Junior Girls fifth in Bangkok

THE MALAYSIAN Under-18 girls ended fifth in the Fourth Asia Cup in  Bangkok yesterday when they hammered Thailand 8-0.
  The star of the day was Nurzafirah Aziz who scored four goals (23rd, 25th, 57th, 66th) while the other goals were scored by Qasidah Najwa (seventh), Nursyuhada Suhaimi (45th), Nur Adirana Nawawi(52nd), and Nuramirah Shakira (63rd).
  Malaysia, in Group A, only lost to India 3-1 while they drew with China 2-2 and hammered Taiwan 7-1 but failed to advance to the semi-finals.
  Malaysia will host the Sea Games next year where four gold medals are at stake, and the women are expected to deliver both in the field and indoor events while the men are sure bets for both golds as well.

Tigress show progress in Kiwi Tests..

THE Malaysian Tigress concluded their Tour of New Zealand yesterdaywith a 2-1 defeat against New Zealand's Black Sticks in the fifth and final game at the TET MultiSports Centre in Stratford.
  Malaysia won one, 1-0, and lost four with the other three matches ending 2-5, 0-2 and 0-3.
  New Zealand dominated the first half with Samantha Harrison scoring a double in her 100th international.
  Malaysia lit up the board 10 minutes from full time through Nuraini Rashid’s penalty corner strike. 
  Fatin Shafika scored in the 1-0 famous win over the world No 5.
  Black Sticks assistant coachSean Dancer said he was pleased by the performance of his side, ranked World No 5, against the World No 21 Malaysians as they closed the series positively.
  “We are happy to finish with a win, but needed to score a few more goals from the amount of opportunities we created. Malaysia defended well in the second half and we needed to execute better in a congested attacking third,” said Dancer.
   The New Zealand Tour has been an important aspect in the Tigress preparation for the Women’s World League Round Two in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 14-22 at the Tun Razak Hockey Stadium.
  Malaysian will battle for a slot in the World League Semi-finals and a shot at the World Cup in the World League Round Two involving Ireland, Italy, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Wales.
  World No 15 Italy are drawn in Group A with Thailand, Singapore and Wales whilst Malaysia are in Group B with Ireland (world No 16), Hong Kong and Kazakhstan.
  The top two teams in Kuala Lumpur qualify for the Semi-finals of the World League.

11th hour invitees finish 11th...

MALAYSIA ended a dismal 11th in the Lucknow Junior World Cup yesterday when they edged Austria 2-1 in a penalty shoot-out after being held 2-2 in regulation time.
  Coach Wallace Tan's boys took a 2-0 lead off Mohamed Zulhamizan (eighth) and Nik Rosemi Aiman (14th) but Austria drew level with goals from Binder Oliver (26th) and Kaltenbock Peter (41st) to take the match into shoot-out.
  After a 2013 high of finishing fourth in the New Delhi JWC, the national juniors could not make use of the late entry when Pakistan could not make the trip due to visa problems.
  In the Kuantan Junior Asia Cup in 2015, Malaysia had finished fifth among Asian teams after losing out to South Korea in a two-minute blitz, but could not show the same form in Lucknow.
  In fact, only hosts India is carrying the Asian flag as they will play against Belgium in the final today.
  India were champions in Kuantan, while Pakistan won silver, South Korea bronze and Japan fourth -- to qualify for Lucknow.
  However, Japan finished 13th while South Korea 14th and 11th placed Malaysia indicate that the European teams have taken a massive lead in the junior level as well.

Malaysia invited to replace Pakistan

MALAYSIA were invited by the FIH at the 11th hour after Pakistan pulled outof the Lucknow Junior World Cup.
    Netherlands, Belgium and Egypt in the group if Malaysia accept. SOJC team the best bet but not prepared for JWC.
    MIGHT GET THRASHED IN LUCKNOW... 9TH v Netherlands, 11th v Egypt and 12th v Belgium.

MHL shadow creeps into World League Round Two...

Pic: T&T's historic silver medallists at the 1967 Pan American Games held in Winnipeg.

Note: For the record, Trinidad and Tobago beat Malaysia 4-2 in the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. BBC reported that it was T & Ts first ever win in the Commonwealth Games.

THE Malaysian men will play in the Melbourne Four-Nation on Nov 23-27 in their final showdown for the year.
  After a dismal third at the Kuantan Asian Champions Trophy (ACT), Malaysia will play ACT champions India (world No 6), Australia (No 1) and New Zealand (No 8) in the Four-Nation.
  "We will not be able to field a full squad as the two Police trainees (Nabil Fiqri and Razie Rahim) are back in training while two players have studies to catch up with.
  "Fitri (Shaari) and Faiz (Helmi Jali) are in the midst of asking for study leave but I'm not sure they will get it and be able to play in Melbourne.
  "However, this will give is a chance to field other players like Baljit Singh (who has recovered from injury) as well as juniors who played in the Sultan of Johor Cup as replacement," said Malaysian coach Stephen van Huizen.
  Australia will be the team to beat, while Malaysia must show that they are capable of holding their head high against Olympic sides India and New Zealand.
  "This is part of our preparations for the World League Round Two (In Trinidad and Tobago on March 25-April 2) where we must finish among the top-two to play in the World League Semi-finals."
  However, after the Four-Nation, Van Huizen might see his charges only weeks before the World League as they will break camp for the Malaysia Hockey League.
  "The players will represent their clubs in the MHL, but I can't say much about that because I have yet to see the full fixtures. I hope the MHL ends a few weeks before the World League so that I can get the players back together for training."
  Van Huizen is looking at training national players mid-week during the MHL, which is normally played over the weekend, but then there is the Alagendra Cup to play for mid-week.
  "The MHC Competitions Committee is still planning for a viable solution to the packed schedule, and maybe they can host the Alagendra Cup before the MHL?"
  Packed schedule or not, Malaysia must beat Trinidad and Tobago,  Japan, Russia, United States, Barbados, Chile and Switzerland to qualify for the next round.
  For the record, Malaysia were champions in the Singapore World League Round Two, but finished sixth in the Belgium World League Semi-finals and failed to qualify for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
  This World League is a qualifier for the 2018 World Cup in India.
  FIXTURES: Nov 23: Malaysia v New Zealand, India v Australia; Nov 24: Malaysia v India, New Zealand v Australia; Nov 26: Malaysia v Australia, India v New Zealand; Nov 27: Final and Third-Fourth.

