Wednesday, June 27, 2012

A WINNING START


 Malaysia trashed Singapore 7-0 in their opening match of the Women's Junior Asia Cup in Bangkok this evening.

Norazlin Sumantri opened scoring in the second minute converting a penalty corner before doubling the advantage with a field goal in the 21st minute.

Goals by Norhashikin Halim ( 27th minute ) Hanis Nadiah Onn ( 32nd and 35th minutes) gave Malaysia a comfortable 5-0 lead at halftime.

Nuraslinda Said scored in the 59th minute to make it 6-0 before Raja Norsharina Raja Shabuddin completed the rout by scoring in the 64th minute.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

THE MOB CULTURE


We all know what that means as so far as being on the streets is concerned. But surely one would not expect such mentality from supposedly grown up mature individuals at the helm of Malaysian hockey, who sadly claim that hockey interest is utmost on their minds.

I wish to share the experience of such mentality during the short spell I tried to assist the MHC from the inside.

I was appointed or so was what the letter of appointment stated, as a member of the MHC Competitions Committee, to be precise the so-called Technical Committee in April.

The intention was noble, that I part with my knowledge to advise the committee on how to manage competitions in order to have them run more cost effectively, taking into consideration the needs of the players, states, media and fans.

I could see genuine interest amongst the members as they deliberated on matters with concern, accepting changes proposed that we're drastic yet for the good of the game like closing of entries a month before an event and many more which I shall not deliberate.

I however resigned from that committee via an email sent to Dato Abd Rahim Md Ariff during the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup after the incident with the national coach as Rahim being also the Organising Chairman deemed it not important to act on my complaint and acted in cohorts with a Senior Vice President to smear my name.

Now prior to me accepting the role in the committee, they had already decided to seek my services to act as a media officer for all their domestic tournaments and I was to be paid accordingly.

This however did not get to a proper start as the current Secretary General and the Senior VP refused to honour payment for the National Under 16 Tournament in Kedah.

Moving on, the Sukma are due to be held in Kuantan and there are a total of 66 officials allocated for hockey.

Hashim Mohd Yusof was appointed Tournament Director more than a year ago and despite his impending departure from MHC, he agreed to fulfil his responsibilities, against his better judgement.

The organisers required for a list of officials to be submitted by 20 June and Hashim seeing that dissemination of match reports in a multi sports carnival will be difficult approached me to serve in Sukma as the Assistant Tournament Director.

He had approached the members of the MHC Technical Committee and since all were tied up requested me to consider serving as I was free and could also do the media services at no additional cost to MHC. A noble gesture that has since gone wrong.

To be fair to Hashim, I did write to Rahim and Johari with regards to the nomination especially when I came to know that certain personalities were conspiring with Johari to question the appointment.

A formal letter was emailed to me by Johari while Rahim just kept his silence, trying to be the politician he always is.

And presto, Kol B. Muthukumar has now questioned my appointment and made it an issue which I am compelled to address here.

Firstly my progression as you put it is not media for I was the youngest ever Secretary to a state hockey body, was a qualified umpire at the age of 17, and have organised not only state but international events. And unlike your assertion, I am also a competent football match commissioner as well. I have been involved in the administration of sports since 1982 and proudly served in various capacities.

As stated earlier the intention was noble, to do dual responsibilities in trying to save MHC cost. Since you feel hard up about it Muthu, maybe you can go and serve since you may not be satisfied that you or your loyal supporters have not been appointed. But at the same time please list down how many tournaments that you have been appointed to for the last 6 months and do not forget to omit the Razak Cup where you lobbied to be the TD so as to impress the President.

Let's talk principles as well then, since you are with the Armed Forces HA, do you think you will not be bias as a TD as your team is also involved? That answer requires a principle answer!

Coming back to this whole issue, it all boils down to Dato Rahim who seriously should vacate his position as Chairman since he cannot spare time to answer emails or plan for meetings. You have been surviving on the hard work by Hashim and the manner in which you treat him these days is utterly disgusting.

And to Johari, you may try to portray that you are a jack of all trades but you clearly are the master of none. Wake up from your slumber , accept reality and not look at everything with disdain, for time is running out as you try your divide and rule concept.

I have nothing personal against Muthu, since he was umpiring in the NS League when I was the state Hon Secretary in 1987. But when you and your henchmen opted to sideline my brother from AHF appointments, you made it personal.

This further enhances the fact that you do not look at the bigger picture but are only out to serve the interest of your cronies and those who think not for hockey at large.

What hope is there for hockey?


