India beat Pakistan to win Asian Champions Trophy

Ordos, China, September 11, 2011: India clinched the inaugural Asian Men’s Champions Trophy crown defeating archrivals Pakistan 4-2 in the tie breaker here today.

Both sides were goalless at the end of regulation time and even the extra time of 15 minutes did not produce any goal.

In the resultant tie breaker skipper Rajpal Singh, Danish Mujtaba, Yuvraj Walmiki and Sarwanjit Singh beat Pakistan goalkeeper Imran Shah, while Gurvinder Singh Chandi was unsuccessful in his attempt.

The tie breaker was a one on one between the striker and goalkeeper from the 23 metre line. The striker was given only eight seconds to score.

Hockey India press release

Indian eves lost to Japan in bronze medal match

Ordos, China, September 10, 2011: Despite leading by two goals at half time, India caved in to lose 2-3 in extra time to Japan in the bronze medal match of the 2nd Women Asian Champions Trophy here today.

Today's performance was the best by the Indian eves in the tournament. Japan had thrashed India 5-0 in their round-robin preliminary.

Striker Vandana Kataria put India ahead in the 7th minute while Rani converted an indirect penalty corner to double the score in the 28th minute.

However Japan bounced back after the break and scored through Rika Komazawa (52nd min penalty corner) and Kaori Fujio (63rd min) to make it 2-2 at full time. Ai Murakami scored the golden goal from a penalty stroke (76th min).

Hockey India Press Release

India face archrivals Pakistan in Asian Champions Trophy hockey final

Ordos, China, September 9, 2011: India will clash with archrivals Pakistan in the summit clash of the First Asian Champions Trophy hockey here on Sunday.

India, the only unbeaten team, staged a remarkable fightback to hold the Asian Games champions 2-2 in a thrilling final group encounter.

Striker Mohd. Waqas (40th min) and Mohd. Irfan (43rd min) scored for Pakistan while Rupinder Pal Singh reduced the margin from an indirect penalty corner in the 46th minute before Danish Mujtaba found the equaliser in the 53rd. minute.

After a barren first half dominated by India, they conceded two goals in three minutes by the 43rd minute.

Pakistan began strongly after the break with well orchestrated moves on the flanks and found open spaces quite easily to get their two goals.

However, India stung with these reversals fought back gallantly with forwards Gurvinder Chandi, skipper Rajpal Singh, SV Sunil and diminutive Yuvraj Walmiki successful in getting four penalty corners alternately executed by Rupinder Pal Singh and Raghunath.

However, only one, an indirect from the Rupinder beat the Pakistan custodian Imran Shah.

Mujtaba drew parity in the 53rd minute when he picked up a full blooded shot from defender Manjit Kullu in the Pakistan striking circle and deflected home with his back to the Pakistan goal.

The goal was disallowed initially by the neutral umpire from New Zealand but after his consultation with the other umpire from Korea it was allowed.

With this draw Pakistan were through to the Sunday final but India with nine points had to wait for the outcome of the remaining two matches to know if they will play the final.

Korea made their exit when they were held 1-1 by bottom of the table China, while India heaved a huge sigh of relief when Malaysia came back with a two goals deficit to pip final aspirants Japan 3-2.

All the three matches in the men competition will be reruns on Sunday. Korea will play China for the fifth and sixth positions while Malaysia will clash with Japan for the bronze medal to be followed by the India Pakistan grand finale.

A Hockey India Media Release

Poonam Rani to lead U-18 Indian girls hockey team

New Delhi, September 9, 2011: Poonam Rani will lead Indian girls team in the 3rd U-18 Asia Cup to held in Bangkok from September 16-25.

India have been placed in Pool B along with China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan. Pool A comprises Korea, Japan, Thailand, Singapore and Chinese Taipei.

Team: Goalkeepers: Bigan Soy, Swati.

Defenders: Jaspreet Kaur, Sandeep Kaur, Apoorva Vishwakarma, Balvinder Kaur Mehra, Deep Grace Ekka.

Midfielders: Poonam Rani (Capt), Neha, Namita Toppo, Nikki Pradhan, Shivani Bisht

Forwards: Neha Goyal, Navjot Kaur, Surabhi Pradhan, Anupa Barla, Nilima Minz, Renuka Rajputaini

Standbys: M. Kiran Devi, Sonam Bhardwaj, D.S.Harnakshi.

Officials: Dr. Shobha Singh – Manager, B.K.Subramani - Chief Coach, N.S.Saini - Asst. Coach, Pritam Siwach - Asst. Coach.

