MALAYSIA WINS FIVE NATION

Malaysia won it's first international tournament since 2005 when the defeated hosts France to emerge as champions of the Insep Hockey Challenge in Paris.

The national team defeated hosts France 4-2 to claim the title after Ireland had defeated Scotland 2-0 in an earlier match.

But rather then gloat over the win, coach Stephen van Huizen was being practical, keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

"It is good to finally win a title. This augurs well for the confidence of the players as we approach the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games." said Stephen.

"It was a far better performance against France as the players showed better commitment and urgency in this match."

"After that performace against Ireland, the players realised that they have to be more consistent and not take things easy. So in terms of commitment and mental strength, it was a good lesson for for the players and hopefully it remains in their minds."

Stephen said that the team will take a break upon return and he has in mind the players to be listed for the Commonwealth and Asian Games.

"Realistically I know the team as the core will be from the players who are here in Paris. I will have a look at the update on the status of those who were left behind in Kuala Lumpur," said Stephen.

"As it stands I am interested to know the fitness level of Kelvinder as he is one player that can be in the squad to New Delhi."

"However the composition of the team could change as I have read about reports wanting the best players to be in Delhi. It has its pros and cons so I will brief the MHF and come to a decision soon."

Not wanting to single out any player for outstanding performance in Paris, Stephen however did say that keeper S. Kumar and Mohd Razie are the mainstays of the team as they were consistent in all the matches.

"The duo are playing really well and I do hope that they carry the form into both the Games and the other players also improve their performances," said Stephen.

IRELAND DEFEAT MALAYSIA

Malaysia went down 1-4 to Ireland in their third match in the Five Nation Insep Hockey Challenge in Paris and may have let go an opportunity to win their first ever international tournament since 2005.

Although Malaysia have six points from two wins and a loss, they are in second spot, behind Scotland who also have six points as the Scots have scored eight goals as opposed to Malaysia's seven goals. Ireland moved up to third spot with five points as a result of two draws and the win over Malaysia while hosts France have four points following their 6-4 win over Poland today that condemned the Poles into last place for the tournament.

Malaysia will know just what they have to do against France tomorrow (Sunday) as Ireland will play against Scotland in an earlier match. If the Scots win, then Malaysia will need to better the number of goals Scotland scores in that match while an Ireland win means Malaysia has to win over France to emerge champions.

A defeat for Malaysia, with an Ireland win would mean Malaysia could end up in fourth spot, thus belittling their world ranking as they are the top ranked team in the tournament.

Coach Stephen van Huizen was peeved at the performance of the players, but lest be accused of coming up with excuses, Stephen did defend his team.

"We played badly and deserve to lose but at the same time we have to realise that the players must be tired after playing 12 matches during this tour," said Stephen.

"There was no urgency in their play and they seem to have lost their zest, hence the poor result in the match today. Still that is no excuse to lose to Ireland as it makes things more complicated and has opened up the tournament for the other teams.

"We could have put Ireland out of the equation and sit pretty on the top of the standings. But as it stands we can even end up second last.

"There is everything to play for against France, whom I must say have improved since the tournament startted."

Malaysia opted to play Roslan Jamaluddin in goal instead of S. Kumar as part of their rotation policy to provide players with more playing time.

Ireland opened scoring in the 12th minute via Eugene Magee who converted a penalty corner. But Malaysia drew evel in the 46th minute when Hafifihafiz Hanafi scored. Ireland hit back two minutes later through Mitch Darling and relied on counter attacks to catch Malaysia off guard to score another two goals.

Mitch scored the third in the 55th minute and Eugene made sure of the three points, scoring Ireland's fourth in the 65th minute.

"We have a chance to atone for the poor performance and the players realised that they cannot expect results if they play like that," said Stephen.

Such is the situation of the players due to the fasting month that the two players seected for random doping, Mohd Shukir Mutalib and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin had failed to produce a sample even after the end of the France v Poland match, some two hours after the end of the Malaysian match.