Friday, June 22, 2012

LU NI BODOH



That literally translated from Malay to English bluntly means " u r stupid".

Now who said that to me does not warrant a revelation as yet and I promise you I shall expose the person.

Hurt? Angered? Disgusted? Seriously I could not be bothered as I rather be branded stupid than actually tell a lie by hiding behind the word professionalism.

It all entails to my efforts to find out details with regards to the meeting between MHC, NSC and Paul Revington.

But this person, and another who opted to lie to me prior to the 5/6 placing at the Azlan Shah Cup when he claimed he had no knowledge of efforts nor was party to negotiations with the South African, hiding behind the word professionalism makes me want to puke.

Now if both of you claim to be professionals, let us see you support the participation of the Project 2013 Squad in the MHL this season.

This has been done for the 1989 JWC where they managed to finish sixth. Bit it was then stopped and we have been finishing in double figures ever since.

So called professionals, who claim others are stupid, let's see how intelligent you are....

MUSICAL CARS, OOPS CHAIRS


Though no official announcement has been made, there has not been a denial either from the MHC or NSC officials with regards to the appointments of Paul Revington and Arul Selvaraj to helm the national team from July 1.

Officially Revington's term with Ireland will expire at the end of June this paving way for him to commence work in July. As for Arul he has been helping the national juniors since early April.

The fact that a car rotation was enforced by a staff of Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah yesterday further reaffirms the story in this blog and by Jugjet Singh in NST a couple of days ago.

Oh yes about the cars, the car that was used by Krishnan, the MHC staff who suffered a stroke in early April, is now reassigned to Arul, while Hashim Yusof who leaves MHC at the end of this months surrenders his car to Lim Chiow Chuan.

The MPV that Chiow Chuan uses currently will most likely be handed to Revington. And the vehicle that was used by former Secretary Maninderjit Singh is now lying parked in the house of current Secretary Johari Abdul Aziz.

What I do know is that the manner in which MHC/NSC handled the affair has not gone down well Down Under and being a recipient of an email outlining just that, I do understand the sentiments.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

REVINGTON AND ARUL IT IS



A clandestine meeting over lunch, a hush hush arrival and a statement expected in two days time.

That is the scenario of Malaysian hockey as Paul Revington discussed terms with officials from the National Sports Council, Malaysian Hockey Confederation and the national team manager.

Revington arrived in Malaysia on June 17 and is expected to leave on June 21, after the announcement of his appointment by MHC President Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.

It is learnt that those at the discussion were NSC Director General Dato Seri Zolkples Embong, MHC Secretay Johari Abdul Aziz and George Koshy, whose position in MHC remains unclear after the failed Olympic Qualifiers in Dublin in March.

It is said that Koshy was the person responsible to initiate discussions as far back as April and had played a key role in securing their services.

The irony however is why such secrecy and even NSC officer Ariffin Ghani claimed he had no inkling of the meeting.

A SMS to Dato Seri Zol confirmed the lunch meeting but he opted to ignore requests for a statement, both via SMS and email.

An SMS sent to Arul Selvaraj too went unanswered though he is normally the first to react to blog postings.

So the duo will have their work cut out as the MHL is scheduled for mid September to first week of November.

And it is now learnt that the Sultan of Johor Cup has been brought forward from 8 to 18 November to accommodate the Champions Challenge from 24 November to December 3 in Argentina.

So when is the Project 2013 team going to train as well as the national team. Mind you that the Razak Cup is the first week of September.

Obviously holding secret meetings and not discussing such matters at the Executive Board nor bringing the High Performance Committee Chairperson S.Shamala on board to discuss with the coaches emphasises that non MHC officials call the shots.

Monday, June 18, 2012

GREED OR POWER CRAZY?

The above, though not in exact form was presented to the Executive Board of the Malaysian Hockey Federation at its meeting yesterday.

Though the chart was distributed and then collected back from the members of the EB, the chart is reflective of where the MHC is headed.

If one is to notice, both Lim Chiow Chuan and Tai Beng Hai have been given double duties, thus indicating that Malaysia does not have capable coaches to fill up the vacant positions created in the name of planning.

While the 1MAS Steering Committee had given Lim a choice to decide between 1MAS and the Project 2017, it seems that the decision is now over-ruled by the EB. Hence if the Steering Commiittee members have any principles, they ought to resign.

Looking at the chart, which I am told will be modified to reflect that Paul Revington and his team will not report to Beng Hai, it is ironic that the womens team has not been given a Juniors team, hence the development aspect is solely for men.

