Monday, March 30, 2009

Datuk Sieh Kok Chi - MOM


KOK CHI telah melalui pelbagai
pengalaman sama ada sebagai atlet
negara mahupun pemimpin sukan.

PRINSIPNYA hanya satu - tidak suka mencabar.

Jika dicabar, pemimpin ini lebih suka mengalah. Namun, isti- lah mengalah dalam dirinya bukanlah bermakna dia takut kepada mana-mana cabaran.

Malahan, dia terus tenang berdepan segala isu mahupun masalah, seiring dengan pengalaman luasnya sebagai Setiausaha Agung Majlis Olimpik Malaysia (MOM) sejak 1992.

Itulah wajah peribadi Datuk Sieh Kok Chi, seorang pemimpin sukan, bekas jurutera Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran (JPS) dan bekas bintang polo air negara.

Sekali imbas, tiada siapa menyangka anak kelahiran Selangor ini adalah tonggak pertaha- nan kepada pasukan polo air negara suatu ketika dahulu.

Kudratnya begitu diperlukan dan semangatnya di kolam renang menjadi antara senjata pasukan negara ketika beraksi pada kejohanan antarabangsa. Pentas Sukan SEA atau dikenali dengan Sukan SEAP pada awal penganjuran bukanlah asing bagi Kok Chi.

Bekas pelajar Victoria Institu- tion (VI) ini pernah membawa cabaran Malaysia pada temasya Sukan SEAP 1965 di Kuala Lumpur, 1967 (Bangkok) dan 1969 di Rangoon, Myanmar dengan menghadiahkan tiga kilauan pingat perak.

"Asasnya adalah berenang. Kalau pandai berenang maka peluang untuk beraksi dalam acara polo air sangat terbuka," jelas Kok Chi ketika ditemui baru-baru ini.

"Bagi saya, semuanya bermula ketika saya memasuki sekolah VI dari tahun 1951 hingga 1957. Ketika itu, sukan menjadi perkara wajib bagi semua pelajar dan bagi saya, di sekolah inilah saya mula mengenal kolam renang dan asas berenang."

Atas dasar minat, Kok Chi meneruskan usahanya untuk menjadi jaguh di kolam renang dengan menjadi ahli Kelab Renang Chin Woo, iaitu sebuah kelab swasta yang giat mempromosikan acara renang termasuk sukan polo air di sekitar Kuala Lumpur.

"Bermula dari situ, saya mula serius dan dengan jumlah ahli yang mencukupi, maka kami membentuk sebuah pasukan polo air di mana menyertai kelom- pok pasukan awal yang wujud di Ipoh, Pulau Pinang dan Singapura.

"Pada tahun 1958, saya mula memasuki alam universiti dan menjadi generasi pertama kepada pembentukan Universiti Malaya (UM) di Lembah Pantai. Secara kebetulannya, UM yang sebelum itu berlokasi di Singapura mempunyai ramai pemain polo air berpengalaman dan semakin seriuslah saya dengan sukan ini."

Begitupun, impian Kok Chi untuk menyarung jersi negara di pentas kejohanan antarabangsa hanya hadir pada tahun 1965 ketika usianya telah mencecah 27 tahun selain memegang tanggungjawab sebagai jurutera di JPS.

Peluang itu hadir apabila Kuala Lumpur diberi penghormatan buat pertama kali menganjurkan Sukan SEAP pada tahun 1965, sekali gus menjadikan sukan polo air sebagai satu daripada sukan yang dipertandingkan.

"Sukan polo air tidak dipertandingkan pada Sukan SEAP pertama pada tahun 1959 dan 1961. Pada tahun 1963, jawatankuasa bersetuju menjadikan polo air sebagai satu acara dalam Sukan SEAP tetapi penganjur ketika itu, Kemboja tidak mempunyai kelengka- pan untuk menyenaraikan acara tersebut.

"Begitupun, apabila Kuala Lumpur dipilih sebagai tuan rumah pada 1965, maka polo air secara rasmi dipertandingkan di pentas Sukan SEAP," tambah Kok Chi lagi.

Kesempatan itu membolehkan Kok Chi dan rakan sepasukan meraih pingat perak, selepas hanya tewas dengan perbezaan jaringan kepada Singapura. Mereka meneruskan tradisi dengan kejayaan sama pada edisi Sukan SEAP 1967 dan 1969 di Bangkok dan Rangoon.

Namun, harapan Kok Chi untuk beraksi di pentas Sukan Asia pada tahun 1966 di Bangkok tidak kesampaian gara- gara 'politik dalaman' yang berlaku dalam persatuan renang ketika itu.

"Ketika itu, saya bertugas di Kuantan, dan sebagai orang lama dalam pasukan kebangsaan, agak terkejut juga apabila nama saya diketepikan. Saya rasa wujud ketidakadilan dalam memilih pemain untuk mewakili negara," tambahnya.

Walaupun sempat menjejakkan kaki ke Sukan Asia pada tahun 1970, iaitu kejohanan terakhirnya sebelum bersara pada usia 32 tahun, namun 'politik dalaman' yang berlaku pada tahun 1966 telah mengubah persepsi Kok Chi kepada sistem pengurusan persatuan yang tidak telus ketika itu.

"Sejak insiden itu (digugurkan), saya bertekad untuk mengubah segala sistem yang ada dalam persatuan terutama dalam memilih pemain untuk mewakili pasukan kebangsaan," jelas Kok Chi yang menjadikan Persatuan Renang Amatur Sela- ngor (PRAS) sebagai destinasi pertamanya bergelar pemimpin sukan.

Menjadi Setiausaha PRAS dari tahun 1971 hingga 1974 membolehkan Kok Chi menimba lebih banyak pengalaman sebelum memasuki arena yang lebih mencabar sebagai pemimpin persatuan sukan peringkat kebangsaan.

Gaya kepimpinan yang ada dalam diri Kok Chi membolehkan dia dicalonkan dan seterusnya menang bagi jawatan Setiausaha Kehormat Kesatuan Renang Amatur Malaysia (ASUM) pada tahun 1975 hingga 1982.

Selepas itu, Kok Chi menghabiskan tempoh 10 tahun 'bekerja' secara sukarela di Majlis Olimpik Malaysia dengan banyak membantu kerja-kerja yang dilakukan Setiausaha MOM ketika itu, Thong Poh Nyen.

Begitupun, pada tahun 1992, Kok Chi memulakan era baru dalam kepimpinannya apabila dia dipilih mengisi kerusi Setia- usaha Kehormat MOM, menggantikan tempat Poh Nyen.

"Saya tidak suka mencabar dan saya hanya mahu memegang sesatu jawatan apabila saya tidak mempunyai komitmen dengan perkara lain.

