Friday, December 30, 2011

BAM ‘pilih kasih’



The heading simply means double standards. And that is what Malaysia's top Malay daily tabloid Harian Metro is implying on the Badminton Association of Malaysia.

The fact that BAM has some preferred players has been obvious but the main stream papers have been somewhat cajoled into not writing the truth. There are so many "little napoleons" with BAM that one can be forgiven if the phrase warlord and godfathers is used to describe ongoings in sports scenario.

The article meanwhile outlines the fact that players are punished just because they are aligned to a private club, KLRC in particular, and while all kind of rules of engagement are used against players donning the KLRC name, some others are treated with tender gloves, akin to these players having some kind of special protection.

Yes, BAM will come out with all sorts of theories and denials, yet how will they evade this scenario, especially since a statement was made on TV that World Junior Champion Zulfadli Zulkifli will not find a place in the Thomas Cup squad.

Now I wonder what criteria was used to determine this when the same person came out and said that the performances of the last six months will count towards determining the Thomas and Uber Cup squads. So how is it that Julia Wing is not being considered although she has a higher ranking then some BAM players.

The best should represent the country, that we all agree, but not TWO people in BAM. They play politics and have vested interests, simple. Who cares about their so called motto that they have been serenading all the while - in the interest of the nation, what a load of bull.


ADAKAH Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) mengamalkan sistem ‘'pilih kasih’ terhadap pemain yang keluar meninggalkan badan induk badminton negara itu, apabila dengan sengaja menetapkan syarat berbeza.

Contoh terbaik isu Tan Chun Seang yang diharamkan menyertai kejohanan di Asia selepas bertindak keluar dari BAM manakala hak Gan Teik Chai-Tan Bin Shen dirampas daripada beraksi di Kejohanan Dunia 2010 yang sehingga kini dikatakan masih belum ada penyelesaian selain isu pelbagai syarat dikenakan terhadap Zakry Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari andai mereka ingin berlatih bersama skuad negara di Bukit Kiara secara berkala.

Syarat yang dikenakan terhadap lima pemain disebutkan itu sekadar contoh yang mungkin dihadapi lebih ramai pemain sebelum ini tetapi yang menjadi kemusykilan mengapa gandingan adik-beradik Ng Hui Lin-Ng Hui Ern bebas berlatih bersama skuad negara meskipun sudah keluar dari BAM.

Apakah kerana ada ‘payung’ besar yang memayungi sehingga BAM tidak berani mengatakan tidak kepada mereka? Hui Lin-Hui Ern, kedua-duanya sedang melanjutkan pelajaran di United Kingdom pulang bercuti di tanah air bebas berlatih tanpa syarat di Bukit Kiara tidak seperti pemain yang disebutkan tadi.

Hui Lin yang ditemui mengakui BAM tidak meletakkan syarat untuk dia menjalani latihan di Bukit Kiara setiap kali pulang ke Malaysia.

“Saya dan Hui Ern seperti sebelum ini, menjalani latihan dengan pasukan kebangsaan tapi kami bukan lagi bernaung di bawah BAM,” kata Hui Lin.

Meskipun dua adik-beradik ini tidak bernaung di bawah mana-mana kelab atau persatuan lain, mereka tetap mengikuti pertandingan di Eropah dalam tempoh melanjutkan pelajaran.

Perbezaan antara dua beradik ini dengan pemain yang lain hanyalah status majikan (kelab). Mungkin mereka tidak perlukan majikan kerana ada ibu bapa yang berkemampuan untuk membiayai mereka.

Apapun, hakikatnya Hui Lin-Hui Ern sudah keluar dari BAM dan hal itu disahkan sendiri Pengurus Besar BAM, Kenny Goh yang mengatakan kedua-dua pemain terbabit meninggalkan badan induk badminton negara, Oktober lalu tetapi masih mendapat hak berlatih di Bukit Kiara tanpa syarat.

Tidak dinafikan tidak ada salahnya untuk Hui Lin-Hui Ern berlatih bersama skuad kebangsaan meskipun mereka tidak lagi bernaung di bawah BAM tetapi mengapa pemain lain dikenakan pelbagai syarat.

Adik-beradik itu yang melanjutkan pelajaran di Universiti Larborough dalam jurusan ekonomi mengambil bahagian dalam Kejohanan Antarabangsa Wales dan Ireland dan muncul juara dalam acara beregu wanita di kedua-dua kejohanan terbabit.

Seperti pernah ditegaskan Setiausaha Kehormat BAM, Ng Chin Chai sebelum ini, dua beradik itu tetap dianggap atlet kebangsaan, namun menjadi persoalan mengapa kedua-duanya tidak menggunakan jersi Malaysia ketika bertanding di Eropah? “Kami bertanding di Eropah dengan menggunakan nama Malaysia tapi kami tidak menggunakan jersi negara,” akur Hui Lin.

Jika benar mereka masih dianggap atlet kebangsaan seharusnya ada penetapan supaya mereka mengikut garis panduan ditetapkan ketika mewakili negara oleh BAM.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

SMASHED ADVERT



Having seen the Maybank advert on TV, I did some research on the Internet with regards to the smash record. And really if some in BAM or Maybank would have done the same then we could have potentially avoided a wrongful or mis-representation of an advert.

Read on...

For reasons I will outline below, the official badminton smash record is still 332km/h (206mph).

This record was set by Chinese Badminton Doubles player Fu Haifeng (a left-hander like Boon Heong) in the 2005 Sudirman Cup.

Boon Heong’s and Kawamae’s badminton smash records are significantly faster – is this because these players have much more powerful smashes, or because the ArcSaber Z-Slash is far superior to the Yonex Titanium 10 which Fu Haifeng used when he broke the record in 2005? I think not.

The badminton smash speeds with the ArcSaber Z-Slash are not comparable to Fu Haifeng’s record for three reasons:

Measuring method: High speed video equipment was used in the Yonex speed trials rather than the microwave technology which is used to record shuttlecock speed in matches.

Situation: The smash was not hit during a match. It is much easier to smash harder when the shuttlecock is being fed to you in a relaxed situation.

Unofficial status of readings: The speed was recorded by Yonex rather than by badminton officials.

In fact, even in 2005, Fu Haifeng’s smash was not the fastest badminton smash to have been measured.

At the 2001 Swiss Open, high speed video was used to measure badminton smash speeds in speed tests similar to that performed by Yonex at the Japan Open.

The results (on the internet archive – can take a while to load) included a 364km/h smash from J. Laugesen of Denmark.

But of course Fu Haifeng’s smash was considered to be the official record.

And of course, if Yonex are so confident they’d have compared the ArcSaber Z-Slash to other badminton rackets in the speed test and be publishing those results too.

You can draw your own conclusions about the effect that being in a speed test has on a player’s smash speed, but the technology used in each case is interesting too – so here’s some information about radar guns and high speed video compares for measuring shuttlecock speeds.

The Technology: Radar Guns and High Speed Video

Fu Haifeng’s record badminton smash was measured the same way speeds are measured during all sporting events: using a radar gun, which measures the change in frequency of microwaves bouncing off the moving object (in other words the gun measures the Doppler effect on the microwaves). The advantage of this method is that every shot in a rally can be logged, and the fastest can be displayed as soon as the the rally ends.

