Sports Bulletin

RAJA HAFEEZ Lausanne, Switzerland: As we build up towards the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup, which springs into action on 1 April in Potchefstroom, South Africa, here is a preview of the teams that comprise Pool A. Pool A: Canada, Netherlands, United States and Zimbabwe As runners-up at the Junior EuroHockey Championships (beaten by Spain on shoot-out), and the team with the highest number of wins at this tournament (3), Netherlands will be the team to beat in this pool. Head Coach Dave Smolenaars will have a host of players at his disposal who have been part of a national structure that produces wave after wave of quality hockey players. The Netherlands open their account with a match against USA on the first day of competition. The most intriguing meet-up in this pool will be the Pan Am clash between USA and Canada. The Canadians will be full of confidence after they won the Junior Pan Am Championship for the first time in their history. USA have been very much in a rebuilding stage so it will be interesting to see how the players respond to this challenge. USA Head Coach Tracey Paul will be looking for the experience of players such as Hope Rose and Charlotte de Vries to lead her team through to the knock-out stages. USA’s highest ever finish in their eight previous appearances was seventh in 2013. Canada’s last appearance was in 2013, when they finished 14th. Like USA, the Canadian team’s previous best was a seventh place in 1989. For Canada, nine of the team that won the Junior Pan Am Cup will be making the trip to South Africa. Head Coach Jenn Beagan is delighted at the prospect of both the junior and senior Canada teams competing in World Cups this year, saying: ‘This is an exciting time and I have no doubt the athletes will rise to the occasion.’ Zimbabwe are a country that has been really focused on developing their national teams in the past few years, and they could spring a surprise on their more experienced opponents. Their previous three appearances have seen the African team finish in last place, but, with the event taking place on African soil for the first time, they will be aiming much higher this time around. Mutsa Bera, the Zimbabwe captain said: ‘We are going to learn a lot from playing at such a big event. It is about taking up the challenge, just going in there and putting up a fight. ‘It is such a big thing to be able to go out there and make a mark for Zimbabwe hockey and show how ready we are to do this.’ Zimbabwe face Canada in their opening Pool A match on 1 April.

Sports Bulletin Report Lausanne, Switzerland:-With just a few days to go before the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup South Africa 2021 springs into action in Potchefstroom the squads for the participating nations are now known. Among the athletes from the 16 teams are Olympians, Olympic medallists and players that have already seen top class action through the FIH Hockey Pro League. This is also the stage upon which new stars are revealed to hockey fans. It was back in 1997 that an unknown junior called Luciana Aymar led Argentina to a Junior World Cup bronze medal – we all know how that story unfolded. Today’s crop of Las Leoncitas will be hoping to retain the gold medal that the 2016 squad won in Santiago, Chile. For teams such as Netherlands, Germany and Korea, the Women’s Junior World Cup has been a traditional hunting ground for medals. Those three teams between them have won 12 medals, and all three will want to be adding to their tallies. For Germany, players such as Pauline Heinz and Jette Fleschütz will be bringing a huge amount of experience of top flight hockey, having already experienced Olympic and FIH Hockey Pro League action. In addition, the German U21 squad played two senior FIH Hockey Pro League matches against India, gaining a wealth of experience the process. Also on the hunt for medals will be the India women’s side. Having observed the rapid rise of their women’s senior team through the rankings, and the adulation to which the squad returned on the back of an Olympic fourth place finish, the India team will want to take advantage of the momentum surrounding women’s hockey in the country right now. At the other end of the experience continuum are teams such as Ireland and Uruguay who will be experiencing their first ever foray into Women’s Junior World Cup territory. Ireland's athletes are already bringing a sense of joy to the show, with their revelation that the team managers included pool-based flamingo racing as part of their early morning warm-up routines. And then there is the emotion that will be so very present at this event. For South Africa, this is the momentous occasion when they hold the continent’s first ever FIH World Cup event. For Canada, this is the place where they were caught in limbo for a while in December as a result of pandemic movement restrictions – they will be looking for a happy return to Potchefstroom.

