POOR SPORTSMANSHIP

The video clip shows the actions of an Indian player after scoring the winning goal in the 2-1 win over Pakistan at the Sultan azlan Shah Cup 2012 at Ipoh, Malaysia. It was conduct unbecoming of the player and the action was caught on video, shown live in Pakistan and India.

INDOOR RESULTS

Below are the results of the Nationl Indoor Championships for the Piala Raja Dato Seri Ashman Shah. These are results as of 2.00pm.

NATIONAL INDOOR 2012

The National Indoor Championships has commenced at two venues in Ipoh this morning - the Indera Mulia Stadium and the MHC-AHF Academy.

A total of 14 teams are participating in the Mens competition with 8 teams battling it out for the Womens tournament.

HRH Sultan Azlan Shah has graciously consented to donate two challenge trophies, named after Raja Dato Seri Ashman Shah, his youngest Prince who passed away on Marh 30.

It is indeed a fitting tribute as Raja Ashman was keen in the promotion and development of the sport having been a key figure in the formation and completion of the MHC-AHF Academy where the Womens tournament is being played.

The facilities at the Academy, which is currently running two courses back to back for hockey officials from Asia - the Training of Technical Officials and Technical Officials Course, is fantastic. For the record a total of 60 odd participatnts from 16 countries are in Ipoh to participate in the courses.

More on the results of the Indoor Tournament later this evening.

PROJECT 2017 FINISH BOTTOM

The Project 2017 Squad finish at the bottom in the 4 Nation Invitational Under 16 Tournament in Manheim, Germany earlier this week.

Malayasia had finished in the runner-up position in two previous outings and it was one of its worst performances as they lost two out of the three matches.

And the defeats were attributed to lack of preparation as the team only had four days of training prior to leaving for Germany. However that excuse does not make sense as only last March did this team play some friendly matches in Perth, Australia.

And on the top of that, there have been several training stints for this team over the past year. The only change to the team was when interim coach Lim Chiow Chuan was told to decide between coaching the 2017 squad or the 1MAS Program where he is a full time employee, holding the Director's position.

Lim opted to carry on with 1MAS and it was an ultimatum given by the 1MAS Steering Committee who wanted Lim to decide as they did not want undivided attention to the 1MAS Program.

Malaysia were defeated 4-1 by Germany in their opening match. The Germans got their goals through Max Godou (11th minute), Marc Busc (27th minute), Johannes Grobe ( 37th minute) and Cedric Nagi ( 59th minute) for a 4-0 lead before Malaysia reduced the deficit through Norsyafiq Sumantri in the 65th minute.

In the second match, Malaysia were a shade unlucky to concede a goal two minutes from time to go down 3-2 to Holland.

The Dutch raced to a 2-0 lead via goals by Pepijin Keppel ( 46th minute) and Morris de Vilder ( 56th minute). However the youngsters fouth back to draw level with Mohd Hafif Nordin ( 58th minute) and Firdaus Omar ( 65th minute) netting the two goals.

But lack on concentration allowed the Dutch to sneak in the winner via Morris de Vilder in the 68th minute.

In their third and final match, Malaysia took a 4-0 lead against Belgium only to concede three goals in the final 15 minutes but ran out 4-3 winners.

Malaysia scored through Luqman Ahmad Shukran ( 5th and 45th minutes), Mohd rahimi Baharin ( 11th minute) and Mohd Hafif Elka ( 34th minute). Belgium got their goals via Thomas Verhaijen ( 56th minute), Louis Hottler ( 63rd and 70th minutes).

INDIA ON WAY OUT AS NZ FALLS

India is virtually out of the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup when they were defeated 3-2 by Argentina in Ipoh, Malaysia this evening.

It was their third defeat in the tournament and they have only one match remaining – against arch-rivals Pakistan on Thursday night. They have six points from five matches.

Indian assistant coach Mohamad Riaz attributed their defeat to missing many sitters throught the match.

“We penetrated in their semi circle more than they did against us but they made use of their chances well. Our defence was also slow in clearing the ball. Sardar and Sarvanjit made errors and that cost us the goals,” said Riaz.

“Playing Pakistan has never been easy and we need to win that match to finish as high as we can. Making the final looks like an outside chance but defeating Pakistan is always important for Indian hockey.

“We aim to make up for our poor performances with a solid performance against Pakistan. Its one match the players are always motivated to play.”

It was a boring first half as both teams played listlessly in the blazing afternoon heat that somewhat affected their performance.

Still Argentina looked the better team as India was playing lacklusture hockey although Tuesday was a rest day for all teams.

Argentina took the lead in the 37^th minute through Matias Enrique Peredes. And barely had India time to catch the breath that Santiago Montelli scored in the very next minute.

India were shell-shocked and redoubled their efforts. They were duly rewarded in the 49^th minute when Sardar Singh scored with a delightful reverse.

That gave India the confidence to make more forays into the Argentina semi circle but they could not put away the chances.

