01/05/08
By S. Thyagarajan
Chennai: Avid chroniclers will describe the nearly decade-and-a-half reign of K.P.S. Gill as a turbulent period in hockey administration. Since he captured the reins in a tumultuous election at Bhopal in 1994 every move had come under intense media scrutiny for dissection, debate and denigration.
ANGUISH
That all should end in the way it did on Monday causes a momentary spell of anguish. To be fair, it must be acknowledged that few federations had shown such a sustained interest in formulating a workable and successful junior programme in all age groups as the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF).
Nothing exemplified the efficacy of it than the triumph in the World Cup at Hobart in 2001. Then the success in several other continental age specific competitions has been remarkable. Time was when three teams were playing in different tournaments at the same period. All these tangible benefits were buried, and perhaps neutralised by various commissions and omissions that has forced the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to ensure a regime change. The evils that had caused enormous damage to IHF’s credibility were inconsistency in planning, lack of transparency and constitutional impropriety. The unparalleled shuffling of teams and coaches nauseated everyone.
IN THE DARK
Even officials who were part of the administration complain that they were in the dark about the moves or decisions taken on major issues. Progressively, homogeneity became the casualty, projecting a lack of understanding among senior functionaries. It was no secret that in recent months the relationship between the President and Secretary was strained. As for transparency, less said the better. Even the change of the selection committee after the Santiago disaster was news to many till the team was picked for the four-nation tournament. The nationwide shock over the failure to make it to the Olympics for the first time in 80 years triggered a cataclysmic chain. This was the moment for the officials to sit and introspect. But that was not to be. The resignation drama under the media glare, the anti-FIH stance, and amateurish handling of Charlesworth’s appointment all sullied the image further. Eventually, the administration met its Waterloo in a sting operation. This was hardly the time to enter into negotiations for tournaments, or sending teams abroad for competitions. It is ironical, and even tragic, that the Indian Olympic Association, which stood behind IHF when there was a demand for the resignation of Gill in the wake of the Chilean trauma should now show the door under pressure not only from FIH but also from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Now that the deed is done, it is for IOA to steer clear of further conflicts and controversies. The new selection committee under Aslam Sher Khan is Delhi-centric, save for the enigmatic Dhanraj Pillay, whose record in denting India’s image on and off the field is no exaggeration. The spat he had with the chief coach, Rajinder Singh (Sr) immediately after the Asia Cup triumph in 2003 is fresh in memory.That he never got on well with coaches from Balkishen Singh, Cedric D’Souza, Rajinder Singh (Sr) to V. Baskaran at different points of time is well documented. Nor did he get on well with the players. Ask Baljit Singh Dhillon. Now Adam Sinclair. That Dhanraj hails from the same place as the IOA chief is perhaps the deciding factor.
A MYSTERY
Why good thinkers of the game like Ashish Ballal, Subbiah and Mukesh Kumar were not considered remains a mystery. However, at this point, nominating the selection panel is illogical with no tours programmed. Making a player of the stature of Ajitpal Singh to work under Aslam Sher Khan is an affront. Whatever may be the compulsions to impose this exemplary punishment for the second time against a major sport only the negatives have been highlighted. Interestingly, the FIH under the towering leadership then of Rene Frank stood solidly behind Mr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy when Raja Bhalindra Singh slapped similar sanctions in 1975. Today, sadly, the prompter is FIH. While no tenure has been stipulated for the ad hoc committee, IOA must not delay the return of democracy to IHF. Without wasting time it should remove the cobwebs within the state units and prepare a genuine voters list. The sooner IOA does this the better it is for the apex body to demonstrate its credentials as upholders of ethics in sport.
The Hindu
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Mas women lose to Canada
01/05/08
THE Malaysian women’s hockey team suffered their third straight defeat in the Olympic Qualifiers, when they were edged 1-0 by Canada in Vancouver on Wednesday.
