MALAYSIA will open the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) accounts against Pakistan in Kuantan Thursday, and nothing but a win is expected from coach Stephen van Huizen's men.
For, Malaysia will field their strongest penalty corner battery of six players, as well as having a better squad than the one which finished which sixth in the recent Australian Hockey League.
And Pakistan will be playing without their skipper Mohamed Irfan, who never arrived in Kuantan due to visa problems back home.
Van Huizen said as both the teams will be trying to claw back into world hockey, it will be a tough encounter.
"Both Pakistan and Malaysia missed out of the Rio Olympics and are trying to climb back into the world hockey ladder and so I expect a tough match from the ACT defending champions," said van Huizen.
The six penalty corner flickers for Malaysia are Shahril Saabah, Fitri Shaari, Firhan Ashaari, Razie Rahim, Faizal Shaari and Najmi Farizal.
"Our penalty corner choises are the strongest ever as I have five other players to select from other than our No 1 Razie.
"This will be our mainstay in the tournament, where we aim to qualify for the semi-finals first and then take one game at a time."
In the last encounter at the Azlan Shah Cup, Malaysia edged Pakistan 1-0 with the winner coming from Razie's direct flick.
However, in the ACT, Malaysia have yet to beat Pakistan in the three encounters. They lost 3-2 in 2011, drew 2-2 in 2012 and lost 1-0 in 2013 when the tournament was last held.
Pakistan manager Hanif Khan said the absence of Irfan will be felt, but they have Plan B.
"Our captain Irfan could not make it here due to viss problems and so we will be bringing in another player soon. It will be tougher for us now, but we have a Plan B to counter his absence," said Hanif.
Pakistan won the last two editions and are gunning for a hat-trick.
"We came here on a hat-trick mission, and winning the first match will be utmost in our minds to kick-start that ambition," said Hanif.
The other teams in the ACt are India, South Korea, China and Japan.
THURSDAY: Malaysia v Pakistan (6.30pm), India v Japan (8.30pm).
FRIDAY: Pakistan v South Korea (6.30pm), Malaysia v China (8.30pm).
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Monday, October 17, 2016
SOJC: Malaysia in for a tough time...
THE Sixth Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) promises high quality matches as most teams will be using the tournament as a final preparation for the Junior World Cup in Dec 8-18 in Lucknow, India.
Organised by the Johor Hockey Association, the SOJC will be held on Oct 31 to Nov 6 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium, and entry is free.
The six competing are Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand and hosts Malaysia with England and Japan making their debut.
Only Malaysia will not see action at the Junior World Cup and team manager Yahya Atan was the first to admit that it will be a keenly contested tournament.
"All the five other teams are in the final stages of preparation for the Junior World Cup and will potentially be the early favourites for the title," said Yahya.
"We will no doubt face strong opponents but at the same time our players too have benefited from playing in the Australian Hockey League as part of our preparations for the SOJC."
Yahya added that the team will be going to Johor Baru on October 24 and the final list of players, coached by Wallace Tan and Amin Rahim will be announced this coming Friday.
Two juniors, Najmi Farizal Azlan and Nik Aiman Nik Rozemi who are eligible to play in the Under-21 tournament have been selected for duty with the senior national team that will compete in the Asian Champions Trophy in Kuantan on Oct 20-30.
However Najib Hassan, another player in the senior training squad, has been given the nod to join his junior counterparts.
The team can count on Rizwan Azmi, Firdaus Omar, Lukman Nur Hakim, Nor Azmi Rahman, Syed Shafiq Syed Choulan, Amirul Aideed, Ashran Hamsani, Rafizul Ezry Mustafa, Norsyafiq Sumantri, Sufi Ismat Rohulmin and Akhimullah Anuar, all of whom were in Perth, Australia for the AHL.
Yesterday, several sponsors presented their contributions towards the tournament to YAM Tunku Idris Iskandar ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tengku Temenggong Johor.
The total sponsorship received was RM1.450 million.
Also present was Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Johor Hockey Association President Datuk Haji Jais Sarday and Deputy President Datuk Manjit Majid Abdullah.
Leading the list of contributors were the Johor State Government with RM500,000, followed by Astaka Padu RM200,000, Johor Corporation, UM Land, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Yayasan Harmoni, JBB Builders, all contributing RM100,000 each.
Organised by the Johor Hockey Association, the SOJC will be held on Oct 31 to Nov 6 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium, and entry is free.
The six competing are Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand and hosts Malaysia with England and Japan making their debut.
Only Malaysia will not see action at the Junior World Cup and team manager Yahya Atan was the first to admit that it will be a keenly contested tournament.
"All the five other teams are in the final stages of preparation for the Junior World Cup and will potentially be the early favourites for the title," said Yahya.
"We will no doubt face strong opponents but at the same time our players too have benefited from playing in the Australian Hockey League as part of our preparations for the SOJC."
Yahya added that the team will be going to Johor Baru on October 24 and the final list of players, coached by Wallace Tan and Amin Rahim will be announced this coming Friday.
Two juniors, Najmi Farizal Azlan and Nik Aiman Nik Rozemi who are eligible to play in the Under-21 tournament have been selected for duty with the senior national team that will compete in the Asian Champions Trophy in Kuantan on Oct 20-30.