The Yonex speeds were measured using high speed video, which requires manual analysis of the speed, so cannot provide instant feedback. For this reason it is more suitable in test situations such as Yonex’ speed test. Here’s the high speed video in action measuring Boon Heong’s 421km/h smash:

This equipment, provided by NAC, typically records video at 300fps, allowing slow motion 6-12x slower than normal speed. This technology was used at the Olympics and is being used increasingly in sports for showing slow-motion replay – regular slow motion in sports coverage is around 3x slower than normal speed – approximately 75fps.

According to their site, their equipment will be used by SKY during their coverage of the All England next year. NAC’s site has a variety of interesting slow motion videos.

So is the big difference between Fu Haifeng’s record and Boon Heong’s badminton smash speed due to the measuring equipment used? Possibly.

Shuttlecocks are light and have high air-resistance, so they slow down significantly over a short distance. Slow-motion video captures can be used to measure the speed at any point in its flight, so Yonex’s measurement presumably measure the speed of the shuttlecock immediately after the initial impact, when it is at its fastest.

I am not convinced that the radar guns used in the Sudirman cup would have captured the speed immediately after impact. I have not been able to find much information on the internet about this – the most relevant information was from a baseball chat forum:

“The Jugs Speed Gun (Fast Gun) will pick up the speed of the fast ball after it has travelled 3.5 feet”

So it’s entirely possible that the radar gun speed measured the shuttlecocks a foot or so after impact, which would means that Fu Haifeng’s smash was actually significantly faster than the 332km/h which was recorded. However, this is pure speculation on my part as I not been able to discover what type of radar gun equipment is used now, let alone during the 2005 Sudirman Cup.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

DEAD MAYBANK MALAYSIAN OPEN WEBSITE


Sometimes I wonder if those who call themselves educationalists or experienced badminton administrators know what they are doing when it comes to dissemination of information.

No I am not talking about what happened during a talk show at a pay per view TV station where the guest was so evasive with regards to the questions posed that even the main actor in the TV drama series Lie To Me would have a tough time trying to read this guy.

But rather the focus is on the Maybank Malaysian Open Badminton Super Series 2012 and their so-called official website, the link which is as follows:

Now go onto the website and you will find nothing on the tournament that is newsworthy, not even a history of the tournament, write up on the sponsors, even biodata of Malaysian players let alone the top players that are coming for the tournament.

Websites are supposed to be the epitome for news and promotion of the country. And the so-called consultants from the Tourism Ministry were taken all the way to New Zealand so that they could help prepare and do presentation for the bid for the Sudirman Cup, that in reality Malaysia had already won technically since the other bidder Australia had withdrawn two days prior to the BWF meeting.

It is bad enough that the BAM website just collects news from newspapers and pastes them and frequently is down due to exceeded bandwidth.

And here you have a website that is something similar to what Malaysian Hockey Federation and the 1MAS website has – absolutely zilch.

It is easy to talk about something one does not know, so while I will not talk about badminton coaching, I feel that I have much more experience in websites and sports management that some who claim that they do not slander me.

My ex-friend who claims that you have never slandered me, and the administrator who cannot reason objectively, this is nothing personal, but it is clear that you have no inkling on what you are doing.

It is easy to claim in the interest of the nation, but if this website is in the interest of the nation, I do hope you are watching this little space Maybank, for you are being taken for one hell of  a ride.

Monday, December 26, 2011

KELADAK BAM

That was the keyword in the story carried by Utusan Malaysia quoting Dato Misbun Sidek as to why he would not return to the Badminton Association Malaysia.

The para in the story is repeated here below:

"Perkara ini (permintaan Chong Wei) sebenarnya tidaklah susah sangat, tetapi hendak membersihkan 'keladak' itu yang susah. Ketika saya hendak keluar dulu, ada keladak yang kena dicuci, kemudian ia bersih dan perlu dicuci semula.

Now the little I know of Bahasa and from what I gathered after asking other journalists, "keladak" literally means algae or residue.

And if one were to read the quote, then it is clear that Misbun was hinting at some personalities within BAM that are hanging on to their positions and creating a divide in Malaysian badminton.

Now I was privileged to sit with Misbun for well over two hours, some three months before he quit BAM and I feel it is time that the details of those conversations be made public.

Trust me when I say that some officials in BAM will not sleep easy as they have portrayed that they are saving badminton but in reality are taking it to another notch, below.

What have you delivered in the past two years in charge, well you cannot even get the media to carry players wearing Maybank logos on the shirts in the print media.

Or is it done to please the master?

Friday, December 23, 2011

MAU KERJA

Well the Malaysian Athletic Union will be conducting walk in interviews on December 30 from 10am onwards at the National Stadium ( next to the Yakeb office).

The position to be filled is as the General Manager.

Registration is at 10am and the panel will commence the interviews at 11am.

This transparent exercise is in stark contrast to the questionable manner in which the Badminton Association of Malaysia has handled the process of picking their High Performance Director.

Well what say you BAM? At least MAU are transparent...

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

MEDIA SPOKESPERSON FOR FAM

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) must inform the Negeri Sembilan Football Association in writing if the floodlights at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi did not meet the specifications and not just announce it in the newspapers.

Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan who is also the Negeri Sembilan FA President said he only came to know of the matter after reading the newspapers Wednesday.

"I didn't know.....but according to reports that I received, inspection was carried out two or three times at the stadium and everyone said it was okay. What is not up to the mark? If it did not meet the specification, they (FAM) should have told us a long time ago and not now when the season is about to kickoff," he told reporters here today.

Mohamad Hasan was commenting on newspapers reports today that the floodlights at the Kota Baharu, Kuala Terengganu and Paroi stadiums did not meet the specification set by the FAM.

Mohamad Hasan said the state FA should have been informed in writing and not release it to the newspapers.

"I as the president of the Negeri Sembilan FA was not aware of the matter....I only knew about it after reading the newspapers. Who is playing? The newspapers or the Negeri Sembilan team? he asked.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

WHY THE DELAY NSC?

Malaysia is my country, says Zulfadli



BY: HARESH DEOL

KUALA LUMPUR: World and Asian junior champion Zulfadli Zulkifli has been offered to play for the United States in the Thomas Cup.

Internal bickering and the failure to acknowledge Zulfadli's efforts could prompt the youngster to don Uncle Sam’s colours.

Zulfadli is yet to receive his incentives estimated at RM50,000 since last year.

However, the Los Angeles-born lad does not want to turn his back on Malaysia — not at the moment, anyway.

Zulfadli’s dad Zulkifli Sidek, who is also his coach, confirmed his son was approached by the US Badminton Association and a US player. They want to strengthen the US team for the Thomas Cup.

It is pertinent to point out Zulkifli used to train the US team from 1990-94.

"My son said no. He wants to play for Malaysia and I guess he pretty much made up his mind,” said Zulkifli.

“I also want Zulfadli to play for Malaysia and I’m happy he made that choice.

"But I hope to see Zulfadli in the Malaysian team for next year's Thomas Cup, even as a reserve.”

BAM have yet to name the squad for the Thomas Cup in May 20-27 in Wuhan, China.

Former junior player Arif Latiff was part of the Thomas Cup team in 2008.

Zulfadli was apparently approached by an official during last year’s Thomas and Uber Cups held in KL. The USA team played in the Uber Cup.

American player Howard Bach followed up later to ask Zulfadli to consider playing for US as they “lacked singles players”.

Zulfadli, who plays under the KLRC banner, is yet to receive his incentives since winning honours for the country last year.

Zulfadli was the placed third in the 2010 Asia Junior championships and the national team were runnersup in the same competition.

This year, he won the World and Asian junior championships and the Commonwealth Youth Games.

