TOP OF THE WORLD....
FROM THE LOCAL CIRCUS....
MASSIVE HANGOVER...
DON'T DRINK IF YOU ARE DRIVING HOME, AND HOPEFULLY WE END UP WITH THE BUNCH ABOVE, AND NOT UNDER SOME CHAIR OR TABLE...
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
HAPPY NEW YEAR -- 2009!
TOP OF THE WORLD....FROM THE LOCAL CIRCUS....MASSIVE HANGOVER...DON'T DRINK IF YOU ARE DRIVING HOME, AND HOPEFULLY WE END UP WITH THE BUNCH ABOVE, AND NOT UNDER SOME CHAIR OR TABLE...
Dr Balbir ready to make changes
THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) newly-appointed coaching chairman Dr Balbir Singh is no stranger to the sport, and will be coming in with some sound plans to widen, and strengthen the coaching structure in the country.
He will hold his first meting on Jan 10, where his ideas will be discussed, and the viable ones put to work immediately.
The MHF council had first appointed Datuk Poon Fook Loke as the coaching chairman, but he declined because of work commitment.
“I have some ideas on how to improve the the coaching structure in the country, and also have a bigger pool of coaches at state level,” said De Balbir.
And among the changes is to require all coaches to keep a record of their players.
“We need a record of all our players, at the junior, senior and club levels so that a we know what we have in hand. The record will encompass physical, technical, tactical and psychological level of each player.
“With the record, we can then have a better plan and work on individual weakness to strengthen the entire team,” said Dr Balbir.
There was an attempt by the former MHF president, Tan Sri Anwar Mohd Nor, to have a report card for each national player, but somehow, it never took off.
“The data is easy to collect, with help from NSI (National Sports Institute), and once we have an electronic-based file system, working to improve the players performance will become easier.”
As for coaches, former coach Tai Beng Hai will officially start his duties on tomorrow, after Sarjit Singh’s contract expires today.
Beng Hai, who resigned early this year and went on to coach the national women’s team, has been recalled as an interim coach while the MHF hunt for a foreign coach.
“More coaching courses will be held because we need to strengthen the base at the state level. And once this is done, the coaches can start a concerted effort to nurture a bigger pool of players who have strong basics.
“More details will be revealed after my first meeting, but sufficient to say that, with help from states, we can start producing quality coaches as many ex-internationals have shown interest to help the sport.”
He will hold his first meting on Jan 10, where his ideas will be discussed, and the viable ones put to work immediately.
The MHF council had first appointed Datuk Poon Fook Loke as the coaching chairman, but he declined because of work commitment.
“I have some ideas on how to improve the the coaching structure in the country, and also have a bigger pool of coaches at state level,” said De Balbir.
And among the changes is to require all coaches to keep a record of their players.
“We need a record of all our players, at the junior, senior and club levels so that a we know what we have in hand. The record will encompass physical, technical, tactical and psychological level of each player.
“With the record, we can then have a better plan and work on individual weakness to strengthen the entire team,” said Dr Balbir.
There was an attempt by the former MHF president, Tan Sri Anwar Mohd Nor, to have a report card for each national player, but somehow, it never took off.
“The data is easy to collect, with help from NSI (National Sports Institute), and once we have an electronic-based file system, working to improve the players performance will become easier.”
As for coaches, former coach Tai Beng Hai will officially start his duties on tomorrow, after Sarjit Singh’s contract expires today.
Beng Hai, who resigned early this year and went on to coach the national women’s team, has been recalled as an interim coach while the MHF hunt for a foreign coach.
“More coaching courses will be held because we need to strengthen the base at the state level. And once this is done, the coaches can start a concerted effort to nurture a bigger pool of players who have strong basics.
“More details will be revealed after my first meeting, but sufficient to say that, with help from states, we can start producing quality coaches as many ex-internationals have shown interest to help the sport.”
Monday, December 29, 2008
Old La Sallians call for trials
OLD La Sallains Association of Klang (OLAK) hope to re-live their glory years, as they will be playing in their 15th Junior Hockey League (JHL) on Feb 6 with strong sponsorship backing.
OLAK are the only JHL team which has not missed a single season since it was incepted in 1995.
And they will be calling for and Open trial on Jan 3 and 4 at the Pandamaran Stadium in Klang.
OLAK have the distinction of winning the League title in 1997, 1998 and 1999 while their Overall title glory was achieved in 1998, 1999 and 2000.
“We have had some lean years after 2000, but we are working to make a greater impact this season. We have managed to secure strong sponsors, and hopefully have a good team after the selections are conducted,” said OLAK assistant team manager Philip Andrew de Silva.
Current national players Amin Rahim, Madzli Ikmar and national Juniors trainee Wong Khee Hon are some of OLAK’s products.
“We have some players who competed in the Selangor Under-18 with us, and are expecting players from Tereng ganu, Perak and Penang to attend our trials.”
Last season, OLAK finished fifth in Division One of the JHL, and for more information on the trials, call Philip at 019- 6491927 or 016-3037971.
OLAK are the only JHL team which has not missed a single season since it was incepted in 1995.
And they will be calling for and Open trial on Jan 3 and 4 at the Pandamaran Stadium in Klang.
OLAK have the distinction of winning the League title in 1997, 1998 and 1999 while their Overall title glory was achieved in 1998, 1999 and 2000.
“We have had some lean years after 2000, but we are working to make a greater impact this season. We have managed to secure strong sponsors, and hopefully have a good team after the selections are conducted,” said OLAK assistant team manager Philip Andrew de Silva.
Current national players Amin Rahim, Madzli Ikmar and national Juniors trainee Wong Khee Hon are some of OLAK’s products.
“We have some players who competed in the Selangor Under-18 with us, and are expecting players from Tereng ganu, Perak and Penang to attend our trials.”
Last season, OLAK finished fifth in Division One of the JHL, and for more information on the trials, call Philip at 019- 6491927 or 016-3037971.
New Year Bang for Juniors
THE NEW year will start with a bang for the National Juniors, as they will be involved in a Four-Nation tussle in the Australian Youth Olympics Festival Jan 14-18 in Sydney.
And they are expected to be tested to the limit because Junior World Cup runners-up Australia, India and Great Britain will also be using it to test their youth for the Junior World Cup, which Malaysia and Singapore will co-host on June 7-21, and will involve 20 teams playing in two groups.
The juniors, who took part in the Malaysia Hockey League, were far from impressive, and there is still much work to be done before one can call them an outfit.
Realising this, the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) have planned for a series of team-building sessions, and military training is also on the cards.
“The juniors will be involved in team-building sessions because right now, we (MHF) notice that they are still a loose outfit. Hopefully, once they undergo motivation sessions and military-style training, their understanding will be much better,” said MHF secretary Hashim Yusoff.
Fitness is still a problem, and chief coach K. Rajan will be helped by personal from the National Sports Institute (NSI) in this area.
“Rajan will receive help from NSI fitness trainers to get the boys in shape, and we also plan to hold a four-nation in March, at the tournament venue as a final test for both the teams and logistics as well as the artificial pitch in Johor,” said Hashim.
Hashim also said a joint meeting with Singapore will be held on Jan 10, where a clearer picture will emerge on what has been done, and what needs to be done to avoid hiccups in the tournament.
“The management committee has endorsed Tan Sri Anwar Mohd Nor (former MHF president) as the tournament chair man, and after January 10, we will finalise more details.:
The teams which have qualified for the World Cup are defending champions Argentina, Australia, South Africa, Egypt, Malaysia, Singapore, India, South Korea, Pakistan, Japan, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, England, Poland, Russia, Chile, US and New Zealand.
And the juniors will be involved in a few friendlies with a South Korean University side, after which they will head to Europe to play Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.
And they are expected to be tested to the limit because Junior World Cup runners-up Australia, India and Great Britain will also be using it to test their youth for the Junior World Cup, which Malaysia and Singapore will co-host on June 7-21, and will involve 20 teams playing in two groups.
The juniors, who took part in the Malaysia Hockey League, were far from impressive, and there is still much work to be done before one can call them an outfit.
Realising this, the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) have planned for a series of team-building sessions, and military training is also on the cards.
“The juniors will be involved in team-building sessions because right now, we (MHF) notice that they are still a loose outfit. Hopefully, once they undergo motivation sessions and military-style training, their understanding will be much better,” said MHF secretary Hashim Yusoff.
Fitness is still a problem, and chief coach K. Rajan will be helped by personal from the National Sports Institute (NSI) in this area.
“Rajan will receive help from NSI fitness trainers to get the boys in shape, and we also plan to hold a four-nation in March, at the tournament venue as a final test for both the teams and logistics as well as the artificial pitch in Johor,” said Hashim.
Hashim also said a joint meeting with Singapore will be held on Jan 10, where a clearer picture will emerge on what has been done, and what needs to be done to avoid hiccups in the tournament.
“The management committee has endorsed Tan Sri Anwar Mohd Nor (former MHF president) as the tournament chair man, and after January 10, we will finalise more details.:
The teams which have qualified for the World Cup are defending champions Argentina, Australia, South Africa, Egypt, Malaysia, Singapore, India, South Korea, Pakistan, Japan, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, England, Poland, Russia, Chile, US and New Zealand.
And the juniors will be involved in a few friendlies with a South Korean University side, after which they will head to Europe to play Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Juniors hold defending champs Tenaga
NATIONAL Juniors held TNB-Cup defending champions Tenaga Nasional to a 1-1 draw in the first leg, quarter-finals of the Malaysia Hockey League yesterday.
In the another qurter-finals, Ernst & Young blasted Royal Malay Regiment 12-0, while Sapura beat Jurulatih Jentera 5- 0, to virtually book their semi-finals tickets with a match in hand.
National juniors grabbed the bull by the horns in the first half, and were rewarded with a penalty stroke, which was slickly tucked in for a well derseved lead.
The clock showed five minutes remaining on the first half, when the juniors mounted a concerted effort and Izwan Firdaus took a slap shot at goal, but the ball hit Tenaga defender Amin Rahim's foot, and the umpire blew for a penalty stroke.
Nor Hafiq Ghaffar flicked in high to the left of National No 1 goalkeeper S. Kumar's right, and the Juniors were in the driving seat.
But the joy was shortlived, as Tenaga equalised right after the re-start. The Juniors were caught napping, and the ball reached Tajol Rosli, who scored the equaliser off a reverse stick attempt.
Jolted by the soft goal, Juniors started attacking in num bers, but poor finishing was the order of the day, and they even wasted the handful of penalty corners that came their way.
And the Juniors went into deeper misery when Izwan was flashed the yellow card, and they were reduced to a 10-man outfit with five minutes remaining.
But they held on grimly to the draw, and lived to fight on in the return leg.
RESULTS: Q-finals, 1st Leg: Ernst & Young 12 RMR 0, Tenaga Nasional 1 National Juniors 1, JLJ 0 Sapura 5.
Return Leg - Sunday: RMR v Ernst & Young (Tun Razak, 5pm), National Juniors v Tenaga Nasional (National Stadium, 5pm), Sapura v JLJ (KLHA Stadium, 5pm); Dec 13: Maybank v Nur Isnafi (Seremban II, 5pm).
Q-finals, 1st Leg: Dec 10: Nur Insafi v Maybank (Penang, 5pm).
In the another qurter-finals, Ernst & Young blasted Royal Malay Regiment 12-0, while Sapura beat Jurulatih Jentera 5- 0, to virtually book their semi-finals tickets with a match in hand.
