Friday, September 30, 2011

BIG GUNS CONTINUE WINNING RUN

KLHC AND SAPURA ON GOAL SCORING SPREE


Defending champions KL Hockey Club went on a goal scoring spree, routing Armed Forces Airod 9-3 while Sapura were equally impressive registering a 7-1 win over Nur Insafi at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
 

UNIKL HOLD MAYBANK AS TNB GO ON SCORING SPREE

UniKL twice took the lead against Maybank but failed to collect all three points as their former player Mohd Zulhairi Hashim scored a brace for Maybank in the TNB Malaysian Hockey League match at the National Hockey Stadium Pitch Two this evening.
 

ILLEGAL MEETING?

It seems that an EGM for Malaysian Hockey Confederation ( MHC ) has been scheduled for October 8.

The constitution of MHC states that a total of 10 affiliates each, from the Malaysian Hockey Federation and Malaysian Womens Hockey Association are the affiliates of MHC and shall partake in any AGM or EGM.

While it is easy for the MWHA to meet the requirements of 10 affiliates, the MHF has 16 affiliates and 10 have been sent notices to attend the meeting, which will determine the new constitution of MHC.

While the FIH has given a deadline of December 31 as a final date of merger, or in other words to have a single body to govern hockey in Malaysia, it does not mean that FIH dictates the composition of the office bearers as some has misled the MHF and MWHA.

What is clear is that some quarters in the current MHF want to oust Deputy President Dato Azmi Ahmad as the MHC only has one position for a Deputy and if the President is a man then the Deputy automatically comes from the ladies.

And if that is not enough, there will be 10 Vice Presidents, five each from both sexes.

Not even the IOC or OCM provides for a 50/50 composition of it's committees.

So who picked the 10 affiliates to represent MHF? On what basis were they selected? And what meeting of MHF decided to pick these 10 affiliates to attend?

These are the questions being posed today and there are moves to take this matter to the Sports Commissioners office as MHF has bungled, either by error or by design.

Abd those guilty of mis-representation have to answer the remaining 6 affiliates as to why they are being left out.

Presidential discretion is one answer that is likely to arise, but no one should be above the constitution lest there by claims of self interest or protecting their own positions.

Of course the MWHA are happy, for being virtually non existent they now share the power base for hockey in Malaysia, reminds us of the Ali Baba story's we often hear in the business world.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

TALL ORDER

The Project 2013 squad have been given a target of a top two finish for the inaugural Sultan of Johor Cup that will be held from November 5-12 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium.

In revealing the target, MHF President Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said that the squad had undergone good preparation over the past two years and felt that the target was achievable.

" The squad has been together for the past two years and have benefitted from various international exposures," said Tengku Abdullah after the launch and sponsorship ceremony for the SOJC at the Persada International Convention Centre

"Infact several of the players from the team have already made it to the senior squad."

But while setting such a high target is indeed laudable, what Tengku Abdullah may not be aware is that the best players will not be playing for the squad in the SOJC.

This is because the national coach Tai Beng Hai is steadfastly refusing to allow Faisal Saari play in the tournament, citing the Champions Challenge as a reason.

And on top of that Beng Hai had in the joint meeting between NSC and MHF on Tuesday made it clear that he had no intention of allowing Firhan Ashaari to join the juniors for the tournament.

Which goes back towards questioning the rationale of holding the SOJC when it is clearly to prepare our juniors for the Junior Asia Cup next May in Malacca that serves as a qualifier for the 2013 Junior World Cup in India.

A case of penny wise and pound foolish is the best to describe the antics of the national coach.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

DECISION TIME

While a new era will dawn on Malaysian Hockey on Wednesday with the launch of the Sultan of Johor Cup in Johor Baru, it is in Klang Valley where three important decisions are set to be made.

Firstly the JKP, or known as the Joint Committee between NSC and MHF will sit down Tuesday morning and decide on matters pertaining to the national team.

And what is interesting is the fact that USM has requested that two of their staff, who are national trainees, be released on three occasions to play in the Penang league, yes you read it right, Penang League.

Now while I abhor decisions made by national coach Tai Beng Hai with regards to his selection criteria ( obviously inclined to please a particular party) as well as his constant change of mind on the MHL, I am awaiting what he decides on this matter.

For I am told that he has indicated that the decision was a " policy matter " hence the JKP or MHF Management Committee must decide, thus washing his hands off.

But for heavens sake, you are the national coach and if you cannot make a stand then best step down now lest you use whatever decision made as an excuse in an event of failure in any international competition.

It is so simple - if USM are the employers, and the request is for days the national team trains, then just weigh what is decided for the MHL.

The players are released for their MHL clubs a day before the matches, so if there are matches on Wednesday, players can go off on Tuesday, simple right so why complicate matters.

But the question that begs to be asked is if the MHL clubs that these two players represent risk then traveling to Penang and play in the league a day before crucial MHL matches and quarterfinals?

Now one has to be supportive of employers and just because USM may not be as forceful as other employers, one cannot hide behind red tape to avoid making sensible decisions. What if the employers were TNB or banks that have their own event where the players were required?

The second decision pending this week is about an umpire who has threw mud on the face if the MHC Umpires Board by writing directly to the FIH Umpires Board.

Now mind you this was the same umpire who was involved in the infamous kicking incident which the MHC Umpires Board opted to back him.

And now six months later he has bit the hands that feed him.

The third decision pending is the conduct of an ATM players after their match against Maybank where the umpires submitted a written complaint.

