TNBMHL: CHARITY SHIELD PREVIEW

The TNB-Malaysian Hockey League gets underway on Saturday and players will be motivated by the fact that they stand a chance to impress national coach Paul Revington who has stated that he will base his selection on criteria and not past glory or history.

Thus players who have had their careers cut short over the years will undoubtedly grab this chance to make the national training squad that has the Champions Challenge 1 and Asian Champions Trophy in November and December respectively.

 

Read more...www.tnbmhl.com.my

A BLOW TO STATES

It is learnt from fellow journalists that newly appointed national coach Paul Revington will call up players for national training right after the MHL is over on October 10.

And with Razak Cup commencing on October 14, that means the players will only join the their state teams on the eve of the tournament.

Revington might not be aware that the Razak Cup is celebrating its 50th anniversery and is the longest running event besides the Malaysia Cup of football in the nations sporting history.

"I will watch the Malaysia Hockey League (starting on Saturday) to select 25 to 30 players for a few days of training before releasing the players to their state teams for the Razak Cup."

That statement effectively deals a blow to the Razak Cup, and since MHC now have dealt a severe blow to the tournament named after the current Prime Minister's father, its best to call it off since it shows that the Razak Cup should be sent to the archives.

Wonder what the states will have to say, knowing them nothing as all they are interested is in junkets. 

ZIDANE AIMS FOR TREBLE

Although he is the country’s ace striker, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tg Jalil has never won the top scorers award in the TNB Malaysian Hockey League since making his debut in 2005.

But winning personnal accolades has never been the aim of the 26 year old who is pursuing his degree in Human Resources at the Universiti Putra Malaysia.

 

Read more...www.tnbmhl.com.my

THE IRONY OF THE RAZAK CUP

It was at one time the most premier tournament in the country. A players career would not have been complete without playing in the Tin Razak Cup.

And this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Tun Razak Cup, which since the inception of the Malaysian Hockey League in 1987, has seen a steady slide in prestige.

One would have expected the Malaysian Hockey Confederation to pay more attention since it was after all the 50th edition and above all it was a trophy named after the father of the current Prime Minister.

So when it was decided that Kuantan play host to the event, hopes were raised that the revival of Razak Cup will take place, but that soon was seen as wishful thinking.

The dates were set for September 1-9 but were changed to December before moved to October. And it all boiled down to the whims and fancies but a state who dictated terms, stating that with Hari Raya on August 19, teams will not have enough time to train.

But with the dates now only four days after the end of MHL, that argument seems to have been forgotten.

Back to the organization though, the MHC are guilty of paying scant respect to it, preferring to focus on the FIH Congress that they will host at the beginning of October, a classics case of ignoring your own and feting the guests.

What have the MHC done to uplift the Razak Cup? Why have they not worked on getting it properly organized? Why have the opted the 50th edition to just go by without the pomp and fanfare normally accorded for such an anniversary?

These questions beg to be answered but trust me when I say they do not care as what's more important is winning votes and safeguarding their positions.

Perhaps Najib should now call a Royal Commission of Inquiry of the failure to give due respect to the Tun Razak Cup.

Wake up from your slumber MHC, if you cannot help hockey then please fade away gracefully as you have treated the Razak Cup with contempt.

KUHAN TOILS ON

When the Malaysian Hockey League commences on Saturday, forrner national skipper S. Kuhan will earn the distinction of being the longest serving player as he made his debut for Yayasan Negeri Sembilan in 1992.

And the Sapura player is well aware of the pitfalls that face his team in the MHL this season as Sapura have not made any significant signings to pose a serious challenge to the big two - KL Hockey Club and Tenaga Nasional Berhad.

 

Read more...www.tnbmhl.com.my

MHC not allowing journalists to interview Revington until ‘ceremony

Below is an article that appeared in The Star 25th August with regards to the reluctance of the MHC to allow their new national coach to be interviewed.

