15/06/2002
THE national hockey team have been blessed with an easy group in the Asian
Games in Busan, and it will be a shame if they don't make the semifinals.
Drawn in Group A with defending champions India, Japan, Bangladesh and
Oman, it should be plain sailing for Malaysia have a good track record
against the four.
But with an erratic Malaysian team, who fumbled despite getting a
favourable draw for the Kuala Lumpur World Cup, one can never tell until
the final whistle.
Group B is tougher as it consists of South Korea and Pakistan, who
performed better than Malaysia in the World Cup, and China and Hong Kong.
In the last Asian Games in Bangkok, Malaysia finished fifth but for the
September Games, they have been placed in a group where a medal is
possible.
Five teams have entered in the women's competition with China leading
the charge and Malaysia conspiciously missing from the list.
The other women's teams are from India, Japan, Korea and Uzbekistan.
The fixtures for both the men's and women's tournaments will be
announced on July 9 when the Asian Hockey Federation and National Olympic
Council officials attend the chef-de-missions meeting.
Meanwhile, Singapore's Mathavan Devadas has been appointed tournament
director for men's hockey in Busan.
The technical officials appointed are Dr Choi Ki Soo of Korea and
Malaysian Hockey Federation secretary S. Satgunam. Amrit Bose is the
tournament director for the women's tournament.
(END)
Monday, April 16, 2007
Schools guide book
15/06/2002
A COMPREHENSIVE guide on hockey rules for schools was launched by the
Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
Available in English and Bahasa Malaysia, the Hockey Rules Book
launching ceremony also provided an opportunity for some to raise several
points with MHF.
Invited were the various heads of schools from every state in Malaysia
and Education director-general Datuk Abdul Rafie Mahat hit the nail on the
head when he said "dulu orang tak mahu pandang, kita pun buat tak tahu,"
(if associations do not look us up, we too keep our distance).
The MHF Schools Committee, formed in 1999 and chaired by Jen(r) Datuk
Manap Ibrahim, only held its first meeting last week. So Rafei was right
in ticking MHF for keeping its distance from schools.
But he was gracious enough to accept all four proposals made by MHF
deputy president Tan Sri P. Alagendra to bridge the gap and take hockey
back to its glory days.
In his speech, Alagendra said: "The current world champions Germany have
benefitted greatly by playing indoor hockey so I propose that the
Education Ministry introduce indoor hockey in all schools.
"In the long run, Malaysia will be the winner because we will have a
bigger pool of skillful players to take over from those who retire from
the sport."
The enbloc retirement of Mirnawan Nawawi, Maninderjit Singh, Nor Azlan
Bakar, Nasihin Nubli and S. Shanker after the Kuala Lumpur World Cup has
left a big void in the national team and chief coach Paul Lissek is
struggling to blood new players for the Busan Asian Games in September.
The other proposals made by Alagendra were: 1. Pay more attention to
Primary Schools hockey, especially those in Standard Four; 2. Allocate
more time for schools hockey because the current carnival style serves no
purpose; and 3. Start grooming umpires in secondary schools.
"What Tan Sri (Alagendra) proposed is nothing new. Schools used to
thrive on hockey back when I was a student because we used to do what he
just proposed," said Rafie.
"But somewhere along the line, hockey went into oblivation in schools.
But I laud the MHF for making an effort to work with schools to revive the
sport."
The director-general, who was a headmaster in Malacca High from
1985-1990, said that schools which do not have facilities for indoor
hockey can play on basketball courts.
"When I was a headmaster at Malacca High, Malacca won the Junior League
title because there was a concerted effort and students played on
basketball courts to hone their skills.
"So schools which lack logistics need not worry as they can improvise. I
am also keen to see hockey played at the Premier School level.
"For a start, maybe we can hold a triangular featuring Penang High,
Malacca High and the Sultan Abu Bakar College.
"These schools used to produce good hockey players and it is time they
received some assistance so that hockey will benefit in the long run,"
said Rafie.
(END)
A COMPREHENSIVE guide on hockey rules for schools was launched by the
Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
Available in English and Bahasa Malaysia, the Hockey Rules Book
launching ceremony also provided an opportunity for some to raise several
points with MHF.
Invited were the various heads of schools from every state in Malaysia
and Education director-general Datuk Abdul Rafie Mahat hit the nail on the
head when he said "dulu orang tak mahu pandang, kita pun buat tak tahu,"
(if associations do not look us up, we too keep our distance).
The MHF Schools Committee, formed in 1999 and chaired by Jen(r) Datuk
Manap Ibrahim, only held its first meeting last week. So Rafei was right
in ticking MHF for keeping its distance from schools.
But he was gracious enough to accept all four proposals made by MHF
deputy president Tan Sri P. Alagendra to bridge the gap and take hockey
back to its glory days.
In his speech, Alagendra said: "The current world champions Germany have
benefitted greatly by playing indoor hockey so I propose that the
Education Ministry introduce indoor hockey in all schools.
"In the long run, Malaysia will be the winner because we will have a
bigger pool of skillful players to take over from those who retire from
the sport."
The enbloc retirement of Mirnawan Nawawi, Maninderjit Singh, Nor Azlan
Bakar, Nasihin Nubli and S. Shanker after the Kuala Lumpur World Cup has
left a big void in the national team and chief coach Paul Lissek is
struggling to blood new players for the Busan Asian Games in September.
The other proposals made by Alagendra were: 1. Pay more attention to
Primary Schools hockey, especially those in Standard Four; 2. Allocate
more time for schools hockey because the current carnival style serves no
purpose; and 3. Start grooming umpires in secondary schools.
"What Tan Sri (Alagendra) proposed is nothing new. Schools used to
thrive on hockey back when I was a student because we used to do what he
just proposed," said Rafie.
"But somewhere along the line, hockey went into oblivation in schools.
But I laud the MHF for making an effort to work with schools to revive the
sport."
The director-general, who was a headmaster in Malacca High from
1985-1990, said that schools which do not have facilities for indoor
hockey can play on basketball courts.
"When I was a headmaster at Malacca High, Malacca won the Junior League
title because there was a concerted effort and students played on
basketball courts to hone their skills.
"So schools which lack logistics need not worry as they can improvise. I
am also keen to see hockey played at the Premier School level.
"For a start, maybe we can hold a triangular featuring Penang High,
Malacca High and the Sultan Abu Bakar College.
"These schools used to produce good hockey players and it is time they
received some assistance so that hockey will benefit in the long run,"
said Rafie.
(END)
Malaysia in for bashing
14/06/2002
MALAYSIA, after a good bashing experience in the Australian Four-Nation,
are now in Germany for the Hamburg Masters beginning today for another
round of hammering.
Coach Paul Lissek made four changes from the team which played in
Australia but not much can be expected from the fresh legs.
Chua Boon Huat, who played in the German League this season, will be on
the starting line-up, but he cannot be expected to perform miracles
against World Cup and Hamburg Masters champions Germany, Spain and
Argentina.
Last year, Germany beat Holland 4-2 and the other invited teams were
Pakistan and South Korea. But this year, both the Asian teams were not
invited.
Argentina almost declined theirs for not having enough money but
sponsors in Germany came to their aid by financing flight tickets.
Other new players from the Australian Four-Nation squad are Shaiful
Azli, Azrul Effendy and Fairuz Ramli, who replaced Megat Azrafiq Termizi,
Mohamed Fikri Bassar, Riduan Nasir.
Chua substituted Rodhanizam Radzi, who had a good outing in Australia
but was medically boarded out because of injury.
Chua did well in the German League having saved his Red & White Munich
team twice.
The Malaysian turned saviour when he converted a penalty corner in the
45th minute before scoring the equaliser in the 58th minute to steal a
point against favourites Durkheim for his team to the fourth spot in the
League.
In an earlier match, Chua played a big role when his team defeated
Stuttgart 4-2.
But in the Hamburg Masters, the national team will face three uphill
battles and nothing is expected from them - other than a sound bashing
experience.
After the Masters, the national team will play two Test matches against
Germany on June 18 and 19, before their friendly against the Dutch juniors
in Belgium on the 20th.
Malaysia will play two matches against Belgium on June 22 and 23.
Squad - Goalkeepers: S. Kumar, Roslan Jamaluddin; Defenders: K.
Gobinathan, Ismail Abu, S. Kuhan, Mohamed Amin Rahim, Redzuan Ponirin,
Chua Boon Huat; Midfielders: Azlan Misron, K. Keevan Raj, Mohamed
Fakhrulrazi, Mohamed Madzli Ikmar, Norazlan Rahim, V. Vinodhan; Forwards:
Chairil Anwar, Shaiful Azli, Azrul Effendy, Fairuz Ramli.
Coach: Paul Lissek; Asst coaches: Stephen van Huizen and V.
Muraleedharan; Manager; Zulkifli Abas; Umpire: Mohamed Faithal Hassan.
German Masters Fixtures - Today: Spain v Argentina; Germany v Malaysia;
Tomorrow: Malaysia v Spain; Germany v Argentina; Sunday: Argentina v
Malaysia, Germany v Spain.
(END)
MALAYSIA, after a good bashing experience in the Australian Four-Nation,
are now in Germany for the Hamburg Masters beginning today for another
round of hammering.
Coach Paul Lissek made four changes from the team which played in
Australia but not much can be expected from the fresh legs.
Chua Boon Huat, who played in the German League this season, will be on
the starting line-up, but he cannot be expected to perform miracles
against World Cup and Hamburg Masters champions Germany, Spain and
Argentina.
Last year, Germany beat Holland 4-2 and the other invited teams were
Pakistan and South Korea. But this year, both the Asian teams were not
invited.
Argentina almost declined theirs for not having enough money but
sponsors in Germany came to their aid by financing flight tickets.
Other new players from the Australian Four-Nation squad are Shaiful
Azli, Azrul Effendy and Fairuz Ramli, who replaced Megat Azrafiq Termizi,
Mohamed Fikri Bassar, Riduan Nasir.
Chua substituted Rodhanizam Radzi, who had a good outing in Australia
but was medically boarded out because of injury.
Chua did well in the German League having saved his Red & White Munich
team twice.
The Malaysian turned saviour when he converted a penalty corner in the
45th minute before scoring the equaliser in the 58th minute to steal a
point against favourites Durkheim for his team to the fourth spot in the
League.
In an earlier match, Chua played a big role when his team defeated
Stuttgart 4-2.
But in the Hamburg Masters, the national team will face three uphill
battles and nothing is expected from them - other than a sound bashing
experience.
After the Masters, the national team will play two Test matches against
Germany on June 18 and 19, before their friendly against the Dutch juniors
in Belgium on the 20th.
Malaysia will play two matches against Belgium on June 22 and 23.
Squad - Goalkeepers: S. Kumar, Roslan Jamaluddin; Defenders: K.
Gobinathan, Ismail Abu, S. Kuhan, Mohamed Amin Rahim, Redzuan Ponirin,
Chua Boon Huat; Midfielders: Azlan Misron, K. Keevan Raj, Mohamed
Fakhrulrazi, Mohamed Madzli Ikmar, Norazlan Rahim, V. Vinodhan; Forwards:
Chairil Anwar, Shaiful Azli, Azrul Effendy, Fairuz Ramli.
Coach: Paul Lissek; Asst coaches: Stephen van Huizen and V.
Muraleedharan; Manager; Zulkifli Abas; Umpire: Mohamed Faithal Hassan.
German Masters Fixtures - Today: Spain v Argentina; Germany v Malaysia;
Tomorrow: Malaysia v Spain; Germany v Argentina; Sunday: Argentina v
Malaysia, Germany v Spain.
(END)
Sponsors boost for JHL
13/06/2002
TWENTY-two team managers for the MHF-Milo-Admiral-NSC Junior Hockey League
went home smiling from Bukit Jalil yesterday as the Malaysian Hockey
Federation (MHF) handed out RM5,000 cash per-team as subsidy.
Admiral, the attire sponsors, also handed out jersies to the 22 teams
and MHF upped the offer by handing out VCD's of the recent Kuala Lumpur
World Cup action.
Tenaga Nasional, the League champions will start as the favourites in
the JHL which begins on June 21 in the absence of overall champions
Malacca who failed to field a team, but regulars Olak-MPK feel they have
the players to go the distance.
And since they have secured the services of veteran hockey coach C.
Paramalingam who took Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) to the Malaysia Hockey
League overall title this season, Olak might just prove to be a surprise
package this season.
"BSN have agreed to loan Paramalingam to Olak for the JHL and with his
experience on our side, I am sure olak will perform better than last year.
"And since Olak have seven players who are regulars in the JHL, I feel
that we can at least reach the semifinals this season," said team manager
Joseph de Silva.
It is no mere talk as Olak will be the only team in the JHL to have
played in all eight editions of the JHL which started in 1995 and they
have a string of titles.
Olak were the double champions in 1998, 1999 and they also finished as
the overall champions in 2000.
"Last year, we did not fare very well, but I am confident that we will
be among the top-four when the semifinals start," said Joseph.
Most of the Olak players have been training with the Selangor Malaysia
Games squad and only started training as Olak early last month.
Favourites Tenaga will not have the services of international Azlan
Misron for their two opening matches against Perak Malays on June 21 in
Ipoh and Petaling Jaya Municipal Council two days later.
Azlan, who played well in the just concluded Australian Four-Nation,
left for Germany on Tuesday with the national side for the German Masters on Friday.
However, Tenaga will have the services of Reduan Nasir, who also played
in the Four-Nation, as he was not selected for Germany.
"We have enough players in the team to cover for Azlan while he is with
the national side. I do not see any problems for Tenaga in the first two
matches," said coach K. Rajan.
(END)
TWENTY-two team managers for the MHF-Milo-Admiral-NSC Junior Hockey League
went home smiling from Bukit Jalil yesterday as the Malaysian Hockey
Federation (MHF) handed out RM5,000 cash per-team as subsidy.
Admiral, the attire sponsors, also handed out jersies to the 22 teams
and MHF upped the offer by handing out VCD's of the recent Kuala Lumpur
World Cup action.
Tenaga Nasional, the League champions will start as the favourites in
the JHL which begins on June 21 in the absence of overall champions
Malacca who failed to field a team, but regulars Olak-MPK feel they have
the players to go the distance.
And since they have secured the services of veteran hockey coach C.
Paramalingam who took Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) to the Malaysia Hockey
League overall title this season, Olak might just prove to be a surprise
package this season.
"BSN have agreed to loan Paramalingam to Olak for the JHL and with his
experience on our side, I am sure olak will perform better than last year.
"And since Olak have seven players who are regulars in the JHL, I feel
that we can at least reach the semifinals this season," said team manager
Joseph de Silva.
It is no mere talk as Olak will be the only team in the JHL to have
played in all eight editions of the JHL which started in 1995 and they
have a string of titles.
Olak were the double champions in 1998, 1999 and they also finished as
the overall champions in 2000.
"Last year, we did not fare very well, but I am confident that we will
be among the top-four when the semifinals start," said Joseph.
Most of the Olak players have been training with the Selangor Malaysia
Games squad and only started training as Olak early last month.
Favourites Tenaga will not have the services of international Azlan
Misron for their two opening matches against Perak Malays on June 21 in
Ipoh and Petaling Jaya Municipal Council two days later.
Azlan, who played well in the just concluded Australian Four-Nation,
left for Germany on Tuesday with the national side for the German Masters on Friday.
However, Tenaga will have the services of Reduan Nasir, who also played
in the Four-Nation, as he was not selected for Germany.
"We have enough players in the team to cover for Azlan while he is with
the national side. I do not see any problems for Tenaga in the first two
matches," said coach K. Rajan.
(END)
Malaysia finish last
10/06/2002
AUSTRALIA ......6 INDIA .......... 0
KOREA ..........3 MALAYSIA..........2
SOUTH Korea beat Malaysia 3-2 with an extra-time goal in the Four-Nation's
third-place playoff in Melbourne yesterday.
Malaysia played Korea three times in the Four-Nation and went down on
all three occassions (3-0 and 3-1). But yesterday, the national side gave
a good account of themselves before losing out in extra-time.
In the final, Australia hammered India 6-0 to keep a clean slate in the
Four-Nation by winning all seven matches.
In the playoff, Korea opened scoring in the 17th minute off a Woon Kon-
Yeo penalty stroke.
But Malaysia got back into the match before the break when Fakrul Razi
lunged in for the equaliser.
Sung Hoon-Yoon put the Koreans ahead for the second time in the 51st
minute before Malaysian skipper S. Kuhan slammed home a late equaliser in
the 67th minute.
But Woon's second strike, off a penalty corner in the 76th minute,
sealed the match for the Olympic silver medallists.
The Australian goalscorers yesterday were Troy Elder (4th), Michael
McCann (5th), Craig Victory (9th), Jamie Dwyer (28th, 48th), Aaron Hopkins
(65th).
Australia, the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games gold medallists, named 16
players for the Manchester Games and look good to retain their title after
a promising display in the Four-Nation.
Only four members of the Australian team that won gold in the KL
Commonwealth Games four years ago were included with Sydney Olympics,
striker Adam Commens among the notable absentees.
The four are skipper Paul Gaudoin, goalkeeper Mark Hickman, Brent
Livermore and Matthew Smith.
The selectors stuck largely with the squad which won the silver medal in
the KL World Cup, but two-time Olympian Daniel Sproule was not considered
for personal reasons and forward Jeremy Hiskins missed out.
The Australian Commonwealth Games Squad: Paul Gaudoin (capt), Matthew
Wells, Mark Hickman, Steve Lambert, Bevan George, Aaron Hopkins, Dean
Butler, Brent Livermore, Liam De Young, Troy Elder, Scott Webster, Ben
Taylor, Jamie Dwyer, Craig Victory, Matthew Smith, Michael McCann.
(END)
AUSTRALIA ......6 INDIA .......... 0
KOREA ..........3 MALAYSIA..........2
SOUTH Korea beat Malaysia 3-2 with an extra-time goal in the Four-Nation's
third-place playoff in Melbourne yesterday.
Malaysia played Korea three times in the Four-Nation and went down on
all three occassions (3-0 and 3-1). But yesterday, the national side gave
a good account of themselves before losing out in extra-time.
In the final, Australia hammered India 6-0 to keep a clean slate in the
Four-Nation by winning all seven matches.
In the playoff, Korea opened scoring in the 17th minute off a Woon Kon-
Yeo penalty stroke.
But Malaysia got back into the match before the break when Fakrul Razi
lunged in for the equaliser.
Sung Hoon-Yoon put the Koreans ahead for the second time in the 51st
minute before Malaysian skipper S. Kuhan slammed home a late equaliser in
the 67th minute.
But Woon's second strike, off a penalty corner in the 76th minute,
sealed the match for the Olympic silver medallists.
The Australian goalscorers yesterday were Troy Elder (4th), Michael
McCann (5th), Craig Victory (9th), Jamie Dwyer (28th, 48th), Aaron Hopkins
(65th).
Australia, the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games gold medallists, named 16
players for the Manchester Games and look good to retain their title after
a promising display in the Four-Nation.
Only four members of the Australian team that won gold in the KL
Commonwealth Games four years ago were included with Sydney Olympics,
striker Adam Commens among the notable absentees.
The four are skipper Paul Gaudoin, goalkeeper Mark Hickman, Brent
Livermore and Matthew Smith.
The selectors stuck largely with the squad which won the silver medal in
the KL World Cup, but two-time Olympian Daniel Sproule was not considered
for personal reasons and forward Jeremy Hiskins missed out.
The Australian Commonwealth Games Squad: Paul Gaudoin (capt), Matthew
Wells, Mark Hickman, Steve Lambert, Bevan George, Aaron Hopkins, Dean
Butler, Brent Livermore, Liam De Young, Troy Elder, Scott Webster, Ben
Taylor, Jamie Dwyer, Craig Victory, Matthew Smith, Michael McCann.
(END)
Koreans hand Malaysia a thumping
09/06/2002
AUSTRALIA ............2 INDIA ....... 1
KOREA ................3 MALAYSIA ..... 1
MALAYSIA went down for the second time to Olympic silver medallists South
Korea, losing 3-1, in the Four-Nation in Melbourne yesterday.
In the first leg in Adelaide the score was 3-0, and the only difference
yesterday was that Malaysia managed to score one goal.
Today, Malaysia will meet Korea for the third time in the placing match,
and not much is expected from the young team.
Australia will meet India in the final, and yesterday was a dress
rehearsal for the Indians who fought tooth-and-nail before losing 2-1.
Korea scored first in the eighth minute when Seok Kyo-Shin sounded the
board and the score remained until the breather as Malaysia went into a
defensive mode.
