Jose Brasa joins World Series Hockey brigade

MUMBAI: Jose Brasa will soon be back in India. The Spaniard, whose contract was not renewed by the sports ministry after the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games despite the national team's good showing, will be coaching one of the eight teams in the inaugural edition of World Series Hockey, scheduled to begin from December 17.

He's not the only one. Dutch coaching great Roelant Oltmans, who lost out to Michael Nobbs for the Indian chief coach's job, will be there too, along with Andrew Meredith of Germany. The other names are Harendra Singh, Rajinder Singh, Vasudevan Bhaskaran, Jude Felix and Gundeep Singh. The coaches will play a key role in terms of advising the franchisee during the all critical 'draft process' of player selection.

Brasa, who guided India to silver medal at last year's Commonwealth Games and a bronze at the 2010 Asiad, said he was looking forward to the WSH assignment, his past bitter experience with the hockey mandarins notwithstanding. "I never had any problems with the players, my problem was with the officials. I can't wait to meet the players, it would be great to train them again," Brasa told TOI from Spain.


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Chetri named captain as Sandeep, Sardara return for Australia tour

NEW DELHI: As part of a rotation policy, goalkeeper Bharat Chetri was on Thursday named captain while the controversial duo ofSandeep Singh and Sardara Singh have been recalled to the Indian hockey team for the tour of Australia starting next month.

Veteran midfielder Ignace Tirkey has been appointed as Chetri's deputy.

The 27-year-old custodian, who has 114 international caps to his credit, will replace Rajpal as the skipper and will lead the country for the first time in his career.

PR Sreejesh, who shot to limelight with his super show in the final of the inaugural Asian Champions Trophy against Pakistan, is the other goalkeeper in the 22-member squad.

During the tour of Australia, which will conclude on November 5, India will play a four-nation nine-a-side International Super Series tournament and another International tournamentfeaturing Pakistan and the home team.

The squad was announced after a selection trails at the SAI centre in Bangalore on Monday, which was attended by Hockey India selectors BP Govinda, Syed Ali, Thoiba Singh and AB Subbaiah besides government observer Dilip Tirkey.

Among notable inclusions, both Sandeep and Sardara, who were handed a two-year ban by HI for indiscipline only to be lifted later, have found a place in the squad.

Former captain Arjun Halappa, who missed the Asian Champions Trophy in China due to a groin problem, also returned to the team along with Tushar Khandker and Bharat Chikara, who have also recovered from injuries.

Rajpal will continue to lead the forward line which also has the young Yuvraj Walimiki who retained his place by virtue of his impressive performance in China, Sarvanjit Singh, Gurvinder Singh Chandi and Danish Mujtaba among others.

The selectors have also named five stand-by players in Nanak Singh (goalkeeper), Birendra Lakra (midfielder), Mandip Antil (forward), Chinglingsana (forward) and Roshan Minz (forward).

One of the HI selectors, AB Subbiah later confirmed that Chetri's appointment is part of a rotation policy through which chief coach Micheal Nobbs wants to create a group of leaders from among the senior players.

"It's part of a rotation system as Michael Nobbs' idea is to create a thinking group in the team, who will share more responsibility. He wants to groom 5-6 senior players as leaders," Subbiah said.

"So, from now onwards till the Olympic qualifiers next year, you will see a new captain in every tournament," he added.

Apart from India and hosts Australia, the other two teams in the tournament to be played from October 20 to 23 are Pakistan and New Zealand.

The format is played on the normal dimension field but with many changes like an additional one metre wider goal and one player must be in the attacking half at all times.

Also, there can be only two defenders besides the keeper to stop penalty corners and there must not be more than four players from the attacking team for taking these set pieces.

The attacking players have to stand outside the 23 metre line before they receive the out push from the backline and the penalty corner must be executed within 25 seconds.

However, in the case of long corners it is five players versus five, but again the attackers have to be outside the 23 metre area.

If the scores are level after 30 minutes, penalty shootout will be applicable where the striker is allowed only eight seconds to score starting from the 23 metre line.

Unlike the 70-minute game, the duration is 30 minutes with two halves of 15 minutes each, thus making it fast and furious with fitness and athleticism playing a key role.

India will begin their tour with a match against Australia A on October 17 followed by another against New Zealand the next day before embarking on their nine-a-side event, which has the sanction of FIH.

This is the first time such a format is being played internationally and the organisers have coincided the event with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) at Perth.

Apart from the nine-a-side event, India will also play an international tournament featuring Australia and Pakistan at Busselton and Bunbury in Western Australia.

Team: 

Goalkeepers: Bharat Chetri (captain), PR Sreejesh

Defenders: Manjit Kullu, Rupinderpal Singh, VR Raghunath, Sandeep Singh.

