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.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.