Monday, December 1, 2008

Women’s Junior Asia Cup

2009 Women’s Junior World Cup will take place in USA next year. So, Asian teams are now taking their preparations for Women’s Junior Asia Cup that would take place next week. Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Pakistan and China are in group A. South Korea, India, Singapore and Taiwan are in Group B. 3 teams will get the ticket for World Cup next year.

Related Article

The Star

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Javed Hockey Club Facing Punjab and Sind Bank in Surjit Hockey Final

Pakistan’s Javed Hockey Club is going to face Delhi’s Punjab and Sind Bank in the final of Silver Jubilee Indian Oil Servo Surjit Hockey Tournament. The final match will take place at the Olympian Surjit Singh hockey stadium in Jalandhar. Javed Hockey Club reached the final defeating Mumbai’s Indian Oil 3-1 in the semi final, while Punjab and Sind Bank saw off another Mumbai team Air India by 2-1 score line.

The final match is supposed to have finished by yet, but I could not find any news any the result of the match in the internet. I will let you know about the result of the final match whenever I know about it.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Ric Charlesworth Takes over as Head Coach of Australian Men’s Hockey Team

Just two months after resigning as India's technical director, Ric Charlesworth has taken over as the head coach of Australian men’s hockey team. He has been appointed as the successor of Barry Dance who quit after Beijing Olympic Games. Charlesworth represented Australia and captain his team as a player. Later he coached Australian women’s hockey team and led the girls to win Olympic Gold medals at the Atlanta and Sydney Olympic Games.

It would not be an easy task this time at the helm of men’s team because a number of players retired after this year’s Olympic Games in Beijing. Even he admitted that he has to rebuild Australian men’s hockey team who has been losing their dominance in world field hockey.

IHT reported:

"The team changes all the time and the team which played in Beijing will never play together again," Charlesworth said.

"The job really is about building a new team and only a handful of the players playing now will be under 30 at the next Olympics."

I think, he is a good choice as the coach of Australian men’s field hockey team who are not at their prime at this moment. Now, let us see if Ric Charlesworth can bring Australian team back to their dominating form with his skill, talent and experience as a coach.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Germany Clinched Men’s Gold, while Netherlands Wins Women’s in Beijing Olympic Hockey Tournament

Germany clinched men’s hockey gold at Beijing Olympic Games 2008 defeating Spain 1-0 in the final match. Christopher Zeller scored the winner for Germany in the 16th minute of the match. With this victory, Germany won their first hockey gold medal since 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.

Canada.com reported:

"Unbelievable, just unbelievable," said forward Florian Keller. "We need time to grasp that we really won the gold medal."

Spain finished winning silver medal while Australia defeated Netherlands 6-2 to clinch the bronze medal at Beijing Olympic Games. Though Netherlands men’s hockey team could not win any medal, their women’s counterpart ended up winning gold medal in women’s hockey final at Beijing Olympics. Netherlands women’s hockey team defeated host China 2-0 to win their first gold in 24 years. Second half strike from Naomi van As and Maartje Goderie earned Netherlands first Olympic gold medal in women’s hockey since 1984 Los Angles Olympic Games. Last year’s silver medalist Argentina defeated reigning champion Germany 3-1 to ensure the bronze medal.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Six Men of South Asian Descent in Canada’s Field Hockey Squad for Beijing Olympic

Canadian field hockey team has qualified for this year’s Beijing Olympics Games in China and they are preparing to take part in another Olympics Games after a gap of eight years. Canada Men’s Field hockey team last participated in 2000 Sidney Olympic Games. It is pretty much sure that Canadian players are pretty much excited with this competition because for many of them this is the first Olympics Games.

Well, you know that Indian field hockey team failed to qualify for Beijing Olympic Games and this is the first time they have suffered this blow in the history of Olympic Games. However, for Indian fans there is a chance to see some players of Indian descent in the competition. In fact, there are few Canadian players who have Indian descent and these players will represent Canada in the tournament. Recently, reports came in Indian media that as India is not playing in the tournament; Indian people must support Canada in the tournament. There are six players of South Asian descent in the current Canada men’s hockey squad.

Now, let us see if Indian-Canadian players can perform well helping Canada win something special from the tournament.

Related article:

Thestar

Friday, July 11, 2008

Ric Charlesworth Stepped down from Indian Hockey Team’s Job

Australian hockey legend Ric Charlesworth has stepped down from Indian field hockey team’s technical advisor post stating that he is not happy with the way Indian hockey is running on. Indian Olympic Association secretary-general Randhir Singh admitted Charlesworth’s unhappiness with the system of Indian hockey and also said that they tried to convince him to stay with Indian hockey team.

