Malaysian
Hockey Confederation President Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has thrown a
challenge, that Malaysia makes it to the 2016 Rio de Janerio Olympics or he
shall vacate his position.
He
made this statement when launching the seminar Five Year Strategic Plan for
Pahang Hockey in Kuantan this morning.
“Therefore
I have given myself the 2016 Olympics as the key performance index to gauge my
contribution to the sport. I have faith that hockey will make it to the
Olympics, hence I will vacate my post if Malaysia does not make it.
“I
must emphasise that hockey will surely be back at the Olympics, maybe not
during my tenure but one day Malaysia will be playing at the Olympics.”
Tengku
Abdullah however remained cautious in the recall of several ex-internationals
into the national team as revealed by nely appointed national coach Paul
Revington.
“Personally
as President, I would have preferred younger players to be included into the
national team, but the decision is left to the coach,” said Tengku Abdullah.
“But
the coach has his KPI and may be looking at both the short and long term
targets, as we have the Asia Cup next year and will provide a spot for the 2014
World Cup.
“I
hope that the players that have been given a second lease will work hard
towards helping achieve the targets set.”
The
one-day seminar on Pahang Hockey is earmarked to ensure that the state will be
a force to be reckoned with in years to come. A total of 70 participants
attended the seminar from the nine districts.
A
podium finish of within 3-5 years has been earmarked with all teams, from the
Under 14, 16,21, Razak Cup, Junior Hockey League and Malaysian Hockey League to
win gold in 2017.
One
of the key factors in the development plan is to ensure that district and state
leagues are held in order to identify players that will go on to don Pahang
colours in national tournaments.
“I
do hope that affiliates of the MHC will also look towards holding such seminars
and coming out with long term development programs,” added Tengku Abdullah.
“In
Pahang I expect each district to produce at least one national player and that
will ensure the continued contribution of Pahang towards the national agenda.”
