Under fire Dharma will quit

K. DHARMARAJ announced yesterday he would quit soon as coach of the national men’s hockey team following Malaysia’s disastrous showing in the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
But Dharmaraj, who has been subjected to much ridicule and derision from angry fans, said he would only step down after the Asian Games in Incheon, which is 45 days away.
The knives were already out for the national coach after Malaysia finished last in the World Cup in the Hague, Netherlands in June.
At the Commonwealth Games, the national team looked pathetic in several matches, and even suffered a humiliating 4-2 loss to lowly Trinidad and Tobago.
“I’ve made up my mind to quit hockey but give me until the Asian Games. Whatever the result, I will quit after that.
“All I am asking for from the Malaysian Hockey Confederation is to give me all the support in the next 45 days. I also want all my players back, including Faizal Saari and some of the seniors who quit.
“Let’s forget all the past problems in the team and work together for the Asian Games... that’s all I am asking for before I throw in the towel," said Dharmaraj yesterday.
The Asian Games gold medallists will get a direct entry into the 2016 Rio Olympics, a feat Malaysia last achieved in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
It is believed that Malaysia’s dismal show in the World Cup where they failed to win a single match was largely due to a players revolt.