Oman Hockey Association (OHA) is drawing a plan ahead of the 2014 Asiad

Following Oman's excellent performance in the Asian Games Qualifier in Bangladesh, the Oman Hockey Association (OHA) is drawing a plan ahead of the 2014 Asiad set to be held in South Korea from September 19 to October 4.

Speaking to Times Sporton Monday, OHA General Secretary Redha Taqi Al Lawati said arrangements have been made to help the national team achieve success at the Asian Games.  "We are doing everything possible to help our team achieve good results in the Asian Games," Redha said.

As part of the plan, the team will undergo external training camps in Germany and the Netherlands.

"We have not yet decided on the itinerary but this is one part of the plan to send the team for a rigorous training camps in Germany and Holland," he noted.

Oman won four games in the eight-nation Asian Games Qualifier in Dhaka before losing to Bangladesh in the title decider on Sunday. In the qualifying matches, Oman beat Chinese Taipei, Sri Lanka, Qatar and Singapore. In Sunday's final, Oman lost to Bangladesh 6-1.

OHA officials are satisfied with the performance of the Oliver Kurtz-coached team. "We are extremely happy with the performance of our team and, more than that, we are satisfied with the progress they are making as a team," Redha said.

According to Redha, the timing of the title decider could have affected Oman's show against Bangladesh.

"They were playing so well in all the games and, therefore, going down 6-1 was rather unfortunate," Redha said. "I think it has mostly to do with the timing of the matches. There should have been a break before the title decider. With four consecutive games at a stretch, I feel our players may have been tired but we will have to wait and see the coach's report to know what went wrong," he informed.

"Bangladesh was playing on their home turf and thus the advantage was with them. We wasted 12 short corners. That is something strange," he said.

"But we are pleased with the performance. The boys are doing extremely well and the level of their playing skills has certainly improved. We look forward to a good show in South Korea during the Asian Games," Redha added.

'Work harder for Asiad'
Meanwhile, hockey veteran Saiyed Ali Sibtain Naqvi urged the Oman team to work hard to face some of the toughest teams from the continent at the Asian Games.  "If they want to survive in the Asian Games against them, they need to seriously improve their level of playing," the former Oman coach said.

According to Naqvi, six Asian teams that include India, Pakistan, Japan, Malaysia, China and host South Korea could prove a stiff challenge for Oman.

"They are the best sides in Asia and could prove a big challenge for Oman. There is no doubt that we have good talents and they have done well in the qualifier but they need to work hard for a better performance in the Games," Naqvi added

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Medals, controversies rule the roost in Indian hockey

New Delhi:  The year 2010 started with a whimper for Indian hockey and somewhat ended on a lukewarm note with the national men's team managing only a silver and a bronze in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games respectively.

Inspite of the medals in the two mega-events, 2010 witnessed a rather disappointing finish for Indian hockey as the men's team managed only a third-place finish in the Guangzhou Asian Games -- a tournament which they were banking on heavily to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.

Star defender Sardara Singh and teenage sensation Rani Rampal's inclusion in the International Hockey Federation's (FIH) All-Star men's and women's teams at the end of 2010 was the only significant high for Indian hockey in the year, which can be termed as a mixed bag affair.

Controversies also ruled the roost in the year 2010 -- be it the ongoing power struggle within the game's administrators, players dispute on salaries or the sexual harassment charges against erstwhile women's team coach M K Kaushik.

Contrary to the satisfactory end, 2010 started on a sorry note for Indian hockey as the players went on a revolt against the administration in demand over their outstanding dues with barely little time left for the World Cup on home shores.

After days of uncertainty, the matter was finally resolved at the mediation of Sahara India Pariwar, the official sponsor of the team. But by then the damage was already inflicted and it was clearly evident in the team's disappointing eighth-place finish in the World Cup.

After the World Cup debacle, the Indian men's team went to Malaysia in mid-summer to take part in the Azlan Shah Cup. India did enough to give a fillip to their demoralising confidence by sharing the trophy with South Korea after the title clash was washed out, but the tournament lacked quality competition.

But then came the most shameful episode in the history of the national game when a women's team player accused coach M K Kaushik of sexual harassment. If that was not enough, team physio Basavaraj was also caught on camera in a "compromising" position with a prostitute during a tour of China.

Stunned by the disgraceful episode just before the women's Asia Cup and World Cup, in no time the national federation jumped into action and sacked both the accused men and ordered an inquiry against the duo to somewhat salvage the situation.

In Kaushik's place, Hockey India roped in inexperienced Sandeep Somesh as a stop-gap arrangement and under his guidance the eves won a bronze in the inaugural Asia Cup in Busan, South Korea.

