‘Watershed moment:’ Hockey India unveils first National Women’s Hockey League

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‘Watershed moment:’ Hockey India unveils first National Women’s Hockey League

Hockey India has unveiled the National Women’s Hockey League, the first of its kind in the country, with the door opened for under-21 talent. 

The league is structured into two phases, with the inaugural phase set to take place in Ranchi, Jharkhand, at the end of the month.

Aiming to provide a platform for emerging athletes and elevate the stature of women’s hockey in the country, the league will see the top state teams that finished in top eight at the marquee 14th Hockey India Senior Women’s National Championships.

Hockey Haryana, Hockey Maharashtra, Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Hockey Bengal, Hockey Mizoram, Manipur Hockey, and Hockey Association of Odisha will all take part.

Notably, the league will also open its doors to young talent, with players under the age of 21 eligible to participate. 

Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey, said: “The National Women’s Hockey League marks a watershed moment for Indian hockey, particularly for our women athletes. This league is a testament to our unwavering commitment to women’s sports and will serve as a catalyst for the growth and development of women’s hockey in the country.”

Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh added, “We are thrilled to introduce the National Women’s Hockey League, which represents a significant leap forward in our efforts to bolster women’s hockey at both the regional and national levels. This league will not only provide a platform for elite competition but also inspire young girls to pursue their passion for hockey.”

England Hockey Finals Weekend: Old Georgians and East Grinstead set for title defence

Hockey Paper staff
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England Hockey Finals Weekend: Old Georgians and East Grinstead set for title defence

Old Georgians men and East Grinstead women are on track for league title defences after both won on the final day of the season to secure League Finals Weekend tickets.

Old Georgians, unbeaten in 17 matches, beat Holcombe 4-2, with Henry Weir scoring from two second-half penalty corner goals.

Old Georgians will take on Wimbledon in a repeat of last year’s semi-final on Saturday, with Hampstead & Westminster set to face Surbiton in the other last four clash.

In-form Hampstead & Westminster secured their ticket with a 4-2 win over Beeston, who suffered a fourth defeat in a row.

Men’s Premier Division top scorers:
Sam Ward (Old Georgians) 25
Henry Croft (Beeston) 23
Struan Walker (Surbiton) 22
Alan Forsyth (Old Georgians) 21
Luke Taylor (Surbiton) 17
Nick Bandurak (Holcombe) 17

Meanwhile, Cardiff & Met staved off relegation in their first ever season in the Men’s Premier Division. Reading’s home form proved their demise as the failed to win a single game at Sonning Lane. 

In the Women’s Premier Division, East Grinstead overcame Reading 2-1 and will head into this weekend’s league finale 13 matches unbeaten. Grace Balsdon and Sophie Bray scored second-half goals to secure their passage. 

Wimbledon beat Bowdon to qualify for League Finals for the first time, while Surbiton beat Hampstead & Westminster for the third time this season courtesy of a 4-1 win. H&W are set to meet East Grinstead in the women’s semi-finals. 

Meanwhile, Beeston were relegated to the second tier after six seasons in the Premier Division. They were demoted with Isca & University of Exeter.

Women’s Premier Division top scorers:
Madi Ratcliffe (Hampstead & Westminster) 15
Hannah French (Surbiton) 13
Sophie Bray (East Grinstead) 13
Tess Howard (East Grinstead) 13
Mia Moore (Reading) 10

Sat 13 April 2024 

11.00     Women’s semi-final 1  

13.15     Women’s semi-final 2  

15.30     Men’s semi-final 1  

17.45     Men’s semi-final 2  

Sun 14 April 2024 

10.00     Women’s 3rd/4th play-off 

12.15     Men’s 3rd/4th play-off  

14.30     Women’s final 

17.00     Men’s final

Tickets still available

*Stats provided by Colin Pike

Paris Olympics Hockey: Eddie Ockenden replaced as Australia captain

Hockey Paper staff
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Paris Olympics Hockey: Eddie Ockenden replaced as Australia captain

Australia’s most-capped played Eddie Ockenden has been replaced as sole captain by Aran Zalewski ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

After a coaching staff decision, Zalewski is preparing to lead out for the 250th time for Australia this weekend, almost 13 years after he played his first game as a 20 year old, just an hour from his home in Bunbury.

Now, two hours up the road at Perth Hockey Stadium, Zalewski will be hoping this special milestone has a similar tale to tell. His 250th cap, more than a decade on, once again against India but this time as captain at the Perth International Festival of Hockey.