In a way I am vindicated as the main stream media too have taken a stand on this matter and highlighted " the protocols " that MHC are now adopting.

Read on.....

www.thestar.com.my
By AFTAR SINGH

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) apparently care more about protocol than getting the job done.

How else does one explain the refusal of the MHC to allow newly-appointed national hockey coach Paul Revington to speak to the press? Have the MHC adopted a new policy that gags their coaches and officials from speaking freely?

It would appear so as the South African, who has been in Malaysia since Aug 9, has refused to be interviewed by journalists.

When asked why, MHC secretary Johari Aziz said it was on the orders of MHC president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.

“Tengku Abdullah will set a date for a press conference during which Revington and his assistant, Arul Selvaraj, will sign an official agreement with MHC.

“Both Paul and Arul will be allowed to talk to the reporters after the signing ceremony,” said Johari.

But why are MHC dilly-dallying – taking so long to set a date to sign the agreement when the coach has already been here for more than two weeks? And wasn’t he picked well before that? Surely, he is already being paid to be here in the first place?

Are they waiting for a propitious day that will guarantee success in all future undertakings?

Or is it the old malady of procrastination? The lack of urgency in doing anything of importance.

Revington and former Malaysian international Arul will replace Tai Beng Hai and his assistant Nor Saiful Zaini as the new national coaches when the MHC finally get around to endorsing it.

Under Beng Hai’s guidance, the team failed to qualify for the London Olympics – Malaysian hockey’s third consecutive absence from the Games.

Revington and Arul were in charge of Ireland for the qualifiers in Dublin, where Malaysia finished third.

Revington’s first assignment as the national coach, once he gets the official clearance, will be the Champions Challenge 1 in Quilmes, Argentina, from Nov 24-Dec 2.

The South African will use the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) from Sept 1-Oct 10 and Razak Cup in Kuantan from Oct 14-23 to select the players. But he will, most likely, have to wait for another ceremony before he can announce his squad.

We can only guess that he will start training the national team at the end of October.

Revington’s main task, it is believed, will be to steer Malaysia to the 2014 World Cup in The Hague, Holland.

Malaysia last featured in the World Cup in 2002 when it was held in Kuala Lumpur.

STATING FACTS

Further to my posting of the Sultan of Johor Cup the other day, I received a SMS from a key personality of the tournament stating that I had my facts wrong.

It is funny how some opt to defend themselves by just stating that we have our facts wrong instead of trying to shed light on the matter.

A good administrator would have attempted to provide clarification instead of trying to mock the blog with insinuations such as not being factually correct.

Since its all about facts, maybe he would be kind enough to respond to the following factual questions posed.

Is it factually wrong that the tournament dates were moved from the original dates without paying scant respect to Deepavali? ( Though I admit factually I forgot to add Awal Muharam to the story).

Is it factually wrong that Holland withdrew after the dates were moved?

Is it factually wrong that the list of teams confirmed has yet to be officially stated?

Is it factually wrong that they are talking about next years event when even teams for this year have yet to be ascertained?

Is it factually wrong that the tournament dates were moved to accommodate the participation of the senior side to the Champions Challenge in Argentina?

Is factually wrong to state that MHC does not know the teams coming when this was the answer provided when asked?

Well I actually administer the www.sultanjohorcup.com.my and I can factually state that this is all the facts that we have with regards to the tournament.

So maybe it's time to factually change the site to be the UNOFFICIAL site for the tournament, which I will take the liberty to do so since now its factually true I have ruffled feathers by stating facts.

HE SAID, THEY SAID.....

Sometimes one wonders if the right hand knows what the left hand is doing. And that theory that either hand is not aware of each others doing was proven right when it came to matters regarding the Malaysian Hockey Confederation.

Upon returning from the Olympics, I was told by some members of the main stream media that newly appointed national coach was out of bounds for any interview. And further to that I was told that a special press conference would be held upon receiving a suitable date from the President of MHC, Tengku Abdullah Sulatn Ahmad Shah.

