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Tag: Hockey World Cup 2023

  • Hockey World Cup 2023: India end ninth with 5-2 win over South Africa

    Akashdeep scored a brace whereas Harmanpreet, Shamsher and Abhishek additionally bought on the scoresheet as India defeated South Africa 5-2 to complete ninth within the Hockey World Cup 2023 on Saturday. India ended the marketing campaign tied with Argentina within the remaining standings.

    New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 28, 2023 23:04 IST

    Akashdeep scored a brace as India received the match 5-2 (Courtesy: PTI)

    By India Today Web Desk: India ended their Hockey World Cup 2023 marketing campaign on a excessive as they beat South Africa 5-2 on Saturday to complete ninth within the competitors.

    Captain Harmanpreet, Akashdeep and Shamsher Singh have been on the scoresheet as India completed tied with Argentina within the World Cup. The hosts had defeated Japan 8-0 on twenty sixth January.

    India began the sport on the entrance foot and made a couple of early inroads into the South African circle. Nicholas Spooner collected a inexperienced card early on and it proved to be expensive as Abhishek put India within the lead within the fourth minute.

    India had made 4 circle penetrations into the South African circle by the tenth minute and doubled their lead within the eleventh minute from a penalty nook. Harmanpreet made no mistake in changing his shot as India appeared to be in cruise management at that second.

    The second quarter did not see any objectives as South Africa had improved their attacking recreation. India held on and went into the break with the benefit.

    Both groups tried to get the following purpose within the match in the course of the third quarter however to no avail. Finally, India made it 3-0 within the forty fifth minute as Shamsher transformed from an aerial cross he had acquired from Abhishek.

    In the forty ninth minute, Akashdeep scored to place the competition effectively out of South Africa’s attain. They did, nevertheless, seize a few comfort objectives with the primary one within the forty ninth minute itself.

    Samkelo Mvimbi slotted the ball previous PR Sreejesh to make it 4-1 on the day. India would then seize their fifth purpose within the 59th minute of the match.

    Cassiem transformed a penalty nook within the remaining minute of the match to make it 5-2 and finish the sport. With that India ended their marketing campaign with some delight after massive wins over Japan and South Africa.

    Published On:

    Jan 28, 2023

  • Hockey World Cup 2023: Gonzalo Peillat’s hat-trick sends Germany into last with comeback win over Australia

    Gonzalo Peillat scored a hat-trick and Niklas Wellen scored a sixtieth minute aim as Germany shocked Australia with an excellent second-half efficiency to enter the ultimate of the Hockey World Cup 2023 on Friday. Germany will face Belgium within the last.

    New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 27, 2023 23:50 IST

    Peillat and Wellen had been the heroes for Germany as they reached the ultimate (Courtesy: PTI)

    By India Today Web Desk: A second-half hat-trick from Gonzalo Peillat despatched Germany into the ultimate of the Hockey World Cup 2023 as they secured a 4-3 win over Australia on Friday.

    Peillat, who was the hero for Argentina within the Rio Olympics, scored from three penalty corners within the forty third, 52nd and 59th minutes to mount a comeback within the recreation when Australia seemed to be in full management.

    Jeremy Hayward scored within the twelfth minute to open the scoring for the Australian group, earlier than Nathan Ephraums made it 2-0 within the twenty seventh minute. However, the followers within the Kalinga stadium had been in for a deal with as Peillat and the German flipped the script and adjusted the complexion of the entire recreation.

    The former Argentina drag-flicker, who’s now a German citizen, pulled one again for his group earlier than making it 2-2 within the 52nd minute as the sport was finely poised at that second.

    Blake Govers then scored within the 58th minute for Australia because it appeared like a killer blow for Germany on the day. But Peillat then made it 3-3 earlier than Niklas Wellen struck within the last minute of the sport to place Germany into the ultimate of the Hockey World Cup for the fifth time of their historical past.

    This was the second time the two-time champions mounted a comeback within the match and so they defeated England after being 0-2 down within the quarterfinals. They would bounce again and defeat England in a Penalty Shootout.

    Germany was additionally capable of take revenge on Australia for his or her defeat within the Tokyo Olympics semi-finals. Australia will now need to accept the Bronze medal match and this would be the second time in as many World Cups they are going to be enjoying for the third spot.

    Peillat and Co will face defending champions Belgium within the last on Sunday.

    Published On:

    Jan 27, 2023

  • Hockey World Cup 2023: India register huge 8-0 victory over Japan in classification match

    India, who had made a shock exit from the showpiece occasion after shedding to New Zealand of their crossover match, performed their greatest recreation but it surely got here too late within the match.

    File photograph of Indian Hockey group (Courtesy: PTI)

    By Press Trust of India: Under-fire captain Harmanpreet Singh lastly got here good along with his drag flick as he and younger striker Abhishek struck a brace every as India demolished Asian Games champions Japan 8-0 in an inconsequential FIH Men’s World Cup classification match right here on Thursday.