Midfielders: Ignace Tirkey (vice-captain), Gurbaj Singh Vikas Sharma, Manpreet Singh, Vikram Pillay, Arjun Halappa Sardar Singh

Forwards: Danish Mujtaba, Ravi Pal, Sarvanjit Singh, Rajpal Singh, Yuvraj Valmiki, SV Sunil, Gurvinder Singh Chandi, Tushar Khandker, Bharat Chhikara.

Standbys: Nanak Singh (goalkeeper), Birendra Lakra (midfielder), Mandip Antil (forward), Chinglingsana (forward) Roshan Minz (forward).

The following is schedule of India's tour of Australia: 

October 17: India vs Australia 'A' October 18: India vs New Zealand

International Super Series nine-a-side tournament at Perth: 

October 20: India vs New Zealand (Two Matches) October 21: India vs Pakistan (Two Matches) October 22: India vs Australia (Two Matches) October 23: Final and 3/4 Place

International tournament: 

October 26: India vs Australia at Busselton October 27: India vs Pakistan at Busselton October 31: India vs Australia at Bunbury November 1: India vs Pakistan at Bunbury November 3: Final.

FIH says India face Olympic ban

NEW DELHI: Field hockey's world governing body has warned India it could miss the London Olympics even if it qualifies due to an ongoing tussle over who runs the sport in the country.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) said it was not in favour of a settlement brokered by the Indian sports ministry that would see rival bodies Hockey India (HI) and the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) jointly run the game.

In a letter to the sports ministry, FIH president Leandro Negre said his federation only recognised Hockey India as the governing body for the sport which had exclusive authority to enter national teams in international events.

The FIH wants the government of India to "advise HI and IHF not to proceed with the implementation of their broad arrangement," Negre wrote in the letter dated September 27.

The FIH also wants the Indian government to settle the money owed to it for organising the World Cup in New Delhi in March last year.

"If the above is achieved... there will be no more concerns about the participation of Indian hockey team in FIH-sanctioned competitions such as London 2012 Olympic Games," Negre wrote.

The FIH had earlier this month taken away the elite eight-nation Champions Trophy from India and awarded the hosting rights to New Zealand over the same governance issues.

Sports ministry official Rahul Bhatnagar told reporters the ministry would soon meet Indian Olympic Association and hockey officials to finalise a reply to the FIH.

India failed to get direct entry for next year's London Olympics after finishing third at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, and will now play in a qualifying event.

The eight-time Olympic champions missed out on the 2008 Beijing Olympics after losing in the qualifying tournament.


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/hockey/FIH-says-India-faces-Olympic-ban/articleshow/10182443.cms

FIH threatens to thwart India's participation in Olympics

NEW DELHI: The FIH has issued a veiled threat to block India's participation in the 2012 London Olympics in case the government does not grant Hockey India the status of National Sports Federation and if all lawsuits, including the one filed by IHF against it, are not terminated.

Federation Internationale de Hockey (FIH), the world governing body of the game, shot a letter to sports secretary Sindhusree Khullar, asking the government to comply with the requirement of the IOC charter and FIH statutes.

The FIH, in the letter, reminded the government the points which were agreed upon when its president Leandro Negre met sports ministerAjay Maken.

Just before Negre's arrival, FIH had stripped India of the hosting rights of Champions Trophy and moved the elite event to New Zealand because of the game's governance issues.

The FIH letter, signed by Negre, mentions seven issues, including the payment India owe to FIH with regard to hosting of the 2010 World Cup.

The FIH has asked the government to "advise Hockey India and the Indian Hockey Federation(IHF) not to proceed with the implementation of the broad arrangement reached on July 25" with regard to governance of the game in the country.

The FIH has also asked the "government to recognise Hockey India under its guidelines as the National Sports Federation with complete and exclusive authority to govern men's and women's hockey in India, in respect of both national competitions and Indian participation in international competitions.

The letter also says that the Indian government will not fund or support any hockey event, which is not sanctioned by FIH and/or Hockey India.

Apart from asking the government to clear all the dues by writing to the concerned bank, the FIH wanted all lawsuits and other claims about who has the right to govern hockey in India, to be resolved and terminated.

"If the above is achieved, then there will be full compliance with the requirement of the IOC Charter and the FIH statutes and there will be no more concerns about the participation of Indian hockey team in FIH-sanctioned competitions such as London 2012 Olympic Games," the letter read.


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/hockey/FIH-threatens-to-thwart-Indias-participation-in-Olympics/articleshow/10173142.cms

Rajinder criticises Nobbs for discouraging players

JALANDHAR: Former national coach Rajinder Singh strongly criticised Indian hockey team's Australian coach Michael Nobbs for his assessment that it will be a Herculean task for the erstwhile champions' to qualify for next year's London Olympics.

"The statement by Nobbs that qualifying for theLondon Olympics will be a difficult job is highly discouraging. It will only hamper India's Olympic preparations. The coach is criticising his own team and that is unacceptable," Singh said.