South Korea and Ireland remained on course to meet in the final when they beat Italy 5-0 and Uruguay 1-0 respec tively.
Canada, looking to rebound from their two defeats, against Italy and Ireland, were encouraged by the local crowd, courageously filling the stands despite the cold wind, and controlled the opening stages.
Malaysia stayed composed and weathered the initial Cana dian push, then started to take more chances up field and forced veteran Canadian keeper Sarah Forbes into action. Canada tried hard, did most of the running and gave plenty of chances to the local fans to shout their hope, but the match went into the break scoreless.
Canada finally opened their tally in the 38th minute when Katie Rushton collected a ball lost by the Malaysian defense and slotted it out of reach of goalkeeper Ernawati Mah mud.
While the crowd was expecting Canada to immediately take advantage of their lead, it was Malaysia who then had the next scoring chances with a well taken penalty-corner and a shot from the top of the circle that was barely saved by Sarah.
But Canada held onto the slim lead, and now have a chance for playing in the bronze medal match.
RESULTS -- Malaysia 0 Canada 1, South Korea 5 Italy 0, Ireland 1 Uruguay 0.
TODAY: Malaysia v Italy, South Korea v Ireland, Canada v Uruguay.
THE Malaysian women’s hockey team suffered their third straight defeat in the Olympic Qualifiers, when they were edged 1-0 by Canada in Vancouver on Wednesday.
South Korea and Ireland remained on course to meet in the final when they beat Italy 5-0 and Uruguay 1-0 respec tively.
Canada, looking to rebound from their two defeats, against Italy and Ireland, were encouraged by the local crowd, courageously filling the stands despite the cold wind, and controlled the opening stages.
Malaysia stayed composed and weathered the initial Cana dian push, then started to take more chances up field and forced veteran Canadian keeper Sarah Forbes into action. Canada tried hard, did most of the running and gave plenty of chances to the local fans to shout their hope, but the match went into the break scoreless.
Canada finally opened their tally in the 38th minute when Katie Rushton collected a ball lost by the Malaysian defense and slotted it out of reach of goalkeeper Ernawati Mah mud.
While the crowd was expecting Canada to immediately take advantage of their lead, it was Malaysia who then had the next scoring chances with a well taken penalty-corner and a shot from the top of the circle that was barely saved by Sarah.
But Canada held onto the slim lead, and now have a chance for playing in the bronze medal match.
RESULTS -- Malaysia 0 Canada 1, South Korea 5 Italy 0, Ireland 1 Uruguay 0.
TODAY: Malaysia v Italy, South Korea v Ireland, Canada v Uruguay.
The best for Azlan Shah
01/05/08
MALAYSIA will open accounts against Pakistan in the 17th Azlan Shah Cup which will be held in Ipoh, from May 8-18.
Pakistan, New Zealand, Belgium and Canada are the teams which have qualified for the Beijing Olympics, while Malaysia, Argentina and India will only be in the Cup as sparring partners.
National coach Sarjit Singh said he will select the best available, as many of his charges picked up injuries after the failed Japan Olympic Qualifiers.
"Being the hosts, naturally, we want to do our best in the Azlan Shah Cup. But since many of my players were injured after Japan, I might have to select a few from the back-up squad," said Sarjit.
And his target in this tournament is: "I want to see the players improve their game in every match. This is very important as we start preparations to do well in the Asia Cup next year.
"I don’t want to go through qualifiers anymore, as it is best we book the next world cup ticket at the Asia Cup itself.
The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) have indicated that the Asia Cup might be held in Malaysia next year. The tour nament offers direct entry into the 2010 New Delhi World Cup.
MALAYSIA will open accounts against Pakistan in the 17th Azlan Shah Cup which will be held in Ipoh, from May 8-18.
Pakistan, New Zealand, Belgium and Canada are the teams which have qualified for the Beijing Olympics, while Malaysia, Argentina and India will only be in the Cup as sparring partners.
