Bad omen was an ang pow after all!

16/02/2002

AS the World Cup edges closer and temperatures rise, S. Shanker, Chua Boon
Huat and Tajol Rosli have started feeling the heat.
While Chua and Tajol are only down with minor fever, Shanker was
reported to have injured his spine in training by an evening English
daily. It was reported on Friday that Shanker's injury is seen as a bad
omen for the team.
But a check yesterday found out that it is just a minor strain he picked
up during weights training, and he has been told to rest for a few days.
In fact, instead of gloom, there was reason for all-round joy as team
manager Datuk R. Yogeswaran revealed that they are arranging for
incentives if the team does well in the World Cup.
"As the manager, I have proposed to the Malaysian Hockey Federation
(MHF) that there be some incentives to spur the team. I assure all that if
they do well, MHF and the government would definitely make it worthwhile
for them," said Yogeswaran.
While is it still at a proposal stage, the ang pows will definitely be
encouraging news for the home side.
Yesterday, Shanker was at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil
training with his teammates, and he looked fine.
"It is nothing to worry about because it is only a minor strain I picked
up during weights training. Right now, the pain is no longer there and I
feel fine. But the doctor (National Sports Institure Director Dr Ramlan
Aziz) has told me to take things easy," said S. Shanker yesterday.
Yogeswaran and Dr Aziz were also confident that with a little rest,
Shanker will be at his best in a jiffy.
"I have checked his injury and there is nothing serious and all he needs
is rest," said Dr Ramlan.
Yesterday, while Tajol and Chua watched from the stands, the national
trainees were busy plotting the first two matches against Australia and
Japan.
Coach Paul Lissek brought out his whiteboard to the green turf and drew
sketches and explained to the boys how to tackle the first two teams.
"The national team is in good spirit and right now I am only doing some
minor cosmetic surgery to make them look better," quipped Lissek.
The team did look much better yesterday and executed their set-pieces
exceptionally well.
"This is what you get when you give them a break from hockey (the five-
day Chinese New Year break).
They came back with greater determination and are no longer bored and
jaded by playing too much of hockey," said Lissek.
Today, the New Zealand side will play a friendly against the Malaysian
Under-18 in the morning and on Sunday, the national side will have a go
against the Kiwis as a warm-up.
jugjet@nstp.com.my
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