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Lausanne, Switzerland: There are just 100 days to go until the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Spain & Netherlands 2022 springs into life at the joint venues of the Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam in the Netherlands and the Terrassa Olympic Stadium in Terrassa, Spain. The 16 teams know both their pools and the opponents that stand between them and World Cup glory. The officials are primed and ready to ensure a smooth running and fairly contested tournament. The fans are busily purchasing tickets ready to roar on the athletes in this blue riband event, that will not only set pulses racing in the stands, but will captivate global audiences. Ahead of the event, fans across the international community were asked to suggest names for the competition’s mascot. Showing some truly astonishing creativity 400 names were suggested, which was eventually whittled down to just three. More than 600 votes were cast and the final, winning name for the 2022 World Cup mascot was revealed as Lyla. Look out for Lyla as she makes starring appearances over the duration of the tournament and at both venues. Both Spain and the Netherlands are experienced hosts when it comes to hockey competition. The Hague was the venue for the Men’s and Women’s World Cups in 2014, with Utrecht hosting the Men’s and Women’s events in 1998. Amstelveen was the venue for the Men’s World Cup in 1973 and the Women’s World Cup in 1986. Madrid was host to the Women’s World Cups of 1978 and 2006, while Barcelona hosted the first ever Men’s World Cup in 1971. Xan de Waard of the Netherlands says: 'In 100 days the World Cup starts in Amsterdam and Terrassa. The next few months see us play several games in the FIH Pro League to prepare as well as possible. We are really looking forward to start the World Cup and we hope to see you there.' Spain's captain Georgina Oliva says: 'I would like to encourage all the fans and the crowds to come to Terrassa because there are a lot of activities waiting for you. I would love to see you all in the stadium, enjoying the hockey and the spectacle of a World Cup. We will welcome you with a lot of sunny days.' Teams: Pool A: Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Chile Pool B: England, New Zealand, India, China Pool C: Argentina, Spain, Korea, Canada Pool D: Australia, Belgium, Japan, South Africa

Sports Bulletin Report BIRMINGHAM:-Pakistan will meet South Africa in their opening fixture of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022, as International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced the schedule on Wednesday, as hosts England’s men’s and women’s teams will both face Ghana in their opening match and have group games against India, Canada and Wales Both the women’s and the men’s competitions will begin on Friday 29 July, with the opening session of the women’s tournament featuring reigning champions New Zealand against Kenya and South Africa playing Scotland. Hosts, England, will face Ghana in the first match of the men’s competition with New Zealand facing Scotland in the same session. There will be 54 hockey matches in total, with 40 group games, six classification matches, four semi-finals, four medal matches and all of these matches will be played at the University of a Birmingham, the official competition venue for hockey at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The 20 hockey teams taking part in the Games will also use the University of Birmingham’s world-class hockey facilities for training until competition gets underway and then the teams will be able to make use of the newly upgraded pitch at Wyndley Leisure Centre in Sutton Coldfield for training. Matt Kidson, Director of Sport for Birmingham 2022, said: “We are excited to be unveiling the official hockey match schedule today as it brings us another step closer to the start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. It’s going to be an exciting tournament with an impressive line-up of teams, featuring all of the medallists from the last edition of the Commonwealth Games. Pool A: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, Scotland Pool B: India, England, Wales, Canada, Ghana, Schedule (Men’s Hockey): July 29, 2022: England vs Ghana, New Zealand vs Scotland July 30, 2022: South Africa vs Pakistan, Canada vs Wales July 31, 2022: New Zealand vs Pakistan, Australia vs Scotland, England vs Wales, India vs Ghana August 1, 2022: Scotland vs South Africa, England vs India, Canada vs Ghana, New Zealand vs Australia August 3, 2022: Canada vs India, Wales vs Ghana, Pakistan vs Scotland, South Africa vs Australia August 4, 2022: India vs Wales, Canada vs England, South Africa vs New Zealand, Australia vs Pakistan August 6, 2022: Semifinals August 7, 2022: Final

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Lausanne, Switzerland: Following last week’s decision by the Executive Board (EB) of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to exclude Russia from the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup, the national team of Austria will now join this top-flight event scheduled from 1 to 12 April in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Austria will take the place of Russia in Pool C, therefore joining Argentina, Korea and Uruguay. It will be Austria’s first-ever participation in a FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup. Furthermore, FIH continues to be in contact with the Hockey Association of Ukraine and is still hopeful that the Ukrainian team will be able to participate in the event in South Africa.