    India, who had made a shock exit from the showpiece occasion after shedding to New Zealand of their crossover match, performed their greatest recreation but it surely got here too late within the match.

    The hosts, who scored 4 objectives every within the third and fourth quarters, will now play South Africa within the ninth to twelfth place match on Saturday.

    Harmanpreet (forty sixth and 59th minutes) struck twice within the fourth quarter off penalty corners, which ought to enhance his confidence a bit after repeated failures along with his drag flick all through the match. He had taken most of India’s 26 PCs earlier than Thursday’s classification match.

    He additionally took the vast majority of the 11 PCs India earned on Thursday.

    He had additionally scored as soon as earlier from his drag flick within the dying moments of the ultimate Pool D match in opposition to Wales, however that was after the opponents had taken out the goalkeeper in lieu of an outfield participant.

    The 23-year-old Abhishek, recognized solely by his first identify, scored within the thirty sixth and forty fourth minutes — each discipline objectives — whereas Mandeep Singh (thirty third), Vivek Sagar Prasad (fortieth), Manpreet Singh (59th) and Sukhjeet Singh (sixtieth) have been the opposite goal-getters for India.

    After a goalless first half, India scored 4 objectives within the third quarter and added 4 extra within the fourth in a lopsided match, the place greater than 60 per cent possession was with the hosts.

    A full-capacity crowd turned up on the Birsa Munda Stadium to observe the classification match and the spectators have been handled to the house facet’s most convincing win within the match.

    India have been the dominant facet within the first quarter with extra circle penetration. The dwelling facet earned back-to-back PCs within the twelfth minute however Harmanpreet couldn’t rating from each. Raj Kumar Pal struck a robust reverse hit within the 14th minute however missed the goal.

    Abhishek had a golden likelihood with just a few seconds left within the first quarter however his shot was blocked by Japanese goalkeeper Yoshikawa Takashi.

    Japan earned back-to-back PCs simply because the second quarter began however wasted each.

    India shortly counter-attacked and Akashdeep Singh’s snapshot from the highest of the placing circle was once more blocked by Takashi. Harmanpreet then wasted India’s third PC.

    Lalit Upadhyay had one other go on the Japanese aim however Takashi was at it, denying India but once more.

    India had not less than 16 circle penetrations until the half time as in opposition to 9 by Japan however that domination did no translate into objectives.

    India scored three minutes after the beginning of third quarter from a penalty-corner variation. Amit Rohidas’ push was deflected into the aim by Mandeep Singh for his first aim of the match.

    Three minutes later, Abhishek made it 2-0 as his reverse sweep off a positive move from Vivek Sagar Prasad beat the Japanese goalkeeper.

    India’s dominance continued to develop because the hosts took the sport away from Japan’s attain with their third aim within the fortieth minute from their sixth PC.

    Prasad scored his maiden World Cup aim after Harmanpreet’s drag flick ricocheted from a defender’s stick.

    Abhishek accomplished his brace a minute earlier than the tip of the third quarter as his excessive reverse shot following a move from Prasad discovered the online.

    Harmanpreet lastly discovered the goal along with his drag flick within the first minute of the fourth quarter as India continued their goal-scoring spree.

    Senior participant Manpreet and Sukhjeet joined the get together with objectives in direction of the tip of the match.

    In different classification matches right here, South Africa beat Malaysia 6-3 whereas debutants Wales defeated France 2-1 within the penalty shootout to register their maiden World Cup win after the perimeters have been locked 2-2 on the finish of regulation time.

    Wales will face Argentina, who hammered neighbours Chile 8-0 in one other classification match, within the ninth to twelfth place match on Saturday.

    — ENDS —

    Edited By:

    Kingshuk Kusari

    Published On:

    Jan 26, 2023

  • Hockey World Cup: Shin guards as South Korea rise once more

    As far as nicknames go, ‘Jangbas’ is as unconventional a fusion as they arrive. It isn’t the kind that’ll strike worry within the hearts of opponents. And actually not the endearing type.

    But for Jang Jong-hyun, it’s an final honour. In South Korea’s modest hockey circles, the drag-flicker has acquired a legendary standing and earned direct comparisons with Pakistani nice Sohail Abbas, giving rise to the title ‘Jangbas’. To make sure, Jang’s physique of labor isn’t even a speck on Abbas. But for 20 years, the 38-year-old has been holding collectively South Korean hockey, conserving it afloat whereas it teetered on the brink. All, together with his sling-shot-like drag-flicks.

    On Monday, there was the primary glimpse of the revival of a fallen big; a group that has been in an Olympic last, gained 4 Asian Games gold medals and clinched probably the most variety of continental titles. And after all, it was ‘Jangbas’ who was liable for it.

    DRAMA on the Kalinga as Korea comes again repeatedly to win in opposition to Argentina. Here are some moments from the sport.

