INDIA QUALIFY FOR WORLD CUP

Pakistan, the nation that conceived the World Cup, donated the Trophy designed by the Pakistan Army, won the World Cup a record 4 times, are OUT of the 2014 World Cup. The first time they miss a World Cup. Oh yes, the Korean win means India qualify for The Hague.

Pakistan lost their final chance when they were defeated in the semis of the Asia Cup, 2-1 by Korea.

KUANTAN TO HOST CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE 1

Main Pitch of the Kuantan Hockey Stadium

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is pleased to announce that the Hockey Champions Challenge 1 2014 events for men and women have been allocated to the Malaysian Hockey Confederation and Scottish Hockey respectively.

The Hockey Champions Challenge 1 is an international hockey event played every two years. Part of the Champions series of events, the Champions Challenge 1 is a key qualification route to the illustrious Champions Trophy which sees the world’s elite compete. Introduced in 2001, the event was set up by the FIH to broaden hockey’s competitive base at world level. The winners of the Champions Challenges 1 in 2014 qualify for the Champions Trophy in 2016.

Both Champions Challenge 1 events are set to be held during the same week starting at the end of April.  The men’s event will be held between 26 April and 4 May 2014, with the women’s event starting one day later and also finishing on 4 May 2014.

The men’s event will take place at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium in Kuantan, the state capital of Pahang on the Eastern coast of Malaysia. The venue features two arenas, with a capacity of 7.500 spectators for the main field of play and around 3.500 for the second pitch, with both blue colour turfs laid in April 2012. The venue has previously hosted the Asia Cup in 2009 and a Hockey World League Round 1 event in 2012.

The women’s event will be held at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre at Glasgow Green, a newly constructed venue specially designed to host the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games which will be held from 23 July to 3 August next year. The Women’s Hockey Champions Challenge 1 will be the first international event at the venue which features two hockey pitches.

The men’s competition will include the following teams

• New Zealand (currently 5^th in the FIH World Ranking)
• Spain (joint 6^th)
• Korea (joint 6^th)
• South Africa (12^th)
• Malaysia (13^th)
• Canada (14^th)
• Ireland (15^th)
• Japan (16^th)

The women’s competition will include the following teams

• Korea (currently 8^th in the FIH World Ranking)
• USA (10^th)
• South Africa (11^th)
• India (12^th)
• Belgium (13^th)
• Spain (14^th)
• Ireland (15^th)
• Scotland (19^th)

IS MHC ASLEEP OR DOING MOON LIGHTING

 

THIS IS WHAT THE MHC PRESIDENT WROTE AT A SEMINAR IN JB LAST NOVEMBER

Does the Malaysian Hockey Confederation still exist or are they busy moon lighting and enjoying life as they seem to ignore the domestic scnario.

For the 51st tun Razak Cup is scheduled to commence on September 5 and the closing of entries was on August 26. However till today, August 28, no information with regards to the number of teams nor groupings or schedules have been released to the media.

Rather MHC is busy in Ipoh for the Asia Cup and also at the launch ceremony for the SOJC that will be held in Johor Baru on Thursday.

Getting their priorities right has never been their forte but the fact that MHC have committeess and paid staff to carry out daily responsibilities and yet do not do what they are supposed to do is worrying.

An international media personality also highlighted a pertinent question as to why MHC does not provide daily reports to be posted at the FIH Website as with the case of other continental confederations.

It was also learnt that the FIH CEO Kelly Fairweather actually sent an email to the AHF as to why their website was not updated.

Here we have MHC looking to bid for the 2018 World Cup, but they cannot even provide proper news on the Asia Cup.

Get your act right or get out, that is what those in MHC should do. You have done enough damage.

TOUGH BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE SAYS ZIDANE

 

Malaysia is bidding to get into the final of the Asia Cup for the first time since the inception of the tournament in 1982.

 

However they face a daunting task in the semis against a new look India, as correctly stated by diminutive striker Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tg Jalil.

 

“It will be tough but not impossible for us to overcome India. They are under pressure to qualify for the World Cup whereas we are virtually there,” said the 27-year-old Kangar born player who has represented Malaysia in 185 international matches.

 

Read more in The Malay mail on Thursday

BRING ON THE KOREANS SAYS IMRAN

 

The last time Korea played Pakistan, it was by choice rather then by fate. For Korea wanted to meet Pakistan in the quarterfinals of the World League Round 3 held in Johor Baru in June.

 

And they went on to defeat the Pakistanis to book a place in the semis and virtually assured themselves of a place in the 2014 World Cup in The Hague, leaving the Pakistanis in bewilderment as their task to make the World cup all the more tougher.