Argentina punished the sloppy Indian defence in the 58^th minute through a goal by Gonzalo Peillat who converted a penalty corner.

Though india reduced the deficit via a penalty corner converted by VR Ragunath in the 62^nd minute, it was a little too late for them to salvage anything from this match.

Meanwhiule Great Britain burst the winning bubble of New Zealand, inflicting a 2-1 defeat on the table toppers.

The win gave them 7 points from four outings and they look odds on favourites to make the final on Sunday.

For New Zealand the defeat was nothing to be ashamed off as they were without two key players in the likes of Simon Child and Ryan Archibald.

“We had two key midfielders out today due to some knocks they picked up after our last match on Monday. The two day break was not enough to overcome the injuries and hence our midfield somewhat suffered a breakdown” said New Zealand coach Shane Mcleod.

“It was a much better second half performance though as we were back with our normal flowing hockey. But chasing a two goal deficit is never easy against an experienced side like Britain.

“On the hindsight though we picked up some pointers that will help us in our quest for Olympic glory this July. We could have snatched a draw but Andy (Hayward) has been somewhat inconsistent but that’s not a major worry for me.

“We still have two more matches to go and while defeat is always painful, we are looking forward to the match against Malaysia tomorrow (Thursday) with confidence.”

Great Britain opened scoring in the 18^th minute through Ashley Jackson. And they doubled their advantage in the 27^th minute when Matt Daly scored.

New Zealand had two penalty corners in the first half but failed as Hayward was off form.

Hayward finally found the target in the 62^nd minute and will now look towards their matches against Malaysia and Korea.

HAVING FUN AT THE TERRACES

My visitors list at my corner in the open terrace continues as the Great Britain team officials paid me a visit before their match against New Zealand.

And after the Argentina v India match, it was the coach of the world number one team Ric Charlesworth who dropped by to say hello, stating that he had read my plight on the internet.

That is how powerful the internet can be but trust the Malaysian Hockey Confederation and those in the Organising Committee to realise this.

What was more sad was the fact that FIH had, finally after years of trying, put up a story on their website asking fans to visit www.azlanshahcup.com.

Except for some SMS exchanges, no effort has been made by any party to ask me to continue with my work. The reason given is that they have appointed a Media Officer from a government agency and his boss is elated at being given the chance to go on stage to receive a souvenir from HRH Sultan Azlan Shah on Friday.

I painstakingly produced what many are acclaiming as the best souvenir program for the SAS Cup and someone else of going on stage to claim credit.

How low can they go.

In the words of the British official - what they did to you was downrigh disgusting...

BATTLE FOR SUPREMACY

Malaysia is set to play host to the FIH Congress in late October, early November this year.

And there is a raging battle taking place within the Malaysian Hockey Confederation officials to chair the Organising Committee.

Initially Vice President Manjit Majid Abdullah was named as the person to pull the strings with regards to Organising the event.

Of late Senior Vice President Dato Nur Azmi Ahmad seems to be extremely keen to take over or at the least ensure Manjit is not at the forefront.

And aiding Azmi achieve this is the MHC Secretary who had now become the pawn in the chess game, throwing his support towards Dato Azmi.

A rift within MHC, just as to get into the good books of the MHC President?

Well I was fortunate enough to talk to HRH Sultan Perak about the FIH Congress the other day. What Tuanku said was interesting to say the least but it was for my ears only.

But all this campaigning and killing one another in MHC is bad for hockey.

As for the Secretary, you are supposed to be an employee, so stick to that, stay clear and get your administration sorted out.

DID YOU KNOW?

That the National Indoor Championships both for men and women will be held in Ipoh?

You want more details? Well go to the MHC website that is asleep as is it's administration.

All I can tell you is this - that HRH Sultan of Perak has consented to donate two glittering trophies for the winner of both the men and women categories.

And as additional information - that states were treated like a Yo-Yo by the Senior Vice President Dato Nur Azmi Ahmad on the question of subsidy - from RM2,000 to zero, to RM1,000 to zero to hotel rooms to zero to RM2,000.

Confused, well this is what you get when you give someone power so much so he forgets his roots.

That Malaysia is now going to bid to host the Asia Cup next year that has been awarded to Singapore is another aspect that is now being actively pursued.

The question that begs to be asked is just what were the likes of Dato Nur Azmi, Dato Abdul Rahim Md Ariff and Prof S. Shamala doing sitting on the AHF Council letting slip a chance to organize this important event that determines a spot in the 2014 World Cup.

And yes before I forget, I could not be reinstated as Media Officer as the Information Department Director is excited on going on stage to receive the souvenir from HRH Sultan of Perak this Friday. This was communicated to me by Dato Rahim. To hell with the website and twitter and the souvenir program book that I produced and they have yet to honour the payment, as it's more important going on stage. ( care to have my souvenirs for the last two years as well)

Additionally there is this tournament called RNA Cup, which as it stands now is the ladies akin to Razak Cup. But the entire MHC office is in Ipoh,on holiday I repeat and the Tengku Mahkota Pahang claims they have merged as the ladies are left to fend on their own .

