FIH Report Lausanne Switzerland (October 12, 2021):-Chief Executive of International Hockey Federation (FIH) Thierry Weil says in an interview: “We will work on the future Stars Awards with the global hockey community” Q: Were you expecting so much controversy about the results of the FIH Hockey Stars Awards? Answer: If, in an Olympic year, the Gold medallists don’t win any Award and another nation gets all of them, it is clear that this won’t come across well! Therefore, I of course do understand the disappointment and also, to some extent, the anger, especially of the teams concerned. At the same time, I want to congratulate the winners! They were all nominated by an expert committee – made of FIH, FIH Athletes Committee and high performance representatives – and therefore were as much entitled as the others to win! And both Indian teams had a fantastic performance at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020! I assume that the natural joy which they should rightly feel by winning such an Award may have been altered by all this, and that is not nice either. Q; Do you think the current voting process is right? Answer: I’m not sure if there is any ideal process, to be honest. But this process – as long as it is implemented by everybody – should work. It is very similar to what is applied successfully by other organisations. It gives the chance to major hockey stakeholders – teams, players, coaches, fans and media – to cast a vote for the most important yearly awards in global hockey, while a higher weight is given to national team coaches and captains. Q; Was it a new process this time? Answer: No, it was pretty much the same as last time. There were two differences. Firstly, we made it compulsory for the National Associations that their votes should come from their national team coaches and captains; I believe that everybody will agree that this was the right thing to do in order to increase the technical legitimacy of the vote. Secondly, the voting process for the coaches was the same as the one for the athletes this time (while the FIH Coach of the Year Award was determined by an FIH panel previously). Q: Was this vote transparent enough? Shouldn’t you publish the individual votes, at least for the National Associations and media? Answer: Before the vote, we explained in detail the voting process as well as the weight given to the various voting groups. And after the vote, we published all results, from every voting group and for all nominees. Revealing who voted for whom is a question which we should have a look at. Will it bring something or not, I can’t tell at this stage. But we should not exclude any option before examining them. Q: Is it really a good idea to have fans voting for an Award which is meant to define the best athletes and coaches from a technical perspective? Answer:  Our overall strategy at FIH is to put athletes and fans at the centre of everything we do. So, it is essential to give fans an option to express their views. If in this regard the current process is the right one or not, is something we will need to analyse of course. But clearly we need to involve the fans one way or the other. After all, thanks to this vote, we will have the opportunity to engage with almost 300’000 fans! This is not only good for India – where most of these fans are coming from – but for the growth of our sport overall and therefore the whole hockey community! Also, as we’ve mentioned on the day of the vote, all winning athletes have topped the standings in each of the three voting groups (National Associations / Fans and Players / Media). In other words, even if fans wouldn’t have voted, the winning athletes would have been the same. Q: How do you explain that almost half of the National Associations (NAs) did not take the opportunity to vote? Answer:  I have to admit that I have no answer to this yet. Maybe we haven’t been clear enough? But we did send reminders to the NAs before the end of the vote. And I have personally contacted several members of the hockey community to warn them about this situation, and I know they were active. But still, many National Associations did not cast their vote. Clearly this had by far the biggest impact on the results. If you set up a jury but half of this jury doesn’t vote, how can you expect that people will unanimously accept the results? In our analysis, we will have to establish why this situation happened. Q; Will the process remain the same in the future? Answer:  I can’t answer this question before we do a thorough analysis. But I can tell you that we will work on the future Stars Awards with the global hockey community. We will engage with many stakeholders to come up with a process which receives the support of most, and then go with it for next year. These Awards are here to promote hockey, athletes and coaches. It isn’t good for anybody if they lead to controversy. I’ve already engaged with a few and will continue to do so. We will most likely create a Task Force to look at this. And I’m absolutely convinced that we will find a compromise which will ensure that the global hockey community celebrates these Awards in the future!