Woon Kon-Yeo made it 2-0 when he scored in the 57th minute but two
minutes later, newcomer Megat Azrafiq narrowed the gap.
But in the final minute of the match, Moon Ki Yoo scored the goal of the
game with a brilliant reverse stick hit from the top of the circle to give
Korea a healthy win.
In the Australia-India match, the 2,500 strong crowd enjoyed a tough
first half, with both teams at times looking dangerous.
The Aussies had more of the attack, but squandered opportunities, the
final pass often disappointing after some excellent build-ups.
The improved Indian lineup was dangerous on the counter attack, and
although the Australians earned two penalty corners in the first half,
India had more shots at goal.
An excellent save by goalkeeper Mark Hickman ensured that Australia went
into the dressing room on equal terms.
But two minutes into the second half, skipper Paul Gaudoin sent in a
free hit into the circle and Michael McCann pounced on the rebound to tap
in a goal.
Both teams created some good chances after that, and India equalised off
a Jugraj Singh penalty corner in the 47th minute.
Troy Elder found the net nine minutes later when he connected home a
Jamie Dwyer pass.
Australian coach Colin Batch acknowledged that the match was very close:
"It was a very tough game, and India has improved over the two
tournaments. We expected a hard game today (yesterday), and that is
certainly what we got. We expect a real battle in the final."
Melbourne - Today: 3rd-4th - Malaysia v South Korea; Final: Australia v
India.
(END)
AUSTRALIA ............2 INDIA ....... 1
KOREA ................3 MALAYSIA ..... 1
MALAYSIA went down for the second time to Olympic silver medallists South
Korea, losing 3-1, in the Four-Nation in Melbourne yesterday.
In the first leg in Adelaide the score was 3-0, and the only difference
yesterday was that Malaysia managed to score one goal.
Today, Malaysia will meet Korea for the third time in the placing match,
and not much is expected from the young team.
Australia will meet India in the final, and yesterday was a dress
rehearsal for the Indians who fought tooth-and-nail before losing 2-1.
Korea scored first in the eighth minute when Seok Kyo-Shin sounded the
board and the score remained until the breather as Malaysia went into a
defensive mode.
Woon Kon-Yeo made it 2-0 when he scored in the 57th minute but two
minutes later, newcomer Megat Azrafiq narrowed the gap.
But in the final minute of the match, Moon Ki Yoo scored the goal of the
game with a brilliant reverse stick hit from the top of the circle to give
Korea a healthy win.
In the Australia-India match, the 2,500 strong crowd enjoyed a tough
first half, with both teams at times looking dangerous.
The Aussies had more of the attack, but squandered opportunities, the
final pass often disappointing after some excellent build-ups.
The improved Indian lineup was dangerous on the counter attack, and
although the Australians earned two penalty corners in the first half,
India had more shots at goal.
An excellent save by goalkeeper Mark Hickman ensured that Australia went
into the dressing room on equal terms.
But two minutes into the second half, skipper Paul Gaudoin sent in a
free hit into the circle and Michael McCann pounced on the rebound to tap
in a goal.
Both teams created some good chances after that, and India equalised off
a Jugraj Singh penalty corner in the 47th minute.
Troy Elder found the net nine minutes later when he connected home a
Jamie Dwyer pass.
Australian coach Colin Batch acknowledged that the match was very close:
"It was a very tough game, and India has improved over the two
tournaments. We expected a hard game today (yesterday), and that is
certainly what we got. We expect a real battle in the final."
Melbourne - Today: 3rd-4th - Malaysia v South Korea; Final: Australia v
India.
(END)
Looking for Busan boost
08/06/2002
THE stakes are high as a young Malaysian side face a stern test against
South Korea in the Four-Nation in Melbourne today, where a win will be a
big boost for the men in yellow who are preparing for the Asian Games in
Busan.
Playing in their first tournament after ending eighth in the Kuala
Lumpur World Cup, the young team can salvage some pride if they beat the
Koreans, but if they don't, the experience will be good in the run-up to
the German Masters.
In the first leg in Adelaide, Malaysia went down 3-0 to the Koreans.
Team manager Yahya Atan, in a telephone interview from Melbourne, feels
that the national side played badly in the first leg in Adelaide because
some of the new players did not understand how to play a tactical game.
"In Adelaide, the new inclusions in the team like Ismail Abu, Megat
Azrafiq Termizi, Mohamed Fakhrulrazi, Mohamed Fikri Bassar and V. Vinodhan
were lost because they did not understand the tactical match planned by
coach Paul Lissek.
"But in the second leg, they have become more comfortable and we have a
good chance of beating the Koreans," said Yahya.
Malaysia are playing in the Four-Nation to prepare for the coveted
German Masters on June 14-16, involving defending champions Germany, Spain
and Argentina.
There will be some changes in the squad for the German Masters as
Stephen van Huizen is training a handful of players back home.
The national squad has 25 players in training and only 18 players were
named for the Four-Nation. Those training back home are Khairul Nizzam
Ibrahim (goalkeeper), Mohamed Supian, (defender), Mohamed Razi (midfield),
Shaiful Azli (midfield), Zulkifli Rejab (midfield), Fairuz Ramli (forward)
and Tajol Rosli (forward).
"Chua Boon Huat (playing in the German League now) will also be eligible
to play in the German Masters so we will have a balanced side for the
Masters," said Yahya.
Malaysia are preparing to put up a good performance in the Asian Games
in Busan in September, and the team manager said a few hard knocks in the
run-up tournaments will only do them good.
Melbourne - Today: South Korea v Malaysia, Australia v India; Tomorrow:
third-fourth and final.
(END)
THE stakes are high as a young Malaysian side face a stern test against
South Korea in the Four-Nation in Melbourne today, where a win will be a
big boost for the men in yellow who are preparing for the Asian Games in
Busan.
Playing in their first tournament after ending eighth in the Kuala
Lumpur World Cup, the young team can salvage some pride if they beat the
Koreans, but if they don't, the experience will be good in the run-up to
the German Masters.
In the first leg in Adelaide, Malaysia went down 3-0 to the Koreans.
Team manager Yahya Atan, in a telephone interview from Melbourne, feels
that the national side played badly in the first leg in Adelaide because
some of the new players did not understand how to play a tactical game.
"In Adelaide, the new inclusions in the team like Ismail Abu, Megat
Azrafiq Termizi, Mohamed Fakhrulrazi, Mohamed Fikri Bassar and V. Vinodhan
were lost because they did not understand the tactical match planned by
coach Paul Lissek.
"But in the second leg, they have become more comfortable and we have a
good chance of beating the Koreans," said Yahya.
Malaysia are playing in the Four-Nation to prepare for the coveted
German Masters on June 14-16, involving defending champions Germany, Spain
and Argentina.
There will be some changes in the squad for the German Masters as
Stephen van Huizen is training a handful of players back home.
The national squad has 25 players in training and only 18 players were
named for the Four-Nation. Those training back home are Khairul Nizzam
Ibrahim (goalkeeper), Mohamed Supian, (defender), Mohamed Razi (midfield),
Shaiful Azli (midfield), Zulkifli Rejab (midfield), Fairuz Ramli (forward)
and Tajol Rosli (forward).
"Chua Boon Huat (playing in the German League now) will also be eligible
to play in the German Masters so we will have a balanced side for the
Masters," said Yahya.
Malaysia are preparing to put up a good performance in the Asian Games
in Busan in September, and the team manager said a few hard knocks in the
run-up tournaments will only do them good.
Melbourne - Today: South Korea v Malaysia, Australia v India; Tomorrow:
third-fourth and final.
(END)
Merely getting to grips
07/06/2002
AUSTRALIA 4 MALAYSIA 1
INDIA 2 KOREA 0
THE young Malaysian side have finally started to play as a team and
troubled the Kuala Lumpur World Cup silver medallists in the Four-Nation
at the State Hockey Centre in Melbourne last night.
In the first leg in Adelaide, Malaysia lost 6-2 to Australia, but
yesterday the national side put up a gritty display and narrowed the
defeat to 4-1.
In the first half, Malaysia held a tight grip on the game and the score
was level as they went into the dressing room.
Australia scored early through penalty corner specialist Troy Elder who
flicked low into the net in the third minute of play, but the Aussies were
unable to add to their tally in the first half as Malaysia took control of
the match.
The national side replied in the 33rd minute from a field goal by
Chairil Anwar and the match was wide open again.
"The boys had a good defensive game in the first half but they lost out
to the more experienced Aussies when push came to shove.
"However, I am very happy with the way the national team is progressing
in the Four-Nation because we lost all our matches in the first leg but
have managed to get back with a win over India (3-2) and today (yesterday)
narrowed the gap against Australia," said team manager Yahya Atan.
Malaysia next meet South Korea (who won 3-0 in the first leg) on
Saturday and it will be a crucial match to determine how far the national
side has progressed after sporting a new and young look with the
retirement of Mirnawan Nawawi, S. Shanker, Maninderjit Singh, Nashihin
Nubli and Nor Azlan Bakar.
Nine minutes into the second half, a lapse of concentration allowed
Andrew Smith to score a field goal. The move was initiated by Bevan George
who made a cross into the semicircle and the ball deflected off a
Malaysian defender's stick and Smith smashed the ball into the net.
Eight minutes later Smith scored again when he converted a penalty
corner flick.
And in the final minute of play, Nathan Eglington pounced on a penalty
corner rebound for Australia's fourth goal.
Melbourne - Today: REST DAY: June 8: South Korea v Malaysia, Australia v
India; June 9: third-fourth and final.
(END)
AUSTRALIA 4 MALAYSIA 1
INDIA 2 KOREA 0
THE young Malaysian side have finally started to play as a team and
troubled the Kuala Lumpur World Cup silver medallists in the Four-Nation
at the State Hockey Centre in Melbourne last night.
In the first leg in Adelaide, Malaysia lost 6-2 to Australia, but
yesterday the national side put up a gritty display and narrowed the
defeat to 4-1.
In the first half, Malaysia held a tight grip on the game and the score
was level as they went into the dressing room.
Australia scored early through penalty corner specialist Troy Elder who
flicked low into the net in the third minute of play, but the Aussies were
unable to add to their tally in the first half as Malaysia took control of
the match.
The national side replied in the 33rd minute from a field goal by
Chairil Anwar and the match was wide open again.
"The boys had a good defensive game in the first half but they lost out
to the more experienced Aussies when push came to shove.
"However, I am very happy with the way the national team is progressing
in the Four-Nation because we lost all our matches in the first leg but
have managed to get back with a win over India (3-2) and today (yesterday)
narrowed the gap against Australia," said team manager Yahya Atan.
Malaysia next meet South Korea (who won 3-0 in the first leg) on
Saturday and it will be a crucial match to determine how far the national
side has progressed after sporting a new and young look with the
retirement of Mirnawan Nawawi, S. Shanker, Maninderjit Singh, Nashihin
Nubli and Nor Azlan Bakar.
Nine minutes into the second half, a lapse of concentration allowed
Andrew Smith to score a field goal. The move was initiated by Bevan George
who made a cross into the semicircle and the ball deflected off a
Malaysian defender's stick and Smith smashed the ball into the net.
Eight minutes later Smith scored again when he converted a penalty
corner flick.
And in the final minute of play, Nathan Eglington pounced on a penalty
corner rebound for Australia's fourth goal.
Melbourne - Today: REST DAY: June 8: South Korea v Malaysia, Australia v
India; June 9: third-fourth and final.
(END)
Azlan Shah Cup in danger
06/06/2002
THE Azlan Shah Cup is in danger of being postponed because most of the
teams invited have yet to confirm their entries.
Initially scheduled to be held in Ipoh on Sept 15-22, the meet was
brought forward to July 7-15.
But yesterday, Malaysian Hockey Federation secretary S. Satgunam
revealed that response has been lukewarm.
"We invited Argentina, Spain, Germany, South Korea and Holland. But so
far, only Korea has said that they are interested in the tournament while
Germany has replied to the negative," said Satgunam.
"We have received an appeal from Japan to be included in the Azlan Shah
Cup, but we have yet to decide on that."
Argentina, Spain, Germany and Malaysia will be taking part in the German
Masters which begins later this month and that is one of the reasons for
the setback.
"If we do not get enough entries, we will have to postpone the Azlan
Shah Cup to a later date because we want to maintain quality in the
tournament, and not just invite any team to fill up the vacuum," said
Satgunam.
Pakistan were among the teams which were slighted at not being invited
to the increasingly popular Azlan Shah Cup which normally features quality
teams on par with the Champions Trophy.
Meanwhile the grapevine has it that India will be playing in the
Manchester Commonwealth Games in place of Jamaica.
Satgunam also revealed yesterday that Mej Jagjet Singh from RAMD has
been suspended for six months by the MHF Disciplinary Board.
"The MHFDB found enough evidence to suspend Jagjet for six months but we
will meet again to deliberate on RAMD player Shukur Hassan's case," said
Satgunam.
Shukur kicked and punched umpire B. Shaji in the last League match
between Navy and RAMD on May 19. But he failed to turn up and face the
MHFDB when called.
"Shaji did not attend as he was in India and since both parties were not
around, the MHFDB have decided to meet again at a later date to discuss
the issue."
Germany has replied to the negative," said Satgunam.
"We have received an appeal from Japan to be included in the Azlan Shah
Cup, but we have yet to decide on that."
Argentina, Spain, Germany and Malaysia will be taking part in the German
Masters which begins later this month and that is one of the reasons for
the setback.
"If we do not get enough entries, we will have to postpone the Azlan
Shah Cup to a later date because we want to maintain quality in the
tournament, and not just invite any team to fill up the vacuum," said
Satgunam.
Pakistan were among the teams which were slighted at not being invited
to the increasingly popular Azlan Shah Cup which normally features quality
teams on par with the Champions Trophy.
Meanwhile the grapevine has it that India will be playing in the
Manchester Commonwealth Games in place of Jamaica.
Satgunam also revealed yesterday that Mej Jagjet Singh from RAMD has
been suspended for six months by the MHF Disciplinary Board.
"The MHFDB found enough evidence to suspend Jagjet for six months but we
will meet again to deliberate on RAMD player Shukur Hassan's case," said
Satgunam.
Shukur kicked and punched umpire B. Shaji in the last League match
between Navy and RAMD on May 19. But he failed to turn up and face the
MHFDB when called.
"Shaji did not attend as he was in India and since both parties were not
around, the MHFDB have decided to meet again at a later date to discuss
the issue."
(END)
THE Azlan Shah Cup is in danger of being postponed because most of the
teams invited have yet to confirm their entries.
Initially scheduled to be held in Ipoh on Sept 15-22, the meet was
brought forward to July 7-15.
But yesterday, Malaysian Hockey Federation secretary S. Satgunam
revealed that response has been lukewarm.
"We invited Argentina, Spain, Germany, South Korea and Holland. But so
far, only Korea has said that they are interested in the tournament while
Germany has replied to the negative," said Satgunam.
"We have received an appeal from Japan to be included in the Azlan Shah
Cup, but we have yet to decide on that."
Argentina, Spain, Germany and Malaysia will be taking part in the German
Masters which begins later this month and that is one of the reasons for
the setback.
"If we do not get enough entries, we will have to postpone the Azlan
Shah Cup to a later date because we want to maintain quality in the
tournament, and not just invite any team to fill up the vacuum," said
Satgunam.
Pakistan were among the teams which were slighted at not being invited
to the increasingly popular Azlan Shah Cup which normally features quality
teams on par with the Champions Trophy.
Meanwhile the grapevine has it that India will be playing in the
Manchester Commonwealth Games in place of Jamaica.
Satgunam also revealed yesterday that Mej Jagjet Singh from RAMD has
been suspended for six months by the MHF Disciplinary Board.
"The MHFDB found enough evidence to suspend Jagjet for six months but we
will meet again to deliberate on RAMD player Shukur Hassan's case," said
Satgunam.
Shukur kicked and punched umpire B. Shaji in the last League match
between Navy and RAMD on May 19. But he failed to turn up and face the
MHFDB when called.
"Shaji did not attend as he was in India and since both parties were not
around, the MHFDB have decided to meet again at a later date to discuss
the issue."
Germany has replied to the negative," said Satgunam.
"We have received an appeal from Japan to be included in the Azlan Shah
Cup, but we have yet to decide on that."
Argentina, Spain, Germany and Malaysia will be taking part in the German
Masters which begins later this month and that is one of the reasons for
the setback.
"If we do not get enough entries, we will have to postpone the Azlan
Shah Cup to a later date because we want to maintain quality in the
tournament, and not just invite any team to fill up the vacuum," said
Satgunam.
Pakistan were among the teams which were slighted at not being invited
to the increasingly popular Azlan Shah Cup which normally features quality
teams on par with the Champions Trophy.
Meanwhile the grapevine has it that India will be playing in the
Manchester Commonwealth Games in place of Jamaica.
Satgunam also revealed yesterday that Mej Jagjet Singh from RAMD has
been suspended for six months by the MHF Disciplinary Board.
"The MHFDB found enough evidence to suspend Jagjet for six months but we
will meet again to deliberate on RAMD player Shukur Hassan's case," said
Satgunam.
Shukur kicked and punched umpire B. Shaji in the last League match
between Navy and RAMD on May 19. But he failed to turn up and face the
MHFDB when called.
"Shaji did not attend as he was in India and since both parties were not
around, the MHFDB have decided to meet again at a later date to discuss
the issue."
(END)
JHL gets tremendous response
05/06/2002
THE MHF-Milo-Admiral Junior Hockey League (JHL) from June 21-Aug 4
received such a tremendous response that the Malaysian Hockey Federation
(MHF) had to turn away Singapore.
"Singapore had sent in their application for the JHL but the fixtures
for the 22-team League were so tight that we had to turn them away," said
MHF secretary S. Satgunam after the JHL draw was conducted yesterday.
The League, to be run in two pools, will take a two-week break in August
to accommodate the national Under-18 players' Tour of Poland.
"After the League fixtures are over, the JHL will take a two-week break
so that the Under-18 players can head for Poland for a hockey carnival.
The semifinals of the JHL will resume after the Under-18 team returns
home," said Satgunam.
If MHF had entertained Singapore's request, the League fixtures would
have spilled into the dates of the Poland Tour.
"We have also decided to run the 2003 JHL on a Division One and Division
Two basis. So, teams will have to fight for a top-five finish in the
respective pools if they want to play in Division One next year," said
Satgunam.
The MHF, which will give a subsidy of RM5,000 to each team in the JHL,
will have to fork out an additional sum of about RM22,000, assuming none
of the matches end in a draw, to pay the RM200-per win match bonus
promised.
The winners of Pool A and Pool B will each receive RM7,500 while the
Overall Champions will pocket RM25,000.
Last year, 15 teams competed in the JHL and Malacca Municipal Council
were the champions but they are not fielding a team this year.
TEAMS - Pool A: Armed Forces Apprentice Training School, Sultan Abu
Bakar College, Malay Mail, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Yayasan Negri Sembilan,
Penang Indians Sports Club, Ipoh Municipal Council, Krian Hockey
Association, Perak Malays Hockey Association, Petaling Jaya Municipal
Council, Olak.
Pool B: Johor Sports Council, MSSKL, Malaysian Sports School, SMK Datuk
Taha, Pahang Telecoms, Seberang Prai Municipal Council, Taiping Hockey
Association, SMK Anderson, Synergy Hockey Club, Serdang Hockey Club,
Terengganu Sports Council.
(END)
THE MHF-Milo-Admiral Junior Hockey League (JHL) from June 21-Aug 4
received such a tremendous response that the Malaysian Hockey Federation
(MHF) had to turn away Singapore.
"Singapore had sent in their application for the JHL but the fixtures
for the 22-team League were so tight that we had to turn them away," said
MHF secretary S. Satgunam after the JHL draw was conducted yesterday.
The League, to be run in two pools, will take a two-week break in August
to accommodate the national Under-18 players' Tour of Poland.
"After the League fixtures are over, the JHL will take a two-week break
so that the Under-18 players can head for Poland for a hockey carnival.
The semifinals of the JHL will resume after the Under-18 team returns
home," said Satgunam.
If MHF had entertained Singapore's request, the League fixtures would
have spilled into the dates of the Poland Tour.
"We have also decided to run the 2003 JHL on a Division One and Division
Two basis. So, teams will have to fight for a top-five finish in the
respective pools if they want to play in Division One next year," said
Satgunam.