Want to know more, go ask the Secretary of MHC who spends more time in Ipoh bad mouthing me.

And it seems the DBI enforcement officers who were not properly briefed not to allow non media personnel into the off limits area have now been properly briefed not to allow me near the grandstand, not even to pee. Shows how insecure some people are.

A WHITE LIE

CELEBRATION FOR SELVA

Having heard all kind of versions regarding my departure as Media Officer of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, I feel that the time has come for me to clarify matters for the benefit of readers and those who follow my twitter.

When the incident of the coach barging into the media centre first occurred, I highlighted the matter to the Organising Chairman Dato Abdul Rahim Mohd Ariff, Malaysian Hockey Confederation Senior Vice President Dato Nur Azmi Ahmad, Hon. Secretary Mohd Johari Abdul Aziz as well as Organising Secretaries Selva and Hashim.

While Hashim showed some concern by trying to contact the coach concerned, the others merely brushed it off as a small incident ( wonder how they would have felt if I walked up to them in the VIP box and showered them with verbal abuse infront of foreign dignitaries).

Having said that I made it clear that I expected them to provide assurance towards my personal safety as I was carrying out my responsibilities as an appointed official. Never did I ask then to get the coach to apologize to me as a pre-condition for me to continue with my responsibilities.

However nothing happened with regards to the request for additional security, mind you the media centre has valuable equipment lying around.

All that was communicated to me by Rahim was that HRH Sultan Azlan wanted me to continue with my role.

I then requested Dato Rahim for an audience with HRH but was flatly refused and told that it was already briefed to HRH and that I should continue.

Upon insisting that HRH be told the truth by me personally, I was then replaced by Dato Rahim who provided me with a few names as possible replacements with one name confirmed late Friday night.

In the meantime the MHC Hon Secretary went on yo approve a media pass for an applicant from a equipment supplier, which again contravenes all regulations in force.

And on Saturday morning Dato Rahim went on to inform the Organising Committee the name of the new media officer. I this vacated my room at the official hotel, having to pay the staff at the Media Centre our of my own pocket as they refused to pay the allowances due to the staff.

Unknown to me at that time, the Organising Secretary Selva had already initiated a celebration to celebrate my departure. It was then that I found out that Dato Rahim had not wanted me in the first place as he had told the Organising Committee sometime in March that I will be involved in a temple function in Malacca, which is a blatant lie as that was never the case.

I had declined the appointment initially as I was to go to Wuhan for the Thomas/ Über Cup Finals but relented when approached by Tan Sri P. Alagendra.

Even during the preparation stage of the program book all kind of obstacles were thrown in my path.

I was also asked by the Tournament Director on the circumstances leading to my departure.

During the first match on Sunday the said coach had a chat to clarify matters and it was amicably settled as he was acting in impulse and I considered that issue with him closed.

The Tournament Director then spoke to me asking if I could resume my duties to which I replied in the affirmative but informed him that it should come from the Organising Committee.

Hashim then approached me and said that he would get the letter for me to continue with my work on Monday. However late that night he informed me that Dato Rahim and Johari did not want to sign a letter and it was the end of the matter.

So was it a directive from HRH that I supposedly ignored when I even checked with Col Dato Rahim the Private Secretary to HRH? There was no such thing for I would have carried out my duties had the aspect of increased security be handled.

Now these personalities are having a field day bad mouthing me in the VVIP stands as their Media Centre is in chaos, with payment to me for work done yet to be honored as they open bottles to celebrate my departure.

Such is their conduct that I seat in the open terraces and tweet matches under the threat of rain and hot sun, not even allowed to use the toilet facilities at the grandstand.

And the website is normally provided the match sheets after every game but the staff at MHC are behaving akin to Little Napoleons as they have refused to email statistics and match sheets with the Secretary hapless to do anything, perhaps party to this sordid affair as he keeps claiming this is a small matter.

Well you can take a government staff out of a building but not the mentality I guess.

So there goes it, the truth of the matter as some wanted me out for the simple reason they were purely jealous of my ability and felt threatened as I had the ear of HRH.

I am proud that HRH had listed me as one who is to receive a state award this year but these officials could not bear that thought, with them asking why was I given such award.

Perhaps they should have asked HRH when they went around using his name.

SUPPORT FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD

It is not something one wants to do, but when things get tougher, I have to carry on, no matter what some might say. We live in a materialistic world, one that the stakeholders of hockey could not care less to the image of the country, as we grapple trying to understand why people who really should be serving hockey are demanding that hockey serves them.

Imagine the MHC staff holding the OFFICIAL website to ransom by not even emailing the match sheets of the matches as they normally do. But we aim to soldier on, though we will not be wring match reports, we intend to scan copies of the match sheets and then put them on the website. It reflects badly on MHC, but they do not care. But we care for the image of HRH and the country.

Thus it was heart warming to receive twitter messages of support from hockey fans all over thw world for using my private twitter to keep them updated with regards to the Sulan Azlan Shah Cup. Below are some of the tweets for the benefit of the readers of this blog.