National coach Sarjit Singh said he will select the best available, as many of his charges picked up injuries after the failed Japan Olympic Qualifiers.
"Being the hosts, naturally, we want to do our best in the Azlan Shah Cup. But since many of my players were injured after Japan, I might have to select a few from the back-up squad," said Sarjit.
And his target in this tournament is: "I want to see the players improve their game in every match. This is very important as we start preparations to do well in the Asia Cup next year.
"I don’t want to go through qualifiers anymore, as it is best we book the next world cup ticket at the Asia Cup itself.
The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) have indicated that the Asia Cup might be held in Malaysia next year. The tour nament offers direct entry into the 2010 New Delhi World Cup.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Aussies in top form
28/04/08
AUSTRALIA'S men's hockey team have continued their fine-tuning before defending the Olympic title in Beijing by defeating Korea 4-3 in the final of the four-nations tournament in Perth.
The Kookaburras opened their account in the 21st minute, Jamie Dwyer setting up an easy goal for Eli Matheson with a clever fake shot.Luke Doerner converted from a penalty corner five minutes later before the visiting side pulled a goal back in the 28th minute.But Doerner handed the Athens Olympic champions some breathing space with his second goal just before the break, finding the back of the net from another penalty corner.Korea tested Australia's defence after the break before being rewarded in the 51st minute with their second goal.Dwyer knocked in Australia's fourth goal and the kookaburras closed out the game even though Korea reduced the gap again in the 62nd minute.The Kookaburras continue their Olympic preparation when they take on China, Korea and India again at the Darwin four-nations tournament.
Fox Sports
AUSTRALIA'S men's hockey team have continued their fine-tuning before defending the Olympic title in Beijing by defeating Korea 4-3 in the final of the four-nations tournament in Perth.
The Kookaburras opened their account in the 21st minute, Jamie Dwyer setting up an easy goal for Eli Matheson with a clever fake shot.Luke Doerner converted from a penalty corner five minutes later before the visiting side pulled a goal back in the 28th minute.But Doerner handed the Athens Olympic champions some breathing space with his second goal just before the break, finding the back of the net from another penalty corner.Korea tested Australia's defence after the break before being rewarded in the 51st minute with their second goal.Dwyer knocked in Australia's fourth goal and the kookaburras closed out the game even though Korea reduced the gap again in the 62nd minute.The Kookaburras continue their Olympic preparation when they take on China, Korea and India again at the Darwin four-nations tournament.
Fox Sports
Tamin Nadu still loves Jothi
28/04/08
MADURAI: The Tamil Nadu Hockey Association on Sunday dismissed as 'false' the TV sting operation involving former IHF Secretary K JothiKumaran and resolved to stand by him.
A unanimous resolution adopted at an emergency executive committee meeting here chaired by TNHA Vice-President V Bhaskharan reposed full confidence in Jothikumaran."It was unanimously resolved that the Association reposes full confidence in Jothikumaran and the members vehemently deprecated the false story presented by the TV channel in their media. The members deplored the fabricated entrapping operation," TNHA Vice-President S Venkatachalam said in a release here.The Association will not hesitate to take legal action, if necessary, against the television channel, the release said.
New Indian Express
MADURAI: The Tamil Nadu Hockey Association on Sunday dismissed as 'false' the TV sting operation involving former IHF Secretary K JothiKumaran and resolved to stand by him.
A unanimous resolution adopted at an emergency executive committee meeting here chaired by TNHA Vice-President V Bhaskharan reposed full confidence in Jothikumaran."It was unanimously resolved that the Association reposes full confidence in Jothikumaran and the members vehemently deprecated the false story presented by the TV channel in their media. The members deplored the fabricated entrapping operation," TNHA Vice-President S Venkatachalam said in a release here.The Association will not hesitate to take legal action, if necessary, against the television channel, the release said.
New Indian Express
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