ERNST & Young scraped past Maybank 1-0, but it was enough to give them an early lead in Division One of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).
The slim result of the early favourites was further en hanced when Tenaga Nasional and Sapura drew 1-1.
Ernst & Young, with 12 national players, got their winner from Kelvinder Singh in the 39th minute, and team manager George Koshy felt they could have won with a bigger margin, if not for the Seremban II pitch.
“Even though we won and are at the top of the table, more goals could have been scored if the pitch had been watered at half-time. The dry and thick turf in Seremban was a big problem for my fast forwards, and I predict all the teams who play there will find it difficult to score too,” said George Koshy.
At the Kuala Lumpur HA pitch the problem was with Sapura and Tenaga Nasional forwards, who bungled a number of sitters.
Tenaga took the lead off an Amin Rahim penalty corner in the 18th minute, while Sapura equalised when S. Kuhan was on target also off a penalty corner in the 25th minute.
And National Juniors finally won a match, when they beat Penang Nur Insafi 2-1 at the National Hockey Stadium.
RESULTS: Division One -- Sapura 1 Tenaga Nasional 1, Maybank 0 Ernst & Young 1, National Juniors 2 Nur Insafi 1.
Division Two: Alam Shah School 0 Bandar Penawar SS 4, UiTM 8 Border Forces Club 1, Royal Malay Regiment 7 UNIMAP 0, JLJD v Dolphins x.
SUNDAY: Division One -- Tenaga Nasional v Maybank (KLHA Stadium, 5pm), Nur Insafi v Sapura (USM Stadium, 5pm), National Juniors v Ernst & Young (National Stadium 5pm, Pitch I).
Division Two: Bukit Jalil SS v UiTM (Tun Razak Stadium, 5pm), Alam Shah School v UNIMAP (National Stadium 5pm, Pitch II), Border Forces Club v Dolphins (Kuala Terengganu, 5pm), Royal Malay Regiment v JLJD (Tun Razak Stadium, 7pm).
STANDINGS
DIVISION ONE
P W D L F A Pts
Ernst & Young 3 3 0 0 13 1 9
Tenaga 3 2 1 0 7 4 7
Sapura 3 1 1 1 3 5 4
National Juniors 3 1 0 2 5 1 3
Maybank 3 1 0 2 4 5 3
Nur Insafi 3 0 0 3 3 15 0
DIVISION TWO
P W D L F A Pts
Bandar Penawar 3 3 0 0 14 3 9
Alam Shah 3 2 0 1 9 8 6
Malay Regiment 3 2 0 1 11 4 6
UiTM 2 1 1 0 11 4 4
Bukit Jalil 2 1 1 0 4 1 4
Dolphins 2 0 2 0 4 4 2
JLJD 2 0 0 2 5 8 0
UNIMAP 2 0 0 2 0 12 0
Border Forces 3 0 0 3 4 18 0
Friday, October 31, 2008
First Altantuya, then case blown away
PIC: Altantuya ShaariibuuMalaysia, Oct 31 (Reuters) - A Malaysian court on Friday freed a former top aide to Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak who had been charged with abetting two policemen in the murder of a Mongolian model.
A judge ruled that Najib’s former political aide, Abdul Razak Abdullah Baginda, did not have to enter a defence but said that two men from an elite police unit who have been charged with the murder will have to.
“There is no prima facie case against Razak,” said Judge Zaki Yasin.
Altantuya Shaariibuu was shot in the head twice and her body blown up with explosives in a jungle outside the Malaysian capital in October 2006. The issue has dogged Najib, who is set to become prime minister in March.
Tengku Abdullah to inherit massive problems
TENGKU Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah will officially be come the ninth president of the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) when he chairs the meeting after their Biennial General Meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.
Tengku Abdullah won the seat unopposed when nominations closed on Nov 25, with a strong 13 nominations from a maximum of 16.
The illustrious list of former MHF presidents in its 60-year history are Sir George Oehlers, E.B. David, Herman de Souza, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Tun Hussein Onn, Sultan Azlan Shah, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah and Tan Sri Admiral (rtd) Anwar Mohd Nor.
And while the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang did not even have to break sweat, incumbent deputy president Tengku Majid Sultan Iskandar is expected to face a keen opposition from three-term vice president Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema and two- term vice president Nur Azmi Ahmad.
The third aspirant, Ken Pereira, threw in the towel on Thursday, and one should not be surprised if any of the three seeking to become deputy pull out of the race today morn ing.
Dr Cheema is also the Asian Hockey Federation (AFH) medical committee chairman, and a committee member of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) medical com mittee.
Nur Azmi Ahmad was tasked with the players welfare committee in the MHF, while the states know what Tengku Majid did, or did not do, for the sport in the last two years.
The incumbents hold 10 votes, while 32 are with the 16 MHF affiliates, which include Armed Forces and Police.
Whatever the outcome of the elections today, the states hold they key which will determine whether the sport continues its downward spiraling, or comes out of the doldrums.
The states, many of whose members and secretaries have remained since the days of Sultan Azlan Shah, would be found guilty and sent to the gallows if one takes them to court for their role in slowly killing hockey.
Azlan Shah tried his best, Raja Nazrin made a great effort, Anwar drifted in and out, but only a handful of states made an effort to to nurture talent. Sabah and Sarawak, with six votes in their hands, have yet to produce a national player since the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.
Tengku Abdullah and is ‘cabinet’ will more-or-less inherit the same players on and off the pitch, who three other presidents have tried to wake up from deep slumber.
The new president has already started his work to secure sponsorship money, and the states can be assure of cash to spend on development, but it will be another stalemate if his elected men remain in their comatose state.
And then, there is talk that Tengku Abdullah has already selected a team of former players and administrators as his shadow cabinet.
Hockey fans eagerly await what the new broom and his men, as well as the shadow cabinet will come out with to take Malaysia into the top-six in the world.
NOMINATIONS -- President: Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ah mad Shah (13).
Deputy President: Tengku Majid Sultan Iskandar (incumbent, 5), Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema (1), Nur Azmi Ahmad (6).
Vice-Presidents: Datuk Sri Che Khalib Mohamed Noh (incumbent, 12), Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema (incumbent, 7), Datuk Rahim Mohamed Ariff (incumbent, 10), Datuk Salamon Selamat (3), M. Gobinathan (5), Johari Abdul Aziz (1), DSP Mohinder Singh (1), Majid Manjit Abdullah (2).
Automatic Vice-presidents: Sabah -- Datuk Ramilee Marahaban; Sarawak: Datuk Bustari Yusof.
Secretary: Hashim Yusoff (12).
Treasurer: S. Sanjilatheeban (incumbent, 11), Abdul Rahman Shariff (1).
Tengku Abdullah won the seat unopposed when nominations closed on Nov 25, with a strong 13 nominations from a maximum of 16.
The illustrious list of former MHF presidents in its 60-year history are Sir George Oehlers, E.B. David, Herman de Souza, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Tun Hussein Onn, Sultan Azlan Shah, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah and Tan Sri Admiral (rtd) Anwar Mohd Nor.
And while the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang did not even have to break sweat, incumbent deputy president Tengku Majid Sultan Iskandar is expected to face a keen opposition from three-term vice president Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema and two- term vice president Nur Azmi Ahmad.
The third aspirant, Ken Pereira, threw in the towel on Thursday, and one should not be surprised if any of the three seeking to become deputy pull out of the race today morn ing.
Dr Cheema is also the Asian Hockey Federation (AFH) medical committee chairman, and a committee member of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) medical com mittee.
Nur Azmi Ahmad was tasked with the players welfare committee in the MHF, while the states know what Tengku Majid did, or did not do, for the sport in the last two years.
The incumbents hold 10 votes, while 32 are with the 16 MHF affiliates, which include Armed Forces and Police.
Whatever the outcome of the elections today, the states hold they key which will determine whether the sport continues its downward spiraling, or comes out of the doldrums.
The states, many of whose members and secretaries have remained since the days of Sultan Azlan Shah, would be found guilty and sent to the gallows if one takes them to court for their role in slowly killing hockey.
Azlan Shah tried his best, Raja Nazrin made a great effort, Anwar drifted in and out, but only a handful of states made an effort to to nurture talent. Sabah and Sarawak, with six votes in their hands, have yet to produce a national player since the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.
Tengku Abdullah and is ‘cabinet’ will more-or-less inherit the same players on and off the pitch, who three other presidents have tried to wake up from deep slumber.
The new president has already started his work to secure sponsorship money, and the states can be assure of cash to spend on development, but it will be another stalemate if his elected men remain in their comatose state.
And then, there is talk that Tengku Abdullah has already selected a team of former players and administrators as his shadow cabinet.
Hockey fans eagerly await what the new broom and his men, as well as the shadow cabinet will come out with to take Malaysia into the top-six in the world.
NOMINATIONS -- President: Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ah mad Shah (13).
Deputy President: Tengku Majid Sultan Iskandar (incumbent, 5), Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema (1), Nur Azmi Ahmad (6).
Vice-Presidents: Datuk Sri Che Khalib Mohamed Noh (incumbent, 12), Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema (incumbent, 7), Datuk Rahim Mohamed Ariff (incumbent, 10), Datuk Salamon Selamat (3), M. Gobinathan (5), Johari Abdul Aziz (1), DSP Mohinder Singh (1), Majid Manjit Abdullah (2).
Automatic Vice-presidents: Sabah -- Datuk Ramilee Marahaban; Sarawak: Datuk Bustari Yusof.
Secretary: Hashim Yusoff (12).
Treasurer: S. Sanjilatheeban (incumbent, 11), Abdul Rahman Shariff (1).
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Juniors in fight to avoid wooden spoon
NATIONAL Juniors will be up against a ‘foreign team’ when they meet Nur Insafi in Division One of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Both the teams are winless after two matches, and Nur Insafi, after their initial 10-0 drubbing in the hands of Ernst & Young, showed some mettle in their 3-2 defeat against Tenaga Nasional.
Penang-based Nur Insafi, last season’s Division Two cham pions, have seven India and two Bangladesh players in their fold.
“It will be a crucial match for both teams, as the loser is likely to end at the bottom of the Division One pool. And after a week’s training, my team is raring to prove a point, and I expect an interesting clash,” said National Juniors coach K. Rajan.
The Juniors are in training for the 2009 World Cup which Malaysia and Singapore will co-host. So far, after the Pan American championships, Junior World Cup champions Argentina, Chile and the Unites States have also qualified for the tournament.
Argentina beat Chile 3-0 in the final, while USA edged Canada 4-3 on penalties after the match ended 2-2.
The other interesting encounter today is between TNB Cup champions Tenaga Nasional and Sapura, as the outcome will separate the League title contenders with the pretenders.
TODAY: Division One -- Sapura v Tenaga Nasional (KLHA Stadium, 7pm), Maybank v Ernst & Young (Seremban II Stadium, 5pm), National Juniors v Nur Insafi (National Stadium Pitch I, 7pm).
Division Two: Alam Shah School v Bandar Penawar SS (National Stadium Pitch II, 7pm), UiTM v Border Forces Club (Pandamaran Stadium, 5pm), Royal Malay Regiment v UNIMAP (Tun Razak Stadium, 7pm), JLJD v Dolphins (Tun Razak Stadium, 9pm).
