Hockey, a global force for social change, development and inclusion

    Lausanne, Switzerland: Every year, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) is very proud to support the promotion of the UN International Day of Sport for Development and Peace – taking place on 6 April -which is an annual celebration of the power of sport to drive social change, community development and to foster peace and understanding. “Sport in general – and hockey in particular – has a fantastic potential to be a catalyst for positive social change and to connect people. In the challenging world we’re living in, sport is more needed than ever. The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace comes at a very timely moment, and I can only encourage all members of the global hockey community to actively engage, through hockey, through their communities or also individually, in any activity supporting social development, inclusion and peace. Together, and united, we can make a difference”, FIH President Tayyab Ikram commented on the eve of the 2024 International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. Throughout the week, FIH has focussed, through its digital platforms, on giving a global echo to stories from all over the world outlining activities from hockey’s global community to promote social change, development and inclusion. In the heart of Asia, amidst the bustling streets and vibrant communities of Attock, Pakistan, a beacon of hope shines bright through the Attock Hockey Development Project. For the past three to four years, this initiative has been more than just a sports program; it’s a catalyst for change, a vehicle for empowerment, and a symbol of unity. At the core of this project lies a noble purpose: to provide training and opportunities for the underprivileged segments of society, particularly orphan children and refugees. Led by dedicated coaches adhering to international standards set by FIH, these young learners are not just taught the nuances of the game but are also nurtured to become skilled players capable of showcasing their talents on a global stage. However, the impact of the Attock Hockey Development Project extends far beyond the hockey field. Recognizing the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty, the project ensures that participants receive more than just athletic training. School books, uniforms, and other essentials are provided, ensuring that these aspiring athletes can pursue their academic aspirations without any hindrance. Moreover, the project serves as a beacon of awareness in the community, advocating against the use of drugs. Through ongoing campaigns and initiatives, it aims to steer young minds away from negative influences and towards a path of positivity and growth. From Oceania, we hear how the “Hook in4 Health” program makes an impact in Pacific communities. The Oceania Hockey Federation is the lead partner in this collaborative Sport for Development program, currently shared across three countries – Papua New Guinea (PNG), Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu – primarily funded by the Australian Government under their umbrella organisation “Team Up”. Team Up’s overall goal is that all people realise their full potential through sport. It involves 13 sports and has five focus areas: gender, disability, leadership, governance, and knowledge. The key objective is for Hook in4 Health’s engaged communities to Live Well, Learn Well, Lead Well, through Hockey. While the activities are inclusive, there is an emphasis on providing innovative approaches resulting in more opportunities for girls and women and those with a disability. The intention is to increase knowledge and skills to make informed choices about health and wellbeing, focusing on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), self-efficacy, and nutrition. Hockey community engagement, including boys and men, covers ways of working within local culture, fostering, and supporting gender equity, safety, inclusion, active lifestyle, health, nutrition, wellbeing, community development and sustaining healthy relationships. From the Panamerican continent, the focus this year was put on the Salvadoran Hockey Federation (FESAHOCKEY) where, under the Presidency of Gerson Suárez, the number of hockey schools in the Central American nation increased from one to 16 in the last two years, providing more boys, girls, and young people with the opportunity to learn and enjoy the sport. The implementation of the “Student Hockey League Project” in 2023 attracted the participation of 7 schools, 5 categories, and approximately 175 participants throughout the year. In 2024, this initiative continues with the participation of 15 schools and more than 300 boys and girls in 8 different categories. Gerson highlights that these actions seek to be factors of change and peace in the childhood and youth of El Salvador through hockey and sports. FESAHOCKEY appreciates the support of INDES, COES, the Municipal Institute, and Educational Centers, and is committed to continue working to expand hockey and provide more opportunities for Salvadoran youth. In Africa, we learn from the work done to revive hockey in the state schools of Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, Bulawayo. Indeed, hockey’s resurgence was crucial in a city where it has traditionally enjoyed immense popularity. Therefore, Zimbabwe’s Excel Academy embarked on a mission in state schools, with Hillside Primary being their prime target. The school’s rich history of nurturing provincial and national hockey players made it an ideal candidate for this initiative. The event which took place on 24 November 2023 witnessed an amazing display of enthusiasm and engagement from the children. A staggering 200 eager first-timers participated in the coaching clinic, ranging from 7 to 11 years old. Cliff Kaseke, the Director of Hockey at Excel Academy and the brainchild behind this initiative, expressed his motivation: “It’s the human spirit that compels us to share this incredible sport with all communities. Witnessing the smiles on these children’s faces and their eagerness for the next session is truly heartwarming.” In Europe, during the Euro Hockey League last weekend, a sustainability meeting was held, bringing together key stakeholders with a view to finding important ways to improve sustainability in hockey. The meeting was attended by tournament organisers, sponsors, players, interested stakeholders, EuroHockey staff and EuroHockey President Marcos Hofmann to share their knowledge and showcase sustainability initiatives. Oliver van Nieuwenhuizen was among the speakers and