    🇦🇷 ARG 5-5 KOR 🇰🇷(SO 2:3)#ARGvsKOR #HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #HockeyWorldCup2023 #HWC2023 @CMO_Odisha @sports_odisha @IndiaSports @Media_SAI pic.twitter.com/nQNGIzRv17

    — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) January 23, 2023

    He scored twice together with his drag-flicks after which deceived the Argentine defence with a beautifully-worked variation to arrange his teammate because the ‘Red Bumblebees’ stung former Olympic champions Argentina in what will probably be remembered as a World Cup basic. South Korea got here again from two targets down within the last quarter to make it 5-5 after which gained the penalty shootout 3-2 to enter the quarterfinals upon their return to the massive stage after eight years.

    The wild celebrations that adopted carried on till the lights went off contained in the Kalinga Stadium. They are the one Asian group left within the event however coach Shin Seok-kyo wasn’t gloating. “It’s fantastic,” Shin beamed. “There was a lot of pressure on my team. It was very sad that India, Asia’s leader, lost. And then, Malaysia and Japan did also not make it. So, I am happy that an Asian team is in the quarterfinals.”

    For Shin, this can be an ‘Asian win’ however there may be little doubt that the evening belonged to South Korea. He is cautious to not go so far as calling this a resurgence however Shin absolutely is beginning to dream. And an affirmation that South Korea is on observe to be counted among the many hockey elite as soon as once more.

    Shin, who amassed greater than 200 worldwide caps between 1989 and 2002, was on the centre of a golden interval for South Korean hockey after they have been the undisputed greatest in Asia – having gained the Asian Games (1994 and 2002) and Asia Cup (1994 and 1999) twice every – and a power to reckon with globally, reaching the ultimate of the Sydney Olympics the place they misplaced to the Netherlands.

    Nicknamed ‘Commando’ due to his physique, Shin was one of many most interesting drag-flickers of his period and a yr after he retired in 2002, Jang took over the mantle of being South Korea’s set-piece specialist. And though they by no means might replicate the highs of the Nineties, South Korea remained a continental big till the wheels slowly began to return off with the group failing to qualify for the final two Olympics and the 2018 World Cup.

    Jang (L) celebrates his purpose with teammate. (Credit: Hockey India)

    Limited assets

    It wasn’t a thriller as to why Korea fell from grace so spectacularly. “Korea is not interested in hockey,” Shin stated. “It is not a famous sport.”

    And so, the game suffered. Unlike India who’ve limitless assets, Malaysia who boast of Asia’s strongest home construction and Japan who’re nonetheless reaping the advantages of fund injection after internet hosting the Olympics, South Korea – as soon as the gold customary of Asian hockey – fell behind on all markers. They didn’t have the expertise pool, home construction, or cash.

    “We have four clubs and five university teams, which put together provide between 150-200 players for national team selection,” Shin says. It’s been like that since his taking part in days.

    To put that in perspective, whereas Shin has a participant pool of 200 to select from, his group’s opponent in Wednesday’s quarterfinal, the Netherlands, has near 250,000 registered gamers. The challenges don’t finish there. Three golf equipment – Seongnam City Hall, Incheon City Sports Association and Gimhae City Hall – largely fund the nationwide programme and nurture the little expertise that continues to be after most of it falls by the cracks at a number of ranges.

    “They start at middle school and then proceed to high school. At both levels, there are 15 teams each. After that, you progress to University, which has five teams,” Shin says. “After University, some players go to serve the Army for two years, and after they finish the Army service, some go to the clubs and some players retire. It is very difficult to keep the players together.”

    The save after which the celebrations!

    Korea surprised the 2016 Rio Olympic Gold medallists Argentina of their crossover recreation at #HWC2023

    This can be the @JSPLFoundation Moment of the day.#HockeyEquals #HockeyInvites @asia_hockey pic.twitter.com/1Vfrzf7Syd

    — International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) January 24, 2023

    Getting again on observe

    Shin, who apart from being South Korea’s coach since 2018 is concerned with the nation’s largest membership Seongnam, says he’s targeted on sharpening the essential expertise of his gamers. “Ball control, open receiving, how to get that kick while attacking, how to defend…” Lacking any depth to stay to at least one taking part in model or philosophy, Shin’s group is thought for its tactical flexibility, altering its model as per its opponent.

    A cussed group to interrupt down, South Korea can defend deep in opposition to sides which might be superior to them and aggressive, can play on the counterattack and are harmful from penalty corners, with Jang – who has scored 109 targets in 313 worldwide appearances throughout his 20-year stint with the nationwide group – as the principle drag-flicker.

    It has labored as South Korea have been making all the proper noises within the final 12 months. The group has reclaimed its misplaced continental glory by profitable the Asian Champions Trophy in 2021 after which changing into the Asia Cup winners after a niche of 9 years.

    Half of the gamers of their World Cup squad are within the early-to-mid 20s, giving Shin the hope that their greatest is but to return and in addition sounding out a warning for a wavering India close to this yr’s Asian Games, on which the South Korean coach has firmly set his sights.

