Foul!

Roelant Oltmans is Malaysia's new hockey coach Here's a message I received today: With Roelant Oltmans in and Terry Walsh still retained, how much is it costing us? Oltmans, 64, signed a two-year contract with the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) recently. He replaced Stephen Van Huizen, who is now the national assistant coach. The other coaching line-ups have not changed, including technical director Terry Walsh. The Malaysian government has, since May 9, repeatedly said it lacks funds. With the recent (debatable and questionable) revealtion of Lim Teong Kim's RM175,000 per month salary and claims that sports associations have not received funding, it is only natural for certain quarters to question the financial impact of Oltmans and Walsh's positions. Oltmans was Pakistan's head coach prior his Malaysian stint. In a letter addressed to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) the Dutchman said: “I’m responsible for the performance ...

These pictures taken at the MBPJ hockey stadium say it all. The mini 'speed bumps' could pose a serious problem as the venue hosts the TNB Malaysian Hockey League. According to the fixtures , Selangor will play RMAF Rajawali in a league match at the stadium at 5pm tomorrow. Players and team managers believe the air pockets are caused by the recent downpour. As the stadium is located on lower ground, water from the surrounding area tends to flood the venue. Perhaps a well thought drainage system inside and outside the venue can help ensure the newly laid turf will be in perfect playing condition. Even the lighting at the stadium could be upgraded to ensure they meet the international body's requirements. The condition of the turf here reminded me of how the Ministry of Education turf at Pantai once looked like. By the way, here are some of my previous articles regarding hockey turfs in the country: April 1, 2016: Come on Selangor, reward your ...

Former hockey international Gary Fidelis , who represented Malaysia at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, has been traveling from Seremban to Kuala Lumpur for years to treat his right eye due to blurry vision. Gary, 53, has been short-sighted since young but doctors said his vision has been further impaired due to constant knocks and falls. "I fell and suffered plenty of knocks to my eye during my playing days. I believe that has aggravated the situation, causing my vision to become worse," said Gary, a former St Paul's Institution student. Four years ago, he underwent a surgery to treat a retinal detachment but it has done little to repair his vision. "I was supposed to go for another surgery at Selayang Hospital on Monday (Nov 11) but it didn't happen as my eye was inflamed and doctors were afraid that this may lead to other complications. "My next visit to the hospital is next Tuesday (Nov 21) and I'm required to undergo laser vision corr...

Haresh Says, as published in Malay Mail today. THOSE in power believe they have the best interests of hockey at heart when they parade mind-blowing egos, often proclaiming the “important” roles they play in charting the fortunes of the sport in Malaysia. But their boasts are actually a clamouring for glamour — with hockey being a sport loved by royalty. They need to be drag-flicked out of the hockey arena, for one. Professionalism is almost non-existent in the manner the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) operates. It borders on foolishness, which must be rather embarrassing for MHC president Tengku Abdullah Shah. The Crown Prince of Pahang must realise the importance of educated advisors who understand the sport well. Age does not translate to wisdom. Why my sudden outburst of negativity? Well, MHC is in debt. The winner of the TNB Cup, Terengganu Hockey Team, has apparently not been paid despite the final taking place a month ago on Dec 14. The team received R...

As published in Mailsport today By Vijhay Vick vijhay@mmail.com.my PETALING JAYA — The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) has made a desperate call to its sponsors to pay up as debt mounts.  Treasurer Datuk N. Radhakrishnan, who was appointed last April, told Mailsport the national body owes about RM800,000 to its stakeholders, including affiliates and officials.  But he insists the bank books will be balanced in a couple of months and is confident MHC will not have to take legal action to collect the money owed by sponsors. “I have briefed the president (Tengku Abdullah Shah) on the cash flow and he is looking at ways to get funds. We have cleared the arrears from 2013 and the first half of 2014,” revealed Radhakrishnan.  Among the figures still outstanding are the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) overall category prize money in excess of RM150,000. The competition ended on Dec 14.  State affiliates have also not received t...

As published in Mailsport today By Nicolas Anil      nicolas@mmail.com.my KUALA LUMPUR — A senior official has lambasted a fellow Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) top official over his “ridiculous” comments against the International Hockey Federation (FIH). MHC deputy president Raja Puan Sri Noor Ashikin Raja Abdullah was unimpressed with senior vice president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad who was quoted telling FIH “not to meddle with (MHC’s) internal matters” following a disagreement over the national body’s amended constitution. He was also quoted saying he was unperturbed over the possible problems that may arise if MHC did not obtain FIH’s approval on the amendments. Noor Ashikin, who is also Malaysia Women’s Hockey Association president, urged MHC members to adhere to the requirements drawn up by the world body in order for Malaysian hockey to move forward. “Azmi’s comments are outright blatant and has to be in his personal capacity ... not o...

Going Nuts as published in Mailsport today WRESTLING was once described by respected English journalist James Lawton as finely orchestrated fake violence — with real injuries. He forgot to mention the compelling drama, brilliant scripts and formidable actors aka the wrestlers who make docile grandmothers scream and spit at their television sets while watching the “action” unfold. Wrestlers can be the face (good guys) one day and heel (bad guys) the next and there doesn’t have to be a reason why one switches from one character to another. Similarly, Azmin Ali was seen as a “heel” when he took over from Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim as Selangor menteri besar two months ago. Since then, however, the 50-year-old Gombak MP has gone on a charm offensive in a bid to become a “face”. His recent move to give the state’s 12 opposition MPs RM200,000 each to use for their constituency plus a Toyota Camry worth RM200,000 to opposition leader Datuk Mohd Shamsudin Lias including...