Coming back to Revington, it is learnt that he comes with a package, with his assistant Arul Selvaraj being his assistant.

It is learnt that a national team official flew to London to negotiate with Revington after the Junior Asia Cup in Malacca. So when Paul Gaudoin 's name was thrown into the hat, it was panic stations as now HRH Sultan of Perak was involved since Ric Charlesworth had two audiences with Sultan Azlan Shah on the final day of SAS Cup.

And when this blogger had provided details of the terms requested by Gaudion, no effort was made to further negotiate with him as they had committeed to Revington and thus used Gaudoin's excessive demands, as how NSC puts it now, as a reason why they could not opt for the Aussie.

There was also a proposal that both be employed, but if that happened, so what excuse was they to give to deny Gaudoin had it materialised?

Coming back to Lim and Beng Hai, they must have great godfathers in MHC as the Coaching Commiittee never did discuss these appointments, and ironically give four positions to two persons does not make sense at all.

 


 


Sunday, June 17, 2012

COMEDY COURT

Though I was unable to attend the Press Conference post MHC Executive Board meeting, and despite the best efforts by some other Journalists to seek info from the Secretary of MHC, as we were all at the launch of the Mr.Hockey book at PJ, some of the information that I derived from a few calls revealed this:

- that it is perfectly okay to fail to qualify for the World Cup and Olympics as it is more rewarding to fail. If you are wondering what I am blabbering about , well Mr. Tai Beng Hai has been appointed as the Coaching Director of MHC and has a nine year tenure as he is also the Project 2021 coach.

- Stephen van Huizen, the only Malaysian coach in the last 28 years ( since LA 1984) to have taken the national team through an Olympic Qualifier ( for the Sydney Olympics) has his secondment nullified and sent back to serve his employers.

There is just so much to write, especially how the Secretary misled the EB but not revealing the contents of the letter of resignation of Hashim Mohd Yusof as it implicated the Senior Vice President, whom I was told by Manindejit Singh this evening was one of the key factors of him parting ways with MHC abruptly last March.

Well invoke the OSA in MHC and to that Senior VP who threatened me with a law suit and made nasty remarks together with the Secretary, I have this to say, you are not in my pay bracket.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

CLUB OR COUNTRY?

We have gone through this issue numerous times and it shall rear it's ugly head yet again this year.

With the Razak Cup scheduled for early September, the timing of the Malaysian Hockey League is once again the subject of debate and we await what will come out of the MHC Executive Board that meets Sunday.

Initially it was said that failure to make the Olympics will ensure that the MHL will be given due attention and clubs need not worry on getting their players released from national duty.

Now with the Razak Cup moved to September, the league can only start mid September.

And in November while the Juniors play in the Sultan of Johor Cup, there is an overlapping with the senior side who will play in the Champions Challenge 1 in Argentina.

Meaning the club v country debate will now not only affect the seniors but juniors as well.

So what are the priorities? What will be the decision of the EB?

Will they decide to scrape the MHL? Will they decide that the Project 2013 side get first pickings and sacrifice the Champions Challenge?

Or will the Champions Challenge side be given priority and set a mediocre target so that the players and officials earn lavish bonus?

Ah yes then we have that yet to be solved issue about the new national coach!

With Tai Being Hai to be named as the new Coaching Director, will the new national coach be answerable to a coach that failed to take us to the World Cup and Olympics?

And what about the NTCC? What will be the role of Stephen van Huizen since the roles are reversed and Beng Hai will now be his boss?

Before I forget, whatever will happen to Sapura who have held negotiations with the two mentioned above? Will Sapura now have to also sacrifice for national service due to the incompetency of several office bearers in MHC who obviously have no inkling how hockey is run?

Then we have the issue of Hashim Yusof who is reportedly joined Johor HA? Another club v country if they talk Hashim out of it. Will the Secretary General release the letter of resignation so the truth will prevail or he rather keep quiet so as to protect the person who was also responsible for Mike resigning?

Friday, June 15, 2012

HOW LOW CAN PEA BRAINED PEOPLE GO


The Malaysian Hockey Confederation will hold its second Executive Board meeting this Sunday, clearly yet again not following its own constitution where it is stated that an EB meeting is to be held every two months. (The last EB meeting was February 11).

But let's not even talk about adhering to the constitution as those surrounding Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah have been giving him such sound advice on hockey that the constitution is nothing but a shred of paper.

What is more interesting is the dates of the Asia Cup in 2013.

In the agenda, it is stated that the Asia Cup, which is the qualifier for the 2014 World Cup will be held in Ipoh from Aug 30. And the women's Asia Cup will be in early October.

