MALAYSIAN WOMEN HOCKEY ASIA NO 1 & OLYMPICS DREAM - PART 1: BUILDING CASTLE IN THE AIR

Last week, read this article below and the image that was shown on Nadi Arena news. Firstly, congratulations to MHC & NSC for coming up with a grandeur & ambitious plan for Malaysian Women Hockey without caring for consequences.

Unbelievable! Honestly, I am lost & do not know how they are doing to achieve this ambitious plan - Asia No 1 & play in Olympics?

Shoot from the Hip Scenario! This phrase originated in the old west of America, during the cowboy days. It alludes to shooting a gun from the hip, without taking it out if the holster. This made firing quicker, but less accurate.

The Link of the Article. 

https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2020/06/600867/hockey-mhc-target-women-asian-crown

  

"The MHC are no longer interested in making the women qualify for second and third-tier (world league) tournaments

"Following a chat with National Sports Council director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail, we have decided to embark on an eight-year plan to develop our women players.

"These new players will be groomed accordingly. We want them to be Asian champions in eight years.

"Shapawi had asked me, during the chat, why our team can't beat Japan, India, South Korea and China even though their women are of the same size as Malaysians?

"In the world rankings, India are ninth, followed by China (10th), Korea (12th) and Japan (13th).

"We need to target the Asian crown to be top 10 in the world."

News On NADI ARENA

My Comments:

Will divide into 2 parts: 

Today will write Part 1 about knowing the history & the reality of Malaysian Women Hockey performance at International Stage.

There is a talk that this such ambitious plan are announced in order to get funding from NSC especially to engage a new Foreign Coach Appointment for Malaysian Women Hockey Team. 

Firstly lets get the facts right and compare the circumstances and standings between the best 4 Women teams in Asia versus Malaysian Women Hockey Team. Will do a comparison at Asia Level only. 

Asia Ranking

Currently, Malaysian Women Team is ranked 5th in Asia. The points difference varies from 479 to 735 points between the Top 4 teams-India, China, Korea, Japan and the gap is huge & wide to catch up. How are you going to achieve Asia No 1 with the huge difference in points? What facts used by you all to announce such ambitious plan? Clueless.

1. India - 1543

2. China - 1521

3. Korea - 1480

4. Japan - 1287

5. Malaysia - 808

World Ranking

How to overtake this top 4 Asian teams in World Hockey as these 3 teams ie India, Japan, India & China are consistently playing in Olympics & World Cups. Currently, Korea Women Hockey Team didn't qualify for Tokyo Olympics but been in the 2018 World Cup & 2016 Rio Olympics.

More so, China who plays in FIH Women PRO League 2020/21 & this 3 Top Asian Teams has qualified to Tokyo Olympics. This 4 Asian Teams has bigger advantage and will collect many more ranking points compare to Malaysia.  

As to improve your rankings based on new FIH World Ranking System, a team has to play as many matches/tournaments and beat the above ranked teams and not losing against a lower ranked teams to enable to gain ranking points.

By looking at Malaysian Women Hockey Calendar, the team only plays at SEA Games (Indoor), Asian Games/Asia Cup/Asian Champions Trophy & some arranged tours/tournaments or test matches.

This shows that this Top 4 Asian teams gap of points will be very wide over the years to come compare to Malaysian Women Hockey, which currently has not played any International matches since World Series in June 2019 and no proper Periodization Plan for coming years. Been for than a year in inactive status.

How & what is the basis used by MHC to announce that Malaysian Women Hockey Team will be Asia No.1 & play in Olympics in years to come - 8 years . It can be achieved but this has to happen - Japan, India, China & Korea to completely stop playing hockey for 4-6 years and do not participate in any FIH Tournaments. Does this make sense? Reality Bites. 

