THERE are plenty of grey areas in the proposed auto-play rule which the International Hockey Federation (FIH) aim to introduce by May, but still the Malaysian Hockey Federation Umpires Board (MHFUB) will use it for the Under-19 tour nament which starts on Feb 20.
In a gist, the auto-play rule no longer requires a player to pass the ball from a free hit, before he can play it again. The player can now immediately start attacking from a free-hit, making the game much faster.
The Euro Hockey League has already started using it.
“We have yet to receive a draft of the proposed rule change from FIH, and I will be writing to them soon to clear some matters as the Umpires Board feels the players should be given a head start as we will be hosting the Junior World Cup in June,” said MHFUB chairman Amarjit Singh.
The new rule is set to cause more misery to defenders, as players taking a free-hit just outside the opponents semi- circle may be allowed to run with the ball into the semi-circle and take a hit at goal, or manufacture a penalty corner.
“These are some of the grey areas which has yet to be addressed by the FIH, and when we hold a meeting on Feb 15, we hope to have more answers so that we can advise teams taking part in the Under-19 tournament on the correct procedures,” said Amarjit.
Malaysia will co-host the Junior World Cup with Singapore on June 7-21, and it is highly likely that the new rule will be used.
Meanwhile, the International class umpires pool has al most reached its last drop in Malaysia, as Amarjit is the only one eligible to umpire in the Junior World Cup.
“Yes, I am the only one left standing, but I have yet to receive an appointment from the FIH for the Junior World Cup.
“The situation is quite bad, as even though we have a pool of about 200 umpires, but the majority are too old as the youth are staying away.
“The MHFUB held its first meeting recently, and we will come out with a guidebook for umpires this month, and with the help of the Education Ministry, we hope to have a pool of young teachers soon.”
Amarjit is also of the opinion that club and national coaches should also undergo umpires courses, as it will make them more tolerant when sitting on the bench.
“I will speak to coaching committee chairman Dr Balbir Singh on how we can work together to have some umpiring courses for the coaches, and hopefully, there will not be many disputes once they come to terms with certain rules,” said Amarjit.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
South Korea blow to Azlan Shah Cup
THE Azlan Shah Cup has lost South Korea to the credit crunch, and now the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) is literally scrapping the barrel to find a replacement.
Egypt, more famous for its pyramids than hockey, will make their debut in the Azlan Shah Cup on April 3-12, while Ireland and Japan are being courted as well.
The only confirmed teams to date are India (world ranked 11th), Pakistan (eighth) New Zealand (seven), Egypt (20th) and Malaysia (15th).
"We sent out invitations to 14 teams, but received confirmation from only five, and now South Korea have withdrawn because they lack funds.
"A change of guard is also expected as the Korean Hockey Federation will be holding its BGM (Biennial General Meeting) soon.
"Most of the other teams who declined were also forced to do so due to the of lack of funds, or because they had prior commitments," said MHC secretary Hashim Yusoff.
South Korea are ranked fifth in the world, and if 18th ranked Ireland accept the offer, they will be making their debut in the tournament which was incepted in 1983.
The Azlan Shah Cup used to have the best in the world, and was once dubbed as the shadow of the Champions Trophy as Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Australia and a host of other top-six teams used to scramble to secure a spot.
"We can't go below Egypt, who are ranked 20th in the world, to keep some standard in the tournament. And if Japan and Ireland both decline, we will have to make do with five teams."
The national juniors, preparing for the Junior World Cup, can't be included in the Azlan Shah cast, as they have a European Tour planned at the same time.
But some quarters feel that the juniors should be included into the Azlan Shah Cup, as the invited teams are not highly ranked, and will be good sparring partners.
The seniors, meanwhile, will be using the tournament to prepare for the Asia Cup in Dubai on May 8-15, where only the champions advance to the 2010 New Delhi World Cup.
Egypt, more famous for its pyramids than hockey, will make their debut in the Azlan Shah Cup on April 3-12, while Ireland and Japan are being courted as well.
The only confirmed teams to date are India (world ranked 11th), Pakistan (eighth) New Zealand (seven), Egypt (20th) and Malaysia (15th).
"A change of guard is also expected as the Korean Hockey Federation will be holding its BGM (Biennial General Meeting) soon.
"Most of the other teams who declined were also forced to do so due to the of lack of funds, or because they had prior commitments," said MHC secretary Hashim Yusoff.
South Korea are ranked fifth in the world, and if 18th ranked Ireland accept the offer, they will be making their debut in the tournament which was incepted in 1983.