Interesting week it looks so let's wait and see what direction MHF heads.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

KLHC TRASH YNS


Defending champions KL Hockey Club went on a goal scoring spree to trash Yayasan Negeri Sembilan 8-0 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil to consolidate their position at the top of the standings.

TNB HELD, MAYBANK AND NUR INSAFI TOIL FOR WINS

UNIKL HOLD TNB, NUR INSAFI REGISTER SECOND WIN



UniKL scored a last gasp equaliser to hold Tenaga Nasional Berhad to a 3-3 draw at the National Hockey Stadium.

But in reality it was not a point won but rather two wasted for UniKL as they held a 2-0 lead at one stage of the match, only to collapse towards the closing stages, as they did in their 2-1 loss at the hands of Sapura on Friday.
 

MAYBANK TOIL FOR A WIN



Maybank laboured to a 2-1 win over Armed Forces Airod in the TNB Malaysian Hockey League at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. While the performance was below par, Maybank nonetheless will be happy to stop their two match losing run.
 

Friday, September 23, 2011

KLHC, SAPURA KEEP UP WINNING STREAK


Sapura came back from being a goal down to score twice in the closing stages in their 2-1 win over UniKL while defending champions KL Hockey Club also continued their winning run, edgining Maybank 3-2 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

TNB WIN CONVINCINGLY AS NUR INSAFI EDGE ATM



Tenaga Nasional Berhad showed that they are back in the reckoning as they demolished Yayasan Negeri Sembilan 3-0 at the National Hockey Stadium this evening.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

MHL PREVIEWS

PREVIEW: TNB V YNS

The Tenaga Nasional Berhad and Yayasan Negeri Sembilan clash will not just be another match in the TNB Malaysian Hockey League schedule this season.
For when the teams square off against each other at the National Hockey stadium on Friday night, it will not only see a battle on the hockey pitch, but a tactical battle between a teacher and a pupil as well.

PREVIEW: MAYBANK V KLHC


The first answer that Maybank coach Erling Wallace Tan provided when asked on his thoughts about their clash against defending champions KL Hockey Club was that they will face an uphill task trying to get a point from the match.

PREVIEW: SAPURA V UNIKL

Having inflicted a defeat over Yayasan Negeri Sembilan, UniKL will be hoping that lightening strikes twice at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Friday night.
For the young upstarts  will be up against an unbeaten Sapura who have won both their matches in the TNBMHL thus far. And looking at the form they are in, the match on Friday night should be akin to a walk in the park for Sapura to collect all three points.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

UNIKL UPSET YNS




UniKL played a gallant game to upset the more fancied Yayasan Negeri Sembilan 4-3 in the Premier League match of the TNB Malaysian Hockey League at the National Hockey stadium in Bukit Jalil.
 

KLHC, SAPURA WIN IN CONTRASTING STYLES




Defending champions KL Hockey Club coasted to a 7-2 win over Uitm while Sapura were given a fright before emerging 3-2 winners over Maybank in the TNBMHL at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
 

Sunday, September 18, 2011

YNS EDGE NUR INSAFI

Yaysan Negeri Sembilan came back from the dead to register a 2-1 win over Nur Insafi Penang at the National Hockey Stadium tonight.

Trailing until the 59th minute, YNS struck a purple patch in the closing 11 minutes to score two goals from penalty corners to snatch all three points in a match that was billed as a battle of foreigners as both teams took full advantage of the foreign player ruling and fielded six players each.
 

UNIKL HELD



UnIKL were held to a 1-1 draw by Uitm is what was billed as the battle of the universities in the TNB Malaysian Hockey League at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil this evening.
 

UNCONVINCING WIN FOR SAPURA


Despite have five national players and a host of ex-internationals, Sapura struggled to register a 4-0 win over a resilient Armed Forces Airod at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Read more...
www.tnbmhl.com.my

Saturday, September 17, 2011

KLHC LIFT CHARITY SHIELD


KL Hockey Club defeated Tenaga Nasional 2-1 at the National Hockey Stadium to lift the first ofthe titles at stake for the 2011 TNB Malaysian Hockey League.

But more importantly they gained the three points that gives them a headstart for the season that will be played on a single round.

"It was an important win as the three points gives us a headstart and that is important. We are on the right track to defend our league title with this win tonight," said KLHC team manager George Koshy.

"It was a tough match considering the fact the end result was not known until the final whistle as TNB finished stronger. But in the end we played well as a unit for the win.

"While we were unable to convert from the three penalty corers, its a question of getting the penalty corner battery to gel as the players have been away on national duty.

"That coupled with the fact that we were up against virtually the national team penalty corner defence meant that it was all the more difficult for us to score from the set pieces."

KLHC were the early aggressors and had a first look at goal in the 7th minute when Chua Boon Huat broke through on the left and set up Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor. But Nabil was a trifle too slow to take his shot and TNB keeper S. Kumar smothered the attempt to save his team.

But KLHC was not to be denied in the 9th minute as Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin’s initial shot was saved by Kumar but the Perlis born national striker picked up the rebound to unleash a reverse stick attempt into the roof of the net, giving his team a 1-0 lead.

TNB woke up from their slumber and seized the initiative, pinning KLHC into deep defence. And their persistence paid off in the 14th minute when Mohammad Fariq Saadon put the finishing touches to a well-executed set piece.

TNB were awarded a free hit on the right of the KLHC semi circle, and skipper Mohd Madzli Ikmar played the ball to Muhammad Azammi Adabi who replayed it to Faisal Saari. But his deflection was palmed out by KLHC keeper Roslan Jamaluddin only for Fariq to steer it past a despairing dive by Roslan.