 

More in The Malay Mail on Thursday

BETTER LATE THEN NEVER

The Asian Hockey Federation will look towards introducing the video referral technology in major competitions in Asia beginning 2014.

 

In revealing this, AHF Secretary General Tan Sri P. Alagendra said that logistic and financial constraints had made it difficult for such equipment to be provided for the ongoing Asia Cup.

 

Nonerheless Alagendra admitted that technology plays an important part in the development of the sport and hence the emphasis of having the referral video could see it making its debut in Asian tournaments next year.

 

“It was considered for the Asia Cup but the hosts were not able to provide such a facility after having discussed the matter with the host broadcasters,” said Alagendra.

 

“While we understand the feelings of the teams, much must be taken into consideration, like the financial implications as well as it is not cheap.

 

“Still the AHF will strive towards introducing this in our major events from next year.”

 

On the issue with regards not implementing the 45 second penalty corner rule and the stick above the shoulder, Alagendra said that they had written to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) seeking exemption to applying the regulations in the asia Cup.

 

“The FIH granted our request and it was done so that it does not favour any team as not all have played under the rule which was only introduced in June this year for the World League,” clarified Alagendra.

 

However he was non committal on whether the regulations and the video referral will be introduced at the forthcoming AHF Champions trophy o be held in Japan from the 1^st to 9^th November.

 

VIETNAM TO MAKE DEBUT IN MYANMAR SEA GAMES

Vietnam has served a surprise by confirming participation in both the men and women’s hockey competition in the SEA Games to be held in Myanmar this December.

 

However their participation hit a snag as they have yet to be affiliated to the Asian Hockey Federation.

 

But the matter is expected to be resolved at the AHF Council meeting to be held in Ipoh on September 1^st as Vietnam will be admitted as interim member of the AHF to facilitate their participation in the regional games.

 

A total of seven countries, including Vietnam have confirmed participation in the hockey event that will be contested in Yangon from December 11 to 20. The others are Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia and hosts Myanmar.

 

It is indded a pleasant surprise that Vietnam are keen to participate in the SEA Games and everything is being done to facilitate their participation, ” said AHF Secretary General Tan Sri P.Alagendra.

 

“WE at AHF will extend all our assistance in technical areas as well. However Vietnam will need to show us their progress plans in order for us to approve their interim membership into AHF.”

 

The participation of Vietnam is seen as the first step towards forming a competitive team to play in the 2019 Asian games that they will host.

 

In addition this will boost the developmemt of the sport and the Malaysian Hockey Federation could extend an invite to them to play in the forthcoming Razak Cup to be held in Kuantan from September 5-15.

 

Meanwhile Alagendra also revealed that Hockey Australia had written in to the AHF for consideration to be invited as a guest team for all Asian Indoor tournaments commencing 2014.

 

“This matter has been handed over to the Indoor and Competition Committees for consideration and a decision is expected at the Council meeting this Sunday,” added Alagendra.

MALAYSIA STRUGGLE AGAINST JAPAN

 

Malaysia booked their place in the semi final of the Asia Cup when they overcame a spirited Japan 3-2 at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh last night.

 

Coming back from 0-2 down against the 16^th ranked Japanese was to be expected but Malaysia cannot afford such luxury against India, their expected opponents in Friday’s semi final.

 

Not so when Indian coach Roelant Oltmans made it clear that the Asia Cup actually starts on Friday, showing the seriousness of the task Malaysia is expected to face.

 

Malaysia played poorly in the opening 35 minutes and were a shade lucky going into the break on level terms as Japan caved in under pressure.

 

“It was a nervy start by the team, perhaps they were over cautious since the stakes were high. Thus Japan took advantage of our apprehensive start to score the two goals,” said coach Paul Revington.

 

“But the players stuck to the game plan and were back on level terms before halftime. I think overall we dominated the match but there are many areas that we need to shore up, especially in the middle of the defence.

 

“Though our opponents in the semis will only be determined after the matches tomorrow (Wednesday), it ls obvious that we will play India. And looking at them they have been impressive, tactically sond and play with a high level of discipline. So it will be an interesting match on Friday.”

 

Another area that Malaysia needs to work on is their penalty corner as they were awarded seven penalty corners in the match but scored from two. Overall in the tournament thus far Malaysia have been awarded a total of 19 penalty corners with six finding the back of the net.

 

Japan went 2-0 ahead in the opening ten minutes, taking full advantage of a listless display by the Malaysians.

 

Toshiro Tachibana got the first off a penalty corner in the 6^th minute, his attempt taking a wicked deflection from Mohd Marhan Jalil to wrong foot Malaysian custodian S. Kumar.

 

Two minutes later they doubled the advantage as Kei Kawakami deflected the ball past Kumar with the Malaysian defenders asleep.