Malaysian Tigress to conquer fear in Kiwi Test...

Malaysian Tigress undergo uphill training to prepare for the Kiwi Test, as well as the World League Round Two. Pic: Goh Thean Howe

THE Malaysian Tigress will play New Zealand in a Five-Test series next month, and coach K. Dharmaraj is not afraid of being thrashed out of shape.
  The series was agreed upon after Malaysia played New Zealand Futures (their development squad) in the recent Australian Hockey League (AHL).
  World No 5 New Zealand will host No 21 Malaysia at Stratford on Dec 12-18, and the numbers speak for themselves.
  The Kiwi women lost 2-1 to Germany in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics bronze battle, while Malaysian women have yet to play in any Olympics.
  In Rio, New Zealand beat Asian 'giants' South Korea 4-1 and China 3-0.
  For the record, Asian women lined up at the bottom of the Rio de Janeiro heap with China ninth, Japan 10th, South Korea 11th and India
last on 12th.
  Suicide or Kamikaze, came to mind when this Test series were announced.
  "I know the statistics look bad and there is a high probability of my girls being hammered in this Test, but that's not my main concern and I am willing to face that as reality.
  "My aim is to make my charges lose their fear of playing higher ranked teams, before I field them for the World League (Round Two) in Kuala Lumpur," said Dharmaraj.
  And Dharmaraj will be aiming for one upset, and one draw in the Test.
  "We were the underdogs in the recent AHL and also the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) and even though we did well not to lose by high margins against better teams, the collapse during crucial matches pulled us to the bottom of the pool."
  In the AHL, the Malaysian girls had a chance to finish top-four, but collapsed when it mattered most. And in the ACT, they upset Japan 2-0 in the last pool match. India won the title, but Malaysia only lost 2-0 to them in the pool.
  "Close, very close. But the tendency to collapse inside five minutes is what is bogging down the team. In the AHL, we lost one crucial match in three minutes when three goals were scored and the same happened against South Korea in the ACT where three goals were scored by Korea in three minutes to win 5-2.
  "The 'Have No Fear' training has started and I hope to see my charges pull off one upset in New Zealand and even if they get thrashed in the other four matches I will be the happiest man in the world," said Dharmaraj.
  In the World League in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 14-22, Malaysia will be up against ranked teams Italy and Ireland as well as Round One qualifiers Fiji, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Thailand and Wales.
  For the record, Malaysia has never broken the Round Two glass ceiling.

JHL: Olak call for early Open trials...

THE Junior Hockey League (JHL) will only start in March, but Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak) are already making early preparations by calling for trials on Dec 4.
  The open trials will be held at the Tun Razak Stadium at 4pm.
  "We did not do very well and ended up seventh in Division One last season, that's why we are calling for early trials to prepare early," said Olak team manager Joseph de Silva.
  Thirty-five teams, 10 in Division one and 25 in Divison Two, competed in the JHL last season.
  Olak last won the Overall title in 2000, and have seen a steady slide after University Kuala Lumpur and Thunderbolts came into the picture.
  "It is becoming harder to source for good talent as they are spread out in the 36 teams in both Divisions. That's another reason we need to call for early trials," said De Silva.
  As for the Malaysia Hockey League, it will be held from January to March, as there is the World League Round Two in Trinidad and Tobago from March 25 to April 2.
  Malaysia will play against Japan, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Chile, Barbados and Switzerland in the World League Round Two.

Johnson: 'Die Another Day'

FORMER journalist Johnson Fernandez (pic) quit as president of Kuala Lumpur Hockey Association (KLHA) a few weeks ago, but is contemplating making a come-back by Monday  (14/11/06).
  KLHA secretary V. Rajamanickam said: "Yes, Johnson has sent in his resignation letter after one year as KLHA president but we will wait until next year, when the term ends, and then look for a replacement."
  At the meantime, KLHA deputy president Abu Huraira Yazid will run the show, said Rajamanickam.
  Johnson was elected unopposed in April last year.
  When contacted, Johnson who is overseas, said: "Yes I have quit as KLHA president but the council has asked me to reconsider, which I am doing.
  "I will make a final decision on Monday (14/11/06) about the matter."

Johor HA: Read the constitution Datuk Ow...

Statement by YB Md Jais Sarday (Pic), President of Johor Hockey Association in response to statement by Datuk Ow Soon Kooi, Vice President Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC).

WITH regards to attending the Sultan Of Johor Cup (SOJC), I thank Datuk Ow for his presence. 
  However what we are talking about is the final which was graced by HRH Sultan of Johor. It is a question of respecting His Majesty. 
  For the information of Datuk Ow, when Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah was the President of MHC, he attended every SOJC since its inauguration in 2011 till 2014.
   As for the preparation of the team, the statement made by Datuk Ow contradicts the statement made by the MHC President that appeared in the media on Tuesday, November 8 which reads and I quote;
   " On MHC not being serious in preparing a team for the SOJC, Subahan agreed in totality.
  "Yes, we were not serious about preparing an under-21 team for the SOJC but because this batch is not our focus right now. Maybe one or two will make the senior cut, but the rest will not be able to help Malaysia in the next junior world cup.
  "Yes MHC were not serious about this team because they did not qualify for the Lucknow (Junior) World Cup (in December).
  "The Technical Director (Terry Walsh) and the coaching set-up are more focused on the present Under-21 team coached by Nor Saiful Zaini and the various 1Mas Under-16 teams which will form the base for the next (JWC) qualifier and the tournament itself," said Subahan."
  