STANDINGS
DIVISION ONE
P W D L F A Pts
Ernst & Young 2 2 0 0 12 1 6
Tenaga 2 2 0 0 6 3 6
Maybank 2 1 0 1 4 4 3
Sapura 2 1 0 1 2 4 3
National Juniors 2 0 0 2 3 6 0
Nur Insafi 2 0 0 2 2 13 0
DIVISION TWO
P W D L F A Pts
Bandar Penawar 2 2 0 0 10 3 6
Alam Shah 2 2 0 0 9 4 6
Malay Regiment 2 1 0 1 4 4 3
Bukit Jalil 2 1 1 0 4 1 3
Dolphins 2 0 2 0 4 4 2
UiTM 1 0 1 0 3 3 1
JLJD 2 0 0 2 5 8 0
Border Forces 2 0 0 2 3 10 0
UNIMAP 1 0 0 1 0 5 0
Both the teams are winless after two matches, and Nur Insafi, after their initial 10-0 drubbing in the hands of Ernst & Young, showed some mettle in their 3-2 defeat against Tenaga Nasional.
Penang-based Nur Insafi, last season’s Division Two cham pions, have seven India and two Bangladesh players in their fold.
“It will be a crucial match for both teams, as the loser is likely to end at the bottom of the Division One pool. And after a week’s training, my team is raring to prove a point, and I expect an interesting clash,” said National Juniors coach K. Rajan.
The Juniors are in training for the 2009 World Cup which Malaysia and Singapore will co-host. So far, after the Pan American championships, Junior World Cup champions Argentina, Chile and the Unites States have also qualified for the tournament.
Argentina beat Chile 3-0 in the final, while USA edged Canada 4-3 on penalties after the match ended 2-2.
The other interesting encounter today is between TNB Cup champions Tenaga Nasional and Sapura, as the outcome will separate the League title contenders with the pretenders.
TODAY: Division One -- Sapura v Tenaga Nasional (KLHA Stadium, 7pm), Maybank v Ernst & Young (Seremban II Stadium, 5pm), National Juniors v Nur Insafi (National Stadium Pitch I, 7pm).
Division Two: Alam Shah School v Bandar Penawar SS (National Stadium Pitch II, 7pm), UiTM v Border Forces Club (Pandamaran Stadium, 5pm), Royal Malay Regiment v UNIMAP (Tun Razak Stadium, 7pm), JLJD v Dolphins (Tun Razak Stadium, 9pm).
STANDINGS
DIVISION ONE
P W D L F A Pts
Ernst & Young 2 2 0 0 12 1 6
Tenaga 2 2 0 0 6 3 6
Maybank 2 1 0 1 4 4 3
Sapura 2 1 0 1 2 4 3
National Juniors 2 0 0 2 3 6 0
Nur Insafi 2 0 0 2 2 13 0
DIVISION TWO
P W D L F A Pts
Bandar Penawar 2 2 0 0 10 3 6
Alam Shah 2 2 0 0 9 4 6
Malay Regiment 2 1 0 1 4 4 3
Bukit Jalil 2 1 1 0 4 1 3
Dolphins 2 0 2 0 4 4 2
UiTM 1 0 1 0 3 3 1
JLJD 2 0 0 2 5 8 0
Border Forces 2 0 0 2 3 10 0
UNIMAP 1 0 0 1 0 5 0
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Argentina, Chile and US in 2009 Junior World Cup
CHAMPIONS ARGENTINA
SILVER MEDALLISTS CHILE
BRONZE MEDALLISTS UNITED STATES OF AMERICAArgentina maintained their stranglehold over hockey in the western hemisphere on Sunday night with a 3-0 win over Chile in the 2009 Junior Pan American Hockey final at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua.
The Pan-American qualifiers for the 2009 Junior World Cup, which Malaysia and Singapore will co-host are Argentina, Chile and USA.
As officials signalled the end of the contest, Argentine players whipped off their tops and waved them overhead and danced on the turf before setting off on a lap of honour. They capped their celebrations with a slide on their chests-not a trick for the fainthearted on Astroturf. And yet, despite their exuberance, they have only ever known success at this level. There have been nine Pan American under-21 tournaments and Argentina won every one. Their obsession with winning, matched with their technique and ball movement, should not be quickly forgotten by the host nation, whose own representatives finished seventh.
Chile were second in the past two successive tournaments and looked worthy contenders but they struggled to match the fluidity of their South American neighbours and, by the second half, were clinging on grimly.
Chile restricted Argentina's penalty corner opportunities and then swarmed specialist Leandro Tolini when he did get a chance from the set piece. But they could not stem Argentina's flow from open play as Augustin Mazzilli scored in either half and Santiago Montelli chipped in one, four minutes before the interval.
Earlier, the United States won their first medal in the history of the competition as they shocked Canada 6-5 on penalty strokes after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
The US, who beat Trinidad and Tobago to a semi-final spot, will now advance to the Singapore 2009 Junior World Cup alongside Argentina and Chile.
Canada scored first through a Taylor Self penalty corner in the 14th minute but the US replied, four minutes later, with a Will Holt penalty corner. Holt put US ahead, four minutes from time, only for Sebastien Scheurer to equalise within seconds to send the game into extra time. In the end, it was the "Yankees" who held their nerve from the penalty spot.
In the showcase fixture, Chile had the first opportunity as Argentine goalkeeper Federico Bermejillo produced a brilliant save to deny Martin Rodriguez. But the Chilean defence became increasingly stretched by their opponents' movement and Mazzilli eventually broke clear to finish after a return pass from Alan Andino in the 29th minute.
It was 2-0, two minutes later, as playmaker Montelli ventured forward to finish after a quickly taken free hit from Nahuel Salis.
Argentina were winning penalty corners by then but Tolini, who was adjudged the tournament's best player and top scorer with 14 goals, could not find a way past Chile custodian Alfredo Mella who was well protected by his ball attackers. But Mazzilli gave the defending champions further insurance after another forward charge.
It was the prelude to a party.
Earlier on the USA clinched the crucial World Cup spot, with a hard fought 4-3 penalty-strokes win over Canada after both teams battled to a 2-2 draw at the end of regulation (70 minutes) and extra-time (15 minutes).
Results:
Final: ARGENTINA 3 (Alejandro Mazzilli 29th, 66th, Alan Gabriel Andino 66th) vs CHILE 0.
Third Placed: CANADA 2 (Taylor Self 14th, Derrick Norton 67th) vs USA 2 (Will Holt 18th, 66th field goal). USA won 4-3 on penalties.
Final placings: 1. Argentina; 2. Chile; 3. USA; 4. Canada; 5. Mexico; 6. Barbados; 7. T&T; 8. Puerto Rico; 9. Brazil; 10. Jamaica; 11. Guyana.
Awards:
Player of the Tournament: Leandro Tolini (Argentina)
Most Goals: Leandro Tolini (Argentina) 17 goals -16 penalty corners)
Best Goalkeeper: Kevin Segeren (USA)
Fairplay Trophy: Guyana
Big battle for deputy president's post
THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) deputy pres ident’s post will see a keen four-corner fight on Nov 1, as there were no withdrawals when the deadline ended yes terday.
In fact, two deputy president nominees pulled out their vice-president’s nominations to concentrate on the number two position.
Tengku Majid Sultan Iskandar, the incumbent deputy president, will be challenged by three-term vice-president Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema, two-term vice-president Nur Azmi Ahmad and newcomer Ken Pereira.
Azmi and Ken Pereira, however, will be going for broke as they withdrew their veep nominations, while Dr Cheema still holds his veep card.
Former international Poon Fook Loke also pulled out of the veep race, which will now see eight candidates battling for four positions.
“Although the deadline for withdrawing from elections is today (yesterday), candidates can still pull out on the day of the elections,” said MHF secretary Hashim Yusoff, who was also not challenged for another term.
Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah became the new MHF president when nominations closed on Nov 25, and incumbent Tan Sri Admiral (rtd) Anwar Mohd Nor withdrew, leaving no challengers for the No 1 post.
Penang HA secretary Ranjit Singh chipped in with advise for the delegates when casting their votes on Nov 1.
“I hope the delegates will select the best available, and keep in mind that some incumbent made many promises before the last elections but delivered nothing.
“Keep in mind the funds promised, sponsorship of hockey sticks, RM5,000 to each state, and subsidies if elected which were used as carrot to win votes, but in the end, nothing was delivered and the MHF is in worse state than before,” reminded Ranjit.
The MHF have only RM20,000 in their coffers and are in debt to a tune of RM1.1 million. The hockey team is also a lowly ranked 15th in the world, and those elected for the next term have their work cut out right after they are declared winners on Nov 1.
Then there is the 2009 Junior World Cup which Malaysia and Singapore will co-host, which is still at an infant stage of planning.
NOMINATIONS -- President: Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ah mad (13).
Deputy President: Tengku Majid Sultan Iskandar (incum bent, 5), Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema (1), Nur Azmi Ahmad (6), Ken Pereira (1).
Vice-Presidents: Datuk Sri Che Khalib Mohamed Noh (incumbent, 12), Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema (incumbent, 7), Datuk Rahim Mohamed Ariff (incumbent, 10), Datuk Salamon Selamat (3), M. Gobinathan (5), Johari Abdul Aziz (1), DSP Mohinder Singh (1), Majid Manjit Abdullah (2).
Automatic Vice-presidents: Sabah -- Datuk Ramilee Mara haban; Sarawak: Datuk Bustari Yusof.
Secretary: Hashim Yusoff (12).
Treasurer: S. Sanjilatheeban (incumbent, 11), Abdul Rah man Shariff (1).
In fact, two deputy president nominees pulled out their vice-president’s nominations to concentrate on the number two position.
Tengku Majid Sultan Iskandar, the incumbent deputy president, will be challenged by three-term vice-president Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema, two-term vice-president Nur Azmi Ahmad and newcomer Ken Pereira.
Azmi and Ken Pereira, however, will be going for broke as they withdrew their veep nominations, while Dr Cheema still holds his veep card.
Former international Poon Fook Loke also pulled out of the veep race, which will now see eight candidates battling for four positions.
“Although the deadline for withdrawing from elections is today (yesterday), candidates can still pull out on the day of the elections,” said MHF secretary Hashim Yusoff, who was also not challenged for another term.
Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah became the new MHF president when nominations closed on Nov 25, and incumbent Tan Sri Admiral (rtd) Anwar Mohd Nor withdrew, leaving no challengers for the No 1 post.
Penang HA secretary Ranjit Singh chipped in with advise for the delegates when casting their votes on Nov 1.
“I hope the delegates will select the best available, and keep in mind that some incumbent made many promises before the last elections but delivered nothing.
“Keep in mind the funds promised, sponsorship of hockey sticks, RM5,000 to each state, and subsidies if elected which were used as carrot to win votes, but in the end, nothing was delivered and the MHF is in worse state than before,” reminded Ranjit.
The MHF have only RM20,000 in their coffers and are in debt to a tune of RM1.1 million. The hockey team is also a lowly ranked 15th in the world, and those elected for the next term have their work cut out right after they are declared winners on Nov 1.
Then there is the 2009 Junior World Cup which Malaysia and Singapore will co-host, which is still at an infant stage of planning.
NOMINATIONS -- President: Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ah mad (13).
Deputy President: Tengku Majid Sultan Iskandar (incum bent, 5), Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema (1), Nur Azmi Ahmad (6), Ken Pereira (1).
Vice-Presidents: Datuk Sri Che Khalib Mohamed Noh (incumbent, 12), Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema (incumbent, 7), Datuk Rahim Mohamed Ariff (incumbent, 10), Datuk Salamon Selamat (3), M. Gobinathan (5), Johari Abdul Aziz (1), DSP Mohinder Singh (1), Majid Manjit Abdullah (2).
Automatic Vice-presidents: Sabah -- Datuk Ramilee Mara haban; Sarawak: Datuk Bustari Yusof.