"He should avoid making such kind of statements. Sports ministry should also take serious note of his comment. I know that it's difficult to qualify for the London Olympics given the tough qualification round but a coach should refrain from making irresponsible statements," he added.

Nobbs, who in his first assignment coached India to gold medal in the inaugural Asian Champions Trophy in China, had said that India has a long way to go and their chances of qualifying for the London Games are very remote.

India, who boasts of eight Olympic gold medals, missed the 2008 Beijing Games cut for the first time in 80 years.

"I know it's very tough to qualify for the London Games but one should never lose hope. He should encourage players and not discourage them. What kind of message is he sending to the players that coach does not believe in their abilities?" he asked.


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/hockey/Rajinder-criticises-Nobbs-for-discouraging-players/articleshow/10141481.cms

Aditya Thackeray felicitates hockey sensation Yuvraj Walmiki

MUMBAI: City boy Yuvraj Walmiki, who is fast emerging as a sensation in Indian hockey, was felicitated by Yuva Sena president Aditya Thackeray on Sunday.

Aditya also presented Walmiki a cheque of Rs 1 lakh at a function held on Saturday.

"I will always try my level best in performing for my country," Walmiki said on the occasion.

Former hockey stars Mir Ranjan Negi and Dhanraj Pillay, who were also present on the occasion, wished Walmiki luck for the future.

Walmiki was part of the Indian hockey team which won the Asian Champions Trophy in China recently.

The 21-year-old scored during the penalty shoot-out against Pakistan in the final to help India take an important lead and eventually win the tournament.


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/hockey/Aditya-Thackeray-felicitates-hockey-sensation-Yuvraj-Walmiki/articleshow/10116410.cms

Indian girls beat Korea 2-0 to win bronze in Asia Cup

NEW DELHI: Indian girls defeated defending champions Korea 2-0 to win the bronze medal in the 3rd Girls U-18 Asia Cup hockey tournament at Bangkok on Sunday.

The goal scorer for India were Navjot Kaur (38th minute) and Anupa Barla (49th).

India dominated the proceedings, despite Korea holding on goalless in the first half.

The Indian strikers led by Skipper Poonam Rani, Neha Goel, Navjot Kaur and Anupa Barla exhibited classic skills pushing the Korean defenders constantly.

The Indian midfielders Deep Grace Ekka, Balvinder Kaur Mehra and Nikki Pradhan constantly fed the forwards with well measured and accurate passes.

Deep defenders Jaspreet Kaur and Sandeep Kaur alongwith goalkeeper Bigan Soy stood out strongly to deny the Korean forwards any space in the Indian striking circle.

In the last edition of this championship at Shanghai in 2009 India had finished 5th.

The Indian Team shall be returning to Delhi on Monday.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/hockey/Indian-girls-beat-Korea-2-0-to-win-bronze-in-Asia-Cup/articleshow/10115416.cms

Hooda announces Rs 30 lakh for Indian hockey team

CHANDIGARH: Haryana chief ministerBhupinder Singh Hooda on Tuesday announced a sum of Rs 30 lakh for the national hockey team, which clinched the Asian Champions Trophy title in China recently after beating archrivalsPakistan in the final.

He also announced an additional sum of Rs 10 lakh for those players who hail from Haryana.

The announcement has come after the approval of election commission as the model code of conduct is enforced in the state due to the by-election in Hisar.

The CM also informed that since 2005, the government has presented Rs 32.42 crore to state's 6,976 medal winning players at different levels.

In 2008, Beijing Olympians of the region were given Rs 2.61 crore, while the Commonwealth Games participants from the state were awarded Rs 4.83 crore along with cars at Haryana Day function in November last year.

Asian Games participants were honoured with Rs 6.65 crore earlier this year, an official release quoted Hooda as saying.

Hooda also added that besides rewarding excellent performances, the government's aim is to raise the level of physical activity in the state that will help in increasing health standards, reducing school dropouts and keeping instances of drug and delinquency under control.


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/hockey/Hooda-announces-Rs-30-lakh-for-Indian-hockey-team/articleshow/10139811.cms

Dhanraj calls for match fees in hockey

Dhanraj-calls-for-match-fees-in-hockey 


Mercurial former captain Dhanraj Pillay feels it is high time that Indian hockeyplayers are paid match fees.

"The hockey players should be paid Rs 25,000 per international match. We used to subsist on a meagre allowance of USD 20 when we played for the country. We could not even invite our friends for a cup of coffee at the top hotels we stayed in or else go out of pocket," said Pillay at the India International Sports Summit here.

Taking part in a panel discussion along with former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram, Pillay again took a pot shot at Hockey India for offering a meagre bonus of Rs 25,000 each to the playing members of the Indian team that won the Asian Champions Trophy in China recently.

"It hurt me a lot. They should have just invited them for a cup of tea and not offered this meagre amount," he voiced.