 

The fightback started in the 14^th minute with Mohd Razie Rahim converting a penalty corner before Firhan Ashaari scored with a delightful reverse hit in the 28^th minute to make it all square.

 

Faisal Saari converted a penalty corner in the 60^th minute with Azlan Misron making it 4-2 in the 66^th minute to give Malaysia the win, But it is the overall performance that Revington and his coaching staff will be worried about.

 

 

Results:

 

Pakistan 13 Chinese Taipei 0

Malaysia 4 Japan 2

SOJC WEBSITE TO BE SHUT DOWN

UP FOR SALE

Kindly note that this website, which has been the Official Website of the Sultan Johor Cup for 2011 and 2012  is no longer the OFFICIAL site and will cease to exist from August 29 which is the launch date of the 2013 edition.

Thus there will be no updates on the tournament posted here and any news or information published here will depend on the availability of sponsors to cover costs during the lead up and tournament proper.

It is pertinent to note that Johor Hockey Association has made it clear that they have no intention of supporting this website any longer and an offer for them to take over this website was met with stony silence.

MALAYSIA SCRAPE PAST JAPAN

Malaysia booked their place in the semi final of the Asia Cup when they overcame a spirited Japan 4-2 at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh last night.

Coming back from 0-2 down against the 16^th ranked Japanese was to be expected but Malaysia cannot afford such luxury against India, their expected opponents in Friday’s semi final.

Not so when Indian coach Roelant Oltmans made it clear that the Asia Cup actually starts on Friday, showing the seriousness of the task Malaysia is expected to face.

Malaysia played poorly in the opening 35 minutes and were a shade lucky going into the break on level terms as Japan caved in under pressure.

“It was a nervy start by the team, perhaps they were over cautious since the stakes were high. Thus Japan took advantage of our apprehensive start to score the two goals,†said coach Paul Revington.

“But the players stuck to the game plan and were back on level terms before halftime. I think overall we dominated the match but there are many areas that we need to shore up, especially in the middle of the defence.

“Though our opponents in the semis will only be determined after the matches tomorrow (Wednesday), it ls obvious that we will play India. And looking at them they have been impressive, tactically sond and play with a high level of discipline. So it will be an interesting match on Friday.â€

Another area that Malaysia needs to work on is their penalty corner as they were awarded seven penalty corners in the match but scored from two. Overall in the tournament thus far Malaysia have been awarded a total of 19 penalty corners with six finding the back of the net.

Japan went 2-0 ahead in the opening ten minutes, taking full advantage of a listless display by the Malaysians.

Toshiro Tachibana got the first off a penalty corner in the 6^th minute, his attempt taking a wicked deflection from Mohd Marhan Jalil to wrong foot Malaysian custodian S. Kumar.

Two minutes later they doubled the advantage as Kei Kawakami deflected the ball past Kumar with the Malaysian defenders asleep.

The fightback started in the 14^th minute with Mohd Razie Rahim converting a penalty corner before Firhan Ashaari scored with a delightful reverse hit in the 28^th minute to make it all square.

Faisal Saari converted a penalty corner in the 60^th minute with Azlan Misron making it 4-2 in the 66^th minute to give Malaysia the win, But it is the overall performance that Revington and his coaching staff will be worried about.

Results:

Pakistan 13 Chinese Taipei 0

Malaysia 4 Japan 2

Fixtures (Wednesday)

6.05pm Korea v Oman

8.05pm India v Bangladesh

OH MY GOD

New Straits Times Senior Sports Writer could well be in trouble for writing for a rival newspaper if the picture of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation website is taken at face value ( see image below)

Even in doing copy and paste the MHC has done a poor job as evident where The Star was credited with the story with Jugjet Singh bye line .

This gross incompetency has got to stop and the MHC must apologise to Jugjet on their website for the blunder.

And if MHC cannot get simple things right then best shut down the qebaite

AHF TAKING A BACKWARD STEP

In what can only be described as taking two steps backwards, the Asian Hockey Federation has disregarded several regulations that have been implemented in world hockey of late.

 

For the ongoing Asia Cup in Ipoh, the AHF has opted not to implement the 45-second regulation for penalty corners as well as along the ball to be played above the shoulder.

 

Ad to cap it all, the organisors, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation have failed to provide the video referral system that could help teams overcome contentious decisions made by the umpires during the course of a match.

 

It was only in June that the two regulations and video umpire were successfully used in the World League Semi Finals, both in Holland and Malaysia.

 

A Technical Official serving at the Asia Cup who spoke on a condition of animosity revealed that they received instructions from AHF that the new regulations will not be implemented and that there will not be video referrals at the tournament. which also serves as a 2014 World Cup Qualifier.