"Memandangkan saya telah bersara sebagai kakitangan kerajaan pada tahun 1990 dengan jawatan terakhir sebagai Pengarah Kejuruteraan Pantai, maka barulah saya sedia memegang jawatan sepenting ini," tambah Kok Chi.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Earth Hour 2009


Sign up for Earth Hour

The Olympic Council of Malaysia is supporting the Earth Hour's aim to reach more than one billion people in 1,000 cities around the world in 2009. The Earth Hour Campaign is inviting communities, businesses and governments to switch off lights for one hour at 8.30pm on Saturday, March 28, 2009 sending a powerful global message that we care enough about the climate change.

The Olympic Council of Malaysia urges all National Sports Associations, State Sports Associations, clubs, sponsors, individuals and all members of the sports fraternity to support the Earth Hour Campaign.



Staff of OCM supporting the Earth Hour's

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Dua Datuk atlet terbaik - Anugerah Sukan Negara 2008




JAGUH badminton negara, Datuk Lee Chong Wei dan ratu skuasy, Datuk Nicol Ann David dipilih sebagai Olahragawan dan Olahragawati Kebangsaan pada Majlis Anugerah Sukan Negara 2008 semalam.

Chong Wei dan Nicol masing- masing menerima wang tunai RM10,000, piala serta sijil pada majlis yang disempurnakan oleh Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin di Hotel Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur.

Lebih menarik ia adalah anuge- rah Olahragawan kedua buat Chong Wei yang meraih pingat perak pada Sukan Olimpik Beijing, Ogos tahun lalu.

Chong Wei yang pernah meme- nangi Olahragawan 2005 mengulangi kejayaan mentornya, Datuk Misbun Sidek selaku Olahragawan Negara 1981 dan 1983.

Sukan badminton sekali lagi mendominasi anugerah sukan berprestij negara itu selepas anugerah Olahragawan 2007 menjadi milik pemain beregu, Koo Kien Kiat dan Tan Boon Heong.

Selain pingat perak pada Sukan Olimpik Beijing, Chong Wei turut muncul juara Kejohanan Super Series Terbuka Malaysia, Januari tahun lalu.

Dia juga muncul juara dan naib juara dalam empat kejohanan lain termasuk Terbuka Macau, Terbuka China dan juara pada Final Masters di Kota Kinabalu.

Manakala Nicol pula, kecemerlangannya di pentas antarabangsa memang menakjubkan yang menyaksikannya mencatatkan 10 kemenangan untuk kekal sebagai pemain wanita No. 1 dunia.


TUANKU MIZAN (tengah) bergambar bersama Nicol (kanan) dan bapa Chong Wei, Lee Ah Chai (kiri) pada majlis Majlis Anugerah Sukan Negara 2008 di Kuala Lumpur semalam. Turut hadir Ismail Sabri (dua dari kiri) dan Ketua Pengarah MSN, Datuk Zolkples Embong.





Lebih menarik, ia adalah anugerah Olahragawati keenam buat Nicol selepas memenanginya pada tahun 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006 dan 2007.

Pemain kelahiran Pulau Pinang itu juga mengatasi pencapaian bekas perenang negara, Nurul Huda Abdullah dan pemain boling negara, Shalin Zulkifli yang memenanginya sebanyak lima kali.

Nicol yang ditemui selepas majlis tersebut menjelaskan bahawa anugerah yang diraihnya itu akan menjadi pendorong kepadanya untuk terus bekerja keras bagi mencapai lebih banyak kejayaan sepanjang tahun ini.

"Ia akan menjadi pembakar semangat kepada saya untuk terus berusaha mengharumkan nama negara di pentas antarabangsa.

"Saya juga mengucapkan terima kasih kepada MSN, Persa- tuan Skuasy Raket Malaysia (SRAM) serta ibu bapa saya yang banyak memberi dorongan terhadap kejayaan saya," kata Nicol.

Chong Wei yang kini berada di India tidak hadir pada majlis itu dan dia diwakili oleh bapanya, Lee Ah Chai.

Sementara itu, pemanah negara, Cheng Chu Sian, Muhammad Marbawi Sulaiman, Wan Mohd. Khamizam Wan Abdul Aziz pula dipilih sebagai penerima anugerah bagi kategori Pasukan Lelaki Terbaik kebangsaan.

Manakala anugerah kategori Pasukan Wanita Terbaik dimena- ngi oleh pasukan skuasy terdiri daripada Nicol, Sharon Wee Ee Lin, Delia Odette Arnold dan Low Wee Wern.

Bagi Olahragawan Paralimpik, Zul Amirul Sidi Abdullah dipilih pemenang sementara Siow Lee Chan menerima anugerah Olahragawati Paralimpik.

Bekas pemain badminton negara, Datuk Misbun Sidek pula menerima anugerah bagi kategori Jurulatih Lelaki Terbaik.

Bekas pemain hoki negara, mendiang Datuk Ho Koh Chye pula dipilih sebagai penerima anugerah untuk Kepimpinan Sukan.

Turut hadir pada majlis gilang-gemilang itu ialah Menteri Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.





























Memori... M. Rajamani... Olahragawati Kebangsaan 1966


Tuesday, March 17, 2009

The National Sports Museum

Widely recognised as the home of Australian sport, the MCG has outstanding heritage value to Australia and in December, 2005 was included in the National Heritage List so that these values may be protected for generations to come.

The MCG has been the scene of many great sporting events, as well as many 'firsts' in Australian sporting history. It is one of Australia's most significant sporting stadiums, dating back to September 1853, when Lieutenant-Governor La Trobe made a grant of the 'Police Paddock' to the Melbourne Cricket Club.

The National Sports Museum houses the Australian Gallery of Sport and Olympic Museum, Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, Australian Football exhibition (including Australian Football Hall of Fame), temporary exhibition areas addressing the sporting issues and events of the day and much more.

This is a vibrant, exciting and attractive mix of sporting heritage and entertainment aimed at matchday patronage as well as catering for the MCG’s traditional tourist groups seven days weekly.

http://www.nsm.org.au/

Monday, March 16, 2009

Wang bukan alasan kejayaan semata-mata


AKTIVITI berbasikal di negara kita bermula sejak 1938 ketika tentera bersekutu berpengkalan di negara ini.

Mendiang Gurchan Singh Gill dan Kapten C.O. Jennings, pegawai tentera New Zealand, merupakan penggerak utama dalam penubuhan Persekutuan Lumba Basikal Malaya (PLBM) pada Mac 1953. Ia dianggotai oleh empat buah negeri, Selangor, Perak, Pulau Pinang dan Melaka.

Pada Mac 1966, ketika saya bekerja di Kedah, saya telah menubuhkan Persatuan Lumba Basikal Kedah dan seterusnya menjadi setiausahanya sehingga 1968.