The MHF, which will give a subsidy of RM5,000 to each team in the JHL,
will have to fork out an additional sum of about RM22,000, assuming none
of the matches end in a draw, to pay the RM200-per win match bonus
promised.
The winners of Pool A and Pool B will each receive RM7,500 while the
Overall Champions will pocket RM25,000.
Last year, 15 teams competed in the JHL and Malacca Municipal Council
were the champions but they are not fielding a team this year.
TEAMS - Pool A: Armed Forces Apprentice Training School, Sultan Abu
Bakar College, Malay Mail, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Yayasan Negri Sembilan,
Penang Indians Sports Club, Ipoh Municipal Council, Krian Hockey
Association, Perak Malays Hockey Association, Petaling Jaya Municipal
Council, Olak.
Pool B: Johor Sports Council, MSSKL, Malaysian Sports School, SMK Datuk
Taha, Pahang Telecoms, Seberang Prai Municipal Council, Taiping Hockey
Association, SMK Anderson, Synergy Hockey Club, Serdang Hockey Club,
Terengganu Sports Council.
(END)
Pharmaton Senior Open
05/06/2002
THE Pharmaton-Saujana Senior Malaysian Open will tee off on June 18-20 at
the Saujana Golf and Country Club.
Entering its fourth year, the Senior Open is set to go places as entries
have been invited from Japan, Thailand and Taiwan.
"We see a bright future in the Senior Malaysian Open and right now,
Saujana is working to make it as one of the qualifying rounds for the US
Senior Tour. But we still have a long way to go, and as a first step, we
have invited seniors from neighbouring countries to take part this year,"
said Abu Bakar Mohamed Nor, director of Saujana Resort.
Last year, the winner in the professional category was V. Nellan, 53,
the amatuer (gross) winner was Johnny Tan and the nett winner was Harry
Ng.
Veteran Nellan won the Senior Malaysian Open by 10 strokes for the most
one-sided victory in the tournament's three year history.
Nellan, who led the pack after the first and second round by one and
seven strokes respectively, ended his campaign with a three-over 75 for a
three-day total of 10 over 226.
"And to make the Senior Open more exciting, we have doubled the prize
money to RM20,000 this year and are working to add another RM10,000 in the
fifth edition next year," said Abu Bakar.
The fourth edition will be held at the Bunga Raya course which has
undergone extensive renovation to make it more challenging.
"Much has been done to the Bunga Raya Course to make it as one of the
most challenging courses in the country - on par with Saujana's Palm
Course.
"The Senior Open participants will face a new tough 10th hole, which
plays dog-leg to a small and fast green set next to the water's edge.
Also, more bunkers have been added and many tee boxes extended," said Abu
Bakar.
Saujana GCC will also be organising the Pharmaton-Saujana Endurance Golf
on July 6.
"The demand for playing spots in the Endurance tournament has far
exceeded our original expectations. Last year, there were more than 230
golfers who took up the challenge and this year we expect the same
number," said Abu Bakar.
The men's Endurance winner last year was Y.C. Liew while the women's
event was won by Roziana Harun.
(END)
THE Pharmaton-Saujana Senior Malaysian Open will tee off on June 18-20 at
the Saujana Golf and Country Club.
Entering its fourth year, the Senior Open is set to go places as entries
have been invited from Japan, Thailand and Taiwan.
"We see a bright future in the Senior Malaysian Open and right now,
Saujana is working to make it as one of the qualifying rounds for the US
Senior Tour. But we still have a long way to go, and as a first step, we
have invited seniors from neighbouring countries to take part this year,"
said Abu Bakar Mohamed Nor, director of Saujana Resort.
Last year, the winner in the professional category was V. Nellan, 53,
the amatuer (gross) winner was Johnny Tan and the nett winner was Harry
Ng.
Veteran Nellan won the Senior Malaysian Open by 10 strokes for the most
one-sided victory in the tournament's three year history.
Nellan, who led the pack after the first and second round by one and
seven strokes respectively, ended his campaign with a three-over 75 for a
three-day total of 10 over 226.
"And to make the Senior Open more exciting, we have doubled the prize
money to RM20,000 this year and are working to add another RM10,000 in the
fifth edition next year," said Abu Bakar.
The fourth edition will be held at the Bunga Raya course which has
undergone extensive renovation to make it more challenging.
"Much has been done to the Bunga Raya Course to make it as one of the
most challenging courses in the country - on par with Saujana's Palm
Course.
"The Senior Open participants will face a new tough 10th hole, which
plays dog-leg to a small and fast green set next to the water's edge.
Also, more bunkers have been added and many tee boxes extended," said Abu
Bakar.
Saujana GCC will also be organising the Pharmaton-Saujana Endurance Golf
on July 6.
"The demand for playing spots in the Endurance tournament has far
exceeded our original expectations. Last year, there were more than 230
golfers who took up the challenge and this year we expect the same
number," said Abu Bakar.
The men's Endurance winner last year was Y.C. Liew while the women's
event was won by Roziana Harun.
(END)
Discipline lacking in DB
01/06/2002
THE Malaysian Hockey Federation Disciplinary Board (MHFDB) needs to instill discipline on their members first, before handing out punishments to unruly players.
The MHFDB met yesterday to deliberate on RAMD player Shukur Hassan's assault case on umpire B. Shaji, but the meeting was almost cancelled one hour after it was supposed to start because of a lack of quorum.
Only three members, the MHFDB chairman Sulaiman Md Noor, Rahim Mohamed Ariff (member) and secretary S. Satgunam turned up and they needed another member to fill the quorum.
After an hour of frantic phone calls, Tan Foong Luen finally turned up
and the meeting started.
But neither Shukur, who kicked and punched Shaji in the final League
match between RAMD and Navy on May 19, or the assaulted umpire turned up for the DB. Instead, RAMD player Mej Jagjet Singh was the surprise.
Jagjet, who only received two green cards during the entire Malaysia
Hockey League, was called up by the DB for being too vocal on the pitch.
"I don't have a clue what I am doing here because I was suspended one
match (against Tenaga Nasional) for the two green cards and did not even receive a verbal warning from umpires during the rest of the matches.
"Even for the one-match suspension, I did not receive anything in
writing but was told four hours before the Tenaga match that I was not
eligible to play. I have served my green card offence, so why did the DB
call me now?
"The letter I received from MHFDB (signed by Satgunam) said that I
caused havoc and disrupted the flow of play during the MHL. Why didn't the umpires give me a yellow card if I was so disruptive? And why call me now?
"If being vocal on the pitch is crime, half of the MHL players should be
sitting next to me right now," said Jagjet.
At the end of the meeting, Satgunam shut the door on journalists by
saying that no decision had been taken on the two cases and the MHFDB will met againn to deliberate on the matter.
"I have nothing to say right now.
Whatever decision that was taken by the Disciplinary Board will only be
conveyed to the respective team managers."
Jagjet said that when he put his case forward to the MHFDB, they decided
to amend the charges to a lesser one.
"I still do not know why they hauled me up in the first place. As far as
I am concerned, I have done nothing wrong and don't deserve to be called
up by the DB. After I asked them to explain the charges against me, they
decided to reduce it to being vocal on the pitch," said Jagjet.
Satgunam, when asked when the Malaysian Hockey Federation are going to hold the two-year delayed council meeting, said he has too many things to do at the moment and did not have enough time to answer queries on the council meeting.
"I don't have the time to answer questions regarding the council
meeting. I have not even informed the affiliates. Why should I tell you?,"
said Satgunam.
At the end of the day, even Jagjet went home confused because the MHFDB did not want to tell him what his punishment was, for being vocal.
(END)
THE Malaysian Hockey Federation Disciplinary Board (MHFDB) needs to instill discipline on their members first, before handing out punishments to unruly players.
The MHFDB met yesterday to deliberate on RAMD player Shukur Hassan's assault case on umpire B. Shaji, but the meeting was almost cancelled one hour after it was supposed to start because of a lack of quorum.
Only three members, the MHFDB chairman Sulaiman Md Noor, Rahim Mohamed Ariff (member) and secretary S. Satgunam turned up and they needed another member to fill the quorum.
After an hour of frantic phone calls, Tan Foong Luen finally turned up
and the meeting started.
But neither Shukur, who kicked and punched Shaji in the final League
match between RAMD and Navy on May 19, or the assaulted umpire turned up for the DB. Instead, RAMD player Mej Jagjet Singh was the surprise.
Jagjet, who only received two green cards during the entire Malaysia
Hockey League, was called up by the DB for being too vocal on the pitch.
"I don't have a clue what I am doing here because I was suspended one
match (against Tenaga Nasional) for the two green cards and did not even receive a verbal warning from umpires during the rest of the matches.
"Even for the one-match suspension, I did not receive anything in
writing but was told four hours before the Tenaga match that I was not
eligible to play. I have served my green card offence, so why did the DB
call me now?
"The letter I received from MHFDB (signed by Satgunam) said that I
caused havoc and disrupted the flow of play during the MHL. Why didn't the umpires give me a yellow card if I was so disruptive? And why call me now?
"If being vocal on the pitch is crime, half of the MHL players should be
sitting next to me right now," said Jagjet.
At the end of the meeting, Satgunam shut the door on journalists by
saying that no decision had been taken on the two cases and the MHFDB will met againn to deliberate on the matter.
"I have nothing to say right now.
Whatever decision that was taken by the Disciplinary Board will only be
conveyed to the respective team managers."
Jagjet said that when he put his case forward to the MHFDB, they decided
to amend the charges to a lesser one.
"I still do not know why they hauled me up in the first place. As far as
I am concerned, I have done nothing wrong and don't deserve to be called
up by the DB. After I asked them to explain the charges against me, they
decided to reduce it to being vocal on the pitch," said Jagjet.
Satgunam, when asked when the Malaysian Hockey Federation are going to hold the two-year delayed council meeting, said he has too many things to do at the moment and did not have enough time to answer queries on the council meeting.
"I don't have the time to answer questions regarding the council
meeting. I have not even informed the affiliates. Why should I tell you?,"
said Satgunam.
At the end of the day, even Jagjet went home confused because the MHFDB did not want to tell him what his punishment was, for being vocal.
(END)
No match for Korean giants
31/05/2002
MALAYSIA ........... 0 S. KOREA ............. 2
AUSTRALIA ........... 4 INDIA ............. 0
MALAYSIA went down 2-0 to South Korea in the Four-Nation at the Pines
Stadium in Adelaide yesterday.
Both the Korean goals were scored in the first half by Kang Keon-wook
(13th minute) and Yeo Woon-kon (16th) and the relatively young Malaysian
side failed to recover in the second half.
But Malaysia did well to keep the scoreline low and it augurs well for
their preparation for the Asian Games in Busan.
Coach Paul Lissek and manager Yahya Atan were not available for comment.
The men in yellow next face India who fielded their Junior World Cup
winning side in the Four-Nation and were crushed by the experienced Kuala
Lumpur World Cup silver medallists Australia 4-0.
Australia scored four goals in the second half to chalk up a convincing
win in their first outing since the KL World Cup earlier in the year.
The Kookaburras outfit was steady in the first half, but was not able to
find the net until six minutes into the second.
After the breather, the Australians lifted the tempo of the match, and
created many scoring opportunities. Matthew Smith missed a penalty stroke
in the 40th minute, but made up for it one minute later by making a pass
across the goalmouth goal to set Michael McCann for goal.
Craig Victory scored the second five minutes later and Jeremy Hiskins
added the third to the tally in the 61st minute.
Robbie Hammond scored a field goal in the final minute of the match to
nail India.
Australia Coach Barry Dancer was happy with the way their first outing
turned out.
"The first half was a good platform for us, but we were too tentative at
times. We were able to step up in the second half, our pressing was better
and the players were confident to take more risks which resulted in some
excellent, sharp goals," he said at the Australian Hockey website
(www.hockey.org.au).
Two players made their international debut for Australia, with forward
Andrew Smith and goalkeeper Steve Lambert taking the field for the first
time in the green and gold.
In the first half Australia's only good chance was when defender Matthew
Wells fired a penetrating pass from the defensive midfield into the
attacking circle for Craig Victory who made a desperate dive, but was
unable to make a connection.
The Indian team looked dangerous on the counter attack in the first
half, with Prabhjot Singh breaking from the midfield with speed, but the
Australian defence remained tight and was able to keep a clean slate.
(END)
MALAYSIA ........... 0 S. KOREA ............. 2
AUSTRALIA ........... 4 INDIA ............. 0
MALAYSIA went down 2-0 to South Korea in the Four-Nation at the Pines
Stadium in Adelaide yesterday.
Both the Korean goals were scored in the first half by Kang Keon-wook
(13th minute) and Yeo Woon-kon (16th) and the relatively young Malaysian
side failed to recover in the second half.
But Malaysia did well to keep the scoreline low and it augurs well for
their preparation for the Asian Games in Busan.
Coach Paul Lissek and manager Yahya Atan were not available for comment.
The men in yellow next face India who fielded their Junior World Cup
winning side in the Four-Nation and were crushed by the experienced Kuala
Lumpur World Cup silver medallists Australia 4-0.
Australia scored four goals in the second half to chalk up a convincing
win in their first outing since the KL World Cup earlier in the year.
The Kookaburras outfit was steady in the first half, but was not able to
find the net until six minutes into the second.
After the breather, the Australians lifted the tempo of the match, and
created many scoring opportunities. Matthew Smith missed a penalty stroke
in the 40th minute, but made up for it one minute later by making a pass
across the goalmouth goal to set Michael McCann for goal.
Craig Victory scored the second five minutes later and Jeremy Hiskins
added the third to the tally in the 61st minute.
Robbie Hammond scored a field goal in the final minute of the match to
nail India.
Australia Coach Barry Dancer was happy with the way their first outing
turned out.
"The first half was a good platform for us, but we were too tentative at
times. We were able to step up in the second half, our pressing was better
and the players were confident to take more risks which resulted in some
excellent, sharp goals," he said at the Australian Hockey website
(www.hockey.org.au).
Two players made their international debut for Australia, with forward
Andrew Smith and goalkeeper Steve Lambert taking the field for the first
time in the green and gold.
In the first half Australia's only good chance was when defender Matthew
Wells fired a penetrating pass from the defensive midfield into the
attacking circle for Craig Victory who made a desperate dive, but was
unable to make a connection.
The Indian team looked dangerous on the counter attack in the first
half, with Prabhjot Singh breaking from the midfield with speed, but the
Australian defence remained tight and was able to keep a clean slate.
(END)
`New' Malaysia to the fore
30/05/2002
MALAYSIA will take their first step in team rebuilding when they meet
South Korea today in the Four-Nation in Adelaide, the national hockey
team's first competitive match since finishing eighth in the Kuala Lumpur
World Cup.
Coach Paul Lissek will be in an unenviable position in the run-up to the
Asian Games in September because the national side has lost some veterans
and he has to groom a relatively young squad into potential medal winners
in just four months.
Following the retirement of Mirnawan Nawawi, S. Shanker, Maninderjit
Singh, Nashihin Nubli and Nor Azlan Bakar, Lissek was forced to name a
young squad for what should be a tough time against the likes of
Australia, India and Korea.
Australia, the KL World Cup silver medallists, are preparing to defend
their gold in the Manchester Commonwealth Games and are the favourites in
the Four-Nation.
Coach Barry Dancer named his squad following the conclusion of the
Australian Hockey League final in Melbourne recently and two new
inclusions were made in the national squad.
Andrew Smith, 23, the Australian Hockey League's top scorer with 22
goals, was rewarded for his outstanding performance while goalkeeper
Stephen Lambert fills the vacant position left by World Cup keeper Lachlan
Dreher who announced his retirement earlier this week.
Dancer will select the team for the Commonwealth Games and the Champions
Trophy from this squad.
As for Malaysia, S. Kumar will be tested in Adelaide and the return leg
in Melbourne as national goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin has called it quits
while the other new players are Ismail Abu, Mohamed Fikri Bassar, Megat
Azrafiq Termizi, Mohamed Fakhrulrazi and V. Vinodhan.
National team - Goalkeepers: S. Kumar, Roslan Jamaluddin.
Defenders: K. Gobinathan, Ismail Abu, S. Kuhan, Megat Azrafiq Termizi,
Mohamed Amin Rahim, Redzuan Ponirin.
Midfielders: Azlan Misron, K. Keevan Raj, Mohamed Fakhrulrazi, Mohamed
Fikri Bassar, Mohamed Madzli Ikmar, Norazlan Rahim, V. Vinodhan.
Forwards: Chairil Anwar, Riduan Nasir, Rodhanizam Radzi.
Manager: Yahya Atan; Coaches: Paul Lissek, Tai Beng Hai;
Physiotherapist: Mokhtar Lassim; Umpire: K. Kanaisan.
Fixtures: Adelaide - Today: South Korea v Malaysia, Australia v India;
Saturday: Australia v South Korea, India v Malaysia; Sunday: South Korea v
India, Australia v Malaysia.
Melbourne - June 5: Australia v South Korea, India v Malaysia; June 6:
Australia v Malaysia, South Korea v India; June 7: REST DAY: June 8: South
Korea v Malaysia, Australia v India.
June 9: third-fourth place play-off and final.
(END)
MALAYSIA will take their first step in team rebuilding when they meet
South Korea today in the Four-Nation in Adelaide, the national hockey
team's first competitive match since finishing eighth in the Kuala Lumpur
World Cup.
Coach Paul Lissek will be in an unenviable position in the run-up to the
Asian Games in September because the national side has lost some veterans
and he has to groom a relatively young squad into potential medal winners
in just four months.
Following the retirement of Mirnawan Nawawi, S. Shanker, Maninderjit
Singh, Nashihin Nubli and Nor Azlan Bakar, Lissek was forced to name a
young squad for what should be a tough time against the likes of
Australia, India and Korea.
Australia, the KL World Cup silver medallists, are preparing to defend
their gold in the Manchester Commonwealth Games and are the favourites in
the Four-Nation.
Coach Barry Dancer named his squad following the conclusion of the
Australian Hockey League final in Melbourne recently and two new
inclusions were made in the national squad.
Andrew Smith, 23, the Australian Hockey League's top scorer with 22
goals, was rewarded for his outstanding performance while goalkeeper
Stephen Lambert fills the vacant position left by World Cup keeper Lachlan
Dreher who announced his retirement earlier this week.
Dancer will select the team for the Commonwealth Games and the Champions
Trophy from this squad.
As for Malaysia, S. Kumar will be tested in Adelaide and the return leg
in Melbourne as national goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin has called it quits
while the other new players are Ismail Abu, Mohamed Fikri Bassar, Megat
Azrafiq Termizi, Mohamed Fakhrulrazi and V. Vinodhan.
National team - Goalkeepers: S. Kumar, Roslan Jamaluddin.
Defenders: K. Gobinathan, Ismail Abu, S. Kuhan, Megat Azrafiq Termizi,
Mohamed Amin Rahim, Redzuan Ponirin.
Midfielders: Azlan Misron, K. Keevan Raj, Mohamed Fakhrulrazi, Mohamed
Fikri Bassar, Mohamed Madzli Ikmar, Norazlan Rahim, V. Vinodhan.
Forwards: Chairil Anwar, Riduan Nasir, Rodhanizam Radzi.
Manager: Yahya Atan; Coaches: Paul Lissek, Tai Beng Hai;
Physiotherapist: Mokhtar Lassim; Umpire: K. Kanaisan.
Fixtures: Adelaide - Today: South Korea v Malaysia, Australia v India;
Saturday: Australia v South Korea, India v Malaysia; Sunday: South Korea v
India, Australia v Malaysia.
Melbourne - June 5: Australia v South Korea, India v Malaysia; June 6:
Australia v Malaysia, South Korea v India; June 7: REST DAY: June 8: South
Korea v Malaysia, Australia v India.
June 9: third-fourth place play-off and final.
(END)
MHL needs cash infusion
28/05/2002
THE Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) attracted four world class foreign
players, but with proper marketing there will be room for more.
The MHL was a huge success for League champions Tenaga Nasional Bhd and
Overall Champions Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) because they won a title
each, but for the other seven teams, they might find it harder to field a
decent side next season.
This downhill slide needs to be arrested fast, if the MHL wants to
remain as the premier hockey tournament in the country and not be
overtaken by the Junior Hockey League in terms of popularity.
Teams like Navy, RAMD, Jolly Lads Sports Club and Maybank need fresh
reasons to keep on playing in the MHL and they have nowhere to turn to but
the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) for help.
Even MHL debutants Andersen Sports Club might find it difficult to
convince their sponsors after failing to win anything despite having two
foreign players.
BSN coach C. Paramalingam feels that for MHL to become recognised
worldwide as a quality tournament, the first thing MHF should do is to
increase the prize money.
"The prize money has been the same since the MHL started more than 10
years ago, and with the cost of living having gone up three-fold since,
MHF should consider increasing the overall prize money from RM40,000 to
RM150,000. The same goes for the League title which pays a paltry
RM20,000.
"When that is done, more teams will scramble to take part and the
selection base for national trainees will also grow," said the coach who
landed BSN their hat-trick Overall title on Sunday.
He also suggested that MHF considers giving out match bonuses and grants
similar to the ones given in JHL.
For the JHL this season, each team will receive RM5,000 from MHF and the
bonus for each win is RM200.
The crowd came to watch Pakistanis Sohail Abbas and Kashif Jawad and
Indians Len Ayappa and Dhanraj Pillay play. And if more teams can afford
to hire foreign players, interest in the MHL will grow and sponsors will
also try to get a slice of the pie.
MHF did get some television coverage but it was only for five minutes
during the midnight news.
MHF must package the MHL in a such a way next season so that footage of
the matches are shown, like soccer over television.
"Showing recorded matches on television is one of the ways to promote
the sport in a big manner. I hope MHF will consider this proposal," said
Paramalingam.
During the Kuala Lumpur World Cup, a few team managers were asked their
feelings about seconding players to the MHL and the response was very
good. The Japanese were even willing to play in MHL just for the cost of
lodging and food.
The Argentinians also felt that their players would get valuable
exposure by playing in a foreign league.
"Most of the top foreign players prefer to play in the Dutch and the
German leagues. The European market has been drawing the top players in
the world for many years and with proper planning, MHL can also reach that
status in a few years time," said Paramalingam.
But Tenaga have shown that a 100 per cent local formula can also work
wonders, so teams who cannot afford to hire foreigners should take a leaf
from the electric company's success.
And to have a larger pool of teams in the MHL, Paramalingam suggested
that States, who do not have hockey clubs, play under the state sports
council banner.
"The only way for players from Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah,
Sabah and Sarawak to get involved in the national league is to play under
the state sports council banner. There might be good players in the States
waiting to be discovered. But if they have no avenue to parade their
skills, they will remain in the shadows forever.
Paramalingam also suggested that MHF hold the JHL ahead of the MHL.
"This way, clubs scouting for young players will get a change to watch
them in action and select players for the MHL. This year, there are 21
teams taking part in the JHL and if it was held earlier that the MHL, I am
sure that the number of teams in the MHL will also increase because clubs
will find it easier to find players."
With more collective thinking and planning, the MHL will be a better
league.
(END)
THE Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) attracted four world class foreign
players, but with proper marketing there will be room for more.
The MHL was a huge success for League champions Tenaga Nasional Bhd and
Overall Champions Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) because they won a title
each, but for the other seven teams, they might find it harder to field a
decent side next season.
This downhill slide needs to be arrested fast, if the MHL wants to
remain as the premier hockey tournament in the country and not be
overtaken by the Junior Hockey League in terms of popularity.
Teams like Navy, RAMD, Jolly Lads Sports Club and Maybank need fresh
reasons to keep on playing in the MHL and they have nowhere to turn to but
the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) for help.
Even MHL debutants Andersen Sports Club might find it difficult to
convince their sponsors after failing to win anything despite having two
foreign players.
BSN coach C. Paramalingam feels that for MHL to become recognised
worldwide as a quality tournament, the first thing MHF should do is to
increase the prize money.
"The prize money has been the same since the MHL started more than 10
years ago, and with the cost of living having gone up three-fold since,
MHF should consider increasing the overall prize money from RM40,000 to
RM150,000. The same goes for the League title which pays a paltry
RM20,000.
"When that is done, more teams will scramble to take part and the
selection base for national trainees will also grow," said the coach who
landed BSN their hat-trick Overall title on Sunday.
He also suggested that MHF considers giving out match bonuses and grants
similar to the ones given in JHL.
For the JHL this season, each team will receive RM5,000 from MHF and the
bonus for each win is RM200.
The crowd came to watch Pakistanis Sohail Abbas and Kashif Jawad and
Indians Len Ayappa and Dhanraj Pillay play. And if more teams can afford
to hire foreign players, interest in the MHL will grow and sponsors will
also try to get a slice of the pie.
MHF did get some television coverage but it was only for five minutes
during the midnight news.
MHF must package the MHL in a such a way next season so that footage of
the matches are shown, like soccer over television.
"Showing recorded matches on television is one of the ways to promote
the sport in a big manner. I hope MHF will consider this proposal," said
Paramalingam.
During the Kuala Lumpur World Cup, a few team managers were asked their
feelings about seconding players to the MHL and the response was very
good. The Japanese were even willing to play in MHL just for the cost of
lodging and food.
The Argentinians also felt that their players would get valuable
exposure by playing in a foreign league.
"Most of the top foreign players prefer to play in the Dutch and the
German leagues. The European market has been drawing the top players in
the world for many years and with proper planning, MHL can also reach that
status in a few years time," said Paramalingam.
But Tenaga have shown that a 100 per cent local formula can also work
wonders, so teams who cannot afford to hire foreigners should take a leaf
from the electric company's success.
And to have a larger pool of teams in the MHL, Paramalingam suggested
that States, who do not have hockey clubs, play under the state sports
council banner.
"The only way for players from Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah,
Sabah and Sarawak to get involved in the national league is to play under
the state sports council banner. There might be good players in the States
waiting to be discovered. But if they have no avenue to parade their
skills, they will remain in the shadows forever.
Paramalingam also suggested that MHF hold the JHL ahead of the MHL.
"This way, clubs scouting for young players will get a change to watch
them in action and select players for the MHL. This year, there are 21
teams taking part in the JHL and if it was held earlier that the MHL, I am
sure that the number of teams in the MHL will also increase because clubs
will find it easier to find players."
With more collective thinking and planning, the MHL will be a better
league.
(END)
Nor Azlan the villain
25/05/2002
TENAGA ....1 ANDERSEN ....1
(Aggregate 3-3, Andersen win after sudden-death penalties)
TENAGA Nasional Bhd chose the wrong opponents and paid heavily when
Andersen Sports Club pipped them to the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL)
final.
The match was keenly contested at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium but in
the end, Nor Azlan Bakar missed a sudden-death penalty stroke and Andersen
walked into the final.
Tenaga had the option of either meeting Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) or
Andersen in the semifinals when they played their last League match
against BSN, but they threw the match 2-1 to meet Andersen and paid
heavily for it.
Now, Andersen and BSN will meet in the final tomorrow at the National
Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
The first leg of the semifinal ended 2-2, and yesterday both teams were
tied 1-1 and could not break the deadlock even in extra time.
The first five penalties was also tied 2-2, and the sudden-death
penalties went into the fifth and in the end, Nor Azlan Bakar flicked out
and the Andersen players celebrated wildly.
Tenaga played a superb match but only managed to score in the 45th
minute when Fairus Ramli connected home a Nor saiful Zaini penalty corner.
But five minutes later, Andersen won their second penalty corner of the
match and Indian import Len Ayappa delivered with a powerful flick.
The match went into extra time and still, League champions Tenaga failed
to get the all-important goal.
And for the penalty flicks, Andersen coach K. Dharmaraj sent in his
second goalkeeper P. Ganesan and it paid off handsomely as he saved three
penalty flicks.
Dharmaraj summed up the situation when he said: "Tenaga picked to play
us in the semifinals. And I am proud that my players took up the challenge
and kept pace with the League champions.
"Once the match went into penalty strokes, I knew we had a better chance
because I have been preparing Ganesan just for this moment," said
Dharmaraj.
According to Dharmaraj, Ganesan has proven himself in penalty strokes in
a few tournaments and that is why he sent him in for the flicks.
"Going by the old rules, only the playing goalkeeper can defend the
penalty strokes, so I was prepared to send Ganesan in one minute before
the match ended. "But the technical officials told me that any registered
goalkeeper can defend strokes irrespective of whether he played in the
match or not," said Dharmaraj.
Ganesan stopped Nor Azlan Bakar in the first flick, then palmed off
Madzli Ikmar's flick to keep Andesen in play.
And in the 10th flick, Nor Azlan Bakar, who prayed on the KLHA turf
while his teammates took the flicks, failed yet again and Andersen had
every reason to celebrate.
(END)
TENAGA ....1 ANDERSEN ....1
(Aggregate 3-3, Andersen win after sudden-death penalties)
TENAGA Nasional Bhd chose the wrong opponents and paid heavily when
Andersen Sports Club pipped them to the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL)
final.
The match was keenly contested at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium but in
the end, Nor Azlan Bakar missed a sudden-death penalty stroke and Andersen
walked into the final.
Tenaga had the option of either meeting Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) or
Andersen in the semifinals when they played their last League match
against BSN, but they threw the match 2-1 to meet Andersen and paid
heavily for it.
Now, Andersen and BSN will meet in the final tomorrow at the National
Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
The first leg of the semifinal ended 2-2, and yesterday both teams were
tied 1-1 and could not break the deadlock even in extra time.
The first five penalties was also tied 2-2, and the sudden-death
penalties went into the fifth and in the end, Nor Azlan Bakar flicked out
and the Andersen players celebrated wildly.
Tenaga played a superb match but only managed to score in the 45th
minute when Fairus Ramli connected home a Nor saiful Zaini penalty corner.
But five minutes later, Andersen won their second penalty corner of the
match and Indian import Len Ayappa delivered with a powerful flick.
The match went into extra time and still, League champions Tenaga failed
to get the all-important goal.
And for the penalty flicks, Andersen coach K. Dharmaraj sent in his
second goalkeeper P. Ganesan and it paid off handsomely as he saved three
penalty flicks.
Dharmaraj summed up the situation when he said: "Tenaga picked to play
us in the semifinals. And I am proud that my players took up the challenge
and kept pace with the League champions.
"Once the match went into penalty strokes, I knew we had a better chance
because I have been preparing Ganesan just for this moment," said
Dharmaraj.
According to Dharmaraj, Ganesan has proven himself in penalty strokes in
a few tournaments and that is why he sent him in for the flicks.
"Going by the old rules, only the playing goalkeeper can defend the
penalty strokes, so I was prepared to send Ganesan in one minute before
the match ended. "But the technical officials told me that any registered
goalkeeper can defend strokes irrespective of whether he played in the
match or not," said Dharmaraj.
Ganesan stopped Nor Azlan Bakar in the first flick, then palmed off
Madzli Ikmar's flick to keep Andesen in play.
And in the 10th flick, Nor Azlan Bakar, who prayed on the KLHA turf
while his teammates took the flicks, failed yet again and Andersen had
every reason to celebrate.
(END)
MHL graph takes a dive
24/05/2002
THE Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) has come to its tail-end with the second
leg of the semifinals among the four deserving teams scheduled today.
Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) are the only team with a slight
disadvantage because they trail Sapura by one goal while Tenaga Nasional
Bhd and Andersen Sports Club, who drew 2-2 in the first leg, will start
from zero.
The League has seen its highs and lows, but the slide has been mostly
downwards.
National chief coach Paul Lissek, who watched most of the matches,
lamented on the drastic drop of fitness among his national charges who
joined the League after a gruelling Kuala Lumpur World Cup.
"Something is not right here. From what I gathered after watching the
MHL, most of the players who took part in the World Cup have either added
a few kilos or have become slower in their reflexes," said Lissek.
"The League should have kept them fit for their next national
assignment, but the results have been otherwise."
Tajol Rosli, who missed national training which were held in-between the
League matches because of his studies, was was singled out by the coach.
"Tajol is not the same player he used to be a few months back. He is too
slow and to a certain extent, a little lazy.
"The rest of the World Cup players have also slowed down their pace,"
said Lissek, who is expected to face a torrid time during the Four-Nation
in Australia at the end of the month.
Though he was left out of the Four-Nation, Tajol is still in the
national trainees list.
The only player that has improved by leaps and bounds by playing in the
MHL is Mohamed Amin Rahim.
His recall into the national side for the Australian Four-Nation did not
surprise anyone.
Amin, 22, dropped from the KL World Cup squad, looks much fitter now and
his scoops are getting further and more accurate. He played a crucial role
in keeping the score down for BSN by holding a tight grip on the defence.
Lissek is also not happy that his charges have forgotten all the tactics
that he grilled into them for the KL World Cup.
"There is no system in their play now. Some of them have gone back to
what they used to do before the World Cup," said Lissek.
And the solution to the back-to-basics syndrome?
"For the Junior Hockey League (JHL), we have decided that the 25 juniors
in national training will only play for their respective clubs but train
fulltime under national coaches.
"This way, we can monitor their form and assess any drop in performance
before it becomes too bad.
"This is a win-win situation because the clubs will get top dollar for
their players and the country will also benefit in the long run.
"We must also start by drilling the basics at a younger age, because
once the players mature, it is very hard to change their bad habits."
That was why Lissek chose to field a young side for the Four-Nation,
which featured Australia, South Korea and India.
The oldest player in the squad is Chairil Anwar, 30, followed by Roslan
Jamaluddin and Rodhanizam Radzi, both 24.
The rest of the players are below 22, with the youngest being Mohamed
Fikri Bassar who is only 17.
On the MHL semifinals, Tenaga Nasional will start as the favourites over
Andersen while BSN are highly touted to make a strong comeback.
Andersen have been lucky all this while because their Indian import Len
Ayappa has scored more than 30 goals in the MHL to single-handedly take
them into the semifinals.
Without Len, Andersen would have been just another struggling team in
the MHL.
The same can be said about BSN because they relied heavily on their
Pakistan players Sohail Abbas and Kashif Jawad for goals. Without the duo,
BSN would also among the bottom teams.
Tenaga, with 100 per cent local players, lifted the League title in
style and are a good bet for the double this year.
(END)
THE Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) has come to its tail-end with the second
leg of the semifinals among the four deserving teams scheduled today.
Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) are the only team with a slight
disadvantage because they trail Sapura by one goal while Tenaga Nasional
Bhd and Andersen Sports Club, who drew 2-2 in the first leg, will start
from zero.
The League has seen its highs and lows, but the slide has been mostly
downwards.
National chief coach Paul Lissek, who watched most of the matches,
lamented on the drastic drop of fitness among his national charges who
joined the League after a gruelling Kuala Lumpur World Cup.
"Something is not right here. From what I gathered after watching the
MHL, most of the players who took part in the World Cup have either added
a few kilos or have become slower in their reflexes," said Lissek.
"The League should have kept them fit for their next national
assignment, but the results have been otherwise."
Tajol Rosli, who missed national training which were held in-between the
League matches because of his studies, was was singled out by the coach.
"Tajol is not the same player he used to be a few months back. He is too
slow and to a certain extent, a little lazy.
"The rest of the World Cup players have also slowed down their pace,"
said Lissek, who is expected to face a torrid time during the Four-Nation
in Australia at the end of the month.
Though he was left out of the Four-Nation, Tajol is still in the
national trainees list.
The only player that has improved by leaps and bounds by playing in the
MHL is Mohamed Amin Rahim.
His recall into the national side for the Australian Four-Nation did not
surprise anyone.
Amin, 22, dropped from the KL World Cup squad, looks much fitter now and
his scoops are getting further and more accurate. He played a crucial role
in keeping the score down for BSN by holding a tight grip on the defence.
Lissek is also not happy that his charges have forgotten all the tactics
that he grilled into them for the KL World Cup.
"There is no system in their play now. Some of them have gone back to
what they used to do before the World Cup," said Lissek.
And the solution to the back-to-basics syndrome?
"For the Junior Hockey League (JHL), we have decided that the 25 juniors
in national training will only play for their respective clubs but train
fulltime under national coaches.
"This way, we can monitor their form and assess any drop in performance
before it becomes too bad.
"This is a win-win situation because the clubs will get top dollar for
their players and the country will also benefit in the long run.
"We must also start by drilling the basics at a younger age, because
once the players mature, it is very hard to change their bad habits."
That was why Lissek chose to field a young side for the Four-Nation,
which featured Australia, South Korea and India.
The oldest player in the squad is Chairil Anwar, 30, followed by Roslan
Jamaluddin and Rodhanizam Radzi, both 24.
The rest of the players are below 22, with the youngest being Mohamed
Fikri Bassar who is only 17.
On the MHL semifinals, Tenaga Nasional will start as the favourites over
Andersen while BSN are highly touted to make a strong comeback.
Andersen have been lucky all this while because their Indian import Len
Ayappa has scored more than 30 goals in the MHL to single-handedly take
them into the semifinals.
Without Len, Andersen would have been just another struggling team in
the MHL.
The same can be said about BSN because they relied heavily on their
Pakistan players Sohail Abbas and Kashif Jawad for goals. Without the duo,
BSN would also among the bottom teams.
Tenaga, with 100 per cent local players, lifted the League title in
style and are a good bet for the double this year.
(END)
Tenaga hand Andersen reprieve
23/05/2002
TENAGA ...... 2 ANDERSEN ...... 2
TENAGA Nasional Bhd missed a handful of sitters in the first half and
settled for a 2-2 against Andersen Sports Club in the first leg of the
Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) semifinals at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium
yesterday.
Tenaga drew first blood in the 17th minute when Zaharin Zakariah
hammered home after receiving a beautiful pass from Mahinder Singh.
The 200-odd crowd could sense more goals from Tenaga, who were playing
superbly in the Andersen semicircle, but poor finishing from Tajol Rosli,
Mahinder and M.T Kaliswaran kept the score down.
And in the 25th minute, Indian import Len Ayappa flicked home a penalty
corner and Andersen were back in the match.
One minute after the restart, Tenaga won a penalty corner and Nor Saiful
Zaini sent in a well placed low ball which sounded the board.
But Andersen picked up the pace in the last 10 minutes and were rewarded
in the 56th minute when S. Shanker slotted in an opportunist goal.
"We missed too many open goals in the first half. We could have killed
off Andersen's comeback in the first 30 minutes of play but my forwards
were simply not clicking well," said Tenaga coach K. Rajan.
Tenaga's midfield, always reliable with lightning breaks, was clearly
not working yesterday and their forwards were left high-and-dry in the
Andersen semicircle.
"Our midfield just failed to work today (yesterday) and that was why the
forwards received only a handful of good balls in the second half. But I
assure all our fans that Tenaga will make a strong comeback in the return
leg," said Rajan.
Andersen coach K. Dharmaraj said they could have done better but their
penalty corner stopper Conrad Roy Fernandez came down with an allergy a
few hours before the match.
"Conrad contracted an allergy and there were rashes all over his body a
few hours before the match so he had to be given a jab to bring down the
swelling. That is why he could not stop the balls well for Len Ayappa to
score," said Dharmaraj.
Off the five penalty corners Andersen received, Len could only score
one.
"Everytime we meet Tenaga (Andersen lost twice to Tenaga in the League
matches), something always happens to my key players. I hope nothing crops
up on Friday, because we still have a 50-50 chance of making the final,"
said Dharmaraj.
(END)
TENAGA ...... 2 ANDERSEN ...... 2
TENAGA Nasional Bhd missed a handful of sitters in the first half and
settled for a 2-2 against Andersen Sports Club in the first leg of the
Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) semifinals at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium
yesterday.
Tenaga drew first blood in the 17th minute when Zaharin Zakariah
hammered home after receiving a beautiful pass from Mahinder Singh.
The 200-odd crowd could sense more goals from Tenaga, who were playing
superbly in the Andersen semicircle, but poor finishing from Tajol Rosli,
Mahinder and M.T Kaliswaran kept the score down.
And in the 25th minute, Indian import Len Ayappa flicked home a penalty
corner and Andersen were back in the match.
One minute after the restart, Tenaga won a penalty corner and Nor Saiful
Zaini sent in a well placed low ball which sounded the board.
But Andersen picked up the pace in the last 10 minutes and were rewarded
in the 56th minute when S. Shanker slotted in an opportunist goal.
"We missed too many open goals in the first half. We could have killed
off Andersen's comeback in the first 30 minutes of play but my forwards
were simply not clicking well," said Tenaga coach K. Rajan.
Tenaga's midfield, always reliable with lightning breaks, was clearly
not working yesterday and their forwards were left high-and-dry in the
Andersen semicircle.
"Our midfield just failed to work today (yesterday) and that was why the
forwards received only a handful of good balls in the second half. But I
assure all our fans that Tenaga will make a strong comeback in the return
leg," said Rajan.
Andersen coach K. Dharmaraj said they could have done better but their
penalty corner stopper Conrad Roy Fernandez came down with an allergy a
few hours before the match.
"Conrad contracted an allergy and there were rashes all over his body a
few hours before the match so he had to be given a jab to bring down the
swelling. That is why he could not stop the balls well for Len Ayappa to
score," said Dharmaraj.
Off the five penalty corners Andersen received, Len could only score
one.
"Everytime we meet Tenaga (Andersen lost twice to Tenaga in the League
matches), something always happens to my key players. I hope nothing crops
up on Friday, because we still have a 50-50 chance of making the final,"
said Dharmaraj.
(END)
Youth for Four Nations
23/05/2002
THE national team for the Four-Nation in Australia was named yesterday and
the good news is that a refreshing number of young players have been
brought into the squad.
The tournament, scheduled for May 30-June 9, will be played in Adelaide
and Melbourne.
After the retirement of Mirnawan Nawawi, S. Shanker, Maninderjit Singh,
Nashihin Nubli and Nor Azlan Bakar, coach Paul Lissek was forced to name a
young squad who could face a tough time against the more experienced
players from Australia, India and South Korea.
S. Kumar will stand between the posts with regular keeper Roslan
Jamaluddin while the new players are Ismail Abu, Mohamed Fikri Bassar,
Megat Azrafiq Termizi, Mohamed Fakhrulrazi and V. Vinodhan.
Ismail, Fikri and Megat, who played in the 2001 Junior Hockey League,
have just returned from an under-18 tournament in Myanmar while Vinodhan,
dropped from the Junior World Cup in Hobart last year, has made a strong
comeback.
Despite Chairil Anwar, Riduan Nasir and Rodhanizam Radzi leading the
strikeforce, little can be expected from the team during the tournament.
But more important is the exposure they will get ahead of September's
Asian Games in Busan.
The national training squad has been trimmed to 25 and those dropped for
the Four-Nation are Khairul Nizzam Ibrahim (goalkeeper), Mohamed Supian,
(defender), Mohamed Razi (midfield), Shaiful Azli (midfield), Zulkifli
Rejab (midfield), Fairuz Ramli (forward) and Tajol Rosli (forward).
The Malaysian Hockey Federation has selected Yahya Atan as team manager
while the umpire on duty will be K. Kanaisan.
National team - Goalkeepers: S. Kumar, Roslan Jamaluddin.
Defenders: K. Gobinathan, Ismail Abu, S. Kuhan, Megat Azrafiq Termizi,
Mohamed Amin Rahim, Redzuan Ponirin.
Midfielders: Azlan Misron, K. Keevan Raj, Mohamed Fakhrulrazi, Mohamed
Fikri Bassar, Mohamed Madzli Ikmar, Norazlan Rahim, V. Vinodhan.
Forwards: Chairil Anwar, Riduan Nasir, Rodhanizam Radzi.
Manager: Yahya Atan; Coach: Paul Lissek, Tai Beng Hai; Physiotherapist:
Mokhtar Lassim; Umpire: K. Kanaisan.
(END)
THE national team for the Four-Nation in Australia was named yesterday and
the good news is that a refreshing number of young players have been
brought into the squad.
The tournament, scheduled for May 30-June 9, will be played in Adelaide
and Melbourne.
After the retirement of Mirnawan Nawawi, S. Shanker, Maninderjit Singh,
Nashihin Nubli and Nor Azlan Bakar, coach Paul Lissek was forced to name a
young squad who could face a tough time against the more experienced
players from Australia, India and South Korea.
S. Kumar will stand between the posts with regular keeper Roslan
Jamaluddin while the new players are Ismail Abu, Mohamed Fikri Bassar,
Megat Azrafiq Termizi, Mohamed Fakhrulrazi and V. Vinodhan.
Ismail, Fikri and Megat, who played in the 2001 Junior Hockey League,
have just returned from an under-18 tournament in Myanmar while Vinodhan,
dropped from the Junior World Cup in Hobart last year, has made a strong
comeback.
Despite Chairil Anwar, Riduan Nasir and Rodhanizam Radzi leading the
strikeforce, little can be expected from the team during the tournament.
But more important is the exposure they will get ahead of September's
Asian Games in Busan.
The national training squad has been trimmed to 25 and those dropped for
the Four-Nation are Khairul Nizzam Ibrahim (goalkeeper), Mohamed Supian,
(defender), Mohamed Razi (midfield), Shaiful Azli (midfield), Zulkifli
Rejab (midfield), Fairuz Ramli (forward) and Tajol Rosli (forward).
The Malaysian Hockey Federation has selected Yahya Atan as team manager
while the umpire on duty will be K. Kanaisan.
National team - Goalkeepers: S. Kumar, Roslan Jamaluddin.
Defenders: K. Gobinathan, Ismail Abu, S. Kuhan, Megat Azrafiq Termizi,
Mohamed Amin Rahim, Redzuan Ponirin.
Midfielders: Azlan Misron, K. Keevan Raj, Mohamed Fakhrulrazi, Mohamed
Fikri Bassar, Mohamed Madzli Ikmar, Norazlan Rahim, V. Vinodhan.
Forwards: Chairil Anwar, Riduan Nasir, Rodhanizam Radzi.
Manager: Yahya Atan; Coach: Paul Lissek, Tai Beng Hai; Physiotherapist:
Mokhtar Lassim; Umpire: K. Kanaisan.
(END)
Umpires threaten boycott
21/05/2002
THE Malaysian Hockey League umpires have threatened to boycott the
semifinals of the MHL and the Junior Hockey League after their colleague
B. Shaji was punched and kicked by RAMD player Shukur Hassan at the Tun
Razak Hockey Stadium on Sunday.
The incident happened during play and Shaji was asked to go home by the
technical desk while the reserve umpire was asked to continue with the
match which finally saw Navy winning 4-2 after 15 straight defeats in the
MHL.
After other umpires found out about the incident, Shaji was urged to
lodge a police report but he is said to have declined after being
persuaded by Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) officials.
And while his colleagues came out vocally, with Class 1 International
Balbeer Singh leading the charge, Shaji refused to make any comments.
"I have nothing to say on the matter. You can ask the Malaysian Hockey
Federation Umpires Board (MHFUB) for answers," said Shaji when contacted
in Johor Baru.
MHF secretary S. Satgunam said the matter has been referred to the
disciplinary board for further action.
"We have received a report on the incident and yes, the umpire was
kicked and punched during the RAMD-Navy match. The RAMD player (Shukur
Hassan) will be referred to the Disciplinary Board for further action,"
said Satgunam.
Umpire Balbeer, said they have taken enough abuses over the years and
this is the straw which broke the camel's back.
"I have spoken to most of the umpires who blew in the MHL and they all
agreed that if MHF fail to spruce up security during matches, none of them
will blow during the semifinals on Wednesday (tomorrow) and Friday.
"We are also contemplating not officiating during the Junior Hockey
League which begins next month if our welfare is not taken care of.
"We have been forced to take a drastic stand because over the years we
have sent in requests to the MHFUB to beef up security and provide
insurance for their umpires but our suggestions have fallen on deaf ears,"
said Balbeer.
Only Tenaga Nasional brings their own security personnel during matches
while the rest of the teams were left to fend for themselves during the
MHL.
MHL umpires manager S. Karunakaran said he will bring up the matter with
the MHF.
"I will request for security during the semifinals and the umpires can
rest assured that their welfare will be taken care of. We will ensure that
policemen are stationed at the stadium in the remaining MHL matches," said
Karunakaran.
The same assurance was given by Satgunam who said that the incident was
a regretable one.
Meanwhile MHFUB chairman V. Kulasingam who attended the Competitions
Committee meeting in Kuala lumpur yesterday as an observer, said that no
action has been taken on Jagjeet Singh and Amarjit Singh for speaking
their minds to the Press.
"If we decide to take action, I assure you that the MHF secretary
Satgunam will make it public. As of right now, no action has been
initiated," said Kulasingam.
Jagjeet and Amarjit took the MHFUB for task last week for neglecting
their members but the MHFUB chairman refused to make any comments, only saying tha "the truth will be out soon."
(END)
THE Malaysian Hockey League umpires have threatened to boycott the
semifinals of the MHL and the Junior Hockey League after their colleague
B. Shaji was punched and kicked by RAMD player Shukur Hassan at the Tun
Razak Hockey Stadium on Sunday.
The incident happened during play and Shaji was asked to go home by the
technical desk while the reserve umpire was asked to continue with the
match which finally saw Navy winning 4-2 after 15 straight defeats in the
MHL.
After other umpires found out about the incident, Shaji was urged to
lodge a police report but he is said to have declined after being
persuaded by Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) officials.
And while his colleagues came out vocally, with Class 1 International
Balbeer Singh leading the charge, Shaji refused to make any comments.
"I have nothing to say on the matter. You can ask the Malaysian Hockey
Federation Umpires Board (MHFUB) for answers," said Shaji when contacted
in Johor Baru.
MHF secretary S. Satgunam said the matter has been referred to the
disciplinary board for further action.
"We have received a report on the incident and yes, the umpire was
kicked and punched during the RAMD-Navy match. The RAMD player (Shukur
Hassan) will be referred to the Disciplinary Board for further action,"
said Satgunam.
Umpire Balbeer, said they have taken enough abuses over the years and
this is the straw which broke the camel's back.
"I have spoken to most of the umpires who blew in the MHL and they all
agreed that if MHF fail to spruce up security during matches, none of them
will blow during the semifinals on Wednesday (tomorrow) and Friday.
"We are also contemplating not officiating during the Junior Hockey
League which begins next month if our welfare is not taken care of.
"We have been forced to take a drastic stand because over the years we
have sent in requests to the MHFUB to beef up security and provide
insurance for their umpires but our suggestions have fallen on deaf ears,"
said Balbeer.
Only Tenaga Nasional brings their own security personnel during matches
while the rest of the teams were left to fend for themselves during the
MHL.
MHL umpires manager S. Karunakaran said he will bring up the matter with
the MHF.
"I will request for security during the semifinals and the umpires can
rest assured that their welfare will be taken care of. We will ensure that
policemen are stationed at the stadium in the remaining MHL matches," said
Karunakaran.
The same assurance was given by Satgunam who said that the incident was
a regretable one.
Meanwhile MHFUB chairman V. Kulasingam who attended the Competitions
Committee meeting in Kuala lumpur yesterday as an observer, said that no
action has been taken on Jagjeet Singh and Amarjit Singh for speaking
their minds to the Press.
"If we decide to take action, I assure you that the MHF secretary
Satgunam will make it public. As of right now, no action has been
initiated," said Kulasingam.
Jagjeet and Amarjit took the MHFUB for task last week for neglecting
their members but the MHFUB chairman refused to make any comments, only saying tha "the truth will be out soon."
(END)
Record entries for Junior League
21/05/2002
THE Malaysian Hockey Federation Competitions Committee finally met for the
first time after a lapse of almost two years to announce that the Junior
Hockey League will have a record entry this season.
The last time the Competitions Committee met was on Sept 2000 and the
Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) was organised without the committee meting at
all.
"I assure all that from now, the competitions committee will meet more
regularly and we will make the decisions," said chairman Datuk Abdul Jalil
Abdul Majid after Junior Hockey League (JHL) entries closed yesterday.
Jalil said that 22 teams have registered for the JHL, starting on June
21. "The response has been overwhelming because our estimate was for about
16 teams. Only Malacca, Kedah, Kelantan and Perlis have failed to send in
teams and we will be contacting them, especially Kedah and Malacca, to
find out why."
Kuala Lumpur Malay Mail will be making their debut in the Junior League
alongside, among others, Synergy Holiday Club from Selangor and Serdang
Hockey Club.
Synergy are still looking for more players, especially goalkeepers, and
those who are interested can contact P. Kuganeson at 012-2980204 for
trials.
Last year 14 teams took part in the League but with the Malaysian Hockey
Federation (MHF) providing a grant of RM5,000 per-team this year, Perak
have sent in the largest contingent with five teams.
The perak teams are Andersen, Ipoh Municipal Council, Perak Malays,
Taiping HA and Kerian District HA.
Malacca are a sad story because last year Malacca Municipal Council were
the champions, but this year they have even failed to field a team.
Malacca HA officials said earlier that they will be concentrating on
schools this year and that is the reason they will not field a team in the
Junior League.
Last year's overall runners-up Petaling Jaya Municipal Council and Olak
have also fielded a team each and judging by the entries, the Junior
League is going to be an explosive affair this season.
And since there are 22 teams, the format will have to be changed into
two groups of 11 teams.
"We will hold a press conference to announce the details tomorrow
(today)," said MHF secretary S. Satgunam. The draw is also expected to be
made today.
Teams: Sultan Abu Bakar College Johor, MSN Johor, Serdang Hockey Club,
Telekom Pahang, Bukit Jalil Sports School, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Penang
Indians, Synergy Holiday Club, MSS Terengganu, MSS Kuala Lumpur, Seberang
Prai Municipal Council, AFATS, Petaling Jaya Municipal Council, Kerian
Hockey Association, Olak, KL Malay Mail, Datuk Taha, Ipoh Municipal
Council, Anderson, Taiping HA, Perak Malays and Yayasan Negri Sembilan.
(END)
THE Malaysian Hockey Federation Competitions Committee finally met for the
first time after a lapse of almost two years to announce that the Junior
Hockey League will have a record entry this season.
The last time the Competitions Committee met was on Sept 2000 and the
Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) was organised without the committee meting at
all.
"I assure all that from now, the competitions committee will meet more
regularly and we will make the decisions," said chairman Datuk Abdul Jalil
Abdul Majid after Junior Hockey League (JHL) entries closed yesterday.
Jalil said that 22 teams have registered for the JHL, starting on June
21. "The response has been overwhelming because our estimate was for about
16 teams. Only Malacca, Kedah, Kelantan and Perlis have failed to send in
teams and we will be contacting them, especially Kedah and Malacca, to
find out why."
Kuala Lumpur Malay Mail will be making their debut in the Junior League
alongside, among others, Synergy Holiday Club from Selangor and Serdang
Hockey Club.
Synergy are still looking for more players, especially goalkeepers, and
those who are interested can contact P. Kuganeson at 012-2980204 for
trials.
Last year 14 teams took part in the League but with the Malaysian Hockey
Federation (MHF) providing a grant of RM5,000 per-team this year, Perak
have sent in the largest contingent with five teams.
The perak teams are Andersen, Ipoh Municipal Council, Perak Malays,
Taiping HA and Kerian District HA.
Malacca are a sad story because last year Malacca Municipal Council were
the champions, but this year they have even failed to field a team.
Malacca HA officials said earlier that they will be concentrating on
schools this year and that is the reason they will not field a team in the
Junior League.
Last year's overall runners-up Petaling Jaya Municipal Council and Olak
have also fielded a team each and judging by the entries, the Junior
League is going to be an explosive affair this season.
And since there are 22 teams, the format will have to be changed into
two groups of 11 teams.
"We will hold a press conference to announce the details tomorrow
(today)," said MHF secretary S. Satgunam. The draw is also expected to be
made today.
Teams: Sultan Abu Bakar College Johor, MSN Johor, Serdang Hockey Club,
Telekom Pahang, Bukit Jalil Sports School, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Penang
Indians, Synergy Holiday Club, MSS Terengganu, MSS Kuala Lumpur, Seberang
Prai Municipal Council, AFATS, Petaling Jaya Municipal Council, Kerian
Hockey Association, Olak, KL Malay Mail, Datuk Taha, Ipoh Municipal
Council, Anderson, Taiping HA, Perak Malays and Yayasan Negri Sembilan.
(END)
BSN snap Tenaga's winning streak
20/05/2002
Sapura .........6 Jolly Lads .....1
Navy ...........4 RAMD ...........1
BSN ............2 Tenaga .........1
Maybank ........5 BCB ............1
BANK Simpanan Nasional (BSN) finally snapped Tenaga Nasional's unbeaten
record at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium yesterday.
But the match was more of a tactical one for Tenaga who took to the
field with an awesome 15-match unbeaten record and looking like they
prefered to meet Andersen Sports Club rather than BSN in the semifinals.In
the last 10 minutes of the match, Tenaga were more interested in
controlling the ball than going for goals.
And when the final whistle came, they got what they wanted.
The League ended yesterday and the semifinal will be held on Wednesday
with the exciting lineup of Tenaga v Andersen and BSN v Sapura. The return
leg is on Friday.
Sapura finished second in the League and picked up a RM10,000 purse when
they hammered Jolly Lads Sports Club 6-1 yesterday.
Tenaga coach K. Rajan said that he fielded his reserves and allowed some
of his regulars to rest because he was afraid they might pick up injuries
or demerit points.
"There was no reason to go all out against BSN because I did not want my
players to pick up injuries or cards. But that the first goal did shock us
and I credit BSN for putting up a good show," said Rajan.
BSN coach C. Paramalingam was happy with the win and said that, finally,
his forwards have started showing some form.
"Sohail Abbas has grown up from a defender to a player who can hold the
ball for long periods and also help in attack. I think he is now a better
player than when he played in the Kuala Lumpur World Cup for Pakistan
because we have made him more adventurous.
"Overall, I am happy with our third placing. It does not matter who we
meet in the semis because it is a different ball game," said Paramalingam.
BSN opened the scoring in the second minute when Rhodhanizam Radzi made
a good pass to Robert Alcantara who made no mistake.
Tenaga played a relaxed game and their forwards did not make any efforts
to equalise and allowed BSN to roam free in their semicircle.
BSN won a penalty corner in the 30th minute and Sohail duly flicked home
their second goal.
Tenaga pulled one back in the 59th minute when skipper Nor Saiful Zaini
hammered home a penalty corner but after that, they started toying around
with the ball.
Tenaga held the ball for long periods, even making a backpass to their
goalkeeper and the crowd sensed that they wanted to meet Andersen in the
semis rather than BSN.
The Sapura goals were scored by S. Kuhan (sixth and ninth), A. Nagarajan
(56th), Jiwa Mohan (57th), Azlin Fairuz (64th) and V. Vasandan (69th). The
jolly Lads goal was scored by Sivanantha Prasad in the 51st minute.
(END)
Sapura .........6 Jolly Lads .....1
Navy ...........4 RAMD ...........1
BSN ............2 Tenaga .........1
Maybank ........5 BCB ............1
BANK Simpanan Nasional (BSN) finally snapped Tenaga Nasional's unbeaten
record at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium yesterday.
But the match was more of a tactical one for Tenaga who took to the
field with an awesome 15-match unbeaten record and looking like they
prefered to meet Andersen Sports Club rather than BSN in the semifinals.In
the last 10 minutes of the match, Tenaga were more interested in
controlling the ball than going for goals.
And when the final whistle came, they got what they wanted.
The League ended yesterday and the semifinal will be held on Wednesday
with the exciting lineup of Tenaga v Andersen and BSN v Sapura. The return
leg is on Friday.
Sapura finished second in the League and picked up a RM10,000 purse when
they hammered Jolly Lads Sports Club 6-1 yesterday.
Tenaga coach K. Rajan said that he fielded his reserves and allowed some
of his regulars to rest because he was afraid they might pick up injuries
or demerit points.
"There was no reason to go all out against BSN because I did not want my
players to pick up injuries or cards. But that the first goal did shock us
and I credit BSN for putting up a good show," said Rajan.
BSN coach C. Paramalingam was happy with the win and said that, finally,
his forwards have started showing some form.
"Sohail Abbas has grown up from a defender to a player who can hold the
ball for long periods and also help in attack. I think he is now a better
player than when he played in the Kuala Lumpur World Cup for Pakistan
because we have made him more adventurous.
"Overall, I am happy with our third placing. It does not matter who we
meet in the semis because it is a different ball game," said Paramalingam.
BSN opened the scoring in the second minute when Rhodhanizam Radzi made
a good pass to Robert Alcantara who made no mistake.
Tenaga played a relaxed game and their forwards did not make any efforts
to equalise and allowed BSN to roam free in their semicircle.
BSN won a penalty corner in the 30th minute and Sohail duly flicked home
their second goal.
Tenaga pulled one back in the 59th minute when skipper Nor Saiful Zaini
hammered home a penalty corner but after that, they started toying around
with the ball.
Tenaga held the ball for long periods, even making a backpass to their
goalkeeper and the crowd sensed that they wanted to meet Andersen in the
semis rather than BSN.
The Sapura goals were scored by S. Kuhan (sixth and ninth), A. Nagarajan
(56th), Jiwa Mohan (57th), Azlin Fairuz (64th) and V. Vasandan (69th). The
jolly Lads goal was scored by Sivanantha Prasad in the 51st minute.
