Guam to Chinese Taipei... the journey continues for Englishman Gary White

NEW DELHI: Chinese Taipei Coach Gary White has had an 86% winning record since taking over the Coach of Chinese Taipei including a famous 2-1 win over Bahrain in what he describes having “changed the course of Football in Chinese Taipei.” 

In a freewheeling interview

White, earlier a Coach of the Guam National team speaks at length about his philosophy as a Coach, the victory against Bahrain, Football in Chinese Taipei and much more. EXCERPTS:

You have been, at times, described as a ‘huge motivator’ while some have described you as a ‘shrewd tactician.’ How do you best describe yourself as a coach?

My philosophy to create a winning environment is simple – you need to capture the player’s minds and hearts and then the legs will follow. I want all the players that we coach to love to play and to play with S.O.U.L, it’s an acronym that captures the values and characteristics of all whom are involved in the teams that I coach. Sacrifice, Ownership, Unity, & Legacy are required by ALL, before we step on the grass to work.

Obviously in modern-day elite football, strategy, tactics, systems, styles, analysis, etc, are required. But in my opinion, it’s essential to firstly engage and connect with your players, if you expect them to follow you and believe in your team vision!

You missed the qualification to the AFC Asian Cup by a whisker. Do you regret that you didn’t take charge from the start of the campaign, and if you did do you feel that you could have qualified?

We took over the team midway into the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. In hindsight, there will always be a feeling or rather a lament that we would have qualified if we were leading the team from the beginning. 

First off, we had a very difficult group, not just on paper but also in terms of travel. The momentum in which we are playing makes me believe that we could have topped the group. But we lost too many home games prior to us taking over and the reality is you can’t do that if you expect to qualify. That has been remedied now as we are unbeaten at home from the 5 games we have played since taking over the National Team.

Chinese Taipei are currently at an incredible 86% winning percentage since you took over with some inspirational results including the famous 2-1 victory over Bahrain. Can you take us through to that match?

It was a magical evening in Taipei; it was the National day. The media thought we were crazy in manner and confidence in which we approached and prepared for the game. The team had just lost 5-0 in Bahrain under the former coaching staff. There was a new found belief installed and our team were playing with SOUL. We strongly believed in the group of players and staff and we made many tactical changes. The spirit on display was exemplary.

What makes it all the sweeter is that we came back from a goal down and equalised in the 89^thminute and got the winner in added time.

There was a story that you ran and chased the ball to get it back into play.

(Laughs). Yeah I did. It happened in added time when the game was tied 1-1. The ball went out of play and I was desperate to get it back as I believed we could still win it. As I sprinted for the ball past the ball boys to hand it over to the Bahraini player so not to waste a second of time in the game -- our dugout were trying to shout over the noise of the large crowd: ‘Gaffer slow down and respect the draw, kill off the game, don’t rush.’

After strongly disagreeing with my staff, I gave back the ball and almost immediately, we scored from the move. The crowd went berserk, the moment changed the course of Football in Taiwan. We had thousands of fans that day waiting to see off the team bus. Those are the moments that makes a players and coach’s life very special.

Where would you want to see the Chinese Taipei National Team two years from now?

We are going from strength to strength. We have climbed significantly in the FIFA Rankings – from around the 160’s to an historic 121, since we took over in September last year and we are constantly looking forward. Our goals include breaking into the FIFA top 100, qualifying for a major tournament and creating more professional football markets in Asia in order to place more of our immensely talent players.

Indian football “a sleeping giant and a rising competitor" ????????

New Zealand Football Coach Fritz Schmid labelled India lying somewhere between “a sleeping giant and a rising competitor.” 

In an interview  prior to the kick-off of the Hero Intercontinental Cup, Schmid speaks at length about how he feels India will be more prepared for the tournament after their two-week camp, Stephen Constantine’s experience as a Coach, the Grassroots activities in India and much more. EXCERPTS:

What do you feel about Hero Intercontinental Cup which is in its first edition and being played in a new format?

I appreciate the opportunity to play in the hero Intercontinental Cup as for countries like us it provides an excellent option to play against three potential strong opponents and have a look at players who will take us forward for the future.

What impression do you have about Football in India?

India is somewhere between a sleeping giant and a rising competitor. It’s a big country and from my activity back in the Asian Football Confederation I realised there was a lot of activity at the top level with their professional league.

At the same time, they were trying to put things together for Grassroots and development aspects. I followed very closely their activities around the FIFA U-17 World Cup. There are a lot of efforts going on and it’s very important for them to put the pieces together to find their position in terms of popularity of the sport in direct comparison to cricket.

How much have you followed the Indian National Team prior to travelling to India? What do you expect while playing against India?

India have qualified for the AFC Asian Cup and it’s a big year for Indian Football. It’s understandable they are preparing for the Continental Championships while we are building up for a new campaign.