But after the high came low when the eves had a disastrous outing in the World Cup in Argentina where they finished a lowly ninth.

However, with the start of the Commonwealth Games in the Capital, all the lows of Indian hockey were soon forgotten as the nation eagerly looked upon the men's as well as the women's team to restore the eight-time Olympic champions lost pride.

Expectedly, the men's team did not disappoint the countrymen and showed glimpses of their brilliance to storm into the final of the Delhi Games, comprehensively beating arch-rivals Pakistan and England in the preliminary stages.

But when it mattered most they floundered, as world champions Australia taught India, past masters of the game, a hockey lesson thrashing them 8-0 in the summit clash.

Even though Australia were the deserving gold medal winners in the Commonwealth Games men's hockey competition, India created history when they broke their medal jinx in the quadrennial event with the second-place finish.

Unlike their male counterparts, the Indian eves' story in the Delhi Games can be termed as a man-made disaster as one miscalculation spoiled their party.

In with a great chance to enter the medal round, the women's team miscalculated the margin of victory against South Africa in their last pool match -- thanks to a misunderstanding between coach Somesh and manager Rupa Saini -- to miss out on a place in the semifinals and eventually finish a disappointing fifth.

High on their CWG performance, the Indian men's team went into the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China not only eyeing the gold but also an automatic place in the 2012 London Olympics. Expectedly, the team impressed in the group stages before a resurgent Malaysia stunned them in the semifinals.

Even though Rajpal Singh and his men returned with the bronze medal from Guangzhou, it was not enough to bring back smiles on the faces of hockey fans back home, as it was a double shock when the eves also finished a poor fourth.

The bronze in the Asian Games also did not come without much drama as national coach Harendra Singh resigned from his post after the Malaysia match, only to return back home and say that he was willing to take back his papers provided he is given a full authority of the team.

The Guangzhou Asian Games also drew curtains on chief coach Jose Brasa's tumultuous association with India as the poor Spaniard's contract was not renewed after the event.

With no international tournament in the pipeline, presently, both the men's and women's team are going through a transition phase and the national federation is working hard to find replacements for both Brasa and Somesh.

Sensing the opportunity, already 10 candidates from the country have shown their interest in taking up Brasa's position with the most notable among them are former India captain Dhanraj Pillay, Harendra, Clawrence Lobo and Jude Felix.

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Indian hockey stars return from Asian Games with bronze

Image via Wikipedia

The Indian hockey team arrived in New Delhi on Friday after bagging a bronze medal in the XVIth Asian Games being held in Guangzhou, China.
The women's hockey team, which failed to get a medal at the event, also arrived on Friday.
The Indian men's hockey team defeated four time Asian Games champion South Korea 1-0 and won a bronze. The team lost to Malaysia in the semi-finals.
Skipper Rajpal Singh expressed satisfaction with the team result.
"We went to win the tournament because the team was in full rhythm, but due to one unlucky match we could not qualify for the final. But the overall performance of the team was very good, so we are happy," said Singh.
India's performance in the Asian Games has given the country hope about achieving a good medal haul at the London Olympics in 2012. (ANI)

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Pakistan Hockey Makes it to Asian Games Finals After 20 Years

Pakistan hockey team made it to the finals of the Asian Games after a lapse of 20 years – the last time they did so was also in China in 1990 – with goalkeeper Salman Akbar the hero of the day for saving the last South Korean strike in the semi-finals shootout.
Pakistan will ow play Malaysia in the Finals.

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Asiad: Malaysia dash India's hockey gold hopes

Guangzhou: India's dream to win a gold medal in men's hockey event of the Asian Games came crashing down after they suffered a shocking 3-4 defeat at the hands of lower-ranked Malaysia in the second semifinal at the Aoti Hockey Field here on Tuesday.

Malaysia, ranked 15th in the world, defeated the Commonwealth Games silver medallist through a golden goal after both sides were tied 3-3 at the end of regulation time, to set up a title clash with Pakistan who knocked out defending champions South Korea in the first semifinal.

Penalty corner conversion turned out to be the difference between the two sides as Malaysia converted three out of the four short corners they earned in the match, while the Indians could utilise only two out of four.

The Indians were also done in by some sloppy defending inside the circle, which resulted in all the penalty corners for Malaysia.

Coming into the match with an unbeaten record, a lot was expected of India, but they cut a sorry figure against a determined Malaysian outfit who were by far the better side on display.

Malaysia had better ball possession in the opening half and their hard work bore fruit in the 32md minute, when Ahmad Tengku Abdul Jalil broke the deadlock with a field goal.