Beberapa orang jaguh basikal telah lahir di Kedah, antaranya AS Fazil, AB Rahim, Zainon Osman, Jamil Ishak dan Omar Saad dan mereka pernah mewakili negara ke Sukan SEA, Sukan Asia dan Olimpik.

Pada 1968 saya bertukar ke Melaka dan terus menerajui Persatuan Lumba Basikal Melaka yang ketika itu dalam keadaan 'nazak'.

Saya dilantik sebagai setiausaha dan telah memulihkan aktiviti lumba basikal di Melaka hingga awal tahun 1971 sebelum bertukar kerja ke Selangor.

Semasa bertugas di Melaka, saya juga telah membantu Johor menubuhkan Persatuan Lumba Basikal Johor yang pada ketika itu mempunyai ramai pelumba muda tetapi tiada persatuan.

Pada zaman itulah muncul ramai pelumba-pelumba handalan seperti Daud Ibrahim, Kamarden Ali, Fazil Ibrahim, Sulaiman Anang dan Jasmi Baba.

Daud pernah memenangi pingat emas Sukan Asia 1970 dan empat pingat emas Sukan SEA 1971. Beliau telah dianugerahkan oleh Majlis Olimpik Malaysia sebagai Olahragawan Negara 1971.

Pada Mac 1969, saya telah mengumpul beberapa orang pelumba dan pegawai dari Negeri Sembilan dan seterusnya menubuh Persatuan Lumba Basikal Negeri Sembilan yang diterajui oleh mendiang MT Lingam, ketua biro akhbar The Star di Seremban.

Pada akhir 1969, saya juga membantu menubuh Persatuan Lumba Basikal Pahang yang dipimpin oleh Datuk Lim Ah Lek (kini bergelar Tan Sri) manakala setiausahanya ialah Nazri Hussein.

Saya juga terlibat dalam penubuhan pasukan basikal Pahang dan pasukan basikal Polis Diraja Malaysia pada awal 70-an.

Pasukan Polis melahirkan jaguh-jaguh seperti Fazin Saad, Omar Saad, Johari Ramli, Azizan Ramli, Ramli Hashim manakala Tentera memperkenalkan Ismail Ghani, Alias Kamal, Saari Mat Rawi dan Adnan Kaspan.

Berikutan itu, Perlis, Terengganu dan Kelantan juga ditubuhkan bersama-sama Persatuan Lumba Basikal Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.

Negeri Sabah, Sarawak dan Labuan juga tidak ketinggalan untuk menubuhkan persatuan masing-masing. Dalam pada itu Persatuan Basikal Dalam Gelanggang Malaysia juga menjadi ahli gabungan peringkat pusat.

Persoalannya pada masa sekarang, daripada banyak-banyak persatuan tersebut, berapa buah persatuan sahaja yang betul-betul berfungsi sebagai persatuan sukan?

Apakah pada zaman dulu, persatuan lumba basikal negara mempunyai banyak wang dan mendapat peruntukan daripada kerajaan atau Majlis Olimpik Malaysia?

Ketika saya menjadi Setiausaha PLB Malaysia (1970-1983), beberapa perlumbaan besar diadakan dan beberapa perlumbaan dihidupkan semula. Antaranya Jelajah Malaysia (1971) yang 'terkubur' sejak 1964.

Perlumbaan ini diadakan setiap dua tahun sekali hingga 1982.

Jelajah Utara diperkenalkan pada 1972 dari Kuala Lumpur ke Alor Setar sebanyak empat peringkat. Ia bertahan sehingga 1981.

Jelajah Pantai Timur diperkenalkan pada Jun 1973, dari Kuala Lumpur ke Kota Bahru. Acara ini diadakan sebanyak tiga kali dan selepas itu tiada usaha-usaha dibuat untuk menganjurkannya.

Selain dari itu, saya juga membantu menganjur perlumbaan Jelajah Selangor, Jelajah Pahang, Jelajah Melaka, Jelajah Negeri Sembilan, Jelajah Terengganu dan Jelajah Johor.

Pada zaman sebelum negara mempunyai velodrom, saya banyak menganjur perlumbaan trek di gelanggang rumput mahupun bitumen.

Pertandingan trek di adakan di Stadium Kota Raja di Klang, Stadium Merdeka, Stadium Muar, Stadium Larkin, Stadium Kuala Terengganu dan Stadium Kuantan.

Wang selalunya dikaitkan dengan satu-satu kejayaan. Saya tidak menafikannya, terutama di zaman ini di mana setiap pergerakkan perlu ada wang. Tetapi adakah wang semata-mata yang menjadi penentuan bagi setiap kejayaan?

Pada Januari 1970, ketika saya memegang jawatan Setiausaha PLBM, dengan baki di bank sebanyak RM44.60 namun kami berjaya membawa balik Piala Presiden Suharto dari perlumbaan Jelajah Jawa, melalui kemenangan Ng Joo Ngan.

Bukan sahaja Jelajah Jawa, malah pada Sukan Asia di Bangkok 1970, Daud dan Joo Ngan membawa pula satu pingat emas setiap seorang.

Apakah hanya dengan wang sahaja kita boleh berjaya? Dengan komitmen dan kesungguhan yang baru saya percaya sukan lumba basikal boleh maju dan menjadi sukan yang popular di negara kita.

Shaharudin Jaffar merupakan pelumba kebangsaan era 1960-an dan pelumba negara pertama yang memenangi pingat emas pada Sukan Semenanjung Asia Tenggara (SEAP) di Stadium Merdeka pada tahun 1965.

Former heptathlon queen Zaiton Othman

http://sk1.yt-thm-a01.yimg.com/image/2a316ffcf6fbea9c

Zaiton, who is currently attached to the National Sports Council, made the heptathlon event her domain in the Sea Games by winning the gold medal in 1981, 1983 and 1989.

Although she retired from the international scene after her triumph at the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games in 1989, Zaiton continued to be active in the veteran's category.

She competed in the 1996 Asian Veterans Championships in Seoul where she won the gold medal in the 4x100m and javelin and silver medal in the long jump.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Malek Noor

FORMER national bodybuilder Abdul Malek Noor has won many accolades, including the Mr Asia crown six times and he is honoured to be inducted into the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) Hall of Fame.

Abdul Malek, who was the 1986 Sportsman of the Year, was one of the 10 sports personalities, honoured during the Coca-Cola Olympian of the Year 2007 awards held in Kuala Lumpur.

The other nine inducted into the Hall of Fame were Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak (hockey), Tan Sri Elyas Omar (badminton, cycling, football), Datuk T. Paul Murugasu (football), Tunku Datuk Seri Adnan Tunku Besar Burhanuddin (hockey, judo), Tan Sri P. Alagendra (hockey), Datuk Tan Chin Nam (chess), Shaharuddin Jaafar (cycling), Yew Cheng Hoe (badminton) and Ng Seow Meng (badminton).

