MALAYSIAN HOCKEY

JB IS FURTHER THEN DUBLIN

2012-02-19T20:11:00.001+08:00

The last time I checked, the distance between Johor Baru and Kuala Lumpur was just over 400 km while the distance between Dublin and KL was something in the range of 7500 miles.

But perhaps it has since changed as only 4 (FOUR) Malaysian Hockey Confederation officials made the trek down south for the MJHL matches today.

The four are pictured above and for those who might not know, MHC comprises of 1 President, 1 Deputy President, 2 Senior Vice Presidents, 10 Vice Presidents, 1 appointed Secretary and Treasurer and 1 appointed Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer respectively.

And lets not forget the four Independent Members that are appointed by the President.

So in total of 22 officials, only 4 turned up and there are 28 going to Dublin, and from the four pictured only the two men are going.

Go figure out if hockey is really their passion...

WHILE MHC IS IN SLUMBER....

2012-02-14T13:54:00.001+08:00

Allow this blog to share the news that will be music to the ears of hockey fans in the country.

The FIH today announced the preliminary broadcast schedule for the Hero FIH Olympic Qualification Tournament set to being in Delhi, India this Friday.

The tournament will be broadcast in India (Ten Sports), Singapore (Starhub), Malaysia (Astro Supersport 3) and Europe (Eurosport) in addition to the games that will be offered through live streaming on the FIH website.

Delhi is playing host to the both a men’s a women’s qualification tournament featuring six teams on both the men’s and women’s side battling for a spot in the London 2012 Games. Only the winner of each tournament will earn a berth to the Games. The tournaments are the first of six Olympic Qualification events (three men’s and three women’s).

The schedule listed below is subject to change. The times listed are according to each individual market. The broadcast schedule is listed alphabetically by the broadcast provider.

ASTRO SUPERSPORT 3 (Ch 817)
SAT 18-Feb

16:30 (M) Canada vs. Italy
18:30 (M) France vs. Poland
22:30 (M) India vs. Singapore

SUN 19-Feb
13:30 (W) India vs. Ukraine [Delayed]
16:30 (W) South Africa vs. Ukraine
18:30 (M) Singapore vs. France
22:30 (M) India vs. Italy

MON 20-Feb
08:20 (W) India vs. Canada [Delayed]

TUE 21-Feb
16:30 (M) Singapore vs. Canada

WED 22-Feb
11:30 (M) Poland vs. Italy [Delayed]
13:00 (W) Poland vs. India [Delayed]
14:30 (M) France vs. India [Delayed]
16:30 (W) Canada vs. Poland
18:30 (M) Italy vs. France

THU 23-Feb
15:00 (W) India vs. South Africa [Delayed]
16:30 (M) Canada vs. India [Delayed]

SAT 25-Feb
10:00 (M) France vs. Canada [Delayed]
11:30 (W) Italy vs. India [Delayed]
13:00 (M) India vs. Poland [Delayed]
17:30 (W) 5th/6th Placing [Delayed]
19:00 (W) 3rd/4th Placing [Delayed]
17:30 (W) 1st/2nd Placing [Delayed]

TUE 28-Feb
17:30 (M) 5th/6th Placing [Delayed]
19:00 (M) 3rd/4th Placing [Delayed]
17:30 (M) 1st/2nd Placing [Delayed

"STOUT" SUPPORT IN DUBLIN

2012-02-12T12:54:00.002+08:00

The 28 odd hockey officials that will be going to Dublin to watch and provide support for the national hockey team at the Olympic Qualifiers will undoubtedly be in "high" spirits.

This is because they will have a whale of a time based on the itinerary listed out by the Secretary General of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation.

Just look at the items highlighted in bold to further understand the situation. I believe that discretion ought to have been a key factor when listing out what these officials will be doing whilst in Dublin.

Wednesday 14th March

Met at Dublin Airport by Sports Tours Ireland representative.

Transported by coach to the Hotel to check in.

Our tour guide will show you around some of the bars and restaurants in the area.

Thursday 15th March

Breakfast served in the Hotel.

Transported by coach to the Irish Hockey Stadium for the Olympic Qualifier.

Entry to the tournament provided.

Taken by coach back to your Hotel after the Hockey tournament.

Friday 16th March

Breakfast served in the Hotel.
A private coach will collect you at your Hotel and provide a City Tour of Dublin (all day)
This includes a tour guide and entry to the Guinness Storehouse Tour and the Croke Park Stadium Tour.
You will be dropped back to your Hotel after the tour

And for those who may not know about the Guiness Storehouse Tour, just a mild insight:

On the fourth floor we invite you to pour your very own Perfect Pint of GUINNESS®. Our experienced GUINNESS® Ambassadors will teach you the craft of pouring the Perfect Pint; you will receive a certificate,(...)

As the NST Sunday Feb 12 puts it:

IT is an uneven equation that will see the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) taking some stick. Twenty-eight MHC and State HA officials will head for Dublin on March 14 to cheer on the national team in the Olympic Qualifiers on March 8-10 in Ireland. The 18 players, with eight working officials and 28 MHC statewide officials, will bring the total Malaysians in Dublin to 54.

"Yes, 28 officials from the MHC and also State HA officials will be in Dublin to cheer the national players as agreed in an earlier meeting," said MHC president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah after the first MHC meeting in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

And his reasoning? "We hope to qualify for the Olympics, and if that happens, it would be too expensive to take MHC officials to London for the Olympics and that's why a decision was taken to travel to Dublin and watch the players instead," said Tengku Abdullah.

The 28 officials will be from 16 state affiliates, six MHC vice-presidents, the MHC deputy president and three independent members, secretary and treasurer.

As The Star Sunday 12 views it:

The national hockey team will not be short of support at the Dublin Olympic qualifier from March 10-18.

A total of 28 high ranking officials of the Malaysian Hockey Confed-eration (MHC) will be in Dublin to cheer on the 18 players who will shoulder the burden of taking Malaysian hockey back into the Olympics.

In addition to the 28 cheerleaders, the team will also have eight support staff, which means a 54-strong contingent to the Irish capital.

The decision to send the officials to Dublin was confirmed by MHC president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah after an executive council meeting yesterday.

Every stick has two ends

2012-02-12T12:35:00.002+08:00

In a break from tradition, I opted not to ask the MHC President Tengku Abdullah Sulatn Ahmad Shah any questions during the press conference after the meeting held on Saturday, February 11.

My reasons were simple, for I would allow MHC to have their full say and then provide comments since whatever we say or write falls on deaf ears anyway. So why bother asking questions when it is clear that the notion is MHC cannot do anything wrong?

Besides I had posed questions to the President via emails but did not get a reply so thus my lack of desire to pose any questions.

I had the utmost respect for the President, but I have to perceive things differently from now onwards. I have always believed the notion that the leader is as good as those who surround him and that has not changed.

It is clear that those surrounding the President have misled, deceived and above all kept the President from the truth. For the President had said in the past that he needed guidance and that he is getting, from all who just want to safeguard their positions.

If truth and betterment of hockey was the sole objective, then why was Tengku Abdullah not told things like how one official sabotaged the Junior Hockey League by coming out with unimaginable fixtures that clearly were an attempt to derail the efforts of the Technical Committee. At the same time perhaps the President will want to look at why there is lack of co-operation by the office staff towards the JHL when one is even given a vehicle?

Lets face the facts, the interest is not hockey but just what benefits they can get out of it. As the saying goes, give Tengku "cerita sedap" and all will be fine.

A WASTE OF TIME

2012-02-12T08:29:00.001+08:00

Having seen how hockey is being administrated in the country where personalities have total disregard to the rule of law in order to safeguard their positions, I have taken a long and hard look at the situation and decided to no longer administer websites for tournaments.

This is in line with the fact that MHC should be the body responsible towards providing information on hockey in the country.

And since the secretariat of MHC is so competent, the task should solely be theirs and thus the websites are available to parties interested to administer them.

I will only update my blogs www.ssdhaliwal.blogspot.com and www.malaysianhockey.blogspot.com but these two sites will no longer provide results or news on tournaments or teams but will solely concentrate on matters affecting the running of MHC.

I thank you for the kind support over the years but believe that the underhand tactics employed by some personalities within MHC, some who lie while others who are more interested in trying to find out my source, with the Secretary even claiming I have access to their emails.

So rather then provide info, which is a free service so far, I will just comment. After all it was a blog that put most of these officials in their current positions

UP FOR TAKEOVER

2012-02-11T23:55:00.001+08:00

Due to circumstances beyond my control, the following websites are available for takeover to any interested parties who wish to run them.

www.mjhl.com.my

www.tnbmhl.com.my

www.sultanjohorcup.com.my

Kindly email me with your offer and the websites will be shut down effective March 5 should no offers be received.

It was a pleasure serving hockey fans and we shall leave the responsibility of disseminating information to the governing body of hockey in Malaysia.

PRELUDE

2012-02-11T21:26:00.001+08:00

Well instead of sitting down and writing what was discussed at the MHC meeting today, I have opted to list down some points that I shall elaborate upon in the next few days, amongst which are:

- incompetent MHC secretariat

- total disregard of rules

- clerk behaving bigger then the President

- list of Chairmen of sub committees

- Stout support for Dublin

- MWHA not dissolved

- Not learning from past in terms of preparation

- and a whole load of officials that could not care about hockey but there to save their sorry asses and positions.

So await the disclosures, facts and supported by evidence unlike MHC Secretary who cannot interpret the constitution correctly.

REWARDING SILENCE

2012-02-10T20:42:00.001+08:00

After the posting questioning the legality of the MHC Executive Board meeting, I had expected some form of response from affiliates. As expected a couple did contact me and agreed with what was written, even some former office bearers of MHF.

A day later the following email was sent to all affiliates, and only one affiliate contacted the governing body, seeking the funds for hockey purposes instead of going for the tour but rejected.

Suffice to say those who are invited for this junket never even turned up for domestic tournaments and I can safely say that from the 26 here, more then 22 did not even watch any Junior Hockey League matches.

And as so far as the domestic competitions last year, most of the office bearers never attended even the final of the matches, but for Dublin expect them to be amongst the first to line up.

Rather then take some office bearers who are only present when Tengku Abdullah is around, its best to take some budding coaches, development coaches and sports science experts who will contribute towards hockey in the future.

And as so far as the email is concerned, its put up to spot the mistakes....

Dear All

Further to Tuanku President's discussion in November 2011 after the MHF Council Meeting dated 20th November 2011 that a Tour will be organised to support our Malaysian Hockey Team to qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Tuanku President have agreed and provided the consent to go ahead with the intended Tour to Dublin to support our Malaysian Hockey Team. The representative that was agreed for the Tour were Office Bearers and each one delegate (preferably Council Member or nominated from the Affiliates).

Information on the Tour:

Total delegates - Office Bearers and 16 Affiliates (each one delegate, preferably Council Member). Expected about 26 to 28 people.
Is from the 13-19 March 2012
The Flight will be on the 13th March 2011 from KLIA to Dublin and leave Dublin on the 19th March 2012 after the event.
Hotel with Breakfast, Tour, Passes for Matches, Airport Transfer, Transfers for Matches will be provided.
Lunch and Dinner own arrangement.

Therefore, I would appreciate if each Affiliates could send me the following details so that the arrangements could be made - Flight & Accommodation in Dublin, Ireland:

1. Full Name

2. A Copy of Passport - front page only and make sure there is sufficient 6 months expiry timeline.

3. If you need leave letter - please inform us as soon as possible with detail such as Employer's name and fax number.

I need this information latest by this Friday - 10th Feb 2012 and if I do not receive any details, I assume that your Affiliate is not keen to sent a delegate for the Tour.

The Itinerary:

Six days in Dublin:
Wednesday 14th March

Met at Dublin Airport by Sports Tours Ireland representative.

Transported by coach to the Hotel to check in.

Our tour guide will show you around some of the bars and restaurants in the area.

Thursday 15th March

Breakfast served in the Hotel.

Transported by coach to the Irish Hockey Stadium for the Olympic Qualifier.

Entry to the tournament provided.

Taken by coach back to your Hotel after the Hockey tournament.

Friday 16th March

Breakfast served in the Hotel.

A private coach will collect you at your Hotel and provide a City Tour of Dublin (all day)

This includes a tour guide and entry to the Guinness Storehouse Tour and the Croke Park Stadium Tour.

You will be dropped back to your Hotel after the tour

Saturday 17th March

Breakfast served in the Hotel.

Transported by coach to the Irish Hockey Stadium for the Olympic Qualifier.

Entry to the tournament provided.

Taken by coach back to your Hotel after the Hockey tournament.

Enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day festivities throughout Dublin.

Sunday 18th March

Breakfast served in the Hotel.

Transported by coach to the Irish Hockey Stadium for the Olympic Qualifier.

Entry to the tournament provided.

Taken by coach back to your Hotel after the Hockey tournament.

Mingle with other representatives of the competing Hockey Nations.

Monday 19th March

Breakfast served in the Hotel.

Taken by coach to Dublin airport

End of Tour

Thanking you and we will communicate from time to time towards a successful tour.

UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND ULTRA VIRES?

2012-02-08T13:27:00.002+08:00

The Malaysian Hockey Confederation meeting scheduled for February 11, 2012 ( Saturday) as per the notice below can be deemed as unconstitutional and ultra vires of the new MHC Constitution due to reasons outlined below.

This posting is to remind those who are holding on to their positions of the pledge one takes when assuming office, to safeguard the sacred constitution, and not interpret it to one's whims and fancies.

It is a wonder as to why this is being allowed to happen especially when there are supposedly so many personalities who claim to know hockey best and have the ability to convince the President of MHC into chairing it what can be deemed as an abuse of power simply by reading the constitution and understanding the provisions.

The notice of meeting states as part of its agenda that appointment of Chairpersons of Sub Committees will take place. And there are 13 sub committees, with 12 eligible persons ( as there are 10 vice presidents and 2 senior vice presidents). But with the Disciplinary Board to be independent and Finance Committee chairperson to be the Hon. Treasurer, so only 11 posts for 12 people, minus the Deputy President.

The above provision in simple English means that all office bearers of the previous MHC shall no longer hold to positions and thus an AGM or fresh elections ought to be held inline with the new constitution as approved on October 8, 2011. But as it stands the office bearers are clinging on to power.

It is very clear that the power to appoint the Chairperson of the Committees of MHC rests on the MHC Governing Council and not the Executive Board ( as stated in the notice of meeting above).

And to prove the shoddy work in preparing such an important document such as the constitution, read para O as pending the appeal to the Appeal Committee, the suspension remains in force until the Governing Council arrives to a decision. But where is the Appeal Committee in the constitution as no provision under formation of committees?

So if you are part of the new MHC and not doing anything about these matters, then you can be deemed as guilty by association...sounds familiar... not a cows tale.

RESPECTING THE LAW

2012-02-07T10:45:00.001+08:00

When mistakes are made genuinely then they ought to be treated as such, as mistakes.

But when mistakes are done through sheer arrogance, high handed ness and defiance, then they are not mistakes but actions aimed at deceiving.

The stark difference between the two is that the former can be corrected or put right, but only if those who made the mistakes appreciate that it was a mistake and are willing to make necessary changes to correct them.

But in the latter, the mistakes are ignored as those responsible seem to act as if that they are the know all and be all with regards to interpreting things.

Where is this heading to? Well stay tuned and once the legal experts have given their opinion this blog shall reveal as to who made the mistake and await if they are man enough to own up or continue to mislead.

DUTCH BEATEN

2012-02-05T18:27:00.001+08:00

Malaysia produced another memorable win in their playing tour of Australia when they defeated Holland 2-1 in a friendly at Perth this evening.

While winning matches, especially against top notch sides like Australia and Holland is a morale booster, the team should look towards arresting their yo-yo form as inconsistency has been the bane of Malaysian hockey for many years.

And in Dublin next month at the Olympic Qualifiers, the squad needs to win matches consistently in order to make the London Olympics in July.

Still reeling from the 8-1 hammering they received against Australia on Thursday, the Malaysian players gave a better account of themselves to lead 1-0 at halftime courtesy of an Azlan Misron strike off a penalty corner rebound.

Holland equalised through Van Werden but Faisal Saari converted a penalty corner to record a memorable win, albeit in a friendly.

For the record Malaysia lost three matches against Australia ( 1-3, 2-5, 1-8) and won once (5-2).