I have never been invited to the MHC Executive Board meetings and I implore on Datuk Ow to read the MHC Constitution properly before launching a personal attack. 
    The change in constitution has taken away the Council and replaced by the Executive Board where states have no representation. 
   Those who sit on the Executive Board are individuals elected at the Annual General Meeting in May 2015. Thus the question of me sending representatives to the MHC EB holds no water.
   While I understand the President has a busy schedule, why is it that he has never come to Johor for the SOJC for the past two editions?
    It is indeed strange that MHC prefers to launch attacks through the media rather then open a communication with JHA. Although I am a State Executive Counciller and Assemblyman, I will find time to entertain MHC EB should they want to come to Johor and discuss the issues raised.
   All of us serve  the sport with sincerity and want hockey in Malaysia to do well. 
    Losing to Japan in an Under 21 tournament, failing to qualify for the Rio Olympics, the Junior World Cup and finishing third in the Asian Champions Trophy shows that all is not well. 
    We all appreciate the sacrifices and commitments of the players and coaches of the various teams but MHC needs to be more inclusive towards its affiliates rather then being an exclusive club for some quarters.
   Coming up with sanction fees, holding back sponsors contributions and negotiating a broadcast deal without the owners of the event being consulted shows the immaturity and high handedness towards the affiliates when in reality MHC should be assisting its affiliates rather then punishing them.
    We are all into this for the love of the sport, we all want the best for our nation and Johor HA will always support whatever is good for the sport.
    On the question of seeking positions in future MHC elections, I wish to advise Datuk Ow that we live in a democratic country and those principles must and should be upheld.
    I may not have an illustrious playing career such as Datuk Ow, but I believe that the affiliates have the right to decide who should represent them at MHC. 

Thank you
Datuk Md Jais Sarday
President
Johor Hockey Association

Ow Soon Kooi: Johor HA president ill advised...

Pic: Datuk Ow Soon Kooi

A statement from Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) Vice President and Coaching Committee Chairman, Datuk Ow Soon Kooi.

AS THE chairman of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) Coaching Committee, I would like to stress that the opinion of the president of Johor HA that MHC was not serious about the Sultan Of Johor Cup is indeed uncalled for and ill advised. 

  The development squad that is made up of mainly Under-21 players was assembled in February 2016 and has been in training since then.

   Some of these boys were sent to Japan and New Zealand and Perth on a playing Tour with the national team with the intention of exposing them to international hockey. 

   Majority of these players took part in the Brisbane playing Tour, TNB Malaysia Hockey League (Premier and Division One) and the Tan Sri Alagendra Cup. 

  The team then took part in the Australian Hockey League (AHL), which is rated as one of the most competitive in the world. 

  Three players, namely Nik Aiman, Najib  and Najmi Farizal who played in the ACT were injected to strengthen this team and had to play five games in a row which I couldn't even do during my playing days. 

  I watched the boys train and spoke to them prior to me leaving for the ACT. 

   I also spoke to them when sending them off from Casa MSN@ 9am Monday 24/10/16. 

   I watched them play against Australia and Pakistan in Johor as well as the rest of the games live on TV. 

   Yes, we played in patches but they could match every team.  

   We didn't get the goals and let in some soft goals, thus not achieving the desired result we had hoped for. 

   Just because we ended up second last does it mean that we were not serious? 

  So during the recent Olympics, the teams that ended up at the bottom of the tables were not serious? 

   Does the Johor HA president know the preparation we went through? 

   The boys played their hearts out. 

  No one wants to lose and we should be compassionate enough to acknowledge that the boys gave their all.

    If we were disinterested what was all this preparation for? Why was I in Johor Baru for? Why was George Koshy (deputy president) there for? Aren't both of us representing MHC President Datuk Sri Subahan and the Executive Board?  

   Does JHA expect Datuk Sri Subahan to be everywhere?

   I have represented the country as a player for 11 years, a disciplinary board member for two years, an independent council member for three years, four years as Penang State Hockey Association (PSHA) president and nearly two years as Vice President (VP). 

   I have attended every meeting without fail except for one with a valid reason. I would like to ask the JHA president how many MHC meetings has he attended since helming JHA? 

  As far as I can recall, NONE. 

  So it is ok for him to delegate representation for meetings and events, but not ok for Datuk Sri Subahan? 

   Must Dato Sri Subahan be present at every tournament and function? If he is present what will then be the next question? Where are the rest of the Executive Board members?

   MHC is a non-profitable organisation, some have time, others don't. 

   Some have the ability to assist with much required funding. Others have the constraints of work and distance. 

   But everyone is doing their part to bring Malaysian hockey to the next level and Datuk Sri Subahan has contributed immensely in terms of time, money and planning with MHC and the national teams' best interest at heart.

    I fully support the President and all Executive Board members who share the same ideals for the betterment of MHC, and for those who don't please choose to not stand for future elections.

MHC's response to Johor HA grouses....

MHC President Dato’ Sri Subahan Kamal, In response to the statement made by JHA President. 

1. RM 100k from TNB for the sponsorship of SOJC. 

The sum announced has not been paid, simply because we owe it to our sponsors - of which several deliverables has been agreed upon and must be met - to ensure the sum disbursed are of the equivalent value. We will distribute the figure once the media report is submitted. This matter has already been explained to TNB. If the deliverables or not met, we will refund the money to TNB. It has been our practice that tournament reports are sent post its completion. 

2. RM 50k for TNB State League - similarly, the tournament ended on the 3rd of November. We are in the midst of processing payments for not only Johor, but Sarawak and N.Sembilan and expect to provide these payments by the end of next week.

3. We have documented evidence for the alleged broadcasting issue and I think it is best this matter is brought up for a discussion with the EB in our upcoming meeting.

4. I still will be proposing to the EB on having our own MHC U21 International Invitational Tournament and perhaps a Women's International Tournament in partnership with a willing State HA. A decision will be meted once the EB deliberates on this proposal. Also, we had live streaming for our National League matches and ACT on Astro on the Go, so this wasn't the first time live streaming was introduced.

