Saturday, December 28, 2013

JANUARY 10 START FOR MJHL

The MHC-MILO-NSC Junior Hockey League 2014 will see the participation of a record number of 30 teams in the competition which will commence on January 10, with the finals scheduled for March 9.

The 30 teams were divided into two Divisions, with Division Two having 3 pools.

Division One will comprise of defending champions, Sekolah Sukan Tengku Mahkota Ismail, UniKL Young Guns, Malacca High School, Anderson-Perak SEDC, Petaling Jaya Municipal Council, SSTMI Juniors and KL Sports School Juniors.

The distribution of teams in the Second Division was based on geographical location so as to cut costs for the teams.

Division 2A will be made out of MSSSPP-USM, Sekolah Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Persatuan hoki Kota Star, Nur Insafi, 1MAS Penang, SMK Syed Hassan, 1MAS Kelantan and Matri Perlis.

Division 2B comprises of KLHC Juniors, Anderson Juniors, MSSD Larut & Selama, Felda Akademi Hoki Pahang, MSP Pahang, SMK Padang Midin, Olak-PKT and Permatang Juniors.

Division 2C will have SMK Tunku Besar Tampin, SMK Dato Mohd Taha Gemencheh, Bukit Jalil Sports School, Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors, SMK Dato Bentara Luar Batu Pahat, SM Sains Johor and Politeknik Johor Baru.

SMK Dato Penggawa Barat Pomtian withdrew this morning thus reduciung the teams in Division 2C to just 7.

The top two teams from the three pools in Division Two will move into the next round and will be divided into two groups, X & Y. They will play a one round league with the top teams of X & Y playing to determine the Champion of Division Two. The seobd placed teams will play to determine the 3rd and 4th positions.

The top four teams of Division One will be joined by the top four of the playoff in Division Two for the MILO Cup knock out stages.

In a significant move, the Most Promising Player Trophy will be named after the late Chua Boon Huat, who passed away tragically on August 1.

The MJHL was initiated in 1995 by former National Sports Council Director General Dato Wira Mazlan Ahmad and the late S. Satgunam, the former Secretary of the then Malaysian Hockey Federation.

It has since grown in stature and the interest of teams is increasing, thus it augurs well towards the development of the sport within the country.

It cannot be denied that the MHC-MILO-NSC Junior Hockey League is a platform for budding youngsters to stake their claim into the various national age group teams and eventually work their way up to the national senior squad.

As a matter of fact, all the players that represented the nation in the recent Junior World Cup had featured in the Malaysian Junior Jockey League in the past.

Current national team players in the likes of Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tg Jalil, Faizal Saari, S. Kumar, Mohd Shukri Mutalib, Mohd Razie Rahim, amongst others,  had benefitted from playing in the MJHL.

Emerging fourth in the recent Junior World Cup in New Delhi proves that Malaysia has the talent to do well internationally and therefore investing in the junior players will eventually pay off.

MILO has been the title sponsor of the MJHL since the inaugural edition in 1995 and their commitment towards the tournament has increased over the years with significant funding made available not only for the MJHL but also other age group tournaments such as the National Under 14 and Under 16 for boys and girls as well.

“We believe that it is only proper to nuture the youngsters and providing them with a platform to develop. As such the MJHL is a perfect way to develop the sport,” said Nestle Products (M) Berhad’s Sports Sponsorship Manager Ng Ping Loong.

“We at MILO are happy with the increasing interest as evident with the number of teams participating at a record high of 30 teams.

“The tournament not only provides an avenue for players to develop but also serves as a perfect avenue for the Sate Sports Council’s to prepare the teams for the Malaysian Games held every two years.

“In addition it helps the affiliates of the MHC to identify players for their various age group teams.

“On behalf of Nestle, I wish to place on record our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Malaysian Hockey Confederation for being able to sustain the tournament for the past 18 years and we will continue to support it in the years to come.”

Teams from all states in the Peninsular are participating in the MJHL with Sabah and Sarawak not represented.

Johor and Kuala Lumpur has the largest number of entries with five teams each, followed by Perak (4), Penang and Selangor ( 3 each), Pahang, Perlis and Negri Sembilan (2 each) while Malacca, Terengganu and Kelantan are fielding one team each.

Those making their debut in the MJHL are KLSS Juniors, MSSSWP Juniors Kuala Lumpur, MSSD Larut Matang & Selama Perak, Persatuan Hoki Kota Star Kedah, Permatang Juniors Selangor, SMK Dato Bentara Luar Batu Pahat, Politeknik Johor Baru, SMK Syed Hassan Perlis and Felda Hoki Akademi Pahang.

“We are honoured that many teams have shown interest and there is no denying that the MJHL is one of the most awaited tournaments in the calendar of Malaysian Hockey,” said MHC Vice President and Chairman of the Competitions Committee M. Gobinathan.