Success at Asian Games/Asia Cup levels

Asian Games
Year	Host city	Position
1982	New Delhi, India	3rd
1986	Seoul, South Korea	4th
1990	Beijing, China	DNQ
1994	Hiroshima, Japan	DNQ
1998	Bangkok, Thailand	DNQ
2002	Busan, South Korea	DNQ
2006	Doha, Qatar	5th
2010	Guangzhou, China	5th
2014	Incheon, South Korea	5th
2018	Jakarta, Indonesia	5th

Asia Cup
Year	Host city	Position
1985	Seoul, South Korea	3rd
1989	Hong Kong	DNQ
1993	Hiroshima, Japan	DNQ
1999	New Delhi, India	6th
2004	New Delhi, India	6th
2007	Hong Kong	5th
2009	Bangkok, Thailand	5th
2013	Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	5th
2017	Kakamigahara, Gifu, Japan	5th

See the above table and understand it. Only 3rd twice in 1982 Asian Games & 1985 Asia Cup.

Success at Junior Levels

Women's Junior Asia Cup
Year	Host city	Position
1992	Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	5th
1996	Shirane, Japan	5th
2000	Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	6th
2004	Hyderabad, India	DNQ
2008	Seremban, Malaysia	5th
2012	Bangkok, Thailand	5th
2016	Bangkok, Thailand	5th

Do you all know that Malaysian Junior Women Hockey Team has never ever qualified for Junior World Cup since 1989 till 2016. The next Women Junior World Cup will be held next year in South Africa and the qualifier for Junior Women Asia Cup will be held this year as awaiting for AHF announcement due to COVID19. 

Malaysia Junior Women team must at least finish top 4 to qualify for 2021 Junior World Cup. This Junior program just been initiated this year and no clear of any International Matches or Tour for this team either than training at Home via online training program.  

So Folks, after reading the above facts & what is the basis or road-map that will make Malaysian Women Hockey Team to be No 1 in Asia in 8 years & qualify for 2028 LA Olympics. You all make the Judgement!

Previously, this was the similar promises laid down by MHC for Malaysian Men's Hockey Team. Read below the link:

Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal believes the men's national team will break into the top 10 of the world rankings by the end of the year 2018 & “As for the World Cup, we hope to achieve top eight. I think it is a realistic target as we did well in 2017. - https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2018/01/320398/hockey-important-year-mens-hockey

Malaysian Hockey is very good at building castles in the air. Meaning: To make plans that have very little chance of happening & keeps talking about big-time ambitions, but it's all castles in the air. 

Firstly, accept reality with facts. Life is like the rungs on a ladder. The reason they are placed so close together is that we can learn to take baby steps and reach our destinations safely and not act recklessly, without considering the effects.

Will write Part 2 - What is plaguing the growth of Malaysian Women Hockey Team & Way Forward.

MALAYSIAN HOCKEY OLYMPIANS - FIRST & LAST

Since 1956 Melbourne Olympics till 2016 Rio Olympics, Malaysian (Men) Hockey Team played in 9 Olympics out of 17 Olympic Games. Very glaring is we failed 5 Olympic Cycles since 2000 Sydney Olympics. 

The best period was from 1964 to 1976 where Malaysia played in 4 Olympics in a row (actually 5 but due to boycott for 1980 in Moscow).

As for Malaysian Hockey Olympians, there are a total of 108 members only from 9 Olympics participation & 8 members has passed away.  

The Year of Participation:

MALAYSIAN MEN HOCKEY TEAM AT OLYMPIC
Year	Placing
1956	Ninth place
1960	Did not qualify
1964	Ninth place
1968	Fifteenth place
1972	Eighth place
1976	Eighth place
1980	Did not participate
1984	Eleventh place
1988	Did not qualify
1992	Ninth place
1996	Eleventh place
2000	Eleventh place
2004	Did not qualify
2008	Did not qualify
2012	Did not qualify
2016	Did not qualify
2020	Did not qualify

See both the pictures of First & Last...

FIRST TIME EVER MALAYSIAN HOCKEY TEAM IN OLYMPICS

LAST TIME EVER MALAYSIAN HOCKEY PLAYED IN OLYMPICS

The next 2 Olympics Cycle will be in 2024 Paris & 2028 LA. Hope in 2032 it will be in Asia either India or Indonesia to host the Olympics.