Zulkifli insisted his son was not demanding the incentives but found it strange how quickly Sea Games medal-winners were rewarded in a pomp affair.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak graced that ceremony at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara on Friday.

Zulfadli is preparing for the India Open GP Gold (Dec 20-25) before heading to the US for a training cum holiday stint.

Friday, December 09, 2011

NEW WEBSITE



It is with great pleasure and pride that I wish to inform you that I will now be administering the website www.hockey-asia.com.

This website was developed by Jaap Syuk and he has handed over the site for me to maintain and further develop. And I am grateful and indebted to him for having the faith and confidence in letting me take over the site without any cost involved.

In order to develop the site, I will need to fund it and hopefully there will be sponsors who will back me up. And I hope to merge my blogs into the tie to make it a one stop site for hockey fans.

At a time hockey administrators in my own country lack faith in my ability, it's good to note that foreigners are willing to hand over years of hard work of their own for me to explore or the benefit of hockey in Malaysia and Asia.

I hope to start updating the site from this Monday and the Sea Cup in Myanmar next week will be provided coverage as I intend to be there, with or without sponsors secured.

On another note please log on to www.malaysianhockey.blogspot.com where there are two articles on the Olympic Qualifiers process as well as the next Champions Challenge 1. The articles provide insight on issues raised in the main stream media of late.

Read on and thank you.

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

CHANGE OF DATES

Seems that SUKMA dates have been changed from May to July, more precisely from July 4 to July 15.

Sukma Pahang will feature 24 events, 19 compulsory sports and five choice namely boxing, volleyball, petanque, equestrian and golf with participation of 14 state contingents and Brunei.

All sporting events will take place in four districts of Kuantan, Pekan, Rompin and Temerloh with 80 percent of the events held in Kuantan.

Funny thing the NSC, the guardians of Sukma are quiet on this news and have wrecked havoc on the domestic calendar.

Thursday, December 01, 2011

HIGH PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR OF CLERK?

The Badminton Association of Malaysia has advertised for a High Performance Director position, as seen in the advert below.

It is not a new position but one that key personalities were eager to fill so that they could get rid of Dato James Selvaraj who holds the position currently.

Just look at the job description and see if it fits requirements of a HPD, And mind you the advert has no closing date so take your time to apply.


Now have a look at part of a HPD criteria that Canadian Fencing has requested for in its advert. See that stark difference in job decscription.


One key element is the reporting line as the BAM wants the High Performance Director to report to the General Manager, someone who has always advocated that he is an educationalist and has over the past few months went to great lengths to slander this blogger.

So my question to the great BAM leaders, are you looking for a clerk or a High Performance Director?

Monday, November 28, 2011

ROYAL WARNING


Teams aspiring to sign up foreign players for the forthcoming Malaysian Super League have been warned to adhere to procedures and guidelines that are in place lest run foul of regulations.

In issuing this warning, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, the Deputy President Football Association of Malaysia said that using unregistered or unqualified player agents could affect the registration process as it would run foul of FIFA regulations governing Players Agents.

It is a timely piece of advice as there is a sudden influx of foreign players undergoing trials with several teams aspiring to sign foreign players.

"I hope all the teams are aware of the needs and requirements before bringing in  imported players," said Tengku Abdullah when contacted in Johannesburg where he is watching the Malaysian Hockey team in action in the Champions Challenge I tournament.

"All teams are advised to use only FIFA Official Players Agents. This is to protect their interest as well and I hope there will be no issues pertaining to this.

"The FAM Vetting Committee will have to play their role and I hope all teams and foreign players will collaborate with each other in order to make the FAM administration in order."

There have been reports of some unauthorised personalities and even event management companies bringing in foreign players for trials with several states and clubs.

Tengku Abdullah also voiced his disappointment with the failure of the Olympic Squad to hold on to their two goal advantage against Bahrain in an Olympic qualifiers match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Sunday.

"Based on past records playing Bahrain has never been in our favor. Still it would have been nice if they had maintained their composure in the last few minutes and win that match," added Tengku Abdullah.

"Maybe it was due to the pressure and weak mental strength that attributed to our defeat. This is where we need to improve on our weaknesses."

Saturday, November 26, 2011

LIVE CC 1

The Malaysia v Canada match will be live on Astro CH 811 today at 5pm

Thursday, November 24, 2011

PDRM MAKE SEMIS IN STYLE

PDRM MAKE SEMIS IN STYLE



PDRM dashed the hopes of the youngsters from Perak when they defeated the silver state 4-1 to qualify for the semi finals of the 5th Raja Noora Ashikin Cup 2011 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil this morning.

And Johor, the other team from Group A who had a mathematical chance of sneaking through had PDRM failed defeated Seri Titiwangsa 2-0 to complete their matches.

For more: read www.rnacup.blogspot.com

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

ASIAN, BUT NOT MALAYSIAN PLAYERS FOR QPR

Neil Warnock is intent on bringing Asian players to Queens Park Rangers as a catalyst to increase the profile of the club.

Warnock wants to sign five players in January in a bid to keep their Barclays Premier League status next season.

"I'm not saying they're all going to be big-name signings but we need numbers in the squad," said the boss.

"If we sign a few players from Asia it will definitely help QPR develop as a brand.

You could spend £10million on a striker and he will not play as well as Heidar Helguson on Saturday, so you have to be careful as a manager.

"By all means we want to improve the squad long-term, as well as the immediate concern."

Since Tony Fernandes took over in August five signings were completed, and the Malaysian businessman is ready to back the club again.

As the clubs popularity grows, Warnock knows looking to Asia is beneficial and he has revealed he went to see three players in action in a World Cup qualifier between United Arab Emirates and South Korea less than two weeks ago.

"By owning a Premier League club Tony has shot up in profile over there. This is the start of something and I feel the club can develop a global presence because of the owners and the contacts they have," added Warnock.

QPR will not be the first team to sign players from Asia as Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal have already registered interest in various players from that continent.


ABANDONED

The South African men's hockey team's Pre-Champions Challenge warm-up match against Malaysia was called off after 15 minutes when a torrential downpour and lightning engulfed the Randburg Hockey Stadium last night. The score was 1-1 at that stage.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

ATM WIN AS JOHOR HELD BY KEDAH



Armed Forces were back on track in their quest to make the last four of the 5th Raja Noora Ashikin Cup 2011 when they defeated Terengganu 2-0 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil this morning.
And in the top of the table Group A match, Johor fought back to draw against Kedah in a match that the northerners should have won.
Also registering wins were PDRM who defeated Seri Titiwangsa 6-0 in another Group A match while KL Sukma defeated the young Setia Cougar 5-0 in a Group C match.
 
for more; read www.rnacup.blogspot.com

RNA CUP 2011

SINGAPORE EDGE MALACCA AS PAHANG RUN RIOT



Singapore laboured to a 1-0 win over Malacca as Pahang whitewashed SMK Puteri 13-0 at the 5th Raja Noora Ashikin Cup 2011 tournament at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil this evening.
Despite the solitary goal win, the Singaporeans dominated the Group C match and were let down by poor finishing.

For more: read www.rnacup.blogspot.com

Thursday, November 17, 2011

RNA CUP 2011


The 2011 Raja Noora Ashikin Cup will get underway this Sunday at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil. A record number of 15 teams have confirmed participation in the tournament that was inaugurated in 2000 and returns after a  five year hiatus.

