Korean `ginseng' for Malaysia

03/11/2001

DURING the Azlan Shah Cup in August, the Malaysian hockey team got
hammered because they were not physically fit, so the Malaysia Hockey
Federation (MHF) turned to South Korean mastero Kim Sang-ryul for help.
Kim, with his trademark smiling face, came down and handed the team
management a fitness plan which the players have been religiously
following, and according to 2002 Kuala Lumpur World Cup team manager Datuk
R. Yogeswaran, there has been a marked improvement.
"Kim was in Malaysia last month (Oct 4) to conduct a fitness test and
the results showed that there has been a marked improvement in the team's
physical level after following his programme," said Yogeswaran.
The smile never vanishes from the face of Kim, now acknowledged
worldwide as the mastermind behind his country's emergence as the second
ranked team in the world after the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games silver medal.
That Kim managed a smile even after the penalty shoot-out, against the
Dutch, shattered his team's dreams of striking gold says a lot about his
composure.
"The boys have been working hard after the Azlan Shah Cup and although
Kim's programme is not something that we are alien to, the intensity is
much higher than what we used to conduct.
"It was tough for the team to adapt in the first few weeks but now that
they are getting used to rigorous training, they have actually started
enjoying it," said Yogeswaran.
In the eight-team per-group format, fitness will surely separate the top
four and the also rans. For Malaysia, going by the fixtures, fitness will
determine where they finish after the first round.
Malaysia meet Australia first on Feb 24 followed by Japan (Feb 26) and
India (Feb 27). To stay in the running they must at least have two draws
in the first three matches.
Then fitness will come into the picture as they play South Korea (March
1), England (March 2), Cuba (March 4) and wrap up the first round against
Poland (March 5).
"We are going to play seven matches in nine days during the World Cup
and needless to say, the fitness level of the team will have to be at a
super scale level.
The Koreans only took up competitive hockey in the late 1980s to field a
team for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. The Sydney Games was only their third
Olympiad.
In under 15 years, Kim has introduced hockey to his nation, masterminded
its emergence on the world arena, and brought them to within a penalty
stroke of Olympic glory.
jugjet@nstp.com.my
(END)

Ministry: We will check the rot

02/11/2001

THE Education Ministry yesterday promised to check the slide in schools
sports and produce athletes who will excel at world championships and in
the Olympics.
Its director-general Datuk Abdul Rafie Mahat, after officiating at the
Bukit Jalil Sports School's awards ceremony yesterday, said towards this
cause, the Sports and Education Ministries have combined forces and formed
five committees after getting the Cabinet's endorsement in August.
"The five committees have been entrusted to take schools sports to a
higher level. They will find out what is wrong with the current system and
come out with solutions to arrest the situation fast," said Abdul Rafie.
Among the matters the committee will look into first are to widen the
base of sports, improve on current facilities and equipment distribution,
intensify traning, and improve the management of athletes at school level.
"We have been implementing this principle at the Bukit Jalil Sports
School and the results have been steadily improving. Since the school was
established in 1996, BJSS students have done the country proud by winning
two gold medals at the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games; seven gold,
seven silver and three bronze medals at the 1999 Brunei Sea Games and at
the Sydney Olympics, seven BJSS athletes saw action but did not win any
medals.
"And BJSS' latest achievement is winning 28 gold, 15 silver and 14
bronze medals at the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games."
But the goal right now is not the Sea Games, but the world championships
and the Olympics.
"We are working to produce athletes who can win medals at the highest
level in sports which is the Olympics. The school system can only be
called a success when our athletes win medals regularly at that level,"
said Abdul Rafie.
Admission to BJSS and Bandar Penawar Sports Schools is much sought after
because they have started producing students with all-round capabilities.
"I was told that about 50,000 students from every state in Malaysia are
eligible to apply for the sports schools but we have stringent selection
criteria and only take in about 120 students for BJSS and about 200 for
Bandar Penawar.
"And to train and educate one student at the sports school, RM3,500 is
needed per-year. So just the food bill for a year for both schools, 550
BJSS students and 440 Bandar Penawar students, comes up to about 3.5
million a year.
"This is a huge investment for the betterment of sport but the
government does not mind spending now, because the results are sure to
come in a few year's time," said Abdul Rafie.
The students in BJSS are also benefitting from being in the Bukit Jalil
Sports Complex.
"We have the best facilities in the world at our doorstep and the
National Sports Council has been very supportive whenever we want to book
any stadium for training," said BJSS headmaster Jalaudin Othman.
While the sports schools have been doing well, the same can't be said
about some of the schools in Malaysia where sport is almost extinct. jugjet@nstp.com.my
(END)

