FIH World hockey League

The FIH today took a critical step in developing its next major competition after sending out letters of invitation to teams wishing to participate in the FIH World League.

The FIH World League is set to make its debut in 2012 and will give every member of the FIH the opportunity to play for a place in the FIH World Cup or the Olympic Games. During the 2012-2013 period, the World League will qualify four teams directly into the 2014 FIH World Cup in The Hague, Netherlands.

“We are delighted to be moving ahead with the World League competition,” said FIH Chief Executive Officer Kelly Fairweather. “We have long wanted to start an international competition that goes over multiple rounds and gives every nation a change to reach our elite events. With the World League, we have just that.”

The FIH World League, which has also previously been referred to as the World Series, will be played in four rounds. The first two rounds will take place in the 2012 calendar year, while the third and fourth rounds will conclude the cycle in 2013. The event will include men and women’s teams.

Teams have until April 1st, 2011 to confirm their participation in the FIH World League.

The men’s and women’s teams ranked first through eighth in the FIH World Ranking will receive an automatic bye to Round Three. Teams ranked in the next tier, 9th-16th will get an automatic ticket to Round Two. FIH World Ranking points will be awarded at each level. The details of the points will be announced at a later date.

The number of First Round tournaments will depend entirely on the number of entries received by the FIH. This makes the World League unique in that every nation has a chance to join the road to the World Cup and/or Olympics.

“It has long been the ambition of the FIH to give every country a chance to make it to the highest possible level,” said Fairweather. “The World League gives the smaller nations valuable international experience, while allowing them to have the chance to play the role of David against some of the Goliath countries.”

It is expected that the first round of competition will be kept as local as possible to keep travel costs to a minimum. To this end, FIH will be working closely with its five Continental Federations to organize these tournaments. Those teams making it to Round Two will join the 9th-16th ranked nations in a more regional event that may include teams from varying continents.

At the end of Round Two, eight teams will move onto Round Three to join the top eight teams that are automatically qualified. The third round will then be played in two groups of eight.

Finally in 2013, the champion will be crowned in a final round. The number of teams qualified will be determined by if the host made it through the qualification process.

While the host nations for the first two rounds have yet to be determined, those for Rounds Three and Four were already decided by the FIH Executive Board. They are:

Men’s Women’s
3A Pakistan (Feb. 2013) The Netherlands (June 2013)
3B Germany (June 2013) China (June 2013)
4 India (September 2013) Argentina (December 2013)


According to the current FIH World Ranking, the following teams would receive the byes through the Rounds Two or Three:


Men’s teams ranked 1 – 8 (bye to Round 3)
Australia, Germany, Netherlands, England, Spain, Korea, New Zealand and Pakistan

Men’s teams ranked 9 – 16 (bye to Round 2)
India, Canada, Argentina, South Africa, Belgium, China, Malaysia and Japan

Women’s teams ranked 1 – 8 (bye to Round 3)
Argentina, Netherlands, Germany, China, England, Australia, New Zealand and Korea

Women’s teams ranked 9 – 16 (bye to Round 2)
Japan, Spain, India, South Africa, USA, Azerbaijan, Ireland and Chile

FIH INDOOR HOCKEY WORLD CUP FINALS WOMEN'S RESULTS

Women – Final – Netherlands vs. Germany: 2-4

Dream Final for this 2011 FIH Indoor World Cup between the last two winners: The Netherlands, winner 4 years ago in Vienna, and Germany, winner of the original Indoor World Cup in 2003. Both teams cruised undefeated through the pools and convincingly won their Semi-Final here in Poznan.


Final Standings - Women
1. Germany
2. Netherlands
3. Ukraine
4. Belarus
5. Poland
6. Czech Republic
7. Austria
8. Australia
9. Argentina
10. Namibia
11. Uruguay
12. Kazakhstan

Tournament Awards - Women
Player of the tournament: Belle van MEER (Netherlands)
Top Scorer: Belle van MEER (Netherlands), 11 goals
Best Goalkeeper: Barbara VOGEL (Germany)
Best U-21 player: Paulina OKAJ (Poland)

FIH INDOOR HOCKEY WORLD CUP FINALS MEN'S RESULTS

Men - Final – Germany v. Poland: 3-2

For the third time in the short history of the Indoor World Cup, Germany and Poland met in the Final. They have clearly been the class of the tournament here in Poznan and met earlier in pool play in a thriller that ended in favour of the home team (3-2). Poland had to fend off a strong challenge from Austria in Semi-Final while Germany had an easy task to get past Russia.