“We are thankful that MILO has been supporting the tournament all these years and we at MHC will strive to improve the running of the MJHL.

“I wish the teams all the best and we look forward to a successful tournament.

“On the format, we had time constraints if Division Two was to be contested in two pools. We hope that by 2015 we will have 10 teams in Division One as four teams will be promopted from the lower division while only the last placed team will be relegated.”

Thursday, December 26, 2013

UNPAID DUES BY MHC


It  may be the season of giving but not in the case of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation.

For their affiliates are fuming that the national body has not paid them their subsidies for participation in the various national tournaments since October.

And this has caused the states to question the priorities of MHC as it has sent the national teams to various tours of late.

MHC has yet to pay participation subsidies for the Raja Noora Ashikin Cup held in October, the National Under 16 Indoor  , the National Under 14 for boys and girls and the recently concluded National Under 21.

The amount ranges from RM3,000 to RM5,000 per state per tournament.

That is not all for Perak and Terengganu who played host to the RNA Cup and Under 14 have yet to receive their organizational grants of RM35,000 and RM70,000 respectively.

"They expect states to participate in every tournament yet they fail to make good their word on subsidy payment " said an irate state hockey association official who declined to be named in fear of repercussions.

"The MHC must also understand that we at the state level are hard pressed financially as so many tourneys are held close to each other.

"We take into account the subsidies to be received and many a time have to dig deep into our pockets when subsidies are not received even though the tournament has concluded."

But while the states are unhappy, they are grateful to the MHC President Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah whom they feel has done a lot to uplift the profile and performance of the sport.

"Our President is a class act and may not even be aware of the predicament on the non payment of subsidies," added another official.

"We need to address this issue and hope MHC will settle the dues soon."

For the record the MHC will hold its council meeting on January 4 in Kuantan

Friday, November 29, 2013

OTHERS MIGHT AS WELL WITHDRAW

New Delhi: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Leandro Negre expects India to be a force to reckon with in the upcoming Hero Junior World Cup but said it won't be easy for the hosts to win the tournament to be held here from December 6-15.

Negre said the event is the perfect platform for talented young hockey players to make a name for themselves. "Of course, if India were to win the tournament the impact would be huge, but with so many great hockey nations competing it is really difficult to predict who will lift the trophy," Negre said of the tournament to be held at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium.

Speaking on the topic of India's promising young brigade making the transition from junior to senior level, he said: "India has always been strong at the junior level. However, it is not always easy to make the transition from junior to senior hockey.

"This is not something which is unique to India but applies to every hockey playing nation in the world. That said, the India men's team is very talented and looks to have a fine crop of young talent coming through the ranks. I think it's really important that India gets behind the team during the Junior World Cup as fan support can really make a big difference. The future looks bright for Indian hockey," he said in a statement.

The fact that the event is being hosted in India is an added bonus for Negre as he is extremely fond of the country.

"I am really looking forward to visiting the country again. I love everything about coming to India. I am always made to feel extremely welcome here. Hockey events in India are always very special, and the atmosphere when the home team are in action is something that has to be seen to be believed. It is a real privilege to experience it," he said.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

JOEL, HAFIZ AND NOR AQMAL MAKE THE CUT


JOEL, HAFIZ AND NOR AQMAL MAKE THE CUT Featured

Thursday, 21 November 2013 15:32
    JOEL, HAFIZ AND NOR AQMAL MAKE THE CUT
    It is truly a day that the Van Huizen family will cherish. For Lawrence van Huizen was inducted into the Olympic Council of Malaysia Hall of Fame.
    And hours earlier in the day, Joel van Huizen made the cut to be included into the final 18 of the national team for the Junior World Cup that will be held in New Delhi from Dec 6-15.


    Thursday, November 14, 2013

    TEAMS MAY WITHDRAW FROM U14 TOURNAMENT


    TEAMS MAY WITHDRAW FROM UNDER 14 TOURNAMENT
    The National Under 14 Championships that will be held from November 18 till 27 could well be hit by several last minute withdrawals.

    A total of 14 boys teams and 12 girls teams had confirmed their participated in the tournament hosted by the Terengganu Hockey Association.

    However some states are having second thoughts of participation following the inability of the hosts to provide accommodate and internal transport for participating teams.

    THREE IN A ROW FOR SELANGOR


    SELANGOR MAKE IT THREE IN A ROW
    Selangor won the National Indoor Under 16 title for the third successive year when they edged Sabah 2-1 in the final played at the the National Sports Council Indoor Arena in Bukit Jalil.
     
    Selangor had won the two previous editions and the final was a repeat of last years encounter where Selangor prevailed.

    www.malaysianhockey.com.my
     

    START WORKING TOGETHER


    START WORKING TOGETHER!
    It may only be the SEA Games, but the level of politics within the Malaysian Hockey Confederation reached its peak as two key officials created a furoe over a small issue.
     
