Media Kit Breda, Netherlands - 23 June - 1 July 2018 - FIH
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Breda
2018
Breda, Netherlands
23 June – 1 July 2018
Media Kit
#HCT2018
Contents
General Information
Key contacts & resources 1
Welcome message from FIH President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra 2
About the Hockey Champions Trophy 3
About Breda and BH & BC 6
Competitions
Qualification for the Men’s Rabobank Hockey Champions Trophy 2018 7
Competition format and match schedule 9
Teams - Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Netherlands, India, Pakistan 10
Officials 22
Useful Information
Event logos for download 23
Event photography 24
Key statistics about the Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy 25
FIH Hero World Rankings 27
Hockey Pro League - The future of International Hockey 28
CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB Partners
Key Contacts and Resources
Contact
For all media queries relating to the event, please contact:
Richard Stainthorpe - FIH Media Operations Manager
Email: richard.stainthorpe@fih.ch
Phone: +44 77 33 322 910
About the event
Event Name: Men’s Rabobank Hockey Champions Trophy 2018
When: 23 June - 1 July 2018.
Where: BH & BC Breda, Burgemeester de Manlaan 26, 4837 BN Breda, Netherlands
Teams: Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Netherlands, India, Pakistan.
Event website: http://fih.ch/events/champions-trophy/rabobank-hockey-champions-trophy-breda-2018/
Broadcast and live streaming
Broadcast and live streaming information is published on the event website here: http://www.fih.ch/events/champions-
trophy/rabobank-hockey-champions-trophy-breda-2018/where-to-watch/
FIH Tournament Management System (TMS)
Raw competition data including match starting line-up pdfs, pool tables, top scorers and daily appointment sheets will
be available for the media at https://tms.fih.ch/competitions/793
Social media
The FIH will provide comprehensive coverage of the event via our social media channels,
including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Facebook: facebook.com/fihockey
Instagram: instagram.com/fihockey
Twitter: twitter.com/fih_hockey
Snapchat: snapchat.com/fihockey
Hashtags: #HCT2018
Stats archive
A link to the statistics archive, which contains head to heads, team stats, individual stats, all time scorers and more,
can be found at the following link: http://stats.fih.ch
Please be aware that this is an archive and will not be updated as the competition progresses.
Rabobank 4-Nations Trophy Women 2018
A four nations women’s competition featuring Netherlands, China, Japan and Spain is also scheduled. The Rabobank
4-Nations Trophy Women 2018 will take place between 26-30 June 2018. TMS event link:
https://tms.fih.ch/competitions/903
1 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB Partners
Introduction
A message of welcome from Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra, President of the
International Hockey Federation (FIH).
Dear Hockey Fan,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to De Bredase Hockey and Bandy Club in Breda for
the men’s Rabobank Hockey Champions Trophy 2018, the 37th edition of a competition that
started life way back in 1978.
The men’s Champions Trophy is an event steeped in history, being the stage on which the
world’s greatest teams and players have produced countless brilliant performances down
the years.
While the upcoming introduction of the Hockey Pro League and the new Event Portfolio is
unquestionably a landmark moment for our rapidly evolving sport, the Champions Trophy has
always been regarded one of the most important and exciting competitions in the hockey calendar.
With a stellar line-up of teams, I am convinced that the latest edition of this iconic competition will go down in history as
one of the very best.
The fine heritage of the Champions Trophy is reflected in the opening match of the 2018 competition, which features
one of the biggest rivalries in the sport - Pakistan going head-to-head with India on Saturday 23 June at 14:30 local
time (CEST).
The meeting between Pakistan, the nation that launched the Hockey Champions Trophy back in 1978, and India, the
eight time Olympic champions, is a fixture that is sure to draw thousands of spectators to the venue as well as millions
of fans tuning in from across the world, eagerly anticipating the latest episode of this long-running battle between two
of the sport’s most successful nations.
The opening day drama does not stop there, with home favourites and European champions Netherlands taking on
Olympic and Pan American champions at 1600. A sensational first day of action is rounded off by the meeting between
reigning champions Australia and Olympic silver medallists Belgium, who meet at 18:00 in what is certain to be a
hugely competitive fixture between two of the best attacking sides in the world.
I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to the KNHB, the city of Breda, title sponsors Rabobank and all event
partners for their wonderful efforts in the lead up to this event. The FIH is certain that this will be a competition that will
be forever remembered by those there to witness it, whether they are players, officials, volunteers or fans.
Yours in hockey,
Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra
FIH President
2 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB Partners
About the Men’s Hockey
Champions Trophy
The men’s Hockey Champions Trophy has showcased the
very best that hockey has to offer, with the finest international
teams competing to claim titles of historical significance.
All of the competing teams - Australia (FIH Hero World
Ranking: 1), Argentina (WR: 2), Belgium (WR 3), Netherlands
(WR 4), India (WR 6) and Pakistan (WR 13) - will be firmly
focused on joining the elite group of previous Hockey
Champions Trophy winners in this, the 37th edition of the
competition. All six nations will be equally determined to etch
their name on this unique Trophy and into the history books
for eternity.
The men’s Hockey Champions
Trophy was first developed by Air Marshal (retired) Nur Khan, former President of the
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF - pictured).
During the Hockey World Cup in 1978 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Nur Khan offered the
FIH the chance to stage a ‘Super World Cup tournament’ in Pakistan, where the best
nations in the world would participate. At the time, the selection of the teams had to be
based on the most recent FIH World Ranking, according to the Olympic Games and the
World Cup.
Former FIH President René Frank, from Belgium, took Khan’s idea to the FIH Executive
Board and they agreed that the tournament would start later that year, in 1978.
The PHF, taking the initiative of this ‘Super World Cup tournament’ (shortly thereafter the name was changed to
Champions Trophy), obtained the right to organise the first edition.
The inaugural tournament took place in the city of Lahore, Pakistan in November 1978 and featured five teams –
Pakistan, Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand and Spain, with Pakistan winning the title on home soil.
Following a two-year gap between the first (1978) and second (1980) editions of the Hockey Champions Trophy, the
competition was played on an annual basis until 2012. The Champions Trophy reverted to a biennial event in 2014.
Aside from the inaugural five team competition, a seven-team tournament in 1980 and the eight nation editions in
1987, 2007, 2011, 2012 and 2014, all other men’s Hockey Champions Trophy editions have featured six teams.
Australia are the most successful nation in men’s Hockey Champions Trophy history, having won the gold medal on 14
separate occasions, four more than nearest rivals Germany.