(END)
Sapura a step closer to second spot
19/05/2002
SAPURA 4
ANDERSEN 3
JOLLY LADS 1
RAMD 0
SAPURA took a giant step towards the second spot in the Malaysia Hockey
League (MHL) standings when they beat highly-touted Andersen Sports Club
4-3 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
Today, Sapura meet Jolly Lads Sports Club and a win will see them finish
second in the League with 35 points. The second spot comes with a RM10,000
purse and that should be enough to spur coach M. Sambu's men.
But if Sapura lose against Jolly Lads today, and Bank Simpanan Nasional
(BSN) do the unthinkable and beat Tenaga Nasional, then BSN will take home
the purse.
Yesterday, Andersen drew first blood in the 27th minute when Len Ayappa
flicked home a penalty corner.
But in the 37th minute, Nishel Kumar scored a gem of a goal to bring
Sapura back on level terms and opened up the match.
Sapura were the better team, in terms of planning their attacks, but the
goals just refused to come.
In the second half, Andersen took the lead again in the 43rd minute, off
a Dhanraj Pillay goal but it was quickly cancelled out by Nishel two
minutes later.
Sapura skipper S. Kuhan took a free hit from the 25-yard line and found
Nishel, who turned and sounded the board with a stunning shot.
But in the 54th minute, Dhanraj capitalised on a Sapura defender's
mistake and scored a field goal and Sapura found themselves trailing for
the third time.
But Kuhan maintained his cool and in the 59th minute, when Sapura won a
penalty corner, he flicked home to tie the match 3-3.
A silly mistake by Andersen's Norhanafpe Omar in the 69th minute, when
he threw his stick after failing to stop Kuhan from entering the
semicircle, gave away a last-gasp penalty corner.
The crowd could sense that something was going to come out of it, and
true enough, Kuhan flicked home well.
"Both sides played well, but when Mirnawan Nawawi got stretchered out
the match swung in our direction because they lost a valuable playmaker,"
said Sapura coach Sambu.
(END)
SAPURA 4
ANDERSEN 3
JOLLY LADS 1
RAMD 0
SAPURA took a giant step towards the second spot in the Malaysia Hockey
League (MHL) standings when they beat highly-touted Andersen Sports Club
4-3 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
Today, Sapura meet Jolly Lads Sports Club and a win will see them finish
second in the League with 35 points. The second spot comes with a RM10,000
purse and that should be enough to spur coach M. Sambu's men.
But if Sapura lose against Jolly Lads today, and Bank Simpanan Nasional
(BSN) do the unthinkable and beat Tenaga Nasional, then BSN will take home
the purse.
Yesterday, Andersen drew first blood in the 27th minute when Len Ayappa
flicked home a penalty corner.
But in the 37th minute, Nishel Kumar scored a gem of a goal to bring
Sapura back on level terms and opened up the match.
Sapura were the better team, in terms of planning their attacks, but the
goals just refused to come.
In the second half, Andersen took the lead again in the 43rd minute, off
a Dhanraj Pillay goal but it was quickly cancelled out by Nishel two
minutes later.
Sapura skipper S. Kuhan took a free hit from the 25-yard line and found
Nishel, who turned and sounded the board with a stunning shot.
But in the 54th minute, Dhanraj capitalised on a Sapura defender's
mistake and scored a field goal and Sapura found themselves trailing for
the third time.
But Kuhan maintained his cool and in the 59th minute, when Sapura won a
penalty corner, he flicked home to tie the match 3-3.
A silly mistake by Andersen's Norhanafpe Omar in the 69th minute, when
he threw his stick after failing to stop Kuhan from entering the
semicircle, gave away a last-gasp penalty corner.
The crowd could sense that something was going to come out of it, and
true enough, Kuhan flicked home well.
"Both sides played well, but when Mirnawan Nawawi got stretchered out
the match swung in our direction because they lost a valuable playmaker,"
said Sapura coach Sambu.
(END)
Aidid: Amendments favourable to me
19/05/2002
PENANG AAA president Datuk Mohamed Syed Aidid Syed Murtaza is confident
that states will embrace the Special Management Committee's proposed
amendments for the Malaysian AAU.
Speaking after attending Timesport journalist S. Selvam's wedding with
Jennifer Ann Gomez in Petaling Jaya yesterday, Syed Aidid said: "Penang
AAA will hold a meeting on Monday (tomorrow) and I expect an unanimous
decision on the proposals."
When asked if he has been in contact with the presidents of other AAA's,
Syed Aidid said: "Yes, I have spoken to some states and the response so
far to the amendments has been encouraging. But I am not in the position
to indulge on statistics."
In the Special Management Committee's proposed amendments, the most
significant change was in the electoral process.
The major changes that would happen, if the amendments are accepted by
MAAU affiliates, are to the association's membership, voting rights and
appointment to key positions.
"I have read the proposed amendments and I am happy with them. So I see
no reason why they should not be accepted by the state affiliates," said
Syed Aidid.
Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar, heading the Special Management Committee,
had said that if MAAU and the State AAAs accept the amendments, the Sports
Commissioner will approve the new constitution and MAAU had 21 days to
hold a biennial general meeting (BGM) to elect new office bearers.
"I am confident of a good outcome during the extraordinary general
meeting (EGM) because of the positive feedback that I have received so
far," said Syed Aidid.
The suspension of MAAU, which was invoked on Feb 28, will be lifted
immediately and MAAU can function as normal after the amendments are
accepted.
A major change will be the opening of MAAU's membership to the sports
councils of the Armed Forces, banks, the Government services,
universities, Malaysian Schools (MSSM) and the Police.
Presently, only MSSM is in the MAAU council but it doesn't have voting
rights.
There is also a provision for new affiliates, either private or public,
provided they have a nationwide athletics programme and their affiliation
is endorsed by the MAAU general assembly.
The change to the electoral process will see the possibility of one
affiliate having as many as four votes.
What an affiliate is confirmed of having is two votes but in an effort
to make the State AAA presidents more committed to the sport, a further
one vote will be awarded if they turn up for the elections. The
president's vote is non-transferable.
Affiliates, if they have an active athletics programme, will have an
additional vote. Presently, each State AAA has only one vote.
The executive board, which will be responsible for the management of
MAAU, will comprise the president, deputy president, three vice
presidents, five elected board members and five appointed board members.
The management committee has also proposed that the executive board will
have the power to appoint a paid general manager or general secretary on a
contract basis for either two or three years.
The board will also appoint a honorary treasurer or a salaried
treasurer, also on a contract basis, and a honorary statistician.
The chairpersons of the various committees, who are presently elected,
will also be appointed and they will be members of the executive board.
The various committees must meet a minimum six times annually.
The MAAU council will consist of all members of the executive board, one
representative per-affiliate, the general manager/general secretary, the
honorary treasurer/treasurer, the honorary statistician and an athletes'
representative who will be appointed by the board.
The amendments can only be instituted with a two-thirds majority in the
EGM.
And Syed Aidid, who was an ex-officio member of the Special Management
Committee, believes they will achieve that majority.
(END)
PENANG AAA president Datuk Mohamed Syed Aidid Syed Murtaza is confident
that states will embrace the Special Management Committee's proposed
amendments for the Malaysian AAU.
Speaking after attending Timesport journalist S. Selvam's wedding with
Jennifer Ann Gomez in Petaling Jaya yesterday, Syed Aidid said: "Penang
AAA will hold a meeting on Monday (tomorrow) and I expect an unanimous
decision on the proposals."
When asked if he has been in contact with the presidents of other AAA's,
Syed Aidid said: "Yes, I have spoken to some states and the response so
far to the amendments has been encouraging. But I am not in the position
to indulge on statistics."
In the Special Management Committee's proposed amendments, the most
significant change was in the electoral process.
The major changes that would happen, if the amendments are accepted by
MAAU affiliates, are to the association's membership, voting rights and
appointment to key positions.
"I have read the proposed amendments and I am happy with them. So I see
no reason why they should not be accepted by the state affiliates," said
Syed Aidid.
Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar, heading the Special Management Committee,
had said that if MAAU and the State AAAs accept the amendments, the Sports
Commissioner will approve the new constitution and MAAU had 21 days to
hold a biennial general meeting (BGM) to elect new office bearers.
"I am confident of a good outcome during the extraordinary general
meeting (EGM) because of the positive feedback that I have received so
far," said Syed Aidid.
The suspension of MAAU, which was invoked on Feb 28, will be lifted
immediately and MAAU can function as normal after the amendments are
accepted.
A major change will be the opening of MAAU's membership to the sports
councils of the Armed Forces, banks, the Government services,
universities, Malaysian Schools (MSSM) and the Police.
Presently, only MSSM is in the MAAU council but it doesn't have voting
rights.
There is also a provision for new affiliates, either private or public,
provided they have a nationwide athletics programme and their affiliation
is endorsed by the MAAU general assembly.
The change to the electoral process will see the possibility of one
affiliate having as many as four votes.
What an affiliate is confirmed of having is two votes but in an effort
to make the State AAA presidents more committed to the sport, a further
one vote will be awarded if they turn up for the elections. The
president's vote is non-transferable.
Affiliates, if they have an active athletics programme, will have an
additional vote. Presently, each State AAA has only one vote.
The executive board, which will be responsible for the management of
MAAU, will comprise the president, deputy president, three vice
presidents, five elected board members and five appointed board members.
The management committee has also proposed that the executive board will
have the power to appoint a paid general manager or general secretary on a
contract basis for either two or three years.
The board will also appoint a honorary treasurer or a salaried
treasurer, also on a contract basis, and a honorary statistician.
The chairpersons of the various committees, who are presently elected,
will also be appointed and they will be members of the executive board.
The various committees must meet a minimum six times annually.
The MAAU council will consist of all members of the executive board, one
representative per-affiliate, the general manager/general secretary, the
honorary treasurer/treasurer, the honorary statistician and an athletes'
representative who will be appointed by the board.
The amendments can only be instituted with a two-thirds majority in the
EGM.
And Syed Aidid, who was an ex-officio member of the Special Management
Committee, believes they will achieve that majority.
(END)
BSN through to semis with late effort
18/05/2002
BSN ............ 3 Maybank ........ 2
Tenaga ......... 7 BCB ............ 1
Andersen SC .... 6 Navy ........... 0
BANK Simpanan Nasional (BSN) made a last minute dash and were rewarded
with the last semifinal spot in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL)
yesterday.
Although Maybank scored two early goals at the Tun Razak Stadium, BSN
got their act together in the second half, and secured the last semifinal
ticket. Sapura, who have one match in hand, had already clinched their
ticket earlier.
The other teams in the semis are Tenaga Nasional, Sapura and Andersen
Sports Club.
Now, BSN coach T. Paramalingam wants to beat Tenaga Nasional in their
last League match tomorrow to avoid them in the semifinals.
"It was a close match, but in the end we made it with true grit.
Otherwise, it would have been a disaster if we had been bundled out of the
semifinals because we have invested so much in the team," said
Paramalingam.
And the defending Overall Champions' investment in the Pakistani duo of
Sohail Abbas and Kashif Jawad paid off handsomely as Sohail scored a hat-
trick to seal the match. Kashif played a minor role yesterday because he
had fever and was on-and-off the bench replacing Rodhanizam Radzi in short
periods.
Maybank, knowing very well that they will be doomed if they lose the
match, took the early initiative and in the 12th minute, they were
rewarded with a penalty corner. K. Gobinathan took a tame shot but it
bounced past the runners and goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin into the
goalmouth.
The goal spurred Maybank and a minute later, they won another penalty
corner and again, Gobinathan took a low shot and it sounded the board to
the surprise of about 100-odd BSN fans at the stadium.
But in the 20th minute, BSN got their first penalty corner and Sohail
sent the ball crashing into the net.
In the second half, BSN got their act together and Sohail delivered two
more penalty corner goals in the 45th and 61st minutes to seal the match.
BSN coach Paramalingam paid tribute to his players fighting spirit.
"The forwards are still not working well and that is why we have to rely
heavily on Sohail for the goals. But overalll, I am happy with the way the
players came from two goals down to beat Maybank," said Paramalingam.
Maybank coach Wallace Tan said that his men peaked too early.
"Against a team like BSN, who have a good penalty corner flicker, it was
a mistake to score too early. We tried to minimise the penalty corners but
even then, Sohail managed to score three," said Wallace.
The match was not an exciting one because BSN had only five penalty
corners and four clear shots at goal while Maybank had two penalty corners
and only two clear shots.
In the other match, League champions Tenaga Nasional made minced meat
out of Bumiputra-Commerce Bank by slamming home seven goals to extend
their unbeaten record to 15 matches.
Today: Sapura v Andersen Sports Club (National Hockey Stadium, 5.30pm),
RAMD v Jolly Lads Sports Club (Tun Razak Stadium, 5.30pm).
Tomorrow: Sapura v Jolly Lads Sports Club (National Hockey Stadium,
5.30pm), Navy v RAMD (Tun Razak Stadium, 5.30pm), Tenaga Nasional v Bank
Simpanan Nasional (Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium, 6pm), Bumiputra-Commerce
Bank v Maybank (KL Hockey Stadium, 8pm).
(END)
BSN ............ 3 Maybank ........ 2
Tenaga ......... 7 BCB ............ 1
Andersen SC .... 6 Navy ........... 0
BANK Simpanan Nasional (BSN) made a last minute dash and were rewarded
with the last semifinal spot in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL)
yesterday.
Although Maybank scored two early goals at the Tun Razak Stadium, BSN
got their act together in the second half, and secured the last semifinal
ticket. Sapura, who have one match in hand, had already clinched their
ticket earlier.
The other teams in the semis are Tenaga Nasional, Sapura and Andersen
Sports Club.
Now, BSN coach T. Paramalingam wants to beat Tenaga Nasional in their
last League match tomorrow to avoid them in the semifinals.
"It was a close match, but in the end we made it with true grit.
Otherwise, it would have been a disaster if we had been bundled out of the
semifinals because we have invested so much in the team," said
Paramalingam.
And the defending Overall Champions' investment in the Pakistani duo of
Sohail Abbas and Kashif Jawad paid off handsomely as Sohail scored a hat-
trick to seal the match. Kashif played a minor role yesterday because he
had fever and was on-and-off the bench replacing Rodhanizam Radzi in short
periods.
Maybank, knowing very well that they will be doomed if they lose the
match, took the early initiative and in the 12th minute, they were
rewarded with a penalty corner. K. Gobinathan took a tame shot but it
bounced past the runners and goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin into the
goalmouth.
The goal spurred Maybank and a minute later, they won another penalty
corner and again, Gobinathan took a low shot and it sounded the board to
the surprise of about 100-odd BSN fans at the stadium.
But in the 20th minute, BSN got their first penalty corner and Sohail
sent the ball crashing into the net.
In the second half, BSN got their act together and Sohail delivered two
more penalty corner goals in the 45th and 61st minutes to seal the match.
BSN coach Paramalingam paid tribute to his players fighting spirit.
"The forwards are still not working well and that is why we have to rely
heavily on Sohail for the goals. But overalll, I am happy with the way the
players came from two goals down to beat Maybank," said Paramalingam.
Maybank coach Wallace Tan said that his men peaked too early.
"Against a team like BSN, who have a good penalty corner flicker, it was
a mistake to score too early. We tried to minimise the penalty corners but
even then, Sohail managed to score three," said Wallace.
The match was not an exciting one because BSN had only five penalty
corners and four clear shots at goal while Maybank had two penalty corners
and only two clear shots.
In the other match, League champions Tenaga Nasional made minced meat
out of Bumiputra-Commerce Bank by slamming home seven goals to extend
their unbeaten record to 15 matches.
Today: Sapura v Andersen Sports Club (National Hockey Stadium, 5.30pm),
RAMD v Jolly Lads Sports Club (Tun Razak Stadium, 5.30pm).
Tomorrow: Sapura v Jolly Lads Sports Club (National Hockey Stadium,
5.30pm), Navy v RAMD (Tun Razak Stadium, 5.30pm), Tenaga Nasional v Bank
Simpanan Nasional (Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium, 6pm), Bumiputra-Commerce
Bank v Maybank (KL Hockey Stadium, 8pm).
(END)
Even the MHF website is inactive
17/05/2002
THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) website (www.hokimalaysia.com), is
light years behind the rest of the world even as Malaysia prepares to make
a dent on the information highway.
The latest update on the website was done during the Kuala Lumpur World
Cup in March, but that is not the issue here. The problem with the website
is it is not informative enough.
It is a dead end, unless one is interested in knowing about the MHF
office bearers. The website is first class as far as the organisational
structure is concerned, but does not even provide Malaysia Hockey League
(MHL) results, standings and match reports.
The MHL has reached the tail end, with Tenaga securing the League title
again, while this weekend will be the final push for the other three teams
to make the semifinals.
But if one is interested, one can go to fieldhockey.com, a foreign link,
and read about what is happening in the MHL.
Click on the News icon and there is the stale Kuala Lumpur World Cup
reports and results. The entry forms for the Junior Hockey League, which
will begin next month, is neither there.
TimeSport surfed the web and were amazed with the information on hockey
provided at the www.hockey.org.au site run by Hockey Australia. The
interactive site has all the information that states, youth, coaches,
umpires and managers need to know about the game in their country. And it
is very current.
The Australian website has all the latest information on how to develop
grassroots hockey, and a hockey survey dated May 10 read:
"Over the past couple of months, the Development Department of Hockey
Australia has been conducting a nationwide survey of all the clubs and
associations. We have had a good response so far, but there are still a
lot of clubs and associations still to return the survey. The information
gathered from the survey will enable us to better plan development
requirements in the future."
The Australian website also has, among other icons, Hockey In Australia,
National Teams, National League, Calendar, Competitions, Player's Diary,
Hockey Shop, Links and Picture Gallery (international, national events and
fan pictures).
And under coaching, they have - An Electronic Version Of Coaching, How
To Get Juniors To Take Up Goalkeeping, Yoga And Hockey, Level Two Coaching
Online ... and the list goes on and on.
And under Umpiring, the wealth of information is mind-boggling and
TimeSport suggests that Malaysian umpires visit the site to upgrade their
knowledge since they claim that the Malaysian Hockey Federation Umpires
Board has left them to fend for themselves.
Even after a quick comparison between the Malaysian and the Australian
website, one gets the impression that the Aussies are serious about
developing and maintaining a good national side by handing out information on their website to those who they can't reach, while Malaysia has a website that's almost serves the same function as a screen saver.
The youth of today love surfing the internet, and the MHF can do
Malaysian hockey a great favour by clicking on to the present.
(END)
THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) website (www.hokimalaysia.com), is
light years behind the rest of the world even as Malaysia prepares to make
a dent on the information highway.
The latest update on the website was done during the Kuala Lumpur World
Cup in March, but that is not the issue here. The problem with the website
is it is not informative enough.
It is a dead end, unless one is interested in knowing about the MHF
office bearers. The website is first class as far as the organisational
structure is concerned, but does not even provide Malaysia Hockey League
(MHL) results, standings and match reports.
The MHL has reached the tail end, with Tenaga securing the League title
again, while this weekend will be the final push for the other three teams
to make the semifinals.
But if one is interested, one can go to fieldhockey.com, a foreign link,
and read about what is happening in the MHL.
Click on the News icon and there is the stale Kuala Lumpur World Cup
reports and results. The entry forms for the Junior Hockey League, which
will begin next month, is neither there.
TimeSport surfed the web and were amazed with the information on hockey
provided at the www.hockey.org.au site run by Hockey Australia. The
interactive site has all the information that states, youth, coaches,
umpires and managers need to know about the game in their country. And it
is very current.
The Australian website has all the latest information on how to develop
grassroots hockey, and a hockey survey dated May 10 read:
"Over the past couple of months, the Development Department of Hockey
Australia has been conducting a nationwide survey of all the clubs and
associations. We have had a good response so far, but there are still a
lot of clubs and associations still to return the survey. The information
gathered from the survey will enable us to better plan development
requirements in the future."
The Australian website also has, among other icons, Hockey In Australia,
National Teams, National League, Calendar, Competitions, Player's Diary,
Hockey Shop, Links and Picture Gallery (international, national events and
fan pictures).
And under coaching, they have - An Electronic Version Of Coaching, How
To Get Juniors To Take Up Goalkeeping, Yoga And Hockey, Level Two Coaching
Online ... and the list goes on and on.
And under Umpiring, the wealth of information is mind-boggling and
TimeSport suggests that Malaysian umpires visit the site to upgrade their
knowledge since they claim that the Malaysian Hockey Federation Umpires
Board has left them to fend for themselves.