Costly affair for supporters

02/11/2001

TICKET prices for the 2002 Kuala Lumpur World Cup on Feb 24 to March 9
were released yesterday and it is surely going to burn a big hole in the
average fan's pocket.
Just to watch one match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil,
the cheapest ticket, at the back of both the goalposts, is RM25 in the
first round and classification matches. And since some days there are
three matches at the same venue, to watch all three, the cheapest package
is RM65.
For the semifinals and the final, it will cost RM95 per person to watch
from behind the goalposts.
Malaysia Hockey Federation secretary S. Satgunam defended the pricing
saying that for a World Cup, it is very reasonable.
"We did a comparison with the rest of the World Cup tournaments and
found that the prices are very reasonable. So to avoid disappointment,
book early," said Satgunam.
AXCESS, who have a 10-year ticketing contract with the FA of Malaysia,
have been handed the task of selling tickets and they have team packages
for the serious fans.
"For team packages, to watch the preliminary round matches, it will cost
RM372 from behind both the goalposts, RM457 from opposite the grandstand
and RM567 from the grandstand.
"For the preliminary rounds and the finals package, it will cost RM565
from behind the goalposts, RM700 from opposite the grandstand and RM870
for the grandstand," said Satgunam.
There is a 40 per cent discount for team packages purchased by
Malaysians from Nov 1-Nov 30th.
"We decided to give a 40 per cent discount on team packages to
Malaysians who buy in November so that they can come out in full force to
support their team. For proof, the identity card must be presented to get
the discount," said Satgunam.
There has been overseas bookings for the World Cup: "An Australian
travel agency has bought 100 tickets, and by the look of things, the
tickets are going to be snapped up soon. So, book early or try your luck
with the single and three-session entries which will be sold on match days
at the stadium."
There is also the patron package which is RM3,000 for the entire
tournament with one guest allowed, but it is limited to 150 tickets only.
Both the pitches at Bukit Jalil will see action during the hectic eight-
team-per-group format so seating at the main stadium will be increased by
3,000 temporary seats to 15,000 while additional 2,800 temporary seats
will increase the capacity of the second pitch to 4,800.
For further information, call 03-78053000 or visit
www.axcesstickets.com.
Preliminary round ticket prices: Single match tickets (only available on
match days) - RM25 from behind the goalposts, RM30 opposite the
grandstand, RM35 grandstand.
Preliminary round three-match tickets: (only available on match days) -
RM65 from behind the goalposts, RM80 opposite the grandstand, RM100
grandstand.
Final and 3rd-4th placing: RM95 from behind the goalposts, RM120
opposite the grandstand, RM150 grandstand.
Team package, round one (all sessions for one team only in the
preliminary rounds): RM372 behind the goalposts, RM457 from opposite the
grandstand, RM567 from the grandstand.
Team package preliminary rounds and finals (all sessions for one team
only) RM565 behind the goalposts, RM700 from opposite the grandstand,
RM870 from the grandstand.
Team packages, all sessions for one team only (after secial 40 per cent
discount for Malaysians from Nov 1-Nov 30): RM372 behind the goalposts,
RM457 from opposite the grandstand, RM567 from the grandstand.
Team packages, all sessions and finals for one team only (after secial
40 per cent discount for Malaysians from Nov 1-Nov 30): RM565 behind the
goalposts, RM700 from opposite the grandstand, RM870 from the grandstand. jugjet@nstp.com.my
(END)