I know Stephen Constantine is a very experienced coach who has been successful in many different countries. I expect them to be really prepared especially after the two weeks of preparatory camp in Mumbai. It’s obvious they will stay focussed and will be very sharp. On top of it, they will be playing at home and it will be a tough challenge for us.

Are there any other challenges while playing in the Indian sub-continent?

We have to deal with the time difference and acclimatise to the weather which is a big difference from what we have back home at the moment. In addition, we are aware that we are facing two very competitive opponents in Kenya and India. While the former is preparing for the African Cup qualifications, India are getting ready for the AFC Asian Cup.

What is the significance of the Hero Intercontinental Cup in New Zealand Football?

Since we are in the beginning of a new campaign, it’s important for New Zealand to reassess and rebuild a new project. Obviously it’s very important for us to have an opportunity for international exposure specially for players who might not have been on the radar in the recent campaign.

Unfortunately, Winston Reid and Chris Wood are not travelling. While Winston is injured, Wood has just finished a very challenging season with Burnley. He has been playing non-stop and needs rest to recover from the demanding season.

 

ANAS IS MY ELDER BROTHER, SAYS SANDESH JHINGAN

MUMBAI: Days after Anas Edathodika acknowledged his admiration for fellow defender Sandesh Jhingan, the latter revealed his 'brotherly' bond with the former while donning the national colour.

"10-12 years ago when I was 13-years-old, I used to play with my elder brothers. The feeling was very special when I played with them. When I play with Anas, I get that same feeling. It's a very good feeling when I play with him, he is a brother to me, he's my elder brother," Jhingan said on the sidelines of the ongoing National Team camp in Mumbai.

Meanwhile, since Anas' National team debut which came against Cambodia last year, these two boys have given the opposition attackers a run for their money having secured four clean sheets in eleven matches when Stephen Constantine fielded them together at the heart of the defence.

"I learn from him, he is a top guy, very humble, I just feel lucky to be his friend. Hopefully, we will continue to play together and win trophies together with the national team", Jhingan further added.

The Punjab-born defender who has notched four crucial goals for India until now expressed his desire to add more to his tally if the situation demands. Although, he didn't forget to mention that his primary duty is to hold the defence and that's what he'll never compromise.

"Of course I want to contribute in attack (chuckles). I want to score or assist as many goals as possible. But if anyone asks me if you have a chance to score a goal or keep a clean sheet, then as a defender my priority would be to keep a clean sheet", the calm and composed centre-back declared.

On being asked about India's prospect in the Hero Intercontinental Cup, Jhingan commented, "This is the first time India are playing Kenya and they are a different team, the way they play football and the way it is played in their continent is something new for us to experience. I know they are going to be physical, but it will be a good test for us."

He further added: "In the Asian Cup, we are going to get physical teams. Bahrain is a physical team, so is UAE. So now if we play teams like Kenya we will get to know our weaknesses and on what aspects we need to work on before the Asian Cup."

Moreover, he did mention that these matches will help the team get a clear understanding of their preparation for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 which is on the horizon.

"You don't want to go and play against teams that are not strong or not at the same level. You want to play against teams that always keep you on your toes because that's how you learn."

"The friendly games are vital. Of course, the result is also important, but more important is to learn from them and you only learn when you play tough teams. To go into the Asian Cup in our best shape we have to play against tough teams," Jhingan mentioned.

Team Qatar will compete with over 250 athletes, including over 40 females at Asian Games

TEAM QATAR’S YOUNG ATHLETES SHARE HOPES AND DREAMS FOR 2018 ASIAN GAMES

Team Qatar will compete with over 250 athletes, including over 40 females at one of the biggest multi-sport events in the world

29 May 2018 – Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has introduced some of the Team Qatar athletes who will be competing at the Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang this summer. Five young male and female athletes competing across a range of sports participated in a panel session that gave an insight into their preparations and aspirations for one of the biggest sporting competitions of their lives.

16 year-old swimmer Abdulaziz Al-Obaidly, World Para-Athletics Champion and Paralympic silver medallist Abdelrahman Abdelqader, female Taekwondo athlete, Huda Mohammed, indoor volleyball player Othman Abdelwahed and Youth Arab Champion hammer thrower Rania Al Naji will be amongst a huge Qatari delegation that will see over 250 Team Qatar athletes participate across 30 different sports. The 2018 Asian Games will take place in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia from 18^th August – 2^nd September and the Asian Para Games will take place from the 8^th - 16^th of October in Jakarta also.