Ric Charlesworth is a man of versatile quality. Himself as a great player, he was part of Australia’s 1986 world cup winning team. Upon his retirement in 1988, Charlesworth stepped into coaching and led Australia’s women’s hockey team to become one of the best squads ever in the history of the sport. Charlesworth also played first class cricket for Western Australia.

Related article:

AFP

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Australia Defeated Spain in the Final of the Champions Trophy Field Hockey Tournament

Australia won the title of Champions Trophy Field Hockey defeating Spain 4-1 in the final of the tournament. Five minutes into the first half, Desmond Abbott put Australia ahead in the match. However, Xavi Ribas brought the equalizer for Spain five minutes later. Australia had to wait till 52nd minute of the match in order to get the lead once again in the match thanks to a goal by Jamie Dwyer from a penalty stroke. Just eight after the second goal, Austria increased the lead to 3-1 as Eddie Ockenden scored. Eli Matheson scored the last goal for Australia in the penultimate minute of the match. This is the ninth Champions Trophy Field Hockey title for Austria.

Argentina defeated Netherlands 5-3 in penalty shootout after the match ended in 2-2 draw to claim the third place in Champions Trophy Field Hockey tournament. Germany secures the fifth place thanks to the 3-1 victory against South Korea in the fifth and sixth place deciding match.

Related articles:

International Herald Tribune

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Canada Men’s Hockey Team Wins over Great Britain in the First Match of Europe Tour

Canada men’s hockey team started off well in their Europe tour by defeating Great Britain thanks to the solitary goal from Peter Short in the second half. Canada men’s hockey team is now on a 12-day tour in Europe and will play few more matches in Ireland and Netherlands ahead of Beijing Olympic Games 2008.

Great Britain very offensive in the match, but Canadian defense was up to the mark to defend their goal to clinch a victory. Canada will face Great Britain once again in a Pool B match of Beijing Olympic Games 2008. Canada men’s hockey team is ranked 15, while Great Britain secures 8th place in world ranking.

Related article:
CBC

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Pakistan Defeated New Zealand in Sultan Azlan Shah Men’s Hockey Tournament

Pakistan men’s hockey team defeated New Zealand 6-3 in Sultan Azlan Shah Men’s hockey tournament. The sixth ranked Pakistan played superb and dominated throughout the match. However, New Zealanders also created some challenges for Pakistan. In fact, ninth ranked New Zealand opened scoring in the 11th minute of the match, before Pakistan bounced back to score four goals within next 15 minutes. During half time, the score line was 4-2.

The New Zealand Herald reported:

Phillip Burrows gave New Zealand the lead after just 11 minutes from a well-taken field goal but the sixth ranked Pakistanis came back to score four in 15 minutes.

Hayden Shaw narrowed the margin with a penalty corner goal just before halftime and then made it 4-3 from a second penalty corner.

New Zealand defeated Indian in the tournament opener. They will take on hot Malaysia in the next game of the tournament. Pakistan defeated host Malaysia in their opening match of the tournament.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

India Going to Take Part in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

Indian failed to qualify to the Hockey event of Beijing Olympics Games 2008 recently. It is going to be the first time Indian hockey team is going to miss a Olympics Games in last 80 years. Recently, a much-publicized bribery incident followed by the sack of Indian Hockey Federation has drawn huge criticism. Now, Indian hockey team has a good chance to compensate to their humiliating recent performances this week. India is going to take part in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup this week along with four Olympic qualified sides: Canada, Belgium, Pakistan and New Zealand.

AFP reported:

How India fare will be closely watched with the national team in crisis after a bribery scandal and failure to qualify for the Olympics for the first time in 80 years saw their controversial hockey federation sacked.

The omens however do not look good, with the fallen giants winning only one of eight games at two mini tournaments in Australia over the past fortnight.

Besides India and four Olympic qualified teams, host Malaysia and Argentina are also going to take part in the competition. Now, let us see if Indian can make some good performances in the tournament which would be a consolation for the Indian hockey fans who are disheartened by India’s recent performance.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Indian Olympic Association Takes over Indian Hockey Federation following a Bribery Scandal

Indian male hockey team has failed to qualify for the upcoming Beijing Olympics Games 2008. This is the first time India has failed to book a place at the final of Olympic Games Hockey competition since field hockey included in Olympic Games in 1928. This is not that the disaster has hit the Indian Hockey suddenly. In fact, over the last decade, Indian hockey was going down as their performance at international stage was being faded. Once dominating Indian hockey team is now fighting to revive its lost pride and prowess.

