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Netherlands, and Belgium to host FIH Hockey World Cup 2026
Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 will be co-organised by Belgium and the Netherlands, as an official signing of the hosting agreement at a ceremony involving FIH President Tayyab Ikram, Dutch Hockey Association President Erik Klein Nagelvoort and CEO Erik Gerritsen as well as Belgian Hockey Association President Patrick Keusters and CEO Serge Pilet.The signing took place on the occasion of the FIH Hockey Pro League matches currently being played at the Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam, Netherlands, one of the two venues of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, together with the stadium of Wavre, in Belgium, that is currently under construction. The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup will combine the women’s and the men’s tournaments and will be played in the host countries’ summertime, from 14 to 30 August 2026.FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “I would like to start with a heartfelt thank you to the Belgian and Dutch Hockey Associations and authorities for having committed to organising the next edition of the FIH Hockey World Cup - an event that will unite our best women's and men's teams from around the world in one big, fantastic joint event, 12 years after the last joint World Cup in The Hague, which was a spectacular success.The Hockey World Cup holds special significance as the global hallmark event of our sport, where the best hockey athletes show their talent and skill, and taking place every four years and between Olympic Games, it is also a great opportunity to witness the changing of the guard and see up-and-coming new contenders and emerging talents.The Netherlands and Belgium are two countries where hockey is alive and thriving, and will undoubtedly make this World Cup an outstanding spectacle that will be an event to remember, and the renovations planned at the iconic Wagener Stadium and the construction of a brand-new hockey stadium in Wavre ensure a lasting legacy for hockey for years to come. I look forward to working with the two countries' National Associations, together with the FIH professional staff, and supporting them to make this the best Hockey World Cup ever.So, I am pleased to invite all hockey fans from around the world to join us in Belgium and the Netherlands in 2 years' time to experience the incredible show that the local organisers will undoubtedly put together and the wonderful hospitality of our hosts, but most importantly of course, to see, to admire and to cheer for your heroes, the amazing athletes at the heart of our sport”.KNHB President Erik Klein Nagelvoort said: “We are delighted to host the combined Men’s and Women’s World Cup together with Belgium. We are looking forward to two weeks of great hockey in a packed Wagener Stadion in Amsterdam/Amstelveen in August 2026. Together with Belgium and FIH we are aiming for reaching millions of existing and new hockey fans both in Netherlands and around the world and to promote hockey better than ever before.”Hockey Belgium President Patrick Keusters is enthusiastic: “I’m really happy the hosting agreement with FIH is signed now. This means we can officially kick off the organisation of the biggest international hockey event ever organised on Belgian soil. Our new stadium in Wavre will be the theatre of world class hockey games, showcasing our sport, but also our event organising know-how to millions of Belgian and international spectators. I’m really looking forward to the collaboration with our friends and colleagues of the Dutch federation. I am convinced that together we will be able to put the “Lowlands” on the top of the world once again!”
CLIMBING - Int News 29 Jun, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportInnsbruck (Austria): Another sold-out crowd celebrated the medal winners of the men’s Boulder final in Innsbruck, Austria, where the fourth IFSC World Cup event of the season is currently underway.Climbing in front of 3,000 roaring fans, Team Japan absolutely dominated the final, but not in the way many would have expected. Indeed, current Boulder World Cup champion and world ranking number one Anraku Sorato only concluded in third place with two tops and three zones, failing to top the fourth and decisive boulder and winning his first World Cup bronze medal in the discipline.The top of the podium was taken by 24-year-old Amagasa Sohta, securing the first gold of his career with a three-top, three-zone performance that closed in spectacular fashion, as the climber from Kanagawa topped M4 in four attempts.Amagasa said: “I can’t believe it, it feels like a dream! My performance today was very good, almost perfect. Now I will skip Lead and focus on the event in Prague. Arigato!”Completing the all-Japanese podium. Narasaki Meichi won his second consecutive silver in Innsbruck, also closing the round with three tops and three zones, but also a higher number of attempts to top than Amagasa.Future Paris 2024 Olympian Toby Roberts of Great Britain and first-time final participant Elias Arriagada Krüger of Germany finished in fourth and fifth position. Roberts with two tops and two zones, Arriagada Krüger with one top and three zones.It is the third time that the Japanese national team have swept the men’s Boulder podium: first it happened in 2021, also in Innsbruck, with Ogata Yoshiyuki, Narasaki Tomoa, and Fujii Kokoro respectively taking gold, silver, and bronze. The following season, in Seoul, South Korea, Fujii won gold, Narasaki won silver, and Ogata won bronze.