Abdul Malek, the executive director of Universal Fitness and Leisure (UFL) as well as the president of Gym Rakyat, said he felt proud to line up alongside the sports personalities.

A proud moment: (From Left) Abdul Malek with Billy Ng, Yew and Shaharuddin after they all received medals for being inducted into the OCM Hall of Fame.

“I have won many awards but to be listed with these personalities is the biggest honour. I am indeed proud to be appreciated for my contributions to bodybuilding,'' said a beaming Abdul Malek.

Datuk Dr M. Jegathesan, who earned fame as the first Malaysian to enter the semi-final stage in athletics in the Olympics, was named as the recipient of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) trophy for sport and promotion of Olympism.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who was the guest of honour, visited the OCM Sports Museum and Hall of Fame. Sports Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and her deputy Datuk Liow Tiong Lai were also present.

Swimmers Daniel Bego and Khoo Cai Lin were named as the Olympians of the Year. They received the award for their impressive performances in the SEA Games in Korat last year.

Exclusive Interview - SuperMokh

An
Exclusive Interview
with




SuperMokh



by Suresh Kumar and Shanmuganathan
Compiled by Thomas Teh
The Seladang, 1982



Mokhtar Dahari (1953 - 1991) was a legendary Malaysian national football team player from Selangor. Born in Setapak on 13 November 1953, he became one of the best players in Asia in the 1970s. He was Malaysia's best striker. Mokhtar showed interest in playing football at an early age. He played for his school and later for his home state, Selangor FA. He was only nineteen years old when he first played for the Malaysia national football team in an international game. Mokhtar helped Selangor FA win the Malaysia Cup 10 times and scored 177 goals altogether. In international games, he scored a total of 125 goals in 167 caps for the Malaysian team.

The Merdeka Stadium was his second home amidst roars of "Supermokh" from the young generation who worshipped him. Along with goalkeeper R Arumugam, defenders Santokh Singh and Soh Chin Aun, midfielders Reduan Abadullah and Shukor Salleh and Mokhtar's partner up front, Isa Bakar, the Selangor FA and Malaysia national football team were a force to be reckoned with in the 70's.

In 1975, Mokhtar represented Malaysia national team against English giants Arsenal F.C. The Malaysian team won the game 2-0 with Mokhtar scoring both goals. After the game, Mokhtar was rumoured to have been offered a chance to play for the Gunners. He also famously scored the equalizing goal in a 1-1 draw against the England national B Team in 1978. He won his 100th cap for representing Malaysia when he played in a Merdeka Football Tournament match against the Japanese national football team in 1976. This Number 10 of Selangor FA also had a friendly game against another Number 10, Diego Maradona, when he met the Boca Juniors in January 1982.


Mokhtar retired in May 1986 after winning the Malaysia Cup for Selangor FA, making himself the man of the match. He also gave his number 10 jersey to the Raja Muda Selangor. He came out of retirement in January 1987 to play one more season for Selangor FA. In January 1988, Mokhtar joined Kwong Yik Bank and won the Selangor League that year. Mokhtar died at the age of thirty-seven of muscular dystrophy on 11 July 1991. - WIKIPEDIA

The Seladang Editorial Board recently interviewed an eminent Old Victorian, Encik Mokhtar Dahari, also known as "SuperMokh" at his home. We were greeted very warmly and were soon made to feel at home. Drinks were served and we started off with our first question. Being curious about his age, we asked him when he was born. Though he gave his year of birth without hesitation, the day and month remained a secret.


"I'd rather keep them just for my wife," he said. "Well, as for your question, let me see .. I'm 29 now and therefore I was born in... "

"1953!" we exclaimed. "Correct?"

"Precisely," SuperMokh replied.

"And how did you get into V.I.?" we asked.

"It's a rather long story," he began, "but I'll cut it short. You see, I entered V.I. in Form One. It was 1966 then. I stayed there for about four years till 1970. Actually I never expected to go to V.I."

But since he was active in school sports in his primary days that was probably one of the reasons why he was selected.

As someone who enjoys sporting activities and who has wide interests, SuperMokh was not only in the V.I football team but also in its rugby team besides playing hockey, basketball and swimming for his House.

"Life must have been fun, being a known figure in school?" we suggested.


"No, not exactly," SuperMokh conceded, rather casually. "I wasn't really known at that time as there were other prominent personalities to compete against, like the school athletes, for example."

Were we taken aback! "But I got by. Fame never comes easy, as the saying goes."

Puzzled and confused, we persisted, "Then how did you get into the limelight?"

Now the cheery SuperMokh emerged again. "Well, that came only after I left school."

"It was during a trial play with the Selangor Junior Squad at the Piala Razak Tournament," he recalled. "Later, my manager, Mr M J Vincent, recommmended that I join the senior squad and from then everything started coming my way."

"Was it then that you got into the Selangor team?"

"Yes it was," SuperMokh said spiritedly. "It was 1972. I'll always remember the year as it was during that year I was chosen for the Malaysia A Team after my splendid performance in Jakarta while in the B Team.

"What about your school days? What was the training like?" we asked, steering SuperMokh away from his wonderful memories.

"Well, he sighed, "the truth is that I was just an average player. My position was left wing striker. Even now I feel that the training methods of my school days were very raw. There weren't any qualified coaches at all. But Cikgu Othman Mohd Ali, our school coach, was really something. Though he taught us only from experience, he was very good. We were very disciplined and individual fitness was maintained. Sometimes we even had centralized training when we had to stay in the school!"


"But the parents!" we burst out simultaneously. "Didn't they ever object to all this?"

"Naturally"" SuperMokh explained. "But they accepted it later on. They let nature take its course."

SuperMokh told us more about the V.I. besides sports, football and training. He remembered the prefects well enough to have vivid memories of them.

"They were a strict bunch," he recalled. "They even warned me for having my bicycle modified. I was sent to detention class, once or twice, I think, where I had to polish hinges. Well, that was swell enough for me!

"My worse experience was when I failed two subjects and the report card given out on the same day that I was supposed to play against R.M.C. in the finals. But a couple of whacks from the Headmaster was enough to put some fire into my playing. We won the match as expected."

"What about your most memorable experience? Could it be any better than your worse," we asked inquisitively.

"My most memorable experience was, of course, the solitary goal I helped to score in the 1970 Laxamana Cup against the MCKK. This is one more of the things I'll always remember.

Commenting on the football system now, Super Mokh admitted that it was much better, with seminars and talks held to promote better football.

"Haven't you thought of coaching?" we asked.


"Coaching? Actually I was asked a few years back to coach the V.I. football team but because of my commitments and job, I'd rather leave it to Mr Rajasingam, who I personally think is very good."

"Mokhtar, after all this talk about football and school, what about yourself? Do you mind telling us?"