Added to that, recently a high official of Indian Hockey Federation has been accused of taking bribe on a team selection. Even, this is not something new to IHF as the federation has been reportedly going through corruption over the past decade. In the aftermath of these series of blows Indian hockey received recently, Indian Olympic Association (IOC) has recently taken over the Indian Hockey Federation.

Canadian Press reported:

Indian Hockey Federation official Kumaraswamy Jothikumaran resigned last week after a television channel claimed to have filmed him accepting a cash bribe to include a player in the national squad.

On Monday, Kalmadi said Olympic rules empowered his body to take action against "member-associations involved in any undesirable activity bringing disrepute to the country."

"The IOA has taken a concrete action following media reports about corruption," Kalmadi said. "It's a painful decision we had to make."

Well, it is for sure that Indian hockey has come to a dead end from its once dominating form. So, it is badly needed to ensure there is no corruption in the hockey federation. However, taking over the IHF is not everything to develop the Indian hockey and revive its pride at the international stage. In fact, concerned authority must have a long term planning for the development of Indian hockey. I hope, Indian hockey gets back its dominance and becomes a major power in world hockey again.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Indian Hockey in Term Oil

Indian hockey fans are not happy at all these days. They have every reason to be unhappy. India failed to qualify for next Olympic Games and it offended all the fans.

The Hindu wrote:

Seeking the ouster of an "autocratic" K P S Gill, angry fans on Monday burnt the effigy of the Indian Hockey Federation President and demanded an overhauling of the IHF to save the sport.

Peeved with India's recent failure to make it to the Beijing Olympics, the Hockey Fans Club of India held a demonstration here and condemned the "lackadaisical attitude" of the federation towards the game.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

United States Lost the Second Match of Olympic Qualifying Men’s Hockey Tournament

After the 1-9 humiliating defeat to Argentina in the first match, United States suffered another big margin defeat on Sunday in the Olympic men’s hockey qualifying tournament. This time the opposition was France. Argentina and New Zealand also won their respective matches over Trinidad and Tobago and Ireland respectively.

In the 4-7 loss, United States also had chance to win the match as they were leading 4-3 at one stage in the second half. However, United States conceded four straight goals with what their likely victory went out of their hand. Now, United States has three matches left in the tournament and they need a miracle to win the tournament in order to get the ticket of Beijing Olympics Games 2008.

ESPN Sports reported:

The Americans (0-2) must win the six-team event to advance to the Beijing Games. The U.S. men haven't appeared in the Olympics since 1996.

Jarred Martin, Pat Harris, Nate Coolidge and Andy Sheridan scored for the Americans, who led 4-3 in the second half before allowing four straight goals.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Argentina, New Zealand and Ireland Won in Olympic Qualifying Hockey Tournament

Men’s field hockey Olympic qualifying tournament has been started from Saturday. In the opening day, Argentina, New Zealand and Ireland projected easy victory. Lucas Vila steered Argentina to a 9-1 victory over United States. New Zealand got his highest margin victory of the day with 12-0 smashing over Trinidad and Tobago. Ireland won against France 4-0 in their first match. The winner of the tournament will get the ticket of Olympics Games.

International Herald Tribune reported:

Ireland beat France 4-0 and New Zealand beat Trinidad and Tobago 12-0 on the opening day of the six-nation tournament which continues until Feb. 10.

The winner qualifies for the field hockey tournament at the Beijing Olympics in August.

Friday, January 18, 2008

India to Start Olympics Qualifying Mission from 1 March

Indian hockey team will start their Olympics qualifying mission from March 1. India will play their first match against Mexico, who has replaced Egypt following their withdrawal due to financial constraints. Besides India and Mexico, the tournament features Bangladesh, England and Austria. Each team will play five matches in the tournament. The final match will be held on March 9 March.

Newindpress reported:

Mexico replacing Egypt is not a big problem for India. The biggest hurdle is England. We have to beat them twice to qualify, god willing we will be able to do,’’ said IHF secretary Jothikumaran.
“Our preparations are in full swing. The Test series against Belgium will give our boys good practice. After the Test series our boys will train in Perth from February 1 to 15. They will play practice matches against Western Australia and Chinese team,” added Jothikumaran.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Hockey Powers Shine in the First Day of Junior Men's 8 Nations Invitation Tournament

Junior Men's 8 Nations Invitation Tournament has been started in Malaysia. The big names of world hockey have smashed their opponents in the first day of the tournament. Malaysia lost to Australia 5-2. India, Netherlands, Germany have also projected big margin wins against South Korea, New Zealand and Pakistan respectively. Pakistan and South Korea were unimpressive, despite the fact that they are also considered as powerhouse of hockey.