Dutchman Taeke Taekema is the top goal-scorer in the history of the competition, netting 46 times for the Netherlands
between 2000 and 2011.
3 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB Partners
Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy Medal Winners
Edition Venue Gold Silver Bronze
2016 London (ENG) Australia (AUS) India (IND) Germany (GER)
2014 Bhubaneswar (IND) Germany (GER) Pakistan (PAK) Australia (AUS)
2012 Melbourne (AUS) Australia (AUS) Netherlands (NED) Pakistan (PAK)
2011 Auckland (NZL) Australia (AUS) Spain (ESP) Netherlands (NED)
Mönchengladbach
2010 (GER) Australia (AUS) England (ENG) Netherlands (NED)
2009 Melbourne (AUS) Australia (AUS) Germany (GER) Korea (KOR)
2008 Rotterdam (NED) Australia (AUS) Spain (ESP) Argentina (ARG)
2007 Kuala Lumpur (MAS) Germany (GER) Australia (AUS) Netherlands (NED)
2006 Terrassa (ESP) Netherlands (NED) Germany (GER) Spain (ESP)
2005 Chennai (IND) Australia (AUS) Netherlands (NED) Spain (ESP)
2004 Lahore (PAK) Spain (ESP) Netherlands (NED) Pakistan (PAK)
2003 Amstelveen (NED) Netherlands (NED) Australia (AUS) Pakistan (PAK)
2002 Cologne (GER) Netherlands (NED) Germany (GER) Pakistan (PAK)
2001 Rotterdam (NED) Germany (GER) Australia (AUS) Netherlands (NED)
2000 Amstelveen (NED) Netherlands (NED) Germany (GER) Korea (KOR)
1999 Brisbane (AUS) Australia (AUS) Korea (KOR) Netherlands (NED)
1998 Lahore (PAK) Netherlands (NED) Pakistan (PAK) Australia (AUS)
1997 Adelaide (AUS) Germany (GER) Australia (AUS) Spain (ESP)
1996 Madras (IND) Netherlands (NED) Pakistan (PAK) Germany (GER)
1995 Berlin (GER) Germany (GER) Australia (AUS) Pakistan (PAK)
1994 Lahore (PAK) Pakistan (PAK) Germany (GER) Netherlands (NED)
1993 Kuala Lumpur (MAS) Australia (AUS) Germany (GER) Netherlands (NED)
1992 Karachi (PAK) Germany (GER) Australia (AUS) Pakistan (PAK)
1991 Berlin (GER) Germany (GER) Pakistan (PAK) Netherlands (NED)
4 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB Partners1990 Melbourne (AUS) Australia (AUS) Netherlands (NED) Germany (GER)
1989 West Berlin (FRG) Australia (AUS) Netherlands (NED) West Germany (FRG)
West Germany
1988 Lahore (PAK) (FRG) Pakistan (PAK) Australia (AUS)
West Germany
1987 Amstelveen (NED) (FRG) Netherlands (NED) Australia (AUS)
West Germany
1986 Karachi (PAK) (FRG) Australia (AUS) Pakistan (PAK)
1985 Perth (AUS) Australia (AUS) Great Britain (GBR) West Germany (FRG)
1984 Karachi (PAK) Australia (AUS) Pakistan (PAK) Great Britain (GBR)
1983 Karachi (PAK) Australia (AUS) Pakistan (PAK) West Germany (FRG)
1982 Amstelveen (NED) Netherlands (NED) Australia (AUS) India (IND)
1981 Karachi (PAK) Netherlands (NED) Australia (AUS) West Germany (FRG)
1980 Karachi (PAK) Pakistan (PAK) West Germany (FRG) Australia (AUS)
1978 Lahore (PAK) Pakistan (PAK) Australia (AUS) Great Britain (GBR)
A link to the statistics archive, which contains head to heads, team stats, individual stats, all time scorers and more,
can be found at the following link: http://stats.fih.ch
Please be aware that this is an archive and will not be updated as the competition progresses
5 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersAbout Breda
Image credit: Netherlands-Tourism.com
From Netherlands-Tourism.com: Breda is a city in the west of the province North Brabant of the Netherlands and
has over 170,000 inhabitants. It is a very cosy and social city, partly due to the large number of students that live in the
city. In the historical city centre you’ll find lots of interesting architecture and cultural delights.
Breda is largely comprised of medieval buildings that have managed to remain intact to this day. For those individuals
who may be major history enthusiasts, this would be the ideal destination for you. From Breda’s stunning castles to
other major architectural monuments within the town, there is tons of interesting and fun activities to participate in and
sites to see in the lovely little medieval town. The city’s main square is referred to as the Grote Markt. There you can
discover the Church of our Lady in the stunning Gothic style along with an 18th century city hall perfectly centred
in town.
Further reading
Breda Tourist Information: click here.
Breda on Netherlands-Tourism.com: click here.
Breda on Holland.com: click here.
About BH & BC Breda
The matches of the Rabobank Hockey Champions Trophy 2018 will be played at hockey club B.H
& B.C. Breda. The tournament and the side events will be organized together with five surrounding
hockey clubs: H.C. Prinsenbeek, B.H.V. Push, M.H.C. Teteringen, B.N.M.H.C. Zwart-Wit, and the
Municipality of Breda supported by the Province of Noord-Brabant.
Address: BH & BC Breda, Burgemeester de Manlaan 99, 4836 AN Breda, Netherlands
Google Maps: click here.
6 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersQualification for the Men’s
Rabobank Hockey Champions
Trophy 2018
The 37th edition of the prestigious men’s Champions Trophy is set to be a sensational event of top class
international hockey.
The qualification criteria set out by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in July 2015 stated that the line-up for the
event would consist of the nations that held the Olympic, World Cup, Hockey World League and Champions Trophy
titles, who would join host nation the Netherlands alongside one nation nominated by the FIH Executive Board.
With Australia’s Kookaburras being the holders of the respective World Cup, Hockey World League and Champions
Trophy titles, this meant that the number of nations nominated by FIH Executive Board rose from one to three.
The FIH Executive Board nominations were issued to Olympic silver medallists Belgium, Asian continental champions
India and three-time Champions Trophy winners Pakistan, the latter being the nation widely regarded as the founding
fathers of the Hockey Champions Trophy concept. Belgium, India and Pakistan complete the line-up alongside
Olympic champions Argentina, top-ranked Australia and host nation the Netherlands.
With five of the top six placed nations in the FIH Hero World Rankings taking to the field in a country renowned for its
passion for hockey, the men’s Champions Trophy is all set to be another cracking chapter in an event with a
wonderful history.