KLHC were awarded a penalty corner in the 22nd minute by Mohammad Razie Abdul Rahim's weak push was easily pushed around the post by TNB skipper Madzli

And a minute before halftime, Mohd Shahrun Nabil saw his deflection sail wide on the left side as both teams trooped off squared 1-1.

KLHC were awarded their second penalty corner in the 39th minute and this time Razie was denied by the TNB first runner Baljit Singh. Though he picked up the rebound, Kumar came charging out to deny Razie a goal.

But things looked up for KLHC in the 48th minute as Kevinder Singh picked up the ball in the TNB last quarter before sending a pass to Chua who laid it up for Azlan Misron to take a reverse stick shot.

The ball hit Kumar's pads and the ball sneaked into goal despite a despairing dive by the keeper and KLHC were infront 2-1.

Though KLHC were awarded another penalty corner in the 53rd minute, this time it was Ahmad Kazamirul who was denied by Kumar. And when the rebound fell to youngster Mohd Fitri Saari, he sent his shot sailing past the upright with the defence beaten.

KLHC held on to win the shield and take home all three points

Thursday, September 15, 2011

LOOKING FOR A WINNING START



The 2011 season of the Malaysian Hockey League gets underway this Saturday.

And there could not have been a more explosive start to the MHL, as the Charity Shield will see the battle between two of the early favourites for honours this season – KL Hockey Club and Tenaga Nasional.

With the cream of the crop, in the likes of bulk representation of national players in both the teams, with TNB and KLHC having nine each, the match this Saturday at the National Hockey Stadium is set to be a closely contested affair.

For not only is the bragging rights of capturing the Charity Shield at stake, but the match also offers the winning team three points, and thus a head start over the other who will then have to depend other results to be in their favour.

TNB have the edge in the opening match, simply because they have players who can turn the match around with their speed and a touch of genius.

In goal they can depend on S. Kumar, at times virtually unbeatable. And to provide a strong defence infront of him, there is the likes of Mohd Amin Rahim, Baljit Singh and Mohd Madzli Ikmar – all of whom played crucial roles in Malaysia emerging as the bronze medalist at the recent AHF Champions Trophy in Ordos.

In midfield TNB can rely on last seasons find – Faiz Helmi Jali, while youngsters Muhammad Azammi Adabi, Mohd Firhan Ashaari, Amir Farid Ahmad Fuzi and Faizal Saari are quite capable of breaching the tightest of defences on their day.

Then there are the wily old foxes in the likes of Mahinder Singh and M. Kaliswaran who can change the course of the match with a decisive pass of killer instinct in the semi circle.

But TNB will surely miss the services of hard running Tajol Rosli Mohammad, who has quit the scene.

In contrast, while KLHC may not have players that can match the speed of the TNB youngsters, they have a bunch of players that have tons of experience. And they are expected to utilize this in their quest to be the first team to win the double in consecutive years.

In goal KLHC will rely on Roslan Jamaluddin who seems to get better with age, and providing cover for him will be S. Shanker, Muhammad Razie Abdul Rahim, Ahmad Kazamirul Nasruddin and Baljit Singh.

It is in the midfield that KLHC holds the edge as they have virtually the national team set up with Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor, Mohd Shahrun Nabil Abdullah and Mohd Sukri Mutalib providing the ammunition for the KLHC strike force.

With Ismail Abu hoping to show the form he displayed at the Razak Cup in July, KLHC has a benchful of strikers that can deliver goals from every corner of the semi circle.

The likes of Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Ab Jalil, Chua Boon Huat, Azlan Misron, Mohd Fitri Saari and Kevinder Singh are more then capable of punishing any slack in defence by the TNB defenders.

All said and done, the outcome of the match could really hinge on the form of the penalty corner executioners.

KLHC have an added option to their battery this season with the inclusion of Kazamirul, who can find the mark if given the opportunity, while Razie and Baljit are the normal executioners in the penalty corner department.

And for TNB, they have Amin and Faisal, both of whom were in their element in Ordos last week.


What the coaches/managers say:

R. Vivekanandan (KLHC Coach)

It is a must win game for both teams. Though it may be a league, but there is no room for teams to drop points. We really cannot let them have the edge from the start of the season thus winning is of utmost importance to us. I will only have my full team together this evening and in reality the match on Saturday will be the first time the players are playing together as a team after the last match of the previous season.

George Koshy (KLHC Manager)

It will be a difficult league as the teams will be out for our scalp and there is no margin for error as there are only eight matches to decide the league title. Winning match and playing consistently will be the key factors in the MHL this season. We lost to them (0-2) in the opening match last year and cannot allow history to repeat itself. It will be an interesting season as the players from the national team will not be able to train with their clubs and this is something that could prove it difficult to retain both titles as so far as KLHC is concerned.

Lailin Abu Hassan (TNB Coach)

We aim to make it three consecutive wins in the Charity Shield as we won the last two editions (2009 v Sapura and 2010 v KLHC). That will set the benchmark for the team to perform in the remaining matches. There is no second chance in this season as we only get to play all the opponents once. With the national players only joining us in training tomorrow, the idea is to ensure that both set of players , the national and non nationals can gel fast and deliver the results. Dropping points is not an option or luxury that both teams can afford, thus we will play to win on Saturday.
Fixtures

Saturday (September 17, 2011)

Division One

1700H – Uniten v Ipoh City Hall – Stadium Tun Razak
2000H – BJSS v UNIMAP – Stadium KPM

Premier League

2000H – KL Hockey Club v Tenaga Nasional – National Hockey Stadium

Sunday (September 18, 2011)

Division One

1700H – SSTMI-Thunderbolt v Uniten – Stadium KPM
1700H – Ipoh City Hall v BJSS – Stadium Sultan Azlan Shah Ipoh

Premier League

1600H – Armed Forces Airod v Sapura – National Hockey Stadium
1800H – Uitm v UniKL – National Hockey Stadium
2000H – Nur Insafi Penang v Yayasan Negri Sembilan – National Hockey Stadium

Monday, September 12, 2011

RIP Peter van Huizen


It was a sad morning as I received news on the demise of Peter van Huizen, a dear friend, coach and above all one of my mentors in hockey during my days in Negeri Sembilan.