A good playing hockey Nation must be consistently playing in Olympics & World Cup levels. Luckily, FIH has expanded the Hockey World Cup & Junior World Cup from 12 teams to 16 teams.

As for Olympics, the quota remains 12 teams. The slots for process of qualification is: Host; 5 Continental Champions & 6 from Olympic Qualification playoff system i.e. 2 matches on Home & Away basis with total Aggregate score of both matches.

The critical issue here is when an Olympic is hosted by a non top playing hockey nation, then the qualification route gets very narrow & never been a good news for Malaysian Hockey Team. Since the next 2 Olympic Cycle is hosted by France & USA, it means only 6 slots are available for grab either than Continental & Host slots. 

Based on Assumptions if these are the 5 Continental Champions - Oceania - Australia, Pan Am-Argentina, Europe-Holland, Asia-India & Africa-South Africa.

Then the Challenge for remaining 6 Slots will be between Belgium,Germany, Great Britain, Spain, New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan, Canada, Ireland, South Korea & Pakistan. Very tough route and it will be based on the luck of the draw by FIH. 

Due to the above 2 Olympic host slots is taken by non top playing hockey nation, this implication has a major impact for Malaysian hockey to qualify. Hope the caretakers are aware of this circumstances.

The best & easier route for Malaysian Hockey Team is winning the Asian Games, keep in mind, the next 2 Asian games is in 2022 HANGZHOU, CHINA & 2026 NAGOYA, JAPAN.

Currently we have National Teams but without Olympic status...

Justice for Marathon Runner Evelyn Ang due to Road Accident 2019 Klang City Marathon – Section 36 Amendment (SDA) call The ‘Evelyn Ang’ provision

KUALA LUMPUR: Evelyn Ang, the runner who was in a coma since an accident during the Klang City Marathon in December last year, died on Thursday (Mar 1) according to a report by the Malay Mail. The 44-year-old succumbed to her injuries, her husband Dennis Loo told the newspaper.

“She passed away peacefully and she went off at her own pace despite all the things that we all did to help. The hospital did the very best for her and the doctors too,” Loo told Malay Mail.

“I will always say this is a race that she ran and she has crossed triumphantly. She has always been cheerful, a believer of positivity and smiling. She would always put on a strong front and she believed that every smile shown would be returned back.

“She would want everybody to remember her for that."

A post on Evelyn's Facebook page at 1.40am with a photo of her and Loo said: "In memory of EvelynAng Loo 13041973 - 01032018".

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/05/27/man-who-mowed-down-marathon-runner-evelyn-ang-gets-four-years-jail

Evelyn Ang, a marathon runner, was hit by a car while taking part in the Klang International City Marathon in December 2017. She suffered serious injuries and was in a coma for a few months. Unfortunately, Evelyn passed away on 1st March 2018. Evelyn’s accident was one of the main reasons why the SDA 1997 was amended, with the additions of Subsections 4 and 5 to Section 36 of the Amended Act 2018. The glimmer of light that was sparked by this tragedy is the effort to improve the safety standards of marathons and sporting events in Malaysia.

The new Section 36 of the Amended Act 2018 was drafted to impose accountability on companies which organise sporting activities. These section under Section 36 are an addition to subsection (1),(2) and (3).

 The ‘Evelyn Ang’ provision – Section 36 Amendment of the SDA 1997:

(1)  A company shall not involve itself in any sporting activity or in any other activity related to sports, as may be prescribed by the Minister in the regulations, unless it is licensed to do so by the Commissioner.

(2) The license referred to in subsection (1) may be subject to a fee and such conditions as the Commissioner deems fit to impose.

(3) The Commissioner may, on being satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for doing so, revoke the license issued to a company under this section after giving that company an opportunity to make representations to him.

Section 36 of the Amended Act 2018:

(4) Any company which contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be liable to a fine of not less than fifty thousand ringgit but not more than five hundred thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to both.

