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PIC: Muhammad Rizwan Junior from Pakistan (L) is seen in action during a third round match between Australia and Pakistan at the men's hockey Champions Trophy in Auckland on December 6, 2011. PHOTO: AFP PROJECT 2013 coach K. Dharmaraj is looking forward to test his side against Pakistan ahead of the Junior Asia Cup in Malacca on May 3-13.
The tournament also doubles up as a World Cup Qualifier, and India as hosts in New Delhi have taken one Asian spot.
And Project 2013 coach K, Dharmaraj believes that since the Word Cup is a 16-team tournament, three more seats will be made available during the Junior Asia Cup.
“The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) have yet to inform the team management officially on the number of World Cup berths that will be on offer in Malacca, but going by past records, the top-three teams will make the cut,” said Dharmaraj.
In the Junior Asia Cup, Malaysia are in Group A with South Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka and Iran while in Group B are India, Pakistan, China and Bangladesh.
“We will be playing a series of matches against Pakistan and South Korea from April 5 (in Kuala Lumpur) and I have been told that Pakistan have included four players from their Champions Trophy squad to strengthen their side.
“That is why I am looking forward to spar with them and see how much they have improved since the Sultan of Johor Cup,” said Dharmaraj.
Malaysia became champions in the inaugural Sultan of Johor Cup, and they had beaten Pakistan 2-1 in the pool stages.
However, Pakistan have since included Syed Kashif Shah (19), Muhammad Tousiq (17), Ali Shan (19) and Muhammad Rizwan (18) -- and they have the experience of playing in the 2011 Champions Trophy in Auckland, New Zealand on Dec 3-11.
“It will be good to know their strength before the tournament as it is highly likely that we will either meet India or Pakistan in the crossover semi-finals.
“And I will also have brothers Faizal and Fitri Saari in training tomorrow (today) as they took a short break after coming home from the Dublin Olympics Qualifiers. The friendlies will also give them a chance to foster a better understanding with their team-mates,” said Dharmaraj.
MALAYSIA Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah was shattered in Dublin when Malaysia failed to qualify for the London Olympics, but he never expected another blow from his trusted lieutenant back home.
Just when he was getting over the Dublin disaster by picking up the pieces and start planning for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, MHC secretary Maninderjit Singh quit his post in a huff, throwing the MHC administration into turmoil.
"I never expected this (resignation) and it came as a shock to me as he (Maninderjit) never even approached me before sending me the quit e-mail.
"And after the e-mail, he did not come and see me to explain matters, so I will leave it at that and look for a suitable candidate," said a visibly upset Tengku Abdullah.
Maninderjit's sudden departure from the MHC has left hockey in the lurch as the Junior Asia Cup in Malacca on May 3-13 and the Azlan Shah Cup on May 24-June 3 in Ipoh are just around the corner.
The former international was appointed as General Manager of the Malaysian Hockey Federation in July 2009 and assumed the position of secretary of MHF in October 2010, simultaneously taking over the MHC secretary's post as well.
"Last year he did say that he wanted to quit and concentrate on furthering his studies, but was persuaded to stay on.
"I expected him to complete his term (end of the year) but he left by e-mail stating the same reason.
"I will leave the matter at this, and instead of dwelling on it, the search for a replacement has started," said Tengku Abdullah.
Malaysia will sit out the Olympics and World Cup for 16 years, as Sydney 2000 and Kuala Lumpur 2002 were their last appearances respectively.
"We have to start gathering the pieces from today, and work towards the Rio Olympics, and the Netherlands World Cup (2014). There is no use looking back, as I have many plans which need to be put into action immediately."
IPOH: Raja Kecil Sulong of Perak Datuk Seri Raja Ashman Shah Sultan Azlan Shah passed away at 1.30am Friday at his home in Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur. He was 54.
His body has been brought to Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar for burial at the Royal Mausoleum later Friday.
Raja Ashman leaves behind wife Datin Seri Noraini Jane Kamarul Ariffin, a son and two daughters. -- TheStar Raja Ashman was a keen supporter for Malaysian hockey and knew the players by name.
And it was during halftime in the match between Ireland and Malaysia at the Dublin Olympic Qualifiers (17th March) that he left the VIP seats and sat amongst the Malaysian media so that he could shout encouragement to the Malaysian players.
He was a down to earth royalty and will be deeply missed by all.
THE Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHF) administration was thrown into turmoil, when its secretary general Maninderjit Singh (right) sent in a shock resignation letter.
The former international wrote in officially to the MHC president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah on Friday, detailing the reasons for his sudden and unexpected resignation.
When asked, Tengku Abdullah confirmed it in an e-mail reply: "Yes, he did send in a letter of resignation, and it came as a surprise. But if you want to know the reason(s), maybe you should ask him."
Attempts to contact Maninderjit Singh were futile, as he did not answer his phone, sms or e-mail.
This is a first for Malaysian hockey, as never before a secretary had resigned before his term ended.
Maninderjit Singh, who last played for the country in the 2002 Kuala Lumpur World Cup, was appointed as General Manager of the Malaysian Hockey Federation in July 2009 and assumed the position of Secretary of MHF in October 2010, simultaneously taking over the MHC secretary's post as well.
Malaysia, who failed to qualify for the Olympics after finishing third in the Dublin Qualifier, will host the Junior Asia Cup on May 3-13 in Malacca and then the Azlan Shah Cup in May 24-June 3 in Ipoh.
The MHC are said to have accepted Maninderjit Singh's resignation, and a new office bearer will be appointed soon.
In the recent Selangor Hockey Association’s Bi-Annual General Meeting held at Kelab Shah Alam, Dato Salamon Selamat, President for 12 years stepped down and Dato Sri Subahan Kamal, the Incumbent Deputy President was unanimously elected as President to lead the association with his team for the coming term.
Dato Sri Subahan, who was the Deputy President of Selangor Hockey Association (SHA) since 2009, has brought forth many changes positive changes and, as Competition Committee Chairman, Dato Sri Subahan personally saw to the revival of the Selangor hockey league with the introduction of more tournaments and competitions for various age groups as well as aggressive sponsorship procurement.
SHA also saw an improvement in the administration side of the Association with the introduction of the SHA Official Webpage (www.sha.com.my) and the building of the SHA Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/groups/112764502113148/)
Dato Sri Subahan in his acceptance speech, thanked the Association for having the full confidence in him and his team to lead for the next term. He also thanked Dato Salamon for the 15 years in total he has contributed towards Selangor hockey. Dato Sri Subahan said there are many challenges facing hockey in Selangor but he is prepared to take them head on to bring back the former glory days of Selangor Hockey Association.
Full BGM Results
President YB Dato’ Sri Subahan Bin Kamal - unopposed
Deputy President Dato S.Sivasundaram - unopposed
Vice President (4)
1. Maj. Rtd V.Manisegaran
2. Mr. Noor Azman B. Surudh Ali
3. Mr. Jadadish Chandra
4. Mr. Brian G. Fernandez
Hon. Secretary
Mr. Kuganeson Poologasingam - unopposed
Hon. Treasurer
Mr. N. Ganeswaran - unopposed
Independent Member
Mr. P.Balamuraly - unopposed
PIC: Muhammad Rizwan Junior from Pakistan (L) is seen in action during a third round match between Australia and Pakistan at the men's hockey Champions Trophy in Auckland on December 6, 2011. PHOTO: AFP 
