Kuhan and Amin head to South Korea for training

11/04/2003

NATIONAL hockey skipper S. Kuhan and Amin Rahim will head for South Korea
tomorrow to train under Korean coach Jeon Jae-hong.
The Koreans have become a world hockey power by putting a huge emphasis
on fitness, and the two Malaysians will join their training camp for two
weeks (April 12-26) to get into shape for July's Champions Challenge in
South Africa.
Fitness was one of the main reasons why Malaysia did poorly in the
recent Azlan Shah Cup. When the Korean coach offered the Malaysians a
chance to train with his team, the management decided to send Kuhan and
Amin.
While Kuhan's place in the national squad has always been secured (he is
the best penalty corner flicker in the country today), Amin has seen more
downs than ups since making his debut with the national side in the 1999
Brunei Sea Games.
Amin caught the selectors' attention when playing for Old La Sallians
Association of Klang in the Junior Hockey League, but was dropped from the
2002 Kuala Lumpr World Cup because he lacked match experience.
Capped 40 times, Amin persisted and fought his way back into the
national squad, and subsequently helped Malaysia to the bronze at the
Busan Asian Games. It was Malaysia's first medal at the Games after a
lapse of 12 years.
"The Busan Asian Games is very special to me because that is the highest
level of hockey that I have played. Winning the bronze is a memory I will
always cherish," said Amin yesterday.
Amin, 23, said the Korean coach made the offer to Kuhan during the Azlan
Shah Cup, and when Paul Lissek approached him, he jumped at the offer.
"Maybe I was selected because I am presently jobless and not committed
to studies," he said.
Amin is one of the most hard working players in the national team. He
never misses training and never shirks his duties when the going gets
tough or rough.
"I don't mind undergoing gruelling physical training if it can improve
my fitness and my game. This year, I aim to fight for a place in the
Champions Challenge and then the Olympics Qualifiers (March next year),"
said Amin.
This is the first time Malaysians will train with Koreans although the
national team have undergone the Korean style of training before.
In 2001, the national team had a training stint in Korea under former
Korean coach Kim Sang-ryul.
(END)