MGF lift ban on Ernadia

18/01/1998

THE Malaysian Gymnastics Federation (MGF) yesterday lifted the one-year
ban on 13-year-old Ernadia Os'Hara at their council meeting in Kuala
Lumpur.
But it comes with a condition, one which Ernadia's parents are reluctant
to accept.
"After careful consideration, the MGF found that Ernadia should be given
a chance to prepare for the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games," said MGF
president Dr Zakaria Ahmad.
"We have lifted the ban but she must train with the Jaya '98 squad and
not with the Selangor Sports Council like she is doing now. If she carries
on the ban will remain."
Ernadia's father Omar Ahmad, although pleased to hear that the ban was
lifted, said he is unhappy with the conditions imposed.
"If she trains with the Sukom squad then she's finished. There's just
too much of politicking in the MGF with parents having control over
coaches and officials.
"We don't want other parents to interfere with our daughter's progress.
Ernadia was victimised twice previously and we don't want this to happen
again."
"Until all this is sorted out, we won't allow our daughter to train in
Bukit Jalil."
Omar said he had anticipated the outcome of the meeting and will discuss
the matter with the National Sports Council before making a final
decision.
Ernadia, who helped Malaysia win the women's artistic team gold at the
Jakarta Sea Games, was thrust into the limelight when she refused to
compete in the Seagon Junior championships at the Bukit Jalil Sports
School (BJSS) on Dec 19-21.
Right now Ernadia has her own coach and trains with the Selangor Sports
Council of which her father is the team manager. She is the only gymnast
in the Jaya '98 squad who does train at the BJSS.
A source close to the MGF added a new twist to the Ernadia story: "It
has nothing to do with politicking but a move that has backfired.
There were plans for her to compete in the Malaysia Games where she is a
sure medal prospect but being in the Jaya '98 squad, she would not be
eligible to compete for Selangor.
"So she opted out and trained on her own not knowing that the MGF will
hit her with a one-year suspension. Now she is on the losing end."
The MGF are keen to have all their gymnasts under one roof because it is
easier to monitor their progress and, according to the president, they
will be intensifying training soon and cannot afford to have loose
gymnasts.
"We will invite Ernadia back but she has to toe the line like the rest.
We took into consideration that she is a national gymnast and has the
capabilities to compete in the Commonwealth Games.
"It is up to Ernadia now," he added.
(END)