Sports Bulletin

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (November 8, 2020):-Hosts Mari Petroleum defeated Pakistan Army 2-1 in the 66th National Hockey Championship 2020 at Ayub Park Hockey Ground Rawalpindi on Sunday. National Bank of Punjab (NBP), Sui Southern, WAPDA and Pakistan Navy also posted victories in the top national hockey show piece after beating their respective opponents at same venue. Former Director General Mari Petroleum Lt. General (Retd) Ishfaq Nadeem and Lt. General (Retd) Asghar Nawaz graced the 4th match of the day as chief gust in which Mari Petroleum outclassed Pakistan Army 2-1 in the well-contested 60 minutes game. At this occasion former international players Manzoor Hussain Junior, Ayaz Mehmood, Nasir Ali, Waseem Feroz and Rana Mujahid were also present. Results (Day-3): Game-1: NBP beat Punjab 2-1 Aamir Ali and Mohammad Abu Bakar scored each goal for NBP while Hanan Ali netted the ball for Punjab. Game-2: Sui Southern outclass Pakistan Police 9-0 Ahmed Nadeem (3), Mubashir Ali (2), Ali Shan (2) Mohammad Rizwan (1), Mohammad Zeeshan (1) Game-3: WAPDA overcome Port Qasim 6-0 Aleem Bilal (3), Rana Waheed (1), Sohail Anjum (1), Amjad Ali (1) Game-4: Mari Petroleum defeat Pakistan Army 2-1 Umair Sattar (2) for Mari Petroleum, Mohammad Arsalan (1) Game-5: Pakistan Navy stun Pakistan Air Force 3-0 Babar Hussain (1), Hammad Ali (1), Numan Janjua (1)   

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (October 24, 2020):-President, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Brig (Retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar has revealed that around 11 companies had shown their interest regarding the sponsorship deal with the national game field hockey that might help the uplift game standard in the country and to organize national and international events as well. He met with the former Olympians and former International hockey players in Karachi including Olympian Hanif Khan, Olympian Hassan Sardar, Olympian Kaleemullah, Olympian Kamran Ashraf, Olympian Kashif Jawad, Olympian Danish Kaleem, International Safdar Abbas, International Jan Mohammad, International Mohammad Ali, International Haider Hussian, International Mubashir Mukhtar, Ramzan Jamali Secretary Sindh Hockey Association and Gulfraz Khan aiming to share the different aspects of hockey. On this occasion, Khokhar informed to former players, “As many as 11 companies have contacted PHF and showed expression of interest regarding the sponsorship dealing with the national game hockey since the PHF has given the invitation to bid to the private sector for sponsoring the national game in different heads,” he said. He further said that PHF had also finalized the plan to establish a hockey excellence school in Lahore for the training of emerging and talented hockey players selected through a talent hunt scheme across the country along with coaches, umpires, and technical officials. Besides urged all four provincial governments through the ministry of IPC to establish hockey academies in all four provinces because the school and college hockey have collapsed in our country and the alternative plan is to establish the hockey academies in all four provinces to groom the national game at the grass-root level. High-performance physical trainer from Australia Danial Berry would be looking after the physical aspect of this Center along with all the coaches from senior and junior shall be part of this elite hockey Centers. President PHF said that the junior hockey team which would participate in the Junior Asia Cup 2021, in January, would travel to Bangladesh some days before the final event so that the Green Shirts used to acclimatize the weather and play some practice matches with other local and foreign hockey teams. He said that before leaving the country the junior hockey team would also play a series with the national senior hockey team players, of which schedule would be finalized after the national hockey championship. “PHF is interested in laying mini Austro turf in those cities and towns where the game of hockey regularly played so that our children start their game from synthetic turfs and used to play advanced hockey on a modern setup to combat the challenges of international hockey. Sindh government has laid Astroturf in various cities of the province it is a great job and there is a need to utilize these facilities and organize regular hockey to get the benefits of these synthetic turfs, “he maintained. He hoped that Pakistan senior and junior hockey teams training camp would be organized in those cities of Sindh provinces where these synthetic turfs had been laid and where hostel room’s facilities would also be available. Five Hockey World Cup events would be organized in two years and Pakistan would have to prepare for this big event. The establishment of mini turfs would help to establish our hockey on a strong foundation and preparation of international events. President PHF said that due to the efforts of PHF present management the 30 years old issue of the lease of Abdul Sattar Edhi hockey stadium has been resolved and the Pakistan army has given the lease of hockey stadium for a longer period. The PHF president further said that the 31st National Senior Women's Hockey Championship will be organized in Peshawar in the month of December 2020. President PHF said that the new hockey calendar for 2021 would be announced soon and also informed that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) hockey championship would be organized in March 2021 at Army Hockey Stadium, Rawalpindi, and the Chief of Naval Staff (CONS) hockey championship would be held at Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium, Karachi in the month of June 2021. The PHF president did not optimistic that Pakistan senior and junior hockey teams would play bilateral hockey series or international hockey matches with foreign hockey teams in near future due to the second wave of COVID 19. He further said that PHF has planned to given central contact to Pakistan hockey team players to resolve their financial issues.  

