Schools not relied on anymore

Soon we all may have to say "Rest in Peace" to school sports.

It's no longer taken serious and conducted for the sake of it. It used to be the breeding grown for future national athletes but not anymore. 

National Sports Associations cannot rely on schools anymore and will have to produce their talent on their own.

"The school meets do not work. They have defeated the purpose of producing talent because too many compromises have been made," said  Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) secretary Maninderjit Singh.

He was referring to the on-going national schools hockey meet.

Not only is the quality of play pathetic, KL has not has their zone and State level yet.

Read Schools are a bane in today's Mailsport.

It all begins in the schools, didn't u learn?

Schools used to play an important role in producing talent.

But not anymore!

Many reasons for that, some technical but it has failed in even the organisation of it.

Being part of a largely Klang Valley only paper, KL seems to be the focus most of the time.

First it was the cross country held at the end of January. It was a State level competition but the zone level hadn't taken place yet. - It will take place in Oct!

Now, HOCKEY! - National schools meet are on-going but KL has yet to conduct neither the zone nor State level.

Read KL not doing it right  in today's  Mailsport.

Air Asia dumbfounded (full version)

Here's what never made print.

by VIJHAY VICK

KUALA LUMPUR

IT is not the national team that will represent Malaysia at the FHE Cup in Perth later this week. Hence there is nothing wrong in entering a team as ‘Malaysia Air Asia’.

Those were the words of 1 MAS Project Director Lim Chiow Chuan when asked why such a team was entered.

“We are sending a development team and I don’t see any issue with this. We arranged participation for this tournament by ourselves (1 MAS),” said Chiow Chuan.

The matter was first brought to attention by former Mailsport reporter SS Dhaliwal in his blog. There it was revealed that the 1 MAS Programme still had to fork out approximately RM200 per ticket.

According to Chiow Chuan 1 MAS had wrote to Air Asia X, the long distance arm of low cost carrier Air Asia, requesting for sponsorship. The parties came to an understanding to enter a team as the above mentioned name in return for sponsorship of travel.

“They (Air Asia) wanted a return of investment and we agreed to use Air Asia in the team name. I don’t have to go into the details of the agreement,” added Chiow Chuan.

Entry into any foreign tournament comes under the purview of the Malaysian Hockey Federation. The Sports Development Act is clear on the usage of the wording Malaysia. One cannot commercialise the country’s name as they fit.

When pointed this fact, Chiow Chuan insisted that there is no issue with this and instead drew to the attention that such practice was common among club teams in Australia.

What he failed to realise is that such teams do not use the national flag of Australia. The team entered in the FHE Cup will use the Jalur Gemilang, as shown in the tournament’s official website.

This is not the first time such a situation had occurred. The national Under-18 team was entered as ‘Malaysia Air Asia’ for the Surjit Memorial Trophy in Punjab in 2009.

The ‘Malaysia Air Asia’ team will fly to Perth tonight (Tuesday) and will play a series of matches during the three-day tournament starting from Nov 25.

Air Asia’s response.

AIR Asia Commercial Director Jasmine Lee is in the dark over any deal to sponsor the 1 MAS Programme boys for the FHE Cup in Australia later this week.

When contacted, she was surprised that ‘Malaysia Air Asia’ been used for the tournament. She wasn’t aware that a deal with 1 MAS Programme had been struck.

“I can say officially that there is no such deal. This is the first time I’m hearing of it,” said Jasmine.

“All commercial matter involving sports have to go through my department. I’ve checked with the Air Asia X branch and Group CEO’s office. No one is in the know of any sponsorship with 1 MAS.”

Jasmine also added that it is not a norm for a company’s name to be used as the team name, more so one that is representing Malaysia.

“It is only when we (Air Asia) are title sponsors that our name appears, like the Air Asia Asean Basketball League (ABL). Otherwise it is usually just the logo on the attire,” she added.

“I will have to call the Malaysian Hockey Federation and clarify the matter.”

Jasmine highlighted the fact that Air Asia sponsors the Philippines Patriots in ABL but Air Asia’s branding in not on the team name. According to her, such a move is not part of the airlines’ policy.

Air Asia dumbfounded

How is it that Air Asia's commercial department know nothing about 'Malaysia Air Asia' being entered into a Under-16 hockey tournament in Australia?