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    African Games: Ghana’s Black Sticks, Egypt clash for gold medal

      Egyptian player Ahmed Elganaini’s solitary strike in the third quarter handed Ghana’s national hockey team, Black Sticks, their first loss in the 13th African Games in Accra. Despite the 0 – 1 loss at the Theodosia Okoh Stadium yesterday, the Ghanaian side will meet their Egyptian rivals in the men’s hockey final tomorrow afternoon (push-off is at 4p.m.), after the two teams won their group games against Nigeria and Kenya to accumulate maximum points before yesterday’s clash. Despite a spirited effort from the Ghanaians in the opening stages, they struggled to keep their shots on target, with Emmanuel Ankomah and Abdellah Addison firing wide. Egyptian dominance However, the experienced Egyptian side looked more likely to score, especially from their penalty corner routines. There were warning signs of the Egyptian goal, which came moments after Ghana’s goalie, Eugene Acheampong, had saved earlier from an Egyptian short corner. A minute later, the Egyptians got their reward, with Elganaini converting from the Egyptian skipper, Amr Sayed’s corner. In the day’s other tie, Nigeria defeated Kenya 2-1. The two teams will meet at 2 p.m. on Saturday before the final. Meanwhile, Ghana will face off with rivals Nigeria in the women’s final on Saturday for the gold medal, with Kenya earning bronze after finishing bottom of the group.   Source: www.graphic.com.gh | March 21, 2024

      Standings and results after 3 days of play | 13th African Games Accra 2023

        Standings and results after 3 days of play | 13th African Games Accra 2023 Country/Team Scores Ghana vs Nigeria (M) (1 – 0) Egypt  vs Kenya (M) (3 – 2) Egypt  vs Nigeria (M) (5 – 4) Kenya vs Ghana (M) (1 – 3) Nigeria vs Kenya (M) (2 – 1) Ghana vs Egypt (M) (0 – 1) Ghana vs Kenya  (4 – 1) Nigeria vs Ghana  (0 – 1) Nigeria vs Kenya  (1 – 0)

        13th African Games Accra 2023 | African hockey chief defends safety of Ghana’s pitch

          The President of the African Hockey Federation (AfHF), Seif El Dine Ahmed, has stepped forward to assure the safety of Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium for all participating countries, following the recent withdrawal of South Africa from the 13th African Games amid concerns by South African officials about the safety and readiness of the venue for the competition. Acknowledging the challenges in venue preparation due to delays by the contractor, Mr Ahmed maintained that after meetings, all participating federations had agreed to proceed with the competition. He expressed gratitude to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for their dedication to ensuring high-quality hockey in Africa, emphasising the paramount importance of player safety. South Africa’s withdrawal from both the men’s and women’s hockey teams last Monday highlighted concerns over the readiness of Theodosia Okoh Stadium. The South African Olympic governing body, SASOC, cited the unsuitability of the pitches despite repeated assurances of their readiness for international-standard competition. Seif El Dine Ahmed (second from left) addressing the media in the presence of officials of the LOC and Ghana Hockey Federation. While acknowledging international certification rules for qualifying events, Mr Ahmed clarified that the African Games hockey competition did not fall under such qualifications. He pointed out that among the 25 African countries recognised by the Africa Hockey Federation, only South Africa had a certified pitch. However, he expressed optimism that the Theodosia Okoh Hockey pitch would attain certification by October, coinciding with the U-21 African Hockey tournament. “We had challenges to finish the turf in time; it was out of our hands at the African Hockey Federation and LOC. I would like to thank the LOC for trying to bring the best of hockey to Africa, and we consider the safety of all players very important,” Mr Ahmed said at the press briefing in Accra yesterday to address South Africa’s concerns. “With our experience, we can decide whether it was dangerous to play on the turf or not, and already six matches have been played on the turf with no major issues, and the players are enjoying the matches,” he said. For his part, the Executive Chairman of the LOC, Dr Kweku Ofosu-Asare, commended the remaining five participating countries in the hockey tournament for putting up a decent performance so far in hockey. “So far, we are progressing and progressing very well in this tournament (African Games). So far, we have had many medals being handed out and we are looking forward to a successful conclusion of the tournament,” he said.   Source: www.graphic.com.gh | March 20, 2024

          African Games 2023: ‘We are here to play; not to find excuses not to play’ – African Hockey Chief