5. In response to the statement by JHA President, that MHC were not serious in their participation at the SOJC, we find this to hold no water. Whilst our focus remains with the Program 2020 squad, I believe the results speaks otherwise. We drew with the eventual champions and beat NZ by 4 goals to 1. These teams are participating in the JWC. We aren't. If we are not serious, then are teams like NZ less serious than us? The focus of this tournament was to ensure our backup squad has sufficient matches, and  16 year old boys, who are clearly playing at a higher level than their age group locally, attain the necessary exposure to aid in their progress. We placed a lot of thought before this decision was made. We did not set a target simply because our focus was on the process of developing these players. We lost several matches and attained good results in others. Nevertheless, the boys played really hard albeit not attaining a favourable result.

6. I maybe naive, and I thank JHA President for his brotherly advice. But, being President and supported by many individuals on the EB and management who have played and managed the game at the highest level, I will endeavour to do what is best. It is true I am new to hockey, but I have been a long-time administrator of Sports. I am also a passionate fan of the sport and will champion what is best for the good of the game.

Johor HA: MHC should appreciate SOJC , not lament...

Below is a statement from the President of Johor Hockey Association with regards to the remarks by MHC as appearing in the media.

Johor Hockey Association regrets the statement made by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation President Dato Seri Subahan Kamal pertaining to Organising a tournament to rival the Sultan of Johor Cup.

While acknowledging that is well within the rights of MHC to organise another tournament, JHA President Datuk Md Jais Sarday advised Subahan to study the reasons on the history of the organisation of SOJC rather then firing pot shots.

" The SOJC was initiated by the former President of MHC Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah after Johor successfully Organised the 2009 Junior World Cup," said Jais.

"HRH Sultan Ibrahim had graciously consented to naming the trophy as the Sultan of Johor Cup and it received strong backing and support of the Johor State Government.

" It is a platform to develop young players for the country. Therefore it is something that MHC should appreciate rather then lament about

" We , the JHA welcome the initiative of MHC to organise another U21 tournament as they deem fit.

" It will not dampen our spirits or enthusiasm to organise the SOJC annually as we have done so without fail since 2011 and it has received the blessings of HRH Sultan of Johor, the state government as well as the international body FIH."

Jais however took Subahan to task with regards to the broadcasting rights as well as the payments made to state Hockey associations.

" On the issue of broadcast rights, MHC has never formally written to JHA as the broadcast rights belong to JHA and all such matters should be discussed with us before formalising any deals with others," explained Jais.

" It is unfair to blame Dato Manjit ( Majid Abdullah) as he did briefed the JHA in his capacity as a Deputy President if JHA. But we waited till September 30 for MHC to tell us what was the fee they were willing to pay for the broadcasting rights.

" When we failed to hear from MHC, we took it upon ourselves to discuss it with other broadcasters and I had to personally meet  with the Minister of Information in order to finalise the telecast as it was important that Hockey fans , not only in the country but all over the globe not be deprived of an opportunity to watch world class action.

" Matches were even in live streaming and this was a first for Hockey here in Malaysia.

" When there was no such thing as an agreement from JHA, why create a fuss now when we took matters into our own hands as the national body was not being transparent about the amount to he paid?"

Jais went on to clarify that JHA had not paid the sanction fee of USD5,000 simply because MHC did not pay JHA the RM100,000 that Tenaga Nasional Berhad had pledged for the SOJC and paid to MHC to channel to the state body.

" We were told by TNB that they had paid the RM100,000 to MHC. Rightfully MHC should have channelled the money to us prior to the tournament," said Jais.

" As for the RM50,000 for the state leagues, we have only received RM10,000 of the money came pledged.

" We held our state league finals and had the match telecast live as well yet no representatives from MHC deemed it fit to attend the final although invitations were sent.

" it is commendable that MHC is looking at increasing it to RM100,000 and we applaud the initiative of MHC."

Jais also had some brotherly advice for Subahan.

" Maybe he is naive with regards to certain matters and reacted spontaneously without giving much thought to the matters," added Jais.

" He does not know much about Hockey as he has been involved in Football for a Long time.

" The SOJC is included in the FIH calendar annually and they are the sanctioning body and gave us the green light after the past administration of MHC had put up a paper justifying the organisation of such a tournament.

" We do our best each year and will continue to do so.

" Our hope is that the national team pays a more serious attention to its preparation as it carries the hopes and aspiration of the nation.

" Do not let the nation down as we owe it to the fans to put up a good performance whenever our team takes onto the pitch."

SUBAHAN: I'll propose for MHC Under-21 Invitational...

