India claim gold at Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023, Women’s tournament to begin today

    Lausanne, Switzerland: From 23 May to 1 June 2023, the best young Asian men’s hockey teams went head-to-head in the Men’s Junior Asia Cup Salalah 2023, competing for the gold medal and the final three spots up for grabs in the upcoming FIH Junior Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023, to be played in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. India and Pakistan were the dominant teams in the Pool A winning three matches comprehensively, and played out an entertaining draw in their head-to-head matchup, as both teams earned qualification for the semi-finals, with India topping the group thanks to their superior goal difference. In Pool B, it was Malaysia on top, winning all four of their pool matches, and Korea finished second with three wins and a solitary loss, which came against Malaysia. The semi-finals were heavily one sided as India and Pakistan dominated their Pool B opponents. India claimed a 9-1 win over Korea with Boby Singh Dhami scoring a hat-trick and a total of 7 different players appearing on the scoresheet. Pakistan came out comfortable winners in the second semi-final with a 6-2 win over Malaysia. Rehman Abdul found the back of the goal thrice to propel Pakistan into the finals and himself to the top of the scoring charts. The finals saw India take on Pakistan, as the storied rivalry added yet another chapter to its books. A cagey and close encounter was edged by India who took a 2-goal lead into half-time and while Pakistan struck back once in the third quarter, India would hold their nerves to claim a 2-1 victory and the gold medal. Korea won the bronze medal match against Malaysia by a 2-1 margin. With the results India, Pakistan, Korea and Malaysia (hosts) have qualified for the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2023. Rehman Abdul of Pakistan and Kumpei Yasuda of Japan finished the tournament as the top goal scorers with 9 goals apiece. C.R. Kumar, coach of the Indian team, speaking on his team’s success said: “We had a very good tournament overall. To be able to deliver gold for the people in India is a very proud achievement for the boys. We had good preparation for the Asia Cup with the Sultan of Johor Cup last year. It’s important to get good practise against European teams as well, so we are looking forward to the matches against Spain and Germany in preparation for the World Cup.” Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 From 2-11 June 2023, the best women’s junior teams of Asia will compete in the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 in Kakamigahara, Japan with three spots up for grabs in the upcoming FIH Junior Women’s World Cup Chile 2023! Chinese Taipei, India, Korea, Malaysia and Uzbekistan are placed in Pool A, while China, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan and Kazakhstan make up Pool B. The top two teams, in each pool, at the end of the pool stage will make it to the semi-finals. The losing semi-finalists will play in the bronze medal match, and the winner of that contest will join the two finalists in qualifying for the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup 2023. For further information about the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023, click here. The FIH Junior Hockey Women’s World Cup 2023 will be played in Santiago, Chile from 29 November to 10th December 2023. Chile have qualified as the hosts of the competition. Belgium, England, Germany, Netherlands and Spain have qualified from Europe. Australia and New Zealand have qualified from Oceania. South Africa and Zimbabwe are the qualifiers from Africa. USA, Argentina and Canada qualified from Pan America, and the final three teams will qualify from Asia to complete all the 16 spots in the upcoming World Cup. #HockeyInvites #HockeyEquals #RisingStars For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please consult FIH.hockey, follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and download the Watch.Hockey app.