We have created a dedicated blog to bring you news and updates on the tournament and will provide you with daily reports as well as pictures for the event. Please feel free to visit:

http://rnacup.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

TELL US SOMETHING NEW PLEASE

Millions were spent on producing a report by the University of Sterling which conducted a survey on the state of affairs of the National Sports associations in the country. Even the amount paid to the University was what was not the government actually paid, so the end product is something that we all know, that the NSC virtually dictates sports in the country.

Sometime after the 2004 Athens Olympics Debacle, the Sports Unit of UPM was also commissioned to come up with a report on the state of affairs of the NSA and the relationship with NSC.

Trust me as I have a copy of the report that neverr saw daylight for it was a no holds barred report.

Basically the content of the current report ( as picked up from Haresh Deol's Blog Foul) states:

The report stated; "… in some cases, it has been reported the NSC funded administrative officer reports primarily back to NSC rather than the board of governors of the NSA. If this is the case, it undermines the governance and management of an NSA and will inhibit development of the organisation ... A significant number of NSAs reported their operational procedures were directed either by a strong president who determined how everything was to be done or that this was imposed upon them by NSC and tied to funding".
According to the report, NSAs revealed they have a small role in the selection of athletes and coach as it is dictated by NSC although the council claim all their activities are done with the approval of the NSA.

Well, the 2004 report, though done by locals, for we always do not trust the prophet from our own land, was far more substantive then this.


Wanna debate on it? Name the place, time and venue Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports and we shall discuss it, at your turf, your homeground and your referees.

Told you once, telling you again, sports is not what is made out to be these days, for its a question of scratching one back, depends on just how overgrown your nails are for its that amount of filth that is being covered up.


Tuesday, October 25, 2011

CRUZEIRO KEEN ON MALAYSIAN YOUNGSTER

Brazilian Serie A side Cruzeiro are monitoring the progress of teenage Malaysian football prodigy Kumaahran.

The 15-year-old impressed during a one-month training camp in Brazil last August, and the South American club have now offered him an extended trial stint with them next year.

"Cruzeiro are very interested in bringing down Kumaahran for another stint and we all should be proud of that," Kumaahran's coach Jaino Matos said.

"They are a massive club in Brazil, and it's about time Malaysian teenagers attempt to scale these heights."

As for Kumaahran himself, these chances are not ones that come often and he plans to make the most of it.

"I know that I won't get lots of opportunities like this. But I believe in myself and I feel it's a chance for me to emulate my idol, Santokh Singh, on the international scene," he said.

"Of course my dream is to play for Malaysia one day, but I am also silently praying that I get to sign for Cruzeiro anytime in the future."

"I have already seen how football is like in Brazil. They train differently, they eat differently. They are more efficient in these things. It completely changed my perception of football and I hope to able to continue the learning process by heading there next year."

Matos, who is also Cruzeiro's official representative in Malaysia, believes Kumaahran is a special talent and thinks the youngster is capable of big things.

"I spotted Kumaahran playing futsal with his dad one day and I knew he had something in him. That is why I decided to further polish his talents by sending him to Brazil for that camp in August," Matos said.

Monday, October 24, 2011

NSI TAKEN TO TASK

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 — The National Sports Institute (NSI) paid RM3.94 million for 18 horses that were not qualified to race in the 2008 World Endurance Championship (WEC), the Auditor-General said in his report today.

The report noted NSI had failed to get the Treasury’s approval before buying the horses, as required for direct negotiation purchases.

It further noted NSI had failed to adhere to international rules set by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the world governing body for equestrian competitions, which saw the 18 out of 23 horses bought in October 2007 being disqualified from the WEC 2008.

“This was because the horses bought did not undergo adequate training seeing as the purchase was made two months before the championship,” said Auditor-General Tan Sri Ambrin Buang, adding the horses were also found to have suffered from poor health.

The 23 horses cost the NSI RM5.66 million in total.

Malaysia was picked by the FEI in February 2007 to host the WEC 2008, and the NSI was given the task of preparing the horses and athletes using government funds channelled through the National Sports Council (NSC).

The Auditor-General also found the specially-formed WEC 2008 secretariat headed by the NSI director-general to have breached the provisions laid down under the MSC Treasury’s rules.

The report noted the appointment of the secretariat’s chief was not formalised in writing and his powers were also not limited according to any provision.

The selection of horses was conducted by the secretariat, which included the NSI director-general, a veterinarian, a technical and competition officer, and a project manager.

Auditor-General: Putrajaya risked lives in delaying Bukit Jalil stadium roof repair

From Malaysian Insider

Putrajaya risked public safety when it took four years to approve funds to repair the damaged roof at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, the Auditor-General said in his report released today.

The report highlighted that the Merdeka Stadium Corporation (MSC), a federal statutory body responsible for the management of all national sports complexes, had applied to repair damage to the
 Bukit Jalil Stadium a total of four times since 2006.

The government finally approved RM30 million to repair the damaged stadium (picture) in December last year, the report added.

“The Auditor is of the view the delay in completing the roof repairs at Bukit Jalil National Stadium... was because the government did not approve the allocation applied for since 2006.

“This could jeopardise the comfort of users who would be exposed to the rain and endanger their safety if the roof collapsed especially for international events,” the report said.

The report said the 90,000-capacity stadium had a 10-year warranty for the German-made membrane roof cover, which expired in 2008, but noted MSC could not get a replacement roof because it was damaged by fireworks.

It noted too the stadium, which has hosted 2,100 events between 2008 and 2010, require other immediate repairs and pointed out rusty and loose cable screws holding up the roof.

The MSC had applied to the government twice last year to change its fireworks-damaged roof: the first time on February 8, for a budget of RM40 million; and again on September 20, for RM35 million under the 9th Malaysia Plan (9MP).

The government only granted it RM30 million in December 2010, under the 9MP.

However, the MSC only passed on the repair job to the Public Works Department — through the Youth and Sports Ministry — in April this year, citing lack of technical expertise, the Auditor-General’s Report said.

It urged the government to carry out immediate repairs to avoid endangering lives further.

This is not the first time a stadium has come under public scrutiny.

In June 2009, the Terengganu state stadium’s roof collapsed, damaging several cars, shortly over a year after it was officially opened by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.

NSC, NSI TAKEN TO TASK BY AUDITOR GENERAL

The Auditor General Report for 2010 has been released today. I suggest that sports officials and administrators take a look at the findings.

Below is just part of the report:

4.2    OBJEKTIF PENGAUDITAN

Pengauditan ini dijalankan untuk menilai sama ada pengurusan geran sukan telah dirancang dan dilaksanakan secara cekap dan teratur selaras dengan objektif yang ditetapkan.

4.3    SKOP DAN METODOLOGI PENGAUDITAN

Pengauditan ini meliputi aspek pengurusan pemberian geran sukan kepada Persatuan Sukan Kebangsaan dan Program Sukan bagi tahun 2008 hingga 2010. Pengauditan dijalankan dengan menyemak rekod dan dokumen yang berkaitan termasuk penyata kewangan serta rekod Persatuan Sukan yang dipilih. Persatuan Sukan yang berkenaan adalah Persatuan Kongres Tenpin Boling Malaysia, Persatuan Golf Malaysia, Persatuan Skuasy Malaysia, Majlis Olimpik Malaysia, Persekutuan Gimnastik Malaysia, Persatuan Pelayaran Malaysia dan Kesatuan Olahraga Malaysia. Di samping itu, lawatan Audit dan temu bual dengan pegawai MSN turut diadakan.