However, Malaysia's joy was short-lived as Sandeep Singh equalised three minutes later with a powerful drag flick from a penalty corner as both teams went into the breather locked at 1-1.

The Indians looked a completely different side after the change of ends and surged ahead in the 37th minute through Tushar Khandkar's field strike.

India then displayed controlled hockey for nearly 12 minutes before Azlan Misron (49th) drew the scores level with a well worked-out variation from Malaysia's third short corner.

Five minutes later, captain Rajpal Singh made it 3-2 for India with a rebound after Dhananjay Mahadik's initial flick from a set piece was stopped by Malaysia custodian Kumar Subramiam.

But it was not to be India's day as Malaysia earned another penalty corner in the dying stages of the match from which Muhamad Amin Rahim (67th) scored to make it 3-3.

With little more than a minute to go for the hooter, India got a golden chance to seal the match in their favour but Jose Brasa's boys wasted their fourth penalty corner to take the encounter into extra time.

Pressure got the better of the Indians in the additional time as they gave away another short corner in the 75th minute from which Rahim scored yet again, to dash Rajpal and company's gold medal hopes.

India will now play South Korea for bronze on Thursday while Malaysia will be up against Pakistan in the gold medal match, the winners of which would qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.

In the first semifinal earlier in the day, Pakistan got the better of Korea in penalty shoot-out after both sides were locked 1-1 at the end of regulation as well as extra time.

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Indian hockey team aiming for Asiad gold with an eye on London

GUANGZHOU: More than weighing the positive effects of a tournament win, India will be looking at the long-term prospect re-entering the Olympic fold that they had been rudely pushed out of by Great Britain in 2008 when they begin their hockey campaign at the Asian Games on Monday.

More than the loss to Great Britain in Santiago, what will haunt them as they take on Hong Kong in the opening match is that it was the Asian Games of Doha in 2006 where the first seeds of destruction had been sowed.

It was here that India had, for the first time in the history of the continental Games, failed to qualify for the semifinals, ending all chances of a direct berth from Asia.

The qualifying tournament in Santiago was only another reminder that Indian hockey hadn't done its homework against top teams which had obviously burnt midnight oil to shape their strategies against India.

Two years later, the fall from grace in Doha and the subsequent ouster in Chile continues to haunt national coach Harendra Singh.

Harendra, who was V Bhaskaran's assistant in Doha, wants to erase those memories with a title victory. "Tomorrow's game is important to us. Games such as these help us get a good goal tally which becomes important when goal difference comes into play. Having said that, we are not complacent against Hong Kong. We treat every game equally," Harendra said.

The victory in the Pool B match against Hong Kong on Monday may be just an appetiser as India have tougher contests against Pakistan and Japan coming up in the subsequent days.

Pakistan have lost two big matches to India at the World Cup and Commonwealth Games and will be looking forward to avenging the defeat. Japan too have improved a lot in recent years and should emerge as the dark horse in the group.

"If we win the gold here, it will be a big dream come true for India. We participated in the London Olympics as independent India for the first time in 1948. We will be returning with a great deal of assurance to London in 2012 if we succeed in Guangzhou," said Harendra.

Monday's match: India vs Hong Kong 12 noon (IST).

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India open hockey campaign against Hong Kong in Asian Games

Indian men's hockey team starts its Asian Games campaign against minnows Hong Kong here on Monday, well aware that only a gold medal in the event would open the door for a direct entry to the 2012 London Olympics.

India had missed the Olympics berth for the first time in their history two years ago, when the team, led by Dilip Tirkey, lost to Britain in the final of the qualifying tournament in Chile, leading to a total overhaul in the hockey set-up.

The eight-time Olympic champions had a nightmare of an experience in the 2006 Doha Asian Games where they failed to qualify for the semifinals for the first time. India ended up a lowly eighth in the last World Cup in March in New Delhi.

Despite these reverses, hopes continued to swell in the nation's hockey followers who would be hoping that Rajpal Singh and his men would deliver the goods by winning the gold in this southern Chinese city.

But the pitfalls are many in the tough passage ahead and the team would have to put its best foot forward in the Games here to clinch the eagerly awaited gold medal, which they had last won in 1998 at Bangkok, only their second title in the history of the Games.

The major threats for India, apart from traditional foes Pakistan who have come here with great determination to avenge their 7-3 defeat in the Delhi Commonwealth Games, would come from defending champions South Korea, aiming for a hat-trick, hosts China and an unpredictable Malaysia.

National coach Harendra Singh, who arrived here with the team on the 5th of this month, said the team's only target was to win the gold and a direct entry into the 2012 Olympics and nothing less.