"Of course not! For a start, I'm an Executive Officer at PKNS, I am the Selangor State Football Captain and also the National Football Captain. At times I think these are too much for me but I get by like I used to, thanks to my own strategies and to my wife, Tengku Zarina and her encouragement. There was one time when I was asked to play for some other countries but I turned down the offer."

"I like listening to sentimental tunes, especially those of Air Supply and The Alley Cats. Lastly I would like to say that I'm proud to be a Victorian and may it be wiser every day."

We ended our interview by thanking one of Malaysia's greatest heroes for his time and kindness.





"To be a good footballer, you need three things:
discipline, dedication and determination.
Training is a must and never feel disheartened."

Mokhtar Dahari, Sportsman of the Year, 1977


Mokhtar Dahari

Kenangan abadi ‘SuperMokh’


Allayarham Mokhtar tiada galang ganti, hanya memori indah jadi penyeri dan pengubat rindu

TANGGAL 11 Julai 1991 pasti diingati setiap peminat bola sepak tempatan, ia adalah tarikh negara kehilangan seorang pemain bola sepak terbaik yang pernah dilahirkan, iaitu Allahyarham Mokhtar Dahari atau lebih terkenal dengan nama “SuperMokh”.

Kini sudah 16 tahun pemergian Mokhtar akibat penyakit Mascular Dystrophy (MD), namun pepatah bahawa patah tumbuh hilang berganti yang sering digunakan tidak dapat disamakan dengan Mokhtar - sehingga ke hari ini tiada penyerang tempatan yang setanding dengan kelibat beliau dapat dihasilkan.

Mokhtar dilahirkan pada 13 November 1953 di Setapak, Kuala Lumpur dan bakat awalnya tersemai sejak di bangku sekolah lagi, di Sekolah Menengah Victoria (VI) potensi awalnya dalam bola sepak mula dikesan dan mendapat perhatian sehingga mewakili skuad Piala Burnley Selangor pada tahun 1971.

Selepas meninggalkan alam persekolahan, Mokhtar mula mewakili Selangor dalam saingan Piala Malaysia ketika berusia 19 tahun pada tahun 1972 hingga tahun 1986.

Dalam tempoh itu, Mokhtar membantu Selangor memenangi 10 kejuaraan Piala Malaysia, dan dua kali membantu pasukan negeri kelahirannya muncul naib juara pada tahun 1980 dan 1983.

Kali pertama kelibat Mokhtar dapat disaksikan pada perlawanan akhir Piala Malaysia ialah pada tahun 1972, Selangor menewaskan Perak 3-0 dan Mokhtar turut menjaringkan satu gol pada perlawanan itu.

Mokhtar mula mewakili negara pada tahun 1972 hingga 1985, dalam tempoh itu Mokhtar keluar daripada persaraan sebanyak tiga kali demi menyahut seruan membantu skuad negara.

Pestabola Merdeka adalah kejohanan yang banyak melonjakkan nama Mokhtar di peringkat antarabangsa, penampilan pertamanya di kejohanan itu ialah pada tahun 1973, skuad negara muncul juara menewaskan Maghribi 3-1 dan Mokhtar turut menjaringkan satu gol.

Penyerang legenda negara itu turut beraksi cemerlang pada perlawanan persahabatan bertemu Arsenal, pada tahun 1975 apabila menjaringkan dua gol menewaskan kelab gergasi Inggeris itu 2-0.

Ketika berusia 23 tahun, Mokhtar diiktiraf sebagai penyerang terbaik Asia oleh majalah World Soccer dan turut dinobatkan sebagai Olahragawan Kebangsaan pada tahun 1976.

Pada tahun 1978, Mokhtar berjaya menjaringkan gol penyamaan ketika Malaysia seri 1-1 dengan England B yang dilatih Sir Bobby Robson ketika itu, aksi Mokhtar dan skuad negara ketika itu turut mendapat pujian Robson.

Ketika kariernya sudah sampai ke penghujung, Mokhtar masih menampilkan ciri-ciri pemain hebat walaupun kudratnya tidak segagah dulu. Kali terakhir Mokhtar dipanggil mewakili negara ialah pada Pusingan Kelayakan Piala Dunia 1985 di Seoul, Korea Selatan namun skuad negara tewas 0-2..

Kali terakhir Mokhtar mewakili Selangor ialah pada tahun 1986 ketika berusia 33 tahun, namun faktor usia tidak menghalangnya membantu Selangor menjulang Piala Malaysia buat kali ke-26 dan juga diumum pemain terbaik perlawanan akhir.

Namun, Mokhtar menarik balik persaraannya di peringkat negeri dan mewakili Selangor semusim lagi pada tahun 1987 selaku jurulatih merangkap pemain.

Ketika menjadi jurulatih dan selepas pertama kali didedahkan beliau mengidap penyakit MND itu, tidak menghalang Mokhtar untuk terus menabur khidmatnya. Malah, ketika berkerusi roda, beliau masih bersama anak buahnya di padang dan stadium memberi tunjuk ajar.

Namun, ajal dan maut, Allah yang menentukan dan pada jam 8.25 pagi, Khamis, 11 Julai 1991, Mokhtar meninggalkan peminat buat selama-lamanya pada usia 38 tahun.

Data

Mokhtar Dahari
Jolokan: SuperMokh
Tarikh Lahir: 13 Nov 1953
Tempat Lahir: Setapak
Isteri: Tengku Zarina Tengku Ibrahim
Bapa: Dahari Abeng
Ibu: Maimon Sadikin
Anak: Mohamad Redza, Nur Azera dan Nur Arina
Karier
Kelab: Kelab Sultan Sulaiman (KSS), Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS), Talasco, Kwong Yik Bank
Mula Wakili Selangor: Piala Burnley 1971
Piala Malaysia: Wakili Selangor 1972
Mula Wakili Negara: Pestabola Merdeka 1972
Kali Terakhir Wakili Negara: Pra-Piala Dunia menentang Korea Selatan di Seoul 1985
Jumlah Perlawanan untuk negara: 167
Gol Piala Malaysia: 177
Gol Antarabangsa: 125
Jaringan Terbaik: Gol penyamaan menentang England B pada 1978
Pencapaian: Membantu Selangor memenangi Piala Malaysia 10 kali. Menang pingat gangsa Sukan Asia 1974 di Teheran
Anugerah: Olahragawan Kebangsaan 1976

Mokhtar Dahari (13 November 195311 July 1991) was a legendary Malaysianfootball player from Setapak, Selangor. He was one of the best players in Asia in the 1970s.


Born in Setapak, Mokhtar showed interest in playing football at an early age. He played for his school and later for his home state, Selangor FA. He was only nineteen years old when he first played for the Malaysia national football team in an international game. Mokhtar helped Selangor FA win the Malaysia Cup 10 times and scored 177 goals altogether. In international games, he helped the Malaysia national football team score a total of 125 goals in 167 caps. He was the best striker in Malaysia. His first game for Malaysia national football team was against Sri Lanka national football team in 1972.

