hockey
Whenever I told people that I was leaving for an international hockey event on weekend, ME was greeted with the same reaction. "I did not know they were playing hockey in Indonesia." And Nope, no more than I until there is not so long. But there is a thriving hockey scene in the country . There are clubs in Jakarta, note the plural and Balikpapan and even pesantren in Indramayu, West Java. in Senayan, there is a field Astroturf where clubs based in Jakarta practiced on a regular basis. and when they do not practice, they compete.
the weekend of May 23-24 saw teams from across Indonesia as well as Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong converge to Jakarta for the prestigious international Hockey ISCI 8s and much merriment. for someone unfamiliar with the game and its intricacies, it was a fascinating experience. in recent weeks, Jakarta hosted the international Football BuGils 6s and rugby 10s. both tournaments have attracted teams from all over the region and both were great days with great passion on the ground and laughed outside.
Hockey, perhaps not attracted as many viewers, but there was passion and competence of bucketload and many lewd jokes and outside. Speaking of skills, have you ever seen a hockey player doing step-overs? Imagine Christiano Ronaldo with a beer gut, growth is two and a hockey stick. There was even a guy who scored a goal that can be described as a whim, with the obvious exception, he used his baton to direct the ball home. I saw him and I'm still not sure exactly what I saw.
Although the skill was appreciated by the audience, "You lucky b * stard" was one of the more polite comments, woe to him who slipped up. Literally. Comments and beer fueled abuse was relentless, and of course on a hockey field there is nowhere to hide!
It was interesting walking among the teams as they sought shelter against the rays in their tents. We talk about the team seemed to turn around "Get that b * stard" while another coach tried to inspire his pirates by announcing a change in training before a big play. Between games, waitresses one of the sponsors were busy reconstructing the thirst of a cosmopolitan group in various stages of undress as the players themselves mentally for their next game with a cigarette.
There were a couple of new teams making their debut at the event this year. Trisakti University entered as MAS Aircrew sometimes stop playing and start asking their opponents if they would like chicken or beef. A team that has caught my attention was Alzaytun. On the basis of the same name pesantren in Indramayu, these guys did not know fear. I saw them play the Usual Suspects, a great team, well built of wizened, older expatriates who appeared to have been around the block. And indeed, the Blok.
The adolescent boonies ran rings around them. On one occasion, the smallest player on the court went toe-to-toe with a whimper mountain, and won the ball only for the referee to stop the game for a foul!
It ended 0-0 but the Usual suspects knew they were in a game and only a temperamental control in the third end private pesantren children a victory.
Organiser Ken Allen told Alzaytun have a pretty impressive setup on campus, but then they often earn trophies on their trips to the Big Durian, the only team to have beaten on their own ground was ISCI ! At least Alzaytun have to talk to them on the ground. Some of the visiting teams used to program for the field at large chances. For example, there were two teams of the valley, which I think is in Hong Kong - Veterans and RFC Valley - and according to their bio, their only purpose in coming to Jakarta was drinking dry bars. Oh, and play hockey!
Another side based in Hong Kong is the Pirates and have the distinction of having participated in all 15 years of international hockey 8s ISCI. In fact eight of the 10 players on the team who came to Jakarta presented in the first event there all these years. Despite years of being against them, the Pirates firmly believe they are as fit as they were back in the inaugural event.
The final featured the hosts, ISCI and Alzaytun. This time, the old heads prevailed, two goals from Sam Levik ISCI directors to a victory and the title. From there, everyone heads into the night to celebrate but must remain another story!
Hockey Jakarta
More Hockey Jakarta
ISCI Hockey Jakarta is active for about 25 years and is very socially inclined club that allows many people (a mix of locals, expatriates, kick-ins and heavy drinkers) playing hockey in Jakarta. Training and games are held (Senayan) based on artificial turf ground water Gelora Bung Karno every Wednesday night (20 hours) and Saturday afternoon (from 16 hours), mostly through organized games or scratch that are usually full height, but can be five a side, depending on who is running to fill the void called "opposition".
frequent visits abroad and visitors, and participation in an organization of local competitions, to ensure a wide variety of games, places, opponents and standards, focusing on pleasure rather than very serious competition. All are welcome, including beginners. There is no membership fee, you only pay when you play Rp.100,000 per game (towards land lease).
Later that year, ISCI hockey will compete in Bali, Malaysia and Thailand at international events, so if you want to get involved why not drop them a line
http: //www.iscihockey .com