Global Game-Changers: Celebrating the unsung heroes on International Volunteer Day

05 December, 2023 On International Volunteer Day, we celebrate people from across the globe who selflessly give their service in the administration and promotion of hockey. From board members and committee chairs to coaches and umpires; from admin workers to the youngest ball patrol boy or girl – have all gone above and beyond to make our sport the very best experience it can be for all participants. The list of FIH events made possible over the past year, due to the effective contributions of the volunteers include the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup, The FIH Indoor Hockey World Cups, the FIH Hockey Pro League, inaugural FIH Hockey Nations Cup and the ongoing FIH Junior Hockey World Cups! And while we are celebrating just a few individuals on the United Nations-led International Volunteer Day, it is worth thinking about, and recognising the work of each and every volunteer on every continent that made these, and many other hockey events, possible. To honor these hard-working and committed individuals, FIH is presenting an FIH International Volunteer Day award, recognising the invaluable contribution of each nominee. All the recipients of the award have been nominated by their continental federation. In Asia, Makhmud Kholmatov and Sonia Khan have been nominated by the Asian Hockey Federation. Makhmud Kholmatov, a dedicated volunteer from Uzbekistan, is making a lasting impact on sports development, particularly in hockey. Passionate about nurturing young talent, he actively promotes the sport in schools and travels across Uzbekistan to foster its growth. Makhmud not only raises awareness but also provides tangible support, creating a vibrant hockey community. Moreover, he plays a pivotal role in educating the next generation of coaches, ensuring the sustainability and progress of the sport while embodying a broader vision of empowerment through sports. Sonia Khan, a former hockey player (2002-2010), is honored this International Volunteer Day for her exceptional contributions to sports and education. As the founder of the Pakistan Sports Academy, she provides free hockey training, equipment, and education from matric to Master’s degree, emphasizing holistic development. Sonia’s dedication to service, focusing on nurturing athletic talent and empowering young minds, exemplifies the essence of International Volunteer Day. Her inspiring story highlights the transformative power of sports and education in shaping lives. EuroHockey has nominated Chloe Jordan and Philip Schellekens for their utmost dedication to the development of hockey in Europe. Chloe Jordan, a dynamic 23-year-old, is a leading figure in EuroHockey’s Youth Leadership activities. Serving as co-chair of the Youth Panel since last December, she has been dedicated to hockey since her youth, starting as a Hockey Wales Young Ambassador at age 12. Chloe has been a prominent advocate for youth in various sporting organizations, playing key roles in organizing EuroHockey Youth Festivals and ID Championships. This summer, she led the EuroHockey Youth Festival in Germany, bringing together 50 individuals to showcase youth impact in the sport. Chloe, a Sport Wales Young Ambassador, Hockey Ireland Youth Panel member, and Youth Sports Trust board member, is undertaking sport studies at the University of Ulster. Passionate about disability sport, she actively promotes hockey for those with intellectual disabilities in Wales. Chloe’s ultimate goal is to inspire more young people to engage in volunteering, utilizing her voice and platform for the next generation of youth leaders. Philip Schellekens, a key figure in EuroHockey, has significantly contributed to the development of umpires. His tireless work spans the Netherlands, the European Hockey Federation, and international events. A former top-level umpire, he officiated the first indoor World Cup Final in 2003. Upon retiring, Philip became a crucial Umpire Manager (UM), shaping tournaments and providing essential support, preparation, and assessments for umpires. His mentorship extends to his role as NOC*NSF Referee Coach. As a leader in EuroHockey’s Umpiring Development Programme (UDP), he has inspired and trained referees, showcasing his vast experience with enthusiasm. Philip’s dedication to hockey umpiring and development is a valuable asset, marked by his leadership and enjoyment in the role of UM. The Pan American Hockey Federation has nominated technical officials who go above and beyond their roles to develop hockey, in Adrian Della Mattia and Rene Zelkin Adrian Della Mattia‘s impact as a Technical Official goes beyond his duties, extending to commendable dedication in developing fellow officials. In addition to his exemplary officiating, Adrian actively engages in training and mentoring Technical Officials across the continent. His hands-on approach in the field, offering invaluable insights and support, exemplifies a collaborative and supportive ethos that enhances the entire officiating community. Rene Zelkin excels not only as a commendable Technical Official but also as a dedicated educator, playing a significant role in training officials across the continent. Actively engaged in online courses and mentorship programs, Rene extends her passion for the sport beyond officiating. Her dual role underscores a commitment to elevate officiating standards and ensure a legacy of knowledgeable and skilled Technical Officials in the Pan American community. In Africa Carla Jones of Zimbabwe has been nominated by the African Hockey Federation. In the short span of two years, Carla Jones has emerged as a valuable contributor to hockey in Zimbabwe. Her involvement in the restructuring, coordination, and organization of all Zimbabwean schools hockey tournaments showcases her commitment to the development and organization of the sport at the grassroots level. Additionally, Carla has taken on the crucial role of tours coordinator for various national teams, including U13, U16, U18, U21, and the National team. Her versatility and efficiency are further highlighted by her current position as the Team Manager for the Zimbabwe junior women’s team in Chile for the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023. In this role, Carla is entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the team’s logistics and operations, reflecting her rapid and impactful ascent within the hockey community. Among the thousands of volunteers involved in delivering hockey events around the world every year, these are just the stories of a few. On this International Volunteers Day, we give our thanks to every single volunteer whose efforts help grow