Subahan Kamal 

Jais Sarday

MALAYSIAN Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal was perplexed on why the Johor HA president Datuk Md Jais Sarday came out with a statement hitting the parent body, as every matter pertaining to the Sultan of Johor Cup had been explained to the state.
  And after replying to all the allegations, Subahan said he will propose to the MHC Executive Board to organise their own Under-21 International Invitation next year.
  "I am shocked with the allegations made by the Johor HA president on MHC not being serious about preparing a team for the tournament, on sanction fees, on TV rights and on MHC officials not coming to Johor to watch the matches.
  "As all these had been explained to the JHA representatives who are also also on MHC.
  "For starters, JHA have yet to pay MHC the US$5,000 sanction fee that they had agreed to, prior to the tournament. So, I'm shocked that it has been brought up at the end of the tournament, as we had already explained the need for a sanction fee to the council and the JHA deputy president, who is also MHC vice-president, Datuk Manjit (Majid Abdullah) was present during the briefing.
  "I don't know what he briefed his president, or did he (Manjit) brief his president at all."
  On MHC not being serious in preparing a team for the SOJC, Subahan agreed in totality.
  "Yes, we were not serious about preparing an under-21 team for the SOJC but because this batch is not our focus right now. Maybe one or two will make the senior cut, but the rest will not be able to help Malaysia in the next junior world cup.
  "Yes MHC were not serious about this team because they did not qualify for the Lucknow (Junior) World Cup (in December).
  "The Technical Director (Terry Walsh) and the coaching set-up are more focused on the present Under-21 team coached by Nor Saiful Zaini and the various 1Mas Under-16 teams which will form the base for the next (JWC) qualifier and the tournament itself," said Subahan.
  Subahan then said the sanction fee, as well as money from TV rights is not for MHC, but to be channelled back to the states.
  "On Sunday, we gave Negri Sembilan HA RM50,000 for completing their League. This money came from our TV sponsors Astro and main sponsors Tenaga Nasional.
  "We had promised every state RM50,000 and have delivered to most after they organise their League. Johor HA negotiated with RTM directly for the SOJC TV rights while our partner is Astro.
  "That's their right, but had it been Astro, the money would have been channelled back to the states. I aim to give ever state RM100,000 for their development programmes before my term is over and one way to do it is to host our own Under-21 International tournament.
  "Johor (who collected RM1.4 million in sponsorship for the Sixth Edition of the SOJC), made at least RM1 million from the tournament and I believe when the MHC host their own junior invitational, we will be able to collect the same amount and this will in turn be channelled back to the states for development," said Subahan.
  The proposed name is MHC Under-21 International Invitational, and Subahan is dead serious about organising a rival to the SOJC.
  "And on MHC 'melepaskan batuk di tangga' (sending their representatives to the SOJC and not the big guns) on attending the SOJC, I would like to state that when I can make it, I do attend tournaments all over the country and overseas.
  "But when I can't due to my work schedule, as I am also a businessman and have to work for my bread-and-butter, my representatives attend.
  "For the SOJC, deputy president George Koshy and vice-president Datuk Ow Soon Kooi did go to Johor for the SOJC," said Subahan.

India dethrone Pakistan...

INDIA won the Asian Champions Trophy gold medal when they edged defending champions Pakistan 3-2 in a highly entertaining match in Kuantan Sunday.
  The India goals were scored by Rupinder Pal Singh (eighth), Yousuf Affan (23rd) and Thimmaiah Chandanda (51st).
  And Pakistan got their goals off Aleem Bilal (26th) and Ali Shan (38th).

Fourth consecutive bronze for Malaysia...

MALAYSIA won their fourth consecutive Asian Champions Trophy bronze medal when they beat South Korea 3-1 in a penalty shoot-out in Kuantan Sunday.
  It was the Fourth Edition of the ACT, and Malaysia held Korea 1-1 before winning the shoot-out confidently.
  In the final -- will send one more para -- one more para.
  After a poot shoot-out in the semi-finals against Pakistan on Saturday, Firhan Ashaari, Faizal Shaari and Nabil Fiqri were all Malaysia needed to win the bronze while the other two players were never needed.
  Goalkeper S. Kumar brought off three saves and was the hero of the moment.
  "It has been a tough tournament as we had to play seven matches in a packed schedule because the tournament rules were changed to the semi-finals format instead of the norm in the last three editions where the top-two teams after the round-robbin qualify for the final.
  "Malaysia (who finished second in the pool) would have been in the final if not for the change of format to semi-finals in a six-team tournament," lamented Kumar. who has been involved in many shoot-outs in his career.
  Kumar also said after watching the video of the Korea-India semi-finals shoot-out, he knew what to do yesterday.
  "I have been in many shoot-outs before and prepared for today (yesterday) by watching the Korea-India shoot-out. It helped me identify the strikers patterns and that's why I managed to stop all of them," said Kumar.
  The rain came pouring down as Malaysia and South Korea started their quest for bronze.
  Malaysia took the lead of Shahril Saabah in the 14th minute, his fourth goal of the tournament.
  However, South Korea equalised off skipper Jung Manjae off their first penalty corner in the 17th minute.
  Shahril was yellow carded 20 seconds from half-time, and Malaysia re-entered the pitch with 10-men and looking very jaded.
  The score stood in the next two quarters, and it went to a penalty shoot-out to decide the winners.
  RESULTS: Final -- India x Pakistan x; Third-Fourth: Malaysia 1 South Korea 1 (Malaysia win shoot-out 3-1).

SOJC: England challenge for hosts...

MALAYSIA confirmed their Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) squad at the 11th Hour, with ten players from last year's bronze medallists still remain standing.
  The hosts - the only team in Johor not bound for the Junior World Cup in Lucknow - are out on a missing to redeem themselves after failing at the Junior Asia Cup last year.
  Malaysia open their campaign against England Monday, at the Taman Daya Stadium, who boast of many players from last year's Great Britain side, before taking on Australia, Pakistan, Japan and New Zealand.
  "We will be out to prove that we are worthy alongside five countries which have qualified for the world cup," said team manager Yahya Atan.
  "These are the next batch of Malaysian players and in Johor they must indicate, that they want to be in contention for the senior team someday."
  Malaysia have named a number of players that competed in the Australian Hockey League, among them are Rizwan Azmi, Firdaus Omar, Lukman Nur Hakim, Nor Azmi Rahman and Syed Shafiq.
  MALAYSIA: Rizwan Azmi, Zaimi Mat Deris, Luqman Nul Hakim, Firdaus Omar, Najib Hassan, Najmi Farizal, Zalupidaus Mizun, Rozaini Baharom, Syed Syafiq Cholan, Amrirol Aideed, Arif Syafie, Ashran Hamsani, Rafizul Ezry, Firdaus Fauzi, Norsyafiq Sumantri, Nik Aiman Rozemi, Hafiizhuddin Zaidi, Akhimullah Anuar, Abdul Khaliq, Zulhamizan Awang.

Shoot-out nightmare...

MALAYSIA lost another golden chance when they were bundled out of the Asian Champions Trophy final in a penalty shoot-out in Kuantan Saturday.

  The score was tied 1-1 at regulation time, but Pakistan were better in the shoot-out to win 3-2 and play India in the final today.

  Faiz Helmi Jali, Shahril Saabah and Fitri Shaari failed to score and Malaysia will now play South Korea for the bronze.

  For the record, Malaysia have only won bronze medals in the last three editions.