Bernama reported:

Malaysian coach V. Muraleedharan said the team need to improve further in their technical play which was inconsistent.
Asked on their strategy for tomorrow's match against the skilful and fast Pakistanis, he said they will be banking on counter attacks and will tighten the defence.
Meanwhile, in the another three matches, the Netherlands recorded the biggest win thumping New Zealand 9-1, while India beat South Korea 6-1 and Germany beat Pakistan 5-1.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Canada Dominating in the World Women’s U-18 Hockey Tournament

Canada has maintained their impressive run at the inaugural world women’s U-18 hockey championship. Canada has recently roared past Germany projecting a 10-1 victory. Earlier, Canada had a 11-2 victory over Czech Republic in their opening match of the tournament. So, they are in a steady way to win the championship.

The Canadian Press reported:

Brianne Jenner scored twice and added an assist as Canada defeated Germany 10-1 Tuesday to improve to 2-0 at the tournament. Canada defeated the Czech Republic 11-2 in its opening game Monday.

Canada outshot Germany 54-9 Tuesday, which meant London, Ont., native Mazzotta didn't have much to do in her first start of the tournament.

"It's never boring because you are watching great hockey in front of you," Mazzotta said. "But you've just got to stay focused and kind of run situations through your mind like if the puck were to flip out I'm going to be on top of my crease, I'm going to be ready."

Monday, January 7, 2008

Premier Hockey League Best of Three Final Starts Today

Bangalore Hi-Fliers and Chandigarh Dynamos are the two finalists of the Premier Hockey League in India. The first of the best of three finals will be held today. Both the teams confident to win the trophy though both the teams have admitted that the team plays better will be the winner of the final.

The Hindu reported:

On the eve of the first final, Hi-Fliers and Dynamos assessed each other and concluded, that “the team that plays the best shall win.”

Hi-Fliers coach Ashish Ballal observed, “I am more than satisfied with the performance of the team. Even if we did not play too well, we are in the final. We have taken all steps that will help us make progress and we will rise to the occasion. May the better team win the title.”

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Indian Hockey Needs to Revive

Premier League Hockey now seems to bring back the golden time of hockey in India. Well, cricket is still the dominant sports in India as most of the Indian people follow the Indian teams. However, public interest for hockey has been limited to World cup, Olympic Games and Asiad. So, not many youngsters are eager to see their future in hockey. Now, the time has to think about hockey and take some proper initiative to develop hockey in the country.

Merinews reported:

The 2005 edition was won by the Hyderabad Sultans while in 2006, Bangalore Hi Fliers defeated Chandigarh Dynamos to emerge victorious and last time it was Orrisa Steelers who bagged the honours.

While most experts agree that it is too early to predict the fallout of the PHL, many in Indian hockey circles are delighted to have hockey glamorised with the intention of reviving the flagging sport. Experts accuse the Indian Hockey Federation of being too lethargic and bureaucratic in popularising the sport. Meanwhile the International Hockey Federation is keenly studying the format.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Missy Meharg and Tjerk van Herwaarden Received USA Field Hockey Accreditation

Missy Meharg has received accreditation of USA Field Hockey highest coaching. She is the head coach of Maryland. Tjerk van Herwaarden also got the same accreditation recently. So, they have been invited to take part in the USFHA Level III accreditation course for the first time. So, this is good news for Maryland.

CSTV reported:
The USFHA's comprehensive coaching accreditation program features four course levels, beginning with the developmental through to the international/elite levels. USFHA Technical Director Terry Walsh held the inaugural Level III coaching course where 18 high-level international and NCAA coaches were in attendance, including 20th-year Terrapin head coach Missy Meharg and Tjerk van Herwaarden, who completed his third season in College Park.

Friday, January 4, 2008

Indian Coach Made the List of 29 Players Public

Sandeep Singh has been called up for the Indian national team. He has been picked in the list of 29 players selected for the training camp ahead of the three-nation Hockey tournament. The tournament will start from January 22 including Pakistan and Belgium. Indian will later declare 22 or 24 names for the final squad of the competition. All the teams will face each other twice and then two teams with highest points will play in the final.

The Hindu reported:

Indian chief coach, Joaquim Carvalho, who released the list of probables, said on Friday that the 29 players picked for the camp have to prove themselves to gain a berth in the final team for the three-nation tourney.

Carvalho said the final team will have either 22 or 24 players.

Pakistan and Belgium, who have already qualified for the Beijing Olympics in August, are the other teams for the January 22-30 tournament.

Welcome to Hockey Blog

Dear readers, welcome everybody in this blog. Here, you will get different information and news about world Hockey. We will cover the major tournaments of hockey in this blog.