Here's a story that will probably never make print. Why? - go do the maths yourself.

pics taken from blog.airasia.com

It was first reported by SS Dhaliwal here. I merely got response from the low cost carrier and spoke to 1 Mas project director Lim Chiow Chuan. 

(pls read the link above before proceeding)

Malaysia Air Asia has been entered for the FHE Cup in Perth this weekend. Chiow Chuan insists this is not a national team. Then why use the national flag and create a misconception?

Anyway what puzzled me is the response from Air Asia. I had a pleasant conversation with their Commercial Director Jasmine Lee, who was very accommodating to me.

“I can say officially that there is no such deal. This is the first time I’m hearing of it,” she said

.

“All commercial matters involving sports have to go through my department. I’ve checked with the Air Asia X branch and Group CEO’s office. No one is in the know of any sponsorship with 1 MAS.”

Jasmine also added that it is not a norm for a company’s name to be used as the team name, more so one that is representing Malaysia.

“It is only when we (Air Asia) are title sponsors that our name appears, like the Air Asia Asean Basketball League (ABL). Otherwise it is usually just the logo on the attire,” she added.

Anyone care to explain what's going on with 1 Mas here?

Anyway why bother, we live in a world where money talks bullshit walks. 

Hockey fans back?

pic taken from www.sultanjohorcup.com.my

One thing that surprised many at the Sultan of Johor Cup was the attendance. (pic above taken during Malaysia's 5-1 win over India on Friday)

It filled the stadium on several occasions and put the Malaysia Hockey League season total attendance to shame.

The Project 2013 boys kept to their side of the bargain, providing entertaining display and a fighting spirit to the delight of the fans...

There's more on this here and also what captain Faeez had to say of the fans.

A fairytale ending

pic taken from www.sultanofjohor.com.my

Oh wait before I get to the hockey, just observe the picture.. why oh why are the officials hogging the limelight with players taking a back stage? 

That's something for your thoughts. 

No one really gave this Malaysia side a chance - not me either. Missing arguably two of their best players, Faisal Saari and Firhan Ashaari, the project 2013 boys had got off on the wrong footing - an opening loss to Australia and a disappointing draw to New Zealand.

Kudos to the boys for a complete turnaround that ended on a success note last night. Led by skipper Noor Faeez Ibrahim, the boys fought for each other to win the inaugural Sultan of Johor Cup.

They were within the brink of losing but for Faeez's penalty corner in the 69th minute to push the match into extra time. It was Faeez again who started the celebrations going.

The project 2013 boys are being molded for the next year's Junior World Cup qualifiers. They are surely on the right track.

Read the full match report here

Ramadan's dream

                          *pic taken from The Malay Mail

Project 2013 forward Ramadan Rosli wants to play Australia again - he hopes the national under-21 team will not slip against India today.

Australia are already in the final and await the identity of the opponents. It could be Malaysia, Korea or India - all three teams the Aussies have already beaten.

Read what Ramadan had to say here

Ramadan plies his trade at university side UniKL, despite being courted by big guns KL Hockey Club, Sapura and Tenaga Nasional Berhad. Read on it here

Captain's calling

Pic taken from The Malay Mail. Pixmen - Razak Ghazali

Project 2013 skipper Noor Faeez Ibrahim called for a response from his team after just one point from two games in the on-going Sultan of Johor Cup.

Fittingly, doing what a captain should do, he inspired his teammates to wins over much fancied Korea and Pakistan - initiating proceedings in both the matches.

Read on Faeez's heroics here.

Now Malaysia has a chance to qualify for the final - beat India and we are in. Australia have already qualified after winning all four of matches thus far.

Will Faeez step up again? - Watch India v Malaysia @8.05pm tomorrow (Oct 11)

No white flag from Project 2013, yet

Skipper Noor Faeez Ibrahim believes that Malaysia can still end the Sultan of Johor Cup with a top two finish - but they have to work their socks off!

                       *pic courtesy of www.sultanjohorcup.com.my

Being denied the services of Faisal Saari and Firhan Ashaari, has only made it harder... but Faeez doesn't want to waste time crying over spilled milk

                                           *pic by Razak Ghazali, courtesy of The Malay Mail

Read what Faeez had to say here  - on today's match against leaders Korea (6.05pm)

Faeez plies his trade with university side UniKL - a side he believes can move forward as said in here

Umpires strike back

No it has to do with the following picture.