National juniors grabbed the bull by the horns in the first half, and were rewarded with a penalty stroke, which was slickly tucked in for a well derseved lead.
The clock showed five minutes remaining on the first half, when the juniors mounted a concerted effort and Izwan Firdaus took a slap shot at goal, but the ball hit Tenaga defender Amin Rahim's foot, and the umpire blew for a penalty stroke.
Nor Hafiq Ghaffar flicked in high to the left of National No 1 goalkeeper S. Kumar's right, and the Juniors were in the driving seat.
But the joy was shortlived, as Tenaga equalised right after the re-start. The Juniors were caught napping, and the ball reached Tajol Rosli, who scored the equaliser off a reverse stick attempt.
Jolted by the soft goal, Juniors started attacking in num bers, but poor finishing was the order of the day, and they even wasted the handful of penalty corners that came their way.
And the Juniors went into deeper misery when Izwan was flashed the yellow card, and they were reduced to a 10-man outfit with five minutes remaining.
But they held on grimly to the draw, and lived to fight on in the return leg.
RESULTS: Q-finals, 1st Leg: Ernst & Young 12 RMR 0, Tenaga Nasional 1 National Juniors 1, JLJ 0 Sapura 5.
Return Leg - Sunday: RMR v Ernst & Young (Tun Razak, 5pm), National Juniors v Tenaga Nasional (National Stadium, 5pm), Sapura v JLJ (KLHA Stadium, 5pm); Dec 13: Maybank v Nur Isnafi (Seremban II, 5pm).
Q-finals, 1st Leg: Dec 10: Nur Insafi v Maybank (Penang, 5pm).
Ernst & Young playing to break jinx
ERNST & Young will start their quest for an elusive double in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) when they square off against Royal Malay Regimen in the first leg quarter-finals at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Ernst & Young, who won the League title comfortably, however, have not been lucky in their quest for the Overall title.
And team manager George Koshy feels the time is right to break their six-year jinx: “The team has been performing well in the League, and I feel we will finally land the elusive title this year.”
Ernst & Young have the distinction of playing in six Overall finals, and it was heart-break each time as they only have silver medals to show.
Their first final appearance was in 2001, and then they made the cut on five consecutive occasions from 2003.
The last two years were especially disappointing, as the gold medals slipped between their fingers on penalty strokes to Sapura and Tenaga Nasional.
As for National Juniors, coach K. Rajan is also optimistic of his charges.
“We lost 3-1 and then drew 2-2 in the League, and we will give Tenaga Nasional a good fight in the last-weight, with an eye to upset the defending champions.”
TODAY - Q-finals, 1st Leg: Ernst & Young v RMR (National Stadium, 8pm), Tenaga Nasional v National Juniors (KLHA Stadium, 8pm), JLJ v Sapura (Tun Razak Stadium, 8pm); Dec 10: Nur Insafi v Maybank (Penang, 5pm).
Return Leg - Sunday: RMR v Ernst & Young (Tun Razak, 5pm), National Juniors v Tenaga Nasional (National Stadium, 5pm), Sapura v JLJ (KLHA Stadium, 5pm); Dec 13: Maybank v Nur Isnafi (Seremban II, 5pm).
Ernst & Young, who won the League title comfortably, however, have not been lucky in their quest for the Overall title.
And team manager George Koshy feels the time is right to break their six-year jinx: “The team has been performing well in the League, and I feel we will finally land the elusive title this year.”
Ernst & Young have the distinction of playing in six Overall finals, and it was heart-break each time as they only have silver medals to show.
Their first final appearance was in 2001, and then they made the cut on five consecutive occasions from 2003.
The last two years were especially disappointing, as the gold medals slipped between their fingers on penalty strokes to Sapura and Tenaga Nasional.
As for National Juniors, coach K. Rajan is also optimistic of his charges.
“We lost 3-1 and then drew 2-2 in the League, and we will give Tenaga Nasional a good fight in the last-weight, with an eye to upset the defending champions.”
TODAY - Q-finals, 1st Leg: Ernst & Young v RMR (National Stadium, 8pm), Tenaga Nasional v National Juniors (KLHA Stadium, 8pm), JLJ v Sapura (Tun Razak Stadium, 8pm); Dec 10: Nur Insafi v Maybank (Penang, 5pm).
Return Leg - Sunday: RMR v Ernst & Young (Tun Razak, 5pm), National Juniors v Tenaga Nasional (National Stadium, 5pm), Sapura v JLJ (KLHA Stadium, 5pm); Dec 13: Maybank v Nur Isnafi (Seremban II, 5pm).
Lee to skippper MPGA salvage operation
Pic: Thomas Lee (second from left).WORK to salvage the sunken Malaysian Professional Golfers Association (MPGA) has already started, after the Sports Commissioner’s office appointed Thomas Lee as the skipper.
Lee, a former Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) president, and 10 other members of the MPGA Ad-Hock committee, were hand-pickled by Sports Commissioner Datuk Nik Mah mud Nik Yusof.
“We have been given the mandate by the Sports Com missioner’s office to look into issues that have been plaguing the MPGA, with specific form of reference to see what we can do to revive the association and help promote professional golf.
“But I would like to stress here, that we will not conduct a witch-hunt to see who is wrong and who is right. Our purpose is to develop a blueprint which which will elevate pro golf to the standard expected by the public and the golf industry,” said Lee.
The Ad-Hock committee was formed on Nov 19, after the MPGA was suspended by the Commissioner’s office.
A check with former MPGA secretary S. Selvakumar revealed that their appeal was rejected.
“We did appeal the suspension but received a letter which said that our appeal has been rejected,” said Selvakumar.
The Ad-Hock committee has been given five terms of reference by the Commissioner:
1. Look into the role and responsibilities of the MPga in relation to developing pro golf in Malaysia.
2. Amend the MPGA constitution to make it relevant with its role and responsibilities, and to re-study the by-laws.
3. Hold and Extraordinary General Meeting to endorse changes to the MPGA constitution and then hold an Annual General Meeting to appoint new office-bearers.
4. Look into the daily running of the MPGA.
5. To study other issues on how to strengthen the MPGA.
“We have been given five terms of reference, but the fourth, which states we have to look into the daily running of the MPGA is not relevant as it has been suspended,” said Lee.
When asked about the dead-line: “We have not set our selves a dead-line to complete our work, as there are many documents to look into. But sufficient to say, our work will be completed as soon as possible.”
The committee is made up of experienced hands in the industry, with even the General Manager of Saujana Golf and Country Club, John Eu, among its members.
AD-Hoc Committee Members: Thomas Lee, Zulkifli Ismail, Harris Zainal, Victor Lim, Firruz Jaffril, John Eu, Frankie Choo, M. Selvanaban, K. Rajendera, Nazamuddin Yusof and Mej (rtd) Richard Lian.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Final 'Sat Sri Akal' my friend...
Pic: Datuk Ho Koh Chye.OBITUARY
By Lazarus Rokk
(Former New Straits Times Sports Editor)
There are some people, outside of our family members, whom we wish will never pass on in this life. For me, it was Elvis Pressley, and George Best. And now, Dato Ho Koh Chye.
Even as I am writing this obituary, I can’t come to terms with the reality that he is gone, that I would never see him again, and that I would never be able to exchange ideas on Malaysian sport with this sports luminary and a great man.
When I was first told of his passing, my immediate reaction was to make calls to refute the story. I was hoping it was just a terrible rumour.
Like former New Straits Times sports columnist and Malay Mail editor Dato Fauzi Omar said, “Not Koh Chye la, not Koh Chye.” Exactly Fauzi, not Koh Chye.
Although Koh Chye – a devout catholic -- knew that the Lord would come like a thief in the night, Malaysians and Malaysian sport were not ready to have him “stolen” from us. Not just yet. He was just too invaluable to pass on so suddenly, and we were not ready to be left with this huge loss.
Another former sportswriter, Joe Carlos (Malay Mail), after receiving my forwarded text message on Koh Chye’s demise, said: “How can this happen, he is my candidate for sports minister.”
Well Joe, he was just about every sane and sensible sports critic, official, athlete, and fan’s candidate for sports minister. And nothing can be further from the truth, than the fact that Ho Koh Chye had the best credentials to lead Malaysian sport in that capacity.
But that sadly, was the only position that evaded him, though through no fault of his. For, this man had all but completed the cycle in sports, beginning as an Olympian, then a coach, a manager, official, an administrator, before closing his innings as chef de mission of the Beijing Olympics.
How many Malaysians do we know can boast of having such imposing credentials, and still remain humble after all that?
Koh Chye was the manifestation of humility. I had witnessed once, a national athlete waxing lyrical on himself in the presence of Koh Chye, when all he would have been in that golden era was a water boy.
But the man that Koh Chye was just looked at me and smiled. If that had been a rookie sportswriter who was bragging about his work, I know I would have put him in his place.
But I guess that’s what separates Koh Chye from the rest of us. In the 33 years I have known him, I haven’t heard him speak ill of anyone. He is your ambassador of peace and harmony.
It’s like what former Thomas Cup player James Selvaraj said: “Even if you are to complain about someone, he will try to calm you down, speak a few words of Tamil and make light of the situation.
“He is truly one of the nicest men I have ever met, and it’s sad that Malaysia is now one short of a great personality and a great man.”
And doesn’t this country need more Malaysians like him?
Coming from era when Malaysians grew up colour blind, Koh Chye was responsible for shaping the characters of many officials, irrespective of their creed or colour.
One such person who has always acknowledged and appreciated this trait is Datuk Zolkples Embong, the current director-general of the National Sports Council
“I’ve not only lost a very good sports officer, but also a very good friend. He is always there whenever I need his help. When I joined NSC, I was placed under his charge and Koh Chye taught me everything I know.
“So, you could say he is partly responsible for what I am today.”
I can relate to that because I’ve been in that place too. I remember when I was in The Star in 1975, I tagged along my senior George Das on the hockey beat. It was the best time to start as it was the Wold Cup in Kuala Lumpur and Koh Chye was the coach.
As a rookie, I was naturally intimidated by the task, as George has already given me a full brief on Koh Chye, basically his CV. But God bless is soul, he made me feel so comfortable and important.
I still remember how he had broken the ice with me, when he said as I approached him: “When I saw you walking across the field (no artificial turfs then), I thought you were A. Francis.”
Francis was that charismatic fullback in the 1975 World Cup squad who sported a Jason King moustache which I had then too, like just about every Indian then.
But the remark took away all my fears and from then on I endeared myself to the man. Though I may not have played golf with him (I don’t golf), but we always kept in touch, even after I had resigned from the New Straits Times.
When I was a columnist in the NST, sometimes I would seek him out just to get a differing opinion, especially when I was in a confrontational mood. He used to show me how we could find solutions or get a point across without being antagonistic. I guess I didn’t learn.
Ho Koh Chye was a diplomat. He was Mr Nice Guy, though he knew when to be firm. He believed in what the Malays would say, the “cara manis” way. He had the gift to get an adverse comment across without hurting the feelings of the other person. And this is what has endeared him to all those who have come in contact with him.
I guess he was the kind of person when he told you to go to hell, you would think it was for your own good.
George, who probably knew him longer than any living journalist, past or present, is another person who is struggling to come to terms with his passing.
“I can’t believe he is gone, in fact I don’t want to believe he is gone.
“Apart from being a good friend, he was one of the best hockey strategists in the world. I admired him as a goalkeeper, a players’ coach, and a rare breed among the Malaysian sports icons.”