2m Sports PakPassion ‏@SportPakPassion

Btw a real shambles as far as web coverage is concerned - @SatwantDhaliwal is our only hope for live coverage!

Sukhada Chaudhary ‏@appadappajappa

@SatwantDhaliwal Really appreciate your live commentary, Sir! :D hope we win our remaining matches!

Gastón Saiz ‏@gastonsaiz

@HockeyMobileOK @HockeyDelivery Yo haría un abrazo imaginario en honor a @SatwantDhaliwal, ante todo un trabajador. #queremospreguntar

TRANSLATED:

Gaston Saiz @ gastonsaiz

HockeyMobileOK @ @ HockeyDelivery I would hug imaginary @ SatwantDhaliwal honor above all a worker. # queremospreguntar

Gastón Saiz ‏@gastonsaiz

La cara de resignación del ex jefe de prensa @SatwantDhaliwal lo dice todo en su avatar. En la interna malaya, yo estoy con é

TRANSLATED

Gaston Saiz @ gastonsaiz

The face of resignation of former chief press @ SatwantDhaliwal says it all in your avatar. In the domestic Malaysian, I am with é

Muhammad Ishaq ‏@ishaqmalik

@SatwantDhaliwal Appreciate you doing commentary, I hope the matter with MHC settles soon.

Arvind Gupta ‏@buzzindelhi

Sitting at Helsinki Airport and following @SatwantDhaliwal to get live scores from India VS. GB Azlan Shah #hockey match

 

MHC OFFICIALS ON HOLIDAY

So while the Organising Committee Secretary was out celebrating last Friday my ouster as Media Officer, the holiday mood seems to have swung over to the staff and officials of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation as well.

Not only is the MHC Secretary and his assistant here, but so are four of their staff, and they have not even sent the match sheet of the matches on Sunday to be uploaded into the website. While I have the decency to update the scores, it is really shameful that these paid staff are behaving as if hockey owes them a living.

Mind you they are on a paid holiday and seriously the Secretary has lost all control over his staff. Not only are there these four paid staff, there are also another two girls brought in to help out.

Wonder why they did not assist the media officer in charge now to co-ordinate things. The Secretary could have divided the work since he has so many staff at his disposal. Typical of poor management that MHC has become accustomed too.

And then we have the Senior Vice President Dato Nur Azmi Ahmad who behaves like a demi god, changing decisions on the subsidy for states participating in the National Indoor Championships, from RM2,000 to no subsidy, to RM1,000 and now has the ceek to force states to stay in a hotel of his choice. Show of power?

There are tons of exposes as to how people make money from hockey. Be prepared to stomach it.

ISSUE WITH COACH RESOLVED

The issue with the coach who intruded on the media area has been resolved between the two of us.

Let it be clear that it was not because of him that I vacated the position but rather the Organising Committee who did nothing to enhance security after it was highlighted.

The said coach has apologised and I have accepted it. Hence that matter is no longer preventing me nor was the reason why i had vacated the position. Rather it was the indifferent atitude of MHC officials and the Organising Secretaries.

It has now been brought to my attention that certain sections of the Organising Committee were party to the said incident and provoked matters.

And to top it all, office bearers of MHC stand accused of a personal vendetta against me as they felt threatened.

MERELY DOING A JOB

Below are comments made by Thiagarajan, a respected hockey writer and Chairman of the AHF Media Committee in The Hindu newspaper today.

He was witness to the regrettable incident where I was merely doing my job.

Please read and understand.

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/hockey/article3458628.ece

Meanwhile, in a regrettable development, the Media officer, Satwant Dhaliwal, has quit consequent an altercation with a Malaysian coach over seating in the media box.

The coach insisted on sitting in the reserved media area citing the chairs were unoccupied. Finding the official response indifferent to his complaint, Mr. Dhaliwal stepped down.

With some tact the incident could have been avoided. In the end, it has left a bitter taste among the national and international media personnel, who are here for the event

THE LAST LAUGH

This is dedicated to those who held premature celebrations in Ipoh after I had withdrew my services as media officer for the Azlan Shah Cup having been threatened with bodily harm by a MHC official.

While all of you resorted through blogs to get where you are, you fail to realise that one day you will make a mistake that will ultimately bring you to ground.

The website has hourly hits of 25000 and a twitter following of 1700, far more then the sham some are pulling with the so called MHC and 1MAS sites that are a bigger shame then what this official did and said.

This blog will continue to reveal what transpires in the world of hockey without fear or favour.

So be prepared to cut your celebrations short and resort to threatening and bad mouthing as that is all these people are capable off.

In glory one flies high but when they fall, it will be with a thud. Some claim that Malaysian hockey is a result of their success, so they should now aim for bigger things.

And by the way I am still in Ipoh and will be at the stadium as I await the threat to be made good, I dare you to do what you say and not resort to let running dogs do your dirty work through the Internet.