"The actual target is to gain a direct berth in the London Olympics and for that we have to go for the gold and nothing less than that would solve the problem. We are improving day by day," Harendra said.

Aware that the weak point of the team was its defence, that stand exposed last month against Australia in the league phase as well as the final of the CWG, Harendra said the members were working hard on this aspect before the campaign gets underway.

"Defence was a concern in the Commonwealth Games and we are working hard on it," he said.

Harendra said that things have improved with Dhananjay Mahadik and Sandeep Singh taking care of the important task.

"It was important to take it match by match and not focus too far ahead. I think we have got to play the way we played against Pakistan and England (semi-final) in the Commonwealth Games. It is crucial to take it match by match, in getting three points from every match and then focusing on the semi finals," the coach said.

The one-time world-beaters are expected to face modest opposition in their first two Group B matches against Hong Kong and Bangladesh (Nov 17) but things would heat up from November 20, when they clash with Pakistan who have recalled seasoned penalty corner expert Sohail Abbas for the event.

Their last group match is on November 21 against Japan. After their CWG rout against India, Pakistan are also desperate to salvage their reputation.

Pakistan captain Zeeshan Ashraf said the team is looking to avoid the qualifying procedure for London Olympics and a win over India would boost their confidence.

"We want to go to London without any trouble and we won't allow the Indians to get away as they did in Delhi," Ashraf said.

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Asian Games: Indian hockey eves thrash Malaysia 4-0 in opening match

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Indian eves started their campaign in style in the hockey event of the 16th Asian Games, thrashing lowly Malaysia 4-0 in their opening Group A match in Guangzhou today.

India were by far the better side on display under lights at the Aoti hockey field here this evening as they controlled the game during the entire 70 minutes and pumped in four field goals to start their campaign on a winning note.

Thokchom Chanchan Devi opened the scoring for India in the 26th minute from a field strike but that was all that coach Sandeep Somesh's girls could manage in the opening period.

However, after the change of ends it was a different story as Deepika doubled India's lead in the 43rd minute and then after 10 minutes Rani Rampal made it 3-0.

Captain Surinder Kaur too registered her name in the scoresheet, scoring India's fourth goal just three minutes from the hooter in the one-sided affair.

India will face Japan in their next group match on November 16.

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Pakistan recall drag flicker Abbas for Asian Games

Pakistani hockey team players warm up during a team practice in Lahore.—AFP/File photo

Sport

Aisam pulls out of Asian Games tennis

DAWN FORUM

Will the golden boys revive Pakistan Hockey?

LAHORE: Seasoned Penalty-corner specialist Sohail Abbas got a last-minute approval from the Asian Games organisers for his inclusion in the 16-member Pakistan hockey team announced on Tuesday.
The Games are scheduled to be held in Guangzhou, China from Nov 12.
In the initial selection, chief selector Hanif Khan had ignored Sohail but later, the chief selector met the world-record holding player on Oct 21 and decided to call him for the camp set up for the Asian Games.
However, as the Sept 30 deadline for submission of entries for the mega event had expired, the first request on Sohail’s inclusion made by the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) was rejected.
Following the rejection, the POA flew its special representative Masood Ahmad, who is secretary of the Pakistan Judo Federation, to attend the member delegation meeting in Guangzhou held on Tuesday.
The effort bore fruit and the organisers finally allowed Sohail and 16 other Pakistan players in different disciplines to take part in the Games.
The condition set for their participation, however, now binds them to get China’s visa for their participation.
Meanwhile, it has been learnt that the PHF is also trying to send two extra players, namely goalkeeper Imran Shah and Kashif Javed, at its own expenses.
Imran Shah, who was the lone goalkeeper representing the country in the last Commonwealth Games, will be sent as cover for senior custodian Salman Akbar.
Full-back Zeeshan Ashraf, who declared last week that he would quit the game after the Asian Games to make way for the juniors, has been retained as captain of the squad with Mohammad Imran as his deputy.
Squad: Zeeshan Ashraf (captain), Imran Shah (vice-captain), Salman Akbar, Sohail Abbas, Mohammad Irfan, Waseem Ahmad, Mohammad Rashid, Fareed Ahmad, Mohammad Tauseeq, Abdul Haseem Khan, Rehan Butt, Shakeel Abbasi, Shafqat Rasool, Mohammad Zubair, Mohammad Waqas Sharif and Mohammad Rizwan.
Reserves: Imran Shah and Kashif Javed.
Manager: Khawaja Mohammad Junaid. Head coach: Michel Van Den. Assistant
Coaches: Ahmad Alam and Ajmal Khan. Physio: Faiz-ur-Rehman. Video analyst: Nadeem Khan Lodhi.