Before the action begins on Saturday 23 June 2018, we take a brief look at the history of the nations that will compete
in Breda.
The Netherlands (FIH Hero World Ranking: 4) qualified as the host nation of the competition and will be looking
to make home advantage count at De Bredase Hockey and Bandy Club. Oranje have a wonderful record in the
Champions Trophy, having claimed eight titles between 1981 and 2006. In addition to their eight triumphs, the reigning
European champions have also finished on the podium a further 14 times, with six silver medals and eight bronze.
Their most recent medal arrived at the 2011 event in Melbourne, where they took silver behind host nation Australia.
The Dutch have a fine Champions Trophy record on home soil, having won the title at the 1982, 2000 and 2003
events, which all took place in Amstelveen.
Argentina (FIH Hero World Ranking 2) come into the event as the reigning Olympic champions, following their
stunning gold medal win at Rio 2016, which earned them the right to compete in this edition of the men’s Champions
Trophy. They are current Pan American champions and also enjoyed a wonderful World Cup event on Dutch soil four
years ago in The Hague, where they claimed the bronze medal. That could be a good omen for potential success
in Breda, where they must surely be seen as serious contenders for the title. This is Argentina’s sixth appearance in
the Champions Trophy, having featured in the 1987, 2003, 2006, 2008 and 2014 events. Their best display to date
came at the 2008 competition in Rotterdam, where they took the bronze medal by beating host nation Netherlands on
penalty strokes.
7 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersAs the title holders of the Champions Trophy, World Cup and Hockey World League, Australia (FIH Hero World
Ranking: 1) actually qualified for this event three times over. They have a peerless record in the Champions Trophy,
having won the event a record 14 times, four clear of nearest rivals Germany. The Kookaburras won five successive
titles between 2008 and 2012 and have also claimed a monumental haul of other medals too, with ten silver and
four bronze. With a quite remarkable 28 podium finishes from 35 Champions Trophy appearances, they will enter this
competition knowing that a 15th title is very much within their capabilities.
Having competed in only three Champions Trophy competitions (2012, 2014, 2016), Belgium (FIH Hero World
Ranking: 3) may not have the same level of history as the other nations taking part in Breda. However, they are
unquestionably one of the finest teams in the world and will be setting their sights very much on the title. A silver medal
at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games remains the high point for the Red Lions, who also took the runners-up positions at
both the 2017 European championships in Amstelveen and the Hockey World League in 2015. A gold medal here in
Breda could be a breakthrough moment for an extraordinarily talented group of players.
Asian champions India (FIH Hero World Ranking: 6) will also feel that they have a fantastic chance of challenging for
the Champions Trophy, a title which, quite remarkably, they have never won. They came agonisingly close at the 2016
event in London, finishing runners up behind Australia thanks to an agonising shoot-out defeat. This could be
their year.
2014 silver medallists Pakistan (FIH Hero World Ranking: 13) may have finished in seventh place at the XXI
Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast earlier this year, but that result hides the fact that they went
through the event completely unbeaten. Four draws in the pool phase – against Wales, India, England and Malaysia
respectively - saw Pakistan finish fourth in their five-team pool, putting them in the 7-8 classification match where they
defeated Canada 3-1. The founding nation of the Champions Trophy will be determined to add to the titles that they
claimed in 1978, 1980 and 1994 – victories that all came on home soil.
More extensive information about the competing teams, including squad lists, can be found later in this Media Kit.
8 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersCompetition format
The Men’s Rabobank Hockey Champions Trophy 2018 competitions in Breda will feature one pool comprising of all six
participating teams.
Pool phase
All of the competing teams will play against each other, with three points being awarded for a win, one point for a
draw and zero points for a loss. Teams will be ranked according to the number of points they have accumulated in the
competition, providing the basis for the classification matches.
Pool Splitters
If at the end of the pool matches two or more teams have the same number of points for any place in a pool, the first
splitter will be according to their respective number of matches won, followed by Goal Difference, Goals Scored and
the result of the match played between the tied teams. If more than two teams are involved, then a ranking based
upon the results of the matches among (only) them shall determine their respective position, based upon the points
awarded. Should there still remain equality among two or more teams, then the ranking will be determined by a shoot-
out competition between those teams.
Classification phase
The teams for the classification matches will be as follows although the matches will not necessarily be played in this
order:
5th Ranked Team v 6th Ranked Team (to determine 5th and 6th places)
3rd Ranked Team v 4th Ranked Team (to determine 3rd and 4th places)
1st Ranked Team v 2nd Ranked Team (to determine 1st and 2nd places)
The score at the end of the regulation time of any match will be registered by the FIH as the result of the match. If at
the end of regulation time the result is a draw, in order to establish an outright winner of a classification match for the
purpose of the competition, a shoot-out will be played to establish the winner.
More information about the tournament format can be found at the following link:
http://fih.ch/media/12234031/fih-top-tier-tournament-regulations-may-2017.pdf
Match schedule
To see the official match schedule of the competition, please click the following link:
https://tms.fih.ch/competitions/793#matches
9 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersThe Teams
You can find some general information about the men’s teams below. To see complete and up-to-date squad lists for
each competing team, click the following link:
http://fih.ch/events/champions-trophy/rabobank-hockey-champions-trophy-breda-2018/teams/
Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Netherlands, India, Pakistan.
AUSTRALIA
Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 1
Notable honours: Olympic gold medallists (2004) 3x Olympic silver medallists (1968, 1976, 1992), 5x Olympic
bronze medallists (1964, 1996, 2000, 2008, 2012), 3x World champions (1986, 2010, 2014), Hockey World League
champions (2015, 2017), 14x Champions Trophy winners (1983, 1984, 1985, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1999, 2005, 2008,
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016), 6x Commonwealth Games gold medallists (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018),
10x Oceania Cup champions (1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017).