Sports Bulletin Report Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) have jointly announced the 20 national teams that will participate in the upcoming Commonwealth Games hockey tournaments scheduled from 29 July to 8 August at the University of Birmingham, England. Women: Australia, Canada, England, Ghana, India, Kenya, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Wales              Men: Australia, Canada, England, Ghana, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Wales FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “With such an impressive line-up, we’re looking forward, together with fans around the world, to hockey tournaments which will once again belong to the greatest events to enjoy at the upcoming Commonwealth Games. On behalf of FIH, I’d like to thank the Commonwealth Games Federation for their intense preparations as well as their support. And I wish already all teams every success in Birmingham!” CGF CEO Katie Sadleir said: “We are delighted that 20 outstanding teams have confirmed their spots for the Birmingham 2022 hockey tournament. We have an incredible line up for both the men’s and women’s competition and hockey fans across the Commonwealth are set to see a truly world class competition in Birmingham. I would like to thank the International Hockey Federation for their ongoing support and we look forward to working closely with them and Birmingham 2022 to stage a tournament that will showcase the very best of Commonwealth sport.” Hockey has been part of the Commonwealth Games since 1998. Australian Men have won all six editions! In the Women’s tournament, Australia is also leading the all-time records with 4 Gold medals, followed by India and New Zealand (1 each), with the Black Sticks winning the last Commonwealth Games hockey tournament in 2018 in The Gold Coast, Australia. Matt Kidson, Director of Sport for Birmingham 2022, said: “It’s great news that we now know all of the hockey teams that will be taking part in Birmingham 2022. We are currently finalising the match schedule for the men’s and women’s tournaments, and we are looking forward to unveiling this information very soon. “The University of Birmingham will be an excellent venue for hockey and a new pitch has just been installed at our training venue at Wyndley Leisure Centre, so we will have world-class facilities available for all of the teams.”

Sports Bulletin Report Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has expressed a deeply concerned about the safety of the members of Ukraine’s hockey community and ensures all of them of its full solidarity at this terrible time. FIH is in regular contact with the Hockey Association of Ukraine and is doing its utmost to offer any support it can, in the hope that the Ukrainian team will be able to participate in the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup scheduled from 1 to 12 April in Potchefstroom, South Africa, for which it qualified.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-It was to be Spain's day in Bhubaneswar as the Red Sticks men and women's teams put in resilient performances to defeat the host nations in the second day of FIH Hockey Pro League action between the two nations. Spain beat India 4-3 (women) - Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar (IND) Spain started the first quarter in dominating fashion. Begona Garcia in particular seemed to be everywhere and her energetic running was rewarded with a goal in the fourth minute of the game. At this stage, Spain were in the ascendency and India seemed to be overwhelmed by the pace of the Red Stick’s game. That changed in the 10th minute when debutant Sangita Kumari showed her strength and ability to find the goal as she beat two defenders and then shot with precision to bring the scores level. For an athlete in her first senior match, Sangita showed some cool-headed skill. The Garcia show continued as the quarter counted down. A clever ball into the circle by Georgina Oliva, who celebrated her 250th cap, found an Indian foot to win a penalty corner. Following the initial shot, it was Maialen Garcia who deflected the penalty corner shot into the goal to restore the Spanish lead. Salima Tete answered Head Coach Janneke Schopman’s request for speedier play. The forward brought the scores level as she burst forwards into the Spain circle and unleashed a reverse stick shot that proved unstoppable. Just two minutes later, in the 24th minute, we saw the moment of the match as Belen Iglesias used tremendous skill and vision to lob the ball over Savita’s head, into the goal. Just when it looked as if the match was going to shoot-out, up stepped one of the more experienced of the Red Sticks team – Xantal Gine – to fire home the penalty corner that gave Spain their first win of the FIH Hockey Pro League. The result means India are in third position in the league table behind Argentina and Netherlands. Spain, with a win and a draw are in fifth place, just behind Belgium. Spain beat India 5-3 (men) - Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar (IND) India took a lead in the sixth minute through Abhishek; the striker running the backline and then flicking past Adrian Rafi. Eight minutes later, Pau Cunill scored from Spain’s first penalty corner in the 14th minute and just seconds later eventual Player of the Match Joan Tarres looked almost casual as he struck an upright, reverse stick shot past Suraj Karkera in the India goal to put Spain ahead as they went into the break. A rocket from Pau Cunill was the first score of the second quarter and it was against the run of play as India had enjoyed more possession and more meaningful attacks to that point. But Cunill’s shot was accomplished and confident as it flew past PR Sreejesh in the India goal. Sreejesh was celebrating his 250th match for India and this was not the way he would want to remember the occasion. India responded through Harmanpreet Singh, again from a polished penalty corner routine. The goal makes Harmanpreet the first player to reach double figures in this year’s goal scoring tally. With the score at 3-2, the second half was all set to mimic, if not exceed, the excitement and drama of the previous day’s action. The third quarter was intense but neither side managed to find a goal-scoring breakthrough, although India were definitely playing with more energy and ideas than their European counterparts. The question was whether Max Caldas’ men could hold onto the lead and, if possible, extend it. The answer came with nine minutes left on the clock. Sukhjeet Singh, who was playing his first senior game, made the dream start on his debut, dribbling through the Spanish defenders before slotting the ball home to bring the scores level. For the Spanish team, the spectre of once again losing in the final moments was looming large. With just over six minutes left there was yet another twist in the this tale. Pepe Cunill joined his brother Pau on the score-sheet after rifling home a penalty corner – for his first senior international goal. The shot was subject to a long video review but the goal stood and Spain took the lead again. India took their ‘keeper from the field with three minutes left and Spain were able to capitalise when they won another penalty corner. Marc Miralles was able to fire home for his fourth goal of the weekend. The 5-3 scoreline with just 90 seconds left gave the Red Sticks breathing room as they headed to their first FIH Hockey Pro League win of the season.