SPORTS NEWS ISLAMABAD (October 22, 2020):-The 66th Edition of the National Senior Hockey Championship will be played at Mari Petroleum Hockey Stadium, Ayub Park, Rawalpindi from November 3 to 15, 2020, as all the top national teams will take part in the championship. According to the ranking of the 65th National Hockey Championship National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), Pakistan WAPDA, Pakistan Army, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Pakistan Navy, Port Qasim and Pakistan Police have already been qualified for the top national hockey fixture. The Championship will be played according to tournament regulations issued by the Federation of International Hockey (FIH), which will be enforced by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). Top two teams of the Tray Championship shall be eligible to participate in the 66th edition of the National Senior Hockey Championship.

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (October 21, 2020):-Next week, the national teams of the Netherlands and Great Britain will play their first FIH Hockey Pro League matches for over six months, with two of hockey’s powerhouse nations going head-to-head at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen (NED). Taking place on Tuesday 27 and Thursday 29 October, these giants of European hockey will be eager to take to the field after a lengthy and entirely unavoidable lay-off due to the COVID-19 global health pandemic. In the women’s matches, reigning world, European and FIH Hockey Pro League champions the Netherlands take on the nation that pipped them to Olympic gold at Rio 2016. The men’s matches could prove to be anything but predictable, with Great Britain having a marginally better record than the Dutch in recent head-to-heads. Due to the health and safety requirements in relation to the COVID-19 global health pandemic, the famously vociferous Dutch spectators will be unable to attend the upcoming clashes, which will be played behind closed doors. Whilst it will be strange to see this iconic venue without any fans, the excitement, energy and desire from the competing teams should ensure that those tuning in to the global broadcast are in for a real treat.

SB REPORT LAHORE (October 9, 2020):-The 66th edition of the National Senior Hockey Championship will be played from 3rd to 15th November 2020, as the venue yet to be decided under the banner of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). According to an official of PHF, as many as eight team will take part in the national championship 2020. National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), Pakistan WAPDA, Pakistan Army, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Pakistan Navy, Port Qasim and Pakistan Police will take part in the prestigious national hockey fixture.

SPORTS REPORT ISLAMABAD (October 4, 2020):-President, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Brig (Retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar, and Secretary-General PHF Olympian Asif Bajwa visited the ongoing physical fitness camp for the national junior hockey team at Abbottabad. They met the players and the officials and also watched the physical fitness training sessions. The head coach of the Pakistan Junior Hockey Team, Olympian Danish Kaleem briefed them about the camp. He told them that the players had greatly benefited from the camp and there would be definite improvement in their fitness and stamina. Players undergo physical training in two separate sessions, in the morning and evening.  Their fitness is also assessed through various tests which give us a good idea about their progress.  Players are also getting a suitable diet. President PHF expressed his satisfaction with the physical fitness camp and appreciated the efforts of the coaches in this regard.