My relationship with Peter began in 1985 when the Seeemban Municipal Council team was formed. And he coached the various keepers in the MPS team then, right from Hamdan Hamzah who played for the National Juniors in 1989, Osbert Pinto ( a winger turned goalkeeper - also handpicked by Pete), to the likes of Sani ( from Singapore) till Mohd Nasihin Nubli Ibrahim. Peter stayed loyal with MPS and YNS.

He was a joy to work with, be it in the club or various state teams and often we would share a cup of coffee as he will share his stories with me. Mind you Peter did not talk much but though his stern and cold stare would put many to fear, it was his gentle nature that I remember the best.

More often then not, we would both lose our heads on the bench during matches, so much so that we came to a compromise, that only one should do so. But blowing it hot was his nature though I admit he cools down a lot faster then most people.

My friend is no more today, and though we did say that we will catch up for coffee someday, he became dearer to god before we could sit down for a chat, and this is something that I will regret.

Only memories of him soothe the pain I feel with his untimely death. To his, wife of 52 years Angeline, brother Lawrence, son Adrian, nephew Stephen, I offer my condolences and may god bless his soul.

Read on an article about Pete that was published earlier.
"Always use your head" were the words uttered by the teachers at St Paul's Institution (SPI) in Seremban, when Peter van Huizen was a student there in the 1950s.

That advice was to follow Peter to the field later when he used his head to head the hockey ball during matches.

In those days, the goalkeepers did not wear helmets, chest pads or gloves for protection.


The first time he headed the ball was in a hockey match in Malacca in 1952.


Peter was a late bloomer as he only started playing hockey when he was 20 years old.


He happened to be at the NS padang, and was invited to play for the Negri Sembilan Ceylonese Association (NSCA).


Peter has also played football for clubs such as the Negri Sembilan Indians Association (NSIA) and Seremban Rangers, the Negri state team in 1952 and represented Malaysia at the 1959 SEAP Games in Bangkok.


Peter proved to be a great athlete. He was among the 18 young men who represented Malaysia at the Olympic Games in Melbourne in 1956 and the 1958 Asian Games in Tokyo. Peter was even voted as the world's Best Goalkeeper in 1956.


In those days, the squad trained four hours a day at the TPCA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur to prepare for the Olympics.


They had to pay their own airfares then, and Peter, though selected for the 1960 Olympics in Rome, could not afford to travel to because he had just got married and was cash strapped.


Prior to his involvement in hockey, Peter had already proved his mettle in football when he represented Malaysia in 1952 in a Four Nations quadrangular in Kuala Lumpur.


Peter, 77, who was born in Seremban in 1932, is one of those rare sportsmen who became a double international, excelling in hockey and football.


His grandfather came from Indonesia, while his father Alexis van Huizen was a government servant and his energetic mother, Grace Mos Virgin, was a housewife caring for 16 children.


Peter was the thirteenth child while his elder brother, Lawrence, the father of ex-national coach Stephen, was the eleventh.


Both the brothers were assistant coaches to Wlliam Fidelis who steered the Malaysia team to the bronze at the Women's Intercontinental Cup in 1989.


The father of two married sons, Terence and Adrian, Peter served as a Telecomms Department (TD) technician from the age of 16 while his wife Angeline was an athlete and hockey player for TD. Angeline was a telephone operator in the same department.


Following in Peter's footsteps, Terence played hockey for Police while Adrian was a Negri Razak Cupper.


In recognition of his service to the state, the late Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Ja'afar Tuanku Abdul Rahman conferred him the Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (PJK) in 1969.


When asked what kept him going all those years in football and hockey, Peter said: "My love for sports started when I was a 10-year-old pupil in SPI.


"SPI produced many Eurasians who represented Negri and Malaysia such as the Boudvilles, Dankers, Nunises, Sta Marias, Fidelises and of course the van Huizens.


"My passion to serve the community has always been etched deep in my heart and by God's grace, I will keep on going as long as I am healthy.


"My current pastime is wacthing old Western movies on TV compared to the 1960-1970s where, as a family, we used to watch football and hockey 'live' at the NS Padang in town.


"My advice to youngsters who want to excel in sports is: play your hearts out for the country, do not think about the perks, be proud to don national colours and hear our beloved national anthem, Negaraku on the loud speakers at the stadium especially when you win an international tournament.


"The finest example was ex-Paulian, the late Datuk Ho Koh Chye who was a trainee goalkeeper under my tutelage in the 1960s and made Malaysia proud not only as an athlete but as a teacher, coach, official and sports administrator until his death last year."


Two of Peter's grandsons, Matthew and Luke, are following in his footsteps. Matthew played as a hockey goalkeeper for SPI in the boys' Under-18 team while Luke was the custodian in the Under-15 team at the distict schools meet in 2009.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

RIP M. Joseph


Former double international M.Joseph from Negei Sembilan passed away in Seremban on Sunday.

He had the rare distinction of being a double international, having represented the country in both hockey and football.

