Foul!

When the clock goes way past midnight and a person has one too many drinks, he tends to spill. Apparently, the national hockey team made a vow before playing India in the semi final of the just concluded Asian Games in China - to go bald if they made it to the final. Malaysia edged India 4-3 to play Pakistan in the final. It seems that the players didn't really go bald as promised. Instead, they sported patches of hair, some in the front, some behind and some lines. And that wasn't part of the pact. Malaysia lost 2-0 to Pakistan to pick up the silver medal. I'm sure some people might find their hair-styles to be 'less than appealing'. Some said that it showed lack of discipline. To me it wasn't so much about the hair, but the performance in the final. I know the lads could have done way better. But there are those who claim that divine intervention had a say in it. Bottom line, if you make a vow, make sure you honour it. Oh well, let's leave this hair-y issu...

I received several messages from an Asian Games medalist some 15 minutes ago. This athlete is diligent and despite having just returned from Guangzhou, China yesterday, the athlete decided to start the day by sweating it out at the National Sports Institute gymnasium. Sadly, the athlete was forced to wait some 40 minutes before the gym opened. The athlete claims that it is suppose to open at 7.30am. While waiting for the gym to open, the athlete and I exchange several messages. "Not like f$?king waking up at 7am after asian games for 2 weeks isn't hard enough" the athlete said. And I replied: "‎​Biasak la they dun expect any1 to be there today" The athlete then said:"‎​Well I'm f$?king training!" I replied: "‎​U diligent. They not." And the athlete nailed it by saying: "Regradless!!how the f$?k are we gonna succeed??" Ouch. HD says : As my late father always said, "Early to bed early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy a...

I got an SMS during the Malaysia-Pakistan Asian Games hockey final. It read; "The bald and not so beautiful." Oh yes, many claimed the national lads could have played better - as evident when the players had more hair. Malaysia won the silver medal after losing 2-0 in that match. Nevertheless, the fact remains that this team made it to the final - and that itself is a historical achievement. And I pay my tribute to not only the whole squad, but to national goalkeeper S.Kumar - and my 'letter' was address to his newborn baby boy. Read Dear Kumar Jr in today's Mailsports. Pic courtersy of malaysianhockey.blogspot.com HD says : I guess 'Kumar Jr.' will appreciate the contents of the letter better when he's a little older. Cheers!

I wonder who the Berita Harian reporter had in mind while writing his piece from Guangzhou, China. Read it here . Is this the same person where even high ranking officials get overly fixated by taking snap shots and getting autographs with the athlete? Well don't blame the athlete. Blame those who surround him. HD says: To the writer, I wish I was in China soaking in the fun as well. Sigh!

" Malaysia -- specifically Kuala Lumpur and Penang. This is the most user-friendly and expat-friendly choice in Asia. Malaysia is the only country in this part of the world that makes it relatively easy for a foreigner to establish legal full-time residency." That was taken from USNews.com. It is also interesting to note that the article mentions Malaysia as a city which is "moderately priced". HD says : Specifically Taiping!

Why I say so? Cause Canadian sensation Justin Bieber ( pic ) has given me the perfect excuse to no longer follow the American Music Awards. I remember sometime ago when Tony Yee was still with The Malay Mail. A passionate music and movie critic, Tony and I agreed that the annual music awards is turning lame. And this year's list of winners clearly show that it's no longer about artistry but more of popularity. Read the latest here . Bah! HD says : Will still stick to Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and Pearl Jam.

World No 1 Lee Chong Wei once again scummbed to the likes of Lin 'Super' Dan in the men's singles final of the Asian Games in Guangzhou just minutes earlier. Chong Wei lost 13-21, 21-15, 10-21. With the win, Lin Dan has nailed every major title there is to offer. Nevertheless, all was not gloomy on the courts as world No 1 Nicol David and national player Azlan Iskandar nailed the gold medals in the women's and men's squash finals respectively. HD says : Better luck next time.

One SMS says it all. Read all about it in today's front page story of The Malay Mail . On another note, Salam Eid Adha. HD says : Who is Wilson?

He is known as Datuk Ahiruddin Attan. He is also widely known as Rocky . To me, he's Sir. I started stringing for Mailsports the same time Rocky took over Datuk Fauzi Omar's position as the editor-in-chief. It was sometime in 2000 when Rocky and I shared the same lift heading down to the lobby at Balai Berita when he asked; "How are your studies coming along? Are you getting your claims on time?" Not many in his position would do so. I dare say. I remember nervously picking up the phone, dialing his number and asking him for advice when I wanted to buy my cruiser. I knew nothing about big bikes. And I remember him saying; "Are you going to sell your car? You better keep your car or your mom will kill you." The next day he sent a good friend Harris Adam to the motorcycle shop and I got a good bargain for the bike. I remember then sports editor Tony Mariadass asking me to shop around for a riding jacket as a farewell gift for Rocky. We got it at a good price ...