Rank in previous CT editions: 2016 – 1st, 2014 – 3rd, 2012 – 1st, 2011 – 1st, 2010 – 1st, 2009 – 1st, 2008 – 1st,
2007 – 2nd, 2006 – 4th, 2005 – 1st, 2003 – 2nd, 2002 – 5th, 2001 – 2nd, 2000 – 5th, 1999 – 1st, 1998 – 3rd, 1997
– 2nd, 1996 – 6th, 1995 – 2nd, 1994 – 4th, 1993 – 1st, 1992 – 2nd, 1991 – 4th, 1990 – 1st, 1989 – 1st, 1988 – 3rd,
1987 – 3rd, 1986 – 2nd, 1985 – 1st, 1984 – 1st, 1983 – 1st, 1982 – 2nd, 1981 – 2nd, 1980 – 3rd, 1978 – 2nd
About the team: Australia, the most successful team in the history of the Men’s Champions Trophy with a staggering
14 titles and 28 podium finishes to their name, arrive in Breda sitting at the top of the FIH Hero World Rankings
and will be rightly regarded as favourites. However, this will be the first major tournament since the retirement of
iconic defender and captain Mark Knowles, who bowed out at the top with a gold medal at the Gold Coast 2018
Commonwealth Games. The departure of Knowles has seen Head Coach Colin Batch appoint vastly experienced duo
Eddie Ockenden and Aran Zelewski as co-captains for this event on an interim basis, with a view to appointing a single
captain for the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 at the end of the year. Ockenden and Zelewski
are central figures for a Kookaburras team that is missing injured duo Matt Dawson and goalkeeper Andrew Charter,
but welcomes back experienced defender Matthew Dawson after a six-month sabbatical as well as Blake Govers, who
returns after a hand injury which forced him out of the Commonwealth Games. Uncapped pair Tim Brand and Johan
Durst are both included for the first time.
Coach quotes – Colin Batch:
On the event: “The Champions Trophy is a fantastic opportunity for us to play in a high-pressure tournament against
some of the world’s best teams. We rarely get the chance to play against the top teams in Europe and it will provide
great preparation for the World Cup later in the year.”
On uncapped duo Tim Brand and Johan Durst, the former who was born in the Netherlands: “It is an exciting time to
have two debutants at a major tournament. Both Tim and Johan deserve their opportunity.”
10 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersOn the selection of attacker Blake Govers and experienced defender Matthew Swann: “It’s great to see Blake back
after the injury he sustained on the eve of the Commonwealth Games. Matthew’s return is also a significant boost, in
light of Mark’s retirement, as he brings plenty of experience to our backline and team overall.”
One to watch: Eddie Ockenden. One of Australia’s most consistently outstanding performers, this 31-year-old
rarely has a poor day out on the field in green and gold. A wonderfully creative athlete who is equally comfortable
in the midfield and forward lines, Ockenden has rightfully earned a reputation as one of most highly-rated players in
the game. He will be determined to add super sixth Champions Trophy winners’ medal to a vast collection that also
includes two World Cup Gold (New Delhi 2010 / The Hague 2014) and two Olympic Bronze medals (Beijing 2008 /
London 2012).
Hockey Australia website: www.hockey.org.au
Twitter: @kookaburras Facebook: @TheKookaburras Instagram: hockeyaustraliaofficial
Shirt # Player Age * Caps ** Team Staff
1 SHARP Lachlan 20 18 BOWEN Peter - Team Manager
2 CRAIG Tom 22 58 BATCH Colin - Head Coach
4 HARVIE Jake 20 27 HAMMOND Robert - Assistant Coach
7 EDWARDS Jeremy 26 54
8 DURST Johan (GK) 27 0
11 OCKENDEN Eddie 31 320
12 WHETTON Jake 27 162
13 GOVERS Blake 21 63
14 KLEINSCHMIDT Aaron 28 53
16 HOWARD Tim 22 15
17 ZALEWSKI Aran 27 144
20 SWANN Matthew 29 165
22 OGILVIE Flynn 24 67
23 BEALE Daniel 25 132
24 LOVELL Tyler (GK) 31 113
25 MITTON Trent 27 138
29 BRAND Tim 19 0
32 HAYWARD Jeremy 25 109
* at start of competition
** as of 11 June 2018
11 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersArgentina
Current FIH World Ranking: 2
Notable honours: Olympic gold medallists (2016), FIH World Cup bronze medallists (2014), Hockey World League
silver medallists (2017), 9x Pan American Games winners (1967, 1971, 1975, 1979, 1991, 1995, 2003, 2011,
2015), 3x Pan American Cup winners (2004, 2013, 2017), FIH Champions Trophy bronze medallists (2008), 3x FIH
Champions Challenge 1 winners (2005, 2007, 2012), Sultan Azlan Shah Cup winners (2008).
Rank in previous CT editions: 2014 – 6th, 2008 – 3rd, 2006 – 6th , 2003 – 5th , 1987 – 5th.
About the team: Argentina have always produced international teams with plenty of talent, but over the past four
years the men’s side has surged from being outside of the top ten in the FIH Hero World Rankings to become the
Olympic champions and the number one ranked team in the game. Despite losing their position at the top of the
rankings table to Australia, few would argue that this remains a golden time for Argentina’s men, who have long been
overshadowed by the success of their female compatriots.
However, it has not been an easy few months for Los Leones. Head Coach and former Argentina international Carlos
“Chapa” Retegui – the man who, remarkably, guided both the men and the women’s national sides to bronze medals
at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup before leading the men to Olympic glory at Rio 2016, has departed, being
replaced by former Argentina internationals in the shape of new Head Coach German Orozco and assistant Matias Vila.
Orozco has kept Argentina’s existing squad pretty much intact, naming a vastly experienced group that will be guided
by team captain Pedro Ibarra. Matias Paredes, Juan Gilardi and goalkeeper Juan Vivaldi are all aged over 35 but
remain very much in their prime, using their vast experience in every game situation. Creative genius Lucas Vila is
arguably Argentina’s most influential player, although it is powerfully built penalty corner expert Gonzalo Peillat who
often grabs the headlines thanks to his incredible prowess from set-pieces. Twenty-one-year-old attacker Maico
Casella is another player worth keeping an eye on, with his pace, trickery and on-field intelligence making him one of
the hottest young talents in the game.
One to watch: Lucas Vila. Long considered one of the most naturally gifted attackers in world hockey, Vila has a
reputation for scoring spectacular goals and always provides assists for his team-mates. The 31-year-old has been
central to Argentina’s rapid rise up the FIH Hero World Rankings table and played an instrumental role in their Olympic
success in 2016.