    AfHF PRESS RELEASE – JUNE 1, 2023

      1 June 2023 The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) and the African Hockey Federation (AfHF) are pleased to announce renewal of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for extending ongoing collaboration programs and coordinated efforts for the development of athletes, coaches, umpires, and officials. This MoU has a very long and positive history of cooperation between the continents.   The MoU is an imperative step towards continuous cooperation between the AHF and the AfHF. This will enhance the existing framework for joint initiatives, exchange programs, and equipment and resource sharing to uplift the standard of hockey. In particular, the AHF will continue to facilitate the AfHF’s procurement needs for equipment from Asian manufactures. The AHF will also provide Hockey equipment to the AfHF and support an Umpire Exchange protocol with African counterparts who would officiate in Asian Competitions and vice versa.  The understanding also includes participation in Educational and Developmental Projects.    Concurrent to the MoU renewal which has a successful record of two decades, the Asian HF and African HF also announced holding of a joint Development Forum to strengthen the ongoing collaboration. At this occasion, Mr. Seif Ahmed -AfHF President and FIH Executive Board member- stated: “I welcome and commend the renewal of the MoU for Inter-continental cooperation”. He thanked the AHF President Mr. Fumio Ogura for his unique initiative of organizing the first ever Afro-Asian Hockey Development Forum and foresees that the Forum will lead global Hockey to new heights and bring us closer in the spirit of collaboration for the development of Hockey.   Dato Fumio Ogura -AHF President- stated: “We are delighted to re-establish this partnership with the AfHF. We share values of Hockey and the commitment for Hockey’s global progress. We will empower each other and create more opportunities for our continents to excel in international competitions.”   Dato Tayyab Ikram -FIH President- appreciated the partnership between the Asian and African Hockey family. He emphasized the significance of solidarity in development and encouraged other continents to enter similar partnerships. “We admire and strongly support such continental twinning for collaboration, and so encourage other continents to take similar initiatives. The challenges faced by one continent can be transformed into opportunities with the support of others. The inter-continental collaborations will essentially develop a synergy which will ultimately facilitate global hockey development – and we need this synergy more than ever. We should work together to serve hockey in our best capacity”.   This partnership between the AHF and the AfHF sets the stage for exciting and promised growth of hockey in Asia and Africa. It represents a shared commitment to recognize and nurture talent, foster larger cooperation, and advance sports on both continental and global levels.   About the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF): The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) is the governing body for field hockey in Asia. Comprising 33 member countries, the AHF aims to promote and develop hockey at all levels across the continent. The AHF organizes various tournaments, conducts educational programs, and works collaboratively with stakeholders to foster the growth of hockey in Asia.   About the African Hockey Federation (AfHF): The African Hockey Federation (AfHF) is the continental governing body responsible for the development and promotion of field hockey in Africa. Representing 26 member associations, the AfHF strives to create opportunities, improve standards, and increase the participation of African nations in international hockey competitions. The federation focuses on capacity building, grassroot development, and strengthening regional cooperation to advance the sport in Africa. For more information on the AfHF, visit: www.africahockey.org

      EHF and AfHF reach Memorandum of Understanding to work closer together

        The European Hockey Federation (EHF) and African Hockey Federation (AfHF) have reached a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate and work closer together in the coming years. “We are delighted to reach this Memorandum of Understanding,” EHF President Marijke Fleuren said following the signing of the agreement. “I am very happy with the increased cooperation between our two federations. We will see that both regions will benefit from our shared international experiences, be it in the realm of coaching, umpiring or officials. “This MoU also reflects the excellent relationship I have with my friend Seif, the President of the African Hockey Federation, which we built up in our joint time on the FIH Executive Board. “We look forward to supporting each other in our respective endeavours, programs and events and bring our different skill-sets together to grow the sport we love.” AfHF President Seif Ahmed said following the signing of the agreement: “My gratitude to Marijke – EHF President – and the EHF Executive Board members for this MoU which will have a major impact to narrow the wide gap of knowledge and experience between our continental talents, be it on the coaching, officiating or education fronts.” “Such a positive impact on the level of African Hockey will also benefit the global hockey family at large in terms of development and growth.” “Moreover, we target to take this MoU to the next level by having a combination of educational & touristic twinning programs around the sport of hockey. For example, European junior and/or senior teams can visit Africa and vice versa (e.g. trips to visit Egypt’s monuments or make a safari trip to Kenya/Tanzania in cooperation with local African National Associations) in combination with test matches, seminars, and officials exchange.” “I am happy to revive again the cooperation and family spirit which is not new to both our continents based on historical bi-lateral activities I have witnessed myself many years ago.” To achieve these objectives, EHF and AfHF will: cooperate in the development of content and materials that can be delivered through both networks. be in regular contact and share information related to upcoming programs and initiatives. be open to identifying potential areas for practical cooperation. provide advice and support on related issues. and where appropriate, share information and resources with both international networks. Specifically, the Memorandum of Understanding will see the facilitation of appointments for officials to national and regional leagues along with the facilitation of links and exchanges between national associations and clubs for development and competition. The EHF will allocate up to a maximum of three coaches, three umpires and three technical official places to the AfHF to attend seminars held on an annual basis. The EHF also agrees to facilitate the donations of sticks, balls, kit, and equipment to AfHF for use by nations and members on an annual basis. Click here to see the full Memorandum of Understanding document