Pillay endorsed the view of Akram who said India-Pakistan sports encounters helped a sportsperson's mental toughness to take on any other team in the world as they grew up in their particular discipline.

"India-Pakistan matches are pressure situations. I agree with Wasimbhai that they should be started at the under 16 and under 19 levels too. We used to lie awake prior to a match against Pakistan. On the field we wanted to kill them and they too wanted to kill us," he said.

Akram, who represented his country in 104 Tests and 356 ODIs between 1985 and 2003, wanted India and Pakistan to engage in sports at all levels.

"We should have regular contests in all sports from the under 16, under 19 levels. India-Pakistan games are pressure games. Once a player knows to handle the pressure in these matches he can play against all other teams," said the 45-year-old Akram.

Akram, who had slammed erstwhile teammate and fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar for his disparaging comments in his autobiography "Controversially Yours" against top Indian batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, in a lighter vein, remarked the temperamental former cricketer may be lacking brains.

"Batsmen of the calibre of Tendulkar and Dravid are not afraid of fast bowlers. At times they may just block a bowler like me or eschew strokes to preserve their wickets," he said.

Asked about the most memorable moments in his cricket career, Akram - one of the best-ever left-arm fast bowlers in the history of the game - singled out three instances.

"Our World Cup victory in 1992 (under Imran Khan), and the Test series victory over (hosts) India in 1987 (Pakistan's maiden one) and our wins in India in 1999," he said.

Pakistan defeated India at Chennai before the hosts avenged the defeat in Delhi in the two-Test rubber. In another Test immediately afterwards in Kolkata, part of the now defunct Asian Test Championship, the visitors vanquished the home team.

Akram singled out the overwhelming loss in the World Cup final of 1999 to Australia, in which he led his country, as his most forgettable moment.

Asked about the top batsmen he had bowled to, the Lahore-born Akram said there were quite a few.

"In the beginning there was (India's) Sunil Gavaskar. Later there were Allan Border, Mark Taylor, the Waugh brothers (all Australians) and then (West Indian) Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and England's Alec Stewart who I found difficult to bowl to," he said.

Akram also said that over the last four or five years the Pakistan cricket team lacked "a proper role model".

"They had Shoaib as one," he remarked in jocular vein. Akram, a diabetic, said he was at first worried when he was diagnosed with the disease in 1987 but then after a two-month break to take treatment came back and took over 250 wickets each in both Tests and ODIs.

Nobbs upset with withdrawl of Champions Trophy from India

ORDOS, (CHINA): Highly disappointed with India losing the right to host of this year's Champions Trophy hockey tournament, national team coach Michael Nobbs said it would rob the fans off an opportunity to witness the game.

"I think it's very disappointing," said Nobbs, who came to know about the development minutes before the India-South Korea match of the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament.

"I am saying from the point of hockey. The boys will suffer as they won't get to play the best teams before the Olympic Qualifying.

"The hockey loving fans in India will not get to see the Champions Trophy and overall, the game will suffer," he added.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) tournament was to be held in New Delhi from December 3-11 but it was announced on Tuesday that India will no longer host the 2011 Men's Champions Trophy due to ongoing problems with the governance of hockey in the country.

There was hope that the FIH would let India host the tournament even though they were not agreeing with the way hockey was being administered in India.

Nobbs didn't want to say too much about the federations running the sport.

"I am only the coach of the Indian team," said Nobbs. "But if I feel the sport will suffer, I do believe both the federations should probably think on the same lines."

With the Champions Trophy withdrawn from the country, India will now go to South Africa to play the Champions Challenge in November.

According to the ICC statutes, which are followed by the FIH, there can only be one governing body for any one sport in any country with exclusive authority and responsibility to govern, organise national competitions and to enter national teams in international competitions

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/hockey/Nobbs-upset-with-withdrawl-of-Champions-Trophy-from-India/articleshow/9883657.cms 

Time to bury egos and form one hockey body: Rasquinha

MUMBAI: Former India captain Viren Rasquinha on Tuesday gave a clarion call for all concerned in running the sport to bury their egos and stop politicking for the future of national game.

Reacting to the decision of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to take away the hosting rights of the December 3-11 men's Champions Trophy from the country due to the administrative row over the governance of the game, Rasquinha said he was more worried about what could happen in future vis-a-vis Olympic qualifiers awarded to the country.

"I am not too worried about the Champions Trophy (being taken away), but am more concerned about what could happen to the hosting rights for the Olympic qualifiers (scheduled in February, 2012) awarded to India, if the present impasse continued," the former midfielder said.

"Home advantage is a huge one and we should not regret later that it was taken away," said the former international, pointing out that India could then be in severe danger of missing the Olympic berth for the second Games running.

"The FIH is doing everything possible for India to qualify (for next year's London Games). We should not let go of this opportunity and regret later.