But it did play a role - only in the headlines title.

Read Umpire strike back here and the response in Who let the dogs out?

In short hockey match official very fed up with the Umpiring Committee, Technical Commitee and Disciplinary Board meted out light sentences.

Following in the letter, signed by all umpires, to the respective committees.

  1^st October, 2011 The Chairman
Technical CommitteeTNB MHL 2011 And
 The ChairmanUmpiring CommitteeMalaysian Hockey Federation Dear Sir/s, RE:     DISSATISFACTION OF UMPIRES ON INCIDENTS RELATED TO THE CONTINUOUS ABUSE DURING AND AFTER MATCHES

 Reference is made to the above matter.

 We write to you, the above mentioned, to voice our dissatisfaction on the incidents that had taken place involving some of us, the umpires, during the ongoing TNB MHL League and also previously in other domestic tournaments organised by MHF and the way these issues had been addressed.

 As you all know, the umpires are always at the receiving end of all the faults that take place in the pitch. Never once the team officials and/ or players are blamed just because they spend hundreds of thousands of ringgit preparing for every tournament and when things are not favourable to them, we get the blame.

 Every year the same issue is raised that there is no consistency in umpiring, etc, etc…. We would like to ask, how consistent are the players?! Do they make the right passes everytime? NO! Do they score a goal everytime from every shot on goal? NO! Do they manage to make a correct tackle everytime to get the ball back? NO! Do the players execute all the instructions give to them by their coaches? NO!

 So what are they talking about consistency!!!!!
 

Yes! We have umpires of different grades umpiring and with the experience that they have, we run the show. Not all of them get the opportunity to umpire high level matches but we still manage to do it. As the saying goes, “there is no perfect umpire”.

  
We are highlighting below a few of these incidents that had taken place during the TNB MHL League and a few other tournaments before this involving players who verbally and physically abuse umpires and get off lightly as follows: 

1.      Razak Cup 2010 – Kuantan – Terengganu and current national player, Faisal Saari who ran from the opposition’s half and physically pulled umpire Ravinderpal Singh’s t-shirt after the umpire had awarded a penalty corner against his team. When he did that the umpire flashed him a yellow card and upon receiving the card, the player uttered foul word to the umpire, afterwhich he was shown the red card.
 This player was referred to the DB, without the umpire concerned being called. He apparently apologised and got off without any punishment meted out on him. Being the “blue- eyed boy” of the hockey team, the officials felt that they needed his services more than to instil discipline in him. He went on playing for the country and received the same treatment from international umpires for similar behaviour but our officials kept a blind eye. This matter was also brought up in the MHF council meeting and highlighted to the President. The DB head said that since there was no physical abuse (hitting and/ or bleeding) we could not take any action on the player. What rubbish!!!! Do they expect the umpire to be hit and only then action will be taken!! The President asked the UC to write to DB to re open the case but sadly this was never done. Faisal Saari now plays for TNB and is a hero for the national team. Bravo! But what about umpire Ravinderpal??? What did he get out of it? He followed procedures, made a report and at the end got nothing……..not even an apology. 

2.      TNB MHL Premier League 2010- Keevan Raj of Nur Insafi approached and pushed umpire Lingam when the umpire awarded a PC to Maybank. He sayed that the umpire had been bought over by Maybank. Lingam gave Keevan a Green Card to which the player abused using foul language repeatedly on him and then spat on the umpire.
 The umpire immediately showed him the Red Card. He too followed proper procedures by making a report and waited for the outcome. Action was only taken after 2 – 3 weeks wherby Keevan was banned for 21 months.  

3.      TNB MHL Premier League 2011  - Player No.2 from ATM came up to umpire Illango after the match, abused him, threatened him, pointed his stick towards him and called him out of the stadium for a fight. The said played had to be taken away by his fellow team mates.
 

Once again, a report was made and submitted to MHF but action was not taken immediately. This player played 2 more matches and in one of those 2 matches he again after the match approached umpire Anba and abused him.

 Another report was made against this player. This time he was suspended for 2 matches. These 2 matches were the last 2 matches before the completion of the preliminary round. It wouldn’t have mattered to the player because they were at the bottom of the table anyways and would not have made it to the knockout stages.

