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FIH World Rankings: Netherlands Women & Australia Men on top
Sports Bulletin Report
Lausanne, Switzerland (December 23, 2021):-With the end of 2021 very much in sight, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) can reveal that the Netherlands women and Australia men will finish the year at the top of the FIH World Rankings.
Alyson Annan’s Netherlands team enjoyed another sensational year, powering to the FIH Hockey Pro League and European championship titles before landing their fourth Olympic gold medal in Tokyo, defeating Argentina in the competition final.
The Oranje end 2021 with 3015.35 points, over 600 ranking points ahead of second placed England with 2375.78. Olympic silver medallists Argentina will begin 2022 third in the FIH World Rankings, being just 14 points behind England with 2361.28.
Australia (2334.04) finished the year in fourth place, with Germany (2126.15) and Spain (1959.62) fifth and sixth respectively. Belgium (7th place - 1939.88), New Zealand (8th place – 1821.11), India (9th place – 1810.32) and China (10th place – 1677.96) complete the top ten.
There has been a change at the top of the men’s FIH World Rankings since our last update, with Belgium’s recent FIH Hockey Pro League draw and defeat at the hands the Netherlands being enough to see them lose top spot to Australia, the team they beat to Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020. Australia closed the year with 2642.25 points, just ten points ahead of FIH Hockey Pro League and Olympic champions Belgium, who have 2632.12.
Tokyo 2020 bronze medallists India – recent third place finishers at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy in Dhaka, Bangladesh – sit third with 2296.04, with the Netherlands (2234.33) and Germany (2038.71) in fourth and fifth positions respectively.
The top ten is completed by England (6th – 1990.62), Argentina (7th - 1826.11), New Zealand (8th - 1598.24), Spain (9th - 1532.33) and Malaysia (10th - 1427.18).
The aforementioned Hero Asian Champions Trophy saw various exchanges of ranking points between the competing teams, although there was little in terms of movement. Competition winners Korea remain 16th with runners up Japan still in 17th position. Fourth placed finishers Pakistan continue to hold onto 18th place, while fifth placed Bangladesh have dropped two places to 40.
FOOTBALL - FIFA News 23 Dec, 2021
Islamabad (Sports Desk):-Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, only 352 full internationals were played in 2020. Not since 1987 (323 matches) had so few games been played in a calendar year. By contrast, planet football made up for lost time in 2021 with a record breaking 1116 matches played.
And while the quantity of games changed radically from one year to the next, the top ranked team in the FIFA/ Coca-Cola World Ranking has remained the same! For the fourth year in a row, Belgium (1st) ends the calendar year in pole position, albeit only just ahead of Brazil (2nd) by 2.1 points. France was (3rd) to complete the podium for 2021.
For their part, Canada (40th) are the year’s ‘Most Improved Side’ having picked up no fewer than 130.32 points over the last 12 months. Their journey to the semi-finals of the 2021 Gold Cup, as well as the impressive results in FIFA World Cup Qatr 2022™ qualifying, have been major factors in their rise.
Winners of UEFA EURO 2020 and the Copa America 2021 respectively, Italy (6th + 115.77 points compared to December 2020) and Argentina (5th +108.51 points compared to December 2020), have also seen their points tally increase dramatically this year.
The same goes for the USA (11th + 103.51 points compared to December 2020) and England (4th + 85.52 points compared to December 2020). Equatorial Guinea (114th + 59.78 points compared to December 2020) made the most impressive progress among African teams, while Saudi Arabia (51st + 81.71 points compared to December 2020) did the same in Asia.
However, just in terms of last month, the most improved Asian team are Indonesia (164th + 11.13 points). Winners of the FIFA Arab Cup 2021™, Algeria (29th +3) jointly made the best progress in terms of places, along with Qatar (48th + 3), who finished third at the tournament, and Thailand (115th +3).
CRICKET - 23 Dec, 2021
Aamir Ali Janjua
Dubai (December 23, 2021: Fast bowlers Ahmed Khan, Awais Ali and Zeeshan Zameer blew away Afghanistan Under-19 as Pakistan Under-19 got off to a winning start in the Asian Cricket Cup (ACC) Under-19 Asia Cup with a four-wicket win at the ICC Cricket Academy Oval 2 on Thursday.
