Hockey: Striker on fitness deadline

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The clock is ticking for Bevan Hari. Named yesterday in the 18-man squad for the Olympic qualifying tournament in Madrid in March, 28-year-old Hari must prove his full fitness by February 8 - five days before the 18-man squad leaves for Spain.

In naming his squad for the 12-team tournament, coach Kevin Towns bracketed Auckland striker Hari with North Harbour's Lloyd Stephenson.

"It was a tough call, especially as Stephenson is playing with renewed confidence," said Towns. "In the end, it was a case of one player having played 123 times for New Zealand against one who has been there 17 times.

"But unless Hari can show he is at full fitness - and medical opinion will play the initial part in this - he won't be going and will then concentrate on getting ready for the Olympics - if we make it."

Hari severely damaged ligaments in his knee, and the injury also affected his hamstring. Surgery apparently went well but rehabilitation has been an on-going saga.

Towns said he gave Hari a 40 to 60 per cent chance of being fit.

"Getting a medical clearance is one thing," said Towns. "Proving he can run at pace and twist and turn is another."

Umesh Parag will miss the early warm-up games - a practice match and then a test against the hosts and a practice match against Japan - but will have plenty to celebrate either side of those matches.

New Zealand's most experienced international is getting married next month and will not arrive in Madrid until February 24.

On March 4, in New Zealand's third qualifying match against Belgium, Parag will notch his 200th international appearance - a milestone reached by few, if any, New Zealanders in any sport.

Drag flick expert Hayden Shaw needs only two matches to reach 50 caps and Dion Gosling could play the eight he needs to reach 150.

The New Zealand players, apart from Parag, are in camp in Auckland and will train daily until departure.

The top six or seven teams at the qualifying tournament will book places at the Athens Olympics.

Greece will play Canada in three tests before the tournament.

If the Greeks win they will take their place as hosts, leaving the 12 teams to battle for six places. If they lose they will be out of the running and Canada will play in the tournament with seven places at stake.

New Zealand are in the same pool as Canada, Malaysia, Belgium, India and Pakistan.

New Zealand squad

Goalkeepers: Paul Woolford (Auckland) 55 caps, Kyle Pontifex (Wellington) 9.

Defenders: Dean Couzins (Auckland) 52, Dion Gosling (Auckland) 142, Hayden Shaw (Canterbury) 48.

Midfield: Wayne McIndoe (Auckland) 84, Blair Hopping (North Harbour) 68, Dharmesh Puna (Auckland) 17, Simon Towns (Auckland) captain 188, James Nation (Wellington) 9, Ryan Archibald (Auckland) 120, Darren Smith (North Harbour) vice-captain 156, Mitesh Patel (Wellington) 92.

Strikers: Umesh Parag (Wellington) 197, Phil Burrows (Wellington) 90, Gareth Brooks (Canterbury) 19, David Kosoof (North Harbour) 57, Bevan Hari (Auckland) 123 or Lloyd Stephenson (North Harbour) 17.

Programme New Zealand's matches at the Olympic qualifying tournament:

March 2 v Malaysia

March 4 v Canada

March 6 v Belgium

March 8 v India

March 9 v Pakistan

March 11 semifinals

March 13 final