        Signature Ceremony & Press Conference of the FIH Hockey5s Championship

          6 April 2023 A Signature Ceremony & Press Conference of the FIH Hockey5s Championship scheduled to take place on the Giza Plateau at the foot of the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Tournament agreement signature ceremony takes place in the presence of Dr. Ashraf Sobhi – Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports, Eng. Hisham Hatab – President Egyptian Olympic Committee, Mr. Seif Ahmed – FIH EB Member & AfHF President and Mr. Sherif Kamal – President Egyptian Hockey Federation. This FIH Hockey5s demonstration Tour Event is the 2nd after the inaugural tournament that took place in Lausanne, Switzerland 🇨🇭 in 2022 to promote the Hockey 5s format worldwide. Five Nations per gender will be invited to participate including the host Egypt 🇪🇬 International Hockey Federation (FIH) Asian Hockey Federation European Hockey Federation PAHF Pan American Hockey Federation Oceania Hockey Federation الأتحاد المصرى للهوكى EgyHockey Sports News Egypt Ministry of youth and Sports Hockey World News #Hockey5s #AfricaHockeyNews #HockeyInvites

          FIH Media

          Double delight for South Africa in Junior Africa Cup 2023

            20 March 2023 Lausanne, Switzerland: From 12-16 March 2023, the best young hockey teams, in both men’s and women’s category, from Africa competed in the Junior Africa Cup at Ismailia, Egypt for the title and two spots per gender, in the upcoming FIH Junior World Cups 2023. In the women’s competition, South Africa were crowned champions winning the finals against Zimbabwe, who also qualified for the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup Chile 2023. It was double delight for South Africa as they were the winners in the men’s competition as well, defeating hosts Egypt, with both teams securing qualification for the FIH Junior Hockey Men’s World Cup Malaysia 2023. In the group stage of the women’s tournament South Africa were the dominant team, winning all three matches, scoring 19 goals and conceding none. In fact the South African team went through the entire tournament without conceding a single goal! Zimbabwe finished second in the group stage registering convincing wins over Kenya and Egypt, after recovering from an opening game 3-0 defeat to South Africa. The two teams faced off in the finals, and South Africa edged the hard fought match 1-0, thanks to a final quarter goal by Jesquinique Coltman. Zimbabwe’s second place finish assured them of a spot in the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup 2023, which is to be held in Santiago, Chile later this year. Tinodiwanashe Elijah (ZIM), Tamlyn Kock (RSA), Kutlwano May (RSA) were the top scorers in the tournament, scoring 4 goals from 4 games. Lenise Marais, coach of the victorious South African team, speaking on her team’s success said: “We are extremely pleased to have won the Junior Africa Cup and qualify for the Junior World Cup at the end of the year. The team has taken several key learnings away from the tournament last week and we trust these will help prepare us even more for the challenges coming ahead. As a team we would like to thank the AfHF, LOC and volunteers for a well organised event.” In the group stage of the men’s tournament South Africa finished in the top spot winning all three matches, scoring 15 goals and conceding just 1. Egypt finished second, registering wins against Zimbabwe and Kenya on either side of a defeat to South Africa. The finals was an exciting affair as South Africa seemed to be in complete control heading into the final quarter with a 2-0 lead, but a remarkable comeback by Egypt, who struck twice in 3 minutes sent the match into a shoot-out. The teams were locked in at 3-3 after five attempts, but it was the South African team who held their nerves in the sudden death to prevail 4-3 in the shoot-outs. Egypt’s second place finish assured them of a spot in the FIH Junior Men’s World Cup 2023, which is to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia later this year. James Flint (RSA) was the stand out scorer in the tournament, scoring 5 goals from penalty corners, including one in the finals. Guy Elliott, coach of the South African team, speaking after his team’s title victory, said: “I am extremely proud of my team’s performance. It has not been an easy process to get to Egypt, and for them to perform regardless of that, shows the strength and determination of the team. I feel that the team’s spirit and identity reflects who South Africans are.” For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please download the Watch.Hockey app or follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and website. #HockeyEquals #HockeyInvites

