Hockey

Ahead of the fourth edition of HIL next year, each franchisee has been given an option to retain up to three Indian and three international players, while releasing the rest of the squad who will go under the hammer in the 2015 auction.

The team, which has seen foreign coaches come and go far too often, will play two matches in France before travelling to Spain for three games.

India finished 4th after being thrashed 0-3 by England in the men's Volvo International Under-21 hockey tournament on Saturday.

The communication proof of his alleged sacking that Van Ass has mailed to SAI does not contain any mail from Oltmans, Sports Secretary confirms.

From Brasa to Nobbs to Walsh and now van Ass, India continues to dig an unnecessary hole for itself by firing coaches on grounds that shouldn't be basis for such drastic measures.

Imran followed the footsteps of the chief selector, Islahuddin Siddiqui, who also resigned from his post following Pakistan’s debacle.

India's show against Australia will go a long way in deciding the final pool positions, with Pakistan staying in the frame after the subcontinental encounter on Friday ended in a 2-2 draw.

"His confidence showed when he walked up to the top of the D," said the former India Olympian about Manpreet's surprise goal against France.

"The boys look in good form as they have showcased great play during the practice matches. But tomorrow will be the real test that they have to pass," van Ass said ahead of their opening match.

India captain Sardar Singh says his team must improve on its conversion rate ahead of their Hockey World League Semifinal opener on Saturday.

Following their 1-0 win over lower-ranked France, India narrowly lost their second practice match 1-2 to hosts Belgium ahead of the HWL semi-final which will be played here from June 20 to July 5.

With the Hockey World League semi-final round the corner, Ramandeep said that the team was "witnessing a new energy" that has been propelled by recent performances and a high level of training.

Holik, an offensive forward who helped Czechoslovakia win a hockey world title and an Olympic bronze medal in 1972, has passed away at 72.

Defender-penalty corner specialist Gurjinder Singh and attacking midfielder Danish Mujtaba have not found van Ass' favour.

India scored in three of the four quarters to outplay Poland 3-1 in the final.

The former India captain said the fortunes of Indian hockey have not changed despite the federation bringing in foreign coaches for quite a while.