I regret that I wasn’t born earlier to have watched him in action between the posts. I am often told of this story when Koh Chye, who also plays football, once did the spontaneous thing by heading a hockey ball that came across the face of his goalmouth.
That’s courage for a man, who not only battled his opponents on the pitch but also life’s greatest tribulations. He was the family’s source of strength when his only son Ian was diagnosed with leukaemia.
I remember in all his conversations with me on that plight, he never once asked God “why my son.” Instead, it was during that period that he became closer to God. It was the family’s combined faith in God that Ian is in complete remission today.
But alas, God had other plans for our friend Ho Koh Chye. May God always keep your soul my dear friend.
Farewell Ivan Ho.
FACT-FILE
Datuk Ho Koh Chye
Date of birth: Nov 5, 1942.
Place of birth: Seremban.
Family: Seventh among nine children. Married to Datin Lee Siew Chan, two children.
Career: Teacher at King George V School in Seremban until 1974, seconded to Sports Ministry and later, the National Sports Council, Retired as Director of International Prepa ration Division, NSC, in 1992.
Appointed Executive Director of the newly-formed SportExcel and served until 1996.
Consultant to the Johor Government for sports devel opment, joint chef-de-mission of the 2003 Vietnam Sea Games.
Vice-president of the Malaysian Olympian Association (MOA) and member of the Asiacomm 2006 project technical committee.
Chef-de-mission for the Beijing Olympics, and recently appointed into the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) Wawasan Committee.
Sporting achievements: Hockey international from 1960 to 1968. Competed in the Asian Games (1962 Jakarta, 1966 Bangkok) and Olympics (1964 Tokyo, 1968 Mexico).
Coaching career: National coach for the World Cups in Amsterdam ‘73, Kuala Lumpur ‘75, and Buenos Aires ‘78.
Monday, December 1, 2008
MHF starts back-packing to 2012 London
THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) will embark into new territory when delegates attend a seminar, themed ‘Where We Are Heading’, at a leading hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 15-16.
Organised for the first time in the history of the MHF, the chairmen of various committees like coaching, development and others, will present working papers on what they will be doing, or hope to achieve for the next two years.
“Our president (Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah) has asked for feedback from the various committees and the chairmen will present them at the two-day seminar,” said MHF secretary Hashim Yusoff.
“We will compile all the feed back, and the feasible ones will be endorsed by the council.”
Previously, the MHF ran on an ad hoc basis, where the chairmen of committees present their plans to the council, but many never take root due to poor implementation.
“Tengku Abdullah had also said that we should plan to make an impact by the 2012 (London Olympics), and after the chairmen have presented their plans, they will be monitored to make sure the paperwork is not left in a corner to collect dust,” added Hashim.
There are 15 committees in the MHF which include the newly formed Consultative and Wawasan Committees. Some of the of others are coaching, development, umpires, competition, selection, finance, discipline and welfare.
The finance committee will carry a heavy burden, as the MHF is currently in debt and with the Junior World Cup next year, it needs to get cracking right after the seminar.
Meanwhile, the first Asia indoor hockey tournament will be held at the Indra Mulia Stadium in Ipoh on Dec 10-15.
Named as the Azlan Shah Cup, the tournament will see Japan, Pakistan, South Korea, Singapore, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Hong Kong, Iran and many other countries competing.
Also, the seven-team 18th Azlan Shah Cup will be held from April 23 to May 2 next year at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh.
Malaysia will invite defending champions Argentina, Pakistan, India, Canada, Belgium and England. The reserves will be New Zealand, South Korea, China and South Africa.
Organised for the first time in the history of the MHF, the chairmen of various committees like coaching, development and others, will present working papers on what they will be doing, or hope to achieve for the next two years.
“Our president (Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah) has asked for feedback from the various committees and the chairmen will present them at the two-day seminar,” said MHF secretary Hashim Yusoff.
“We will compile all the feed back, and the feasible ones will be endorsed by the council.”
Previously, the MHF ran on an ad hoc basis, where the chairmen of committees present their plans to the council, but many never take root due to poor implementation.
“Tengku Abdullah had also said that we should plan to make an impact by the 2012 (London Olympics), and after the chairmen have presented their plans, they will be monitored to make sure the paperwork is not left in a corner to collect dust,” added Hashim.
There are 15 committees in the MHF which include the newly formed Consultative and Wawasan Committees. Some of the of others are coaching, development, umpires, competition, selection, finance, discipline and welfare.
The finance committee will carry a heavy burden, as the MHF is currently in debt and with the Junior World Cup next year, it needs to get cracking right after the seminar.
Meanwhile, the first Asia indoor hockey tournament will be held at the Indra Mulia Stadium in Ipoh on Dec 10-15.
Named as the Azlan Shah Cup, the tournament will see Japan, Pakistan, South Korea, Singapore, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Hong Kong, Iran and many other countries competing.
Also, the seven-team 18th Azlan Shah Cup will be held from April 23 to May 2 next year at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh.
Malaysia will invite defending champions Argentina, Pakistan, India, Canada, Belgium and England. The reserves will be New Zealand, South Korea, China and South Africa.
Saujana and KDU start pioneer studies
SAUJANA Golf and Country Club yesterday signed a Mem orandum of Understanding with KDU College to develop an educational and practical training programme in Golf Course Management.
A first in the country, the six-month certificate course is expected to ‘tee-off’ by the middle of next year.
“We will start with a certificate programme, and expand it to a degree course soon. This is a pioneer programme, and with help from Saujana, which has an excellent background and experience in golf, hospitality and the tourism business, we are confident the course will receive a good response from students in the country, and also abroad,” said KDU CEO Dr Chia Chee Fen.
Saujana Resorts (M) Bhd, which owns and runs the country’s premier golf course, also signed on La Trobe University of Australia to train professionals for the more than 200 golf courses in Malaysia.
“The increasing interest in the sport has created tremen dous opportunities in the golf, hospitality and tourism in dustry. This has pushed the demand for qualified pro fessionals, and with help from KDU and La Trobe, we aim to have a bigger pool of professionals in the near future,” said Saujana Resorts General Manager John Eu.
A first in the country, the six-month certificate course is expected to ‘tee-off’ by the middle of next year.
“We will start with a certificate programme, and expand it to a degree course soon. This is a pioneer programme, and with help from Saujana, which has an excellent background and experience in golf, hospitality and the tourism business, we are confident the course will receive a good response from students in the country, and also abroad,” said KDU CEO Dr Chia Chee Fen.
Saujana Resorts (M) Bhd, which owns and runs the country’s premier golf course, also signed on La Trobe University of Australia to train professionals for the more than 200 golf courses in Malaysia.
“The increasing interest in the sport has created tremen dous opportunities in the golf, hospitality and tourism in dustry. This has pushed the demand for qualified pro fessionals, and with help from KDU and La Trobe, we aim to have a bigger pool of professionals in the near future,” said Saujana Resorts General Manager John Eu.
Pretty girls with beautiful hearts
They're hitting the catwalks at Parkside Collegiate Institute on Wednesday.But it's all for a good cause as the Parkside field hockey team presents its seventh annual fashion show.
Kicking off at 7 p.m., more than 25 models -- including 15 girls from the field hockey team and eight teaches, among others -- will take to a runway set up in the school's centre court. There, in a two-hour show, they'll show off the latest fashions from Durkee's in Aylmer.
"It's an annual thing we do and it's a lot of fun. We hope that people will come out and support us," said Sarah Hiepleh, one of the team's captains. She noted every year, the squad teams up with different shops in the St. Thomas-Elgin area for fashions.
On top of a series of formal dresses, Hiepleh explained, they'll have casual wear and other outfits.
But they've got other supporters as well.
"We have moms coming in to do our hair, so we have formal up-dos and more casual things. We also have little brothers and sisters come in to help us. And men teachers come in to participate as well."
Besides supporting the team, money is also destined for a local charity.
"We've supported Big Brothers and Big Sisters (of St. Thomas-Elgin). This time we're (supporting) Christmas Care."
Hiepleh estimated $1,500 was raised last year. This time around, the squad is hoping to raise $2,000.
Tickets for the show are available from team members, at the door or by contacting the PCI office at 519-633-0090.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Azmi seconds Koshy suggestion
MALAYSIAN Hockey Federation (MHF) deputy president Nur Azmi Ahmad welcomes Ernst & Young team manager George Koshy’s stand on helping new clubs, instead of established ones, to widen the base in Malaysia.
MHF president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah had said that at least five Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) teams will be in for a windfall, as plans are afoot to give them money, clubhouses complete with artificial pitches, and in return they are supposed to start grassroots development.
But Ernst & Young, a strong supporter of hockey, and recently crowned as the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) League champions, feel that clubs with strong backing should be left out of the proposal.
Koshy had said that it would be too time consuming, and costly to build clubhouses and lay artificial pitches, so instead, the MHF should help clubs like Kelab Aman, Royal Selangor Club and other clubs who already have the fa cilities.
“I am also of the same opinion, as some clubs in the Klang Valley and also in other states, not only have existing facilities, but also many ex-internationals as their mem bers.
“So, I will bring it up with the council, as I also strongly feel that it will be easier to start with clubs that already have a home-ground, than start from scratch,” said Azmi.
Azmi, who had played in the MHL in the mid-80s, would like to see the tournament regain its glory days.
“Back when I was playing in the MHL, there were at least 10 quality teams who could challenge for the title, including the Royal Malay Regiment (RMR).
“But sadly, today, RMR are playing in Division Two, while Ernst & Young were hardly challenged to the League title.
“And I believe, if we start helping new clubs, the MHL can be saved and turned into a thriving league again,” said Azmi.
MHF president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah had said that at least five Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) teams will be in for a windfall, as plans are afoot to give them money, clubhouses complete with artificial pitches, and in return they are supposed to start grassroots development.
But Ernst & Young, a strong supporter of hockey, and recently crowned as the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) League champions, feel that clubs with strong backing should be left out of the proposal.
Koshy had said that it would be too time consuming, and costly to build clubhouses and lay artificial pitches, so instead, the MHF should help clubs like Kelab Aman, Royal Selangor Club and other clubs who already have the fa cilities.
“I am also of the same opinion, as some clubs in the Klang Valley and also in other states, not only have existing facilities, but also many ex-internationals as their mem bers.
“So, I will bring it up with the council, as I also strongly feel that it will be easier to start with clubs that already have a home-ground, than start from scratch,” said Azmi.
Azmi, who had played in the MHL in the mid-80s, would like to see the tournament regain its glory days.
“Back when I was playing in the MHL, there were at least 10 quality teams who could challenge for the title, including the Royal Malay Regiment (RMR).
“But sadly, today, RMR are playing in Division Two, while Ernst & Young were hardly challenged to the League title.
“And I believe, if we start helping new clubs, the MHL can be saved and turned into a thriving league again,” said Azmi.
Spaniard Negre topples Els
SPANIARD Leandro Negre (pic) was elected as the new President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) after he beat incumbent Els van Breda Vriesman of the Netherlands during the FIH Congress in Los Angeles, USA on Saturday.
Negre will helm the world body for four years, after he received the mandate from a total 89 National Associations who were present at the FIH Congress.
Negre, who is also the President of the European Hockey Federation, was delighted with the result: “I am very happy to be elected and I would like to thank the National Associations for voting for me. And I would also like to appoint Els as the Honorary President of the FIH, as she has been actively promoting the sport since 2001.”
