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New Paper
29-04-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
Singapore women's hockey team overcomes stomach bug to clinch historic AHF Cup title
A bout of stomach flu had threatened to derail the Singapore women's hockey team during their AHF Cup campaign from April 18-27 in Jakarta. But they overcame the odds to clinch the title for the first time at the Bung Karno Sports Complex, beating Chinese Taipei 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time in the final. The win on April 27 also earned them qualification for the Women's Hockey Asia Cup later this year. The title capped a dramatic week for the team, with five players struck by a stomach bug just after their group stage match against Chinese Taipei - which they lost 4-2. Two of those stricken also had to receive intravenous drips in hospital. Co-captain Valerie Sim, who was one of those who caught the bug, said: "It was quite tough, I got a fever after the Chinese Taipei game because I think I pushed (myself)... But the whole team supported us and we managed to pull through." The 24-year-old added: "Winning the AHF Cup meant a lot to all of us because we made history and it's been a long time coming… It's been a while since we've seen gold. "It's not just an achievement, but it's a reflection of everything our team has worked for. And to us, it feels like the start of something bigger, qualifying for the Asia Cup, and also knowing that we've got SEA Games coming at the end of this year. "Both these tournaments give us the opportunity to challenge ourselves against some of the best teams in the world." Singapore had to dig deep in the final as they went behind with nine minutes to go. Coach Henry Wong then took a gamble by bringing on an outfielder for the goalkeeper and the move paid off as the Singaporeans equalised two minutes from time to force the shoot-out. Wong said the confidence gained from winning the AHF Cup can spur the team to aim for a top-six finish at the Asia Cup. The 40-year-old said: "It hasn't fully sunk in what it means to this playing group and to the hockey community, but it's a really big step for us to go where we want to go. And I think the biggest thing for me is to instil self-confidence and belief in the players. "A goal for us is to make sure that we come in the top six of (the Asia Cup), because then we don't have to qualify for the next one. And if we're pushing for top six, a top-five finish would put us in place for the World Cup qualifying event." Singapore hockey player Ivy Chan challenging for the ball against Chinese Taipei with teammate Valerie Tay looking on. PHOTO: ASIAN HOCKEY FEDERATION Singapore's best finish at the Asian Cup was a fourth-placed finish during their debut in 1985. The continental champions will progress directly to the 2026 World Cup, while the next four teams advance to the qualifiers. Player of the Tournament in Jakarta, Dayana Ong, who came up from the youth squad that played in the Women's Junior AHF Cup in 2024, was glad the team overcame the setbacks to emerge as the champions. "To win (the AHF Cup) is really a huge achievement because the team faced many challenges throughout the week, so I really hope that we can carry on this energy to the Asia Cup." The 17-year-old said of being named the best player: "I never imagined that I could have gotten this award. It was really surreal, because as a junior player, I really think that the team is just playing at a much higher level than I am. "This is my first major senior tournament and I'm really honoured to receive this."
Straits Times
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Singapore women's hockey team overcame stomach flu to win maiden AHF Cup
SINGAPORE – A bout of stomach flu had threatened to derail the Singapore women's hockey team during their AHF Cup campaign from April 18-27 in Jakarta. But they overcame the odds to clinch the title for the first time at the Bung Karno Sports Complex on April 27, beating Chinese Taipei 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time in the final. The win also earned them qualification for the Women's Hockey Asia Cup later this year. Singapore had to dig deep in the final as they went behind with nine minutes to go. Coach Henry Wong then took a gamble by bringing on an outfielder for the goalkeeper and the move paid off as the Singaporeans equalised two minutes from time to force the shoot-out. The title capped a dramatic week for the team, with five players struck by a stomach bug just after their group stage match against Chinese Taipei – which they lost 4-2. Two of those stricken also had to receive intravenous drips at the hospital. Co-captain Valerie Sim, who was one of those who caught the bug, said: 'It was quite tough, I got a fever after the Chinese Taipei game because I think I pushed (myself) and played my best… But the whole team supported us and we managed to pull through.' The 24-year-old added: 'Winning the AHF Cup meant a lot to all of us because we made history and it's been a long time coming… It's been a while since we've seen gold. 