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/7232/mokh26eb2cena7ws6.jpg


The Merdeka Stadium was his second home. Roars of "Supermokh" was all over the crowds including the young generation who tried to imitate his move.


Along with goalkeeper R Arumugam, defenders Santokh Singh and Soh Chin Aun, midfielders Reduan Abadullah and Shukor Salleh and Mokhtar's partner upfront Isa Bakar, Mokhtar Dahari's Selangor FA and Malaysia national football team were powerful forces in the '70s.


In 1975, he represented the Malaysia national football team against English giants Arsenal F.C.. Malaysia won the game 2–0, with Mokhtar scoring both goals. After the game, Mokhtar was rumoured to have been offered a chance to play for the Gunners. He also famously scored a goal in a 1–1 draw against England national football team's B team in 1978, dribbling past half of the opposing team coached by Bobby Robson. Paul Mariner was on the scoresheet for England that day.


He won his 100th cap for Malaysia national football team when he played in a Merdeka Football Tournament match against Japan national football team in 1976. This number 10 of Selangor FA also had a friendly game against another number 10, Diego Maradona's Boca Juniors in January 1982. The match ended with a 2-1 result; won by Argentina.


Mokhtar Dahari retired in May 1986 after winning the Malaysia Cup for Selangor FA and himself the man of the match. He also gave his number 10 jersey to Raja Muda Selangor. He came out of retirement in January 1987 to play one more season for Selangor FA.


In January 1988, he joined Kwong Yik Bank and won the Selangor League that year.


Mokhtar died at age 37 of muscular dystrophy at Subang Jaya Medical Centre11 July 1991. His body was laid to rest at Bukit Permai, Taman Keramat Permai Muslim cemetery.
(SJMC) at 8:25 am on


Mokhtar Dahari
Mokhtar Dahari
NAMA PENUH: Mokhtar Dahari
TARIKH LAHIR: 13 November 1953
POSISI: Penyerang
PASUKAN TERDAHULU: -

KARIER

  • 1970: Mewakili Selangor ke pertandingan bawah 18 tahun Majlis Sukan Sekolah-Sekolah Malaysia (MSSM) ... Turut bermain adalah Santokh Singh dan Reduan Abdullah
  • 1971: Pada bulan Disember, bermain untuk Selangor dalam pertandingan Piala Burnley di Kuching ... Menjaringkan gol dalam perlawanan sulung menentang Kedah
  • 1972: Beraksi pertama kali untuk pasukan senior Selangor dalam perlawanan persahabatan menentang kelab Hitachi dari Jepun pada bulan Februari ... Pada bulan April turun dalam perlawanan akhir Piala Malaysia pertama dalam kariernya menentang Perak di posisi sayap kiri ... Menjaringkan gol pada minit ke 29 hasil umpanan Rahim Abdullah untuk membantu Selangor menang 3-0 ... Mewakili Malaysia buat pertama kali dalam Piala Jakartaraya (Piala Kemerdekaan Jakarta) pada bulan Jun
  • 1973: Bermain bersama skuad Malaysia di pra Piala Dunia di Seoul ... Bermain dalam perlawanan akhir Pestabola Merdeka menentang Kuwait ... Menjaringkan dua gol dalam kemenangan 3-1 ... Membantu Selangor mengekalkan Piala Malaysia dengan menewaskan Terengganu 2-1 dalam perlawanan akhir
  • 1974: Mencipta rekod peribadi untuk gol terbanyak dalam satu perlawanan antarabangsa apabila menjaringkan lima gol ketika menentang Filipina di Sukan Asia di Teheran, Iran sekaligus membantu negara memenangi pingat gangsa
  • 1975: Membantu Selangor menjulang Piala Malaysia menewaskan Singapura 1-0 ... Menjaringkan dua gol ketika skuad negara menewaskan Arsenal 2-0 dalam perlawanan persahabatan
  • 1976: Menjaringkan dua gol untuk membantu Selangor mengalahkan Singapura 3-0 dan sekali gus muncul sebagai juara Piala Malaysia bagi kali ke-19 ... Mendapat caps Malaysia ketika menentang Jepun di Pestabola Merdeka bulan Ogos ... Mendapat kecederaan lutut ketika mewakili PKNS menentang Pemuda UMNO peringkat suku akhir Piala FAM sekaligus terpaksa menjalani pembedahan lutut di Hospital Universiti
  • 1977: Kembali beraksi selepas pulih daripada kecederaan lutut dan mewakili PKNS menentang Kilat dalam Liga Perdana Selangor ... Membantu Selangor mara ke perlawanan separuh akhir Piala Malaysia ... Menjaringkan 1 gol ketika menewaskan Thailand 2-0 pada perlawanan akhir untuk pingat emas Sukan Sea pertama beliau ... Menerima Anugerah Olahragawan Kebangsaan 1976
  • 1978: Menjaringkan gol penyamaan ketika perlawanan persahabatan Malaysia menentang England 'B' yang berkesudahan seri 1-1 ... Memenangi Piala FAM pertamanya bersama PKNS ... Turut membantu Selangor bangkit dari ketinggalan 2-0 kepada Singapura untuk menang 4-2 dalam perlawanan akhir Piala Malaysia
  • 1979: Pertama kali mengetuai barisan Selangor selepas mengambil-alih jawatan ketua pasukan dari Soh Chin Aun lalu mengekalkan kejuaraan Piala Malaysia selepas menang 2-0 ke atas musuh tradisi, Singapura ... Buat pertama kali rentangan sepanduk tertulis Super Mokhtar terpampang di Stadium Merdeka, gelaran yang kekal hingga ke hari ini ... Mengakhiri zaman bujang dengan perkahwinannya dengan Tengku Zarina Tengku Ibrahim ... Menjaringkan gol tunggal bagi pingat emas Sukan Sea dengan mengalahkan Indonesia 1-0 ... Membuat kejutan apabila mengumumkan persaraan arena bolasepak antarabangsa ... Menjaringkan 2 gol ketika membantu PKNS menjadi juara Piala FAM dengan menumpaskan Hong Chin 2-1
  • 1980: Menjaringkan 1 gol tetapi gagal membantu Selangor memenangi Piala Malaysia setelah tewas 1-2 kepada Singapura ... Menarik balik keputusan persaraan antarabangsa untuk beraksi di Pestabola Merdeka di mana Malaysia muncul naib johan selepas tewas kepada Maghribi dalam perlawanan akhir
  • 1981: Dilayangkan kad merah pertama dan terakhir dalam kariernya oleh pengadil Othman Omar ketika menentang Singapura dalam aksi peringkat kumpulan Piala Malaysia ... Menebus kembali kesilapannya dengan menjaringkan 2 gol dalam perlawanan akhir menentang lawan yang sama sekaligus Selangor menjulang Piala Malaysia dengan jaringan 4-0 ... Mendapat cahaya mata yang pertama ... Kegagalan di pra Piala Dunia di Kuwait menyaksikan beliau mengumumkan persaraan anatarabangsa bagi kali kedua
  • 1982: Mengetuai Pilihan Selangor menentang Boca Juniors yang diketuai oleh Diego Maradona dalam perlawanan persahabatan, Selangor tewas 1-2 ... Membantu Selangor menewaskan Terengganu 1-0 dalam perlawanan akhir Piala Malaysia
  • 1985: Kembali menyarung jersi negara ke pertandingan pra Piala Dunia di Seoul menentang Korea Selatan di mana Malaysia tewas 0-2 dan beliau mengumumkan persaraannya di peringkat antarabangsa untuk kali ketiga dan terakhir
  • 1986: Bersama Selangor menjadi juara Piala Malaysia dan menewaskan Johor 6-1 dalam perlawanan akhir ... Diumumkan Pemain Terbaik Perlawanan Akhir ... Mengumumkan persaraan dari bolasepak peringkat negeri dan menghadiahkan jersi nombor 10 beliau kepada Raja Muda Selangor
  • 1987: Membuat keputusan untuk menarik balik persaraannya bagi mewakili Selangor buat satu musim lagi
  • 1988: Bersara dari bolasepak peringkat negeri dan menyertai Kwong Yik Bank ... Kehadirannya membawa kelab itu menjadi juara Liga Dunhill Selangor
  • 1989: Mokhtar disahkan mengidap penyakit Mascular Dystrophy ... Berlepas ke London untuk mendapat rawatan lanjut namun pulang ke tanahair tanpa sebarang perubahan
  • 1991: Meninggal dunia di Pusat Perubatan Subang Jaya pada hari Khamis, 11 Julai pada pukul 8.25 pagi