Afghanistan, who won the toss and opted to bat first, have lost half of their batting side on just 12 runs. Nangeyalia Kharote, coming to bat at number-seven, was the only batter to score in double figures, 15 off 27, and struck three fours.
Right-arm fast Ahmed took three for 21 from six overs which included dismissals of Suliman Safi (four off 19b), Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai (one off six) and Ijaz Ahmed Azad (first ball duck). Right-arm pacers Awais and Zeeshan grabbed two wickets apiece for nine and 12 runs, respectively.
In their run-chase, Pakistan lost six wickets before achieving the target in the 17th over. Only two batters managed to enter into double figures with opening batter Maaz Sadaqat returning unbeaten on 14 off 46, hitting one four.
For Afghanistan, Noor Ahmad picked three wickets for 20. Right-arm fast Bilal Sami bagged two wickets for 16. Pakistan U19 will take on India U19 in their second match of the tournament on 25 December at the same venue.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan U19 beat Afghanistan U19 by four wickets
Afghanistan U19 52 all out, 23.1 overs (Nangeyalia Kharote 15; Ahmed Khan 3-21, Awais Ali 2-9, Zeeshan Zameer 2-12)
Pakistan U19 53-6, 16.4 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 14 not out; Noor Ahmed 3-20, Bilal Sami 2-16)
Result Pakistan U19 win by four wickets
Player of the match – Awais Ali (Pakistan U19)
Upcoming fixtures:
25 December – v India, Dubai
27 December – v UAE, Dubai
SPORTS NEWS - National 23 Dec, 2021
Lahore (Sports Report):-The 2- day International Rope Skipping Coaching Course 2021 concluded at City School DHA Campus, Lahore.
USA Skipper's Alisha Junior World Record Holder and Mishal Junior World Record demonstrated Rope Skipping and particular training session to players and coaches.
Overall Pakistan 60 participates from Karachi, Lahore, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkawa and Islamabad attended course.
Chairman, Pakistan Rope Skipping Federation (PRSF) Main Mohammad Afzal Director General Admin Lahore and DG WAPDA Sports Board, Mushraff Khan were the chief guests and distributed certificates to all the participants.
President PRSF Maqbool Arain, Vice Presidents, Asghar Anjum and Col. Wasif, Secretary, Shariq Siddqui were also present on the occasion.
Sri Lankan national selectors rewarded
Bipin Dani
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board has approved the incentives for the three members of the National Selection Panel, it is learnt.
According to the highly placed sources in the SLC, this incentive payment is for the recognition of their service for selecting the excellent team they picked for the ICC T-20 World Cup, which was played in the UAE (United Ara Emirates).
The three selectors, who each are benefited with a sum of Rs. 1 million are: Pramodya Wickramasinghe, Romesh Kaluwitharana and Hemantha Wickramaratne.
"Yes, the team could not advance to the final stages of the World Cup but overall the performance of the team was good and could also win a few matches in the tournament and hence this decision was taken", two different sources confirmed the news on Tuesday.
Incidentally, the proposal came from the SLC president Shammi Silva.
"Incentive payment for the National Selectors-ICC T20 World Cup 2021. President's suggestion to offer Rs. 1 min each to the 03 National Selectors for the excellent work rendered by them in selecting the squad for the ICC T/20 World Cup 2021 which was recently concluded in Dubai, UAE, has been approved", the minutes of the 04th Executive Committee meeting (a copy in possession of this Reporter), which was held at the SLC Head Quarters on 9th November 2021, reads.
VOLLEYBALL - National 22 Dec, 2021
LAHORE (Sports Report):-Two volleyball matches were played on the second day of Mir Chakar Azam Rind Games Volleyball Tournament at Gymnasium Hall Divisional Sports Complex, Dera Ghazi Khan on Wednesday.
In the first match Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) thrashed Punjab by 3-1 margin while South Punjab emerged triumphant against Higher Education Commission (HEC) with the same margin in the second match.
Director General Sports Punjab JavedChohan while expressing his views on the holding of Mir Chakar Azam Rind Games in South Punjab said Sports Board Punjab has planned regular sports events in all parts of the province.