HOCKEY - FIH Pro League 29 Jun, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): Great Britain’s men ended their FIH Hockey Pro League campaign with a shootout loss to Germany in Amsterdam on Friday, but the point they earned for the draw saw them moving above Argentina to secure third spot in the standings.Meanwhile, after suffering their first defeat of the season to the Red Panthers four days ago, the Netherlands women turned the tables on Belgium, surviving a close final quarter to secure a 2-1 win.(Men’s) Germany 3 – 3 Great Britain (SO: 4 – 2): Germany came from behind twice in an enthralling 3-3 draw with Great Britain, then grabbing an extra point for their 4-2 win in the shootout. Sam Ward had a sharp shot in the second minute but was denied by a diving Jean-Paul Danneberg in the German goal. A minute later it was Niklas Wellen who fired the Germans ahead with a sensational first-time reverse shot. Phil Roper equalised for GB with some cheeky aerial skills in the 15th minute, and Ward then edged GB in front with his 21st-minute penalty stroke. Wellen levelled for Germany with a sizzling penalty corner strike, which meant it was evenly poised at half time.The Germans got their defensive angles slightly wrong early in the second half and Liam Sanford punished them for it, threading a magnificent ball through the centre channel to a diving Ward for the deflection into the net. GB seemed to have the upper hand as the match progressed, and Danneberg had to make two crucial saves to keep Germany in touch before Gonzalo Peillat snatched the draw from a penalty corner with three minutes remaining. Germany then held their nerve to maintain an unbeaten record from their four shootouts in the tournament.(Women’s) Netherlands 2 – 1 Belgium: The Netherlands returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Belgium in front of a vocal home crowd. The Dutch clearly meant business after their shock defeat to the same opposition earlier in the week and it took just six minutes for Yibbi Jansen to fire them ahead from a penalty corner. They went on to dominate possession and territory throughout the first half, threatening the Red Panthers' circle frequently and giving Elodi Picard plenty of work to do in the Belgian goal. Jansen slammed in a second from a recycled penalty corner and it looked like a big score might be on the cards.The Dutch continued to attack through the third quarter, but Belgium started getting more ball as the match progressed. Stephanie Vanden Borre pulled one back from a penalty corner in the 41st minute, and with the Belgians growing in confidence, the match was set for a thrilling finish. Belgium took full control in the fourth quarter and the Dutch suddenly found themselves under sustained periods of pressure, rarely getting out of their own half. There was drama in the final minute when Belgium appeared to have earned a penalty corner, but the Netherlands successfully overturned the decision with their review and then ran the clock down to secure the win.