My acquaintance with M. Joseph or fondly called one eyed Jo, started in the early 1980's as I used to go to the Station Padang to watch Negeri Sembilan in action in the Malaysia Cup.

Joseph was coaching the state side, which comprised of the likes of G. Torairaju, Tony Chia and Zainuddin Hussein to name a few.

And on the smaller pitch (hockey) Joseph used to play in the NS League for NSCA as well as the state veterans squad.

A disciplinarian, one could often catch Joseph in his trade mark shorts and t-shirt tucked in, watching the youngsters play hockey and football at the famous NS Padang.

One of those who Joseph coached was former national coach B. Sathianathan, who was under the guidance of Joseph for the Baradhan Cup.

"He was a dedicated coach and was always willing to impart his knowledge to the younger generation. His loss is a blow to football as he was a great mnotivater. I will surely miss him," said Sathia when contacted by this blog.

Indeed such dedicated sports official are hard to come by and his demise is truly a sad day for sports in Negeri Sembilan.

May god bless his soul.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

ENGLISH?

Read the article below taken from the MHF website.

While we understand some overzealous MHF officials are taking a swipe at this blog for undermining the selection of the team and the lofty target set, they really should work on their ENGLISH.

Read on....

Malaysian Hockey Team has achieved the target set by MHF which was top four (4) finish and today Malaysia beat Japan 3-2 with first half score down 0-2 to Japan. The scorers were Amir Farid with 2 goals and Faisal Saari scored the winner with 5 minutes left to play.

All three Malaysian goals were scored in the second half. With that, we hope Malaysia will be able to beat Japan again on Sunday at least they end their campaign with bronze medal which they have proved all the earlier critics and odds to finish the top four target with a blend of senior and junior players in the team. All three matches played today shall be the repeat for Sunday's classification matches with Pakistan playing India in the Finals; Japan and Malaysia for bronze medal match and China versus Korea for 5&6 placing, We wish the very best to Malaysian team to beat Japan again tomorrow at 3.30pm (Malaysian time) in order to have a podium finish for the event. Last podium finish was last years 2010 Asian Games in November which the team achieved the best ever results i.e. Silver Medal but lost to Pakistan in the finals.

LOFTY TARGET ACHIEVED

It is clear that the celebrations in the Malaysian hockey has began just because the team at Ordos have made it into the bronze medal playoff.

SMS sent out by MHF were laced with happiness as they felt vindicated that their target set , a top four finish , has been achieved.

A lofty target to start with and that too came due to results of other matches that came our way - had Korea won against China then we would have missed out the target right?

Now the coach will claim that his decision to drop the senior players was justified and that he knew what he was doing and so forth.

Frankly he and not Malaysian hockey is on the learning curve for finishing third or fourth is no big deal.

Our target should have been a top two finish, as simple as that for we are Asian Games silver medallist.

Well, let's just wait and read what the main stream media will say on this so called success.

And yes, it's one hell of a long curve that we are learning from.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

MALAYSIA HOLD INDIA

The Indian hockey team continued its unbeaten run by fighting back from a goal down to hold Malaysia 2-2 on Wednesday but is still not assured of a place in the final of the Asian Champions Trophy in Ordos, China.

The scorers for India were Ravi Pal (9th) and Danish Mujtaba (52nd). For Malaysia, the goals were struck by Tajuddin Jalil (24th) and Muhammad Amin Rahim (32nd).

India needed a win to be assured of a place in the final. A win against Malaysia would have given the Indians 10 points and a spot in the final depending on the Korea-Pakistan match to be played later on Wednesday.

India plays Pakistan on Friday in what will be a virtual semi-final for both the teams.

Pakistan and Korea are on six points each. With the draw, Malaysia is out of the reckoning for a place in the final as they are on four points. India are now on eight points with this draw.

India were in attack mode right at the start as Gurwinder Singh Chandi made his customary run into the Malaysian circle but the first few appeals for penalty corners were not given by the umpire.

A similar attack between Chandi, Mujtaba and Sunil also resulted in a melee but the penalty corner did not come India's way.

India, however, got the goal in the ninth minute when Sunil shot into the circle and it went off the Malaysian goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin's pads. Ravi Pal picked up the high rebound and whacked it into goal.

Malaysia started dominating the midfield after that, pushing the Indians back. Even the forwards fell back to defending as Malaysia rode on a wave of attacks into the Indian half.

They earned three penalty corners and finally got the equaliser off the third when Tajuddin Jalil deflected in the flick past the Indian goalkeeper Sreejes in the 25th minute.

India had a penalty corner but yet again couldn't trap the ball cleanly, the culprit this time being Ignace Tirkey.

India did come close a couple of times when the tries of Sunil and Walmiki were saved by Roslan in the Malaysian goal.

In the 32nd minute, Malaysia took the lead off an awful Indian error. A free ball inside the Indian striking circle with no Malaysian in sight, Sreejes came out charging and kicked the ball against an Indian defender's leg as the umpire pointed for Malaysia's fourth penalty corner.

Muhammad Amin scored off a direct flick.

The Indians were now rattled as the errors mounted with the defenders and midfielders unable to clear or pass the ball properly.

At the break, Malaysia led 2-1.

The second half was a frentic battle for supremacy. Gone was the five forward formula for both the teams as they battled it out for ball possession.

Malaysia had the edge and they won four consecutive penalty corners after resumption but couldn't score of any. Off their eighth penalty corner, Sreejes brought off a brilliant save deflecting the ball away to the touch line.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

HIGH HANDED 1MAS

Seems that the administrators of the 1MAS Program deem themselves as gods as they cannot be taken to task.