(5) Where an offence under this section has been committed by a company, any person who at the time of the commission of the offence was a director, chief executive officer, chief operating officer, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the company or was purporting to act in any such capacity or was in any manner or to any extent responsible for the management of any of the affairs of the company or was assisting in such management-

• may be charged severally or jointly in the same proceedings with the company; and
• where the company is found guilty of the offence, shall be deemed to be guilty of that offence unless, having regard to the nature of his functions in that capacity and to all circumstances, he proves –
• that the offence was committed without his knowledge, consent or connivance; and
• that he had taken all reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence to prevent the commission of the offence.

VETTING PROCESS ONLY WAY FORWARD TO SAVE MALAYSIAN HOCKEY

Frustrated with the lack of progress in the sport, former hockey international Maninderjit Singh said those who intend to be president of the national body should have some form of playing experience or have served the sport for at least 10 years.

“If you want to be a president of the state or national body, there should be a requirement. If you want to be president of MHC, at least you (must) have minimum hockey at state level for five years or served the affiliate for 10 years or can bring a certain amount of commercial value to hockey,” said Maninderjit, who played at the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Olympics.

“By having a vetting process, you will get better administrators with technical knowledge. Currently, we get office-bearers who are politicians but if you look at their technical knowledge of the sport, it’s very limited.

“This makes me afraid as these office-bearers make decisions and policies that will have a direct or indirect impact on the sport. That is very dangerous.”

Read on:

https://twentytwo13.my/sports/vet-potential-officials-before-voting-them-into-hockey-body/

The Abolishment of the Sports Advisory Panel - Replaced with Sports Dispute Committee

The Sports Development Act was passed by Parliament and gazetted on 25 September 1997. It promotes and facilitates the development, administration and registration of sports in Malaysia. In order to achieve these objectives, the Act establishes inter alia the Sports Commissioner’s Office and the Sports Advisory Panel. 

The Sports Development Act 1997(“SDA 1997”) was passed by the Malaysian Parliament for the purposes of developing sports. In April of 2018, amendments were made to the SDA 1997.Via amendment, Sports Advisory Panel is replaced with Sports Dispute Committee (SDC).

What was Sports Advisory Panel?

The Sports Advisory Panel constitutes the final avenue to check all irregularities without fear and favour for the best development of sports in Malaysia. The function of this Panel is to advise the Sports Minister on all matters in relation to sports matters, for the purposes of duly administering and enforcing this Act; and/or advise the Sports Minister on any matter referred to it by him/her.

Replaced with Sports Dispute Committee

The Amended Act 2018 thoroughly amended the outgoing Section 24 of the SDA 1997. The new Section 24 reads as follows such:

Section 24 of the Amended Act 2018:

There shall be established a committee to be known as the “Sports Dispute Committee” which shall have the responsibility to hear and resolve disputes referred to it by any member of a sports body or a sports body itself under section 24.

Where a dispute cannot be resolved in accordance with the internal procedures referred to in section 23, any member of a sports body or a sports body itself may refer the dispute to the Sports Dispute Committee for decision.

The Sports Dispute Committee shall ensure that sports bodies and other parties to a sports dispute including athletes be given an affordable, just and speedy means of resolving a sports dispute.

The Sports Dispute Committee shall consist of the following members (5) to be appointed by the Minister:

1. A Chairman;

2. Two members who, in the opinion of the Minister, have experience, qualifications or  have shown capacity and professionalism in matters relating to sports, or to be otherwise suitable for appointment because of their special knowledge and skills; and

3. Two members as the Minister deems fit.

The Chairman and members of the Sports Dispute Committee shall hold office for a period not exceeding two years and shall be eligible for reappointment.

The members of the Sports Dispute Committee shall be paid such remuneration and allowances as the Minister may determine after consultation with the Minister of Finance.

A point to note is that unfortunately, any decision that is made by the SPORTS Dispute Committee may be confirmed,reversed or changed by the Minister (Section 24A(2)).

WITH MANINDERJIT SINGH THE RSS WITH HD EP21 - 21st June 2020

TO ALL SUPERHEROES - Happy Father's Day 2020

A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.

Have a great celebration with your loved ones...