Secretary: Hashim Yusoff (12).
Treasurer: S. Sanjilatheeban (incumbent, 11), Abdul Rah man Shariff (1).
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Tengku Abdullah new MHF president
TENGKU Abdullah Sultan Ahmad (pic) became the new Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) president unopposed, as no challenger surfaced when nominations closed yes terday.And his smooth transition into the hot seat was was greased with the 11th-hour withdrawal of incumbent Tan Sri Admiral (rtd) Anwar Mohd Nor. Tengku Abdullah received 13 nominations, indicating a strong tide of belief from states and incumbents.
While it was all rosy at the top, the incumbent deputy president Tunku Majid Sultan Iskandar, who received five nominations, will face three challengers in incumbent vice- presidents Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema and Nur Azmi Ahmad; and Ken Pereira.
“Since the states have nominated me for the deputy president’s post again, I will stand for elections, and there is no question of pulling out from the race,” said Tunku Majid.
The MHF elections will be held on Nov 1, and candidates have until Oct 29 to withdraw from the race. There are 10 incumbent, and 32 affiliate votes.
Incumbent sectary Hashim Yusoff was the other candidate who has returned unopposed, and he received 12 nom inations.
The vice-president’s post will see a keen contest, as 11 names have been submitted including that of the four incumbents, while the treasurer’s seat warmed by incum bent S. Sanjilatheeban, who received 11 nominations, saw only one challenger in Abdul Rahman Shariff who only had one nomination.
Sabah and Sarawak, who have a constitutional right to name their vice-presidents, picked Datuk Ramilee Mara haban and Datuk Bustari Yusof.
The nominations were released by Hashim one hour after the noon dead-line.
Tengku Abdullah, who held a dialogue session with in cumbents and MHF affiliates last week, will be going in with his eyes wide open, as he has been briefed on the sorry state of the national team, and the empty coffers.
Some of those who have been nominated are expected to throw in the towel by Oct 29, bringing more changes into the MHF. Outgoing president Anwar could not be reached for comments.
NOMINATIONS -- President: Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ah mad (13).
Deputy President: Tengku Majid Sultan Iskandar (incum bent, 5), Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema (1), Nur Azmi Ahmad (6), Ken Pereira (1).
Vice-Presidents: Datuk Sri Che Khalib Mohamed Noh (incumbent, 12), Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema (incumbent, 7), Datuk Rahim Mohamed Ariff (incumbent, 10), Datuk Poon Fook Loke (1), Datuk Salamon Selamat (3), Nur Azmi Ahmad (1), M. Gobinathan (5), Johari Abdul Aziz (1), Ken Pereira (2), DSP Mohinder Singh (1), Majid Manjit Abdullah (2).
Automatic Vice-presidents: Sabah -- Datuk Ramilee Mara haban; Sarawak: Datuk Bustari Yusof.
Secretary: Hashim Yusoff (12).
Treasurer: S. Sanjilatheeban (incumbent, 11), Abdul Rah man Shariff (1).
Friday, October 24, 2008
Tengku Abdullah looks good
AT high noon today, a strong wind of change is expected to sweep away Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) president Tan Sri Admiral (rtd) Anwar Mohd Nor and his deputy Tunku Majid Sultan Iskandar when nominations close for the Nov 1 elections.
Police HA, Penang HA, Pahang HA Malacca HA and many more states have held their council meetings, and their unanimous choice to helm MHF is Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad.
“We held our council meeting on Thursday, and have nominated Tengku Abdullah for the president’s post, while Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema for the deputy president’s.
“We believe there is a need for chance at the top to revive hockey and we hope our sentiments are shared by other states,” said Police HA president DSP Mohinder Singh, a former national skipper.
And it is strongly believed that Tengku Abdullah’s home state Pahang, have also received instructions to nominate him for president.
In Penang, the state HA also confirmed that they have nominated Tengku Abdullah.
Penang HA secretary, Ranjit Singh, said: “We are confident that with Tengku Abdullah’s vast experience in sports ad ministration, the Pahang Prince is the most capable person for the top post.
Penang, however, have nominated Malacca HA deputy president and two-term MHF vice president Nur Azmi Ah mad for the deputy president’s post.
“We see a good team in Tengku Abdullah and Nur Azmi to steer hockey out of its present state.
“This decision was arrived at after a through discussion and also taking the present scenario into consideration,” said Ranjit.
And Nur Azmi also confirmed that Malacca HA have nominated Tengku Abdullah.
“We believe Tengku Abdullah is the best person, and hockey needs to be saved, as it is now or never,” said Nur Azmi.
And at an early count, the states favour incumbent vice- president’s Dr Cheema, Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh and Datuk Abdul Rahim Ariff.
Some of the other names for veep that have cropped up are Ken Pereira, former international Poon Fook Loke and Negri HA vice president M. Gopinathan.
As for the secretary and treasurer, the tide still favours incumbents Sgt Hashim Yusoff and S. Sanjilatheeban.
At noon today, the full list of nominations will be released by the MHF.
Police HA, Penang HA, Pahang HA Malacca HA and many more states have held their council meetings, and their unanimous choice to helm MHF is Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad.
“We held our council meeting on Thursday, and have nominated Tengku Abdullah for the president’s post, while Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema for the deputy president’s.
“We believe there is a need for chance at the top to revive hockey and we hope our sentiments are shared by other states,” said Police HA president DSP Mohinder Singh, a former national skipper.
And it is strongly believed that Tengku Abdullah’s home state Pahang, have also received instructions to nominate him for president.
In Penang, the state HA also confirmed that they have nominated Tengku Abdullah.
Penang HA secretary, Ranjit Singh, said: “We are confident that with Tengku Abdullah’s vast experience in sports ad ministration, the Pahang Prince is the most capable person for the top post.
Penang, however, have nominated Malacca HA deputy president and two-term MHF vice president Nur Azmi Ah mad for the deputy president’s post.
“We see a good team in Tengku Abdullah and Nur Azmi to steer hockey out of its present state.
“This decision was arrived at after a through discussion and also taking the present scenario into consideration,” said Ranjit.
And Nur Azmi also confirmed that Malacca HA have nominated Tengku Abdullah.
“We believe Tengku Abdullah is the best person, and hockey needs to be saved, as it is now or never,” said Nur Azmi.
And at an early count, the states favour incumbent vice- president’s Dr Cheema, Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh and Datuk Abdul Rahim Ariff.
Some of the other names for veep that have cropped up are Ken Pereira, former international Poon Fook Loke and Negri HA vice president M. Gopinathan.
As for the secretary and treasurer, the tide still favours incumbents Sgt Hashim Yusoff and S. Sanjilatheeban.
At noon today, the full list of nominations will be released by the MHF.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Nominate with head, not heart: Fook Loke
THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) biennial election nominations close this Saturday, but until yesterday there has only been a trickle of entries.
It is common knowledge, that the states are still holding their favourite candidates close to their chests, and some will only fax in the nomination papers at the 11th-hour.
“Nominations close at noon on Saturday, after which we will release it to the press,” said MHF secretary Sgt Hashim Yusoff.
States are still confused with the signal sent out by their presidential hopeful Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad, as he has yet to confirm nor deny that he is interested to become the next president.
Incumbent president Tan Sri Admiral (rtd) Anwar Mohd Nor and his deputy Tunku Majid Sultan Iskandar have also been non-committal, with both agreeing that the man which gets the highest number of nominations will helm MHF for another term.
However, many including Datuk Poon Fook Loke, believe that states should select someone who is willing to work, as there is not much money left in the MHF coffers, while the team is ranked a miserable 15th in the world.
“States have to select candidates who have a passion for hockey, and only then can some repair be done to the Federation as well as the hockey team.
“Only two more days are left for them to decide on their candidates, and my advise to them is to think carefully, as hockey is in a bad state today, and work is cut out for those who are elected on Nov 1,” said Fook Loke.
When Fook Loke was playing hockey on grass, Malaysia ended fourth in the 1975 Kuala Lumpur World Cup, and he is has been on the MHF selection committee since 1997, and has held many other posts in the Federation.
“When we started planning for the 2005 (Rotterdam) Junior World Cup, it was an uphill task as there were not many promising juniors then. But the 2005 team has now matured and played in many other international tour naments, but the problem is still the same, as we do not have capable juniors anymore.
“Only those committed to hockey should be elected, and even then, it will be many years more of hard work before we can see results,” said Fook Loke.
It is common knowledge, that the states are still holding their favourite candidates close to their chests, and some will only fax in the nomination papers at the 11th-hour.
“Nominations close at noon on Saturday, after which we will release it to the press,” said MHF secretary Sgt Hashim Yusoff.
States are still confused with the signal sent out by their presidential hopeful Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad, as he has yet to confirm nor deny that he is interested to become the next president.
Incumbent president Tan Sri Admiral (rtd) Anwar Mohd Nor and his deputy Tunku Majid Sultan Iskandar have also been non-committal, with both agreeing that the man which gets the highest number of nominations will helm MHF for another term.
However, many including Datuk Poon Fook Loke, believe that states should select someone who is willing to work, as there is not much money left in the MHF coffers, while the team is ranked a miserable 15th in the world.
“States have to select candidates who have a passion for hockey, and only then can some repair be done to the Federation as well as the hockey team.
“Only two more days are left for them to decide on their candidates, and my advise to them is to think carefully, as hockey is in a bad state today, and work is cut out for those who are elected on Nov 1,” said Fook Loke.
When Fook Loke was playing hockey on grass, Malaysia ended fourth in the 1975 Kuala Lumpur World Cup, and he is has been on the MHF selection committee since 1997, and has held many other posts in the Federation.
“When we started planning for the 2005 (Rotterdam) Junior World Cup, it was an uphill task as there were not many promising juniors then. But the 2005 team has now matured and played in many other international tour naments, but the problem is still the same, as we do not have capable juniors anymore.
“Only those committed to hockey should be elected, and even then, it will be many years more of hard work before we can see results,” said Fook Loke.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Juniors yet to show promise
THE National Juniors have been far from impressive in their Malaysia Hockey League Division One debut, and a pale shadow of themselves compared to how they performed in the Razak Cup.
Malaysia and Singapore will co-host the Junior World Cup on June 7-21 next year which leaves coach K. Rajan with only nine months to whip the team into shape.
“Yes, there is a drastic drop in form in the two matches they have played, but there is nothing to worry because I do not have the best (players) with me,” said Rajan. “Eight of my better players are with other MHL teams, and I am giving everyone in my team a chance to play so that I can have a good picture at the end of the MHL.
“Fitness, overall, is still not at best but I am confident they will be ready when we host the World Cup.”
In their opening encounter, the Juniors lost 3-1 to Tenaga Nasional in a match they should have wrapped up if not for blowing a handful of open chances.
Against Maybank, the Juniors were at their worst and looked lost when presented with opportunities, and not surprisingly, lost 3-2.
Rajan has more than 30 players in training but will trim the squad after the MHL.
“After giving all of them a fair chance in the MHL, I will drop those who consistently under-perform and by Jan, I will have the best with me and will then start whipping them into shape,” Rajan added.
The MHL is only two matches old but already it looks like in Division One, only Sapura and Tenaga Nasional have enough firepower to stop League champions Ernst & Young from claiming their maiden MHL double.
Fixtures — Oct 31 — Division One: Sapura v Tenaga Nasional (KLHA Stadium, 7pm), Maybank v Ernst & Young (Seremban II Stadium, 5pm), National Juniors v Nur Insafi (National Stadium Pitch I, 7pm).