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Seniors can retire after winning Asiad: Zeeshan

Zeeshan said that coach Michel de van Heuvel should not be blamed for the team's performance at the Commonwealth Games, since he had joined the team recently. -AFP/File Photo

LAHORE: Welcoming the return of veterans Sohail Abbas and Salman Akbar for the Asian Games, Pakistan hockey captain Zeeshan Ashraf feels the senior players can conclude their careers on a high in the continental extravaganza to set a nice platform for the budding players for the 2012 London Olympics.

“Personally, I feel the senior players including me are in the best shape to deliver at the moment. And the Asian Games is a great opportunity for us to record a happy ending to our careers,” fullback Zeeshan said while talking to Dawn on Monday.
“After the Asian Games there is no big competition until the 2012 Olympic Games and after the Asiad juniors should be included in the team to groom them for the London Games. [Therefore] it will be better for the seniors to call it a day [after the Asian Games],” Zeeshan reckoned.
He said the decision of calling back Sohail and experienced goalkeeper Salman should deliver, hoping both would help the team win the Asian Games title.
“I have great hopes from Sohail since the team was lacking in short-corner department in his absence,” he said.
On whether Sohail`s comeback would not disturb the team combination, Zeeshan dispelled the impression saying he (Sohail) was a seasoned campaigner who had played with the same players for a long time in different stints.
Sohail, after being dropped by the Hanif Khan-led selection committee for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, was also not considered for national team`s last tour to Europe and the Commonwealth Games.
However, after the team`s pathetic show in the Commonwealth Games, the PHF took a U-turn recalling the short-corner expert with a hope to win the Asian Games title next month, the main target of the current PHF administration.
Zeeshan stressed new coach Michel de van Heuvel should not be criticised for the poor sixth position Pakistan gained in the Commonwealth Games, since the Dutch had joined the team recently.
“Quick changes in the team management cannot bring any positive results and it is better to give someone sufficient time to show his skills,” Zeeshan said, referring to his team`s coach.
Meanwhile, Zeeshan did not agree to the advice of some great Olympians that Pakistan could win matches only with an offensive strategy.
“For playing attacking game, you should have a strong defence too, otherwise, in case of a counter-attack [by the opponent team] a weak defence can concede goals. Therefore, a strategy based upon keeping a proper balance between attack and defence is more useful,” the Pakistan captain said.
Asked how he treats India as rivals in the Asian Games after two consecutive defeats against them in the recent past (World Cup and Commonwealth Games), Zeeshan while acknowledging India`s fine performance in the said encounters, vowed the Greenshirts would face them in the Asiad with a new strategy.
“Obviously, we have been working on a new plan against the Indians, and hopefully it will work as the boys are eager to win the Asian Games,” he said.

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A good chance to beat India: Rehan

Olympian Isahuddin Siddique wants nothing but gold in China. PHOTO: AFP

LAHORE: Pakistan hockey player Rehan Butt believes that playing India at a neutral venue during the Asian Games will give Pakistan a good opportunity to beat their arch rivals and avenge the two defeats this year.
“It would be a different game when we take on India at the Asian Games,” Rehan told reporters. “On both occasions, in the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games (CWG), India had home advantage and the crowd support but this time they have to play us at a neutral venue which changes things.”
Pakistan have had a disappointing year so far following poor finishes in both events. But Rehan remains confident of a good show in China. Rehan asserted that the participation in the CWG was part of the preparation for the Asian Games.
“Before leaving for the CWG, we did not expect any medal but now is the time for players to perform, qualify for the Olympic Games by bagging a medal in the Asian Games.”
Pakistan begin the last leg of their preparations in Islamabad. The team will stop in Kuala Lumpur next month to play two matches against Malaysia before landing in Guangzhou where they meet hosts China in a practice game ahead of the quadrennial spectacle.
Islah wants PHF to deliver promises
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) promised two years ago that their target was a gold medal in the Asian Games and, according to Olympian Islahuddin Siddique, it is time to deliver those promises.
“Two years ago, the PHF said they would prepare a solid team for the Asian Games and they are highly focused for the prestigious event,” Islah told PPI. “Now is the time the federation show what they did in that time period. They should’ve prepared a team for the Asian Games six months ahead of the event and let the team develop harmony in their game style and coordination. But the team is yet to be decided, when only 20 days are left for the Asian Games to start.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 26^th, 2010.