It is learnt that the NSC Director General, who is the Chairman of the Task Force or Steering Committee has sent a letter akin to a show cause to a state official for highlighting the weakness of the program.

Since the DG apparently does not know what is happening, perhaps it's time for this blog to take on the 1Mas Program and highlight it's apparent weaknesses as it sticks out like a sore thumb.

And while you are all out defending the program, why not you make public why Dato Poon Fook Loke quit as Deputy Chairman in June.

After all it took the DG less then two weeks to come to the defence of someone but why has he kept quiet since June on Fook Loke's resignation?

My two cents advice to the DG is simple- you have far pressing matters on Malaysian sports to handle, so stop behaving like an IGP for sports and try to rap on every knuckles.

There are two sides of the coin so rather then make or rather write sweeping letters, it's best that you do a proper check and balance.

And at the next meeting please take to task Dato Yogeswaran for highlighting the issue of the Project Director being the National Under 16 coach.

To make it more transparent, could you shed light how the 1 Mas website cost RM12,500 to design and payments of RM1,500 to maintain.

Mine is free lah!

TAKEN FOR A RIDE?

Well whatever the people in FIH might say, they used India to make money from the World Cup.

Perhaps it's time that Asian nations join forces to take back what is rightfully theirs - take world hockey back to Asia and tell FIH where to go.

Without India and Pakistan there is no TV income for hockey, so show FIH that Asia is united.

Read on as to how FIH treats Asians like dirt.

The Champions Trophy field hockey tournament has been taken out of India due to an ongoing tussle over who runs the sport in the country, hockey's world governing body said Tuesday.

A replacement host for the men's event, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from December 3 to 11, is expected to be named within a week, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) said in a statement.

"We regret that we have to move the Champions Trophy from India," FIH president Leandro Negre said.

"It is difficult for teams, organisers and the fans. But we feel that this is the only way to maintain the integrity of our sport."
India will also lose its place in the eight-nation competition, with the last berth to be decided by the FIH.

India and Pakistan were given wildcards for this year's tournament which features the world's top-ranked teams -- Australia, England, Spain, Germany, South Korea and the Netherlands.

India have, however, been invited to participate in the Champions Challenge tournament contested by teams not playing in the Champions Trophy, to be held in South Africa in November.

The schedule and line-up of the Champions Trophy will be determined when the host nation is named, but the event will take place during the same December 3-11 period, the FIH said.

The FIH had voiced concerns in July over a sports ministry-brokered settlement between two rival bodies, Hockey India (HI) and the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), which agreed to form a joint executive board to run the game.

The FIH said there could be only one governing body for the sport in any country that had the exclusive authority and responsibility to govern, organise national competitions and to enter national teams in international events.

"It is a fundamental and non-negotiable requirement of the Olympic Charter and the FIH statutes," the world governing body said.

The FIH added it would continue to monitor the governance structure in India and hoped that a resolution could be found before it begins to affect future events to be held in India.

New Delhi is scheduled to host the Olympic qualifiers for men and women in February.

INDIA TRASH KOREA

A young Indian team showed fantastic temperament in vanquishing South Korea 5-3 thereby setting up a strong possibility of making it to the final of the Asian Champions Trophy.

India now are on top of the group with seven points from three matches followed by Pakistan and Korea.

Michael Nobbs's bravehearts played at blistering pace scoring the first four goals in less than half an hour's time.

India scored through Rupinder Singh (4th), Gurwinder Singh Chandi (5th), SV Sunil (7th), Rajpal Singh (24th) to make it four for the Indians. In the meantime, Lee Nam Yong (8th, 26th) struck twice to make it 4-2 during the first half.

It was Yuvraj Walmiki's strike in the 62nd minute that ensured that Indians will end up with full points although Nam Hyun Woo pulled one back two minutes from final hooter.

On a day when the FIH decided to take away the rights of hosting Champions Trophy from India, the victory would certainly act as a big morale booster.

Indian coach Michael Nobbs said,"It's a great win and coming from a young side augurs well for hockey in India."

India's blitzkrieg in the first seven minutes when they scored three goals broke the back of the Korean side. Their strategy went up in smoke as they desperately tried to recover from the damage done by the Indian forwards.

A WIN, FINALLY

Malaysia defeated China 4-2 at the Asian Champions Trophy this morning.

This is their first win in three matches, having lost the first two to Pakistan and South Korea respectively.

Goals were scored by Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, Mohd Amin Rahim, Izwan Firdaus and Faisal Saari.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

INDIA HELD

India squandered a golden opportunity to pick up full points and conceded a last-minute goal to draw 1-1 with Japan in their second match at the inaugural Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament on Sunday.

After the power-packed 5-0 win over China in their tournament opener on Saturday, the match against Japan turned out to be anti-climax for the Indians.

For India Gurwinder Singh Chandi (22nd minute) scored his second goal of the tournament while Naoto Shiokawa equalised for Japan in the 69th minute.

India now have four points from two matches while the Japanese, who had lost their opening encounter 2-3 against South Korea, have one in their kitty.

India will next play South Korea on Tuesday after a rest day on Monday.

Against Japan on Sunday, the Indians did all the hard work and should have won by a larger margin but for the errors committed by the forward line.

However, it was Japan which started strongly with three forwards raiding the Indian defence but young Rupinder Pal Singh and V Raghunath held firm.

Upfront, the India forwards did well but lacked cohesion. They attacked in groups of four-five players both from the middle as well as from the flanks, but lacked co-ordination inside the Japanese striking circle.