4.4    PENEMUAN AUDIT

Pengauditan yang dijalankan antara bulan Oktober hingga Disember 2010 mendapati beberapa kelemahan dalam pengurusan geran sukan kepada Persatuan Sukan Kebangsaan. Antara kelemahan yang diperhatikan adalah kelewatan membuat pembayaran kepada Persatuan Sukan Kebangsaan; garis panduan pemberian geran sukan tidak disediakan dengan lengkap; perbelanjaan bagi program World Endurance Championship 2008 diluluskan oleh pegawai yang tidak mempunyai kuasa; rundingan terus perolehan dilaksanakan tanpa kelulusan Kementerian Kewangan; perolehan kuda untuk kejohanan World Endurance Championship 2008 tidak mencapai objektifnya; geran pendahuluan sirkuit yang dibatalkan tidak dipulangkan sepenuhnya dan pemantauan prestasi pemberian geran sukan tidak memuaskan. Penjelasan lanjut mengenai kelemahan yang dibangkitkan adalah seperti berikut:

4.4.1    Pengurusan Geran Sukan

Peruntukan geran sukan untuk sesuatu tahun dirancang berdasarkan program sukan yang akan dilaksanakan oleh MSN dan kesemua Persatuan Sukan Kebangsaan. Bahagian Atlet bertanggungjawab untuk mengurus pemberian geran sukan kepada Persatuan Sukan Kebangsaan. Dari tahun 2008 hingga 2010, sejumlah RM215.41 juta telah diluluskan oleh Jawatankuasa Bantuan MSN untuk diagihkan kepada Persatuan Sukan Kebangsaan yang terlibat.

4.4.1.1    Pemberian Geran Kepada Persatuan Sukan Kebangsaan

Kementerian Belia dan Sukan telah menyalurkan peruntukan program penyediaan atlet di bawah Kumpulan Wang Amanah Sukan berjumlah RM236.50 juta kepada MSN dari tahun 2008 hingga 2010. MSN telah membelanjakan sejumlah RM208.30 juta atau 88.1% daripada jumlah peruntukan yang diterima. Peruntukan geran sukan untuk sesuatu tahun dirancang berdasarkan program sukan yang akan dilaksanakan oleh MSN dan Persatuan Sukan Kebangsaan. Di MSN, Bahagian Atlet bertanggungjawab untuk mengurus pemberian geran sukan kepada Persatuan Sukan Kebangsaan. Setiap Persatuan Sukan Kebangsaan perlu mengemukakan permohonan geran sukan kepada MSN berdasarkan program kejohanan atau program latihan yang telah dirancang. MSN akan membincangkan permohonan tersebut dalam mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Kerja dan Jawatankuasa Program bagi menyemak program yang dicadangkan oleh Persatuan Sukan Kebangsaan. Seterusnya,
permohonan tersebut dikemukakan kepada Jawatankuasa Bantuan (JKB) yang dipengerusikan oleh Ketua Pengarah MSN bagi membincangkan dan meluluskan peruntukan yang dipohon. Peruntukan yang diluluskan dalam JKB akan dimaklumkan kepada Persatuan Sukan Kebangsaan. Dari tahun 2008 hingga 2010, sejumlah RM215.41 juta telah diluluskan oleh Jawatankuasa Bantuan untuk diagihkan kepada Persatuan Sukan Kebangsaan yang terlibat melalui Bahagian Atlet.

4.4.4    Geran Program Binaan Atlet

Bahagian Pelapis MSN bertanggungjawab untuk mengenal pasti bakat dan menyediakan latihan atlet daripada peringkat pembangunan kepada peringkat elit. Bahagian ini telah diperuntukkan sejumlah RM79.70 juta dari tahun 2008 hingga 2010 dan telah membelanjakan sejumlah RM79.90 juta sehingga akhir tahun 2010. Semakan Audit mendapati MSN telah memperuntukkan sejumlah RM3.65 juta bagi Program Binaan Atlet pada tahun 2008. Bagaimanapun, peruntukan tersebut tidak digunakan untuk tujuan asal sebaliknya sejumlah RM2.25 juta atau 61.6% telah dibelanjakan bagi membiayai pengiklanan mempromosikan sukan teras di media elektronik dan cetak kepada penonton.

Pada pandangan Audit, MSN hendaklah menggunakan geran yang diperuntukkan untuk Program Binaan Atlet bagi mencapai matlamat yang ditetapkan. Peruntukan sepatutnya digunakan untuk aktiviti pembangunan atlet pelapis dan bukan untuk membiayai pengiklanan.

4.4.5    Pemantauan

Pemantauan adalah penting bagi memudahkan pihak pengurusan mengenal pasti kelemahan dan masalah pada peringkat awal serta mengambil tindakan segera bagi menyelesaikannya. Semakan Audit mendapati perkara berikut:

a. Mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Bantuan pada bulan April 2009 telah bersetuju mewujudkan Unit Pemantauan untuk memantau Persatuan Sukan Kebangsaan yang menerima geran sukan. Unit tersebut masih belum ditubuhkan sehingga akhir tahun 2010. MSN memaklumkan unit tersebut baru ditubuh dan bermesyuarat pada 5 April 2011.

b. Semua program dan perbelanjaan sukan yang menggunakan geran hendaklah dibentangkan dalam mesyuarat Lembaga Pengarah MSN. Bagaimanapun, laporan prestasi tersebut tidak dibentang dalam mesyuarat Lembaga Pengarah MSN kerana tidak dikemukakan oleh Persatuan Sukan Kebangsaan.

c. MSN tidak memantau prestasi program dan perbelanjaan geran sukan yang diberi kepada Persatuan Sukan Kebangsaan bagi memastikan geran yang dibelanja mengikut permohonan yang diluluskan.

Pada pandangan Audit, MSN perlu membuat pemantauan bagi memastikan Persatuan Sukan Kebangsaan membelanjakan geran yang diberi untuk tujuan yang ditetapkan. Sehubungan itu, satu Unit Pemantauan yang baru ditubuh hendaklah bertanggungjawab memantau pelaksanaan program latihan dan kejohanan dalam dan luar negara.

4.5    RUMUSAN DAN SYOR AUDIT

Secara keseluruhannya, pengurusan geran sukan MSN tidak diurus dengan baik. Sehubungan itu, MSN perlu mengambil tindakan terhadap kelemahan yang dibangkitkan. Pihak Audit mengesyorkan perkara berikut:

4.5.1    Peruntukan geran sukan hendaklah dirancang berdasarkan program sukan yang akan dilaksanakan oleh MSN dan Persatuan Sukan Kebangsaan supaya peruntukan yang disediakan mencukupi.

4.5.2    Garis Panduan dan prosedur kerja terhadap pemberian geran sukan perlu disediakan untuk membantu pegawai dan pihak tertentu melaksanakan tugas dengan cekap dan sistematik.

4.5.3    Memastikan Persatuan Sukan Kebangsaan mengemukakan tuntutan sebaik sahaja sesuatu kejohanan selesai.

4.5.4    Memastikan perolehan secara rundingan terus hendaklah mendapat kelulusan Kementerian Kewangan.

4.5.5 MSN hendaklah memastikan setiap Persatuan Sukan Kebangsaan mengemukakan Penyata Kewangan beraudit untuk memantau program yang dilaksana mengikut geran yang diberi.

WHAT NEXT BAM?

The results from the Danish Open will eventually open a can of worms in the badminton fraternity.

For the opening round defeat of the top doubles pair Koo Kien Keat/ Tan Boon Heong and the loss suffered by Lee Chong Wei in the final surely will send some at BAM scurrying for answers.