Division Two: Alam Shah School v Bandar Penawar SS (National Stadium Pitch II, 7pm), UiTM v Border Forces Club (Pandamaran Stadium, 5pm), Royal Malay Regiment v UNIMAP (Tun Razak Stadium, 7pm), JLJD v Dolphins (Tun Razak Stadium, 9pm).
Malaysia and Singapore will co-host the Junior World Cup on June 7-21 next year which leaves coach K. Rajan with only nine months to whip the team into shape.
“Yes, there is a drastic drop in form in the two matches they have played, but there is nothing to worry because I do not have the best (players) with me,” said Rajan. “Eight of my better players are with other MHL teams, and I am giving everyone in my team a chance to play so that I can have a good picture at the end of the MHL.
“Fitness, overall, is still not at best but I am confident they will be ready when we host the World Cup.”
In their opening encounter, the Juniors lost 3-1 to Tenaga Nasional in a match they should have wrapped up if not for blowing a handful of open chances.
Against Maybank, the Juniors were at their worst and looked lost when presented with opportunities, and not surprisingly, lost 3-2.
Rajan has more than 30 players in training but will trim the squad after the MHL.
“After giving all of them a fair chance in the MHL, I will drop those who consistently under-perform and by Jan, I will have the best with me and will then start whipping them into shape,” Rajan added.
The MHL is only two matches old but already it looks like in Division One, only Sapura and Tenaga Nasional have enough firepower to stop League champions Ernst & Young from claiming their maiden MHL double.
Fixtures — Oct 31 — Division One: Sapura v Tenaga Nasional (KLHA Stadium, 7pm), Maybank v Ernst & Young (Seremban II Stadium, 5pm), National Juniors v Nur Insafi (National Stadium Pitch I, 7pm).
Division Two: Alam Shah School v Bandar Penawar SS (National Stadium Pitch II, 7pm), UiTM v Border Forces Club (Pandamaran Stadium, 5pm), Royal Malay Regiment v UNIMAP (Tun Razak Stadium, 7pm), JLJD v Dolphins (Tun Razak Stadium, 9pm).
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Ernst & Young edge Sapura
LEAGUE champions Ernst & Young struggled before col lecting three points in their 2-1 win against Sapura in Division One of the Malaysia Hockey League yesterday.
Ernst & Young, who hammered Nur Insafi 10-0 in their MHL curtain raiser on Friday, failed to live up to ex pectations, especially in the first 20 minutes of the second half.
Baljit Singh gave Ernst & Young, who are virtually the national team, some breathing space when he converted a 35th minute penalty corner.
But after the hooter, the seasoned players in Sapura dominated, and snatched an equaliser in the 55th minute off their South Korean import Kim Jung Chul.
Ernst & Young were under tremendous pressure after that, but Kelvinder Singh snatched the winner with a 63rd minute deflection.
In another Division One match, TNB Cup champions Tenaga Nasional edged Nur Insafi 3-1.
Tenaga got their goals off Fazreen Ekhsan ( 12th), Tajol Rosli (34th) and Amin Rahim (65th). Mamunur Rahman (32nd) and Prem Kumar (69th), both India imports, scored for Nur Insafi.
Ernst & Young team manager George Koshy was a relieved man: “It was a close game because the heavy rain made the pitch heavy, and it did not suit my players who are fast with the ball.
“But then, the three points took us closer to defending our League title, so no complaints,” said George.
Former international K. Embaraj, said his team played in patches.
“I was a good and entertaining hockey match, with the firsthalf dominated by E&Y but we came back strongly after the breather. I believe we will get better as the League progresses,” said Embaraj.
RESULTS -- Division One: Tenaga Nasional 3 Nur Insafi 2, National Juniors 2 Maybank 3, Ernst & Young 2 Sapura 1.
Division Two: Bandar Panawar SS 5 UNIMAP 0, Dolphins 1 Bukit Jalil SS 1, JLJD 2 Alam Shah School 3, Border Forces Club 1 Royal Malay Regiment 4.
STANDINGS
DIVISION ONE
P W D L F A Pts
Ernst & Young 2 2 0 0 12 1 6
Tenaga 2 2 0 0 6 3 6
Maybank 2 1 0 1 4 4 3
Sapura 2 1 0 1 2 4 3
National Juniors 2 0 0 2 3 6 0
Nur Insafi 2 0 0 2 2 13 0
DIVISION TWO
P W D L F A Pts
Bandar Penawar 2 2 0 0 10 3 6
Alam Shah 2 2 0 0 9 4 6
Malay Regiment 2 1 0 1 4 4 3
Bukit Jalil 2 1 1 0 4 1 3
Dolphins 2 0 2 0 4 4 2
UiTM 1 0 1 0 3 3 1
JLJD 2 0 0 2 5 8 0
Border Forces 2 0 0 2 3 10 0
UNIMAP 1 0 0 1 0 5 0
Ernst & Young, who hammered Nur Insafi 10-0 in their MHL curtain raiser on Friday, failed to live up to ex pectations, especially in the first 20 minutes of the second half.
Baljit Singh gave Ernst & Young, who are virtually the national team, some breathing space when he converted a 35th minute penalty corner.
But after the hooter, the seasoned players in Sapura dominated, and snatched an equaliser in the 55th minute off their South Korean import Kim Jung Chul.
Ernst & Young were under tremendous pressure after that, but Kelvinder Singh snatched the winner with a 63rd minute deflection.
In another Division One match, TNB Cup champions Tenaga Nasional edged Nur Insafi 3-1.
Tenaga got their goals off Fazreen Ekhsan ( 12th), Tajol Rosli (34th) and Amin Rahim (65th). Mamunur Rahman (32nd) and Prem Kumar (69th), both India imports, scored for Nur Insafi.
Ernst & Young team manager George Koshy was a relieved man: “It was a close game because the heavy rain made the pitch heavy, and it did not suit my players who are fast with the ball.
“But then, the three points took us closer to defending our League title, so no complaints,” said George.
Former international K. Embaraj, said his team played in patches.
“I was a good and entertaining hockey match, with the firsthalf dominated by E&Y but we came back strongly after the breather. I believe we will get better as the League progresses,” said Embaraj.
RESULTS -- Division One: Tenaga Nasional 3 Nur Insafi 2, National Juniors 2 Maybank 3, Ernst & Young 2 Sapura 1.
Division Two: Bandar Panawar SS 5 UNIMAP 0, Dolphins 1 Bukit Jalil SS 1, JLJD 2 Alam Shah School 3, Border Forces Club 1 Royal Malay Regiment 4.
STANDINGS
DIVISION ONE
P W D L F A Pts
Ernst & Young 2 2 0 0 12 1 6
Tenaga 2 2 0 0 6 3 6
Maybank 2 1 0 1 4 4 3
Sapura 2 1 0 1 2 4 3
National Juniors 2 0 0 2 3 6 0
Nur Insafi 2 0 0 2 2 13 0
DIVISION TWO
P W D L F A Pts
Bandar Penawar 2 2 0 0 10 3 6
Alam Shah 2 2 0 0 9 4 6
Malay Regiment 2 1 0 1 4 4 3
Bukit Jalil 2 1 1 0 4 1 3
Dolphins 2 0 2 0 4 4 2
UiTM 1 0 1 0 3 3 1
JLJD 2 0 0 2 5 8 0
Border Forces 2 0 0 2 3 10 0
UNIMAP 1 0 0 1 0 5 0
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Tengku Abdullah remains elusive
THEY came with high hopes, but went home with more questions than answers when Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad did not make a concrete stand, and neither did he name his first-11 for the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) elections on Nov 1.Tengku Abdullah listened attentively, and also took notes, when he allowed everyone in the 50-strong quorum made up of state delegates, MHF incumbents, former internationals and former sports writers to state their views in a forum-like atmosphere yesterday.
But in the end, when his turn came to make a stand, Tengku Abdullah said: “I have positions in many sports associations and very little time to spare, so I offer myself as a Royal Patron to the MHF.
“I have not made up my mind on becoming the president, but if all of you feel that there should be changes in the MHF, look for an alternative, and if there is no one, you can look me up again. That is as fair a judgement I can make today.”
There was confusion in the room, as Tengku Abdullah’s statement was open to many interpretations.
In his opening remark, the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang revealed that former MHF president Sultan Azlan Shah was the first to suggest that he helm the MHF.
“The first to suggest to me that I become president was Sultan Azlan Shah when we met recently, but I just kept quiet because I did not think anything about it. But then, he sent a message through someone asking me to consider the po sition.
“I have yet to make up my mind, and even if I do say yes, I will need help from everyone to start the grassroots moving again.
“The present president and deputy president have run the organisation in their own way, and so I am not ‘jual mahal’ (playing hard to get). I am shallow in hockey, unlike soccer, and I do not want to disappoint all if I fail to live up to your expectations,” saif Tengku Abdullah.
All the states were represented at the dialogue, but none came with any constructive ideas on how to help hockey and to bring in more money.
The states were more sore with the parent body for not providing grants, as their coffers were also empty, and no development could be carried out.
And those who were expecting Tengku Abdullah to take out his magic wand and shower them with funds, went home the most disappointed.
Nominations close on Oct 25, and candidates have until Oct 29 to withdraw from the race. But after yesterday’s no stand from Tengku Abdullah, the first to pull out was Kuala Lumpur HA’s nominee for the secretary’s post, Johnson Fernandez.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Ernst & Young hammer 10 past Nur Insafi
LEAGUE Champions Ernst & Young got off to a rousing start in
deffence their title when they hammered Penang-Nur Insafi 10-0 in
Division One of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) yesterday. The match, played at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit
Jalil, was a one-sided affair from the first whistle, and Ernst &
Young, with 12 national players in their fold, scored at will. Nur Insafi had nine import players, seven from India and two
from Bangladesh, but the foreign legion were a lost lot. The
Penang team were forced to defend for the majority of the match,
and are expected to face another torrid time against Tenaga
Nasional tomorrow. Ismail Abu opened the floodgates in the second minute and went
on to nothch his hat-trick with goals in the 30th and 47th
minutes, while the other scorers for Ernst & Young were Chua Boon
Huat (fourth, 35th), Baljit Singh (12th), Azlan Misron (15th),
Craig Joseph Fernandez (36th), Azli Misron (62nd) and Nabil Fiqri
(65th). At the Kuala Lumpur HA Stadium, TNB-Cup champions Tenaga
Nasional beat National Juniors 3-1 in an entertaining match. The Juniors, preparing for the Junior World Cup next year, will
next face Maybank, where they look good for three points. Tenaga got their goals off Fitri Abu Bakar (second),
Sallehuddin Ghani (55th) and Mahinder Singh (63rd). Marhan Jalil
scored for National Juniors in the 64th minute. "There were some close moments, and we had the chances but blew
them. However, I am not disappointed with their effort, and the
score indicates that they will improve as the league progresses,"
said Juniors coach K. Rajan. In another Division One match, Sapura survived by the
skin-of-their teeth when they edged Maybank 2-1. Maybank took the lead in the 18th minute off a Suhaimi Ibrahim
field goal, but South Korean import Song Seung Tae delivered for
Sapura with a 25th minute field goal. The winner was delivered by Redza Maadun in the 32nd minute. RESULTS -- Division One: Tenaga Nasional 3 National Juniors 1,
Ernst and Young 10 Nur Insafi 1, Maybank 1 Sapura 2. Division Two: Dolphins 3 UiTM 3, JLJ 3 Bandar Penawar SS 1,
Royal Malay Regiment x Bukit Jalil SS x. TODAY -- Division Two: Border Forces Club v Sultan Alam Shah
School (Terengganu, 5pm), Bandar Penawar SS v UNIMAP (National
Stadium, 5pm). TOMORROW -- Division One: Tenaga Nasional v Nur Insafi (KLHA
Stadium, 5pm), National Juniors v Maybank (National Stadium,
Pitch II, 5pm), Ernst & Young v Sapura (National Stadium, Pitch
I, 5pm). Division Two: Bandar Penawar SS v UNIMAP (Bandar Penawar, 5pm),
Dolphins v Bukit Jalil SS (Lumut, 5pm), JLJD v Sultan Alam Shah
School (Tun Razak Stadium, 5pm), Border Forces Club v Malay Regiment (Terengganu, 5pm).
