malacca boys edge Negri

MALACCA sprang a surprise by beating Negri Sembilan 1-0 on the first day of the National Under-14 Hockey Tournament in Kuala Terengganu yesterday.
    Ranked lower than their opponents who finished third in last year’s competition, Malacca claimed full points in the Group B opening match when Amir Wafiq Aizat converted a penalty corner in the 20th minute.
   Malacca manager R. Manogaran said the result was tremendous considering three of the team’s key players from the Bukit Jalil and Bandar Penawar sport schools only arrived a few hours before the match.
   “They took the bus here from their schools and they were obviously tired from the long journey but that did not stop them from playing their best hockey, especially goalkeeper Luqman (Nurharith Azman) who did well to keep a clean sheet.
   “It was a pretty even game with both sides having ample scoring chances but it was us who found the lucky break from one of the penalty corners and although it is still early days, we are now more confident that our semi-final aim is within reach,” he said.
   Negri Sembilan manager R. Subramaniam said it was unfortunate that his team failed to take advantage of their numerous scoring chances throughout the morning match at Batu Buruk Hockey Stadium.
   “We enjoyed a bigger share of possession, we controlled most of the match but they were the ones who scored.
   “It’s a disappointing result but we can’t let one defeat dictate the whole of the tournament as we are here to at least secure a semi-final berth and that is what we are going do,” he said.
   In the Group A opening match, Kedah beat Sarawak 6-3.
   In the girls category, Terengganu had little trouble against Sarawak when the hosts went on a scoring spree late in the match, winning 6-2 at Gong Badak Hockey Stadium.
      RESULTS: Boys’ -- Group A: Kedah 6 Sarawak 3, Perak 8  Perlis 1, Penang x Sabah x.
    Group B: Negri Sembilan 0 Malacca 1, Terengganu 1  Pahang 3, Selangor x Kelantan x.
    Girls’: Group A: Sarawak 2 Terengganu 6, Malacca 5  Pahang 1.
    Group B: Kelantan 1 Penang 6.
   TODAY: Boys’ -- Group A: Kuala Lumpur v Perlis, Kedah v  Sabah, Perak v Sarawak.
    Group B: Johor v Malacca, Terengganu v Kelantan, Negri  Sembilan v Pahang.
   Girls’: Group A: Kuala Lumpur v Malacca.
    Group B: Selangor v Johor, Kuala Lumpur v Malacca.

Wish rests on flickers...

IT WAS National Junior’s hockey coach K. Dharmaraj’s  birthday yesterday, and he made a wish which his two  penalty corner flickers will have to work doubly hard to  deliver in the Junior World Cup in New Delhi on Dec 6-16.
    Malaysia, the Junior Asia Cup champions, have a fighting  chance to progress into the knock-out stages as they have to  beat at least two teams from Group D which also has South  Africa, New Zealand and England.
    And the coach has made his wish: “When I was young,  every time when my birthday arrives, my mother would say  ’close your eyes and make a wish sincerely and your wish  would come true because the angels are listening, but you  can’t tell others your wish because it’s secret.’
   “I am 44 today (yesterday). I have made my wish, and will  have to wait until Dec 16 (one day after the Junior World Cup  ends) to see its outcome,” said Dharmaraj.
      Defender Zulhairi Hashim and forward Shahril Saabah are  the two penalty corner flickers which Malaysia will rely  heavily upon to score in New Delhi, and yesterday, they were  hard at work with former India international Len Aiyappa.
     “I have been working with these players on an off since the  beginning of the year and there has been tremendous  improvement in their attempts,” said Len at the National  Stadium in Buklit Jalil yesterday.
    Len was India’s best drag flicker until he retired from  national duty following a fallout with the Indian Hockey  Federation in 2006 but has been in touch with the sport by  representing Italian club side Cernusco from 2008-2012.
    Shahril, 19 and from Terengganu, was top-scorer in the  Sultan of Johor Cup, when he scored eight goals in six  matches.
     And Kuala Lumpur-born Zulhairi, 21, scored three goals in  three friendly matches against the Indian juniors in New  Delhi.
    Dharmaraj will name his final squad of 18 on Nov 21: “I  already have confirmed 15 players who played in the Sultan  of Johor Cup, while the remaining 11 in the training pool will  fight for the three spots,” said Dharmaraj.
     Malaysia open accounts against New Zealand (Dec 6), then  South Africa (Dec 8) and finally England (Dec 9). And they  need to finish top-two to qualify for the crossover quar terfinals with Group C opponents.
    And Group C has India, Netherlands, South Korea and  Canada.