Let's see what the Coaching and Training Committee comes up with as it is fond of making decisions, many a time one that baffles pundits.

For example when did the BAM Exco or Council meet and decided that the Ng sisters could leave the BAM fold?

Was that decision taken by individuals who have vested interests?

And how is it that others even are banned from playing for wanting to leave BAM while some can go in and out to their whims and fancies?

Coming back to BAM and their selective persecutions, it is a wonder that BAM merely slapped on the wrist a player who walked off the court during the National Grand Prix finals.

It was a clear case of indiscipline and BAM probably endorses indiscipline as walking off the court for any reason is inexcusable.

So coming back to the defeat of Chong Wei, is there more then what meets the eye?

Let's wait and see if the experts can figure it out and be objective in their disclosure.

Friday, October 14, 2011

THE PERILS OF ACL

After knee reconstruction surgery, half of people who played sports both competitively and just for fun don't perform as well as they used to, according to an Australian study.

Of more than 300 men and women who had the surgery, a third stopped playing sports entirely and 68 who were still active said they didn't play as well as before, researchers reported in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.

The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is the ligament inside the knee that helps keep the joint stable. About 150,000 ACL injuries occur each year in the United States.

"Less than 50 percent of the study sample had returned to playing sport at their preinjury level or returned to participating in competitive sport when surveyed at 2 to 7 years after ACL reconstruction surgery," wrote Clare Ardern at La Trobe University in Victoria, Australia, who led the study.

Ardern and her colleagues followed more than 300 men and women for two to seven years. Participants had either played Australian-rules football, basketball, netball or soccer before their surgeries.

At 39 months post-surgery, 208 out of the 314 people who had the operation were still playing a sport, the researchers said.

Of those 208, 68 said they played at a lower level than before their injury and 140 said they played about the same as before their injury. The remaining 106 participants either were not playing sports or did not complete the entire study.

"Although almost all people returned to playing some form of sport, they did not play continuously for many years after their surgery," Ardern told Reuters Health in an email.

She also noted there may be other reasons why people stopped playing sports, such as fear of getting injured again or less confidence in performing.

Of the 196 people who played competitive sports before their injury, 91 returned to their competitive sport.

"This is a big injury," said Edward McDevitt, a spokesman for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, who was not part of the study.

"Many athletes who choose surgery have a long and difficult road to face. If you're not willing to go through it, then you might be better off just getting a brace."

He added that while knee surgery does allow people to return to their sport, they couldn't perform as well as doctors might wish. People who tear the ACL can either opt for physical therapy and surgery or just physical therapy alone.

"Some people find that they are able to function well without surgery, provided they have adequate leg strength to support the injured knee," Ardern said.

"Other alternatives may be to avoid sports involving direction changes, jumping and landing or activities that make the knee feel unstable, or use knee braces and supports."

McDevitt speculates that after surgery, some athletes may not have the same range of motion, preventing them from playing as before.

"I tell my patients, 'I can't make you like before, I'm not God. But I'll do the best I can to restore you back to the way you were,'" he added.

Monday, October 10, 2011

RIP GENDA SINGH




Genda Singh, the famous national hammer thrower passed away at the University Medical Center last night. He was 89 years old and leaves behind a wife, five sons and a daughter to mourn his loss.

Genda started competing for Malaysia in 1960 and only called it quits after the 1977 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur. And what was more remarkable was the fact that he won the bronze medal at the 1977 SEA Games when he was 55 years old.

Despite the fact that Genda  was nursing an injury, a pectoral muscle tear, he competed at the games against medical advice. Having to rely solely on painkillers and determination, Genda defied all odds in what was his final appearance in the regional meet.

He passed down his knowledge and tips to his son Samret Singh who went on to win the gold medal at the 1985 and 1989 SEA Games, something that Genda could not achieve but was proud to see his son excel.




Samret said that his father’s achievement in competing at the top level until the age of 55 years is unsurpassed by any athlete then and now.

"He was a fighter and never knew when to give up. He always emphasise on excellence and had nothing but the desire to excel in whatever task he undertook. I am happy to have had the opportunity to take over from him. That had been his desire and I am proud to have carried on with the legacy with distinction," he said.


Not many athletes or officials of the present generation were even born when Genda started bringing honours for the country. He was equally good at discuss and shot putt in the 60s and 70s.

Genda came from an era of top athletes, with the likes of Tan Sri Dr Mani Jegathesan, G. Rajalingam, Asir Victor. T. Krishnan, M. Rajamani, Cheryl Dorral, Rajemah Sheikh Ahmad and M. Dataya gracing the sports arena.

Born in India, Genda  came to Malaya in 1942 with the Indian Army. He joined the Police Force after World War Two and opted to stay in Ipoh, Perak. He remained a constable until 1977 when he retired from the force.


Those who wish to pay their last respects to the late Genda can do so at his son’s residence at No 2, Jalan BRP 4/10, Bukit Rahman Putra, Sungei Buloh, 47000, Selangor.

The cottage will leave the house at 10.00am on Wednesday to the Jalan Loke Yew Cemetary in Kuala Lumpur. Samret can be contacted at Tel: 012-3377056.

Thursday, October 06, 2011

A MOCKERY OF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

For any national body, the national championships is the most important event in its calendar as it is where the cream of the corp assembles in order to be crowned as the nations best in that particular sport.

Be it in football where the FA Cup or Malaysia Cup is regarded as the most coveted title, the same applies for hockey where the Tun Razak Cup is accorded as the premier hockey event for states. And the list goes on with the Agong Cup and so forth.

But try asking the blue eyed boys at the Badminton Association of Malaysia who have scheduled their National GP Finals just a day before players leave to participate in the Danish Open which is the start of three grueling weeks of battles for points towards Olympic 2012 qualification.

Some three months ago, BAM came out with a ruling ( they normally have this habit of shifting the posts when faced with a situation that leaves eggs on their face ) that all players, whether in BAM or independent must play in the local GP Circuit.

But having made that rule, it is BAM that stands accused of breaking that rule based on the number of forced withdrawals in the National GP Finals scheduled from 12th to 15th October at Stadium Juara.

World number 1, Dato Lee Chong Wei, who will be playing at the Danish Open, has qualified and according to the final list displayed at the BAM website, will play in the National GP Finals.

But why is it that some top players - the likes of Koo Kien Keat, Tan Boon Heong,Hoon Thien How, Koo Kien Keat, Goh Liu Ying, Ng Hui Lin, Ng Hui Ern, Woon Khe Wei and Lim Khim Wah withdrawn from the GP Finals.

With BAM withdrawing those players, the likes of Mohd Zakry Latif/Fairuzizuan Tazari are deprived of playing alongside their partners who played in the GP Circuit - Tan Boon Heong/Koo Kien Keat.

Now this is what you call double standards, for its okay for BAM players toi withdraw but when independent players opt to do the same, BAM makes a huff and puff about it.

So BAM, since your GP Finals is not important as you can withdraw your own players, why not you just scrap it instead of making a mockery out of it.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

THE BLAME GAME

The constitution of any organisation is sacred and ought to be followed. No matter what my learned friend from the Olympic Council of Malaysia might say, I tend to disagree with the notion that if one holds the majority then the other party must step aside. There is nothing wrong with fighting for a just cause, no matter if the situation looks bad.

Just look at what is happening in MBSF, where there is no respect for the Sports Development Act 1998.

My simple advice to the Minister of Youth and Sports, use the powers vested in you to declare MBSF as irrelevant and if the OCM dare do so on the grounds of not just being seen to do justice but doing justice, lets dissolve MBSF, do as what was done for Taekwando, and call for a fresh body to be set up.