It was then that I decided to ask MHC Vice President Manjit Majid Abdullah via email as he was after all the Coaching Chairman of MHC.

And as expected, given Manjit's friendly disposition, I received a claer reply, that there was no such instruction that Revington could not give an interview.

Thus I made arrangements via MHC Secretary Tuan Haji Johari Abdul Aziz to meet and interview Revington today (Friday) around 11.30 at the MHC office. And it was at 1055am that I was told Revington was in office, hence I rushed to Bukit Jalil.

"I am sorry but really I cannot say much as I have been told that a press conference will be held by MHC and I am adhering to the instruction," was all Revington was willing to be quoted on.

"I believe that MHC is holding a press conference and I am willing to speak then."

One understands perfectly well the situation Revington is, and as a professional he has to abide by rules and regulations.

But at the same time the media too has a role to play and MHC's peculiar stand is indeed intriguing to say the least.

Perhaps it was wrong to approach Manjit as there are others more powerful then him, and by this I do not mean the MHC President.

But having been removed as Media Officer of the FIH Congress after being appointed at the MHC Executive Board meeting in June, I believe anything is possible these days.

STATING FACTS

Further to my posting of the Sultan of Johor Cup the other day, I received a SMS from a key personality of the tournament stating that I had my facts wrong.

It is funny how some opt to defend themselves by just stating that we have our facts wrong instead of trying to shed light on the matter.

A good administrator would have attempted to provide clarification instead of trying to mock the blog with insinuations such as not being factually correct.

Since its all about facts, maybe he would be kind enough to respond to the following factual questions posed.

Is it factually wrong that the tournament dates were moved from the original dates without paying scant respect to Deepavali? ( Though I admit factually I forgot to add Awal Muharam to the story).

Is it factually wrong that Holland withdrew after the dates were moved?

Is it factually wrong that the list of teams confirmed has yet to be officially stated?

Is it factually wrong that they are talking about next years event when even teams for this year have yet to be ascertained?

Is it factually wrong that the tournament dates were moved to accommodate the participation of the senior side to the Champions Challenge in Argentina?

Is factually wrong to state that MHC does not know the teams coming when this was the answer provided when asked?

Well I actually administer the www.sultanjohorcup.com.my and I can factually state that this is all the facts that we have with regards to the tournament.

So maybe it's time to factually change the site to be the UNOFFICIAL site for the tournament, which I will take the liberty to do so since now its factually true I have ruffled feathers by stating facts.

SOJC IN DOLDRUMS

In just over two months time, the second edition of the Sultan Johor Cup will get underway.

The original dates were changed to accommodate that national team that will participate in the Champions Challenge 1 Tournament in Argentina.

There was no consideration given to the fact that bringing the tournament forward will affect the Deepavali celebrations that fall on November 13, smack in the midst of the tournament.

However putting that aside, since this would never have happened in the past, the shift of dates actually has had adverse effects on the teams participating.

Holland withdrew after confirming, as did Argentina who were keen but the change of dates forced them to reconsider.

So who is actually participating?

Going by some reports it's the usual suspects in the likes of India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia.

There were hopes and aspirations of making it a 7 team affair so the replies are awaited from Great Britain, Germany and Spain.

But with the so-called powerful international connections that key MHC officials claim to have, it is a surprise that we are struggling to get conformation of teams participating.

The MHC secretariat has no clue about the invites as all is being handled by the JHA.

So why talk about the 2013 event when o e cannot sort out the teams for this time around?

MAYBANK TO HIRE SHAKEEL?

Maybank, one of the pioneers of the Malaysian Hockey League are said to be looking at hiring three foreign players for the forthcoming MHL that will commence on September 1.

Though none of the Maybank officials will confirm the inclusion of foreign players, it is believed that two of the players are from Pakistan while the third is a junior player from New Zealand.