Off for Korea stint..

THE Malaysian senior hockey squad will head for South  Korea from Nov 22 to Dec 2 for a five-match friendly with the  Korean national side.
    Coach Paul Revington picked a mixed-team again, as he  included former players like Madzli Ikmar, Ahmad Kaza mirul and Engku Malik to gauge their performance ahead of  next year’s World Cup at the Hague, Netherlands.
    The senior side has played in the Australian 9s and the  Asian Champions Trophy with a mixed side, and won bronze  meals on both occasions.
    And after the team returns, some of them will be included  in the Myanmar Sea Games squad, where hockey will be  played form Dec 13-21.
     For the record, the Malaysian men’s team only lost the gold  medal in the 1973 Sea Games in Singapore.
    In the Sea Games, the men will be up against Myanmar,  Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.
   The women will play against  Thailand, Singapore, In donesia, Cambodia and Myanmar.
   And after winning bronze in the recent Asian Champions  Trophy, the Malaysian women are hot favourites for the gold  as well.
    Hockey is making a comeback into the Sea Games, as it was  last played in 2007 in Korat. Vientiane (2009)  and Jakarta (2011) Sea Games did not feature hockey.
    KOREA TOUR -- Goalkeepers: Roslan Jamaluddin, Kair ulnizam Ibrahim; Defenders: Ahmad Kazamirul, Azlan Mis ron, Baljit Singh, Engku Malik, Madzli Ikmar, Razie Rahim.
    Midfielders: Amirullah Zainol, Jivan Mohan, Shukri Mu talib, Azammi Adabi, Marhan Jalil.
     Forwards: Amir Farid Fuzi, Dedy Ariyadi, Faizal Saari,  Ramadan Rosli, Nabil Fiqri.
     Fixtures: Nov 23 -- Malaysia v South Korea (Game 1); Nov  26: Malaysia v South Korea (Game 2); Nov 28: Malaysia v  South Korea (Game 3); Nov 30: Malaysia v South Korea  (Game 4); Dec 2: Malaysia v South Korea (Game 5).

1Mas re-structuring begins

THE 1Mas Hockey programme will be entering into its  fourth year in January, and plans are afoot to bring out the  coaches and players from their comfort zone.
   “After three years, we have 18 centres (14 states and four  outsourced) and while some are active, others have needed  constant monitoring to bring out the coaches as well as  players from their comfort zone.
   “And where complacency has crept in, the new re-structuring will make sure they become performance based  again,” said 1Mas Project Director Lim Chiow Chuan.
     From January, centres will be classified into four different  categories, where funding will also play a big role in keeping  coaching staff on their toes.
    “Following the Steering Committee meeting (on Oct 30), it  was decided that the program will be re-structured which  will involve classification of centres into different categories.  This exercise is vital and necessary to improve the quality  and take the program to a higher level.
     The centres will be categorised from Class One to Four,  with Class One being best performers and Class Four being  poor performers.
    “The classification of centres will also determine the  amount of allowances payable to coaches support staff.  Centres in the higher bracket will be receiving better remunerations,” said Chiow Chuan.
    A head coach, with all the required qualifications, can earn  up to RM2,250 by running the weekend coaching centre at  his state.
    Right now, most of the age-group tournaments have shown  some improvement in skills, as 1Mas players are the preferred choice.
   “From our observations, the age-group tournaments that  were held this year saw a large number of 1Mas players being  selected to represent their states as these players have  already been taught the basics.
    “Also the Under-16 team that players regularly in the  Mannheim (Germany) tournament has seen a big jump in the  number of 1Mas players selected. In 2011, there was only one  1Mas player, 2012 seven 1Mas players, and this year there  were eight 1Mas players selected to represent Malaysia,”  said Chiow Chuan.
   