A bigger agenda is what the story is but it is in the best interest that I just will wait and see.

INTERESTING QUESTION

I brought up the issue of the missing Malaysian flag on the attire of the national badminton team.

Something I missed was highlighted by Haresh Deol on his blog FOUL.

@HareshDeol: Where is the Jalur Gemilang on the Msian jersey in the @azlancup tournament? http://t.co/Y1uir6Kt

Care to answer MHC?

MALAYSIA HOLD BRITAIN

Malaysia were minutes away from defeat as they trailed Great Britain 1-3, but two fantastic goals by ace striker Faisal Saari allowed them to snatch a draw at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh this evening.

It was the second succesive draw for Malaysia after having held Korea to a 1-1 draw the previous day while Britain were left wondering how they let the three points slip out from their grasp.

 
Read more..www.azlanshahcup.com

A TALE OF TWO PAUL'S

The search for the next Malaysian national hockey coach is expected to end real soon.

And this blog can reveal that the top candidate to fill up the soon to be vacant position is South African Paul Revington.

Revington was the coach of the Irish team that denied Malaysia of a place in the final of the Dublin Olympic Qualifiers in March.

Prior to that he was coaching the South African national squad. He recently announced that he had turned down an extension of contract offered by the Ireland Hockey Association.

There were also efforts to woo another Paul and ironically the team was once coached by Paul Lissek.

It is learnt that Revington will be in Ipoh during the Azlan Shah Cup to discuss terms with the National Sports Council.

The MHC had also received applications from the Dutch duo of Jans Floris Bovelander and Jacques Brinkman.

Malaysia had foreign coaches in the past in the likes of Australia's Terry Walsh, Volker Knapp and Lissek.

MALAYSIA HOLD KOREA

MALAYSIA HOLD KOREA

Malaysia held Korea to a 1-1 draw in the final match in the opening day of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh.

It was a spirited display from the Malaysians who fielded several youngsters, with three earning their first international caps.

 
Read more...www.azlanshahcup.com

KIWIS POLISH OFF INDIA

NEW ZEALAND HIT INDIA FOR FIVE

New Zealand put a dent on the Indian hockey revival when they defeated them 5-1 at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh this evening.

The fact that New Zealand had only 16 players available for the match as Blair Hilton was ruled out for appendicitis while his replacement Shay Neal was still on the way coupled with the fact that Hugo Inglis could not play due to illness.

 
Read more..www.azlanshahcup.com

PAKISTAN OFF TO A WINNING START

PAKISTAN DEFEAT ARGENTINA

Last years losing finalist Pakistan defeated Argentina 4-2 in the opening match of the 21^st Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh.

They almost squandared a 2-0 lead before scoring the winner five minutes from time to take all three points. 

Read more..www.azlanshahcup.com

AZLAN SHAH CUP UPDATES

FLOORED BY APPENDICITIS

It was heartbreak for New Zealand's Blair Hilton as he was ruled out of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Tournament after undergoing surgery for appendicitis at a private hospital in Ipoh on Wednesday night, a day before the tournament gets underway.

Read more..www.azlanshahcup.com

PREVIEW

The enchanting aura of the annual Azlan Shah tournament permeates across the continent and beyond. Its history provides a fascinating insight into the ebb and flow of a competition that has enriched the ethos of hockey. No major force on the contemporary scene has ever failed to savour its moment of delight in Malaysia.

Read more..www.azlanshahcup.com

SEVEN JUNIORS IN MALAYSIAN SQUAD

Seven players who represented Malaysia in the victorious Asia Junior Cup were given the nod for inclusion in the squad for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

In what coach Tai Beng Hai states is a team for the future, the fusion of yoingsters and experienced players will carry the Malaysian challenge in a tournament that sees the participation of Great Britain, Argentina, New Zealand, South Korea, Pakistan and India.

 

Read more..www.azlanshahcup.com

 

SAME OLD SAME OLD MHC

They may have changed their name, but the manner hockey is administrated remains the same as these days the constitution is hardly the guiding beacon in terms of decisions made, for it is replaced by two words - " titah Tuanku".

That is the catch phase as every decision made is laced with " titah Tuanku", and I must say that I am skeptical about the whole thing as the MHC President Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah seems to be fast in catching up on matters concerning hockey.

So why do certain, and I must repeat certain and not most, use the words " titah Tuanku" to drive home a point? Is it because they feel that by uttering " titah Tuanku" no one will dare question the decision they make or the point that they want to drive home?

Not only is it resorting to " titah Tuanku" but ignoring the constitution and changing decisions made by the MHC Council is something that these two officials - who are the consultants/advisors/right hand men as they say they are, mislead others in their quest to win the trust of the President.

Tengku Abdullah should realize that he is as good as the people who surround him and at the moment it is people who surround him that are not good enough as all they care is their interest and not that of hockey.

An incident that occurred yesterday proves to me that the power struggle and double standards practiced are down right stinking and if left unchecked, hockey will suffer.