Asian Junior: Mohammad Hamza crushes Mohammad Ammad 3-0
Sohail Adnan, Huzaifa Shahid, Abdullah Nawaz, and Hamza Khan secure berths in the finalsAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Mohammad Hamza Khan quashed compatriot Mohammad Ammad in straight games 3-0 to reach Under-19 final of the ongoing 31st Asian Junior Individual Squash Championship 2024 after thrashing their respective challengers at Mushaf Squash Complex Islamabad on Friday. The final score-line was 11-6, 11-5, and 11-0. All the finals will be played on Saturday (June 29) at the same venue.In the first semifinal of the U19 category competitions, Mohammad Hamza Khan outclassed his opponent in a straight game without any resistance, as the spectators and squash officials were expecting a nerve-jangling contest between the two Pakistani squash lads. The vital match of the day ended in a single-sided affair, as Ammad proved a hot cake of piece for Hamza Khan.Mohammad Hamza started the game confidently and earned a key lead by scoring three back-to-back scores at 3-0. However, Ammad also did well and tried his best to overcome his opponent and at one stage his deficit was just a solitary point at 6-7. At this stage, Hamza played some powerful forehand strokes and did not allow Ammad to get more points, as he finished the median game at 11-6.Meanwhile, in the second game, Hamza kept the winning momentum by getting an early lead of 5 points at 8-3, as he showed the door for a water break to his rival at 11-5. In the third game, Mohammad Ammad was helpless and unable to vie against Mohammad Hamza on the court, as Hamza finished the last game without conceding a single point. The final score-line was 11-6, 11-5, and 11-0.Results (Semifinals):Boys’ U-13:Sohail Adnan (Pak) beat Mohammad Iffat Zulkifli (MAS) 11-8, 11-6, 11-2Huzaifa Shahid (Pak) beat Julius Tan (MAS) 11-2, 11-8, 11-5Boys’ U-15:Mohammad Raziq Puttra (MAS) beat Abdullah Zaman (Pak) 11-7, 11-8, 11-6Shiven Agarwal (IND) beat Nouman Khan (Pak) 5-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-0Boys’ U-17:Abdullah Nawaz (Pak) beat Altamis Aqhar (MAS) 11-4, 14-12, 11-6Nikhelswar (MAS) beat Azaan Ali (Pak) by 11-6, 11-6, 11-8Boys’ U-19:Hamza Khan (Pak) beat Mohammad Ammad (Pak) 11-6, 11-5, 11-0Harith Danial (MAS) beat Jooyoung NA (KOR) 11-9, 6-11, 11-6, 12-10Girls’ U-13:Aadya Budhia (IND) beat Chiu Hau (HKG) 11-4, 11-7, 4-11, 12-10Goushika (IND) beat Maisarah Mohd (MAS) 11-6, 6-11, 5-11, 11-7, 11-6Girls’ U-15:Harleein Tan (MAS) beat Yek Rui Jean (MAS) 11-6, 11-5, 11-6Lo Pui Yin Chloe (HKG) beat Ooi Wen Min (MAS) 11-7, 6-11, 11-5, 11-7Girls’ U-17:Enna Wong (HKG) beat Doyce Lee (MAS) 11-9, 11-7, 11-5Tang Helen (HKG) beat Whitney Isabelle (MAS) 11-6, 8-11, 11-6, 15-13Girls” U-19:Thanussa Uthrian (MAS) beat Leung Ka (HKG) 11-6, 11-4, 5-11, 11-6Akari Midorikawa (JPN) beat Goh Zhe (MAS) 7-11, 11-7, 11-6, 3-11, 11-8.Schedule (Finals):BU-13. Sohail Adnan (Pak) Vs Huzaifa Shahid (Pak)BU-15. Mohammad Raziq Puttra (MAS) Vs Shiven Agarwal (IND)BU-17. Abdullah Nawaz (Pak) Vs Nikhelswar (MAS) BU-19. Mohammad Hamza Khan (Pak) Vs Harith Danial (MAS) GU-13. Aadya Budhia (IND) Vs Goushika (IND)GU-15. Harleen Tan (MAS) Vs Lo Pui Yin Chloe (HKG)GU-17. Enna Wong (HKG) Vs Tang Helen (HKG)GU-19. Thanussa Uthrian (MAS) Vs Akari Midorikawa (JPN).