    Before that, on Wednesday, Shin’s aspect can gatecrash the celebration and win again its seat amongst the elite. “Who is in the quarterfinal?” the coach teasingly asks. “Who is it, Holland? Ooh, such a strong team!”

    Daunting it could be, however with ‘Jangbas’ – the World Cup’s second-highest scorer from penalty corners – main them from the again, South Korea will imagine it’s not inconceivable.

  • Sacking the coach wouldn’t assist Indian hockey, it hasn’t up to now

    Indian hockey has been right here earlier than: At a juncture the place it has to decide on between stability and chaos.

    In the final decade alone, they’ve been at this crossroads a number of instances: as soon as, after the triumphant 2014 Asian Games marketing campaign, then following a mean Rio Olympics, and later, with a sub-par 2018 World Cup. Each time, it shot itself within the foot, choosing disruption by sacking the coach and setting into movement a sequence of occasions that ensured the group by no means moved ahead.

    One hopes they received’t go down the identical route this time. For, coach Graham Reid has not simply ensured India’s return to the Olympic podium after 4 a long time, but in addition injected a dose of stability that Indian hockey had been yearning for.

    India bow out of the #HWC2023 after dropping to New Zealand in penalty shootouts 💔

    🇮🇳IND 3-3 NZL🇳🇿
    (SO: 4-5)#HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #HWC2023 #HockeyWorldCup2023 @CMO_Odisha @sports_odisha @IndiaSports activities @Media_SAI @BlackSticks pic.twitter.com/EPcLlJhtrg

    — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) January 22, 2023

    It was one in all his stipulations for accepting the India job in 2019. “In my initial letter that I wrote (to Hockey India), I said, ‘look, I believe this team needs some stability and consistency, even if it’s not fantastic, whatever… if it’s stable, then at least you give them an opportunity,” Reid had instructed The Indian Express earlier than the World Cup, the place his group suffered an embarrassing exit after dropping to New Zealand in Sunday’s quarterfinal playoff.

    It’s a unique query if Reid – who seemed sullen and misplaced for explanations after the defeat – chooses to proceed or stroll away. But Hockey India should know the coach isn’t the issue. If something, Reid’s stint has confirmed that if a coach is given an extended rope, he’s prone to make an even bigger distinction.

    A change of coach proper now would imply little or no time for the brand new individual to take management of the group forward of September’s Asian Games, an Olympic qualifying match. Failure to win a gold medal in Hangzhou would then depart the group dealing with a strain state of affairs within the last qualifying match early subsequent yr. Needless to say, it might completely derail the group’s Paris 2024 marketing campaign.

    That save by Leon Hayward! #HWC2023

    This match successful save is the JSP Foundation Moment of the day from the primary day of crossovers on the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023.#HockeyEquals #Hockey #blacksticks @BlackSticks @JSPLFoundation pic.twitter.com/ax9p3fLyku

    — International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) January 23, 2023

    But all this doesn’t absolve Reid of his missteps.

    In hindsight, there have been sufficient hints that India weren’t prepared for this World Cup – the group had struggled within the Asian Champions Trophy and Asia Cup, was outclassed by Australia on the Commonwealth Games in addition to the check collection and had combined leads to the Pro League.

    Throughout this era, the group’s lack of Plan B was telling. India are an open e-book for different groups, who appear to have sorted out their counter-attacking model and modify their play accordingly. Wales did that in the course of the group-stage match, and New Zealand did it too.

    Questions should even be requested about his group choice – it isn’t nonetheless communicated clearly why Simranjeet Singh, one of many stars of the Tokyo Games, has been fully sidelined; or why Manpreet Singh, who led the group ably within the final 4 years, was all of the sudden stripped of captaincy; or why Harmanpreet Singh was overburdened with three roles – of being the skipper, chief drag-flicker and key defender.

    Reid stated he’s tried 31 out of the 33 gamers within the core group in 2022. Largely, it was to determine his greatest mixture for the World Cup. Clearly, it didn’t work out as he would have hoped.

    Strong bench energy wanted

    This state of affairs factors to the standard of gamers India is producing. The hallmark of a fantastic group is that they have not less than three choices for each place. India, for many positions, don’t even have two first rate choices. In purpose, Krishan Pathak has solely not too long ago staked a declare as PR Sreejesh’s in a position successor. In penalty nook choices, there’s a strong dip in high quality if Harmanpreet – regardless of him misfiring – isn’t taking the flicks.

    In midfield, India couldn’t even substitute Hardik Singh, who, regardless that sensible within the World Cup, is much from being a constant world-class participant. This was evident in the best way India’s left flank bought fully paralysed towards New Zealand, who blocked the attacking channels from the best thus disrupting India’s free-flowing counterattacking sport.