BIPIN DANI The ICC (International Cricket Council (ICC) decision to introduce DRS in the men's T20 World Cup for the first time has forced the Sri Lankan lawyer Senaka Weeraratna to begin fresh negotiations for his own recognition attached with the system.  For years, Senaka Weeraratna claimed to be the inventor of the DRS (Decision Review System) and he says his idea has been stolen by the authorities / officials.    "The DRS, which is a technology-based system used in cricket to assist the match officials in their decision-making was first my idea before the ICC put hands on it", Weeraratna, speaking over the telephone from Colombo, said on Monday morning. "I am fighting for my rights for the recognition and want it to be named after me". "I have also forwarded the copies of the legal opinions sought from the prominent lawyers and a letter written to the government of Sri Lanka to force the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to deal with the ICC", the lawyer added. The four-page letter, which has been seen by this Reporter was signed by Kusan Illangatilake Esqr (Attorney-at-law) and Dr. Harsha Cabral (Presidents Counsel), the opinion has been in favour of the lawyer, who has been running from pillar to post to seek due recognition has once again requested the SLC to fight for his case with the ICC.  "I approached Anil Kumble, the cricket committee chairman and Kumar Sangakkara, the former MCC president, to take my case to the highest level".   "I have once again requested the SLC to get me stamped as Father of DRS", he concluded.  

Sports Reporter LAHORE (October 12, 2021):-Director General, Sports Board Punjab (SBP) Adnan Arshad Aulakh has said that Sports Board Punjab and South Punjab Education Department would jointly organizing the School Hockey League in Bahawalpur. Aulakh also witnessed exciting matches of School Hockey League and praised the potential of budding hockey players. Secretary Education South Punjab Dr Ehtisham Anwar, Divisional Sports Officer Bahawalpur Maqsood ul Hasan, Olympian Samiullah and other top officials were also present on this occasion. Earlier, Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti and Punjab Minister for School Education Dr Murad Raas inaugurated the School Hockey League on Sunday. Director General Sports Punjab Adnan Arshad Aulakh, Secretary Education South Punjab Dr Ehtisham Anwar, Divisional Sports Officer Bahawalpur Maqsood ul Hasan Javed and other top officials were also present on this occasion.  While talking on this occasion as a chief guest Director General Sports Punjab Adnan Arshad Aulakh informed that as many as 12 male and female teams from 11 districts (2 male and female teams from Bahawalpur) of South Punjab are taking part in the School Hockey League. “There is plenty of hockey talent in South Punjab and this tournament will play a significant role in the promotion of hockey among the young generation especially in this part of the province”. Director General Sports Punjab Adnan Arshad Aulakh further said that Sports Board Punjab will also organize South Punjab Games in near future. “The male and female players from all districts of South Punjab will demonstrate their sports talent in these games,” he added. Director General Sports Punjab Adnan Arshad Aulakh said that Sports Board Punjab is taking stringent measures for the growth of hockey in the province. “We are organizing regular hockey events to provide sufficient playing opportunities to our talented male and female hockey players of the province”. Elaborating further Director General Sports Punjab Adnan Arshad Aulakh said First Chief Minister Punjab 5-a-Side National Women Hockey Championship is our next major hockey event which is being played at National Hockey Stadium from October 15-20, 2021. “The First Chief Minister Punjab 5-a-Side National Women Hockey Championship will provide a suitable platform to emerging female hockey players of the country to demonstrate their hockey potential in a competitive environment”. Director General Sports Punjab Adnan Arshad Aulakh also presided over an important meeting of Bahawalpur at E-Library. The meeting was attended by all districts and tehsil sports officers and coaches. Divisional Sports Officer Bahawalpur Maqsood ul Hasan Javed and PMU officers gave a detailed briefing to DG Sports Punjab. Director General Sports Punjab Adnan Arshad Aulakh visited various sports venues including Girls Cricket Stadium, Dring Cricket Stadium Bahawalpur E-Library. He inspected the work at under-construction sports projects and issued strict directions to complete the sports projects of this region as early as possible.   