            Junior Africa Cup [JAC] 2023 (Men/Women) | South Africa Wins Gold

              Congratulations to South Africa 🇿🇦 Men U21 for winning the Gold Medal🥇- Junior Africa Cup 2023 🏑🏆 Full Time : South Africa 🇿🇦 2️⃣ (4) – Egypt 🇪🇬 2️⃣ (3) #JAC2023 #AfricaHockeyNews Congratulations to South Africa 🇿🇦 Women U21 for winning the Gold Medal🥇- Junior Africa Cup 2023 🏑🏆 Full Time : South Africa 🇿🇦 1️⃣ – Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 0️⃣ #JAC2023 #AfricaHockeyNews

              Junior Africa Cup [JAC] 2023 (Men/Women) | Medal Winners

                Junior Africa Cup [JAC] 2023 (Men/Women) | Medal Winners   Congratulations to South Africa Men U21 for winning the Gold Medal– Junior Africa Cup 2023 Full Time : South Africa (4) – Egypt (3) #JAC2023 #AfricaHockeyNews Congratulations to Egypt Men U21 for winning the Silver Medal – Junior Africa Cup 2023 Full Time : South Africa (4) – Egypt (3) #JAC2023 #AfricaHockeyNews Congratulations kenya “ Men“ for winning the Bronze Medal– Junior Africa Cup Full Time : Kenya – Zimbabwe #jac2023 #egyhockey #Egypt     Congratulations to South Africa Women U21 for winning the Gold Medal– Junior Africa Cup 2023 Full Time : South Africa – Zimbabwe #JAC2023 #AfricaHockeyNews Congratulations to Zimbabwe Women U21 for winning the Silver Medal – Junior Africa Cup 2023 Full Time : South Africa – Zimbabwe #JAC2023 #AfricaHockeyNews Congratulations Egypt Women U21 for winning the Bronze Medal– Junior Africa Cup Full Time : Egypt – Kenya #JAC2023    

                JAC 2023 (Men/Women) | Zim Women’s hockey team on brink of WC qualification

                  THE Zimbabwe national Under-21 women’s hockey team are looking to clinch the final berth at the Junior World Cup in Chile, when they clash with Kenya in their last group match at the Africa Junior Cup in Egypt this afternoon.   Zimbabwe lost to South Africa before they defeated the hosts to keep alive their hopes of qualifying. Four teams are involved in the tournament and the top two will qualify for the World Cup. South Africa, who won their first two matches, have already booked a place at the global showcase. Zimbabwe will be hoping that South Africa defeat Egypt, but crucially, they have to win their own match against Kenya to give themselves the best chance to qualify. They commenced their campaign with a 3-0 defeat by South Africa, but they managed to make a comeback after walloping the hosts 4-0 in their second encounter on Monday. However, it has been a different story for the men’s side, who are yet to win a single match at this tournament after they suffered a humiliating 6-0 defeat by South Africa in their opener before they were again outclassed 3-1 by Kenya on Monday. Team coach Prince Mwale, however, said they are looking forward to the next game against Egypt having learnt their lessons from the first two matches. “I think we were unfortunate to lose our first two games, we just could not convert our chances and it made it difficult to win our games. We are obviously a young side and the experience and lack of intense games contributed to our result,” said Mwale. “Egypt is another intense side and we have to work extremely hard. We are making a few adjustments to our tactics and hopefully we will be able to come out with a positive result,” he said. Source: NewsDay Zimbabwe | March 15, 2023