Rasquinha felt that it was time for all concerned to sink their differences and egos for the future of the game.

"We need one federation to govern the game in the country for the standards to improve and for sponsors to show interest in the game. Its time for everyone concerned to let go of their egos and bury politics. The sport should take priority over everything else," he said.

Another former India skipper and midfielder Somaya Maneypande, however, hit out at the decision of the FIH saying it did not appear to be a "rational" one.

"The fault lies with the FIH, if at all. It was wrong on their part to award the Champions Trophy first and then take it away just because people like Suresh Kalmadi and others are no longer in control (of things)," said the three-time Olympian and member of the 1980 gold medal winning team at the Moscow Games.

"FIH cannot dictate terms to the Indian government. They cannot say who should be conducting the event as long as it is run efficiently and they get their royalty fees or whatever it is," he fumed.

Somaya also said that the Indian public would be deprived of watching top class hockey action because of the FIH's decision.

"The Indian crowd were thrilled at watching top class hockey during the World Cup (in March 2010) and the Commonwealth Games (in October 2010). They would now be deprived of that," he rued.

Both these events were hosted by the country at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. 

 

 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/hockey/Time-to-bury-egos-and-form-one-hockey-body-Rasquinha/articleshow/9884855.cms

FIH snatches away Champions Trophy from India

NEW DELHI: The Champions Trophy hockey tournament has been moved out of the country with the world body (FIH) saying it is unhappy with the sport being run by two bodies - Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation - in India.

"We regret that we have to move the Champions Trophy from India," FIH president Leandro Negre said in a release on Tuesday, adding the dates for the tournament would not change. "It is difficult for teams, organisers and the fans. But we feel that this is the only way to maintain the integrity of our sport."

The release added: "At issue is the governance structure of the sport of hockey in India. It is a fundamental and non-negotiable requirement of the Olympic Charter and the FIH Statutes that there should only be one governing body for any one sport in any country."

The dates (Dec 3-11) will be the same but the schedule and line-up of the Champions Trophy will be determined when the host is announced, the FIH said.

As such, India will lose their automatic berth in the eight-nation competition. To qualify for the tournament, they have now been asked to take part in the Champions Challenge in South Africa in November.

Interestingly, however, Negre did not commit himself anything further when contacted by TOI. He ducked questions about the new venue for the event, although the FIH website had changed the venue status of Champions Trophy from New Delhi to TBA (to be announced) and had officially asked New Zealand to be on standby at least two weeks ago.

Instead, the Spaniard restricted himself to just one statement: "I will speak to you only after I discuss the matter with the sports minister (Ajay Maken) next week."

This gives rise to the question: Has the event really been moved out of India? This was surely on the minds of those who have read between the lines of FIH's press statement.

Money on mind

The point is that if the decision to shift the tournament out of India has already been made, what role could Maken possibly play? Also, why didn't FIH announce the new venue immediately? Why did it choose to give itself a week before arriving at a consensus? Obviously, the nub of the argument lies elsewhere with the meeting next Tuesday being critical to FIH's subsequent steps.

While the talks will revolve around the contentious working relationship between HI and IHF, sources said that FIH top brass will be in the country to seek financial assurances from the government and voice their angst about the way things have progressed on the sponsors' front for the Champions Trophy.

Sources indicate that FIH, which struck gold during the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi, thanks to a hefty sponsorship, is still to get $500,000 from the deal. Apparently, the issue is stuck in the Reserve Bank of India chambers.

Besides this niggle, the absence of a title sponsor for the Champions Trophy and the delay in the payment of hosting fee of the Champions Trophy had them harbouring thoughts of moving the tournament away from India, informed sources said. Maken, who confirmed he would meet Negre next Tuesday, too hinted that 'financial' concerns could be behind the decision.

"The administrative concerns of FIH can be addressed but there might be some financial considerations behind this decision as well," he added. Meanwhile, officials said they would be keen to help FIH get the final installment of the money released from RBI if the world body requested them to do so.

'Arm-twisting tactics'

"But moving the tournament out of the country, citing the HI-IHF arrangement is nothing short of arm-twisting. We had explained to them last month that the arrangement is for a limited period of time. Also, this arrangement will be valid only after the government grants provisional recognition to HI as an NSF. That hasn't happened yet," sources told TOI.

The FIH decision was first conveyed to sports minister Ajay Maken on Monday. In a related correspondence, the federation also stated that Negre will land in New Delhi on September 13 for what are deemed to be crucial talks with Hockey India and the ministry.

The FIH had in July threatened to move the Champions Trophy and the Olympic qualifiers out of the country. "We told them HI would continue to fulfill all obligations to FIH, including fielding national teams. So where is the problem?" source asked.

At this point, another priority for the ministry would be to ensure that the Olympic qualifier slated in New Delhi in February goes ahead as per schedule.