 

India coach Roelant Oltmans was particularly peeved at different rules being applied six weeks apart.

 

“One has to be fair to the players as you cannot have different rules when the ultimate if qualification for the same tournament. The World League was qualification for the World Cup, hence gere in the Asia Cup the same regulations should be used so as not to confuse the players,” said Oltmans who is also the Technical Director for Hockey India.

 

“To me I do not care about what the federations think but fairness to the players is important as they cannot be subject to different regulations in every tournament. There must be consistency.

 

“On the video referral, the advantages have been proven time and again so I find it odd that it is not done in the Asia Cup which is a crucial tournament. Different regulations not only causes problems to players and coaches but also confusesa the spectators and that is not good for the sport”

 

MHC should have the expertise on providing the video referral and the “shot clock” for the penalty corners as it was successfully done for the World league in Johor Baru.

 

“It just does not make much sense to have different continents trying to qualify for major events with a different set of rules, and for different qualification events to follow different rules,” said Revington.

 

“It is not fair on the qualification process and for the players. The FIH and the various Continental Federations should be working better in this regard to ensure consistent qualification standards.

 

When asked if financial constraints was the issue as countries in Asia could not afford the cost of the video referral technology, Revington had this to say:

 

“The issue is always do we follow the high (expensive) standards of Europe or lower them for the continents where money, resources and finance is an issue?

 

“At present the difference in qualification standards across continents does not make sense.”

 

 

A MAJOR BLUNDER BY PERAK HA

Organizers fail to play Chinese Taipei national anthem

PTI | Aug 25, 2013, 07.24PM IST 

IPOH (Malaysia): The organizers of the ninth Asia Cup hockey tournament were in for big embarrassment when they failed to play the national anthem of Chinese Taipei ahead of its second Pool A encounter against Japan on Sunday.

As per world body's (FIH) norm, it is mandatory to play the national anthem of every team before an international tie.

Soon after Japan's national anthem was played, Chinese Taipei players were waiting for their national anthem but to their dismay it never started, forcing the organizers to announce that the anthem cannot be played due to some technical glitches.

When asked Chinese Taipei coach Chung Teng Wei about the glitch, he said: "It was not the ideal start to our match. My boys were obviously little disappointed that something like this happened with us.

"But you can't blame the organizers as well because it was a technical fault. It was out of their control. But we hope this sort of thing is not repeated in the tournament.

Chinese Taipei eventually succumbed to their second defeat in the tournament, losing 1-5to Japan.

In their tournament opener, Chinese Taipei were handed a 2-10 drubbing by hosts Malaysia on Saturday.

ROSLAN FEELS THE EMPTINESS

Note: Kindly do not lift story without permission as it is the duty of the Asia Cup Organisors, that is the ineffective and incompetent Perak HA, the Secretary of whom is Selvakumaran Madasamy, the very individual who insulted my late Mum via a phone call made on July 5. Only God knows how to punish this individual.

Having been room-mates when on national assignments for the past 15 years with the late Chua Boon Huat, goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin is truly missing his company.

 

The Asia Cup in Ipoh, which commences this Saturday, is the first time that the two will not be rooming together after Chua’s untimely demise in a fatal accident on August 1.

 

And Roslan misses the banter that the duo used to share, although he is now sharing a room with skipper Mohd Shahrun Nabil.

 

“I feel emptiness as he was full of life. We hardly switch on the television as we used to talk a lot when in the room. The only time we watched TV was when Manchester United plays as we are ardent fans,” said Roslan.

 

“I do miss him a lot for he was like a brother to me. We shared a lot together, reflecting on life in most of our conversations. He had so many things that he wanted to do and gave me good advise as well.

 

“Not having him around anymore has affected me and I think of him daily. I pray that his soul will rest in peace as I offer daily prayers for him.”

 

Roslan and Chua were the only two players in the current national squad to have played in the World Cup, having been selected by former coach Paul Lissek to don the national colours in the 2002 Kuala Lumpur.

 

“I remember when we were interviewed together before the World League, Chua had said that he will play as long as the nation needed his servcices. But then fate decided otherwise and I am determined to play until the World Cup next year to realise his dream,” added Roslan.

 

“Though we have virtually qualified for the World Cup, we aim to finish as champions. There is no pressure on us now so maybe that will allow the players to express themselves on the pitch and raise their game so that the win can be dedicated to our brother Chua.”

 

Rosaln said that while India and Pakistan will be going all out to secure a spot in next year’s World Cup, one should not discount the challenge of Japan and South Korea as well.

 

“The Koreans play for pride and despite already qualifying I believe they want to win the Asia Cup as well to improve their rankings,” said Roslan.