Asian Juniors’ Individual Championship: semifinals’ line completes
Hamza Khan, and Mohammad Ammad qualify for U19 semifinals, Abdullah, and Nauman shine in U15Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Duo of Pakistani players, Hamza Khan, and Mohammad Ammad moved into the semifinals of Under-19 competition of the 31st Asian Junior Individual Squash Championship 2024 after thrashing their respective challengers at Mushaf Squash Complex Islamabad on Thursday. Rising squash lad, and grandson of former World Champion Qamar Zaman, Abdullah Zaman ousted Shiv Kaul in straight games 3-0 in U15 quarterfinal. All semifinals will be played on Friday at the same venue. Results (Quarterfinals):Boys’ U-13:Mohammad Iffat Zulkifli (MAS) beat Faizan Ali (Pak) 12-10, 13-11, 9-11, 11-6Sohail Adnan (Pak) beat Jackrish Kumar (SIN) 11-0, 11-7, 11-3Julius Tan (MAS) beat Mamoon Khan 11-9, 11-3, 5-11, 11-9Huzaifa Shahid (Pak) beat Mohammad Fawad Khan (Pak) 11-6, 11-3, 9-4 (Retd) Boys’ U-15: Mohammad Raziq (MAS) beat Sim Yeak Wei (MAS) 11-6, 11-4, 7-11, 11-9Abdullah Zaman (Pak) beat Shiv Kaul (SIN) 11-8, 11-8, 11-8Nouman Khan (Pak) beat Simerver Singh (MAS) 11-1, 11-7, 11-8Shiven Agarwal (IND) beat Abdul Ahad Butt (Pak) 11-4, 11-7, 11-5Boys’ U-17:Abdullah Nawaz (Pak) beat Yusha Nafees (IND) 11-1, 11-7, 11-2Altamis Aqhar (MAS) beat Shu Takahashi (JAP) 11-9, 6-11, 11-7, 11-9Nikhelswar (MAS) beat Aqil Mirza (MAS) 13-11, 1-11, 11-7, 7-11, 11-6Azaan Ali (Pak) beat Yahya Asad (Pak) 11-7, 11-7, 11-4Boys’ U-19:Hamza Khan (Pak) beat Anas Ali Shah (Pak) 11-8, 11-8, 11-4Mohammad Ammad (Pak) beat Tam Tsz Shing (HKG) 11-8, 11-2, 11-9Harith Danial (MAS) beat Azan Khalil (Pak) 11-3, 11-3, 11-5Jooyoung NA (KOR) beat Law Arthur Pak Ki (HKG) 11-3, 5-11, 13-11, 11-9Girls’ U-13:Aadya Budhia (IND) beat Mahnoor Ali (Pak) 11-4, 11-8, 6-11, 11-6Maisarah Mohd (MAS) beat Lee Ka Man (HKG) 11-9, 11-6, 4-11, 11-6Goushika (IND) beat Makaela Lin (HKG) 11-8, 11-9, 11-8Chiu Hau (HKG) beat Yu Hiu Ching (HKG) 11-8, 11-6, 5-11, 11-3Girls’ U-15:Harleein Tan (MAS) beat Anika Dubey (IND) 11-2, 11-5, 11-5Yek Rui Jean (MAS) beat Tang Lok Yin (HKG) 8-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-8Ooi Wen Min (MAS) beat Jayna Lim (SIN) 11-7, 11-8, 11-6Lo Pui Yin Chloe (HKG) beat Diva Shah (IND) 11-6, 11-6, 11-9Girls’ U-17:Enna Wong (HKG) beat Chung Yee Ling (HKG) 11-3, 11-2, 11-3Doyce Lee (MAS) beat Unnathi Tripathi (IND) 11-3, 11-1, 11-6Tang Helen (HKG) beat Najwa Zara (MAS) 11-4, 11-6, 11-7Whitney Isabelle (MAS) beat Cheeung Tsz (HKG) 10-12, 11-3, 11-8, 1-11, 11-9. Girls’ U-19:Thanussa Uthrian (MAS) beat Anrie Goh (MAS) 11-7, 9-11, 11-3, 11-3Leung Ka (HKG) beat Valerie Kaitlyn (HKG) 11-4, 11-6, 11-9Akari Midorikawa (JPN) beat Nirupama Dubey (IND) 11-7, 11-9, 6-11, 9-11, 11-5Goh Zhe (MAS) beat Au Ling Yu (HKG) 11-7, 11-4, 11-0.