    Indian gamers react after dropping towards New Zealand, within the 2023 Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup match, in Bhubaneswar, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023. (PTI Photo)

    There is a paucity of choices in each place and there was a visual drop in high quality every time the likes of Manpreet, Harmanpreet or Nilakanta Singh had been off the sector. And the truth that only one participant from the 2021 Junior World Cup squad, Vivek Sagar Prasad, graduated into the senior group for this competitors is one other pointer that the standard of gamers being churned out isn’t essentially of the best high quality.

    After the check collection towards Australia, Reid was requested if the up-and-down outcomes post-Tokyo had been all the way down to an absence of high quality from the bench. “…that’s probably where we are,” he had stated. “It doesn’t make too much difference with a team like Australia. Their depth is really quite good. That’s where you want to try and head to.”

    It needs to be clear by now that India received’t head there till it develops a strong home construction. Among the highest hockey nations, India is the one one to not have a league. Even New Zealand not too long ago began a four-franchise competitors which gives its gamers with a pathway to the nationwide group – and the coaches and selectors a platform to scout expertise.

    The impression Hockey India League (HIL) had can’t be measured in phrases – the Olympic medal is proof sufficient. In the absence of such a league, there’s opaqueness to group choice, a little bit of arbitrariness even.

    There’s the National Championship, in fact. But a two-week-long competitors is hardly a super platform. And as former India captain MM Somayya identified in his column in The Indian Express, the present format of the nationwide championship – dividing it into 4 classes with gamers allowed to compete in only one – is flawed and has diluted the competitors.

    Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey has been in contact with the International Hockey Federation to discover a window for the HIL. The former India captain made this one in all his early priorities however the larger problem can be to search out buyers for the league, which was discontinued after the 2017 version because the group house owners didn’t discover it sustainable financially.

    But in a single type or one other, the return of the HIL seems like an absolute should for the long-term well being of Indian hockey.

    India Hockey head coach Graham Reid speaks at a press convention earlier than the observe session forward of the match towards Wales in the course of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023, at Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023. (PTI Photo)

    Drop in health ranges

    The HIL additionally uncovered younger Indian gamers to among the greatest practices in world hockey and elevated the health ranges of the gamers to beforehand unimaginable heights.

    One of the traits of the boys’s group within the final 10 years has been its health. The revolution began below former coach Michael Nobbs and physio David John in 2011 and peaked at Tokyo 2021, the place India, regardless of enjoying eight matches in 13 days in excessive warmth, by no means misplaced their tempo. The credit score for that went to bodily coach Robin Arkell and it may be seen as Hockey India’s failure that they couldn’t maintain on to him.

    Under Arkell’s substitute, Mitch Pemberton, India have misplaced not less than half a yard of their tempo. The group begins matches slowly and has been unable to keep up the identical power ranges in all 4 quarters. Against England, Wales and New Zealand, the Indian gamers had been all the time a step behind their counterparts whereas chasing the ball, thus leaving their defence open to counterattacks.

    If in any respect Hockey India decides to try the function of the teaching employees, robust questions should be requested of the health coach whose function assumes enormous significance given how briskly the game is continually changing into.

    💔Not the consequence we wished. But our group will bounce again. #IndiaKaGame #HWC2023 pic.twitter.com/gJ76INwtZS

    — Dilip Kumar Tirkey (@DilipTirkey) January 22, 2023

    Wanted: Mental coach

    Belgium goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch, one of many modern-day greats of the sport, neatly summed up what separates good groups from common ones. Speaking about the necessity to change into psychologically sturdy, Vanasch stated earlier than India’s match towards New Zealand: “If you see with all the big teams here, everyone is really the same. Technically, tactically, physically… But then mentally, you have to make that extra change.”

    After the match, Reid made the same prognosis. “As far as the drills or training are concerned, we do what all other teams do. I have been in this game for a long time and I know what other teams are doing. If there is anything necessary, a silver bullet out there, I do think that (is) mentally,” he stated.

    Unlike the ladies’s group, who had a psychologist connected to them throughout their nationwide camp, the boys’s group has by no means had a psychological coach with them, Reid stated. For a group that repeatedly crumbles below strain, that could possibly be one of many keys to resolve the puzzle.

    “We need to do something different perhaps,” Reid stated. “Following this, we will work on how we can get a mental coach involved. I think that is an important part of the future of the team.” It is as much as Hockey India to make sure Reid stays part of that future.

    xxx

    Drying pipeline of expertise?

    31: Number of gamers Graham Reid stated he tried in 2022 out of the 33 males within the core group. Yet, India appear to be missing choices from the bench in numerous positions.

    1: Number of gamers from the 2021 Junior World Cup group who had been a part of this World Cup, one other indication that the standard of gamers being produced isn’t as much as desired ranges.

    Quote

    “As far as the drills or training are concerned, we do what all other teams do. I have been in this game for a long time and I know what other teams are doing. If there is anything necessary, a silver bullet out there, I do think that (is) mentally.”