  Malaysian coach Stephen Van Huizen admitted his players did not play their best.

  "Yes I admit the players were not up to the mark and have played much better against Japan and India. I hope this is a bitter lesson for them when they play in the World League (Round Two in Trinidad and Tobago next year) where they must get the job done at the crucial period," said van Huizen.

  The game was played in constant drizzle, but the 4,000-odd crowd refuse to leave their seats and cheered on their favourite sport.

  Goalkeeper S. Kumar was padded-up on Deepavali day, while striker Faizal Shaari rushed to Ipoh in the morning to welcome his first child, a son, to the world and was back in the evening to play for Malaysia.

  Their dedication and sacrifices did not go to waste as Malaysia took the lead off their first penalty corner itself.

  Shahril Saabah's drive in the 18th minute brought some relief into the game as it stood until the half-time breather.

  It never stopped raining, and the slippery pitch made strikers from both sides slip and fall. However, Pakistan came back into the picture when Abdul Khan nailed the equalsier from close range in the 34th minute, and it was enough to take the match into penalty shoot-out.

  In the other semi-finals, India had to bring out their best to deny a fighting South Korea in a tensed penalty shoot-out after the match ended 2-2.

  Talwinder Singh (15th) and Ramandeep Singh (55th) scored for India while Seo Inwoo (21st) and Yang Jihun (53rd) scored for Korea.

  In the shoot-out, India held their nerves to win 5-4.

  RESULTS: Semi-finals -- Malaysia 1 Pakistan 1 (Pakistan win shoot-out 3-2), India 2 South Korea 2 (India win shoot-out 5-4).

  Fifth-Sixth: China 4 Japan 3.

  SUNDAY: Final -- Pakistan v India (8.30pm); Third-Fourth: Malaysia v South Korea (6.15pm).

SOJC: Pakistan finding their feet in Johor

The Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) has not been a glorious moment for Pakistan, but the thirst for success in the juniors category is something Tahir Zaman's men have.
   The Junior World Cup bound side will not, however, have things easy.
   In this edition as well as four of the other sides - Australia, New Zealand, Japan and England - are also bound for the world meet in Lucknow, India in December.
   Tournament records in Johor indicated Pakistan finished with the wooden spoon in the previous two editions. 
   Pakistan also finished last in the inaugural edition in 2011 and fourth in the following two years.
    Pakistan, who won the Junior World Cup in 1979 and were among the powerhouses in hockey, needs to establish themselves after several disappointing recent years.
   Pakistan have been drawn in Group B with Belgium, Netherlands and Egypt at the Junior World Cup. 
   Tahir Zaman surely realises the SOJC is a yardstick for participating teams and a good outing is needed.
Their ability to finish runners' in the Junior Asia Cup last year could make teams take note of their presence at the Taman Daya Stadium.

Mas women 2 Korea 5...

WOMEN'S ASIAN CHAMPIONS TROPHY - Official score KOR 5 - 2 MAS (FULL TIME)

SOJC LIVE ...

All matches of SOJC telecast live by RTM on TV1 or TVi (180)
Streaming on rtm mobile or at Or www.rtm.gov.my

Change of time: TV RULES...

ASIAN CHAMPIONS TROPHY: Semifinals : India v S Korea 6.15pm, Malaysia v Pakistan 8.30pm. SATURDAY.

ACT: Malaysia v Pakistan semi-finals

MALAYSIA came to life in the fourth quarter to hold South Korea to a 1-1 draw in the last pool match of the Asian Champions Trophy in Kuantan yesterday.
  The draw saw them finish second on the standings, and will play third placed Pakistan in the semi-finals on Saturday.
  India, top of the table, will meet South Korea in the other semis.
  Nabil Fiqri, an Inspector trainee, said his mates did not fear any team in the semi-finals.
  "We slowed down the match a little to conserve energy, avoid cards and injuries leading into the semi-finals as that is the most important match at the end of the day.
  "Going into the match, we knew that it was either Pakistan or South Korea for us in the last four, and we don't fear both of them and will give our best to play in our first final in the ACT," said Nabil.
  For the record, Malaysia have only three bronze medals to show from the last three editions of the ACT.
  South Korean coach Paul Lissek was also not worried that his charges will be playing against tournament favourites India.
  "We played our best Match of the tournament to hold Malaysia, and could have even beaten them. So, looking at the positive side, if we beat India, we can also win the title for the first time," said Lissek, a former Malaysian national coach.
  Even before the match started, Malaysia were hit by the stupidity of Firhan Ashaari who was suspended from the Korea match, for an off the ball incident against India on Wednesday.
  Firhan had elbowed India's Akashdeep Singh and was suspended after the Technical Delegates met yesterday morning and watched the recording.
  Also suspended, but for two matches, was India's Surender Kumar who hit Malaysia's Azri Hassan in another off the ball incident in the highly charged match where India edged Malaysia 2-1.
  An din the match yesterday, coach Stephen van Huizen's men played like they did not have a care in the world, and allowed South Korea to dictate terms.
  The first two quarters were uneventful, and Korea took the lead in the 37th minute field goal scored by Jeong Junwoo.
  Razie Rahim finally found his rhythm, and scored the equalsier off a penalty corner attempt in the 56th minute.
  RESULTS: Pakistan 4 China 0, Malaysia 1 South Korea 1.
  TODAY: REST DAY
  SATURDAY: Semi-finals -- Malaysia v Pakistan (6.30pm), India v South Korea (8.30pm).
  Fifth-Sixth: China v Japan (4pm).

