Maninderjit Singh bows out of MHC

THE Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHF) administration was thrown into turmoil, when its secretary general Maninderjit Singh (right) sent in a shock resignation letter.
The former international wrote in officially to the MHC president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah on Friday, detailing the reasons for his sudden and unexpected resignation.
When asked, Tengku Abdullah confirmed it in an e-mail reply: "Yes, he did send in a letter of resignation, and it came as a surprise. But if you want to know the reason(s), maybe you should ask him."
Attempts to contact Maninderjit Singh were futile, as he did not answer his phone, sms or e-mail.
This is a first for Malaysian hockey, as never before a secretary had resigned before his term ended.
Maninderjit Singh, who last played for the country in the 2002 Kuala Lumpur World Cup, was appointed as General Manager of the Malaysian Hockey Federation in July 2009 and assumed the position of Secretary of MHF in October 2010, simultaneously taking over the MHC secretary's post as well.
Malaysia, who failed to qualify for the Olympics after finishing third in the Dublin Qualifier, will host the Junior Asia Cup on May 3-13 in Malacca and then the Azlan Shah Cup in May 24-June 3 in Ipoh.
The MHC are said to have accepted Maninderjit Singh's resignation, and a new office bearer will be appointed soon.

Subahan leads Selangor HA

In the recent Selangor Hockey Association’s Bi-Annual General Meeting held at Kelab Shah Alam, Dato Salamon Selamat, President for 12 years stepped down and Dato Sri Subahan Kamal, the Incumbent Deputy President was unanimously elected as President to lead the association with his team for the coming term.
Dato Sri Subahan, who was the Deputy President of Selangor Hockey Association (SHA) since 2009, has brought forth many changes positive changes and, as Competition Committee Chairman, Dato Sri Subahan personally saw to the revival of the Selangor hockey league with the introduction of more tournaments and competitions for various age groups as well as aggressive sponsorship procurement.
SHA also saw an improvement in the administration side of the Association with the introduction of the SHA Official Webpage (www.sha.com.my) and the building of the SHA Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/groups/112764502113148/)
Dato Sri Subahan in his acceptance speech, thanked the Association for having the full confidence in him and his team to lead for the next term. He also thanked Dato Salamon for the 15 years in total he has contributed towards Selangor hockey. Dato Sri Subahan said there are many challenges facing hockey in Selangor but he is prepared to take them head on to bring back the former glory days of Selangor Hockey Association.

Full BGM Results

President YB Dato’ Sri Subahan Bin Kamal - unopposed
Deputy President Dato S.Sivasundaram - unopposed
Vice President (4)
1. Maj. Rtd V.Manisegaran
2. Mr. Noor Azman B. Surudh Ali
3. Mr. Jadadish Chandra
4. Mr. Brian G. Fernandez
Hon. Secretary
Mr. Kuganeson Poologasingam - unopposed
Hon. Treasurer
Mr. N. Ganeswaran - unopposed
Independent Member
Mr. P.Balamuraly - unopposed

Aim shifted to Rio de Janeiro

TOTAL OVERHAUL: Disappointed MHC president now dreams of 2016 Olympics

Bitterly disappointed at the national team finishing third at the Olympic Qualifier in Dublin last week, MHC president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah is looking into replacing the existing coaching staff, introduce new players, restructure the domestic league and send players on attachment to clubs overseas.

By K.N. Alagesh

THE national team's failure to qualify for the London Olympics could trigger a major overhaul by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) in its search for a squad to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Bitterly disappointed at the national team finishing third at the Olympic Qualifier in Dublin last week, MHC president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah is looking into replacing the existing coaching staff, introduce new players, restructure the domestic league and send players on attachment to clubs overseas.
"There is a possibility of hiring a foreign coach but we are looking at other options. I am also planning to introduce a new breed of players and provide them with exposure in foreign leagues," said Tengku Abdullah whose dream is to see the national team play in the 2016 Olympic Games.
"Our domestic league might have to undergo a revamp. The MHC will also scout for young talent and introduce more youth-based programmes."
Tengku Abdullah confirmed he will be meeting with MHC officials in the next few days to discuss the future of the national team.
Speaking on the Dublin disappointment, Tengku Abdullah said he was especially upset when the team drew 1-1 with Ireland as he was hoping the team would make the final. Malaysia needed a win to make the final with South Korea but the draw against the hosts ended their dream. South Korea beat Ireland 3-2 to secure a berth in the Olympics.
Although the national team's Olympic hopes have been dashed, Tengku Abdullah sees light at the end of the tunnel with the presence of several young players who performed well in Dublin.
"They might be new but they blended well with the senior players and showed good determination. This is a positive sign as they will form the core of the team in the near future," he said.
Tengku Abdullah also disclosed that MHC is considering recruiting senior players, who wish to retire, as part time coaches to help nurture new talent.