Malaysia 3 Egypt 2..

NOTE: Malaysia won the fourth friendly 6-3.
THE Malaysian juniors hockey team beat Egypt 3-2 in an unfriendly friendly which was saw more pushing and
shoving, than hockey, at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jallil yesterday.
   Egypt are down for a four-match friendly, and Malaysian juniors won the first match 2-0, and drew the second 3-3.
The fourth friendly will be played today.
   Yesterday, the umpires had to stop many situations which could have turned into free-for-all, as the Egyptians
play a robust style of hockey.
  All three Malaysian goals came off penalty corners as Zulhairi Hashim scored a brace while Shahril Saabah scored
the winner. The juniors were blunt in field attempts, as they could not convert the numerous sitters that came their
way.
   Egypt are in Group A of the World Cup, where they have Belgium, Germany and Pakistan for company.
  Malaysia are in a relatively easier group with England, New Zealand and South Africa for company in Group D, and
if they advance to the quatrer-finals, their opponets are likely to be either Netherlands or hosts India from Group C,
which also has Canada and South Korea.
  "The Egypt friendlies are being use to test 11 fringe players who are fighting for three more spots in the World Cup
squad. I am giving less time to the 15 other regulars, as I try and find the final three to make the squad," said
Malaysian coach K. Dharmaraj.
   Dharmaraj also said yesterday's friendly got off on the wrong foot.
   "The earlier two matches were good hockey, but there were too many dangerous tackles in today's matches and
Iwill not risk my core players against Egypt in the last friendly," said Dharmaraj.
    The national juniors will play two matches with the seniors after this, and have lined up three more matches with
Germany, Australia and France in New Delhi before they take New Zealand on Dec 6 followed by matches against
South Africa (Dec 8) and England ( Dec 9).

Third ACT bronze for Malaysia

 Pic: Shukri Mutalib being appreciated for his 200th international match.
 
THE Malaysian men’s hockey team won their third straight Asian Champions Trophy bronze medal when they beat China 3-0 in Kakamigahara, Japan, yesterday.
   The tournament, into its Third Edition, also saw the Malaysian women win a historic bronze medal when they beat China 3-1 on Saturday.
    Pakistan won their second consecutive gold medal when they beat hosts Japan 3-1 in the final.
    Faizal Saari scored two goals while the other was scored by Azammi Adabi.
     Before the match started, Malaysia’s Shukri Mutalib received a plaque in appreciation to his 200th international cap.
   Results: Final -- Pakistan 3 Japan 1; Third-Fourth: Malaysia 3 China 0; Fifth-Sixth: India 6 Oman 1.

DIRE STRAITS: Money for nothin and chicks ....

By Mihir Vasavda

http://www.indianexpress.com

Despite the many hiccups in the build-up to the 2010 Hockey World Cup, International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Leandro Negre had said he would have no hesitation in returning to the subcontinent with another major tournament.     
    "There may be a few issues here and there, but we can deal with them. We will return to India with more events. Why? Because the money is here," he had said.
    As it turns out, the veteran Spanish administrator has kept his word. The FIH announced its 2015-2018 tournament cycle on Friday and India has been awarded four major tournaments: the 2015 World League final, 2016 junior World Cup, 2017 World League final and 2018 senior World Cup.
That effectively means that apart from the Champions Trophy and women's events, India will be playing host to all FIH events in the next five years. It must be mentioned that the country is also hosting the junior World Cup next month, the inaugural World League final in January along with the Champions Trophy next year.
    Hardly will you see the distribution of major tournaments so inclined towards one nation in any other sport. The FIH says by awarding India these tournaments, they want to revive the sport in the country. However, after closely observing the financial success of the Hockey India League (HIL) as well as the successful hosting of other major tournaments in the last few years, the FIH seems to have realised that the Indian 'market' has much more potential than they imagined.
The international body has bent several rules to accommodate India at its major tournaments: expanding the field for Champions Trophy from six to eight, awarding Olympic qualifiers last year and January's World League final are a few examples. One can understand where FIH's generosity stems from. Only Holland comes close to matching India's ability to generate huge sponsorship and telecast revenue while rest of the hockey world — be it Australia or Germany — continues to bleed dry.