However Najib Hassan, another player in the senior training squad, has been given the nod to join his junior counterparts.
The team can count on Rizwan Azmi, Firdaus Omar, Lukman Nur Hakim, Nor Azmi Rahman, Syed Shafiq Syed Choulan, Amirul Aideed, Ashran Hamsani, Rafizul Ezry Mustafa, Norsyafiq Sumantri, Sufi Ismat Rohulmin and Akhimullah Anuar, all of whom were in Perth, Australia for the AHL.
Yesterday, several sponsors presented their contributions towards the tournament to YAM Tunku Idris Iskandar ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tengku Temenggong Johor.
The total sponsorship received was RM1.450 million.
Also present was Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Johor Hockey Association President Datuk Haji Jais Sarday and Deputy President Datuk Manjit Majid Abdullah.
Leading the list of contributors were the Johor State Government with RM500,000, followed by Astaka Padu RM200,000, Johor Corporation, UM Land, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Yayasan Harmoni, JBB Builders, all contributing RM100,000 each.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Women's ACT: Tough for Dharmaraj's charges...
MALAYSIA will utilise the women's Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) in Singapore on Oct 29-Nov 5 as a training base for the World League Round Two.
Kuala Lumpur will host the World League Round Two on Jan 14-22, and its a chance for coach K. Dharmaraj's charges to make an attempt to play in the World Cup in 2018.
For the ACT, World No 21 Malaysia will face uphill battles against higher ranked teams China (eighth), Japan (10th), South Korea (ninth) and India (12th).
Dharmaraj knows the score in the ACT, and even though the statistics looks bad, the Malaysian girls only need to beat one team for a chance to play in the third-fourth medal match.
"All the teams are much higher ranked than our women and it will be a tough tournament but good in the sense that it will prepare us for the World League Round Two in Singapore," said Dharmaraj.
The 18 who competed in the Australian Hockey League in Perth and finished seventh out of 10 teams are in the running for the ACT, together with trainee Inspectors Farah Ayuni Yahya and Noor Hasliza Ali.
"Farah and Hasliza could not go to Peth because they had Inspector training at Pulapol, but have been released to play in the ACT in Singapore.
"Their presence will inject experience into the team and I am expecting them to give all the higher ranked teams a tough fight," said Dharmaraj.
The women's ACT was last held in 2013, and Malaysia claimed the bronze by beating China 3-1.
And for the World League Round Two, in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 14-22, Malaysia will battle for a slot in the World League Semi-finals and a shot at the 2018 World Cup against Ireland, Italy, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Fiji and Wales.
"With all teams advancing to the quarter-finals of the World League, I believe we have a good chance of advancing, to the World league Semi-finals," said Dharmaraj.
For the record, the Malaysia women have yet to break past Round Two of the World League.
Kuala Lumpur will host the World League Round Two on Jan 14-22, and its a chance for coach K. Dharmaraj's charges to make an attempt to play in the World Cup in 2018.
For the ACT, World No 21 Malaysia will face uphill battles against higher ranked teams China (eighth), Japan (10th), South Korea (ninth) and India (12th).
Dharmaraj knows the score in the ACT, and even though the statistics looks bad, the Malaysian girls only need to beat one team for a chance to play in the third-fourth medal match.
"All the teams are much higher ranked than our women and it will be a tough tournament but good in the sense that it will prepare us for the World League Round Two in Singapore," said Dharmaraj.
The 18 who competed in the Australian Hockey League in Perth and finished seventh out of 10 teams are in the running for the ACT, together with trainee Inspectors Farah Ayuni Yahya and Noor Hasliza Ali.
"Farah and Hasliza could not go to Peth because they had Inspector training at Pulapol, but have been released to play in the ACT in Singapore.
"Their presence will inject experience into the team and I am expecting them to give all the higher ranked teams a tough fight," said Dharmaraj.
The women's ACT was last held in 2013, and Malaysia claimed the bronze by beating China 3-1.
And for the World League Round Two, in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 14-22, Malaysia will battle for a slot in the World League Semi-finals and a shot at the 2018 World Cup against Ireland, Italy, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Fiji and Wales.
"With all teams advancing to the quarter-finals of the World League, I believe we have a good chance of advancing, to the World league Semi-finals," said Dharmaraj.
For the record, the Malaysia women have yet to break past Round Two of the World League.
ACT: Faizal in, injured Baljit out...
THE Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) will announce their squad for the Asian Champions Trophy only on Monday, but among those who have cemented their spot is troubled striker Faizal Shaari.
The ACT will be held in Kuantan on Oct 20-30, and Faizal's performance in the Malaysia Hockey League where he played for double champions Terengganu Hockey Team and also the Australian Hockey League (AHL) has earned him a ticket back into the national outfit.
He was dropped from the national team after failing to show up for training without a valid reason in December last year, and after completing his six months ban, he was placed in the national back-up squad and played in the AHL recently.
National coach Stephen van Huizen was impressed with his performance and he will play against Pakistan, India, South Korea, China and Japan in Kuantan.