For the first 15 minutes, neither side could make much headway as both the teams tried to wrest control on the midfield.

India's first scoring chance came in the 16th minute but an unmarked Gurwinder lost control of the ball inside the Japanese circle.

From there on, the Indians kept attacking looking desperately to open the scoring and finally succeeded in the 22nd minute through Gurwinder.

Gurwinder scored from a rebound after Roshan Minz's initial shot was blocked by Japanese goalkeeper Katsuya Takase.

A few minutes later, India got their first penalty corner of the match but it went abegging as Ravi Pal failed to trap the ball.

The Indians were also done in by their tendency to hang onto the ball for long, giving the Japanese the chance to fall back.

Just a minute before the breather, India earned their second penalty corner but to no use as Ravi Pal once again faltered in trapping the ball cleanly.

After the change of ends, Japan looked a completely different side as they came out all guns blazing in search of the equaliser and forced as many as three saves from the Indian defenders.

In the 47th minute, Rupinder Pal Singh came up with a fine save and then cleared for Yuvraj Walmiki, who sent a fantastic through ball for Roshan Minz inside the Japanese striking circle.

But Minz's shot went wide with only Japanese goalkeeper Takase to beat.

Soon after, the Indians were down to 10 men as Rupinder was shown a yellow card for an infringement.

But to everyone's astonishment, India went on the defensive midway through the second half, which inspired Japan to launch a full-blown offence on the rival citadel.

India custodian PR Sreejesh also came to his side's rescue on more than one occasion. He played his part by bringing off two brilliant saves to ensure India's 1-0 lead.

The consistent pressure on the rival defence saw Japan earn their first penalty corner of the match in the 59th minute but once again an in-form Sreejesh came to India's rescue by keeping out the powerful flick.

India then launched a counter-attack which led to their third penalty corner, but Rupinder Pal Singh's powerful flick was saved by a Takase.

A brilliant Takase was yet again in the thick of things when he denied Danish Mujtaba in the 63rd minute.

Sreejesh was equally upto the task pulling off two more brilliant saves from Japan's two successive penalty corners in the 66th and 67th.

Japan's consistent pressure finally paid off when Shiokawa scored the equaliser from almost zero angle just a minute before the hooter.

ANOTHER DEFEAT

Malaysia lost 4-3 to South Korea in their second match at the Asian Champions Trophy in Ordos.

In another match earlier, India were held to a 1-1 draw by Japan.

Want more details? Go to MHF or AHF websites lah.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

PAKISTAN DEFEATS MALAYSIA 3-2


For starters let me just state that in my earlier post I had to rely on SMS from friends to get the updated results for the Malaysia v Pakistan match. Thus there were some errors with regards to the time the goals were scored.

But one thing that readers have to understand is that this blog tries its level best to provide you information on the Malaysian hockey scenario and our cause is not helped by the silent treatment beig accorded to us by some officials of the MHF and in the various national teams as well as the multi million 1 MAS Program.

So with limited information ( imagine we are not even given the contact information of the Malaysian team in Ordos) until after the first match against Pakistan, we still try our best to bring you the latest information.

Now if only MHF or their so called officials could do just one quarter of what we do at the blog - that is to provide information to the scores of hockey fans in the country, then our task will be made much easier. But alas the MHF website has cobwebs on it for it has not even updated the team list of the various national teams and what more news reports. As for the 1 MAS, go ask the highly paid officials who they are paying not to update it.

And we have team officials in Ordos who have given this blog the cold shoulder. No qualms about that, you only need the mainstream media while blogs like mine are insignificant to you. But was it not a blog that put you into your current positions?

As for AHF website, go ask those responsible, those who warm the chairs in their air conditioned offices.

Now read on while we try to make sense of whats happening at Ordos, having got the information from some kind hearted soul.

Malaysia lost 2-3 to Pakistan in their opening match of the inaugural Asian Champions Trophy at Ordos in China this evening.

Opting to register only one goalkeeper in the 16 players for the match, the starting XI of Malaysia read as follows, S. Kumar, Mohd Amin Rahim, Izwan Firdaus, Mohd Madzli Ikmar, Faizal Saari, Nabil Fiqri Mohd Nor, Mohd Razie Abd Rahim, Mohd Shukri Mutalib, Baljit Singh and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin.

Those who were left out of the 16 were Mohd Fitri Saari and keeper Roslan Jamauddin.

And Malaysia were given a dream start when Mohd Amin Rahim converted a penalty stroke in the 4th minute.

But Pakistan were on level terms in the 22nd minute when Abdul Haseem Khan scored. And the green shirts surged ahead 2-1 in the 32nd minute through a penalty corner converted by skipper Muhammad Imran.

Malaysia however went into the halftime break on level terms as debutant Ahmad Farid Ahamad Fuzi scored in the 34th minute. On two occasions Malaysia played with a man down as Baljit Singh (41st minute) and Faizal Saari (51st minute) were shown the green card.

Shakeel Abasi broke the hearts of the Malaysians when he coolly converted a penalty stroke in the 6rd minute after a bad tackle by Muhammad Razie Abdul Rahim in the semi circle to give the Asian Games winners a winning start.
In an earlier match, South Korea defeated Japan 3-2.

Korea opened scoring in the 6th minute via Jang Jong Hyun off a penalty corner. But Japan struck in the 8th minute through Tanaka Kenta to draw level.

Goals by Jang (18th minute) and Kang Moon Kweon (58th minute) gave Korea a 3-1 lead. And although Japan reduced the deficit two minutes from time through skipper Kawakami Kei, the Japanese ran out of time to salvage anything from the match.