Final Standings Men
1. Germany
2. Poland
3. Austria
4. Russia
5. Netherlands
6. England
7. Australia
8. Czech Republic
9. Iran
10. Canada
11. USA
12. Namibia

Tournament Awards - Men
Player of the Tournament: Dariusz RACHWALSKI (Poland)
Top Scorer: Robert TIGGES (Netherlands), 16 goals
Best Goalkeeper: Mariusz CHYLA (Poland)
Best U-21 Player: Patrick SCHMIDT (Austria)

INDOOR HOCKEY WORLD CUP 08th FEB RESULTS

The FIH Indoor World Cup has got underway in Poznan, Poland, with the crowds enjoying plenty of goals on the first day. Germany men in particular were on fire, netting 18 goals against Namibia, while Belarus women also moved into double figures in their triumph over the Africans. However, host nation Poland delighted the home supporters with victories for both their men’s and women’s teams.

Men Russia - USA 6:2 (3:1)
Women Czech R. - Austria 1:0 (0:0)
Men Austria - Iran 5:1 (2:0)
Women Netherlands - Kazakhstan 9:0 (4:0)
Men Germany - Namibia 18:0 (7:0)
Women Ukraine - Argentina 2:1 (1:0)
Men Czech R. - England 1:2 (0:0)
Women Germany - Uruguay 2:0 (2:0)
Women Australia - Poland 1:2 (0:1)
Women Belarus - Namibia 12:0 (6:0)
Men Poland - Australia 3:1 (2:1)
Men Netherlands - Canada 5:1 (1:0)

FIH INDOOR WORLD CUP STARTS TODAY

The FIH INDOOR WORLD CUP- POZNAN 2011 begins on Tuesday 8th February 2011 at 12.30 (GMT +1), with the men of Russia and the USA being the first teams to take to the field on Pitch 1. To find out more information about the FIH Indoor World Cup 2011, please visit the tournament website: http://www.poznan2011.sportcentric.com .

KUMAR IS ASIA'S BEST GOALKEEPER

Malaysian goalkeeper S. Kumar was today named as Asia's best player by the Asian Hockey Federation at its Congress held in Kuala Lumpur.

The 32 year old was the first Malaysian to win the award as prior to this Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin was awarded the Best Youth Player award.
It was indeed a surprise for Kumar, who has been adjudged the best goalkeeper in eight international tournaments.

The year 2010 was a mixed year for Kumar who lost his father, Subramaniam, in the midst of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
But he went on to represent Malaysia at the Asian Games, where Malaysia won the silver medal, their first ever such medal in the Asian Games.
"It is indeed a honour that I will cherish and I dedicate this award to my late father who encouraged me right from the begining," said Kumar.
"Without the sacrifices of my father, I will not be here today.
"My dream is to play at the Olympics and the next one year will be difficult as Malaysia needs to prepare well for the qualifiers."

ASIAN HOCKEY FEDERATION AWARDS

SULTAN AZLAN SHAH AWARD
Thailand Hockey Association

MEMBER OF HONOUR
Dato’ Seri Muneyoshi Ueda – Japan

ORDER OF MERIT
Mr. Mathavan Devadas – Singapore

AHF PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR MAN
Mr. Lei Jun – China

AHF PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR WOMAN
Ms. Shun Jun Hee – Korea

AHF PLAYERS AWARD – 2009
Man – You Hyo Sik (Korea)
Woman – Baorung Fu (China)
Boy – Muhammad Tooseeq (Pakistan)
Girl – Mazuki Arai (Japan)

AHF PLAYERS AWARD – 2010
Man – S. Kumar (Malaysia)
Woman – Park Mih Yun (Korea)
Boy – Syed Kashif Shah (Pakistan)
Girl – Zhao Yudiao

Plans to start IPL in Hockey Too

The Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and Nimbus Sports on Tuesday announced an ambitious World Series Hockey with prize money of more than $1 million that will feature domestic and international players and will be an annual event spread over 10 Indian cities. Indian national team players have already signed up for the league. A host of top players like Sandeep Singh, Adrian D'Souza, Dhananjay Mahadik and Sardara Singh were present during the announcement.

The prize money for the tournament will be more than $1 million initially and players can make Rs 40-50 lakh annually from guaranteed fees, endorsements and performance incentives. Players will initialy be contracted for three years.

Teams will be owned by corporate franchises and players will be allocated on the basis of draft picks. Team owners will have to shell out running expenses, commitment to hockey development and commitment to infrastructure development.