ITF Report RIO (October 12, 2021):-Hosts Brazil defeated Italy 2-0 in the final of ITF Beach Tennis World Cup 2021 after a nail and bite finish on Copacabana beach on other day. Brazil claimed the fourth World Cup title in front of a vocal home crowd, whose spirits were not dampened by Sunday's inclement weather conditions in Rio de Janeiro. Rafaella Miiller and Marcela Vita got the hosts off to the perfect start in the women's doubles by defeating the in-form team this year, Giulia Gasparri and Ninny Valentini, 6-3 6-3 in 59 minutes. Andre Baran and Vini Font then sealed victory with a closely contested encounter against Marco Garavini and Mattia Spoto. When Spoto hit a backhand long to give the Brazilian pair a 7-5 7-5 victory, the entire team poured onto Centre Court for an emotional celebration. "It is completely fantastic what I am feeling... hard to describe," admitted Font, who has been involved in all four of Brazil's World Cup triumphs - adding the 2021 crown to their victories in 2013, 2018 and 2019. "I've been playing in the World Cup since the first year in 2012. I did not imagine I could be here playing, probably only watching at home, but I won the final match - it is incredible. I am too happy." Font is hopeful that Brazil's triumph can deliver a significant boost to the growth of the sport - both in his home country and beyond. "I just want Beach Tennis to keep growing and hope the World Cup stays here for many years," he said. "Brazil is now the home of Beach Tennis!" The host's Italian-born captain Alex Mingozzi might be forgiven for experiencing mixed emotions after playing a part in denying his birth-country a fifth World Cup - and first since 2017 - but the Porto Alegre resident admits he is firmly Brazilian at heart. "It was a very difficult title. There was so much pressure all week, so much expectation," said Mingozzi. "We were not the best ranked team - Italy had a better-ranked women's doubles pair, so this is a huge title for us... enormous. "I feel very good despite beating Italian opponents, my brothers. When the anthem rises it is difficult for me since I represented the Italian team all my life, but now my heart is Brazilian, my family is Brazilian, and I want to win more titles with Brazil. We wrote another page in history." Miiller, who played an integral role in the hosts' triumph after she and Vita stunned the world's top-ranked pair, described their victory as something that "will be remembered for life", while Baran added that the team's closeness was a big part of the reason for their success.  "Our squad is very happy, we are very united and we showed it on the court," concluded Baran. "We are four time champions. Now is the time to celebrate!" Earlier in the day, Spain defeated 2016 champions, Russian Tennis Federation 2-0 to claim the bronze medal. Eva Palos and Sabrina Lopez overcame Daria Churakova and Liudmila Nikoian 6-3 7-6(3) before world No. 4 Antomi Ramos Viera and Saulo Tejada beat Nikita Burmakin and Nikolai Gurev 4-6 6-4 [10-2]. Ramos said: "We had a difficult match. Burmakin played unbelievable Gurev was playing so well, he's a lefty and didn't miss anything. We're very happy to win this bronze medal." There was some consolation for Team Italy as their junior team retained their title as world champions with a tense 2-1 victory over Brazil. The hosts started strongly with world No. 20 Vitoria Marchezini and Isadora Lourenco winning 6-0 6-2 against Elena Francesconi and Giulia Lorenzi. Niccolo Gasparri and Luca Andreolini got Italy back into the tie by defeating Giovanni Cariani and Daniel Mola 6-3 6-7(11) [10-5], despite the Brazilian pair saving two match points before clinching the second set and forcing a match tiebreak. In the mixed doubles, junior world No. 1 Damino Rosichini and Renzi  clinched a thrilling match against Cariani and Marchezini 6-2 2-6 [10-7]. "We are very proud and we came here to win it again," said Damino. "It was more difficult winning here in Brazil against the home country. This place is beautiful, there are many people."

Sports Reporter LAHORE (October 12, 2021):-A stunning 64-ball 110 not out by Kamran Ghulam orchestrated a dominating Khyber Pakhtunkhwa win over Northern by 92 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium in what was the last group match of the National T20 2021-22. This was Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s first win over Northern in the history of the event. The victory saw Khyber Pakhtunkhwa end the group stage at the top of the points table. As such, they will face fourth-placed Northern in the first semi-final tomorrow. The second semi-final will be played between second-placed Home City Central Punjab and third-placed GFS Sindh. All four semi-finalists gathered 12 points each with six wins from 10 matches. Kamran had strolled to the middle at the end of the second over when Israrullah was removed by Athar Mahmood. Upon his arrival at the crease, the right-hander took the steering wheel to anchor his side’s innings, helping them gather 52 runs in six overs – six runs more than the average powerplay score at this venue in the tournament – despite the loss of another wicket. Over the course of his maiden century, Kamran, clubbed six sixes and as many as 10 fours, and his 48-run alliance with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris (15-ball 18) set the launching pad for the power-hitters in the middle-order. Iftikhar Ahmed’s thunderous 54 not out at a strike rate of over 207 propelled the batting side to an imposing 207 for four. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain crunched four sixes and as many fours. Iftikhar and Kamran added a staggering 93 in the last seven overs during their undefeated 133-run stand, which went down as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is best for the fifth wicket. The pair had come together in the ninth over when leg-spinner Aaqib Liaquat struck twice in an over to send Haris and Nabi Gul back to the hut. The onslaught began in the 13th over with Kamran bludgeoning Aaqib for three consecutive sixes. From that point, the pair struck at least two boundaries in every over, except for the 14th, which was Nauman Ali’s fourth over. The left-arm orthodox finished as the only bowler in the innings with his economy rate in single digit as he returned none for 19. Northern had an abysmal start to their run chase as opener Nasir Nawaz was dismissed by Imran Khan Snr on the second ball. Their problems compounded in the fourth over as the other opener, Ali Imran, was run out. They faced the next blow in the next over with one-drop Zeeshan Malik following the two openers back to the pavilion after getting caught off Arshad Iqbal. The scorecard at this stage read 33 for three. Northern had scored six runs less and lost a wicket more than Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the powerplay as they managed 46 for three in six overs. Northern lost wickets on regular intervals and with 23-ball 34 and 21-ball 23, wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir and Umar Amin, the Northern captain, were the only notable run-getters. The match settled for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when Khalid Usman removed Rohail and Mubasir Khan in back to back overs, which reduced Northern to 98 for seven in 14th over. From there on, it was only a matter of time. Northern were finally bowled out on the fourth ball of the penultimate over with Asif Afridi removing Aaqib. Alike Khalid, Imran and Asif were the other two bowlers to finish with two wickets next to their names. Scores in brief: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa beat Northern by 92 runs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 207-4, 20 overs (Kamran Ghulam 110 not out, Iftikhar Ahmed 54 not out; Aaqib Liaquat 2-44) Northern 115 all out, 18.4 overs (Rohail Nazir 34, Umar Amin 23; Khalid Usman 2-4, Imran Khan Snr 2-24, Asif Afrid 2-32) Player of the match – Kamran Ghulam (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Semi-finals on Tuesday at Gaddafi Stadium: 1500 start – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Northern 1930 start – Home City Central Punjab v GFS Sindh

Sports Reporter LAHORE (October 11, 2021):-Sindh outplayed Balochistan in a low-scoring fixture to finish their round matches with 12 points in the 29th match of the National T20 tournament played at the Gadaffi Stadium Lahore on Monday evening. Young Karachi-born batter Mohammad Taha steered Sindh to the 114-run target with a gritty unbeaten 47 off 48 balls (four fours) in what turned out to be a challenging chase on a spin-friendly pitch. Sindh had lost their seasoned batting trio of Sharjeel Khan, Khurram Manzoor and Shan Masood by the time the scored reached 53 (nine overs). Danish Aziz provided crucial support to Taha and the two took the side past the target with eight balls and five wickets to spare, the left-handed Danish returned undefeated on 19 off 18 balls (three fours). Off-spinner Mohammad Ibrahim Snr took two wickets for Balochistan. Earlier, Sindh’s captain Shan Masood won the toss and opted to field. Balochistan openers Abdullah Shafique and Abdul Wahid Bangalzai added 54 runs for the first-wicket, however the duo could only score at a run-a-ball in their nine-over stay as Sindh bowlers maintained tight control. Wahid was the first to go, he was dismissed by leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed for 29 off 30 balls (four fours). Abdullah followed Wahid to the dugout at the same score, the right-hander scored 22 off 26 balls (two fours). Balochistan stuttered to 78 for four as Ibrahim Snr and Hidayatullah fell cheaply. Umaid Asif was then run out for five with the score at 96 in 18.3 overs. Skipper Sohail