Pakistan defeat Malaysia

Well you can only find it here since the MHF website is dead and buried.

Malaysia led Pakistan 1-0 at the Asian Champions Trophy via a penalty stroke converted by Mohd Amin Rahim in the 18th minute.

And Pakistan hit back to lead 2-1 but Amir Farid scored to draw Malaysia level, it's now 2-2.

Six minutes remain as Pakistan lead 3-2 via penalty stroke by Shakeel after a bad tackle by Mohd Razie Rahim.

And ironically TBH sent email only to certain Malaysian media while Manager Stephen van Huizen sent his local number to some media but not this blogger.


Will update when I get more info

INDIA OFF TO A WINNING START

The young Indian hockey team began its Asian Champions Trophy campaign in style as it spanked hosts China 5-0 on Saturday, displaying flashes of brilliance and dictating the pace of the game.

In the first half, India led 2-0 with goals from Gurwinder Singh Chandi (5th) and Yuvraj Walmiki (21st). In the second half, India scored through Rupinder Pal Singh (41st), Rajpal Singh (43rd) and V Raghunath (62nd).

In an earlier match, the opener of the tournament, South Korea beat Japan 3-2 in a hard-fought contest.

It was a slow start for both the teams, with China looking handicapped due to the absence of four of their best players missing the tournament with injuries.

They were defensive and the Indian forwards took advantage to score an early fifth-minute goal. It was a loose ball that Gurwinder Singh Chandi got hold of and slotted it past the bemused Chinese goalkeeper.

China surprisingly didn't go on the attack. They pulled back players and played with a lone forward upfront. India did have the space and advantage in numbers but were erratic and did not build up to the striking circle.

Rajpal and Sarwanjit had a good chance in the 15th minute but couldn't connect inside the circle.

China tried to build through the middle but Rupinder Pal Singh was terrific in defence. In the 19th minute, China almost got through but Rupinder, with a super-sliding tackle, took out the ball and while falling on the turf also cleared it away to the midfield.

India had their fourth goal-scoring opportunity in the 21st minute and came good. Though the Chinese goalkeeper Xu Rui thwarted two shots, the third rebound off his pads went to Yuvraj Walmiki who had the space in the striking circle to fire in India's second goal for a 2-0 lead.

Four minutes later, India had their first penalty corner in the 25th minute. Both Rupinder and Raghunath were lined up but Ravi Pal failed to trap the ball.

In the 31st minute, Gurbaz moved smoothly into the Chinese striking circle, dodging past three Chinese defenders, but his sharp cross went past Walmiki's outstretched stick.

India were clearly dominating but the fluidity in the forward line was missing.

China made things difficult with man-to-man marking but the two goals in the first half were a fair indication of India's dominance.

India started off ferociously in the second half, raiding the Chinese striking circle thrice in four minutes and winning their second penalty corner in the 41st minute.

The Chinese defence didn't stand a chance as Rupinder Pal Singh blazed in his drag flick, high into the net to give India a 3-0 lead.

Exquisite skills brought India their fourth goal in the 44th minute. Vikas Sharma held the ball on the edge of the Chinese striking circle, dribbled past the stick of a Chinese defender and gave it to Roshan Minz who cleverly clipped it past another defender and tapped it to Rajpal for the Indian captain to open his scoring in the tournament.

China ran out of steam as Ravi Pal, Gurbaz and Vikas Sharma played with assurance in the midfield.

With the cushion of a 4-0 lead in the second half, substitutions were coming off rapidly as the Indian coach Michael Nobbs gave everybody a feel of the turf.

With eight minutes left in the match, India earned their fifth penalty corner as V Raghunath lined up and scored with a stiff grounder for India's fifth goal.

Before rushing off with the players to the practice turf for a cool down, Indian coach Michael Nobbs said he was happy with the victory but admitted that a lot of work needed to be done in the next games.

India play Japan on Sunday, while the women's team takes on South Korea.

ONE DOWN, ONE TO GO

A stand-off between the International Hockey Federation and hockey authorities in India has landed Hockey New Zealand the chance to host this year's men's Champions Trophy tournament.

While reluctant to give too many details, HNZ chief executive Hilary Poole yesterday confirmed such an approach had been made.

It is understood a decision by the national body could be made as early as the end of this week on whether it is prepared to commit to the tournament which FIH insists must be played on the original December 3-11 dates.

The tournament was handed to India but the FIH has since made it clear it is not happy with what was termed an "agreement" between Hockey India (who the FIH recognises) and the Indian Hockey Federation (who it does not).

The IHF is in the process of instigating a six-week, eight or 10-team professional league along the lines of the IPL Twenty20 cricket competition.

The FIH executive has decided it is neither possible nor appropriate to continue its discussions with Hockey India on hosting rights in the next four-year cycle, particularly the Champions Trophy and the men's and women's Olympic Qualifying Tournaments in February 2012.


Poole said any planning was "in the very early stages" but stressed her association was in no hurry to expose itself to any financial risk.

New Zealand would be a logical choice to host the tournament, which rates only behind the Olympics and World Cup on the international calendar.

Ranked seventh in the world, the Black Sticks are the only team ranked in the top eight not to be included in the roster for the tournament.

Their place is taken by ninth-ranked India.

National men's coach Shane McLeod would welcome the opportunity to play such a tournament.

"It would be great to host a tournament like this as a lead in to next year's Olympics," said McLeod, who is scheduled to take his team to South Africa in late November to play the Champions Challenge from which the winner will qualify for the next Champions Trophy.