HAMMERED DOWN UNDER

2012-02-04T10:46:00.001+08:00

Well it was back to reality as Malaysia lost 1-8 to Australia in their fourth and final friendly against the world number one ranked team in Perth this morning.

Reality because even here in Malaysia some over zealous officials and journalists went overboard with praises after Malaysia had defeated the Aussies 5-2 in the third match on Thursday.

Obviously either these people do not know hockey or were fed with wrong information on the opponents line up.

Suffice to say that Australia did not field their first team in any of the four matches.

So a 8-1 defeat and the excuses will be learning curve, players not following instructions, defensive errors, not following game plan, over whelmed by the occasion and yes before I forget, we did not have our full team as Razie was out injured.

Let's face the fact, we still have a chance at Dublin, the players can do it as I am confident in their ability, just stay focused and be consistent as your coaches are in their excuses.

KOLAVERI EPISODE 2

2012-02-03T22:37:00.001+08:00

Encroaching the rights of a body that has complete jurisdiction with regards to hockey in a state is tantamount to challenging the authority of the recognised hockey body.

And that is precisely what the 1 MAS Steering Committee stands accused of doing in making changes to the structure in Penang without consultations with the state HA.

It is learnt that there is trouble looming with a veiled threat email dispatched from the island questioning the motives of the decision taken by the Steering Committee.

It is indeed baffling that personalities from the Steering Committee who are supposedly experienced have made a decision and despatched it directly without going through the proper channels.

It was only six months ago that the Chairman of the Steering Committee sent what can be described as a show cause letter to a state HA official who happened to be a MHF Vice President.

And the funny thing is that MHF or it's affiliates cannot question nor be allowed to query the accounts of 1MAS with the MHF Treasurer not even be allowed to sit in the Steering Committee as a member.

So what is so special about 1MAS or the Steering Committee?

God sent I suppose...

A WIN, FINALLY

2012-02-02T23:03:00.001+08:00

Two goals by Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tg Abdul Jalil gave Malaysia a 5-2 win over Australia in their third friendly match at the Shenton College Stadium in Perth this evening.

It was a commendable effort by the Malaysians but the win was somewhat marred by a facial injury to key defender Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim.

Razie suffered the injury, above the forehead, in the 6th minute and after quick treatment on the sidelines was rushed to the hospital.

The player was hospitalized and kept overnight for observation and the injury will not affect his chance of playing at the Olympic Qualifiers in Dublin next month.

Australia fielded seven players from their Olympic bound squad with the likes of Mark Paterson, Liam De Young, Kiel Brown, Simon Orchard, Russel Ford, Brent Dancer, Mathew Butterini and Bevan George playing.

And having won the first two matches ( 3-1 and 5-2 respectively), the Aussies were expected to roll all over the Malaysians given that this was the first time the Malaysian players were playing on a blue playing surface.

But the injury to Razie somewhat affected their concentration as the players were visibly affected and conceded a goal in the 8th minute as development squad player Tom Wickham scored.

But Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin levelled the scores the very next minute via a deflection that had Aussie keeper Tristan Clemons beaten all the way.

Malaysia were then awarded a penalty corner and Mohd Amin Rahim made it count to give Malaysia a 2-1 lead.

It was strong performances from Mohd Marhan and Mohd Shukri Mutalib that ensured Malaysia walked off the pitch at halftime leading 2-1.

With Baljit Singh thwarting the Aussies efforts vis strong run outs for the penalty cormers, the Malaysians grew in confidence and Faisal Saari put them 3-1 ahead.

Firhan Ashaari and Tengku Ahmad then struck to give Malaysia a commanding 5-1 lead before Wickham scored the Aussies second goal.

The two teams will play their final match on Saturday befotre Malaysia takes on Holland on Sunday.

Footnote: The info on the match was provided by hockey friends who are not connected to MHF or MHC and nor from any team official in Australia who expect this blog to call them for details. And it's tax payers money that they use to go to Australia, while I pay my own expenses. So wake up from your slumber MHC and get your website working, clean it up.

CATCH 22 FOR TM

2012-01-31T09:21:00.001+08:00

It was more then a month ago that the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) was dissolved and the Malaysian Women Hockey Association (MWHA) followed suit a week later. For historical significance, the dates were December 17 and December 23 respectively.

However checks with the Sports Commissioner's Office in early January revealed that neither body had sent in the official forms citing the dissolution and hence it was surprising that the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) was calling for entries for the Junior Hockey League that is already at its halfway stage.

And while one continues to ponder on the status of MHF and MWHA, hockey activities are ongoing, albeit through the respective bodies, though on paper the men's body have started calling themselves as MHC.

Which leave a question mark on the legality of actions being undertaken by both bodies. And with a player in the MHC-MILO-NSC Junior Hockey League being shown a red card, it will be interesting to see what action and the composition of the Disciplinary Board should the matter be referred to the DB.

Another interesting issue is on the composition of the MHC Council for besides the President and Deputy President, there will be a total of 12 Vice Presidents, with two being accorded the status of Senior Vice Presidents.

MWHA has already decided on their composition of officials and what is interesting is that they have nominated their Secretary, Prof Dr. S. Shamala as the Senior Vice President in the new MHC line up.

That move was undertaken as the MWHA was fully aware that the highly qualified Shamala, who is an elected member of the Asian Hockey Federation may be reduced to the Assistant Secretary position given the fact that the current MHF Secretary's relationship with Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, the President of MHC. Thus MWHA has nominated a former player Nurfarha Hashim as the Assistant Secretary of MHC.

The other nominations from MWHA are Deputy President YM Raja Puan Sri Dato' Noora Ashikin bte Raja Abdullah, Vice Presidents (5): Jenniffer Williams, Maheswari Kanniah, Dato' Mary Ritchie, Nagula Sivasothy and Jeyadhevi Subramaniam.

For assistant treasurer MWHA has nominated Juriah Abdul Wahab Fenner while the two Independent Members Siti Patimah Hassan and Datin Noraini Jaafar.

It is learnt that Maninderjit together with Tengku Abdullah and influential Vice President Manjit Majid Abdullah held a discussion last Friday to discuss the composition of the 13 sub committees under MHC besides re-structuring the administration of the MHC office given that they two bodies will have a single administration.

Here is where the plot thickens as the likes of Manjit (coaching) Dato Nur Azmi Ahmad ( National Team Management), Dato Abdul Rahim Ariff (Competitions) and Ken Pereira (Development) hold vital committees which surely they will not be willing to let go.

The positions at sub committees at stake are Coaaching, Competitions, Development, Disciplinary, Finance, High Performance, Indoor, Legal and Special Projects, Marketing & Sponsorship, Medical, National Team Management Committee and Umpiring.

And the catch 22 situation for Tengku Abdullah will be the new MHC constitution that states - " Article 18.4.2 : Each Vice President shall be the Co-Chairman of at least one (1) Committee of MHC as decided by the Executive Board

FRAIL DEFENCE

2012-01-30T21:19:00.001+08:00

Note: while other media may credit Razie for both goals, the lack of co-operation from team officials in Perth has made my task impossible as I have relied on information from hockey friends who watched the match and kept me abreast via SMS.

A defensive minded Malaysia were beaten 5-2 by Australia at the Perth Hockey Stadium in their second friendly match this evening.

Malaysia opted to have all their players in their own 25 for a large part of the match.

Perhaps the strategy adopted was to counter the strong Aussie side fielded by coach Ric Charlesworth.

Australia had the likes of three times FIH player of the year Jaime Dywer, Matt Ghodes, Christopher Cirello and Kieren Govers.

The team fielded was from a list of 28 Olympic hopefuls from their squad but they failed to get the better of a Malaysian side that opted for "parking the bus" in front of goal tactics.

Australia went ahead in the very first minute through Ghodes.

Although the Aussies were awarded penalty corners in the 17, 19 and 20th minutes, the combined efforts of Baljit Singh and Mohd Madzli Ikmar kept the score intact.

But that did not prevent the Australians for doubling their advantage via Simon Orchard.

Off Malaysia's first foray into the opponents semi circle they were awarded a penalty corner in the 23rd minute.

The attempt by Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim sailed into goal, deflected off a defenders stick.

Australia had another penalty corner but Baljit denied them a clear shot at goal and the halftime score stood at 2-1 in favour of Australia.

Dwyer made it 3-1 in the 44th minute before Ghodes scored his second and Australia's fourth in the 50th minute.

Liam de Young made it 5-1 in the 53rd minute but Malaysia reduced the deficit when Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Jalil pounced on a penalty corner rebound in the 55th minute to reduce the deficit to 5-2.

DEFEAT AGAINST SECOND STRINGERS

2012-01-29T21:29:00.001+08:00

Malaysia, as expected, lost 3-1 to Australia at the Perth Hockey Stadium, the first of their four match series against the hosts in preparation for the Olympic Qualifiers that will be held in Dublin in March.

However it was not the top Australian team that Malaysia lost against as the hosts fielded players from their Australian A side, which as a matter of fact comprises of players that are not amongst the top 28 currently preparing for the London Olympics.

Only four players that are in the squad of 28 players named by Australian coach Ric Charlesworth took the field against Malaysia. They are Eddie Ockenden, Rob Hammond, Matthew Swann and keeper Nathan Burgers.

It was Ockenden that gave Australia the lead before Malaysia equalized through Izwan Firdaus as the two teams were tied 1-1 at halftime.
Two goals by Tim Bates, in the 37th and 57th minutes sealed the win for the Australian A side and the next match is scheduled for tomorrow (Monday).

“Malaysia did relatively well in the match and they can only get better. It was a good performance and I expect them to improve in the coming matches,”
commented former Malaysian coach Paul Lissek who is now a consultant with the Australian squad.

“They created many goal scoring chances but failed to make them count. And although they had 3 penalty corners, they failed to make them count.”

While Malaysia are preparing against second rung players from Australia, Ireland who their biggest threats besides South Korea played two matches against Great Britain and came of with draws (1-1 and 2-2) in both clashes over the weekend.

Great Britain opened the scoring in the second minute when Barry Middleton tapped in at the back post from a by-line. Ireland drew level 7 minutes later with a Timothy Cockram drag flick.

Great Britain took the lead again in the 41st minute with a Simon Mantell goal from a penalty corner drag flick. Ireland piled on the pressure and were awarded a number of short corners but failed to take their opportunities and it was not until after the final hooter that they scored their equalising goal once again from a Timothy Cockram drag flick.

Going by statistics, Malaysia has a fairly decent chance of making it to the Olympics for the first time since Sydney 2000. South Korea who won silver in 2000 have played in 5 Olympics while Malaysia has played in 9, their last being in Sydney.

But it is pertinent to note that the last time Malaysia safely negotiated their way past an Olympic Qualifier was in 1999 in Japan and it has been two consecutive failures since then, 2004 in Madrid and 2008 in Japan.

And the script was the same for the World Cup as Malaysia made the 1998 World Cup on merit, making it through from the qualifiers they hosted in 1997.

While they played as hosts in the 2002 edition, Malaysia failed to make it to the 2006 German and 2010 New Delhi World Cups.

SAPURA CONTINUE WINNING STREAK

2012-01-29T19:44:00.003+08:00

Sapura enhanced their position at the top of Division Two A when they defeated PHK-MSS Kelantan 6-0 in the MHC-MILO-NSC Junior Hockey League match at the KL Hockey Stadium this evening.

In Division One, SSTMI-Thunderbolts hammered Petaling Jaya Municipal Council 6-1 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Baru to consolidate their position at the top of the standings.

At the Ministry of Education Stadium, MBI-Anderson defeated Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors 4-2.

Read more...www.mjhl.com.my

FIRST BLOOD TO AUSTRALIA

2012-01-29T12:54:00.001+08:00

Australia defeated Malaysia 3-1 in the first of the four friendly matches played in Australia at the Perth Hockey Stadium this morning.

The solitary Malaysian goal was scored by Izwan Firdaus after the Aussies had taken a 1-0 lead. Two goals by Tim Bates in the second half sealed the win for the Aussies.

The two teams square off against each other at 5.30pm tomorrow at the same venue.

BIG WINS FOR SSTMI AND MBI

2012-01-27T19:03:00.001+08:00

SSTMI-Thunderbolts won their third successive match in the MHC-MILO-NSC Junior Hockey League when they trounced Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors 9-0 in a Division One match at the Ministry of Education Stadium in Pantai.

And in Ipoh, MBI-Anderson gave Tunku Besar Secondary School Tampin the "blues" on the newly laid blue pitch of the Sultan azlan Shah Stadium, winning 8-2.

Bukit Jalil Sports School meanwhile almost squandered a chance to back on the winning trail for they threw away a 3-0 halftime lead as Petaling Jaya City Council scored thrice to draw level but got the winner two minutes from time to win 4-3, at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Read more...www.mjhl.com.my

OLAK SECURE SECOND WIN

2012-01-25T19:39:00.002+08:00

Olak-PKT secured their second consecutive win in the Division Two B of MHC-MILO-NSC Junior Hockey League when they came back twice to defeat KL Sports School 3-2 at the KL Hockey Stadium this evening.

The match was called off five minutes from time but the result stood as per the tournament regulations governing rain affected matches.

Read more...www.mjhl.com.my

ANOTHER QUALIFIER PULLS OUT

2012-01-25T19:18:00.003+08:00

USA Field Hockey on Wednesday announced to withdraw its men's national team from the Olympic qualification tournament to be held in New Delhi, India, from February 18-26. Injuries, job conflicts and player retirements have led to this decision.

"The decision has been made strategically with the very best outcome for our programme in mind," high performance technical director Terry Walsh said.

"Unavailability of many of the senior players has left the men's programme in a position where our best assembled team has a performance potential well below that required to be competitive in a tournament of this calibre.

"This course of action will be in the best interest of the long-term progress of our national programme."

The USA men's team was selected to attend the first of three Olympic qualifiers after finishing fifth at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. However, employment conflicts has resulted in player unavailability.

Officials did not want to field a largely junior squad with most of the Pan American line-up absent.

"In finding that we have experienced serious erosion within the men's programme due to various team member circumstances, we reluctantly made the difficult decision to withdraw the team from the Olympic qualifiers," USA Field Hockey executive director Steve Locke said.

"Attending a tournament that will feature the world's top ranked teams will only hinder the confidence and development of our junior men.

"In another 12 months, we will see these players begin to flourish and I look forward to seeing the team prepared and engaged with upcoming FIH events in 2012 and 2013."

KLANG EMERGE CHAMPIONS

2012-01-25T11:54:00.001+08:00

Klang District emerged as champions after a nail biting match againsttheir main rival Petaling District in the Finals of Sukan Selangor played atNational Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

The lack of playing hockey stadiums in Selangor saw all the matches themen's hockey played at the at BukitJalil from Jan 13-16.

"We are thankful to beable to work with MSN Selangor to organize it here, while it is a shame theturfs had not been replace despite the many attempts by SHA since 2009 to raiseawareness and address the issue", said Organizing Chairman Kuganeson Poologasingam

The Under 20 , 7 team tournament which act as a development andselection event for the coming SUKMA Malaysia saw a lot of upsets in which the defending gold medalist Gombak was shown the exit at the group stages as Kuala Langattopped the table and Sabak Barnam pipped Gombak to the semifinal spot. The players were also inspired by the chanceto play at the National Hockey Stadium which lifted their game.

Klang who easily edged Petaling 2-1 in the group stages, saw adifferent team altogether as an attacking minded Petaling had Klang defensemarshalled by Helmi Sazrin Tamami working overtime to keep Klang in the game.

Klang caught a break on the 23rd minute from a penalty corner set pieceFarid Afiq Mohammad pounce on a loose ball deflected off the Petaling keeper toslam it home. At the second half it was all Petaling as they piled on thepressure looking for the equalizer. Klang Goalkeeper Muhd Faris Rozmi was intop form as he foiled Petaling attempts to search for an equalizer.

The last 5 minutes Petaling were camped in the Klang half as the Klangteam defended furiously. 4 back to back penalty corners were awarded toPetaling faield to convert leaving Klang to emerged as Gold Medal Winner.

Kuala Langat emerged at bronze medalist after defeating Sabak Bernam3-2

Prizes to the winners were presented by SHA President Dato SalamonSelamat and Executive Director of MSN Tuan Nor Zamri Ishak

District Hockey sportsassociation need to be revived

Organizing Chairman Kuganeson said its important to work in tandem withthe PBT and MSN-Selangor to help revive the district level sports association.In Selangor the district sports association have slowly died off and replacedwith hockey clubs. Only Gombak District is affiliated to SHA and Klang Districtare in the process revival. District Association have automatic voting rightsin SHA and we have always encourage the revival of there associations and arewilling to assist in anyway.