As published in Mailsport today By Vijhay Vick vijhayvick@mmail.com.my PETALING JAYA - Stop playing the blame game and get back to the basics. Former coach C. Paramalingam believes the way to revive Malaysian hockey, which has been in a slide, must start from the bottom instead of going for short term successes. Yesterday, he told Mailsport the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) should stop insisting on hiring a foreign coach when more could be done at improving coaches at all levels locally. With internal bickering in the national body and finger pointing, he insisted while MHC could be doing more, other stakeholders have to play their role too. "Why do we keep blaming MHC for the failures of our hockey? We must stop that. Everyone has a role to play but many aren't doing it ... or at least as effective as it was in the past," said Paramalingam. "Many ex-players could get themselves back in the game in a more serious manner. They do not need to ...

As published in Mailsport today PETALING JAYA — Former national coach C. Paramalingam believes the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) needs to stop hiring foreign coaches. This comes after it was learnt MHC senior vice president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad and secretary general Datuk Johari Abdul Aziz will meet Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin today regarding the appointment of Australian Neil Hawgood as national coach. “Foreign coaches have taken us for a ride in the past. Have we not learnt our lessons?” asked Paramalingam, who was the first Malaysian coach to record victories over Pakistan and India. “MHC needs to be careful in appointing a foreigner. It is best for them to be consultants and they must be calibre coaches who have made a name for themselves. “It is not like we do not have the talent here. Tai Beng Hai, Lim Chiow Chuan, Stephen van Huizen, Colin Sta Maria and Wallace Tan all have FIH qualifications. “Why not send as many local coaches as possi...

As published in Mailsport today. By Vijhay Vick vijhayvick@mmail.com.my PETALING JAYA — Selangor HA (SHA) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal (pic) is the front runner to be the next Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president. Former MHC general manager Maninderjit Singh is tipped to make a return as chief executive officer. According to sources within the national body, out-going MHC president Tengku Abdullah Shah has earmarked the Subahan as his replacement. Subahan’s first task would be to improved MHC’s financial standing as the association is believed to be RM2 million in debt. “Subahan will be the next president. Tengku Abdullah has already spoken to Subahan, who has agreed to come on aboard,” said a senior MHC official. “They even went to the Asian Games together and Tengku Abdullah was introducing him as the next president.” In August, Tengku Abdullah revealed he would not seek re-election as he was going for the Asian Hockey Federation’s top post. He then ...

As pubslihed in Mailsport today.     Former national skipper Sarjit Singh (pic) could assume his previous role as national coach as efforts to rid K. Dharmaraj continues.    Sarjit was the national coach from January 2007 to December 2008. Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) vice president Manjit Majid Abdullah was quoted as saying Dharmaraj “should be sacked” as he was not good enough to lead the team ahead of the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea next month.    The national team is also in a disarray as the team management, MHC and the National Sports Council (NSC) do not see eye-to-eye. The MHC World Cup review panel submits its report to the body’s president Tengku Abdullah Shah today, and it could well decide Dharmaraj’s fate.    Datuk R. Yogesweran heads the panel which also comprises National Sports Institute CEO Datuk Dr Ramlan Aziz, NSC director general Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong, Datuk Poon Fook Loke, Dat...

Haresh Says, as published in Mailsport today. A SERIES of tweets followed by interesting conversations with several former athletes.   They surrounded the performance of our athletes at the recently concluded Glasgow Commonwealth Games which saw the national contingent returning with six gold medals — one shy from the initial modest target.   Sports reporters, observers and fans demanded for accountability while others sighed, adding nothing has changed over the years, as evident in a series of tweets over the weekend. This was hours before our national women’s and men’s doubles pairs Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei and Tan Wee Kiong-Goh V Shem bagged the nation’s fifth and sixth gold medals respectively on the final day of the Games. Earlier, fans cringed after witnessing the men’s singles shuttlers failed to carry on the tradition of retaining the gold medal since 1990. Chong Wei Feng lost a keenly-fought contest against RV Gurusaidutt of India in the q...

 The national hockey team were whacked 8-1 by the English national team before they were given a 4-2 lesson by Trinidad and Tobago in the on-going Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Naturally, fingers are being pointed at the players and coaches. Some alleged the poor performance could be a form of "protest". Do read '5 euro sehari '. Others have, typically, demanded for a total revamp. Here's a question though, why not seek for a total revamp within the Malaysian Hockey Confederation as well? After all, there are plenty of officials there who CLAIM they are part of the national body but are often no where to be seen and responsibilities remain dubious. Don't just say the national hockey team has produced a humiliating episode. The officials too are party to this national embarrasment. By the way, Trinidad and Togabo is famous for its calypso, carnivals and goat-racing (picture). HD says: Instead of making up excuses and justifying the results on...

Haresh Says, as published in Mailsport today. JULY 17, 2014 – Melbourne International Airport IT was supposed to be another trip back to Kuala Lumpur for Melbourne-based Azizulhasni Awang. Yet, flying home last Thursday proved to be an emotional journey after the national cyclist and his teammates learnt about the Malaysian Airlines (MAS) aircraft that was shot down by pro-Russian insurgents in eastern Ukraine.  “We were at the MAS lounge when the news broke out. The whole team, including other passengers, were all standing and we were all glued in front of the television,” said Azizulhasni.  “We were shocked!”  A sombre mood quickly enveloped as the cycling team sympathised with the next-of-kin of all 298 on board Flight MH17. “We feel sad for those on the plane and to the family members. We truly hope they will be able to stay strong,” added Azizulhasni who remains Malaysia’s best bet of nailing a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow...