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v
ETER
strengths within that strategy. at the major tournaments. Inevitably the the opportunity arises. Keep fit, hone
an
Our coach is paramount in such pace of the game is slower, although your natural talents through coaching
S strategy, style of game and, not the skills on the ball and ability to read and practice. Listen to your body
least, rotation of players. I would the game may be better. when injuries occur so that they do
say the captain today should be not become long term problems. Join
more Mike Brearley than Tony How is hockey at this level developing a well managed and progressive club
Greig to use a cricket analogy. around the world? which accommodates development
• There’s an organisational role in As can be seen by the number of sides. Marry a sportswoman.
the warm up games and the major teams participating in the last World
tournaments. Cup, there is a healthy interest, and I What motivates you to keep playing?
• Last, but not least, there’s an can only see this progressing further. Team participation, with all the
ambassadorial role as captain We still do not have India, Pakistan, camaraderie and sociability that
and you need the ability to Spain, New Zealand and several other entails. Then there’s the health
speak in public and in the main hockey playing countries participating benefits and quality of life and
tournaments. I consider it a matter for various reasons, and can only friendships that endure through sport.
of courtesy, and it appears well hope - and expect more to join in the
received by the relevant teams, if future. The geographical position of Do you hope the current top
you greet them in the pre-match the venue and cost implications have internationals such as Dutch player
speeches in German, Italian a bearing here. Teun de Nooijer all move into vets
or Japanese as appropriate or hockey?
Spanish or Chinese when thanking What was the quality of the Only if England has an equivalent
the hosts at the close. After all, opposition like at the tournament? star! But seriously, it would
they all greet us in English. No Very mixed, leading to some benefit all countries if more of their
great personal credit here but interesting scores! The diverse internationals continued through to
thanks to Tonbridge school standards may, perhaps, lead to a two veteran’s hockey. The standards of
teachers, my son and Hong Kong tier tournament if numbers increase the game would inevitably improve.
contact for their translations of my but some teams are not to be too However, pure skill without fitness
prepared words! discouraged as has happened in the will not succeed and it remains to
past when some have not continued be seen how many of the current
Does age impact on your game? Or to participate. Germany, Australia and generation brought up on artificial
do you still play like you’re 25?! the Netherlands are always strong surfaces will still have the legs/knees/
Yes, although the mind still thinks it’s contenders. hips to do it. Above all, let us not lose
25! Injuries and niggles take longer sight of the fact that hockey at this
to recover. Warming up before and What playing tips could you give a level is a privilege.
especially warming down after games teenager player to improve their game?
is a routine we take seriously especially Play with experienced players when
WorlD cup
How do you keep your skills sharp?
Skills are maintained through a
player oF tHe
high fitness level and hockey related
exercises done throughout the year.
tournament What’s the key for us to be playing
England Grandmaster IMTIAZ into our retirement?
SHEIKH from Richmond beat the Learning by watching, reading and
leading vets players from around the then performing. A lot of the time I
world to be crowned Player of the play hockey in my mind, visualising
Tournament. So what can we learn moves. I can then carry out those
from him to improve our own game? skills on the hockey pitch.
Why do you think you were Player of What can you do now that you
the Tournament? couldn’t when you were 25? (hockey
I think I was voted the best player things!)
of the tournament for several I’ve got more skills and get more
reasons (1) the goals I set up for time on the ball. I can also be part of
my colleagues (2) my skill on the the team yet be an individual.
ball and the entertainment that
I provided for the crowd to enjoy What are you doing for season
3) my fitness, tenacity and speed 08/09?
level throughout tournament 4) I Continue with my coaching, I am
was a good sportsman as well as a Level 2 coach, and pass on my
being competitive. (5) although I knowledge and skills to younger
was marked very closely throughout players to try and make them better
58
tournament I managed to play to my – pass the baton on, so to speak. I
A
GE
potential. also want continue to improve my
P game and play more hockey!
h

pUS
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