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Hockey: Fatigue factor worries coach

Being the only team to play three high-profile tournaments back-toback has its drawbacks, but the Indian women's hockey team will have to rise above the fatigue factor as they assemble for the preparatory camp before the Asian Games in the Capital on Monday.

The Indian women's team heads to Asian Games after playing the World Cup and Commonwealth Games in a short span.

No other team has had a schedule with the World Cup, Commonwealth Games (CWG) and the Asian Games in quick succession but the Guangzhou event will provide Sandeep Somesh's wards an opportunity at a medal. "So little time between tournaments is not an ideal situation," head coach Somesh told MAIL TODAY before he left for the Capital.
"It neither gives the girls time for rest nor does it give me enough time to work on areas that need attention." The camp will be on till the players leave for China, most probably on November 5.
"I think about 22 players have been called for the camp and they will report tomorrow. "We plan to work on fast transfer of the ball from defence to attack, switching flanks, penalty corners and converting chances which have often let us down recently," the former India international said. "Let's see what we can achieve in 10 days."
India finished ninth at the World Cup and fifth at the CWG, where a blooper over goal difference resulted in India missing out on a semi-final berth.
India went into their final league game against South Africa, thinking they needed a victory with a margin of seven goals to advance. They were 3-0 after the first-half, but when the opposition reduced the margin at the start of the second half, the Indian heads dropped.
It was only after the match that the team management and players realised that they needed a win with a four-goal margin to make it to the last-four stage as every time they found the target, the South African goal difference also took a hit.
As such, they needed just one goal in the second period while keeping a clean sheet. Somesh went on record to say that had they known the actual situation, they would have played differently.

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Greenshirts target gold in Asian Games

The Pakistan hockey team are ready for a change in fortunes after their poor showing at the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games. PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: The Pakistan hockey team start their campaign at next month’s Asian Games with two aims in mind – a gold medal and victory against arch-rivals India.
Pakistan captain Zeeshan Ashraf believes his side badly need a gold medal in the quadrennial event that will be held in Guangzhou, China, in order to help them qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.
“The Asian Games is the most important assignment for us this year, and we’re training and practising for months now just to keep our focus on it,” Ashraf told The Express Tribune. “We’re aware of its importance because only a gold medal can take us to the Olympics. We’ll go all out to win as we can’t even afford to settle with a silver medal.”
Pakistan finished at an unimpressive sixth position in the recently-concluded Commonwealth Games and finished last in the 12-team World Cup also staged in New Delhi. “We’re hoping to reverse our fortunes on this different venue,” said Ashraf, before adding that his team are also looking to settle the score with India. “We lost to India in the World Cup and then in the Games, but now we’re eying our revenge. We always want to put in extra effort against them as a defeat really hurts.”
Pakistan are tied with India in Group B that also includes Japan, Bangladesh and Hong Kong while South Korea, Malaysia, China, Singapore and Oman are placed in Group A for the competition. Ashraf said that despite the absence of European teams and World Champions Australia, the event will be equally tough as the Commonwealth Games.
‘Abbas will lift team’
Ashraf welcomed the return of Sohail Abbas in the event’s training camp, and said that the short-corner specialist will boost the team’s chances in the event. “There are no doubts on Abbas’ calibre and his presence will definitely benefit the team. Hopefully, he’s in good form.”
Meanwhile, the captain said the team will be working to overcome their weaknesses exposed in the Games in the training camp that starts tomorrow in Islamabad. “It will be a short camp so we’ll be working on our weaknesses like glitches in goal conversion and defence.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 25^th, 2010.

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Sohail looking to play his part in Asian Games

Pakistan’s top hockey star Sohail Abbas said  that he was looking forward to play his part in the next month’s Asian Games  at Guangzhou, (China).“Pakistan has given me everything and I am looking forward to contribute some thing for the country in the Asian Games,” hockey history’s highest goal-scorer told APP.“I was deeply disappointed with Pakistan’s  7-4 loss to arch-rival India in Commonwealth Games. Indians really played well on that day,” he commented.

He said he was fully aware that national hockey  is going through difficult times but wanted to give his best for Pakistan.
Sohail Abbas, who was included  in  Pakistan’s probables list by Chief Selector Hanif Khan said he was fully fit and looking forward to his job, after  being  dropped from the national team after Pakistan secured worst-ever 12th spot in World Cup in New Delhi.
Sohail Abbas  was not considered for Azlan Shah Cup, Pakistan team’s European trip and this month’s Commonwealth Games in New Delhi where Pakistan team took a poor 6th spot and  was recalled in the camp after 7 months in wilderness.
“I am fully fit and doing training under lights and  have  joined the camp in Lahore on Monday,” he said.