    Graham Reid, on the necessity to have a psychological coach going ahead

    Quarterfinal line-up

    Tuesday: 4.30pm: Australia vs Spain; 7pm: Belgium vs New Zealand

    Wednesday: 4.30pm: Netherlands vs South Korea; 7pm: England vs Germany

  • Hockey World Cup 2023: India coach Graham Reid blames poor Penalty Corner conversion and defending for exit

    India coach Graham Reid admitted that poor Penalty Corner conversion charge and defending got here again to hang-out the crew as they exited the Hockey World Cup on Sunday. The hosts had been dumped out after their shootout loss to New Zealand.

    New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 23, 2023 09:16 IST

    Reid felt that the crew made uncommon errors on Sunday in opposition to New Zealand (Courtesy: PTI)

    By India Today Web Desk: India coach Graham Reid has admitted that the crew’s poor Penalty Corner conversion charge and lacklustre defending got here again to hang-out them as they had been dumped out of the Hockey World Cup 2023 after their shootout loss to New Zealand.

    The hosts had a 3-1 lead within the contest, however the Blacksticks bounced again to stage issues up and push the sport right into a shootout. PR Sreejesh introduced India into the sport, however an premature damage to him dented the hopes of the crew. Costly misses from Harmanpreet Singh and Shamsher would then assist New Zealand setup a conflict with Belgium within the quarterfinals as they received the shootout 5-4.

    Speaking after the match, as quoted by Sportstar, Reid admitted that the PC conversion was off and stated they need to have been tighter in defence. The India coach additionally slammed the crew for giving management to the Blacksticks within the contest.

    “Obviously our PC conversion (was off) but we also had a lot of circle penetrations that we couldn’t convert. We scored three goals today and 3-4 goals would normally be enough. We probably needed to be more in front and tighter in defence.”

    “We still created enough tonight to win. The problem was that every time we won the ball, we just gave it back to him and that was the telling factor. They got their 2nd and 3rd goals when we gave the ball back just after we won it. At this level you can’t do that.”

    Reid also said that the team made unusual mistakes and they would need to review the whole thing.

    “We made mistakes which we don’t normally do, we need to analyse and talk about them and come up with solutions before our next game. I am sure pressure and expectations all come into the mix. Tonight we let ourselves down in the last quarter and threw the ball away. We probably have to go back to the drawing board…it’s still execution at the end of day,” stated Reid.

    As quoted by the Mint, Reid additionally stated that the crew may want a steel conditioning coach going ahead as he feels it is a vital a part of the crew going ahead.

    “We must do one thing totally different maybe. Following this, we are going to work on how we will get a psychological coach concerned. I feel that is a vital a part of the way forward for the crew.”

    “As far because the drills or coaching are involved, we do what all different groups do. I’ve been on this sport for a very long time and I do know what different groups are doing. If there’s something crucial, a silver bullet on the market, I do assume that (is) mentally,” stated Reid.

    Published On:

    Jan 23, 2023

  • Hockey World Cup: Poor penalty nook conversion – simply 5 objectives from 26 – value India pricey

    Captain Harmanpreet Singh had a go on the left publish of Dominic Dixon. Amit Rohidas went for energy. They even tried variations, aiming for a deflection on the far publish. But nothing labored for India.

    Coach Graham Reid was requested what had modified between the crew that completed on the rostrum on the Tokyo Olympics a year-and-a-half in the past and the one which suffered an agonising defeat by way of penalty shootouts to New Zealand within the playoff for a spot within the World Cup quarterfinals.

    Reid was maybe too shaken, too disillusioned to analyse the causes. But he did level out one space – the penalty corners. At the Tokyo Games, India transformed 10 out of the 31 corners they’d earned, recording a par conversion charge of 1 in three makes an attempt. At the continuing World Cup, they might rating simply 5 objectives from 26 penalty corners – a poor conversion charge of 1 in six.

    While it’s true that drag-flickers throughout groups have struggled at this World Cup, primarily as a consequence of high-quality first speeding, India’s poor ending from the set piece proved one of many decisive components in a recreation that the hosts misplaced 4-5 in shootouts after the playoff ended 3-3 on the finish of regulation time.

    Only Varun Kumar, who calmly transformed his try, appeared slightly assured together with his flick however the remainder of the Indian gamers struggled.

    Of course, penalty corners weren’t India’s solely undoing. The crew lacked selection in assaults and the absence of Hardik Singh confirmed. The midfielder, who was dominated out of the match after injuring his hamstring in opposition to England, was the fulcrum of India’s assault, main the waves from the left flank.

    As he watched from the sidelines, India’s left-wing appeared paralysed as a lot of the assault originated from the best. They weren’t the same old free-flowing strikes which might be often related to India. As New Zealand packed our bodies within the midfield to cease India’s counter-attacks, the house crew needed to struggle for each ball and within the course of, appeared a bit disjointed.

    The midfielders and the forwards, nonetheless, have been profitable in incomes penalty corners. Heading into the World Cup, this has been one of many extra dependable scoring avenues for India with Harmanpreet carving out a status for himself together with his fierce drag flicks.