FINAL STANDINGS


         P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts
INDIA    5  4  1  0  25 6  13
MALAYSIA 5  3  1  1  18 8  10
PAKISTAN 5  3  0  2  13 10 9
S. KOREA 5  2  2  1  11 9  8
CHINA    5  1  0  4  6  24 3
JAPAN    5  0  0  5  11 27 0

Half Black Sticks for SOJC

THE Black Stick are no strangers to the Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC), having competed regularly since 2011.
   New Zealand are also among the teams in Johor that are bound for the Junior World Cup in Lucknow, India from Dec 8-18, but have listed only part of their squad for the coming tournament at Taman Daya Stadium next month.
  Although the likes of David Brydon, Dominic Newman, Hayden Phillips and Nicholas Woods are absent, Bryce Collins charges still look strong with the presence of 12 players set for the world meet.
  The SOJC is New Zealand's last preparation before heading to India.
  The presence of forwards Sam La mine, Jonty Keaney dan Thomas Dylan, midfielders Alex Hanham, Aiden Sarikaya, defenders Breadly Read, Hugh Hendrickson dan Johny Thorn, in addition to goalkeeper Dominic Dizon, makes New Zealand among the contenders for the SOJC this time around.
   The coming edition is the perfect warm-up for New Zealand following the participation of teams such Australia, Pakistan, England dan Jepun - teams also competing in the Junior World Cup next month.
   The Black Sticks have competed three times in the SOJC, the inaugural edition in 2011, 2012 and 2014.
   New Zealand finished last in 2011, before improving by one place in the 2012 edition. In 2014, New Zealand came fourth, giving rise to hope of another improvement.
   New Zealand open their campaign against Pakistan on Monday on October 31 followed with matches against Japan and Pakistan before a one day break.
   Collins' men play England on November 4 before a showdown with Malaysia the next day. The final classification matches takes place on Nov 6.

When the best is not enough...

MALAYSIA played the best game of the tournament, but were denied a point when India won 2-1 in the Asian Champions Trophy in Kuantan Wednesday.
  India will go into the semi-finals as the No 1 team, while Malaysia need to beat South Korea today to remain in the No 2 or No 3 bracke heading into the last four.
  Rupinder Pal Singh scored both the goals, to take his tally to 10, and denied a fighting Malaysia their glory.
  Goalkeeper S. Kumar said: "We had our chances but could not make it count, and world No 6 India is never easy to beat. We lost fighting, and kept our heads high the entire match and that's what is more important heading into the last match against Korea."
  Kumar, who brought off brilliant saves to deny India strikers, knows that the semi-finals is the most important match of this tournament.
  "As we are already in the last four, we need to give another good performance against Korea and they give our all in the semi-finals. That's what matters in the end," said Kumar.
  For the record, Malaysia finished bronze medallist in the last three editions, and making the final would be a great achievement.
  Goalkeeper S. Kumar brought out half a dozen saves to keep Malaysia in the match, going into the half-time breather as India tried every trick in the book but were denied at the last shot by the veteran custodian.
  India took the lead, when tournament top-scorer Rupinder Pal Singh was denied his direct penalty corner flick, but he charged up and slammed the rebound in the 13th minute to take his tally to nine goals.
  However, Malaysia never broke like their usual self, and attacked relentlessly and got the equaliser in the 18th minute.
  Razie Rahim blasted in Malaysia's first penalty corner for his first goal of the tournament.
  The crowd turned up in full force, as Malaysia won their last three matches convincingly.
  Malaysia played one of their best matches in this tournament, as they pushed India to defend in numbers.
  However, with two minutes remaining in the game, Rupinder Pal scored his 10th goal of the tournament -- and Malaysia removed S. Kumar to play a kicking back.
  Coach van Huizen's men won their last penalty corner with 26 seconds remaining but failed to score the equaliser.
  RESULTS: South Korea 4 Japan 3, Malaysia 1 India 2.
  THURSDAY: Pakistan v China (6.30pm), Malaysia v South Korea (8.30pm).

STANDINGS


         P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts
INDIA    5  4  1  0  25 6  13
MALAYSIA 4  3  0  1  17 7  9
S. KOREA 4  2  1  1  10 8  7
PAKISTAN 4  2  0  2  9  10 6
CHINA    4  1  0  3  6  20 3
JAPAN    5  0  0  5  11 27 0

SOJC: England in JB to get it right...

England return to Johor Bahru after a two-year absence but there is unlikely to be any unfamilarity at the Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) as several players played under the Great Britain banner for the past two years.
   With the Junior World Cup just around the corner, England - especially head coach Jon Bleby and players James Gall and Chris Proctor - will hope they find better rhythm than in 2013 at Taman Daya Stadium before travelling to India for the world meet in December.
  The trio were part of the English set-up that finished last in Johor before a dismal 14th place at the Junior World Cup.
  Proctor and several others were also part of the Great Britain side that won the SOJC last year after playing bridesmaid to India in 2014. Among those absent in this year's squad include Ed Horler, James Albery, Jonty Griffiths and now-overage Luke Taylor.
   Gall, who is among the handful 20 years and above players Bleby have named for the tournament, is perhaps lucky to even be on the pitch again after a career threatening fall in July 2015.
   Gall fell on his head in an accident, suffered a fractured skull which caused severe swelling to the brain, and fractured his spine.
   The SOJC is the final chance for players to catch the eye before the 16-team Junior World Cup in Lucknow, India between December 8-18, an event that is only held every four years.
  England qualified for the world meet after finishing third at the 2014 EuroHockey Junior Nations Championship, the first time they finished on the podium since 1998.
   England are scheduled to play Japan, Australia, Malaysia, Pakistan and New Zealand in the Sultan of Johor Cup starting Monday, before a final classification game on November 6.

Difficult, but not impossible...