“Mir Chakar Azam Rind Games in South Punjab is also part of our sports promotion campaign and we will organize more sports events at a bigger level in other parts of province so that talented youth from across the province could get a suitable platform to display their hidden sports abilities”.
The participating volleyball players demonstrated immense passion in Mir Chakar Azam Rind Games Volleyball Tournament matches. “This tournament is providing us a wonderful platform to show our talent and there should be more events like this in future,” the volleyball players said while expressing their views about the tournament.
It may be noted here that country’s leading volleyball teams like Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Higher Education Commission (HEC), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan Wapda and South Punjab are participating in the Volleyball Tournament.
South Korea overcome Japan on penalty Shootouts in the Asian Hockey final
Sports Bulletin Report
Dhaka, Bangladesh (December 22, 2021):-South Korea overcame Japan on penalty shootouts to win the sixth edition of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2021 in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Wednesday. India won the bronze medal after beating Pakistan by 3-4 goals in a thrilling match.
According to the details, Korea and India won on the final day of the Asian Champions Trophy played in Dhaka, Bangladesh under the auspices of the Asian Hockey Federation.
In the bronze medal match, India defeated Pakistan by 4-3 after a thrilling and nerve-wracking contest and claimed the third position in the 5-national regional hockey showpiece. The match started with a fast pace, as the traditional rivals displayed a top quality hockey during the all 60 minutes of play and amused the hockey lovers with great skilled-full contest.
India got the lead 1-0 in the second minutes of the game to put Green Shirts in pressure and in the 10th minute of the game, Afraz from Pakistan scored a goal through a field goal to end India's lead and the score was tied at 1-1.
A goal scorer on a corner gave Pakistan a one-goal lead. For India, their player Sumat ended the lead with a field goal in the 45th minute of the game and the score was tied at 2-2. India's Kumar Vorone scored on a penalty corner to give his team the lead once again. For India, Akash Deep Singh consolidated the lead by scoring on a penalty corner and the score became 4-2. On the counter-attack, striker Ahmed Nadeem reduced the deficit to one goal by scoring on Abdullah's best pass. By the end of the match, the score was 4-3 in the favour of India.
The final of the Asian Champions Trophy was played between Korea and Japan which ended in a 3-3 draw. At the end of the match, Korea defeated Japan in the penalty shootout stage to win the sixth edition of the Asian Champions Trophy.
MARTIAL ARTS - Taekwondo 22 Dec, 2021
Tank, KPK (SB Report):-Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) will host the 2nd IGFC National Taekwondo Championship in District Tank, as top national players from all provinces including Gulgit Baltistan (GB), Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Islamabad and a local team of Dera Ismail Khan Division will take part in the top national fixture.
According to an official of PTF, Pakistan Army will also be featuring in the 3-day event, which is going to be started from December 25, 2021 at Tank District under the supervision and umbrella of IGFC (South KPK).
Commenting on the preparations of the event, President Pakistan Taekwondo Federation Lt Col (Retd) Waseem Ahmed, apprised that NSF would try her level best in sincere spirit and genuine warmth in our Beautiful District Tank” to conduct this event.
He emphasized that such event would be beneficial for the professional development of our officials and athletes. These events improve the organizational skills of National Sports Federations, ultimately creating a better image of the beloved country.
He added that he would also like to mention here the support being given by IGFC Staff and his office, not only in encouraging the proposal in initial stage but also by providing assistance so that better ties can be developed with our main provincial stakeholders. The conduct of this event is also made possible with the keen interest of Brigadier Naiknam Mohammad Baig, Commander Sector South, Frontier Corps (South) KP.
Last but not the least, I must acknowledge and appreciate the whole hearted support provided by the South Asian President and CEO Combaxx Sports Omar Saeed as sponsors plays a vital role in facilitating the event.
In three days event, more than 200 Officials and athletes will participate in this championship. Our International and National Referees will be there to conduct this event in befitting manners. Once again I am extremely grateful for the IGFC KP (South) for giving this opportunity for our athletes to display their skills, techniques and stamina in the district of South Waziristan.
MARTIAL ARTS - Taekwondo 22 Dec, 2021
Peshawar (Sports Report):-The Secretary General of Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF), Mansoor Ahmed said that Pakistan Judo Federation in collaboration with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Judo Association, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate and Pakistan Sports Board would staged the 27th Men and 10th Women National Judo Championships from December 31, 2021 January 3, 2022 at Qayyum Stadium Peshawar.