Hockey India Media Release

Foundation stone laid for outdoor stadium in Patna

Bihar Art, Culture and Youth Affairs Minister Dr Sukhda Pandey laid the foundation stone of an outdoor stadium at Government Health and Physical Training College in Patna on September 5, 2011. The stadium will have athletics track and a hockey turf.

Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

Indian eves suffer third successive defeat in hockey

Ordos (China), September 8, 2011: Scoring twice in each half Asian Games champions China beat India 4-0 in the 2nd Asian Women Champions Trophy here today.

The goal scorers for China were Zhao Yudiao (6th & 66th) and Ma Yibo (21st & 65th min).

India who lost their earlier matches in the round robin league to Japan and Korea will now play for the bronze medal match against Japan on Saturday.

A Hockey India Press Release

Putt Pirates qualify for Cavalry round

Bangalore, September 8, 2011: Putt Pirates Gang notched up victory with the score of 167-over for the total of 1679 in the infantry round of Puravankara Touché Golf League 2011 at Karnataka Golf Association on Thursday. Other three Gangs who qualified for the Cavalry round were Pin High, The Vela Warriors and Jhooj Gara Sangha.

Putt Pirates Gang remained on top from day one and that was thanks to some neat golfing by its members. They recuperated well after a disappointing second round. Pin High Gang whose score was oscillating all through out, closed the round with 880 for the total of 1684 as second qualifier while David D’Souza’s yesterday’s effort pushed The Vela Warriors Gang to book their berth with the score of 1702. One stroke behind was Jhooj Gara Sangha Gang who made a great comeback with the score of 151-over for the total of 1703 to take the fourth spot.

C. Sundar, Captain of Putt Pirates Gang said, “I am very happy for my entire Gang and it seems choosing these 12 players were the best decision I have ever taken for this kind of tournament. A unique thing about our Gang is that nobody depends on anyone and since we gave a great lead in the first round, we took the second round little easy. Now, we will have another meeting to discuss 12 player’s comfort level with match play and decide who will take part in the cavalry round.”

Vivek Verma, the Warlord of Pin High Gang said, “I want to give credit to Rohan Puri for an amazing score of five-over today. I think it was his contribution that we could close the gap of number of strokes and finished as a second qualifier for Cavalry round. In fact our whole Gang deserves a pat on their back and a hard core party tonight to celebrate the victory.”

All four teams will now participate in the Cavalry round at KGA in the month of October in a match play format to qualify for the Gladiator round which would be played in Sri Lanka in December.

Press Release

Putt Pirates stay on top in second round of PTGL South Zone

Bangalore, September 7, 2011: Putt Pirates Gang stayed on top with the score of 167 –over for the two days total of 1679 in the first day of second round of Puravankara Touché Golf League 2011 at Karnataka Golf Association today. The Vela Warriors Gang carded 151-over along with Jhooj Gara Sangha Gang for the day to take the second spot for the total score of 1702. Jhooj Gara Sangha Gang was one shot behind for the total tally of 1703 to finish in third position.

David D’ Souza brought the cheers back to his Gang (The Vela Warriors) as he shot one-under as the individual best score of the day. D’Souza said, “I am so happy with my score today and I am sure my score will be of some help to my Gang. Actually, I couldn’t digest the fact that I played two-over in the first round and I so much wanted to get back with the performance which gives me a smile at the end of my round and that’s what happened. I am just crossing my fingers for my Gang to be in the contention tomorrow.”

Sunil Vasant who was a part of the leading Putt Pirates Gang hit 15-over, didn’t look very satisfied when he came to submit his score card and explained, “Nine out of 12 players of our gang are from Bangalore Golf Club and play at this club hardly once a year. On top of it, the club is playing very long that my score has gone up than my handicap. Also, we all have been very strict with our game but couldn’t come back with a kind of score we expected. I can only put my eye on the leader board for one more day and hope to get into the cavalry round.”

There were couple of replacements between 11 gangs as a new face named Dhroupadi seen playing in Sultans of Swing Gang. She said, “I came all the way from Phuket to participate so that I don’t miss a chance of having great fun in such tournament. I think it’s a great format where one can switch with other player and all 16 players can be covered in two rounds.”

Press Release

Malaysia hold India to a 2-2 draw in hockey

Ordos (China), September 7, 2011: India were held to a 2-2 draw by Malaysia in the 1st Asian Men Champions Trophy hockey here today.

The goal scorers for the unbeaten Indians were Ravi Pal (9th min) and Danish Mujtaba (52nd min) while Tajuddin Jalil and Mohd. Amin Rahim struck for Malaysia in the 24th and 32nd minutes respectively.

A win against Malaysia would have assured India a place in the final but they will now have to wait till Friday when they clash with arch rivals Pakistan.