Website: www.cahockey.org.ar
Twitter: @LosLeonesHockey Facebook: ArgFieldHockey Instagram: arg_fieldhockey
12 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersShirt # Player Age * Caps** Team Staff
1 VIVALDI Juan (GK) 38 240 HOURQUEBIE Juan Pablo - Team Manager
2 PEILLAT Gonzalo 25 136 OROZCO German - Head Coach
4 GILARDI Juan 36 158 VILA Matias - Assistant Coach
5 IBARRA Pedro (C) 32 249 MACCORMIK Tomas - Assistant Coach
6 TARAZONA Santiago 22 23
8 SALIS Nahuel 28 70
9 CASELLA Maico 21 24
10 PAREDES Matias 36 322
11 MENINI Joaquin 26 93
12 VILA Lucas 31 207
16 ORTIZ Ignacio 30 112
17 LOPEZ Juan 33 256
18 della TORRE Nicolas 28 38
20 IBARRA Isidoro 25 34
21 SANTIAGO Tomas (GK) 26 10
22 REY Matias 33 165
23 MARTINEZ Lucas 24 32
27 ROSSI Lucas 33 205
* at start of competition
** as of 11 June 2018
13 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersBelgium
Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 3
Notable honours: Olympic silver medallists (2016), Olympic bronze medallists (1920), Hockey World League silver
medallists (2015), European silver medallists (2013, 2017), European bronze medallists (2007), 5th place - Olympic
Games (2012), 5th place - Rabobank Hockey World Cup (2014), 5th place - Hero Hockey Champions Trophy (2014).
Rank in previous CT editions: 2016 – 5th, 2014 – 8th, 2012 – 5th
About the team: While the rise of Belgium’s Red Lions in recent years has been well documented, the team scaled
new heights in 2016. A superb silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games was hard earned and fully deserved, with
the team producing some exceptional performances along the way. Their individual stars were also recognised, with
Rio captain John-John Dohmen – who returned to the international scene at the end of 2017 after a year-long break –
and defensive star Arthur van Doren being named the respective FIH Player and Rising Star of the Year for 2016.
Many of the stars of Rio remain part of the squad, including Cedric Charlier, captain Thomas Briels, Simon Gougnard,
Felix Denayer and Vincent Vanasch, who was named the FIH Hockey Stars Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year for 2017.
However, striker Tom Boon is not included in the squad for the Champions Trophy.
The team coached by New Zealander Shane McLeod have been playing some magnificent hockey over the past 12
months, with their superb first place finish at the Hockey World League Semi-Final in Johannesburg being followed
up by winning silver at the Rabobank EuroHockey Championships in Amsterdam, where they were defeated 4-2 by
the Netherlands – a team they had thrashed 5-0 in the pool phase of the competition - in the gold medal match. A
fifth-place finish at the Odisha Hockey World League Final in Bhubaneswar at the end of last year was well below
expectations, but they are certain to be serious contenders for the Champions Trophy and World Cup titles that are up
for grabs in 2018.
Fast facts: John-John Dohmen is Belgium’s most capped player in the group, with 353 international appearances
to his name. Goalkeeper Loic Van Doren is the younger brother of defender Arthur Van Doren. Team captain Thomas
Briels could make his 300th international appearance for Belgium in Breda.
One to watch: Arthur Van Doren. A defender with composure beyond his years, Van Doren was a central figure in the
Red Lions team that won silver at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and was named FIH Rising Star of the Year for 2016.
Van Doren achieved a remarkable double at the start of this year, being taking both the FIH Player of the Year and
Rising Star award in recognition of his stunning performances in 2017.
Royal Belgian Hockey Federation website: www.hockey.be
Twitter: @BELRedLions Facebook: RedLions Instagram: BELRedLions
14 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersShirt # Player Age * Caps** Team Staff
2 van DOREN Loic (GK) 21 7 PIRENNE Eric – Team Manager
4 van DOREN Arthur 23 133 McLEOD Shane - Head Coach
6 THIERY Dorian 24 61 van den HEUVEL Michel - Assistant Coach
7 DOHMEN John-John 30 353 BAYER Steve Assistant Coach
8 van AUBEL Florent 26 182
9 DOCKIER Sébastien 28 157
10 CHARLIER Cédric 30 273
11 KEUSTERS Amaury 27 87
12 BOCCARD Gauthier 26 170
13 de KERPEL Nicolas 25 28
14 MEURMANS Augustin 21 31
16 HENDRICKX Alexander 24 73
17 BRIELS Thomas (C) 30 296
19 DENAYER Felix 28 271
21 VANASCH Vincent (GK) 30 191
22 GOUGNARD Simon 27 232
23 de SLOOVER Arthur 21 34
24 KINA Antoine 22 20
* at start of competition
** as of 11 June 2018
15 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersNetherlands
Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 4
Notable honours: 2x Olympic gold medallists (1996, 2000), 3x FIH World Cup winners (1973, 1990, 1998), 8x FIH
Champions Trophy winners (1981, 1982, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006), Hockey World League winners (2012-
14 Edition), 5x European champions (1983, 1987, 2007, 2015, 2017).
Rank in Previous CT Editions: 2014 – 5th, 2012 – 2nd, 2011 – 3rd, 2010 – 3rd, 2009 – 4th, 2008 – 4th, 2007 –
3rd, 2006 – 1st, 2005 – 2nd, 2004 – 2nd, 2003 – 1st, 2002 – 1st, 2001 – 3rd, 2000 – 1st, 1999 – 3rd, 1998 – 1st,
1997 – 4th, 1996 – 1st, 1995 – 4th, 1994 – 3rd, 1993 – 3rd, 1992 – 4th, 1991 – 3rd, 1990 – 2nd, 1989 – 2nd, 1987 –
2nd, 1986 – 6th, 1985 – 5th, 1984 – 4th, 1983 – 5th, 1982 – 1st, 1981 – 1st, 1980 – 4th.
About the team: Having achieved first place finishes at both the Hero Hockey World League Semi-Final in London
and the Rabobank EuroHockey Championships in Amsterdam, 2017 was a memorable one for the men in Oranje.
The squad selected by Head Coach Max Caldas for the Men’s Rabobank Hockey Champions Trophy 2018 contains a
glittering array of gifted individuals, including play-maker Robbert Kemperman as well as powerful striker Mirco Pruijser,
who finished as top scorer at August’s Rabobank EuroHockey Championships to help his team claim defend their
continental title in Amsterdam.
Livewire attacker Jeroen Herzberger makes a surprise return to the international scene at the age of 32 and looks set
to play his 200th match for Oranje at this event. Although the team is missing outstanding attacking midfielder Billy
Bakker, there is certainly no shortage of creativity contained within the squad. Valentin Verga, captain Seve van As,
Jorrit Croon and Kemperman are all capable of creating chances out of nothing, ensuring that the Netherlands will be a
side to be feared throughout this event.
The Netherlands have a wonderful record in the Champions Trophy, having claimed eight titles between 1981 and
2006. In addition to their eight triumphs, the reigning European champions have also finished on the podium a further
14 times, with six silver medals and eight bronze. Their most recent medal arrived at the 2011 event in Melbourne,
where they took silver behind host nation Australia. The Dutch have a fine Champions Trophy record on home soil,
having won the title at the 1982, 2000 and 2003 events, which all took place in Amstelveen.