For Selangor Hockey Association Competition Committee the next eventwill be the K.Ramalingam Trophy for the Selangor Veteran Open Carnival to beheld on Jan 28 at Real Sports Arena in Klang. The tournament will take place onan indoor surface, the lack of playing facilities has forced to seek newalternatives and indoor hockey is growing fast in Malaysia

The late Kandiah Ramalingam was an Ex-survey Department Official,married to Mdm.Rajesh and blessed with two sons. He was a former nationalfootball referee, a Malaysian Amateur Athletics Union (MAAU) official, a hockeyplayer, Umpire, Technical Official, held various positions in Selangor HockeyAssociation (SHA) & Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF), his last undertakingwas Hon. Secretary of SHA. The K.Ramalingam Trophy is SHA’s way of honoring himfor his contributions to Hockey.

SSTMI TEAMS RECORD A DOUBLE OVER BJSS

2012-01-21T19:50:00.002+08:00

The two teams from SSTMI recorded identical wins over their counterparts from Bukit Jalil in the MHC-MILO-NSC Junior Hockey League matches at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Baru this evening.

SSTMI Thunderbolts defeated BJSS 5-1 and on the adjacent pitch the scoreline was the same for SSTMI who defeated BJSS Juniors, thus putting a dent early on the aspirations of the city teams in the chase for honours in Division One.

And in Seremban, Petaling Jaya City Council went on a goal scoring spree, trashing Tunku Besar Secondary School Tampin 7-0.

Read more...www.mjhl.com.my

UNIKL CONTINUE WINNING WAYS

2012-01-20T18:59:00.002+08:00

UniKL Young guns registered their second consecutive win in the MHC-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League when they defeated Tunku Besar Secondary School 4-0 at the Seremban 2 Hockey Stadium.

And two Group B matches of Division Two, one in Kuala Lumpur and the other in Kuantan had to be called off due to a downpour.

Read more...www.mjhl.com.my

UNIKL STRUGGLE FOR WIN

2012-01-19T19:31:00.003+08:00

UNIKL STRUGGLE FOR A WIN

Thursday, 19 January 2012 10:43 |

Defending league champions Unikl Young Guns opened their campaign of the MHC-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League with a 2-1 win over Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MBPJ) at the KL Hockey Stadium this evening.

And at Taman Daya Johor Baru, defending overall champions SSTMI-Thunderbolts registered a 7-1 win over their junior counterparts SSTMI.

Bukit Jalil Sports school too got off to a winning start as they hammered BJSS Juniors 6-0 in a match at the Ministry of Education Stadium in Pantai.

Read more...www.mjhl.com.my

FREDDIE IS BACK

2012-01-18T19:09:00.001+08:00

Fredrick Tham, the psychologist nicknamed "psycho" is back in action to help the national hockey team prepare mentally in their bid to qualify for the London Olympics.

Fred was the Director of the Penang Sports Council and quit the job to take up a posting as the Deputy Director in his home state in Sarawak early this month.

And straight away the National Sports Council has made the attempt, successfully one might add, to get Fred to work his magic on the national team who are in the midst of preparing for Olympic Qualifiers in Dublin from the 10th to 18 March.

That is not all for Fred is willing to help national badminton ace Lee Chong Wei in his quest for badminton gold in London.

"I have been asked to help prepare the psychological aspects of the hockey team for the qualifiers," said Fred when met at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil at the sidelines of the Malaysia and China friendly.

"The last time I worked with the hockey team was the World Cup Qualifiers at Invercargil in 2009.

"I know most of the players and will do my very best to help the team make it to the Olympics."

On Chong Wei, the psychologist who worked with the world number one until the World Championships in Paris said that it all depends on the Badminton Association of Malaysia.

"Really the question should be directed at BAM as I am here to serve Malaysian sports," said Fred who flew in to attend the Chong Wei book launch.

" If they ( BAM and NSC ) feel that my services can help Chong Wei then surely I will be honored to help."

In addition to Chong Wei, Fred is also willing to look into helping doubles pair Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong regain their confidence following a slump of late.

ROYAL REBUKE

2012-01-17T20:08:00.000+08:00

Watch the video captured by yours truly where His Royal Highness Sultan Azlan Shah, the life president of the Malaysian Hockey Federation takes the national coaches to task on the performance of the team in the match against China, which incidentally Malaysia won 2-0.

Rather then write about it, I leave it to the readers to make their own assumptions, from issues ranging to coaching methods, them declining help and also not having the winning mentality.

I must add that it was indeed rare to get HRH to speak on the fortunes on the team but when he speaks his mind, its earth shattering.

And talking about MHF, it was sad that no MHF official was present at the stadium to receive HRH Sultan Azlan Shah.

Although HRH may have decided at the last hour to witness the match, the fact that only K. Krishnan, a staff of the MHF office was present. He was accompanied by Lt. Kol B. Muthukumar in receiving Tuanku, the other office bearers of MHF missing.

A quick phone call by the Tuanku's aide to NSC Director General Dato Zolkples Embong saw the DG leaving a meeting to attend to Tuanku, a noble act given that MHF officials and the office was empty at 5.00pm, sans Krishnan.

MJHL-THE UNTOLD STORY

2012-01-16T13:12:00.001+08:00

Finally commonsense prevailed as the Milo Malaysian Junior Hockey League fixtures were amended, taking into consideration the fact that teams from the same school/state should play ahgainst each other first, to avoid repeating a situation that occurred a couple of years ago.

If you are wondering why the www.mjhl.com.my is not active yet with the MJHL just four days away, let me refresh your memory.

The MHF/MHC, the so-called custodians for hockey, are the owners of the MJHL. Hence they were offended when it was highlighted that the news for MJHL was nt being disseminated fairly and adverse comments were passed.

Hence I decided to step aside and let the MHF/MHC take the lead in providing information with regards to the MJHL as they are capable of doing a "great" job as evident from their website.

So what will happen to www.mjhl.com.my? Well for starters teams taht desire a website to highlight their performances can contact me and buy advertising space, which in turn will ensure that their matches are covered. Since it is a commercial venture, only teams that engage services will see reports of their matches highlighted.

And on our part, we hope and pray that MHF/MHC will be able to provide all readers news and match reports and results of the competition.

Thursday, 19.01.2012

MN	TIME	DIV	VENUE	TEAMS
1	1700hrs	1	TMN Daya JB 1	SSTMI Thunderbolt	vs	SSTMI
2	1700hrs	1	KPM	BJSS	vs	BJSS JR
3	1700hrs	1	KL	UniKL	vs	MBPJ
4	1530hrs	2 (A)	Alor Star	KHA Jr	vs	KHA-MSNK
5	1700hrs	2 (A)	Alor Star	Politeknik KPT	vs	Nur Insafi
6	1700hrs	2 (A)	Ipoh	Anderson Jr	vs	PHK-MSSK
7	1600hrs	2 (B)	Kuantan	Tunas Pahang	vs	MSP-YP
8	1700hrs	2 (B)	Malacca	MHS	vs	MPBP-PHJ
9	1700hrs	2 (A)	USM	MSSP-USM Jr	vs	Sapura

Friday, 20.01.2012

MN	TIME	DIV	VENUE	TEAMS
10	1700hrs	1	Seremban	TBSS	vs	UNIKL
11	1700hrs	1	Ipoh	MBI Anderson	vs	USM-MSSPP Jr
12	1530hrs	2 (A)	Alor Star	Politeknik KPT	vs	KHA Jr
13	1730hrs	2 (A)	Sg. Petani	Nur Insafi	vs	KHA-MSNK
14	1700hrs	2 (A)	Ipoh	Anderson Jr	vs	Sapura
15	1700hrs	2 (A)	USM	MSSPP-USM Jr	vs	PHNS
16	1700hrs	2 (B)	Terengganu	SMK Padang Midin	vs	Tunas Pahang
17	1630hrs	2 (B)	Kuantan	MSP/Yayasan Pahang	vs	SMKDMT
18	1700hrs	2 (B)	KL	KLSS	vs	Olak-KPT
Saturday, 21.01.2012

MN	TIME	DIV	VENUE	TEAMS
19	1700hrs	1	TMN Daya JB 1	SSTMI Thunderbolt	vs	BJSS
20	1700hrs	1	TMN Daya JB 2	SSTMI	vs	BJSS Jr
21	1700hrs	1	Seremban	TBSS	vs	MBPJ
22	1700hrs	2 (A)	Ipoh	PHK-MSSK	vs	PHNS
23	1700hrs	2 (B)	KL	KLSS	vs	MPBP
24	1700hrs	2 (B)	Terengganu	SMK Padang Midin	vs	SMKDMT
25	1700hrs	2 (B)	Bukit Jalil	Olak-PKT	vs	MHS

MALACCA TO LOSE HOSTING RIGHTS?

2012-01-15T22:46:00.001+08:00

Malacca who were awarded the hosting rights for the Junior Asia Cup may not get to play hosts after all.

Having won the bid at the AHF Council meeting held on the sidelines of the 2011 Azlan Shah Cup, Malacca have failed to get things moving, especially with regards to the stadium facilities.

Malacca we're to improve the facilities by providing two additional changing rooms as well as a proper media room besides making significant changes to the grandstand on the main pitch.

However nothing seems to have got off the ground despite Malacca Hockey Association having submitted the proposals to the state government.

And AHF are not at all amused at the turn of events given that the Junior Asia Cup that serves as the qualifiers for the 2013 Junior World Cup is scheduled to be held from May 3 to 13.

It will be a shame if Malacca loses the rights given the fact that the two key officials in the Malaysian Junior side are from Malacca in the likes of manager Mirnawan Nawawi and coach K. Dharmaraj.

Malaysian Hockey Federation Deputy President Dato Nur Azmi Ahmad however feels that the Malacca government will get the upgrading works completed and the event will be staged in Malacca.

"We will send a note to the state government to call for an urgent meeting to resolve the issue and ensure that all requirements of the AHF are adhered to," said Azmi.

"There is an option of moving it to Bukit Jalil but let us not consider that option just yet."

A WIN - BIG DEAL

2012-01-15T19:08:00.001+08:00

In the words of the national coach, the two Chinese wins over Malaysia were no big deals.

And the same can be said about Malaysia's 4-2 win over China in the 3rd match of the five match series at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil this evening.

Malaysia may have registered a win but their performance was far from impressive as the desire to win matches was still missing and the team capitalized on some poor umpiring decisions and China's inability to control their anger.

If only Malaysia had nine other players with the passion of Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin and Azlan Misron which will make them safe bets to negotiate their way safely past the opponents in the Olympic Qualifiers next March in Dublin.

Instead they have a fiery coach who cringes and becomes defensive at the slightest criticism, unable to look into the positive side of any critical analysis made.

But putting the egoistic person aside, the players are capable of playing good hockey if they put their minds to it, as evident in the last 15 minutes of the match.

Perhaps the fact that the Juniors hammered China 6-2 the previous day awoke some players from the slumber but what was more interesting was watching the activity on the bench where Stephen can Huizen was seen making the substitutions at regular intervals, talking to players that came off the pitch most of the time.

China opened scoring through a penalty corner in the 23rd minute with Lu Yixian finding the mark from a low flick.

The halftime score was in favour of the visiting team but it all changed in the second half largely due to poor umpiring that favored the home team.

Moha Amin Rahim made it count from Malaysia's third penalty corner in the 47th minute to draw level.

Then in the space of five minutes Malaysia were 3-1 up.

Azlan Misron robbed the Chinese defender of the ball and laid up a pass to Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin who unleashed a reverse stick hit sailing into goal.

And five minutes later Mohd Fithan Ashaari was on hand to score Malaysia's third.

It got better for the Malaysians as the Chinese fumed at the umpiring decisions and Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim scored off a penalty corner in the 61st minute to make it 4-1 for the hosts.

Though China reduced the deficit in the 64th minute via a penalty corner through Song Yi, Malaysia held on to keep the series alive.

TM, WE HAVE A PROBLEM

2012-01-12T19:28:00.001+08:00

The heading is a phrase often used by astronauts when contacting NASA base station at Houston. And I tweaked it a bit as I try sending a message to HRH Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, President of MHF/MHC with regards to the national hockey team. As critical as I am with regards to methods employed by the national coaches, at times we have to tell things as we see it.

Malaysia lost their second successive match against China, this time going down 1-4 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

They had lost the first match 1-2 yesterday and China lead the five match series 2-0 with another three to play, the next being this Sunday.

To be honest the players look dis-interested and dis-jointed, hardly looking like a side capable of ending a 12 year wait for the Olympics.

There is something obviously wrong with the team as they lacked the desire to win matches, playing as it it was just a practice match against a local club side. It was not a case of wrong tactics employed by the coaches, but just that the players were lacking in spirit.

China looked more hungry, playing cohesively as a team, working and encouraging one another while the Malaysians looked as if their mind was not in the match at all, playing as if the result does not matter.

Mind you Malaysia, as so strongly advocated by certain quarters of MHF/MHC are 13 ranked in the world while China are three spots behind. So just basing on that fact alone we had no business losing 1-4 to China, our most heaviest defeat against this opponents for as so long as I can remember.

Goalkeeper S. Kumar was a big let down in between the goalposts and that has been the case since the Champions Challenge in Johannesburg. By his own admission his form has dropped over the past two months and he was not shy to admit that he needed help.

"I am lacking in confidence and frankly need coaching in certain aspects. Some sessions with a goalkeeping expert could help me gain my confidence bac. And I do hope that my wish can be granted. I do not want to let the team down but I admit that I have not been playing well with my confidence at an all time low," conceded Kumar after letting in four soft goals by his standards over the course of the two matches.

The problem with the Malaysian team is obvious, the players do not do any of their own thinking on the pitch. It was the same case in Johannesburg and it is repeating itself again in the matches against China.

While the coaches and the support team work on fitness, tactics and style of play, it is the players that ought to have the desire to win matches. And am sorry to say this, but MHF/MHC is at fault for they have been continously rewarding mediocre performances, the last being giving the playerts RM2,000 for a fifth place finish at the Champions Challenge.

It is time to regroup, to look at the target objectively as we try to end our barren run in trying to make it to the Olympics. It has been 12 years since we last played at Olympics, and we cannot just afford another 4 years in oblivion.

We sat out of the World Cup for 16 years from 1982 to 1998 and we do not want a 16 year wait to be carried into the Olympics as well

HOCKEY CLINIC IN PERAK

2012-01-12T12:36:00.003+08:00

The Perak Hockey Association and Pengkalan Hulu District Hockey Association will be launching a Hockey Clinic for 200 students at SM Tun Saban, Pengkalan Hulu on Saturday 14th January 2012 at 8.00 am.

Some 200 children are expected to benefit from this development program initiated by the PHA. The Chief Minister of Perak will be launching the event.

UNIKL ARE DIVISION ONE CHAMPS

2012-01-11T23:30:00.001+08:00

UniKL emerged as champions of the KLHA Division One league when they edged Tenaga Nasional Berhad 2-1 in an entertaining final at the Pantai Hockey Stadium tonight.

The win earned UniKL RM3,000 as prize money besides the George Koshy Challenge Trophy. TNB took home RM2,000 for finishing second while Sapura were third and received RM1,000 for their efforts.

At the end of the league, UniKL were on the top of the standings with 22 points, the same as TNB but superior goal difference gave them the top spot.

And the two teams played each other twice, with honours even in the league clashes as UniKL won one match 7-5 but lost the second 4-6.

The final got off to a delayed start due to rain but once play got underway it was end to end stuff as both teams went on the offensive looking for the opening goal.

UniKL took the lead in the 25th minute via Mohd Noor Faez Ibrahim who converted a penalty corner. But after that the UniKL players were guilty of squandering sitters and this allowed TNB to get back into the game.

TNB were on level terms in the 50th minute when they were awarded a penalty stroke that Mahinder Singh duly converted.

However UniKL were not to be denied as Faez was on target in the 59th minute to give them the title.

SUNDAY 2030 EMERGE DIV 2 CHAMPS

2012-01-11T21:20:00.002+08:00

Sunday 2030 defeated Sentul 2-1 to emerge as the Champions of Division Two of the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Association league at the Pantai Hockey Stadium this evening.

