MWHA: Selfish Australia

By Ajitpal Singh

THE Malaysian Women’s Hockey Association (MWHA) is unhappy with Australian for their unwillingness in agreeing to the rescheduling of the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Santiago, Chile.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) had wanted to reschedule the qualifiers from April 24-May 2 to another date as some participating teams, who are arriving late, re quested for it.
This is because flights in Europe were grounded until Tuesday by the volcanic ash from Iceland.
However, the Australian team, who arrived in Santiago last weekend, are unwilling to compromise.
According to Australia, their players will not be insured if FIH decides on rescheduling the qualifiers.
Ireland will arrive on April 27 while Scotland have yet to confirm their flight.
MWHA secretary S.Shamala said Australia’s claim about not being covered by insurance is illogical.
“It is an unacceptable reason by Australia. However, FIH has now agreed not to reschedule the tournament. The fixtures will now be tight as the three rest days, in the initial schedule, will be taken up for matches,” said Shamala.
“FIH, in a statement, stated that the fixtures will be changed in accordance to the arrival of teams. It has never happened before in the history of hockey. This all because of one team (Australia).
The Malaysian team, coached by Yahya Atan, were sup posed to leave last weekend using transit flight via Frankfurt to Chile but flights in Europe were grounded by the volcanic ash.
The team will now transit through Auckland to Chile on Saturday.
“We will arrive in Santiago on Sunday and we have requested to FIH for two days of rest before we start our campaign.
“If it is approved, we will likely face either the hosts or Australia on Tuesday. FIH has confirmed that Australia will face Chile in their opening match on Saturday,” she added.
Malaysia were supposed to face Chile on the tournament’s opening day.
Shamala added the qualifiers could be a four team affair if Scotland decides to withdraw.