    The fact that Senior Vice President Dato Azmi Ahmad and Vice President Manjit Majid Abdullah do not see eye to eye is an open secret.
     
    And those in the hockey fraternity are all too aware of the spat between these two, as they guard their territories with vengence.

    ALL EYES ON FELDA


    ALL EYES ON FELDA
    The Malaysian Hockey League Premier Division is not expected to start until October next year.
     
    But the hockey circles is abuzz with news of player movements, the same as what is happening in the football M-League. And all this excitement boils down to one thing, that there will be a new club making its entry into the MHL.
     
    Although nothing has been confirmed yet,  it is understood that Felda will be venturing into hockey in a big way. And the who’s who of Malaysian hockey is being associated with the club.
     

    Saturday, November 9, 2013

    AN HISTORIC FEAT BY MALAYSIAN WOMEN SQUA


    AN HISTORIC FEAT BY MALAYSIAN WOMEN SQUAD
    The malaysian women team achieved the unthinkable, by winning the bronze medal at the Asian Champions Trophy in Kakamigahar in Japan.
    The unsung Malaysia side defeated China 3-1 in the bronze medal playoff. And the bronze at Asian level comes as a welcome surprise as not many, including this website, had given them a ghost of a chance to win a medal at the ACT. Champions Trophy.

    Friday, November 8, 2013

    JUNIORS GET OFF TO A WINNING START


    JUNIORS GET OFF TO A WINNING START
    The National Juniors defeated Egypt 2-0 in the first of the four match series between the to teams ahead of next month's Junior World Cup in New Delhi.
    Goals by Shahril saabah in the 18th minute and Dangerous Lee in the 34th minute gave the Malaysians a comfortable win as they played without key players such as Fitri Saari, Firhan ashaari, Izad Hakimi, Faiz Helmi, Azri Hassan, Mohd Syamim Yusof, Rashid Baharom, Meor Azuan, Shazril Irwan Nazli and Kavin Karthik.

    INDISCIPLINE COSTS MALAYSIA DEAR


    INDISCIPLINE COSTS MALAYSIA DEAR
    On a day where India outfoxed Malaysia in the boardroom of the FIH headquarters in Lausanne, the Indian hockey team rubbed salt into the wounds of Malaysian hockey by edging the Malaysian team 4-3 at the Asian champions Trophy in Kakamigahara, Japan.
    The defeat put paid any chance Malaysian had of making the final, and had it not been the heroics of keeper S. Kumar, Malaysia could well have ended up playing the 5/6th classification against Oman on Sunday.

    FAITHAL TO ASSUME CHAIRMANSHIP


    FAITHAL TO ASSUME CHAIRMANSHIP
    Secretary pof the Malaysian hockey Confederation Umpires Committee Faithal Hassan looks likely to assume the role of Chairman of the committee on Saturday.
    In a specially called meeting opf the Umpires Committee following the resignation opf Lt Col (R) B. Muthukumar, an interim Chairman appointment is one of the agendas of the meeting.

    FEELING SORRY FOR MHC



      FEELING SORRY FOR MHC
      A prophecy has been disturbed by the International Hockey Federation in naming India as the host of the 2018 World Cup.

      A look at history will reveal that Malaysia always play host after the World Cup is hosted by Holland.

      It happened in 1975 when Kuala Lumpur played host for the first time after  Amstelveen had played host in 1973.

      And in 2002 it was Kuala Lumpur again in 2002 after Utrecht had hosted the 1998 event.

      With The Hague hosting the 2014 edition, all indications were that Malaysia were the perfect hosts for an expanded field of 16 countries for the World Cup.

      Tuesday, November 5, 2013

      HIT AT THE DEATH



      Conceding last minute goals is something that the Malaysian hockey team just cannot overcome.

      For they were defeated by Pakistan 1-0 at the Asian Champions Trophy, the goal coming 30 seconds from time via Ahmad Shahrzad.

      Conceding these killer goals is not new to the team as only last Saturday they lost 1-0 to Japan, the goal coming just two seconds from time.

      In the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, Malaysia lost the final 3-2 to Australia with only four seconds on the clock.

      And going back to the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Malaysia were held to a 2-2 draw, by Pakistan with Sohail Abbas netting the equalizer with 30 seconds remaining.

      As a matter of fact, Sultan Azlan Shah has time and again reminded the hockey teams to focus on the opening and closing five minutes of each half.

      For more go to www.malaysianhockey.com.my

      Monday, November 4, 2013

      DOWN BUT NOT OUT



      The Malaysian women team succumbed to their second defeat in the Asian Champions Trophy, this time going down 5-1 to India at Kakamigahara.

      They had lost 3-0 to Japan in their opening match last Saturday and it was a far better performance against India as Malaysia took the lead in the 15th minute through skipper Nadia Abdul Rahman via a penalty corner.

      Read more at www.malaysianhockey.com.my