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has invited 32 players to join the national training camp, which is scheduled to be kicked off from March 1, 2022 at Lahore. According to an official of PHF, the players will be trained for the upcoming Asia Cup 2022, as the all players are advised to report in the camp on 1st March to manager Kawaja Junaid. Also, trainer Daniel Berry and foreign goalkeeping coach Bob John Weldhoff will be part of the coaching staff. Camp will be organized for one month. Names of Invited Players: Goalkeepers (4): Amjad Ali (Sui Southern Gas), Waqar Ali (WAPDA), Abdullah Ishtiaq (Mari Petroleum), Akmal Hussain (WAPDA), Defenders (10): Mubashir Ali (WAPDA), Emad Shakeel Butt (National Bank), Abu Bakar Mahmood (National Bank), Hamad Anjum (WAPDA), Tazeem Al Hassan (WAPDA) ), Rizwan Ali (PAF), Aqeel Ahmed (WAPDA), Mohammad Abdullah (Mari Petroleum), Arbaaz Ahmed (Mari Petroleum), Abdul Manan (Sui Southern Gas) Midfielders / Forwards (18): Mohammad Umar Bhatta (WAPDA), Mohammad Azfar Yaqub (Sui Southern Gas), Rana Waheed (WAPDA), Ahmad Nadeem (Mari Petroleum), Ghazanfar Ali (Mari Petroleum), Salman Razzaq (WAPDA), Abdul Rehman (WAPDA), Roman Khan (WAPDA), Hassan Amin (Multan) , Moin Shakeel (WAPDA), Ali Shan (Sui Southern Gas), Junaid Manzoor (National Bank), Afraz (Mari Petroleum), Ejaz Ahmed (WAPDA), Abdul Hanan Shahid (WAPDA), Noheez Zahid Malik (National Bank), Shahzeb Khan (Sindh) and Abu Dhar (National Bank). Officials: Khawaja Junaid (Camp manager) Ahmed Alam (Goalkeeper Coach) Syed Sameer Hussain, Wasim Ahmed and Ajmal Khan Lodhi (Assistant coaches) Mohammad Aslam (Physiotherapist).