Malaysia lost 3-1 in their last 16 match against Iran - ending their Asian Games campaign in Guangzhou. Despite all odds, the Malaysian Tigers managed to keep the Iran forwards at bay as both teams were held to a goalless draw at half time. Oman, meanwhile, beat Hong Kong 3-0 in another last 16 match. HD says : Hoping that Rajagobal and Co will have a memorable run in the AFF Suzuki Cup instead.

For your sheer stupidity on the field has resulted in Malaysians being together as one. For your lack of common sense by sending off three Malaysian players during the Malaysia-China Asian Games group match has motivated the spirit of nationalism among Malaysians. You be the judge of Ben's antics here , here and here . I hope Rajagobal and his lads will continue to produce a good display against Iran - despite all shortcomings. HD says : Was put off by the Mat Salleh commentator commenting on SuperSports (AG2) during the live telecast of the game. RAJAGOBAL is our national coach and not his father Krishnasamy! Get your names right, otherwise don't bloody commentate!

The players confessed they were and still are being approached by bookies, even for the on-going King's Gold Cup tournament. The officials confessed having booted out players and coaches for suspicion of match-fixing. Observers confessed it is a quiet disease that is killing Malaysian football. An average of at least seven players in a single team are suspected to be on the take. Read today's The Malay Mail frontpage exclusive story on these confessions . HD says : Time to stop the corruption.

Honestly, I never enjoyed toffees. They just stick to your teeth and gum. It's sticky. But we're not talking about candy. Read Mailsports' Toffees connection published yesterday. As I walked into office this morning, I was told; "Do you know who is the person involved? A former athlete." He is the third person to tell me so. Oh yes, prior writing the story I was told that a former athlete was handed the project. And no, this former athlete has nothing to do with my earlier story of another former track star who was hauled up by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission with regards to the on-going investigations in the BA of Malaysia . Betul ka? Hmm... HD says : Who said sports cannot make money...

While going through some of my older articles this morning, I came across one of my writing - High time for Malaysia to rev up - which was not published. It was supposed to be for The Weekend Mail, April 7-8, 2007 edition. At that time The Malay Mail had a weekend edition, a single paper catering for Saturday and Sunday. It didn't last for long. I remember being summoned by my superiors (those above the sports editor) and was told "it's a good fact finding report but we can't use it as it is ammunition for the Singapore government to bid for the race". Sigh. Below is the article. MOTORSPORTS/ High time for Malaysia to rev up. By Haresh Deol THE truth hurts, and its time for us to face reality. The Singaporean media are in a frenzy over the past month as Singaporean hotel mogul Ong Beng Seng has held talks, including a dinner, with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone over a possible F1 showcase to be staged on the Republic's streets at nightfall. Also, in weeks to...

I pity Noraseela Khalid ( pic ) once again. According to Bernama the "Malaysia Amateur Athletic Union (MAAU) blamed the National Sports Council for the delay (in registering) as MAAU had sent Noraseela's accreditation to the Olympic Council of Malaysia on June 20." And once again the blame game begins. There's an old Malay saying; Gajah sama gajah bergaduh, pelanduk mati di tengah-tengah . HD says: Shouldn't Noraseela be the Gajah and not 'politicians'? After all it is the athlete who goes on winning medals right?

I received an email from former international Arul Anthoni Selvaraj some time back with regards to his coaching experience abroad. Arul has been playing assistant coach to several teams including the national squad, the South African team and currently serving Ireland. Judging from the tone of the email, I presume Arul is interested in returning to Malaysia and helping out the national team. I could be wrong though. Below is the email: My experience abroad Here i would like to share my coaching experience and ideas. 1. Players managements My personal phlosophy is that coaching is NOT just being present on the field during matches or training sessions, but more of an individual who is able to adapt as a friend, teacher, manager, physologist and etc. The manner in which I approch this viewpoint is by making efford to get to know my player well; · what they like · their background · their emotional level Hence equipped with this additional info, I am able to manage ...

That is what Stanley Bernard ( pic ) told me just minutes earlier. Stanley informed me that he has finally been fully paid by MyTeam - through Khairy Jamaluddin - earlier. I wrote about Stanley's predicament earlier thus I felt it is only fair to credit KJ for making Stanley's Diwali wish come true - despite it being long overdue. HD says : So Stanley, where are you heading to next season?