Aspiring young swimmer Abdulaziz Al Obaidly recently set two new personal bests in the 100m and 200m backstroke during Qatar’s Swimming Cup 2018. Still just 16-years-old, Al Obaidly has been gaining strong international experience in this year’s FINA Swimming World Series, which has seen him compete in Seychelles. Speaking about his preparations and hopes for the Asian Games, Al Obaidly said:

“The team and I are getting ready to attend two training camps before heading to Jakarta for the Asian Games. I will be the youngest swimmer amongst my teammates at the Games; this makes me proud and excited to do my best. ”

Qatar’s first-ever Para-Athletics World Champion Abdelrahman Abdelqader won gold in the T34 shot put in London last year after his tremendous silver medal, and Qatar’s first-ever Paralympic medal, at Rio 2016. Para-sport in Qatar has been continuing to grow in strength since Doha hosted the IPC Athletics World Championships in 2015, with team-mate Sara Masoud taking silver at both London 2017 and Rio 2016 and becoming Qatar’s first-ever global female medallist in the process. Abdelqader will be competing at the Asian Para Games in Jakarta October 2018, which parallels the 2018 Asian Games to be held in August. Abdelqader will be looking to add to his medal collection in Indonesia this October and he shared his thoughts on this:

“The upcoming Asian Para Games will see fierce competition in the shot put event. I will be competing against the best in Asia, but hopeful to set a new personal best. My training in Ramadan is intense, I am always aiming for gold and I’m looking to add a new medal to my collection.”

Team Qatar’s taekwondo athletes raised Qatar’s flag high in this month’s Asian Championships, which took place in Vietnam. Team Qatar competed with five athletes and came back home with a bronze medal through Qatar’s Othman Boularas, who also recently won gold at the World Taekwondo Beach Championships. Huda Mohammed will be Qatar’s first-ever Taekwondo (Poomsae) athlete to compete at an Asian Games this summer. Speaking about her hopes to inspire more young female athletes to follow in her footsteps through her performances, Huda, said:

“I started playing taekwondo as a hobby when I was 13; I then gradually took up the sport professionally. Many might think that taekwondo is not a girls’ sport but I highly recommend girls to try the poomsae because it does not require the athlete to compete against an opponent. In Poomsae, an athlete performs a set of motions and therefore the possibility for injuries is very low.”

Team Qatar’s indoor volleyball team came third in the World Cup qualifications 2018 beating the second ranked team in Asia. Othman Abdelwahed is one of the team members to compete at the Asian Games this summer. Speaking ahead of the Games, Abdelwahed said:

“We are heading to the Asian Games with a very well experienced team that have competed on an international level and achieved a lot. My team and I are very excited for this summer, hoping to come back home with a medal.”

Team Qatar’s rising star hammer thrower Rania Al Naji recently won a gold medal at the youth Arab Championships in Jordan 2018. With the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships on the horizon, it is a very exciting time for athletics in Qatar and Rania. Speaking about her sport, Rania said:

“Hammer throw focuses on mixing strength, power and the right techniques for a perfect throw. The sport requires lots of intense training for an athlete to increase their speed in spinning the hammer. I’m currently working on setting the required qualifying distance for the Asian Games and that is through my upcoming training camps.

You can follow Team Qatar’s preparations for the Asian Games on the Team Qatar social media channels and website, where further information and insights about their journeys and their achievements will be shared regularly.

Stage set for football thriller in Qatar

SN Academy Vasco emerge on top on Muscat tour

SN Academy Vasco emerge on top on Muscat tour

 DMS Goa Summer Cricket Tour to Muscat 2018.

Oman, Muscat: SN Academy Vasco emerged victorious in the nine-day cricket tour of Muscat, Oman defeating hosts BOC Cricket Academy, Muscat 4-1 in the five match T20 series for Under16 teams.

SN Academy Vasco, based in the port town of Goa was invited to Oman by Goa’s former Ranji player Sandesh Dhuri, who heads the Muscat based coaching centre.

In the other camp, another former Ranji Trophy player, Saby Fernandes travelled with the young side as a coach and ensured all of the 14-member team underwent good net practice, training and had a part to play in the victory.

“Dreams do come true.  For aspiring cricketer one such dream would be to undertake an international cricket tour with state of the art facilities, good grounds and fun that a professional cricketer gets to enjoy,” said Saby Fernandes.

“With talented pool of cricketers, some representing the State – the Goan team have left a lasting impression in Muscat and have announced Goa as a cricketing playing state at international level,” said Saby Fernandes, about Goa which is known to produce many international football players but only one cricketer hailing from the state Dilip Sardessai has played for the country.

The Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, IM Pandey, was the Chief Guest at the presentation ceremony.

A large number of Goans, based in Oman were in attendance to motivate and encourage the young stars. The local Goan community was represented by the ISC Goan Wing Muscat Convenor, Anthony Lourenco and Co-Convenor, Herman Estibeiro,

 “Cricket has its charm, and sports related tours and international events such as this is something every sportsman dream of.  Some do not have access to it, but with the company theme ‘bringing the world closer, DMS Goa, hope to contribute through such programs and tours,” said an official of the DMS Goa, a sports tour management company, which were instrumental in organizing the tour.