MALAYSIA REGISTER SECOND WIN

Malaysia defeated Scotland 3-1 for their second win in as many match at the Insep Five Nations Hockey Challenge in Paris today.

The other match saw France and Ireland sharing honours with a 3-3 draw.

With the win Malaysia tops the standings after two matches with six points, followed by Scotland on 3 points courtesy of their 5-4 win over hosts France in the first match. Ireland have two points as they played to a scoreless draw with Poland on Wednesday while hosts France and Poland have a single point each.

It was a marked improvement in terms of performance for the national team as they managed to restrict Scotland and not concede goals as was the case in their first match against Poland on Tuesday.

The two changes made by coach Stephen van Huizen to the starting line up made the significant difference as both keeper S. Kumar and defender Baljit Singh were in their element in the match to thwart the Scots.

Although Kumar had yet to receive his luggage, he borrowed attire from other players and pulled off several saves to keep Malaysia in the hunt for its first title this decade.

"It was a better performance as the players kept their composure and frustrated Scotland. The two early goals gave them the confidence but more importantly the players were able to preserve the lead and build on it," said coach Stephen van Huizen.

"We do not have depth in the squad, not as much as I would have liked. Hence some players had to remain on the pitch longer then the others.

"For instance Razie is one player that is consistent and intelligent when it comes to pacing himsef in a given match. He is a vital clog in defence so I opted to keep him on the pitch for a longer duration then others."

This time around Malaysia raced to a early 2-0 lead within the first ten minutes thanks to goals from Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (7th minute penalty corner set-piece) and Hafifihafiz Hanafi ( 10th minute).

Mohd Razie Rahim converted a penalty corner in the 49th minute to give Malaysia a 3-0 lead. Scotland reduced the deficit in the 63rd minute when Mark Ralph scored off a penalty corner.

Malaysia take on Ireland on Saturday before completing their fixtures on Sunday with a atch against hosts France.

RAMADAN AND SPORTS

Over the last few years, the subject of Ramadan has become an increasingly hot topic in football circles. Opinions are especially divided in Europe, where doubts have been raised as to whether fasting players can endure the rigours of intensive training sessions and an unrelenting fixture calendar.

The issue shows no signs of going away and has come in for renewed media scrutiny this year, so can professional footballers realistically respect Ramadan just as their club sides are returning to action? FIFA.com shines the spotlight on a number of players who have managed to taste sporting success while observing the fast.

'A real challenge'
Although respecting Ramadan involves going without food and water for a large part of the day, Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute believes his performances have never suffered. “It’s always difficult to fast here in the south of Spain, where it’s very hot, but I manage to adapt,” said the Malian international, who scored against Osasuna during Ramadan last year. “I give everything I have to the club during this month. I make sure I don’t let my team-mates and the supporters down. Everyone here treats me well. They understand.”

It’s always difficult to fast here in the south of Spain, where it’s very hot, but I manage to adapt.

Sevilla striker Kanoute

Those sentiments were echoed by another Malian plying his trade in the Spanish Liga, Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra. “All the coaches have respected my decision,” he explained. “It’s not easy and of course you feel the need to take in food, but it only lasts a month.”

As for Algeria captain Anther Yahia, who plays for German outfit Bochum, he highlighted the problems that many practising Muslim footballers face. “Last year, during Ramadan we played against Zambia after sunset,” he said. “We stopped fasting at 7pm and kick-off was at 10pm, just three hours later. It was a real challenge, but in the end faith gives you the strength to overcome any difficulties.”

Club efforts
A number of players have benefited from the efforts of their clubs too, with several teams keen to help out during what is a holy month for Muslims. Perhaps the most striking example are PSV Eindhoven, who have developed a diet rich in liquids for Ibrahim Afellay, Otman Bakkal and Nordin Amrabat to help make training easier and compensate for fluids lost during the day.

Over at PSV’s Eredivisie rivals Ajax, meanwhile, the fast certainly does not seem to have affected Moroccan duo Ismail Aissati and Mounir El Hamdaoui, with the latter particularly inspired as he struck twice in Saturday’s 3-0 win against Roda. In a similar vein, Moroccan midfielder Adil Chihi and Lebanese defender Youssef Mohamad have encountered plenty of understanding at German side Koln.

