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.

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.

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.

 

Read more..www.tnbmhl.com.my

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.

 

Read more..www.tnbmhl.com.my

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!

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.

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.

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!

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 27^th September to 2^nd 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”.