deffence their title when they hammered Penang-Nur Insafi 10-0 in
Division One of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) yesterday. The match, played at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit
Jalil, was a one-sided affair from the first whistle, and Ernst &
Young, with 12 national players in their fold, scored at will. Nur Insafi had nine import players, seven from India and two
from Bangladesh, but the foreign legion were a lost lot. The
Penang team were forced to defend for the majority of the match,
and are expected to face another torrid time against Tenaga
Nasional tomorrow. Ismail Abu opened the floodgates in the second minute and went
on to nothch his hat-trick with goals in the 30th and 47th
minutes, while the other scorers for Ernst & Young were Chua Boon
Huat (fourth, 35th), Baljit Singh (12th), Azlan Misron (15th),
Craig Joseph Fernandez (36th), Azli Misron (62nd) and Nabil Fiqri
(65th). At the Kuala Lumpur HA Stadium, TNB-Cup champions Tenaga
Nasional beat National Juniors 3-1 in an entertaining match. The Juniors, preparing for the Junior World Cup next year, will
next face Maybank, where they look good for three points. Tenaga got their goals off Fitri Abu Bakar (second),
Sallehuddin Ghani (55th) and Mahinder Singh (63rd). Marhan Jalil
scored for National Juniors in the 64th minute. "There were some close moments, and we had the chances but blew
them. However, I am not disappointed with their effort, and the
score indicates that they will improve as the league progresses,"
said Juniors coach K. Rajan. In another Division One match, Sapura survived by the
skin-of-their teeth when they edged Maybank 2-1. Maybank took the lead in the 18th minute off a Suhaimi Ibrahim
field goal, but South Korean import Song Seung Tae delivered for
Sapura with a 25th minute field goal. The winner was delivered by Redza Maadun in the 32nd minute. RESULTS -- Division One: Tenaga Nasional 3 National Juniors 1,
Ernst and Young 10 Nur Insafi 1, Maybank 1 Sapura 2. Division Two: Dolphins 3 UiTM 3, JLJ 3 Bandar Penawar SS 1,
Royal Malay Regiment x Bukit Jalil SS x. TODAY -- Division Two: Border Forces Club v Sultan Alam Shah
School (Terengganu, 5pm), Bandar Penawar SS v UNIMAP (National
Stadium, 5pm). TOMORROW -- Division One: Tenaga Nasional v Nur Insafi (KLHA
Stadium, 5pm), National Juniors v Maybank (National Stadium,
Pitch II, 5pm), Ernst & Young v Sapura (National Stadium, Pitch
I, 5pm). Division Two: Bandar Penawar SS v UNIMAP (Bandar Penawar, 5pm),
Dolphins v Bukit Jalil SS (Lumut, 5pm), JLJD v Sultan Alam Shah
School (Tun Razak Stadium, 5pm), Border Forces Club v Malay Regiment (Terengganu, 5pm).
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Race to the wire for Malaysian Hopeless Federation (MHF)
COMMENT
By Jugjet Singh
ONE understands the intense interest in the UMNO President and deputy president’s race, but on a micro scale, it is mind boggling why anyone would be interested to become Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) office-bearers.
UMNO paves the way for the next Malaysian Prime Minister and deputy Prime Minister, while those who are elected to become the president, deputy president and vice-presidents of the MHF will inherit empty coffers and a team which is ranked 15th in the world.
The elected president and his men will have to slog and sweat more than their team on the pitch to fill the coffers, and revive the sport in the country.
The ‘old players’ in MHF are president Tan Sri (rtd) Anwar Mohd Nor and his deputy Tunku Majid Sultan Iskandar, but if the grapevine is spot-on, then massive changers are in store after Saturday.
That is when Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad will meet MHF incumbents and delegates from states, after which he is expected to decide whether he wants to become the next president of the MHF.
Tengku Abdullah is highly tipped to say ‘yes’ and then name his ‘cabinet’ line-up for states which back him, to nom inate.
And if the grapevine telegraph, which swears it is clicking the gospel truth, has not got its facts twisted in a vile vine, then the race for the deputy president’s post will be a handful.
Kuala Lumpur HA have named their deputy hopeful as Ken Pereira, the former chief operating officer of Sapura, Malac ca will soon be naming Nur Azmi Ahmad and three-term vice-president Dr S.S. Cheema is also tipped to upgrade himself.
And there are many more hopefuls for the No 2 post, with many having personally met Tengku Abdullah with resumes to campaign for their cause.
But the many deputy hopefuls might also silently drop out from the race on Saturday as Tengku Abdullah is expected to name his choice and then it will be plain sailing for the chosen one.
As for the six vice-president’s posts, Sabah and Sarawak name their men as stipulated in the MHF constitution, while four more seats will be up for elections. Here, more than 10 names are expected to be thrown into the frying pan, with only four emerging unburnt.
Then there is the secretary’s post, with the incumbent Sgt Hashim Yusoff also having to work hard to defend his seat. KLHA have named Malay Mail copy editor Johnson Fer nandez as their man, and former MHF secretary T. Para malingam is also said to be interested in making a come- back.
Treasurer S. Sanjilatheeban, with the least exciting port folio as there is not much money to count, but lots of expenditures to account for, surprisingly, is also expected to be challenged.
There are 10 incumbent, and 30 state, Armed Forces and Police votes which will be highly sought after until nom inations close on Oct 25, and the ‘X’ is marked on the ballot papers on Nov 1.
The campaign period is short and sweet, but the cam paigning is already hard, bitter and sometimes below the belt as camps have already sprouted to woo for votes.
Whatever the outcome on Nov 1, new regime sweeps in or the wily old hands are voted in again, two factors are a reality. The elected representatives will have to re-brand the MHF from the hopeless federation it is today, and set a new benchmark on the pitch so that hockey lovers can finally stop referring to the year 1975.
By Jugjet Singh
ONE understands the intense interest in the UMNO President and deputy president’s race, but on a micro scale, it is mind boggling why anyone would be interested to become Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) office-bearers.
UMNO paves the way for the next Malaysian Prime Minister and deputy Prime Minister, while those who are elected to become the president, deputy president and vice-presidents of the MHF will inherit empty coffers and a team which is ranked 15th in the world.
The elected president and his men will have to slog and sweat more than their team on the pitch to fill the coffers, and revive the sport in the country.
The ‘old players’ in MHF are president Tan Sri (rtd) Anwar Mohd Nor and his deputy Tunku Majid Sultan Iskandar, but if the grapevine is spot-on, then massive changers are in store after Saturday.
That is when Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad will meet MHF incumbents and delegates from states, after which he is expected to decide whether he wants to become the next president of the MHF.
Tengku Abdullah is highly tipped to say ‘yes’ and then name his ‘cabinet’ line-up for states which back him, to nom inate.
And if the grapevine telegraph, which swears it is clicking the gospel truth, has not got its facts twisted in a vile vine, then the race for the deputy president’s post will be a handful.
Kuala Lumpur HA have named their deputy hopeful as Ken Pereira, the former chief operating officer of Sapura, Malac ca will soon be naming Nur Azmi Ahmad and three-term vice-president Dr S.S. Cheema is also tipped to upgrade himself.
And there are many more hopefuls for the No 2 post, with many having personally met Tengku Abdullah with resumes to campaign for their cause.
But the many deputy hopefuls might also silently drop out from the race on Saturday as Tengku Abdullah is expected to name his choice and then it will be plain sailing for the chosen one.
As for the six vice-president’s posts, Sabah and Sarawak name their men as stipulated in the MHF constitution, while four more seats will be up for elections. Here, more than 10 names are expected to be thrown into the frying pan, with only four emerging unburnt.
Then there is the secretary’s post, with the incumbent Sgt Hashim Yusoff also having to work hard to defend his seat. KLHA have named Malay Mail copy editor Johnson Fer nandez as their man, and former MHF secretary T. Para malingam is also said to be interested in making a come- back.
Treasurer S. Sanjilatheeban, with the least exciting port folio as there is not much money to count, but lots of expenditures to account for, surprisingly, is also expected to be challenged.
There are 10 incumbent, and 30 state, Armed Forces and Police votes which will be highly sought after until nom inations close on Oct 25, and the ‘X’ is marked on the ballot papers on Nov 1.
The campaign period is short and sweet, but the cam paigning is already hard, bitter and sometimes below the belt as camps have already sprouted to woo for votes.
Whatever the outcome on Nov 1, new regime sweeps in or the wily old hands are voted in again, two factors are a reality. The elected representatives will have to re-brand the MHF from the hopeless federation it is today, and set a new benchmark on the pitch so that hockey lovers can finally stop referring to the year 1975.
Lame duck league hobbles on
THE TNB-Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) will hobble off today with League champions Ernst And Young squaring off against last season’s Division Two champions Penang-Nur Insafi at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
But if one compares the standard of the MHL with that of leagues run in Australia, New Zealand and Europe -- Malaysia will be akin a donkey running among race horses.
With only six teams in Division One, and nine in Division Two, it looks like either clubs are no longer interested in hockey or there is a lack of quality players to form more teams.
The National Juniors, preparing for the Junior World Cup which Malaysia and Singapore will co-host in June 7-21 next year, will also undergo a baptism of fire as they will face a torrid time against TNB-Cup champions Tenaga Nasional.
Ernst and Young, with 12 national players, are the front- runners for both the titles, while their strongest opposition is expected to come from Tenaga, who have six national players including No 1 goalkeeper S. Kumar.
The dark horses in the MHL are Nur Insafi, who have hired two Bangladeshis and seven India players to strengthen their cause. Last season, they had three India players and won the Division Two title.
In Division Two, Bukit Jalil and Bandar Penawar Sports Schools will have their work cut out, as they will be playing against teams which have many seasoned MHL players.
TODAY: Division One -- Tenaga Nasional v National Juniors (KLHA Stadium, 7pm), Ernst and Young v Nur Insafi (National Stadium, 7pm), Maybank v Sapura (Seremban II Stadium, 5pm).
Division Two: Dolphins v UiTM (Lumut, 5pm), JLJ v Bandar Penawar SS (Tun Razak Stadium, 7pm), Royal Malay Reg iment v Bukit Jalil SS (Tun Razak Stadium, 9pm), Border Forces Club v Sultan Alam Shah School (Terengganu, 5pm).
But if one compares the standard of the MHL with that of leagues run in Australia, New Zealand and Europe -- Malaysia will be akin a donkey running among race horses.
With only six teams in Division One, and nine in Division Two, it looks like either clubs are no longer interested in hockey or there is a lack of quality players to form more teams.
The National Juniors, preparing for the Junior World Cup which Malaysia and Singapore will co-host in June 7-21 next year, will also undergo a baptism of fire as they will face a torrid time against TNB-Cup champions Tenaga Nasional.
Ernst and Young, with 12 national players, are the front- runners for both the titles, while their strongest opposition is expected to come from Tenaga, who have six national players including No 1 goalkeeper S. Kumar.