            The African Hockey Federation is unhappy about South Africa’s decision to withdraw their male and female teams from the ongoing African Games, Accra 2023. At a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, Seif Ahmed, President of the African Hockey Federation said “We came to play. Not to find excuses not to play.” South Africa pulled their teams out of the competition, citing safety concerns with the pitch. “I believe hockey in Africa will benefit greatly from this pitch. There are 25 countries playing hockey in Africa. Only one country, South Africa has certified turfs. “Of course, if we take over the turf late we cannot certify it. But, from our experience, we know it is safe to be used.” The continental President intimated that South Africa did not follow due process in deciding to withdraw from the competition. He added that the claim that the pitch was substandard was untenable as the turf had not been laid at the time that the pictures being peddled by the South Africans were taken and also, as the quality of the turf could not be ascertained from the pictures taken. Mr. Seif further stated that the mandatory requirement for certification only arises where a pitch is to be used for Olympic qualifiers. “What we have heard is that the real reason South Africa pulled out of the competition is because they are afraid of injuries, as they are preparing for the Olympic Games. We are here to protect the athletes, but we have no control over injuries.” South Africa’s male and female teams qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games after competing on the old turf at the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Pitch in Accra in the African Cup of Nations, in 2022. The newly installed surface at the Pitch is of the highest quality and is the same surface to be used at the upcoming Paris Olympics. With the exception of hockey, South Africa is competing in seventeen (17) other disciplines at Accra 2023 with a contingent of three hundred and forty-six (346). With over 5,000 athletes from 54 countries participating, the Games is featuring twenty-nine (29) different sporting disciplines across two cities – Accra and Cape Coast. Source: www.myjoyonline.com | March 19, 2024

            Kenya Hockey Queens fall to Ghana in Africa Opener

              While the result doesn’t reflect the potential of the Kenyan team, it tells the entire story of what ill preparations can do to the confidence of players. The Kenyan women’s hockey team kicked off the African Games on the wrong footing after falling 4-1 to Ghana at the Theodosia Okoh Stadium on Sunday.  Ordinarily, matches pitting Kenya and Ghana are closely contested but the host capitalized on home advantage to floor the second best team in the continent. Ghana broke the deadlock in the ninth minute through Elizabeth Opoku who has a rich history of scoring in this fixture and against Kenyan clubs in the club championships.  Berko Marvis doubled the advantage for Ghana in the 19th minute, sounding the board from a penalty corner. Vivian Narkuor’a field goal in the 27th minute stretched the advantage to Ghana who had the best possible start in the encounter as by the time the teams went for half time they had a healthy lead. Opoku who doubles up as the skipper sealed her brace and the fourth goal for Ghana in the 33rd minute much to the disappointment of the Kenyan girls who were hoping to work on a possible come back from the third quarter.  Kenya grabbed the consolation goal in the 56th minute through Vivian Onyango who scored from the spot. While the result doesn’t reflect the potential of the Kenyan team, it  tells the entire story of what ill preparations can do to the confidence of players.  The team that arrived a day to the start didn’t play test matches and travelled without important members of the technical bench due to limited funding. Apart from coach Meshack Senge, the only other technical bench member accompanying the team is manager Jane Nyamogo.  Senge’s charges will look to redeem themselves when they play Nigeria on Tuesday. In the absence of South Africa who withdrew, Ghana and Kenya stand a chance of clinching the title. The African champions reportedly cited ill preparations by the host country  and the state of the pitch for their withdrawal. Source: www.michezoafrika.com | March 18, 2024

              African Games 2023: Ghana off to winning start with victory over rivals Nigeria

                Ghana got off to a winning start on day one of the men’s hockey competition of the 2023 African Games, with a 1-0 victory over rivals Nigeria, at the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium on Sunday. The cagey encounter saw few chances until Damalie Luke broke the deadlock by scoring late to give the Black sticks what proved to be the winner in the dying embers of the game. The hard-fought win hands the host three points and the bragging right over their West African counterpart. “At a point, our game plan changed but we had to keep our cool and prove to them [Nigeria] that we are better than them. Going forward you’ll see better performance from us,” Ghana captain Abbiw Charles told JoySports. Elsewhere, Egypt emerged 3-2 winners over Kenya in a five-goal thriller. Meanwhile in the Women’s category, Ghana demolished Kenya 4-1 in what was an impressive performance. Goals from Berko Mavis, Narkuor Vivian and a brace from captain, Elizabeth Opoku ensured that the Black Stick women started the tournament on a high note. Elizabeth expressed confidence about the team’s chances of winning the competition. “We are taking one match at a time and we need to correct the mistakes we did today and be ready for the next game against Nigeria, whom we have to beat at all cost to make it to the final,” she said. “Our target is the ultimate (first) and I believe we can do it.” Source: www.myjoyonline.com | March 18, 2023