Imagine a senior official of MHC saying that certain payments cannot be made because the MHC Management ( even got that wrong as its the Executive Board now) had not sat and discussed or approved it when it had been agreed on by the old MHF Council last August.

My question is simple - did the Dublin Tour approval ever tables at his so called Management Meeting as it was public funds no matter the fact that it was sponsored as the money was banked into the MHC account?

Why are decisions these days made based on installing fear by using " titah Tuanku"?

Care to clarify this Tuanku? Or would you continue listening to these officials who fill your mind with venom against me so much so that you keep asking repeatedly why this blog is so much against MHC?

It's the love for the sport that drives me to question things. For Tengku Abdullah has to weed out if his trusted lieutenants are there to serve hockey or let hockey serve them?

SAS: SPONSORS GALORE

A truly world class field will descend to Ipoh for the 21st edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup from 24th of May - 3rd June.

That six of the seven teams in the fray for the 2012 chapter have a ticket for London Olympics invests the competition with unusual significance.

India, Pakistan, South Korea and Malaysia will provide the Asian challenge as Olympic hosts Great Britain, Oceania representatives New Zealand and Pan American champions Argentina also stake a claim for the title, the last big event before the Olympic competition gets underway this July.
 
The tournament this time acquires the character of a pre-Olympic competition. This is confirmed by the composition of the teams, which contain the nucleus that will be seen in action at the Olympiad.

And living up to its appeal to hockey fans both local and international, the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup received a tremendous boost as many organizations enhanced the stature of the tournament by presenting their sponsorship to His Royal Highness Sultan Azlan Shah.

Present at the ceremony were National Sports Council Director General Dato Zolkples Embong, Asian Hockey Federation Secretary General Tan Sri Dato Seri P. Alagendra and Malaysian Hockey Confederation Senior Vice President Dato Nur Azmi Ahmad.

Among those who pledged their support were: Astro, Perak State Government, Kuala Lumpur Kepong, Tan Sri Shamsuddin Abdul Kadir, Ngan Yin Groundnut, Tenby International, Yang Bina Sdn Bhd, Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh Tenaga Nasional Berhad, SBSK PLantation, De Nest, Famina Enterprise, National Sports Council, Boustead Holdings Berhad, Asia Bina Sdn Bhd, Sun Seng Fatt Sdn Bhd, Tan Chee Seng Sdn Bhd, Dataran Star Sdn Bhd, Spritzewr, Chillis Bar & Restaurant and Nestle Products Berhad.

"Any event cannot be successful without the support of sponsors and we are honoured that most of them are here with us today to renew their commitment towards their support of what is one of the worlds leading hockey event" said Organising Chairman Abdul Rahim Md  Ariff.

An inevitable question that surfaces in a preview often relates to identifying the possible winner. This endeavour is always based on form, the strength of the continent and a little bit of history. Viewed from this standpoint, Great Britain emerges as the favourite.

Preparing to secure a place on the podium, if not the gold itself, GB is sure to leave no stone unturned to take the trophy from Ipoh. Nothing can be a greater morale booster for the squad that ended up with a bronze in the recent four nation test event.

That India is slowly ascending on the international chart needs to be taken notice of. The new Aussie coach, Michael Nobbs, has succeeded in fashioning a fairly balanced squad notwithstanding the domestic structural inadequacies.
 
The Kiwis, led by the seasoned campaigners are renowned for their quiet efficiency. They bring in an element of sobriety, systematisation and style in their approach.
 
It is difficult to predict anything about Argentina. When things roll well no opposition is too difficult for the Pan-American champion. They have proved it umpteen times on the international arena.

Not since 2003, has a Pakistani squad picked up the glittering Azlan Shah Cup. With the Olympic Games looming large on the horizon Pakistan needs to do a lot of realistic assessment to fashion a squad that can threaten top teams.

Joint winners with India in 2010, the Koreans, for reason known only to them, have viewed this event as a rehearsal for bigger challenges ahead. Korea was lucky to make it to the Olympics after beating Ireland by the last second goal in Dublin.

With a no title  record since inception of the tournament in 1983, Malaysia’s predicament is unenviable. There have been some breath-taking performances in the competition but singular lack of consistency hampered the path to the top of the podium.

RIP RAMAMURTHI

It is with profound sadness that we report the demise of Ramamurthi, the elder brother of The Star Journalist S. Ramaguru.

I received a call from Ramaguru at dawn informing me of the loss and am told that the funeral will be held on Saturday in Seremban.

The late Ramamurthi was 59 and rushed to the Damai Hospital at around 3.00am as he had chest pains but succumbed to a heart attack.

Will update funeral details later.

My condolences to Ramaguru and his siblings as well as the rest of the family.

HEFTY PRICE TO PAY

Having seen or read all the praises and glorified words, articles and statements made by some main stream media ( ironically some by those who were not even physically present at matches) I will now reveal some startling news with regards to the Junior Asia Cup win in Malacca last Sunday.