They went ahead in the 15th minute via a penalty corner converted by skipper Wan Mohd Faizal. And four minutes into the second half they doubled their advantage when Ikmal scored, also through a penalty corner.

Former Project 2013 player Jasdev Singh Dhillon reduced the deficit in the 61st minute also from a penalty corner. But despite 2030 playing with 10 men after Balbinder singh was sent off in the 48th minute by umpire Rosdi Pilus, Sentul could not capitalise on the numerical advantage to find the equaliser.

For the record the two teams drew in the league match. Sentul however ended the league on top of the standings with 17 points while 2030 were in second spot with 14 points.

But 2030 made it count in the final and took home the Dato Abu Huraira Trophy and cash prize of RM2,000 while Sentul had to be contended with RM1,000. NSTP finished third and were presented with RM1,000.

SOMETHINGS NEVER CHANGE

2012-01-11T20:17:00.001+08:00

The Malaysian Hockey Federation may have changed its name to the Malaysian Hockey Confederation. But as the saying goes, a leopard cannot change its spots.

Just take a look at the picture above. That shows the match sheet for the first Malaysia v China friendly that was played at the National Hockey stadium this evening.

It is utterly disgraceful that a national body does not even have the decency to prepare a proper match sheet for a match.

Enough said as it is there for all to see.

CHINA LOOK AHEAD

2012-01-11T20:11:00.001+08:00

Though their qualifiers are some three months away, the Chinese hockey team looked much sharper in the first of their five friendlies against the Malaysian side at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil this evening.

China scored two goals in the first half through skipper Song Yi in the 3rd minute and doubled their advantage through Sun Zhuhai in the 25th minute.

Mohd Amin Rahim converted a penalty corner in the 30th minute to reduce the deficit. And though they had chances towards the closing stages of the match to draw level, poor finishing let them down.

The lethargic performances of the Malaysian players was understandable given that they are undergoing grueling training sessions of late. However it was their lack of interest in the match that stood out like a sore thumb.

For the Chinese, the six matches in Kuala Lumpur will give them the much needed match practice after having being the first team in seven years to undertake a tour of Pakistan.

Though they lost all the 4 matches against Pakistan, they obviously have worked on newer tactics, the running out for penalty corners as an example. For China opted for two first runners and that somewht took the sting out of the normal potent Malaysian penalty corner battery.

"We will take a break for the Chinese New Year and resume training after that. We do not have a large pool of players and these 20 that we brought here are all that we have," said China team manager Yang Liu.

"It is a good result, to win against Malaysia is not easy. But then again I noticed that the Malaysian team have several new faces after the AHF Champions Trophy in Ordos last September.

"We are hoping to be more consistent in our performances and as preparation for the Olympic Qualifier in Japan next April, we intend to invite some teams to China to play matches.

"We lack quality matches and are fortunate that Malaysia agreed to these matches."

KL LEAGUE FINALS

2012-01-10T13:24:00.001+08:00

If you are free on Wednesday night, 11th January, 2012, then head towards the KL Hockey Stadium to witness the finals of the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Association Division One and Two.

The Division Two final will feature Sentul RS Club against Sunday 2030 and the match is scheduled for 7.00pm.

And the second match, the Division One final will feature UniKL and Tenaga Nasional Berhad.

Going by the standard displayed in the league matches, hockey fans are in for a treat as the quality of matches was far higher then some of the MHL matches.

So make it a point to be at Pantai this Wednesday and support the KL League.

MHF STILL EXISTS?

2012-01-08T23:14:00.001+08:00

Well checks by a journalist at the Sports Commissioners Office has revealed startling information.

For the Malaysian Hockey Federation has yet to be dissolved as of last Friday as the necessary documentation has yet to be submitted by the MHF.

And the way the EGM was rushed through on December 17 gave the impression that all the documents were ready and it was merely a procedure to dissolve MHF.

But apparently the MHF President has yet to sign a particular form and it is peculiar why that could not have been done at the end of the EGM.

Now technically MHF is an illegal body and if is learnt that efforts are underway to transfer funds from MHF to MHC.

So I guess it's quite alright to pay scant respect to the laws of the country as well as be morally right for doing something so obviously wrong.

As they say, power crazy officials are the bane in society, for they openly defy regulations, so what difference is there between MHF, MAU, FAM and BAM. Birds of a feather flock together.

Over to you Minister, try being fair for once, take FAM to the cleaners together with MAU please as to err is not human, not when that's what they do year in and year out, it's just incompetence.

TBSS & USM PROMOTED

2012-01-07T14:47:00.001+08:00

Tunku Besar Secondary School and MSSPP-USM were promoted to Division One of the forthcoming MHC-MILO-NSC Junior Hockey League that will get underway on January 19. And it was decided that PHK-MSS Kelantan, the team that finished at the bottom of Division One last season were demoted to Division Two.

A record number of 25 teams confirmed their participation and with ten tems placed in Division One the remaining 15 teams were placed in two pools for the second division. The top six teams of Division One will be joined by the top two teams from Division Two, after a playoff between the top two teams in each of the two pools of Diision One.

Read more...www.mjhl.com.my

WHY THIS KOLAVERI DI

2012-01-05T21:28:00.001+08:00

That is the hit song of late and it equates to an incident in the national team.

But before we start one ought to know the meaning of "kolaveri" which when translated means murderous rage.

And the incident in the national team is about a player, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin walking out of the team after being told off by one of the coaches.

The player with his teammates were going through their paces when a remarked was passed by a coach who literally said that if players were not interested then they were free to leave.

And it seems that is what precisely Tajuddin did and he has been absent from training for the last two days, despite efforts by the coaches to get in touch with him.

Before we accuse Tajuddin of ditching national interest, one has to understand that he, together with some other players studying at UPM are undergoing exams at the moment.

And the particular coach who passed the remark ought to know better as he too was given leeway in training for the 1998 Commonwealth Games.

Players have to look after their future and studies are also important. The Olympic Qualifiers are two months away so letting those undergoing exam have some break is something coaches with common sense should practice.

It is left to be seen if Tajuddin will be coaxed to return by manager George Koshy, the ever diplomatic person and one who understands the players best, and he will most likely be able to persuade Tajuddin to return.

But the damage has been done, and what three players told me after getting the RM4500 upon the Champions Challenge 1 fifth place finish will surely shock hockey fans, for money is far from their mind.

Await that disclosure next

WHY 1MAS NOT THE ANSWER TO OUR WOES

2012-01-05T19:00:00.001+08:00

"One Olympian, Nadeem, lived on my street," he tells us. "Watching him inspired me to play, now I think of hockey the first thing in the morning and I think about it when I lay in bed at night."

The little town of Gojra in central Punjab is far from affluent. It once hit the headlines in recent years, but only for the religious tensions that boiled over there.

Its biggest secondary school is shabby, and its pupils often have lessons sitting on the ground outside because there is not enough room inside the classrooms.

But if, like Abu Bakr, they have ambitions of one day representing Pakistan at the Olympics, the pupils could not be growing up in a better town and they are certainly going to the right school.

MC High School has a remarkable record when it comes to Pakistan's most important Olympic sport, hockey.

Over the last 40 years, it has produced no less than 57 international hockey players, including the stars Tahir Zaman, Rashid-ul-Hassan and Shahbaz Jr.

Former pupils have won World Cups, Champions Trophies and Olympic gold medals.

When the Pakistan hockey squad travels to London, it is likely to include four players from this one school.

"We were nothing before we went to MC High School," says Pakistan defender, Muhammad Irfan.

"Now I am playing for my country and it is all because of the start that I got. As pupils we felt everything was possible when it came to playing hockey."

But MC High is not a sporting academy, just a regular government-run school. So why the incredible record?

And why, on a bumpy pitch behind the school during break time, are all the pupils playing hockey instead of cricket like most Pakistani boys?

A lot of it has to do with Aslam Rodha, now nearly 70-years-old.

He was a pupil at MC High in the 1950s and 1960s, when Gojra was little more than an agricultural village.

"I was a good athlete and thought I would give hockey a try," says Mr Rodha. "Our team was terrible and we were always losing, but me and a few others turned things around and we started winning."

It was not long before Aslam Rodha got noticed and was picked to represent Pakistan. While he was still playing, he decided it was time for a sporting revolution in Gojra.

"There was no industry here, Gojra was not famous for anything," he says. "I made the decision that I wanted to produce world class hockey players from here. I started training them, and they started being selected, and it carried on to this day."

Outside the headmaster's office is a tribute to Aslam Rodha's tremendous success. There are boards showing the names of all the former pupils who have gone on to play hockey for their country. There are now three panels full of names and they will soon need a fourth.

After school, boys who are interested come to hockey practice.

ANALYSIS FROM THE OPEN UNIVERSITY
Clusters of excellence occur in other sports like boxing, tennis and golf but this modest state school example is remarkable. The catalyst is a passionate skilled coach with very high expectations; this inspires young athletes to the sport and once someone succeeds at the top level a role model and route to success is clear for all. Success therefore helps sustain further success especially when a strong work ethic is promoted alongside challenging training drills and an understanding of the science and strategy of the sport: which brings us back to the all important coach and the environment they create.
Ben Oakley,

"When we sit at our desks and think of the former players that must have sat there before, it feels so good," says 13-year-old Muhammad Naqqash, taking a break from cracking balls past a goalkeeper.

"I want to play hockey forever, and with the help of my school I'll one day play for Pakistan."

And 16-year-old Mubashir Ali gives us an insight into how hockey and MC High's focus on it has given pupils here a route out of poverty and the chance to see the world.

"We will get our respect through working hard and playing hockey," he says. "It is my dream to make my parents and teachers proud and make a name for my school and my country on the hockey field."

It is through the support of donations and help from former pupils that coach Aslam Rodha has been able to sustain his vision.

"Ninety percent of the pupils here come from very poor backgrounds," Mr Rodha says. "They don't even get proper nutrition at home."

"But thanks to the donations, if a poor boy lives too far away to come to train we buy him a bike. We buy poor children milk and food and we buy them their hockey sticks and balls."

"People give us shorts and shirts and trainers that we can distribute, that's why you see them all wearing different kit," he says.

That some of these pupils will go on to compete against the best players from Europe, Australia and the world may seem like achievement enough, but do not underestimate the hunger for Olympic medals inside the boys from MC High.

CAT & MOUSE GAME

2012-01-04T15:49:00.000+08:00

The women hockey officials deserve more credit than what is often given to them. For upon the dawning of the new year 2012, they now stand on equal terms with their colleagues from the men's hockey fraternity, thanks to the International Hockey Federation's (FIH) insistence of a merged body to run hockey in Malaysia.

There was a joint body, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation, formed some six years ago to administer hockey internationally. But somehow some officials in MHF blundered and the cat was out of the bag, and FIH was all over MHF. But that is now history.

So the two bodies, MHF and MWHA decided to dissolve and press ahead with having a single body to administer the sport in Malaysia.

Various types of meetings were held, utmost of it was the desire of some office bearers to ensure that their positions in the merged body, be it elected or appointed, were not affected by this merger.

That is how the absurd figure of 12 Vice Presidents came about, 2 Senior Vice Presidents and 1o other Vice Presidents, with the MHF President taking over the reigns as the MHC President and the MWHA President being the sole Deputy President.

With the merger, the women thus hold 50% of the power base within MHC and they will also get two appointed independent members plus either the Secretary/Assistant Secretary as well as the Treasurer/Assistant Treasurer position.

Knowing that there was no way on earth that the current MHF Secretary will give up his position and allow a women candidate as the MHC Secretary, the MWHA went on to their next set of plans, that was to ensure that Prof Dr. Shamala Subramaniam, the iron lady of MWHA retains some significant influence on MHC.

Thus instead of allowing Shamala, who by the way is highly qualified but educationally, and is an elected member of the Asian Hockey Federation Council, to be reduced to a mere spectator, MWHA has nominated her as the Senior Vice President of MHC, on par with MHF Deputy President Dato Nur Azmi Ahmad.

And they have now decided that their current Executive Secretary will be the appointed person for the Secretary/Assistant Secretary post.

Now that is what one calls forward planning.

Mind you, I have nothing against how MWHA conducted themselves and infact admire the fact that they planned this whole thing to their advantage, who wouldn't in the first place. After all the current MHF officials wanted to safeguard their posts, so they sacrificed hockey for personal interests, and why blame the women for thinking out of the box?

So now instead of Shamala, who was vocal during the merger talks, taking orders from the incoming Secretary, she will be in a position to dictate terms, by virtue of her position as Senior Vice President.

With 13 key office bearers, and the fact that there are 13 sub committees in the new MHC set up, it will be interesting to see who will run which committee and with 4 years on their hands, god knows what good or bad will come out of it.

Suffice to say that the forward planning to safe guard the interest of some key officials within the MHF old set up is ongoing and if the women were follow in that direction, at times one step ahead, then who are we to complain.

MSSSC FOR MJHL?

2011-12-30T16:25:00.001+08:00

The Malaysia-Singapore Sikhs Sports Council (MSSSC) 1Malaysia Youth Under-16 hockey camp was held at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh recently.

At hand to officiate the four-day national camp was Raja Ashman Shah Sultan Azlan Shah.

"The camp will see 100 youth of all races from every state undergoing basic hockey training with the objective to not only groom our youth with hockey skills, but also moral values, psychological and motivational skills as well," said MSSSC president Datuk Sohan Singh.

The other objective of the camp was to select players for the MHF-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League which starts on Jan 9.

The Sikhs have always produced sterling hockey players for the country with the likes of former skippers DSP Mohinder Singh and Sarjit Singh.

Currently, Kevinder Singh and Baljit Singh are in the national training side.

CHANGES IN MJHL

2011-12-29T22:41:00.001+08:00

The MHF Competitions Committee or rather Org Committee for the MHF-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League met briefly today and amongst what the decided was :

- that the format will not be changed to zonal and will retain its previous format of competition with two divisions.

- new teams will automatically play in the lower division.

- a subsidy of RM3,000 provided by Milo be given to the participating teams.

- increase in prize money.

- only top 4 teams in Division One will be seeded for knockout and an open draw be conducted.

- that the closing date is January 6 and league to commence by January 19.

- league to end by March so as to give the National Juniors a month to prepare for the Asia Junior Cup which has now been brought forward to 3-13 May.

More updates later.

RAMALINGAM TROPHY

2011-12-29T10:41:00.004+08:00

The Selangor Veterans Open Carnival (SVOC) as an indoor hockey tournament, will be held on January 28th, 2012 at the Real Sport Arena, Klang. The chosen venue features a full spec indoor court with sideboards available and a taraflex surface which makes it easier and safer to play on.

The teams taking part in the SVOC will be battling it out for the K.Ramalingam Challenge Trophy. The late K.Ramalingam held various positions in Selangor Hockey Association (SHA) & Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) and his last undertaking was the Honorary Secretary of SHA. He directly contributed to and helped sustain the hockey growth in Malaysian hockey especially for the state of Selangor. His skills and distinct ability on and off the field, coupled with his great personality made him a friend to all, especially in the hockey circle. The K.Ramalingam Trophy is SHA’s way of honoring him for his contributions to Hockey.

Teams interested in participating can contact Kuganeson Poologasingam, Vice President SHA 016-5517100, or visit the SHA official website (www.sha.com.my) for more information

WHY ARE WE SILENT?

2011-12-29T09:58:00.001+08:00

Having read the todayonline.com, a Singapore news website, I am particularly disturbed to find out the following:

Financing is also a key issue which Annabel Pennefather, president of the Singapore Hockey Federation (SHF), hopes the MCYS and the SSC can help address.

"2012 could be a big year for us as we have been approached by the FIH (hockey's governing body) to host the launch event for their new initiative, the World Hockey League, which is set to be their new qualifying route for future World Cups and Olympics," said Pennefather.

According to Pennefather, the SHF are unable to commit to hosting the 12-team event (six each from men and women) scheduled for next August due to uncertainty in funding.

"We did ask the SSC for assistance and were told to expect the answer in February," she said.

"In the meantime, we have agreed to hold the Asian Hockey Federation Cup for women next year which will cost at least S$100,000, with the cost of hiring the Sengkang Hockey Stadium from the SSC taking up the bulk of the cost."

It is indeed shocking that MHF or now MHC did not bid for the event which would have been held right after the Olympics. And here we are fighting for a change in qualifying format when we could have been on the forefront for change besides repairing our image in the eyes of FIH, especially three months before the FIH Congress in Malaysia in October next year.