Australia prevail in Oceania to complete FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup
Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): The 2024 Oceania Indoor World Cup Qualifiers came to an end with Australia men and women claiming the title, as both teams secured their spots at the upcoming FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup 2025, which will be played in Poreč, Croatia from 3-9 February 2025. With Australia's qualification, all 12 men's and women's qualification spots for the upcoming World Cup have been filled! In the men’s tournament, Australia came fast out of the gates in the first two contests. They took a 3 goal lead in the first half of the first game and scored 4 unanswered goals to start the second game. Although New Zealand battled back in both encounters, Australia won the games 5-3 and 4-2 to secure 6 out of the 9 available points to seal their qualification to the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025. New Zealand won the third and final match 3-2, which showed how evenly matched the two teams were, but the three points they earned from it were merely consolation. In the women’s tournament, the opening game was a tense affair with both defences holding strong for much of the match. After three goalless quarters, Australia finally broke the deadlock in the 34th minute through a Kelsey Hughes goal and held on to that slender lead till the final whistle to take all three points. The second match was a much more entertaining affair as Australia scored early and held the lead twice but New Zealand bounced back both times to draw the match 3-3, and split the points, setting up a crucial final match to decide the World Cup qualification. New Zealand twice took the lead in the final game but Australia mounted comebacks both times and the third game ended with an identical scoreline to the second, with teams finishing tied at 3-3. Australia finished the event with 5 points while New Zealand settled for second place with 2 points, making it a double delight for Australia in qualifying for the upcoming FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup 2025. In the men’s tournament the teams competing for the title will be Croatia (hosts), Austria, Belgium, Germany and Poland (Europe), Argentina and Trinidad and Tobago (Pan America), Iran and Malaysia (Asia), Namibia and South Africa (Africa) and Australia (Oceania). In the women’s tournament challenging for the title will be Croatia (hosts), Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Germany, Poland and Spain (Europe), USA (Pan America), Thailand (Asia), Namibia and South Africa (Africa) and Australia (Oceania).
Dean and Beaumont shine in England Women's win over New Zealand
Sports Bulletin ReportLondon (UK): England Women opened their Metro Bank ODI series against New Zealand with a nine wicket victory at Seat Unique Riverside, Durham.The tourist’s won the toss and elected to bat. England spinner Charlie Dean took four wickets as New Zealand finished on 157 all out. The White Ferns were 56 for 1 following the powerplay but were undone by England’s spin attack.Sophie Ecclestone dismissed the dangerous Amelia Kerr and captain Sophie Devine before Nat Sciver-Brunt bowled Maddy Green lbw. Brooke Halliday impressed with the bat, scoring 51 before being caught by Heather Knight off Sarah Glenn before Dean’s four wickets saw New Zealand all out inside 33.3 overs.Tammy Beaumont and Maia Bouchier opened the batting for England and both shone hitting 24 boundaries between them. Beaumont finished with 76 not out and Bouchier 67 with captain Knight completing the innings.Women’s One-Day International Series v New Zealand Women26 June: 1st Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street – England won by nine wickets30 June: 2nd Women’s One-Day International – New Road, Worcester3 July: 3rd Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol
WCL Goes Super Big in Broadcasting in India
ISLAMABAD (PR): The World Championship of Legends (WCL), featuring iconic cricket players from around the globe, is thrilled to announce its official broadcasting partners for various regions worldwide. This partnership ensures that cricket enthusiasts across different continents can experience the tournament live on Star Sports (India), Willow by Cricbuzz (North America), Cricbuzz (MENA Region), Super Sports (Sub-Saharan Africa0, TNT Sports (United Kingdom), Fox Sports (Australia), and Sports MAX (Caribbean: Sports MAX).The WCL, approved by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and presented by India’s second largest travel company EaseMyTrip, will take place from July 3rd to July 13th at Edgbaston and Northamptonshire County Cricket Club in the UK. It brings together legendary players for an unforgettable series of matches.Harshit Tomar, owner of the World Championship of Legends, stated: “We are excited to provide fans with the chance to see cricket legends in action once again. With our global broadcasting partners, we can reach a wide audience and celebrate the spirit of cricket worldwide. Partnering with Star Sports & Fancode will bring WCL to a broad audience in India, ensuring top-notch coverage of this historic event.”The WCL will feature teams from India, Australia, West Indies, England, Pakistan, and South Africa. The tournament includes cricket legends such as:* India Champions: Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina* Australia Champions: Brett Lee, Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh, Ben Cutting* West Indies Champions: Chris Gayle, Daren Sammy, Dwayne Smith* England Champions: Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Samit Patel* Pakistan Champions: Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Younis Khan* South Africa Champions: Jacques Kallis, JP Duminy, Dale Steyn.