Akhtar who held the innings together played some big shots in the final overs to lift the side to 113 for five which despite his efforts was clearly an under par total. Sohail hit one four and two sixes in his 37 off 36 balls. Abrar was the pick of the Sindh bowlers. In four overs, the promising spinner took two wickets for a mere 15 runs. Danish and Rumman Raees took a wicket apiece conceding 14 and 25 runs respectively in their hugely economical four-over spells. Balochistan finished their 10 matches with six points (three wins, seven defeats). They had crashed out of the semi-final race after their narrow defeat to Home City Central Punjab last night. Scores in Brief: GFS Sindh win by five wickets Balochistan 113 for 5, 20 overs (Sohail Akhtar 37 not out, Abdul Wahid Bangalzai 29; Abrar Ahmed 2-15) GFS Sindh 117 for 5, 18.4 overs (Mohammad Taha 47 not out, Danish Aziz 19 not out; Mohammad Ibrahim Snr 2-24) Player of the match:  Mohammad Taha Tuesday’s matches: First semi-final (Team 1 vs Team 4) -3pm Second semi-final (Team 2 vs Team 3) -7:30pm

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT ISLAMABAD (October 10, 2021):-Mohammad Sajjad of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has won the 46th NPB National Snooker Championship 2021 after beating Ahsan Ramzan  7-6 in the final at NBP Sports Complex, Clifton, Karachi on Monday. The final score-line was 46-63, 72-33, 0-68, 7-72, 71-13, 14-59, 64-24, 75-62(65), 1-80, 103-27(80), 61-72, 121-13(121) and 60-50. Jawed Karim (President PBSA), Arif Usmani (President NBP), Asma Shaikh (SEVP NBP), Zulfiqar Ali Ramzi (                 Hon. Sec PBSA), Abdul Qadir Memon ( SVP – PBSA), Wahid Abdul Qadir (VP – PBSA), Saad Salman Dar (                   EVP – NBP), Arshad Hussain (VP Wing Head NBP), Shehzad Karimi (EVP NBP), Mohammad  Anwer Farooqi (AVP NBP) and other people watched the final. Karim Akram Khan presented the Highest Break Rs. 10,000 Prize + Trophy to Mohammad Sajjad (147). Chief guest Arif Usmani gave away cash prize of Rs. 100,000 and glittering trophy to winner Mouhammad Sajjad of National Bank of Pakistan.

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (October 11, 2021):-Each 8 men and women got a bye in the opening round of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) International Squash Championship 2021 that kicked off here at Mushaf Squash Complex on Monday. It is pertinent to mention that the Men's event carries the prize money of US$30000 while women’s fixture has US$ 12,000 prize money. In the first round of the championship, Ahmed Freed, Farhan Zaman, Farhan Mehboob and Israr Ahmed registered victories after beating their respective opponents at Mushaf Squash Complex and jumped into the next round, which will be played on Tuesday at the same venue. Farhan Mehboob and Ahmed Freed defeated their challengers in straight games while other two local winners won the matches 3-1.   The championship is being played under the supervision of Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) in collaboration with Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Serena Hotels and Combaxx Sports. Results (Men’s Event): Tayyab Aslam (PAK) got Bye Amaad Fareed (PAK) beat Vladislav Titov (RUS) 11-1, 11-5, 11-7 (28 Min) Martin Svec (CZE) beat Danish Atlas Khan (PAK) 8-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-7 (29 Min) Tsz Kwan Lau (HKG) got Bye Asim Khan (PAK) got Bye Farhan Zaman (PAK) beat Robert Downer (ENG) 11-1, 10-12, 12-10, 11-9 (42 Min) Khaled Labib (EGY) beat Zahir Shah (PAK) 11-8, 11-8, 11-2 (21 Min) Auguste Dussourd (FRA) got Bye Moustafa El Sirty (EGY) got Bye Farhan Mehboob (PAK) beat (WC) Hamza Sharif (PAK) 11-8, 11-8, 11-8 (29 Min) Chi Him Wong (HKG) beat Omar ElKattan (EGY) 11-7,11-6,11-6 (20 Min) Max Lee (HKG) got Bye Henry Leung (HKG) got Bye Hugo Varela (ESP) beat Waqas Mehboob (PAK) by 8-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-5 (34 Min) Israr Ahmad (PAK) beat (WC) Noor Zaman (PAK) 11-5, 7-11, 11-6, 11-5 (35 Min) Karim El Hammamy (EGY) got Bye. Results (Women’s Event): Nadia Pfister (SUI) got Bye Rushna Mehboob (PAK) beat Hira Aqeel (PAK) 11-8, 11-7, 12-10 (18 Min) Riffat Khan (PAK) beat Saima Shaukat (PAK) 9-11, 11-9, 11-4, 11-3 (18 Min) Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) got Bye Farah Momen (EGY) got Bye Nimra Aqeel (PAK) beat Naureena Shams (PAK) by 11-1, 11-1, 11-2 (06 Min) (WC) Sana Bahader (PAK) beat  Aiman Shahbaz (PAK) by  11-9, 11-6, 11-4 (13 Min) Salma Eltayeb (EGY) got Bye Nour Aboulmakarim (EGY) got Bye Nadeen Kotb (EGY) beat Kainat Amir (PAK) 11-2, 11-5,11-1 (13 Min) Sadia Gul(PAK)  beat Fehmina Asim (PAK) 11-6,11-5,11-6 (13 Min) Jelena Dutina (SRB) got Bye Noor ul Huda (PAK) got Bye Komal Khan beat Noor Ul Ain Ijaz (PAK) 11-3, 6-11,12-10,  11-5 (31 Min) Anam Mustafa Aziz (PAK) beat (WC) Sammer Anjum (PAK) 4-1 (Retd Hurt) Marie Stephan (FRA) got Bye.  