INDIA MATCHES OFF, FRENCH INSTEAD

2011-12-27T18:44:00.000+08:00

Well, for a particular journalist of a Malays daily that always looks at this blog and then carries stories from the MHF perspective and labeling this blog as "kritik", here is some news for you as all you seem to do is pick up my stories and do not do work.

Apparently the national team matches against India scheduled for this February are off and instead the team will play matches against France instead from the 20 - 27 of January.

These matches will be played after the Malaysia v China series that are scheduled from January 12 onwards.

Since the Azlan Shah matches have been called off, the national team was facing a dearth of matches to prepare for the Olympic Qualifiers from March 10.

And with India unable to accommodate the matches in February, there is a possibility that Poland could well save the day as they have indicated that they will be able to play a couple of matches before they go for the India leg of the Olympic Qualifiers.

Now back to this journalist, it is fine for you to pick up info from this blog, but to keep on implying that this blog is a critic speaks the volumes of your inability to generate stories on your own accord. That belittles your newspapers as it indicates that it is now a mouthpiece of certain officials within MHF who are not able to maintain their own website hence take the liberty to blow their own trumpet.

SOON KOOI TAKES OVER PENANG HA

2011-12-27T17:47:00.001+08:00

Former Olympian and World Cupper Ow Soon Kooi is now the President of the Penang Hockey Association.

His appointment into the position was ratified at the AGM of Penang HA on December 17, the same day that saw the demise of the Malaysian Hockey Federation.

Soon Kooi who is also an appointed independent member of the MHF, takes over the mantle of President from Dato Seri Dr. Ibrahim Saad who stepped down in July following his work commitments as the Malaysian Ambassador to Philippines.

"I will likely decline the position of independent member should I be appointed for the MHC council," said Soon Kooi.

"This is to prevent others from perceiving that I may have vested or peculiar interest and wish to concentrate solely on Penang hockey.

" I have myself a term to improve hockey in Penang both in terms of performance and finances and hope that all involved will work alongside me."

Soon Kooi was a product of Penang Free School and while is soft spoken he never holds back from stating his opinion on issues that affect Malaysian hockey, especially during MHF Management Committee meetings.

While it will be a loss for MHF, the fact that Soon Kooi is now President of an affiliate will give him more voice to raise issues as opposed to him being told by an MHF official that his "appointed" position was just that, and could not raise the well being of hockey at meetings.

EXCITED ABOUT DUBLIN

2011-12-25T16:17:00.001+08:00

There is so much at stake in Dublin come March 2012 and it's not solely the fortunes of the national team that is the topic of discussion here.

It is the Olympic Qualifiers and while the players in the training squad are justifying their place in the final 18, another big battle is shaping up outside the pitch.

For Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah is contemplating taking some hockey officials on a junket for the qualifiers and already it is the talk of town, for the jostling for places has commenced.

To be honest, anyone worth their salt in saying that they love hockey and want to contribute towards hockey should pay out their own pocket to support the national team.

I have done so numerous times at my own expense, right from being at Invercargil for the World Cup qualifiers to the recent SEA Cup in Myanmar, not depending on the generosity of anyone to support my national side, and to report it from my perspective and not to please any quarters.

Coming back to this junket, before Tuanku gets the wrong idea, it is well within your right to take them to Dublin but in reality who should go seems to be the question.

Do you send deadwood who have not contributed and turn up for meetings just to agree with whatever is presented?

Do you send your office bearers who have obviously not delivered, some of whom who cannot even come for local competitions?

Do you send one person from every affiliate, meaning the likes of Johor, Sabah, Sarawak, Malacca, NS, Perak get two spots since some office bearers are from these states?

And what about the officials that are jostling to land that lucrative package to provide ticket and ground arrangements for the trip, making a quick buck or two from your coffers Tuanku?

And we claim that Malaysian hockey has improved, I agree totally, it has improved from the greed perspective.

There is this former Malaysian official Arul Selvaraj who coaches Ireland and maybe it's best Tuanku get someone to get in touch with him to sort out accommodation at a cost effective manner for the trip.

After all Arul is one of the few Malaysians who are supportive of the work I do in promoting and providing ideas for the betterment of hockey. And he was kind enough to offer me a place to stay in his humble home in Dublin for the qualifiers.

The same goes for George Brink in Johannesburg who offered me accommodation for the Champions Challenge II but I could ill afford the fare.

So while the battle rages on for a place on the place to Dublin, all I can say is Tuanku you have a big heart but let's hope it's not taken advantage of.

Merry Xmas everyone...

RIP COACH LEONG

2011-12-23T18:47:00.001+08:00

It was with profound sadness that I learnt the death of long time Perak hockey official and coach Leong Hor Cheng.

It was only last night that I was talking to former national coach C. Paramalingam about Leong, and unknown to both of us Leong passed away at the age of 75 yesterday.

My association with Leong started when he was the instructor together with Param at the Level One Coaching Course of which I was a participant.

And Leong, knowing the fact that I was the then NS Hockey Association Secretary, refused to grant any favors.

It was during that period that I learnt of his exploits with playing cards, and he even told us the story of how he was banned from Genting.

Over the years our regular place to meet was the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium and it was in May that we caught up, though looking frail he was in good spirits.

Perak and Malaysian hockey has lost a knowledgable coach and I still have a coy of his syllabus that he used for the Level One courses.

The cortège will leave No.38 Jalan Sarawak, Sin Lok Garden, Ipoh at 10.00am on Saturday December 24 for cremation at the Paradise Memorial Park, Tanjung Rambutan.

Thanks for the memories and the laughter we shared not forgetting the coaching knowledge you imparted.

May his soul rest in peace and my condolences to the family.

REALITY DAWNS

2011-12-22T08:30:00.001+08:00

For their mediocre performances at the Champions Challenge in Johannesburg, the national team was given RM4,500 each recently.

And one can only deduce that MHF is so starved of success that they even pay out healthy sums of money for finishing in a lowly fifth position.

For the bonus scheme is now no longer a motivation factor as proven by rewarding under achievers.

A win is worth RM1,000 and a draw RM500 so rightfully they ought to have been paid RM2,500 in total. But instead Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, against his better judgment opted to pay out another RM2,000 for meeting the target.

So below are the fixtures for the Olympic Qualifiers in Dublin. Only can only say that it is god sent as Malaysia opens out with relatively easy matches before taking on Korea and Ireland in the final two group matches that will decide their fate.

Olympic Qualifiers Fixtures
Dublin, Ireland

March 10th, 2012
12:00pm KOR - UKR
2:15pm IRL - RUS
4:30pm MAS - CHI

March 11th, 2012
12:30pm KOR - CHI
2:45pm UKR - IRL
5:00pm MAS - RUS t

March 13th, 2012
1:00pm UKR - MAS
3:30pm RUS - CHI
6:00pm IRL - KOR

March 15th, 2012
1:00pm RUS - UKR
3:30pm MAS - KOR
6:00pm CHI - IRL

March 17th, 2012
11:00am KOR - RUS
1:15pm CHI - UKR
3:30pm IRL - MAS

March 18th, 2012
12:00pm 5th in pool - 6th in pool
2:30pm 3rd in pool - 4th in pool
5:00pm 2nd in pool - 1st in pool

PARDON, MONEY GOES WHERE?

2011-12-21T19:10:00.000+08:00

The Malaysian Hockey Federation will cease to exist once the Sports Commissioner accepts its dissolution as per the decision made at the AGM on December 17, 2011.

However when one reads the the constitution, it can be seen that correctly the resolution should have read that they money will be deposited with OCM before moved to MHC or whatever body as determined to govern hockey in the country.

So let us not be seen to ignore the constitutional requirements and be open to a challenge in the court of law.

DISSOLUTION

Rule 22

The M.H.F. shall not be dissolved exceptwith the consent of not less than ¾ of the number of persons who are entitledto vote in a General Meeting.

Rule 22.1

In the event the M.H.F. is dissolved, alldebts and liabilities incurred on behalf oh M.H.F. shall be fully dischargedand the remaining funds shall be deposited with the O.C.M.

Rule 22.2

The Minister of Sports, the Commissioner ofSports, the O.C.M., the N.S.C and other relevant bodies, both international anddomestic shall be informed of the dissolution.

Rule 22.3

In the event of deregistration by theCommissioner of Sports, clause 22.1 above shall apply with regard to funds ofM.H.F. and in the event of a new governing body being established for promotionand development of the game of hockey in Malaysia, such funds shall be utilizedby the new governing body under the supervision of O.C.M.

WHATS THE REAL DEAL?

2011-12-21T18:23:00.003+08:00

When this blog first wrote about the so called partnership between Air Asia and the 1 MAS Project, some within the system said that there was really nothing sinister behind it.

But the truth always hurts and try as they did to cover a deal that favoured Air Asia more then anyone else, the truth eventually prevailed and we will now share with the readers as to what the cost was to play in the Mickey Mouse competition down under.

The tournament was held from November 25 to November 27, making it a three day event. And the team returned to Malaysia on Monday, November 28.

In all a total of 18n players and six officials made the trip to Perth, Australia.

So I was told that Air Asia gave a hefty discount on the travel cost, and it was something in the region of RM350 per person, which brings the total cost to RM8,400.

Now have a look at the summary with regards to the list of payments as was distributed at the lfinal MHF Council Meeting on Saturday, December 17.

The total cost for the trip was listed as RM105,281.00.

After deducting the cost of subsidised flights by Air Asia, the total cost comes to a whopping RM96,881 and if one was to divide that between the 24 players/officials making the trip, it will amount to RM4,036.00 per person, for a six day stay in Perth, thus the average cost per day will come to RM672.78.

That is not taking into account the selection camp for the Perth tournament that cost RM19,804.00.

Now this is TAXPAYERS money we are talking about so there ought to be a public disclosure of just why did participation in a six day event down under cost so much?

Just for the sake of comparison sake, the cost of the National Under 16 playing in the 4 Nation event in Manheim was RM102.520.

Let us not even touch the issue of the "blank" website that has incurred a total cost of RM23,065.25 listed as service provider fee while a further RM268.00 as domain fee.

Over to you Tuanku President...

GO ASK MHF

2011-12-20T14:08:00.001+08:00

It seems that the Project 2013 squad are involved with some friendly matches against the Korean National Sports University team at the Bukit Jalil Hockey Stadium.

So far three out of the five matches have been completed with Malaysia losing the first and third match 2-3 and 1-7 respectively. Malaysia won the second match but I have no idea of the scoreline though.

What intrigues me the most is that MHF is devoid of ideas to even do the simplest thing, that is to list down their activities on their defunct website.

All MHF does is find fault with FIH and the attacks continue on cyber space via twitter.

Another thing I cannot understand is why the secrecy of playing these matches and putting up the results.

Want to know when the next two matches are played and the results, go to www.goaskmhf.com.

FLIP, FLOP MHF

2011-12-19T21:29:00.001+08:00

The idea was discussed at a special seminar held in July by the MHF Competitions Committee. And it was subsequently endorsed at its Council Meeting.

Before I become flip flop like MHF, allow me to explain the subject matter.

It's was discussed and decided that the Malaysian Junior Hockey League will be played on a Zonal basis, the idea behind it was to broaden the participation and lessening the financial burden on teams which under the old format at times needed to travel the length and breath of the country.

Somehow along the way MHF forgot to discuss this with the stakeholders, that being the sponsors - NSC and MILO.

And presto, akin to pulling the rabbit out of the hat, MHF has now called for a meeting between teams to discuss the format tomorrow, and the icing on the cake is that even some teams from KL were not invited for the meeting.

So now clubs/schools can determine what kind of format they want and the decision of the Council means nothing in Malaysian Hockey.

Holding discussions with teams is healthy, but would it not have been proper to send out entry forms to all teams via the state HA and if the response was lukewarm, only then call for a meeting to review the format?

And these teams were not invited to the July seminar by god knows who.

All one can deduce from this scenario is MHF is flip flopped on decisions, saying one thing and doing another, as the proverb goes - cakap tak serupa bikin.

Anymore surprises after that Azlan Shah fiasco? Keep on reading as they will spring one surprise after another...

PASAR MALAM SQUAD TRIUMPHS AT SEA CUP

2011-12-17T22:25:00.001+08:00

Malaysia emerged champions of the 2nd SEA Cup when they defeated Singapore 6-1 in the final at the Yangon Hockey Stadium in Myanmar.

And hosts Myanmar created history of sorts when they beat Thailand 3-0 in the match to determine third placing, thus earning their first international win as well as a podium finish in international hockey.

Dubbed as the "pasar malam" (night market) squad by an official, an obvious refernce to the fact that the composition of the team not being acceptable to certain quarters, the Malaysians did not need any motivation with some players dedicating the win to the official.

The final was as expected a battle between the Malaysian strikers and the Singapore defence, where the islanders opted for the parking the bus strategy, having all players behind the ball.

They held on well while it worked but lack of tactical discipline and not adhering to the game plan saw Malaysia exploiting the gaps in the Singapore defence with Ismail Abu and Chaua Boon Huat prising open the defence with their skill as well as one touch hockey.

With S. Shanker and Mohd Sallehin Abdul Ghani akin the rock of Gribaltar in defence, there was no way for the Singaporeans to trouble the Malaysian dfence.

Malaysia opened scoring in the 23rd minute when Kevin Khartik, who later was named as the man of the match, sent his attempt past a despairing dive by Singapore custodian Ng Wan Chiang.

With the barrier broken it was just a matter of time when the floodgates would open and it duly happened in the 26th minute with Dedy Ariyadi side stepping Ng after being put through by Ismail Abu to give Malaysia a 2-0 lead.

Ismail then got onto the scoresheet himself scoring the third in the 39th minute after robbing the ball of Singapore defender Harjeet Singh. It was his seventh goal of the tournament and he went on to win the top scorer award.

Muhammad Amerullah scored in the 52nd minute to make it 4-0 and although Singapore scored in the 53rd minute via Silas Abdul Razak, it was just a minor setback for the Malaysians.

Goals by Chua Boon Huat ( 64th minute) and Muhammad Redzwan (69th minute) sealed the win and the title for Malaysia.

In the match to decide the third spot, Myanmar opened scoring in the 38th minute Than Htut Win.

And three minutes later Hein Min Zaw converted a penalty corner to double their advantage.

The confirmed their third place when Thein Htaik Aung scored in the 51st minute and the crowd were already celebrating in the stands.

They were immediately rewarded with USD1.200 by the Vice President of Myanmar Hockey Federation KK Liang.

SEA CUP: MALAYSIA/SINGAPORE FINAL

2011-12-16T14:11:00.000+08:00

Malaysia will take on Singapore in the final of the 2nd SEA Cup in Yangon on Saturday and should have no problem defending the title based on their current form.

The defending champions showed their class when they trashed Myanmar 12-1 while Singapore too were in rampant mood, trashing Thailand 5-0 to book their place.

"We ought to win the title given the fact that we are far superior then the other teams in the tournament," said team manager M. Gobinathan.

"Having said that we are not taking things for granted as we treat all teams with respect and Singapore have been playing well.

"I am impressed with the commitment from the players who remain focused at the task at hand and give it their all in the matches played."

The toast of the Malaysian side was skipper Ismail Abu who scored five goals in the match. Not only did he show that he was a clinical finisher but Ismail played an inspiring role, often setting up his teammates and spurring the younger set of players on with words of encouragement.

Malaysia opened scoring in the 8th minute through Ismail who then doubled the advantage in the 11th minute.

Ganeisha Tamil Chelvam then increased the lead, putting the finishing touches after Ismail had burst through the right in the 16the minute.

Four goals in the space of 10 minutes saw Malaysia surge to a 8-0 lead with Kevin Khartik (22nd minute PC), Dedi Ariyadi (24th minute FG), Chua Boon Huat (25th minute FG) and Muhammad Redzhwan (32nd minute FG) putting their names on the scoresheet.

Upon resumption Ismail scored in the 38th minute to make it 9-0 before Than Htut Win scored for Myanmar off a penalty corner in the 50th minute.

Ismail then scored two quick goals in the 53rd and 56th minutes before Muhammad Amerullah rounded up the scored by scoring the 12th in the 64th minute.

Fixtures:

3/4th Placing

1.30pm - Myanmar v Thailand

Final

3.30pm - Malaysia v Singapore

CHARLESWORTH - AUSTRALIA NEVER SAID YES

2011-12-16T13:41:00.002+08:00

The saga of the Azlan Shah Cup 2012 continues as Australian coach Ric Charlesworth has confirmed that they had declined the invite to participate in the tournament.