'It's not just an achievement, but it's a reflection of everything our team has worked for. And to us, it feels like the start of something bigger, qualifying for the Asia Cup, and also knowing that we've got SEA Games coming at the end of this year. 'Both these tournaments give us the opportunity to challenge ourselves against some of the best teams in the world.' Wong said the belief and confidence from winning the AHF Cup can spur the team to aim for a top-six finish at the Asia Cup. The 40-year-old coach said: 'It hasn't fully sunk in what it means to this playing group and to the hockey community, but it's a really big step for us to go where we want to go. And I think the biggest thing for me is to instil self-confidence and belief in the players. 'A goal for us is to make sure that we come in the top six of (the Asia Cup), because then we don't have to qualify for the next one. And if we're pushing for top six, a top-five finish would put us in place for the World Cup qualifying event.' Singapore hockey player Ivy Chan challenging for the ball against Chinese Taipei with teammate Valerie Tay looking on. PHOTO: ASIAN HOCKEY FEDERATION Singapore's best finish at the continental cup competition was a fourth-place finish during their debut in 1985. The Asia Cup winners will progress directly to the 2026 World Cup, while the next four teams earn spots in the qualifiers. Player of the Tournament Dayana Ong, who came up from the youth squad that played in the Women's Junior AHF Cup in 2024, was glad the team overcame the setbacks to emerge as the champions. 'To win (the AHF Cup) is really a huge achievement because the team faced many challenges throughout the week, so I really hope that we can carry on this energy to the Asia Cup.' The 17-year-old said of her award: 'I never imagined that I could have gotten this award. It was really surreal, because as a junior player, I really think that the team is just playing at a much higher level than I am. 'This is my first major senior tournament and I'm really honoured to receive this.' Melvyn Teoh is a sports journalist at The Straits Times. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Observer
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman clinch first-ever AHF Cup honours
Muscat: The Oman national hockey team clinched the 2025 Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) Cup title for the first time in its history after defeating Chinese Taipei 4-3 in the final on Sunday. Chinese Taipei finished as runners-up, while Bangladesh blanked Kazakhstan 3-0 to finish third. With this triumph, Oman secured a spot in the Asia Cup finals, scheduled to be held next August in India. The AHF Cup competitions were hosted in Jakarta, Indonesia, from April 17 to 27, featuring 10 Asian teams competing over 10 thrilling days filled with high-level performances. Oman and Chinese Taipei players in action during the final. In the final, Chinese Taipei opened the scoring early through Cheng-Ze Wei, who capitalised on a through ball that penetrated the Omani defence and fired it beautifully into the net in the fourth minute. Following the goal, Oman pushed forward in search of an equaliser, and Ayman nearly scored, but his attempt was unsuccessful. Chinese Taipei responded with a dangerous chance led by LI Chi-Hsuan, before Oman finally equalised through a successfully converted penalty corner by Rashad al Fazari. Oman continued to press for a second goal, with Elias al Noufali coming close, but the first half ended in a 1-1 draw. At the start of the second half, Oman asserted clear dominance, creating several opportunities that were not fully capitalised on. Chinese Taipei, on the other hand, relied on quick counter-attacks and earned a penalty corner, which Cheng-Ze Wei squandered. Oman's pressure paid off when Shafi al Shafai scored a brilliant goal in the 22nd minute, following up on a rebound from the defence and slotting it into the net. Oman players celebrate a goal in the final. Soon after, Oman extended their lead with a third goal from Elias al Noufali, who benefited from a precise cross by Talal from the right wing, finding himself unmarked to tap the ball easily into the goal. Despite Oman's strong defence, Chinese Taipei's Tsung-Yu Hsieh managed to weave through the defence, bypassing goalkeeper Ibrahim al Farsi to pull one goal back, ending the second quarter with Oman leading 3-2. In the third quarter, both teams exchanged chances early on. Elias al Noufali missed a clear opportunity for Oman, while Tsai Chang-Yu wasted a dangerous chance for Chinese Taipei. Oman then earned a penalty corner taken by Rashad al Fazari, but it was blocked by the defence. In the 43rd minute, Huang Lin-Yu scored the equaliser for Chinese Taipei with a powerful shot, bringing the match level once again. However, Oman quickly regained the lead when Ayman scored the fourth goal after a beautiful assist from Elias al Noufali, who broke through the right flank and delivered a precise ball into the box. Oman closed the third quarter ahead 4-3. The fourth quarter saw no changes to the scoreline despite efforts from both sides, and the referee's final whistle confirmed Oman's 4-3 victory. Oman captain receives the trophy. HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT Mohammed Bait Jandal, head coach of Oman's national hockey team, expressed his great joy after the team's historic achievement of winning the 2025 Asian Hockey Federation Cup for the first time in its history, stressing that this triumph is a proud moment for every Omani, especially as it was the result of dedicated efforts by the technical and administrative staff. Bait Jandal said: "The tournament was marked by a high level of play and strong competition, adding greater value to our victory. This achievement is not a coincidence but the result of collective effort and a sincere ambition to raise the nation's flag." He noted that qualifying for the upcoming Asia Cup in India is among the most significant gains of this participation, extending his deep thanks to Dr Marwan Al Juma, Chairman of the Oman Hockey Association, the coaching and administrative teams, and the players who showed commitment and discipline throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, Mohammed al Gharabi, team manager of the national team, said that winning the AHF Cup was the outcome of integrated efforts that started with an intensive training camp in Pakistan in early April, focusing on enhancing technical and physical aspects. Al Gharabi added: "The camp significantly improved team coordination and players' fitness, which positively reflected on their performance during the tournament." He affirmed that the team would continue its training programme in preparation for the Asia Cup, focusing on further developing players' skills and physical readiness, expressing confidence in the team's ability to achieve honourable results that reflect the progress of Oman hockey.
Times of Oman
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
OHA chief lauds team's resilience after historic AHF Cup success
Muscat: Dr. Marwan Al Juma, President of the Oman Hockey Association (OHA), praised the team's resilience and strategic planning after the national team won gold at the 2025 AHF Cup. Al Juma noted that the success was built on lessons learned from past near-misses. 'At last, we were able to break Bangladesh's streak. It was the result of dedication and strategic planning after the finals in 2022, where we lost to Bangladesh in a shootout,' he said. Al Juma added: 'Prior to the 2022 finals in Jakarta, we had also lost to Bangladesh in the final in 2012 in Bangkok and also in 2008, played in Singapore. Speaking from Jakarta, Al Juma said: 'We are proud to say that we dominated this tournament and won gold with our own 100% Omani technical team, which is a first.' Shakir Munir, OHA Technical Director, expressed his delight in the team's accomplishment, calling it a 'dream come true'. 'Witnessing our team clinch the first-ever AHF Cup is nothing short of a dream come true,' he told Times of Oman from Jakarta. 'This victory is not just a testament to our players' hard work and dedication but also a reflection of our hockey association's growing prowess in the world of hockey.' Munir credited the team's preparations, emphasising the importance of the intense training and strategic planning that led to the victory. He said: 'From the intense training sessions to a pre-tournament camp in Pakistan, careful planning has led us to this historic achievement.' 'This triumph ignites a new era for Hockey Oman, inspiring the next generation and heralding Oman's potential in the global hockey family.' With the victory now in the books, Oman's focus shifts to the upcoming Asia Cup in India. Mohammed Al Gharabi, the administrative supervisor of the team, outlined the future plans for the team. 'We will continue to intensify training in the coming period to prepare for the Asia Cup. The focus will be on refining individual skills, tactical drills, and further enhancing physical readiness,' he said. 'We are confident these preparations will significantly raise our performance level.'
Straits Times
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Singapore women's hockey team win AHF Cup for the first time
The Singapore women's hockey team celebrating their AHF Cup triumph in Jakarta on April 27 after a penalty shoot-out victory over Chinese Taipei. PHOTO: SINGAPORE HOCKEY FEDERATION Singapore women's hockey team win AHF Cup for the first time SINGAPORE – The Singapore women's hockey team lifted the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) Cup for the first time on April 27 when they defeated Chinese Taipei 3-2 in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw in regulation time in the final in Jakarta. The quadrennial tournament serves as a qualifying competition for the Women's Asia Cup, with typically the top two earning their spots in the continental showpiece. The Republic qualified for the final after finishing second behind the Taiwanese in the six-team group stage after three wins (beat Indonesia 2-0, Sri Lanka 5-2 and Uzbekistan 5-0), a draw (3-3 with Hong Kong) and a defeat (4-2 to Chinese Taipei). Adding icing to the cake, Singapore's Dayana Ong was named Player of the Tournament. The Republic's previous best showing was finishing second in the inaugural edition in 1997 and 2016. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