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34th Men and 25th Women Editions of Africa Cup for Club Champions [ACCC] Hockey Tournament ends

The 34th Men and 25th Women Editions of Africa Cup for Club Champions [ACCC] Hockey Tournament concluded yesterday, with Sharkia of Egypt emerging as the men’s champions by defeating Western Jaguars of Kenya 4-2 in the finals. In the women’s category, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA Ladies) claimed the title after finishing at the top of their group. FINAL MATCH RESULTS | Africa Cup for Club Champions [ACCC] 34th Men – 25th Women Editions | 19-26 Nov. 2023 MEN CHAMPION: Egypt by defeating Western Jaguars (4-2) WOMEN CHAMPION: Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA Ladies) claimed the title after finishing at the top of their group.  

ACCC 34M-25W – Bronze Medal Match Results

Bronze Medal Match Results | Africa Cup for Club Champions [ACCC] 34th Men & 25th Women Editions | Blantyre – Malawi  18-26 November 2023. 3rd / 4th Place Playoffs WOMEN: GENETRIX  0 10  DELTA QUEENS MEN: KAMPALA  3 1  GENETRIX

ACCC 34M-25W – Kisumu Lakers, Western Jaguars book Africa Cup for Club Champions finals

Lakers Hockey Club and Western Jaguars are in the 2023 Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC) finals. Lakers from Kisumu will face off against defending champions Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in the finals set for Sunday from 2pm East African Time while Jaguars renew rivalry with Sharkia from Egypt in the finals as curtains come down in Blantyre, Malawi. Lakers booked a spot in the women’s finals after seeing off Delta Queens from Nigeria 2-0 to finish second in the round-robin tournament as preliminary matches ended on Saturday. Reigning KHU Premier League MVP Aurelia Opondo gave Lakers the lead in the 10th minute of the first quarter before Pauline Ochieng sealed the win for the Kisumu-based outfit in the 38th minute. The win saw Lakers solidify their second spot with 14 points, two points behind leader and defending champions GRA. GRA thrashed Scorpions from Malawi 15-0 to finish top and they will now renew their rivalry with Lakers in today’s finals. On Tuesday, Lakers drew 2-2 with GRA during the preliminary matches, a draw they must now turn to win if they are to win their maiden African hockey title. Kenya’s other representatives Blazers Hockey Club settled for third in the standings despite hammering Capital Braves 12-0. Blazer will play Delta Queens in the third place playoffs in what will be a reapeat of their Thursday’s 0-0 draw. In the men’s category, Western Jaguars came from 2-0 down at half time to force a 2-2 draw with defending champions Sharkia. Captain Mesakan Hossam gave the Egyptians a second minute lead before Ali Hamada converted a penalty corner in the 22nd minute for a 2-0 half time lead. However, Jaguars pulled a goal back through Edison Ndombi in the 39th minute before Emannuel Wiswa secured Jaguar’s the crucial point that took them to the finals. Source: standardmedia.co.ke | November 25, 2023

ACCC 34M-25W – Lakers and Western Jaguars carry Kenya’s gold medal hopes in Malawi