“They’ve been fasting [during Ramadan] for several years now,” said club spokesman Christopher Limperopoulos. “They know how their bodies react. They are doing what they always have done: practise their faith while they work as professional footballers.”

It’s not easy and of course you feel the need to take in food, but it only lasts a month.

Real Madrid's Diarra

Team supervisor Markus Rauert also indicated that Youssef Mohamad is often able to break the fast when the team are scheduled to play away from home. “We make a lot of long trips on Saturdays, which gives Youssef the status of a traveller,” he said. “That permits him to eat and drink during the day.”

Permission granted

In addition, the Central Council of Muslims in Germany and the bodies representing Muslim professional footballers have authorised players to eat during Ramadan. That stance was adopted following decisions made by the Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo and the European Council for Fatwa and Research, and it was greeted with enthusiasm by Frankfurt President Bernd Reisig. “This makes it possible for a professional player to do his job to the very highest standard while fully respecting his religious beliefs,” he said.

In Serbia, lastly, the Mufti of Belgrade has allowed Red Star’s Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed-Awal Issah to eat and drink on match days during Ramadan. Club spokesman Marko Nikolovski explained that the Mufti “permitted Issah to eat if he felt weak on match days. Issah felt a bit awkward at first as he’s a pious lad, but he’s now comfortable with the idea.”

WINNING START

Malaysia got off to a winning start in the Five Nation Invitational Hockey Challenge in Paris when they edged Poland 3-2 at the INSEP Hockey Centre.

But there was much to be desired from their performance as Chief Coach Stephen van Huizen was not too happy with the overall performance of the team.

"We created enough chances in the opening 20 minutes to seal the game but the players relaxed after that," said Stephen.

"This is something we have been trying to improve on and it is vital that the players master the art of scoring.

"Our performance left much to be desired and hopefully the players realise that we cannot allow opponents back into the match, especially when we hold the upperhand."

More so due to the fact that the national team should have killed off the match after taking a 2-0 lead, courtesy of goals via Azlan Misron ( in the 3rd minute) and Mohd Amin Rahim ( in the 14th minute).

However they squandered the lead and allowed the Poles back into the game as they scored via Waldemr Rataj in the 41st minute and Tomasz Dutkiewicz in the 55th minute to draw level. Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin scored the winner in the 57th minute.

Malaysia were dealt with a blow even before the tournament got underway as keeper S.Kumar lost his bag when the team travelled from Dublin to Paris via London. Hence Kumar was not fielded.

Also left out of the team was C. Baljit Singh who suffered a shoulder injury during the last test match against Ireland on Sunday.

Malaysia take on Scotland on Thursday. The other teas in the tournament are hosts France and Ireland.

ASIAN GAMES DRAW

Having lost their 14 spot in the FIH Rankings, Malaysia could well end up losing more should they fail to get the better of China in the Aaian Games this November.

Malaysia has been drawn in the same group as hosts China, Asian champions South Korea and minnows Singapore and Oman.

Making up the other group is Pakistan, India, Japan, Bangladesh and Hong Kong.

For the record Malaysia lost to China at the 4 Nation in Dalian last month after having registered two successive wins, in the World Cup Qualifiers in Invercargill last November and the Azlan Shah Cup in May this year.

Malaysia have targeted gold at the Asian Games as it offers an automatic spot for London Olympics in 2012.

South Korea, despite the recent slump, have started rebuilding as evident in the Azlan Shah where they emerged as joint champs with India, will start off as favorites to top the group, leaving China and Malaysia to fight it out.

Malaysia win bronze in the 2002 Busan Asian Games but failed to make the semis in Doha four years later.

And if they fail to get past China this November, MHF is expected to press the panic button and renewed calls for a foreign coach will start.

Questions have been raised on the preparation of the national team as they are playing matches against clubs.

But with the coaches being appointed late, in April, they did not have much time to draw up a decent program and hence the matches against low key teams.

