Though the MHF announced ambitious plans for live coverage via internet video, and also with the website hiring one of my former collegues, it is here that you will find update of the matches played daily.
Update: I am informed that the website did not get the visual rights from MHF hence they are unable to provide the coverage. So it still puzzles me as it was mentioned that it would be pay per view for the Asia Cup but now it seems no rights were awarded. The company is doing a noble thing and it is the red tape in Malaysian hockey that we could do well without. I do hope the company will iron out these issues and get the rights as Malaysians were looking forward to watching the matches, despite us having so many TV stations.
MHF, again as I am told were not to blame, and I agree as they do not own the rights as it belongs to AHF. Nonetheless some clarification ought to be made to the general public, especially when MHF's website is also not up and running.
Update: MHF should really look at treating their sponsors better as there were no seats nor proper protocol for them when some of the sponsors turned up for the opening ceremony. Surely we cannot expect TM to look into everything as there are others who hold positions but they were visible when TM went down to the pitch after the Malaysia v Korea match as some jostled for places for the TV and lensmen.
I will be in Kuantan for two days (Saturday and Sunday) to provide readers with an insight on the happenings in the asia Cup as the matches progress. And the berst thing is that you do not have to pay me a single cent.
Match No 1.
Pakistan 1 China 1
Pakistan, despite recalling several senior players were a pale shadow of the team that used to rule the region. In the first half they failed to get a single penalty corner and when they had two in the second half, Sohail and Imran both failed to capitalise.
And in the 61st minute China took the lead via their second penalty corner through Hu Hui Rento put pressure on Pakistan, who could well have taken the flight home on Monday.
However Pakistan equalised with merely 30 seconds on the clock via a goal mouth melee with Akhtar Ali having the final touch, to share the spoils.
Views from Maninderjit Singh - Former Malaysian International
A very good result for China. An uphill battle for Pakistan against India. Pakistan gave too much respect to China, did not play to their actual potential. China played a very tactical game by compressing the game and limiting the penalty corners.
Match No 2.
Malaysia 1 South Korea 1
Malaysia held South korea to a 1-1 draw in their opening Asia Cup match in Kuantan. The draw is a good result for Malaysia as it now puts pressure on Japan, who will no doubt view the result with concern.
Malaysia took the lead in the dying seconds of the first half when Ismail Abu's persistence paid off as he squared the ball to an unmarked Nabil Nor, son of former RMR legend Mohd Nor, to give Malaysia a 1-0 lead going into half time.
Malaysia were on the defensive most of the first half as Kelvinder Singh, playing at left midfield hardly crossed the half line thus giving the initiative to the South Koreans to attack on the right. It was also baffling that the Malaysian coaches did not make regular changes as the players wilted under the heat.
Korea opted to attack on Malaysia's right in the second half and it paid dividends as Kim Byung Hoon deflected the ball past S. Kumar from the edge of the semi circle.
It was Korea all the way after that and the Malaysian defence with Madzli Ikmar outstanding withstood the Korean onslaught. Kumar made three fine saves to deny Korea another goal.
Malaysia could have snatched victory, but Korean keeper Lee Myung Ho pulled off a mangnificent save from Azlan Misron to deny the home team a win. Still the one point earned will give Malaysia some measure of confidence.
Views of S. Kuhan - Former Malaysian International
The result is good for Malaysia and that is what matters in opening matches. There were some moments when I felt we could have got all three points but I must give credit to the Koreans who changed their tactics well. We have now to look forward to the Bangladesh match and a win will set up things nicely for the match against Japan. We have to iron out some flaws but I am confident the coaches have noticed it as well and will make the changes.
Update: I am informed that the website did not get the visual rights from MHF hence they are unable to provide the coverage. So it still puzzles me as it was mentioned that it would be pay per view for the Asia Cup but now it seems no rights were awarded. The company is doing a noble thing and it is the red tape in Malaysian hockey that we could do well without. I do hope the company will iron out these issues and get the rights as Malaysians were looking forward to watching the matches, despite us having so many TV stations.
MHF, again as I am told were not to blame, and I agree as they do not own the rights as it belongs to AHF. Nonetheless some clarification ought to be made to the general public, especially when MHF's website is also not up and running.
Update: MHF should really look at treating their sponsors better as there were no seats nor proper protocol for them when some of the sponsors turned up for the opening ceremony. Surely we cannot expect TM to look into everything as there are others who hold positions but they were visible when TM went down to the pitch after the Malaysia v Korea match as some jostled for places for the TV and lensmen.
I will be in Kuantan for two days (Saturday and Sunday) to provide readers with an insight on the happenings in the asia Cup as the matches progress. And the berst thing is that you do not have to pay me a single cent.
Match No 1.
Pakistan 1 China 1
Pakistan, despite recalling several senior players were a pale shadow of the team that used to rule the region. In the first half they failed to get a single penalty corner and when they had two in the second half, Sohail and Imran both failed to capitalise.
And in the 61st minute China took the lead via their second penalty corner through Hu Hui Rento put pressure on Pakistan, who could well have taken the flight home on Monday.
However Pakistan equalised with merely 30 seconds on the clock via a goal mouth melee with Akhtar Ali having the final touch, to share the spoils.
Views from Maninderjit Singh - Former Malaysian International
A very good result for China. An uphill battle for Pakistan against India. Pakistan gave too much respect to China, did not play to their actual potential. China played a very tactical game by compressing the game and limiting the penalty corners.
Match No 2.
Malaysia 1 South Korea 1
Malaysia held South korea to a 1-1 draw in their opening Asia Cup match in Kuantan. The draw is a good result for Malaysia as it now puts pressure on Japan, who will no doubt view the result with concern.
Malaysia took the lead in the dying seconds of the first half when Ismail Abu's persistence paid off as he squared the ball to an unmarked Nabil Nor, son of former RMR legend Mohd Nor, to give Malaysia a 1-0 lead going into half time.
Malaysia were on the defensive most of the first half as Kelvinder Singh, playing at left midfield hardly crossed the half line thus giving the initiative to the South Koreans to attack on the right. It was also baffling that the Malaysian coaches did not make regular changes as the players wilted under the heat.
Korea opted to attack on Malaysia's right in the second half and it paid dividends as Kim Byung Hoon deflected the ball past S. Kumar from the edge of the semi circle.
It was Korea all the way after that and the Malaysian defence with Madzli Ikmar outstanding withstood the Korean onslaught. Kumar made three fine saves to deny Korea another goal.
Malaysia could have snatched victory, but Korean keeper Lee Myung Ho pulled off a mangnificent save from Azlan Misron to deny the home team a win. Still the one point earned will give Malaysia some measure of confidence.
Views of S. Kuhan - Former Malaysian International
The result is good for Malaysia and that is what matters in opening matches. There were some moments when I felt we could have got all three points but I must give credit to the Koreans who changed their tactics well. We have now to look forward to the Bangladesh match and a win will set up things nicely for the match against Japan. We have to iron out some flaws but I am confident the coaches have noticed it as well and will make the changes.