The Azlan Shah Cup used to have the best in the world, and was once dubbed as the shadow of the Champions Trophy as Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Australia and a host of other top-six teams used to scramble to secure a spot.
"We can't go below Egypt, who are ranked 20th in the world, to keep some standard in the tournament. And if Japan and Ireland both decline, we will have to make do with five teams."
The national juniors, preparing for the Junior World Cup, can't be included in the Azlan Shah cast, as they have a European Tour planned at the same time.
But some quarters feel that the juniors should be included into the Azlan Shah Cup, as the invited teams are not highly ranked, and will be good sparring partners.
The seniors, meanwhile, will be using the tournament to prepare for the Asia Cup in Dubai on May 8-15, where only the champions advance to the 2010 New Delhi World Cup.
Johor to the rescue...
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman (second right) checking on the progress of work at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium on Jan 23. Pic: HAIRUL ANUAR ABD RAHIMTHE financial uncertainty surrounding the Junior World Cup is a thing of the past as the Johor state government has come in strongly, providing a total RM1 million in cash and kind.
Malaysia will host the June 7-21 tournament in Johor Baru.
The Taman Daya stadium and facilities, subject to much speculation, will be ready by March -- in time for a quadrangular on Mar 11-15 featuring the Malaysian Juniors, India, Pakistan and a yet-to-be-confirmed side.
"And our organisational cost has also become cheaper as the Johor government has agreed to provide buses for 10 teams who will play in Johor Baru," said MHC secretary Hashim Yusof.
"The government will also secure a title sponsor, which will further reduce our burden."
Hashim said national juniors coach K. Rajan will identify the fourth team for the quadrangular.
"We have Egypt, Singapore and Germany as the possible fourth team, and will let the coach have his pick," said Hashim.
"The players will face a tougher time in training after the Chinese New Year holidays, and by March, they should be able to put up a fight in the quadrangular," said Rajan.
Malaysia, in Group C of the Junior World Cup, will have Spain, United States, South Korea and England for company with the top two teams qualifying for the quarter-finals.
The fixtures, released by the International Hockey Federation, will pit Malaysia against European Junior Cup champions Spain in the curtain raiser.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Game for second stage
By Ajitpal Singh
ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my
Junior World Cup Groupings
Group A — Argentina, Belgium, Egypt, Pakistan, Russia;
Group B — Australia, Chile, Germany, Japan, South Africa;
Group C — England, South Korea, Malaysia, Spain, USA;
Group D — India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore.
THE parent body had said nothing yet but the team have set themselves a target - to qualify for the second stage of the Junior World Cup, co hosted by Johor Baru and Singapore, on June 7-21.
And that’s not an easy task if you consider that Malaysia have England, South Korea, Spain and the United States for company in Group C.
Only the top two from each group will advance to the quarter-finals.
Critics are downplaying Malaysia’s chances in making a grade at the tournament and coach K.Rajan also admits it will be tough.
“The team’s target is the second stage and my charges’ are gearing towards achieving it,” said Rajan yesterday.
“Of course, England, South Korea and Spain are the leading teams in the group. The three teams are good but not invincible and my boys’ can beat them, if they play their hearts out.”
“As for this stage, my charges have shown tremendous improvement as compared previously but they need to be tuned up further. They will need another 20 matches or so to get their momentum on the right track.”
England and Spain are ranked third and fourth in Europe. The Spaniards proved their mettle when they won the European Junior Cup while South Korea, finished second in the Asia Junior Cup. Both tournaments were held last year.
For the record, Malaysia’s best showing in the Junior World Cup was fourth placing in the 1979 and 1982 editions.
In the last edition in Rotterdam, the national juniors finished 10th out of 16 teams.
The Malaysian juniors, who finished fourth in the recent Australian Youth Olympics Festival in Sydney, will undergo a one-month mental and army style training camp in Sungai Besi and Lumut starting Feb 1.
There are currently 26 players in the training squad and it will be trimmed down to the final 18 in May.
The Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru will also be the venue for Group A, consisting defending champions Ar gentina, Belgium, Egypt, Pakistan and Russia and also the junior world cup final.
The main pitch in Taman Daya has been approved by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for the event while the second turf is scheduled to be completed in about two months.
ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my
Junior World Cup Groupings
Group A — Argentina, Belgium, Egypt, Pakistan, Russia;
Group B — Australia, Chile, Germany, Japan, South Africa;
Group C — England, South Korea, Malaysia, Spain, USA;
Group D — India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore.
