Hockey India Chasing Shadows?

By S. Thyagarajan

Chennai: It is clear now that the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) is yet to receive any official communication from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) or any authorised unit about the creation and functioning of Hockey India.
Although there was a discussion among the top brass during the junior World Cup final at Johor Bahru, officials in the AHF are in the dark about the happenings here; apart from receiving details of the meeting held at Aamby Valley by units representing men and women State associations.
The consensus during the meeting, which included the FIH president Leandro Negre and vice-president, Tony von Andorza, was to wait and watch without reacting to the developments. The AHF’s viewpoint at that juncture was to treat the whole issue as India’s ‘internal matter’.
This being the scenario, the AHF secretary general, Tan Sri Alagendra, has expressed surprise over a fax message sent by Madhavan, secretary, Competitions Committee in the AHF, which the latter had as an email from advisor Anupam Ghulati.
The e-mail says “This is to inform you that Hockey India is the new national body for Men & Women hockey in India. You are requested to send all communications in future to us only.”
This e-mail has been forwarded to Mr. Alagendra and M. Ueda, chairman, Competitions Committee, by Mr. Madhavan with a terse note “Please see e-mail from Hockey India.”
Mr. Alagendra notes that “apart from this I have not received any official notification.”
He is understandably surprised why the e-mail was sent to the Competitions Committee and that too by an individual claiming to be an advisor and not by the secretary-general if HOCKEY INDIA has the sanction to function as the official unit to represent the nation in the FIH.
While the much publicised visit to India by Mr. Negre did not come through — the FIH sources claim there was no programme of his travel from Johar Baru to New Delhi — officials travelled to Melbourne to call on the secretary, Peter Cohen, reportedly indisposed.
Yet to happen
The meeting sought by IOA president, Suresh Kalmadi, with J.B. Roy and Armit Bose on the eve of the hockey units’ meeting in Aamby Valley is yet to take place despite the fact that the two had accepted the invitation and intimated the IOA chief to indicate the date and time for a discussion.
The duo, however, had a long meeting with the Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, M.S. Gill, and detailed him on the meeting of the hockey units from across the country and the sentiments expressed during the meeting at Aamby Valley on June 15.
Is not everything getting curiouser and curiouser?

The Hindu

Dublin set to impress

Monday sees the start of the first ever FIH Men’s Champions Challenge II tournament, with all the action taking place in the beautiful Irish capital city of Dublin. The National Hockey Stadium at University College Dublin (UCD) will no doubt prove to be a superb venue for a week of top class hockey.

From 6 to 12 July 2009, eight teams will battle it out in a bid to be crowned as tournament champions, with success guaranteeing a place in the 2011 Champions Challenge I event. The eight teams have been split into two pools of four, with Japan (11^th in the World Rankings), Ireland (18^th), Poland (20^th) and Chile (27^th) playing in Pool A, while Pool B consists of Malaysia (15^th), France (17^th), Austria (22^nd) and Russia (25^th).

The teams will all be involved in Pool match action on Monday 6, Tuesday 7 and Thursday 9 July, with Classification matches taking place on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July.

Host nation Ireland will have a passionate crowd supporting them all the way as the 18^th best team in the world try to upset the odds against tournament favourites Japan. Ireland coach Paul Revington has selected a squad with average age of 24 and 56 caps, the most experienced of these coming in the form of 29 year old striker Stephen Butler who has 143 caps and 73 goals. Revington is a man very much looking forward to the tournament and thinks that it will be a good way to mark the progression that his team has made.

“The creation of this level of FIH event is a great incentive for our Irish team to perform well and improve our world ranking”, said Revington. “The quality of the teams attending this event will also provide our team with a great test of how well we have progressed since January as individuals and as a team collectively.”

Ireland and Japan are expected to be the two front-runners in Pool A, although Poland – captained by Tomasz Dutkiewicz, their impassioned penalty corner flicking defender – are also a side well worth looking out for. Many of their players are also experts at the indoor game, and will be showing their superb close stick skills in the outdoor form of the game. Chile are another team capable of causing an upset, with 137 game veteran Felipe Montegu their most experienced and arguably their most talented player.