During the Congress, FIH also welcomed five new National Associations: Mongolia, Qatar, Togo, Vanuatu and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Now, the number of FIH Member Countries stands at 127.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
National Press Club Gala Dinner
Pic: Having her fortune told by a Bird!The National Press Club of Malaysia, of which this blogger is the Secretary General, had some fun with sponsors on 28/11/08 at the Petaling Jaya Hilton. The pictures below speak for themselves, even Elvis the Pelvis attended!
The New Straits Times Futsal champions, walked way with RM3,000 cash!
National Press Club vice-president Joe Fernando, also fondly known as JoeKuda.
VVIP's at the main table, waiting for Godot!
National Press Club president Mokhtar Hussin.
With amber liquids in their stomachs, this group had great fun.
Journalists and guests having their Palm-lines read. Good or bad, got to work tomorrow...
Futsal champions planning to play in the World Cup next.
Pretty! Pretty! But pity they are guys!
Big sponsors in small talk.
Energetic like men!
Wanna share the joke?
Elvis showed up, and the crowd went wild....
Ranch-hands rode in on their horses, right to the doorsteps of the Hilton.
Elvis is alive! Elvis is Alive!
NST Journalists with National Press Club manager Stephen Francis (right).
Here is more proof Elvis is alive...
Dog-gone-it, he just refuses to fade away....
The New Straits Times men and women's Futsal champions high in spirits....
Welcome, guests mingling before the function.
Rajan will leave sentiments at home
AFTER 10 years of siting on the Tenaga Nasional bench, National Juniors coach K. Rajan is now plotting for their downfall in the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) which starts on Dec 5.
And he will not allow sentiments to get the better of him.
“There is no question of sentiments creeping in, as I will be planning for a win, and it is not impossible judging from our League encounters,” said Rajan.
In the League, National Juniors lost 3-1, and drew 2-2 in the return leg.
“Tenaga have a solid defence, but their forward line has been severely hit after Selva (S. Selvaraju) pulled a ham string.
“However, it will not be an easy encounter as Tenaga, even with retired internationals, have always proven to be deadly in the knock-out stages,” said Rajan.
Rajan knows the Tenaga players like the back of his hands, and Tenaga proved their mettle last season when they limped into the final, but beat Ernst & Young on penalty strokes in the final.
“It will be experience (Tenaga) versus fitness, and since we will be playing in a two-leg format, we will have to go all out in the first match, as Tenaga are masters of upset in the return leg,” said Rajan.
The National Juniors are preparing for the Junior World Cup next year, and the MHL is a selection of sorts, as Rajan plans to trim his squad of 30 by January.
“The boys know the score, those who do not perform in the MHL will be axed by January, so they better give their best in the knock-out stages.”
QUARTER-FINALS -- Dec 5: Ernst & Young v Royal Malay Regiment (National Stadium), National Juniors v Tenaga Nasional (National Stadium), JLJ v Sapura (Tun Razak Stadium); Dec 10: Nur Insafi v Maybank (Penang).
RETURN LEG -- Dec 7: Royal Malay Regiment v Ernst & Young (Tun Razak), Tenaga Nasional v National Juniors (KLHA), Sapura v JLJ (KLHA); Dec 13: Maybank v Nur Isnafi (Seremban II).
And he will not allow sentiments to get the better of him.
“There is no question of sentiments creeping in, as I will be planning for a win, and it is not impossible judging from our League encounters,” said Rajan.
In the League, National Juniors lost 3-1, and drew 2-2 in the return leg.
“Tenaga have a solid defence, but their forward line has been severely hit after Selva (S. Selvaraju) pulled a ham string.
“However, it will not be an easy encounter as Tenaga, even with retired internationals, have always proven to be deadly in the knock-out stages,” said Rajan.
Rajan knows the Tenaga players like the back of his hands, and Tenaga proved their mettle last season when they limped into the final, but beat Ernst & Young on penalty strokes in the final.
“It will be experience (Tenaga) versus fitness, and since we will be playing in a two-leg format, we will have to go all out in the first match, as Tenaga are masters of upset in the return leg,” said Rajan.
The National Juniors are preparing for the Junior World Cup next year, and the MHL is a selection of sorts, as Rajan plans to trim his squad of 30 by January.
“The boys know the score, those who do not perform in the MHL will be axed by January, so they better give their best in the knock-out stages.”
QUARTER-FINALS -- Dec 5: Ernst & Young v Royal Malay Regiment (National Stadium), National Juniors v Tenaga Nasional (National Stadium), JLJ v Sapura (Tun Razak Stadium); Dec 10: Nur Insafi v Maybank (Penang).
RETURN LEG -- Dec 7: Royal Malay Regiment v Ernst & Young (Tun Razak), Tenaga Nasional v National Juniors (KLHA), Sapura v JLJ (KLHA); Dec 13: Maybank v Nur Isnafi (Seremban II).
Friday, November 28, 2008
Koshy: Leave top clubs out of plan
ERNST & Young team manager George Koshy welcomes the move by Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) to help revive the club structure in Malaysia, but with a different twist.
MHF president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah had said that at least five Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) teams will be in for a windfall, as plans are afoot to give them money, clubhouses complete with artificial pitches, and in return they are supposed to start grassroots development.
Koshy, who is also the Kuala Lumpur HA president, supports the idea, but feels MHL teams must not be the target group.
“Four teams in the MHL have their own strong corporate sponsors, and so I feel they should be left alone as com plications might arise if the MHF starts to fund, or provide a clubhouse for them.
“They have their own corporate image, and respon sibilities, and many issues need to be ironed out before the project can be launched.
“The idea is good, but it will take a long time to, say, build a clubhouse and lay the artificial pitches. Not to mention the high cost.
“So, I feel it would be better is MHF start with clubs which already have a home-ground, and playing fields like Kelab Aman, Royal Selangor Club, and other clubs in different states.
“These clubs also have many ex-internationals as mem bers, and if the MHF support them further, I am sure hockey will mushroom with parental support,” said Koshy.
In the MHL, Ernst & Young, Tenaga Nasional, Sapura and Maybank have solid backing and are able to fend for themselves, but the same cant be said about teams in Division Two.
And the cost to play in the MHL?
“It is a corporate secret, but I can safely say that it costs more than an arm and a leg, especially since we have hired the best players in the country,” said Koshy.
Royal Selangor Club and Kelab Aman have a strong hockey tradition, but funding and coaching has always been a major problem.
“I am sure that if the MHF sponsors established clubs, it will not only cost less, but the country will also have a bigger pool of player in a short span,” said Koshy.
MHF president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah had said that at least five Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) teams will be in for a windfall, as plans are afoot to give them money, clubhouses complete with artificial pitches, and in return they are supposed to start grassroots development.
Koshy, who is also the Kuala Lumpur HA president, supports the idea, but feels MHL teams must not be the target group.
“Four teams in the MHL have their own strong corporate sponsors, and so I feel they should be left alone as com plications might arise if the MHF starts to fund, or provide a clubhouse for them.
“They have their own corporate image, and respon sibilities, and many issues need to be ironed out before the project can be launched.
“The idea is good, but it will take a long time to, say, build a clubhouse and lay the artificial pitches. Not to mention the high cost.
“So, I feel it would be better is MHF start with clubs which already have a home-ground, and playing fields like Kelab Aman, Royal Selangor Club, and other clubs in different states.
“These clubs also have many ex-internationals as mem bers, and if the MHF support them further, I am sure hockey will mushroom with parental support,” said Koshy.
In the MHL, Ernst & Young, Tenaga Nasional, Sapura and Maybank have solid backing and are able to fend for themselves, but the same cant be said about teams in Division Two.
And the cost to play in the MHL?
“It is a corporate secret, but I can safely say that it costs more than an arm and a leg, especially since we have hired the best players in the country,” said Koshy.
Royal Selangor Club and Kelab Aman have a strong hockey tradition, but funding and coaching has always been a major problem.
“I am sure that if the MHF sponsors established clubs, it will not only cost less, but the country will also have a bigger pool of player in a short span,” said Koshy.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
It's now of never for E&Y
ERNST & Young team manager George Koshy summed up his team’s chances in the Malaysia Hockey League TNB Cup by saying “It’s now or never.”
The League champions, who won all nine matches com fortably, not only have 12 national players in their fold, but also received a kind draw in the quarter-finals on Dec 5.
Ernst & Young will be playing Division Two runners-up Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD) and it is expected to be a walk in the park, and even in the semi-finals, they only have to contend with wither Nur Isnafi, or Maybank.
Division One runners-up Sapura will have a tougher path, as they meet dark horses Jurulatih dan Jentera (JLJ), aptly nicknamed Lightning Hose, who are the Division Two cham pions.
“We have been bridesmaid for far too long, and with the present batch of players, and a kind draw, we are knocking on the doors of our first Overall (TNB Cup) title,” said Koshy.
Ernst & Young have the distinction of playing in six Overall finals, and it was heart-break each time as they only have silver medals to show.
Their first final appearance was in 2001, and then they made the cut on five consecutive occasions from 2003.
The last two years were especially disappointing, as the gold medals slipped between their fingers on penalty strokes to Sapura and Tenaga Nasional.
“Basically we have the same players from last year, with only two changes. But with the National Juniors playing as a team this season, the other Division One teams are a little ‘diluted’ as they had to source for more experienced players,” said George.
QUARTER-FINALS -- Dec 5: Ernst & Young v Royal Malay Regiment (National Stadium), National Juniors v Tenaga Nasional (National Stadium), JLJ v Sapura (Tun Razak Stadium); Dec 10: Nur Insafi v Maybank (Penang).
RETURN LEG -- Dec 7: Royal Malay Regiment v Ernst & Young (Tun Razak), Tenaga Nasional v National Juniors (KLHA), Sapura v JLJ (KLHA); Dec 13: Maybank v Nur Isnafi (Seremban II).
The League champions, who won all nine matches com fortably, not only have 12 national players in their fold, but also received a kind draw in the quarter-finals on Dec 5.
Ernst & Young will be playing Division Two runners-up Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD) and it is expected to be a walk in the park, and even in the semi-finals, they only have to contend with wither Nur Isnafi, or Maybank.
Division One runners-up Sapura will have a tougher path, as they meet dark horses Jurulatih dan Jentera (JLJ), aptly nicknamed Lightning Hose, who are the Division Two cham pions.
“We have been bridesmaid for far too long, and with the present batch of players, and a kind draw, we are knocking on the doors of our first Overall (TNB Cup) title,” said Koshy.
Ernst & Young have the distinction of playing in six Overall finals, and it was heart-break each time as they only have silver medals to show.
Their first final appearance was in 2001, and then they made the cut on five consecutive occasions from 2003.
The last two years were especially disappointing, as the gold medals slipped between their fingers on penalty strokes to Sapura and Tenaga Nasional.
“Basically we have the same players from last year, with only two changes. But with the National Juniors playing as a team this season, the other Division One teams are a little ‘diluted’ as they had to source for more experienced players,” said George.
QUARTER-FINALS -- Dec 5: Ernst & Young v Royal Malay Regiment (National Stadium), National Juniors v Tenaga Nasional (National Stadium), JLJ v Sapura (Tun Razak Stadium); Dec 10: Nur Insafi v Maybank (Penang).
RETURN LEG -- Dec 7: Royal Malay Regiment v Ernst & Young (Tun Razak), Tenaga Nasional v National Juniors (KLHA), Sapura v JLJ (KLHA); Dec 13: Maybank v Nur Isnafi (Seremban II).