Due to the poor, or as some say totally lack of security, five players of the cup winning squad lost their hockey sticks when fans thronged the pitch upon the final whistle.

This fact was confirmed by coach K.Dharmaraj who was flabbergasted that these so-called fans preyed on the equipment of the players.

"I sensed trouble and removed my phone and wallet from my bag when I saw the crowd spill onto the pitch," recalled Dharma.

"Whole we appreciate that the fans wanted to share their joy, a few of them took advantage of the situation and stole some of the sticks, with one players losing his entire stick bag.

"These are sticks that the players bought and my heart goes out to them as these days sticks are costly and these ate not players that are sponsored by equipment companies."

While the issue of lack of security is a serious matter, to steal from those who are now considered national heroes is a shameful and degrading act.

It is learnt that the average price of the sticks stolen ranged from RM700 to RM1,000.

Hence this blog welcomes contributions from hockey fans/officials or suppliers to do our bit by replacing the equipment lost by the players.

Any individual/cooperation can contact this blogger should you want to help the players.

GOING DUTCH?

The MHC and NSC are looking at applications from two of the famous names in Dutch hockey - Jan's Floris Bovelander and Jacques Brinkman as candidates to replace Tai Beng Hai as national coach at the end of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

Ironically June 3 is the last day of matches at Azlan Shah Cup and some 14 years ago in Utrecht it was the same date Volker Knapp ended his services as coach of the national side.

However Bovelander and Brinkman are not the only two candidates as it is learnt that an Australian, a South African and a Spaniard are also on the list of potential candidates.

The question is just who has been entrusted to look for the coach as Manjit Majid Abdullah, the most influential Vice President of MHC is also said to be scouting for coaches as are the NSC.

Some of the candidates will be in town during the Azlan Shah Cup for interview sessions with Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and a decision is expected then.

Bovelander and Brinkman have the ability to secure places for Malaysian players in the Dutch league and this is a much sought after commodity after the Juniors triumph in the recent Junior Asia Cup.

Not only is there much interest in securing a high profile coach, but there are moves to secure a consultant to assist the Project 2013, 2017 and the yet to be formed 2021 squads.

And negotiations with the potential consultant, a big name in world hockey,?is currently at the final stage by NSC.

WHAT NEXT FOR JUNIORS?

It is when the likes of heavyweights India and Pakistan try to avoid playing Malaysia does one realize that Malaysian hockey is indeed on a dawn of a new era.

For that was what happened in the preliminary rounds of the 7th Junior Asia Cup at Malacca.

Pakistan and India did their level best to avoid playing hosts Malaysia in the last four and this was evident from the manner the green shirts went about piling up the goals in order to pip India for the top spot in their group.

" Why would we want to play Malaysia in the semis and get knocked out," was the retort from Pakistan coach Rana Mujahid when asked after his team's 14-0 thumping of hapless Sri Lanka.

And India coach Baljit Singh Saini, a former Indian juniors captain was more direct.

"The manner which the Malaysians play is something we all envy as no other nation gets to keep its team together for three years as what Malaysia has done,"conceded Baljit.

So getting the opponents to sit up and take notice is certainly what the youngsters of the Project 2013 squad have done with their title winning performance in Malacca over the weekend.

The question that begs to be answered is just what direction will Malaysian hockey take after winning the title for the first time since the tournaments inception in 1987?

For starters the preparations must continue and the search for capable replacements of the six players that will not play in the Junior World Cup proper will have to take place now.

Hence it was not only surprising but shocking when coach K.Dharmaraj had in his post final press conference revealed that as many as four of the players that will be overaged for the Junior World Cup could well see action in the Sultan Johor Cup this November.

Dharma has had three years to develop a tile winning squad and surely after going through some 163 players over many different training camps and tours would have more then an inkling as to just which players that he needs to expose in order to try to match if not beat the achievements of the 1979 and 1982 Junior World Cup squads that finished fourth.

Having a project squad is not a new phenomenon in Malaysian hockey as the 79 and 82 squads were teams that were given special attention by the National Sports Council, as were the juniors of 1989, of which Dharma and Mirnawan Nawawi were members.

The 1989 squad benefitted greatly from playing as a team in the Malaysian Hockey League and this is what Dharma should plan for in preparation for the Sultan Johor Cup and the World Cup proper.

Credit and kudos to the players, the coaching and back room staff for landing Malaysia the title. And they will be duly rewarded as qualification or the Junior World Cup bags them RM7,500 each, and a further RM500 per win ensures that RM10,000 per player/official. This is not taking into consideration what Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah will top up from his own coffers. The NSC incentive scheme will raise the cash incentive by another RM1,500.

As we wait with abated breath as to just how many of these promising youngsters will make the Sultan Azlan Shah cup squad, we can all rest easy that there is yet a silver lining for hockey.

PAKISTAN SORE LOSERS

Having read the article below , perhaps it's time to reveal what the Pakistan Junior Hockey team did in Malacca during the Junior Asia Cup.

Just an insight first - they accused the organisors of making their stay a living hell, to the extent of even accusing bus drivers of challenging them to fights and so forth.