The dark horses in the MHL are Nur Insafi, who have hired two Bangladeshis and seven India players to strengthen their cause. Last season, they had three India players and won the Division Two title.
In Division Two, Bukit Jalil and Bandar Penawar Sports Schools will have their work cut out, as they will be playing against teams which have many seasoned MHL players.
TODAY: Division One -- Tenaga Nasional v National Juniors (KLHA Stadium, 7pm), Ernst and Young v Nur Insafi (National Stadium, 7pm), Maybank v Sapura (Seremban II Stadium, 5pm).
Division Two: Dolphins v UiTM (Lumut, 5pm), JLJ v Bandar Penawar SS (Tun Razak Stadium, 7pm), Royal Malay Reg iment v Bukit Jalil SS (Tun Razak Stadium, 9pm), Border Forces Club v Sultan Alam Shah School (Terengganu, 5pm).
Monday, October 13, 2008
First Asia Indoor Hockey Tournament
THE first Asia Indoor Hockey Tournament will be held at the Indra Mulia Stadium in Ipoh on Dec 10-15.
And the tournament will be named the Azlan Shah Cup, as agreed by the Sultan of Perak in a meeting held on Sept 26.
“We have sent out invitations to a host of countries, and are expecting a good response before the closing date which is at the end of the month,” said Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) secretary Sgt Hashim Yusoff.
MHF will be working with the Asian Hockey Federation (AFH), with the tournament being run by the Perak HA.
And some of the countries which have been invited are Japan, Pakistan, South Korea, Singapore, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Hong Kong, Iran and many others.
Meanwhile, 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.
“The FIH (International Hockey Federation) has agreed to the date, and the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHF) will be sending out invitations soon,” said Hashim.
Malaysia will invite defending champions Argentina, Pak istan, India, Canada, Belgium and England. The reserves will be New Zealand, South Korea, China and South Africa.
And the tournament will be named the Azlan Shah Cup, as agreed by the Sultan of Perak in a meeting held on Sept 26.
“We have sent out invitations to a host of countries, and are expecting a good response before the closing date which is at the end of the month,” said Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) secretary Sgt Hashim Yusoff.
MHF will be working with the Asian Hockey Federation (AFH), with the tournament being run by the Perak HA.
And some of the countries which have been invited are Japan, Pakistan, South Korea, Singapore, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Hong Kong, Iran and many others.
Meanwhile, 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.
“The FIH (International Hockey Federation) has agreed to the date, and the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHF) will be sending out invitations soon,” said Hashim.
Malaysia will invite defending champions Argentina, Pak istan, India, Canada, Belgium and England. The reserves will be New Zealand, South Korea, China and South Africa.
FIH happy with Junior World Cup venue
INTERNATIONAL Hockey Federation’s (FIH) competitions manager Dennis Meredith gave the thumbs up after in specting Johor’s Junior World Cup venue on Oct 8.
Johor and Singapore will co-host the Junior World Cup on June 7-21 next year and the Lion city’s stadium was also inspected.
“Dennis made some minor recommendations like the need for four changing rooms from the present two, and doping sites.
“It should not be a problem, as we can use tents for the two additional changing rooms like how it was done during the Doha Asian Games,” said Malaysian Hockey Federation secretary Sgt Hashim Yusoff.
The venue, which is expected to be completed by March, is 90 per cent complete, with the artificial pitches yet to be laid.
“The turf has yet to be laid, but it is already at the stadium, and Dennis approved it after inspecting its quality,” said Hashim.
Hashim said FIH are also happy with the progress in Singapore. Johor will host 10 teams while Singapore another 10, with the opening ceremony in Singapore and final being played in Johor.
The facilities will be further put to test when completed in March with a four-nation junior invitational. The dry run will also test immigration, transportation and other logistics to avoid hiccups on the big day.
And an estimated RM1.5 million is needed to make the tournament a successful business venture.
Johor and Singapore will co-host the Junior World Cup on June 7-21 next year and the Lion city’s stadium was also inspected.
“Dennis made some minor recommendations like the need for four changing rooms from the present two, and doping sites.
“It should not be a problem, as we can use tents for the two additional changing rooms like how it was done during the Doha Asian Games,” said Malaysian Hockey Federation secretary Sgt Hashim Yusoff.
The venue, which is expected to be completed by March, is 90 per cent complete, with the artificial pitches yet to be laid.
“The turf has yet to be laid, but it is already at the stadium, and Dennis approved it after inspecting its quality,” said Hashim.
Hashim said FIH are also happy with the progress in Singapore. Johor will host 10 teams while Singapore another 10, with the opening ceremony in Singapore and final being played in Johor.
The facilities will be further put to test when completed in March with a four-nation junior invitational. The dry run will also test immigration, transportation and other logistics to avoid hiccups on the big day.
And an estimated RM1.5 million is needed to make the tournament a successful business venture.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Into the lion's den...
16-year-old Kavin Kartik (centre) will be closely watched in the MHL.THE National Juniors will be thrown into the lion’s den when they square off against TNB Cup champions Tenaga Nasional in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) on Oct 17.
Coach by former Tenaga coach K. Rajan, the juniors are expected to face a challenging time in the MHL, which is a first step towards preparing for the Junior World Cup next year.
“We have had good training matches against Tenaga and Maybank, where my boys lost by two or one goal only. The shape is there, and only the defense is still a little shaky,” said Rajan.
The coach has named his best 22 for the MHL, while Maybank has roped in five juniors, Tenaga one and Sapura one.
“The whole training team will be playing in the MHL as seven of them have been selected by other teams and it will give me a chance to see how they perform against current and former internationals,” said Rajan.
The youngest junior is 16-year-old Kavin Kartik from Negri Sembilan, who was selected into the training squad after an impressive performance in the Razak Cup.
Negri beat Kuala Lumpur, the eventual champions, 2-0 in the Razak Cup with both goals coming from Kavin.
“The team is physically much better than when they played in the Razak Cup, and I will be expecting much more from them.”
And after more than a decade, a Chinese boy has also managed to make the national squad in Wong Khee Hon.
NATIONAL JUNIORS: Asmawi Zaidi (goalkeeper), Hairi Rahman (goalkeeper), R. Nadesh, Ahmad Kazamirul, Sybrie Shamsudin, Nor Hafiq Gaffar, Marhan Jalil, Noor Khairul Azrain, Khairil Isa, Izzat Rahim, Jamil Saidin, Andika Norarahis, Izwan Firdaus, S. Aneshkumar, Razlee Amree, Fareez Ismail, Wong Khee Hon, Kavin Kartik, Khairul Azwan Hamid, Harvinder Singh, Azreen Rizal Nasir, Sabri Mohamad.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Penang HA to meet Tengku Abdullah
PENANG HA will be among those who will meet Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad on Oct 18, and only then submit their nominations for the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) elections.
Penang, with three votes in their hands including that of treasurer S. Sanjilatheeban, first want to brief Tengku Abdullah on the present state of the MHF, and then listen to how he can help the sport before nominating their man for the No 1 and No 2 posts.
“We (Penang HA) will attend the meeting with Tengku Abdullah where we will tell him about the true state of the MHF. And after listening to his plans for the sport, and if he agrees to stand, we will throw our support behind him,” said Penang HA secretary Ranjit Singh.
The truth is that MHF is a fast sinking ship, with the national team ranked a miserable 15th in the world, and their coffers are dry and need an urgent infusion of funds.
The MHF elections will be held on Nov 1, with nominations closing on Oct 25.
The present MHF president Tan Sri (rtd) Admiral Admiral Anwar Mohd Nor and his deputy Tunku Majid Sultan Iskandar have also expressed interest in seeking another term, but the scene might change after Tengku Abdullah makes his stand.
“We need someone who is truly interested in the sport, and will be hands on to make some crucial decisions as the sport is facing hard times right now.
“Also, we have the Junior World Cup next year, and need someone who can get cracking immediately after the elections, as much still needs to be done,” said Ranjit.
A delegation of about 15 affiliates are expected to meet Tengku Abdullah at a leading hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 18, and the nominations are expected to start coming in after they hear his views.
To date, Malacca HA deputy president and two-term MHF vice-president Nur Azmi Ahmad has stated his intention to stand for the deputy president’s post, but there might be massive winds of chance if the affiliates manage to convince Tengku Abdullah to become the next president of the MHF.
Penang, with three votes in their hands including that of treasurer S. Sanjilatheeban, first want to brief Tengku Abdullah on the present state of the MHF, and then listen to how he can help the sport before nominating their man for the No 1 and No 2 posts.
“We (Penang HA) will attend the meeting with Tengku Abdullah where we will tell him about the true state of the MHF. And after listening to his plans for the sport, and if he agrees to stand, we will throw our support behind him,” said Penang HA secretary Ranjit Singh.
The truth is that MHF is a fast sinking ship, with the national team ranked a miserable 15th in the world, and their coffers are dry and need an urgent infusion of funds.
The MHF elections will be held on Nov 1, with nominations closing on Oct 25.
The present MHF president Tan Sri (rtd) Admiral Admiral Anwar Mohd Nor and his deputy Tunku Majid Sultan Iskandar have also expressed interest in seeking another term, but the scene might change after Tengku Abdullah makes his stand.
“We need someone who is truly interested in the sport, and will be hands on to make some crucial decisions as the sport is facing hard times right now.
“Also, we have the Junior World Cup next year, and need someone who can get cracking immediately after the elections, as much still needs to be done,” said Ranjit.
A delegation of about 15 affiliates are expected to meet Tengku Abdullah at a leading hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 18, and the nominations are expected to start coming in after they hear his views.
To date, Malacca HA deputy president and two-term MHF vice-president Nur Azmi Ahmad has stated his intention to stand for the deputy president’s post, but there might be massive winds of chance if the affiliates manage to convince Tengku Abdullah to become the next president of the MHF.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Tunku Majid all for change
MALAYSIAN Hockey Federation (MHF) deputy president Tunku Majid Sultan Iskandar has no qualms about Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah becoming the next president of the Federation.Tunku Majid and present president Tan Sri (rtd) Admiral Anwar Mohd Nor had come to an agreement that the person which gets the highest number of nominations will become the next president, but the entry of another Royal candidate has changed the scenario.
The MHF elections will be held on Nov 1, with nominations closing on Oct 25.
“I will go with what the states want, if they want me to carry on, I will continue my work in the MHF. And I have no problems working with Tengku Abdullah, if he decides to come into the Federation.
“Tengku Abdullah has done a good job as deputy president of the FAM (Football Association of Malaysia), and I am sure if he comes into hockey, it will be to the sports gain,” said Tunku Majid.
When Tengku Abdullah was asked in Kuantan on Sept 24, his reply was that he wanted to know more about MHF before making a decision.
“Other than an individual contacting me, I have not spoken to anyone about going for the post of MHF president. However, if there are some who feel that I can be considered for the post, I suggest they meet me,” Tengku Abdullah had said then.
And taking the cue from there, 10 to 15 present council members are expected to meet him on Oct 18, when he is highly likely to seek election for the president’s post.
“This is not a political or a paid post, so whoever that wants to come in as No 1, No 2, No 3 and so on must be prepared to clock in the hours.
“It will be useless if they come in just for one term and then say their goodbye. Interested candidates must have a long- term interest and work to achieve the targets,” said Tunku Majid.
MHF secretary Sgt Hashim Yusoff said even though nom inations opened on Oct 3, he has yet to receive any paperwork from the states.