The league is likely to run into trouble with Hockey India (HI), which is the body recognised by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). HI had threatened to take action against players who take part in any IHF tournament.

Around 40 domestic players have already signed up for the league that is expected to kick off in November or December next year. The league will feature 100 matches held over 10 weeks. "We are in talks with foreign players through agents," IHF president R.K. Shetty said.

“This joint initiative between IHF and Nimbus will reinvigorate our national game while injecting additional funds for the development of hockey.

"Nimbus Sport is one of Asia’s largest sports management companies. With this association, we are confident that Indian hockey is set for its biggest ever boost. World Series Hockey is a win-win situation for everyone as it will bring back hockey fans and make them cheer the national sport and local talent,” Shetty added.

He said that the structure of the league is different from the Premier Hockey League, which enjoyed fair amount of success 2005-2008.

Harish Thawani, executive chairman of Nimbus Communications Limited, said the event is only the first in a number of initiatives that have been planned for hockey.

"Nimbus Sport shall team up with IHF and will organize, manage, develop, produce, stage, promote and market the league. It will also market all broadcasting and all other electronic media rights, in connection with the league," according to a statement from Nimbus, which is also the official broadcaster of the Indian cricket board.

Thawani said no player can be stopped from participating in the league.

"IHF is recognised by the sports ministry and infrastructure like stadiums are owned by IHF. Stadiums in Mumbai and Bangalore are owned by the Mumbai Hockey Association and Karnataka State Hockey Association respectively and both associations are part of IHF," said Thawani.

"We are willing to release players for national camps and international tournaments. The players are free to represent the country. After this, I don't think HI should object to players becoming part of World Series Hockey. If it does so, then it amounts to restraint on trade."

Shetty said they want HI to back the league.

"We are not fighting with HI. All we are saying that this is beneficial for the game and the players. It will also help the hockey infrastructure in the country," he said.

The league will be an annual event and a 10 team competition in its first year and will be played using a city based model. The entire event will take place on 'home and away' basis culminating into multi header play offs. Around 60 international players would be picked up by the American style draft system.

"It will not be cattle like auction as we see in other leagues," Thawani said in an indirect reference to the Indian Premier League.

Nimbus has struck the deal for 15 years and will bear "the cost of the league as well as provide IHF with an annual fee for the development of hockey amounting to over Rs.30 crores over the period of the contract or a share of league profits, whichever is higher."

The first edition of World Series Hockey will take place between November/December 2011 and February 2012, will feature upto 100 matches and upto 250 hockey players from India and around the world. Each match of the league will be produced and broadcast live on multiple media platforms, including television.

SARDAR SINGH OF INDIAN HOCKEY TEAM IN MENS FIH ALL STAR TEAM 2010

FIH All Stars 2010 - Men:
Name, Nation & FIH All Star Record
Jamie Dwyer (AUS) - 2006,2007,2008,2009 & 2010
Ashley Jackson (ENG) - 2009 & 2010
Rehan Butt (PAK) - 2008 & 2010
Barry Middleton (ENG) - 2008, 2009 & 2010
David Alegre (ESP) - 2010
Des Abbott (AUS) - 2010
Eddie Ockenden (AUS) - 2008, 2009 & 2010
Guus Vogels (NED) - 2007, 2008 & 2010
James Fair (ENG) - 2010
Jong Ho Seo (KOR) - 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
Lucas Vila (ARG) - 2010
Matthias Witthaus (GER) - 2007, 2008 & 2010
Max Müller (GER) - 2009 & 2010
Moritz Fürste (GER) - 2007, 2009 & 2010
Nick Wilson (NZL) - 2010
Sardar Singh (IND) - 2010
Teun de Nooijer (NED) - 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
Tobias Hauke (GER) - 2010

Ric Charlesworth (AUS - Coach) – 2009 & 2010
Markus Weise (GER - Coach) – 2008, 2009 & 2010

RANI RAMPAL OF INDIAN HOCKEY TEAM IN FIH WOMENS ALL STAR TEAM OF 2010

Each FIH All Star list is created using the recommendations and opinions of various hockey experts from across the globe including players, officials, coaches and journalists.

The following players were selected for the 2010 FIH All Star Teams.