And while all of this is still being pondered, I wonder why there has been no call be the Minister to revert this matter to the Sports Advisory Panel.

Read on the various letters written that cast aspersions on the powers and duties as well as sincerity of the Sports Commissioner. Let there be a thorough investigation and till then Hon. Minister, use your powers and suspend the MBSF.


Monday, September 26, 2011

WAY TO GO DAVID

Below is a Press Release from BAM. I am carrying this solely because I have much respect for the Development Chairman of BAM, David Wee, who I believe is a person who is sincere in promoting the sport. At least he does not speak with a forked tongue nor has he perfected that art of backstabbing others.

While one applauds the effort, the language could have been better since an educationalist is in charge...

BAM is pleased to announce that it held a Seminar on State Development Programme from 23'd to 24th September 2011 at Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. The Seminar was attended by 22 representatives lrom 13 State BAs, consisting mainly of the State BAs' secretaries, State BAs' council members and coaches"
 
The objective of the Seminar is for BAM to inform State BAs' representatives on tho policies, guidelines, administration, finance, training programmes and to gather feedback on different peculiarities of the states.
 
The Seminar consist of various sessions on planning, administraiion, finance, training prograrnmes, teaching of skills, technical courses, organising and participation in toumaments.
 
The opening of the Seminar was performed by BAM's Chairman of the Development Committee, Mr. David Wee Toh Kiong and was closed by BAM's Honorary Secretary, Mr" Ng Chin Chai.
 
The Objectives of the State Development Programme are:- . To continue and enhance the existing State Development Programme partly funded by Majlis Suknn Negara (MSN), State Majlis Suknn Negeri and respective State BAs 

To give additional financial assistance to what MSN, State Majlis Sul"ttn Negeri and, BAM are giving currently to State BA To train a larger pool of players from age of 9 to 18 systematieally throughout the country 

To assist State BA to improve the level of coaching and where possible to standardise the training programme in all states To enhance the ability of players to be selected into the Bkt. Jalil Sports School and National Back-up Squads Players trained at State who are of higher quality will result in better performance ol national players at international tournaments eg. an Olympic Gold medalist or World Champion must start from the State.

The amount of grant allocated to Peninsular Malaysia States is RM125,600 per year and for
Sabah/Sarawak is RM131,000 per year. The total grant is RM1,643,600 and is to used for the
following expenses:-

1 fulltime coach for every State under BAM payroll Toumament participation in Junior Circuits, Junior Inter-Team and National Open Circuits Organising 2 state close age-group toumaments per year Organising Technical Official courses Other expenses such as courl rental, shuttlecocks, other coaches allowance, administration etc.
 
General training guidelines formulated:-
 
Optimum number of trainees per state:-

Under i0. 8boys& 6girls
Under 12 . 10boys& 8girls
Under 14 . 10 boys& 8 girls
Under 16 . 8 boys& 6 girls
Under 18 . 6 boys & 4 girls

Total 42 boys & 32 girls : 74 trainees

Under 10 to train 3 sessions a week Under 12 to U18 to train 5 sessions a week Training sessions should be 2-3 hours Training for players above 12 should include running and resistance (weights) training
 
At the closing of the Seminar, participants gave feedbacks and based on the feedbacks the following matters were decided:-
 
BAM will assist State BA to source for foreign coaches, especially Indonesian and Chinese Where available, the full-time coaches can assist in coaching in districts and coaching students in schools
State BA will organise Under 1 1, 13 and 1 5 age groups toumaments at the end of this year to select new talents to be absorbed into the Programme To hold a coaching workshop for full{ime coaches at the end of the year to enhance their knowledge
 
State coaches will be given opportunity for attachment with the National Training Centre or Bukit Jalil Sports School to gain more experience in coaching BAM to formulate a Training Manual for standardize training in all states Improve coordination between BAM and State administrators and coaches
 
Lastly, BAM wish to thank Maybank for its recent sponsorship of BAM which made this State Development Programme possible. The Programme will officially commence in October 2011.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

TNB HELD AS NUR INSAFI AND MAYBANK WIN



UniKL scored a last gasp equaliser to hold Tenaga Nasional Berhad to a 3-3 draw at the National Hockey Stadium.

But in reality it was not a point won but rather two wasted for UniKL as they held a 2-0 lead at one stage of the match, only to collapse towards the closing stages, as they did in their 2-1 loss at the hands of Sapura on Friday.
 



Maybank laboured to a 2-1 win over Armed Forces Airod in the TNB Malaysian Hockey League at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. While the performance was below par, Maybank nonetheless will be happy to stop their two match losing run.
 

Saturday, September 24, 2011

RAW DEAL FOR MAYBANK

Despite announcing one of the biggest sponsorship deals in July, it looks as if Maybank has been taken for a ride by the Badminton Association of Malaysia.

The deal, inked in June but effective from August saw Maybank taking over the role as the major sponsors of a sport that is expected to deliver the country's first gold medal. And it was reported that the amount for this year alone was some RM6 million.

However if one was to take a look at the returns of investment, and this has nothing to do with the fact of performances by the players, it is so obvious that BAM has the typical "tidak apa" attitude so accustomed to sports bodies that take sponsors for granted yet cry foul and claim national interest should sponsors walk out.

Let's look at how BAM has failed, either on purpose or through sheer ignorance of it's officials who take offense to anyone questioning their rights.

For starters the backdrop at the BAM office still carries the logo of the old sponsor.

And most major dailies still carry pictures of players wearing the attire of the old sponsors.

Perhaps the fact that the key personnel in BAM are just taking orders or doing it for the interest of the nation is baffling.

And BAM cannot even have a proper website in place, more often then not finding it's band with exceeded. And it lacks substance, relying on just news reports carried by the main stream media.

But they key issue here is branding as it is clear that Maybank is the loser as they are pumping in the money yet lack any substantial ROI.

What baffles me more is just whose interest are some officials of BAM serving as the often bandied word is national interests.

Are these, the conspicuous absence of Maybank branding, being done to serve their own interests?

You do not need a marketing guru to teach you about branding and looking after your sponsors, but then when officials in BAM speak with forked tongues then nothing is impossible right.

Claiming ignorance is one thing, being ignorant is another.

While BAM continue their witch hunt with regards to independent players, with officials even threatening players that they cannot use the word Malaysia on their back of the jerseys, they should spend that time doing better for their sponsors as when you travel around the world it's Maybank's money you are using.

The word Malaysia does not belong to you BAM and while no political party had laid claim to it, I see no reason why you prevent Malaysians for promoting Malaysia.

Telling independent players that they can only use Yonex attire at sparring spells arrogance and vested interest on your part.

So while you look after Yonex, it should be ok to wear any other bank name to spar I guess since that's not the condition expressed in writing.

And get your President and Council to come to Juara Stadium using only the national cars please.

What a load of bull!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

WEIRD CONDITIONS

The major dailies today reported on another likely spat between BAM and independent players and it all boils down to sincerity.

The issue at hand is the various unreasonable conditions laid out by BAM for players to spar at BAM.

What is most ludicrous is that BAM will not allow the coaches of the players to be present and that the players must only wear Yonex attire.

Now why not BAM practice what they preach and can be liable for working against national interest.

For rightfully highlighted is the fact that when Denmark held a training and sparring camp here after the world champs last month, were their coaches prevented from going down onto the court or were they told to ditch their sponsors attire?