In case those who proposed that dates have opted to forget, due to their affiliation with a particular official who is spearheading the attacks on another official of MHC, Malaysia has qualified for the 2013 Junior World Cup which will be held in November 2013 in New Delhi.

So why is there no thought given to the Sultan Johor Cup which should be held at least two months before the Junior World Cup?

Holding the Sultan Johor Cup in early September will then provide our Juniors with a perfect platform to prepare for their Delhi assignment.

And the Asia Cup could be organized late June, just before the fasting month commences.

Which now brings about the question on the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and the re-structured Malaysian Hockey League? When will these two tournaments be held?

Why ask me when there are some intelligent officials in MHC who do nothing but bad mouth this blogger to Tengku Abdullah who in turn keeps asking what is my agenda rather then looking into the bigger picture as to why his so called competent officials cannot even arrange one attachment program for players overseas?

Now talking about the agenda, the meeting was scheduled for 5pm but has since been moved to 4pm. Looking at the agenda clearly shows that the EB will also discuss trivial matters such as bonus for the MHC staff and the resignation of Hashim Mohd Yusof.

The staff get paid allowances when they go for tournaments such as the Junior Asia Cup and the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. So really for May the MHC office was shut. And you want to talk about bonus when they were on paid leave? Besides these matters should be discussed at the Finance Committee meeting.

And about the resignation of Hashim, why is his letter of resignation not circulated as it has allegations against a MHC official who was the cause of the resignation?

Why was the resignation of Maninderjit Singh as Secretary not discussed at the MHC Council meeting? It is now learnt that the same official was the reason why Mike left MHC.

MHC is in wilderness as the administration is a sham, no disrespect to the current secretary who seems to have taken sides in the battle for power in the corridors of the Bukit Jalil Stadium.

It is clear that the battle lines have been drawn as the two officials are in the process of preparing for the 2014 elections, battle lines drawn, all at the expense of hockey.

And before I forget, to the two pea brained officials who poisoned the President with allegations against me, I will hunt you till your graves.

Footnote; Trust Paul Gaudoin not to get the coaching job as I was involved in the initial discussions with him.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

FORCES CHAMPS

ARMED FORCES ARE CHAMPS


Armed Forces lifted the Raja Noora Ashikin Cup for the first time in the history of the competition when they defeated Malacca 3-0 in the final at the Seremban 2 Hockey Stadium.
It was a final that pitted the experience of the Armed Forces against the youthful exuberance of the Malacca side, who were a last minute entry into the tournament.
www.rnacup.blogspot.com

SUKMA DRAW

Below is the grouping of the Mens Hockey Competition for SUKMA as conducted today. Received SMS from a friend, not MHC, and sharing it with all since you might get it late from the powers that be in hockey

GROUP A
Kuala Lumpur
Perak
Terengganu
Kelantan
Selangor
Kedah
Negeri Sembilan


GROUP B
Malacca
Penang
Perlis
Sarawak
Johor
Pahang

Not participating is Sabah

Friday, June 8, 2012

BENG HAI COACHING DIRECTOR?



Tai Beng Hai who failed to steer the national team to the London Olympics has been appointed as the MHC Coaching Director.

That was the statement made by Johari Abdul Aziz, the MHC Hon. Secretary over TV tonight.

And Beng Hai was also quoted to be saying that it was a new challenge.

The irony is that top guns of MHC and NSC had a meeting on Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur and this matter was brought up but no firm decision made.

And just on last Sunday, the MHC Coaching Committee had decided to advertise the position.

Such an important appointment has been announced by the Secretary and not the President nor with consent from either the Executive Board or Council makes one wonder if decisions in the MHC are made over a cup of coffee and announced when someone feels like it!

Another issue to be of concern is that there is a newly formed, in line with the MHC Constitution, High Performance Committee, where Prof Dr. S.Shamala is the Chairperson.

This Committee rightfully should be involved in the discussions with regards to the appointments of either national coaches, consultants or directors.

And here is additional news for all readers, it seems that MHC will soon have a Media Officer who was offered the job by Johari during the Azlan Shah Cup.

So resignations accepted, appointments made, all with total disregard of the running of a proper national association that adheres to its constitution.

Let it be clear that this blog has no issues with Beng Hai being appointed, but when some pea brained personalities start bad mouthing this blog as their agenda is being de-railed, then it is only fair that we expose their misdeeds.

So really Tuanku, did you actually endorse the announcement of Beng Hai as the Coaching Director?

Or was it done to fulfill the agenda of a certain personality that used the Secretary so as to promote his own agenda?

