MHF seeks balance in Razak Cup

02/11/2002

THE 40th Razak Cup ended as predicted, but the next edition is expected to
be a more balanced and exciting hockey tournament.
The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) are hell-bent on reviving what
used to to be the nation's premier tournament, and the MHF Competitions
Committee holds the key.
"We (MHF) have to make drastic changes in the Razak Cup rules to make it
a more balance and exciting tournament. Initially it may look like we are
stepping on a few toes, but in the long run, the Razak Cup and states will
benefit from it," said MHF secretary S. Satgunam.
Among the proposals the Competitions Committee will come out with is to
limit the age of players, make it a compulsory state-based tournament and
increase the prize money.
And once the MHF council endorses it, maybe as soon as the next meeting
on Nov 9, it will become law.
"We want the Razak Cup to showcase the nation's youth because it serves
no purpose, other than social hockey, to have players who retired some 10
years ago to continue playing hockey. Although some of the veteran players
have contributed immensely to their states, it is time that states blood
their youth.
"Initially, some of the younger players will struggle, but after a few
years, they will become better with exposure and the states will benefit,"
said Satgunam.
Johor went all the way to the finals, and almost upstaged the more
illustrious Kuala Lumpur, with veterans Sarjit Singh, Lim Chiow Chuan and
Lee Sien Lam, but these players only have a few years of palying-life left
and after that, Johor will suffer. That is why the age-limit in the Razak
Cup needs to be looked into.
The proposal to make sure that players return to their states can be
accomplished by using the identity card as a guide. Players must represent
states where they were born and not where they ply their trade.
"Thorough planning needs to be done to make sure that players only play
for their parent states. If we use the residential ruling, there are bound
to be many loop-holes to take advantage of. A fool-proof plan will be
divised so that states field balanced sides," said Satgunam.
The prize money of RM8,000 for champions, RM5,000 for silver and RM2,000
for bronze is no longer exciting and needs to be increased.
One proposal is to have a similar ruling like in the Junior League where
teams receive RM200 for each win.
"The prize money has to be increased if we want serious competition. It
will also make it worthwhile for the states as they will clamour to make
the semi-finals and recover the cost of accommodation and food," said
Satgunam.
If the MHF Council endorses the above recommendations, the state which
will be heavily hit is Kuala Lumpur - who will suddenly find themselves
without a team because all their players are from other states but play in
the KL League.
The Razak Cup was a success as far as quality matches are concerned, but
it was a total flop with the fans.
The final was watched by less than 100 fans, mostly boys from the Bukit
Jalil Sports School and family members of the players. The group matches
were worse, eventhough entrance was free.
"The fixtures were drawn up to cater for the after-office crowd, but
still not many turned up at the stadium. Maybe with the new-look Razak Cup
next year, there wil be more fans," said Satgunam.
(END)