Asian Junior Individual Squash Championship 2024
Mohammad Ammad, Abdullah Nawaz, Faizan Ali, Fawad, Mamoon, Khan claim victoriesAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistani squash players, Mohammad Ammad, Abdullah Nawaz, Faizan Ali, Fawad, Mamoon Khan, and Huzaifa Shahid registered victories in the 31st Asian Junior Individual Squash Championship, 2024 after beating their respective rivals in different age categories here at Mushaf Squash Complex on Wednesday.Results (Day-2):Boys’ U-13: Faizan Ali (Pak) beat Wong Ho Kiu (HKG) 15-13, 2-11, 11-9, 8-11, 12-10: Fawad Khan (Pak) beat Vidhurran Ruthiran (MAS) 11-9, 5-11, 9-11, 13-11, 11-8: Mohammad Iffat Zulkifli (MAS) beat Minki Kim (KOR) 11-6, 13-11, 11-4: Mamoon Khan (Pak) beat Wayne Issac (MAS) 11-4, 11-4, 11-4. Huzaifa Shahid beat Dhruv Bopana 11-9, 11-9, 11-4.Boys’ U-15: Mohammad Raziq (MAS) beat Rehan Alamgir (Pak) 11-5, 11-3, 11-7: Shiven Agarwal (IND) beat Rayyan Bahadur (Pak) 11-9, 11-1, 11-5: Sim Yeak Wei (MAS) beat Ahmed Rayyan Khalil (Pak) 7-11, 9-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-7: Shiv Kaul (SPR) beat Weung Tsung (HKG) 11-7, 4-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-9.Boys’ U-17: Abdullah Nawaz (Pak) beat Young Wook Lee (KOR) 11-5, 11-6, 11-2: Nikhelswar (MAS) beat Lee Ka Hoe (MAC) 11-2, 11-2, 11-4: Yahya Asad (Pak) beat Cheng Ting (HKG) 8-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-7: Azaan Ali (Pak) beat Renshi Makino (JAP) 6-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-7. Boys’ U-19: Yusha Nafees (IND) beat Mohammad Saleh Akhani (IRI) 11-7, 11-5, 11-6: Jooyoung NA (KOR) beat Abdullah Nadeem (Pak) 11-3, 11-1, 11-2: Mohammad Ammad (Pak) beat Low Wa Sern (MAS) 11-5, 8-11, 4-11, 11-8, 11-6, Harith Danial (MAS) beat Usman Butt (Pak) 11-2, 11-4, 11-4.Girls’ U-13: Aadya Budhia (IND) beat Sadia Zhoor (Pak) 11-2, 11-6, 11-1, Lee Ka Man (HKG) beat Chanumi Nimthara (SRI) 11-9, 11-4, 11-6, Maisarah Mohd (MAS) beat Jacintha (SPR) 11-9, 11-6, 8-11, 11-8, Goushika (IND) beat Maliha Shah (Pak) 11-3, 11-3, 11-3.Girls’ U-15: Harleein Tan (MAS) beat Disenundri (SRI) 11-1, 11-3, 11-0, Lo Pui Yin (HKG) beat Ifra Shasmin (SRI) 11-0, 11-4, 11-7, Anika Dubey (IND) beat Wong Suit (HKG) 11-5, 11-1, 11-4, Yek Rue (MAS) beat Sithumi Rohansa (SRI) 11-2, 11-7, 11-9.Girls’ U-17: Enna Wong (HKG) beat Dinuli Dimandi (SRI) 11-2, 11-2, 11-2, Cheung Zhe (HKG) beat Adhita Charani (SRI) 11-3, 11-1, 11-2. Girls’ U-19: Goh Zhe (MAS) beat Sana Bahadur (Pak) 11-6, 11-2, 11-6: Leung Ka (HKG) beat Sahar Noor (Pak) 11-1, 11-1, 11-1.