In Perth, Faizal scored five goals but still, the back-up squad ended 11th among 12 teams in the AHL.
There was more good news when inspector trainees Razie Rahim and Nabil Fiqri were released by Pulapol to play in the ACT. Razie is the nations top penalty corner flicker while Nabil is a pillar in midfield.
Both of them did not play in the AHL, and the Malaysian national side finished sixth out of 12 teams.
But van Huizen will not have Baljit Singh, among his best defenders, as he picked up a hamstring injury while skippering the back-up squad in Perth.
The others who will surely be named on Monday are goalkeeper S. Kumar, Joel Samuel van Huizen, Fitri Shari, Shukri Mutalib and Shahril Saabah.
Three juniors were given the chance to play for the national team in the AHL, but only Najmi Farizal and Nik Aiman Rozemi impressed, while former juniors skipper Najib Hassan's form dropped and he will not be on the ACT list. Najib will be released to play in the Sultan of Johor Cup instead.
The ACT will offer International Hockey Federation (FIH) ranking points for the first time in its Fourth Edition and Malaysia must play in the final to maximise the effect leading to the World League Round Two in Trinidad and Tobago on March 25 to April 2.
The World League will confirm teams for the 2018 World Cup.
The ACT will be held in Kuantan on Oct 20-30, and Faizal's performance in the Malaysia Hockey League where he played for double champions Terengganu Hockey Team and also the Australian Hockey League (AHL) has earned him a ticket back into the national outfit.
He was dropped from the national team after failing to show up for training without a valid reason in December last year, and after completing his six months ban, he was placed in the national back-up squad and played in the AHL recently.
National coach Stephen van Huizen was impressed with his performance and he will play against Pakistan, India, South Korea, China and Japan in Kuantan.
In Perth, Faizal scored five goals but still, the back-up squad ended 11th among 12 teams in the AHL.
There was more good news when inspector trainees Razie Rahim and Nabil Fiqri were released by Pulapol to play in the ACT. Razie is the nations top penalty corner flicker while Nabil is a pillar in midfield.
Both of them did not play in the AHL, and the Malaysian national side finished sixth out of 12 teams.
But van Huizen will not have Baljit Singh, among his best defenders, as he picked up a hamstring injury while skippering the back-up squad in Perth.
The others who will surely be named on Monday are goalkeeper S. Kumar, Joel Samuel van Huizen, Fitri Shari, Shukri Mutalib and Shahril Saabah.
Three juniors were given the chance to play for the national team in the AHL, but only Najmi Farizal and Nik Aiman Rozemi impressed, while former juniors skipper Najib Hassan's form dropped and he will not be on the ACT list. Najib will be released to play in the Sultan of Johor Cup instead.
The ACT will offer International Hockey Federation (FIH) ranking points for the first time in its Fourth Edition and Malaysia must play in the final to maximise the effect leading to the World League Round Two in Trinidad and Tobago on March 25 to April 2.
The World League will confirm teams for the 2018 World Cup.
Friday, October 14, 2016
OLAK Gala Dinner open for bookings...
THE old boys of Lasalle Klang, popularly known as OLAK, are getting back together on the 22nd of October 2016 at a grand dinner to celebrate 25 years of the existence of its association, to be held at the Top Glove Ballroom, Level 9, Top Glove Tower, Persiaran Setia Indah, Alam Nusantara, Selangor.
OLAK is inviting old boys from as far back as 1963, teachers who have retired as well as present teachers in the school to attend this reunion to rekindle old relationships. Many ex-students who have migrated overseas will be making the journey back home to spend some precious moments with old friends, teachers and family too.
Marking this significant milestone will be a sumptuous 10-course Chinese dinner, a special opening ceremony featuring the St. Johns Institution Bagpipers, music and songs of yesteryear by the ever popular STAG band from Klang, an all-Lasallian cast of entertainers made of old and present students, door gifts and raffle draw with fantastic prizes.
Demand for tables for the event has been amazing and those who have not got their tables yet are urged to do so right away to avoid disappointment. Tables are priced at RM5000, RM3000 and RM1000. Proceeds will be used to defray costs for the dinner and profits generated will applied to OLAK’s various student empowerment, and school-related programs.
OLAK’s sports programs, especially its hockey team is always on the lookout for generous financial assistance. OLAK has the distinction of being the only school alumni to have fielded a team in the Malaysian Junior Hockey League since its inception in 1995 to the present day. The OLAK Hockey Team were MJHL Champions in 1997, 1998 and 1999, and overall Champions in 1998 and 1999 and 2000. OLAK are the first and only team to have achieved such a feat of three championships in a row.
OLAK are also regular participants in the Pesta Hockey Penang USM Six-a Side where OLAK has been champions numerous times. OLAK also plays an active role in facilitating job placements for it’s hockey players, as well as placements in institutions of higher learning.
If you are a Lasallian from Klang and want to get your dinner tickets, please call our OLAK Secretariat c/o Caxton House, No. 8 Jalan Stesen, 41000 Klang, Selangor, and ask for Joseph D’Silva 019-6491927, Ho King Min 012-3259188, K Selva ( 012-3600358).
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