“It’s very exciting playing 250 games for Australia and I think it’s moments like these you reflect on your career and think about all of the good things and moments you’ve had over time,” he said.

Zalewski admits much has changed since that first match, as he reflects on moments of celebration like being named the FIH Pro League’s best player in 2019 when Australia won the first edition, three Commonwealth Games gold medals and being a three-time Olympian and Olympic silver medallist.

“What comes to mind is just how great the journey’s been, how many different people I’ve met, the friends I’ve met and the family that come along for the ride.

“I do remember the early stages and I think about all of the growth that I’ve had and a lot of the setbacks as well which make you stronger, make you more resilient and a lot of critical conversations with coaches too.

They include legends and leaders of the game Ric Charlesworth, Paul Gaudoin, Graeme Reid and current Kookaburras head coach Colin Batch, just to name a few on his journey who he says has made him a better player.

“Aran has a calming influence on the group, he’s got a good awareness of where we’re at and he’s a good on-field leader because his mindset is stable, you know he doesn’t get highly emotional,” Batch said after the announcement.

“He’s good off the field as well, he’s a connecting person and knows how to connect with people. Once you have that connection you can have tricky conversations.” 

That stable mindset is also a reflection of how Aran Zalewski plans to approach a big week ahead.

“I won’t think about it too much before the match,” he concedes. 

“I think the one thing I am really proud of is the belief that you have to have in yourself that you can do it and that you belong here on this stage, so to play 250 games, you know hopefully I have taught that to myself,” Zalewski said.

Hockey India aims to unearth next gen of drag flickers and goalkeepers

Hockey Paper staff
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Hockey India aims to unearth next gen of drag flickers and goalkeepers

Hockey India has announced an initiative aimed at investing in the future of Indian hockey through specialised coaching targeting young drag flickers and goalkeepers.

This strategic decision follows a meeting convened to discuss the crucial aspects of goalkeeping and drag flicking coaching at grassroots level. 

The meeting saw the participation of former India goalkeepers including Adrian D’Souza, Bharat Chetri, Yogita Bali, Helen Mary, Dipika Murty, Akash Chikte, PT Rao, along with former India drag-flickers Rupinder Pal Singh, Jugraj Singh, VR Raghunath, and Gurjinder Singh.

By fostering a nurturing environment from an early age, Hockey India aims to fortify the talent pipeline for the nation’s prestigious hockey teams.

Key highlights of the program include:

Formation of Talent Pool: Hockey India will assemble a dedicated pool of former goalkeepers and drag-flickers. These seasoned athletes will be deployed to premier national academies across India to conduct intensive 3-day training sessions.

Identification and Specialized Training: Following the training sessions, the former players will meticulously identify young talents exhibiting exceptional promise. These identified athletes will receive specialized attention and training from Hockey India, tailored to enhance their skills and nurture their potential.

Support and Compensation: Recognizing the invaluable contribution of the former players, Hockey India will provide compensation for their time and efforts. Additionally, the organization will extend support to cover any incidental expenses, including accommodation and travel arrangements.

Speaking on the initiative, Rupinder Pal Singh said: “This initiative is truly remarkable, providing young talents with invaluable learning opportunities as they glean insights and refine their skills under our guidance. 

“Moreover, it presents a wonderful chance for us to pass down the wisdom accumulated through years of experience, nurturing the next generation of hockey stars and fostering a culture of mentorship and growth.”

Meanwhile, Bharat Chetri said: “As a former India goalkeeper, I applaud Hockey India for spearheading this transformative initiative. Investing in grassroots development is pivotal for the long-term success of Indian hockey. 

“By focusing on crucial positions like goalkeeping from the grassroots level, Hockey India is laying a sturdy foundation for our national teams. This program not only nurtures talent but also instills a sense of pride and passion for the sport among youngsters, ensuring a steady supply of skilled players for years to come. I believe this initiative will be instrumental in shaping the future of Indian hockey and elevating our teams to greater heights on the global stage.”

Up for the Cup? Old Georgians and Beeston still in line for hat-trick bids

Rod Gilmour
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Up for the Cup? Old Georgians and Beeston still in line for hat-trick bids

The England Hockey Cup (T1 Championship in modern parlance) still means something to some clubs — even if profile and interest has waned considerably in recent years — as the tournament reaches its semi-final stage this weekend.

Old Georgians men and Beeston women are two matches away from securing a hat-trick of national Cup successes in a season where only 12 teams entered in both the men’s and women’s draws.

In the men’s T1 Championship, Old Georgians are still in the running for a third straight national Cup success, with two lower league clubs also out for upsets.