India began aggressively with strikers Gurvinder Singh Chandi, Danish Mujtaba and SV Sunil making inroads into the Malaysian defence.

They drew first blood in the ninth minute when Sunil's shot was padded away to Ravi Pal who picked up the high rebound to push home.

Malaysia reacted fiercely and got the equalizer from their third penalty corner when Tajuddin Jalil deflected the flick past Indian goalkeeper Sreejesh in the 24th minute.

They broke into the lead eight minutes later when a terrible error was committed by Sreejesh who kick the ball to an Indian defenders leg and thus conceded another penalty corner which Mohammed Amin sank into the goal.

After the break Malaysia forced the pase getting four consecutive penalty corners but were unable to score.

India went hunting for their second goal but the Malaysian defenders did not give any open space for the strikers with very strict man to man marking.

India eventually found the equaliser in the 52nd minute when midfielder Gurbaj Singh essayed a brilliant central cross from the right flank to the diving Danish Mujtaba who made no mistake.

India with eight points from two victories and two draws will play their last round robin league match against Pakistan on Friday.

Malaysia are out of contention now for the final as they have four points from as many matches.

Hockey India Press Release

Putt Pirates maintain the lead

Bangalore, September 6, 2011: Pin Seekers Gang returned with the best score card of the day as they shot 128-over for the total of 828. The second place was taken by Hakers Gang with the total score of 838 while Pint Seekers Gang were 10 shots behind to finish in third position at 848. The best individual score was three-over 73 hit by Sridhar Ready from Scottish Sultan Gang. Putt Pirates still maintain the lead with the score of 792.

12 new Gangs fought with the tough windy conditions on day two of first round of Purvankara Touché Golf League South Zone at the Clover Greens golf course today. It was unfortunate that in the two-day championship no player could hit a hole-in-one provided Renault Fluence car was waiting for them as hole-in-one prize.

V. Shashikanth who represents Hakers Gang, last year's top gang said, “This is my first time at this golf course and it helped wonderfully well that I was hitting dead straight that always helps in windy condition. But it was the tough greens that prevented my gang in playing to the potential. We do hope to have a better performance next time.”

The center of attraction of the tourney was one and only lady Dhanalaxmi Rice from Pint Seekers Gang. Among 141 golfers who shot 16-over for the day Rice looked pretty excited after she finished her round and said, “I was a part of wine, women and golf (WWG) Gang last year but I found that the entire Gang is out there on the course only to take golf as a fun. Also, WWG believes in party after a round of golf and I wanted to get into the serious kind of golf that’s why I joined Pint Seeker this year and so far I am so happy with it.”

Photo caption: Dhanalaxmi Rice from Pint Seekers Gang in action in Bangalore on September 6, 2011.

Press Release

India crush South Korea 5-3 in hockey

Ordos (China), September 6, 2011: India trashed South Korea 5-3 to climb atop the leader board in the first Asian Men’s Champions Trophy hockey here today.

India are the only unbeaten team in the six nation tournament with seven points from two wins and a draw.

In a display of flair and fluency, India fired three goals in the opening seven minutes to completely rattle the nippy Koreans, ranked world number six.

The goal scorers for India were Rupinder Pal Singh (3rd min penalty stroke), Gurvinder Singh Chandi (4th min), SV Sunil (7th min), Rajpal Singh (25th min) and Yuvraj Walmiki (61st min) while Lee Nam Yong (8th min and 26th min) and Nam Hyun Woo (70th min penalty corner) were the marksmen for Korea.

In other matches of the day, Japan beat Asian Games champions Pakistan 3-1 while Malaysia beat China 4-2.

Hockey India Press Release

Putt Pirates Gang takes lead in the first round of PTGL south zone

Bangalore, September 5, 2011: Putt Pirates Gang emerged as the leader of the day as the top 10 golfers shot 92-over for the total of 792. The most famous and old gang of the Bangalore city called Pin High fired 804 to finish in the second position while Green Warriers Gang ended at third place with the score of 814.

132 golfers of 11 gangs got together to participate in the first round of south zone qualifier at Clover Greens golf course in Bangalore today. It was the first round of this zone where the participants were vying to notch up a place in the cavalry round at Karnataka Golf Association next month. Renuka Phillip who was playing for Sultans of Swing Gang shot consistent pars and scored three-over as the best score among three ladies in the stroke play championship. “I am quite familiar with this golf course as I have played couple of corporate tournaments here and it seems I have done a better job then expected. Now, I am all set to produce another great show in the next round,” Says a smiling Phillip.

