Sports Bulletin

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)

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (September 18, 2020):-Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has decided to establish the training camp from September 21, 2020 at Army Physical Fitness School, Tobe Camp Abbottabad, aiming to Improve the stamina and groom the probables on modern scientific lines, a physical fitness training camp of the national hockey junior players, for the upcoming Junior Asia Cup Hockey Tournament to be played in Dhaka, Bangladesh from 21st to 30th January 2021. The Players are directed to report Camp Commandant Danish Kaleem, on 22nd Sept 2020. OFFICIALS: 1. DANISH KALEEM - HEAD COACH 2. ZAHEER AHMAD BABAR - COACH 3. MOHAMMAD IMRAN -COACH 4. MUDASSAR ALI KHAN -COACH 5. ZAHID AFZAL -COACH 6. ABU ZAR UMRAO -VIDEO ANALYST 7. MOHAMMAD ABID AMIN -PHYSICAL TRAINER On the recommendation of Chairman Selection Committee Manzoor Junior, President Pakistan Hockey Federation Brigadier (R) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar approved the following 35 players for the camp. FULL BACKS 1. ARBAZ AHMAD PLAYER 2. SAMI ULLAH KHAN PLAYER 3. USMAN BASHIR PLAYER 4. MOHAMMAD USMAN PLAYER 5. REHAN BUTT PLAYER 6. AHTESHAM ASLAM PLAYER HALF BACKS 1. MOIN SHAKEEL PLAYER 2. AQEEL AHMED PLAYER 3. RIZWAN ALI PLAYER 4. USAMA PLAYER 5. ASIF HANIF PLAYER 6. MUHIB ULLAH PLAYER 7. MOHAMMAD ABDULLAH PLAYER 8. HASNAIN BABAR PLAYER 9. QAISAR PLAYER 10. ABDUL BASIT PLAYER FORWARDS 1. ROMAN KHAN PLAYER 2. GHAZANFAR ALI PLAYER 3. HAMMAD ANJUM PLAYER 4. MOHSIN KHAN PLAYER 5. ZAIN IJAZ PLAYER 6. ALI AZIZ PLAYER 7. ADEEL LATIF PLAYER 8. MURTAZA YAQOOB PLAYER 9. MOHAMMAD FAHAD PLAYER 10. AFRAZ PLAYER 11. ABDUL MANAN PLAYER 12. UMAIR SATTAR PLAYER 13. ARSHAD LIAQAT PLAYER 14. WAQAR ALI PLAYER 15. RANA WAHEED PLAYER 16. MOHAMMAD BILAWAL PLAYER 17. TAQI-UL-HASSAN PLAYER 18. SHAZAIB KHAN PLAYER 19. HAMMAD AYAZ PLAYER  

SPORTS REPORT ISLAMABAD (September 18, 2020):-Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) invited seven goalkeepers for the training camp, as the will participate in the Junior Asia Cup Hockey Tournament to be played in Dhaka, Bangladesh from 21st to 30th January 2021. To groom the goalkeepers on modern scientific lines; the physical fitness training camp of national junior Goalkeepers will be established at National Hockey Stadium, Lahore on 25th September till 5th October 2020. Olympian Nasir Ahmed (PIA) will conduct the goalkeepers training camp and coordinated by Olympian Khawaja Muhammad Junaid. Goalkeepers are directed to report for the training camp at National Hockey Stadium, Lahore on 25th September 2020 afternoon. On the recommendation of Chairman Selection Committee Manzoor Junior, President Pakistan Hockey Federation Brigadier (R) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar approved the following seven goalkeepers for the camp:- 1. Waqar Younas - WAPDA 2. Abdullah Ishtiaq      - MPCL 3. Akmal Hussain - WAPDA 4. Noman - KPK 5. Amjad Ali - SSGC 6. Munib ur Rehman - SSGC 7. Sheikh Abdullah – Sindh

SPORTS REPORT ISLAMABAD (August 13, 2020):-Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) will stage an exhibition hockey match on the occasion of Independence Day on August 14, 2020 at the National Hockey Stadium, Lahore. According to an official of PHF, the exhibition hockey match will be played on Friday at 4:45 pm at National Hockey Stadium Lahore Patch No. 1 between Bri (R) MH Atif XI vs. Bri (R) Abdul Hameed XI. Mohammad Khalid Mahmood, Secretary General, Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) will be the chief guest on this occasion.

SPORTS REPORT Lausanne, Switzerland (July 17, 2020): Following the one-year postponement of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 due to the COVID-19 global health pandemic, the FIH can today confirm the match schedule for the men’s and women’s hockey competitions of the XXXII Olympiad. The hockey event was originally scheduled to run from Saturday 25 July until Friday 7 August 2020, with matches being played at the purpose-built Oi Hockey Stadium in Japan’s capital city. Although nothing has changed in terms of the location and overall running order of the matches, the Olympic hockey competitions will now start on Saturday 24 July and conclude on Friday 6 August 2021. In line with what was planned for this year, the opening match of next year’s Olympic Games will be contested between the men of Japan and Australia, with the host nation a facing stern test from the 2019 FIH Hockey Pro League champions - Olympic gold medallists at Athens 2004 - on 24 July (09:30 local time). The opening match of the women’s tournament will be played on the same day, with reigning world champions and current world number one the Netherlands - Olympic champions in 1984, 2008 and 2012 - taking on India (20:45 local time). The men’s and women’s gold medal matches will take place on 5 and 6 August respectively. The announcement was made in Tokyo at a special press briefing held by the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee on Friday (17 July), which revealed the complete Olympic Competition Schedule for every sport being played at next year’s mammoth multi-sport event.  As revealed in November 2019, the pools for the Olympic hockey competitions – the composition of which was determined by the same process applied for the Olympic Games Rio 2016 (see Appendix 2) – can be found below. Men Pool A: Australia, Argentina, India, Spain, New Zealand, Japan Pool B: Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Canada, South Africa Women Pool A: Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, India, South Africa Pool B: Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Spain, China, Japan The teams that will compete in Tokyo all earned their tickets by either becoming continental champions of their respective regions or via the FIH Hockey Olympic qualifiers.