As many as 14 teams including Khyber PakhtunKawa (KPK), Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, Islamabad, Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA), Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan Army, WAPDA, Railway, Police, Navy and Higher Education Commission (HEC) will participate in the championships. Pakistan Army will defend their title.
It is pertinent to mention that two overseas Pakistani Judokas have also arrived here to display their skills in this championship. Japan based Olympian Shah Hussain Shah, who is Asian bronze medalist, commonwealth games silver medalist South Asian triple gold medalist besides the current National champion will play to defend his title. He is the son of our National Pride Hussain Shah, Olympic bronze medalist. Shah had qualified for Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 and became ever first Pakistani Judoka to achieve this mark. He is also eyeing for Paris 2024.
Another enthusiastic Japan based 22 year old young girl Amina Toyoda will be featuring for the National Event. Both Judokas will show their game skill on opening day of the championship on 31st Dec 2021 representing Pakistan Army. Secretary Sports and Tourism of KPK will grace the occasion as chief guest. The Championship of men will be held in 10 weights while the championship of women will be held in 8 different weight categories as per the details given below:
Weight Categories:
Men: -50 Kg-55 Kg, -60 Kg, -66 Kg, -73 Kg, -81 Kg, -90 Kg, -100 Kg ,+100 Kg & Open Weight.
Women: -40 Kg,-44 Kg,-48 Kg, -52 Kg, -57 Kg, -63 Kg, -70 Kg & Open Weight
FIH President Narinder Dhruv Batra says
Islamabad (Sports Desk):-As the current year is coming to an end, I’d like to review the last 12 months of FIH and look at what global hockey has to offer in 2022, which promises to be a very exciting year for our sport!
Of course, with 2021 being an Olympic year due to the postponement of the 32nd Olympiad because of the global impact of the COVID crisis, I’d like to repeat just how much of a success the Tokyo Olympic Games were. It was a true hockey festival for 2 weeks. The Japanese organisers and authorities, as well as the International Olympic Committee and the fantastic volunteers, have done an amazing job to put together a magnificent event, despite unique adverse conditions. My sincerest thanks to all of them!
The FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India, was another highlight of 2021. Thrilling matches played in a refreshingly care-free way by the rising stars of our game provided for an outstanding event, excellently organised by Hockey India. The tournament was brought to the world thanks to our Watch.Hockey app, which, in its second year of existence only, has already made a significant impact when it comes to the promotion of our sport worldwide.
While, like you, I was also eagerly expecting the female Juniors to compete in South Africa, the outbreak of the Omicron variant forced us to take the heartbreaking decision to postpone this event. However, I can assure you that we will do everything in our power to ensure that this event DOES take place. We are fully aware of the competition’s importance for this generation of highly talented young players, who are very much the future of our game.
Even though the FIH Hockey Pro League has also suffered due to the COVID pandemic, the second edition crowned two worthy winners in the Netherlands Women and Belgium Men. I’m also really happy for the development and globalization of hockey that South Africa and Canada will join the Men’s League next year, albeit for one season.
All these events have played a significant role in strengthening the steadily increase of our audiences on our ever-growing FIH social media handles. Indeed, despite the global COVID pandemic, the cumulative number of followers on our Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter handles has increased by 30% in the last 3 years, including a rise of almost 70% for Instagram within this timeframe. Well done, Team FIH!
Development is and will always remain at the core of our mission. With 2021 designated as the #HockeyInvites Year of the Youth, numerous programmes and activities were organised to boost the growth of hockey among the young population. Those came in addition to the 150 online courses organised by FIH throughout the year.
I was very pleased to see at our Congress in May that the number of National Associations having introduced Hockey ID – also known as parahockey – had more than doubled in the last two years. Diversity and inclusion are two fundamental principles in hockey. Everyone is welcome and we all have a duty and responsibility to contribute to this!
Gender equality is one of our strongest values and principles, and I’m very proud of the numerous webinars that FIH has held in this regard. The fact that researchers from the University of Lausanne have chosen FIH to conduct a study related to women’s participation in decision-making in sport is a truly positive sign.
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