Nasihin's Angels create 'herstory'...

 FILE PIC --- Rabiatul Adawiyah challenges Jordyn Holzberger of the Jillaroos during day one of the 2012 International Super Series at Perth Hockey Stadium.

THE Malaysian women’s hockey team created ‘herstory’ when they beat China 3-1 to claim bronze in their inaugural outing in the Third Asian Champions Trophy in Kakamigahara, Japan, yesterday.
   It was sweet victory, as coach Nasihin Nubli’s men had also beaten China 1-0 in the pool match.
    Yesterday, China took the lead in the 25th minute off a penalty corner attempt, but the Malaysian women put up a brave fight and Rabiatul Adawiyah scored a 28th minute field goal to equalise.
    Rabiatul then nailed the lead off a penalty corner attempt in the 42nd minute, and Hasliza Ali made sure with a 67th minute penalty corner goal.
    Japan beat India 1-0 for the gold medal.
    “It was a monumental win for my players as they never gave up even after China took the lead. In fact, the defenders built a ‘titanium’ wall after China scored and it made the task of the strikers easier to move forward and look for the winning goals,” said Nasihin.
    Today, the Malaysian men will face China for the bronze medal. For the record, Malaysia won bronze medals in both the previous editions.
    Pakistan and hosts Japan will pay for gold, while India and Oman for fifth-sixth placing.

Malaysia's RM14 million not enough...

MALAYSIA offered RM14 million for three tournaments,  but the International Hockey Federation (FIH) received a  better offer from India, who were selected to host the 2018  men’s World Cup.
    And the women’s 2018 World Cup will be held in Eng land.
    In Malaysia’s bid paper, 4 million Swiss  Francs (RM14  million) was offered to the FIH for the 2018 World Cup, the  2017 Junior World Cup and the World League Semi-finals,  but India had more money in the coffers.
    And it is understood that India have also been given the  mandate to host the 2017 Junior World Cup as well as one of  the World League Semi-finals.
    For the record, India last hosted the men’s World Cup in  2010, and will host the Junior World Cup from Dec 6-15.
    “It was an eye opener, as we had prepared a strong bid for  the World Cup, but did not win it,” said Malaysian Hockey  Confederation (MHC) vice-president Manjit Majid Abdullah  who is in Lausanne, Switzerland.
    Manjit also said: “MHC president Tengku Abdullah (Sultan  Ahmad Shah) was also present in Switzerland when the  winning bid was announced, and he was not disappointed or  upset, as we gave a good offer to the FIH.”
    It is believed that India’s major sponsors are Starsports  India.
     The announcements were made by FIH President Leandro  Negre at a special ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland  yesterday.
     “I wish to offer my sincere congratulations to England  Hockey and Hockey India on their successful bids to host the  Hockey World Cups 2018”, said Negre.
   “The quality of both bids was truly extraordinary, and the  FIH is greatly looking forward to bringing its top properties to  England and India.
   “I would also like to congratulate all of the National  Associations that submitted bids for these events. The stan dard was exceptionally high, making the decision extremely  hard for the FIH Executive Board.”
     Both the Men's and Women's Hockey World Cups 2018 will  feature an increased 16-nation field. Next year's World Cup,  in The Hague, Netherlands,  will see twelve men's and twelve  women's teams
     Malaysia qualified for the Hague by finishing fifth in the  World League Semi-finals in Johor Baru.

FIH give Lion's share to India, Argentina..