    The participant himself, in addition to the crew administration, has been at pains to elucidate the the reason why he has been so ineffective all through this marketing campaign. In the run-up to the World Cup, Harmanpreet – alongside together with his teammates – had particular drag-flicking classes with Dutch coach Bram Lomans.

    The former World Cup winner is believed to have made some technical modifications, though nothing profound. “Our missed penalty corners had nothing to do with those changes,” Harmanpreet mentioned after the match.

    “We tried, but we couldn’t convert. We should have done better.”

    Against New Zealand, India tried to combine up their nook routines in addition to the drag-flickers. They had two bursts of assaults after they earned a significant chunk of their 10 penalty corners. Between the twenty second and twenty fourth minutes, they received 4 corners. Harmanpreet and Rohidas took one every whereas Varun took two – and managed to beat the goalkeeper as soon as. Then, between the thirty eighth and fortieth minutes, India earned one other three corners however but once more, their flicks have been both cleared off the road on the left publish or saved by the rushers and goalkeepers.

    The frustration was evident on the sector. With the rating stage at 3-3, India received a nook within the 52nd minute. Harmanpreet stepped up, however his flick was deflected away from the aim by the primary rusher even earlier than it utterly lifted off the bottom. Harmanpreet bit his lip in frustration and hit himself with the stick on the brow.

    It’s been the story of India’s most dependable drag-flicker all through this marketing campaign. A narrative that ended with a surprising defeat and a untimely exit from the World Cup.

  • Hockey World Cup: New Zealand finish India’s dwelling social gathering

    They collapsed on their knees, faces buried of their arms, eyes crimson and moist. The silence within the stands, a disbelieving hush that engulfed the Kalinga stadium, and the dejected shake of the pinnacle. “Mood off kar dia,” bemoaned one fan donning an Indian jersey. “Zara iss dil ka toh sochte.”

    Indian hockey’s historical past is plagued by extreme heartaches, every another painful than the opposite. This one will linger for some time, although. For it brings a group that was flying above the clouds after successful the bronze medal on the Tokyo Olympics crashing right down to earth.

    Those moments of unimaginable excessive below a crisp Tokyo solar now really feel a world away from the lows on a breezy, nervy – and in the end heartbreaking – evening in Bhubaneswar. The gloom within the Indian dugout and the stands was an unsettling realisation that the hosts had been booted out of their very own World Cup. A untimely exit after New Zealand, who had billed themselves up as underdogs coming into this match, conjured up one of many upsets of the event within the play-off match for a spot within the quarterfinal.

    𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥-𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝟑-𝟑 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐙𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 (𝐒𝐎: 𝟒-𝟓)

    New Zealand full 2nd half come-back and a decent shoot-out goes to the 18th try, the place New Zealand prevail to maneuver to the quarterfinals! #HWC2023

    📱- Download the @watchdothockey app for all updates pic.twitter.com/TNHT2ZrN7X

    — International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) January 22, 2023

    The Black Sticks will now keep in Bhubaneswar to face Belgium within the final 8 on Tuesday. India, alternatively, will make a visit again to Rourkela the place they may face Japan within the classification matches for the underside half of the draw.

    On this unending evening of unimaginable hockey, India loved a two-goal lead, allowed New Zealand to return again and make it 3-3, which pressured the match into shootouts. In the tiebreaker, it was the Kiwis who had a two-goal benefit however PR Sreejesh’s heroics – the Indian goalkeeper limped off the sector – dragged India again into the sport when all appeared misplaced and took it to sudden dying, the place the hosts had the possibility to win it twice however did not capitalise on each events. Eventually, after they had been out on the sector for nearly two hours, New Zealand lastly clinched the tie within the 18th penalty, when goalkeeper Leon Hayward denied Shamsher Singh.

    While Shamsher’s missed try was the final word match-defining second, this was a collective failure of a group that by no means imposed itself in a match coach Graham Reid stated they had been ‘quietly confident to get the job done’.

    There was an air of hysteria round this match proper from the primary whistle. The Kalinga crowd, which usually breaks right into a raucous roar at a mere contact of an Indian stick, exuded a nervous power that mirrored the jittery Indians on the sector.

    Heartbreak for India as they bow out from FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela. Here are some essential moments from the sport.

    🇮🇳IND 3-3 NZL🇳🇿
    (SO: 4-5)#IndiaKaGame #HWC2023 #HockeyWorldCup2023 @CMO_Odisha @sports_odisha @IndiaSports activities @Media_SAI pic.twitter.com/CiXiy9JPU0

    — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) January 22, 2023

    That stress was launched momentarily when India broke the impasse within the 18th minute with a transfer that began deep into their half and ended with a brisk counterattack, which was transformed right into a objective by Lalit Upadhyay. And when Sukhjeet Singh made it 2-0 seven minutes later with a smash from an in depth vary, very similar to how Leander Paes pounced on a unfastened ball on the web, it regarded like clean crusing for India.