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-France wrapped a gruelling but rewarding Pro League series in Potchestfstroom with a 2-1 win over South Africa. South African 19-year-old Mustapha Cassiem scored an absolute rocket of a goal in the first quarter to leave France chasing but a Blaise Rogeau redirection and a Victor Charlet penalty stroke sealed France’s third win of their series in South Africa. Over in Argentina, the Leones put on another show in front of a full crowd to earn a 3-1 win over England. Lucas Martinez scored two goals, while Player of the Match Lucas Toscani scored the game’s opener. England’s Nicholas Bandurak scored on a penalty corner to deny Argentina the shutout. Argentina’s women’s side went on a scoring frenzy as five different scorers got on the board in a 5-2 win over England. The Leonas put on a skill showcase with some fantastic goals and incredible display of individual stick skills. Elena Rayer and Holly Hunt scored late in the game to finally reward England for their efforts. South Africa v France (men) – Potchestfstroom, University of North West (RSA) Victor Charlet was on the start and end of France’s second goal as his long ball down the right was further deflected on to a streaking Timothée Clément. Clément took the right baseline but weathered a tough stick foul from Nduduzo Lembethe and a penalty stroke was awarded. Charlet finished stick side just over the back board for the 2-1 France lead. Late in the third quarter France were again unsuccessful from the penalty corner unit as Spooner cleared the ball of the line as France looked for an option from the left side. Charlet’s goal was enough for France to hang on and grab another three points over South Africa. Following the game Viktor Lockwood was named Player of the Match and commented: ‘We are very, very exhausted – eight games in 12 days I think. We used up so much energy in the game so we had a difficult game but before the game we said we just need to win to finish the competition (in South Africa). So, we are happy and we can have some rest now.’ Argentina v England (men & women) – Cenard, Buenos Aires (ARG) Back at the Cenard, the Argentina men again dazzled the home crowd with some spectacular play to seal a 3-1 win over England. Lucas Toscani scored the game’s opening goal and was named Player of the Match, while Lucas Martinez added two more to Argentina’s total. England’s lone goal came from a penalty corner flick at the hands of Nicholas Bandurak. Both teams traded chances in the first quarter but England struggled to get close enough to really test Argentina keeper Tomas Santiago. An errant clear from England allowed Martinez to set up Nicolas Keenan from close range but the upright shot went just wide of the England goal mouth. Argentina continued to create chaos for England. In the ninth minute Nicolas Cicileo sent a fantastically timed cross to Martinez who beat England’s Nicholas Park and finished on the back hand for a 1-0 Argentina lead. The third quarter was all credit to England who pressed hard but really struggled to put shots on net. Finally on the penalty corner Bandurak was able to flick around Habif and beat Santiago glove side high to get England within one. England were caught on their heels and a monster aerial sailed over England’s last player Timothy Nurse. Martinez was there to collect the bouncing ball and smash it into the empty net to give Argentina the 3-1 lead and final score. Argentina went to work late in the second quarter with two penalty corner goals just two minutes apart. Costa trapped the ball upright off the injection and paced a pass in that took a deflection from Martina Triñanes for the 2-0 lead. Argentina’s third goal came after England keeper Amy Tennant left a soft rebound following a penalty corner flick. Eugenia Trinchinetti buried it on a reverse stick sweep from her knees for the 3-0 Argentina lead heading into half time. Victoria Granatto made it 4-0 in the third quarter as she displayed some phenomenal stick skills up the right side only to be the eventual beneficiary of a bouncing cross. A back-hand finish from close range beat a frozen Tennant in the England goal. FIH Pro League (Potchestfstroom, University of North West South Africa) Result: Men’s Match 23 South Africa 1, France 2 Player of the Match: Viktor Lockwood (FRA) Umpires: Sean Rapaport (RSA), Ayden Shrives (RSA), Annelize Rostron (RSA-video) Cenard, Buenos Aires (ARG) Result: Men’s Match 22 Argentina 3, England 1 Player of the Match: Lucas Toscani (ARG) Umpires: Diego Barbas (ARG), German Montes de Oca (ARG), Catalina Montesino (CHI-video) Result: Women’s Match 13 Argentina 5, England 2 Player of the Match: Eugenia Trinchinetti (ARG) Umpires: Irene Presenqui (ARG), Catalina Montesino (CHI), German Montes de Oca (ARG-video).