"FIH had given five major tournaments to India and Champions Trophy was one of those. I will try to convince Negre not to take away the other four," Maken said. 

 

Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/hockey/FIH-snatches-away-Champions-Trophy-from-India/articleshow/9889534.cms

Indian Hockey website (http://www.hockeyindia.org/)

The sport of Hockey is referred to as the 'National Game of India'.

HOCKEY INDIA (HI) is the new apex body of the country which has the sole mandate to govern and conduct all activities for both men and women hockey in India.

Formed on 20th May 2009, it is the recognized National Association affiliated to the International Hockey Federation (FIH), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).

HI with the assistance of Sports Authority of India and Department of Sports, Government of India, has drawn out a long term development programme to train players and to provide overseas exposure besides regular international competition. It is committed to getting our teams into the top six in the world. 






Source : http://www.hockeyindia.org/about_us.php

Haryana to set up an International Standard Astroturf at Gurgaon to promote hockey - Punjab News-line

CHANDIGARH:The Haryana Chief Minister, Bhupinder Singh Hooda said that the State Government has decided to set up an International standard Astroturf at Gurgaon with a cost of Rs.9 crore besides providing maximum facilities to the hockey players of the state so that they could brought laurel to the state and the country.

The Chief Minister was interacting with the Junior Indian hockey players at his residence at a breakfast meeting here on Friday.

Hooda complimented the hockey players and hoped that they would win in the ensuing Eight National Invitational Tournament being held at Malaysia from January 17 to 27. The Chief Minister also hoped that the Junior Indian hockey team would also won in the ensuing Junior Hockey world cup to be held in 2009 at Malaysia in Kuallalumpur and would brought laurel to the country. He wished a bright future to the team.

The Chief Minister said that he had great love and affection for the games as he himself had been a good player of hockey and tennis. He said that Haryana Government had provided a number of facilities to the players to encourage them. The diet money of the players had been doubled besides outstanding sportspersons were being recruited in the Police Department.

The Junior Indian Hockey Team presented a signed hockey stick to the Chief Minister.

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister and President of Haryana Hockey Association, Mr. M.L. Tayal said that the State  overnment had set-up nurseries to groom the budding players of the state.

The Chief Coach of Junior Indian Hockey Team, Mr. Ajay Kumar Bansal who hails from Haryana, said that junior hockey team of the country had won the Junior World Cup in 2001. He said that total 37 players participated in the  camp and out of this 18 players had been selected for the ensuing hockey tournament which would be like a Mini –World Cup in which eight countries namely India, Pakistan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Holland and Germany were participating.

The players of Junior Indian Hockey Team including coaches who called on the Chief Minister were included Assistant Coach, Mr. Rajesh Chauhan, Mr. Shreejesh, Mr. Mrinal Choubey, Mr.Diwakar Ram, Mr. Sameer Baxla, Mr.Manjeet Kullu, Mr.Rupinderpla Singh, Mr.Anand Tirkey, Mr. Cheeyana AB, Mr.Ranjit Singh, Mr. Amardeep Ekka, Mr. Promod Kumar, Mr. Lalit Upadhaya, Mr. Sanwar Ali, Mr. Gurwinder Singh, Mr. Dharamveer Singh, Mr. Ranjodh Singh, Mr. Mandeep Antil, Mr. Sarwnjit Singh, Mr. Rinesh, Mr. Vivek, Mr. Harbir and Mr Jagwant, all players.

Mandeep Antil from Sonepat, Ranjit Singh from Shahbad and JagwantvSingh from Bhiwani are the members of this team from the State of Haryana.

Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President, Mr.Phool Chand Mullana, Political Advisor to Chief Minister, Prof. Virender Singh, Crime and Vigilence Advisor to Chief Minister, Mr.Pardeep Punia, OSD to Chief Minister, Dr. K.V. Singh, OSD to Chief Minister, M.S. Chopra, OSD (Resi) Mr. Ravinder Singh Hooda, President, Haryana Youth Congress Sports Cell, Mr. Ashok Saroha and other officers were also present on this occasion.

REJUVENATE HOCKEY ON THE LINES OF CRICKET

 PRESS RELEASE

REJUVENATE HOCKEY ON THE LINES OF CRICKET

New Delhi : Inspired from the success of promotional film on the national game of Hockey, Chak De India, Delhi-based Chhatrapati Shivaji Samaj Kalyan & Shiksha Prachar Samiti (CSSKSPS) has taken it as a challenge and will try to make this game more popular in all possible ways.

Shri Jaibhagwan Goyal, founder of CSSKSPS has said that hockey is our national game and has not been receiving a proper treatment like Cricket whereas hockey is no less important than cricket. This game is lagging behind perhaps because of paucity of funds. Authorities should not give this game a step-motherly treatment.