Fast facts: Two years after his thrilling major competition debut at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, 19-year-old Jorrit
Croon is the youngest player in the Netherlands squad selected for the Champions Trophy. At 32 and with 198
international appearances to his name, Jeroen Hertzberger is the oldest and most capped player in the squad.
One to watch: Robbert Kemperman. A supremely skilful attacking midfielder who is renowned for his vision and
unselfish play. Kemperman – who follows in the footsteps of Dutch legend Teun de Nooijer by wearing the iconic
number 14 shirt – is an instrumental figure within the current Netherlands set-up.
Website: www.knhb.nl
Twitter: @oranjehockey Facebook: oranjehockey Instagram: oranjehockey
16 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersShirt # Player Age * Caps** Team Staff
2 HERTZBERGER Jeroen 32 198 VERHEES Joof – Team Manager
4 BALK Lars 22 17 CALDAS Max – Head Coach
5 van DAM Thijs 21 18 REID Graham – Assistant Coach
6 de GEUS Jonas 20 26 van den HONERT Taco – Assistant Coach
7 CROON Jorrit 19 41
9 van ASS Seve (C) 26 129
10 VERGA Valentin 28 165
11 SCHUURMAN Glenn 27 92
13 BAART Sander 30 148
14 KEMPERMAN Robbert 27 184
16 PRUIJSER Mirco 28 71
19 de VOOGD Bob 29 111
22 van der VEN Sam (GK) 28 27
23 de MOL Joep 22 32
24 BOVENDEERT Roel 26 16
25 BRINKMAN Thierry 23 48
26 BLAAK Pirmin (GK) 30 57
28 WORTELBOER Floris 21 31
* at start of competition
** as of 11 June 2018
17 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersIndia
Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 6
Notable honours: 8x Olympic gold medallists (1928, 1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1964, 1980), Olympic silver
medallists (1960), 2x Olympic bronze medallists (1968, 1972), World champions (1975), 3x Asian Games champions
(1966, 1998, 2014), 2x Asia Cup champions (2003, 2007). Hockey World League bronze medallists (2015, 2017).
Rank in previous CT editions: 2016 – 2nd, 2014 – 4th, 2012 – 4th, 2005 – 6th, 2004 – 4th, 2003 – 4th, 2002 – 4th,
1996 – 4th, 1995 – 5th, 1989 – 6th, 1986 – 5th, 1985 – 6th, 1983 – 4th, 1982 – 3rd, 1980 – 5th
About the team: Asian champions India will feel that they have a fantastic chance of challenging for the Champions
Trophy, a title which, quite remarkably, they have never won. They came agonisingly close at the 2016 event in London,
finishing runners up behind Australia thanks to an agonising shoot-out defeat.
India’s men have enjoyed considerable success in recent years and have been forged into a team that can genuinely
challenge for podium finishes at top level events. As well as their silver medal at the Champions Trophy in London two
years ago, India have also claimed bronze medals at both the 2015 and 2017 Hockey World League competitions.
A glorious Junior World Cup victory for their U-21 side in Raipur at the end of 2016 provided plenty of evidence that
future continues to look very bright for Indian hockey.
A fourth place finish at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games earlier this year triggered a change to the position
of Head Coach, with Harendra Singh taking over from Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne, who moved back to his old position
as Head Coach of the India women’s team. Harendra has selected a strong team for the Champions Trophy, with
ace goalkeeper PR Sreejesh being named captain of a side that also includes double cap centurions Manpreet Singh,
SV Sunil and Sardar Singh. Thirty-one-year-old Sardar is just two matches away from reaching the milestone of 300
international appearances for India, something which he looks likely to achieve in Breda.
Coach comment – Harendra Singh:
On his squad selection: “The team is a good mix of youth and experienced players. Rabobank Men’s Hockey
Champions Trophy Breda 2018 is an extremely important tournament for the players to showcase their firepower as
the team for the forthcoming Asian Games in Jakarta will be picked basis performance at the XXI Commonwealth
Games and the Rabobank Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy Breda 2018.”
18 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersPlayer perspective – PR Sreejesh (GK/ Capt.)
On the silver medal that India achieved at the 2016 Champions Trophy in London: “I think that was the closest we
came to winning the gold and most importantly beating Australia. Though we had to settle for a second place, it was a
memorable tournament. This time too, we want to make it a memorable one.”
One to watch: Harmanpreet Singh. One of the rising stars of the game, Harmanpreet was an influential figure as India
claimed the Uttar Pradesh Hockey Junior World Cup in Lucknow, India at the end of 2016. A defender blessed with
great composure who looks likely to have a long international career ahead of him. He netted seven times during
India’s triumph at the Asia Cup 2017, making him joint top scorer alongside Faizal Saari of Malaysia.
Hockey India website: www.hockeyindia.org
Twitter: @thehockeyindia Facebook: TheHockeyIndia Instagram: hockeyindia
Shirt # Player Age * Caps** Team Staff
1 SINGH Harmanpreet 22 68 CIRIELLO Chris - Team Manager
2 SINGH Dilpreet 18 14 SINGH Harendra - Head Coach
4 SINGH Jarmanpreet 21 0 SINGH Jugraj - Assistant Coach
6 KUMAR Surender 24 81
7 SINGH Manpreet 25 216
8 SINGH Sardar 31 298
10 SINGH Simranjeet 21 8
11 SINGH Mandeep 23 103
16 PARATTU Sreejesh (C,GK) 30 183
19 PATHAK Krishan (GK) 21 8
22 KUMAR Varun 22 37
24 SOWMARPET Sunil 29 234
26 LAKRA Birendra 28 154
28 KUMAR Sumit 21 6
29 KANGUJAM Chinglensana 26 178
30 ROHIDAS Amit 25 53
31 SINGH Ramandeep 25 123
32 PRASAD Vivek 18 14
* at start of competition
** as of 11 June 2018
19 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersPakistan
Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 13
Notable honours: 3x Olympic gold medallists (1960, 1968, 1984), 3x Olympic silver medallists (1956, 1964, 1972), 2x
Olympic bronze medallists (1976, 1992), 4x World champions (1971, 1978, 1982, 1994), 3x Champions Trophy gold
medallists (1978, 1980, 1994), 8x Asian Games champions (1958, 1962, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1990, 2010), 3x
Asia Cup champions (1982, 1985, 1989), 3x Sultan Azlan Shah Cup champions (1998, 2000, 2003)
Rank in previous CT editions: 2014 – 2nd, 2012 – 3rd, 2011 – 7th, 2007 – 7th, 2006 – 5th, 2005 – 5th, 2004 – 3rd,
2003 – 3rd, 2002 – 3rd, 2001 – 4th, 1999 – 6th, 1998 – 2nd, 1997 – 5th, 1996 – 2nd, 1995 – 3rd, 1994 – 1st, 1993
– 4th, 1992 – 3rd, 1991 – 2nd, 1990 – 4th, 1989 – 4th, 1988 – 2nd, 1987 – 7th, 1986 – 3rd, 1985 – 4th, 1984 – 2nd,
1983 – 2nd, 1982 – 4th, 1981 – 4th, 1980 – 1st, 1978 – 1st
About the team: 2014 Champions Trophy silver medallists Pakistan may have finished in seventh place at the
XXI Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast earlier this year, but that result hides the fact that they went
through the event completely unbeaten. Four draws in the pool phase – against Wales, India, England and Malaysia
respectively - saw Pakistan finish fourth in their five-team pool, putting them in the 7-8 classification match where they
defeated Canada 3-1. The founding nation of the Champions Trophy will be determined to add to the titles that they
claimed in 1978, 1980 and 1994 – victories that all came on home soil, in Lahore (1978 / 1994) and Karachi
(1980) respectively.
