SOAP OPERA

Well from the information I have gathered sitting in the stands over the past two days, one could well have enough to direct a soap opera in the likes of Dynasty or Dallas.

From allegations for commission to special favors is just some of the stories making their rounds in Ipoh and sadly many are talking about the same things, all directed at some hockey officials who seem to live of hockey.

It is indeed sad that hockey today has become a money making scheme as many of these allegations center around abuse of positions.

Will the MHC President care look into this issues ?

BAM LOOK DOWN ON JALUR GEMILANG

It is difficult to put a price on the country that all Malaysians love as it is peaceful and a pleasant place to stay.

However it is sad that the Badminton Association of Malaysia values Malaysia less than RM1.5 million

Just look at the playing attire of the Malaysian Thomas Cup. The Malaysian flag is now placed on the right side, lower than another sponsor while a telco's logo has acquired the position where all normal persons would have placed - right over the heart.

With Maybank pumping in a cool RM7 million a year, it is a shame that BAM is treating the Malaysian flag with scant respect.

For those who may not understand the regulations, a player is allowed to display five logos/adverts on the front and in the case of BAM they have Maybank, the Malaysia flag, the cable TV station, the Telco and the attire sponsor

It was with great fanfare that BAM had announced the inclusion of the Telco, with statements like its was because BAM was doing well that sponsors were clamouring to get in.

So how come they have not publicly stated that two sponsors who were with them through thick and thin have since left

There can be no value cap on the Malaysian flag and those responsible should be shown the exit from BAM and even Malaysia for total disrespect to the Jalur Gemilang

SICK CHONG WEI WILL NOT TRAVEL TO CHINA, YET

The Thomas Cup team is scheduled to depart for China on Sunday for  a week long preparation camp prior to the Thomas Cup.

But world number 1 Lee Chong Wei will not be traveling with the team on Sunday. Instead he will leave for China only next Wednesday.

In a short phone call to this blogger, Chong Wei revealed that he was ill, with a sore throat and flu, hence he opted to rest longer before going to China.

"Bro, saya tak sihat, pergi hospital dan saya pergi Wednesday ajer. Best saya rest dulu di Kuala Lumpur and recover," said Chong Wei whose voice was heavy and sniffing as well.

"Nanti Monday I jumpa you dan cerita pasal Thomas Cup dan Olimpik ok. Lepas Thomas Cup saya mau jumpa press, minta dia orang support saya, kita kerjasama so boleh naik nama Malaysia."

Lets give the guy the benefit of doubt and wish him a speedy recovery. As it stands we have a tough task to beat the Danes, without Chong Wei we might as well give up hope.

Note: While we applaud BAM for securing the sponsor in the likes of Maxis, why are they avoiding telling the media that one sponsor has ended their deal while another has reduced their contribution significantly? Why hide the losses and only talk of cerita sedap?

BAM TAKEN TO TASK

From the issue of Rexy Mainaky resigning, the aborted attempt of extending the contract of the Korean doubles coach to the selection of players to represent Malaysia and most importantly the role of Badminton association of Malaysia. Those are the topics covered in an interview with NSC Director General Dato Zolkples Embong who was in Malacca to catch the National Juniors in action for the 2012 Junior Asia Cup.

In short Dato Zolkples reveals that BAM never discussed with NSC on the role of the Korea, doubts financial issues was the reason why his services were not renewed, reveals his disappointment as to Rexy's departure, wants BAM to select players based on merit and nothing else. And he reveals that clubs should be allowed to play a more active role, akin to Indonesia and BAM concentrate on the development aspects.

INDIA IN SEMIS

India defeated China 2-1 to book a place in the semi finals of the 7^th Junior Asia Cup in Malacca, Malaysia this evening.

But they have to play a waiting game to see if they finish on the top of Group B and avoid hosts Malaysia in the last four.

For that to happen India has to pray that Pakistan fail to overcome Sri Lanka by a 12 goal margin.

India opened scoring in the 20^th minute through Antil Naveen. But they wasted numerous chance to further consolidate the lead.

China were on level terms in the 47^th minute as Yu Xin dived at full stretch to steer the ball past Indian custodian Tirkey Sushant.

But any chances of an upset were dispelled in the 57^th minute when Amit Rohidass converted a penalty corner.

“The effects of the Pakistan match was felt today and the players did not play to their true potential as a result,” said Indian coach Baljit Singh Saini.

“Now we have to wait and see who we play in the semis. Malaysia is the better side and obviously we want to avoid them.”

CHANGE OF SERVERS

Please note that www.hockey-asia is undergoing a change of server hence it will offline. Should you be keen in updates for Junior asia Cup, kindly visit www.malaysianhockey.blogspot.com. We do apologise but it is beyond our control.

CONGRATS BENG HEE

National squash player Ong Beng Hee married Winnie Tan in a ceremony this morning. The picture above shows Beng Hee with his bride. ( lifted from his Facebook). Congrats to the newly weds.

FULL OF BULL

That aptly sums up what the Minister of Youth and Sports says. For only two weeks ago he was quoted as saying that Dato Dr. Ramlan Abdul Aziz stays as CEO is ISN. But the poor chap was removed yesterday.

And some believe it when he says that he will quit if Malaysia does badly at the Olympics. Bullshit as he will be a typical politician. Time to clean the act. ( did not use the b word)

Well Minister, I challenged you to a debate two years ago, it still stands. What say you - its a season of debates, lets get on stage.

More of the charade and how Dato Zolkples Embong too has started to feel the pressure....

JUNIOR ASIA CUP

Malaysia defeated Iran 6-1 while Korea beat Japan 4-1. For more log on to www.hockey-asia.com or follow on twitter @hockeyasia.

JUNIOR ASIA CUP PREVIEW

Twenty four winters ago, a seed was sown in one of the Asian hockey’s enduring hockey bastions, Karachi in Pakistan. It was Asian Hockey Federation’s baby, Junior Asia Cup, which has now grown into a vibrant sporting event of Asia. 

Early symptoms of hockey nations’ rise and fall were seen on this sporting genre, guiding them to proper development of sport in the continent. Later when the Junior Asia Cup was recognized as the qualifier for the Junior World  Cup the otherwise competitive and much expected event has attained all contours of another of serious tournament, evoking in its way much interest among the pros and connoisseurs alike. 

The AHF in fact added another feather to its cap, when, eight years after Asia Cup was put on place, it came out with a junior version. 

For more go to the official website www.hockey-asia.com