THE plan is simple.
  Malaysia need to beat India in the Asian Champions Trophy in Kuantan Wednesday to cement their top spot in the pool as this will pit them against the fourth placed team in the semi-finals.
  Executing it might be difficult, but not impossible, as Malaysia have been on fire in the three previous matches where they beat Pakistan 4-2, China 5-1 and Japan 7-2 convincingly.
  India, on the other hand, have had a roller-coaster ride as after hammering Japan 10-2 they were held 1-1 by South Korea and only edged Pakistan 3-2 and yesterday hammered China 9-0.
  And India were the only Asian team which played in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Ranked sixth in the world, they are eight rungs above No 14 Malaysia.
  But a determined Fitri Shaari, Malaysia's engine room engineer, has a solution.
  "We will be playing against Olympians who are ranked eight rungs above us, but that does not place us in awe. In fact, the team is determined to play eight time harder to win full points," said Fitri.
  Always reliable to take command of the midfield, Shukri has scored two goals while his brother Faizal is Malaysia's top scorer on four.
  However, the main goal-getter for Malaysia in any tournament, Razie Rahim has yet to hit the mark but has has four of his penalty corner rebounds turned into goals.
  Razie, who joined the Inspector training in May, has lost his power, but not the placing.
  "I'm a little rusty after being off hockey for a while to concentrate on my Police training. But still on target during penalty corners and the rebounds have been turned into goals by my team mates.
  "However, after today morning's training (yesterday) I could feel the power coming back to my arms and I am ready to give my best against India," said Razie.
  Malaysia have a lousy record against the Olympians, as in 109 encounters the nation has only won 15 times, while India won 76 and 18 ended in draws.
  The last win for Malaysia was 3-2 in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup last year.
  India coach Roelant Oltmans did not want to comment on the Malaysia match as his mind was locked on preparing for the China encounter yesterday.
  RESULTS: Pakistan 4 Japan 3, India 9 China 0.
  WEDNESDAY: South Korea v Japan (6.30pm), Malaysia v India (8.30pm).
  THURSDAY: Pakistan v China (6.30pm), Malaysia v South Korea (8.30pm).

STANDINGS


         P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts
INDIA    4  3  1  0  23 5  10
MALAYSIA 3  3  0  0  16 5  9
PAKISTAN 4  2  0  2  9  10 6
S. KOREA 3  1  1  1  6  5  4
CHINA    4  1  0  3  6  20 3
JAPAN    4  0  0  4  8  23 0

SOJC: 'Unfriendly' Australia...

AUSTRALIA continue their good relations with Malaysia at the Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) in Johor Bahru next week, but the hosts can expect nothing friendly about their visit this time around.
  The Burras kick-off their campaign against Japan at Taman Daya Stadium on Oct 31 with a squad set for the upcoming Junior World Cup in India just one month later.
   Australia, who finished a dismal fifth in last year's SOJC, missed the Junior World Cup podium in 2013 and having never finished outside the top three in back-to-back editions, the pressure is on Ben Bishop's men.
   “As always, it was a difficult task to select this group. Our broader junior program has developed very good depth as a result of the great work done around our network," said in a recent interview in Australia.
  “The group we have selected will enjoy another great competition in Johor this year against some quality international teams.
  “This year, the SOJC presents a further opportunity for us as our major competition focus in the lead up to the Junior World Cup. I look forward to seeing our Burras take another step up in their development in readiness for the Junior World Cup.”
  Bishop will want to avoid repeating their 2015 outing, where Australia only manage to defeat Pakistan.
  Australia lost to Argentina on the opening day before bouncing back with a 6-2 win over Pakistan, only to lose 3-2 to hosts Malaysia in the following match. Australia also drew 4-4 with Great Britain and lost 1-0 to India before disposing Pakistan 5-0 to avoid finishing with the wooden spoon.
  Australia have a largely unchanged side from last year. Among the 20 players selected are Rio Olympian Blake Govers and fellow Kookaburra Tom Craig. Kiran Arunasalam from the national development squad is also included while the rest are from the national juniors.
  With a talent pool so wide, the players are unlikely to take the SOJC lightly as places for the trip to Lucknow, India are up for grabs.

Lessons from Cikgu Shukri...

CIKGU Shukri Mutalib has set his mind to lead Malaysia into another promising battle against India on Wednesday in the Asian Champions Trophy at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium.
  A teacher by profession, the national hockey skipper and his men have so far scored three 'As' by beating Pakistan 4-2, China 5-1 and Japan 7-2 to check into the semi-finals.
  With two more matches in hand, which could turn out to be the most difficult, Shukri is confident he can lead his men to victories.
  "We still have to face India and then South Korea to complete our pool matches and I believe my team-mates can overcome whatever obstacles that come their way," said Shukri.
  Interestingly, Shukri treats his mates as 'students' when it comes to handling them on the pitch.
  "I am used to handling a large number of students with many more issues and problems in school. In hockey I only have 17 players to take charge and it is much easier as they are a disciplined lot."
  Even though Malaysia have scored a total of 16 goals in three matches, but they have also let in five silly goals and look especially vulnerable in the last five minutes of every match.
  "Against Japan, we were leading 7-0 and I felt that it was a moment to utilise my substitutes and I replaced goalkeeper S. Kumar and all the first choice defenders and fielded my reserves.
  "Well, it was a good chance to give them some match practice ahead of the India and Korea matches. Even though it resulted in two goals in two minutes, I believe we have a strong bench to rely upon," insisted coach Stephen van Huizen.
  Just like planning for lessons and motivating his students in class, Shukri has also been encouraging his mates, and parting information he picks up from watching other teams play.
  "The most encouraging sign in this present team is that all the players are not selfish, especially the strikers. They are playing for the glory of Malaysia and not self pride. This can be seen in the passing done in the semi-circle, before goals are scored.
  "One example is the three passes that led to Fazal Shaari blasting the ball to the top of the Japan net. It took real good understanding and unselfishness to achieve that goal.
  Things are looking up for Malaysia, and now they must play two more pool to make the country proud, by finishing tops in the pool and play the fourth-placed team in the semi-finals.
  RESULTS: South Korea 5 China 3.
  TUESDAY: Pakistan v Japan (6.30pm), India v China (8.30pm).
  WEDNESDAY: South Korea v Japan (6.30pm), Malaysia v India (8.30pm).

STANDINGS


         P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts
MALAYSIA 3  3  0  0  16 5  9
INDIA    3  2  1  0  14 5  7
S. KOREA 3  1  1  1  6  5  4
PAKISTAN 3  1  0  2  5  7  3
CHINA    3  1  0  2  6  11 3
JAPAN    3  0  0  3  5  19 0