Malaysian Olympian Association (MOA) - Must Achieve To Be An Exclusive & Prestigious Association

Firstly, Kudos to President, Karu Selvaratnam, Task Force members & elected Bearers who worked tirelessly for re-establishing the new MOA in 2015 after it was de-registered in 2012.  And recently, a collection of funds among the members were collected for the Late Zambrose (1968 Mexico Olympics). Well done!

This MOA should be the most Exclusive & Prestigious Sporting Association in Malaysia due to the following: 

1. Major profile of all great Malaysian sportsmen that makes this Association

2. Best Athletes ever produced by Malaysia

3. Record Breakers

4. Medallist at Highest level

5. Sports Icon

6. Household names

7. Legends

8. Role Models

9. Brought Glory to the Nation

10. Historical Achievements

Since 1956 Melbourne Olympics till Rio 2016, if not mistaken there is only about 338 Malaysian Olympians & living Malaysian Olympians could be around 200. 

Just imagine 338 out of 32 million of Malaysian population, is about 0.0010%. How extraordinaire are we as Olympians in this country! 

Being an Olympian is the reward for very hard work and the greatest thing that an athlete can achieve.

Achievement is something accomplished, especially by superior ability, special effort, great courage. Even the richest man couldn't be an Olympian, that is how prestigious it is to be an Olympian. Unbelievable!

To be an Exclusive & Prestigious MOA in years to endure, these are some suggestions below:

1. To Organize an Annual MOA Dinner to gather all Olympians & family members

2. Look into the Welfare of Olympians

3. Raising Fund activities for sustainability - grant from Govt  & PFI etc

4. Playing a Think-tank role to Ministry of Youth & Sports as the best sportsmen with success are in this group

5. Providing employment for Retirees or any Olympians in need

6. A dedicated Exclusive Personal Identification Card which allows any Olympians to watch any International or Domestic competition in Malaysia at free of charge or with a special area at VIP stands

7. Basic Medical Plan  thru Group Insurance or guaranteed perks at Government Hospitals or Clinics including medication, physiotherapy and others

8. Death Benefit & Funeral Cost to the Family

9. Getting a Cooperative license for the benefit of Olympians and their family members such as education loan or small business loan

10. Proposing Olympians as a candidate to be Chef De Mission of Games, Board of YAKEB/NSC/NSI/KLSports City, or Role Model activities etc

11. Getting yearly allocation of Titles or Honour from State or Federal Titles for successful Olympians who have brought glory to the Nation

12. Organizing an Annual Sports Conference for all sports stakeholders in Malaysian and graced by Minister of Youth & Sports. Olympians will be selected to be the Speakers

13. MOA to apply for a Tax Exemption status from IRB and this will allow a better fow of funds from Corporate & other sponsorships

14. Create an Online Database & Website of all Olympians ie Bio-data & Success Profile for Malaysian public & dedicated Media Personnel for PR exercise & regular updates of MOA information

15. Getting certain allocation of University or Pre-University slots from Ministry of Higher Education including few scholarships for the entitled children of Olympians

16. To create a home of Malaysian Olympians - Office Space or Building for Olympians for administrative matters with Olympians or Malaysian public to visit and a lounge area for catching up; act as archive center of Olympians; MOA Hall of Fame etc 

17. Propose to Govt for a Pension Funds for all Olympians

18. Organize community activities

19. Selling Olympians as an Ambassador - eg. sports products or events etc

20. Obtaining Vouchers or Loyalty cards with Merchants for Olympians - getting concession or discounts on products or services. Eg. Negotiating with Air Asia for cheap fares for Olympians to travel. 

For sure, there are many other Olympians would have better ideas or other suggestions. The above 20 points are just out of my thoughts.

Current MOA has been close to 4 years in active status after undergoing 2 cycle of elections since 2015. MOA had few events, AGM, birthday & festive wishes etc.

Therefore, in my view, this MOA should drive to achieve many more great milestones and firstly, to be recognised by the Government of Malaysian and other agencies as an Exclusive & Prestigious Association in Malaysia.

Wishing the very best to current Bearers of MOA and thanks for all the ongoing services provided to all Great Olympians & sporting community.

This are just my thoughts. Nothing personal.

Thanking you...