New Delhi: Lanco Infratech in association with Hockey Australia launched the Lanco International Super Series Hockey’s 9’s at the Australian High Commission here on Tuesday. After the successful T20 format in cricket, this new format of hockey with new rules is been launched to make the game faster and exciting. The format is been launched with the motive to increase the number of the hockey followers across the world and to entertain them as well.
The tournament will be held in Perth from October 20-23 and is the only sporting event of its kind to be affiliated with the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. It will witness top men’s and women’s teams from Australia, India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Malaysia.
Present on the occasion Manoj Aggarwal, COO, Lanco Infratech Limited said, “Hockey is another great and popular sport that traditionally binds Australia and India. We are really happy to be a part of this sport-event that, hopefully, should, further strengthen our bond with the sport- loving Australians.
This unique format will see nine players a side as opposed to usual eleven players. The duration of the halves is reduced to 15 minutes each and goals are larger by one metre. Also, it allows unlimited substitutions; one player from each team will be required to stay in the forward half to create more space; and ground rules will be relaxed to support continuous and a fast moving game.
India’s men’s team which just returned home with the Asia Champion trophy and the women’s squad will participate in the tournament. The entire group games from the tournament, along with the India’s men’s and women’s team will be telecasted live on ESPN-STAR SPORTS, starting October 20.
“It is important that hockey is continually promoted in the right way in countries such as Indian and Pakistan. This series is going to be an interesting one to watch,” said Ric Charlesworth, Kookaburras Coach.
“We have been practicing hard, it’s all about speed and skill and i hope we perform well. The women’s team had also played practice matches against the men’s team in last few days. With the changed rules it will be easier to score more and i hope that will the bind the spectator’s interest as well.” said Jasjeet Kaur Handa, Vice Captain, Indian women’s team.
New Rules of the Lanco Series:
• 9 players on the field per team (usually 11)
• 18 players from each team can play (usually 16)
• 15 minutes one half (usually 35 m)
• Bigger Goals (1 metre wide)
• Unlimited substitutions
• More leniency on foot violations outside the circle unless it is a deliberate infringement
• 1 player from each team must remain in the forward half at all times
• 1 on 1 style penalty shootout for drawn games
• Penalty corners will be 4 attackers facing 3 defenders.