THE parent body had said nothing yet but the team have set themselves a target - to qualify for the second stage of the Junior World Cup, co hosted by Johor Baru and Singapore, on June 7-21.
And that’s not an easy task if you consider that Malaysia have England, South Korea, Spain and the United States for company in Group C.
Only the top two from each group will advance to the quarter-finals.
Critics are downplaying Malaysia’s chances in making a grade at the tournament and coach K.Rajan also admits it will be tough.
“The team’s target is the second stage and my charges’ are gearing towards achieving it,” said Rajan yesterday.
“Of course, England, South Korea and Spain are the leading teams in the group. The three teams are good but not invincible and my boys’ can beat them, if they play their hearts out.”
“As for this stage, my charges have shown tremendous improvement as compared previously but they need to be tuned up further. They will need another 20 matches or so to get their momentum on the right track.”
England and Spain are ranked third and fourth in Europe. The Spaniards proved their mettle when they won the European Junior Cup while South Korea, finished second in the Asia Junior Cup. Both tournaments were held last year.
For the record, Malaysia’s best showing in the Junior World Cup was fourth placing in the 1979 and 1982 editions.
In the last edition in Rotterdam, the national juniors finished 10th out of 16 teams.
The Malaysian juniors, who finished fourth in the recent Australian Youth Olympics Festival in Sydney, will undergo a one-month mental and army style training camp in Sungai Besi and Lumut starting Feb 1.
There are currently 26 players in the training squad and it will be trimmed down to the final 18 in May.
The Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru will also be the venue for Group A, consisting defending champions Ar gentina, Belgium, Egypt, Pakistan and Russia and also the junior world cup final.
The main pitch in Taman Daya has been approved by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for the event while the second turf is scheduled to be completed in about two months.
Beng Hai's make-or-break
By Ajitpal Singh
ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my
THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) has received two fresh foreign applications for the national senior team coaching job but the parent body wants to stick with interim chief coach Tai Beng Hai for the time being.
MHF deputy president Nur Azmi Ahmad said an Australian and Spaniard have applied for the job but the coaching committee will need to check on their credentials before making a decision.
“As for now, Beng Hai will be given a chance to prove himself. The Azlan Shah Cup (April 3-12) will be his first test,” said Nur Azmi yesterday.
“Beng Hai will be a strong candidate for the chief coaching job if the team does well in the tournament. The new applicants are high level coaches but they are not in the same league as the previous candidates we had approached.”
Several foreign names were linked to the coaching job since last November but none materialised.
Nur Azmi said after the Azlan Shah Cup, the team will be evaluated and changes will be made if needed.
“We don’t expect the team to play like champions in the Azlan Shah as the tournament is only to gauge the team’s strength before the Asia Cup in Dubai (May 8-15).”
“The prime target is to win the Asia Cup as the champions will qualify automatically for the 2010 World Cup.” he said.
Nur Azmi also said Beng Hai is also free to request from the association additional help to prepare the team for both tournaments.
“Beng Hai has Nur Saiful Zaini and Lailin Abu Hassan as assistants but if he wants, he can recommend other local coaches to further assist him.”
“I’m sure it will not be problem, even with paymasters the National Sports Council (NSC).” he added.
ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my
THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) has received two fresh foreign applications for the national senior team coaching job but the parent body wants to stick with interim chief coach Tai Beng Hai for the time being.
MHF deputy president Nur Azmi Ahmad said an Australian and Spaniard have applied for the job but the coaching committee will need to check on their credentials before making a decision.
“As for now, Beng Hai will be given a chance to prove himself. The Azlan Shah Cup (April 3-12) will be his first test,” said Nur Azmi yesterday.
“Beng Hai will be a strong candidate for the chief coaching job if the team does well in the tournament. The new applicants are high level coaches but they are not in the same league as the previous candidates we had approached.”
Several foreign names were linked to the coaching job since last November but none materialised.
Nur Azmi said after the Azlan Shah Cup, the team will be evaluated and changes will be made if needed.
“We don’t expect the team to play like champions in the Azlan Shah as the tournament is only to gauge the team’s strength before the Asia Cup in Dubai (May 8-15).”
“The prime target is to win the Asia Cup as the champions will qualify automatically for the 2010 World Cup.” he said.
Nur Azmi also said Beng Hai is also free to request from the association additional help to prepare the team for both tournaments.
“Beng Hai has Nur Saiful Zaini and Lailin Abu Hassan as assistants but if he wants, he can recommend other local coaches to further assist him.”
“I’m sure it will not be problem, even with paymasters the National Sports Council (NSC).” he added.
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