Kuantan venue struck out

11/06/2003

THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) struck out the Kuantan Hockey
Stadium, and gave the Johor Baru Municipal Council (JBMC) two weeks to
repair their faulty water pumps or lose their home ground advantage.
The MHF Technical Committee met yesterday and secretary S. Satgunam said
they might even fine JBMC because they failed to perform their home
responsibilities.
"The stadium in Pahang wore out due to heavy use and there is no way
that it can be repaired for the Malaysia Hockey League matches. That is
why we have decided to do away with the venue. Pahang will have to play
their remaining five matches elswhere," said Satgunam.
The match between Pahang Sports Council and Customs was called off last
Friday because the artificial pitch at the Kuantan Stadium was in tatters
and might cause injuries to players.
Officials from the Malaysia Hockey Federation (MHF), including secretary
Satgunam, inspected the Kuantan pitch on Monday and concluded that the
venue was no longer suitable for matches.
Satgunam also said that the Asian Schools Championships, scheduled for
July 10-18 at the Kuantan Stadium, should be played elsewhere.
"We doubt that the pitch could be repaired in time for the tournament.
We will advise the organisers of the tournament, the Malaysian School
Sports Council (MSSM), to change the venue," he said.
JBMC also stand to lose out their home ground advantage if they fail to
repair the water pumps.
The match between JBMC and defending Overall champions Bank Simpanan
Nasional (BSN) was called off on Monday because the pitch could not be
watered properly.
"We have given them two weeks to rectify the fault. If they fail to do
so, they have to play their remaining match away," said Satgunam.
Meanwhile, MHF have received clearance from the National Sports
Institute (NSI) to go ahead with the scheduled four Test matches against
China.
Satgunam said they had received the nod to stage the matches on July 1-7
on condition that the Chinese players undergo SARS (Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome) tests once they arrive at the airport.
"We have written to the China Hockey Federation on the matter. We will
confirm the dates for the matches if they agree to the SARS tests at the
airport."
The national team will resume training on June 23 and the four Tests
were arranged as part of their preparation for the Champions Challenge in
South Africa on July 19-28.
Malaysia will be up against hosts South Africa, England, Spain, South
Korea and New Zealand in the Challenge.
(END)