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (September 30, 2020):-President, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Brigadier (Retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar called on Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Air Marshal Arshad Malik on Wednesday at Islamabad. During the meeting, regarding the promotion of the national game hockey and its affairs came under discussion, the resumption of the partnership between the Pakistan Hockey Federation and the PIA, and the restoration of the PHF-PIA relationship. President PHF Brigadier Retired Khalid Sajjad Khokhar while appreciating the valuable services rendered by Pakistan International Airlines for Pakistan Hockey said that PIA had always played a significant role in the National Game. Chief Executive Officer PIA Air Marshal Arshad Mehmood Malik took the visit in a very positive manner and said that he would try to solve all the problems of PHF.

SPORTS REPORT ISLAMABAD (September 24, 2020):-As many as 34 players reported in the camp that started at Army Physical Fitness School Abbottabad. Owing to fitness problem Afraz was not able to report in the training camp. Camp is aiming to prepare the national junior guys for upcoming Asian Junior Hockey Tournamnet, which will be taken place Dhaka, capital city of Bangladesh.   Physical fitness training sessions were started yesterday, players would attend the physical training sessions twice a day, the morning session will be from 6 am to 8 am while evening session will be held from 4 pm to 6 pm. On first day, 5 miles running test and warm-up exercises were conducted in morning and evening sessions. Meanwhile, on the second day of camp, all the players will undergo for the yoyo test, BMI test, FAT level and sugar level test in the morning session. Camp Commandant and Head Coach Danish Kaleem said: “We are focusing more on the fitness of these youngsters in the training camp as most of them already have a lot of talent in them but lack of the required physical shape, work is being done to improve the skills of the players and to teach them modern scientific techniques."

SPORTS NEWS ISLAMABAD (September 24, 2020):-It was a productive day for Germany’s national teams in the FIH Hockey Pro League on Wednesday (23 September), with both the men’s and women’s sides claiming the lion’s share of the available points in the second matches of their respective double headers against neighbours Belgium in Düsseldorf. Germany’s women made it two wins from two against the Red Panthers, with Hannah Gablac, Cecile Pieper and Rebecca Grote all hitting the target in a 3-1 victory. Ambre Ballenghien had put Belgium ahead with a superb penalty corner drag-flick in the 21st minute, before Gablac restored parity three minutes later from open play. Pieper and Grote netted penalty corners in the third and fourth quarters respectively, ensuring that the hosts claimed a second win in two days against the visitors.  Speaking after the match, Gablac – who was named Player of the Match – said: “Our coach told us to keep the energy high - we did quite well in the second half, in the first ten minutes, then we lost our way a bit. But I'm very proud of my team - good work." Belgium captain Barbara Nelen said: "In the first half, I think we played really well. We dared to play, had a lot of energy. But we had some opportunities that we didn't score. In the second half I think the energy was a bit less, and we 'dared' less, which is why Germany came back hard - they showed us who we are." With two wins from their opening two matches in the current FIH Hockey Pro League season, Germany have moved up to fifth in the standings. More information about this match can be found by clicking here. Germany’s men shook off the disappointment of Tuesday’s 6-1 loss at the hands of Belgium to produce an excellent display in match two, battling to a 1-1 draw before claiming the bonus point by winning the shoot-out. The hosts took a deserved lead when Florian Fuchs touched home a defence-splitting pass from team captain Tobias Hauke in the 24th minute, before Belgium finally pulled level eleven minutes from the end thanks to Loick Luypaert’s deflected penalty corner drag-flick. Belgium were denied on numerous occasions by goalkeeper Alexander Stadler, who produced a string of fine saves in regular time to earn a crucial point for Germany against the reigning World and European champions. Stadler was almost single-handedly responsible for Germany’s bonus point, making some wonderful blocks to keep a clean sheet in the shoot-out, with Christopher Rühr’s converted effort being enough for a 1-0 win in the one-on-ones. Speaking after the match, Stadler – who was named Player of the Match – said: "Our team did very well. We had wanted to get more spirit and more effort, and for the team to defend better and we did that. We did pretty well today. The difference [from yesterday and today] was that we defended better. There was a really good spirit with the team today.” While Belgium remain well clear at the top of the FIH Hockey Pro League standings, two points for Germany has seen Die Honamas move off the bottom of the table to seventh position. The matches were played behind closed doors, with strict COVID-19 protocols being followed by the teams, staff, officials and everyone within the venue. The next FIH Hockey Pro League matches will take place in October, with the men and women of the Netherlands and Great Britain going head-to-head in Amstelveen (NED). FIH Hockey Pro League Wednesday 23 September 2020 – Düsseldorf (GER) Women’s result: Germany 3, Belgium 1 (Match 2 of 2) Player of the Match: Hannah Gablac (GER) Umpires: Alison Keogh (IRL), Sarah Wilson (SCO) and Martin Madden (SCO - video) Men’s result: Germany 1, Belgium 1 – [1-0 After shoot-out] (Match 2 of 2) Player of the Match: Alexander Stadler (GK - GER) Umpires: Martin Madden (SCO), Marcin Grochal (POL) and Alison Keogh (IRL - video)