Start using and adhering to the constitution please, is that too much to ask for?

Thursday, June 7, 2012

KEDAH, FORCES, TERENGGANU ON A ROLL


Armed Forces and Kedah took control of Group A of the Raja Noora Ashikin Cup by recording their third successive wins at the Seremban 2 Hockey Stadium.
Armed Forces defeated Malacca 5-1 while Kedah blanked SMK PJ2, 8-0 and are on nine points with the Army side topping the pool with a better goal difference.
 
For more read: www.rnacup.blogspot.com

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

ATM, PDRM STAMP THEIR CLASS


Last year’s runner up, Armed Forces continued their relentless march in the Raja Noorashikin Cup by trashing Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan PJ 2 14-0 in a Group A match at the Seremban 2 Hockey Stadium.
This was their second win in as many days after they had defeated Sarawak 3-0 in the first match on Wednesday.

Read www.rnacup.blogspot.com

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

SIKH FESTIVAL OF SPORTS


RNA CUP FIXTURES


MALAYSIA HOCKEY CONFEDERATION (MHC)
7TH. RAJA NOORA ASHIKIN (RNA) CUP 2012.
                                                     
POOLS  A ’                                               POOLS   ‘ B ’

                                                         ATM                                                              PDRM
                                                      SMK PJ 2                                                      KL SUKMA
                                                      SARAWAK                                                   P. PINANG
                                                      SINGAPORE                                                TERENGGANU
                                                      KEDAH                                                          N. SEMBILAN
                                                      PERAK                                                           MS POLITEKNIK
                                                      MELAKA

DATE
NO
TIME
PITCH
POOL
TEAM
VS
TEAM

5TH. JUNE

TUESDAY

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.30 AM
7.30 AM
3.30 PM
3.30 PM
5.00 PM
5.00 PM
1
2
1
2
1
2
A
B
A
B
A
B
KEDAH
PDRM
ATM
KL SUKMA
MELAKA
PULAU PINANG

PERAK
SM POLITEKNIK
SARAWAK
NEGERI SEMBILAN
SMK PJ 2
TERENGGANU

6TH. JUNE

WEDNESDAY


7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
7.30 AM
7.30 AM
9.00 AM
9.00 AM
3.30 PM
3.30 PM
5.00 PM
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
SINGAPORE
PDRM
KEDAH
KL SUKMA
ATM
SM POLITEKNIK
SINGAPORE

PERAK
NEGERI SEMBILAN
SARAWAK
TERENGGANU
MELAKA
PULAU PINANG
KEDAH


7TH. JUNE

THURSDAY
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
7.30 AM
7.30 AM
9.00 AM
9.00 AM
3.30 PM
3.30 PM
5.00 PM
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
KEDAH
TERENGGANU
SINGAPORE
PULAU PINANG
KEDAH
TERENGGANU
ATM

SMK PJ 2
NEGERI SEMBILAN
SARAWAK
PDRM
MELAKA
SM POLITEKNIK
SMK PJ 2
  8TH. JUNE
FRIDAY





REST DAY




9TH. JUNE

SATURDAY
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
7.30 AM
7.30 AM
9.00 AM
9.00 AM
3.30 PM
3.30 PM
5.00 PM
5.00 PM
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
A
SINGAPORE
KL SUKMA
SARAWAK
NEGERI SEMBILAN
KEDAH
PULAU PINANG
SMK PJ 2
SINGAPORE

SMK PJ 2
PDRM
PERAK
PULAU PINANG
ATM
K.L SUKMA
PERAK
MELAKA


10TH. JUNE

SUNDAY
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
7.30 AM
7.30 AM
9.00 AM
9.00 AM
3.30 PM
3.30 PM
5.00 PM
5.00 PM
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
A
A
B
B
A
A
A
B
ATM
MELAKA
SM POLITEKNIK
PDRM
SMK PJ 2
SINGAPORE
MELAKA
NEGERI SEMBILAN

PERAK
SARAWAK
KL SUKMA
TERENGGANU
SARAWAK
ATM
PERAK
SM POLITEKNIK

11TH. JUNE
MONDAY
37.
38.
8.00 AM
8.00 AM
1
2

CHAMPION POOL A
CHAMPION POOL B

RUNNER UP POOL B
RUNNER UP POOL A
12TH. JUNE
TUESDAY
39.
40.
3.00 PM
5.00 PM
1
1

LOOSER MATCH 37TH.
WINNER MATCH 37TH.

LOOSER MATCH  38TH
WINNER MATCH 38TH.