 

“And Japan proved that they are no pushover with their stunning display in the World League where we needed a shoot out win to take the fifth spot.”

 

ASIA CUP PREVIEW

Note: Kindly do not lift story without permission as it is the duty of the Asia Cup Organisors, that is the ineffective and incompetent Perak HA, the Secretary of whom is Selvakumaran Madasamy, the very individual who insulted my late Mum via a phone call made on July 5. Only God knows how to punish this individual.

Playing in the Asia Cup has now become a mere formality for Malaysia after they virtually secured a place in the 2014 World Cup via their fifth place finish at the World League in Johor Baru last month and results of continental championships that went in their favour.

 

Malaysia are currently second reserves, behind Spain who should confirm their berth upon the conclusion of the European championships.  A Korean triumph in Ipoh will assure Malaysia the final berth failing which it has to wait till November for the conclusion of the Oceania championships to ink its spot as Australia and New Zealand are destined to become champions.

 

But that will not stop coach Paul Revington to plot a first Asia Cup triumph for Malaysia whose best finish was a bronze in Chennai in 2007.

 

It is the fourth time in nine editions that Malaysia are playing host to the Asia Cup, having hosted the two previous editions in Kuala Lumpur (1999 and 2003) with the other in Kuantan (2009).

 

With the champions gaining direct entry into the World Cup at The Hague, Holland next year, the fact that either India or Pakistan can make the cut makes it all the more intriguing. The two countries have never missed the World cup since its inauguration in 1971.

 

“It is a very good feeling knowing you have pretty much qualified for the World Cup before your continental championship. I will not pretend otherwise,” conceded Revington.

 

“I am able to separate this fantastic feeling with the reality of the Asia Cup and performing well in this event and achieving what we have set out to do ten months ago. 

 

“It is a tall order. However this squad has the ability to win the event. We have set very bold goals and objectives for the period to date, and although we have not won every event like we set out to achieve,” clarified Revington.

 

“But they have also enjoyed consistent performances and results through setting the bar high.” 

 

Revington said that the selection of players was taking into account the various tournaments Malaysia were set to participate but experience was a key factor in his decision to select Jivan Mohan over youngster Nor Hizzat Sumantri.

“We have used all 17/18 players every other event so this should not change for the Asia Cup,” clarified Revington.

 

“Like the late Chua Boon Huat, Jivan Mohan has experience and strengths that add enormous value to the current team. Nor Hizzat is a very talented player with a very bright future for Malaysia too.”  

 

Malaysia will open their campaign against lowly Chinese Taipei on Saturday and take on the might of Pakistan on Sunday. And the likes of ace strikers Faizal Saari, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tg Jalil plus penalty corner specialist Mohd Razie Rahim will be looked upon to secure a big win before the Pakistan match.

 

“Chinese-Taipei is a relatively unknown entity for me. However we will ensure we focus on our Malaysian strengths for this game and at the same time respect any opponent we come up against,” added Revington.

But it is the battle royale between arch rivals India and Pakistan that all eyes will be focussed on. One thing is certain, only one team will make it to The Hague.

Fixtures

Saturday

1605 - India v Oman

1805 - Pakistan v Japan

2005 - Malaysia v Chinese-Taipei

Sunday

1605 - Korea v Bangladesh

1805 - Japan v Chinese Taipei

2005- - Pakistan v Malaysia

 

Past Results:

 

1982 Karachi

Champion: Pakistan.

Malaysia finished 4^th

 

1985 Dhaka

Champion: Pakistan

Malaysia finished 5^th’

 

1989 New Delhi

Champion: Pakistan

Malaysia finished 6^th

 

1994 Hiroshima

Champion: Korea

Malaysia finished 4^th

 

1999 Kuala Lumpur

Champion: Korea

Malaysia finished 4^th

 

2003 Kuala Lumpur

Champion: India

Malaysia finished 5^th

 

2007 Chennai

Champion: India

Malaysia finished 3^rd

 

2009 Kuantan

Champion: Korea

Malaysia finished 4^th

 

KOSHY MAKES IT TO THE SQUAD

Well if the image below, taken from the Official Website of the Asia Cup, as promoted by the MHC Twitter is to be believed, then George Koshy has been named in the Malaysian squad for the Asia Cup.  Hence the website has a major scoop as no media managed to get this story. All credit should really go to the Organising Chairman Dato Abdul Rahim Md Ariff and his able plus trusted henchman Selvakumaran Madasamy, for this international shame.

And yes even a five year old can build a website these days, but the content is what matters. Till now the mainstream media are still calling this blogger seeking information like when are the meetings, what is the schedule of training and info on teams for the Asia Cup. So obviously Rahim and Selva have failed, or is it they forgot one thing - that content and fast information is a pre-requisite for having an effective website and not plastering stories you lift from others without permission.

