`Kelantan suffered silently'

02/05/2002

KELANTAN Hockey Association secretary Zahari Daud has a bone to pick with
the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) for not doing enough to promote the
sport at state-level.
Since Zahari became the secretary in 2000, Kelantan HA has only received
RM1,000 from the MHF during the International Year of the Youth (2001)
and, according to him, it is not even enough to run their age-group
competitions.
"Kelantan have been suffering silently because we have nowhere to turn
for help. The parent body (MHF) has told us to source for our own
sponsors, and they must be joking because that is not how things work in
Kelantan.
"We can source for small sponsors, but not enough to run a league or
even take part in the Razak Cup this year," said Zahari.
Zahari, during his meetings with the MHF, has told them of the problems
faced by hockey in the State but he always received the same reply.
"MHF always come up with the same excuses, that they do not have enough
money and Kelantan should source for sponsors to develop the sport."
But Kelantan have not been sitting idle, they have competed in the
Champion Schools tournament, and right now are busy with their age-group
tournaments.
"Although we receive nothing from the MHF, Kelantan HA does not want to
neglect its duties so we look for small sponsors to run our age-group
tournaments.
"But it is a real pity that players from Kelantan have no avenue to take
part in the most prestigious national tournament, the Malaysia Hockey
League," said Zahari.
Zahari still feels that the MHF can rectify things if they work like the
Football Association of Malaysia.
"If FAM can give their members an annual grant of RM1.5 million to start
off, and make a name to pull in the sponsors, why can't the MHF do the
same.
"We need help to get up from the slums, and only after that will the big
sponsors be willing to talk terms with the HA."
Right now, Kelantan hockey is surviving on grants from the State Sports
Council, but it is not enough.
"I have a suggestion for the MHF. Why don't they start off by helping
the smaller hockey playing states like Kelantan, Terengganu and Perlis to
build a base.
"The better states like Perak, Negri, Johor, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur
can source for their own sponsors but almost all the doors have been shut
on the less popular states.
He said by doing that MHF will not only be helping them, but the country
as well by having a wider pool of national players.
"MHF have come under fire for not doing enough to promote the sport at
state level and have been accused of only living for organising big
events.
"They should stop concentrating on building a national team, their focus
must shift from the Klang Valley to the rest of the States if they want to
improve their image," said Zahari.
"Schools is where the players are nurtured, but if the MHF neglect
States, it is akin to killing the nurseries because the State HA's are the
ones who have their noses in the grassroots."
jugjet@nstp.com.my
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