JLJ out for upset, then walkover...
DIVISION TWO champions Jurulatih dan Jentera (JLJ) will be banking on their 19-year-old penalty corner flicker to do the damage against Sapura in the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Hockey League on Dec 5.
But the irony is that, even if they advance to the semi-finals, JLJ will give a walk-over.
“We will give our best in the quarter-finals, with an eye to upset Sapura, but after that, we have a prior arrangement to play in Brunei on Dec 21, which clashes with the semi- finals.
“Even if we advance, we will have to give a walkover,” said JLJ coach Kamaruddin Misman.
Their exciting flicker is Shafiq Yaakob, who has scored 10 goals in eight matches. JLJ also have the distinction of scoring 24 goals, and only conceding nine.
“We were playing at a different level (Division Two), so it will be interesting to see how my boys stand up against the runners-up of Division One (Sapura),” said Kamaruddin.
The coach has been training his charges, with an average age of 25, for the past six months. JLJ were also the champions of the Armed Forces games last month.
“Shafiq has a powerful flick, and his placing is also intelligent. And now he will get a chance to pit his skills against an established goalkeeper (former international Nasihin Nubli).
“My defense has also proven to be solid, but then, we were playing against our peers. I know we will be tested to the limit, but my team is not afraid, instead, they are eager to play in the last eight,” said Kamaruddin.
But the irony is that, even if they advance to the semi-finals, JLJ will give a walk-over.
“We will give our best in the quarter-finals, with an eye to upset Sapura, but after that, we have a prior arrangement to play in Brunei on Dec 21, which clashes with the semi- finals.
“Even if we advance, we will have to give a walkover,” said JLJ coach Kamaruddin Misman.
Their exciting flicker is Shafiq Yaakob, who has scored 10 goals in eight matches. JLJ also have the distinction of scoring 24 goals, and only conceding nine.
“We were playing at a different level (Division Two), so it will be interesting to see how my boys stand up against the runners-up of Division One (Sapura),” said Kamaruddin.
The coach has been training his charges, with an average age of 25, for the past six months. JLJ were also the champions of the Armed Forces games last month.
“Shafiq has a powerful flick, and his placing is also intelligent. And now he will get a chance to pit his skills against an established goalkeeper (former international Nasihin Nubli).
“My defense has also proven to be solid, but then, we were playing against our peers. I know we will be tested to the limit, but my team is not afraid, instead, they are eager to play in the last eight,” said Kamaruddin.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Junior World Cup Qualifier in Seremban
SEREMBAN, Nov 24 (Bernama) — Nine countries will do battle in the 5th Asian Women’s Junior Hockey Championship to be held at the Tan Sri Dr Mohd Said Sports Complex in Seremban II here from Dec 13 till 21.
Malaysian Women’s Hockey Association Raja Puan Sri Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah said the top three finishers will qualify for next year’s Women’s Junior World Cup that will be held in Boston, United States in June.
“China, Japan, South Korea and India are the top teams but we will do our best to qualify for Boston,” she told reporters at the pre-launch of the tournament here today.
At the pre-launch, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan handed over the challenge trophy to Noora Ashikin.
In Group A are China, Japan Thailand, Pakistan and hosts Malaysia while Group B is made up of South Korea, India, Singapore and Chinese Taipei.
Malaysia are ranked fifth in Asia behind South Korea, China, Japan and India and 25th in the world.
Malaysian Women’s Hockey Association Raja Puan Sri Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah said the top three finishers will qualify for next year’s Women’s Junior World Cup that will be held in Boston, United States in June.
“China, Japan, South Korea and India are the top teams but we will do our best to qualify for Boston,” she told reporters at the pre-launch of the tournament here today.
At the pre-launch, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan handed over the challenge trophy to Noora Ashikin.
In Group A are China, Japan Thailand, Pakistan and hosts Malaysia while Group B is made up of South Korea, India, Singapore and Chinese Taipei.
Malaysia are ranked fifth in Asia behind South Korea, China, Japan and India and 25th in the world.
Youth Olympics test
THE National Juniors will be involved in a four-nation tournament at the Australian Youth Olympics on Jan 14-18, which will give coach K. Rajan a good indication on how his charges have progressed.
Also involved in the tournament to be played in Sydney and which could be Malaysia’s last before the Junior World Cup in June, are former Junior World Cup silver medallists Australia, New Zealand and Britain.
“The team have progressed well by playing in the MHL (Malaysia Hockey League), and although I am happy with their work rate, I am worried about the defenders,” said Rajan.
The Junior World Cup, which Malaysia and Singapore will co-host, will be held on June 7-21 and will involve 20 teams playing in two groups.
The teams which have qualified are defending champions Argentina, Australia, South Africa, Egypt, Malaysia, Singapore, India, South Korea, Pakistan, Japan, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, England, Poland, Russia, Chile, US and New Zealand.
And with only about seven months left to the main event, the Juniors have a poor record in the MHL having scored just 13 goals and letting in a massive 34 in nine matches.
“We are doing quite well up front, but too many soft goals were let in during the nine matches. I will be working on this until the Youth Olympics where I will get to see how they have progressed,” said Rajan.
There are a few more friendlies lined up with a South Korean University after the Youth Olympics but friendlies are not a good yardstick.
“After playing against the University team, we will head to Europe to play Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. And once the World Cup facilities are ready (by April), the team will start training at the tournament venue, and play any friendly that comes our way there,” added Rajan.
Rajan’s 35-member training squad will be trimmed in January as preparations enter the next stage.
Also involved in the tournament to be played in Sydney and which could be Malaysia’s last before the Junior World Cup in June, are former Junior World Cup silver medallists Australia, New Zealand and Britain.
“The team have progressed well by playing in the MHL (Malaysia Hockey League), and although I am happy with their work rate, I am worried about the defenders,” said Rajan.
The Junior World Cup, which Malaysia and Singapore will co-host, will be held on June 7-21 and will involve 20 teams playing in two groups.
The teams which have qualified are defending champions Argentina, Australia, South Africa, Egypt, Malaysia, Singapore, India, South Korea, Pakistan, Japan, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, England, Poland, Russia, Chile, US and New Zealand.
And with only about seven months left to the main event, the Juniors have a poor record in the MHL having scored just 13 goals and letting in a massive 34 in nine matches.
“We are doing quite well up front, but too many soft goals were let in during the nine matches. I will be working on this until the Youth Olympics where I will get to see how they have progressed,” said Rajan.
There are a few more friendlies lined up with a South Korean University after the Youth Olympics but friendlies are not a good yardstick.
“After playing against the University team, we will head to Europe to play Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. And once the World Cup facilities are ready (by April), the team will start training at the tournament venue, and play any friendly that comes our way there,” added Rajan.
Rajan’s 35-member training squad will be trimmed in January as preparations enter the next stage.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Army men 1-2 in Division Two
ARMY outfit Jurulatih dan Jentera (JLJ) lived up to their nickname Lightning Horse when they bolted away with the Division Two title by beating UNIMAP 6-3 at the Tun Razak Stadium yesterday.
The win earned them a bonus of RM20,000 and a slot to play in the quarter-finals of the TNB Cup.
And joining them in the knock-out stage from Division Two are Royal Malay Regiment, who beat UiTM 3-1 yesterday, for the second spot which came with RM15,000.
RESULTS: Division One: Maybank 2 Tenaga Nasional 2, Sapura 2 Nur Insafi 1, Ernst & Young 9 National Juniors 2.
Division Two: UNIMAP 3 JLJ 6, RMR 3 UiTM 1, BPSS 4 Dolphins 2, Alam Shah 1 BJSS 3.
TOMORROW: Division One -- Ernst & Young v Tenaga (National Stadium, 5pm), Sapura v National Juniors (KLHA Stadium, 5pm), Nur Insafi v Maybank (USM Stadium, 5pm).
Division Two: UNIMAP v Bukit Jalil SS (Alor Star, 5pm), Dolphins v Alam Shah (Lumut, 5pm).
STANDINGS
DIVISION ONE
P W D L F A Pts
E & Y 8 8 0 0 37 7 24
Sapura 9 4 3 2 18 15 15
TNB 9 3 4 2 22 18 13
Maybank 8 2 4 2 13 11 10
Nat Juniors 8 1 3 4 13 29 6
Nur Insafi 8 0 0 8 12 35 0
DIVISION 2
P W D L F A Pts
JLJ 8 6 1 1 24 9 19
RAMD 8 6 0 2 27 14 18
BPSS 8 5 0 3 31 16 15
UiTM 8 4 1 3 18 13 13
Dolphin 7 3 2 2 24 14 11
BJSS 7 3 2 2 11 6 11
UNIMAP 7 2 1 4 9 25 7
SSAS 7 1 1 5 11 18 4
RS Club 8 0 0 8 7 47 0
The win earned them a bonus of RM20,000 and a slot to play in the quarter-finals of the TNB Cup.
And joining them in the knock-out stage from Division Two are Royal Malay Regiment, who beat UiTM 3-1 yesterday, for the second spot which came with RM15,000.
RESULTS: Division One: Maybank 2 Tenaga Nasional 2, Sapura 2 Nur Insafi 1, Ernst & Young 9 National Juniors 2.
Division Two: UNIMAP 3 JLJ 6, RMR 3 UiTM 1, BPSS 4 Dolphins 2, Alam Shah 1 BJSS 3.
TOMORROW: Division One -- Ernst & Young v Tenaga (National Stadium, 5pm), Sapura v National Juniors (KLHA Stadium, 5pm), Nur Insafi v Maybank (USM Stadium, 5pm).
Division Two: UNIMAP v Bukit Jalil SS (Alor Star, 5pm), Dolphins v Alam Shah (Lumut, 5pm).
STANDINGS
DIVISION ONE
P W D L F A Pts
E & Y 8 8 0 0 37 7 24
Sapura 9 4 3 2 18 15 15
TNB 9 3 4 2 22 18 13
Maybank 8 2 4 2 13 11 10
Nat Juniors 8 1 3 4 13 29 6
Nur Insafi 8 0 0 8 12 35 0
DIVISION 2
P W D L F A Pts
JLJ 8 6 1 1 24 9 19
RAMD 8 6 0 2 27 14 18
BPSS 8 5 0 3 31 16 15
UiTM 8 4 1 3 18 13 13
Dolphin 7 3 2 2 24 14 11
BJSS 7 3 2 2 11 6 11
UNIMAP 7 2 1 4 9 25 7
SSAS 7 1 1 5 11 18 4
RS Club 8 0 0 8 7 47 0
Army men 1-2 in Division Two
ARMY outfit Jurulatih dan Jentera (JLJ) lived up to their nickname Lightning Horse when they bolted away with the Division Two title by beating UNIMAP 6-3 at the Tun Razak Stadium yesterday.
The win earned them a bonus of RM20,000 and a slot to play in the quarter-finals of the TNB Cup.
And joining them in the knock-out stage from Division Two are Royal Malay Regiment, who beat UiTM 3-1 yesterday, for the second spot which came with RM15,000.
RESULTS: Division One: Maybank 2 Tenaga Nasional 2, Sapura 2 Nur Insafi 1, Ernst & Young 9 National Juniors 2.
Division Two: UNIMAP 3 JLJ 6, RMR 3 UiTM 1, BPSS 4 Dolphins 2, Alam Shah 1 BJSS 3.