“It looks like all the states are waiting for more information from their desired candidates before committing themselves. I expect the nominations to start coming in after Oct 18,” said Hashim.
Two Bangladeshis and seven Indians
NUR-INSAFI Penang will field seven India, and two Bangladesh players in Division One of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) which starts on Oct 17.
And Sapura will be parading two South Koreans in Kim Jung Chul and Song Seung Tae.
The two Bangladeshis, a first for the MHL, are Rasel Mahmud and Mamunur Rahman Chayan while the seven from India are goalkeeper Sanjay Kukreti, Kul Bhusan Vashist, Ramesh Kumar, Deepak Kumar, Ajay Kumar,
Mubeen Ur Rehman and Prem Kumar.
Prem Kumar and Deepak Kumar helped them to the Division Two title last season and are back again.
“The rules are clear on foreign players, Nur-Insafi Penang can field all nine players, and only two locals when playing. It should not be a problem,” said Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) secretary Sgt Hashim Yusoff.
The Penang team has initially refused promotion from Division Two to Division One, as they felt they were not strong enough, but with nine foreign players, their opening en counter against League champions Ernst and Young will shed some light on their true strength.
The MHL will have six teams in Division One, and none teams in Division Two this year.
Tenaga Nasional are the TNB Cup holders.
And Sapura will be parading two South Koreans in Kim Jung Chul and Song Seung Tae.
The two Bangladeshis, a first for the MHL, are Rasel Mahmud and Mamunur Rahman Chayan while the seven from India are goalkeeper Sanjay Kukreti, Kul Bhusan Vashist, Ramesh Kumar, Deepak Kumar, Ajay Kumar,
Mubeen Ur Rehman and Prem Kumar.
Prem Kumar and Deepak Kumar helped them to the Division Two title last season and are back again.
“The rules are clear on foreign players, Nur-Insafi Penang can field all nine players, and only two locals when playing. It should not be a problem,” said Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) secretary Sgt Hashim Yusoff.
The Penang team has initially refused promotion from Division Two to Division One, as they felt they were not strong enough, but with nine foreign players, their opening en counter against League champions Ernst and Young will shed some light on their true strength.
The MHL will have six teams in Division One, and none teams in Division Two this year.
Tenaga Nasional are the TNB Cup holders.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Cool million from Tenaga Nasional
TENAGA Nasional Berhad are set to power the TNB- Malaysia Hockey League on Oct 17 again, after an RM1 million sponsorship agreement was signed yesterday.The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) were repre sented by their vice-president Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema, while TNB their Chief Operating Officer Datuk Sri Che Khalib Mohamd Noh (pic), who is also an MHF vice-president.
Also present at the function were National Sports Council (NSC) director general Datuk Zolkeples Embong and Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) secretary Datuk Sieh Kok Chi.
“We are very grateful with Tenaga Nasional’s continued support of hockey, and this is the third year that they will be with us. The money will not only help run a smoother MHL, but also fund some of our other development programmes,” said Dr Cheema.
Datuk Zolkeples was also happy with this corporate spon sorship: “In 1998 when we hosted the Commonwealth Games, there were 27 sponsors behind 28 sports. But today, sadly, only a handful have remained loyal to their Rakan Sukan (partner in sport), and TNB are one of those who have not forgotten their responsibilities.”
The MHL will have six teams in Division One, and nine teams in Division Two. Ernst and Young are the defending League champions, while Tenaga Nasional hold the TNB Cup.
Tenaga have six national players for the MHL, and two of them were voted as outstanding players in the Hamburg Masters.
S. Kumar was awarded the Best Goalkeeper, while Amin Rahim as the Best Player in the International Invitational where Malaysia ended second behind World No 1 Germany.
Meanwhile, Dr Cheema in his speech stressed the im portance of starting indoor hockey aggressively in Malaysia.
“There are numerous benefits which can be derived from the indoor game, which will help strengthen the base for outdoor hockey national selection.
“I hope TNB will start the ball rolling, as they have the funds to have an indoor court built,” said Dr Cheema.
Che Khalib was also keen on the idea: “We are keen on it, and it is an idea worth exploring.”
The three MHF vice-presidents present yesterday, Cheema, Che Khalib and Datuk Abdul Rahim Ariff were however, non-committal on their biennial elections.
“We still have until Oct 25 (when nominations close), so lets wait some more before making any comments on the elec tions,” said the three veeps.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Malaysia second in Hamburg Masters
MALAYSIA played their hearts out and hammered Belgium 6-2 to finish second in the Hamburg Masters International Invitational in Germany yesterday.
Malaysia ended with five points from three matches, as they played to a 1-1 draw with Olympic champions and World No 1 Germany, and another 2-2 draw against Pakistan.
In another match, Germany hammered Pakistan 6-1 to become the champions, while Malaysia finished second in the Masters.
Amin Rahim opened accounts for Malaysia in the fifth minute off a penalty corner attempt, and four minutes later, Kelvinder Singh made it 2-0 with a field attempt.
Malaysia relied on counter-attacks the entire match, and the goals came easy off Ismail Abu (31st), Sallehin Ghani (43rd), Amin (51st) and Azlan Misron (51st).
The match was played in heavy rain, and Belgium got their consolations through Gauthier Boccart (37th) and Alex Depeauw (54th).
“We could have hit 10 goals past Belgium as we practically camped in their semi-circle. But the rain saw my players miss many sitters.
“Also, Ismail (Abu) and (Mohaned) Razie were both in the sin-bin when Belgium scored their first goal, but we replied with the fifth and sixth goals with only nine players on the pitch.
“It was a good performance from my team, as we never lost a match in this tournament, and they showed their true capabilities when playing against higher ranked teams,” said coach Sarjit Singh via a telephone interview.
Malaysia are ranked 15th, Belgium 10th, Pakistan eighth, and Germany No 1 in the World.
After the national team returns, it will disband for the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) which starts on Oct 17. Twelve players will turn out for Ernst and Young, while six for Tenaga Nasional.
FINAL STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
GERMANY 3 2 1 0 10 3 7
MALAYSIA 3 1 2 0 9 5 5
PAKISTAN 3 1 1 1 9 11 4
BELGIUM 3 0 0 3 6 15 0
Malaysia ended with five points from three matches, as they played to a 1-1 draw with Olympic champions and World No 1 Germany, and another 2-2 draw against Pakistan.
In another match, Germany hammered Pakistan 6-1 to become the champions, while Malaysia finished second in the Masters.
Amin Rahim opened accounts for Malaysia in the fifth minute off a penalty corner attempt, and four minutes later, Kelvinder Singh made it 2-0 with a field attempt.
Malaysia relied on counter-attacks the entire match, and the goals came easy off Ismail Abu (31st), Sallehin Ghani (43rd), Amin (51st) and Azlan Misron (51st).
The match was played in heavy rain, and Belgium got their consolations through Gauthier Boccart (37th) and Alex Depeauw (54th).
“We could have hit 10 goals past Belgium as we practically camped in their semi-circle. But the rain saw my players miss many sitters.
“Also, Ismail (Abu) and (Mohaned) Razie were both in the sin-bin when Belgium scored their first goal, but we replied with the fifth and sixth goals with only nine players on the pitch.
“It was a good performance from my team, as we never lost a match in this tournament, and they showed their true capabilities when playing against higher ranked teams,” said coach Sarjit Singh via a telephone interview.
Malaysia are ranked 15th, Belgium 10th, Pakistan eighth, and Germany No 1 in the World.
After the national team returns, it will disband for the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) which starts on Oct 17. Twelve players will turn out for Ernst and Young, while six for Tenaga Nasional.
FINAL STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
GERMANY 3 2 1 0 10 3 7
MALAYSIA 3 1 2 0 9 5 5
PAKISTAN 3 1 1 1 9 11 4
BELGIUM 3 0 0 3 6 15 0
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Malaysia 2 Pakistan 2
MALAYSIA played to another draw when they held Pakistan 2-2 in the Hamburg Masters in Germany yesterday.
Pakistan, who had beaten Belgium 6-3, were in the receiving end from the start, and Amin Rahim flicked home a penalty corner in the fourth minute for the lead.
But Shakeel Abbasi scored a field goal equaliser in the 50th minute, and the match went into high gear.
Malaysia immediately went on the counter, and a reverse stick shot by Kelvinder Singh was deflected into goal by Azlan Misron for the lead again in the 52nd minute.
But Malaysia could not hold onto the lead for long, as Abdul Khan again equalised for Pakistan in the 57th minute.
Malaysia won a last minute penalty corner, but Amin Rahim’s high flick missed by centimetres and were forced to share points in a highly entertaining encounter.
In an earlier match on Friday, Malaysia held Olympic champions and World No 1 Germany 1-1, with much of the match being played in the Malaysian defense, and midfield.
There was tremendous pressure from the Germany, who fielded nine Beijing Olympic players, but they wasted all eight penalty corners that came their way.
Malaysia waited patiently for counter-attack opportunities, and it won them a precious point.
Germany, who beat Malaysia 3-0 in the Japan Olympic Qualifiers in April, scored off a penalty stroke in the 26th minute.
The stroke was won when a Malaysian player stopped the ball with his foot during a penalty corner.
Moritz Furste tucked in the lead, but Malaysia equalised off an S. Selvaraju field attempt in the 46th minute.
Malaysia played a defensive game, and did not win a single penalty corner in the entire match.
RESULTS: Malaysia 2 Pakistan 2, Germany 3 Belgium 1.
Fixtures: Today -- Malaysia v Belgium, Pakistan v Germany.
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
PAKISTAN 2 1 1 0 8 5 4
MALAYSIA 2 0 2 0 3 3 2
GERMANY 1 0 1 0 1 1 1
BELGIUM 1 0 0 1 3 6 0
ends/
Pakistan, who had beaten Belgium 6-3, were in the receiving end from the start, and Amin Rahim flicked home a penalty corner in the fourth minute for the lead.
But Shakeel Abbasi scored a field goal equaliser in the 50th minute, and the match went into high gear.
Malaysia immediately went on the counter, and a reverse stick shot by Kelvinder Singh was deflected into goal by Azlan Misron for the lead again in the 52nd minute.
But Malaysia could not hold onto the lead for long, as Abdul Khan again equalised for Pakistan in the 57th minute.
Malaysia won a last minute penalty corner, but Amin Rahim’s high flick missed by centimetres and were forced to share points in a highly entertaining encounter.
In an earlier match on Friday, Malaysia held Olympic champions and World No 1 Germany 1-1, with much of the match being played in the Malaysian defense, and midfield.
There was tremendous pressure from the Germany, who fielded nine Beijing Olympic players, but they wasted all eight penalty corners that came their way.
Malaysia waited patiently for counter-attack opportunities, and it won them a precious point.
Germany, who beat Malaysia 3-0 in the Japan Olympic Qualifiers in April, scored off a penalty stroke in the 26th minute.
The stroke was won when a Malaysian player stopped the ball with his foot during a penalty corner.
Moritz Furste tucked in the lead, but Malaysia equalised off an S. Selvaraju field attempt in the 46th minute.
Malaysia played a defensive game, and did not win a single penalty corner in the entire match.
RESULTS: Malaysia 2 Pakistan 2, Germany 3 Belgium 1.
Fixtures: Today -- Malaysia v Belgium, Pakistan v Germany.