Even after a quick comparison between the Malaysian and the Australian
website, one gets the impression that the Aussies are serious about
developing and maintaining a good national side by handing out information on their website to those who they can't reach, while Malaysia has a website that's almost serves the same function as a screen saver.
The youth of today love surfing the internet, and the MHF can do
Malaysian hockey a great favour by clicking on to the present.
(END)
Sohail-led BSN and Maybank battle for semis spot
17/05/2002
BANK Simpanan Nasional (BSN) and Maybank will battle for what is virtually
the last semifinal berth in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) at the Tun
Razak Stadium today.
League champions Tenaga are first to book their place while Andersen
Sports Club and Sapura only need three points each to consolidate their
positions. Both should encounter little problems against Navy and Jolly
Lads Sports Club respectively.
All eyes will be on BSN as they have lined up Pakistan World Cup players
Kashif Jawad and Sohail Abbas to lead their challenge this season, but the
duo have yet to click well with local players.
Andersen and Sapura are also involved in another battle, albeit, at the
sidelines.
Both are in the running for the second spot in the standings which comes
with a rich purse of RM10,00.
BSN has the advantage over Maybank as they only need a draw (the first
leg ended 3-3). However, Maybank need to win both their matches this
weekend if they harbour hopes of playing in the semifinals.
The situation for BSN, the overall champions, is very tricky but coach
C. Paramalingam believes they will not only qualify for the semis but have
a good shot at the overall title again.
"It is still not over yet for BSN. I am confident that, like the
previous season, my players will rise to the occassion and win the
remaining title," said Paramalingam.
"I think we will surprise all by making the cut. We have tough matches
ahead and I do not think that we are in a corner though our last match is
against the unbeaten Tenaga.
"We just need three points for a comfortable entry into the semis,
furthermore we have a healthy goal difference. Just watch us, we will
surprise the sceptics," said Paramalingam.
Maybank coach Wallace Tan said their chances of making the semis depends
on them winning both their remaining matches.
"Although we still have a chance, the fact is that we need six points
while BSN need only three. Goal difference will also
be vital and that is why we have to score as many goals as possible in the
last two games. It will be a tough weekend for us," said Wallace.
With Maybank losing prolific striker Suhaimi Ibrahim to a red card in
their last match against Tenaga, and their goal-soring record not that
impressive, they are in for a battle for survival.
Maybank forwards had plenty of chances last weekend against Sapura and Tenaga but they ended up sharing points in both matches.
They certainly cannot afford that this weekend.
(END)
BANK Simpanan Nasional (BSN) and Maybank will battle for what is virtually
the last semifinal berth in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) at the Tun
Razak Stadium today.
League champions Tenaga are first to book their place while Andersen
Sports Club and Sapura only need three points each to consolidate their
positions. Both should encounter little problems against Navy and Jolly
Lads Sports Club respectively.
All eyes will be on BSN as they have lined up Pakistan World Cup players
Kashif Jawad and Sohail Abbas to lead their challenge this season, but the
duo have yet to click well with local players.
Andersen and Sapura are also involved in another battle, albeit, at the
sidelines.
Both are in the running for the second spot in the standings which comes
with a rich purse of RM10,00.
BSN has the advantage over Maybank as they only need a draw (the first
leg ended 3-3). However, Maybank need to win both their matches this
weekend if they harbour hopes of playing in the semifinals.
The situation for BSN, the overall champions, is very tricky but coach
C. Paramalingam believes they will not only qualify for the semis but have
a good shot at the overall title again.
"It is still not over yet for BSN. I am confident that, like the
previous season, my players will rise to the occassion and win the
remaining title," said Paramalingam.
"I think we will surprise all by making the cut. We have tough matches
ahead and I do not think that we are in a corner though our last match is
against the unbeaten Tenaga.
"We just need three points for a comfortable entry into the semis,
furthermore we have a healthy goal difference. Just watch us, we will
surprise the sceptics," said Paramalingam.
Maybank coach Wallace Tan said their chances of making the semis depends
on them winning both their remaining matches.
"Although we still have a chance, the fact is that we need six points
while BSN need only three. Goal difference will also
be vital and that is why we have to score as many goals as possible in the
last two games. It will be a tough weekend for us," said Wallace.
With Maybank losing prolific striker Suhaimi Ibrahim to a red card in
their last match against Tenaga, and their goal-soring record not that
impressive, they are in for a battle for survival.
Maybank forwards had plenty of chances last weekend against Sapura and Tenaga but they ended up sharing points in both matches.
They certainly cannot afford that this weekend.
(END)
What MHF schools committee?
15/05/2002
THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) Schools Committee chaired Lt Jen (R)
Datuk Abdul Manap Ibrahim, was formed in 1999 and yet three years later
several members claim they have no knowledge that such a committee exists.
No letters of appointment have been sent to inform members that they are
part of the MHF Schools Committee, so naturally, no meetings have been
held by the committee since it was formed.
V. Muraleedharan, a teacher at the Bukit Jalil Sports School, was amazed
and shocked when told that his name was on the committee list at the MHF
website (www.hokimalaysia.com).
"No, I am not aware that I am a member of the MHF Schools Committee
because I have not received any letter informing me of my appointment. I
have also not received any letter calling for a meeting of the committee,"
said Muraleedharan.
Another member from Penang, K. Ramasamy was equally perplexed when told
that he is a member of the MHF Schools Committee.
"What? I do not know that such a committee exists. There has been no
letters and I have not been called for any meetings.
"Anyway, I am a teacher who just loves doing his work and I train my
boys how to play hockey at school level. But the idea of having such a
commitee is good because then we can liaise and develop the game at the
grassroots with the parent body. But I am not aware of it," said Ramasamy.
When names of the other members in the committee were read out to
Ramasamy, he said that he knew most of them as they are the technical
chairmen of their respective State Schools Sports Council.
"But I am not sure if they know that they have been appointed."
The chairman of the MHF schools committee is Lt Jen (B) Datuk Abdul
Manap Ibrahim while the secretary is K. Paramasivam and both could not be
reached for comments.
At the MHF website, there was a note which read: At the first meeting of
the MHF Executive Committee only the chairman and the secretary were
appointed by names. It was decided then that the Technical Chairman,
appointed by the Majlis Sukan Sekolah-Sekolah Negeri/Malaysia, will be
members of the Schools Committee.
MHF Schools Committee - Chairman: Lt Jen (B) Datuk Abdul Manap Ibrahim
(Petaling Jaya); Secretary: K. Paramasivam (Kelantan).
Members: V. Sasidharan (Malacca), Tan Woon Su (Kuala Terengganu), Aris
Maidin (Kuala Lumpur), Mohd Noor Mat Hassan (Kota Bahru), Azmil Abd Jalil
(Kuantan), Noor Rashid Osman (Kangar), K. Ramasamy (Penang), Salehudin
Mokhtar (Teluk Intan), Ashvin Kumar Patel (Seremban, deceased), Mahran
Kipli (Kuching), Burhanuddin Marzuki (Sabah), Mohd Izhab Yaacob (Kedah),
Mohd Salleh Ismail (Johor Bahru), Ahmad Bistamin Mahmood (Selangor), V.
Muraleedharan (Kuala Lumpur), Lukman Sa'adon (Johor).
(END)
THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) Schools Committee chaired Lt Jen (R)
Datuk Abdul Manap Ibrahim, was formed in 1999 and yet three years later
several members claim they have no knowledge that such a committee exists.
No letters of appointment have been sent to inform members that they are
part of the MHF Schools Committee, so naturally, no meetings have been
held by the committee since it was formed.
V. Muraleedharan, a teacher at the Bukit Jalil Sports School, was amazed
and shocked when told that his name was on the committee list at the MHF
website (www.hokimalaysia.com).
"No, I am not aware that I am a member of the MHF Schools Committee
because I have not received any letter informing me of my appointment. I
have also not received any letter calling for a meeting of the committee,"
said Muraleedharan.
Another member from Penang, K. Ramasamy was equally perplexed when told
that he is a member of the MHF Schools Committee.
"What? I do not know that such a committee exists. There has been no
letters and I have not been called for any meetings.
"Anyway, I am a teacher who just loves doing his work and I train my
boys how to play hockey at school level. But the idea of having such a
commitee is good because then we can liaise and develop the game at the
grassroots with the parent body. But I am not aware of it," said Ramasamy.
When names of the other members in the committee were read out to
Ramasamy, he said that he knew most of them as they are the technical
chairmen of their respective State Schools Sports Council.
"But I am not sure if they know that they have been appointed."
The chairman of the MHF schools committee is Lt Jen (B) Datuk Abdul
Manap Ibrahim while the secretary is K. Paramasivam and both could not be
reached for comments.
At the MHF website, there was a note which read: At the first meeting of
the MHF Executive Committee only the chairman and the secretary were
appointed by names. It was decided then that the Technical Chairman,
appointed by the Majlis Sukan Sekolah-Sekolah Negeri/Malaysia, will be
members of the Schools Committee.
MHF Schools Committee - Chairman: Lt Jen (B) Datuk Abdul Manap Ibrahim
(Petaling Jaya); Secretary: K. Paramasivam (Kelantan).
Members: V. Sasidharan (Malacca), Tan Woon Su (Kuala Terengganu), Aris
Maidin (Kuala Lumpur), Mohd Noor Mat Hassan (Kota Bahru), Azmil Abd Jalil
(Kuantan), Noor Rashid Osman (Kangar), K. Ramasamy (Penang), Salehudin
Mokhtar (Teluk Intan), Ashvin Kumar Patel (Seremban, deceased), Mahran
Kipli (Kuching), Burhanuddin Marzuki (Sabah), Mohd Izhab Yaacob (Kedah),
Mohd Salleh Ismail (Johor Bahru), Ahmad Bistamin Mahmood (Selangor), V.
Muraleedharan (Kuala Lumpur), Lukman Sa'adon (Johor).
(END)
Kula: The truth will be known very soon
14/05/2002
MALAYSIAN Hockey Federation Umpires Board (MHFUB) chairman V. Kulasingam
reiterated his stand yesterday that the truth will be out soon, and he
does not want to get into a war of words with his umpires.
On Sunday, international umpire Amarjit Singh came out strongly and told
Kulasingam and his board members to vacate their posts as they have not
been doing anything to promote the welfare of members.
"Like I said before, the truth will be out soon and so I will let my
actions speak rather than make statements. I do not have an agenda, and
those who have an agenda will find out soon what I mean," said Kulasingam.
When pressed further, Kulasingam added: "In every organisation, there
are rules which the members must abide by. I am not a one-man show who
does what he likes. I, too, have to abide by the rules set by the
Federation (Malaysian Hockey Federation).
Amarjit also said that he had approached Kulasingam and highlighted some
of the problems faced by the umpires.
Kulasingam, who did not want to comment on any of the issues brought up
by his umpires said that: "The umpires know what the truth is but they
choose to play ignorant. I will let the parent body (MHF) handle this
situation because when someone makes a claim, they must provide proof of
their allegations. If not, they should just let the matter rest."
Among others, Amarjit had claimed that:
* MHFUB have an indifferent attitude towards developing and promoting
umpiring.
* MHFUB are cash-rich but not conducting courses, seminars, dialogues to
chart the future of umpires.
* ALL the officials of the MHFUB do is go on a nationwide tour to
conduct fitness test at it's lowest level early in the year and that's end
of it.
* ONE never gets to see representatives from Sarawak, Pahang, Terengganu
and Kelantan near hockey venues, but they held portfolios during the
recent World Cup eventhough they cannot produce caliber umpires for the
Razak Cup or the national league from their states.
"The MHFUB has done enough to promote umpiring at all levels. And if the
umpires have grouses, I advise them to go through the proper channels,
either approach us or the parent body (MHF)," said Kulasingam.
(END)
MALAYSIAN Hockey Federation Umpires Board (MHFUB) chairman V. Kulasingam
reiterated his stand yesterday that the truth will be out soon, and he
does not want to get into a war of words with his umpires.
On Sunday, international umpire Amarjit Singh came out strongly and told
Kulasingam and his board members to vacate their posts as they have not
been doing anything to promote the welfare of members.
"Like I said before, the truth will be out soon and so I will let my
actions speak rather than make statements. I do not have an agenda, and
those who have an agenda will find out soon what I mean," said Kulasingam.
When pressed further, Kulasingam added: "In every organisation, there
are rules which the members must abide by. I am not a one-man show who
does what he likes. I, too, have to abide by the rules set by the
Federation (Malaysian Hockey Federation).
Amarjit also said that he had approached Kulasingam and highlighted some
of the problems faced by the umpires.
Kulasingam, who did not want to comment on any of the issues brought up
by his umpires said that: "The umpires know what the truth is but they
choose to play ignorant. I will let the parent body (MHF) handle this
situation because when someone makes a claim, they must provide proof of
their allegations. If not, they should just let the matter rest."
Among others, Amarjit had claimed that:
* MHFUB have an indifferent attitude towards developing and promoting
umpiring.
* MHFUB are cash-rich but not conducting courses, seminars, dialogues to
chart the future of umpires.
* ALL the officials of the MHFUB do is go on a nationwide tour to
conduct fitness test at it's lowest level early in the year and that's end
of it.
* ONE never gets to see representatives from Sarawak, Pahang, Terengganu
and Kelantan near hockey venues, but they held portfolios during the
recent World Cup eventhough they cannot produce caliber umpires for the
Razak Cup or the national league from their states.
"The MHFUB has done enough to promote umpiring at all levels. And if the
umpires have grouses, I advise them to go through the proper channels,
either approach us or the parent body (MHF)," said Kulasingam.
(END)
Amarjit: MHFUB members should resign
13/05/2002
MALAYSIA'S No 1 umpire Amarjit Singh has called for the Malaysian Hockey
Federation Umpires Board (MHFUB) members to resign en-bloc because they
have done little over the years for their members.
Amarjit, who was the only Malaysian umpire who blew in the recent Kuala
Lumour World Cup, does not care if his remarks will lead to a suspension,
because he is fed-up with the current situation.
"I am not a `yes man' to the MHFUB. The `yes men' will stay around for a
long time but those who speak the truth always get sacrificed. Those who
work are always `killed' and in this case, the umpires and their umpiring
has been killed by the MHFUB.
"If taking action against me is going to improve the standard of
umpiring, then so be it. I am willing to be the sacrificial lamb to the
MHFUB, if my stand will benefit the rest of the Malaysian umpires.
"After I came out in the open to highlight weaknesses in the MHFUB,
chairman V. Kulasingam threatened to take action by throwing the code of
ethics at me. I have a message for him: `don't threaten, come out and
prove my allegations wrong'," said Amarjit after officiating the Tenaga-
Maybank match at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium yesterday.
"The MHFUB chairman Kulasingam should be humble and not arrogant when
umpires suggest improvements. But since he was not willing to even reply
to one of the many allegations I made, it proves that I have spoken the
truth," said Amarjit.
Amarjit alleged that the MHFUB, among others, had not done much to
promote umpiring at the district and state levels, because they have an
indifferent attitude towards developing and promoting umpiring.
Kulasingam replied that "... he who has spoken about it without going
through the proper channels will find out the consequences soon."
"What proper channels is Kulasingam talking about? Exactly a year ago, I
spoke at length to him about development programmes and even gave him a
pile of notes to be distributed to the umpires. He was even given a tape
and a VCD on umpiring but until today, there has been no action from him.
Didn't I go through the proper channels first?," questioned Amarjit.
"The chairman and secretary (Teo Choon Seng) flew to Sabah to witness
the upgrading of umpires but didn't even attend the Malaysia Hockey League
meeting which was in their neighbourhood. It is no use to umpires in the
country to score near perfect marks (90 and above) in the theory exams if
they do not prove their worth on the pitch."
After airing Amarjit's views, TimeSport received numerous calls from
umpires who feel the same.
"I have spoken to my fellow umpires and they all agree that it is time
for umpiring to have a structure like the FA of Malaysia has for
referees."
FAM's referees committee is headed by independent council member Tan Sri
Zain Hashim.
(END)
MALAYSIA'S No 1 umpire Amarjit Singh has called for the Malaysian Hockey
Federation Umpires Board (MHFUB) members to resign en-bloc because they
have done little over the years for their members.
Amarjit, who was the only Malaysian umpire who blew in the recent Kuala
Lumour World Cup, does not care if his remarks will lead to a suspension,
because he is fed-up with the current situation.
"I am not a `yes man' to the MHFUB. The `yes men' will stay around for a
long time but those who speak the truth always get sacrificed. Those who
work are always `killed' and in this case, the umpires and their umpiring
has been killed by the MHFUB.
"If taking action against me is going to improve the standard of
umpiring, then so be it. I am willing to be the sacrificial lamb to the
MHFUB, if my stand will benefit the rest of the Malaysian umpires.
"After I came out in the open to highlight weaknesses in the MHFUB,
chairman V. Kulasingam threatened to take action by throwing the code of
ethics at me. I have a message for him: `don't threaten, come out and
prove my allegations wrong'," said Amarjit after officiating the Tenaga-
Maybank match at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium yesterday.
"The MHFUB chairman Kulasingam should be humble and not arrogant when
umpires suggest improvements. But since he was not willing to even reply
to one of the many allegations I made, it proves that I have spoken the
truth," said Amarjit.
Amarjit alleged that the MHFUB, among others, had not done much to
promote umpiring at the district and state levels, because they have an
indifferent attitude towards developing and promoting umpiring.
Kulasingam replied that "... he who has spoken about it without going
through the proper channels will find out the consequences soon."
"What proper channels is Kulasingam talking about? Exactly a year ago, I
spoke at length to him about development programmes and even gave him a
pile of notes to be distributed to the umpires. He was even given a tape
and a VCD on umpiring but until today, there has been no action from him.
Didn't I go through the proper channels first?," questioned Amarjit.
"The chairman and secretary (Teo Choon Seng) flew to Sabah to witness
the upgrading of umpires but didn't even attend the Malaysia Hockey League
meeting which was in their neighbourhood. It is no use to umpires in the
country to score near perfect marks (90 and above) in the theory exams if
they do not prove their worth on the pitch."
After airing Amarjit's views, TimeSport received numerous calls from
umpires who feel the same.
"I have spoken to my fellow umpires and they all agree that it is time
for umpiring to have a structure like the FA of Malaysia has for
referees."
FAM's referees committee is headed by independent council member Tan Sri
Zain Hashim.
(END)
Tenaga take charge to grab MHL title
13/05/2002
MAYBANK ........2 TENAGA .......2
SAPURA .........2 BSN ..........2
BCB ............5 NAVY .........2
Andersen .......5 RAMD .........0
TENAGA Nasional BHD maintained their unbeaten record and lifted the
Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) title yesterday after settling for a draw
against Maybank at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium.
And they did it in style, with two matches in hand, by scoring 57 goals
in 14 matches and only conceding 15 goals.
Tenaga, who only needed one point from the match against Maybank to lift
the League title, were leading 2-0 when they decided to take things easy
and allowed Maybank to claw back into the match.
But in the end, there was no denying Tenaga the League title and now,
coach K. Rajan has only one mission in mind - to let his charges battle
for a chance to play in the semifinals.
Maybank, by snatching the draw, live to fight for a berth in the
semifinals with Sapura, Andersen Sports Club and BSN.
Tenaga's first goal was scored by Azlan Misron in the 21st minute when
he pushed home a penalty corner set-piece from Nor Saiful Zaini.
Tenaga took off their leg from the gas pedal after that and allowed
Maybank plenty of room to score but the bankers could not get their act
together.
And in the 56th minute, Tenaga scored their second off a Nor Saiful
penalty corner.
Maybank, wanting badly to share points and keep their semis hopes alive,
woke up from their slumber and two quick goals in the 64th and 66th did
the trick.
The first was scored by K. Gobinathan off a penalty corner and the
second was a field goal by Shaiful Azli.
In their haste to score, Maybank's Suhaimi Ibrahim rammed into Madzli
Ikmar and the umpire took out his red card. Suhaimi, who has previous
demerit points, will sit out the last two Maybank matches.
In the other match at the National Hockey Stadium, BSN and Sapura shared
points. BSN's goals were scored by Sohail Abbas (18th) and Badrul Hisham
(38th) while Sapura's goals were scored by Jiwa Mohan (10th) and Arul
Selvaraj (64th).