Sports Reporter LAHORE (October 11, 2021):-The General Body of Shining Cricket Club (SCC) met at 5-A Race Course Road, Lahore on Wednesday, which was presided over by the President of the Club, Shahnawaz Atrey, in which all the members of the Club participated and Governing Board members Shahraiz Abdullah Khan Rokhri and (retd) Colonel Mohammad Saleem also attended the meeting as observers. According to a press release of SCC, all the members of the club unanimously adopted the model constitution of the club of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) 2019 and the election of the club in accordance with the model constitution of the club (2019). Shahnawaz Atrey (President) and Malik Yasir Abdullah (Treasurer) were unanimously elected unopposed. After the meeting, all the members nominated Syed Omar Javed as the secretary of the club to run the club in an efficient manner. PCB’s former member Governing Board Shahraiz Abdullah Khan Rokhri and (Retd) Colonel Mohammad Saleem congratulated the entire management on completing the election process of the club in accordance with the principles of (PCB). Encouraging the young players to play hard and diligently, he said that the way Shining Cricket Club was moving forward, it can be hoped that soon the club would be among the best clubs in the country. The newly elected president of the club Shahnawaz Atrey first thanked former member Governing Board (PCB) Shahraiz Abdullah Khan Rokhri and (retd) Colonel Mohammad Saleem for attending the meeting as observers. He also thanked all the members of the club for their self-confidence.  

Sports Bulletin Report LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND (October 11, 2021):-The Season 3 of the FIH Hockey Pro League will get underway with defending champions and reigning Olympic, World and European title holders the Netherlands taking on Belgium at the Wagener Stadium on the outskirts of Amsterdam on Wednesday. Alyson Annan’s all conquering team were the winners of both the first and second editions of the FIH Hockey Pro League, and will be looking for a hat-trick of titles in Season 3 as they bid to continue their near total dominance of the women’s game. Wednesday’s Netherlands versus Belgium women’s clash will be followed by a women’s and men’s double header in Brussels, with Belgium’s Red Panthers and Red Lions – the latter being the Olympic champions from Tokyo 2020 and reigning FIH Hockey Pro League title holders – welcoming the international teams of Germany on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 October. Coming back to the opening match of this year’s competition, it promises to be a hugely entertaining encounter. The Netherlands have clear superiority in their recent head-to-heads, winning 15 of their 18 matches with Belgium claiming two wins and a draw. The Dutch have won all four of their previous FIH Hockey Pro League matches and were also winners when the two teams met in the EuroHockey Championships semi-finals earlier this year, with the Oranje going on to win the title and Belgium claiming the bronze medal. With very few players having announced their retirement post Tokyo, Annan’s hugely talented squad remains very much intact. Seven of Annan’s gold medal winning team will be involved in the contest against Belgium including captain Eva de Goede and Lidewij Welten, who bring vast experience to a squad containing three uncapped players in the shape of Marente Barentsen (Hurley), Joosje Burg (Den Bosch) and Sabine Plönissen (Amsterdam). With a further eight players each having less than 20 caps, legendary former Australia attacker Annan is making full use of the opportunity to look at the potential stars of the future.  Belgium – coached by revered Dutchman Raoul Ehren, who guided Den Bosch women to unprecedented club success both in the Netherlands and Europe – will come into their contest against the Netherlands keen to make a big impression. The bronze medal achieved at June’s EuroHockey Championships came thanks to a 3-1 victory over Spain, with Barbara Nelen, Abi Raye and Ambre Ballenghien all on target for the Red Panthers. All three have been named in Belgium’s 32 player squad for FIH Hockey Pro League Season 3, with additional experience and quality coming from the likes of Alix Gerniers, Louise Versavel, Emma Puvrez and ace goalkeeper Aisling D’Hooghe. The matches will be available to watch via television or digital streaming thanks to our broadcast partnerships, as well as on the Watch. Hockey app in every country where a rights holding broadcaster is not showing the matches live.