Failure must lead to success

02/11/2001

By Ho Koh Chye

THE scene: the Junior Hockey World Cup at the Tasmania Hockey Centre,Hobart. Malaysia dropped vital points when it lost its first two matches.The first to New Zealand and the second to Argentina. The media went to town on the Malaysian junior hockey team'sperformance. "Juniors' journey of shame", "Malaysia lack players, withgrey matter" and "All we got is lies, damn lies" screamed headlines in theNew Straits Times and The Malay Mail. The pieces that appeared conveyed amixture of frustration, disbelief, anger and even embarassment felt byMalaysian journalists covering the event. Some of the journalists `genuinely believed that Malaysia were goodenough for the semi-finals. Instead, they were kicked out of the elitecircle and continued to struggle among the stragglers,' said JohnsonFernandez, sports editor of the Malay Mail. `Misfits who got whipped. Theylacked the mental ability to deal with adversity,' added Timesport'sJugjet Singh. Followers of Malaysian hockey and sports were confounded by the eventsthat took place in Hobart. Some were taken aback by the media onslaught onthe team. Boo, a senior sports official commented: "The Malaysian media isharsh and merciless, perhaps unfair when it comes to reporting aboutfailures. In their efforts to improve sport, their criticisms cansometimes swing from fair to hysterical. They have a tendency to use ahammer to kill a fly." Interestingly, a member of the senior hockey team had this to say, "Ourmedia boys tend to think that you are a disaster and a failure unless youhave a medal to show for it. I focus on being the best I can be all thetime." On the flipside, a journalist friend opined that it is their sacred dutyto tell the truth even if it hurts. He attributes the reaction to mediacriticism as one of blank denial: "You hockey fellows should just acceptthe fact that our team is not good enough! Period." Meanwhile, a senior hockey official had this to say: "Criticism is finebut it must be constructive. We are meeting the six journalists who werein Hobart to get feedback from them." The climb to the top is not easy in any sport. If it is, then Britishtennis will not be left wringing their hands in despair at the status oftheir women players. The nation that invented the game has no woman playerranked in the top 100 despite the fact that for the last 20 years the AllEngland Club, the organiser of Wimbledon, have contributed millions ofpounds annually for the development of young male and female talent. Last year's contribution was STG8.9 million (RM41.2 million). Thestatistics for March 2001 revealed that there are 33 countries withplayers in the top 100 of the women's game. Louise Latimer, the BritishNo.1 is not one of them. She is ranked 126. If you think you detect a bias or private agenda in my views let meassure you that I have no axe to grind. My only objective is to presentanother perspective to the Hobart episode. There will be the occassionalfailure on the road to success. Yes,it can be painful and expensive butthe important thing is to learn from failure and come back stronger andmore resolute. Sometimes, we need to respond with compassion andencouragement when an athlete or a team's plan goes awry. That said, the fact remains that our Junior hopes in Hobart turned toashes, that the third best in Asia were found to be wanting when calledupon to face the best in the world. History only remembers the winners andnot the `if only' and `what ifs'. R. Russell once said, "Success is a public affair and failure is aprivate funeral." In these trying times, it is for hockey to rake over theembers of Hobart to make sense of the performances of its junior team andto look forward to a credible performance in the 2002 World Cup.
* The writer can be reached at kohchye@maxis.net.my (END)

Malaysia to host Challenge after all

01/11/2001

THE FIH have awarded the Champions Challenge to Malaysia and it will be
held at the Bukit Jalil Hockey Stadium on Dec 8-16.
Malaysia Hockey Federation Secretary S. Satguman said yesterday, the
teams that will be taking part are Argentina, Belgium, India, Japan, South
Africa and the hosts.
Poland and Spain have declined invitation and in their place, Belgium
have been included.
And in the 2002 Kuala Lumpur World Cup on Feb 24-March 9, South Africa,
Belgium and Argentina are in Group A while Japan, Malaysia and India are
in Group B.
"I called the FIH yesterday and they said Malaysia's bid has been
accepted and all the countries except for Poland and Spain, are willing to
play in Malaysia because they know this is a peaceful country and they
have nothing to fear about security," said Satgunam.
New Delhi was supposed to host the Champions Challenge but after the
Sept 11 attack on the United States and the ongoing war in Afghanistan,
Indian Hockey Federation president K.P.S Gill handed back the challenge to
FIH and Malaysia made an 11th-hour bid.
FIH marketing and communications manager Steven Morris when contacted in
Brussels yesterday, said there is a hosting fee of 40,000 Swiss Franks
(RM88,000), but it was learnt yesterday that the MHF have secured the
Challenge with a nominal payment because they were `doing india a favour'.
"We still have to get clearence from the Sports Ministry to host the
event. Because under the Sports Act, we must get permission from the
Ministry before hosting any tournamant," said Satgunam.
But that should not be a problem and it is only seen as a formality,
because Malaysia need to host the Challenge or their 2002 World Cup
preparations will not be complete.
National coach Paul Lissek, in Rotterdam to watch the Champions Trophy
and assess Malaysia's World Cup opponents' progress, said if we do not
host the Champions Challenge, Malaysia will be in deep trouble come
February.
Seniors team manager Datuk R. Yogeswaran was happy with the FIH
decision.
"Right now we need all the matches we can get and since five of the
countries playing in the Challenge are also in the 2002 World Cup, it will
be good practice for the boys.
"And since the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil will be returfed
for the World Cup, it will be better if we 'season' the artificial pitch
during the Challenge.
"We had planned to have at least 50 matches before the World Cup, but to
date, we have only clocked 26 matches. By playing in the Challenge, it
will mean an additional five matches and with plans for more Five-and-Six
nations, it should be enough to prepare the team for 2002," said
Yogeswaran.
Originally, there was the Afro Asian Games in India but that too has
been scrapped because of the Afghanistan war.
"The players have been in training since the Sea Games with short breaks
in between. Their next break is during Deepavali after which we will know
for sure how many matches we will play before the World Cup.
"The MHF have plans to invite some Asian countries for practice, so
everything is going according to our plan," said Yogeswaran.
The top six finishers from the Sydney 2000 Olympics play in the
Champions Trophy, which was shifted from Lahore to Rotterdam for the same
reason, and the 7-12th play in the Champions Challenge. But due to
security concerns around the world, the FIH have made some changes and
allowed Belgium to play as well.
* jugjet@nstp.com.my
(END)