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Abbas called for Games camp

Sohail Abbas is the world’s leading goal-scorer. PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: In a surprising move prior to the Asian Games, the selection committee has invited drag-flick specialist Sohail Abbas to the Pakistan hockey team’s training camp after overlooking him for the Commonwealth Games.
Abbas, the world’s leading goal-scorer, was omitted from the list of Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) centrally-contracted players as well and was also not picked for the Games in Delhi after he opted to skip a training camp prior to the team’s tour of Europe earlier this year. The move was prompted by his omission from the Azlan Shah Cup squad after Pakistan fared poorly in the World Cup.
Chief selector Hanif Khan said the penalty-corner specialist was badly needed by Pakistan for the tough Asian Games assignment as a gold medal in China will ensure Pakistan’s qualification for the 2012 Olympics.
“I was not impressed with the team’s performance, especially when it came to utilising the penalty corners in the Commonwealth Games after which I felt Abbas’ need,” Khan told The Express Tribune before adding the ace player has assured his participation in the camp.
“I met Abbas and he’s ready to join the camp and perform for the national team.”
‘Presence to keep opponents under pressure’
The chief selector believed that the presence of a player of Abbas’ calibre will keep rival teams under pressure.
“It is an added advantage to have a player like him because it keeps the opponents under pressure,” he said before adding Abbas’ presence would also improve performance of other team members. “He is the sort of player who avails his chances and gives other players the boost by converting penalty corners.”
PHF to decide on Abbas’ contract
The PHF would wait for Abbas’ arrival in the national camp and would assess his form and fitness before handing him a central contract.
“We will have to see whether he fulfils his commitment at the camp or not before assessing his form and fitness,” said PHF Secretary Asif Bajwa when asked about the player’s chances of a contract. The PHF had earlier announced a list of 22 players for the training camp that will start from October 25 in Islamabad. Apart from Abbas, the PHF has also called Khalid Bhatti and Abdul Qayyum Dogar, taking the number of probables to 25.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 22^nd, 2010.

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Easy opener for Malaysia in Guangzhou

Image by gnastanaid via Flickr

THE Malaysian men's hockey team received a favourable fixture for the Guangzhou Asian Games as they open accounts against Singapore. But they could find themselves without a chief coach. After playing Singapore, Malaysia will have a day's rest before meeting South Korea and Oman back-to-back.

Hosts China will square off against Malaysia after another day's rest.

"Yes, the fixtures are very kind to us because earlier I had feared that we would have to play Korea and China back-to-back. Or that Korea and China will play in the last game.
"However, having said that, reaching the semi-finals is still in the hands of the players, as they have to perform in every match," said chief coach Stephen van Huizen.

It is highly likely that Korea will seal one semis ticket, while Malaysia and China will fight for the second spot in their final Group A match.

Van Huizen was injured during the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi when he missed a step, and the early indications are that he fractured a bone in his back.

"I have gone for an X-ray and the pain is still there. I will only find out in a few days time how serious the injury is," said van Huizen.

The women will play India, followed by Japan, Korea, Kazakhstan and Thailand.

MEN -- Group A: South Korea, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Oman; Group B: India, Pakistan, Japan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong.

WOMEN -- China, Japan, India, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Thailand. -- JUGJET SINGH

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Pakistan will end losing streak against India in Asian Games: Zeeshan

KARACHI: Pakistan's hockey captain Zeeshan Ashraf is confident that his team can end its losing streak against India and tame the arch-rivals in next month's Asian Games at Guangzhou in China.

Pakistan and India will meet in a crucial Pool B encounter of the Asian Games hockey event November 20.

"We have to win our match against India at all costs," Zeeshan said in an interview on Thursday. "We played badly against them in our last match but we won't repeat the same mistakes again in Guangzhou," added the experienced defender.

Pakistan were unable to counter India's speed and precision and lost 4-7 in their Commonwealth Games clash in New Delhi. In a similar result, India also beat Pakistan in their World Cup clash at the same venue in March.

Zeeshan said that his team won't go down in their third meeting of the year against India.

"We won't let Pakistan down again," he stressed. "The match against India will be really crucial for us because it might decide which team from our pool will play against South Korea in the semifinals."

Defending champion South Korea head Pool A that also includes hosts China, Malaysia and minnows Oman. Pakistan share Pool B with India, Japan, Bangladesh and Hong Kong.

Zeeshan said the match against India will be Pakistan's most important pool outing but was quick to add that his team won't be taking Japan for granted either.

"Japan are a very good team on their day and we can't afford to take them lightly," he said.

Zeeshan is confident that his team will finally beat India.