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (September 23, 2020):-After six long months, the FIH Hockey Pro League made a welcome return on Tuesday (22 September), with Germany women and Belgium men both recording fine victories in double headers between the neighbouring nations in Düsseldorf.  The first FIH Hockey Pro League match since March went the way of Germany, who shook off any rustiness caused by the lengthy lay-off by recording a 2-0 victory over Belgium's Red Panthers.  Remarkably, it was Die Danas' first FIH Hockey Pro League match of the season, with the COVID-19 global health pandemic putting the competition on hold before they could even take to the field.  Despite a strong start from the visiting Belgians, Germany were thoroughly deserving of the three points, dominating possession, circle penetration and penalty corner statistics as well as the score-line, with Naomi Heyn and Lena Micheel scoring the decisive goals.   Germany's Janne Müller-Wieland, who was named Player of the Match, said: "I think in the end we were more aggressive, maybe. We had more chances as well, so I think it is a fair win. We have to have a good cool-down. We only have 24 hours before we are playing again, and there is still a long list [of things] to improve for us." Belgium's Barbara Nelen said: "I think it was a difficult game. We started a new season now, with new girls, and two new 'presses'. We tried a lot of things. We made some mistakes in the press, and I think Germany also found directly the solutions. They are a smart team, so that is why it was difficult to defend." In the men’s match, reigning world champions Belgium found themselves under early pressure from hosts Germany but grew in stature as the game progressed, going on to record a resounding 6-1 victory over their European rivals.  The Red Lions took the lead just before the break thanks to Gauthier Boccard before quickfire goals from Alexander Hendrickx, William Ghislain and Nicolas de Kerpel opened up a 4-0 advantage just minutes after half time. Lukas Windfeder’s ferocious penalty corner pulled a goal back for Germany, but strikes from Antoine Kina and Loick Luypaert ensured that Belgium claimed a comfortable win to extend their lead at the top of the FIH Hockey Pro League table.  Player of the match Boccard, who scored arguably the goal of the game with a brilliant individual strike to break the deadlock, said: "I think we pressed well in the second quarter and the second half. We won some good balls in their half, and we started to get some early goals. For the rest, when you score three or four goals you could see the confidence. We had good ball possession and finished the game well." Looking ahead to tomorrow's rematch against Germany, Boccard said his team would prepare 'the same way as we did today. We have to lift our level a bit more, like we did by the end of the game. The second game will be different, it is zero-zero and we will go for a second win." The matches were played behind closed doors, with strict COVID-19 protocols being followed by the teams, staff, officials and everyone within the venue. The Germany and Belgium men’s and women’s teams will return to the field for the second matches of their respective double headers on Wednesday (23 September).  FIH Hockey Pro League  Friday 22 September 2020 – Düsseldorf (GER) Women’s result: Germany 2, Belgium 0 (Match 1 of 2) Player of the Match: Janne Müller-Wieland (GER) Umpires: Alison Keogh (IRL), Sarah Wilson (SCO) and Marcin Grochal (POL - video) Men’s result: Germany 1, Belgium 6 (Match 1 of 2) Player of the Match: Gauthier Boccard (BEL) Umpires: Martin Madden (SCO), Marcin Grochal (POL) and Sarah Wilson (SCO - video)