The team are now coached by legendary Dutchman Roelant Oltmans, the man who guided the Netherlands men to
triumphs at the 1998 World Cup in Utrecht and at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Oltmans played a significant role
in improving the fortune of India’s men in recent years, and could well do the same with a Pakistan team with
huge potential.
The squad selected by Oltmans contains a nice balance of experience and youth, with team captain Muhammad
Rizwan Sr being one of eight players to have surpassed the 100 international appearances barrier. Shafqat Rasool is
the most capped player in the group with 190 senior international appearances, with ten players each having fewer
than 50 caps. Twenty-year-old defender Mubashar Ali is one of that group but, thanks to his performances at the
Commonwealth Games earlier this year, he is already turning heads. The penalty corner expert scored four times in five
appearances at Gold Coast 2018 and could be a player to keep an eye on during the competition in Breda.
Fast facts: This is Pakistan’s 32nd appearance in the men’s Champions Trophy. The team has a win record of 43.5%,
with 77 victories, 71 losses and 29 draws from their 177 CT matches to date. Sohail Abbas is Pakistan’s all-time
top scorer in Champions Trophy hockey with 41 goals. Pakistan have scored 428 goals in the Champions Trophy,
conceding 403. The Greenshirts have claimed 17 podium finished in Champions Trophy competition, with seven silver
and seven bronze medals adding to their title successes in 1978, 1980 and 1994.
20 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersOne to watch: Muhammad Rizwan Sr. Pakistan’s captain is an attack-minded midfielder who creates goal-scoring
chances on a regular basis. He has been representing the team since 2009, being part of the Pakistan side that
competed in the London 2012 Olympic Games. This will be Rizwan Sr’s fourth Champions Trophy tournament,
following his appearances in 2011, 2012 (bronze) and 2014 (silver).
Pakistan Hockey Federation website: http://pakhockey.org/
Twitter: @PHFOfficial Facebook: @PHFOfficial Instagram: phfofficial
Shirt # Player Age * Caps** Team Staff
1 BUTT Imran (GK) 29 119 SAQLAIN Muhammad - Assistant Coach
2 BILAL Muhammad Aleem 25 47 OLTMANS Roelant - Head Coach
3 ALI Mubashar 20
4 RIZWAN Muhammad Jr 26 143
5 ARSHAD Toseeq 26 95
6 RASHID Muhammad 5
7 QADIR Muhammad 27 90
8 IRFAN Muhammad 28 189
9 DILBER Muhammad 23 120
10 SHAN Ali 24 112
11 RIZWAN Muhammad Sr (C) 28 136
12 ABBAS Mazhar (GK) 25 42
13 IRFAN JR. Muhammad 29 45
14 BHUTTA Muhammad Umar 25 144
16 BUTT Ammad 22 96
17 RASOOL Shafqat 29 190
19 RIAZ Suhail 22 5
20 AHMAD Ajaz 26 48
21 ABBAS Tasawar 26 89
22 ALI Amjad (GK) 25 33
27 MAHMOOD Abu Bakar 20 40
31 YAQOOB Muhammad 21 40
* at start of competition
** as of 11 June 2018
21 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersOfficials
Appointment Name Country Appointed By
FIH Representative FLEUREN Marijke NED FIH
Technical Delegate BURT Josh AUS FIH
Technical Official CATTON Steve ENG FIH
Technical Official SCHWEDE Sonja GER FIH
Technical Official VIJABUND Veena THA FIH
Technical Official YOUSSEF Ahmed EGY FIH
FIH Medical Officer MÜLLER-EISING Wiebke (Dr.) GER FIH
FIH Medical Officer ROLLE Udo (Prof.) GER FIH
Umpires Manager KNIPE Louise ENG FIH
Umpires Manager ten CATE Rob NED FIH
Umpire BALE Bruce ENG FIH
Umpire BLASCH Christian GER FIH
Umpire DUTERME Sebastien BEL FIH
Umpire GARCIA Federico URU FIH
Umpire GREENFIELD Gareth NZL FIH
Umpire KINOSHITA Hideki JPN FIH
Umpire MEJZLIK Jakub CZE FIH
Umpire MONTES de OCA German ARG FIH
Umpire van BUNGE Coen NED FIH
Video Umpire Coach HUTCHINSON Colin IRL FIH
Note: All officials correct at time of publication. Any updates will be posted to the following link:
https://tms.fih.ch/competitions/793#officials
22 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersEvent Logo
You can download the event logo by clicking here.
23 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersPhotography
In event photography: The World Sport Pics photo agency will be capturing imagery from the event in Breda.
For information about purchasing images from these events, please contact info@worldsportpics.com or visit
www.worldsportpics.com.
National Associations and Continental Federations: World Sport Pics will be providing National Associations and
Continental Federations with a selection of images after each game. To access these photos free of charge, please
email: media@fih.ch and in the email subject, state: FIH Images USAGE
FIH National Associations and Continental Federations can use images for their own below the line marketing and
promotional purposes to include marketing collateral and digital channels (for example website and social media).
Under no circumstances should they be used for commercial purposes. Detailed information about image usage will
be provided upon receipt of registration email as detailed above.
