When HRH Sultan Azlan Shah visited the national men's hockey team prior to their Olympic Qualifiers in Dublin, the who's who associated with Malaysian hockey was on the pitch, showing their concern and interest in the fortunes of the team in particular and hockey in general.
But yesterday it was totally different when Sultan Azlan dropped by to meet the women's hockey team.
For present to receive him was AHF Secretary General Tan Sri P. Alagendra, MHC Deputy President Raja Puan Sri Noora Ashikin, MHC Senior Vice president S. Shamala and MHC Assistant Secretary General Farah.
The last I heard was the men's and women's hockey had actually merged and this they had a team of 22 officials helming the confederation.
The likes of Senior Vice President Dato Nur Azmi Ahmad, vice presidents Manjit Majid Abdullah and Dato Abd Rahim Ariff was seen, but at the adjoining stadium accompanying MHC President Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.
While it is understandable that they wanted to be with their President, I doubt Tengku Abdullah would have minded had these officials and scores others who hold positions in MHC had actually took some time to be with the women's hockey team.
This clearly shows that the merger is as they say for name sake only as nothing has changed. The only significant thing is that the women have equal number of positions and have the votes to decide things.
But with their positions secure for the next four years, why should anyone want to be associated with the women's team bound for the Japan Olympic Qualifiers as its a lost cause in their minds.
Ever wondered what will be going through the minds of the players?
Hockey today is all about rubbing shoulders and undermining others, as proven by the sheer numbers who are pleasantly around when VVIP's come calling.
It showed clearly at Dublin where those who were there, either on merit by by virtue of the remark by the little napoleon of MHC - not on public money, walked away when Malaysia was shown the exit for the Olympics. And to make matters worse, some of these officials did not even turn up for the 3/4 placing match against Russia the next day.
Oh well, you sow the seeds of your effort as they say, coaches can be sacked, removed, but these officials continue yo hog the limelight and hold on to the seats even if we lose the gold medal at the SEA Games.
Will things change, yes they will, you scratch my back and I will scratch yours harder.