Anugerah

  • 1976 : Olahragawan Kebangsaan
  • 1977 : Ahli Mangku Negara (A.M.N)
  • 2000 : Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang (D.I.M.P), Pahang yang membawa gelaran Dato'
  • 2001 : Darjah Dato' Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (D.S.S.A), Selangor yang membawa gelaran Dato'

Datuk Nicol David - World No. 1

http://www.azuanzahdi.com/nicol/images/2008/14.jpg

As the World Number 1, Nicol David has traveled an interesting route towards success. Listed below are are a brief summary of her achievements:

2008

Apawamis Open
Asian Squash Championship
CIMB KL Open
Dunlop British Open
Seoul Women's Open
CIMB Malaysian Open
CIMB Singapore Masters
Forexx Dutch Open
Hi-Tec Manchester World Open
Qatar Classic
Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Open

2007

CIMB KL Open Champion
Sheikha Al Saad Kuwait Open Champion
Qatar Classic (06) Champion
Seoul Open Finalist
CIMB Malaysian Open Champion
CIMB Singapore Masters Champion
Forexx Dutch Open Champion
Dunlop British Open Finalist
Women’s World Open Q-Finalist
Qatar Classic Champion
Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Open Champion

2006

Apawamis Open Finalist
CIMB KL Open Finalist
Asian Games Women’s Singles Event Gold Medallist
Women’s World Open World Champion
Dunlop British Open Champion
Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Open Champion
Hotel Equitorial Penang Open Champion
CIMB Malaysian Open Champion
Qatar Airways Challenge Champion

2005

Country View KL Open Champion
Sheikha Al Saad Kuwait Open Champion
Mamut Dutch Open Champion
CIMB Malaysian Open Champion
Dunlop British Open Champion
Carol Weymuller Open Champion
Women’s World Open World Champion

2004

Malaysian Airlines KL Open Finalist
Malaysian Open Finalist
Shanghai WISPA World Stars Championships Finalist

2003

Women’s World Open Bronze Medallist

2002

KL Open Champion
Asian Squash Championships- Singles Event Finalist
Asian Squash Championships Team Event Champion
Commonwealth Games Mix Doubles Event Silver Medallist

2001

Asian Squash Championships- Singles Event Champion
Asian Squash Championships - Team Event Champion
World Junior Championships World Junior Champion

2000

Asian Squash Championships- Singles Event Champion
KL Open Champion
Savcor Finnish Open Champion
SUKMA VIII Gold Medallist

http://www.azuanzahdi.com/nicol/images/2008/37.jpg

1999

British Junior Open- Under 17 & Under 19 Champion
Asian Squash Championships- Singles Event Champion
Asian Squash Championships- Team Event Champion
German Junior Open- Under 19 Champion
Malaysian Junior Open- Under 19 Champion
World Junior Championships World Junior Champion
SEA Games Brunei- Team Event Gold Medallist
SEA Games Brunei- Singles Event Gold Medallist
Australian Junior Open- Under 19 Champion

http://www.azuanzahdi.com/nicol/images/2008/41.jpg

1998

Asian Squash Championships- Singles Event Champion
KL Open Champion
Savcor Finnish Open Champion
SUKMA VIII Gold Medallist

1997

British Junior Open- Under 14 Champion
Asian Squash Championships- Team Event Gold Medallist
Australian Junior Open- Under 15 & Under 17 Champion
Scottish Junior Open- Under 16 Champion
SEA Games- Team Event Gold Medallist

1996

British Junior Open- Under 14 Champion
SUKMA- Team Event Gold Medallist
Australian Junior Open- Under 13 & Under 15 Champion
Scottish Junior Open- Under 14 Champion

1995

British Junior Open- Under 14 Champion
Malaysian Junior Open- Under 14 Champion
Hong Kong Junior Open- Under 14 Champion
Scottish Junior Open- Under 14 Champion

http://www.azuanzahdi.com/nicol/images/2008/21.jpg

1994

SUKMA- Team Event Gold Medallist
Scottish Junior Open- Under 12 Champion

http://www.azuanzahdi.com/nicol/images/2008/23.jpg

Awards & Honours

Conferred the Darjah Bakti The highest Malaysian honour - 'Datuk' Malaysia’s Sportswoman of the Year in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007 Universiti Sains Malaysia- Anugerah Kencana Canselor Award 2008
Felda Malaysian Youth Excellence Award 2008
The Outstanding Young Malaysian Award 2008
Carried the Olympic torch ...in Athens, Greece and for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
WISPA Young Player of the Year Award 2005
WISPA Player of the Year Award 2006, 2007,2008
Asian Sportswoman of the Year Award 2007
Medals from Penang state- PJK, PJM
Medal from the Agung- AMN
Malaysia’s first goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme [UNDP]
One of the first entrants into Malaysia’s SportExcel Hall of Fame in July 2002
Universiti Sains Malaysia Golden Key Honorary Member
Master of Arts honoris causa from the University of Nottingham
Carried the Olympic torch on behalf of Malaysia during the torch relay ahead of the 2004 Olympic
Games in Athens, Greece.
Various local sports awards

Monday, March 2, 2009

Punch Gunalan
















Ketika era kegemilangannya sebagai pemain, Punch merupakan jaguh yang digeruni, malah pernah merangkul kejuaraan Seluruh England pada 1971 berpasangan dengan Ng Boon Bee dalam acara beregu lelaki. 