TOMORROW: Division One -- Ernst & Young v Tenaga (National Stadium, 5pm), Sapura v National Juniors (KLHA Stadium, 5pm), Nur Insafi v Maybank (USM Stadium, 5pm).
Division Two: UNIMAP v Bukit Jalil SS (Alor Star, 5pm), Dolphins v Alam Shah (Lumut, 5pm).
STANDINGS
DIVISION ONE
P W D L F A Pts
E & Y 8 8 0 0 37 7 24
Sapura 9 4 3 2 18 15 15
TNB 9 3 4 2 22 18 13
Maybank 8 2 4 2 13 11 10
Nat Juniors 8 1 3 4 13 29 6
Nur Insafi 8 0 0 8 12 35 0
DIVISION 2
P W D L F A Pts
JLJ 8 6 1 1 24 9 19
RAMD 8 6 0 2 27 14 18
BPSS 8 5 0 3 31 16 15
UiTM 8 4 1 3 18 13 13
Dolphin 7 3 2 2 24 14 11
BJSS 7 3 2 2 11 6 11
UNIMAP 7 2 1 4 9 25 7
SSAS 7 1 1 5 11 18 4
RS Club 8 0 0 8 7 47 0
The win earned them a bonus of RM20,000 and a slot to play in the quarter-finals of the TNB Cup.
And joining them in the knock-out stage from Division Two are Royal Malay Regiment, who beat UiTM 3-1 yesterday, for the second spot which came with RM15,000.
RESULTS: Division One: Maybank 2 Tenaga Nasional 2, Sapura 2 Nur Insafi 1, Ernst & Young 9 National Juniors 2.
Division Two: UNIMAP 3 JLJ 6, RMR 3 UiTM 1, BPSS 4 Dolphins 2, Alam Shah 1 BJSS 3.
TOMORROW: Division One -- Ernst & Young v Tenaga (National Stadium, 5pm), Sapura v National Juniors (KLHA Stadium, 5pm), Nur Insafi v Maybank (USM Stadium, 5pm).
Division Two: UNIMAP v Bukit Jalil SS (Alor Star, 5pm), Dolphins v Alam Shah (Lumut, 5pm).
STANDINGS
DIVISION ONE
P W D L F A Pts
E & Y 8 8 0 0 37 7 24
Sapura 9 4 3 2 18 15 15
TNB 9 3 4 2 22 18 13
Maybank 8 2 4 2 13 11 10
Nat Juniors 8 1 3 4 13 29 6
Nur Insafi 8 0 0 8 12 35 0
DIVISION 2
P W D L F A Pts
JLJ 8 6 1 1 24 9 19
RAMD 8 6 0 2 27 14 18
BPSS 8 5 0 3 31 16 15
UiTM 8 4 1 3 18 13 13
Dolphin 7 3 2 2 24 14 11
BJSS 7 3 2 2 11 6 11
UNIMAP 7 2 1 4 9 25 7
SSAS 7 1 1 5 11 18 4
RS Club 8 0 0 8 7 47 0
Umpires Board chairman to keep blowing
PIC: Amarjit Singh in the thick of action.
Pic: Amarjit to keep his whistle.NEWLY appointed Malaysian Hockey Federation Umpires Board (MHFUB) chairman Amarjit Singh knows his work is cut out, as he will have to start from scratch to re-build this often neglected side of hockey.
And the fact that Amarjit, 44, still wants to actively blow at the international level until the mandatory retirement age of 47, is going to make it more challenging for him.
“I will be frank on my appointment. There is much work to do, and two years is not enough to complete it. But I will give my best, especially in the development of young umpires.
“I also intent to keep of umpiring at the international level, as my appointments come directly from either the AHF (Asian Hockey Federation) or the FIH (International Hockey Federation) and there is no question of being biased to my fellow umpires,” said Amarjit.
The Ipoh-born Amarjit is credited with having umpired at three World Cups and four Olympics, with his last ap pointment being the Beijing Olympics.
And if anybody knows the problems that have been hindering development in MHFUB, it is Amarjit.
“I will be holding my first MHFUB committee meeting in December where I will give my views, and get feedback from members on how to uplift the standard of umpires and umpiring in the country.
“Basically, from my two decades experience of umpiring at the local and international level I know what are the problems faced by my fellow umpires, and it will make my work that much easier as I will be going in with many ideas.
“But I need help from all quarters in the MHF and my fellow umpires as the time-frame is too short, while there is plenty of work to do,” said Amarjit.
His next appointment as an umpire, as listed on the FIH website, is the Punjab Gold Cup in January 2009.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Battle for the second spot
PIC: Ernst & Young players celebrate winning the League title.LEAGUE Champions Ernst & Young will be involved in an academic match against National Juniors today, while the battle Malaysia Hockey League’s (MHL) second spot in tensifies.
Tenaga Nasional and Sapura, both tied on 12 points, have two more matches in hand before they complete their League fixtures.
And Sapura look like they have the easier path, as they play Nur Insafi today, and then National Juniors, while Tenaga will have to beat Maybank and Ernst & Young if they want to keep pace.
The League matches end this weekend, after which the six teams in Division One and top-two teams in Division Two play in the quarter-finals for the TNB Cup.
TODAY: Division One: Maybank v Tenaga Nasional (Serem ban II Hockey Stadium, 5pm); Sapura v Nur Insafi (KLHA Stadium, 7pm); Ernst & Young v National Juniors (National Hockey Stadium, 7pm).
Division Two: UNIMAP v JLJ (Alor Star, 5pm); RMR vs UiTM (Tun Razak Stadium, 7pm); BPSS v Dolphin (Bandar Penawar SS, 5pm); Alam Shah v BJSS (National Stadium, 7pm).
Coach to be appointed soon
THE National Sports Council (NSC) is on standby mode, while waiting for the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) to submit names of potential coaches to chart the future of hockey in the country.
And among the coaches who have been approached is South Korean Kim Sang Ryul.
“We are waiting for the MHF to submit a name to take charge of Malaysian hockey, and I believe they already have several names and will short-list soon,” said National Sports Council director of international preparations Ariffin Ghani.
The MHF council did not seek renewal of chief coach Sarit Singh, his assistant Gurmit Singn and goalkeepers coach Shahid Ali Khan’s contracts which expire on Dec 31.
And this has brought about a massive vacuum, and the names of a few former local coaches is being tossed around as Sang Ryul’s assistants.
MHF secretary Hashim Yusoff said they will get to the bottom of matters, once coaching chairman Datuk Poon Fook Loke returns from London.
“The coaching chairman is overseas and will return in a few days. A meting will be called and I can only start my work after the coaching committee submits their candidate or candidates,” said Hashim.
Hashim said the coach or coaches will then be called for an interview, before they forward the selected coaches’ name the NSC.
“The council did decide that they are in favour of a foreign coach, and we will see what the coaching committee can come up with.”
However, it is no secret that senior members of the NSC had a meeting with with Sang Ryul in Thailand, and the MHF is also in favour of the South Korean.
Sang Ryul’s last assignment was with China, who finished 11th out of 12 teams in the Beijing Olympics.
He was with South Korea for 12 years, 1988-2000, and his team delivered silver medal in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
And among the coaches who have been approached is South Korean Kim Sang Ryul.
“We are waiting for the MHF to submit a name to take charge of Malaysian hockey, and I believe they already have several names and will short-list soon,” said National Sports Council director of international preparations Ariffin Ghani.
The MHF council did not seek renewal of chief coach Sarit Singh, his assistant Gurmit Singn and goalkeepers coach Shahid Ali Khan’s contracts which expire on Dec 31.
And this has brought about a massive vacuum, and the names of a few former local coaches is being tossed around as Sang Ryul’s assistants.
MHF secretary Hashim Yusoff said they will get to the bottom of matters, once coaching chairman Datuk Poon Fook Loke returns from London.
“The coaching chairman is overseas and will return in a few days. A meting will be called and I can only start my work after the coaching committee submits their candidate or candidates,” said Hashim.
Hashim said the coach or coaches will then be called for an interview, before they forward the selected coaches’ name the NSC.
“The council did decide that they are in favour of a foreign coach, and we will see what the coaching committee can come up with.”
However, it is no secret that senior members of the NSC had a meeting with with Sang Ryul in Thailand, and the MHF is also in favour of the South Korean.
Sang Ryul’s last assignment was with China, who finished 11th out of 12 teams in the Beijing Olympics.
He was with South Korea for 12 years, 1988-2000, and his team delivered silver medal in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Sang Ryul to face a lazy lot
MALAYSIA hockey players are a lucky lot, because they have been coached by the best in the world for the last 20 years, but we only have Sea Games gold medals to be proud of.
Malaysia have the distinction of having played at World Cups, Olympics, Champions Trophy, Champions Challenge, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and our very own Azlan Shah Cup.
But right from the first whistle way back at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics until today, the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) trophy cabinet has yet to house the glitter of gold, other than the pathetic Sea Games ‘achievements’.
The impressive foreign coaches’ list is Australian Terry Walsh, German Volker Knapp, German Paul Lissek, and now South Korean Kim Sang Ryul.
And other than Knapp, the rest are internationally ac claimed coaches who many a player would envy just to shake hands with.
But Walsh ran the race of his life towards the airport, while Lissek faced many brick-bats but held on grimly, and his contract as a consultant expires towards the end of next year.
Then there were the string of local coaches who came aboard with much fan-fare, but were shooed out like flies when their charges played like novices at the international level.
The latest penalty stroke was awarded against Sarjit Singh, who started by training juniors for the 2005 Junior World Cup, and rose to the senior ranks in 2007, only to be unceremoniously dumped -- without so much as a telephone call or SMS from the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) or his paymasters the National Sports Council (NSC).
Sarjit, a former national player who was a terror in his heydays, is now hockey history material, so lets look ahead and see what Sang Ryul can offer.
The FIH Master Coach is credited with uplifting the standard of hockey in South Korea and China men and women, and will soon arrive to coach a team who is ranked 15th in the world, and have a major assignment in the Asia Cup next year.
He coached China who finished 11th out of 12 teams in the Beijing Olympics, and was with South Korea for 12 years 1988-2000 and his team delivered silver medal in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Sang Ryul is well-known as a fitness freak, and this is where he will find the going tough in Malaysia. South Korea and China players improved under Sang Ryul because they not only relied on the coach, but followed his training programme when left on their own.
In Malaysia, the centralised training culture is our biggest downfall. All the previous coaches found out, the hard way, that Malaysian players are generally a lazy lot, who only train when the coach is around and even when given even a 10-day break, they return with extra kilos.
A good example for Sang Ryul will be to watch the ongoing Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) where all the national players are playing in.
A majority of the national players have put on weight since started playing in the MHL, and are now overweight and sluggish.
And when Sang Ryul takes over, he will have to start from scratch and many players will find the going too tough to handle. This is the least of the coaches’ problems.
Among the present batch, there are many skillful players but only a handful of thinking players who can change the game-plan when defending or attacking.
Too much of side-line coaching has turned many of them into robots who consistently need to be told where to pass the ball, when to attack, and when to defend.
Sang Ryul is no rookie, he knows the Malaysian players like the back of his hands, as he has plotted many times to beat them when coaching South Korea and China.
He is coming in with his eyes open, but will still find himself facing his worse coaching experience, as Malaysian players have a knack of baffling the best in the sport.
Good bye Sarjit, and good luck to Sang Ryul.