Thus the question of them confirming participation and then withdrawing does not arise at all. And this now raises the question who had advised the MHF President Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah that the team from Down Under had agreed to participate.

Below is the email received from Charlesworth with regards to this issue:

" Since I have been the coach of Australia we have been delighted to play against Malaysia at every opportunity.

" You have a very spirited and skillful team. Indeed we have played Malaysia more than any other team...twelve times!

" We only received the invitation a couple of weeks ago and declined because for more that 6 months we have had a series planned with Argentina and Netherlands in Perth. The dates are Feb 7-19. I assume that is why both these teams are not available also! As soon as we received the invitation we declined.

" Our programme has been in place for more than six months. We are playing against NZ in June. At the beginning of May we are in Europe. In March we will play Japan and another team...we were to play korea but their qualifier caused them to cancel. We would be keen to find a place for Malaysia as they are a quality team, our closest neighbour and always generous hosts.

"The new dates...I have not heard of these... could be of interest to us but would be unlikely to attract interest from the Europeans so close to the Olympics."

AZLAN SHAH CUP POSTPONED?

2011-12-14T16:02:00.001+08:00

Worldwide Exclusive

It is being kept under wraps, for reasons known best to certain officials from the Malaysian Hockey Confederation and the Organising Committee.

But it is almost certain that the 2012 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup will not be held on the dates scheduled earlier, that being from the 2-12 February 2012.

For at a discussion held in Kuala Lumpur which was attended by HRH Sultan Azlan Shah, Organising Chairman Dato Abdul Rahim, national coaches Tai Benng Hai, Nor Saiful Zaini, NTCC Stephen van Huizen and outgoing MHF Secretary Hashim Mohd Yusof, it was decided that the event now be held from May 24 to June 4, some 50 days before the 2012 London Olympics gets under way.

The reasoning for the shift of dates is due to the fact that MHC could not entice the likes of Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Germany and Holland to participate in the tournament.

The three teams that confirmed their participation were Spain, South Africa and Pakistan with Malaysia making up the fourth team.

Now while India were not invited as they will be involved in the Olympic Qualifier of their own later in February, South Korea who are in the same pool as Malaysia in the Dublin qualifier were also left out of the invite list.

However both China and Japan were not invited based on the recommendations of the national coach so it seems.

The funny thing is that in November it was reported that FIVE teams had CONFIRMED their participation.

Now lets go back and read what was reported in The Star on Monday, November 21, after the MHF Council Meeting, an event where this blog was not invited:

The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) held their last council meeting yesterday and endorsed the calendar for 2012. The tournament will be held from Feb 2-12 in Ipoh and it will be a seven-nation meet.

MHF president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said after the meeting that the dates were fixed after consultation with the national team management.

“There will be a one-month gap between the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and the qualifiers. We believe that the team know what they are doing as they made the request to hold the tourney in February,” he said.

When asked if the national team can perform well in the Cup as it is so close to the qualifiers, Tengku Abdullah said: “Like I said, they made the request and as such we respect their decision. They know the dates involved and they must be confident that it will not affect their performance in the qualifiers in Dublin.”

He also said that five teams have so far confirmed their participation in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Besides Malaysia, the others are Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand and Belgium. Germany have declined the invitation while the MHF are waiting for a reply from Holland.

The MHF have also put on stand by Argentina and Britain as possible replacements if the Dutch decline the invitation as well.

So having read that, it appears that Australia, New Zealand and Belgium have since withdrawn. Or did they confirm their participation in the first place? That is intriguing as the MHF President could well have been misled into naming the teams despite no confirmation obtained.

Having said that it is told that Australia and New Zealand withdrew as they have a tri-nation event during that period with the other participant being Argentina.

But that still does not explain if they had entered and withdrew, and if that is the case they should not be invited for the rescheduled dates.

And what is the story behind Belgium?

Let's now talk about the rationale of holding an event just after the Junior Asia Cup in Malacca that has been scheduled for may 11 to 20. This tournament serves as the qualifier for the 2013 Junior World Cup that will be held in India in November that year.

So will we see the battle between Beng Hai and the junior side assuming we make it to the London Olympics? Has anyone thought about that or is it that the dates were fixed with the thought that we will not be in London 2102?

And will the teams come in the first place given the fact that its only 50 days to the Olympic, for that matter will Beng Hai send the Malaysian team to an event in South America 50 days before the Olympics?

Food for thoughts and answers sought, but besides just admonishing this blog with words like insignificant, what else can these officials say but carry on boycotting this blog.

By the way, why so quiet about the MHF, 1MAS Websites? Malaysian news hardly there and even though I have started the activities at www.hockey-asia.com, the silence at the corridors of power at Bukit Jalil are deafening.

KLHA LEAGUE

2011-12-14T15:16:00.001+08:00

Unknown to many, despite it being almost the end of the year, the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Association activities continue with the KLHA Division One League at the halfway stage.

A total of six teams are battling it out for honours and UniKL A and TNB are the front runners with 4 wins and a defeat each, after UniKL A beat the electricity side 7-5 last week.

However UniKL A suffered a 2-4 defeat at the hands of Sapura who in turn had lost 4-5 to TNB earlier, Thus there is everything to play for and the fixtures for the second round are below.

SEA CUP: MALAYSIA,SINGAPORE REGISTER WINS

2011-12-13T20:43:00.000+08:00

Despite efforts to call and SMS, nothing was obtained from the Malaysian team officials at the SEA Cup.

However Malaysia got off to a winning start at the SEA Cup in Yangon when they defeated Thailand 6-0 in the opening match this evening.

In another match, Singapore defeated Myanmar 4-1.

Malaysia opened scoring through Kavin Kartik who converted a penalty corner. And Thailand did well to restrict the fancied Malaysians to a single goal lead at halftime.

However the floodgates opened and Malaysia went on to score another five goals through the efforts of Kavin (PC), Ismail Abu (PC), Dedy Aryandi (FG), Chua Boon Huat (PC) and Ganeisha Tamilchelvam (PC).

Malaysia will take on Singapore on Wednesday while Myanmar play Thailand.

Results:

Tuesday, Dec 13

Malaysia 6 Thailand 0
Malaysian Goalscorers:
Kavin Kartik 29th min (PC),43rd minute (PC), ismaill Abu 50th minute (PC), Dedy Aryandi 53rd minute (FG), Chua Boon Huat 60th minute (PC), Ganeisha Tamil Chelvam (65th minute (PC)

Singapore 4 Myanmar 1
Singapore Goalscorers
Harjeet Singh 5th min & 30th minute (PC), 46th minute (PS), Ian James Valencia 63rd minute (FG)
Myanmar Goalscorer
Hein Min Zaw - 57th minute (FG)

Standings

                        P    W    D    L    G    A    PTS

Malaysia          1     1     0    0     6     0      3

Singapore        1     1     0    0     4     1      3

Myanmar         1      0     0    1     1     4      0

Thailand          1      0     0     1     0     6     0

Note: Neither MHF.MHC,AHF provided results for the tournament.

ONE RUNG UP, BIG DEAL

2011-12-12T23:04:00.001+08:00

The FIH today released its updated Men’s World Ranking following the conclusion of the Champions Trophy and Champions Challenge 1 tournaments in early December.

Malaysia moved one rung up, from 14 to 13 but before those at Bukit Jalil start thumping their chests, please note that only 3 points separate the two spots as Canada are in the 14th spot with 1116 points and Malaysia in 13th with 1119 points.

And mind you Canada defeated Malaysia 3-1 at the Champions Challenge.

So rankings will count for nothing if we do not qualify for London 2012 and to do that we need to win matches from the start and not depend on a format which MHF made a joke of and then relied to achieve their target of 5th. More on that in the next posting.

Australia defended its top spot in the World Ranking after claiming the gold medal at the Owen G. Glenn FIH Champions Trophy in Auckland, New Zealand. In fact, the first change to the updated ranking isn’t until the fourth position, which England took over from Spain.

Belgium moved up once place from 12th to 11th after winning the FIH Champions Challenge 1 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Belgium took over the 11th spot from Canada, which was the biggest mover in this edition of the ranking, falling three places to #14 after a last-place finish in Johannesburg.

FIH Men's World Ranking

Below are the current World Ranking positions for the men's teams.

The FIH World Ranking is updated after any major international events -- approximately 3-4 times per year.

The latest update to the World Ranking was on November 1, 2011 following the conclusion of the Continental Championships.

1 Australia 2188
2 Germany 1988
3 Netherlands 1855
4 England 1662
5 Spain 1650
6 Korea 1490
7 New Zealand 1395
8 Pakistan 1315
9 Argentina 1292
10 India 1288
11 Belgium 1150
12 South Africa 1130
13 Malaysia 1119
14 Canada 1116
15 Japan 865
16 Ireland 839
17 China 830
18 France 751
19 Poland 729
20 Russia 661

UNSUNG HEROES

2011-12-11T18:09:00.001+08:00

The Malayan Hockey Council with the Amateur Athletics Union of Malaya met at the PWD Sports Club in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur on Aug 15, 1953 at 11.20am. The meeting ended 35 minutes and the Federation of Malaya Olympic Council was formed.

But come this Saturday, the founder member of OCM, a body formed before the country gained independence,will be dealt a final blow, in other words cease to exist.

For it was in 1947 in Kuala Lumpur, delegates from the Hockey Associations of Penang, Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, Johor and Singapore met where Singapore HA President Sir George E.N. Oehlers formally proposed, “That a body governing the game of Hockey in the Federation of Malaya and in the Colony of Singapore be formed and that such a body be called the Malayan Hockey Council”. Sir George was elected the first president.

The Malayan Hockey Federation, with Singapore going their separate way, was formed in 1954 with Herman Marie De Souza was elected president and Kandiah Aryaduray the secretary. Sir Gerald Templer, the supremo of Malaya and Sir Donald MacGillivray the High Commisioner of the Federation of Malaya, were roped in as Patrons.

Malaya were ready for their first international outing, the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and have never looked back since.

Sadly when delegates of the current Malaysian Hockey Federation meet this Saturday to vote at the extra ordinary general meeting to dissolve MHF and let Malaysian Hockey Confederation take over the running of the sport, none of those who initiated the formation of MHF or kept it alive all these years have been invited to attend the meeting as guests.

It is sad the way MHF is being buried so as to safeguard the interest of some, but the blatant disregard to invite those who stood by MHF through thick or thin have been forgotten as Malaysian Hockey supposedly heralds a new era.

Personalities in the likes of Tan Sri Alagendra, Dato G. Vijinathan, S.Perampalam, Tan Sri Noordin Hassan, Dato Mohd Nor Ismail, and even past presidents in the likes of Sultan Azlan Shah, Raja Nazrin, and Tan Sri Anwar have been left out.

Was it a mammoth task for the current set of officials to invite the older generation, the elder statesman who served diligently, without fear or favour to witness this historic moment?

It is sad that we tend to forget the contributions of the founder members as we rush blindly into doing something to please the Caucasian and in the process neglect our own.

And if one was to remember correctly, Sultan Azlan Shah and Tan Sri Alagendra were unanimously elected as the lifetime honorary President and Deputy of the old MHF. Guess that honor too will be buried when the death blow is delivered this Saturday.

RIP MHF for the true hockey lovers will never forget who the men that made hockey count in this great nation of ours.

Presidents of Malaysian Hockey Federation from 1957 to current:

1. Tun Abdul Razak (1957-1976)

2. HRH Sultan Azlan Shah (1976-2004)

3. DYTM Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah (2004-2006)

4. Admiral Tan Sri Dato' Seri Mohammad Anwar Mohammad Nor (19th. Dec 2006-1st. Nov 2008)

5. KDYTM Tengku Abdullah Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (1st. Nov 2008-current)

APOLOGISE OR ELSE...

2011-12-11T17:37:00.001+08:00

Lifted with permission from www.jugjet.blogspot.com

THE International Hockey Federation (FIH) have asked Malaysian Hockey Confederation Secretary General Maninderjit Singh to apologise to them for sending them an e-mail criticising on Spain’s back-door qualification to the Olympics.

Maninderjit had written to the FIH asking for an explanation after reports, online and on television, had said that since South Africa had failed to reached their federation’s target of reaching the final of the Champions Challenge I, they will forfeit their Olympic ticket and play in the Japan Qualifier.

The reports had said that South Africa’s African Nation’s Olympic ticket will now be given to the highest ranked Qualifier, which is Spain.

Maninderjit was peeved with the swap between South Africa and Spain, and had written a strongly worded e-mail to the FIH after India and Belgium qualified for the Champions Challenge I final.

"This scenario is simply mind boggling, as this private deal was never communicated or circulated to all teams who will be playing in the Olympic Qualifiers in India, Ireland and Japan,” said Maninderjit Singh in an earlier Timesport article.

However, the e-mail from Maninderjit to the FIH also read: “And I believe that FIH should be hard on the reasoning for Spain to get this berth and it is also that we all know that the current FIH President is from Spain. More so, FIH have to be more vigilant with the approach on such matter.”

The FIH CEO Kelly Fairweather wrote an e-mail to Maninderjit Singh stating: “The reference in your e-mail to our president is completely unacceptable. I trust that with time to reflect you will understand how serious the implications carried by your comments are.

“I ask that you immediately contact the president by e-mail to apologise for your comments and that you unconditionally withdraw them from the public arena.

“The immediacy and extent of your apology and retraction will inform the nature of any further action to be taken by the FIH.

“For your information, at the time of writing no decision has been taken with regards to any replacement for South Africa as the FIH is following the process outlined in the Qualification system.

“It is really unfortunate that you have either deliberately chosen to ignore the aforementioned Qualification system ot have written what you have in total ignorance of the published system.”

When contacted by Timesport, Manindersjit said he has written an apology to the FIH and considers the matter closed.

FIH CLARIFIES

2011-12-09T14:18:00.001+08:00

Following some confusion with regards to the qualifying system adopted by FIH, this blog took the liberty to write to FIH and seek clarification on the matter as well as the automatic qualification of Malaysia for the 2012 Champions Challenge I.

And we are fortunate that the FIH, through Martyn Gallivan Competitions Manager has graciously replied to the email and below is the reply to the questions posed.

Question: When was the decision made on Spain taking over South Africa's spot?

At this moment in time South Africa has not declined its invitation to enter the Men’s Hockey

Competition of the London 2012 Olympic Games. If any National Olympic Committee should

decline to take part in the Olympic Games, that team will be replaced in accordance with the

Qualifying System jointly agreed and published by the IOC and FIH.

A copy can be found on the FIH web site and the web link is http://www.fih.ch/files/Sport/Event%20Management/Qualification%20Criteria%20for%202012%20Olympic%20Summer%20Games.pd

Question: Who will replace Egypt and will pools be changed?

The Egyptian National Olympic Committee has declined the invitation to enter the Olympic Qualification Tournaments. It will be replaced in accordance with the Qualification System mentioned in 1 above, namely Egypt will be replaced by the next highest ranked team in the FIH World Rankings that has not qualified for the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.

I would emphasise again that this procedure has been agreed between FIH and IOC and was also the same procedure that was used for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. In the event of any team withdrawing from a Qualifying Tournament, in accordance with the agreed Qualification System, that team will be directly replaced by a new one and there will be no adjustment to the composition of the other qualifying tournaments. However, there may be an adjustment to the Match Schedule of the affected Qualifying Tournament, depending on the ranking of the incoming team.

Question: How were the pools determined by FIH for the qualifiers?

The teams that are eligible to take part in the Qualifying Tournaments are given in the above mentioned Qualifying System and dependent on the results of the various continental championships played in 2010 (Asian Games) and 2011. The teams are placed in pools dependant on their position in the World Ranking at the time that the venues and dates of tournaments that were announced.

By way of explanation, if 1 represents the highest ranked team for the Qualification Tournaments, 2 the second highest ranked and all the way down to 18, the 18^th highest ranked the three pools are composed as follows

1 2 3

6 5 4

7 8 9

12 11 10

13 14 15

18 17 16

Question: On Champions Challenge for next year as well as Champions Trophy, which will the teams be and what is the selection criteria? Is it true that teams that finish 2-5 at Johannesburg will qualify automatically, not taking into consideration the rankings after the Olympic qualifier results as well as Olympic results?