FIH All Stars 2010 – Women:
Name, Nation & FIH All Star Record
Luciana Aymar (ARG) - 2006,2007,2008,2009 & 2010
Soledad Garcia (ARG) - 2010
Noel Barrionuevo (ARG) - 2009 & 2010
Carla Rebecchi (ARG) - 2008 & 2010
Casey Eastham (AUS) 2009 & 2010
Madonna Blyth (AUS) - 2007, 2009 & 2010
Fu Baorong (CHN) - 2006, 2008, 2009 & 2010
Zhao Yudiao (CHN) - 2010
Helen Richardson (ENG) - 2009 & 2010
Rani Rampal (IND) - 2010
Beth Storry (ENG) - 2010
Crista Cullen (ENG) - 2006, 2007 & 2010
Natascha Keller (GER) - 2006, 2008, 2009 & 2010
Maartje Paumen (NED) - 2008, 2009 & 2010
Naomi van As (NED) - 2008, 2009 & 2010
Marsha Marescia (RSA) - 2007, 2009 & 2010
Joyce Sombroek (NED) - 2010
Kayla Sharland (NZL) – 2010

FIH announces 2010 All Star teams

The FIH can announce the All Star teams for 2010, which feature a total of 36 players and four coaches who have lit up the hockey world over the past 12 months with their achievements.

The impressive squads feature a number of legendary icons who have been named on the All Stars lists on many previous occasions, such as five time nominees Luciana Aymar (ARG), Jamie Dwyer (AUS) and Teun de Nooijer (NED). Between them, these three players have also collected a staggering 14 FIH Player of the Year titles over the past decade.

However, they are far from being the only high achievers in the All Star teams. Three players have notched up their fourth appearances on the lists, with Natascha Keller (GER), Fu Baorong (CHN) and Jong Ho Seo (KOR) all featuring in the 2010 squads. Madonna Blyth (AUS), Crista Cullen (ENG), Maartje Paumen (NED), Naomi van As (NED) and Marsha Marescia (RSA) have each been named in the women’s FIH All Stars team for a third time, with Barry Middleton (ENG), Eddie Ockenden (AUS), Matthias Witthaus (GER), Moritz Fürste (GER) and the now retired Netherlands goalkeeper Guus Vogels also achieved the same feat in the men’s All Star team.
Argentina penalty corner star Noel Barrionuevo makes the list for a second time, joined by her team-mate Carla Rebecchi, Casey Eastham (AUS), Helen Richardson (ENG), Ashley Jackson (ENG), Rehan Butt (PAK) and Max Müller (GER).

As well as these more familiar names, a number of other gifted individuals have made the FIH All Star lists for the first time. Argentina’s Soledad Garcia earned her place in the women’s list thanks to outstanding performances as her team won the BDO FIH World Cup and Samsung FIH Champions Trophy. India’s Rani Rampal (Player of the Tournament – BDO FIH World Cup) and China’s Zhao Yudiao (FIH Young Player of the Year 2010) have also made the list, having proven themselves as two of the hottest young talents in the game. Kayla Sharland is another first time FIH All Star due to her stand-out displays for the young and gifted Black Sticks team, while goalkeeping duo Beth Storry (ENG) and Joyce Sombroek (NED) were both sensational throughout the BDO FIH World Cup for their respective nations.

Of the 18 strong men’s All Star list, seven players are there for the first time. James Fair makes it an impressive double for England goalkeepers, joining Beth Storry in the 2010 All Star teams, while Kookaburra’s striker Des Abbott also makes the list following a year in which he won the top prize at the Hero Honda FIH World Cup, ABN AMRO Champions Trophy and the Commonwealth Games. Spanish midfielder David Alegre has been an impressive performer for his country, being joined on the list by Argentina’s Lucas Vila, brilliant India defender Sardar Singh and Nick Wilson of New Zealand, a striker nominated by his peers for the FIH Young Player of the Year Award. The winner of that particular award was Germany midfielder Tobias Hauke, who also becomes an FIH All Star for the first time.

In terms of coaches, Argentina’s Carlos Retegui and Danny Kerry of England have been named on the women’s All Stars list while Kookaburra’s boss Ric Charlesworth and Markus Weise of Germany have made the men’s list. Retegui had a near flawless 12 months, guiding Las Leonas to success at the BDO FIH World Cup and Samsung FIH Champions Trophy, while Danny Kerry’s England team took great strides forward by winning a trio of Bronze medals at the Champions Trophy, World Cup and Commonwealth Games tournaments. Charlesworth’s inclusion is no surprise when you consider his staggering coaching achievements this year, overseeing Australian triumphs at the ABN AMRO FIH Champions Trophy, Hero Honda FIH World Cup and the Commonwealth Games. Markus Weise has also achieved great things in 2010, directing his exciting young Germany team to a Silver Medal at the Hero Honda FIH World Cup.