Punch juga pernah beraksi pada perlawanan akhir perseorangan lelaki Seluruh England 1974 tetapi kalah kepada lagenda badminton Indonesia, Rudy Hartono menerusi permainan tiga set, selain meraih pingat emas Sukan Komanwel 1974.

Tokoh kelahiran Sepang, Selangor itu dikenali sebagai pemain yang agresif dengan gemarkan corak menyerang, malah sebagai pemimpin, dia juga dikenali dengan tindakan yang agresif dan gemar melakukan perubahan.



Dato' Punch Gunalan
Category:
Athlete
Sport:
Badminton
OCM Hall of Fame - Year Inducted:
2004

While Malaysians were overwhelmed in 1970 for losing the Thomas Cup, Datuk Punch Gunalan defeated Indonesian legends Injartno and Mirjati in his doubles title game with partner Ng Boon Bee to regain Malaysia back in the world of badminton. Despite losing 2-7 to Indonesia at the championship, Gunalan’s victory is something that we can still be proud of.


Born on 22nd May 1944, Datuk Punch Gunalan had made a successful career in his life. Talented right-hander, he was indeed among the finest combination doubles Malaysia has ever produced. In 1971, Gunalan and Boon Bee again became the top men's doubles team in the world, winning the prestigious All England title, as well as the Canadian, Danish and U.S Open titles. His gifted right-hand amazed people with his exiting smash.

After his retirement, Gunalan continued his career by coaching the Malaysian team (Badminton Association of Malaysia) and later being appointed as the Deputy President of the International Badminton Federation. Under his reign, he vowed to make badminton as the best racquet sport in the world.

His continuous contributions and tremendous achievements in the badminton arena shall always be an inspiration for our young shuttlers. .

Achievements
 
1969 - Champion, U.S. Open for Men’s Double title
1970 - His first contribution in Thomas Cup
1970 - 1972 - Champion, Danish Open for Men’s Double title
1971 - Champion, U.S. Open for Men’s Double title
1971 - Champion, All England for Men’s Double title
1971 - Champion, Canadian Open for Men’s double title
2005 - Became Deputy President of the International Badminton Federation

 

Cycling group marks its first year with a race

By NG WEI LOON

THE Pedal Power Cycling Group are planning to host an invitational cross country mountain bike meet to commemorate its first anniversary at a new trail at Seksyen 8 in Shah Alam in August.

The group’s spokesman, Shaharudin Jaffar, said they were moving closer to making the dream a reality.

Shaharuddin: We want to complete the three meets before the fasting month

“We began work to clear up the uncultivated area at the end of April. The mountain-biking enthusiasts are displaying their collective effort and about 10 regulars have been volunteering to help out over the weekends.

“The location with scenic landscape shielded by trees and a tranquil view of two ponds is a suitable spot for recreational activities.

“The youngsters have also been frequenting the area for their rides on weekdays,” added Shaharudin, who won a gold medal in the 800m sprint and silver medal in 1,600m sprint at the SEAP Games held in Kuala Lumpur in 1965.

Although the 4km endurance track is not rated as a tricky course, the undulating terrain is physically challenging.

The organisers will also be designing several obstacles to increase the technical difficulty.

As a build-up to the invitational event, they will be organising two runs with the trial and a closed meet scheduled this month.

“We want to complete the three competitions before the fasting month in September. The first two test runs will allow us to have a feel of managing the event and gauge our aptitude to deal with a bigger turnout of about 60 participants for the invitation meet.

“Our aim is to create opportunities for youngsters to gain exposure in the races. It is a stepping stone for them to move up to another level,” Shaharudin said.

Last year, the 69-year-old former cycling icon also set up the Cycling Initiator Panel and SJ Cycle bicycle outlet in Seksyen 4, Shah Alam, to promote cycling.

“For road cyclists, we have been training as part of the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) Kelab1221 programme around the Laman Budaya, Taman Tasik Shah Alam circuit every Sunday morning,” Shaharudin said.

Meanwhile, SJ Cycle also took part in an exhibition to celebrate the new Selangor government's 100 days in office held over two days at the Shah Alam Stadium recently.

“We received satisfactory response and several visitors also bought bicycles during the fair. We want to convince more people to take up cycling as part of their healthy lifestyle.

“In view of the recent hike in fuel prices, they can opt to cycle to reduce on their consumption. In addition, they can contribute to greener earth by reducing air pollution and appreciating the nature more,” he added.

For details, contact 019-346 6206 (Shaharudin).



________________________________________


He is the “Shah” of cycling. Sharuddin was the first cyclist to win a gold medal at the SEAP Games. He was also a government officer in charge of sports development, an able cycling administrator and after his retirement, he went into business – selling bicycles.

Truly Shaharuddin of just known as “Shah” to his friends, has always been a cycling man, a sport he loves so dearly. He represented the state of Perak and Selangor and the national team from 1957 to 1970.

Shah, who was born on 2o October 1940 in Sitiawan, Perak, won a team bronze at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta. He went on to win Malaysia’s first gold medal for cycling at the 1965 SEAP Games in 1965.

Shah was the coach for Selangor and the national team from 1969 to 1984 and he also served as the Secretary of the Malaysian Cycling Association from 1970 to 1982. Shah was the first the first Malaysian to be accredited International Commissaire by the UCI, the cycling world body.

Shah served as a Development officer in the Ministry of Sports from 1962 to 1994.

Shuttlers inducted into the OCM Hall of Fame

KUALA LUMPUR: Yew Cheng Hoe and Billy Ng, members of the victorious 1967 Thomas Cup team, are the latest former badminton champions to be inducted into the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) Hall of Fame.

Cheng Hoe and Billy were also members of the Malaysian men's team who won the silver in the 1966 Asian Games in Bangkok. Cheng Hoe also won the Malaysian Open men's singles title in 1964.

Honoured: Former national shuttlers Billy Ng (left) and Yew Cheng Hoe posing with their Olympian trophies.
Other former top Malaysian athletes inducted into the Hall of Fame yesterday were Shaharuddin Jaffar (cycling) and Malek Noor (bodybuilding).

Shaharuddin was the first Malaysian gold medallist in cycling at the SEAP Games in 1965 and went on to coach the national team from 1969 to 1982. Malek was a six-time winner of the Mr Asia crown in the heavyweight category.