Suffice to say there will only be one party to blame should Malaysia fail to make the semis, and it is MHF itself, right from the Executive Committee to the general secretariat.

But why worry as coaches normally get sacked, while the decision makers line up another victim to be slaughtered.

Men

Group A: South Korea, Malaysia, China, Singapore, Oman.

Group B: Pakistan, India, Japan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong.

Women (Round robin format)

China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, India, Kazakhstan, Thailand.

MORE RULE CHANGES

The International Hockey Federation's (FIH) Executive Board has made some changes to the rules of the game which will be implemented from next year.

Among the changes, made after recommendations of the Rules Board, is the total deletion of Rule 9.15 - players must not force an opponent into offending unintentionally - said the FIH in its latest news letter.

"Playing the ball clearly and intentionally into any part of an opponent's body may be penalised as an attempt to manufacture an offence. Forcing an opponent to obstruct (often emphasised by running into an opponent or by waving the stick) must also be penalised," was the interpretation of the deleted rule.

The mandatory experimental rule introduced in 2009 about location of a free hit (Rule 13.1 and 13.1d with some alterations) have become Full Rules.

In Rule 13.1d - a free hit awarded inside the circle to the defence is taken anywhere inside the circle or up to 15 metres from the back-line in line with the location of the offence, parallel to the side-line - the option of taking the free hit "anywhere inside the circle" has been deleted.

Former Mandatory Experimental Rule 13.2 - taking a free hit, centre pass and putting the ball back into play after it has been outside the field - also becomes a full Rule from January 1, 2011.

Rule 13.3.h - taking a penalty corner until the ball has been played, no attacker other than the one taking the push or hit from the back-line is permitted to enter the circle - has been modified.

As per the modified rule, when an attacker enters the circle before permitted, the penalty corner is taken again except that when attackers persistently enter the circle before permitted, a free hit is awarded to the defence.

Rule 13.9.a - for an offence during the taking of a penalty stroke - if the stroke is taken before the whistle has been blown and a goal is scored, it is taken again.

The existing rule says: For an offence during the taking of a penalty stroke by the player taking the stroke, a free hit is awarded to the defence.

Rule 13.9.c - for an offence during the taking of a penalty stroke for any other offence by the player defending the stroke which prevents a goal being scored. Instead of a goal being awarded, the penalty stroke is taken again.

Effectively this means that Rules 13.9.c and 13.9.d (for an offence by the player defending the stroke which does not prevent a goal being scored, the penalty stroke is taken again) would both lead to the penalty stroke being taken again, the FIH has stated.

These changes formally take effect for international competition from January 1, 2011 while all international matches played before that date use the existing 2009 Rules.

"However, advance notice of the main changes are provided so that Continental Federations and National Associations may, if they wish, implement the changes sooner for matches within their jurisdiction," the FIH said.

The Asian Hockey Federation has, thus, the choice of implementing the new rules earlier than mandated - at the November 12-27 Asian Games in Guangzhou.

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/sports/fih-makes-changes-in-hockey-rules-43189?cp

TOLD YOU THIS MONTHS AGO

KUALA LUMPUR: Work to re-lay artificial turf on the two pitches at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil — once the pride of world hockey — has been abandoned amidst allegations of irregularities in awarding the close to RM5 million contract.

Work started on April 5 but stopped abruptly two weeks ago for reasons unknown. The scheduled completion of turf upgrading by Dec 20 is now in question.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek told The Malay Mail that he would look into alleged irregularities and invited the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate.

“I’m in a difficult position as I cannot be seen as interfering with the decisions made by the Merdeka Stadium Board (MSB) but I will not tolerate any irregularities. If there are any elements of irregularities, I will look into it. These are public funds and the public deserve a proper answer," said the minister.

"Let the MACC come into the picture. I'm not protecting anyone."

FROM THE BOSS: Tengku Abdullah's letter, dated July 14, recommending the use of German-made Megaturf Cool Plus at Bukit Jalil Hockey Stadium

It has been alleged that a senior MSB officer has links with the local company awarded the project. The company, in turn, was alleged to have sub-contracted the job to another firm.