According to the World Rankings, Malaysia and France are the two teams likely to reach the 1-4 Play-Off matches from Pool B, but with the unpredictable Austria and Russia also in the mix it is unlikely that it is unlikely that they will have it all their own way. Malaysia’s team features seasoned internationals such as Boon Huat Chua and Kumar Subramaniam, but also includes eight players under the age of 23, two of which are teenagers.

Like Malaysia, France balance experience with youth, with 31-year-old Frederik Soyez of Lille MHC being their most capped player. 21-year-old Christoph Amend – who has been playing his hockey for Euro Hockey League Finalists UHC Hamburg in recent times – is one of three youngsters brought in to cover for the injured Julien Boyer, Tom Genestet and Bastien Dierkens.

“We have selected a balanced side for the tournament”, said France Coach Scott Goodheart. We are still testing combinations of players, and with two or three players unavailable through injury, it is a good opportunity for all 18 to push for selection for the European Cup in August. Having said that, I have high expectations of this group at this tournament, and we will be working hard to find good form from the opening whistle.”

The Austrian team has four players in their line-up with over 100 caps, while veterans Robert Buchta and Peter Proksch each have over 150 international appearances. Meanwhile, Russia will be lead by Alexandre Platonov, the 34-year-old overseeing a talented group of twenty-somethings, not including 36-year-old goalkeeper Igor Dobizhin. Despite both teams having lower World Rankings than their Pool opponents, they will be extremely tough opponents and have the ability to surprise.

The opening match of the tournament sees Malaysia take on Austria in Pool B, with the action beginning at 13:00. The day’s second match will also be a Pool B clash, as France aim to get their tournament off to a flying start by defeating Russia at 15:15. The first of the Pool A matches takes place at 17:30, as Japan and Poland go head-to-head, before host nation Ireland play their first match against Chile at 19:45.

The Champions Challenge II is a new FIH World Level event introduced to the calendar this year, featuring the best teams that did not qualify for the Champions Trophy or the Champions Challenge I. The tournament will be held every two years, with the winner of this year’s event securing a place in the 2011 Champions Challenge I

The Women’s Champions Challenge II took place last month in the Russian city of Kazan, and featured Russia, India, Ireland, Belgium, Malaysia, Ukraine, Belarus and Canada. After five days of intense action, India became the first ever winners of the tournament thanks to a 6-3 victory over Belgium.

Champions Challenge II Schedule

Pool A	World Ranking	Tournament Ranking	Pool B	World Ranking	Tournament Ranking
Japan	11th	1st	Malaysia	15th	2nd
Ireland	18th	4th	France	17th	3rd
Poland	20th	5th	Austria	22nd	6th
Chile	27th	8th	Russia	25th	7th

Date	Time	Pool	Match No.	Match
Mon 06 July 2009	13:00	B	1	1st Malaysia	v. 3rd Austria
	15:15	B	2	2nd France	v. 4th Russia
	17:30	A	3	1st Japan	v. 3rd Poland
	19:45	A	4	2nd Ireland	v. 4th Chile
Tue 07 July 2009	13:15	B	5	3rd Austria	v. 4th Russia
	15:30	B	6	2nd France	v. 1st Malaysia
	17:45	A	7	3rd Poland	v. 4th Chile
	20:00	A	8	2nd Ireland	v. 1st Japan
Wed 08 July 2009	Rest Day
Thu 09 July 2009	13:00	B	9	1st Malaysia	v. 4th Russia
	15:15	B	10	3rd Austria	v. 2nd France
	17:30	A	11	1st Japan	v. 4th Chile
	19:45	A	12	3rd Poland	v. 2nd Ireland
Fri 10 July 2009	Rest Day
Finals / Classification Matches
Sat 11 July 2009	09.30	5-8	13	3rd Pool A	v. 4th Pool B
	12.00	5-8	14	3rd Pool B	v. 4th Pool A
	14.30	1-4	15	1st Pool A	v. 2nd Pool B
	17.00	1-4	16	1st Pool B	v. 2nd Pool A
Sun 12 July 2009	09.30	7-8	17	Loser Match 13	v. Loser Match 14
	12.00	5-6	18	Winner Match 13	v. Winner Match 14
	14.30	3-4	19	Loser Match 15	v. Loser Match 16
	17.00	1-2	20	Winner Match 15	v. Winner Match 16