The Qualification System for next year’s Champions Trophy and Champions Challenge 1 (there will not be a Champions Challenge 2 in 2012) is also on the FIH web site. The web link is http://www.fih.ch/files/Sport/Event%20Management/CT%20and%20CC%20Qualification.pdf

I trust that this information is of assistance to you.

Martyn Gallivan

Competitions Manager

NEW WEBSITE

2011-12-09T09:20:00.001+08:00

It is with great pleasure and pride that I wish to inform you that I will now be administering the website www.hockey-asia.com.

This website was developed by Jaap Syuk and he has handed over the site for me to maintain and further develop. And I am grateful and indebted to him for having the faith and confidence in letting me take over the site without any cost involved.

In order to develop the site, I will need to fund it and hopefully there will be sponsors who will back me up. And I hope to merge my blogs into the tie to make it a one stop site for hockey fans.

At a time hockey administrators in my own country lack faith in my ability, it's good to note that foreigners are willing to hand over years of hard work of their own for me to explore or the benefit of hockey in Malaysia and Asia.

I hope to start updating the site from this Monday and the Sea Cup in Myanmar next week will be provided coverage as I intend to be there, with or without sponsors secured.

On another note please log on to www.malaysianhockey.blogspot.com where there are two articles on the Olympic Qualifiers process as well as the next Champions Challenge 1. The articles provide insight on issues raised in the main stream media of late.

Read on and thank you.

TWO WEEKS LATER 1 MAS AWAKES

2011-12-09T09:00:00.001+08:00

Well some say it's better late then never. But the reality is that people paid to do their jobs just do not do what they are paid to do.

Some two weeks after the win at a tournament in Perth, news was sent to the media, that too selected media as was the case in June when they had the 1MAS camp in Seremban, and history repeated itself as this blog- deemed insignificant - was not sent a release.

And the news finally has made print. So now they will sit and celebrate that they have done their jobs.

But with 6 officials in Perth, not counting some others who were there in an unofficial capacity , it is a wonder that in this modern era news only was shared by those paid to do so some two weeks later.

Perhaps they still use the old method of having a messenger run from Perth back to Malaysia or the postman on the horse.

Anyway as this insignificant blog had reported two weeks ago, read the news in the NST today.

And another point to note, this blogger has now been entrusted by the owner and the man who developed the www.jockey-asia. com, Jaap Syuk, to take over and run the website.

So from being insignificant, we are slowly but surely moving ahead....

HAVE WE QUALIFIED?

2011-12-08T23:49:00.001+08:00

News reports in Malaysia before and after we had defeated Poland to finish 5th at the Champions Challenge I indicated that we had secured a place in the next Champions Challenge I in 2012.

However looking at the criteria, it is obvious that reports were misleading.

Read on and understand better...

Qualification Criteria for Champions Trophy and Champions Challenges 2012

Champions Trophy (8 teams)

The teams qualified for the FIH Champions Trophy 2012 will be as follows

T1 The host

T2 The teams placed 1st – 5th in the FIH Champions Trophy 2011

T3 The winners of the FIH Champions Challenge 1 2011

T4 One or two places to be nominated by the FIH Executive Board

Champions Challenge 1 (8 teams)

The teams qualified for the FIH Champions Challenge 1 2012 will be as follows

C1.1 The host

C1.2 The teams placed 6th – 8th in the FIH Champions Trophy 2011

C1.3 The winners of the FIH Champions Challenge 2

C1.4 The teams that finish 2nd – 4th in the FIH Champions Challenge 1 2011

C1.5 Should the host qualify by virtue of criteria C1.2, C1.3 or C1.4 above, the additional place will be allocated to the team that finished 5th in the FIH Champions Challenge 1 2011.

C1.6 Should a team(s) qualify for the FIH Champions Trophy 2012 under T1 or T4 above and having finished 6th, 7th or 8th at the FIH Champions Trophy 2011, the additional place(s) in Champions Challenge 1will be allocated to the team(s) that finished 5th (in the case of one Executive board nomination) or 5th and 6th in the case of two Executive Board nominations. If that/those team(s) qualifies under C1.1 above, the additional place(s) will be allocated to the team(s) that finished 6th or/and 7th respectively in the FIH Champions Challenge 1 in 2011.

Champions Challenge 2 (8 teams)

The teams qualified for the FIH Champions Challenge 2 2012 will be as follows

C2.1 The host

C2.2 The teams placed 5th – 8th in the FIH Champions Challenge 1 2011

C2.3 The team that finishes 2nd in the FIH Champions Challenge 2 2011.

C2.4 The 2 highest ranked teams in the FIH World Ranking at the completion of the 2011 Champions Trophy and Champions Challenge tournaments that did not play in any of those tournaments in 2011.

C2.5 Should the host qualify by virtue of criteria C2.2, C2.3 or C2.4 above, the additional place will be allocated to the team that finished 3rd in the FIH Champions Challenge 2 2011.

C2.6 Should a team(s) qualify for the FIH Champions Trophy 2012 under T1 or T4 above and having finished 6th, 7th or 8th at the FIH Champions Trophy 2011, with the consequent allocation of additional places to the FIH Champions Challenge 1 2012 under C1.6 above, those additional place(s) will be allocated to the team(s) that finished 3rd (in the case of one Executive Board nomination) or 3rd and 4th (in the case of two Executive Board nominations) at the FIH Champions Challenge 2 2011

C2.7 If the team(s) that finished 3rd or/and 4th at the FIH Champions Challenge 2 2011 has qualified under C2.5 and/or C2.6 above, the available additional place(s) will allocated to the team(s) that finished 5th and/or 6th in the FIH Champions Challenge 2 in 2011

C2.8 The teams that finish 7th and 8th in the FIH Challenge 2 2011 will not take part in the FIH Champions Challenge 1 or 2 2012 irrespective of their World Ranking position.

C2.9 If for any reason the Champions Challenge 2 is not played in 2012, the teams that will qualify to the next time the tournament is played will the 8 highest placed National Associations in the FIH World Ranking at the end of 2012 and not qualified for the Champions Trophy and Champions Challenge 1 in that year.

IS MHC RIGHT OR WRONG?

2011-12-08T23:28:00.001+08:00

Just read this, taken from the FIH website and decide for yourself if MHC was justified in its complaint to FIH as reported by NST on Monday.

F. Reallocation of unused quota places

REALLOCATION OF UNUSED IF QUOTA PLACES

If an NOC withdraws a qualified team, the qualification place will be reallocated to the next highest ranked NOC, not yet qualified, in accordance with the FIH World Ranking List at the date of withdrawal.

REALLOCATION OF UNUSED HOST COUNTRY PLACES

If the host nation does not wish to use its allocated quota place(s), it/they will be reallocated to the next highest ranked NOC, not yet qualified, in accordance with the FIH World Ranking List at the date of the withdrawal.

NS EMERGE VETERANS CHAMPS

2011-12-05T17:17:00.001+08:00

Negeri Sembilan emerged champions of the National Veterans Hockey Tournament when they edged Perak 1-0 in the final held at the Hijau Kuning Sports Complex in Alor Star.

A total of 10 teams, a record of sorts for the championships participated in the tournament that was organized by the Kedah Hockey Association.

Prior to the final, a friendly match between Mahkota United, led by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation President Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and a Kedah Veterans XI was held. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.

In the final a goal by former RMR player Balbir Singh in the 14th minutes was enough to seal the title for Negeri who had the services of Mohd Nor Hussain, Surinder Singh, Derek Fidelis and MHF vice president K. Gobinathan.

In the match for the bronze medal, Kuala Lumpur trashed PDRM 6-1 with goals from Prem Singh, Lt. Col Inderjit Singh, Satvinder Singh, K. Murali and Harbinder Singh who netted a brace.

PDRM got their consolation via Adzli Abu Shah.

Negeri had defeated PDRM 1-0 in the semi final while Perak edged Kuala Lumpur 3-2 on penalty strokes after the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

WHY MALAYSIA WILL DEFEAT INDIA IN CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE?

2011-11-30T14:12:00.001+08:00

Despite a rather insipid performance by the national hockey team in their group matches at the Champions Challenge 1 at Johannesburg, they are expected to bounce back and defeat thge high riding Indians in the last eight clash on Thursday.

It may be wishful thinking to many, especially with the fact that Malaysia has been performing poorly in all three matches they played, losing to Canada (1-3) and Argentina (2-5) with only a draw against Japan (2-2) giving them some vindication.

And going by statistics, Malaysia have played India 98 times since their first meeting on 4th June 1932 where Malaysia was hammered 7-0.

It took Malaysia some 44 years to inflict defeat on India, and that occurred on 17 November 1976 in Lahore, Pakistan where Malaysia won 2-1.

Of the 98 matches, Malaysia lost 67, with 18 matches drawn and Malaysia winning only 13 of the clashes. In terms of goals Malaysia has scored 102 against their opponents but conceded 233 goals.

And additionally, the two teams met only twice this year with India winning 5-2 in the match at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup while their match in the AHF Champions Trophy in Ordos this September ended in a 2-2 draw.

So why the optimism on a Malaysian win when the odds based on history are stacked so highly against Malaysia?

In order to understand that one needs to go back to the eventful night of September 19, 1998, the venue being the Commonwealth Games and the semis of the hockey event.

Malaysia defied all odds to win that match 1-0 and move into the final of the 1998 Commonwealth Games.

Since that win, Malaysia and India have played a total of 34 times with India winning 17 matches, 9 ending in draws and Malaysia winning eight of the clashes.

The number of matches Malaysia won may be less then half of the Indian victories, but the Malaysian wins were registered in crucial tournaments.

One does not have to go far but turn the clock to a year ago for it was at the Asian Games in Ghuanzhou that Malaysia dashed the Indian hopes of making the London 2012 Olympics by winning the semis match 4-3 on golden goal.

Malaysia also defeated India 3-2 at the 2002 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, a match many of us will not forget as Malaysia raced to a 3-0 lead.

And last year at the Azlan Shah Cup, Malaysia had comprehensively defeated India 5-2.

All this points to one thing, that Malaysian players do not fear playing India, especially in knockout matches as they are mentally psyched up and are optimistic of when facing the once former Asian giants.

The Malaysian players must just out there onto the pitch and play their normal firebrand hockey, taking the game to the opponents rather then let them come out and dictate play.

And if the players are confident, then at the end of the 70 minutes, Malaysian flags will fly high in Johannesburg and some officials here will take the credit as well. But then again who cares what these attention seekers do, for Malaysian Hockey is what matters.

CHAMPS IN PERTH, BUT 1MAS AND MHF QUIET ON IT

2011-11-29T18:54:00.001+08:00

The 1Mas team emerged champions at the WA F-H-E Cup in Perth but you will find nothing about their achievements in either the official MHF Website or the 1MAS Website where thousands of rinngit is parted to develop and maintain the websites.

This is indeed baffling as the whole idea of naming the team after an airline was to provide them the return of investment.

But when six officials are sent and none can send back news about the exploits of the team, that leads me to wonder what Return of Investment are we talking about.

Right from the onset this blog had no issues with the participation of the team but the manner in which it was named, with most of the 1MAS Steering Committee members having no knowledge it was named after an airline is shocking.

More so the fact that our government provides RM3 million per year as funding for the 1MAS program. Hence if there was to be any form of advert then rightfully it deserves to be our government.

Credit must go to the players for their achievement in Perth and kudos to them for the fine results achieved.

That is why this insignificant blog has opted to highlight their achievement and pays tribute for a job well done.

Results:

Group Stage

Defeated WA Under 16 : 2-0
Drew Japan Under 16 : 2-2
Defeated South West Academy of Sports: 3-1
Defeated WA Under 15: 4-1
Drew NSW Bushrangers Kelly Blues: 1-1
Defeated NSW Bushrangers Golden Thunderbolts: 5-0

Final
Defeated WA Under 16 Schoolboys: 3-2

TIME TO BUCK UP

2011-11-28T23:44:00.001+08:00

Contrary to what some may think, the Malaysian hockey team at the Champions Challenge I i Johannesburg should win matches in the preliminary rounds in order to have a better draw for the last eight.

This was the opinion shared by HRH Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, the President of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation who is in Johannesburg following the proceedings and watching the performances of the team.

Malaysia have not had a good start to the tournament, losing their opening match 1-3 to Canada before holding Japan to a 2-2 draw after being two goals down in the opening ten minutes of the match on Sunday.

" The performances so far is below par. The team is capable of playing much better hockey. Of course I am not happy with the defeat to Canada and the draw against Japan," said Tengku Abdullah via email.

" Every match is important as such the results at group stage does matter. If we do well at this stage, the chances are we will meet a weaker team at the quarter finals. Vice versa if we do badly then we will meet a stronger team in the quarter finals. "

Tengku Abdullah also voiced his concern on the ability of the team to be consistent in their displays, as evident in their patchy performance in the two matches thus far.

Adopting a hands on approach is Tengku Abdullah's forte and the fact that he is in Johannesburg to watch the team in action is testimony to the fact of his commitment in ensuring Malaysia qualifies for the Olympics after a 12 year lapse.

" After watching the team played the last 2 games, I noticed that there are some weak links in the team," said Tengku Abdullah.

" I did not want to highlight this issue but I have spoken to the coach and he will address this issues ASAP.

" On the issue of consistency, the coach will have a look into it seriously as the qualifier is in March and we have the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in February.

" The team management is aware of these issue and they have 3 months to rectify them before the qualifier."

LiVE HOCKEY

2011-11-26T12:44:00.001+08:00

The Malaysia v Canada match will be live on Astro CH 811 today at 5pm

KL, ATM BOOK SEMIS SPOT

2011-11-24T16:45:00.001+08:00

KL Sukma and Armed Forces qualified for the semi finals of the 5th Raja Noora Ashikin Cup 2011 in contrasting fashion at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

While ATM romped home with a 11-0 demolition of SMK Puteri, KL Sukma were held to a 2-2 draw by Singapore.

ATM made it to the semis as the best placed runner up in the three pools and will take on KL Sukma who required only a draw to confirm their spot.

KL took the lead in the 7th minute through Nor Azlin Sumantri, the younger sister of Project 2013 player Nor Izzat Sumantri.

However Singapore drew level in the 18th minute through Li Min Toh. However their joy ewas shortlived as KL went 2-1 ahead via skipper Fathih Hasni.

Singapore scored their second goal in the 50th minute through Sabrina Bahnu De Gofar but could not muster up a third that could have given them a spot in the last four.

Meanwhile ATM played at half pace, perhaps wary of the fact that they will be playing the semis in less then 24 hours. But it was still good enough to whip the Negeri Sembilan side who are actually preparing for the National Under 16 Tournament in Seremban in two weeks time.

Nadia Abdul Rahman put ATM ahead in the 2nd minute before Siti Rahmad doubled the advantage in the 7th minute.

And that opened the floodgates with goals from Nadia ( 9th and 42nd minute), Siti Rodiah Tumin ( 23rd and 67th minutes), Ma Jamaliah (32nd and 45th minutes), Thalasiah Yaacob ( 56th minute) and Juliani Mohammad Din (61st minute).

FIXTURES

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

SEMI FINALS

0800H - Pitch 1 - PDRM v Pahang
8088H - Pitch 2 - Armed Forces v KL Sukma

RESULTS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

Group A

Johor 2 Seri Titiwangsa 0

PDRM 4 Perak 1

Group B

Terengganu 2 Penang 1
Armed Forces 11 SMK Puteri 0

Group C
Selangor 10 Setia Cougar 0

Singapore 2 KL Sukma 2

FINAL STANDING

Group A
P W D L G A PTS

PDRM 4 3 0 1 17 6 9

Johor 4 2 2 0 10 5 8

Perak 4 1 2 1 9 9 5

Kedah 4 1 2 1 9 9 5
S. Titiwangsa 4 0 0 4 2 18 0

Group B
P W D L G A PTS
Pahang 4 4 0 0 26 2 12

ATM 4 3 0 1 18 2 9

Tgganu 4 2 0 2 13 9 6

Penang 4 1 0 3 6 14 3

SMK Puteri 4 0 0 4 1 37 0

Group C
P W D L G A PTS

KL Sukma 4 3 1 0 11 4 10

Singapore 4 2 2 0 8 2 8

Selangor 4 2 1 1 15 5 7
Malacca 4 1 0 3 5 4 3

S. Cougar 4 0 0 4 1 25 0

TEAMS IN BOLD QUALIFY FOR SEMI FINALS

PDRM MAKE SEMIS IN STYLE

2011-11-24T13:37:00.001+08:00

PDRM dashed the hopes of the youngsters from Perak when they defeated the silver state 4-1 to qualify for the semi finals of the 5th Raja Noora Ashikin Cup 2011 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil this morning.