Malaysia have the distinction of having played at World Cups, Olympics, Champions Trophy, Champions Challenge, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and our very own Azlan Shah Cup.
But right from the first whistle way back at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics until today, the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) trophy cabinet has yet to house the glitter of gold, other than the pathetic Sea Games ‘achievements’.
The impressive foreign coaches’ list is Australian Terry Walsh, German Volker Knapp, German Paul Lissek, and now South Korean Kim Sang Ryul.
And other than Knapp, the rest are internationally ac claimed coaches who many a player would envy just to shake hands with.
But Walsh ran the race of his life towards the airport, while Lissek faced many brick-bats but held on grimly, and his contract as a consultant expires towards the end of next year.
Then there were the string of local coaches who came aboard with much fan-fare, but were shooed out like flies when their charges played like novices at the international level.
The latest penalty stroke was awarded against Sarjit Singh, who started by training juniors for the 2005 Junior World Cup, and rose to the senior ranks in 2007, only to be unceremoniously dumped -- without so much as a telephone call or SMS from the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) or his paymasters the National Sports Council (NSC).
Sarjit, a former national player who was a terror in his heydays, is now hockey history material, so lets look ahead and see what Sang Ryul can offer.
The FIH Master Coach is credited with uplifting the standard of hockey in South Korea and China men and women, and will soon arrive to coach a team who is ranked 15th in the world, and have a major assignment in the Asia Cup next year.
He coached China who finished 11th out of 12 teams in the Beijing Olympics, and was with South Korea for 12 years 1988-2000 and his team delivered silver medal in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Sang Ryul is well-known as a fitness freak, and this is where he will find the going tough in Malaysia. South Korea and China players improved under Sang Ryul because they not only relied on the coach, but followed his training programme when left on their own.
In Malaysia, the centralised training culture is our biggest downfall. All the previous coaches found out, the hard way, that Malaysian players are generally a lazy lot, who only train when the coach is around and even when given even a 10-day break, they return with extra kilos.
A good example for Sang Ryul will be to watch the ongoing Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) where all the national players are playing in.
A majority of the national players have put on weight since started playing in the MHL, and are now overweight and sluggish.
And when Sang Ryul takes over, he will have to start from scratch and many players will find the going too tough to handle. This is the least of the coaches’ problems.
Among the present batch, there are many skillful players but only a handful of thinking players who can change the game-plan when defending or attacking.
Too much of side-line coaching has turned many of them into robots who consistently need to be told where to pass the ball, when to attack, and when to defend.
Sang Ryul is no rookie, he knows the Malaysian players like the back of his hands, as he has plotted many times to beat them when coaching South Korea and China.
He is coming in with his eyes open, but will still find himself facing his worse coaching experience, as Malaysian players have a knack of baffling the best in the sport.
Good bye Sarjit, and good luck to Sang Ryul.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Sarjit disappointed, not dejected
NATIONAL hockey coach Sarjit Singh had a
meet-the-press session yesterday, and his only
bone of contention was that he had to read in the
papers that his contract will not be extended. Otherwise, he has no regrets coaching for the
past 22 months, as his record shows that he is
the most successfull local or foreign coach for
the past decade.
The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) council
decided on Saturday not to extend his contract,
which expires on Dec 31. The council is now
looking towards hiring South Korean coach Kim
Sang Ryul instead.
"I feel a little sad that I had to read in the
papers that my contract will not be renewed. I
feel the proper way would have been to inform me
first, and then make the announcement," lamented
Sarjit.
"Im also disappointed that the new MHF council
members did not meet with me to discuss, or hear
me out. The NSC (National Sports Council) who are
my paymasters, also did not talk to me about it,
although its their preregotive to make any
changes," said Sarjit.
But still, the former national skipper bears no
grudge against any party:
"I accept the change
and will take leave to assess my options. I would
like to be involved with hockey in the future,
but at what level, it still remains to be seen." When Sarjit took over in 2007, the national
team were ranked 16th, and now they are 15th.
"When I was appointed as national coach, the
task given to me was to prepare a team for the
2010 World Cup and the 2012 Olympics. And I would
like to state here that the Olympic Qualifiers in
Japan (April this year) was not a target set for
me, because the team had failed in the Doha Asian
Games, and were forced into the Qualifier.
"The Olympic Qualidiers in Japan was a
difficult tournament, as world No 1 Germany were
in our pool. Germany went on to win the Olympics
gold, and that sould tell what we were against,"
said Sarjit.
During his 22-month stint, Sarjit succeeded in
taking his team to silver in the 2007 Azlan Shah
Cup, a feat which was last achieved 22 years ago. And his charges also finished with a bronze
medal in the Asia Cup, which was a first for
Malaysia.
"My team also finsihed second in the recent
Hamburg Masters, which was the best achievement
by Malaysia as our previous best was a bronze in
2002.
"I feel it is unfair to be fast on the draw
when it involves local coaches, as we should be
given at least four years to prove ourselves,
like what the foreign coaches are given.
" He has set a target of Qualifying for the 2010
World Cup by virtue of the Asia Cup next year,
and the 2012 Olympics by being among the top-two
in the Asian Games.
"Lasty I would like to wish the new MHF
council all the best, and hope they will be able
to take hockey to a higher level.
"I would like to end by thanking all my players
who had given their full co-operation, as well as
former MHF deputy president Tunku Majid Sultan
Iskandar and the former MHF coaching committee."
meet-the-press session yesterday, and his only
bone of contention was that he had to read in the
papers that his contract will not be extended. Otherwise, he has no regrets coaching for the
past 22 months, as his record shows that he is
the most successfull local or foreign coach for
the past decade.
The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) council
decided on Saturday not to extend his contract,
which expires on Dec 31. The council is now
looking towards hiring South Korean coach Kim
Sang Ryul instead.
"I feel a little sad that I had to read in the
papers that my contract will not be renewed. I
feel the proper way would have been to inform me
first, and then make the announcement," lamented
Sarjit.
"Im also disappointed that the new MHF council
members did not meet with me to discuss, or hear
me out. The NSC (National Sports Council) who are
my paymasters, also did not talk to me about it,
although its their preregotive to make any
changes," said Sarjit.
But still, the former national skipper bears no
grudge against any party:
"I accept the change
and will take leave to assess my options. I would
like to be involved with hockey in the future,
but at what level, it still remains to be seen." When Sarjit took over in 2007, the national
team were ranked 16th, and now they are 15th.
"When I was appointed as national coach, the
task given to me was to prepare a team for the
2010 World Cup and the 2012 Olympics. And I would
like to state here that the Olympic Qualifiers in
Japan (April this year) was not a target set for
me, because the team had failed in the Doha Asian
Games, and were forced into the Qualifier.
"The Olympic Qualidiers in Japan was a
difficult tournament, as world No 1 Germany were
in our pool. Germany went on to win the Olympics
gold, and that sould tell what we were against,"
said Sarjit.
During his 22-month stint, Sarjit succeeded in
taking his team to silver in the 2007 Azlan Shah
Cup, a feat which was last achieved 22 years ago. And his charges also finished with a bronze
medal in the Asia Cup, which was a first for
Malaysia.
"My team also finsihed second in the recent
Hamburg Masters, which was the best achievement
by Malaysia as our previous best was a bronze in
2002.
"I feel it is unfair to be fast on the draw
when it involves local coaches, as we should be
given at least four years to prove ourselves,
like what the foreign coaches are given.
" He has set a target of Qualifying for the 2010
World Cup by virtue of the Asia Cup next year,
and the 2012 Olympics by being among the top-two
in the Asian Games.
"Lasty I would like to wish the new MHF
council all the best, and hope they will be able
to take hockey to a higher level.
"I would like to end by thanking all my players
who had given their full co-operation, as well as
former MHF deputy president Tunku Majid Sultan
Iskandar and the former MHF coaching committee."
Saturday, November 15, 2008
End of the road for coach Sarjit Singh
MALAYSIAN Hockey Federation (MHF) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah chaired his first council meeting yesterday and did not waste any time in making a dramatic change in the coaching department withthe contracts of three senior team coaches not being renewed.Chief coach Sarjit Singh (pic), assistant coach Gurmit Singh and goalkeeping coach Shahid Ali Khan will not have their respective contracts renewed. The council has decided to hire South Korean Kim Sang Ryul as head coach.
All three local coaches’ contracts expire on Dec 31.
Sang Ryul, who is credited with uplifting the standard of hockey in South Korea and China, is expected to arrive soon. The council has also given him a free hand to select his team of assistant coaches and physical trainers.
Sarjit, when contacted, said he will make a statement today.
And there were also new faces appointed to the various committees with some former MHF hands re-appointed.
Chairing the Consultative Committee is previous president Tan Sri Admiral (rtd) Anwar Mohd Nor, while past MHF deputy president Tan Sri P. Alagendra, National Sports Council director general Datul Zolkples Embong and National Sports Institute director general Datuk Ramlan Aziz are among its members.
And in the Wawasan Committee, the chairman is Datuk Mazlan Ahmad, while among the members are Datuk Ho Koh Chye, and former players Mirnawan Nawawi and Maninderjit Singh.
The Coaching Committee is now chaired by Datuk Poon Fook Loke, while the Development Committee is chaired by Ken Pereira.
The Umpires Board also saw a change with international umpire Amarjit Singh tasked to helm it, while Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema will chair the Medical Committee.
Tengku Abdullah, as promised after taking over the MHF, has made some drastic changes in coaching as well as the various committees which have been entrusted with taking Malaysia into the top-10 bracket in the world by the 2010 London Olympics.
Ernst & Young too strong
ERNST & Young whipped Royal Thai Airforce 13-2 and will meet Olympian Village Club of Pakistan in the final of the Asian Champion Clubs Cup at the Kuala Lumpur HA Stadium today.
And Adijon of Uzbekistan came back from a goal down to beat Singapore Recreation Club 2-1, and will meet Royal Thai Airforce in the third-fourth placing match.
Singapore scored off Baqir Ali in the 18th minute, but Uzbekistan equalised in the 22nd minute with a field effort from Sibqev Roman.
The winner was scored by Uzbek skipper Qalandarov Golib in the 37th minute.
RESULTS -- Group A: Ernst & Young 13 Royal Thai Airforce 2; Group B: Singapore Recreation Club 1 Adijon 2.
TODAY: Final -- Ernst & Young v Olympian Village Club (5.30pm); Third-Fourth: Adijon v Royal Thai Airforce (3pm).
Note: Matches at the KLHA Stadium in Japan Pantai.
And Adijon of Uzbekistan came back from a goal down to beat Singapore Recreation Club 2-1, and will meet Royal Thai Airforce in the third-fourth placing match.
Singapore scored off Baqir Ali in the 18th minute, but Uzbekistan equalised in the 22nd minute with a field effort from Sibqev Roman.
The winner was scored by Uzbek skipper Qalandarov Golib in the 37th minute.
RESULTS -- Group A: Ernst & Young 13 Royal Thai Airforce 2; Group B: Singapore Recreation Club 1 Adijon 2.
TODAY: Final -- Ernst & Young v Olympian Village Club (5.30pm); Third-Fourth: Adijon v Royal Thai Airforce (3pm).
Note: Matches at the KLHA Stadium in Japan Pantai.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Ernst & Young v Village Club final
NATIONAL Juniors whipped Royal Thai Airforce 13-0 in the Asian Champion Clubs Cup at the Kuala Lumpur HA Stadium yesterday, but will not be playing in the third-fourth placing match.