And at the Tun Razak Stadium, Andersen hammered RAMD 5-0 with goals from
Kamal Affendy (6th), Mirnawan Nawawi (22nd), S. Shanker (26th), Dhanraj
Pillay (29th), Khairudin Ghani (63rd).
(END)
MAYBANK ........2 TENAGA .......2
SAPURA .........2 BSN ..........2
BCB ............5 NAVY .........2
Andersen .......5 RAMD .........0
TENAGA Nasional BHD maintained their unbeaten record and lifted the
Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) title yesterday after settling for a draw
against Maybank at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium.
And they did it in style, with two matches in hand, by scoring 57 goals
in 14 matches and only conceding 15 goals.
Tenaga, who only needed one point from the match against Maybank to lift
the League title, were leading 2-0 when they decided to take things easy
and allowed Maybank to claw back into the match.
But in the end, there was no denying Tenaga the League title and now,
coach K. Rajan has only one mission in mind - to let his charges battle
for a chance to play in the semifinals.
Maybank, by snatching the draw, live to fight for a berth in the
semifinals with Sapura, Andersen Sports Club and BSN.
Tenaga's first goal was scored by Azlan Misron in the 21st minute when
he pushed home a penalty corner set-piece from Nor Saiful Zaini.
Tenaga took off their leg from the gas pedal after that and allowed
Maybank plenty of room to score but the bankers could not get their act
together.
And in the 56th minute, Tenaga scored their second off a Nor Saiful
penalty corner.
Maybank, wanting badly to share points and keep their semis hopes alive,
woke up from their slumber and two quick goals in the 64th and 66th did
the trick.
The first was scored by K. Gobinathan off a penalty corner and the
second was a field goal by Shaiful Azli.
In their haste to score, Maybank's Suhaimi Ibrahim rammed into Madzli
Ikmar and the umpire took out his red card. Suhaimi, who has previous
demerit points, will sit out the last two Maybank matches.
In the other match at the National Hockey Stadium, BSN and Sapura shared
points. BSN's goals were scored by Sohail Abbas (18th) and Badrul Hisham
(38th) while Sapura's goals were scored by Jiwa Mohan (10th) and Arul
Selvaraj (64th).
And at the Tun Razak Stadium, Andersen hammered RAMD 5-0 with goals from
Kamal Affendy (6th), Mirnawan Nawawi (22nd), S. Shanker (26th), Dhanraj
Pillay (29th), Khairudin Ghani (63rd).
(END)
Sapura now only want three points
12/05/2002
SAPURA only wanted four points from the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) this
weekend and they managed to come from behind in the last 10 minutes of the
match to hold a gritty Maybank side at the KL Hockey Stadium yesterday.
Maybank were easily the better side yesterday and when Riduan Nasir
sounded the board in the sixth minute, they grew in confidence and only
allowed Sapura the luxury of one penalty corner in the first half.
Maybank knew that they could not afford to give away too many penalty
corners because Sapura's S. Kuhan is a proven hand.
Maybank held on to the lead and the Sapura players, in their desperation
to score, started making some silly mistakes.
And in the 56th minute, Maybank increased the lead when Chairil Anwar
found himself all alone at the top of the semicircle. He went in
confidently and beat a defender before taking a backstick shot which
caught Sapura goalkeeper Nasihin Nubli off guard.
Sapura knew they were in trouble and pushed for penalty corners and were
rewarded with three in 58th, 59th and 60th minutes. Kuhan blew the first
two with high flicks but scored the third to inject some life into their
game.
That goal spurred Sapura and with two minutes to go, Kuhan sent a pass
to Jiwa Mohan who beat the onrushing maybank goalkeeper Khairil Anwar and
made a pass to Nishel Kumar who tucked in the equaliser.
To add drama to the match, Maybank won a penalty corner a few seconds
before the final horn blew but Sapura players disputed umpire Faithal
Hassan's decision.
Faithal stood his ground and when the situation became unruly with K.
Keevan Raj throwing his stick to the turf and challenging him, he took out
his yelow card and sent Keevan to the sin bin.
But in the end, K. Gobinathan of Maybank wasted the last chance to win
the match when his set-piece was stopped by Nasihin.
"Before the match started our plans were to collect four points this
weekend and we have reached our first target. Tomorrow (today) against
Bank Simpanan Nasional, we have to go for a win so that we will remain
within the top four to make the semifinals comfortably," said Sapura
manager Kenneth G. Pereira.
Today: Sapura v Bank Simpanan Nasional (National Hockey Stadium,
5.30pm), RAMD v Andersen Sports Club (Tun Razak Stadium, 5.30pm), Maybank
v Tenaga Nasional (KL Hockey Stadium, 6pm), Bumiputra-Commerce Bank v Navy
(KL Hockey Stadium, 8pm).
MAYBANK ..... 2 SAPURA ...... 2
JOLLY LADS... 3 NAVY .........1
(END)
SAPURA only wanted four points from the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) this
weekend and they managed to come from behind in the last 10 minutes of the
match to hold a gritty Maybank side at the KL Hockey Stadium yesterday.
Maybank were easily the better side yesterday and when Riduan Nasir
sounded the board in the sixth minute, they grew in confidence and only
allowed Sapura the luxury of one penalty corner in the first half.
Maybank knew that they could not afford to give away too many penalty
corners because Sapura's S. Kuhan is a proven hand.
Maybank held on to the lead and the Sapura players, in their desperation
to score, started making some silly mistakes.
And in the 56th minute, Maybank increased the lead when Chairil Anwar
found himself all alone at the top of the semicircle. He went in
confidently and beat a defender before taking a backstick shot which
caught Sapura goalkeeper Nasihin Nubli off guard.
Sapura knew they were in trouble and pushed for penalty corners and were
rewarded with three in 58th, 59th and 60th minutes. Kuhan blew the first
two with high flicks but scored the third to inject some life into their
game.
That goal spurred Sapura and with two minutes to go, Kuhan sent a pass
to Jiwa Mohan who beat the onrushing maybank goalkeeper Khairil Anwar and
made a pass to Nishel Kumar who tucked in the equaliser.
To add drama to the match, Maybank won a penalty corner a few seconds
before the final horn blew but Sapura players disputed umpire Faithal
Hassan's decision.
Faithal stood his ground and when the situation became unruly with K.
Keevan Raj throwing his stick to the turf and challenging him, he took out
his yelow card and sent Keevan to the sin bin.
But in the end, K. Gobinathan of Maybank wasted the last chance to win
the match when his set-piece was stopped by Nasihin.
"Before the match started our plans were to collect four points this
weekend and we have reached our first target. Tomorrow (today) against
Bank Simpanan Nasional, we have to go for a win so that we will remain
within the top four to make the semifinals comfortably," said Sapura
manager Kenneth G. Pereira.
Today: Sapura v Bank Simpanan Nasional (National Hockey Stadium,
5.30pm), RAMD v Andersen Sports Club (Tun Razak Stadium, 5.30pm), Maybank
v Tenaga Nasional (KL Hockey Stadium, 6pm), Bumiputra-Commerce Bank v Navy
(KL Hockey Stadium, 8pm).
MAYBANK ..... 2 SAPURA ...... 2
JOLLY LADS... 3 NAVY .........1
(END)
Noordin: I do not intend to join MHF
12/05/2002
Sunday chat
TAN Sri Noordin Hassan, president of the Kuala Lumpur HA has distanced
himself from rumours that he has been invited by Malaysian Hockey
Federation (MHF) president Sultan Azlan Shah back into the Federation.
TIMESPORT'S JUGJET SINGH spoke to him on Friday after he was called by
the Sultan to the Istana Perak in Kuala Lumpur as an independent observer
to an impromptu meeting among the MHF top guns.
Q: Would you consider joining MHF if there is an invitation?
A: No. I have no interest in holding any post in the MHF simply because
I am more than satisfied with what I am doing right now. The KLHA is where
I would like to serve hockey from.
Q: Why take such a drastic stand?
A: What can one man do in the MHF? Lets say, I am invited back into the
MHF and I accept it. There is the president, the deputy president, and
five vice presidents to convince before I can start on any project. So,
what if I receive no support from the majority? It will be a waste of
time, right?
So, it is better that I concentrate on the KLHA where I have a good
working relationship with my office bearers.
Q: Can you explain further?
A: I am not saying that there are no disagreements when we hold our
meetings. But I am a simple man who does not like to offend anybody, so I
listen to everyone and then throw the suggestion to the floor. If it gets
a good response, we carry it out. If not, we scrap it.
In that way, everyone is happy and they do their job with great
satisfaction and the end results are good.
Q: You have made your stand clear, but as a former vice president and
chairman of the competitions committe in MHF, do you have any suggestions
to solve or improve the current problems faced by the MHF?
A: Dulu (last time), MHF did not have that many competitions,
international Tours and matches. But times have changed and the
administrative side has been burdened with too much of work to do in a
short span of time.
So I suggest that the MHF start by hiring professional staff to run some
of their affairs. In that way, the volunteers in MHF can delegate some of
their duties to the paid staff and have more time to attend meetings and
other urgent matters.
Right now, everyone has too much in their hands and that is why the
administrative side is not working properly.
Q: Most of the states have been complaining that MHF does not lend them
any support, financially or otherwise in running their programmes. Is KLHA
in the same boat?
A: We do not receive anything. And neither are we asking for anything
from the parent body because all my committee members know their jobs
well. Also we are lucky because most of the big cooperations are based in
Kuala Lumpur and whenever we ask for financial help, Tenaga, Telekom,
Dewan Bandaraya, Sapura and a host of other sponsors have always
accommodated us.
The situation in other states might be more difficult, and maybe that is
why they have come out to voice their disatisfaction.
Q: Teams scramble to take part in the KLHA League which runs in four
divisions while none of the other states have a domestic league. What is
your receipe for success?
A: Again I credit luck. We are a small state so travelling to venues is
not a big problem. Also, most hockey players, once they reach a certain
age flock to Kuala Lumpur because of work or studies and they fall on our
laps.
We have had such encouraging response that sometimes, we have to turn
away a few teams because they do not meet a certain standard. We want to
maintain some credibility in the sport and only allow serious teams into
our fold.
Q: KLHA are now thinking about forming a schools league. Tell us about
your plans.
A: KLHA with help from the KL Schools Sports Council want to re-
introduce hockey to KL schools. Over the years, the game has somewhat
become diluted in our schools and the main reason is because the students
do not have many competitions to prepare for.
With the schools league, we want to provide them with one more
tournament to look forward to. KLHA and MSSKL have identified 19 schools
that are active in the sport and the matches are slated to begin sometime
in the middle of June, even if we do not get a favourable response from
the 19 schools in the beginning.
Q: Do you have any parting words for the MHF?
A: I have nothing to say to MHF because they know better, but for those
who love hockey my advice is to keep abrest of the changes in the game,
from rules to the playing pitch, so that they know how to handle
situations when it warrants change.
Even I cannot hold the KLHA president's post forever, and when the time
comes and a suitable replacement who can carry on our work comes forward,
I will gladly watch from the sidelines.
(END)
Sunday chat
TAN Sri Noordin Hassan, president of the Kuala Lumpur HA has distanced
himself from rumours that he has been invited by Malaysian Hockey
Federation (MHF) president Sultan Azlan Shah back into the Federation.
TIMESPORT'S JUGJET SINGH spoke to him on Friday after he was called by
the Sultan to the Istana Perak in Kuala Lumpur as an independent observer
to an impromptu meeting among the MHF top guns.
Q: Would you consider joining MHF if there is an invitation?
A: No. I have no interest in holding any post in the MHF simply because
I am more than satisfied with what I am doing right now. The KLHA is where
I would like to serve hockey from.
Q: Why take such a drastic stand?
A: What can one man do in the MHF? Lets say, I am invited back into the
MHF and I accept it. There is the president, the deputy president, and
five vice presidents to convince before I can start on any project. So,
what if I receive no support from the majority? It will be a waste of
time, right?
So, it is better that I concentrate on the KLHA where I have a good
working relationship with my office bearers.
Q: Can you explain further?
A: I am not saying that there are no disagreements when we hold our
meetings. But I am a simple man who does not like to offend anybody, so I
listen to everyone and then throw the suggestion to the floor. If it gets
a good response, we carry it out. If not, we scrap it.
In that way, everyone is happy and they do their job with great
satisfaction and the end results are good.
Q: You have made your stand clear, but as a former vice president and
chairman of the competitions committe in MHF, do you have any suggestions
to solve or improve the current problems faced by the MHF?
A: Dulu (last time), MHF did not have that many competitions,
international Tours and matches. But times have changed and the
administrative side has been burdened with too much of work to do in a
short span of time.
So I suggest that the MHF start by hiring professional staff to run some
of their affairs. In that way, the volunteers in MHF can delegate some of
their duties to the paid staff and have more time to attend meetings and
other urgent matters.
Right now, everyone has too much in their hands and that is why the
administrative side is not working properly.
Q: Most of the states have been complaining that MHF does not lend them
any support, financially or otherwise in running their programmes. Is KLHA
in the same boat?
A: We do not receive anything. And neither are we asking for anything
from the parent body because all my committee members know their jobs
well. Also we are lucky because most of the big cooperations are based in
Kuala Lumpur and whenever we ask for financial help, Tenaga, Telekom,
Dewan Bandaraya, Sapura and a host of other sponsors have always
accommodated us.
The situation in other states might be more difficult, and maybe that is
why they have come out to voice their disatisfaction.
Q: Teams scramble to take part in the KLHA League which runs in four
divisions while none of the other states have a domestic league. What is
your receipe for success?
A: Again I credit luck. We are a small state so travelling to venues is
not a big problem. Also, most hockey players, once they reach a certain
age flock to Kuala Lumpur because of work or studies and they fall on our
laps.
We have had such encouraging response that sometimes, we have to turn
away a few teams because they do not meet a certain standard. We want to
maintain some credibility in the sport and only allow serious teams into
our fold.
Q: KLHA are now thinking about forming a schools league. Tell us about
your plans.
A: KLHA with help from the KL Schools Sports Council want to re-
introduce hockey to KL schools. Over the years, the game has somewhat
become diluted in our schools and the main reason is because the students
do not have many competitions to prepare for.
With the schools league, we want to provide them with one more
tournament to look forward to. KLHA and MSSKL have identified 19 schools
that are active in the sport and the matches are slated to begin sometime
in the middle of June, even if we do not get a favourable response from
the 19 schools in the beginning.
Q: Do you have any parting words for the MHF?
A: I have nothing to say to MHF because they know better, but for those
who love hockey my advice is to keep abrest of the changes in the game,
from rules to the playing pitch, so that they know how to handle
situations when it warrants change.
Even I cannot hold the KLHA president's post forever, and when the time
comes and a suitable replacement who can carry on our work comes forward,
I will gladly watch from the sidelines.
(END)
Sultan Azlan summons top guns
11/05/2002
LOOKING for answers, Malaysian Hockey Federation president Sultan Azlan
Shah summoned his top officials to the Istana Perak in Kuala Lumpur
yesterday.
The meeting began at 10am. And when it ended two hours later the
surprise exit from the Istana doors was made by Kuala Lumpur HA president
Tan Sri Noordin Hassan who does not hold a single post in the MHF.
Noordin, the former secretary general of the Education Ministry,
relinquished his posts in the MHF, first by not standing for the vice
president's post in 1993 when he stated "work commitments", and then as
the head of the competitions committee.
KHLA is his only link with hockey, but by attending the meeting
yesterday, he has opened up avenues for speculation.
The others summoned by the Sultan were MHF deputy president Tan Sri P.
Alagendra, vice presidents Datuk Abdul Manap Ibrahim and Datuk Abdul Jalil
Abdul Majid, secretary S. Satgunam and tresurer S.Perampalam.
While Noordin and Manap were in high spirits after the meeting, Satgunam
and Perampalam were in a sombre mood.
Missing from the list were vice presidents Roy Rajasingham, Bustari
Yusuf, and Datuk Bashir Ahmad Majid.
When approached for comments, Satgunam said it was only a routine
meeting. "Nothing to say, because this is just a routine meeting," said
Satgunam before getting into his car and driving off.
It was reliably learnt that Sultan Azlan summoned members of the
executive committe to explain allegations raised by their vice president
Jalil and also their affiliates.
And the issues raised at the Istana were about when to hold the council
meeting and an extraordinary general meeting which will be followed by the
MHF elections.
But the probability of holding elections soon is definitely out of the
question because the MHF claims that they have to first balance their
Kuala Lumpur World Cup books.
It is believed that the elections, which are long overdue, will be
dragged into the third term of 2002.
Jalil started the ball rolling by saying that, the MHF have not held a
single council meeting for three years, while the competitions committe,
chaired by Jalil, has not met since September 2000 despite him providing
dates for it.
And eight hockey associations, led by Penang HA, have come out since to
say that the MHF have done litle to help hockey at their level.
The MHF sub-committees have also not been meeting regularly and the
latest attack on them was made by the nations No 1 umpire Amarjit Singh
who said that the Malaysian Hockey Federation Umpires Board has done
little over the years to upgrade and promote their members.
The MHF council members have chosen to remain mum over the issue.
Yesterday, it was also reliably learnt that the MHF sent a letter to the
Sports Commissioner Datuk Mahmat Zabri Min on May 8, to apologise for
delaying the BGM which was supposed to be held in December last year.
Among their list of reasons was the proximity of staging the Kuala
Lumpur World Cup.
The Commissioner, when contacted, said he has yet to see the letter: "I
have written three letters to the MHF asking them about the BGM since
August last year, but I did not receive a single reply from them.
"If it is true that the MHF have sent a letter to my office, then they
have done the right thing. I will have to look at it first before making a
statement," said Zabri.
The MHF elections were supposed to be held in December last year.
(END)
LOOKING for answers, Malaysian Hockey Federation president Sultan Azlan
Shah summoned his top officials to the Istana Perak in Kuala Lumpur
yesterday.
The meeting began at 10am. And when it ended two hours later the
surprise exit from the Istana doors was made by Kuala Lumpur HA president
Tan Sri Noordin Hassan who does not hold a single post in the MHF.
Noordin, the former secretary general of the Education Ministry,
relinquished his posts in the MHF, first by not standing for the vice
president's post in 1993 when he stated "work commitments", and then as
the head of the competitions committee.
KHLA is his only link with hockey, but by attending the meeting
yesterday, he has opened up avenues for speculation.
The others summoned by the Sultan were MHF deputy president Tan Sri P.
Alagendra, vice presidents Datuk Abdul Manap Ibrahim and Datuk Abdul Jalil
Abdul Majid, secretary S. Satgunam and tresurer S.Perampalam.
While Noordin and Manap were in high spirits after the meeting, Satgunam
and Perampalam were in a sombre mood.
Missing from the list were vice presidents Roy Rajasingham, Bustari
Yusuf, and Datuk Bashir Ahmad Majid.
When approached for comments, Satgunam said it was only a routine
meeting. "Nothing to say, because this is just a routine meeting," said
Satgunam before getting into his car and driving off.
It was reliably learnt that Sultan Azlan summoned members of the
executive committe to explain allegations raised by their vice president
Jalil and also their affiliates.
And the issues raised at the Istana were about when to hold the council
meeting and an extraordinary general meeting which will be followed by the
MHF elections.
But the probability of holding elections soon is definitely out of the
question because the MHF claims that they have to first balance their
Kuala Lumpur World Cup books.
It is believed that the elections, which are long overdue, will be
dragged into the third term of 2002.
Jalil started the ball rolling by saying that, the MHF have not held a
single council meeting for three years, while the competitions committe,
chaired by Jalil, has not met since September 2000 despite him providing
dates for it.
And eight hockey associations, led by Penang HA, have come out since to
say that the MHF have done litle to help hockey at their level.
The MHF sub-committees have also not been meeting regularly and the
latest attack on them was made by the nations No 1 umpire Amarjit Singh
who said that the Malaysian Hockey Federation Umpires Board has done
little over the years to upgrade and promote their members.
The MHF council members have chosen to remain mum over the issue.
Yesterday, it was also reliably learnt that the MHF sent a letter to the
Sports Commissioner Datuk Mahmat Zabri Min on May 8, to apologise for
delaying the BGM which was supposed to be held in December last year.
Among their list of reasons was the proximity of staging the Kuala
Lumpur World Cup.
The Commissioner, when contacted, said he has yet to see the letter: "I
have written three letters to the MHF asking them about the BGM since
August last year, but I did not receive a single reply from them.
"If it is true that the MHF have sent a letter to my office, then they
have done the right thing. I will have to look at it first before making a
statement," said Zabri.
The MHF elections were supposed to be held in December last year.
(END)
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