Allocated events for 2015
Event	Month	Location
Hockey World League Semi Final 1 – Men	June	Argentina
Hockey World League Semi Final 2 – Men	June	Belgium
Hockey World League Semi Final 2 – Women	June	Belgium
Hockey World League Final – Women	November	Argentina
Hockey World League Final – Men	December	India
Allocated events for 2016
Champions Trophy – Men	June	Argentina
Champions Trophy – Women	June	England
Junior World Cup – Men	December	India
Allocated events for 2017
Hockey World League Semi Final 1 – Women	June-July	Belgium
Hockey World League Semi Final 1 – Men	July	Argentina
Hockey World League Semi Final 2 – Men	July	England
Hockey World League Semi Final 2 – Women	July-August	Argentina
Hockey World League Final – Men	December	India
Allocated events for 2018
Champions Trophy – Women	January	Argentina
Indoor World Cup – Men & Women	February	Argentina
Hockey World Cup – Women	7-21 July	England
Hockey World Cup – Men	1-16 December	India

Malaysia playing for bronze, again...

MALAYSIA will be playing for bronze again in the Third Asian Champions Trophy when they were edged 4-3 by India in the final pool match in Kakamigahara, Japan, yesterday.
    Pakistan and Japan drew 2-2 and will meet again in the final tomorrow.
    Malaysia, tied on six points with India, will play China as they have scored more goals. India scored 12 and let in 12, while Malaysia scored 13 and also let in 13 goals.
   India will meet Oman in the fifth-sixth classification.
    For the record, Malaysia won bronze in both the previous editions.
   “Our goalkeeper (S.) Kumar was the man-of-the-day as he brought out some super saves to deny India from scoring more goals.
    “And now we will be playing to claim the bronze,” said Malaysian coach Paul Revington.
    But it won’t be easy, as Malaysia could only edge China 4-5 in the pool match.

Its India again...2018 World Cup men's hosts

We are delighted to announce that England and India will host the Hockey World Cups in 2018. England Hockey were successful in their bid to host the women’s showpiece, with Hockey India winning the race to host the men’s equivalent.

The announcements were made by FIH President Leandro Negre at a special ceremony at the Beau Rivage Hotel in Lausanne, Switzerland on Thursday evening.

“I wish to offer my sincere congratulations to England Hockey and Hockey India on their successful bids to host the Hockey World Cups 2018”, said Mr Negre. “The quality of both bids was truly extraordinary, and the FIH is greatly looking forward to bringing its top properties to England and India. I would also like to congratulate all of the National Associations that submitted bids for these events. The standard was exceptionally high, making the decision extremely hard for the FIH Executive Board.”

Alongside the Olympic Games, the Hockey World Cups are the most coveted, cherished prizes in Hockey. Held every four years, they bring together the world’s greatest teams and most skilful players for the toughest, most competitive international hockey event imaginable.

Alongside the Olympic Games, the Hockey World Cups are the most coveted, cherished prizes in Hockey. Held every four years, they bring together the world’s greatest teams and players for the toughest, most skilful and most competitive international hockey event imaginable.

Both the Men's and Women's Hockey World Cups 2018 will feature an increased 16-nation field of participants, confirming the growing interest and development of the sport. Next year's hugely anticipated Rabobank Hockey World Cup, which takes place in The Hague, Netherlands during the first two weeks of June, will see twelve men's and twelve women's teams competing in a mammoth double event.

“The decision certainly was not an easy one to make”, said FIH Chief Executive Officer Kelly Fairweather, reflecting on the bidding process. “All of the bids that we received were exceptional, being completely in line with our strategy to deliver the most entertaining, exciting and inspiring hockey events in the world. The FIH Executive Board were hugely impressed by the bids from England Hockey and Hockey India, and are convinced that both National Associations will deliver absolutely magnificent tournaments.”

The FIH has been meticulous in its approach to choosing the hosts for the 2018 showpiece events. As part of the bidding process, the FIH requested that bid questionnaires were submitted before a deadline of 31 August.

The second phase of the process saw each bid evaluated in detail, as well as further discussions, clarifications, site visits and negotiations taking place with the respective National Associations.  The final decision was made by the FIH Executive Board in Lausanne, Switzerland on Thursday, bringing the process to an end by naming England and India as the host nations of hockey’s top properties.

The World Cup hosts’ announcement is part of FIH’s new event assignment process, which was launched and presented to the National Associations at the FIH Congress in November 2012. The re-structured bidding process was designed to ensure that the majority of the unallocated events for the 2015-2018 period would be assigned before the end of this year. The FIH will make an announcement about the host nations of these events in due course.