The main highlight of the tournament was Ambarish from Birdie Shooters Gang, also a popular Kannada film star who has been playing golf from the age of five said, “Not just golf but I get excited about playing any sport. One thing I like about golf is that it tests my patience and especially gives me a friendly atmosphere when I am not only as a looked upon as film star but also as a friend in the championships like Touché Golf League.”

A former number one amateur golfer, David D’Souza who was a part of The Vella Warriors Gang shot two-over for the day and didn’t look very satisfied. “I have been playing very good golf in the last couple of days but I am very disappointed with my performance today. It’s hard to believe that it took me and my group six hours to finish a round but still I will take it as another bad day in storm clouds and windy condition, “added D’Souza.

12 new gangs will tee-off tomorrow at the challenging Clover Greens golf course.

Photo caption: David D’Souza of The Vella Warriors (top) and Ambarish from Birdie Shooters Gang in action in Bangalore on September 5, 2011.

A Press Release

Bihar sub-junior and cadet fencing teams named

Bihar fencing teams left Patna on September 3, 2001 to participate in the 13th sub-junior and 8th cadet national fencing championships to be held in Kolkata from September 5 to 9.

Cadet boys: Abhayjit Pal, Vikas Kumar, Amit Kumar, Rajat Kumar, Mitesh Kumar, SP Kumar, Jayant Kumar, Sanoj Kumar.

Girls: Nikita Sahu, Ayasha Kumari, Rashmi Rati Roy.

Sub-junior boys: Manish Kumar, Ankit Kumar, Sinu Siddhartha, Paramvivek and Rohit Kumar Ranjan.

Sub-junior girls: Annu Kumari, Bakshi Anushka, Sruti Agrawal and Pallavi Suman.

Vikas Kumar (coach), Deepak Kumar and Manish Kumar (manager).

Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

Japan hold India 1-1 in Asian Men Champions Trophy hockey

Ordos (China), September 4, 2011: A last minute equaliser by Japan denied India their second straight win at the 1st Asian Men Champions Trophy here on Sunday.

Striker Gurvinder Singh Chandi put India ahead in the 22nd minute while Japan fought back to level in the 69th minute from Shiokawa Naoto.

The initial quarter was played at a fast pace with both teams giving little away particularly in the midfield. Thereafter India appeared to take control and a brilliant goal was slotted home by Chandi in the 22nd minute after a relay of passes amongst the midfielders and forwards.

A determined Japan bounced back after the break catching the Indian defence on the wrong foot continuously. Rupinder Pal Singh received a 10 minute yellow card suspension for an accidental foot foul which increased their vulnerability.

India conceded the equaliser in the 69th minute when Naoto deflected in from an acute angle.

India who have four points from two fixtures will clash with South Korea next on Tuesday.

Earlier the Indian women were thrashed 1-4 by South Korea.

India missed two chances to break into an early lead but skipper Saba Anjum and Deepika failed to beat the Korean goalkeeper.

Thereafter the Koreans held sway scoring three goals through Kim Hong Eun (19th min), Park Mi Hyun (37th min) and Cheun Seul Ki (55th min penalty corner).

India reduced the margin in the 61st minute with a blistering penalty corner hit by Joydeep Kaur, but the Koreans came back in the 69th minute with another penalty corner conversion by Cheon Seul Ki.

India will next play Japan on Tuesday.

Hockey India Press Release

India blank China 5-0 in Asian Champions Trophy hockey

Ordos (China), September 3, 2011: India recorded a convincing 5-0 victory against hosts China to begin their campaign in style at the 1st Men Asian Champions Trophy here on Saturday.

The goal scorers were Gurvinder Singh Chandi ( 5th min), Yuvraj Walmiki (21st min), Rupinder Pal Singh (41st min), Rajpal Singh (43rd min) and VR Raghunath (62nd min).

India, who had drawn 1-1 in their previous meeting with China at the Azlan Shah Cup in May, began aggressively giving their opponents no time to settle down.

Striker Chandi struck in the 5th minute while Mumbai youngster Walmiki scored his first international goal from atop the striking circle in the 21st minute to give India a 2-0 lead at half time.

India continued the onslaught after the break with forays from the flanks which caught China on the backfoot.

The six foot four inch dragflicker Rupinder Pal Singh increased the tally in the 41st minute striking powerfully home.

Skipper Rajpal Singh, who joined the squad after receiving the Arjuna Award at Delhi last Monday, did not disappoint after being set up by midfielder Ravi Pal to make it 4-0 in the 43rd minute.

The Indian tally was rounded off from another penalty corner conversion in the 62nd minute by VR Raghunath.

This was the first international for Indian men under new coach Michael Nobbs who expressed happiness after the victory. "It is good that we have started off with an emphatic win", he said.

Hockey India Press release