Ernst & Young, who beat the National Juniors 5-2 on Thursday, will meet Royal Thai Airforce today, and even if the Thailand club loses by 30-0, they will still play in the third- fourth placing match.
The Asian Hockey Federation (FIH) decided on this, as the juniors are only a wild card entry in the six-team tournament tournament.
Ernst & Young will meet Olympian Village Club of Pakistan, who beat Singapore Recreation Club 1-0 yesterday, in the final on Sunday.
But for the Juniors, even though the score-line looked impressive, but there was no reason top celebrate, as the Thailand team lacked quality while the Juniors fumbled more than a dozen open chances.
“Thailand is an average team, and even though my boys scored 13 goals, I am not impressed. I used all the reserves, and the fact that our goalkeeper did not have to pulloff any saves tells the story,” said Juniors coach K. Rajan.
The other side of the story is that the forwards, who will lead Malaysia’s charge in the Junior World Cup next year, lack the killer instinct when in the semi-circle.
“Yes, they fumbled many opportunities, and were not sharp in the semi-circle. I will work on that in the MHL (Malaysia Hockey League) as well as the friendlies lined-up before the World Cup,” said Rajan.
The Juniors who got their names on the score-sheet yesterday were Izwan Firdaus (16th, 23rd, 25th, 68th, 69th), R. Nadesh (37th), Faisal Kamarudin (39th, 44th), Ahmad Kazamirul (48th, 51st, 65th, 67th) and Azreen Rizal (52nd).
RESULTS -- Group A: Royal Thai Airforce 0 National Juniors 13; Group B: Singapore Recreation Club 0 Olympian Village Club 1.
Today: Group A: Ernst & Young v Royal Thai Airforce (3pm); Group B: Singapore Recreation Club v Adijon (5pm).
Tomorrow: Final -- 5pm; Third-Fourth: 3pm.
Ernst & Young, who beat the National Juniors 5-2 on Thursday, will meet Royal Thai Airforce today, and even if the Thailand club loses by 30-0, they will still play in the third- fourth placing match.
The Asian Hockey Federation (FIH) decided on this, as the juniors are only a wild card entry in the six-team tournament tournament.
Ernst & Young will meet Olympian Village Club of Pakistan, who beat Singapore Recreation Club 1-0 yesterday, in the final on Sunday.
But for the Juniors, even though the score-line looked impressive, but there was no reason top celebrate, as the Thailand team lacked quality while the Juniors fumbled more than a dozen open chances.
“Thailand is an average team, and even though my boys scored 13 goals, I am not impressed. I used all the reserves, and the fact that our goalkeeper did not have to pulloff any saves tells the story,” said Juniors coach K. Rajan.
The other side of the story is that the forwards, who will lead Malaysia’s charge in the Junior World Cup next year, lack the killer instinct when in the semi-circle.
“Yes, they fumbled many opportunities, and were not sharp in the semi-circle. I will work on that in the MHL (Malaysia Hockey League) as well as the friendlies lined-up before the World Cup,” said Rajan.
The Juniors who got their names on the score-sheet yesterday were Izwan Firdaus (16th, 23rd, 25th, 68th, 69th), R. Nadesh (37th), Faisal Kamarudin (39th, 44th), Ahmad Kazamirul (48th, 51st, 65th, 67th) and Azreen Rizal (52nd).
RESULTS -- Group A: Royal Thai Airforce 0 National Juniors 13; Group B: Singapore Recreation Club 0 Olympian Village Club 1.
Today: Group A: Ernst & Young v Royal Thai Airforce (3pm); Group B: Singapore Recreation Club v Adijon (5pm).
Tomorrow: Final -- 5pm; Third-Fourth: 3pm.
FIH release 20 for Junior World Cup
THE International Hockey Federation (FIH) released the list of teams playing in international tournaments next year and Malaysia have been relegated to play in Champions Challenge II.
And the sad part is, China and Canada are among the teams which will play in Champions Challenge I.
FIH also released 20 teams which will play in the Malaysia- Singapore Junior World Cup, with defending champions Argentina leading the charge. Australia and New Zealand only need to show up at the two-team Oceania Cup, and both will qualify.
Twenty teams, 10 in Malaysia and 10 in Singapore, will play in the Junior World Cup from
The six teams from Asia are both the hosts, India, Pakistan, South Korea and Japan. The groupings have yet to be released.
JUNIOR WORLD CUP TEAMS: 1 South Africa, 2 Egypt, 3 Malaysia, 4 Singapore, 5 India, 6 South Korea, 7 Pakistan, 8 Japan, 9 Spain, 10 Netherlands, 11 Germany, 12 Belgium, 13 England, 14 Poland, 15 Russia, 16 Argentina, 17 Chile, 18 USA, 19 Australia, 20 New Zealand.
Note: Australia and New Zealand need only to participate in the Junior Oceania Cup on Dec 11-14 to qualify.
CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE II TEAMS: 1 Japan, 2 Malaysia, 3 France, 4 Russia, 5 Ireland, 6 Poland, 7 Austria, 8 Chile, 9 Chile.
And the sad part is, China and Canada are among the teams which will play in Champions Challenge I.
FIH also released 20 teams which will play in the Malaysia- Singapore Junior World Cup, with defending champions Argentina leading the charge. Australia and New Zealand only need to show up at the two-team Oceania Cup, and both will qualify.
Twenty teams, 10 in Malaysia and 10 in Singapore, will play in the Junior World Cup from
The six teams from Asia are both the hosts, India, Pakistan, South Korea and Japan. The groupings have yet to be released.
JUNIOR WORLD CUP TEAMS: 1 South Africa, 2 Egypt, 3 Malaysia, 4 Singapore, 5 India, 6 South Korea, 7 Pakistan, 8 Japan, 9 Spain, 10 Netherlands, 11 Germany, 12 Belgium, 13 England, 14 Poland, 15 Russia, 16 Argentina, 17 Chile, 18 USA, 19 Australia, 20 New Zealand.
Note: Australia and New Zealand need only to participate in the Junior Oceania Cup on Dec 11-14 to qualify.
CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE II TEAMS: 1 Japan, 2 Malaysia, 3 France, 4 Russia, 5 Ireland, 6 Poland, 7 Austria, 8 Chile, 9 Chile.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Juniors lose out on experience
ERNST & YOUNG beat National Juniors 5-2 in the Asian Champion Clubs Cup at the Kuala Lumpur HA Stadium yesterday, but the score-line does not describe the match.
Ernst & Young took a 2-0 lead by the 23rd minute, but the National Juniors shocked the gallery by drawing level, only to lose out on inexperience.
Baljit Singh scored off a penalty corner attempt in the 17th minute, and Ismail Abu made it 2-0 with a field attempt in the 23rd minute, and the Juniors looked like they were heading for another 7-0 hiding like they did in the Malaysia Hockey League.
Juniors skipper Ahmad Kazamirul started a fight-back with a penalty corner goal in the 35th minute, and after the breather 16-year-old Kavin Kartik scored the equaliser in the 47th minute.
But that was as far as they went, as Ernst & Young who had 12 senior national players, showed more urgency and nailed three points with goals from Chua Boon Huat (52nd), Zulkifli Rejab (64th) and Baljit Singh closed accounts with a penalty stroke in the 65th minutes.
In another match, Olympian Village Club of Pakistan beat Adijon of Uzbekistan 3-0 with goals from Mahmood Ali (28th and 61st) and Muhammad Tousiq (38th).
But both the Pakistan and Uzbekistan tems looked like amateurs, and Ernst & Young should have no problems lifting the title on Sunday.
Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah watched the senior and junior teams in action for the first time, and felt there is room for improvement.
“My first impression after watching national juniors and seniors play is that both play attacking hockey and there is room for improvement, especially in fitness and strength,” said Tengku Abdullah.
He is still optimistic, that his target of taking Malaysia into the 10 to five bracket in the world by the 2012 London Olympics is achievable.
“With help from fitness coaches and nutritionist, I feel this team can improve further and MHF’s target is achievable.”
Tengku Abdullah, on his way out, was then shown the pathetic Education Ministry hockey pitch which looks more like an old carpet dump-site than a hockey pitch.
“This is a nice venue (the second pitch) and please bring it up in the council meeting (on Saturday) and lets see what can be done about it,” said Tengku Abdullah.
The Education Ministry pitch has been in a deplorable state for the past two years and millions have gone down the drain trying to repair it, but the the artificial turf refuses to stick, and keeps floating.
RESULTS -- Group A: Ernst & Young 5 National Juniors 2; Group B: Olympian Village Club 3 Adijon 0.
TODAY: Group A: Royal Thai Airforce v National Juniors (3pm); Group B: Singapore Recreation Club v Olympian Village Club (5pm).
Tomorrow: Group A: Ernst & Young v Royal Thai Airforce (3pm); Group B: Singapore Recreation Club v Adijon (5pm).
Sunday: Final -- 5pm; Third-Fourth: 3pm.
Ernst & Young took a 2-0 lead by the 23rd minute, but the National Juniors shocked the gallery by drawing level, only to lose out on inexperience.
Baljit Singh scored off a penalty corner attempt in the 17th minute, and Ismail Abu made it 2-0 with a field attempt in the 23rd minute, and the Juniors looked like they were heading for another 7-0 hiding like they did in the Malaysia Hockey League.
Juniors skipper Ahmad Kazamirul started a fight-back with a penalty corner goal in the 35th minute, and after the breather 16-year-old Kavin Kartik scored the equaliser in the 47th minute.
But that was as far as they went, as Ernst & Young who had 12 senior national players, showed more urgency and nailed three points with goals from Chua Boon Huat (52nd), Zulkifli Rejab (64th) and Baljit Singh closed accounts with a penalty stroke in the 65th minutes.
In another match, Olympian Village Club of Pakistan beat Adijon of Uzbekistan 3-0 with goals from Mahmood Ali (28th and 61st) and Muhammad Tousiq (38th).
But both the Pakistan and Uzbekistan tems looked like amateurs, and Ernst & Young should have no problems lifting the title on Sunday.
Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah watched the senior and junior teams in action for the first time, and felt there is room for improvement.
“My first impression after watching national juniors and seniors play is that both play attacking hockey and there is room for improvement, especially in fitness and strength,” said Tengku Abdullah.
He is still optimistic, that his target of taking Malaysia into the 10 to five bracket in the world by the 2012 London Olympics is achievable.
“With help from fitness coaches and nutritionist, I feel this team can improve further and MHF’s target is achievable.”
Tengku Abdullah, on his way out, was then shown the pathetic Education Ministry hockey pitch which looks more like an old carpet dump-site than a hockey pitch.
“This is a nice venue (the second pitch) and please bring it up in the council meeting (on Saturday) and lets see what can be done about it,” said Tengku Abdullah.
The Education Ministry pitch has been in a deplorable state for the past two years and millions have gone down the drain trying to repair it, but the the artificial turf refuses to stick, and keeps floating.
RESULTS -- Group A: Ernst & Young 5 National Juniors 2; Group B: Olympian Village Club 3 Adijon 0.
TODAY: Group A: Royal Thai Airforce v National Juniors (3pm); Group B: Singapore Recreation Club v Olympian Village Club (5pm).
Tomorrow: Group A: Ernst & Young v Royal Thai Airforce (3pm); Group B: Singapore Recreation Club v Adijon (5pm).
Sunday: Final -- 5pm; Third-Fourth: 3pm.
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