    That feeling didn’t final lengthy after Sam Lane pulled one again for New Zealand simply earlier than half time and, after the break, Greg Nicol’s group did precisely what they initially got down to do – pack the midfield and scale back their errors to a naked minimal to cease India from successful the ball close to the midway line and breaking into counterattacks.

    Still, India had been in a position to incessantly raid the New Zealand ‘D’ and received a complete of 10 penalty corners – together with 4 within the area of two minutes within the second quarter and three in two minutes within the third – however the drag-flickers’ poor run continued. India threw all the things they’d at New Zealand however aside from Varun Kumar – who scored the third objective – not one of the methods and flicks they tried got here to fruition.

    The frustration of lacking corners solely added to India’s frustration and anxiousness. They may’ve settled the match moderately simply even when they transformed one-third of their possibilities. But as an alternative, their profligacy allowed New Zealand to make one other comeback.

    New Zealand’s sport plan was to maintain the rating line shut going into the fourth quarter they usually managed to just do that. A objective going into the third-quarter break swung the momentum of their favour and for a serious a part of the final quarter-hour, New Zealand channelled their true underdog spirit as they performed with none concern. India, who had a lot to lose, succumbed to the stress and conceded the third objective, which levelled the scores at 3-3.

    In the tie-breaker, India regarded overwhelmed and daunted, clearly affected by the stress of enjoying in entrance of packed stands that anticipated nothing lower than a win. It led to Abhishek and Shamsher lacking their makes an attempt and if not for Sreejesh’s brave goalkeeping, India would have misplaced the match proper there.

    The veteran goalkeeper rolled again the years with two outstanding saves. In the sudden dying, he injured his leg whereas denying New Zealand captain Nic Woods’ try. Harmanpreet Singh, who may have received the match with a profitable penalty, hit straight at goalkeeper Hayward. India bought one other likelihood after Krishan Pathak – who changed an injured Sreejesh – by some means denied Hayden Phillips however this time, Sukhjeet couldn’t discover the goal.

    Eventually, New Zealand took their likelihood after Shamsher did not convert his try. And as Hayward broke into an impromptu jig close to the far publish and the New Zealand gamers stormed onto the pitch in celebration, Indian gamers sunk to the bottom.

    Their 48-year watch for a World Cup medal bought prolonged by one other 4 years a minimum of.

  • Hockey World Cup 2023: India knocked out after shedding to New Zealand

    The BBC documentary “India: The Modi Question” claims it investigated sure points referring to the 2002 Gujarat riots when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the chief minister of the state. “Some people in India still haven’t gotten over the colonial intoxication. They consider BBC above the Supreme Court of India and lower the country’s dignity and image to any extent to please their moral masters,” Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated on Sunday.
    Meanwhile, a number of Congress and Trinamool Congress leaders have attacked the federal government over the transfer.

  • Hockey World Cup 2023: India’s Hardik Rai dominated out of event, changed by Raj Kumar Pal

    India suffered an enormous blow forward of their crossover stage match towards New Zealand within the Hockey World Cup 2023 as younger midfielder Hardik Rai was dominated out of the event attributable to a hamstring harm. Hardik was changed by Raj Kumar Pal.

    New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 21, 2023 11:45 IST

    Hardik scored for India of their first match towards Spain (Courtesy: PTI)

    By India Today Web Desk: India have suffered an enormous blow forward of their crossover stage match with New Zealand on Sunday as midfielder Hardik Rai was dominated out of the event attributable to a hamstring harm.

    Hardik sustained the harm throughout India’s 0-0 draw towards England within the Pool D match. The younger midfielder had scored within the hosts’ first match towards Spain and seemed to be in nice contact.

    The teenager will now get replaced by alternate participant Raj Kumar Pal for the remainder of the competitors.

    After Hardik had sustained the harm, India coach Graham Reid mentioned that the setback wasn’t as critical as initially feared and the midfielder was rested for India’s 4-2 win over Wales.

    But after additional evaluation, the workforce administration determined to rule the 23-year-old out of the competitors. Speaking concerning the resolution to Hockey India’s official web site, Reid mentioned that it was a tough name to exchange Hardik.

    The India coach mentioned that point wasn’t on their aspect and determined to go forward and exchange the midfielder with pal. Reid additionally mentioned the workforce administration is worked up on the prospect of working with the alternate participant for the remainder of the competitors.

    “Overnight we had to make the difficult decision of replacing Hardik Singh in the Indian Team for Sunday’s match vs New Zealand and the subsequent World Cup matches.”

    “While the injury was not as severe as the initial incident suggested, time was not on our side and after our ongoing thorough rehabilitation process and functional and on-field assessment today, it has been decided that we will replace Hardik with Raj Kumar Pal. While it is extremely disappointing for Hardik personally, of course, given how well he played in our first two matches, we are excited at the prospects of Raj Kumar joining the group for the remaining World Cup matches,” Reid added.

    Published On:

    Jan 21, 2023