COACH SIVA - THE UNSUNG HERO IN HOCKEY

Defining the word hero is difficult. The dictionary states that a hero is any person admired for courage, nobility, or exploits, especially in war.

Sivasubramaniam Chellappah or famously known as Coach Siva who originated from Kedah but spend most of his life in Selangor & Sarawak. He is one rare breed & a gem of a person. He completed a full circle of Coaching from age group to National Team. Spend almost more than half a century in the sports and his passion for the game couldn't be questioned.

He is one of those that could bring the best out of each player. His style of managing each player is different and first thing he does  is buying you in! When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect toward others.

His simple approach with down to earth communication within the team earned him a great respect from players. You can ask any player who played under his care, for sure you will give blood and sweat for him.

He started his Coaching career with Coaching Under 18 boys team for MSSM competition after his glory days as a player with Majlis Perbandaran Klang (MPK).

Especially, the MPK that provided the catalyst for many players to begin their career in hockey for the Club, State and National. Then there were a group of superb family such as Pak Zul, Anthony, Thina, Late Rahim, Khana, Raja Mahmod & Sukhi, Joginder, Suren, Sivabalan, Yusof Maidin, Bobby, Ravi Khudi, Jailani, Amir & many others led by our famous Coach C Paramalingam. They all allowed the growth of young hockey players with providing undivided support and motivation.

His Midas Touch was proven when he was appointed to Coach the Selangor Under 21 team for 3 years in a row from 1991 till 1993 followed by Sukma.

Can you imagine a novice Coach Siva who had the Midas Touch that brought glory & history of success to Selangor by winning back to back the National Under 21 Championship in 1991 & 1992 with a team without any stars and defeated the odds. That was the best glorious days for Selangor Hockey and which is still the talk of the town till today. He was like our Father more than a Coach. His care towards us was immeasurable.

Then he went on to Coach Selangor at Razak Cup Level and finishing 3rd with a very young talented team. His motivation skills could beat any talented team. His smile at the bench makes any players to run the extra mile to bring glory for him & team. The players played for him!

Then MHF saw his great outstanding talent and drafted him to National Women Hockey Team by being assistant Coach to Sea Games Women Team in 1993 and took on the 1995 Chiengmai Sea Games.

He was also part of Jaya 1998 program and his Coaching Methodology was like-able by many players & Officials.

His fatherly approach on and off the field was his key traits till today. He always put others way ahead than his personal benefits. His style is to make sure everyone gets food and he will eat last or even willing to be on hunger for the sake of the players & team.

Best part is being with him off the field and his advises and life skills stories are told to us so that we all will be a better human being in the long run of life.

His popularity in Malaysian hockey was undisputed till today. When he walks in hockey stadiums, he will be always surrounded with players or officials.

He had the lovable skills and his soft skills of managing the rascals in the team was a class above act that many Coaches doesn't have. His skills could even bring a giant down to the ground.

And another thing, don't ever make him angry, that's it! We all will be in trouble and his face reaction was sufficient to tame us like cats.

Since 2004 started with Coaching Course till recently he still played a pivotal role in the promotion and development of hockey but in Sarawak. He was known as a Coach who wore many hats in Sarawak Hockey. He was the transporter, Coach, Manager, Father and equipment plus attire provider. A complete package which many Coaches couldn't emulate him. He won SUKMA and many other medals for Sarawak. He created huge potential National women players. No one could match his credentials and success record in Sarawak.

You could read the paper cutting below on his contribution and is sad that he is ending his Midas Touch in term of hockey.

For most people, the definition of hero is left to interpretation. Some people believe a hero is an exceptional athlete, but others think it is the local cop that made the news for a job well done. It is all up to the individual who is defining what a hero is.

Every Coach has a little gem, a little pearl they have done that nobody pays much attention to. And then one day, somebody does recognize it, which is so gratifying. Thank you so much Coach Siva and we all really appreciate for the wonderful things and experience that you've provided us and we are the lucky ones to be associated in your journey.

Thank you for inspiring us to keep working hard! Thank you for being our guiding light, for encouraging us and for making us who we are today. We are extremely thankful for everything that you have done. Having you as our Coach helped us to realize what we need to do to be successful not only in sports but also in life.

Thanking you, Coach Sivasubramaniam. You will never be forgotten in our hearts and we will cherished forever your contribution. Keep going strong and keep in touch... The Hockey fraternity will be missing your style of Coaching!

With this, we bestowed you as our "Unsung Hero of Malaysian Hockey".

P/S - Selangor Hockey should use him as an Adviser as he is based in Klang now. Hope the MHC, Selangor or Sarawak State Government should reward him with titles for the services he rendered over the years with bringing glory to the State & National level.