 Our question is “Why was he allowed to play for the next 2 matches and again continue to abuse the umpires after each match” ?

 4.      TNB MHL Premier League 2011 – Quarter final match between Sapura and Nur Insafi. Sapura captain Kuhan was red carded by umpire Anba for using foul words on him. After the match, the said played approached the technical bench and continued to hurling more foul words on the umpire in the presence of MHF officials and technical officer of the match. 

The umpire submitted his report, the technical officer submitted his report. We feel that this is a very serious offence by a former national captain. This incident took place on 12/10/11 (Wednesday).

 Having received a red card, the player is automatically suspended for 1 match pending the DB hearing. What baffles us is that, yes! He was automatically suspended for 1 match but to our astonishment, the technical committee did not meet to take further action and / or refer him to DB.

 The technical committee in a press statement said that the matter could not be deliberated because a certain person was not available and therefore it will be held on Monday, 17/10/11.

 We beg to differ to the excuses given. What would have happened if the umpire was hit and hospitalized and in a coma? Would the technical committee then sat immediately to deliberate on the mater???

 And yes! Sapura lost 1- 2 in the 1^st leg. 

We strongly believe that this delay was to determine if Sapura were to qualify for the semi finals and to see the outcome of the 2^nd leg match which was played on Sunday 16/10/11. True enough, Sapura won 2-0 and qualified.

Kuhan was given a mere 2 match suspension on Monday 17/10/11, which makes him eligible to play in the 2^nd leg of the semi finals on Friday, 21/10/11.

 
For all that abuses and outburst Kuhan received only 2 matches. For the ATM player who did not receive any card, abused the umpires after the match was also suspended for 2 matches.  

For your information, the above incidents are only a tip of the iceberg. There are many umpires who have been subject to all this and have given up, retired due to frustration because their plight was never looked into.

 We would like to ask… 

Where is justice? 

Why are there double standards?
 Why is it that the players’ welfare is taken care of and not of the umpires? When are we going to be protected? When will the abuses stop? 

Let us tell you this!!! IT WILL ONLY STOP IF YOU WERE TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTIONs, METE OUT IMMEDIATE AND APPROPRIATE PUNISHMENTS TO THESE PLAYERS AND/ OR OFFICIALS. 

Send out the message loud and clear to them that you will no longer condone such behaviour. This has been going on for far too long 

Sadly but true to the every word that this has not happened and will not happen in the near future. Please prove us wrong!!

Some of us have been umpiring for more than 15 years. We get to see the same players and officials year in and year out. We have swallowed a lot of rubbish. We are still swallowing a lot of rubbish. We have new, younger umpires coming up the ranks and they too are facing the same problems. 

How do you expect the country to produce more umpires when the rot is still there?? 

We, the undersigned (attached list of umpires’ name and signature), together and collectively would like to inform you that we want this to stop. Take the required measures now.

 We do not want to have a situation where you will not have anymore umpire to officiate your tournaments.

 
Thanking you in advance for our future in umpiring.

The following is an email to my inbox

Hi Vijhay,

I got your email and phone number from (name withheld). Thanks for highlighting the plight of the Umpires last week. It has made an impact to rectify the situation. But now the blame game has started as to the mastermind of the letter and fingers pointed as to who leaked it out to the press.

Now at a panic situation, the Umpires Committee has called all the umpires who signed the letter to face them for a dialogue session instead of addressing and finding solutions on the queries. To make matters worse, this session is called on Sunday 6th November not taking into consideration it is on Hari Raya Haji and the long holidays. The rush is also because the MHF Council Meeting is on the 12th November in Johor Baru at the final day of the Sultan Of Johor Cup Hockey Tournament whereby the Umpires Committee has to explain the whole episode to HRH Tengku Abdullah and the rest of the delegates. There are 4 Muslim umpires and an Umpires Committee member who celebrate the Hari Raya and if they are going to particiapte in this dialogue is another question and rest to be seen. How effective is this dialogue session going to be then? Religious festivals how big or small are sensative previledges for the multiracial community in this country.The question then again arises, could meetings of such nature be held during Chinese New Year or Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa or Christmas? Is this an excepted norm in this country?

Vijhay, I wish to remain annonymous and if you need and clarification, please feel free to contact me.

Regards

(name withheld)