Abdul Rahim Ahmad was a no nonsense fullback, often keeping marauding forwards at Bay with his hard hit and tackles when representing MP Klang, Selangor and Malaysia.
The 59 year old Rahim passed away early this morning, leaving behind his family and scores of Hockey friends, many shocked upon receiving the news.
Rahim, who would have turned 60 and retired this August was passionate about the sport.
I last met him at the Juniot Asia Cup in Kuantan in November and he was in his usual element, talking about Hockey as if he was still a player.
I had the Honour and privilege of working alongside Rahim as he was attached to the media centre in the Sultan Johor Cup last year.
His friendly approach made it easy for him to handle those from the media fraternity and he also provided me with technical knowledge from the perspective of a player.
Rahim and I first got in each other's way during the 1986 Sukma when I sent off the late Sulhvinderjeet Singh, and Rahim was incensed. Yet he kept his players in check and showed leadership qualities.
At the Razak Cip in Terengganu, Rahin accidentally deflected the ball into the face of Brian Jayhan Sive and he was the first to go on his knees to help stop the bleeding from just above The Eye, showing concern despite being branded the hard man of Hockey.
Many youngsters in the likes of S.Sivabalan, Eugene Lee, Maninderjit Singh picked up a lot of pointers from Abang Rahim as he was fondly known amongst the Hockey family.
The 59 year old Rahim passed away early this morning, leaving behind his family and scores of Hockey friends, many shocked upon receiving the news.
Rahim, who would have turned 60 and retired this August was passionate about the sport.
I last met him at the Juniot Asia Cup in Kuantan in November and he was in his usual element, talking about Hockey as if he was still a player.
I had the Honour and privilege of working alongside Rahim as he was attached to the media centre in the Sultan Johor Cup last year.
His friendly approach made it easy for him to handle those from the media fraternity and he also provided me with technical knowledge from the perspective of a player.
Rahim and I first got in each other's way during the 1986 Sukma when I sent off the late Sulhvinderjeet Singh, and Rahim was incensed. Yet he kept his players in check and showed leadership qualities.
At the Razak Cip in Terengganu, Rahin accidentally deflected the ball into the face of Brian Jayhan Sive and he was the first to go on his knees to help stop the bleeding from just above The Eye, showing concern despite being branded the hard man of Hockey.
Many youngsters in the likes of S.Sivabalan, Eugene Lee, Maninderjit Singh picked up a lot of pointers from Abang Rahim as he was fondly known amongst the Hockey family.
The family has lost their breadwinner, Selangor has lost a great Hockey player and we have all lost a good Friend.
May God bless his soul and give strength to his family as we all offer him a prayer.
Goodbye my Friend and till we meet again.