And above all, knowing that the Danes will be a team to be feared at the Junior World Champs at Taiwan next month, why are they allowed to get an insight to our training methods?

Is this a deliberate attempt by BAM to derail the hopes of Zulfadli Zulkifli at the world champs?

The fact that Zulfadli cannot have his father training him while sparring at BAM while foreigners get full support must surely be viewed seriously by the Minister or NSC DG.

And yes, while talking about promoting or looking after the interest of their sponsors by forcing independent players to wear only Yonex attire, can the BAM officials ensure that from their President downwards to Council members only turn up for meetings in Proton cars.

It is clear that BAM is a rudderless ship, sailing on it's own without direction and are looking more like pirates on the high seas, making the 1 Malaysia slogan a joke as they continue to put a spanner to the hopes of players who just want to play badminton.

For now the C&T is the most powerful committee in BAM and they continue to ignore the provisions of the BAM constitution.

It is egos that kill sports in this country and you will find the biggest egos in BAM, in the interest of the nation.

And another point to note, BAM it seems has prevented independent players from displaying the wording Malaysia at the back of their shirts during competitions. And which nations interest are you looking at since independent players in Europe are allowed to display the name of their country,

Proud to be Malaysian but deprived of it due to ego of some.

Thursday, September 08, 2011

BAM SCARED OF IT'S OWN SHADOW

It is clearly a case of high handedness on the part of BAM officials as they have shown that they are masters of shifting goalposts.

While the case of Gan Teik Chai and Tan Bin Shen is still in the process of mediation thus making it sub judice to discuss it, the decision by the C&T Committee, which mind you is the all powerful body of BAM- even higher then the Council, will leave readers baffled and realize what the true intentions of BAM are.

For effective now, independent players who come to spar at BAM cannot be accompanied by their coaches or trainers, meaning that if you are invited to someone's house, you are not allowed to bring along anyone else, not even your parents.

The rationale that this BAM official put forward is that it creates uneasiness. Well if Malaysians start to treat fellow Malaysians in such a manner, then we might as well throw the 1 Malaysia concept out.

And the best is saved for the last, for any player not in good standing with BAM ( read straight and not in between the lines ), he will not be allowed to spar at BAM.

Get the message!

Well it is clear that these two officials have shown that the adage in the interest of the nation is pure bull for it's their and their henchmen interest that comes first.

So much for talking about working alongside to help badminton when it's obvious cementing their position is more vital then everything else.

Well the whole world is getting rid of dictators but in Malaysia we have some wanna be dictators in the making.

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

SNAKE IN BAM?

Well if you are thinking that there is a two legged snake in the Badminton Association of Malaysia, then you are assuming things.

For literally the slithering creature actually made an appearance at the BAM office in Stadium Juara this afternoon.

A staff of BAM was about to photostat some documents when he noticed the tail of the snake near the top of the machine.

It was about a foot long and another BAM staff managed to capture it into an empty tube of shuttlecocks before they released it outside.

Well that's one snake out of the way. But question marks arise with regards to the upkeep of our sports facilities, with the snake incident coming soon after two players lost money at the hostel in Bukit Kiara.

An omen perhaps before the C&T Meeting on Thursday, that there are snakes within the fold? Food for thought!

Sunday, September 04, 2011

ZAKRY-FARIZZIZUAN JOIN KLRC



Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif and Mohd Fairuzizuan Tazari today announced that they had signed up with professional outfit KLRC.

The duo, which announced their departure from Badminton Association of Malaysia on August 20, 2011, said that their decision to join KLRC was made on Friday.

And they also made it clear that the decision to be part of KLRC was made only after the BAM had given their consent to leave the national set-up.

“We opted for KLRC as they have in place a program that best suits our needs. It was we who approached them as we knew that KLRC was a club that would help us achieve our dreams of playing at the London Olympics next year,” said Zakry at the KLRC Hari Raya Open House today.

“Having announced our decision to leave BAM last month, we had considered several options but found that KLRC was best suited for us. And it was just before Hari Raya that we approached KLRC and held discussions.”

The duo savored the best moments of their career when they won back-to-back titles – the Singapore and Indonesian Super Series in 2008 preached as high as No. 4 in the world rankings at one stage.

Fairuzizuan said that they had considered their options before deciding to become independent players.

“ It was not an easy decision to make but something we had to do as we too have dreams and are willing to work hard to achieve them,” said Fairuzizuan.

“ Having opted to become independent, we know that it will be tough but with the guidance of KLRC, we believe that our mission to be a feared pair will materialize.

They will train at the New Vision Badminton Academy with the rest of the KLRC players and also utilize the sparring opportunities with BAM players at Stadium Juara thrice a week.

The first tournament that the pair will play together will be at the Indonesian Grand Prix Gold in Kalimantan from the 27th September to 2nd of October.

They are also scheduled to participate in French Super Series, Denmark Open Premier Series, Hong Kong Super Series, China Open Premier Series, Macau Open Grand Prix Gold, Korean Open Grand Prix Gold and India Open Grand Prix Gold this year.

Statement From Dato’ Sri Andrew Kam
Director of KLRC Berhad:

"We are happy that Zakry and Fairuzizuan have opted to join KLRC and I must reiterate that this was done on their own accord. We at KLRC spare no efforts to help them achieve their dream of playing in the 2012 London Olympics.

As professional players it will not be easy and much depends on the effort they are willing to put in. Our task is to ensure that players are given the opportunities to achieve their desired goals and ambition.

The pair has indicated that they still have the desire to play top-level badminton and KLRC wants to give them a platform so as to enable Zakry and Fairuzizuan achieves their desired goals.

Our policy has always been to help talented individuals to excel and our commitment towards this is reflected in the number of junior and senior players we have sponsored over the years.

KLRC Berhad has always supported the promotion and development of badminton in the country in particular and the world. Hence we look towards complementing the efforts of the national body in uplifting the standard of badminton in Malaysia. “

PLAYERS WITH KLRC BERHAD
Singles

1.       Muhammad Hafiz Hashim – Malaysia
2.       Zulfadli Zulkifli - Malaysia
3.       K. Yogendran - Malaysia
4.       Julia Wong – Malaysia
5.       Petya Nedelcheva - Bulgaria
6.       Anastasia Russikh – Russia
7.       Karyn Velez - USA
8.       Yasmin Cury – Brazil
9.       Irina  Inozemtseva– Russia
10.   Malvinne Poca Alcala – Philippines

Doubles

1.    Gan Teik Chai - Malaysia
2.    Tan Bin Shen - Malaysia
3.    Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif - Malaysia
4.    Fairuzizuan Tazari - Malaysia
5.    Karen Foo Kune – Mauritius
6.    Lotte Jonathans – Holland

About KLRC Berhad

KLRC Berhad (formerly known as The KL Racket Club Berhad) was formed with an intention to enable it to contribute to society in various areas, one of which is sports.

In sports, KLRC’s contribution is by way of providing sponsorship and funds (for the purpose of education or otherwise) to deserving sportspersons/individuals to assist in nurturing their capabilities.

KLRC holds the idea that there is value in each person and therefore encourages individual development in all areas. Our mission is to foster, support, educate and encourage the development of young talents, particularly in the area of racket sports by providing funds to assist in nurturing their capabilities.

All these are done with the hope of creating a continuous pool of talent who will one day bring pride and joy to their respective nations in an area where excellence by an individual is achievable and whereby champions are made.

The guiding principles that KLRC strongly believes in, practices and adheres to are the fundamental principles of Olympism, and the one principle in particular is’ “Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play”.