Lakers Hockey Club and Western Jaguars carry Kenya’s golden hopes as they chase final slots at the 2023 Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC) in Malawi. After a week of intense matches in the sand-based National Hockey Stadium in Blantyre, Malawi, the men’s and women’s preliminary matches are set to end on Saturday with the top two teams in each category set to face off in the finals on Sunday. Played in a round-robin format, the third and fourth placed teams will fight for bronze in the classification matches. Lakers Hockey Club are currently second in the standing of the women’s category with 11 points after three wins and two draws. The Kisumu City-based outfit have so far scored 39 goals in the five matches whilst conceding only three goals, the fewest in the tournament. Lakers began the tourney with a 12-0 win over Scorpions before drawing 0-0 with Blazers on Sunday. A whopping 15-0 win over Capital Braves from Malawi followed on Monday before their 2-2 draw with GRA. This was followed by a 10-1 win over Capital Braves, a win that not only maintained their unbeaten run but also solidified their finals spot chase. Today, Lakers will face off with Delta Queens of Nigeria in what will be a rematch of the 2022 edition played earlier this year. In February, the match concluded with a goalless draw against Delta Queens, leaving Lakers tied for third place with the Nigerian side, separated only by a cruel goal difference. Lakers need to avoid defeat to sail through to the finals. A draw of any sort will see them face off against defending champions Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) who have already booked a spot with a game to spare. GRA are top with 13 points followed by Lakers with 11 points. Delta Queens are third with 10 points. Blazers, Kenya’s other club were knocked out of the finals contention after their 0-0 draw with Delta on Thursday. With eight points, the best points they can amass is 11 points if they win their last match against Capital Braves. Points that won’t be enough to secure second spot. In the men’s category, Western Jaguars who are second with 13 points will hope to pick a point against leaders and defending champions Sharkia when they play today in the final preliminary match. Sharkia are already through to the finals after five wins in a row while Jaguars will be wary of third placed Genetrix from Malawi who have 10 points. Defeat to Sharkia will mean Jaguars have to bank on goal difference to separate them. Jaguars have 27 goals while Genetrix 17 goals, a deficit of 10 goals. Saturday’s 2023 ACCC Fixtures Sharkia (Egypt) v Western Jaguars (Kenya)-10am Capital Braves (Malawi) v Blazers (Kenya)-12pm Lakers (Kenya) v Delta Queens (Nigeria)-4pm (All matches kick off in EAT) Source: standardmedia.co.ke | November 24, 2023

FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Chile 2023: Pool B Preview

23 November, 2023 As part of our build-up to the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Chile 2023, we bring you the second of four Pool previews which examines the qualification routes, past form and crucial players from the teams that will compete at the showpiece event in Santiago, Chile. Argentina, Korea, Spain and Zimbabwe all feature in Pool B, with a top two finish being the only way to secure a place in the competition quarter-finals and thus maintain hopes of Junior World Cup glory. Argentina FIH Junior World Ranking: 2 How they qualified: 5th place – FIH Hockey Junior World Cup South Africa 2022 Junior World Cup history: 2022 – 5th, 2016 – 1st, 2013 – 2nd, 2009 – 2nd, 2005 – 5th, 2001 – 2nd, 1997 – 3rd, 1993 – 1st, 1989 – 6th. About the team: With two gold medals, three silvers and one bronze, Argentina have an impressive record in the women’s Junior World Cup. A fifth-place finish at the 2022 edition in Potchefstroom was only the third time in the competition’s history that the giants of Pan American hockey have failed to medal, something they will be determined to correct in Santiago, the city that staged their last Junior World Cup title success in 2016. Earlier this year, Las Leoncitas produced a fine set of performances at the Junior Pan American Championships, defeating Uruguay (4-0), USA (2-0) and Canada (1-0) to reach the gold medal game. However, the team could not get over the line, with USA taking the title in a shoot-out after regular time finished with the scores level at 1-1. The team selected by head coach Juan Lopez contains three players who helped Argentina’s senior women’s team to glory at the recent Pan American Games 2023, with Juana Castellaro, Sofia Cairo, and Valentina Raposo – an Olympic sliver medallist from Tokyo 2020, no less – all returning to the same Santiago pitches in search of more silverware.  Korea FIH Junior World Ranking: 7 How they qualified: 2nd Place – Junior Asia Cup 2023 Junior World Cup history: 2022 – 6th, 2016 – 12th, 2013 – 11th, 2009 – 3rd, 2005 – 1st, 2001 – 1st, 1997 – 5th, 1993 – 4th, 1989 – 2nd. About the team: As the Junior World Cup champions of 2001 and 2005 as well as being silver medallists in 1989 and bronze medallists in 2009, Korea have a fine reputation in this competition. They have competed in all nine previous editions, having bounced back from poor results at Mönchengladbach 2013 (11th) and Santiago 2016 (12th) by landing a sixth-place finish at the 2022 competition in Potchefstroom, South Africa. A silver medal winning performance at June’s Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 in Kakamigahara, Japan will have provided a boost to the team’s confidence levels. Inspired by seven competition goals from penalty corner ace An Sujin, Korea defeated Malaysia and China on their way to the final, where they fell to a 2-1 loss against India. An Sujin could be a key player for Korea in Santiago, with Jeong Saena, team captain Lee Yujin and Park Seoyeon also capable of making telling contributions to the scoreboard. Spain FIH Junior World Ranking: 10 How they qualified: 5th Place – EuroHockey Junior Championship 2022 Junior World Cup history: 2016 – 4th, 2013 – 5th, 2009 – 13th, 2005 – 6th, 2001 – 10th, 1997 – 9th, 1993 – 7th. About the team: Having made the difficult decision to withdraw from the previous, rescheduled edition, Spain return to women’s Junior World Cup action and will be out to impress in Santiago. Their last Junior World Cup appearance also took place in the Chilean capital, where they finished in fourth position. While just missing out on the bronze medal due to a painful shoot-out loss against Australia, it was their highest ever placement in the Junior World Cup. Spain finished fifth at the EuroHockey Junior Championship 2022 in Ghent, Belgium, a position that did not reflect the quality of their performances. Having thrashed Wales 6-0 and claimed a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of hosts Belgium saw them miss out on the semi-finals, before sealing fifth position with a 6-1 triumph over Scotland and ultimately seal a ticket to Santiago 2023. The team is captained by Ana Bousquet, while Teresa Lima – who scored four goals in four games to help Spain to a second-place finish at the 2023 4 Nations Junior Women’s Invitational Tournament in Düsseldorf, Germany – could well be one to watch. Zimbabwe FIH Junior World Ranking: 21 How they qualified: 2nd Place – Junior Africa Cup 2023 Junior World Cup history: 2022 – 12th, 2016 – 16th, 2005 – 16th, 1989 – 12th About the team: Zimbabwe make a fifth appearance at the Women’s Junior World Cup, and their third in succession. After finishing bottom of the standings at Ottawa 1989, Santiago 2005 and Santiago 2016 competitions, the team finished 12th out of 15 at the Potchefstroom 2022 event in South Africa, and they will be keen to set an even higher mark at Santiago 2023. Earlier this year, Zimbabwe took the silver medal at the Junior Africa Cup 2023 in Ismailia, Egypt, giving South Africa a stern test in the competition final before a fourth quarter strike from Jesquinique Coltman ended their hopes, losing 1-0. Seventeen-year-old Tinodiwanashe Elijah netted four times at the competition in Ismailia, with Tanyaradzwa Changa and Kaylee Sithole scoring two apiece. The team are coached by Bradley Heuer, a goalkeeper who has represented Zimbabwe senior men’s team both outdoors and indoors. The FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Chile 2023 begins on 29 November with 12 teams in action on opening day! Pool B encounter between Korea and Zimbabwe will get the event underway at 10am local time. High octane clashes between Netherlands and Australia, India and Canada, Argentina and Spain, Germany and Belgium will follow, before hosts Chile play the final match of the

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FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Chile 2023: Pool A Preview