HOCKEY - FIH Pro League 26 Jun, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): The Netherlands men came from a goal down to beat Belgium and so keep their FIH Hockey Pro League title hopes alive. Australia currently top the standings but the Dutch can still overtake them with victory in their remaining two matches.(Women’s) Belgium beat Great Britain (2-1): Belgium lacked their usual intensity after a memorable victory over the Netherlands just 20 hours earlier, but still managed to grind out a 2-1 win over Great Britain. The Red Panthers went ahead in the 80th second of an action-packed first quarter when Ambre Ballenghien reacted fastest to a scrappy ball in front of goal.Charlotte Watson hit back with a penalty stroke for GB after their PC struck Stephanie Vanden Borre’s foot on the line. It was then Vanessa Blockmans who slapped the Belgians back in front from a penalty corner in the 9th minute, and only an excellent reflex save from Jessica Buchanan denied them a third after GB were dispossessed outside their own circle. There were fewer opportunities in the second quarter with both teams missing from penalty corners, but GB enjoyed repeated success in disrupting the Belgians with a high press.The British side earned a penalty corner early in the third quarter and it took a triple save from Elodie Picard to keep it out. They held a slight advantage through the rest of the period, but struggled in the final third of the pitch and never really threatened the circle.Charlotte Englebert fired a great opportunity for Belgium over the crossbar in the fourth quarter before GB created some real chances, mishitting a shot from the top of the circle, and having a penalty corner saved before hitting the crossbar from the rebound and then pushing the third shot wide. GB substituted their goalkeeper with just under five minutes left on the clock, but they still couldn’t find a goal. The Red Panthers also missed one golden opportunity, failing to control the ball behind the GB defence with an empty goal beckoning, but they had done enough to clinch the win.(Men’s) Netherlands beat Belgium (3-1): The Netherlands kept their ambitions of winning a third straight title alive with a heated 3-1 win over Belgium. Good defence from both teams meant that there was little opportunity in the first half. But Belgium scored a well-worked goal in the 18th minute, breaking out of defence quickly and finding Tom Boon for a difficult shot near the p-spot.The second half served up expansive hockey from both teams. The Dutch created three excellent opportunities in the first five minutes, and tempers ran high when a shot after the whistle struck a Belgian defender. The Red Lions counterattacked to earn two penalty corners, but the Dutch runners blocked both.Jip Janssen eventually equalised for the Netherlands with a 41st-minute drag flick, and the quarter ended just after Tijmen Reyenga cannoned the Dutch ahead with 10 seconds left on the clock. The Netherlands carried their momentum into the final quarter and Joep de Mol sealed the result with a brilliant individual goal, carrying the ball from his own half and unleashing a sizzling strike from the top of the circle. Belgium substituted their goalkeeper in the dying minutes, but they couldn’t find another goal.
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