Foul!

Is there a conspiracy to oust certain “unfriendly” individuals from the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM)? OCM members will cast their votes on June 22 to select office bearers for the 2013-2015 term. Talks within Wisma OCM, however, suggests that certain quarters want “their list of candidates” to win the elections. OCM officials are often at loggerheads with several individuals from agencies within the Sports Ministry. However, former OCM vice president Ibrahim Saad said such practices should not occur. “If true, then I am disappointed. There should not be any preferable candidate list and members should be given the freedom to choose suitable candidates for the post,” said Ibrahim. Read the full report in today's Mailsport. HD says : Hmm...

Schools and varisty have always been an excellent hunting ground for new talents. I remember writing about national hockey player Kevinder Singh while he was still studying at the Royal Military College. There was also Nicol David who impressed many during her playing days at the Bukit Dumbar Squash Centre. I do look forward to the inaugural Malaysian Higher Learning Institution Games (SUKIPT). This is the first time we will see the participation of both the public and private higher learning institutions - involving some 15,000 student athletes. The event is scheduled Oct 28 to Nov 11 at various locations around the Klang Valley. Having met and spoke to some 30 varsity students who will play 'reporter' and liaison officer throughout the Games, it is interesting to see how they utilise the social Media. And I'm happy that after the talk at Wisma OCM yesterday, SUKIPT is now on Twitter ( @SUKIPT ) - in addition to their website and Facebook page. All the best to ...

Judging by this letter, the Malaysian Athletic Federation (MAF) will not be able to conduct their elections tomorrow. The letter, which was made available to the author, was signed by the returning officer. However, I have been informed the MAF will go ahead with elections. Apparently a council meeting was supposed to be held today to discuss about this matter but it was cancelled due to the 'lack of quorum'. Danyal Balagopal Abdullah (pic) , meanwhile, organised a Press conference at Wisma OCM earlier this morning. In his SMS to members of the press, the Press conference was to "protest the election as nomination is null & void". If and the big 'IF' MAF goes ahead with the elections, it could turn out to be another messy episode and the losing parties could use this to their advantage and challenge the validity of the elections. It will be interesting to see what transpires between now and tomorrow. HD says: Hmm...