22 November 2023 Lausanne, Switzerland: As part of our build-up to the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Chile 2023, we bring you the first of four Pool previews which examines the qualification routes, past form and crucial players from the teams that will compete at the showpiece event in Santiago, Chile. Australia, Chile, Netherlands and South Africa all feature in Pool A, with a top two finish being the only way to secure a place in the competition quarter-finals and thus maintain hopes of Junior World Cup glory. Australia FIH Junior World Ranking: 9 How they qualified: 1st Place – Junior Oceania Cup 2022 Junior World Cup history: 2016 – 3rd, 2013 – 6th, 2009 – 5th, 2005 – 4th, 2001 – 3rd, 1997 – 2nd, 1993 – 2nd About the team: With the continued fall-out of covid-19 forcing the cancellation of the 2021 Junior Oceania Cup, Australia were unable to qualify for the 2022 Junior World Cup in South Africa. However, they will be keen to remind the world of their qualities at the 2023 competition in Santiago. The Jillaroos have a fine Junior World Cup record, having medalled on four occasions and never finishing lower than sixth. That said, the Oceania giants have not yet managed to secure that elusive gold medal, something they will hope to change this time around. The team selected by former Hockeyroo Stacia Strain is hugely talented, with the majority having helped Australia to success at the Junior Oceania Cup 2022 in Canberra (AUS) to seal their berth in this competition. Numerous of Strain’s players have represented the senior side, with Maddison Brooks, Claire Colwill, Hannah Cullum-Sanders, Alana Kavanagh, Amy Lawton, Tatum Stewart and Grace Young having amassed over 170 caps between them. Lawton, who was shortlisted for the 2022 FIH Rising Star of the Year Award, will compete in Santiago alongside younger sister Josie. Chile FIH Junior World Ranking: 23 How they qualified: Host nation Junior World Cup history: 2016 – 11th, 2009 – 12th, 2005 – 10th, 2001 – 12th, 1989 – 12th. About the team: Having staged the FIH Women’s Junior World Cup on two previous occasions, host nation Chile will be hoping to make it third time lucky this time around. Their best finish to date was 10th at the 2005 competition in Santiago, but they will be setting their sights far higher in 2023. While the team might not have had to qualify for this competition due to their status as hosts, the team’s excellent third place finished at the Junior Pan American Championships in Barbados earlier this year ensures they will be taken very seriously in this event. Chile’s defeat in the Junior Pan Am semi-finals came at the hands of eventual winners USA, who edged the South Americans in a shoot-out after regular time finished 1-1. However, the team bounce back in sensational style with a thumping 5-1 victory against Canada, with Martina Gago, Marin Goñi, captain Francisca Irazoqui, Josefina Gutierrez and Constanza Muñoz all on target to seal the bronze medal. Irazoqui and Laura Müller were both part of the Chile senior squad that finished fourth at the recent Pan American Games 2023, played on the same pitches that will stage this Junior World Cup. Netherlands FIH Junior World Ranking: 1 How they qualified: 1st place – FIH Hockey Junior World Cup South Africa 2022 Junior World Cup history: 2022 – 1st, 2016 – 2nd, 2013 – 1st, 2009 – 1st, 2005 – 3rd, 2001 – 4th, 1997 – 1st, 1993 – 5th, 1989 – 4th. About the team: In nine women’s Junior Hockey World Cups, the Netherlands have only failed to secure podium finishes on three occasions, winning a record four golds (Seongnam 1997, Boston 2009, Mönchengladbach 2013, Potchefstroom 2022), one silver and one bronze. With such an incredible track record and a fabulous pool of wonderfully talented players, you can expect the Jong Oranje Dames to be amongst the front runners once again. They were in sparkling form at the 2022 edition in Potchefstroom, scoring 49 goals and conceding just once on their way to the title. A bronze medal at the 2022 EuroHockey Junior Championship in Ghent was perhaps below expectations, ensuring they will be suitably motivated to re-affirm their status as the best in the world here in Santiago. The squad selected by head coach Dave Smolenaars, who is aiming to win his second successive women’s Junior World Cup, contains a handful of players who competed in the 2022 edition, including goalkeeper Sofia ter Kuile and Jip Dicke, who top scored in Potchefstroom with 13 goals. The team also features Lilli de Nooijer, daughter of Netherlands all-time great Teun de Nooijer and former Germany Olympian Phillipa Suxdorf. South Africa FIH Junior World Ranking: 8 How they qualified: 1st Place – Junior Africa Cup 2023 Junior World Cup history: 2022 – 7th, 2016 – 14th, 2013 – 8th, 2009 – 11th, 2005 – 8th, 2001 – 6th, 1997 – 6th. About the team: Following their disappointing 14th place finish at the 2016 FIH Women’s Junior World Cup in Santiago, South Africa will be aiming for a much better outcome on their return to Chilean soil. They certainly have good reasons to feel optimistic. By finishing seventh at last year’s Junior World Cup on home soil in Potchefstroom, South Africa achieved their highest placement in more than 20 years. The team produced a string of dominant performances at this year’s Junior Africa Cup in Ismailia, Egypt, claiming the gold medal by winning all four of their matches, scoring 20 goals without once conceding. Twelve players from that squad have been named for Santiago 2023, including team co-captain Caylin Maree, who also competed in the Potchefstroom 2022 event. South Africa’s rising stars are coached by Lenise Marais, who as a player represented her country 232 times and competed at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympics. The FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Chile 2023 begins on 29 November with 12 teams in

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