And Johor, the other team from Group A who had a mathematical chance of sneaking through had PDRM failed defeated Seri Titiwangsa 2-0 to complete their matches.

For more: read www.rnacup.blogspot.com

RAINED OFF

2011-11-23T13:13:00.001+08:00

The South African men's hockey team's Pre-Champions Challenge warm-up match against Malaysia was called off after 15 minutes when a torrential downpour and lightning engulfed the Randburg Hockey Stadium last night. The score was 1-1 at that stage.

Malaysian goal was scored by Firhan Ashaari. They play India in the next match. maybe MHF will update us on the result at the site early tomorrow.

INSIGNIFICANT BLOG?

2011-11-21T23:53:00.001+08:00

Well before some pea sized brained official that questioned just how many people read this blog, perhaps he might want to check why such incompetence exists in the first place.

Just follow this link http://www.fih.ch/en/competitions-146-fih-champions-challenge-1-2011-champions:teams and see for yourself how only Malaysia does not provide the number of international matches it's players has played in its submission of players for the Champions Challenge.

Now before they go on to shift the blame to team officials, one must also understand that the form, if incomplete should not have been submitted at all.

And coming back to that someone who questioned the readership of my blog, well for your information the blog enjoys worldwide readership, is also linked to two popular website www.mole.my and www.fieldhockey.com. So we are talking about an average of 13,000 readers on a daily basis for a week at the least.

So it's readership is surely much higher, though slightly, on an average DAILY basis to your monthly salary.

So please check your facts for if you can remember I did check mine with you.

And at the same time how is it now that the top guns in Air Asia too are not aware of such a condition in sponsorship?

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

2011-11-20T14:50:00.001+08:00

It was shocking and done in bad taste. For the team from the 1 MAS program that will be participating in a tournament in Australia has been entered as Malaysia Air Asia.

While the administrators of the 1 MAS Program may be unaware of the consequences of their actions, it is indeed a shame that those entrusted as guardians of the 1 MAS Program, or in short the Task Force , have decided to commercialize the nations name to save a few ringgit.

Mind you the deal with Air Asia is not free for am told that it was a reduced ticket price that enticed the naming of the squad to Malaysia Air Asia. They still had to pay RM200 per ticket but is the honour of the country worth just a couple of thousand ringgits?

Let us not put the blame solely on the administrator whom I da sought clarification from. And Lim Chiow Chuan the Project Director was accommodating when asked just why this was done in the first place.

He was forthright and told this blog that that was the request or condition of sponsorship from Air Asia. And to Air Asia that was part of their ROI, or return of investment.

Now when I contacted a senior official involved in various deals of sports sponsorship in Air Asia, he was shocked that Air Asia resorted to such demands as it has never been their policy, not even when Air Asia kindly arranged for the first Harimau Muda team to train at the famous Carrington, home of Manchester United.

Infact Air Asia never asked for MyTeam to be called MyTeam Air Asia when they flew the participants of the reality to gram twice to Manchester.

If at all anyone has the naming rights, then it ought to be the government of Malaysia who fund RM3 million a year for the development program.

Now entry into any foreign tournament comes under the purview of the Malaysian Hockey Federation. Surely their administrative officials ought to be aware of the fact that one cannot commercialize the name of the country. When FIH are very strict on even short advertising then how is it that these "competent" MHF officials entered the team named as Malaysia Air Asia?

This is not the first time that MHF has commercialized the name of the country as two years ago they did the same when a team was sent to participate in the Surjit Memorial Trophy in Punjab.

So who was the smart Alec that was penny wise and pound foolish is selling cheaply the name of the nation?

Let me give you a lesson in marketing, a simple one at that and one that you could pose to Air Asia as well.

Why has QPR not changed their name to QPR Air Asia? Why has Team Lotus not called themselves Lotus Air Asia?

The Federal Constitution and the Sports Development Act 1997 is very explicit on the usage of the wording Malaysia. So what gives some people the right to utilize the name of our nation for commercial purposes?

Will this ever make it to the main stream media? Doubt it as they need the adverts and curry favour with MHF as well.

But what is wrong has to be pointed out but no one will get hauled up for such blatant disregard of our country's laws.

Note: Wish I had the money and could ask MHF to name a team after my blog.

AT WHAT COST ?

2011-11-19T07:29:00.001+08:00

It was an interesting conversation with regards to the national hockey team.

For the topic was on its participation at the forthcoming Champions Challenge and the Azlan Shah Cup 2012.

Let's take it one by one though.

While MHF named Stephen van Huizen as the Assistant Manager of the team to Johannesburg, he was in actual fact a last minute inclusion.

For in the registration sent to South African Hockey earlier, the MHF named Mokhtar Lassim, the Medical Assistant as the Stand In Manager. And before MHF officials want to deny this, let me assure them that I have a copy of the registration form in my possession.

So why was Stephen a last minute inclusion?

Next the Azlan Shah Cup. It is to be held from Feb 2-12 at Ipoh.

The Olympic Qualifiers is scheduled for March 11-18 in Dublin. So effectively there are only 32 days between the two events.

And that too not taking into account the traveling dates, for the team should be in Dublin at least a week before the qualifiers for lest the great coaches forget it is the tail-end of winter in Europe.

So how come Tai Beng Hai agreed to Azlan Shah Cup to be held so close to the Qualifiers?

Why deny two juniors of a chance to play at the recent Sultan Johor Cup as he advocated that it was too close to the Champions Challenge.

And lest he forgets, his contention that the MHL should not be held as he wanted to concentrate on preparing the team and does not staging the Azlan Shah Cup work against the team for any injuries, as was the argument for MHL, might affect the team?

Or is this a case of having a ready made excuse should we fail to qualify for London 2012?

So do the honorable thing,for the draw for the qualifiers has been kind, hence those associated with the national team and those who have misled the President and Council of MHF, be brave enough to declare now that they will vacate their positions should we fail at Dublin.

But wait a moment, was not the whole MHC thing a manipulation to secure their seats for the next 4 years in addition to the one year they have served?

Keep up the drama for some can actually win awards for play acting, for they keep giving false hopes to stay in position.

Update

2011-11-19T07:12:00.001+08:00

Just got word Izad replaces Nabil Fiqri, more later

RNA CUP 2011

2011-11-17T11:40:00.001+08:00

The 2011 Raja Noora Ashikin Cup will get underway this Sunday at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil. A record number of 15 teams have confirmed participation in the tournament that was inaugurated in 2000 and returns after a five year hiatus.

We have created a dedicated blog to bring you news and updates on the tournament and will provide you with daily reports as well as pictures for the event. Please feel free to visit:

http://rnacup.blogspot.com/

Update

2011-11-16T16:24:00.001+08:00

Just got word Izad replaces Nabil Fiqri, more later

TEAM TO CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE 1

2011-11-16T14:12:00.001+08:00

Since the Malaysian Hockey Federation or the Malaysian Hockey Confederation has opted not to invite me for the Press Conference to name the team for the Champions Challenge in South Africa, I will now release the team list and let them know that there are no secrets in hockey.

For Hafifihafiz Hanafi and Azlan Misron will be on the plane to Johannesburg this weekend and it is virtually the same team that played in Ordos minus Amir Farid and Fitri Saari, the duo who played at the recent Sultan of Johor Cup and emerged victorious.

Hafifihafiz did not play in Ordos as he lost his father just before the tournament while for newly wed Azlan it will be a welcome return after being dropped since the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

And while the MHF are on the boycott campaign, maybe they would care explain as to why the team is flying to Johannesburg via Doha, with a 4 hour stopover at Doha?

So the total flying time is around 15 hours, 7 from Kuala Lumpur to Doha and 8 hours from Doha to Johannesburg. And including the stopover we are looking at 19 hours of traveling.

If one were to fly the national carrier MAS, then it will only take 11 hours as it flies direct.

So who blundered here? Nevermind let's all blame the NSC, easy scapegoats right for they always get the short end of the straw.

Now let us see if the competent MHF officials who do not invite me for Press conferences will update their website with results from Johannesburg faster then this blog? Or will they do the natural thing - copy and paste then claim credit!

ZONAL RAZAK CUP OUT

2011-11-13T22:33:00.001+08:00

It was introduced with such fanfare despite reservations by this blog and other concerned officials.

Still some went ahead with a half baked idea and supposedly wanted to give the Razak Cup a new lease of life.

But at the Management Committee Meeting of the soon to be dissolved MHF, it was decided that the Razak Cup will revert to its original format of carnival system and the zonal system to be discarded.

And for the next two years the Razak Cup will be held in Pahang.

EASY DRAW

2011-11-13T22:30:00.001+08:00

Though the official FIH statement has yet to be issued, it is learnt that Malaysia will head for Ireland for the Olympic Qualifiers that will be held in March 11 next year.

Malaysia is expected to be seeded second in the qualifiers behind South Korea and ahead of hosts Ireland, Ukraine, Chile and Russia.

And you will not get an easier draw then this as Malaysia will avoid the likes of Spain, India and Canada.

With the other qualifiers in India and Japan, Malaysia had to travel to Ireland as the original hosts Belgium had qualified on merit.

With this developments, expect the Azlan Shah Cup to be held in early February minus the likes of South Korea and India.

The Qualifiers:

New Delhi - 15 to 26 February

(Men)
India
Canada
France
Poland
Egypt
United States

(Women)
South Africa
India
Italy
Canada
Ukraine
Poland

Dublin - 11 to 18 March

(Men)
South Korea
Malaysia
Ireland
Russia
Chile
Ukraine

Beerschot (Belgium) - 17-25 March

(Women)
Spain
Ireland
Belgium'Russia
France
Mexico

Kakamigahara (Japan) - 25 April - 6 May

(Men)
Spain
Japan
China
Austria
Czech Republic
Cuba

(Women)
Japan
Azerbaijan
Chile
Belarus
Malaysia
Trindad & Tobago

KOREA TAKE THIRD SPOT

2011-11-12T19:54:00.001+08:00

Korea needed a golden goal to subdue India in the fight for the 3rd and 4th spot in the Sultan of Johor Cup at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium. Though Korea were 2-0 up, India fought back gallantly to draw level on two occasions, only to lose out in extra time.

Read more...www.sultanjohorcup.com.my

PAKISTAN FINISH FIFTH

2011-11-12T19:32:00.001+08:00

Pakistan finished fifth in the Sultan Johor Cup when they defeated New Zealand 2-0 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru. It was Pakistan's second win in the tournament having beaten Australia 3-2 the previous day.

Read more..www.sultanjohorcup.com.my

MALAYSIA MAKE THE FINAL IN STYLE

2011-11-12T01:15:00.001+08:00

Malaysia qualified for the final of the inaugural Sultan Johor Cup when they hammered India into submission by winning 5-1 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Baru.

A final appearance, coming almost a year after their seniors had made it into the final of the Asian Games in China last year augurs well for hockey in the country but credit must be given to the team that were not given a ghost of a chance given the fact that they were without two key players for this tournament.

Read more..www.sultanjohorcup.com.my

KOREA AWAIT THEIR FATE

2011-11-12T01:14:00.001+08:00

Korea defeated New Zealand 2-1 and will now await the outcome of the Malaysia v India match to determine if they make it to the final against Australia. A win for either India or Malaysia will see them through while a draw will mean Korea will play in the final.

Read more..www.sultanjohorcup.com.my

FINALLY A WIN FOR PAKISTAN

2011-11-12T01:12:00.001+08:00

Pakistan finally won a match in the Sultan Johor Cup when they defeated a lacklustre Australian side 3-2 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Baru. While it was a first win for Pakistan, it was a first defeat for Australia who had already booked a place in the final on Wednesday.

For Pakistan, it was a welcome relief especially after they lost their previous four matches, a record of sorts for a Pakistani hockey team at international level. But the win did nothing to change their position as they will play the 5/6 placing matches on Saturday.

Read more...www.sultanjohorcup.com.my

AUSTRALIA BOOK A PLACE IN THE FINAL

2011-11-09T18:09:00.003+08:00

The Australia, Korea match had everything, a fightback, plenty of goals and even a walkout, perhaps the effects of playing under the blazing heat at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium.

And when the dust settled, Australia defeated Korea 6-3 to book their place in Saturday's final. But the win was not easy as they were 0-2 and 1-3 down at one stage and staged a remarkable comeback win.

Read more...www.sultanjohorcup.com.my

MALAYSIA,INDIA REGISTER CRUCIAL WINS

2011-11-08T22:10:00.000+08:00

MALAYSIA GET THE BETTER OF KOREA AS INDIA TRASH PAKISTAN

Malaysia defeated Korea 4-2 to keep their hopes alive for a place in the top two at the Sultan Johor Cup. It was a gallant performance against a team that had remained unbeaten after the two opening matches.

And the absence of regular keeper Mohd Hafizuddin Othman who was hospitalised for a kidney ailment failed to stop a rampant Malaysian side.

In the late match, India bounced back from two defeats to inflict a 5-1 humiliating defeat to arch rivals Pakistan.

Read more..www.sultanjohorcup.com.my

TEN TO BE PICKED

2011-11-08T11:19:00.000+08:00

FIH-MHC COURSE - TEN TO BE PICKED

The FIH-MHC High Performance Coaching Course will see the FIH recommend some 10 names to the MHC for consideration to attend higher level of courses offered by the international body.

And hopefully, the identifying of these coaches through a stringent evaluation process will offer the MHC an opportunity to widen their base of quality coaches for consideration for the various national teams in their stable.

Read more..www.sultanjohorcup.com.my

INDIA V PAKISTAN: AN EXCITING SPECTACLE ANTICIPATED

2011-11-07T23:08:00.003+08:00

The most expected match of the Sultan of Johor Cup – India-Pakistan -- will be played tomorrow. The Asian giants haven’t been successful here in the last two games, and are without a point in their kitty. This setting adds further fire to the habitually brimstone battles that these teams are used to churn out.

The spectators at Taman Daya Stadium are therefore guaranteed to witness a grim battle of honour on Tuesday. The turf at Taman Daya Stadium in all likelihood will be on fire.

Read more..www.sultanjohorcup.com.my

AUSSIES GET THE BETTER OF INDIA

2011-11-06T21:00:00.000+08:00

Though India played their hearts out, it was still not good enough for them to earn a win in the Sultan of Johor Cup as they succumbed to a second consecutive defeat, this time 3-2 to Australia.

It was indeed a better display from the Indians compared to their first match where they lost 6-4 to Korea despite a 4-0 lead after 35 minutes. But they have to improve on their finishing.

Read more..www.sultanjohorcup.com.my

KOREA REGISTER THEIR SECOND WIN

2011-11-06T20:59:00.002+08:00

Korea laboured to a 2-1 win over Pakistan at the Sultan of Johor Cup at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru. It was their second consecutive win after they had beaten India 6-4 the previous day.

And for Pakistan, who lost to New Zealand the previous day, it was a bitter pill to swallow given that they played very well after being 2-0 down but paid the price for sloppy finishing.

Read more...www.sultanjohorcup.com.my

POOR FINISHING LETS MALAYSIA DOWN

2011-11-05T21:44:00.000+08:00

Malaysia were beaten 2-1 by Australia in their opening match of the Sultan of Johor Cup at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru tonight.

And in reality if they had the services of Faisal Saari and Firhan Ashaari, the outcome would surely had been different as Malaysia lacked a striker that could create half chances into goals. And it most likely that this scenario will continue in the coming matches.

Despite the defeat, it was a spirited display from the players who played their hearts out and were dominating in the second half in particular.

Read more..www.sultanjohorcup.com.my

KOREA STUN INDIA

2011-11-05T19:42:00.004+08:00

India squandered a 4-0 halftime lead to go down 6-4 to Korea in the opening match of the Sultan of Johor Cup at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru this evening.

It was a remarkable comeback by the Koreans who are generally known for their strong mental strength, while India were left wondering what went wrong in the second half where they failed to find a single goal despite creating chances.

It may well have been over confidence by the Indian youngsters, but still to concede six goals after such a healthy lead goes on to show that the India players can play like champions in one minute and mediocre the very next.

Read: www.sultanjohorcup.com.my