And they have the cheek now to claim that biased umpiring cost them the title.

What load of bull?

Read what they claim below and judge if this is a SORE loser statement.

KARACHI: Hosts Malaysia clinched the Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament after defeating an in-form Pakistan side 2-1 in the final in Malacca.
However, the Pakistan team management complained about ‘biased umpiring’ that cost them the title.
After enjoying an unbeaten run in the run-up to the final, Malaysia proved too strong for the tourists and dominated right from the start. According to details made available, the hosts scored both goals in the first-half, also defying Pakistan’s attempts on goal.
However, Pakistan hit back and scored their opener after the interval through Mohammad Irfan. But they failed to find the equaliser, much to the dismay of head coach Rana Mujahid.
“It was biased umpiring that affected our performance in the final,” Mujahid told The Express Tribune from Malacca. “The two referees from Germany and Argentina kept on favouring the hosts with their decisions. They affected several moves of the team with their wrong decisions and also denied us short-corners on several occasions.
“I have the video as evidence and we will file a formal complaint against them in the World Hockey Federation.”
However, Mujahid expressed his satisfaction at the team’s performance. “The team played really well. It achieved the main target of reaching the Junior World Cup. Although there were a few mistakes, I am satisfied with the team’s overall performance.”
The team will return home tonight where it is expected to get a warm welcome from the Pakistan Hockey Federation officials.

HAIL MALAYSIA - CHAMPIONS OF ASIA

Malaysia ended a 20 year wait when they edged Pakistan 2-1 in the final of the Asia Junior Cup at the MBMB Stadium in Malacca.

Barely 30 seconds into the match and Malaysia were awarded their first penalty corner.

The Pakistanis took their time to prepare for the penalty corner, it took them almost a minute. But that did not put off Faisal Saari whose flick sailed into the left hand corner of the Pakistani goal, with custodian Mazhar Abbas diving in vain.

And the 7.500 odd fans went wild as Malaysia scored with the first look at Pakistan’s goal.

The next ten minutes was when the battles were fought in midfield as Fitri Saari from Malaysia and Pakistan’s Muhammad Umar Bhutta tried to stamp their mark.

Pakistan nearly drew level in the 12^th minute as Muhammad Irfan took a snap shot from the semi –circle but Malaysian custodian Hazrul Faiz Ahmad Sobri pulled off a brilliant save.

Firhan Ashaari could have doubled the advantage in the 16^th minute as he broke through the centre but he opted to go on the reverse and the move was well read by Mazhar.

But Malaysia were on song and Mohd Syamim Mohd Yusof made it 2-0 in the very next minute and Pakistan were shell -shocked.

Malaysia were guilty of overdoing things and this allowed the Pakistan trio of Irfan, Muhammad Suleman and Muhammad Dilber to make inroads into the semi circle. But stout defending by Kavin Kartik and skipper Mohd Noor Faeez Ibrahim kept them at bay.

A minute before halftime Pakistan were awarded their first penalty corner. But Muhammad Tousiq sent his attempt sailing over the bar.

At halftime Malaysian led 2-0 and there was an air of enthusiasm off around the stadium and the VIP stand. But the Malaysian players looked composed as they walked to the changing room.

Malaysia started off the second as they did the first but this time Pakistan were ready for them as they thwarted all attempts. And the green shirts started dictating play.

Pakistan reduced the deficit in the 42^nd minute as Irfan dived at full length to turn in a cross by Dilber. Suddenly the stands fell silent.

But in the very next minute Malaysia were awarded their second penalty corner. But Faeez’s drag flick was turned away by Mazhar.

Tousiq had a shot brilliantly turned away by Hazrul in the 49^th minute and from the ensuing hit in Pakistan were a shade unlucky as Dilber’s deflection hit the post.

Pakistan were going for the jugular as they sprayed crosses from both sides of the semi circle, going for deflections to catch Hazrul off guard. But the Malaysian custodian was at his best, as he turned away attempts by Dilber and Suleman in quick succession.

A skirmish broke out between the players from both teams in the 67^th minute as Syamim was fouled by Muhammad Khalid. Both were sent to the sin bin.

Dilber was presented with a golden chance to take the match into extra time with 80 seconds on the clock, but he squandered the opportunity.

CHAMPION	MALAYSIA
RUNNER-UP	PAKISTAN
THIRD	INDIA
FOURTH	KOREA
FIFTH	JAPAN
SIX	CHINA
SEVEN	IRAN
EIGHT	SRI LANKA
5 SPECIAL AWARDS
MAN OF THE MATCH	KAVIN KARTIK (MAS)
TOP GOAL SCORER	YANG JIHUN (KOREA) - 6 GOALS  FAISAL SAARI (MAS) - 6 GOALS
BEST GOALKEEPER	HAZRUL FAIZ AHMAD SOBRI (MAS)
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT	HAZRUL FAIZ AHMAD SOBRI (MAS)
FAIRPLAY	CHINA