Read www.tnbmhl.com.my

BALJIT JOINS UNIKL

International Baljit Singh will be donning UniKL colours in the forthcoming Malaysian Hockey League that commences on September 1.

Last year there were indications that Baljit would move to UniKL, but a counter offer by his employers Tenaga Nasional Berhad averted the move.

However it has since become a reality as Baljit confirmed with this website that he has indeed taken up an offer by UniKL and has commenced working with them.

Read www.tnbmhl.com.my

EXCLUSIVE: FOUR WOMEN PLAYERS FOR SPANISH LEAGUE

EXCLUSIVE

While the men's section of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation continue to blow trumpets about getting players to play in foreign leagues, the women's section have been going about carrying out the task without much fanfare.

And the result is obvious as they have secured places for four players to play in the Spanish League in the coming season with the players scheduled to depart for a 8 month long participation after the World Hockey Series League matches in Kuantan in September.

"We have managed to secure places for four players in two clubs in Spain and the exposure will be invaluable," said MHC Deputy President Dr. S. Shamala.

"It is indeed a boost for womens hockey as its not easy to secure places and I hope to work out more such attachments so as to further improve our players."

 

It is an open secret that the President of MHC, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah is keen to send Malaysian players to play in foreign leagues abroad and much has been said, claimed and written about the prospects of the players.

However no inroads were made, with the exception of Faisal Saari who received offers to play in the Australian and Spanish leagues. However his commitment to his employers Tenaga Nasional Berhad has somewhat dented those aspirations.

The four women players will play for CH Alcala (Division de Honor) and CH Castelldefells (Primera Division) and are expected to be in Spain by end of September.

Prior to this, women players had trained with Korean clubs in 2008 and played in the Australian league in 2009.

The names of the players will only be released after August 16 as discussions are taking place with the National Sports Council.

A NEW SEASON, FULL OF UNHAPINESS

The new season of the Malaysian Hockey League gets underway and its not so pleasant news from all aspects.

Clubs are fuming that the shortened league - that will only run for six weeks, will not allow them to get back returns from their huge investments, in short the return of investment will not justfy the amount they will spend for the season.

Then there is the issue of sponsors questioning the ROI as well as some spend considerable amounts on the MHL but are scared that it will not reflect, once again on ROI for them. 

For more: www.tnbmhl.com.my

CALLING FOR ENTRIES

SHA PRESS RELEASE

The Selangor Hockey League 2012 (SHL2012) is back again!!!

Scheduled from Sept 15th onwards, the SHL2012 has already seen the
confirmed participation of 12 teams and is looking forward to more teams
taking part. The league was revived in 2009 after a seven (7) year lapse
and held again in 2010 has been resounding success despite the lack of
playing surfaces.

The Competition Committee Chairman & Deputy President Selangor Hockey
Association, Dato S.Sivasundaram said SHA is very committed towards
running the Selangor league, but again this year’s faces some major
challenges in terms of venues, as the Pandamaran Hockey Stadium is in dire
need of refurbishing, cleaning and stitching, while the MBPJ hockey
stadium has yet to be re-turfed. As such, the main venue for the league
will be Tun Razak Stadium, MOE Stadium in Pantai , while the UIA Hockey
field host some of the matches.

The SHL 2012 promises to deliver the same level of professionalism and
commitment to complete on schedule as well as within the budget as they
achieved in 2009 & 2010. Prize money totaling RM 11,000.00 is being
offered for the SHL 2012 which will feature at least two divisions.

The closing date for entries will be September 9th 2012 owing to the Raya
holidays. The Organizing Committee is also extending the invitation to
schools who are interested to participate in this league, and have wrote
in to the Sports Unit of the Selangor Education Department, signaling
their intent.

For further information, please refer to the Selangor Hockey Association
(SHA) official webpage www.sha.my which has the registration details and
league information.