The first picture was taken at the ladies department of a landmark shopping centre along Jalan Ampang yesterday. Bear in mind that Diwali is tomorrow while Christmas is more than a month away (Dec 25). The second picture was taken from a reputable bookstore in Bandar Baru Ampang. The 'advertisment' is placed right above the limited number of Diwali cards sold. Muruku and Thosai for thought. HD says : Happy Diwali folks.

Nike today unveiled the latest national team jersey. This is ahead of the Malaysian Tigers' participation in the AFF Suzuki Cup in Jakarta come December. The lads will first play at the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. Pic courtesy of Bernama. HD says : Best of luck in China and Indonesia.

That's what F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone said about the Malaysian-owned Lotus F1 . Below is an extract of the report from yahooEurosports . This was also carried by Mailsports . " Ecclestone derides new teams as 'cripples' and 'an embarrassment' In an astonishing outburst, F1 commercial rights-holder Bernie Ecclestone has lambasted 2010 newcomers Lotus, Virgin and Hispania (HRT) as 'cripples' and 'an embarrassment' – and accused them of doing 'nothing' for the sport. The British billionaire's remarks are even more extraordinary given that he played a leading role in trying to attract new entrants onto the grand prix grid this season by way of financial incentives. However, almost eight months on and the best of them – Lotus – is still languishing around 1.5 seconds adrift of its closest rival and some 3.5 seconds shy of the outright benchmark. HRT is regularly more than five seconds off the pace, and none of the three have come even ...

I was at Studio 3 in Astro (Bukit Jalil), in the midst of joining Jason Dasey and Abbas Saad on the weekly Four-Four-Two programme when I got a message from my work mate K.Rajan who informed me that Kelantan coach B.Satianathan won the 100Plus-FAM National Best Coach Award. I couldn't stop smiling. I would have loved to see the faces of the FAM officials when his name was announced. After all, it was they who had earlier slapped him with a six months suspension and an RM2,000 fine for speaking against 'policy matters' . Never knew stating the obvious on fixtures were considered policy matters. Oh well... Congratulations to Satianathan and the rest of the winners. Keep up the good work and hoping for a more exciting season next year. Roll of Honour BEST GOALKEEPER Khairul Fahmi Che Mat (Kelantan) BEST DEFENDER Md Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak (Negeri Sembilan) BEST MIDFIELDER Baddrol Bakhtiar (Kedah) BEST STRIKER Norsharul Idlan Talaha (Kelantan) BEST YOUNG PLAYER Khairul Fahm...

The art of being transparent is still alien in this country. The Indian government, despite its shortcomings, seem to uphold the phrase "of being transparent" as evident in its half page advertisment on public funds used for the Commonwealth Games held in New Delhi recently. Read SS Dhaliwal's latest posting of Care to Disclose Minister? I'm sure the concerned politicians will not be too pleased. After all, politicians are bracing for the coming elections and need to look good - or seen to be looking good at the very least. The cruncher came at the final paragraph of the posting. "I am sure that it may well be much lower then the RM40 million on the three tennis events that your Ministry and Tourism forked out this year alone." Ouch! HD says : Boleh tolong explain...anyone?

Six-year-old Isaad Nabil ( pic in baju Melayu ) will surely appreciate this picture when he grows a little older. Cardiff City is keen to make a big bang in the UK and back home. Having handed out some 250 tickets to students studying at the Cardiff University, the Bluebirds are now about to ink a deal with KLFA on a possible tie-up which could include our KL lads enjoying training stints in UK. Read today's Mailsports for the story. HD says : Pretty impressive. Special thanks to Taufiq.

KARACHI: Pakistan hockey team’s tour to Malaysia has been cancelled, confirmed the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Asif Bajwa after the hosts were not ready to play enough number of matches with the Greenshirts. The PHF and the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) had earlier agreed to schedule international matches during the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. According to the PHF, Pakistan would have played the hosts in Kuala Lumpur on November 7 and 8. However, the MHF later informed that wanted just one game between the two sides. “We thought it will be a great opportunity to test our team in Malaysia before the Asian Games,” Bajwa told The Express Tribune. “Maybe they are intimidated by us because the teams can have a possible encounter in the tournament’s knock out stages. “But sending the team to Malaysia for only one match is not feasible. We are instead trying to have a practice match with Malaysia in China before the Asian Games’ hockey event starts.” Talking about the ...