OGs, who edged past Clifton Robinsons in a last eight shoot-out, face Banbury on Sunday at 2pm, while Beeston, runners up last year, face a home tie against Norwich.

The East Anglia side were awarded a walkover 5-0 win over Teddington in the last round, while Banbury beat Fareham in a shoot-out.

In the women’s top tier Cup, Beeston are also still in the hunt for a hat-trick of national knock-out titles after only 12 teams started out in the draw.

Holcombe have enjoyed season success PIC: MARTIN WAIGHT IMAGES

Surbiton 2s, who won Division One South this season, and Beeston – still threatened by relegation from the Premier Division – meet in the other semi-final.

Surbiton 2s beat last year’s finalists Guildford 4-2, while Beeston edged St Albans 2-1.

Having already sealed promotion in indoor and outdoor hockey this season, Holcombe are looking to cap off a fine season with a knock-out triumph.

Nick Bandurak’s side beat Trojans 5-2 in the first round before a 4-3 win over Wimbledon in the quarter-finals in December to set up this tie. Doncaster have progressed courtesy of byes to knock out Harrogate and Brooklands-Poynton.

Nick’s wife Emma has three goals in those two cup games and will be hoping to continue that form while Phoebe Steele will also be looking to keep her goalscoring exploits going having scored seven goals in her last nine appearances.

The finals take place at Lee Valley on May 6.

Are hockey’s rules on swearing and red cards too lenient?

Hockey Paper staff
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Are hockey’s rules on swearing and red cards too lenient?

Tom Grambusch is likely to be handed just a one-match suspension for his trio of expletive-laden language at match officials during Rot-Weiss Koln’s bronze medal defeat to Old Georgians in the Euro Hockey League, while another player was acquitted for spitting towards an opponent.

The German endured a rollercoaster game against the English club, who won 3-2. Grambusch scored twice to level the bronze match before Chris Proctor bagged his second. Grambusch was then handed a green card with two minutes left for playing the ball after the whistle before uttering “f*** the umpires” and said “f*** off” as he looked at the second umpire, according to the technical delegate’s report. 

He was given a red card before Grambusch came off the pitch and told the TO on duty “This is a f***ing joke”.

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Masters couple: ‘we go to the turf together, we watch each other’s games’

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Masters couple: ‘we go to the turf together, we watch each other’s games’

Rachelle and Howie Wilson are looking forward to their fourth National Masters Hockey Tournament together in Wellington next week. But for the Wilsons, hockey isn’t just a game — it’s an adventure that allows them to do what they love together.

Their story kicks off six years ago after first meeting during an interclub game. But it wasn’t until a mixed game and some casual chat at an after-match function that they hit it off. Howie described it as a match made in hockey heaven.

Reflecting on their meeting, Howie remarked, “After the prize giving, you go out for dinner and everybody’s having some drinks and it’s just a hi, kind of thing.” Rachelle chimed in, “It’s easy when hockey is both your passion.”

Their journey into masters’ hockey together started in 2019 at the national tournament in Hamilton, with Rachelle playing for Canterbury and Howie playing for Tasman. Howie got his first taste of coaching Rachelle around the same time when she moved up to Mount Maunganui to live with him, before they both made the shift down to Christchurch.

Since then, they’ve always shared their hockey journey, “we go to the turf together, we watch each other’s games,” Howie said.

“We always support each other on and off the field and this is one of the main reasons I coach Rachelle’s teams, I would be there watching anyway!”

Both Rachelle and Howie have represented New Zealand in Masters Hockey in Trans-Tasman tournaments, as well as playing for the South in a North vs South series.

Their goal at the moment is to play for New Zealand at the same time at either the World Cup (with the next iteration happening in Auckland at the end of the year) or in a Trans-Tasman series so they can get another cool photo for their growing collection.

But for now their focus is on the National Tournament in Wellington, where they’re hopeful they’ll come home with some silverware.

Netherlands women axe Drummond-De Goede and Van Geffen from Paris Olympic build-up

Hockey Paper staff
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Netherlands women axe Drummond-De Goede and Van Geffen from Paris Olympic build-up

Dutch women greats Eva Drummond-De Goede and Margot van Geffen are shock omissions from the Oranje’s squad ahead of this summer’s Paris Olympics.

National coach Paul van Ass’ decision on Tuesday is set to bring an end to the glittering international careers of Drummond-De Goede, 35, and 34-year-old Van Geffen.

Drummond and Van Geffen are numbers two and three in the Dutch all-time rankings with 266 and 265 international matches respectively. The duo won Olympic gold at London 2012 and Tokyo 2020 – Drummond also won gold at Beijing 2008 – and three world titles in 2014, 2018 and 2022.

“It is not easy to tell internationals with such an enormous track record that they are no longer part of the Dutch team,” Van Ass said. 

‘These are obviously difficult conversations and emotional moments. Both players have meant a lot to Dutch and international hockey and are an example to many.

Paris 2024 Olympics: Hockey schedule, match fixtures, results, how to watch on TV
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“We are extremely grateful to them for that. But my job as national coach is to select the very best players for the Olympic Games together with my staff. Unfortunately, we believe that Eva and Margot no longer belong there.’

In January of this year, Van Ass also dropped veteran Lidewij Welten, the 33-year-old forward having netted 95 goals over nearly 250 internationals.

As they go for a defence of their title in Paris, captain Xan de Waard is back from a foot injury and goalkeeper Julia Remmerswaal also returns. From the Dutch Juniors, Eline Jansen (Kampong), Daantje de Kruijff (Hurley) and Mikki Roberts (Tilburg) have been invited to train.

Hockey India League given green light to relaunch in December

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Hockey India League given green light to relaunch in December

The Hockey India League has been given the green light by the FIH to resume after an eight-year hiatus, with reports suggesting that national bodies have also given the go-ahead that hockey’s top stars will be available.  

It is expected to relaunch from Dec 28 to Feb 1, with the HIL set to adopt a home and away format.

The new version will have eight men’s teams and, for the first time, six women’s sides, with the latter having originally been set for four teams.

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Surbiton take plaudits at women’s EuroHockey Club Trophy

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Surbiton take plaudits at women’s EuroHockey Club Trophy

Surbiton ousted KHC Dragons with a second successive 4-3 victory to land the women’s EuroHockey Club Trophy I in Hamburg, as their GB cohorts proved pivotal while Amber Walton finished goalkeeper of the tournament.

It made it two wins from two for English sides against Belgian opposition in women’s club competition over the Easter weekend and ended Dragons’ two-year hold on this title.

The first quarter ended scoreless before the game exploded into life in the second quarter with four goals in six minutes.

Giselle Ansley started the run but her corner goal was quickly annulled by one from Manuela Vila for Dragons.

Hannah French restored Surbiton’s lead with her fifth goal of the tournament but Fleur Verboven ensured the game was level once more at 2-2 at half-time.

It remained that way through the third quarter but a double strike from tournament top scorer Sophie Hamilton proved pivotal with goals in the 49th and 52nd minutes.

Valerie Magis got one back from the penalty spot but Surbiton played out the last three minutes to earn the title and a significant title.

Hosts Club an der Alster finished third thanks to a 5-0 win over MSC Sumchanka with Carlota Sippel scoring a hat trick with Hanna Granitzki getting the other two.

Watsonians beat Slavia Prague 4-2 with three goals – from Mairi Drummond, Jessica Garden and Emily Dark – in the first nine minutes laying the base for their success.

Rotweiss Wettingen defeated Butterfly Roma 1-0 for seventh place courtesy of Elena Trösch’s 35th minute goal.

Women’s EuroHockey Club Trophy I (Hamburg, Germany) – final standings

  1. Surbiton (England)
  2. KHC Dragons (Belgium)
  3. Der Club an der Alster (Germany)
  4. MSC Sumchanka (Ukraine)
  5. Watsonians (Scotland)
  6. SK Slavia Prague (Czechia)
  7. HC Rotweiss Wettingen (Switzerland)
  8. Butterfly Roma (Italy)

Player of the tournament: Jimena Cedrés (KHC Dragons)

Goalkeeper of the tournament: Amber Walton (Surbiton)

Leading goalscorer: Hanna Granitzki (Der Club an der Alster)

Meanwhile, Lisnagarvey produced a memorable third quarter show to land the men’s EuroHockey Club Trophy I in Lousada to defeat reigning champions Cardiff & Met 4-2 in the final.

The Irish side had trailed twice early in the contest but three goals – from Ryan Getty, Andrew Williamson and Oliver Kidd – in a seven minute spell saw them race clear.

Early on, Owain Dolan-Gray and Ieuan Davies nudged the Welsh side 1-0 and 2-1 up in the early phases either side of Williamson’s first goal of the day.

But that Garvey run of goals put them in the clear and completed a perfect tournament for them, four wins from four and scoring 22 times in the process.

It was their second European title in the past two years having won the 2022 EuroHockey Club Challenge I in Copenhagen.

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