Mr Goyal urged the Government to extend all possible funds and help for promoting Hockey on equal footing like Cricket. After the release of Chak De India, the youth have developed a penchant for hockey also and have understood the importance in the sports world scenario.

Moreover, the players of cricket get maximum coverage, popularity and financial gains, the hockey players are always seen in the oblivion and very few people remember their names unlike cricket where even a child knows who Sachin Tendulkar is. There is fervent need to popular this game and prepare more and more players for this game, Mr Goyal added..

Recently, Mr Goyal organized a cultural programme to celebrate the birthdays of the founder of Azad Hind Fouz Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Shiv Sena Supreme Bala Sahib Thakre
On Rashtra Raksha Sankalpa Diwas, on January 30, and invited the hockey players to honour them on the occasion. Playback singer Sukhwinder Singh was also roped in to perform live in the capital for the promotion of Hockey.

Hockey players who were conferred with appreciation certificates on the occasion included Shri Pramod Kumar (Vice Captainof Indian Junior Hockey Team), Shri A K Bansal (Chief Coach of Indian Junior Hockey Team), Shri Rajesh Chauhan and Devesh Chauhan (Former Players and Asst. Coach), Shri Ranjit Singh and Mandeep Antil (Players) and Dr M.P. Das (Physiotherapist of Indian Hockey Team).

CSSKSPS has been providing free school education, stitching courses for women and is also running old age homes for the benefit of the downtrodden and needy. 


http://www.pressbox.co.uk/cgi-bin/links/page.cgi?g=detailed%2F171016.html;d=1

Check out Latest Hockey News, Indian Hockey Players, Article, Columns - Stick2Hockey

Check out Latest Hockey News, Indian Hockey Players, Article, Columns - Stick2Hockey

Haryana to produce hockey Olympians, Chauhan leads from the front (http://www.newstrackindia.com)

It’s pay back time for former India captain Rajesh Chauhan, to its motherland, who hails from Haryana represented country for many years. Chauhan, who played for India in the 1998 World Cup, has formed the Jai Bharat Charitable and Welfare Trust to groom players from the rural parts of the state so that the players, who will be groomed in the academy, will one day win an Olympic gold for the country and restore the golden period of Indian hockey to, where it was.

Chauhan, who plays for Air India in the domestic circuit, is very much aware of the fact that India has not been able to regain its lost glory in the Olympics, as the Indian Hockey teamcould not be able to win an Olympic gold medal since 1980. It’s been long wait of 27 years and now India is again aiming the target for the next years Beijing Olympics.

Chauhan took the initiative in the state and led from the front despite various hurdles and introduced a hockey academy in the rural places of Haryana seven years back. He started his first academy in Kurar and now the second one at Kasandi in Sonipat, which lies about 60 km out of Delhi, a dusty village in rural Haryana. The people must not be aware of the word ‘hockey’ as the place has a laidback feel, there is hardly any activity on the roads.

But on Sunday the village Kasandi was bustling with activities, with former India international Rajesh Chauhan overseeing activities to accomplish his own unfulfilled and long cherished dream. The young kids were lined up for a game of hockey, as they would not even know in their little hearts, that they might end up playing for India one day.

Talking to Newstrack India correspondent, Chauhan said, ”We want to groom players who think of bringing an Olympic medal to India. The problem at the moment is that most of the players are taking up this game for earning their bread and butter only, not for love and passion. By taking the game to the rural vicinity, we hope to get more kids to take up the game for the sheer love of it”.

Chauhan is optimistic about the yielding results in the coming days as Haryana government coming forward to help and village panchayat is ready to donate the land.

With ‘Chak De’ is been instrumental for the upliftment of this particular game these days in the heart of the common men, many few would know that Rajesh Chauhan was the one, who started to put on an Indian tricolour bandana on his forehead, while representing his country in international matches during his playing days. It pushed him a lot to do much better and also did a world of good for him, that’s what he feels, Chauhan said while sharing his views with Newstrack India.

The Haryana state had lots of hockey internationals and always promoted and backed the sportspersons to attain greater heights. The state had a history of producing great players be it hockey, cricket wrestling, boxing, kabaddi etc. This time also state government will leave no stone unturned to support Rajesh Chauhan’s worthy efforts of turning his dream in to reality and to bring Haryana state at international stage on much bigger level.

Last year Haryana Government also announced a reward for the hockey players of the state, that whosoever score a goal in any international match’ would get a cash incentive of Rs 10,000 for each goal scored by him. This will also encourage the young children to take up this game and push them to excel in the international arena.

"One of our players from Kurar, Sandeep Antil, has been part of the Indian junior team and did well in the PHL also. We have the support of people like former India captain Dilip Tirkey and Olympian M K Kaushik. Though funds are a big problem, but we are glad by the enthusiasm and efforts of the youngsters," Chauhan added.

"What we want is support in the form of coaches and facilities, more than money," Chauhan opined.