Malaysia HF in hunt for GM

(This quashes rumors that a former Malaysian international has been offered the post, and is only waiting for the offer letter from the National Sports Council. The Malaysian Hockey Federation will be conducting an interview, and those interested can apply to the attached e-mail).

ANNOUNCEMENT

Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) is urgently seeking for a suitably qualified personnel to fill the position of:

GENERAL MANAGER

Requirements:

Academic Qualifications

1 Holds a Bachelor of Business Administration or Management; or a higher degree from a recognized Tertiary Institution.
2 Sports Management and higher qualification shall be an added advantage.

Hashim Mohamed Yusoff

Experience

3 A minimum of five (5) years of experience in management, planning and financial oversight.
4 At least three (3) years experience in senior managerial position.
5 Good knowledge in the field of hockey.
6 Must have knowledge in operating and administration plans as well as budget management.

Other Relevant Information

· Selected candidates shall be based in Kuala Lumpur.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
· Possess strong analytical skills and ability to work independently with good planning skills.
· Mature, good managerial skills, knowledgeable and able to contribute ideas to the governing body and the game of hockey.
· Well versed with Information Technology and Microsoft Office softwares.


Interested candidates are invited to apply through post or email with detailed resume to:

Malaysian Hockey Federation
2nd Floor, National Hockey Stadium,
Bukit Jalil,
57000 Kuala Lumpur
Email: malaysiahockey@gmail.com

Closing Date: 5th July 2009

Note:
Only short-listed candidates will be notified.

India tops, Malaysia 7th

(From www.fihockey.org)
India became the first winner of the Women’s Champions Challenge II in hockey history. The Indian team defeated Belgium (6-3) in Saturday’s exciting final in Kazan, Russia. Ireland took the bronze medal, defeating Ukraine 2-1.

India played a perfect match, especially like the Asian team did in the entire Champions Challenge II. Leading 2-0 at half time, India extended the score early in the second half. With Belgium scoring three times, the Indian women’s team did what the Indian men’s team sometimes forget when leading: India kept attacking and scoring goals and didn’t fall back in just defending.

Rani Rampal was the match winner with four goals in the final. She became also top scorer of the event.

Ireland won the bronze medal after defeating Ukraine in the bronze medal match. Belarus claimed the fifth position after a victory over Canada. Malaysia finished seventh and host Russia claimed the eight position.

DAY 5 REPORTS

FINAL: India defeated Belgium 6-3 (2-0 HT)

India played the perfect match in the final against Belgium. During the first 15 minutes, both team had their chances, but it was India that finally opened the score when Rani RAMPAL scored the first of her four goals in the final. India extended the lead three minutes later through a field goal of Saba ANJUM

After leading 2-0 at half time, India kept attacking. It was again RAMPAL who scored three minutes into the second half. Belgium came back quickly, but India kept looking for goals. Every time Belgium hoped that the gap between the two teams was almost closed, India scored another goal. When RAMPAL put the 6-2 on the score board with only 15 minutes to play, it was clear that India would win the Women’s Champions Challenge II

Bronze medal match: Ireland defeated Ukraine 2-1 (1-0 HT)

In temperatures of 30 degrees Ireland won the bronze medal defeating Ukraine by 2-1. Ireland started the game well creating chances and in the 11 minute after great work by Irish Captain Eimear Cregan set up Roisin Flinn to give Ireland the lead. Ukraine forced two penalty corners in the half but solid defence sent Ireland in at half time 1-0 up.

Ukraine equalised against the run of play in the 45 minute when a free hit into the circle took a deflection giving Irish keeper Goode no chance. Ireland pushed for the winning goal and were rewarded in the 64 minute when from a penalty corner Flinn got the final touch to score her second and Ireland’s winner.