24 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersKey statistics about the Men’s
Hockey Champions Trophy
No of teams participated: 16 - Netherlands; Australia; Germany; West Germany; Pakistan; Argentina; Spain; India;
Korea; Great Britain; England; Belgium; Soviet Union; New Zealand.; Malaysia; France.
Most Champions Trophy titles: 14 – Australia
Most podium finishes: 28 – Australia
Total no of matches played: 655
Total no of goals scored: 2,997
Average no of goals per match: 4.6
Most matches played: 201 – Australia
Most matches won: 118 – Australia
Highest % of games won: 58.71% - Australia
Most goals scored: 546 - Australia
Previous winners:
Australia: 14
Netherlands: 8
Germany: 10*
Pakistan: 3
West Germany: 3
Spain: 1
* 3 as West Germany
25 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersSelected player statistics (since 1991)
Most CT appearances: 97 - Teun de Nooijer (NED)
All time top goal-scorer: 46 - Taeke Taekema (NED)
Most Field Goals: 35 – Teun de Nooijer (NED)
Most Penalty Corners: 43 – Taeke Taekema (NED)
Most Penalty Strokes: 10 - Kaleemullah Khan (PAK)
A link to the statistics archive, which contains head to heads, team stats, individual stats, all time scorers and more,
can be found at the following link: http://stats.fih.ch
Please be aware that this is an archive and will not be updated as the competition progresses.
26 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersFIH Hero World Rankings -
Top 20
Ranking COUNTRY CF CURRENT POINTS
1 Australia OCE 2005
2 Argentina PAN 1975
3 Belgium EUR 1850
4 Netherlands EUR 1703
5 Germany EUR 1680
6 India ASI 1566
7 England EUR 1407
8 Spain EUR 1218
9 New Zealand OCE 1214
10 Ireland EUR 1043
11 Canada PAN 1015
12 Malaysia ASI 975
13 Pakistan ASI 895
14 Korea ASI 853
15 South Africa AFR 733
16 Japan ASI 711
17 China ASI 658
18 France EUR 645
19 Austria EUR 623
20 Egypt AFR 613
Notes: The complete men’s and women’s FIH Hero World Rankings can be found here:
http://www.fih.ch/rankings/outdoor/
27 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersHockey Pro League:
Countdown to launch
well underway
Ahead of its launch in January 2019, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) looks ahead to the start of the game-
changing Hockey Pro League, which will see the nine best men’s and women’s teams from around the world play each
other both at home and away every year.
The inaugural season of the Hockey Pro League begins on 19 January 2019, with 152 matches scheduled to take
place between January and June, with national stadiums hosting matches week in, week out.
Nine women’s and nine men’s teams will be competing for the Hockey Pro League title, playing eight home and eight
away matches throughout the first six months of every year. The top four teams will then compete to determine the
winner in a Grand Final later in June.
The Hockey Pro League features an equally amazing line up of nations, with both the Women’s and Men’s Leagues
featuring a glittering array of the finest international hockey teams on earth. The Women’s League will see Argentina,
Australia, Belgium, China, Great Britain, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand and USA all going head to head,
while Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan and Spain will be
fighting it out for the men’s title.
The FIH recently confirmed the match schedule for the event, with Spain men will getting things underway when they
host Rio 2016 and EuroHockey Championship silver medallists Belgium in the opening match of the Hockey Pro
League.
A busy schedule then follows, with the majority of early matches being played in the southern hemisphere.
As one of the early season highlights, Argentina women will be eagerly anticipating the arrival of reigning Hockey World
Cup and World League champions Netherlands as the EuroHockey title winners head south to take on Las Leonas on
24 February.
Shortly afterwards the spotlight turns to Australia as their men and women challenge Oceania rivals New Zealand for
continental bragging rights over the Saint Patrick’s Day weekend – 17 March. The return matches will take place in
New Zealand on Anzac Day – 25 April.
Another continental duel sure to get fans buzzing will be Argentina women’s visit to the USA. The Pan American rivals,
who have taken wins against each other in recent months, go head to head on 12 May.
The teams then follow the summer by returning to the northern hemisphere. An exciting end to the League awaits as
nations compete to finish in the top four to guarantee qualification for the Grand Final.
With Pakistan men playing in Glasgow, Scotland, their match against Great Britain on 25 May is bound capture
the imagination of fans. A large local Pakistani crowd will be looking forward to the friendly rivalry with their British
opponents as they aim to defend their home turf in one of Great Britain’s most multi-cultured cities.
28 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersEuropean neighbours Germany and Netherlands men always provide lots of goals and drama, and in the Hockey Pro
League nothing less can be expected. Whilst Netherlands fans will be looking forward to backing their team in their
homeland on 5 March, Germany will be aiming for victory against the European champions on their turf on 26 April.
In what will be a unique, double-header weekend, due to their proximity - Belgium men and women will play at home
to Netherlands on the Saturday before replaying the match the following day in the Netherlands over the weekend of 8
and 9 June.
Another highlight in the women’s competition will be the game between continental rivals Great Britain and Netherlands
in what will be a rematch of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games final. As the world’s number one ranked team, the Dutch will
look to gain psychological advantage from their first encounter against the Olympic champions at their home turf on 1
June, before heading to Great Britain on 15 June.
Similarly, Argentina and Belgium men also have an ongoing rivalry following their Rio 2016 Olympic Games gold medal
match. On that occasion Argentina men emerged victorious therefore Belgium will be wanting to turn the tables in what
will be a dramatic end to their season on 23 June – the very last day of League competition.
Looking ahead to the start of this exhilarating new competition, FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “The planning for this
ground-breaking event has been years in the making and we are extremely excited about the start of this competition
on 19th January 2019. We have been pleased by the positive response from our stakeholders, who have recognised
the importance of creating a product that will attract even more fans, television coverage and commercial partners.”
He continued: “The Hockey Pro League and the recently announced Hockey Series are both central to the New Event
Portfolio, which has been developed to raise the global status and popularity of hockey as part of our ambition to make
hockey ‘a global game that inspires future generations’. We believe that these innovative changes will have a huge
impact on the continuing development and growth of hockey in all corners of the world, attracting an army of new fans,
players, coaches and officials to the sport.”
For further information about the Hockey Pro League, visit the Q&A section on the FIH website by clicking here.
Grand Final: 144 matches will take place as part of the League stage. A further eight matches will then take place at
the Grand Final. This will take place in the Netherlands in June 2019 on dates yet to be confirmed. FIH will issue a
press release once dates and a venue have been approved.
#HPL2019
29 CNT
Title Sponsor FIH Partners KNHB PartnersYou can also read