For Jai Bharat Charitable and Welfare Trust, it’s a long journey that will have plenty of obstacles lying up in their way in achieving their key prospect, but it is surely a great step for the benefit of the game, that too at a time when the IHF is pushing hard on promoting the game at grassroots level, this initiative will certainly put everyone in good stead that are aiming for the similar goal.

http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/1018

Hockey Academy inaugurated - Indian Express

The Jai Bharat Hockey Academy has been started at at Mata Sukhdevi Senior Secondary School, Main GTK Road. Brainchild of former Indian hockey captain Rajesh Chauhan, the academy was inaugurated by KPS Gill in the presence of former coach MK Kaushik and players likes Pritam Siwach and Mamta Kharab. The academy, with a current strenght of 80 students between ages 9-20, also helps provide scholarships to students for their education. Almost seven players from the academy were part of the Delhi team that won the Federation Cup recently in Jalandhar.


Hockey Academy inaugurated - Indian Express

Hockey academy inaugurated - The Hindu 24th May 2011

NEW DELHI: Former India player and coach Rajesh Chauhan has made an initiative to impart 

quality coaching to budding players through Jai Bharat Hockey Academy.

The academy, located at Mata Sukhdevi Senior Secondary School, Nangli Poona, G.T. Road here, was inaugurated by former Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) president K.P.S. Gill. Around 80 players from 9 to 20 years of age have enrolled for training.

http://www.hindu.com/2011/05/24/stories/2011052465611800.htm

Rajesh Chauhan opens hockey academy in Delhi - Times of India

NEW DELHI: Former India player Rajesh Chauhanhas started a hockey academy in the Capital to help the lovers of the game hone their skills.

Chauhan's " Jai Bharat Hockey Academy" was inaugurated at the Mata Sukhdevi Senior Secondary School, Nangli Poona by former Indian Hockey Federation president KPS Gill in the presence of former players like MK Kaushik and Mamta Kharab.

"Currently there are 80 students between the age of 9 and 20 who are getting training here," Chauhan said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/hockey/Rajesh-Chauhan-opens-hockey-academy-in-Delhi/articleshow/8543752.cms

Jai Bharat Hockey Academy Begins

HOCKEY NO COMMENTS

Jai Bharat Hockey Academy

Once upon a time ace forward, Rajesh Chauhan, is busy trying to improve the standard of hockey in the country. And he appears to be
quite passionate about it.

With this purpose in mind he has started the ‘Jai Bharat Hockey Academy‘ similar to our Pulela Gopichand’s badminton academy. This has been built in the premises of Mata Sukhdevi Senior Secondary School, on Delhi border. It has been a culmination of the joint efforts of Rajesh Chauhan and legislator, Devendra Yadav. The mission of this academy is said to be arouse interest in the children of the nearby villages towards hockey and contribute some good players to the national hockey side in the future.

The academy was inaugurated on Sunday by former President of the Indian Hockey Federation,Mr.K.P.S.Gill. Also present on the occasion were former coach of the men’s and women’s national hockey team Maharaj Krishna Kaushik, former captain of the national women’s hockey team, Preetam Siwachand national women’s team’s midfielder, Mamta Kharba.

Rajesh Chauhan has been involved in improving the status of Indian hockey since the last ten years. Former national coach, Kaushik too shares this passion with him. In the year 2000, Chauhan had built a hockey nursery in Karad near Sonepat. But due to paucity of space the children are now training at the Chauhan-Joshi SAI centre at Sonepat. Chauhan said,”If we improve the system then we can expect some good results in hockey. Those who run the system should have the passion to uplift the game. Recently Delhi has won the Federation cup organised by IHF at Jalandhar. In this team there were seven players from the Jai Bharat Academy. After losing to Punjab in the league match by 1-6, the Delhi team beat them in the final 2-1. We have to give full credit to the players as with little experience on astroturf they could
perform so well.

The academy students are living in a hostel near the school. The expenses for the education are being borne by Sukhdevi school, while training is being taken care of by the Jai Bharat Academy charitable and welfare trust. I am ready to cooperate with everybody concerned to uplift the status of Indian hockey. In the academy we will provide training to under-11, under-14 and under-16 players. We will train them especially in trapping and defending penalty corners. We also intend to train them on astroturf once or twice a week. If former international players spare some time to interact with the budding players then definitely Indian hockey can do better. “

http://www.sportsnews.in/jai-bharat-hockey-academy-begins.html

Welcome to Jai Bharat Hockey Academy

Former Indian Player and Coach Mr. Rajesh Chauhan has made an initiative to impart quality coaching to budding players through Jai Bharat Hockey Academy.
The Academy, Located at Mata Sukhdevi Senior Secondary School, Nangli Poona, G.T. Road Delhi (near bypass) was ingurated by former Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) president Mr. K.P.S Gill. Around 80 players from 9 to 20 years of age have enrolled for training.