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
PAKISTAN 2 1 1 0 8 5 4
MALAYSIA 2 0 2 0 3 3 2
GERMANY 1 0 1 0 1 1 1
BELGIUM 1 0 0 1 3 6 0
ends/
| Malaysia - Pakistan 2 : 2 (0:0) 2: 2 (0:0) | ||
| MAS missed to score one or two more goals, when they had the chances in the first half. MAS missed to score one or two more goals, when they had the chances in the first half. So a deserved draw, because Pakistan showed fighting spirit in the second half to come two times from behind. Sun deserved a draw, because Pakistan showed fighting spirit in the second half to come from behind two times. | ||
| 70' 70 ' | last chance for PAK. last chance for PAH. Waqas free in front of the goal, but Ahmed with a high class save. Waqas free in front of the goal, but Ahmed with a high-class save. | |
| 69' 69 ' | Rahim misses the goal for centimetres on the right post. Rahim misses the goal for Centimeters on the right post | |
| 68' 68 ' | and another PC MAS and another PC MAS | |
| 68' 68 ' | dangerous shot from Muhammad Razie, PAK keeper Nasir Akbar with a good save, but PC MAS with the Rebound. dangerous shot from Muhammad Razi, PAH keeper Nasir Akbar with a good save, but PC MAS with the rebound. | |
| 64' 64 ' | MAS with some good counter attacks, but not dangerous enough in the circle. MAS with some good counter attacks, but not dangerous enough in the circle. | |
| 61' 61 ' | very good defense action of Baljit Singh. very good defense action of Baljit Singh. | |
| 61' 61 ' | another PC for PAK after a free hit near the circle another PC for PAH after a free hit near the circle | |
| 57' 57 ' | 2:2 | and the equalizer for Pakistan. and the equalizer for Pakistan. attack through the middle and Abdul Haseem Khan scores his third goal of the tournament. Through-the-middle attack, and Abdul Khan hare scores his third goal of the tournament. |
| 53' 53 ' | good save from keeper Subramaniam good save from keeper Subramaniam | |
| 53' 53 ' | the pace of the match is high now. The pace of the match is high now. PC PAK on the other side. PC PAHs on the other side. | |
| 52' 52 ' | 2:1 | brilliant backhand pass from Kevinder Singh to Azlan Misron who deflects the ball in the goal. brilliant back pass from hand to Kevinder Singh Azlan Misron who deflects the ball into the goal. |
| 50' 50 ' | 1:1 | good attack over the left side. Good attack over the left side. The ball comes to the right post, where Shakeel Abbasi flicks it in the goal. The ball comes to the right post, where Shakeel Abbasi flicks it into the goal. |
| 49' 49 ' | PC PAK. PC PAH. But MAS goalkeeper saves the high flick. But MAS goalkeeper saves the high flick. | |
| 47' 47 ' | Yellow Card now for MAS. Yellowcard now for MAS. Mohd Sallehin Abd Ghani has to leave the field after a rough tackle. Mohd Sallehin Abd Ghani has to leave the field after a rough tackle. | |
| 45' 45 ' | Umpires of the match are Fabian Blasch (GER) and Thomas Dumon (BEL). Umpire of the match are Blasch Fabian (GER) and Thomas Dumon (BEL). | |
| 44' 44 ' | Malaysia deserves the lead up to now. Malaysia deserves the lead up to now. They are the better side, had far more chances. They are the better side, had far more chances. Pakistan not with the same aggressiv style they showed yesterday. Pakistan not with the same aggressive style they showed yesterday. | |
| 41' 41 ' | 1:0 | sorry for having technical problems with the Internet today. sorry for having technical problems with the Internet today. But we now found a solution to run the live-ticker. But we now found a solution to run the live ticker. It's 1:0 for Malaysia, with a PC in the 4th minute. It's 1:0 for Malaysia, with a PC in the 4th minute. Mohd Amin Rahim was the scorer. Mohd Amin Rahim was the score. |
 | | |
Friday, October 3, 2008
Rockport natives carry on field hockey tradition
Rockport native Michelle Harrington has been a key part of the UMass-Lowell field hockey team’s success in recent seasons.CAPE ANN (US) - Molly Clay and Michelle Harrington figured out the quickest and most cost-effective way to the top of the NCAA Division 2 field hockey world.
Just go to the admissions office at UMass-Lowell, sign up for classes and get on the field hockey squad.
And it's a done deal -- and only 50 miles away.
Sure, it's not literally how the former Rockport High School standouts landed a spot on the River Hawks field hockey team. And the program isn't an automatic NCAA champion each year.
But these days, success at nationals for Lowell is as customary as a smile on a land-locked tourist the first time they come to the loop at the end of Bearskin Neck.
Harrington, an All-American midfielder last year and one of this year's captains as a senior, is already a national champion. UMass-Lowell won in 2005, her freshman year. Clay arrived the next year, when Lowell finished one game shy of a finals appearance. They reached the finals last year, falling to Bloomsburg.
The Rockport connection has played no small part in the River Hawks' success.
All this while keeping up their grades -- each of them have been named to the national All-Academic teams; Harrington is a psychology major; Clay is a chemical engineering major.
"'Mish' and Molly, where do you begin?" asked Mary Ryan, their former coach at Rockport. "I am extremely proud of their accomplishments. Both have taken their game to a new level. To watch their development from high school to now is just amazing. It's all done through hard work and dedication. It's very satisfying to watch them play. I am so proud of them. Both have contributed so much to an already hugely successful UMass-Lowell program."
Harrington: The 'best' around
Harrington -- "Mish" or Meech" to her teammates -- has a 10-game assist/point streak and leads Lowell with 11 assists on the season playing on the right side of the field. Harrington assisted on a goal in Tuesday's 2-1 over Stonehill College.
She credits a lot of her success to her days with the Vikings and Mary Ryan.
"We were so lucky because 'Ry' was a great coach," Harrington, 21, said. "They are struggling a bit because there are more girls going out for soccer now. But I was so lucky to have her. She knows what she's doing."
So does Harrington, if you talk to UMass-Lowell coach Shannon Hlebichuk, who knows about Rockport and its tradition very well. She played for Cape Ann League foe Amesbury.
"Mish has been playing very well for us," the coach said. "She has tremendous speed, and although I maybe a bit biased, I truly believe that she has the best individual stick skills in the conference. When you combine her skills and speed, she is one of the toughest players to defend. She has a terrific shot but chooses to set up plays more often than take the shot."
Moreover, Harrington has been a wonderful captain, especially for the younger players, her coach said.
"She leads by example and plays through everything," said Hlebichuk, a former Lowell two-time All-American. "She is a great role model for the younger players in teaching them what 'toughness' actually is. If necessary, she would carry the team on her shoulders to ensure a win. She is one of the most competitive players I have had the pleasure of coaching."
Harrington said she hopes she earns respect from her players as a captain, but doesn't want to take her role too seriously. Asked the one area in which she's improved the most, she pointed to her communication skills.
"She has amazing stick skills," Clay said of her Rockport and Lowell teammate. "She can go right through three defenders and get right up the field. She sees the field so well."
Clay: Consistency all around
Hlebichuk did not pull punches when asked about Clay's contributions.
"Molly Clay has been the most consistent left midfielder we have ever had," she said. "She is smart, poised, strong and fit. She rarely makes a mistake, and when she does she recovers immediately. She sees the field extremely well, and although it is not showing the stats column for assists, she sets up many of our goals (although she is one or two passes away from an assist). Molly has grown into a superior player, and what is most exciting is that she is only a junior, and we have another year with her on the team."
Clay said she's grown most in the maturity department as a player.
"I think over the years, I've become more confident," Clay, 20, said. "As a freshman, I was a little cautious."
Harrington has a great view of Clay's game: She plays on the opposite side in the midfield.
"Molly has been awesome," Harrington said. "She knows what she's doing. She's a good, hard runner and a hard worker."
She is also respected beyond the field hockey program. Clay was one of two Lowell athletes selected to represent the UMass-Lowell student-athlete population at a NCAA Leadership Conference in Disney World this past June. She has a 3.5 GPA in chemical engineering.
"What a great experience," Clay said. "I met so many amazing people and athletes. It was an amazing opportunity."
Amazing opportunity. That's kind of how each former Rockport standout describes playing for a national-championship contender each season.
"We want to take it one game at a time, but we expect to win the conference," Harrington said, taking into account Lowell's five straight Northeast-10 Tournament championships. "We just want to think it's possible to go to nationals again. It was the best feeling when we won. We definitely think we're capable of it, but it's always tough."
Clay, too, stressed the importance of not thinking about the national championship just yet. However, she and Harrington realize the possibility of climbing to the top at nationals is always there in Lowell.
Said Clay, "We work really hard in the offseason. During the season, we just click."
Lailin sets sights on one MHL title
FORMER International Lailin Abu Hassan (pic) will be in charge of Tenaga for the first time in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL), and he has set his sights on at least one title.The MHL starts on Oct 17, and Tenaga are the TNB Cup holders, while Ernst and Young the League champions.
Tenaga have six national players, and a motley of former national players and are expected to be among the con tenders again.
“I was assistant to (K.) Rajan last season and we won the TNB Cup, and this year I feel the team is still strong enough to win one title again,” said Lailin.
Tenaga have national goalkeeper S. Kumar, who has been named as the skipper for the Hamburg Masters in Germany, and national players S. Selvaraju, Baljit Singh, Madzli Ikmar, Amin Rahim and Sallehin Ghani.
“We did some light training during the fasting month, and will resume training again on Monday. When the six players return from Germany, I will finally get a chance to train the full team,” said Lailin.
Last season, Tenaga took the lead off Selvaraju, but Zulkifli Rejab scored the equaliser for Ernst and Young, and the score stood until the extra-time whistle.
The penalty shoot-out went into sudden-death, and Kumar saved Suffian Mohamad’s stroke to hand Tenaga the title on a 7-6 score.
There are six teams in Division One and nine in Division Two.
The top-two teams in Division Two will join the six in Division One for the knock-out quarterfinals.
DIVISION ONE: Sapura, Ernst and Young, Maybank, Tenaga Nasional, National Juniors, Nur Insafi.
DIVISION TWO: Border Forces Club, Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah of Putrajaya, Royal Malay Regiment (RMR), Jurutera Letrik Jentera (JLJ), Dolphins, Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and Universiti Malaysia Perlis (Unimap).
Thursday, October 2, 2008
A win before the real Hamburg crunch
THE National hockey team celebrated a quiet Hari Raya in Hamburg yesterday, before getting into action and beating a top Division One German Club 2-1.The team are in Germany for an international invitational which starts today involving the hosts, Belgium and Pakistan.
“We celebrated Raya with the Muslim players with whatever food we could cook, and also some cookies brought along by the players,” said coach Sarjit Singh by telephone from Hamburg.
“Team spirit is high, and I expect my men to give their best in all three matches.”
Malaysia were trailing the club side by a goal before Amin Rahim scored a penalty corner and Chua Boon Huat a field goal to seal a moral-boosting win.
“It has been raining and very cold since we arrived here, but the team are getting use to it. Pakistan, Belgium and Germany will field some new players, and we have a good chance of pulling off at least two upsets,” added Sarjit.
Germany are ranked No 1 in the world, Pakistan eighth, Belgium 10th, while Malaysia are a distant 15th.
“Germany (gold medallists) will field nine players from the Beijing Olympics because the others have study and work commitments,” said Sarjit.
“Even then, they will start as favourites, and I expect a tough time from them.”
Even with the Olympic medal in the bag, Germany will still have to finish among the top three in the European Championship next August to qualify for the New Delhi World Cup in 2010, which is why they are testing some new blood.
TODAY: Pakistan v Belgium, Malaysia v Germany.
TOMORROW: Malaysia v Pakistan, Belgium v Germany.
SUNDAY: Belgium v Malaysia, Pakistan v Germany.
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