Irish Coach Muller said after the game “We played very well throughout and deserved victory. I am very happy with the way we played over the course of the competition and overall this was a very beneficial Tournament for our preparations for the European Championship in August.”

Match for fifth position: Belarus defeated Canada 2-1 (1-0 HT)

Belarus upset Canada in the match for the fifth position at the Women’s Champions Challenge II by winning 2-1. Both teams were eager to win the encounter and sometimes needed some physical play, especially from the Belarus side, during the entire match. Umpires Thomas and Kaltypan showed four green, three yellow and one red cards. Belarus player Yuliya MIKHEICHYK tried to injure a Canadian player near the end of the match and received the red card for her offence. Tournament Director Barbara Morgan suspended MIKHEICHYK for the next international match played by the Belarus team.

Despite the high number of cards, the match stayed interesting until the end. Belarus opened the score just before half time when captain Volha SHYNTAR converted a penalty stroke. In the 57^th minute, Belarus scored for a second time and at that stage it looked like the match was locked. Depite being two goals behind, Canada kept fighting. It was Stephanie JAMESON who scored the 2-1 with just six minutes to play. Canada kept looking for the equalizer, but didn’t succeed to force extra time.

Match for seventh position: Malaysia defeated Russia 2-1 (0-0 HT)

Host Russia didn’t succeed to win a match at the Women’s Champions Challenge II. In the match for the seventh position against Malaysia, the Asian team was stronger: 2-1. Earlier in the tournament, Russia drew against Malaysia 2-2.

After a first half without any goals, Malaysia opened the score in the 42^nd minute when Nurul Md MOKHTAR converted a penalty corner. Russia was behind for only 5 minutes. Olga SHENTSOVA put the 1-1 on the scoreboard from a penalty corner. Although the home crowd hoped that this would give Russia the spirit to win the match, but Malaysian Nurul Md MOKHTAR ended Russians hope by scoring the match winning goal in the 67^th minute, again through a penalty corner.

Women’s Champions Challenge II Day 5: Scores and Scorers

Match 17 – 7-8 – Russia v Malaysia 1-2 (0-0 HT)
0-1 MAS Nurul Md MOKHTAR PC 42m
1-1 RUS Olga SHENTSOVA PC 47m
1-2 MAS Nurul Md MOKHTAR PC 64m

Match 18 – 5-8 – Belarus v Canada 2-1 (1-0 HT)
1-0 BLR Volha SHYNTAR PS 35m
2-0 BLR Alesia PIOTUKH PC 57m
2-1 CAN Stephanie JAMESON PC 66m

Match 19 – 3-4 – Ukraine v Ireland 1-2 (0-1 HT)
0-1 IRL Roisin FLINN FG 8m
1-1 UKR Maryna VYNOHRADOVA FG 45m
1-2 IRL Roisin FLINN PC 62m

Match 20 – 1-2 – India v Belgium 6-3 (2-0 HT)
1-0 IND Rani RAMPAL FG 17m
2-0 IND Saba ANJUM FG 20m
3-0 IND Rani RAMPAL PC 38m
3-1 BEL Valerie VERMEERSCH PC 40m
4-1 IND Rani RAMPAL FG 44m
5-1 IND Chancahn THOKCHOM FG 49m
5-2 BEL Valerie VERMEERSCH PC 52m
6-2 IND Rani RAMPAL FG 54m
6-3 BEL Jil BOON FG 55m

Final Ranking:
1. India
2. Belgium
3. Ireland
4. Ukraine
5. Belarus
6. Canada
7. Malaysia
8. Russia

Individual Awards:
Fair Play: Ukraine
Top Goal Keeper: Nadine KHOUZAM (BEL)
Player of Tournament: Surinfer KAUR (IND)
Youngest Player: Rani RAMPAL (IND)
Top Goal Scorer: Rani RAMPAL (IND)
Best Defender: Stephanie JAMESON (CAN)
Most useful player: Nikki SYMMONS