 

SO MUCH GOING ON

The litany of lies emitting from the corridors of power at the National Hockey Stadium continue as the nation celebrates their re-entry into the World Cup.

The list is endless but here is some of the things that will be revealed over the next few days.

1) How jealousy almost cost Malaysia a place in the World Cup?

2) Top official who does not understand the difference of merit and rear entry.

3) The fiasco of the women's hockey team that is disgraceful?

4) That MHC takes more then a month to consider an appeal on salary.

5) CEO position- why only advertise on website that has less then 5k readers a month and why the delay?

6) The secretive constitution amendments and how it has been leaked.

7) A major blunder on the Razak Cup with regards to national junior players.

8) An update on the Gang of 5 and their latest plan to seek complete control.

9) There will be no MHL next year, not until October.

10) How a council member was told off for raising the issue of 4 states that did not conform to constitution.

THE 16 YEAR JINX

When Paul Revington was first allowed to speak to me by certain quarters who think they own Malaysian Hockey, I told him that Malaysia will qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

And I explained to him why I was confident. For Malaysia had a 16 year jinx in making the World Cup in merit.

Allow me to explain this further to most who are still wet behind their ears, especially to the newly formed Gang of Five who feel that they are Gods gift to Malaysian Hockey.

Malaysia qualified on merit to the 1982 Bombay World Cup via the 1981 Intercontinental Cup.

After that it was heartbreak in London 1986, Lahore 1990 and Sydney 1994.

In 1997 Malaysia hosted the World Cup Qualifiers and made it trough to the 1998 Utrecht World Cup.

We played in the 2002 World Cup as hosts and did not qualify on merit.

And next year Malaysia will be at The Hague, thanks to Argentina winning the Pan American Championships this morning defeating Canada 4-0 in the final.

After the completion of the two World League Semis, Korea, Spain, Malaysia and India- in that order were listed as reserves.

Korea has now qualified thanks to Argentina making it.

Spain will make it if they or either Germany, Holland, Belgiun or England win the ongoing European Championships.

That will leave Malaysia and we are expected to be confirmed once the Oceania Championships is over this November as Australia and New Zealand have already made it into the World Cup via the World League, hence a win by either team at the Oceania will guarantee Malaysia the spot.

But we could even make it by the end of Asia Cup later this month should Malaysia or Korea emerge champions.

A Korean win will eventually allow India into the World Cup as well. So Pakistan can deal a double blow to arch rivals India by winning the Asia Cup hence closing the door firmly shut on India.

Oh well let them fight it out for Malaysia has lived up to the 16 year jinx and well laid plans by the Group of Five are in smoke.

Rabobank Hockey World Cup – Men’s Qualifiers 

Netherlands: Hosts. 
Germany: 1st place – Hockey World League Semi-Final, Johor Bahru (MAS)
Argentina: Pan American champions
England: 3rd place – Hockey World League Semi-Final, Johor Bahru (MAS)
Belgium: 1st place – Rabobank Hockey World League Semi-Final, Rotterdam (NED) 
Australia: 2nd place – Rabobank Hockey World League Semi-Final, Rotterdam (NED)
New Zealand: 4th place – Rabobank Hockey World League Semi-Final, Rotterdam (NED) *
Korea: 4^th place – Hockey World League Semi-Final, Johor Bahru (MAS).**

* Netherlands finished third in the Hockey World League Semi-Final event in Rotterdam.  As they are already pre-qualified as the host, this means that the highest ranked fourth place finisher from both Semi-Final events earns direct qualification to the Rabobank Hockey World Cup. This place goes to New Zealand, who were fourth in Rotterdam and currently sit fifth in the FIH World Rankings. 
** Korea qualified for World Cup as first reserve courtesy of Argentina’s victory in the Pan American Cup. 

World Cup Qualification - The Next Stage

The remaining places at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup for men will be filled by the winners of the final four continental championships. However, if any of the above listed teams also becomes continental champion it will open the door to the teams that finished outside the top three at the Hockey World League Semi-Finals that have not yet qualified for the World Cup. These teams can be found below, in order of their placing in the Hockey World League Semi-Finals.    

Spain: 5^th in Rotterdam / 2nd reserve for World Cup *
Malaysia: 5^th in Johor Bahru / 3rd reserve for World Cup *
India: 6^th in Rotterdam / 4th reserve for World Cup

FAIZAL TO DEBUT IN BUNDESLIGA

Faizal Saari will be making his debut in the German Hockey League in September.

And he joins a list of Malaysian players to oly their trade in the Bundesliga that will run from Seotember till November.