"We are a bit short on experience when compared to India," he said. "But the boys are improving slowly but surely."

The defender believes that "too many changes" over the past few months have taken their toll on his team.

"There have been too many changes in the line-up and also in the coaching staff. India on the other hand have experienced more stability and now they are on the way up."

Zeeshan said Pakistan have to win the Asian Games crown to boost their hockey.

"One big step to provide our hockey a much-needed boost is winning the Asian Games gold," he said. "We have to win such a title for the sake of the national game."

Pakistan will begin the last leg of its Asian Games preparations Oct 25 in Islamabad. The team will stop over in Kuala Lumpur early next month to play two warm-up matches against Malaysia before landing in Guangzhou where they meet hosts China in a practice game ahead of the quadrennial spectacle.

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India grouped with Pakistan, Japan in Asian Games hockey

NEW DELHI: Commonwealth Games silver medallists India have been grouped with arch-rivals Pakistan in the men's hockey competition for November 12-27 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

Japan, Bangladesh and Hong Kong are the other teams in India's group. Pool A comprises defending champions South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Oman and hosts China.

India, who finished fifth in the 2006 Asian Games, open their campaign against Hong Kong Nov 15, and face Bangladesh in their next match Nov 17. Their face-off with Pakistan will take place Nov 20 and India will end their group stage against Japan Nov 21.

Indian women's team, who won the bronze in Doha, will face Malaysia in their opening game Nov 13. The women's competition will be played on a round robin format between China, Korea, Japan, India, Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Thailand.

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Asian Games Hockey: Pak, Ind in same group

New Delhi: The Indian men's hockey team will be up against against Hong Kong China while the women will take on Malaysia in their respective lung-openers of the 16th Asian Games starting November 12 in Guangzhou, China.

The men's team has its first match of the quadrennial event on November 15. The side has been placed in Pool B alongwith Pakistan, Japan, Bangladesh and Hong Kong China.

The always-anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the group stage will take place on November 20, Hockey India said in a statement.

Pool A comprises defending champions Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Oman and hosts China.

Indian women will play their first fixture on November 13.

The women's competition will be played in a round-robin format between China, Korea, Japan, India, Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Thailand.

In the last Asian Games at Doha, the Indian men had finished fifth while the eves had won the bronze medal.

The following is the competition schedule:

Men:

Nov 15: India v Hong Kong China

Nov 17: India v Bangladesh

Nov 20: India v Pakistan

Nov 21: India v Japan

Nov 23: Classification matches and semifinals

Nov 25: Bronze Medal match and Gold Medal match

Women:

Nov 13: India v Malaysia

Nov 16: India v Japan

Nov 17: India v Korea

Nov 19: India v Thailand

Nov 20: India v Kazakhstan

Nov 22: India v China

Nov 24: Classification matches, Bronze Medal match and Gold Medal match

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Pakistani hockey official unfazed with poor results

Pakistani hockey official unfazed with poor results
A top hockey official in Pakistan is expecting the national team to do well in next month's Guangzhou Asian Games despite a string of poor finishes this year.
Pakistan Hockey Federation secretary Asif Bajwa said the squad is capable of winning a medal in the quadrennial multi-sport meet.
"We've always said that our main target this year is the Asian Games and I'm confident that the team will click in the event," he said.
Bajwa explained that the team should not be judged based on their disappointing performance in this year's World Cup and the recent Commonwealth Games, which were both held in New Delhi.
He said most Pakistani players succumb to pressure whenever a tournament is held in India, which is considered a hostile territory.
Bajwa said the national team's runner-up finish in this year's Asian Cup final, which was held in Malaysia, is an indication that the South Asian nation is still a force to reckon with in the region.
The former Olympian said the outcome of Pakistan's matches will likely be different in Guangzhou.
"We will do much better in China. We know that we have to beat India to enhance our chances of reaching the final and I'm sure that the boys will go all out to beat them," he said.
Bajwa also urged the fans to be patient, saying that Pakistan is no longer the hockey powerhouse that used to dominate the sport.
"Pakistan hockey is not where it was 30 years ago. We cannot expect our team to win in major international events like the World Cup and Commonwealth Games," he said.
However, Bajwa assured fans that the squad is slowly making their way to the top.
"Our journey back to the top has to begin at the Asian level which is why all our efforts our aimed at getting the best out of our team in China," he said.
The members of the national team will resume their training on 25 October. They are scheduled to play two tune-up matches against Malaysia on 6 and 7 November. Pakistan will play one more warm-up game against China in Guangzhou on 11 November before taking part in the Asian Games hockey tournament.

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