Ahmad Shabery was responding to claims that the Tender Board of the MSB had ignored the advice of the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) to buy a new technology highgrade German turf instead of an "inferior" Belgian product.

MHF president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah had written to Ahmad Shabery on July 14 expressing concern that MHF’s recommendation was ignored. Said Ahmad Shabery: “I told MSB about what Tengku Abdullah and the MHF had proposed earlier, but they said it was too late as the tender had already been awarded.

“MSB claims that their turf is also recognised (by the International Hockey Federation). My concern is that they should have listened to MHF’s advice as the national federation knows what’s best for the sport.”

Seven firms, with products all certified by the International Hockey Federation, had bid for the project.
The decision to purchase the Belgian brand Domo has raised eyebrows because it has never been used for any world-class tournament.

MHF secretary Hashim Mohamed Yusof said when their advice was sought by the tender board “we mentioned that the German turf is a better option".

On the delay to complete the work on time, Hashim said: “I was told that we would be able to use the turf by Oct 31, but judging by the delay in works, I doubt that is possible. We now need to scout for another training venue for the national team.”

“MSB is the owner and we have to adhere to their timing. We have no choice.”
However, a billboard outside the stadium states that turf upgrading works would only be completed by Dec 20.

The preparation of the national team have been badly affected as they have been forced to train in stadiums outside the Klang Valley, causing inconvenience to the players and coaches.
The hockey fiasco comes on the heels of a questionable National Sports Council (NSC) gymnasium tender process involving the supply and installation of gymnastics equipment at Gymasium 3 of the NSC in Bukit Jalil.

The Malay Mail had reported on July 20 that three companies, including an events management firm, had bid for the contract. Apparently, the products shortlisted by the three companies were of the same brand but were quoted between RM2,796,465 to RM 2,978,990.

Sources had claimed that the job costs less than RM2.4 million.

RAMALINGAM TROPHY

 

Thec SHA must be congratulated for their efforts in holding this event in honour of the late K. Ramalingam. He was a dedicated official and a friend to many. Below is the Press Release for the event to be held this Saturday.

PRESS RELEASE

 

RAMD are hoping to defend the K.Ramalingam Trophy they won last year as it kicks off on Aug 8 at Stadium Tun Razak. Organizing Chairman Mr. Santharan S. Arumugam said the day long annual Tournament held  to recognize the contributions of former Hon.Secretary of SHA had attracted overwhelming entries, many affiliated wanted to submit more then one team. “We want to give all the affiliates equal opportunity to field at least one “

A total 18 teams will battle it out on Sunday August 8 at Stadium Tun Razak, Jalan Duta Kuala Lumpur to with the Trophy and the prize money of RM1500. The Organizing Committee in its final meeting yesterday (Sunday) conducted the team draw and officially handed over the running of the Tournament to the appointed Tournament Director Mr.K.Thillynathan.

“This annual K.Ramalingam Trophy brings together the affiliates of SHA and we are proud 18 teams have signed up and keeping with the traditions of the Trophy. During the tournament, there will lucky draws held throughout the day. Everyone involved in the tournament from players to officials are eligible. We wish to thank our sponsors Nestle Products, F&N and Bata who come in to support this tournament. We also like to recognize the contributions from Muara Samudera (Mercian) and Kyross Sports for the lucky draw gifts.” Mr. Santharan S. Arumugam

The late K.Ramalingam was an Ex-survey Department Official. His contributions in the field of sports was widespread, he was a former national football referee, a Malaysian Amateur Athletics Union (MAAU) official, a hockey player, Umpire, Technical Official, held various positions in Selangor Hockey Association (SHA) & Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF), his last undertaking was Hon. Secretary of SHA prior to his passing in 2002

At the draw conducted, Tournament Director K.Thillynathan has asked teams to visit the SHA website to get the grouping and fixtures for the tournament “The SHA official website (www.sha.com.my) has all the necessary information for the teams and I look forward to the cooperation from from the teasm to have another successfully completed tournament”