Faizal will don the colours of Berlin HC and leave after the Asia Cup and is exoectedly to feature prominently in the 16 matches that will run till November.

In 1997 there were five olayers who played in the German League, namely S.Kuhan and Kerpal Singh ( Limburg HC ), Nor Azlan Bakar and Chairil Anwar Abdul Aziz ( Frankfurt 1880 ) and R.Shankar ( Safo HC ).

In addition the late Chua Boon Huat turned out for Red White Munich in 2005.

"It is indeed a privilage to be considered to play in the German League. No doubt the exposure there will help me improve my game," said Faizal who played in the Australian League and the Indian Hockey League.

"I have secured the necessary release from the MHC and my employers and look forward to thr three month stint.

*My focus at the moment is to help the national team secure a berth in the World Cup."

National coach Paul Revington is helping Faizal with the nitty gritty part of his trio like finalising the negotiations and making the travel arrangenents.

"I have no issues of releasing him to play in the German League. I am currently helping him with his contract and other arrangements," said Revington.

*I hope more players will get a chance to play overseas and currently the window of the German league best suits our plans.

"There are a couple of players that should be playing overseas and we hope they too can secure places."

The stint for Faizal was made possible by Philip Stahr who played fot UniKL in the Malaysian Hockey League.

It is sad though that MHC have failed to get more players to ply their trade overseas thus making the grand pland outlined by Tengku Abdullah a mere pledge and nothing more then talk.

TAKING FOREIGN TEAMS FOR A RIDE

That Malaysian Hockey is being run by incompetent personalities and power crazy people is an undisputed fact.

But when one starts showing their weakness overseas then it becomes a national shame.

Just take a look at the images and you will see just how low hockey administration is in the country. In the rules and regulations for the Razak Cup it is clearly stated that the entry fee for foreign teams is RM500.

So why is it then in the calling for entries it states RM1,000? 

THE HOLE....

It is now 40 days since Mums passing and my life has seen a dramatic change of fortunes. So called friends have ditched me, and what's worse is some took advantage of my situation. It's easy to say be strong, for I have put up a brave front, all in the name to make others happy. But I slip into a mindless state when left alone, and things are getting tougher each passing day, akin to a black hole sucking me in. And though tears are running dry, the gut feeling is still that of sickness, a feeling that gets worst each passing day. Why did you go Mum, and left me heading into this black hole.....

HOW PHATHETIC

" Hi bro this is ........from ........ipoh: how to I go about doing the pass for the Asia cup in ipoh n please keep me updated on any pre tournament press conference or other interesting stories in ipoh
Me email: xxxxx@gmail.com".

This was an SMS I received from an Ipoh based journakist with regards to the upcoming Asia Cup in Ipoh.

That was not the only correspondence I received for there were emails from India and Pakistan and not to mention the numerous phone calls seeking information on the event and accreditation as well.

One Malaysian journalist even went to the extent of forwarding his accreditation application to me after his email to the foul mouthed M.Selva of Perak HA was rejected by the server.

For all the incompetence of the Organising Committee, who never informed the media on the fact that the national team was training in Ipoh, that the Myanmar team id in town to train for the SEA Games and that Oman and India arrive in a day or two, I wonder what more it will take to show that Malaysia are now poor organisors.

This only proves one thing, God works in mysterious ways and despite holding positions the inability to deliver sticks out luke a sore thumb.

And why is there no news on Asia's top tournament and the Asian Hockey Federation website at all?

There are moves to launch a Perak HA website this week to incorporate the Asia Cup and this surely makes the Malaysian Hockey Confederation a laughing stock as a state body has usurped the powers of thr national body.

Not to forget that Perak HA has flaunted the regulations of the MHC and Sports Development Act 1977.

THE REAL STORY BEHIND ASIA CUP

Malaysia were never meant to host the 2013 Mens Asia Cup.

But a chanced audience with His Royal Highness Sultan Azlan Shah, the President of the Asian Hockey Federation on May 19,2012 changed that.

For I was summoned to appear before HRH at Istana Perak in Kuala Lumpur on that fateful morning to present the final draft of the SAS Cup souvenir program for a royal seal of approval.

Accompanying me was the then MHF Asst Secretary Hashim Yusof and also present was the Sultan's Aide de Camp Kol Dato Rahim.

After going through the draft meticulously, I handed over a copy of the 1975 World Cup Souvenir Program to HRH who then went through the pages and shared some stories.

It was then the conversation shifted to why Malaysia were finding it tough to qualify for the World Cup question was posed to me by HRH.

I then sought clarification from HRH as to why Singapore was given the hosting rights for the Asia Cup which offers a ticket to the World Cup.

HRH was startled and asked Kol Rahim if it was true and it was affirmed by Kol Rahim who said that the decision was made in March that year.

I further explained to HRH on the wisdom of having it in Malaysia and in particular in Ipoh, on the very blue turf that was paid for by HRH.

HRH then summoned several MHF officials and AHF Sec Gen Tan Sri P.Alagendra for a discussion that evening after the sponsorship presentation ceremony at the Concorde Hotel where he made his views clear and sought them to table a proposal at the AHF Council Meeting during the Azlan Shah Cup the following week.

After the AHF Meeting Tuanku went on to present the certificates for the AHF Academy and when leaving gestured me forward and introduced me to the FIH President Leandro Negre as his Media Officer.

And he said, the 2013 Asia Cup is in Ipoh next year so now you have two events to handle for me. I was honoured and it was also repeated to Dato Abd Rahim Md Ariff, the Perak HA President.

Well Rahim never lived up to it and made good his word as he has been manouvered by the foul mouthed M. Selva, the very person who was disrespectful to my late Mum by making fun of her condition when she was critical in a past midnight phobe call to me.

Thus I need to explain here that I have no role to play in the Asia Cup as many media friends assume that I will be running the media centre for the Asia Cup as was the case for the past 3 Azlan Shah Cups.

Dato Rahim lacks the authority nor the wisdom to make decisions and is truly not a man of his words.

As for Selva, perhaps I did not adhere to his bidding for it was a question of you scratch my back and I do yours, something I will not do for its a question of principles.

As for the Sultan of Johor Cup, I ought to clarify that I am not handling the Media nor the Website as I have not received payment from the organising committee and the matter is subject to a legal dispute.

Many assume that Hashim and I are akin to partners, but readers will be surprised to know that Hashim has stopped all communications with me ob July 4 and was not present at my Mums funeral and subsequent prayer ceremonies nor has he uttered condolences on the demise of Mum.

And to think I had virtually begged HRH Tengku Abdullah to give Hashim a second chance when Dato Rahim virtually left Hashim to fend for his own in July last year.

I may not hold the votes, but the pen is mightier then the sword Dato Rahim so let us wait and watch.

Let there be no more hanky panky in Perak for I am watching you. For you failed to be a gentleman.

REVS - CHUA WAS OUR GLADIATOR

Retiring or "resting" the Number 3 jersey: It would be a very good gesture. I think this is up to the MHC to decide. He is the most capped Malaysian player so he certainly would have earned this honor. 

The past week: Has been horrific to say the least. It has been so pleasing over the past several months watching a guy of 33 being "reborn" again as a player and leader, seeing how this has had led to a positive impact on his life off the pitch as much as on the pitch - and then to see all that happiness taken away so quickly and abruptly - is just very difficult to accept. I saw it as an honor to coach Chua. I had always secretly hoped to coach guys like Chua, Kuhan, Azlan Bakar, etc (internationally recognized stars of Malaysian Hockey) - so every day in the presence with Chua was just a privilege. It was a credit to how popular and influential Chua was to everyone by the number of people who showed up at his funeral yesterday - I really hope he knew just how much (and many) people loved him, valued him and believed in him. When I arrived in Malaysia I got the impression that Chua was not as well respected locally as he was internationally - yesterday and the past few days in the media certainly proved that wrong. 

How has this affected me: Chua was a real strength to me throughout my brief time in Malaysia. I came to realize very quickly how emotionally and mentally strong he was under pressure. Whenever the Team and I required a "go-to-guy" - Chua was there to deliver. He loved international hockey. He loved being back in the arena and his motivation to succeed for Malaysia was so strong again. He provided such simple, direct and affective advice and feedback to me throughout my time as Coach. He bought in fully to what we were wanting to do as Coaches and promoted this through to the other players with passion and belief. To lose this type of character, this type of strength and this type of message and support from the most capped Malaysian player is a big loss. Chua was a unique talent and person who can never be replaced in the Malaysian Team. As with any retiring player it will be time for another player to carry his torch and create another wonderful chapter in Malaysian Hockey. There is certainly the quality of player in our Squad and in the Junior Squad who can do this. Chua has set an outstanding example for them to follow. 

How have I coped: Not easily. Chua played a massive role in convincing me to stay during the challenging period. I really appreciated his support and his effort to communicate this to me. My only way to honor him was to get onto the pitch as quickly as possible and lead the squad through this very sad period with the same passion and drive that motivated Chua so much on my arrival in Malaysia. I have coped knowing that this is what he would want me to do. I missed him terribly every session we have had together as a Squad. 

Chua was just such a great guy - which you already know. He was our Gladiator. His hair and ponytail was iconic around the world. His smile was infectious and he loved being with people. I will miss him.